Category Archives: boxing

boxing

Michael Dutchover Dishes on Sparring Sessions with Oscar Valdez & Jessie Magdaleno

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2017) – Top junior lightweight prospect Michael Dutchover (5-0, 4 KOs) marks his return to the ring this Friday night against Carlos Flores (4-5-1, 3 KOs) in a featured 6-round bout on the “New Blood” undercard.

The five-fight show, promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions, takes place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or visiting ThompsonBoxing.com.

Dutchover, an accomplished amateur who earned a bronze medal at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2015 and a runner-up finish at the National Golden Gloves competition a year later, turned professional last year and already possesses a fan friendly style.

Thompson Boxing caught up the with Midland, Tex. native and got his take on relocating to the Los Angeles area, what it was like to spar with two world champions, and his outlook on Friday’s fight.

Your training camp was unlike any other in that you sparred against world champions Oscar Valdez and Jessie Magdaleno, as well as blue-chip prospect Michael Conlan. What was it like going against such high-level talent?

“Sparring against world champions elevates your game and boosts your confidence tremendously. I held my own the first few sessions with Oscar and Jessie and they called me back for other sessions. These guys expect solid work so I was glad that they brought me back. I’m gaining experience from some of the best so it’s awesome. It was also great sparring with Michael. With those three I was able to see different styles that will help me in my development.”

Your opponent Carlos Flores has had an uneven career. How do you get up for a fight where you are the clear favorite?

“You can’t think that every fight is going to be easy. If you’re not ready for a fight then anyone can make you look bad. This sport is unforgiving in that way. I’m going to be on my “A” game and it will show Friday.”

Earlier this year you made the decision to relocate to the Los Angeles area and leave your hometown of Midland, Tex. What has been the toughest part of this move?

“I’m doing what I love to do and that always involves sacrifices. The most difficult part is being away from friends and family and being far from home. I knew moving to Los Angeles was the right choice because if you want to get better, especially in the lower weight classes, this area is the place to be. On any given day you can spar with contenders and world champions so it’s been great for me.”

How do you see Friday’s fight going down?

“I can predict a solid win for me and my team. I’m going to let my punches go and just be active. I’ll work off the jab to open things up and I’m going to show an improved defense. I’m going to look the best I’ve looked so far. That much I know.”

Dutchover is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

All five fights will be livestreamed on TB Presents: New Blood via our Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.
boxing, charity, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Sampson Boxing to Donate Proceeds of Upcoming Fight to Earthquake Victims in Mexico

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Donation to be Matched X5 by World-Famous Philanthropist Carlos Slim’s Foundation
LAS VEGAS (September 21, 2017) – Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is proud to announce he will be donating $1 from every ticket sold to his upcoming event in Las Vegas to help victims of the recent Mexico City Earthquake.
The donated funds, to be distributed by Mauricio Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, will be matched X5 by world-renowned philanthropist and Mexican business man Carlos Slim’s Foundation.
Tickets, starting at $29, are available by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or calling 800-745-3000.
Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing, in association with Pochiro Boxing and the Cannery Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas, are presenting a “Cuba vs. Mexico” installment of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes on Tuesday, September 26.
Televised live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, in the night’s 10-round featherweight main event, undefeated Leduan Barthelemy(13-0, 7 KOs) takes on also undefeated Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-2, 7 KOs). In the other televised bouts, hard-hitting prospect Alejandro Salinas (8-1, 8 KOs) matching up against unbeaten Duarn Vue (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction plus a six-round showdown between unbeaten lightweight prospects Bryan Figueroa (12-0, 5 KOs) and Ivan Jimenez (7-0-1, 4 KOs).
Tuesday’s 7.1 magnitude quake killed at least 230 people in total, including at least 21 children and five adults at a primary school which collapsed in Mexico City.
Carlos Slim is one of the worlds most important philanthropists. He owns stock in more than 200 companies that employ more than 200,000 people in Latin America and beyond. He has used his resources to help develop the communities where his businesses are located. In his own country, Mexico, he has personally supported more than 165,000 young people in attending university, paid for numerous surgeries, provided equipment for rural schools and covered surety bonds for 50,000 people who were entitled to their freedom but could not afford. He recently created the Carso Institute for Health, and designed it to provide a new approach to health care in Mexico. He has four billion dollars of investments ready to promote education, health and other great challenges, and has recently announced an additional six-billion-dollar investment in several programs, including his Telmex Foundation.
Newly crowned WBC Super Middleweight Champion David Benavidez will be at the fight to support this endeavor and be part of the PBC broadcast team, together with announcer Ray Flores and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

World Boxing Super Series Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Dorticos vs. Dmitry Cruiserweight Quarter-final This Saturday, September 23 from the Alamodome in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Press Conference Photos
Click HERE for Undercard Workout Photos
Credit: Francisco Perez/Ringstar Sports
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 20, 2017) – Fight week in San Antonio officially kicked-off as Yunier Dorticos and Dmitry Kudryashov went face-to-faceWednesday at the final press conference before their Saturday, September 23World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarterfinal showdown taking place at the Alamodome.
Also in attendance Wednesday were once-beaten cruiserweights Keith Tapiaand Lateef Kayode, who meet in a WBSS reserve match, plus former world champion Nonito Donaire, who battles Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, are priced at $250, $125, $100, $50, and $30, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Fans in the U.S. can stream the WBSS action live by signing up at WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com on fight night. Make sure to follow the WBSS on all of your social media platforms for updates from fight week and fight night.
Prior to the press conference, local undercard fighters participated in a media workout at Rumble Gym by Jesse James Leija in downtown San Antonio before they enter the ring on Saturday night.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:
YUNIER DORTICOS
“I’m happy to be a part of this great event. On Saturday night you will see what I’m all about. Saturday is going to be an explosive matchup and I will leave with my belt.
“This is definitely going to be an exciting fight but I have to focus on my game plan and being at the very top of my game on Saturday.
“I’ve trained really hard for this fight. None of the storms in Miami have slowed me down at all. There will be no excuses on fight night.
“To be a part of this tournament is truly an honor and I know that it’s going to put me at the top of this division. I’ve always believed in my abilities and now I can go prove myself against the best.
“Winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy would mean so much to me because he is the fighter that everyone looks up to and tries to be like. Saturday night is my first step toward that goal.
“The fans in San Antonio are in for a great show. That’s on my mind every time I step into the ring and this is really a great opportunity to give the fans something memorable.”
DMITRY KUDRYASHOV
“I am excited to see all the fans on Saturday night. We both have a lot of knockouts so this is going to be a great fight. I will have my hand raised on Saturday.
“This chance to become a world champion for the first time is something that I have worked towards for many years. This is my dream and the fact that it brings me closer to the Ali Trophy adds even more excitement.
“I know that I have a very tough opponent in front of me. We’ve worked so hard to prepare my body and mind for 12 rounds of war. There is no way I can lose this fight.
“My training camp has been very strong. I’ve been more focused than ever on winning this fight. I knew that I would need to have a great training camp to advance and leave here with the title.
“I always train to deliver a knockout. That is my goal for myself. But I will definitely also be ready to go the full 12 rounds. I’m going to leave it all in the ring on Saturday.
“Being a part of this tournament brings me a lot of joy because it gives me the chance to fight the best. That is why I started boxing and now it is time for me to prove that I’m the best in the world.”
KEITH TAPIA
“I’m hyped to fight and do what I have to do. I have a really tough opponent and I respect him 100 percent. I’m ready to rock and roll and show off all my skills.
“This is a great chance for me to prove that I am an elite fighter in this division. I’m going to keep working hard until I get my chance at the best.
“We’ll see what happens when we step into the ring but it’ll be a lot of action for all of the fans. I’m ready to show off the ‘Machine Gun’ and get this win.
“I want to shout out to Puerto Rico because they’re going through a lot right now with the storms and they’re always in my heart.”
LATEEF KAYODE
“I’m ready to fight. On Saturday everyone is going to see a good show and a great fight with two warriors.
“This fight is going to be fought hard all the way until the end. I am going to leave everything in the ring and get this victory any way that I can.
“I’m ready to show that I still have what it takes to be the best in the world and I’m planning on getting this win on Saturday.”
NONITO DONAIRE
“I’m thankful to Ringstar Sports for believing in me. The second half of my career is going to be an explosion. It’s going to be an amazing ride and everyone is going to see great fights. You know I’ll get in there with anybody.
“I think that people take things for granted in this life. I want to enjoy this time in my career and make the best of it. I know that I have a lot left in the tank.
“I’m thrilled to be here in one of the best cities for boxing in the world. I trained in Las Vegas for this fight so I will be able to handle the heat all week.
“I’m ready to destroy everybody in my path. That’s the game plan. I want to get back to that world title shot. I will happily fight anybody for that shot to reclaim my place at the top of the division.
“This is very exciting for me. To be on the card with the World Boxing Super Series is a great honor for me. Having the best fighting the best is exciting for everyone and I’m glad to be here for it.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“San Antonio is a fight town. In my opinion it is one of the best fight towns in the United States. The fans can remember countless great fights with awesome crowds and I think we will have that again on Saturday.
“I made a commitment to San Antonio and the fight fans here that if they showed up, I would bring them more fights. That’s what I hope will happen on Saturday. If you show up, I will continue to bring big fights here.
“The World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament features eight fighters, including four world champions and four of the number one ranked challengers for each title. This shows the hunger that all of these fighters have to prove that they are the best in this division.
“This is the second quarter-final matchup of the cruiserweights and I have to say that all of the major U.S. boxing media and around the world are calling Dorticos vs. Kudryashov the best fight of the tournament.
“I am going to guarantee that on Saturday night, you will see a knockout. That’s the only thing these two fighters know how to do. I don’t know who or when, but I’m very comfortable saying this will end in a knockout. These are two guys who know that this is their opportunity to elevate themselves to the forefront of this sport.
“Nonito Donaire is a legend who doesn’t need much introduction. He’s one of the biggest names in the sport because he’s one of those guys you will never see a boring fight from. He always brings excitement and he always gives it his all.
“The reserve match between Keith Tapia and Lateef Kayode is a very even matchup with two once-beaten fighters. You will see fireworks for this fantastic matchup as both men know that this win could get them into the WBSS.”
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For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports

Photos are free to use, but please credit World Boxing Super Series.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

23/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov (WBA World)
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, USA

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World)
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia

07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz New York Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Defends Against Undefeated Contender Luis Ortiz On Saturday, Nov. 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
NEW YORK, NY (Sept. 20, 2017) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and hard-hitting Cuban southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz announced their upcoming Nov. 4 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING heavyweight world title bout on Wednesday from Dream Hotel in Downtown Manhattan.
The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Because of inclement weather near his home in Miami, Ortiz was unable to travel to New York, but did offer his thoughts about the upcoming fight via telephone.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I am the best. I am the toughest heavyweight in the division. I am the man in the division. I don’t care what anybody else has going on. You’ve got to come through me.
“When I knock him out, I want my due respect. I’m the only American heavyweight champion of the world and I am the man. Nobody is stronger physically, mentally and spiritually. They are all scared of me.
“I’m the heavyweight in the division with real knockout power. I put grown men down easily. On November 4, Ortiz is going down. After that, you already know who is next. I’m ready to unify.
“If he’s the boogeyman, I can’t wait to shine a light on him because the boogeyman is only effective at night. And we’re in New York so you already know what happened to King Kong in New York.
“The game plan is the same as usual. We’re going to use my attributes. I’m going to set him up until the time comes. Ortiz has a great set of skills and I like his aggressive style. That’s one of the reasons I chose him. I wanted to beat him to prove that I am the man.
“It definitely won’t go the distance. Right now, I’m thinking about three rounds but come November 4th, it might be in the first round.”
LUIS ORTIZ
“I’m ready to go and excited for the fight. I want to get to November 4 so I can do what I have to do.
“Wilder does a lot of talking. He’s nervous and keeps forgetting the date of the fight. I think he took this fight because he has no choice and no one else to fight.
“I think Wilder is going to run in this fight. He should be careful what he says before the fight, because I think he’s going to run from me.
“Wilder should sign his death sentence. I’m very different than anybody else that he’s fought. I punch harder than anybody else. I’m going to teach him not to mess with Cubans.
“Some skeptics are talking about my age, but look at Mayweather. I still have my speed and my quickness.”
JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Co-Manager and Trainer
“Everything in camp has been going well. Last time we were here in New York we had a great crowd and it was a wonderful event. This will be an even bigger challenge. This is the fight the fans wanted and this is the fight we wanted.
“Deontay has always wanted the biggest challenges. We won the belt in [Bermane] Stiverne’s hometown and we were ready to go to Russia to defend the belt. These are two guys in the division no one wants to fight, but they’ve decided to fight each other.
“This is a great opportunity for Deontay to show who he is and where he is. It’s going to be well worth everyone’s time to be there at Barclays Center.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“There is nothing like a great heavyweight championship fight and on November 4th, a great champion is going to fight a great contender. This is a terrific fight.
“This fight is happening because Deontay Wilder wants the world to know that he is afraid of no one, and that he’s prepared to fight anyone and he’s the best heavyweight in the world today. I could not be prouder of him for making this fight happen.
“This is the toughest fight that Deontay Wilder could engage in right now. This is the most difficult opponent he possibly could fight.
“Luis Ortiz is the boogeyman of this division. You haven’t heard anyone scream about fighting Luis Ortiz. A lot of people were shocked when they heard that Deontay Wilder wants to fight him. He not only wants to fight him, but he insisted upon it.
“This isn’t a 43-year-old champion on his last legs in Luis Ortiz. This is a hungry beast that wants to beat Deontay Wilder. But Deontay is a champion. He’s not doing this for the money. A lot of people would think this is a dumb economic move. This is a legacy move. This is a move to prove who is the best. We’re not afraid of Anthony Joshua. If he was available on November 4th and wanted to fight, we’d fight him then.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & GM, SHOWTIME Sports
“This has been a really strong year for SHOWTIME Boxing. This will be our 23rd live boxing event on SHOWTIME this year. And they’ve been important, meaningful fights. Not just a big name against a nobody. In fact, 16 times this year on SHOWTIME we’ve featured and unbeaten fighter taking on another unbeaten fighter. We know on SHOWTIME that you’re seeing the best fighting the best. No other network is as dedicated to delivering the highest quality fights. So without question, it’s been a great year. But we may have saved the best for last here.
“We have two of the top heavyweights in the world. Both undefeated with a combined record of 65-0, 60 knockouts. This is the best fight that can be made in the heavyweight division. There is no question about that. This will be the eighth heavyweight title fight we’ve featured in the last two years. The only way to get to one unified champion in the heavyweight division is to have the best fight the best, and that is what is happening here on Nov. 4, and we can’t wait.”
boxing

Elite Prospect Ruben Villa Battles Veteran Ernesto Guerrero Friday Night in Ontario, CA

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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2017) – Ruben Villa (7-0, 4 KOs), one of the featherweight division’s brightest young talents, takes the next step in his development by clashing with veteran Ernesto Guerrero (26-19, 18 KOs) in one of two highly anticipated match-ups on Friday’s “New Blood” undercard.

The 6-round bout takes place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or visiting ThompsonBoxing.com.

Villa, a southpaw fighting out of Salinas, Calif., turned professional last July and already has produced seven one-sided wins. His opponent for Friday, Mexico’s Guerrero, is no push over. Guerrero has won his last five fights, four of which ended in knockout fashion.

“Guerrero’s a veteran so we’ve been extra serious in this camp,” said Villa. “My team believes that I can take him out. My team wouldn’t set me up against an opponent that I wouldn’t be able to handle so I feel ready for this challenge.”

Villa, 20, loaded up on top-level sparring to help bridge the experience gap between him and Guerrero. He spent three weeks in Indio, Calif. sparring against elite competition such as unbeaten, world title contender Joseph Diaz.

“The way Diaz puts his punches together was really impressive,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “It was a great learning experience for me. It’s not every day you get to spar with someone with that high of a skill level.”

In addition to the knowledge learned from the Diaz sessions, Villa is attempting to sharpen his mental focus for his fight against Guerrero.

“I need to be more intelligent in the ring,” Villa said. “I’ve been a little reckless listening to the crowd and taking unnecessary risks. We sparred against bigger guys during this training camp to help me stay disciplined.”

Also on the “New Blood” undercard, advanced junior lightweight prospect Michael Dutchover (5-0, 4 KOs), who is a close friend and occasional sparring partner to Villa, fights Carlos Flores (4-5-1, 3 KOs) in bout set for 6-rounds.

Like Villa, Dutchover comes from an outstanding amateur career and also shares the same promotional outfits in Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

All five fights will be livestreamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER DEFENDS AGAINST UNDEFEATED CONTENDER LUIS ORTIZ LIVE ON SHOWTIME® SATURDAY, NOV. 4 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

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Tickets On Sale Now!
 
BROOKLYN (Sept. 20, 2017) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will make his sixth title defense when he meets hard-hitting Cuban southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, Nov. 4 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
An exciting lineup of undercard attractions will be announced soon to support this titanic heavyweight matchup. True heavyweights in every sense of the word, the 6-foot-7, 228-pound Wilder and the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Ortiz have 60 combined knockout victories.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and I’m excited that the time has come to meet Luis Ortiz,” said Wilder. “Ortiz is considered the boogeyman of the sport and I am the hardest hitter in boxing. When you put us together in a ring, you will get one of the best heavyweight fights in a long time. I will unify the division. This I promise. This is the first step towards unifying. Any heavyweight that gets in my way is getting knocked out.”
“Wilder has been doing a lot of talking about me and this fight,” said Ortiz. “I’m tired of hearing it. I’m not that big on talking. I like to do all my talking in the ring and that’s what I plan to do. I respect him. I know he hits hard, but I hit hard too. It’s going to be a great fight. I can’t wait to get in the ring and shut him up in front of everybody at Barclays Center on SHOWTIME on November 4.”
“This fight is happening because Deontay Wilder wants to beat the best, regardless of the risk,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He will knock ‘King Kong’ off the Empire State Building for the world to see on November 4 at Barclays Center.”
“The resurgence of the heavyweight division is going to be on full display at Barclays Center and on SHOWTIME on November 4,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions. “Deontay is facing his toughest challenge yet in the undefeated Cuban, giving him the opportunity to really prove himself. We are thrilled to be a part of the action and can’t wait until fight night.”
“Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz is one of the highlights of what has been an exceptional year for boxing on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “We have consistently delivered the biggest names in boxing in their most important fights. The main event on Nov. 4 features two dynamic punchers with a 92-percent knockout ratio between them.  It will be the 21st world championship fight on SHOWTIME this year and the 16th time we’ve seen undefeated fighters going head-to-head.  It is clear that no other network is more committed to delivering the most significant bouts directly to its subscribers than SHOWTIME.”
“On November 4 Barclays Center will once again host one of the year’s best fights,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Deontay has made his mark in Brooklyn, and I am thrilled to welcome him back to our ring alongside a tough competitor in Luis Ortiz, who will be fighting here for the first time.”
The 31-year-old Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs), the only reigning American heavyweight world champion, won his WBC title with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015 -the birthday of legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
Wilder, a Bronze Medal winner for the U.S. Olympic boxing team at the 2008 Beijing Games, has successfully defended the title five times. In his previous defense at Barclays Center, Wilder scored a memorable ninth-round knockout over Artur Szpilka back in Jan. 2016. In his most recent defense, Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. stopped Gerald Washington via fifth-round technical knockout before a hometown crowd at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb. 25.
The 38-year-old Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), of Camaguey, Cuba by way of Miami, Fla., will make his SHOWTIME and Barclays Center debut when he meets Wilder for his first title shot. The hard-hitting southpaw turned pro seven years ago after defecting from Cuba and has since been steadily climbing the heavyweight ladder. He cemented his standing in the division with victories over veteran contenders Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott and is the No. 1-ranked contender by the WBC.
If Ortiz wins, he will become the first Cuban born fighter to win a heavyweight world championship.
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, Roc Nation

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Returns this Saturday at home in Kansas

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez
Returns this Saturday at home in Kansas
“KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” at Hartman Arena in Park City, KS
PARK CITY, Kansas (September 19, 2017) — 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandezreturns to the ring this Saturday night for his third professional fight, headlining “KO Night Boxing: Step Up!”, at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.

“KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC., in association with Hartman Arena, Mort’s Cigar Bar, Jimmy Egg and Twister City Harley-Davidson. The action will be taped live for future airing on CBS Sports Network.
Hernandez (2-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Wichita, has a new opponent in the six-round main event, Kyrgyzstan flyweight Basyzbek Baratov (2-1-2).
  Nico Hernandez (R) is in action this Saturday night
(picture courtesy of Tony Schock, GS Memory Maker)
Fighting out of Philadelphia, Baratov has had some tough luck, in terms of scoring, with two draws and a loss by split decision. His pro record could easily be 5-0.
A pair of undefeated Roc Nation Sports fighters, New Haven (CT) featherweight Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (12-0, 5 KOs) and Chinese heavyweight Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang(17-0, 13 KOs), will be showcased.
USBA No. 2-rated Williams faces Derrick Murray (13-2 (5 KOs), of St. Louis (MO), in the 10-round co-feature. Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, Zhang meets Missouri veteran Byron “The Bear” Polley (30-21-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
Also fighting on the televised portion of the card is a 10-round welterweight match pitting undefeated rising star Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (16-0, 11 KOs), fighting out of Key West, Florida, against Hungarian champion Gabor “Squirrel” Gorbics (23-7, 14 KOs).
In an eight-round battle of heavyweights, Los Angeles’ Scott Alexander (12-2-2, 6 KOs) facesRichard “Silverback” Carmack (15-1-1, 12 KOs), of Kansas City (MO).
The already loaded undercard continues to provide a boxing platform for local fighters in four-round fights: Kansas City (MO) junior middleweight Marcus Neal (2-1, 2 KOs) vs. Akeem Black(2-1, 1 KO), of Milwaukee, Wichita’s pro-debuting light heavyweight Jeff Sturm vs. Chris Ortega(3-0-1), of Topeka (KS), and Topeka’s Brian Clements (0-0-1) vs. Liberian junior welterweightArchie Weah, fighting out of Ohio.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005308B32459E5 Prices are $115.00 (VIP), $75.00, $75.00, $50.00, $30.00 and $25.00.
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing

Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Super Lightweight Contender Mario Barrios Remains Undefeated Against Naim Nelson In Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes From Sands Bethlehem Events Center

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Featured Bouts Thomas Velasquez vs. Tyrome Jones & Earl Neman vs. Paul Parker Both End in Draws
Click HERE For Photos (Photos Forthcoming)
Kenyon Sessoms/Premier Boxing Champions 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (September 19) – Unbeaten super lightweight Mario Barrios (20-0, 12 KOs) defeated Naim Nelson (13-4, 1 KO) via seventh round TKO in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
The fast-rising star Barrios of San Antonio started the bout throwing multiple combinations to the head and body of Nelson of Philadelphia. He kept his distance and stayed patient, but did not get to showcase all of the tools in his arsenal as the fight took a turn in the third round when Nelson went to the canvas after hurting his left shoulder by throwing a hook. That was ruled a slip and he dropped to his knees again after throwing another punch, but after being examined by the ringside doctor, it was determined that Nelson could continue.
Barrios was not deterred and continued to move forward, apply pressure and control the action into the fourth round. By the fifth, Nelson’s work rate dropped significantly, which Barrios took advantage of by battering the Philadelphia-native against the ropes. Throughout the sixth, Barrios stalked Nelson around the ring while Nelson tried to work through his apparent shoulder injury, countering with the right where he could. In the end, Barrios sent Nelson to the canvas with a hard left hand causing Referee Gary Rosato to wave off the bout at 1:41 of the seventh round. The victory over Nelson marks Barrios’ fourth straight stoppage – all of which have taken place since he started working with renowned trainer Virgil Hunter.
 “I apologize to the fans of Pennsylvania as I wanted to put on a show tonight,” said Barrios. “After I caught him, he was trying to survive.  He was moving around.  I did not concentrate if he hurt his shoulder or not.
“I just want to keep moving along and get better. I want to fight again before the end of the year if possible and I know I will put on a show in my next fight.”
“I was doing well and I had him, but I hurt my shoulder,” said Nelson. “I thought I was doing a good job, but my shoulder just hurt too much. This is a sport and injuries happen.”
In the co-feature, lightweights Thomas Velasquez (9-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia and Tyrome Jones (4-2, 1 KO) of South Bend, Ind. Tyrome Jones fought to a draw in a fast-paced six-round bout. Velasquez, who is mentored by former world champion Danny Garcia, started the fight going to Jones’ body and stuck with that plan throughout. As the fight wore on, Jones turned up the heat and listened to his corner who told him to stay busy and aggressive. Velasquez landed multiple straight left hands in the fourth that stung Jones, but the Indiana-native was able to counter with several straight lefts of his own. The sixth and final round showcased hard-fought action from both pugilists with Jones throwing several hard lefts with Velasquez countering with his own flurries of shots finishing the fight strong. In the end, the judges ruled the bout even 59-55 for each and 57-57.
“I had to use the jab in this fight as well as my double-jab and body shots were working well,” said Velasquez. “This was a great learning fight and I felt that I won. I can’t wait to get back in the gym, apply what I learned and get back in the ring again soon.”
“This was a tough fight against an undefeated guy who came in confident,” said Jones. “I countered very well and I got to him. I feel that I won the fight, but sometimes the judges don’t see it that way.”
The opening bout saw light heavyweights Earl Newman (10-0-1, 7 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY and Paul Parker (8-2-1, 4 KOs) of Toledo, OH fight to an eight-round draw. Parker made it awkward for Newman in the first two rounds by starting out strong, moving forward, diving in and staying busy. However, Newman came out of the corner swinging in the third, throwing a left hook that forced Parker to tap the canvas with his glove although it was not ruled a knockdown by referee Benjy Esteves.
Neman worked his right hand throughout the fourth round, ready to counter Parker’s shots. Newman drove Parker back with a left hook in the fifth and continued to put pressure on the Ohio-native throughout the round. The two-time New York Golden Gloves winner continued to press forward and walk down Parker in the later rounds, but was unable to finish strong enough to be victorious as the judges scored the bout 79-32 (Newman), 77-75 (Parker) and 76-76.
“After a year off I felt rusty,” said Newman. “I saw the punches, but I did not react as well as I wanted to.  That being said, I kept pressuring and landed more to the body. I felt I won the fight.  Now it is back to the drawing board. I definitely can’t be inactive for a long time again.”
“He is a great fighter,” said Parker. “I listened to my corner and followed the game plan.  He caught me with some good punches, but I landed more.  I wobbled him and I was busier.  I really feel that I won the fight. I want a rematch”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, charity

Heavyweight Factory Team, Including Newest Signee Ivan Dychko, Provide Thousands of Meals to Miami Victims of Hurricane Irma

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This past weekend in Miami, Heavyweight Factory Gym Founder, Kris Lawrence, and a group of their prominent fighters, which included recently signed two-time Olympic Super Heavyweight Bronze Medallist Ivan Dychko, opened their hearts to the victims of Hurricane Irma by holding a free barbecue.
Over two 10-hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, the group cooked and served over 2500 pieces of chicken, 1000 sausages, 800 racks of ribs, as well as baked beans and potato salad, to a hungry community still feeling the effects of the devastating hurricane.
Standing 6′ 9″ tall, Kazakhstan’s Dychko was an imposing sight at first, but quickly warmed the hearts of locals with his warm smile and tireless efforts to help. Despite the oppressive heat, he and former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, who also volunteered his time, posed for hundreds of pictures between servings.
“Ivan was amazing,” said Heavyweight Factory Director of Boxing, Henry Rivalta. “He hung in there while the sun was brutal. His desire to stay with us and make sure the neighborhood was fed was just awesome.”

Well-known for being very giving to the needy, Lawrence is active with several charities and, every Christmas, loads a 40-foot container with toys and distributes them to children on the streets of his native Liberty City.

“Giving back to the community gave our team a chance to join together and provide nice warm meals, which have been hard to find, due to the circumstances of Hurricane Irma,” continued Rivalta.
Dychko, a heavily decorated amateur, was also a two-time world amateur championships silver medallist. He and trainer Derek Santos are hard at work at the Heavyweight Factory for his highly anticipated professional debut on September 28 in Kentucky.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Leo Santa Cruz Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Featherweight Champion Battles Chris Avalos in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday, October 14 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Erick Ramirez/Ringstar Sports
 
LOS ANGELES (September 19, 2017) – Three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz hosted a media workout Tuesday at the new Team Watson Boxing Club in Lake Balboa, Calif. as he prepares to defend his featherweight titles against Chris Avalos on Saturday, October 14 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Televised coverage begins 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT with four-time world champion Abner Mares defending his 126-pound belt against once-beatenAndres Gutierrez.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com HERE.
Also in attendance was lightweight Ivan Redkach, who trains with Santa Cruz and will compete in an undercard bout on October 14.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“Now we both get another fight first, I’m pretty sure we will both win and the fans win by seeing us again as well.
“I always train the same way. I train really hard. I go out there like I’m going to fight the best opponent possible. My focus is there. You can never underestimate any fighter. Especially someone like Avalos. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain by beating me.
“Fighters like that are the most dangerous. They come really prepared and I can’t afford to lose. I am going to be focused coming into October 14.
“If we both get the win, I want the rematch with Abner in the beginning of the year. That is going to happen so I’m not concerned about both of us taking a fight first.
“I feel great and will be ready and prepared to fight 12 hard rounds on October 14.
“I know this will be a tough fight, every fight at this level is a tough fight.
“I am coming off of two hard fights and I wanted my body to rest, but I am always ready to get in the gym and prepare to do my best. I will never take a fight lightly and I won’t on October 14.
“The rematch will be a very tough fight like the first, it’s better for Abner and I
to each have a fight in-between.”
IVAN REDKACH
“I’m very excited to fight in Southern California on a big show against a tough fighter. I’m ready for October 14th.
“This is my third fight training with the Santa Cruz family and I love training with them. They’ve taught me a great deal about defense and about throwing combinations. I feel like it’s more of a ‘Mexican Style’ for me. I feel like they have helped me become a more entertaining fighter.
“This is really like a double hometown fight for me. I’ve lived in Southern California for eight years and I’ve been on a lot of Leo’s cards, so I will be in my second home with my second family.”
JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer
“Avalos is a very tough fighter, if we fight Mares we want a tough fight first to get ready.”
“I know Mares and Leo will put on a great fight and both need to be prepared for the rematch.
“We’re working on tighter defense and better ring generalship in this camp.
“In the first Frampton fight Leo wasn’t quite ready, we don’t want to make the same mistake again.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“Leo just went 24 action-packed rounds with the 2016 Fighter of the Year [Carl Frampton]. He has been in nothing but slugfest fights with 3 out of his last 4 fights ending in a majority decision, and don’t count out Chris Avalos one bit because he can crack. That is the last thing you want. Avalos is motivated and he needs a win.
“”When Steve Farhood [of SHOWTIME Sports] did his 2016 10 best one-punch knockouts in the history of ShoBox, Chris Avalos was on there because he has that one-punch knockout power.
“Avalos has one punch knockout power and that’s the kind of guy you have to be very careful with.
“Three of the last four ‘Fight of the Year’ matches have taken place at the StubHub Center, and they weren’t always ‘Fight of the Year’ candidates going in. Something just happens there and fans won’t want to miss this.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOX, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.