Category Archives: boxing

2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Shines in professional debut win at home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams decisions Eduardo “Thunder” Garza to improve to 10-0
 
Neeco “Rooster” Macias crows after 
Dominant victory over Cesar Soriano
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins”
OFFICIAL RESULTS 
Nico Hernandez (R) is a future star
 
(all pictures by Charles Yellowfeather / KO Night Boxing)
MULVANE, Kansas (March 25, 2017) — A future star was born last night as 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez turned in a stellar performance in his professional debut, stopping Pat “Slacks” Gutierrez in the fourth round of the “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” main event, which aired live on CBS Sports Network from Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” was presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Kansas Star Casino, and sponsored by Miller Lite, Mel   Hambelton FORD and TITLE Boxing.
The large, hometown crowd of more than 3,100 had Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) pumped to start the fight, in which he quickly established himself as the clear aggressor.  The 21-year-old settled down in the second, showing his full arsenal of punches, as he banged Gutierrez’ body and also landed effectively upstairs.
Hernandez cut off the ring in the third, often trapping Gutierrez (0-3) on the ropes, where he unloaded punishing punches that started to take its toll on the gutsy Las Vegas fighter. Hernandez’ dominance continued in the fourth, even as he surprisingly switched from orthodox to southpaw stance, hurting Gutierrez until his corner asked the referee to halt the action.
Nico Hernandez (R) pounded Pat Gutierrez
“It doesn’t get better than this,” a beaming Hernandez said after the fight. “It means so much for me to bring boxing to Wichita, to all of Kansas, for these awesome fans.  I started switching up a little because it was worked.  I’d like to get back fighting again in two months.
“I wasn’t to thank KO Night Boxing.  This was the way I pictured it.  As I was waiting in the tunnel, I could hear the crowd chanting my name.  This was a great night of boxing.  I want to bring more shows here.
“Fighting here tonight was much different than fighting in the Olympics (in Brazil).  Tonight they were cheering me, they booed me at the Olympics no matter who I fought because I was an American.”
In the co-feature, gifted New Haven (CT) southpaw Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams improved his undefeated record to 10-0 (3 KOs), displaying special ring skills on his way to an impressive eight-round unanimous decision over tough Eduardo “Thunder” Garza (6-2, 2 KOs).
A classic boxer, Williams also showed some pop tonight, dropping Garza twice, once in the first round and again in the third. Williams, who made his promotional debut for Roc Nation Sports, rolled to victory by scores of 79-71 twice and 78-72.
Tramaine Williams (R) outclassed Eduardo Garza
“I performance okay,” Williams commented.  “The last two rounds I was a little winded but I hadn’t been in the ring for two years.  We knew he dropped his chin when he jabbed; I followed the game plan and it worked.  He fought his butt off, he didn’t come to lose.  Now, I want to fight the best. Let’s go!”
Relentless junior middleweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (15-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Tehachapi, California, enhanced his reputation as a rising contender on the regional scene, assaulting his game Mexican foe, Cesar Soriano (26-35-1, 16 KOs), from the opening bell until the very end for a hard-fought win by eight-round unanimous decision.
A southpaw known for his non-stop motor, Macias connected with punches thrown from every conceivable angle, leaving Soriano no room to move or time to catch his wind, to win by scores of 80-71, 79-72, 78-73).
Neeco Macias had too much for Cesar Soriano
“I feel like I could have done better,” Macias admitted.  “My opponent came to fight eight rounds and we respect for each other.  I’m still learning.  Everybody has a game plan until they get hit.  I didn’t move like I should have.  I thank my opponent for giving me a fight I can learn from.

“I was surprised he took so many punches, but he’s a veteran and I didn’t underestimate him.  I trained hard and needed every bit of it.  I’m getting better and I’m coming back strong to make boxing more exciting.”

Fighting for the first time since last August, Kansas favorite Jeff Page, Jr. (18-3, 12 KOs) dropped Missouri veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker (26-34-1, 16 KOs) three times for a first-round technical knockout victory in a fight contested at a 186-pounds catchweight.
In a non-title fight, Kansas State junior middleweight champion Efrain Morales (5-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated, stopping fellow Kansan Robert Alexander Seyan (2-6, 2 KOs) in the opening round.
Kansas featherweight Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) pitched a shutout, winning all four rounds against pro-debuting Kevin “Indio” Garcia.
Kansas cruiserweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0) won his pro debut by way of a four-round unanimous decision over Raymond Gray (1-2),
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.
Complete results & post-fight presser conference quotes below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(Winners listed first each fight)
MAIN EVENT – JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS
Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), Wichita, KS
WTKO4 (2:32)
Pat Gutierrez (0-3), Las Vegas, NV
CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Tramaine Williams (19-0, 3 KOs), New Haven, CT
WDEC8 (79-71, 79-71, 78-72)
Eduardo Garza (6-2, 2 KOs), Pal View, TX
CRUISERWEIGHTS
Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO), Winfield, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Raymond Gray (1-2, 0 KO), Columbia, MO
CATCHWEIGHT (186 lbs.)
Jeff Page, Jr. (18-3, 12 KOs), Andover, KS
WTKO1 (2:36)
Steve Walker (26-34, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neeco Macias (15-0, 8 KOs), Tehachapi, CA
WDEC8 (80-71, 79-72, 78-73)
Cesar Soriano (26-35-1, 16 KOs), Mexico City, Mexico
Efrain Morales (5-0, 2 KOs), Garden City. KS
WTKO1 (1:46)
Robert Alexander Seyam (2-6, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Kevin Garcia (0-1), Rio Rancho, NM
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Kansas_Star, @Neonstarmedia, @KONightBoxing
Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez & @Tramaine_Midget and ABT Films on Twitter @abtfilms

Fight Network Presents LFA 7: Sanchez vs. Mai & GLORY 39 BrusselsDoubleheader Live this Weekend

For Immediate Release – March 24, 2017

 

TORONTO – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents an action-packed weekend of live combat sports action, beginning tonight, Friday, March 24 at 9 p.m. ET, with LFA 7: Sanchez vs. Mai emanating from the Arena Theatre in Houston, Texas.

Airing live on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, LFA 7: Sanchez vs. Mai will feature a flyweight showdown between undefeated Roberto Sanchez (5-0) and Klayton Mai (8-2) and a bantamweight co-main event pitting once-beaten Adrian Yanez (5-1) against Domingo Pilarte (6-1).

GLORY, the world’s premier kickboxing league, starts its Spring season with a live doubleheader on Fight Network this Saturday, March 25 from Forest National in Brussels, Belgium.

Up first at 1 p.m. ET, GLORY 39 SuperFight Series features a clash for the GLORY lightweight world championship, as reigning GLORY champion Sitthichai (113-30-5, 30 KO) defends his belt against No. 1 ranked challenger Dylan Salvador (49-11-1, 21 KO).

The complete six-fight card for GLORY 39 SuperFight Series can be found below:

  • Lightweight World Title Headline Bout: Sitthichai vs. Dylan Salvador
  • Lightweight Co-Headline Bout: Marat Grigorian vs. Anton Petrov
  • Heavyweight Bout: Hesdy Gerges vs. Chi Lewis-Parry
  • Catchweight (150 lb / 68 kg) Bout: Qinghao Meng vs. Killian Moulun
  • Welterweight Bout: Harut Grigorian vs. Pavol Garaj
  • Lightweight Bout: Tyjani Beztati vs. Sabri Ben Henia

The GLORY 39 Brussels main card airs live this Saturday, March 25 at 4 p.m. ET, headlined by newly crowned GLORY welterweight champion Cédric “The Best” Doumbé (65-4-1, 39 KO) of France defending his belt for the first time against Swiss striker and No. 2 ranked welterweight Yoann Kongolo (64-8, 46 KO).

The complete five-fight card for GLORY 39 Brussels can be found below:

  • Welterweight World Title Headline Bout: Cédric Doumbé vs. Yoann Kongolo
  • Featherweight Tournament Final Bout: Winner of Bout A vs. Winner of Bout B
  • Heavyweight Co-Headline Bout: Jamal Ben Saddik vs. Guto Inocente
  • Featherweight Tournament Semifinal Bout B: Serhiy Adamchuk vs. Nafi Bilalovski
  • Featherweight Tournament Semifinal Bout A: Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao vs. Aleksei Ulianov

The GLORY doubleheader will be televised live exclusively on Fight Network in Canada and Turkey.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

JORGE LINARES DEFENDS WBA LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® FROM MANCHESTER ENGLAND

Win Sets Up A Possible Unification Fight With WBC World Champion Mikey Garcia; Encore Presentation of Tonight’s Fight Airs at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Photos Courtesy: Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Sport

https://cbs.box.com/s/2fx8r5fs49rxny6vx26aiva5jj7qoxzu

NEW YORK (March 25, 2017) – Jorge Linares defended his WBA Lightweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Anthony Crolla Saturday evening on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL from Manchester, England.  The win sets Linares up for a possible unification fight with WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia, a matchup that would be considered one of the best that can be made in any weight class.

Saturday’s main event from Manchester Arena aired live on SHOWTIME.  Live fight coverage was provided by Sky Sports with Adam Smith calling play-by-play and world champion Carl Froch serving as ringside analyst.  Garcia joined SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paul Malignaggi to provide commentary from a New York studio.

Linares and Crolla previously fought a fierce, closely contested battle last September, one that Linares won by just a few rounds.  On Saturday, Linares retained the belt by a wide margin—118-109 on all three scorecards—virtually outclassing Crolla from the outset.

“He seems to be getting better with age,” said Froch, sharing a growing sentiment among boxing pundits.

Linares (42-3, 27 KO’s) cruised through much of the fight with an impressive display of boxing skill and power.  A precisely timed uppercut floored Crolla in the seventh.  Moments later Linares nearly finished him with a flurry against the ropes.  Crolla, however, would not go quietly.  The Manchester native, perhaps spurned by his home crowd, bravely grew more aggressive in the second half of the fight.  But Linares was simply too sharp, too fast and too comfortable for Crolla to overcome.

Mikey Garcia is coming off a brilliant knockout of world champion Dejan Zlaticanin in January and is hungry for a unification bout.

“First off, I congratulate Jorge Linares for a great win,” said Garcia.  “His skill, flexibility, combinations and power were definitely impressive.  I hope we can make a fight as soon as possible.  He didn’t look cut or hurt so maybe we can fight this summer.”

Undefeated Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo Defends Against Top Contender Charles Hatley Saturday, April 22 On  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions,  From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 
Welterweight World Title Eliminator Between
Andre Berto & Shawn Porter Headlines Action-Packed Night
BROOKLYN (March 24, 2017) – Unbeaten WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo will defend his world title against No. 1-rated challenger Charles Hatley Saturday, April 22 live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter meeting in a 12-round welterweight world title eliminator.
Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) will face his mandatory challenger Hatley (26-1-1, 18 KOs) after winning the vacant world title with a sensational eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in May of 2016.
“I’m once again ready to get in the ring and continue to build my legacy,” said Charlo. “I’ve been training hard, I’m focused and I’m even hungrier now that I have my belt. Charles Hatley has never been in the ring with someone like me and I’m going to do what’s necessary to get that win. My brother had an outstanding performance against Julian Williams and I want to compete with that. It’s motivated me and I’m ready to get out there and show off my power and skills.”
“I’ve been training for a long time for this fight and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Hatley. “I never stopped training since my last fight and I’m going to be ready to win that world title on April 22. Jermell is a good fighter, but he’s got a big mouth. I know we’re both training hard and going for the win, but I’m going to come out victorious.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.comwww.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Charlo vs. Hatley fight is co-promoted by TGB Promotions and Don King Promotions.
“The 154-pound division is very hot right now, and Jermell Charlo is one of the best and most exciting fighters in the weight class,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Charlo making the first defense of his WBC world title against a worthy challenger like Charles Hatley is a terrific addition to this card on April 22, at Barclays Center, televised by SHOWTIME. It’s also fun to have Hatley’s promoter Don King around. Only in America!”
“Jermell Charlo has demonstrated that he is a force in the 154-pound division and his confidence has only grown with winning the championship,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This match against Hatley will further cement his place in the division. It’s the kind of challenge that will allow Jermell to display all of his power and boxing ability.”
“The silver champion will become the world champion on April 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said Don King of Don King Promotions. “We’re looking at a great fight. I know that Charlo will do the best he can. But he’s got two chances against Hatley –  slim and none and slim is out of town.”
One minute younger than his brother Jermall, Jermellwon his belt last year and made the Charlo brothers the first pair of twins to hold world title simultaneously in the same weight class.The 26-year-old from Houston trains in Dallas and is unbeaten since turning pro in December 2007. Charlo took on a steady slew of contenders on his way to a world title, including victories over Vanes Martirosyan, Gabriel Rosado and Joachim Alcine.
The first-time title challenger Hatley enters this fight on a nine-bout win streak after traveling to Australia to beat former two-time world champion Anthony Mundine by 11th round stoppage in 2015. The Dallas-native turned pro in 2008 after an impressive amateur career that saw him defeat Keith Thurman on his way to a U.S. National Amateur Championship. The 31-year-old won his first 14 fights and went his first 18 bouts without a defeat.
Charlo vs. Hatley becomes the eighth title fight or world title eliminator in the 154-pound weight class in the last 14 months on SHOWTIME or CBS, a roster featuring eight of the top-10 fighters in one of the deepest divisions in boxing.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AndreBerto, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith Headlines on Saturday, April 22nd at The Claridge in Atlantic City

         

 

Jerry Odom takes on Gabriel Pham

Stacked card features Anthony “Juice” Young

Also undefeated Leroy Davila, Elijah Vines, Tyrell Wright, John Bauza, Donald Smith & Dylan Price

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlantic City, NJ (March 24, 2017)- Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith will headline a big night of action on Saturday, April 22nd at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions and D and D Promotions.

The card will also feature many up and coming stars from the Philadelphia/New Jersey region.

Smith of Philadelphia has a record of 10-0 with 4 knockouts.

Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Featherweight Champion and a 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, turned pro in April 2010-at 130 pounds. Smith went 72-4 in the amateurs. Two of the victories came against current world-ranked contender Amir Imam.

He turned professional in 2010, and his wins over two undefeated fighters Alex Montes (1-0) and Lavelle Hadley (2-0). Smith also has a win over Bemjamin Whitaker (10-1) in a bout that was nationally televised on Showtime’s ShoBox series. In his last bout, Smith defeated Marquis Hawthorne on January 20th in Atlantic City.

The will be Smith’s 6 fight Atlantic City.

In the exciting eight-round co-feature, Gabriel Pham will battle Jerry Odom in a super middleweight bout.

Pham of Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 8-1 with four knockouts.

The 28 year-old Pham turned professional in 2009, and won his first six bouts, which included a win over undefeated Michael Glenn (2-0). Since his only professional blemish, Pham has knocked out his last two opponents, with the latest being a 4th round stoppage over Chauncey Fields (4-10) on March 11th at The Claridge in Atlantic City.

This will be Pham’s 7th fight in Atlantic City, with this being his 3rd consecutive at The Claridge.

Odom of Bowie, Maryland has a record of 14-3-1 with 13 knockouts.

The 24 year-old is a 5 year professional. Odom won his first 11 bouts, which included a thrilling stoppage over previously undefeated Victor Quinonez (8-0) in six-rounds in a bout that was nationally televised on Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation.

Odom then was disqualified in his bout against Andrew Hernandez, when Odom hit Hernandez while he was down. The loss was extremely controversial, and Odom avenged that setback in dramatic fashion as he stopped Hernandez inside of a round in their rematch. Odom, who has appeared on ShoBox five times, stopped Julius Jackson (19-1) on July 22, 2016. In his last bout, Odom was stopped in five rounds by Philadelphia based upset specialist Taneal Goyco on November 11, 2016 in Philadelphia.

Appearing in six-round bouts will be:

Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KO’s) of New Brunswick, New Jersey taking on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight bout.

Ian Green (12-1, 9 KO’s) of Paterson, New Jersey taking on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

Anthony “Juice” Young (15-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City will take on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Tyrell Wright (9-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Jersey City, New Jersey battling Dan Pasciolla (9-2-1) of Brick, New Jersey in heavyweight bout.

John Bauza (5-0, 2 KO’s) of North Bergen, New Jersey will fight Tyrome Jones (4-0, 1 KO) of Chicago, Illinois in a super middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Super Middleweight Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, super featherweight Donald Smith (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, super flyweight Dylan Price (1-0, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, New Jersey as well as Manuel Rodriguez of Newark, New Jersey making his pro debut against will see action against opponents to be named.

Tickets range from $50 – $150 and can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577

WBC SANCTIONS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT ELIMINATOR BETWEEN UNDEFEATED DAVID BENAVIDEZ AND ROGELIO MEDINA FOR #2 MANDATORY TO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP


Now that sanction has officially been granted, the next fight for red-hot undefeated super middleweight David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will be an eliminator for the #2 mandatory challenger spot in the WBC’s world rankings against highly regarded contender Rogelio “Porky” Medina, of Sonora, Mexico.

WBC #1-rated Callum Smith and WBC #2-rated Anthony Dirrell will fight for the vacant 168 WBC Championship (tentatively scheduled for May), the winner of that fight must then face undefeated WBC #3 contender, Avni Yildirim, from Turkey. The champion at the end of those two fights will be mandated to face the winner of the Benavidez vs. Medina eliminator.

For Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), who served as chief sparring partner for middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin’s recent preparations to face Danny Jacobs, news of the fight with Medina is a welcome development.

“This is the biggest opportunity of my life and I’m not going to let it go to waste,” said Benavidez. “I’m going to destroy this guy like I do everybody else. I have never trained this hard for a fight and I feel that, come fight time, I’ll be extremely strong and do it up.”

Considered a boxing prodigy by many, the 20-year-old Benavidez, who turned professional at age 16, is the brother of former interim WBA World Super Lightweight Jose Benavidez, and has been trained since age two by his father Jose Benavidez Sr.

Father/trainer Jose says everyone on Team Benavidez is aware of what’s at stake against the formidable Medina, who lost a controversial decision to IBF World Champion James DeGale’s last year, in a fight that many felt Medina won.

“We are excited and working really hard,” he said. “This is the toughest fight of his career, so we’re taking it super serious. This is a big opportunity for us to shine and look good and go to the next level. We were training with Golovkin here in Big Bear (California) and we’ve decided to stay here and keep training until the fight.”

“I know he’s a tough fighter and he’s been in a lot of wars, and he has a lot of experience, but I’m very motivated for this fight,” continued David. “We have a month and a half in training with Golovkin in camp already. Camp with him is hard work and training here in Big Bear gets you to the next level. The hard work I’m doing here will definitely get me this win.”

Promoter Lewkowicz says any remaining questions about young Benavidez will be answered in this fight.

“This is the final test for David Benavidez,” said Lewkowicz. “If he does to this guy what he did to so man other fighters, it will be time for the world to acknowledge that David is going to be a star in boxing. This test will show everyone that he is truly everything we’ve been saying he is since he was a teenager. I am proud of the hard work he is doing and look forward to this great victory.”

Date and site for the fight are being negotiated. More details to follow.

FNU Combat Sports Show: UFC Recaps, Golovkin vs. Jacobs Results, Bellator 175 Preview

Tom, Tony and Rich discuss the world of combat sports. Conor MacGregor will fight Floyd Mayweather, Jr. if you believe Dana White. We also chat about UFC Fight Night events featuring Jimi Manuwa and Kelvin Gastelum notching huge career wins. We look back at Golovkin vs. Jacobs and the unlikelihood of Canelo taking the fight with Golovkin now. We also preview King Mo Lawal vs. Rampage Jackson next Friday.

Listen to the broadcast below:

 

 

 

Marcos Hernandez Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Undefeated Prospect Meets Once-Beaten Kyrone Davis in Showdown Featured on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYSon FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, March 28 From Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California
 
Click HERE for Photos from Peter Lopes/Team Hernandez
 
NICE, CALIF. (March 23, 2017) – Unbeaten prospect Marcos Hernandez will look to keep his perfect record intact when he battles once-beaten Kyrone Davis in action featured on 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 is headlined by undefeated prospectLeduan Barthelemy battling the Dominican Republic’s Reynaldo Blanco in a 10-round super featherweight contest.
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.
Here is what Hernandez had to say about his training camp, his showdown with Davis and more:
On his current training camp:
“Like always, training camp has been tough. My team and I put in a lot of hard work. I have some great sparring in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, with some top-level guys.  I know all the hard work will pay off on fight night.  There are a couple of more days left before we wrap camp up.  All in all, it’s been a great camp.”
On facing Kyrone Davis:
“Kyrone Davis is a very good fighter with a lot of skill.  He’s never been knocked out so I know he has a good chin.  This is a fight where the winner will get another opportunity to take his career to another level.  We have a nice game plan that we will impose on Davis.  I must take control from the first round and make my adjustments from there.”
On making his third appearance on FS1:
“I’m very happy to be back fighting on FS1. This will be my third consecutive time fighting onTOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS and I can’t wait.  I know a lot of my fans back home in Fresno will be tuning in.  I just want to bring another exciting fight to the fans.”
On fighting at the Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino:
“I like fighting up at the Robinson Rancheria Casino.  Being that this will be my third fight up there, I’ve developed a bit of a fan base with the local fans.  The venue is nice and the fans are up close so it can get loud in there.  I enjoy putting on a great show for everyone in attendance.”
On making his 2017 debut:
“I’ve eagerly been waiting to get back in the ring since I last fought in September.  I want to make a statement being that this is my first fight in 2017.  I know if I keep winning I’ll be back in the ring with the stakes much higher.”
#          #          #
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 and www.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 andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

JORGE LINARES vs. ANTHONY CROLLA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE 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

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom

 

 

Jorge Linares and Anthony Crolla held a final press conference on Thursday in Manchester, England, for their rematch this Saturday for the WBA Lightweight World Championship, 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 a close, back-and-forth battle last September in Manchester to capture the WBA crown.  The Sept. 24 match was the first time the three-division titlist Linares was pushed the 12-round distance in his nine career world title fights.

 

Crolla has had success in immediate rematches.  In 2015, he challenged Darley Perez for the WBA Lightweight Title and fought to a draw.  Four months later, he knocked out Perez in five rounds to win the 135-pound title.

 

WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia will join the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL announce team as a guest analyst alongside host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi.

 

Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs), who won the WBC belt in emphatic fashion this January on SHOWTIME, may be scouting his future opponent – the WBC has mandated that the winner of Linares-Crolla II must face Garcia.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference:

 

JORGE LINARES:

“I know once again I have everyone against me in his backyard, but that’s why I trained hard.

 

“I’m not coming in here feeling like the champion.  I’m coming in here feeling like the challenger because I know I have to win very clear to go back home with a win.

 

“It’s going to be a different Crolla this time.  I have to perform like I know I can to defend my belts.

 

“I had a great camp.  I’m anxious.  I can’t wait to show you on Saturday night, put it all together and return home with my belts.”

 

ANTHONY CROLLA:

 

“I’ve always been better going in as the underdog.  I know on Saturday night I’m going to need to be the very best Anthony Crolla to beat Jorge Linares.  I really believe that if I show the improvements that I’ve made in the gym then I’ll get my belt back.

 

“I hope he comes in looking for the knockout.  If Jorge comes looking for the knockout he breaks away from what he’s best at.  And, if he does so, I believe it falls right into my hands.

 

“I’ve got to be cutting off the ring quicker this time.  I’ve got to respond in bunches a little bit more.  There are so many obstacles that are going to be put in front of me from Jorge Linares, but I believe I will have an answer for every one of them.

 

“It was one of the fights of the year last time.  I can certainly see us both being even better this time.

 

“There’s a lot of people out there who think there is no way I can beat Jorge Linares, but I believe on Saturday night I’ll prove an awful lot of people wrong.”

 

WARRIORS BOXING SIGNS CHICAGO BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECT SHAWN SIMPSON TO PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENT

SIMPSON WILL MAKE PROMOTIONAL DEBUT APRIL 28 VS. JOSE ELIZDO AT WINDY CITY FIGHT IN CHICAGO
Warriors Boxing proudly announces the signing of Chicago-based bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson to a promotional agreement.
23-year-old Simpson (4-0, 2 KOs) will make his promotional debut under the Warriors banner at their next Windy City Fight Night, scheduled for Friday, April 28, 2017, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Simpson will face Mexico’s Jose Elizondo (2-2) in a six-round match-up.
Before turning professional in 2015, Simpson was a heavily decorated amateur boxer. Looking to try different after-school sports, he walked into a gym at age nine.
“By age 13, I started getting good and by 15, I was winning national tournaments,” recounted Simpson. “I was a 2012 Olympic alternate. I won the National Golden Gloves, National PAL three times and I was 2009 National Junior Olympic Champion. I fought the top of the top guys like (former WBA World Champion) Rau’shee Warren and gave them all they could handle. I finished with a record of about 177-20.”
Now an undefeated professional, Simpson trains with former world champion Montell Griffin at Body Shot Boxing Club.
“He (Griffin) knows everything,” continued Simpson. “He’s been through everything I want to get to. So, to learn from him helps me out tremendously and we get along very well. He’s going to help me become a world champion in multiple weight classes.
Simpson says the decision to sign with Warriors was an easy one for he and manager/father Tony Simpson.
“I think they were the best option for me. They have a lot of shows and have some great fighters. They even have a world champion in my weight class. This is a big opportunity for me. They do a lot in Chicago too. Leon and Dominic and their company are great people. I’m very comfortable with them and I get good vibes.”
While he professes to not knowing much about upcoming opponent Elizondo, Simpson lists his ability to adjust to any style, in-ring, as one of his best fighting assets, along with his hand speed and counter-punching.
“I can’t wait. I fought for them January 21 and I put on a great show. This one will be even better because I will have six rounds to work with. That will give me more time to show what I have in my arsenal.”
Warriors Boxing President Leon Margules says he’s excited for the future of young Simpson.
“Shawn can really fight. We watched about a minute of his fight at our show in January and you can just see he’s special,” said Margules. “And he’s very personable as well as gifted. He’s everything you want in a young fighter, to help them reach the top of their potential in the sport. I believe Warriors has signed a future world champion in Shawn, and I foresee big things happening for him.”
Simpson says it won’t take long for him to join his former compatriots at the top of the bantamweight division.
“A year from now, with my skill level, I should be ready for a big fight. I don’t think I’ll need the development time other fighters need. I fought all the top guys in the amateurs. I had a fight in the World Series of Boxing with a fighter as tough as anybody fighting for a world title right now. 2008 Bantamweight Olympic Bronze Medalist, Veaceslav Gojan from Moldova. He was 30 years old and we fought twice, and each won one. If he was a pro he’d be in the top of the division. If I can beat him, I can beat any of them.”
Other Chicago-based fighters appearing that night will be undefeated super lightweight Ramiro “El Lobito” Carrillo (11-0, 7 KOs) in the eight-round main event, as well as separate six-rounders featuring undefeated super featherweight Josh Hernandez (5-0, 4 KOs); power-punching lightweight Jessica “CasKILLA” McCaskill (3-1, 2 KOs) and lightweight Jose Felix Quezada (11-1, 6 KOs).
Tickets for Windy City Fight Night are on sale now and priced at $101, $76, $51 and $36 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com; by calling 1-800-745-3000, or the Warriors Offices: 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740 or by visiting the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Or they can be purchased the night of the event. A special VIP Lounge experience is available to select sponsors. Please call 312.622.7668 for more information.