Category Archives: boxing

Top featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary Back where he belongs, climbing higher

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PROVIDENCE, RI (June 28. 2017) – Last Saturday night in Louisville, Kentucky, featherweight prospect Toka “T Nice” Kahn-Clary (22-1, 15 KOs) stole the show fighting in his promotional debut for Hall-of-Famer Evander Holyfield‘s Real Deal Sports & Management, putting on a boxing clinic to earn a one-sided eight-round decision over determined Dominican Angel “El Gato” Luna (11-3, 6 KOs).
The Liberia-born Toka-Kahn, fighting out of Providence, RI, fought on national television for the first time, live on CBS Sports Network Real Deal Championship Boxing series co-feature, at Freedom Hall as part of six-week “I Am Ali” festival, honoring the late, great Muhammad Ali in his hometown.
Luna came out strong, never let up and forced Kahn-Clary to fight effectively backing up, something that most boxers are unable to do. Toka dropped Luna in the seventh round en route to a near shutout victory with judges’ scores of 80-72, 80-72, 79-73.
“He must have seen me get caught early in my only loss (vs. Jhon Gemino) and he tried to do that too from the opening bell,” Kahn-Clary said. “He was in great shape and very determined. I buckled him once and dropped him, but he bounced right up and kept coming forward. He applied a lot of pressure and I couldn’t back him up. I felt good and was in great shape. I got hit with a few good shots but composed myself and just boxed I showed I could take shots and keep boxing. I put my opponent down after a flurry with an uppercut, right up the middle, doing the big damage. I wanted to impress Evander, letting him know I belong in his stable, and that I want and deserve a title-fight.”
Kahn-Clary’s adviser, Seth DeRobbio, announced that Toka will return to the ring in September, also back in Louisville, fighting for an undetermined title in a 10-round bout.
“This was a perfect fight for Toka,” he remarked. “He had to fight backpedaling, which is very difficult to do successfully. His will was tested but he put on a complete boxing clinic against a very tough opponent, who came out in a blaze and kept coming forward. They had a furious exchange with about 30 seconds remaining in the seventh round. Toka dropped him in final six-seconds of the seventh round. Luna beat the count but was really saved by the bell. Another 20 seconds left in that round, or if it was a 10-round fight, Toka very well may have stopped him. He threw beautiful 5-6 punch combinations.
“It was a great fight for Toka. His previous two fights he knew his opponents were outclassed going into the fight and that he was supposed to knock them out. This fight was against a much better opponent. Toka took a few good shots but he was in top shape. The fans in Louisville really moved watching him fight. We’ll be back there in September fighting for a title to be determined.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram: @TokaKahnClary

PACQUIAO VS. HORN AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manny Pacquiao speaks at today’s Final press conference in Australia
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (June 28, 2017) – The final [press conference was held today forthis Saturday night’s “Battle in Brisbane,” featuring World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight World champion Manny “Pacman’ Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KOs) and his title challenger, Jeff Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs).
“Battle of Brisbane: Pacquiao vs. Horn,” presented by Top Rank and Duco Events. will air this Saturday evening, exclusively in Canada on Super Channel, live from Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
Super Channel subscribers will be able to watch four exciting fights, starting at   9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on the “Battle of Brisbane” card, headlined by Pacquiao vs. Horn.
 
PACQUIAO VS. DE LA HOYA & HATTON REPLAYS ON SC1
As a warm-up to the “Battle of Brisbane” on July 1, Super Channel will present two replays of previous Pacquiao bouts on Friday June 30starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on SC1:

Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar de la Hoya
– Dec. 6, 2008

Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton
– May 2, 2009 (IBO World super lightweight title)
These fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
Here is a link to Pacquaio’s interview today with official press conference host Ben Damon:
Saturday night’s Super Channel telecast will also feature two-time Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (2-0, 2 KOs), from Belfast, in a six-round featherweight bout against Jarrett “Juarez” Owen (5-4-3, 2 KOs), of Brisbane.In the 12-round co-feature,International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight world champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (24-1-1, 16 KOs), of Cavite City, Philippines, will defend his title against top-rated contender Teiru Kinoshita (25-1-1, 8 KOs), of Kobe, JapanThe live telecast will open with an eight-round middleweight bout between Shane Mosley, Jr. (10-1, 7 KOs), of Pomona, Calif. and son of former three-division world champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley, and David Toussaint (10-0, 8 KOs), of Canberra, Australia.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @SuperChannel
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /superchannel

Former World Champion Victor Ortiz Returns to Battle Mexico’s Saul Corral in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, July 30 from Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, California

 
Plus! Super Welterweight Contender Justin DeLoach Faces
Former Title Challenger Fernando Guerrero
&
2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in Televised Action
Beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
 
Tickets on Sale Friday, June 30!
 
BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. (June 28, 2017) – Exciting former world champion Victor Ortiz(31-6-2, 24 KOs)will meet Mexico’s Saul Corral (24-9, 15 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight matchup onSunday, July 30 that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes live from Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield, California.
Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will feature super welterweight contender Justin DeLoach (17-1, 9 KOs) taking on former title challenger Fernando Guerrero (28-4, 20 KOs) in a 10-round showdown and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (1-0, 1 KO) in his second pro fight.
“This is a great opportunity for me to get back in the ring, shake off the ring rust and put on a show for the fans,” said Ortiz. “I’ve been really focused on training and getting myself back physically and mentally to where I need to be. This is my first time fighting since my son was born and it’s given me a whole new purpose in life. I’m thankful to everyone who has helped me get to this point and I can’t wait to go do what I do best and entertain everyone in the arena and watching on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”
“I am excited to test myself against another great former champion in Victor Ortiz,” said Corral. “Everyone who has seen me fight knows I will give it my all every time I step into the ring. I plan on being aggressive and making Ortiz very uncomfortable in the ring. He has had problems overcoming adversity in the ring and I am going to test him and give him everything I have.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $80, $45 and $30 and are on sale Friday, June 30 for purchase online at AXS.com.
“Every time Victor Ortiz gets into the ring, you know that it is going to be an electric night and I expect another action-packed show on July 30,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Fans here in California and watching on FS1 and FOX Deportes will get to see the former world champion against the always tough Saul Corral as he works his way back towards the top of the welterweight division. This great show will also feature a strong matchup between a rising contender in Justin DeLoach and the veteran Fernando Guerrero, plus Ringstar’s own Karlos Balderas, a 2016 U.S. Olympian who loves put on a show in the ring and will continue to prove that he has the skills to fulfill his tremendous potential.”
An action fighter who never shies away from an exchange, Ortiz returns to the ring having picked up victories over the likes of Andre Berto, Vivian Harris, and Nate Campbell while also facing the top fighters in the sport including Floyd Mayweather, Marcos Maidana and Lamont Peterson. The Kansas-native has spent time in recent years to film roles in movies such as “Southpaw” and “The Expendables 3” but is now fully focused on a return to the pinnacle of the welterweight division.
Representing Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, Corralis the winner of 10 of his last thirteen bouts including a hard-fought defeat in his last outing against former champion Josesito Lopez. The 30-year-old has fought professionally since 2006 and went the distance in a 10-round decision loss to U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali last September. He won a Mexican title in July 2016 with a fifth-round stoppage of Francisco Medel and also challenged former champion Mike Alvarado amongst his 33 career bouts.
The 23-year-old DeLoach is one of the fastest rising contenders in the 154-pound division as he enters this bout the winner of his last seven contests, including three wins over previously unbeaten fighters Domonique Dolton, Junior Castillo and Dillon Cook. His most recent outing saw him deliver a second-round knockout of then once-beaten Christopher Pearson. The fighter from Augusta, Georgia turned pro in 2013 and won his first 10 fights before suffering a defeat in early 2015.
The 30-year-old Guerrero lives and trains out of Los Angeles but grew up in Maryland after being born in the Dominican Republic. The veteran owns victories over Ishe Smith, Abraham Han, Derrick Findley and Gabriel Rosado plus a defeat in a world title bout against Peter Quillin. A pro since 2007, Guerrero most recently challenged 154-pound contender Tony Harrison last March.
Fighting out of Santa Maria, California, the 20-year-old Balderas is the son of Mexican parents who immigrated to the United States to give their children a better life. Balderas had an impressive amateur career that included a 2014 Youth National Championship, four National PAL championships and an impressive run in the World Series of Boxing. His amateur career culminated in a trip to the 2016 Olympic Games where he represented the U.S. and defeated fighters from Kazakhstan and Japan before a decision loss in the quarterfinals. He made his pro debut back in April, forcing Michael Thomas to retire after one round.
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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, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Featherweight Prospect Miguel Flores Takes On Former Title Challenger Chris Avalos in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes July 18 from Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Louisiana  

Plus! Unbeaten Ahmed Elbiali Battles Leo Hall in Showdown of Light Heavyweight Prospects
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
ALEXANDRIA, LA. (June 28, 2017) – Featherweight prospect Miguel Flores (21-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring to face former title challenger Chris Avalos (26-5, 19 KOs) in a 10-round showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYSon FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes July 18 from Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated Ahmed Elbiali(15-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round showdown against light heavyweight prospect Leo Hall (8-2, 7 KOs).
“I’m very excited to be fighting back on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Flores. “I’ve learned a lot since suffering my first defeat but now it’s time to get back in the win column. I’m up against a very tough fighter in Carlos Avalos.  I’m just ready to let my hands go and provide the fans with some great action.  This will be a classic Mexican war that the fans will enjoy.”
“I’m excited to get in the ring and show that I’m still very dangerous every time I’m in there,” said Avalos. “Flores hasn’t faced somebody like me and if he thinks this will be an easy comeback fight for him, he’s in for a rough night. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and give the fans watching an action-packed fight. I know I have what it takes to walk out of there with a win.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Keep Punching Entertainment, are priced at $150, $80, $50, $30 and $22, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Rapides Parish Coliseum Box Office.
 “Miguel Flores is anxious to bounce back from the first loss of his career and going up against Chris Avalos is the perfect opportunity for Miguel to show what he’s made of,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “The fans at the beautiful, newly renovated Rapides Parish Coliseum are in for a treat and the show fits in nicely with the Premier Boxing Champions shows that are always televised on FS1 Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays.”
Originally from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores will look to bounce back from his first pro defeat in February to veteran contender Dat Nguyen. The 24-year-old had a big 2015 beginning in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed up by wins against Juan Ruiz, Carlos Padilla and Alfred Tetteh. He started 2016 with a headlining win over Mario Briones in January before dominating Ruben Tamayo over 10 rounds in May and scoring a decision over previously once-beaten Ryan Kielczweski in August.
The 27-year-old Avalos enters the ring with a wealth of experience, including a world title challenge against Carl Frampton and a battle with current champion Oscar Valdez. The fighter out of Lancaster, California earned his world title shot with victories over Yasutaka Ishimoto, Rolly Lunas and Drian Francisco. Avals has also been triumphant over previously unbeaten fighters Yenifel Vicente and Khabir Suleymanov.
A native of Cairo, Egypt now residing in Miami, the 26-year-old Elbiali had success in four TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAY appearances over the last two years. Those three contests saw him score a first round knockout of Fabiano Pena and eight-round unanimous decisions over Mariano Hilario and Andrew Hernandez. Most recently he delivered a first round stoppage of Jackson Junior in March in a fight broadcast on FS1 and FOX Deportes.
Leo Hall steps back into the ring looking to rebound from decision defeats to top prospects Earl Newman and Christopher Brooker. Fighting out of Detroit, Hall turned in 2014 and won his first eight pro fights. The 22-year-old has won seven of his eight bouts by way of knockout since his pro debut.
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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.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Taras Shelestyuk Enjoying Working with New Trainer Joel Diaz Ahead of Saturday’s Fight

      
      
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGE, Calif./Philadelphia, Penn. (June 27, 2017) – Undefeated, world ranked welterweight Taras “The Real Deal” Shelestyuk is banking on his new trainer, the highly regarded Joel Diaz, to take his game to the next level.
“I enjoy working with Joel Diaz,” said Shelstyuk, who brought home a bronze finish in the 2012 London Olympics to his native Ukraine.  “He’s a great communicator. He knows how to bring out the best in boxers.”
Shelestyuk (15-0, 9 KOs), who on Saturday headlines Thompson Boxing’s “Locked n’ Loaded” 8-round main event from Omega Products in Sacramento, Calif., is currently ranked No. 5 by the WBO.
At 31, Shelestyuk can ill afford a slip up on his way up the official rankings. His opponent, Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez (15-2, 11 KOs), is all too eager to play the spoiler on Saturdaynight.
“I know I can’t sleep on Rodriguez,” said Shelestyuk, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I have to make a statement early in the fight to let him know what I’m about.”
Shelestyuk vs. Rodriguez and the entire 8-bout card will be streamed live on TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded. Watch the action on ThompsonBoxing.com and Facebook Live beginning at 6:30 p.m. PST / 10:30 p.m. EST.
Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.
Shelestyuk is coming off a unanimous decision win against Jaime Herrera in November. The fight, televised on SHOWTIME, had championship implications with Shelestyuk winning the WBO-NABO welterweight title.
Since teaming up with Diaz several months ago, Shelestyuk, who is a southpaw, has tightened his punching ability and plans to be assertive throughout the 8-round fight.
“I think most people know that I’m more of a boxer than a puncher,” said the Los Angeles-based Shelestyuk.  “You can still have an aggressive style with a technical game plan and that’s what we’re working on. How to be aggressive in a methodical fashion.”
“This is a big fight for Taras.  Should he win on Saturday, we feel he is ready for a major fight.  He is hungry and has the incentive to put on a great performance on Saturday night,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
In the co-feature, standout amateur Ruben Villa (5-0, 3 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. looks to stay undefeated against Jonathan Alcantara (7-15-2, 1 KO) in a fight set for 6-rounds.
Villa has all the tools to become the next world champion at featherweight. He cleaned up the amateur ranks with back-to-back National Golden Gloves championships prior to turning professional last year.
He inked a promotional contract with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing last July.
TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded broadcast team consists of Beto Duran on play-by-play and Steve Kim provides expert, color commentary.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:30 p.m. Omega Products International is located at 8111 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95826 and can be reached at 916-635-3335.
“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with Everlast.
For more information, please visit Banner-Promotions.com.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Artur Szpilka vs. Adam Kownacki Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Polish Heavyweight Showdown Featured on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, July 15 from NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
&
HERE for Photos from the Fan Meet & Greet from
Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment (Photos to be added shortly)
 
BROOKLYN (June 28, 2017) – Former title challenger Artur Szpilka and unbeaten Adam Kownacki squared-off for the first time at a press conference in Brooklyn Wednesday as they prepare for their Polish heavyweight showdown featured on Premier Boxing Champions onFOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly-renovatedNYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by a welterweight brawl between former world champions Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero plus a matchup of unbeaten light heavyweights Marcus Browne and Seanie Monaghan.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.
Szpilka and Kownacki spoke to press at Krolewski Jadlo Restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn before heading to Johnny’s Café in Queens for a meet and greet with fans.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
ARTUR SZPILKA
“Everything has been different this training camp. I’m focused on training for Adam Kownacki. I’ve lost some weight and I feel faster. Everything is feeling perfect.
“I want to show the world and my country that what happened in the Wilder fight was an accident. I feel ready and I can’t wait.
“The sparring has been perfect for this camp. I have two great sparring partners who are giving me different looks and getting me ready for Adam. I’m glad that I’ve been pushed really hard in sparring.
“I’m not worried about fighting in his hometown. I’m only focused on the man who is in front of me. It’s my job to go in there and take care of the man trying to knock me out.
“I have heard the talk from Kownacki about my chin, but there is nothing that he can say once we’re in the ring. On July 15 everyone will see my power and it will verify that I am the better fighter.
“We have talked a lot today, but on July 15 only our fists can talk and I can’t wait to perform in front everyone. I will show the whole world that I am ready for another shot at the world title.”
ADAM KOWNACKI
“I’m feeling great right now. I was in Poland for four weeks to spar with Tomasz Adamek and I think that helped me a lot. Now I’m back here with my team to finish up camp and work on preparing for a tough southpaw.
“I think I’ll be able to control my emotions on fight night. This is another fight in my long career. I have to go and do my best. This is a big step on my way to becoming a world champion and making my dreams come true.
“I think that styles make fights. My style is perfect for his style. I come forward and bring pressure and he’s been dropped so many times, I think his chin is probably gone. It’s hard to recuperate from a knockout like he had against Wilder.
“We’ve been working on everything we can in the gym. Knowing how to cut off the ring against a lefty is definitely very important. I’m getting better every day and with every sparring session. I’ll be ready on July 15.”
“This is a big chance for me to shine. I wish Artur all the success in the world, but it’s my time right now. July 15 you will see a great fight.”
RONNIE SHIELDS, Szpilka’s Trainer
“Artur is at the level where he’ll fight anybody in the world. We know how god Adam is. It’s going to be skill against skill.
“Training camp has been going great for Artur. He’s been having some really good sparring with some strong fighters who can simulate what Adam is going to do.
“Szpilka is in great shape right now, he’s ready to go. We’re going to make sure he doesn’t make the same mistake from the Wilder fight. He’s watched the tape and he knows what to do.”
KEITH TRIMBLE, Kownacki’s Trainer
“I’m thankful that Adam has this opportunity. I grew up on Long Island so it’s a dream come true to be a part of this event.
“This is going to be a great fight for the fans. The way people get behind their soccer teams, we will see that on July 15 from the Polish fans. It’s going to be a hell of a night.
“Adam is training so hard and he’s ready to go the distance. We’re ready for a war. Artur fought for a title recently so we couldn’t ask for a better fight. If we get this win, there are big things ahead for us.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“It’s great to be here in Greenpoint where there is such a great Polish population and they understand the significance of this fight. This is the biggest fight you could make between two Polish heavyweights.
“Artur was a lifelong resident of Poland, who now has ties in Houston training with Ronnie Shields, while Adam is on the rise as an American Polish kid from Brooklyn and now living on Long Island. This is the first time in 31 years that there will be a big show on Long Island. Anybody that knows boxing knows that this is going to be a great fight.
“The winner of this fight is right there contending in the heavyweight division. Artur fought a great fight against Deontay Wilder before getting caught. They’re both warriors. This is a chance for Adam to prove himself. This fight has been brewing for a long time and there is a lot of pride at stake here.”
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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.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.com,
www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes.www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

TWO-TIME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS TO CHALLENGE WBC WORLD CHAMPION NIKKI ADLER IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

 Adler & Shields to Unify Women’s Super Middleweight Division in “Battle of the Best” at MGM Grand Detroit Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

DETROIT (June 28, 2017) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields will challenge for her first world title against WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Nikki Adler in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, Aug. 4, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from MGM Grand Detroit.

 

A native of Flint, Mich., Shields (3-0, 1 KO) is the most accomplished amateur boxer in U.S. history and the only American to capture back-to-back boxing gold medals at the Olympic Games.  The 22-year-old will challenge for a world title in only her fourth professional fight against fellow undefeated Adler (16-0, 9 KOs), a German star who will make the third defense of her WBC 168-pound title.  The bout will also be for the vacant IBF Super Middleweight Title.

 

Shields is headlining for the second time on national television, building on her history-making debut last March in what was the first women’s main event in premium television history.  If Shields dethrones Adler on ShoBox, she’ll become the 70th world champion in the history of the prospect developmental series.

 

“It’s a huge opportunity to fight in the U.S. on SHOWTIME against Claressa Shields,” Adler said.  “I am the multiple-time world champion and Claressa is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist – why not fight in the biggest matchup possible?  This is a great challenge and we both will show our true potential.  I know I’ll give everything I have to be successful, as I have always done.  I’ve fought throughout the world, but never in the U.S.  It’s really a dream to fight in the biggest women’s boxing event in 2017.

 

Shields said, “It is a dream come true for me to be fighting for a major world title in just my fourth professional fight.  I thank the champ, Nikki Adler, and her team for accepting the challenge and for coming to the U.S. for this championship.   This fight is not only a milestone for me, it also is the biggest fight of the year in women’s boxing.  I want to thank SHOWTIME for their commitment to me and for their support of women’s boxing.  I promise to be in the best shape of my life and to give all my fans a performance to remember.”

 

Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions are on sale now and are priced at $350, $250, $125 and $60. They will be available at www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Gordon Hall, ShoBox: The New Generation Executive Producer and SVP of Production, SHOWTIME Sports, said, “ShoBox is about challenging prospects and making step up fights, and that’s what Shields vs. Adler is all about.  Claressa is returning to ShoBox in a unique opportunity to not only face her toughest opponent to date but to challenge a world champion and look to unify the division in only her fourth fight. The matchup and stakes speak for themselves. We are proud to continue to deliver the best prospects in competitive matchups.”

 

Promoter Dmitriy Salita, said, “I am thrilled to be promoting what I expect will be the biggest women’s boxing event of 2017.  Claressa Shields is on a quest to make history and is seeking to become a world champion in only her fourth professional bout less than a year after winning her second Olympic Gold Medal.  Shields vs. Adler is the kind of matchup we expect from great fighters.  These two women, both skilled, both determined, are certain to give fans around the world, and those watching on ShoBox, an action-packed fight that is fought at the highest level.  It will be a night to remember where the sports world may see the emergence of a new star.”

 

Shields’ co-manager, Mark Taffet, said, “This second main event telecast on SHOWTIME represents yet another historic step forward in the journey of Claressa Shields.  Claressa is committed, in return, to pursuing the biggest and best fights available as the profile of women’s boxing in the U.S. and around the world continues to grow.  This world title fight against Nikki Adler, a monumental challenge for Claressa in only her fourth pro fight, shows how committed Claressa is to fulfilling her dreams and leading the sport to unprecedented levels.”

 

The 30-year-old Adler, a Croatian fighting out of Augsburg, Bayern, Germany, will make her U.S. debut against Shields.  A former German amateur champion, Adler will make her third defense of the WBC crown she won in 2013 via unanimous decision against Zane Brige in Russia.

 

In 2015, Adler defeated Szabados via unanimous decision in her first defense of the WBC belt, and knocked out Elene Sikmashvili in her second defense in 2016.  In March of this year, she won the vacant WIBF and GBU World Super Middleweight Championships by unanimous decision over Mery Rancier.

 

Shields compiled an amateur record of 77-1 record and won her first Olympic Gold when she was only 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the London Games in 2012.  She won a second gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and turned professional three months later.

 

In March 2017 at MGM Grand Detroit, Shields stopped Hungary’s Szilvia Szabados in four rounds to win the NABF Super Middleweight Championship, in the first women’s main event in premium television history.  In her most recent bout on June 16, Shields defeated Sydney LeBlanc via a unanimous eight-round decision to capture the WBC Silver Super Middleweight title.

 

Active in her community, Shields advocates for several social issues and serves as an inspirational figure in her hometown of Flint, a city beset by problems.

 

Undercard bouts for the ShoBox telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

Unbeaten Prospect Miguel Cruz Drops Alex Martin Twice On His Way to Unanimous Decision in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday Night From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 
Clarence Booth Scores Fourth Round TKO Over Anthony Mercado
in Welterweight Battle
 
Click HERE for Photos Kenyon Sessoms/
Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 28, 2017) – Miguel Cruz (16-0, 11 KOs) earned a unanimous decision to defeat Alex Martin (13-2, 5 KOs) and remained unbeaten in a welterweight rematch that headlined Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 andBOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday night from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
After winning a split-decision against Martin in their January showdown, Cruz kept his perfect record intact by scoring two knockdowns before getting the decision in their 10-round matchup.
“I honestly didn’t feel great in our first fight and when I re-watched it, I thought Martin won,” said Cruz. “That made me train ever harder than ever to prove that I have the skills and power to compete at the world class level, and I think I did that tonight.”
Cruz got off to a fast start by landing a huge left hook that caught Martin and dropped him late in the first round. Martin was able to get to his feet and recover just before the bell sounded to end the round.
Martin kept trying to work on the inside but Cruz was determined to push back and consistently landed with big power shots. Another left hook in round four sent Martin to the mat again, although he appeared less effected than during the first knockdown.
“I was fighting his fight tonight,” said Martin. “I just didn’t put on my best performance. The first knockdown was a real knockdown but the second knockdown he hit me in the back of the head.”
Round five saw Martin begin to box more effectively, landing several right hands before a left hook landed low, sending Cruz to the canvas and causing referee Gary Rosato to halt the bout while Cruz recovered.
When the action resumed Martin continued to turn the tide of the fight. His movement was very effective and his success with the left hand was consistent throughout rounds five through eight.
“Martin was super tough,” said Cruz. “I didn’t think he would make it out of the second round but he definitely gave me problems. I was trying to stop him.”
Down on the scorecards because of the early knockdowns, Martin’s comeback effort came up short as Cruz was able to hold Martin off in the final two rounds on his way to earning the decision in the eyes of all three judges by the score of 96-92.
“I knew I was getting back into the fight but I’m not making any excuses tonight,” said Martin. “He won the fight fair and square, congratulations to him.”
“I trained for Martin like he was the champion of the world and that’s how I’m going to train for every fight of my career,” said Cruz. “It was a tremendous fight, I’m glad I got the victory. I just want to go back to Puerto Rico and celebrate my birthday tomorrow.”
Additional televised action saw Clarence Booth (15-3, 8 KOs) stop Puerto Rico’s Anthony Mercado (10-3, 9 KOs) in the fourth round of their welterweight contest.
The taller Mercado had success early in the fight while Booth tried to work his way inside and attack the body. Mercado landed a pair of clean right hands in each of the first two rounds that appeared to daze Booth.
“He was a tough fighter,” said Booth. “I needed to get loose for the first couple rounds. I was tense in the beginning.”
Fighting out of St. Petersburg, Florida, Booth was able to weather the storm in the first two rounds and began to turn the tide in round three with a clean right hand that staggered Mercado.
Booth kept the momentum going and quickly put Mercado on the canvas with a pair of right hands in the fourth round. Mercado was able to get to his feet but eventually Booth broke through again and stunned Mercado with more right hands. The final flurry prompted referee Eric Dali to call a halt to the bout 1:30 into the fourth frame.
“I had a couple of tough losses, but now I am on a major comeback,” said Booth. “I’m so happy to have this opportunity on television and I made the best of it. My promoter Marshall Kauffman and King’s Promotions will get me great opportunities in the future.”
“He hit me with a good shot,” said Mercado. “He jabbed and came with a right hand that I didn’t see coming. I will be back even better.”
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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, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by King’s Promotions.

Manny Pacquiao & Freddie Roach Workout quotes from Australia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PACQUIAO VS. HORN AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (June 27, 2017) – World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight World champion Manny “Pacman’ Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KOs) and his Hall-of-Fame trainer, Freddie Roach, held a media workout today in Australia, preparing for this Saturday night’s showdown between Pacquiao and his title challenger, Jeff Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs).
“Battle of Brisbane: Pacquiao vs. Horn,” presented by Top Rank and Duco Events. will air this Saturday evening, exclusively in Canada on Super Channel, live from Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
Super Channel subscribers will be able to watch four exciting fights, starting at   9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on the “Battle of Brisbane” card, headlined by Pacquiao vs. Horn.

 
PACQUIAO VS. DE LA HOYA & HATTON REPLAYS ON SC1
As a warm-up to the “Battle of Brisbane” on July 1, Super Channel will present two replays of previous Pacquiao bouts on Friday June 30starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on SC1:

Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar de la Hoya
– Dec. 6, 2008

Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton
– May 2, 2009 (IBO World super lightweight title)
These fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
See Pacquiao and Roach quotes below from today’s workout:
MANNY PACQUIAO: “We have a really good plan for this fight.  We worked hard in training camp both in Manila and in General Santos City.  I’m totally focused for this fight.  I am not looking past this fight because at this point in my career, every fight is the most important.  There are no tomorrows if I don’t win today.
“Jeff Horn is OK.  I’ve watched video of his fights.  He brings a lot of action into the ring.
“I know what he is feeling.  I remember everything about my first world title fight.
“Being a senator and training for a fight is hard.  It takes discipline and time management.  Luckily, the Senate has been in recess for the past few weeks and I have been able to focus on training for my world title fight.
“A Senator’s job is to defend his people … to fight for their rights.
“I know Jeff Horn used to be a teacher.  In the ring, I’m a teacher too.
“I am ready for Jeff to come out and be aggressive.  If he does that it will be a great fight for the fans.
“The biggest crowd I ever fought in front of was at Cowboys Stadium against Joshua Clottey. I’m told this could be bigger [51,000+].  I am very excited for doing that, even though they may not be rooting for me.  I am also very happy that ESPN will be televising it live.to the U.S.  Now everyone can see it.  It’s good for boxing.”
FREDDIE ROACH: “Manny is a performer.  He loves people, loves a big audience.  Brisbane has all that for this fight.  He’ll be fighting in front of the biggest crowd of his career.
“Not everyone gets the opportunity to fight for a world title.  It was always my dream but I never fought for one.  It’s a big deal.  Jeff Horn earned this opportunity.  He is the WBO’s mandatory challenger.
“Manny gave me 110% in training camp.  He always does.  No one works harder in the gym.  The difference in this camp from recent ones has been his aggression.  He’s scored several knockdowns and I haven’t seen that in years.  He has kept his foot on the pedal throughout, even when he’s had a sparring partner in trouble.  After his ring work he is singing and dancing – not well – but that’s not the point.  He is really hungry to make a statement in this fight against Horn.  He’s even playing Shakira during his workouts again and he hasn’t done that in years.”
Saturday night’s Super Channel telecast will also feature two-time Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (2-0, 2 KOs), from Belfast, in a six-round featherweight bout against Jarrett “Juarez” Owen (5-4-3, 2 KOs), of Brisbane.In the 12-round co-feature,International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight world champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (24-1-1, 16 KOs), of Cavite City, Philippines, will defend his title against top-rated contender Teiru Kinoshita (25-1-1, 8 KOs), of Kobe, JapanThe live telecast will open with an eight-round middleweight bout between Shane Mosley, Jr. (10-1, 7 KOs), of Pomona, Calif. and son of former three-division world champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley, and David Toussaint (10-0, 8 KOs), of Canberra, Australia.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @SuperChannel
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /superchannel

ADRIEN BRONER & MIKEY GARCIA SIT DOWN WITH BRIAN CUSTER TO DISCUSS JULY 29 BLOCKBUSTER MATCHUP IN SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURE

 

“I just can’t wait to prove everybody wrong.” – Adrien Broner

 

“I don’t see how I’m going to lose.” – Mikey Garcia

 

Brian Custer with Adrien Broner: http://s.sho.com/2sNr9fg

Brian Custer with Mikey Garcia: http://s.sho.com/2uedSKB

 

Saturday, July 29 Live on SHOWTIME® From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and undefeated three-division champion Mikey Garcia sat down with SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® host Brian Custer last week in New York for an in-depth conversation ahead of their July 29 blockbuster showdown, live on SHOWTIME®

 

“I think this is going to be a life-changing moment for me in boxing and I’m not taking it for granted,” Broner tells Custer in the video.  “After the fight I can promise you that he will say that I’m the best fighter he ever fought in his life.”

 

Garcia counters: “Unless it’s by a lucky punch, I don’t see how I can lose.  I’m a better fighter, I’ve got better timing, ring IQ.  I can also punch, I can box, I can bang.  People still haven’t even seen the best of me.”

 

Garcia will move up in weight to 140 pounds to face Broner in a matchup of two of boxing’s biggest stars in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.   Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING. 

 

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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.