Category Archives: boxing

Special Sunday Edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes on June 11 from The Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California  

Hard-Hitting Former World Champion Brandon Rios Battles
Mexico’s Aaron Herrera in the Main Event
 
Plus! Undefeated Mario Barrios Faces Jose Luis Rodriguez While
Hard-Hitting Prospect Jose Miguel Borrego Takes on Lancaster’s
Kevin Watts
 
Televised Coverage Begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
LANCASTER, CA. (May 25, 2017) – Former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (33-3-1, 24 KOs) returns to the ring to take on Mexico’s Aaron Herrera (32-6-1, 21 KOs) in the main event of a Special Edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Sunday, June 11 from The Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.
Televised coverage begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT after the Mexico vs. USA World Cup qualifier on FS1 and FOX Deportes and will feature unbeatenMario Barrios (18-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez (23-8-1, 13 KOs) and undefeated prospect Jose Miguel Borrego (11-0, 10 KOs) squaring-off against once-beaten Kevin Watts (11-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.
“This is my first fight in Southern California in almost five years and I can’t wait to put on a show for those fans who have supported me throughout my career,” said Rios. “I’ve always given the fans a great show and I’m planning on picking up right where I left off and being better than ever when I get back in the ring. I’ve been training for a while in preparation for a great victory on June 11 on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”
“This is a terrific opportunity for me to face a fighter the caliber of Brandon Rios,” said Herrera. “He’s had a great career and fought many champions and I look forward to giving him everything I have. Fighting Rios is a great test for me and I’ll be ready to pass on June 11.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $30 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website: www.uavpec.com
“Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes has come to epitomize all-action, fan-friendly matches, and this card fits perfectly into that mold,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Brandon Rios is never in a boring fight. After a long layoff, I expect him to come out firing against Aaron Herrera and I don’t expect Herrera, a rugged Mexican brawler, to back down. I’m also excited to see the progress of Mario Barrios, who is moving up to 140 pounds, and Jose Miguel Borrego, a dangerous power puncher. It promises to be another fantastic night of boxing for those at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California and those watching the PBC on FS1.”
After a stellar amateur career, Rios, an all-action brawler, went unbeaten in his first 27 pro fights before he stopped Miguel Acosta in 2011 to win a lightweight world title. The 31-year-old added victories over Richar Abril, Urbano Antillon and John Murray before winning two out of three fights in a trilogy against Mike Alvarado. The Oxnard, California-native has challenged top welterweights Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley and will look to work his way towards another world title show in the 147-pound division.
Fighting out of Yucatan, Mexico, Herrera enters this fight on a three-bout knockout streak since October 2016. The 28-year-old was unbeaten in his first 24 pro fights including 16 knockouts before challenging for a regional title in 2013. He fights in the U.S. for the fourth time on June 11 when he takes on Rios.
A tall fighter for his division at more than six feet, the 21-year-old Barrios picked up seven victories in a jam-packed 2015 in which he stopped five opponents inside the distance and followed it up in 2016 with three more victories, including a 12-round decision over Devis Boschiero in July. The San Antonio native began his 2017 campaign with a stoppage victory over Yardley Suarez on the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia undercard in Brooklyn in March. He continues his campaign at 140-pounds when he enters the ring on June 11.
The 30-year-old Rodriguez enters this fight on a three bout winning streak including a third round TKO win in April in his last bout. Fighting out of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Rodriguez will make his U.S. debut on June 11 having won seven of his last eight contests with his only defeat coming via a 10-round decision against unbeaten Felix Verdejo last April.
At just 19-years-old, Borrego has burst onto the scene displaying big knockout power as he made his U.S. debut in February with a first round stoppage and followed it by stopping John Delperdang in the seventh-round of a televised contest this April. Fighting out of Aguascalientes, Mexico, Borrego will fight in California for the first time since turning pro in 2015.
Born in Lancaster, California and fighting out of Los Angeles, Watts turned pro in 2013 and picked up victories over previously unbeaten Maximilliano Becerra plus once-beaten fighters Michal Chudecki and Manuel Damairias Lopez before suffering his first loss last September to unbeaten prospect Eddie Ramirez. The 25-year-old who has fought professionally since 2013 will look to get back in the win column in his hometown on June 11.
#          #          #
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 andwww.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence, Jr. Press Conference Pictures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(L-R) – Kell Brook, promoter Eddie Hearn and Errol Spence, Jr.
(Courtesy of Larry Ludwig / Matchroom Boxing – more pictures below)
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (May 25, 2017) – The final press conference was held today in Sheffield, United Kingdom, in advance of this Saturday’s mega-fight fight between International Boxing Federation (IBF) Welterweight World Champion Kell “The Special One” Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) and undefeated No. 1 mandatory contender Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. (21-0, 18 KOs).
Canadian boxing fans will be able to watch the exciting four-fight Brook vs. Spence, Jr. card, presented by Matchroom Boxing, exclusively on Super Channel, starting at 3 p.m. ET/ 12 p.m. PT, live from the outdoor Bramall Football Ground in Sheffield, Yorkshire, United Kingdom.


BROOK VS. GOLOVKIN & BIZIER REPLAYS ON SC1
Preceding the 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. LIVE fights, Super Channel will air the following replays on SC1, starting at 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT:

Kell Brook vs Kevin Bizier
-March 26, 2016 (IBF World welterweight title fight)

Kell Brook vs Gennady Golovkin– September 10, 2016 (WBC, IBF & IBO World Middleweight titles fight)
These fights will also be featured on Super Channel On Demand.
The other televised fights on 3-hour Super Channel broadcast this Saturday are three-time World title challenger “Saint” George Groves (25-3-0, 18 KOs) against former WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Fedor Chudinov (14-1, 10 KOs) the 12-round co-feature for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Middleweight World Championship; David “White Rhino” Allen (11-2-1, 8 KOs) takes Lenroy “TNT” Thomas (20-4, 10 KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth Championship, followed by the professional debut of 2012 British Olympian Anthony Fowler versus Arturs Geikins (3-7-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round middleweight match.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 
 

(L-R) – George Groves & Fedor Chudinov
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @SuperChannel
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAYEXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

FITE TV to stream New England Jr. Middleweight Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FITE TV to stream
New England Jr. Middleweight Championship
Live on PPV, June 9, from Rhode Island
NEW YORK CITY (May 25, 2017) – FITE TV will stream the entire CES Boxing card, featuring the New England junior middleweight title fight, on Friday night, June 9, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, live on Pay Per View from Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
FITE TV is a Combat Sports Network that features boxing, MMA and wrestling programming.  FITE gives viewers the choice to watch the program on line at www.FITE.tv, on their mobile device or on their WiFi connected television using the FITE app.  The FITE app can be downloaded for free at Google Play or the iTunes app stores.
The June 9th CES Boxing show is available to watch on the FITE app and website for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
Boxing fans may watch the entire card simply by downloading the FITE app and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
N.E. Junior Middleweight champion Greg Vendetti (14-2-1, 10 KOs), fighting out of Stoneham (MA), will defend his title against Worcester’s (MA) Khiary Gray (14-2, 11 KOs) in the eight-round main event. Vendetti is riding a 10-fight win streak, knocking out eight opponents during this stretch, while Gray is a former Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International and Northeast Junior Middleweight champion.
The best fighter on the card is undefeated junior middleweight Mark “Bazooka” DeLuca (18-0, 12 KOs), a U.S. Marine from Quincy (MA) who fought in Afghanistan. He’ll be tested by always-dangerous Chris Chatman (14-6-1, 5 KOs), of Chicago, in the eight-round co-feature bout.
In six-round bouts, Worcester’s Kendrick Ball Jr. (6-0-2, 5 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten middleweight Godson Noel (6-0-1, 4 KOs), of Newark (NJ); highly-touted Providence lightweight prospect Anthony Marsella, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) returns to fight Abraham Torres (3-1, 1 KO), of Dallas; Virginia heavyweight Joe Cusumano (10-1, 8 KOs) takes on Dan Biddle (9-6, 5 KOs); New Bedford (MA) junior middleweight Ray Oliveira, Jr. (7-1 1 KO) – son of former two-time IBU World champion Ray “Sucra” Oliveira – meets Jose Rivera (3-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Hartford (CT), in a rematch of a fight won by Oliveira.
In another hotly-contested regional showdown, New London (CT) junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (4-0, 2 KOs) squares off with fellow unbeaten Miguel Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs) of Springfield (MA), in a four-round bout. Oher four-round matches include Salem (MA) junior welterweight Matt Doherty (6-3-1, 4 KOs) vs. Providence’s Cido Hoff (1-1-1), Pawtucket (RI) featherweight Ricky Delossantos (1-0) vs. Newark’s Malcolm Simms (0-0-1), and Providence’s pro-debuting Michael Valentin vs. TBA.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Additional PPV fights are scheduled on FITE TV on a weekly basis.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @FiteTV

Two Big Events: GLEASON’S INTERNATIONAL MASTER TOURNAMENT GLEASON’S FANTASY BOXING CAMP  

GLEASON’S 3rd ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MASTER TOURNAMENT
Please submit your entry now!
Gleason’s Gym will host it’s 3rd annual Master’s International Championships
June 14-15-16-17, 2017.
Wednesday will be the arrival into New York. Registration and orientation will be from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. The brackets and match ups will be set following the registration. The gym will be available for loosening up and working out free of charge from
Wednesday until Sunday from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Thursday evening will start the quarter-finals.
The weigh-in for this session will be from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The evening session will be from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. You will box Thursday if there are five or more competitors in your category.
Friday evening will start the semi-finals.
The weigh-in for this session will be from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The evening session will be from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
You will box Friday if there are three or more competitors in your category.
Saturday morning will have light training from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. An optional workout for those not competing in the evening show from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The weigh in for the show will be from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The finals for the 3rd annual Gleason’s Gym  Master’s International Championships Show will begin at 6:00 pm.
The show will be streamed  live on the Gleason’s Website www.gleasonsgym.net
The registration fee is $135.00. Registration will end 5:00 pm on June 14, 2017.
If you are interested please contact Bruce Silverglade at (718) 797-2872 or email matchmaker@gleasonsgym.net.
GLEASON’S FANTASY BOXING CAMP
Register now in order to assure a spot at the camp.
August 10-13, 2017
Gleason’s Gym will host the 15th annual Fantasy Boxing Camp at Honor’s Haven Resort and Spa.
The Boxing Camp
If you like boxing you will love the Camp
The camp will include intensive boxing discussions, training sessions, sparring sessions and training drills. At the end of the camp you will have the chance to showcase your new skills in our Camp Sparring Show.
The camp will give you the chance to learn from world-class trainers, Hall of Fame boxers and World Champions both past and present. Professional and amateur sparring partners will also be available to help with your training. Men, women and children are all welcome. No previous boxing experience is necessary. All levels of skill from beginners to veterans will be present at the camp.
You can find more information and a brochure on the Gleason’s website: www.gleasonsgym.net.
Deluxe Rooms
$1799.00 per person (based on two persons sharing a double room)
$2549.00 per person plus one guest
$3049 per person plus two guests.
$2149 per person with a private room.
Executive rooms add $100. Suites add $250
Guests are not eligible for the Fantasy Camp but will have access to all other Honor’s Haven facilities.
Send one of our Kids to the Fantasy Camp. Our Foundation “Give A Kid A Dream” is a 501C3. You can use your generous donation as a tax write-off.

IBF WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION KELL BROOK AND MANDATORY CHALLENGER ERROL SPENCE JR. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

 

Saturday, May 27 Live On SHOWTIME® At 5:15 p.m. ET / 2:15 p.m. PT From Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England

 

Download Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME HERE

 

SHEFFIELD (May 24) – Kell Brook will make his fourth IBF Welterweight World Title defense against U.S. star Errol Spence Jr. at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England this Saturday May 27, live on SHOWTIME (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT).

 

Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) and mandatory challenger Spence, (21-0, 18 KOs), clash on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in one of the biggest fights in the 147-pound division, and the elite pairing are promising to deliver an electric night of action.

 

Both fighters participated in a public media workout today, Wednesday, at Peace Gardens in Sheffield, England. Below is what they had to say:

 

KELL BROOK

“We are going to rock Sheffield on Saturday night. I’m ready, I’m pumped, I can’t wait.

 

“There is a lot of pressure but I always perform better under pressure. I’m meant to be on the big stage, I’m ready for the pressure and to see the bright lights.

 

“[Errol Spence] is a serious dude from America, he’s a young hungry lion, but he’s not beaten anyone like me. I’m a champion and I’ve been a champion. I’m defending. I know both sides of the coin, I’ve prepared very well.

 

“I’m ready for a war. And that’s what you’re going to see – a war Saturday night. There are going to be two winners Saturday night: that is going to be myself and everyone watching.

 

“There’s no way he can beat me.  I’m a man possessed and I have a serious job to do.  This is my night to shine.

 

“I love it [being the underdog].  I was born for it.  People don’t have me winning this fight, but that just gives me the extra energy I need to go out and prove them all wrong.

 

“This guy is a talented guy, but he’s never been tested.  He’s never been in with someone who is so determined like me.  Who’s bigger, stronger, who has all this energy, who’s meant for this game, who’s meant to be a winner.  He hasn’t been in with someone with that mindset, and that’s what I’m coming to bring on Saturday.

 

“All the hard work has been done.  The talking will stop; we’re ready to let some fireworks fly now.

 

“I can see us both maybe hitting the canvas.  You’re going to be on the edge of your seat from round one.  He’s not going to take a backwards step, and I’m not [either].  All I can say is it’s going to be a thriller.

 

“I’ve arrived.  It’s a dream come true.  It’s going to be so perfect for me that night to walk out and just see everyone.  The electricity is going to be phenomenal.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“This is my time, this is my era.  This is my time to shine.  This is my time to get the belts, this is my time to unify and become the undisputed welterweight champion of the world.  This is just another stepping stone to get to where I want to be.

 

“I’m 100 percent prepared, I’m 100 percent focused, and I’m 100 percent ready to give the fans what they want, which is a real great fight.

 

“I can’t let the fans get to me.  I’m not worried about him having his hometown fans.  Eventually everyone will be my fans by the end of the night.

 

“I don’t feel the pressure at all.  I feel like there is more pressure on him because he’s fighting at home.  Of course there’s pressure on me to win, but I welcome that pressure.  It’s going to do nothing but motivate me, make me more hungry and make we want to win even more.

 

“You just have to have that ‘it’ factor, and I think I have it.  I’m not worried about the crowd, I’m not worried about the boos or anything like that.

 

“It’s a good step-up.  Kell Brook is a good fighter, he has great skills.  I welcome this step-up – I’ve been asking for it for a long time and I’m finally getting my opportunity.

 

“My confidence comes from my hard work.  I know the hours and time that I put in the gym.”

 

“This is an ideal situation. I would be disappointed if I was fighting someone else because he vacated. I’m a real fighter, I want to fight the best, I want to fight the champion and earn it the right way.  I can’t wait to prove I am one of the best fighters in the welterweight division.

 

“I’ve been on the USA team for a long time. As an amateur, representing U.S. in the Olympics and as a pro having this USA patch on me and fighting for my country.  I feel Saturday is kind of like a USA vs UK battle. And  U.S.A. is going to win.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

Lewkowicz Congratulates ‘Pilon’ Lara for Smashing KO of Briones

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to congratulate undefeated featherweight, Jorge “Pilon” Lara of Mexico, for his sensational stoppage of Mario Briones last Saturday night.
Fighting in the nationally televised semi-final bout in support of David Benavidez’s eighth-round KO over Rogelio “Porky” Medina at the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas, Lara (29-0-2, 21 KOs) returned in impressive fashion from a 13-month layoff to TKO his countryman Briones (28-6-2, 21 KOs) in the third round.
Fast, powerful and relentless, Lara, a 26-year-old southpaw from Guadalajara, dropped Briones twice in round two and then finished the job at 2:03.
The performance was particularly remarkable, considering Lara was coming off an extended layoff due to a hand injury suffered in his previous fight, a career-changing KO over multiple-time world champion Fernando Montiel, as well as a gunshot wound suffered in a botched robbery attempt in Mexico.
Lewkowicz says Lara will now be chasing the big game in his weight class, especially WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr.
“Russell Jr. has talked about moving up in weight,” said Lewkowicz, “Pilon Lara would love to get him in the ring first and send him on his way. He is too strong and powerful for anyone at the weight. This was the most-watched broadcast of PBC on FSN and the world now knows he is a star on the rise.”
According to Lewkowicz, Lara was shaking off some ring rust while dominating the respectable Briones.

“As good as he looked, he is even more frightening at this weight,” said Lewkowicz. “Jorge Lara will destroy any champion or top contender he fights. We are now working on getting one of them in the ring, starting with Gary Russell Jr. Congratulations to my latest new star in boxing for his sensational performance.”

Budding star Irvin Gonzalez Starting to make waves in Super featherweight division

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“New England’s Future 3” June 10th in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (May 24, 2017) – New England’s top prospect with 10 pro fights of less, undefeated hometown favorite Irvin Gonzalez, is on a fast track going into his June 10th headline fight in the third installment of the “New England’s Future” series, at the DCU Center (Exhibition Hall) in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“New England’s Future 3” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, two division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera and his son, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
The 21-year-old Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs) takes on Raul Lopez (10-2-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx (NY), in an eight-round main event for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All-American super featherweight championship.
Pro boxing returns to the DCU Center for the first time in 11 years, ironically, when promoter Jose Antonio Rivera defeated Alejandro Garcia, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision, for the World Boxing Association (WBA) World super welterweight title.
“I am excited to watch Irvin’s boxing career flourish,” promoter Jose Rivera remarked. “He has all the tools to become a world champion. Fighting for the UBF championship will be the first of many and I am glad that we are able to give him this opportunity. I see big things for Irvin and I hope fans come out Saturday night, June 10th, to support him and the other local boxers.”.
“This is a great opportunity for me,” Gonzalez said. “I’m blessed to be fighting in Worcester for my first title. It’s not a big title but it’s like taking baby steps to a world title. Since I started boxing at the Boys & Girls Club, I always wanted to be like Jose, a three-time world champion. Now, it’s my turn, and I’m fighting again in my city.”
Gonzalez has a perfect pro record: six rights, six wins by knockout. However, he’s only had fought a grand total of eight rounds, and June 10th he’s in a scheduled eight-round match. The well-spoken youngster isn’t concerned with the step up in rounds and opposition.
“I’ve been asked about that by a lot of media, trainers and other fighters,” he explained. “I’ve always trained like it’s for a world title fight, 12 rounds, so I’m not worried about going into deep water. I’m in magnificent shape, three weeks before the fight, and even in the amateurs I’ve always gotten stronger as the fight went along. In sparring, I get stronger, so going eight isn’t a problem for me.
“I don’t really know much about my opponent. He won a few national titles but hasn’t fought too often. I’ll see what he brings into the ring and then adjust. I know I’m taller.”
Gonzalez learned a lot when he was a sparring partner for Guillermo Rigondeaux in Florida that was supposed to be a six-week training camp that ended after three weeks due to Rigondeaux’ fight being cancelled.
“I learned a lot about different training methods that I now use,” Irvin continued. “His techniques are phenomenal.   I was around a world champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and I saw his work ethic. After all he’s accomplished, he still has a great work ethic, and I learned from him that a fighter need continue working like he does until the day it’s all over. It’s not all about money, it’s having fun every day, doing what we love.”
Former world female heavyweight champions Sonya “The Scholar” Lamonakis (10-2-2, 1 KO), the New York City teacher who lived in Turners Falls (MA), and Laura “Lady Ram” Ramsey (10-7, 5 KOs) battle for the vacant UBF World heavyweight title in the eight-round co-featured event.
Pembroke (MA) cruiserweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (16-1-1, 15 KOs) meets invading Brazilian knockout artist Marcelo Leonardo “Queizada” Da Silva (22-4, 17 KOs) in an eight-round Special Cruiserweight Attraction.
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (6-1, 5 KOs) vs. TBA, Lawrence (MA) junior welterweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Buffalo’s Jack Grady (0-5-1), New Haven (CT) featherweight Josh Crespo (7-4-3, 3 KOs) vs. Georgia’s Gabriel Braxton (2-18, 1 KO), Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Woburn (MA) Gilvan Santos (0-3), Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick “Double Impact” Whitley (1-0) vs. Norwalk (CT) veteran Shaka Moore (12-22-3, 2 KOs), Worcester’s pro-debuting Bobby Harris III vs. Woburn (MA) super middleweight Rodrigo Almeida (1-6), Southbridge (MA) junior welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (1-0) vs. Lawrence’s Anthony Everett (1-5), Worcester’s Bryan Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Florida’s Christopher “The Archbishop” Boykins (1-8) at a 205-pound catchweight, Hartford’s (CT) Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Brazilian Nathan Schulte (0-2) at a 180-pound catchweight, and Worcester’s pro-debuting Neal Sullivan vs. Framingham (MA) super middleweight Saul Almeida (0-8).
                                                            
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at the DCU Center box office, www.dcu.centerworcester.com,
by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters
Doors open at 6 p.m., first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Whiskey On Water and Worcester criminal defense Atty. Michael Erlich.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_

CURRENT & FORMER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONS WEIGH-IN ON KELL BROOK vs. ERROL SPENCE IBF 147-POUND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter & More Discuss The Latest In Series Of Welterweight Blockbusters

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT From Bramall Lane In Sheffield, England

 

NEW YORK (May 23, 2017) – IBF Welterweight World Champion Kell Brook and undefeated rising star Errol Spence face off this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) in the latest in a series of significant welterweight matchups between the best fighters in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

 

Six of the top eight welterweights in the world* will have fought in the first five months of 2017 – all on SHOWTIME or CBS – as a de facto tournament continues in the 147-pound class to determine the No. 1 fighter in a division long controlled by the retired Floyd Mayweather.

*Source: Transnational Boxing Rankings

 

WBA and WBC Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman unified the titles on March 4 with a split-decision victory over Danny Garcia in a rare matchup of undefeated champions.  Lamont Peterson picked up the secondary WBA Regular title on Feb. 18, and on April 22 Shawn Porter knocked out Andre Berto to become the mandatory challenger to Thurman’s WBC belt.  The remaining welterweight champion, Manny Pacquiao, is set to defend his WBO title against Jeff Horn on July 2.

 

Now it’s Brook and Spence’s turn to take center stage in boxing’s glamour division.

 

This Saturday in Sheffield, England, Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) will make the fourth defense of the IBF belt he won via majority decision over Porter in 2014.  The 31-year-old, who has never been knocked down, will be the decided hometown favorite in front of what is expected to be 25,000-plus fans in the first world title fight in the 162-year history of Bramall Lane.

 

The 27-year-old Spence (21-0, 18 KOs) has long been considered one of boxing’s most prized prospects.  The IBF’s No. 1 contender has knocked out eight straight opponents and has improved as his level of opposition has risen – his last six opponents held an impressive combined record of 151 wins against just eight losses.  The Dallas resident travels abroad for this long-awaited title opportunity as he attempts to become the first American to dethrone an Englishman on British soil in nearly a decade.**

 

With both Spence and Brook affirming their intention to unify the division after May 27, see below for what legendary Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard and current top welterweights have to say about Saturday’s IBF title matchup.

 

SUGAR RAY LEONARD – Former Undisputed Welterweight World Champion

“I’m really excited about this fight in particular, mainly because both fighters have to be on their A-game.  I know there is talk about Kell’s eye surgery being a psychological problem, but from personal experience, I don’t see that being the case.  I never thought about my eye once the doctor gave me the green light.

 

“To ask me who is going to win this fight, I have my favorite in Errol Spence.  But, based on the each fighter’s physical artillery, one punch can turn the tables around.  That being said, I am going to sit back and watch a great night of boxing.”

 

KEITH THURMAN – Unified WBA & WBC Welterweight World Champion

“This is an interesting fight.  I have not followed Kell too much, but I have obviously seen Errol fight in the U.S.   Errol is a tough, young fighter who is just getting into the public’s eye, and Kell obviously has the strength of the British crowd on his side.

 

“It should be a tough fight that really speaks to the strength of the welterweight division.  Both fighters are men that I would be open to fighting as I continue to unify the division in 2018.   As a fight fan, let’s see what’s ‘Special’ about Kell Brook, and we’ll see if Errol Spence can show us he’s ‘The Truth.’  It should be a great fight and I’ll be watching.”

 

DANNY GARCIA – Former Welterweight World Champion

“I think this is a 50/50 fight.  I think the person with the better game plan is going to win.  There is a lot of pressure to go into someone’s backyard like Spence is doing, and he’s never faced a fighter in his prime before like Brook.   It is definitely a test for him and a big step up in competition.  If he is ready, he can do it.  He just has to go in there and stay focused.

 

“The welterweight division is the best division in boxing.  I still feel like I am one of the best welterweights in the world even though I came up short.  I never thought I would say a loss would make me stronger because I didn’t see myself losing.  I want my titles back and to be seen as the best in the best division.”

 

SHAWN PORTER – Former Welterweight Champion & Current WBC No. 1 Contender

“I’m glad Errol is getting his title shot, and I’m happy he’s going to England for it.  I’m obviously pulling for the American.  Errol is a phenomenal athlete and a great boxer.  I think he’s ready to show the world something, but Kell is right up there in that top tier of welterweights.  People who tune in should be thrilled. I know I’m looking forward to it.

 

“The welterweight division is awesome, top to bottom.  We’re right where we need to be and should be.  Boxing returning back to the masses with PBC came at the perfect time for me and the rest of the top welterweights. There are so many of us capable of winning a title right now.”

 

LAMONT PETERSON – WBA (Regular) Welterweight World Champion

“This is going to be a tough fight, but I think Errol should win.  At least I’m pulling for Errol to win.  He’s got to overcome the idea that there will probably be 30,000 people cheering against him, so he has to show the judges that he deserves to win.

 

“Brook is a good fighter and is going to bring his best, but I think Errol, in the end, is the better fighter. But he will have to prove it.

 

“The welterweight division is one of the best in boxing right now.  We’ve got a lot of good fighters in their prime making the division strong.  And guys are willing to fight each other.  We are seeing the kind of fights the fans want to see.  If this keeps up it could bring boxing back to where it was in the days when Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler all fought each other.  So it’s really good for boxing right now.”

 

**Timothy Bradley dethroned another Sheffield native, Junior Witter, in 2008 in Nottingham.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

Exciting Night of Action With Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Featured Saturday, July 15 Live in Primetime from NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island  

Former World Champions Omar Figueroa & Robert Guerrero Meet in Welterweight Brawl
 
Undefeated Contender Marcus Browne Faces Unbeaten Long Island Favorite Seanie Monaghan in Light Heavyweight Clash
 
All-Polish Heavyweight Brawl Featuring a
Showdown Between Artur Szpilka & Adam Kownacki
 
Tickets on Sale Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. ET!
 
LONG ISLAND, NY (May 23, 2017) – A matchup between exciting former world champions Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa (26-0-1, 18 KOs)and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-5-1, 18 KOs)headlines an action-packed night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the first boxing event at the Coliseum since Mike Tyson headlined in 1986.
“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and showing fans what I’m known for – exciting fights,” said Figueroa. “I’ve been quietly training and preparing in Indo, California with Joel Diaz and now it’s time. I’m looking forward to a great fight with Robert Guerrero on July 15 in front of a New York crowd. I can’t wait to show everyone at the Coliseum and on FOX and FOX Deportes what ‘Panterita’ is all about.”
“Both me and Omar Figueroa like to bang on the inside, which should make for great entertainment, but Omar is going to find out on July 15 that he’s facing a man who has his back against the wall and is going to leave everything in the ring,” said Guerrero. “I’m going to give the millions who’ll be watching on FOX and FOX Deportes a fight to remember. This is going to be a classic Mexican war and I’m coming out on top.”
The FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast will see unbeaten contender “Sir” Marcus Browne (19-0, 14 KOs) battling undefeated Long Island native and fan favoriteSeanie Monaghan (28-0, 17 KOs) in a light heavyweight showdown.
“I have fought more times at Barclays Center than anyone, so it’s exciting to get to fight in a new venue not too far from home,” said Browne. “We might be in Seanie’s immediate backyard, but I’m just down the block, so he really isn’t any more at home than I am. I know he’s a hard-nosed fighter with a come-forward style. I’m preparing for a tough opponent. A win won’t come easy, but we have to take care of business. I am just ready to display my talent on national television and continue my climb toward a world title.”
“It is a dream come true to be fighting at the Coliseum, which is literally right next to the track where I run every day,” said Monaghan. “It is an honor to represent Long Island in the first boxing event held at this venue in 31 years. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time, and I feel that this bout will bring a new chapter in my career. I have a lot of respect for Marcus Browne, but let the best man win. On July 15, I am putting everything on the line.”
Also televised in prime time, Artur Szpilka (20-2, 15 KOs)meets Adam Kownacki (15-0, 12 KOs) in an all-Polish heavyweight showdown that promises fireworks.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and give my fans another exciting fight,” said Szpilka. “With two Polish heavyweights fighting, you know there will be power and pride on display. I’m training harder than ever to get this victory in front of the great Polish fans in New York. This will be my first step towards getting back to fighting for the heavyweight world title.”
“I can’t wait to fight again,” said Kownacki. “Most of my past fights were at Barclays Center, so fighting at the Coliseum will be a new and exciting experience. I am training very hard. A win on July 15 puts me one step closer to becoming a world champion. Szpilka will not stand in my way.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE beginning Friday, May 26 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.
“Boxing’s grand return to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is going to be wall-to-wall action,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes main event between Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero is destined to be a bloody slugfest. The co-featured bout between Staten Island’s light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne and Long Island’s undefeated ‘Irish Rocky’ Seanie Monaghan will bring the heat on a summer night in Long Island. While Marcus and Seanie will bring in a big local crowd, the heavyweight grudge match between Poland’s Artur ‘The Pin’ Szpilka and Polish American Long Islander, by way of Brooklyn, Adam ‘Baby Face’ Kownacki will pack the house with Polish fans. As a Long Islander, I am proud to promote the first fight card at Nassau Coliseum in 31 years. July 15 will be a fun, action-packed night of boxing entertainment from beginning to end; the remainder of the card will be stacked with old-school brawls including local talent.”
“The Coliseum has a rich history in boxing, having hosted notable fights with the likes of Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Gerry Cooney, among others,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We are thrilled to build on the sport’s heritage on Long Island, and to bring boxing back to the venue 31 years later with a major event on network television.”
A high volume puncher with an exciting style, Figueroa has returned to training with Joel Diaz in California leading up to this fight and looks to make his presence felt on July 15. Representing Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa is undefeated since turning pro in 2008 and won a lightweight world title by defeating Nihito Arakawa in a 2013 Fight of the Year standout. He followed that victory up with successful defenses against Jerry Belmontes and Daniel Estrada. The 27-year-old most recently defeated former world champions Ricky Burns and Antonio DeMarco in his last two outings.
Born and raised in Gilroy, Calif., Guerrero is always in exciting contests having gone toe-to-toe with Danny Garcia in a FOX main event in 2016 and Keith Thurman sandwiched around a hard fought victory over Aron Martinez. Prior to 2015, the 34-year-old picked up victories over Andre Berto, Secluk Aydin and Michael Katsidis while winning world titles in multiple divisions. The brawling warrior has been in several “Fight of the Year” candidates throughout his career, including a memorable brawl in Southern California with Yoshihiro Kamegai in 2014, and he also challenged former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather in 2013.
The undefeated Browne enters this fight after an electrifying performance in February that saw him drop former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. before knocking him out in round six. The 26-year-old defeated previously unbeaten Radivoje Kalajdzic in April 2016 after a big 2015 that saw him defeat veteran contenders Gabriel Campillo, Aaron Pryor Jr., Francisco Sierra and Cornelius White. The 2012 U.S. Olympian fights out of Staten Island, New York after an exceptional amateur career that saw him win the 2012 U.S. Amateur Championship at light heavyweight.
One of the most popular fighters representing Long Island, Monaghan looks to solidify his first world title shot when he faces Browne on July 15. Monaghan competed in the 2009 New York Golden Gloves before turning pro, reaching the final before dropping a memorable contest to fellow Long Island-native Joe Smith Jr. He has yet to taste defeat in as a professional while battling a slew of veterans eager to test his championship mettle. Monaghan added two more victories in 2016 as he stopped Janne Forsman in five rounds and beat Fernando Castanedo in December.
The always entertaining Szpilka returns to the ring after a defeat at the hands of heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder in 2016 as he attempts to get back on the path towards world title contention. The aggressive-minded 6-foot-3 Szpilka, had a four-fight win streak entering the Wilder bout as he picked up a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion Tomasz Adamek in 2014 and stoppage victories over Yasmany Consuegra, Manuel Quezada and Ty Cobb in 2015.
A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, five of Kownacki’s last six victories have come at Barclays Center and he now hopes to bring that winning mindset to the Coliseum. Originally from Poland but now living in Brooklyn, Kownacki stopped previously once-beaten Joshua Tufte in January of this year after 2016 saw him earn a stoppage of Jesse Barboza in June and a decision over Danny Kelly in January. He will take on the toughest test of his career in his countryman Szpilka.
#          #          #
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.comwww.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.

Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Inaugural Induction Weekend

THIS WEEKEND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHO: The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF)
WHAT: The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will enshrine 24 Charter Class members.
Confirmed to attend Honorees:
Mike Tyson, Michael Spinks, Don King, Larry Hazzard, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, J Russell Peltz, Frank Gelb, Mike Rossman, Bill Johnson, Steve Smoger, Dave Bontempo, Don Elbaum, Bob Lee and Ken Condon.
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will celebrate and remember the legacy of Lou Duva, Arturo “Thunder” Gatti, Matthew Saad Muhammad as well as hometown hero Leavander Johnson for their extraordinary careers spanning seven decades.
Special Guests
  • *Ray Mercer (BULLYING…We’re Kickin’ It Spokesperson)
  • *Mark Breland
  • *Iran Barkley
  • *Milton Luban
  • *Tracy Patterson
  • *John Scully
  • Non Fighters
  • *Don Guardian, Mayor of Atlantic City
  • *Rodney Jerkins, multi Grammy-award winner
  • *Suzette Charles, former Miss America
  • *Sophia Gatti, daughter of Arturo Gatti
  • *Pat Lynch, renowned Boxing Manager
  • *Lillo Brancato, Actor
  • *Grandy Twins
  • *Vincenzo Vaccaro: Cake King of Queens
  • *Atlantic City Police Athletic League
  • *Aaron Snowell, co-organizer the Jack Johnson Exhibit
  • *BULLYING…We’re Kickin’ It
  • *The Legacy Exists Joe Frazier Scholarship Fund
  • *Joseph Nicolosi, Artist known for his signature Pop Art portraits
  • *James O’Neal, Wood Sculpture Artist
WHERE: The Claridge – A Radisson Hotel, 123 South Indiana Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Friday, May 26th, Sunday May 27th and Sunday, May 28th
May 26th (Press Conference) Check-in 3:30P | in the The Vue | Kickoff Reception 4P – 7P
 May 27th Press Check-in 9:15A | in the Conference Center | Fight Fan Experience 10A – 4P
May 27th Press Check-in 5:15P | Red Carpet Arrivals 6:00P | in the Art Gallery | Honoree Gala 7P – 11P
May 28th Press Check-in 4:00P | Red Carpet Arrivals 4:30P | in the Conference Center | Inaugural Induction Ceremony | Time: 6P – 9P
Post ceremony interviews and photo ops available as well.
Media Inquiries:
Please note that space is limited and all press will need credentials to check-in. Representatives of the media must RSVP to:
Angela Crockett                                             Marc Abrams
              Communications Director for ACBHOF         Abrams Boxing
              (609) 350-5310                                              (856) 287-7611
Honorees, Celebrity Guests and ACBHOF Executives will be available for interviewS.
******ACBHOF is pleased to recognize our sponsors*****
Corporate Partner: The Claridge Hotel a Radisson Hotel Title Sponsor: Hard Lifestyle Beverages
City of Atlantic City; Designer Wraps; Hammer Fiber Optics; Triax 57; 2300 Arena; FantaSea Resorts; Adams Boxing; Cake King of Queens and Bee Apparel
Fight Fan Experience Timeline
Honoree Gala Timeline
6:00    Dignitaries Arrival/Reception  (Lower GalleryLevel)

7:00    General Public Arrival
7:00    Cocktail Reception & Chicken Bone Beach Performing
7:30-7:35    Ray McCline Welcoming Remarks/Intro Emcee Nino DelBuono
7:35-8:00    DJ Young Hitta/Reception
8:00-8:20    Honoree Precession & Greetings
8:20-8:30    Solo Musical Performance by Suzette Charles
8:30-8:55   Honoree & Awards Presentation
8:55-9:05   Solo Musical Performance by PARRIS
9:05-9:35   Chicken Bone Beach Performing
9:35-10:00   Nicolosi Art Reveal Presentation
10:00-10:50   DJ Young Hitta/Reception
10:50   Closing Remarks
Induction Ceremony Timeline
Procession of Inductees Introduction – Founder, Ray McCline
Invocation – Pastor, Wayne M. Nelson Sr. National Anthem – Althea Saunders
Mission Statement – Vice President, Rodrick L. Green Master of Ceremonies – Henry Hascup
Fighter (Resident and Non-Resident)
MIKE TYSON, ARTURO GATTI, LEAVANDER JOHNSON, MIKE ROSSMAN, MATTHEW SAAD MUHAMMAD, DWIGHT MUHAMMAD QAWI,  MICHAEL SPINKS,   LARRY HOLMES
Trainer & Cutman (Resident and Non-Resident)
LOU DUVA   MIKE HALL SR   BILL JOHNSON
Non-Participants
Promoter, Manager, Advisor, Matchmaker & Ring Announcer
DON KING  FRANK GELB   DON ELBAUM   J RUSSELL PELTZ
Officials (Commission, Judges, Doctors & Referees)
LARRY HAZZARD SR.   STEVE SMOGER   DR. FRANK DOGGETT
Media (Writer, Historian, Photographer, Artist & Digital Technology)
BERT SUGAR   DAVE BONTEMPO   JACK OBERMAYER
Special Contributors, Executives, T.V. Networks, Government Officials, Boxing Organizations
KEN CONDON   BOB LEE   DENNIS GOMES
Proclamation – Mayor Don Guardian 9 Count Bell Ringing
Unveiling of Commemorative Paintings Closing Remarks