Category Archives: boxing

BARCLAYS CENTER TO CONTINUE TO HOST PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENTS IN 2017

 
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Presented By
New York Community Bank Will Welcome its First PBC Card This Spring
 
BROOKLYNBOXINGSHOP.COM BECOMES SPONSOR OF 
PBC SERIES
 
BROOKLYN/LONG ISLAND (March 2, 2017) –Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment venues, Barclays Center and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Presented By New York Community Bank (NYCB), will be the sites for select Premier Boxing Champions Series (PBC ) events in 2017.
This Saturday’s PBC welterweight showdown between Danny “Swift” Garcia and Keith “One-Time” Thurman in Brooklyn will be the first of a multi-fight schedule at Barclays Center and The New Coliseum Presented By NYCB in 2017. The event is live on CBS Primetime starting at 9PM ET (6PM PT).  The inaugural PBC event at The New Coliseum Presented By NYCB, as well as the series’ next fight at Barclays Center, will be announced soon.
Also announced today, BrooklynBoxingShop.com, the ecommerce home for BROOKLYN BOXING merchandise, will activate at PBC events nationwide through retail, advertising and in-ring signage.  Launched in 2016, BROOKLYN BOXING features a unique brand of active wear, lifestyle apparel, and accessories for men and women, fighters and fans alike.
Barclays Center has hosted six PBC events, including Thurman’s victory over Shawn Porter, named PBC’s 2016 Fight of the Year, on June 25, 2016, and Carl Frampton’s win against Leo Santa Cruz on July 30, 2016 for the world featherweight title.
“Barclays Center and The New Coliseum Presented By NYCB are proud to host PBC events on the East Coast,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We will be host to multiple championship events between both venues this year, and are also looking forward to creating more exposure for our BrooklynBoxingShop.com business through the nation’s best boxing series.”
Barclays Center brought professional championship boxing back to Brooklyn for the first time since 1931. Under its BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming franchise, the venue has hosted 20 professional boxing events with more than 150 bouts and 35 Title fights.
Long Island has a rich boxing history, with the Coliseum having hosted fights with the likes of Mike Tyson and Gerry Cooney. In 1976, George Foreman famously scored a fifth round knockout of Joe Frazier in a fight that was billed as the “Battle of the Gladiators.”
 
 
ABOUT BROOKLYN SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) develops and operates state-of-the-art venues and manages premier sports franchises, delivering dynamic content and experiences for audiences. BSE oversees programming, marketing, sales, and operations for Barclays Center and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Presented By New York Community Bank, and manages and controls the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and its Development League team, the Long Island Nets, as well as the business operations of the NHL’s New York Islanders.
Barclays Center, which opened on September 28, 2012, offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 15,795 for hockey, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.
The New Coliseum Presented By NYCB, scheduled to reopen April 5, 2017 after extensive renovation, will offer 13,000 seats for hockey, 13,500 for basketball, and 14,500 for concerts, with the ability to flex up. The bowl will have a theater seating option for 4,000 guests.
With a focus on emerging businesses, BSE identifies and creates alliances, strategic partners and other business opportunities to ensure the success of its assets. For additional information, please visit Brooklynse.com.

Unbeaten Middleweight Contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko Faces Undefeated Kemahl Russell in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, March 14 from the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi

 
Plus! Light Heavyweight Prospect Ahmed Elbiali & Unbeaten Prospect Jamontay Clark Enter the Ring in Separate Televised Attractions
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
TUNICA, MS (March 2, 2017) – Rising middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko(9-0, 7 KOs) will battle unbeaten Kemahl Russell (10-0, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, March 14 from the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see exciting light heavyweight prospect Ahmed Elbiali (14-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round bout plus unbeaten welterweight prospect Jamontay Clark (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round contest.
“I am thrilled to be returning to the ring and I’m determined to put on a great performance for all the fans watching,” said Derevyanchenko. “I know that I’m facing a tough, undefeated fighter with power, but I’m very close to a world title opportunity and no one will stop me from achieving my dream.”
“I believe that I have the tools to win this fight and I’m coming to show the world that me and my Jamaican countrymen belong on this big stage,” said Russell. “I’m ready to step up to this challenge and make my country proud. This has been one of the best training camps I’ve had and I’m looking forward to this opportunity. I only want to fight the best and I’m ready to prove it on March 14.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Fitz Gift Shop, at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.
A highly decorated amateur who represented his native Ukraine in the 2008 Olympics, Derevyanchenko now lives and trains in Brooklyn. His 2016 saw him earn a TKO victory over Mike Guy in March before stopping former champion Sam Soliman in the second round of a world title eliminator in July. The unbeaten fighter defeated a slew of experienced contenders in 2015 with wins over Elvin Ayala, Alan Campa, Vladine Biosse and a thrilling third-round stoppage of Jessie Nicklow.
Representing Jamaica, Russell enters this bout unbeaten since turning pro in 2013. The 27-year-old made his name in his home country by winning the Jamaican version of The Contender in 2015 with a stoppage of Richard Holmes. Russell picked up two more victories in 2016, including a second round knockout of Henry Mercer in his U.S. debut in October.
A native of Cairo, Egypt now residing in Miami, the 26-year-old Elbiali had success in three TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAY appearances over the last two years. Those three contests saw him score a first round knockout of Fabiano Pena and eight-round unanimous decisions over Mariano Hilario and Andrew Hernandez.
An unbeaten prospect fight at home in Cincinnati, the “Quiet Assassin” Clark picked up two victories in 2016 over increasingly quality competition as he stopped Elvin Perez in six rounds and earned a unanimous decision over Edgar Ortega. The 22-year-old last fought in his hometown in 2015 when he recorded a second round TKO of Joe Wilson Jr.
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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.

 Open Class Semifinals results from Lowell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship
OPEN CLASS FINALS TONIGHT
LOWELL, Mass. (March 2, 2017) – An appreciative crowd enjoyed 11 action-packed matches last night in the open class semifinals of the New England Tournament of Champions, part of the 71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The finals of the New England Tournament of Champions will be held tonight(Thursday, Mar. 2) at Lowell Memorial Auditorium to crown the 2017 N.E. champions, who will represent Team New England at the National Golden Gloves Championships for men in Lafayette, Louisiana (May) and women in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (July).
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Team Central edged Team West for the most wins last night, 4-3, followed by Team North and Team South with two victories apiece.
To purchase individual tickets, starting at $16.00 ($7.00 for students), call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online at www.LowellMemorialAuditorium.com.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (2017 in Lafayette, Louisiana), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
N.E. semifinals results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(winners listed first)
Central N.E. (CNE), Northern N.E. (NNE), Southern N.E. (SNE), Western NE (WNE)
 
Open Division
MEN
FLYWEIGHTS (114 lbs.)
Jose Ferrer, Jr. (New Bedford, MA / SNE)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Shin Merinda (Haverhill, MA / CNE)
BANTAMWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Joseph Valdez (West Roxbury, MA / CNE)
WPTS3 (3-2)
Gabriel “Tito” Morales (Portland, ME / NNE)
Nathan Martinez (New Britain, CT / WNE)
WPTS (4-1)
Christian Figueroa (Central Falls, RI / SNE)
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Dayshon Smith (West Haven, CT / WNE)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Michael Valentin (Providence, RI / SNE)
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 LBS.)
Efrain Nieves (New Haven, CT / WNE)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Marcelino DeBarros (Pawtucket, RI / SNE)
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 lbs.)
Josnell Castro (Portland, ME / NNE)
WPTS3 (4-1)
Michael Ohan (Holbrook, MA / SNE)
Xavier Vega (Lawrence, MA / CNE)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Jeffrey Gonzalez (New Haven, CT / WNE)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)
Yarmarco Guzman (Methuen, MA / CNE)
WPTS3 (3-2)
Trevor Lattimore (Bridgeport, CT / WNE)
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201+ lbs.)
Tim Hatfield (Providence, RI / SNE)
WPTS3 (4-1)
Zack Calmus (Gloucester, MA / CNE)
WOMEN
FLYWEIGHTS (112 lbs.)
Jennifer Amato (Keene, NH / NNE)
WPTS4 (5-0)
Marisa Belenchi (New Haven, CT / WNE)
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS – (141 lbs.)
Rashida Ellis (Lynn, MA / CNE)
WPTS4 (3-2)
Elizabeth Humphries (Agawam, MA / WNE)
71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
New England Tournament of Champions
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Mar. 2
Information:
New England Golden Gloves Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials:  Laurie Purcell
Ring Announcer:  John Vena
Venue:  Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter:  @LowellGloves
ABOUT LOWELL SUN CHARITIES: Established in 1947, Lowell Sun Charities is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for children, families, and the community, offering programs that promote respect and dignity.  Rooted in a tradition of care and compassion, Lowell Sun Charities was originally founded to respond to the ever-increasing challenges of the community.  2017 marks the 71st year the Golden Gloves have been held in the great city of Lowell, Massachusetts.
Lowell Sun Charities is a community program that not only makes champions in the ring but also makes champions in life.  Every year these young athletes devote themselves to a sport which teaches discipline, respect, and clean lifestyle for a chance to win a prestigious Golden Gloves Championship.

ALL ACCESS DAILY: Thurman vs. Garcia, Part One and Two VIDEOS

ALL ACCESS Daily: Thurman vs. Garcia – Part One | 4-Part Digital Series<br><br><iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/rar-Iby2K5I” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe><br><br>

ALL ACCESS Daily: Thurman vs. Garcia – Part Two | 4-Part Digital Series<br><br>

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/ovGSeBSXudc” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

TOP SUPER FLYWEIGHT PROSPECT, DYLAN “THE REAL DYL” PRICE, SIGNS WITH MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 1, 2017) – Continuing their ongoing momentum, Mayweather Promotions expands their roster with top super flyweight prospect, Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price (1-0, 1 KO). Philadelphia-born, but now residing in Sicklerville, New Jersey, Price has his eyes set on becoming boxing’s next superstar!
Price hails from a deep boxing background. His father, who manages boxers, had a short-lived pro-career, and his two brothers both boxed at the amateur level. Price hasn’t looked back since being introduced to the sport of boxing at nine-years-old. The 18-year old Price made an impressive pro-debut just a few weeks ago in North Carolina, which ended with an explosive 61 second KO against Malcolm Speight.
Price just missed the age mark to participate in the Olympic games; however turning pro was naturally the next best move for the up-and-coming young fighter. Price has amassed numerous accomplishments as an amateur including: 2009 Ringside, 2009 National PAL, 2012 Jr. Golden Gloves, 2013 Junior Olympic National Championship – Pinweight Champion, 2013 Junior Olympic National Championship – Most Outstanding Male boxer, 2015 USA Youth Champion (voted outstanding boxer), 2015 National PAL, 2016 USA Youth Champion (Team USA), and he won a gold medal at the U.S. Junior Open and Youth National Championships in Nevada.
“Boxing is in my blood,” says Price. “I was conditioned for this before I could remember, now I must remain focused, stick to the plan, and allow my team [Mayweather Promotions] to help me become the best fighter I can be.”
Leonard Ellerbe welcomes the young fighter by saying, “We couldn’t be more pleased with Dylan Price. He’s young and exciting, and has all the necessary tools to become a successful fighter, now it’s up to us to bring it all together.”
Follow us on Twitter at: @MayweatherPromo , Instagram @mayweatherpromotions become a fan on Facebook at: www.mayweatherpromotions.com/MayweatherPromotions for news and updates. Follow Dylan Price on Instagram: @Dylantherealdylprice.

Mario Barrios Talks Move Up In Weight, Career, And More

BROOKLYN, NY (March 1, 2017– In preparation for his upcoming fight this Saturday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, undefeated super-lightweight prospect, Mario Barrios (17-0, 9 KOs) talks about moving up in weight, and the status of his career.  Barrios will face Mexico’s Yardley Suarez (20-6, 11 KOs) in an eight-round bout, in only his second fight at super-lightweight.
 
How is the transition from super-featherweight to super-lightweight coming along?
“With the move to super-lightweight, my body feels a lot stronger.  I’m still growing, so making super-featherweight was just getting to difficult.  Fighting at 140 pounds seems to be the best option for me right now in my career.  Eventually I’ll be moving up to welterweight at some point.”
What can you tell us about your upcoming opponent, Yardley Suarez?
“I don’t know much about him except that he’s a tough fighter from Mexico with a winning record.  He’s a right hander who’s been in the ring with some good opposition.  I know he’s coming to fight so I’m not taking him lightly.”
Can you talk about fighting in New York at the Barclays Center?
“This will be my second time fighting out there.  The fans are great and it’s a beautiful venue.  The Barclays Center seems to have taken over the Madison Square Garden as the new boxing arena.  As a kid, you always dream of fighting in a major city like New York.  I’m just glad I’m able to start building a fan base here.  I’m excepting a live crowd to be in attendance with the Thurman vs. Garcia fight taking place in the main event, and that has me excited.”
Talk about training with your new coach, Virgil Hunter, and what you like about him?
“In addition to Virgil being a great motivator, he also brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the table.  I’m soaking up all everything that he’s teaching me.  One thing about Virgil, he’ll let you know exactly how he feels.  I love that he’s a no-nonsense type of guy.  We are working really good together and I’m happy that he’s in my corner.”
Do you feel you need a few more fights at super-lightweight before you start fighting the contenders in the division?
“This will only be my second fight at super-lightweight, so I feel after a few more bouts, I’ll be ready to step up to the top contenders.  I’m still getting used to the weight change, but like I said, I feel strong, and I’m getting comfortable.”

SHOWTIME SPORTS® PRESENTS “ALL ACCESS DAILY: THURMAN vs. GARCIA” IN ADVANCE OF MARCH 4 WELTERWEIGHT UNIFICATION

 Four-Part Digital Series Immerses Viewers in Fight Week with Undefeated Champions, Delivering Daily Coverage Wednesday through Saturday

 

Part One Available Now!

YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2lW2akK

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Live in Primetime on CBS From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

 

SHOWTIME Sports presents “ALL ACCESS DAILY: Thurman vs. Garcia,” a four-part digital series delivering daily coverage of fight week leading up to the March 4 welterweight unification between undefeated world champions Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman.  ALL ACCESS DAILY, an online exclusive installment inspired by the three-time Sports Emmy® Award-winning series “ALL ACCESS”, is the first real-time offering of the immersive documentary program.

 

Part One of the four-part series is available now.  New installments of ALL ACCESS DAILY will be available each day by 10 a.m. ETthrough Saturday, March 4 on SHO.com, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel (@shosports) and the SHOWTIME Sports Facebook page.

 

Viewers will join Garcia and Thurman as they embark for New York from their respective hometowns of Philadelphia and St. Petersburg, Fla., for what is expected to be the biggest boxing event in Barclays Center history.    From the moment they hit the Big Apple to the first meal following Friday’s weigh-in, ALL ACCESS DAILY will peel back the curtain of fight week as the undefeated 147-pound champs prepare to unify boxing’s glamour division.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, broadcast will air live on CBS from 9-11 p.m. ET/6-8 p.m. PT from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.  The broadcast is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for CBS Television, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.

 

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.

 

ABOUT GARCIA vs. THURMAN

Danny Garcia vs. Keith Thurman is a welterweight world title showdown between undefeated 147-pound titlists. The 12-round bout headlinesSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battles once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @DannySwift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

David Haye – Tony Bellew LIVE this Saturday on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment AND www.klowdtv.com 

     

Haye – Bellew Press Conference Video
1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
SAN DIEGO–Below is the contentious press conference video between former Heavyweight and Cruiserweight world champion David Haye and current Cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew before their Heavyweight grudge match that will take place this Saturday in London, England.

The fight card can be seen LIVE in the United States on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment and for fans who want to see the fight that do not have AWE, they can watch the fight on the AWE channel on www.klowdtv.com  beginning at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT

Haye - Bellew Press Conference
Haye – Bellew Press Conference
KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas
KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas

World Class MMA on FITE

This week we have some MMA events from around the world coming to FITE and they are here to show that they have what it takes to compete with the best.

 

Starting early on the Friday the 3rd of March we have Diamondback Fighting Championships live from Australia. It will feature Shane Mitchell vs. Brandon Ropati. If you can’t catch it there will be a replay.

 

Later we are going back to Missouri to stream Gateway Fighting Series 8 with Trevon Crawford vs. Jace Kyle Burcham and Brittany Cloud vs. Savannah Shahan.

On the 4th it is Austrian Fight Challenge 5 that will hook you in with the fight between Aleksandar Rakic and Sergio “Kreator” Souza.

 

Wrestling fans can enjoy the match between Mr. Anderson and Alberto El Patron this Sunday, live from the UK when Big League Wrestling: Gold Rush will stream.

 

And just to remind you that Kayfabe commentaries are now on FITE – here are some interesting interview excerpts just for you


 

Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 

 

Welterweight World Title Unification Headlines

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS,

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, March 4

From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (March 1, 2017) – Welterweight world champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia participated in a media workout at world famous Gleason’s Gym Wednesday afternoon in advance of their primetime showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, this Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

Also in attendance Wednesday and opening the broadcast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin and once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota, who meet in a super welterweight world title eliminator.

 

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.

 

Additional fighters participating in the workout and competing in undercard action on Saturday included light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara, who takes on former world champion Chad Dawson, popular local unbeaten Heather Hardy, who battles Edina Kiss in a featherweight attraction, super lightweight Mario Barrios, who meets Yardley Suarez in an eight-round fight, unbeaten contender Sergey Lipinets and Florida’s Clarence Booth, who meet in super lightweight action and 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins, who makes his pro debut.

 

Here is what the fighters

 

KEITH THURMAN

 

“It feels great to be in this big fight. This is what we’ve been dreaming of. It feels like my destiny. When you put so much hard work into the sport, everyone knows you’re planting a seed. You have to watch it grow and nurture it before it starts to bear fruit.

 

“Brooklyn has one of a kind fight fans. The history of this city and the history of boxing in this city is exceptional. The appreciation they have for fighters is one of a kind. It’s always a blessing to perform for these fans.

 

“I expect the best of Danny Garcia. This is the biggest fight of either of our careers. I saw the best of Shawn Porter, but Keith Thurman was able to rise to the top once again.

 

“When you look at the facts and our records, it doesn’t get bigger than this. There’s no comparison to my other fights. This is the biggest of my career.

 

“The ultimate goal is to unify the division. It’s a blessing right now to have two undefeated world champions. These titles have only been brought together a few times in history. It’s a great opportunity. The winner is going to be that man to beat at 147-pounds.

 

“I believe that we will see the next superstar in the welterweight division after we unify these titles. Whoever becomes the undisputed welterweight champion of the world, will be on another level. We’re going to take our first step toward that Saturday night.

 

“I want to touch as many households as I can touch. I want the kids who come from the struggle; I want them to see me. They have to learn that they’re going to earn their stripes in life from training hard in the gym.”

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m ready. Saturday night, I’ll be the new unified champion of the world.

 

“The atmosphere at Barclays Center is amazing. I’ve always requested to fight here and I’m glad they accept me. I can’t wait to fight in front of those great fans again.

 

“I’m prepared for the best Keith Thurman. I’m ready to make adjustments and fight like a true champion and get the victory.

 

“I’ve been training a long time for this fight. I felt great in the gym and I was really comfortable the whole time. I’ve had no struggle to make weight. I feel strong and I’ve had no injuries. That’s a perfect camp. We train hard, we train smart and we’re prepared for Saturday night.

 

“I always train to impress. I don’t need to add any extra pressure just because it’s a big audience. I have to go in there and keep my composure and be the same Danny Garcia that I always am.

 

“We just have to stay focused on Saturday night. We’re just worried about my game plan for the fight. There’s no distractions for me. I think everything will go smoothly.

 

“There’s always been some tough fights in the legacies of other great fighters. Each fight is a learning experience. Everything in my career has led me to this fight.

 

“People want to see the best fight the best. This is my chance to prove it to the world that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.

 

“I’m definitely a better fighter than Keith Thurman. He’s never been in the ring with a guy like me. Saturday night, I’m going to prove it. I’m the better counter-puncher, I’m sharper and I’ll prove it on Saturday night.”

 

ERICKSON LUBIN

 

“It feels great to be here. Training camp was amazing. We had lots of sparring and made lots of improvements from my last fight. I feel strong and I can’t wait until Saturday night.

 

“I don’t let anything get to me. I know what I can do. I’m going to go in there confident and be dominant. I’m going to be aware of everything and keep my mind sharp in the ring.

 

“My coach does the studying of the tape but I know he’s a strong Mexican power-puncher. We know he’s going to be aggressive, but we’re ready for any style he comes with on Saturday night.

 

“For every opponent, the game plan is different. We have a game plan, but we’ll be ready to adjust. At the end of the day, I have to go in there and win, and win impressively.

 

“Being on this card is a wonderful feeling. I get to open up for this tremendous fight that I think is going to be the Fight of the Year. I’m going to set the bar real high.

 

“I’m coming for that number one spot Saturday night. After that, I become the mandatory for Jermell Charlo. I’m going to win this fight in spectacular fashion, mark my words.”

 

JORGE COTA

 

“I know that it’s been a long lay-off but I’ve been staying in the gym and staying ready. I don’t think I’ll have any ring rust once I get in there.

 

“I’m going to take it round-by-round and see what he brings into the ring. I’m going to make adjustments off of what I see. I’ll assess the situation and take it on from there.

 

“I have a lot of motivation coming into this fight and I’m ready to move a step closer to a world title. This opportunity is something that I won’t let slip by.

 

“I know I have a very tough opponent in front of me, but I am too strong and I will be too good on Saturday night.”

 

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

 

“I got some rest after my last fight and get myself back together. The decision was to change trainers to Virgil Hunter. I’m happy with that decision and I had a great camp.

 

“I have more focus during this camp. It’s just my family and the gym. The same thing every day. I’m in possibly the best shape I’ve been in my life.

 

“I have a great jab that I have to use. I think I’m a stronger and more physical fighter than Chad Dawson. I know how to box inside and outside. Dawson has a lot of experience but I know I will be ready for anything he brings.

 

“There are a lot of Polish fans I’m expecting to see on Saturday night. I know that Brooklyn has a large population of Polish boxing fans. I’m ready for that feeling. I’m back and I’m going after a world title.”

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

“I’ve had my eyes on this fight date for a while. I knew that I had to get on this card. There had to be at least one woman representing our sport on this card.

 

“The women have to work three times as hard just to get to this point. Girls train just as hard as men and we’re working towards getting our due.

 

“We don’t just represent ourselves when we get in the ring, we represent our sport. There’s always an incredible amount of pressure, no matter what the stage is.

 

“Just before this fight camp I was coming off of an eight-week MMA camp. Thinking about a girl who can only hit me with two hands, I’m not worried at all.

 

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and put on a show for my loyal and dedicated fans who love to watch me fight.”

 

MARIO BARRIOS

 

“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be on this card. We’re more than prepared for this fight. We have a tough opponent but I’m ready to take everything we’ve done in the gym and put it into the ring.

 

“My team has watched some tape on my opponent. I personally don’t like to watch too much of their tapes. Everyone fights different opponents differently. We came up with a game plan for this fight and that’s what we’ve been working on all camp.

 

“A win means everything to me. It’s going to help me climb the ladder and help me take another step in my career.

 

“I love fighting in New York. The people in this city are incredible and they come out for big fights like this. It’s huge to be on this stage and I’m going to take advantage of it.”

 

SERGEY LIPINETS

 

“The bright lights have never scared me away. I’m more motivated by the importance of this card. All I care about is what happens in the fight. I don’t see any distractions. I’m focused on my opponent.

 

“I prepare for every fight like it’s for a world title. It’s the same system for getting ready. But I am aware that people have a lot of tape on me now, so my team has been working on bringing something different to each fight.

 

“As of now, I’m the IBF mandatory, but I’m not looking past Clarence Booth. I want to take care of this fight and then move on to whoever is holding that belt in June or July. I want a world title fight next.

 

“I respect every man who steps into that squared-circle. Clarence Booth is a great fighter and I respect him for getting in the ring with me. He’s in my way and I plan on putting on a great performance.”

 

CLARENCE BOOTH

 

“Being in camp with Keith Thurman is like being in the school of boxing. We spar, get some good rounds in and he always gives me good advice.

 

“I’m prepared for anything on Saturday night. I’ve watched him a little bit. I see he’s a big puncher, but I’m a big puncher too. I’m ready to get to work.

 

“I can do it all in the ring. I can brawl, box and adjust to my opponent. I’m excited for this fight on Saturday.

 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I’m just excited to get in the ring and take advantage of it on Saturday night.”

 

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

 

“I’m excited to make my pro debut. I’ve fought in the Golden Gloves at Barclays Center before so there’s no pressure heading into this one.

 

“I’ve had a long amateur career and I think all of that prepared me for this moment. Everything I’ve been doing since I was 13 has led to this.

 

“I don’t know too much about my opponent but I’m going to go in there and adapt. We’ve trained to be prepared for this.

 

“I’ve always seen myself fighting on big cards and one day I’ll be the headliner. We’re finally on the right track towards what I’m looking to accomplish.”

 

# # #

 

ABOUT THURMAN vs. GARCIA

Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia is a welterweight world title showdown between undefeated 147-pound titlists. The 12-round bout headlinesSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battles once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @DannySwift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.