Category Archives: boxing

KELL BROOK TO DEFEND IBF WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST UNDEFEATED ERROL SPENCE ON SATURDAY, MAY 27 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live From Bramall Lane In Sheffield, England

 

Kell Brook will defend his IBF World Welterweight title against U.S. star Errol Spence at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Saturday May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office and live on SHOWTIME in the U.S. on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

 

Brook makes the fourth defense of his beloved IBF strap he landed in the U.S. in August 2014 with a career-best win over Shawn Porter.  He then blitzed Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin and Kevin Bizier before stepping up to middleweight to face fearsome Kazakh Gennady Golovkin at The O2 in September.  Now, the Sheffield star welcomes another unbeaten superstar into the ring.

 

Undefeated Spence became the mandatory challenger for Brook’s belt when he blasted Leonard Bundu inside six rounds in August, the eighth straight stoppage win for the Texas-based New Yorker who destroyed Chris Algieri inside four rounds two months earlier.

 

Brook and Spence now clash in one of the biggest fight in the 147-pound division, and the elite pairing are promising to deliver an electric night at the home of Sheffield United FC.

 

“I’m so excited about this fight and also about making history in my city,” said Brook. “It’s long been a dream of mine to fight outdoors at Bramall Lane and I’m pleased to do that in the biggest fight in the welterweight division.  I saw many people talk about how I would avoid Errol Spence – they don’t know me, they don’t know what I’m about.  All I’ve ever wanted to do is to give the fans the fights they want and they have it right here on May 27.  I’m going to show the world that I’m the best welterweight on the planet and I’m going to do it right before my people’s eyes.”

 

“I’m happy I’m finally getting an opportunity to accomplish a lifelong dream of becoming a world champion,” said Spence.  “I feel that this is one of the best and biggest fights in world boxing and I am 100 percent focused and determined to bring the belt back home to the U.S.  On May 27, I will be more than ready.”

 

“This is one of the best fights in world boxing,” said Brook’s promoter Eddie Hearn.  “Many believed that Kell Brook would look to avoid Errol Spence but he is a proud man who never ducks a challenge.  Coming off the fight with GGG this is an extremely tough fight to come back to but I believe Kell Brook is the best welterweight in the world and he will have the chance to prove it on May 27.  It’s ‘The Special One’ vs ‘The Truth’, a historic event at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane – we are planning an unforgettable night.”

 

“This is great news for Kell and Sheffield United,” said Sheffield United director Scott McCabe. “We have been working with Matchroom for some time to bring this high profile fight to our Bramall Lane stadium where we have exciting plans to stage further significant events utilising the high standard facilities that have been developed by the Club in recent years.”

 

Tickets will go on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass members at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 30 via StubHub.

 

Tickets go on general sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 31 via the Sheffield United FC Box Office.

 

A further announcement on ticket prices and with relevant on sale links will be made soon.

UNDEFEATED DMITRY BIVOL TO DEFEND INTERIM WBA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST SAMUEL CLARKSON ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14 IN THE MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

 

 

Unbeaten Welterweight Prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins Square Off In Co-Feature; Baltimore’s Glenn Dezurn To Open ShoBox Tripleheader

 

Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland

 

Tickets On Sale Today!

 

NEW YORK (March 21, 2017) – Undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol will defend his Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.

 

Known for his aggressive style, Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) was a prominent amateur who is now determined to make his mark in one of boxing’s toughest weight classes.  Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs), of Cedar Hill, Texas, has won his last nine fights in a row and will make his third appearance on ShoBox

 

In a co-featured matchup of undefeated welterweight prospects, former amateur standouts Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) will square off in an eight-round 147-pound bout.

 

In the telecast opener, Baltimore featherweight Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs), who is trained by the renowned Barry Hunter, will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800.745.3000.

 

Dmitry Bivol vs. Samuel Clarkson – 12 Round Light Heavyweight Bout:

Bivol, who compiled an impressive amateur record of 285-15, is looking to break through in a division which features the likes of Adonis Stevenson, Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev and Badou Jack.  Last May in Moscow, the 26-year-old won the Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title in only his seventh professional fight with a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Felix Valera.

 

Bivol has since won twice, both times on Russian soil, including a fourth-round knockout of Robert Berridge in defense of his interim belt. 

 

“I am very glad that this will be my first fight televised in the U.S.,” said Bivol, who is fighting for the third time in America.  “It’s great that this is main event because that motivates me.  Clarkson is a good defensive fighter.  He can be aggressive and I expect this to be a tough fight.  I look forward to introducing myself to American fans with a great performance, and I plan to defend my title with an exciting victory.”

 

Clarkson has registered nine consecutive victories following a loss to the current unbeaten Jesse Hart (21-0).  Clarkson moved up in weight to beat Cedric Agnew (27-1) in February 2015, and has ShoBox knockout wins over Jerry Odom (13-1) in July 2015 and Lavarn Harvell (15-1) in October 2015. 

 

“This is a huge opportunity to prove my abilities to the world,” Clarkson said. “Bivol is a crafty fighter from Russia and had a very impressive amateur career, mostly at 165 pounds. He’s a good fighter and I definitely have to bring my A-game.  

 

“I’m ready for the challenge because I do really well against European fighters.  European fighters are slow and come forward a lot, and they’re not big on head movement.   We are working hard and have a lot of guys in the gym who fight with a similar style.  By fight time I’ll be ready for anything he has. 

 

“I had to make up my mind if I wanted to be the lion or the lamb and, in the end, I decided I don’t like losing. I rededicated myself and now I can’t be stopped.”

 

Juan Ruiz vs. Malik Hawkins – Eight-Round Welterweight Bout:

The son of a former fighter, Ruiz is originally from Venezuela and fights out of Baja California, Mexico.  He lost just eight times in 220 amateur fights, was a six-time Venezuela national champion and was part of the Venezuelan National Team.  The undefeated Ruiz has won via knockout in seven of his last nine fights. 

 

“This is a golden ticket for me to show what I’m capable of,” Ruiz said. “I will do my best to give the fans watching on TV and those attending the fight the best show possible.”

 

The 21-year-old Baltimore-resident Hawkins was 92-8 as an amateur and shares the same trainer – Calvin Ford – as stablemate and IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Gervonta Davis.  Hawkins, who was the 2012 Bronze Medalist in the Junior Olympics, will face his toughest test to date in fellow undefeated Juan Ruiz. 

 

“This is a huge chance for me to showcase my skills and show I belong among the best in the welterweight division,” Hawkins said. “There’s nothing he can bring I haven’t seen, and I plan on making him fight my fight. 

 

“I get better when I fight talented fighters.  To be honest, nobody I have fought so far has brought out the best in me, but I’m hoping that Ruiz does just that.  A victory over him would put me in position to fight the opponents I need to fight to take that next step toward becoming a contender.”

 

Glenn Dezurn vs. TBD – Eight-Round Featherweight Bout:

The undefeated Dezurn, who was a three-sport star athlete in high school, was an amateur standout who compiled an 87-7 record in the unpaid ranks under the tutelage of Barry Hunter.  The Baltimore native is married to female boxer and U.S. Olympic alternate Franchon Crews, who fought Claressa Shields in the amateurs and in her pro debut.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ and www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

JORGE LINARES vs. ANTHONY CROLLA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE REMATCH THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Airs Live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England

 

Watch The Full First Fight On SHO Sports YouTube Channel: http://s.sho.com/2m1x6TV

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom

 

WBA Lightweight World Champion Jorge Linares and former champion Anthony Crolla participated in a public workout at National Football Museum in Manchester, England on Tuesday in preparation for their rematch this Saturday, live on SHOWTIME (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT) from Manchester Arena.

 

Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) dethroned Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) in an action-packed battle last September in Manchester to capture the WBA crown.  Crolla and Linares were neck-and-neck going into the sixth round until Linares rocked the hometown favorite with a series of shots that galvanized the Venezuelan toward a close 115-114, 115-113 and 117-111 unanimous decision.

 

The Sept. 24 match was the first time the three-division titlist Linares, who also holds the WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine lightweight belts, was pushed the 12-round distance in his career.

 

The WBC has mandated that the winner of Linares-Crolla II must face undefeated WBC Lightweight Champion Mikey Garcia, who will join host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi in New York for the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL presentation.

 

Below are fight week quotes from Linares and Crolla:

 

JORGE LINARES:

 

“Crolla could come better prepared than last time.  Maybe he will throw more punches, maybe he will box more, I don’t really know. The most important thing is I hope he has worked really hard and comes in great condition so there are no excuses and no doubts after the fight.

 

“I can fight even better this time.  Before the first fight I had a broken right hand and I hadn’t fought for a while. That’s always a factor, you know?   Inactivity.  I haven’t had any issues physically or mentally, so the preparation has been great.  We did 129 rounds of sparring and everything has gone well up to this point.

 

“I know he has been quiet in the build-up, I don’t mind if he hasn’t spoken much lately.  Let’s just hope it’s a clean fight like the first one.”

 

“The plans are in the future to get the biggest fights.  Obviously the priority right now is to stay focused on Saturday but then I’ll look towards the big fights like against Mikey Garcia.

 

“I really think coming to train with Ismael Salas made the difference.  It’s what helped me really establish myself as a professional fighter and to gain more experience.  We learn ‘old school’ as Salas always says.  It really has worked well for me in the two years I’ve been with him.”

 

“I feel really good because this time we had a lot more time to prepare.  We did some of the training camp in Japan and then eight weeks in Las Vegas.

 

“I’m happy to be back here in England again and have another opportunity.  I get treated very well, I feel comfortable fighting here.  The fans here have a lot of boxing knowledge and they know me well.  It’s nice, I feel at home.”

 

ANTHONY CROLLA:

 

“It will be another good fight, that’s for sure.  Our styles gel really well and I don’t see how it can’t be another good fight, but this time I see a different winner.  The key will be adapting.  I might need to adapt a number of times in the fight but it is something I have trained for.

 

“I learned a lot from that fight.  Linares has very good speed, very good ring craft and he used his big fight experience for when to take a rest, when to turn it on for the judges.

 

“This time I know I need to deal with the flashy combinations better, cut the ring off better and capitalize when he is open for shots.

 

“He has said he will come with another game plan but so will we.  Last time I gave it everything, left it all in the ring, but I came up short.  The right man won on the night and now I have a second chance at winning back the belt and beating a great fighter.

 

“I was disappointed I lost – you should never be happy with losing – but I was satisfied I gave everything on the night.  When I watched it again there were things in the fight where I thought, ‘why didn’t I do this, why didn’t I do that’, but that is what I did do in the heat of the battle.

 

“You see people online saying Linares is a level above and that he outclassed me – he obviously didn’t outclass me because two of the judges only had a point in it.  The right man won and now I need to show my improvements and make sure the result is different.

 

“Last time out in Manchester I lost a close fight but with the improvements I have been making in the gym I believe this time it will be a different result.

 

“The rematch was always top of my list.  Linares is top of the pile in the lightweight division and if there was a chance of having a rematch that was always more important to me than any other fight.  I want to fight the best and be involved in the big fights and that’s what this is.

 

“I want the chance to stake my claim as the best lightweight in the world by going out there and beating him.

 

“I wasn’t going to turn down a rematch to try and ease myself back into title contention.  I want these big fights; these big nights in Manchester are what I thrive on.

 

“I feel better than I have ever felt.  Camp has gone really well and there will certainly be no excuses.  I have had no distractions outside of camp and everything is good.  It is a matter now of showing in the ring tonight the improvements I have been showing in the gym.

 

“I have had no social life for the past few months and I will walk to the ring knowing that, knowing I have prepared in the best way I possibly can. There will be no ‘what if I had done this’, ‘what if I had done that’ – I have prepared the best I possibly can.”

 

Exciting Welterweight Josesito Lopez Battles Mexico’s Saul Corral in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, April 9 From The Novo at L.A. Live in  Downtown Los Angeles

 
Lightweight Contenders Collide as Undefeated Alejandro Luna Takes on Former Title Challenger Andrey Klimov
Plus The Pro Debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in Televised Action
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2017) – Former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez (34-7, 19 KOs) will face Mexico’s Saul “Navajo” Corral (22-8, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.
Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight contender Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (21-0, 15 KOs) battling former title challenger Andrey Klimov (19-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout plus the pro debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in a six-round super featherweight fight.
“I’m excited to get back in the ring as the main event and put on a show for the fans in Los Angeles,” said Lopez. “I’m looking for a world title shot and I believe I have the skills to beat any welterweight out there. This is going to be a great night of fights from start to finish. I’ve been training like never before and I can’t wait to show everybody.”
“I can’t wait to get in the ring and make the most of this opportunity to make a name for myself,” said Corral. “I’ve been training hard to be ready for anything Josesito brings. It’s going to be an exciting fight but I’m prepared to leave everything in the ring and get the victory.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com HERE.
“I’m thrilled to be able to promote a great night of California-based PBC action here in Los Angeles headlined by the return of a local fan favorite, Josesito Lopez,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of RIngstar Sports. “Also we have Alejandro Luna, who is in a tough fight with his sights set on a world title and I can’t wait for U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas to make his pro debut in what will be the start to a great career. This is a night at The Novo that you don’t want to miss.”
Always in action-packed fights and known for his exciting style and ability to triumph against the odds, Lopez is coming off of a dominant decision victory over Todd Manuel in December 2016. Proudly representing Riverside, California, Lopez has fought at the highest level of competition for years including challenges of Andre Berto, Canelo Alvarez and Marcos Maidana plus triumphs over Victor Ortiz, Mike Arnaoutis and Mike Dallas.
Representing Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, Corral is the winner of 10 of his last twelve bouts entering April 9. The 30-year-old has fought professionally since 2006 and most recently went the distance in a 10-round decision loss to U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali. 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 30 career bouts.
At just 25-years old, Luna has already put together an impressive 21 professional wins since turning pro in 2010. Fighting out of Bellflower, California he began his 2016 campaign by stopping veteran Alan Herrera before dominating previously once-beaten Naim Nelson on his way to a 10-round decision in August. He had previously defeated former world champion Cristobal Cruz and veteran Sergio Lopez on the way to amassing his perfect record.
Originally from Russia but now living and training in Beverly Hills, Klimov was unbeaten in his first 16 pro fights as he climbed up the world rankings. After dropping a decision to Terrence Crawford in 2013, he won three straight fights to earn his world title opportunity against Jose Pedraza. Klimov owns victories over John Molina Jr., Gabino Cota and Guillermo Avila.
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.
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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.

Undefeated Leduan Barthelemy Meets the Dominican Republic’s Reynaldo Blanco in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, March 28

Plus! Unbeaten Marcos Hernandez Takes on Kyrone Davis
in Super Welterweight Showdown.

Exciting Prospect Malcolm McCallister Enters the Ring!

All Live From Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California.

NICE, CALIF. (March 21, 2017) – Unbeaten Cuban prospect Leduan Barthelemy (12-0, 6 KOs) will square-off against Reynaldo Blanco (14-3, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight contestthat headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes, Tuesday, March 28 from Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino in Nice, California.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting unbeaten Marcos Hernandez (9-0, 2 KOs) facing once-beaten Kyrone Davis (11-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight contest while undefeated prospect Malcolm McCallister (8-0, 8 KOs) competes in a six-round middleweight fight.

“I’m very grateful to be headlining on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Barthelemy. “My opponent is very durable and has never been stopped. I know he’s determined to win this fight, but so am I. I’m well prepared to go the distance if need be, but if I have him hurt, I’m going for the knockout. I’m going to dictate the pace with my game plan from the opening bell. Everyone should tune-in for a great night of fights!”

“I’m coming to get this win and ruin his record,” said Blanco. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity and I’m training hard in camp so that I’m ready for anything Barthelemy brings. I’ll leave it all in the ring and I believe I have what it takes to get the victory.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call the players club at (707) 262-4000.

The youngest brother of two-division world champion Rances and Olympic gold medalist Yan, Barthelemy picked up four victories in 2016 and started his 2017 campaign with a victory over Jesus Aguinaga. The 27-year-old fights out of Las Vegas by way of Cuba and will return to fight at the same venue where he defeated Ricardo Nunez last September and Pedro Melo last March.

Born in Nagua, Dominican Republic, Blanco lives and trains in Puerto Rico and most recently scored a second-round knockout of Gustavo Rodriguez in December 2016. The 29-year-old has fought professionally since 2012 and picked up a regional lightweight belt last January with a victory over previously unbeaten Angel Luis Ocasio and followed it up by winning the Dominican Republic lightweight title over previously undefeated Mario Beltre.

Unbeaten since turning pro in 2013, Hernandez has been triumphant in his last two appearances, both at the Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino. He defeated previously unbeaten Thomas Hill in an exciting brawl in July of last year and he followed that up with a dominant performance over once-beaten Antonio Urista in September. The 23-year-old fights out of Fresno, California and picked up three victories in 2015.

A two-time amateur National Champion fighting out of Wilmington, Delaware, Davis turned pro in 2014 after a stellar amateur career. Now 22-years-old, he earned wins in his first 10 starts before dropping a competitive contest to then unbeaten Junior Castillo in April. A two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion, Davis bounced back in his last outing with a dominant third-round stoppage of Carlos Gabriel Ozan in November.

Fighting out of Long Beach, California, McCallister turned pro in December 2014 and has knocked out every opponent he’s faced. The 26-year-old stayed busy in 2015 as he earned five victories before winning twice more in 2016. His last bout was also featured on FS1 and FOX Deportes as McCallister beat Gilberto Pereira dos Santos by seventh-round TKO at Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino.

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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, www.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Joins elite group Saturday night in pro debut “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 March 25 on CBS Sports Network live from Kansas Star Arena 

MULVANE, Kansas (March 20, 2017)– 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez will join an elite group this Saturday night as he makes his professional debut in the “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” main event, airing (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” is presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Kansas Star Casino, and sponsored by Miller Lite, Mel   Hambelton FORD and TITLE Boxing.
In his six-round bout against upset-minded Las Vegas (NV) flyweight Patrick Gutierrez (0-2), Wichita-native Hernandez will become only the fourth United States Olympic medalist in the last 40 years to make his pro debut at home in a nationally televised main event.
The other three members of this special quartet, all Olympic gold medalists and pro debut winners, include Hall of Famer “Sugar” Ray Leonard (Feb. 5, 1977, in Baltimore, MD, two-time world champion Mark Breland and world title challenger Paul “Super Fly” Gonzales.
“It’s a great feeling,” the 21-year-old Hernandez said from training camp.  “I am feeling some pressure but, once I’m in the ring, everything goes away.  There definitely is some pressure on me because I’m fighting where everybody knows me in my hometown.  So, I can’t lose. At the Olympics, all the Americans there gave me more energy to win.  I didn’t want to lose in front of my people.  Fighting at home will push me to do my best.
“I’m not really focused on fighting on national television. I’m going out there to put on a boxing clinic and, if the knockout comes, it comes.  If it happens, it happens, but not going in there looking for a knockout.  I’m used to fighting only three rounds (as an amateur) but, as the fight goes on, I’ve always gotten better. Six rounds do give me more time to work on my opponent and do more damage.”
 
Picture gallery below from Nico Hernandez’ 
open workout/meet-and-greet this past Saturday in Wichita
 
Undefeated prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (9-0, 3 KOs), a gifted southpaw from New Haven (CT), takes on Texas featherweight Eduardo Garza (6-1, 2 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.
Opening the televised segment of the card, in an eight-round match, is a potentially explosive junior middleweight throw-down between unbeaten Neeco “Rooster” Macias (14-0, 8 KOs), of Palm Desert, California, and Mexican veteran Cesar Soriano (26-34-1, 16 KOs).
Andover (KS) cruiserweight Jeff Page, Jr. (17-3, 11 KOs) meets Steve “The Spoiler” Walker (26-33, 18 KOs), from Hannibal (MO), in the six-round television swing bout.
Also fighting on the undercard, in separate four-round bouts, are Kansas St. junior middleweight champion Efrain Morales (4-0, 1 KO), from Garden City (KS), vs. Wichita’s Robert Alexander Sevam (2-5, 2 KOs), Garden City featherweight Eric Vargas (1-0, 1 KO) vs. New Mexico’s pro-debuting Kevin “Indio” Garcia, and Winfield (KS) cruiserweight Juan Hollingsworth will make his pro debut vs. Raymond Gray, of Columbia, Missouri.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Ticket prices are $115.00 (ringside, rows 1 & 2), $75.00 (floor seats, rows 3-5), $60.00 (floor seats, floor rows after 1-5), $35.00 (lower bowl) and $25.00 (upper bowl).  Suites seating up to 22 people are available to purchase for $2,500 (includes non-alcohol beverages and food).
Tickets are available to purchase at  www.kansasstarcasino.com/entertain/arena orwww.ticketmaster.com. All ages show.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. CT.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Kansas_Star, @Neonstarmedia
Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez & @Tramaine_Midget and ABT Films on Twitter @abtfilms
 

LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION MIKEY GARCIA TO BE GUEST ANALYST FOR JORGE LINARES-ANTHONY CROLLA LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE REMATCH SATURDAY, MARCH 25 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Winner of Linares-Crolla II Becomes Mandatory Challenger For Garcia’s WBC 135-Pound Crown

 

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Airs Live At 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME

 

Click on the Link Below to Watch a Mikey Garcia Feature Video Recapping his Last Fight

YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/2ml37GG

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (March 20, 2017) – WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia will join the SHOWTIME announce team as a guest analyst for the rematch between WBA Lightweight World Champion Jorge Linares and Anthony Crolla on Saturday, March 25 live on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

 

Three-division world champion Garcia, (36-0, 30 KOs), will join host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi in New York for the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® presentation of Crolla vs. Linares II, which will air live from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

 

“I’m excited to participate as guest analyst for this rematch,” said Garcia. “These are two of the most competitive boxers in my division. Jorge Linares won the first fight, but Crolla can create a different outcome.

 

“Linares has good hand speed, timing, reflexes and has power in both hands. Crolla has a good right hand and has shown some solid body work in his recent fights. While Crolla is getting better with each fight, Linares is likely still the better boxer, and should edge him out in a close fight.”

 

Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) dethroned Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) in a thrilling battle last fall in Manchester to capture the WBA crown. The Sept. 24 match was the first time the three-division titlist Linares, who also holds the WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine lightweight belts, was pushed the 12-round distance in his career.

 

The WBC has mandated that the winner of Linares-Crolla II must face the hard-hitting Garcia, who knocked out defending champion Dejan Zlaticanin on Jan. 28 on SHOWTIME in just his second fight back following a 30-month layoff.

 

Linares-Crolla II is the second lightweight world title bout on SHOWTIME in 2017 and an important fight toward potentially unifying the resurgent 135-pound division.

Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard’s  Ring comeback no April Fool’s Joke

“New England’s Future 2”, April 1 in Worcester
 

Matt Remillard (center) is prepared to make up for lost time
(photo by Emily Harney / Team Remillard)
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 20, 2017) – The long trip back begins April 1st for Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard, 12 years to the day from his professional debut, on the “New England’s Future 2” show at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Remillard (23-1, 13 KOs), fighting out of Manchester, Connecticut, hasn’t boxed for the six years, due to him serving a five-year prison sentence. He takes on Lawrence (MA) lightweight Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature.  If their tense, near volatile stare-down at a recent press conference is a true indication, Remillard vs. Mauras is not going the distance, to put things mildly.
New England’s Future 2″ 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.
“I am excited to have a boxer of Remillard’s caliber on our ‘New England’s Future 2’ boxing event,” promoter Jose Antonio Rivera remarked.  “He has a tough match against August time Mauras for his first fight back.  Knowing Remillard, though, he wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to thank Matt, Paul Cichon (head trainer) and their team for trusting Rivera Promotions Entertainment for Matt’s first boxing match back from his long layoff.”
Remillard is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) United States & Youth World, North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion.  His lone pro loss came in his last fight, March 23, 2011 in Atlantic City to then rising star Mikey Garcia (24-0), when Remillard retired after 11 rounds.  He won’t make excuses; however, he never should have taken the fight with Garcia, facing the impending court case that sent him to prison and working with a new head trainer he’d only met two weeks prior to the fight.
“I’m confident I can get back to where I was in about a year,” the 30-year-old Remillard said. “A dream come true would be a rematch with Garcia, at any weight, but I have to earn that shot.  Everybody wants a rematch with the guy who gave you the first loss.  It seldom happens but, if not, in time I believe there will be other big fights out there for me.
“I’m fighting an opponent who fought by buddy, Chip Perez, three times (0-2-1), so I’m familiar with his style.  He doesn’t back down. I don’t expect him to back down against me…until he feels my power.  I’m going to take out those five years that I was away on him. I’ve been through so much the last six year but I’m most comfortable in the gym.  The past is past and this is my last run.  Paul and I have a lot of unfinished business to take care of.”
Seventeen years ago, Chicon first met Remillard at the Manchester PAL gym, but he made the 13-year-old aspiring boxer earn his opportunity to be trained. Paul made Matt clean the bathrooms, take care of spit buckets, etc. before he started training him.
“When he returned to the gym a few months back, I saw that his work ethic hadn’t faded,” Cichon commented.  “I don’t believe he’s really that far away from where he was six years ago.  He was idle five years but his first day back he sparred 12 rounds.  He stayed in good physical shape and is hungrier than ever.  He thinks he has something to prove after his last fight, but he really doesn’t have anything to prove to me or anybody else.  He is fighting a tough kid but Matt’s going to be victorious.  I think in four or five more fights he’ll be back where he was in boxing.”
Pembroke (MA) cruiserweight Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (15-1-1, 14 KOs will headline against Brazilian KO specialist Gilberto Matheus “El Magico” Domingos (22-6, 20 KOs), the former South American light heavyweight champion, in the eight-round main event.
Dorchester (MA) heavyweight Donnie “Big Nasty” Palmer (8-1-1, 7 KOs) faces unbeaten Quian Davis (4-0-2, 2 KOs), of Mays Landing (NJ), in a four-round bout.
2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), fighting out of East Hartford (CT), meets Schenectady (NY) veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-23-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round match.
Fighting on the undercard in four round bouts are Worcester cruiserweight Bryan Daniels (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Mexican invader Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corall (19-23, 12 KOs),  Worcester featherweight Ranse Andino (1-0) vs. Mike Hellenfinger (0-2), of Harrisburg (PA), three-time USA Boxing Nationals champion Elvis Figueroa, of New Haven (CT) makes his pro debut vs. Brazilian super middleweight Devision Robiero (0-3), Worcester welterweight Andy Gonzalez (5-1, 5 KOs) vs. Brockton’s Antonio Chavez Fernandes (7-30-4, 2 KOs), 2014 N.E. Golden Gloves champion, Lawrence junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA), Worcester’s pro-debuting super middleweights Neal Sullivan vs. Nathan Schulte, Springfield (MA) junior middleweight Derrick Whitley vs. Anthony Everett (104), of Lawrence, pro-debuting Springfield featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs. Alex Montes (1-2), of Lawrence, and unbeaten Manchester (CT) junior welterweight “Marvelous” Mykqyan Williams (5-0, 3 K0s) vs. TBA..
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954),  AJ Rivera  (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Make A Change Inc.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, TKO Auto Repair, John Young Tree Service and Royal Cleanup.
 
INFORMATION: 
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_

Amir Mansour Wins Majority Decision Over Travis Kauffman in Heavyweight Slugfest Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce

Kermit Cintron And David Grayton Fight to Technical Majority Draw

Chordale Booker Earns Unanimous Decision Over Moshea Aleem
in Battle of Undefeated Super Welterweights

Click HERE for Photos from Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)

READING, PA (March 18, 2017) – In a 12-round heavyweight war that lived up to the hype, Amir Mansour (23-2-1, 16 KOs) was able to take a majority decision (114-114, 117-111, 115-113) over Travis Kauffman (31-2, 23 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce from Santander Arena in Reading, PA.

In round two, Kauffman buckled Mansour with a hard right on the inside. The two fighters started round four with bad intentions as they each landed hard shots on the inside. Kauffman switched back and forth between orthodox and southpaw stances in an attempt to befuddle the southpaw Mansour.

By the closing rounds, both fighters began to grind out a hard-fought battle on the inside. In rounds nine and 10, it was Mansour who had more pep in his step, landing several hard blows to close out round 10.

Round 12 was a classic heavyweight slugfest, as Kauffman and Mansour stood toe-to-toe landing leather on each other for the whole three-minute period, with Mansour doing just enough to get the win.

Televised coverage opened with Chordale Booker (6-0, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York getting a unanimous decision (59-55, 59-55, 58-56) over Moshea Aleem (4-1-1, 2 KOs) of Richmond, Virginia in a super welterweight bout.

The co-main event featured two-time welterweight world champion Kermit Cintron (39-5-3, 30 KOs) and David Grayton (15-1-1, 11 KOs) fighting to a technical majority draw after Cintron was deemed unable to continue due to a cut over his right eye.

In round five, Grayton floored Cintron with an overhand left. Later in the round, Grayton nailed Cintron with an unintentional headbutt to the right eye, which opened up the cut that led to the end of the bout. Action was stopped at 2:53 of round five.

Here is what the fighters had to say following their bouts:

TRAVIS KAUFFMAN

“I got robbed. It’s plain and simple. It was a good fight, but I thought I won by three rounds.

“He landed a couple of shots, but I clearly outworked him. I thought I landed more and did enough to get the win.”

AMIR MANSOUR

“They thought I was old and would tire down the stretch, but I am mentally strong.

“I give Travis (Kauffman) credit. He stood in there with me tonight. But as I waited for the scores, I knew I won the fight. These were honorable judges.

“I want (Deontay) Wilder next. I am 44-years-old. I want my shot. They should give me my shot and try to get me out of the way.”

KERMIT CINTRON

“I was winning the fight. Then he started to apply pressure and he caught me when I was off balance.

“He kept coming in with his head, and he finally caught me good with it. I was fine and wanted to continue, but the doctor decided to stop the fight.”

DAVID GRAYTON

“I won that fight. I think he could have continued.

“I was in control of the fight, but I was in his hometown, and you know how that goes.

CHORDALE BOOKER

“It was a good fight. I needed this fight to see where I am. And I wanted to fight another undefeated fighter. It was a step up on national television.

“I give myself a B- for my performance tonight. My movement was good, but I did not sit down on my power enough. It was a good learning experience though. I could not ask for a better platform to perform on.”

MOSHEA ALEEM

“I did not do enough. I waited too long to throw my punches and he outworked me.”

# # #

The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

Maximiliano Becerra takes on Ricardo Maldonado in main event on Saturday April 22nd at Renaissance Hotel in Palm Springs, California

Also seeing action will be undefeated fighters Eric Altamirano & Daniel Andujo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palm Springs, California (March 17, 2017) – Maximiliano Becerra will headline a big night of boxing when he takes on Ricardo Maldonado in the 8-round main event on Saturday, April 22nd at the Renaissance Hotel in Palm Springs, California.
The Palm Springs Boxing Gala, 2nd Edition is promoted by Liveco Boxing.
Becerra of Santa Ana, California has a record of 11-2-2 with 7 knockouts.
The 29 year-old is a 9-year professional, who was undefeated in his first eight bouts.  Becerra has won three straight, which includes his last outing when he won a 6-round unanimous decision over Hugo Padilla on February 11th in at The Renaissance Hotel.
I’ve proven my resilience,” Becerra said. “Now I plan to take command and end my opponent early.”
Maldonado of Arlington, Washington has a record of 7-6-1 with 1 knockout.
Maldonado is a 4-year professional, who has faced top competition.  Maldonado is no stranger to tough competition, as his 14 opponents have a combined record of 65-13-1, which includes 5 undefeated foes.
One of those unblemished opponents, Jamie Ocegueda was stopped in 6 rounds by Maldonado in his last bout, which took place on January 21st in Montebello, California.  That fight avenged a controversial split decision defeat by Maldonado.
In the 6-round co-feature, undefeated lightweight Eric Altamirano will take part in a bout scheduled for 6-rounds.
Altamirano, who hails from the Bay Area, has a record of 9-0 with 6 knockouts.  The 23 year-old Altamirano is a 3 year-professional and will be making his 2nd start of 2017.

Altamirano’s opponent will be named shortly.

Crowd pleasing super flyweight Daniel Andujo will be in action in a bout scheduled for four-rounds.
Andujo of San Diego, California has faced two consecutive undefeated opponents.  He fought a toe-to-toe battle with Saul Sanchez, only to come up just on the short end of a 6-round decision.  In his last bout, Andujo won a 4-round unanimous decision over Elwin Soto (2-0) on February 11th at the Renaissance Hotel.  Andujo’s opponent will be announced shortly.
A full card of exciting action will be announced soon.
Ron Sanderson, CEO of Liveco Boxing, which is promoting the fight, says he is looking forward to another stellar display of guts and talent. “We were thrilled with the tenacity and the skill our boxers showed us last month,” he says. “This next card at The Renaissance looks to be even more exciting than the first.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, which are priced at $70 & $60 for the April 22nd night of boxing in Palm Springs, visit www.livecoboxing.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/livecoboxing; and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @livecoboxing.
About Liveco Boxing:
Liveco Boxing is a boxing promoter and event producer founded by Ron Sanderson in 2016 who was looking to bring back a high standard of ethics to the industry. Liveco’s “Fighter First” philosophy makes them the company of choice for professional fighters looking for a hands-on, personal approach to promotion. For more information, visit, www.livecoboxing.com.