Category Archives: boxing

Scott Burrell & Dean Burrell in action this Friday night in Huntington, New York

   
Scott Burrell takes on Anthony Karperis in main event while Dean Burrell takes on John Hernandez
Huntington, Long Island (March 22, 2017) –This Friday night at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York, The Burrell Twins, Scott and Dean will be back in action in highly anticipated bouts against tough competition.
Scott (12-2, 8 KO’s) will take on Anthony Karperis (13-2, 4 KO’s) in the ten-round main event, while Dean (11-1, 8 KO’s) battles John Hernandez (8-1, 1 KO) in a six-round bout on the Joe DeGuardia Star Boxing card.
Scott will be making his first start since winning a unanimous decision over Joseph Perez (12-3-2) on July 23, 2016 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Scott will be looking for his 6th consecutive win.
“I’ve had the best training camp and preparation for this fight than any other,” said Scott Burrell.   “We’ve left no stone unturned in and out of the gym. I’m ready to go out there March 24th and put on a show!”

“This camp has been all about pushing my limits and challenging myself to work outside of my comfort zone. My coaches have pushed me, my brother has challenged me. All that’s left now is the final test March 24th, which I will pass!”

“I’m looking forward to this fight, I’m looking forward to the challenge. My opponent has a good record and I’m fighting him in his hometown in front of his fans, I’ll have some people there too but this is where he built his career. I know have to go out there and dominant and show NY who Scott Burrell is! I feel I am the better all around fighter and I plan to show that March 24th in style!”

Like his 28 year-old twin brother, Dean has also been in a roll and will to be victorious for the 11th consecutive time, and has not lost since 2011.

Dean believes a win over Hernandez will be that breakthrough win that will carry him into the bigger fights.
“I’m feeling great, we’ve had a great 8 week camp, the hard work is done now it’s time to fight!” said Dean Burrell

“You reap what you sow, we have sowed the right seeds getting ready for March 24th, so I’m looking forward to reaping the benefits.”

“I always try to make sure that I have fun in preparation for fights, which we did. I’m looking forward to a tough fight against a tough opponent.”

Said the Burrell Twins manager TJ Marsé, “This is a huge night for the boys. They have worked so hard to get here and with this night of fights they both get a chance to shine together in front of friends and family. Our head coach Don Saxby has put in incredible work and for that we are extremely grateful. From training, to coaching, to management- this night is a culmination of a lot of hard work.”
This evening is also special for The Marsé Group family, as female as  singer/songwriter/producer E L E N I  will be present for a special performance!

The Burrell Twins are sponsored by Reebok.

Frank Galarza inks with AC Sports Management

 
Jr.Middleweight contender Frank Galarza, 17-2-2(11kos) has hired Adrian Clark of AC Sports Management, LLC to guide his career moving forward. Galarza is coming off of consecutive losses against current Jr. Middleweight champ, Jarrett Hurd and former Jr.Middleweight champ, Ishe Smith.

The 31 year old from Brooklyn, New York is hoping to get back on track and finish his career strong.

“I know that I have a lot of fight left in me. The past 2 years were tough but that’s the business for you. I am glad to have the right team behind me, now. Big things ahead,” said Galarza.

Galarza climbed to contender status with a limited amateur background. His 2014 knockout of then undefeated John Thompson gave attention to the hard punching Brooklynite who has 11 knockouts in 17 of his wins.

Adrian Clark of AC Sports will come in as Galarza’s primary representative but he will be joined by Frank’s former manager, AJ Galante as a special advisor.

“It wouldn’t be right if AJ was not involved. I reached out to AJ and told him that I wanted to work for Frank but he (Galante) had to be on board. I am excited to work with Notorious FG and AJ. This will be a great team effort”. Clark stated.

Clark did not specify a date of Galarza’s return but mentioned that he has been in contact with a few promoters interested in signing Galarza.

Ringstar Sports Rising Stars Make Their Professional Debuts Sunday, April 9 From The Novo at L.A. Live in Downtown  Los Angeles

 
2016 Mexican Olympian & Bronze Medalist Misael Rodriguez
 Amateur Star Money Powell IV, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian
Eimantas Stanionis & 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado
Enter The Ring in Undercard Action
LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2017) – A host of newly-signed Ringstar Sports talent will take the stage and make their professional debuts in separate bouts that make up a stacked undercard on Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.
The decorated amateurs who will turn pro in separate four-round bouts are 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez, who enters the ring in a middleweight clash, top-rated U.S. amateur Money Powell IV, whowill compete in a super welterweight bout, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis, whofights in a welterweight attraction and 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado, whowill battle in lightweight action.
“This is going to be a tremendous night from top to bottom as the top talent from Ringstar Sports will begin their quests for superstardom,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of RIngstar Sports. “From 2016 Olympians like Misael Rodriguez, Lindolfo Delgado and Eimantas Stanionis to an accomplished amateur like Money Powell IV, fans at The Novo will be treated to outstanding bouts featuring top talent from start to finish.”
Additional action will see former world title challenger and Los Angeles-native Maricela Cornejo (6-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight bout. The 29-year-old lost a narrow split decision in a middleweight world title fight against Kali Reis last April in New Zealand. Cornejo picked up two wins in the last three months of 2016 and will return seeking another world title opportunity on April 9.
Rounding out the night of fights will be former world title challenger Roberto Marroquin(25-4-1, 18 KOs) in a super featherweight bout, plus exciting prospect Alejandro Guerrero(2-0, 1 KO) in a six-round bout.
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.
The April 9 event is headlined by former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez battling Mexico’s Saul Corral in a 10-round showdown. Premier Boxing Championson FS1 and FOX Deportes coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight Alejandro “El Charro” Luna battling Andrey Klimov and the pro debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in a six-round super featherweight fight.
At last year’s Rio games, the 22-year-old Rodriguez overcame incredible odds to win the first Olympic boxing medal for Mexico since Christian Bejerano in 2000. The Chihuahua native and his teammates had to resort to begging on public buses and streets in Mexico to raise money to compete in international boxing tournaments. He completed his road to the medal stand by defeating Egypt’s Hosam Bakr Abdin to clinch a medal in the middleweight division.
Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military, Powell IVdedicated himself to boxing for good when his family moved back to the U.S. in 2011. The 19-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since then, winning the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing. Fighting out of Fort Mitchell, on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, Powell will campaign at super welterweight as a professional.
An accomplished amateur representing Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis is looking to become the next Eastern European fighter to make a splash in the U.S. The 22-year-old had a 141-19 record as an amateur and earned four senior national championships before winning gold at the European Olympic Qualifier to earn his trip to the 2016 Games. A gold medalist at welterweight at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, Stanionis hopes to build his way up to contention in one of the premiere division in boxing.
A teammate of Rodriguez on the 2016 Mexican Olympic team, Delgado will now look to accomplish the professional dreams he’s sought since he started boxing at 10 years old. The 22-year-old would eventually capture gold at the 2016 American Olympic Qualification and earn his trip to Rio. Born in Linares but training in Tijuana, Delgado compiled a 139-15 amateur record that included a victory over former world champion Amnat Ruenroeng.
The 27-year-old Marroquin won his first 19 pro fights after a stellar amateur career that culminated in a runner-up performance in the 2007 U.S. Olympic trials. The Dallas-native challenged unbeaten Guillermo Rigondeaux for a 122-pound title in 2012 and has picked up victories over Antonio Escalante, Kiun Evans and Miguel Soto since.
Representing Irving, Texas, Guerrero made his pro debut on June 25, 2016 in Dallas. The 19-year-old stopped Luis Caballero in his first start and followed it up with a decision over Manuel David Lopez Macias in October.
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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.

Former Title Challenger Edner Cherry Takes On Once-Beaten Omar Douglas in Lightweight Clash That Headlines  Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 4 From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 
Plus! Battle of Unbeaten Featherweights Stephen Fulton & Luis Rosario While Bethlehem’s Frank DeAlba Meets Exciting Brawler
Ryan Kielczweski in Super Featherweight Showdown
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 22, 2017) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) will meet once-beaten Omar Douglas (17-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 4 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features an eight-round showdown between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (10-0, 5 KOs) and Luis Rosario(8-0-1, 7 KOs) plus Bethlehem’s Frank DeAlba (21-2-2-, 9 KOs) taking on Massachusetts-native Ryan Kielczweski (26-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction.
“I have to give Omar Douglas credit for taking this fight,” said Cherry. “We’re both very hungry, so I think this is going to be entertaining for the fans. Omar is coming off of a loss so I know he needs this win. We both come with speed and power. It’s going to be fireworks on April 4.”
“I’m looking forward to a great fight on April 4,” said Douglas. “I have a good experienced opponent in front of me. This fight will show my full arsenal, because I know he’s going to bring pressure. I can box or come forward. I plan to use my jab to win rounds and get this victory.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., enters this fight after a victory of Haskell Rhodes in June of last year and is 11-1 since 2009.  His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds and his title challenge in 2015 against Jose Pedraza in which he dropped a split decision. Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson and will look to take down another contender on his way to another title shot.
Fighting out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas looks to bounce back after losing a narrow decision to former world champion Javier Fortuna in November. The 26-year-old impressed in his previous two outings when he defeated De Alba in a step up fight in 2015 and followed it up with a seventh round knockout of Alexei Collado in June 2016. Douglas has had his last five fights in Pennsylvania after an amateur career that saw him become a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Glove champion.
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Fulton is coming off of a 2016 that saw him stop previously unbeaten Adalberto Zorrilla and Cristian Renteria. The 22-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014 and will be looking to make it a perfect 11 wins in 11 pro starts when he enters the ring on April 4.
A pro since 2013, Rosario fights out of Cidra, Puerto Rico and was unbeaten in his first six bouts before making his U.S. debut in June 2015 with a third-round knockout of Aaron Hollis in Alabama. He followed that up in Cincinnati with a fourth-round stoppage of Aaron Hollis and most recently he won an eight-round decision over Saul Hernandez.
The 29-year-old De Alba had a 19 fight unbeaten streak snapped in December 2015, when he dropped a narrow majority decision to unbeaten Omar Douglas, but he has rebounded with four straight victories since. His last win came over German Meraz in February and he will be fighting for the fourth time at Sands Bethlehem on April 4.
A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 27-year-old Kielczweski has an exciting style and always makes competitive fights. Born and raised in Quincy, MA., he won his first first 22 pro fights and enters this contest a winner of four of his last five outings. Most recently he scored a first round knockout over Francisco Medel in December 2016.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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