Category Archives: boxing

Former Two-Time World Champion Lamont Peterson Washington, D.C. Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
D.C.-Native Battles WBA Champion David Avanesyan
Saturday, February 18 From the Cintas Center
 at Xavier University in Cincinnati & Live on SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Wallace Barron
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 7, 2017) – Former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson hosted a media workout in his hometown of Washington, D.C. as he prepares to take on WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan in a 12-round matchup that serves as the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati.
Televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown. The event is headlined by former four-division world champion Adrien Broner taking on hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Here is what Peterson and his longtime trainer Barry Hunter had to say Tuesday from the Bald Eagle Recreation Center:
LAMONT PETERSON
“I’m going through a full-blown training camp and I’ve had a lot of energy. I think the strength will be there too but I’m an energy fighter. I like to put pressure and use my energy. Look for an improved Lamont Peterson.
“People are going to talk a lot about my layoff but honestly that only affects people who aren’t always in the gym. I have been in the gym working hard this entire time. I’ve been working on my craft. I got better and you’ll see on February 18.
“Avanesyan is a good fighter. He keeps his hands up high, so even though he’s there to be hit, it doesn’t mean I’m going to get good clean shots. It should be a good entertaining fight and a good first step at welterweight for me.
“Big fights are what matters to me. When you’re coming up it’s all about winning a title. Having fought for 12 years, it doesn’t matter to me as much. The way I’m looking at is, if I get this win then I’m the No. 1 contender for the belt.
“I have no concern about ring rust. It’s not even a thought in my head. I would be shocked if that was a problem for me.
“You never know what the right time is to move up in weight, but the time is now for me to move up to welterweight and I’m happy about it. Making 140 pounds was getting tough. I think it hampered my performances a bit and that let us know it was time.
“I’ve been wanting to move up but it seemed like my opportunities were down in weight. Now I’m ready to mix it up with the best guys here.
“For me, it’s all about the joy of getting in the ring and competing. I want to do it at the highest level and I’m looking forward to getting big fights.”
BARRY HUNTER, Peterson’s Trainer
“Sometimes having time off like Lamont had is not a bad thing. It gives you space and time to work on your mental game, shore up some things you could be weak at and of course it lets you heal up. It’s served us well and I’m happy with what I see from Lamont so far.
“We always approach an opponent, no matter the record, like they are a world champion. We prepare for war. If anything less than that takes place, so be it. We’re going to be ready. To me Avanesyan is a guy who is an obstacle in our way. If we can’t go around him, we’ll go right through him.
“We want all of the top 147-pounders. I always thought Lamont and Danny Garcia was a fight that warranted a rematch. Because it was a great fight that had a little bit of controversy around it. I still would like to see the rematch.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

Unbeaten Brooklyn Fan Favorite Heather Hardy Returns to Take on Former Title Challenger Helen Joseph in Undercard Action Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 
Welterweight World Title Unification Between 
Keith Thurman & Danny Garcia Headlines 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (February 7, 2017) – Unbeaten brawler and Brooklyn-area favorite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (18-0, 4 KOs) will return to the ring to battle former title challenger Helen Joseph (9-3-1, 8 KOs) in a super bantamweight contest that highlights undercard action on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, with prime time televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $1,000, $750, $500, $400, $300, $150, $100, and $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.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.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena ever since. On March 4, she will enter the ring at Barclays Center for the eighth time, and seventh time in her last eight fights. In Hardy’s most recent bout last August 21, at Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island, Hardy won a decision over previously unbeaten rival Shelly Vincent to capture the WBC International featherweight title. The entertaining slugfest was shown tape delayed on NBCSN and helped Heather increase her national profile.
By fight night, Hardy will have been out of the ring for six-and-a-half months, her longest stretch of inactivity, which was due to the new insurance regulations put in place by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), in effect since September. All boxing action in the State came to a halt until last month’s Barclays Center event. Dependent on her boxing income to support her family, Hardy sought out other ways to make ends meet. On January 14, Hardy had planned to make her MMA debut for Invicta in Kansas City, MO, however her opponent suffered an injury in training and the event was cancelled. Returning her full focus to boxing, Hardy is determined to conquer another tough challenge on the way to her first world title opportunity.
“I’m grateful and excited to be back in the ring at Barclays Center next month,” said Hardy. “It will be my first fight since August. I’ve had to hustle extra hard these past few months since the insurance issue shut down the New York boxing scene for the last quarter of 2016. I even decided to take an MM fight in January to help supplement my income and pay some bills. However, my opponent dropped out the day before I was flying to Kansas City for the event. It’s been one disappointment after the next, so I am truly happy to be back at home where I belong, doing what I love.”
Born in Nigeria but fighting out of Ghana, Joseph will fight in the U.S. for the second time as a pro after dropping a decision in Texas against Jennifer Han in her most recent world title opportunity. The 27-year-old had previously challenged Dahiana Santana in the Dominican Republic for a world title in 2012 and had a successful run of victories after turning pro in 2004 that lasted until 2009, when she suffered her first defeat. She most recently scored a second round stoppage of Namely Emilia in November of last year.
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.

Tyrone Brunson faces Brandon Quarles in main event on Saturday, March 11 at the SugarHouse Casino 

Plus David Gonzales,  Daquan Johnson & Tyrone Crawley, Jr. in action
Tickets on Sale Now!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA. (February 7, 2017) – Middleweight’s Tyrone Brunson and Brandon Quarles will square off in the eight-round main event on Saturday, March 11th as King’s Promotions will stage it’s first show at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia.
Brunson of Philadelphia has a record of 23-6-2, with 22 knockouts.
The 32 year-old Brunson turned professional in 2005, and started his career with 19 consecutive 1st round knockouts.  Included in that streak was a stoppage over James Morrow (8-1-2).  In his last bout Brunson and Ismael Garcia fought to a 10-round draw on October 14, 2016 in Philadelphia.
Quarles of Alexandria, Virginia has a record of 18-3-1 with 9 knockouts.
The 30 year-old Quarles is a 7 year veteran, and has won 5 straight fights, with the latest being 6-round unanimous decision over Marcos Primera on June 25, 2016 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
In six-round bouts:
David Gonzales (8-1-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA takes on Juan Rodriguez (6-6-1, 5 KO’s) of Haymarket, Va. in a junior welterweight bout.
Carlos Rosario (6-1, 3 KO’s) of Pennsauken, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.
Tyrone Crawley, Jr. (6-0) of Philadelphia battles Victor Vasquez (6-2, 2 KO’s) of Yonkers, NY in a lightweight bout.
In a four-round bout:
 
Daquan Johnson (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Cherry Hill, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a 4-round super Welterweight bout
More exciting bouts will be announced shortly.
Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50,  and can be purchased at SugarHouseBoxing.eventbrite.com

For More information and credentials, Please contact: Marc Abrams at phillyboxing@gmail.com or 856 287 7611

Mykal “The Professor” Fox:  “Tre’Sean Wiggins is a dangerous opponent”

Fox – Wiggins headlines this Saturday night at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland

Luther Smith takes on undefeated Darnell Pierce

Also seeing action will be undefeated,  Patrick Rivera, Marcus Bates, Justin Hurd, Greg Outlaw, Jr., Tyrek Irby and Malik Jackson

TICKETS ON SALE NOW 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Washington, MD (February 6, 2017)– Undefeated junior welterweight prospect, Mykal “The Professor” Fox will take on hard-punching Tre’Sean Wiggins in the eight-round main event of a big night of boxing on This Saturday night, February 11th at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.
Fox, 21 years old of Forestville, Maryland is coming off a good 2016, where he went 4-0 and became a main event fight in the Maryland area.

Mykal Fox
The 3-year pro is coming off a 7th round stoppage over Juan Rodriguez on November 5th in the same venue.
Fox is wrapping up training camp in the D.C. area, and he believes that Wiggins could be the toughest test of his young professional career.
“Training camp has been great.  It has been another good camp,” said Fox.
“Wiggins is a dangerous opponent.  I have fought opponents that may have had more experience, but Wiggins has a lot of power in both hands.  He is left handed like I am.”
Fox has been progressing up the ladder, and now he is considered to be on some prospects lists on the East Coast.  A win over the heavy handed Wiggins would solidify his status as 2017 progresses.
“I think fighting him is the next step in my progression.  I wanted to be tested, and Wiggins is a guy who has power.  I am not looking to take those punches, bit if I do, I will be ready for what he has.”
Fox doesn’t have to look far for motivation, as he brother, talented middleweight Alantez Fox has a bout on February 25th for the NABF title, and the two train side by side with each other under the guidance of their trainer, who also happens to be their father, Troy Fox,
“We are both very motivated.  We are there for each other.  We feed off each other in the gym and it is a great motivator to train next to him every day.”
A win over Wiggins will keep Fox moving towards his short term goal for 2017.
“I am looking to get in a few more eight-round bouts, and then be able to get some some television bouts.  As long as I continue to stay busy, I see that happening.”
Wiggins of Newbergh, New York has a record of 7-2 with six knockouts.
The 26 year-old southpaw scored knockouts in his first three bouts by knockout which was highlighted by a 1st round destruction of current WBA Super Featherweight world champion Jason Sosa.
The 7-year professional is coming off a six-round split decision defeat to Benjamin Whitaker on April 15, 2016 in Verona, NY.
In 6-round bouts:
Luther Smith (6-1, 5 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland will take on Darnell Pierce (5-0, 1 KO) of Austin, Texas in a cruiserweight bout.
Marcus Bates (5-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take on Alec McGee (2-0) of Reno, Nevada in a super bantamweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Tyrek Irby (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, D.C. battles Lamont White (0-5) of Washington, DC in a junior welterweight bout.
Patrick Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) of Edgewood, Maryland tangos with Gregory Clark (0-1) of Washington, DC in a super middleweight bout.
Justin Hurd (1-0) of Accokeek, Maryland boxes Dawond Pickney (1-3-1) of Hot Springs, Arkansas in a junior middleweight bout.
Greg Outlaw Jr. (1-0) of Bowie, Maryland takes on Kashon Hutchinson (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY in a junior middleweight bout.

Malik Jackson (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Accokeek, Maryland takes on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight bout.

Tickets are on sale for $75, $60 and $40 at www.kpboxing.com or by calling 301-899-2430

Oliver Flores’ strong performance against   Felix Verdejo embodies spirit of Havoc Boxing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(L-R) — Roger Flores, Havoc Boxing CEO Rob Diaz, Oliver Flores, Norma Flores and Ray Campbell, Jr., Havoc Boxing’s Director of Operations
NEW YORK CITY (February 6, 2017) –  Nicaraguan lightweight Oliver “Trombita” Flores‘ strong performance this past Friday evening against undefeated, No. 1 ranked Felix “El Diamente” Verdejo, fought in front of more than 7,000 fans in Verdejo’s hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, truly embodied the spirit of Flores’ promoter, Havoc Boxing.
Known throughout boxing for its flashy, totally unique looking boxing “uniforms” – trunks and jackets – that are famously worn by present and past world champions such as Danny “Swift” Garcia, Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and others, Havoc Boxing is also a boxing promotional company on the rise.
While Havoc Boxing may not be a major player, at least not right now, it does feature a growing stable of gifted boxers such as Flores, the former world super featherweight title challenger who many fell deserved a far better fate than his controversial 10-round decision loss (94-96, 91-99, 92-92), which was turned in by the three Puerto Rican judges at ringside.
Flores (27-3-2, 17 KOs) was a live underdog who gave prohibitive favorite Verdejo (23-0, 15 KOs) all he could handle and much more.  Verdejo even drew the wrath of his hometown fans for not engaging Flores, who came on strong in the second half of the fight, bloodying the 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian’s nose in the eighth round and seriously hurting him in the 10th. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino lightweight champion left the ring at Roberto Clemente Coliseum to a chorus of boos.
Headlines describing the fight used phrases like “escaped with victory” and “struggles to win” to describe Verdejo’s tainted victory.  One boxing writer had Flores winning six rounds to four, claiming Verdejo simply didn’t do enough to win any other rounds.
“We’re so proud of Oliver,” Havoc Boxing CEO Rob Diaz said.  “We thought he won the fight but it’s tough fighting a national hero in his backyard with three of his countrymen as judges. Those who made excuses for Verdejo claiming he wasn’t at his best because of his eight-month layoff, we reminded that Oliver hadn’t fought in more than a year because a few fights we had lined up fell out.  After the fight, so many Puerto Rican fans congratulated us, saying Oliver was robbed, and that he deserved a rematch. Verdejo is looking for an opponent for his Puerto Rican Day eve fight (June 10) at Madison Square Garden. We’re certainly open to a rematch but I doubt they’ll risk fighting Oliver again.
“Flores is what Havoc Boxing Promotions is all about.  We’re still building our stable of fighters but people in the boxing industry should know by now that our fighters come to fight.  They’re all willing to fight anybody, anytime, anywhere, as long as it’s a fair deal for us.”
In addition to Flores, Havoc also promotes 22-year-old Dominican Republic featherweight prospect Yohan “La Fiera” Vasquez (19-1, 16 KOs), who is ranked No. 14 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), as well as a pair of Colombian fighters, super bantamweight Wilner Soto (16-1, 8 KOs) and cruiserweight Santander “Cha Cha” Silgado (27-4, 21 KOs), who fought for the WBA world title in Russia and was ranked among the top 15 in the WBA and World Boxing Council (WBC) a few years ago.
“We’re rebuilding the Havoc Boxing brand to also showcase our promotional division,” Diaz continued.  “We have some talented, hungry fighters who we keep as busy as possible, moving them into position for major fights, like Flores versus Verdejo, including two world title shots so far. We’re getting close to crowning our first world champion.  Havoc Boxing is much more than boxing’s best design and merchandising company.  The future is Havoc!”
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @HavocBoxingNYC
Instagram:  @havoc_ceo

BRITISH & IRISH BOXING AUTHORITY PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

London, UK – 3rd February 2017.

 

 

BREAKING NEWS: Hand Held Infra-Scanners, That Detect Brain Bleeds, Introduced For Professional Boxing Events In The United Kingdom.

 

 

The British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) are set to introduce hand held Infra-Scanners, that can detect Brain bleeds, at events sanctioned by themselves in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

 

Sky News’ Health & Science Correspondent, Thomas Moore, highlighted the benefits of the use of the Infra-Scanners, that can detect brain bleeds with an accuracy of 90%, often before any symptoms such as headaches or confusion become apparent, following the death of Mike Towell last year at an event sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).

In the article Mr. Moore stated “Compulsory brain imaging using Infra-Scanners could be “massive” for boxers who risk death from professional competition.”

On announcing the introduction of Infra-Scanners, that will be available ringside at events sanctioned by them, BIBA Vice President Gianluca Di Caro said.

“We are extremely proud to be the first to introduce Infra-Scanners at events in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as we whole heartedly believe having them ringside will significantly prevent further tragedies within our sport.”

Before expanding further and explain what had led to the decision to introduce the use of Infra-Scanners at BIBA events;

“Following two major head injury incidents last year, one that resulted in the death of Mike Towell, even though neither were on events sanctioned by ourselves, the BIBA board had decided to actively seek solutions regarding improving the way that injuries such as these can be detected as quickly as possible. The first move we made was to appoint renowned forensic sports scientist Professor Michael Graham PhD to our Ringside Medical Officer & Medical Advisory Board. Professor Graham led the esteemed team that produced the internationally published papers “Direct Hits to the Head During Amateur Boxing is Associated With a Rise in Serum Biomarkers For Brain Injury” & “Should an Increase in Cerebral Neurochemicals Following Head Kicks in Karate Influence Return to Play?” Professor Graham and his esteemed team are currently researching the short-term and long-term effects of head injuries in Rugby as well as preparing, in conjunction with ourselves and a prestigious UK University, a long term research project to assess cognitive function following brain trauma. Around the time of the appointment of Professor Graham, our CMO, Dr. Louise Eccles, proposed that we should investigate obtaining Infra-Scanners, as the use of these would massively assist in detecting problems such as a bleed on the brain quickly, especially as there is only a limited amount of time to assess the location of such an injury. Following Louise’s advice, I contacted the manufacturers and am extremely proud to say that the initial trial unit will arrive later this month, hopefully in time for the 26th February event in Bradford, that features two ten round International contests. We have initially ordered two Infra-Scanners which will be operated by Professor Graham and Dr Eccles at our events, and are aiming to order a further eight units over the coming twelve months, so that every BIBA Ringside Doctor will have an Infra-Scanner available by 2018. Both the appointment of Professor Graham and the introduction of Infra-Scanners, are just two pro-active decisions made by ourselves with regard to Boxer Health & Safety, there are more to come, as Professor Graham and another of our Ringside Medical Officer & Medical Advisory Board, Dr Mark Xuereb have also proposed the introduction of further safety measures, one of which is the introduction of Cognitive Testing, which will come into force very soon. We believe that Boxer Health & Safety is paramount, as such we will continue researching procedures that can assist us provide the very best medical evaluations possible.” www.boxbiba.com

Former WBA Interim Heavyweight Champion Luis Ortiz to WBC Champ Deontay Wilder: Stop Making Excuses!

“When I look at Deontay Wilder, I see an unsure, scared fighter. He’s crazy with his technique and worried about being hit. When you are that worried about getting hit, when you do get hit, you usually get knocked out.” Luis Ortiz
A screenshot of the sent forms, dated September 9, 2016.

Responding to WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder’s recent public statements, former WBA Interim Heavyweight Champion Luis Ortiz would like to let him know: “I signed up for the WBC/VADA Clean Boxing Program last September. Stop using that excuse to avoid fighting me!”

The undefeated Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), of Camaguey, Cuba, now living in Miami, has been trying to get Wilder into a boxing ring for quite a while, as Wilder has chosen to face a string of what many would label second-tier opponents to defend against.
“He’s scared!” said Ortiz of Wilder. “The more he can use my failed test against me he will. He and (promoter Lou) DiBella are saying he won’t fight me because of that. That was years ago, and since that unfortunate incident, for which I was punished, I have tested a dozen times clean. Now he’s trying to say I haven’t signed up for VADA Clean Boxing… guess what Wilder? I signed up last September when I was notified that all WBC contenders need to be part of their new Clean Boxing Program. I filled out the paperwork and my trainer submitted it to the WBC. He can stop using that excuse to avoid me. I have nothing to hide and do not have to prove any longer to anyone that I am clean. Wilder is nothing but a paper champion who happened to be at the right place at the right time against the right opponent with, most importantly, the right promoter. That’s all he is.”
Ortiz’s trainer, Herman Caicedo of Caicedo Sports Training Center of Miami, Florida, also says Ortiz’s failed drug test in 2014 is no longer a factor.
“Since failing his test years ago, Luis has been tested over a dozen times, voluntarily and mandatorily in fights. He has made it very clear that he never wants that to happen again and I wouldn’t work with a fighter I even suspected wasn’t clean. There’s too much involved in how I train fighters. We all put a lot of blood sweat and tears into training for a failed drug test to derail the entire process. I do my own drug panels and steroid checks before I take fighters. And those that do not wish to willingly participate, I will not train.”
Ortiz says sooner or later, Wilder will run out of excuses to avoid him or be run out of boxing.
“My mentality was always to beat whoever was the best fighter in my division, period. I don’t handpick my opponents. This is all weird and new to me. He can’t run for much longer though. I assume he will try to unify or vacate before he has to fight me. He can’t unify with the Joshua/Klitschko winner because I am the mandatory above any unification fight, and I will not be jumped over. So, he can try to beat up (New Zealand-based contender Joseph) Parker after his next fight. Then retire the paper champion he is.”
“I am very confident about the outcome if Ortiz and Wilder ever do fight,” continued Caicedo. “Ortiz will knock him out within 10 rounds. Luis has a level to his approach that I haven’t seen in quite some time. He is a throwback, old-school heavyweight boxer. He has incredible poise, precision, and ring generalship. He’s accurate with this punches and defensively very sound. If they ever do fight, Wilder will be exposed. But, he will probably retire a legend in his own mind without ever fighting anybody.”
Ortiz says no matter what happens with Deontay Wilder, he is happy and comfortable with his life.
“I would like to thank my team: Jay, Javier and my trainer Herman for the support they give me throughout all this uncertainty, as well as my fans and, most important to me, my wife and three children. I never thought I would be fighting to make a living. Boxing was always what I did because I loved it. I fought for pride. I fought for bragging rights!! I have already achieved one dream and that was to be here in the United States with my family. I am a United States citizen and very proud. Now to be able to box for a living, make money and potentially become world champion… that, to me, is priceless.”

Former World Champion Luis Collazo Scores Sensational Sixth-Round Knockout of Welterweight Contender Sammy Vasquez Jr. in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Special Edition Thursday Night from Horseshoe Tunica  Hotel & Casino inTunica, Mississippi

 
Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas Earns Split-Decision Victory Over Georgia’s
Levan Ghvamichava in Welterweight Showdown
&
Eddie Ramirez Stops Ryan Karl After Nine Rounds
in Battle of Unbeaten Super Lightweight Prospects
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/
Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
TUNICA, MS (February 2, 2017) – Former world champion Luis Collazo (37-7, 20 KOs) delivered an early “Knockout of the Year” candidate with a sixth-round knockout of welterweight contender Sammy Vasquez Jr. (21-2, 15 KOs) Thursday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.
The Brooklyn-native Collazo started slow as Vasquez Jr. looked to control the fight with his movement and jab. The action began to pick-up in the third round as Collazo struck the first major blow of the fight, connecting on a right hand that sent Vasquez Jr. to the canvas.
Vasquez Jr. stunned Collazo early in the fourth round with an overhand left and pressed forward to initiate numerous exchanges along the ropes. Collazo was able to hold off his younger opponent and do damage with body shots and short punches in the exchanges.
After a more tactical round five, Vasquez Jr. once again pushed forward on Collazo in the hopes of getting his offense going. The veteran Collazo was prepared for the attack and connected on a vicious right hand that put Vasquez on the mat and out for good as referee Bill Clancy halted the bout at 1:27 into the round.
In welterweight action, fast-rising Cuban contender Yordenis Ugas (18-3, 8 KOs) earned a split-decision over Levan Ghvamichava (17-3-1, 13 KOs) in their 10-round bout Thursdaynight.
It was the third straight impressive victory for Ugas, who has put himself squarely in the conversation in the welterweight division. Ugas was in control of the early part of the fight, winning exchanges in the middle of the ring and breaking through the high and tight guard of Ghvamichava.
Ghvamichava was able to work his way back into the fight with an increased work rate in the middle rounds as he began to find openings in Ugas’ defense. Referee Bill Clancy deducted a point from Ugas in round eight after multiple warnings for low blows.
The action heated up in the final two rounds as both men exchanged heavy blows throughout. Ugas began to land his left hook successfully but Ghvamichava had his moments and continued throwing punches until the final bell. After 10-rounds of action the judges scores were 99-90, 97-94 for Ugas and 95-94 for Ghvamichava.
In a showdown of unbeaten super lightweight prospects, Chicago’s Eddie Ramirez (16-0, 11 KOs) earned a stoppage victory after nine rounds of action against Houston’s Ryan Karl (13-0, 9 KOs). Karl’s corner stopped the fight before the 10th and final round.
Ramirez was the more effective fighter from the start, working off of his jab to hit Karl with a big right hand that staggered him in the second round. Karl was able to weather the storm and compete throughout the middle rounds of the fight as he threw constant power punches in an attempt to catch Ramirez.
The momentum swung to Ramirez for good starting in the seventh round, when another right hand connected with Karl and opened up a cut over Karl’s left eye. A late flurry by Ramirez in round nine as he staggered Karl near the ropes and forced him to hold Ramirez. Karl was able to finish the round, but did not answer the bell for round 10 as his corner put a halt to the fight.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
LUIS COLLAZO
“Going into the fight I knew he didn’t like the body shots. In the locker room my team was telling me that he’s going to be waiting for it. We wanted to touch him soft down low and then go up top. We opened him up. We both tried to line up the hook and mine landed first.
“I’m a slow-starter. I’m better from a distance and I have the experience. I’m 35 but I still feel like I have a lot left in the ring.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’m completely dedicated to this sport and ready to keep moving forward. Everyone said I was faded but now I have the opportunity to keep going.
“Sammy caught me with some good shots. He got me with a big overhand left. He’s a strong fighter.
“There are a lot of great fights coming up in the welterweight division. I know Shawn Porter doesn’t have an opponent right now. I’m ready to get it on if he is.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.
“I felt like I was starting to get in my groove. He just caught me with a really great shot at the right time.
“I knew his big punch was the right hook. I was working on keeping my hand up to block it. I dropped it at the wrong time and he got me.
“Obviously this is going to set me back. I need to come back stronger. I hope that I can come back and fight someone that can help me move up the ranks.”
YORDENIS UGAS
“I boxed from a distance like we prepared. I thought that I was in control and I thought I won easily.
“I was surprised it was a split-decision. I thought I won most of the rounds. He was a very tough opponent but I was ready for him and I did what I wanted to do.
“I was feeding off of my corner. I’m a top contender and I’m ready to face anybody.”
LEVAN GHVAMICHAVA
“I’m disappointed in the result. It’s hard to put into words. It was a close fight. I thought a lot of his shots were being blocked and I thought I countered well.
“The referee did his best to control he low blows. You don’t want a fight to end in disqualification. But taking those shots effects everything.”
EDDIE RAMIREZ
“I’m happy. We worked hard and this is another step. We’re going to keep working hard. I have what it takes to be a world champion.
“Ryan Karl is a tough fighter. He came to give it all he had. He didn’t want to quit, but we broke him down and got the win.
“Karl and I both came to win. Someone’s perfect record had to go. There was no quit in him. I was going to finish the fight in the last round.
“My plan was to break him down. I never wanted this fight to go to decision. I did what I had to do.
“I’m aiming high. I want to fight the best. If I keep working hard everything is going to take care of itself and I’ll get where I want to.
“I wanted to make him miss a lot while also being aggressive. We were ready to finish him off, we just wanted to go little by little and get the win.”
RYAN KARL
“I just wasn’t on tonight. I couldn’t hit my right hand how I wanted to. I give him all the credit. My timing wasn’t right. He looked great and I looked mediocre.
“It’s disappointing. Boxing is my job. I lost a lot in there. I have to get better. All that matters is winning the fight.”
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PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes was promoted by Warriors Boxing and sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

FNU Combat Sports Show Featuring PRESIDENT Donald Trump Interview

Hosts Tom, Tony and Rich of The Fight News Unlimited Combat Sports show had the awesome experience of catching up with President Donald Trump for an exclusive interview contained in tonight’s broadcast. We ask “The Donald” about everything from Mayweather vs. McGregor to Iran and China. The interview starts about 23 minutes into the full show tape, but we will also place the interview alone in another audio file below the main show file on this post. We also discuss some MMA labor union issues, Aisling Daly retiring young from the UFC, Conor McGregor claiming his next bout will be in a boxing ring and Dana White saying Ronda Rousey is all done with fighting professionally. We also recap the first big UFC and Bellator events of the year from last week and look forward to UFC Fight Night 104 in Houston on Saturday night. We take time at the end of the broadcast to talk boxing with a recap of last week’s stunning rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton. We also talk about the Thursday night bouts on FS1 tonight. Here is our full show:

And here is the Trump interview by itself:

And if you didn’t catch why Rich gave a shout out to the movie “Good Morning Vietnam” you can listen to Rich’s first interview with Trump from 2008 here:

Nicaraguan lightweight Oliver Flores Live underdog vs. No. 1 ranked  Felix Verdejo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tomorrow night at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico
(L-R) — Felix Verdejo (135 lbs.) &
Oliver Flores (134 lbs.)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (February 2, 2017) – Live underdog Oliver “Trombita” Flores has prepared to shock the boxing world tomorrow night (Friday, Feb. 3), albeit it in hostile territory. challenging undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino lightweight champion Felix “El Diamente” Verdejo in the 10-round main event at Robrerto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A rising star in a universarlly recognized boxing hotbed,  Verdejo (22-0, 15 KOs) represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympics, losing in the quarterfinals to two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko, who is the reigning WBO super feathereight world champion.  The 23-year-old will be fighting in front of a passionate hometown crowd in San Jose, risking his WBO No. 1 contender status and impending world title shot against current champion Terry Flanagan.   He’s also scheduled to fight June 10th on Top Rank’s major Puerto Rican Day card at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.
Havoc Boxing-promoted Flores (27-2-2, 17 KOs), however, is looking forward to spoiling Verdejo’s party and bringing joy back to his native Nicaragua.
“We accepted this challenge because we believe Oliver will rise to the occasion,” Flores’ promoter Rob Diaz (Havoc Boxing) said.  “He hadn’t fought for more than a year because several fights we lined up fell through.  So, we decided to move him up to lightweight to challenge a great prospect like Verdejo.  This is a tremendous opportunity for Oliver.  He’s not concerned about fighting Verdejo in Puerto Rico.  Oliver has effectively fought on the road throughout his career because he’s a true warrior.  He has a real chance to shock the boxing world tomorrow night and we’re confident that he will bring his best into the ring. Oliver is one of the best kept secrets in boxing but fans all over the world will know his name after tomorrow’s fight.”
In his last fight on New Year’s Eve of 2015, Flores unsuccessfully challenged then-World Boxing Association (WBA) Super world super featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama (23-0-1) in Tokyo, getting stopped in the third round.
Flores’ only other pro loss was in 2012 to current WBC super featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt, while his two draws were both on the road in Mexico and Costa Rica.
Flores (pictured to right on the scale) is a past WBA Fedebol lightweight title holder, as well as former World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX and International Boxing Federation (IBF) super featherweight champion.  He has proven to be a dangerous, upset-minded opponent having defeated previously unbeaten boxers Marcos Mojica (12-0-2), by way of unanimous decision, and Gabriel Dorado (9-0) via a first-round knockout.
A victory over Verdejo should position Flores for another world title shot in the not too distant future.
INFORMATION:
 
Website:  www.TeamHavocUSA
Twitter: @HavocBoxingNYC
Instagram:  @Havoc_CEO