Category Archives: boxing

boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

Miguel Flores Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Unbeaten Featherweight Takes on Once-Beaten Ryan Kielczweski In
PBC on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Main Event Friday, August 12
From Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
Click HERE For Photos Hosanna Rull/Team Flores/Premier Boxing Champions
 
VERONA, NY (August 9, 2016) – Unbeaten rising contender Miguel Flores has wrapped up training camp and is set to take on the toughest of his pro career as he faces once-beaten Ryan Kielcsweski in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Friday, August 12 from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a welterweight showdown between unbeaten contender Bryant Perrella and Cuban Olympian Yordenis Ugas.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $60 for ringside, $35 and $25, and are on sale now (may be subject to additional fees). Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, by calling 877-833-SHOW or by visiting the Turning Stone Box Office.
Flores has picked up two victories on 2016 and will enter the ring again looking to put himself squarely in the crowded pool of featherweight contenders when he takes on Kielcsweski in the main event on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Here is what Flores had to say about his matchup, training camp and more:
 
MIGUEL FLORES
On fighting in his first main event on ESPN…
“I’m very thrilled to be fighting in my first main event on ESPN because I know many boxing fans from around the world will be tuning in.  I feel I bring an exciting style to the ring that the fans will enjoy.  It’s fights like this, on a major TV network like ESPN, that take your brand to another level.  So the goal is to perform at my best ability and bring even more excitement to the featherweight division.”
On his recent training camp…
“Training camp has been very hard, but I know that hard work will pay off when it’s all said and done.  I’ve had a lot of time to prepare for this fight so I’ll be at my best.  My longtime trainer, Aaron Navarro, and my strength and conditioning coach, Edward Jackson, have been pushing me really hard.  Together as a team, we will be ready to shine this Friday.”
On his matchup with Ryan Kielczweski…
“Kielczweski is a very tough opponent.  He’s a very good boxer with a tremendous amount of skill.  He only has one loss, which was a split decision, so to me, he could easily be an undefeated fighter. With that being said, I know I have to be at my best.”
On the landscape of the featherweight division…
“The featherweight division is loaded with great fighters.  Carl Frampton, Leo Santa Cruz, Gary Russell, and all the other title holders are very skilled fighters. With each win, I’m inching closer to facing all of them.”
On fighting on the East Coast for the first time in his career…
“All my fights have been in Texas with the exception of a couple.  So traveling to the East Coast will be something new for me.  I plan to get there a few days early to get acclimated to the climate.  Kielczweski is from Massachusetts, which is not far from the venue, so I know I’ll be up against all his hometown fans.  I’m not worried about it.  I just want to put on a great show, win this fight and capture all his fans in the process.”
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions.  Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Former World Champion Ishe Smith Meets Hard-Hitting Contender Frank Galarza in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday, Sept. 16  From The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

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Plus! Rising Super Welterweight Contenders Meet, as Once-Beaten Chris Pearson takes on Hard-Hitting Justin DeLoach 
in Co-Main Event – 9 p.m. EDT / PDT
 
Tickets on Sale Friday, Aug.12 at 10 a.m. PT!
 
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 9, 2016) – Former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith(28-8, 12 KOs) is set to battle once-beaten contender Frank “Notorious” Galarza(17-1-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday, Sept.16 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Doors to The Chelsea will open at 4 p.m. PDT with televised coverage on Bounce TV beginning at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT. The fight night also features super welterweight contender Chris “Young King” Pearson (14-1, 10 KOs) taking on Justin “The Chosen One” DeLoach (15-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.
“I’m the type to always stay in good condition so I will be ready to get in on fight night,” said Smith. “I’m deep into training and I’m planning on delivering a great hard fight for all the fans to enjoy. I’m focused on this fight but my goal is to get the world title back.”
“I feel great and I’m ready for a chance to redeem myself,” said Galarza. “I know Ishe is an experienced fighter but this is a shot for me to get back to the top level. I can’t wait to show the boxing world what I am made of.”
“I’m very excited to get back in the ring against a good opponent,” said DeLoach. “This has been a great year for me and it seems to keep getting better. I’m looking forward to a great fight and heading to Las Vegas to handle my business. I’m fighting for my whole city, my family and my fans. I won’t let them down!”
“I’m familiar with my opponent and I’m treating this like a world title fight,” said Pearson. “I feel like getting this victory will put me right at the top of the division. We’re both hungry and want to prove that we have what it takes to be world champions. I’m preparing to be at my very best because of the caliber of fight this is.”
Promoted by Mayweather Promotions, tickets for the general public will go on-saleFriday, Aug. 12 at 10 a.m. PDT. Venue pre-sale begins Thursday, August 11 at 10 a.m. PDT. Ticket prices start at $29, and are available online at:www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 andwww.ticketmaster.com.
After a long career that saw him go from the world of reality television as a star on “The Contender” to competing at the top level at 154 and 160 pounds, Smith finally put it all together in 2010, beginning a four-fight winning streak that culminated in a decision win over Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight world title in 2013, becoming the first native Las Vegan to ever win a world title. He continues to seek another world title shot as he picked up victories over Cecil McCalla and Tommy Rainone in 2015.
A contender in the 154-pound division, Galarza won six straight fights dating back to the start of 2014 before dropping a contest to unbeaten Jarrett Hurd last November. A Brooklyn native who turned pro in 2010, the popular Galarza has inspired many with his personal story of perseverance. The 30-year-old won seven of eight fights within the distance leading up to his last fight.
The 25-year-old Pearson bounced back from his first defeat with a dominant decision victory over Joshua Okine. The Dayton, Ohio-born product previously picked up victories over Lanardo Tyner, Janks Trotter, Steve Martinez and Said El Harrak in the last two years after an outstanding amateur career that saw him capture a National Championship in 2011.
In his first bout of 2016, the 22-year-old DeLoach delivered a sensational knockout over previously unbeaten Dillon Cook in his debut with new trainer and former world champion Paul Williams. DeLoach followed that up by knocking down previously unbeaten Junior Castillo twice on his way to a unanimous decision victory in June. The fighter from Augusta, Georgia turned pro in 2013 and won his first 10 fights before suffering a defeat in early 2015. He enters this bout on a five-fight win streak.
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For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mayweatherpromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime

TOP LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT MASON MENARD TO FACE BAHODIR MAMADJONOV IN CO-FEATURE OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER

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FOURTH FIGHT ADDED TO AUG. 19 SHOBOX

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Jarrell Miller Meets Fred Kassi In Main Event, Antonio Nieves Faces New Opponent Alejandro Santiago,

Bakhtiyar Eyubov vs. Karim Mayfield In Telecast Opener

 

Friday, Aug. 19, Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

NEW YORK (Aug. 9, 2016) – Top lightweight prospect Mason Menard will face tough Bahodir Mamadjonov in a 10-round battle in the new co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Aug. 19 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from the outdoor soccer venue Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

Menard (31-1, 23 KOs) is coming off a Knockout of the Year contender in his last appearance on ShoBox on April 15 (VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW).

 

Undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs), a consensus Top 15 heavyweight, will take on the experienced Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs), of New Orleans, La. in the 10-round main event.

 

Plus, undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kazakhstan, steps up when he faces veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs), of San Francisco, Calif. in a 10-round battle. In the telecast opener, unbeaten Antonio Nieves of Cleveland, Ohio will square off against new opponent, Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago in a 10-round bantamweight bout for Nieves’ WBO NABO Title.

 

Nieves was initially set to fight world-ranked Nikolay Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs), of Potolsk, Russia, but he withdrew with an injury.

 

Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions are available at http://www.rhinossoccer.com/and http://www.etix.com

 

“These are the fights I need to get to the top,” Menard said.  “My opponent, Bahodir Mamadjonov, is no pushover.  He has been in with some quality guys and I have to be able to beat guys like him to get to the top ones.  I’m looking forward to getting the job done on August 19th.  It’s blessing to be able to fight on SHOWTIME and this time is for the WBO NABO title,” Menard said.”

 

“I’m excited I’m fighting on ShoBox again. It’s a great opportunity” Mamadjonov said. “Menard is no joke. He’s a credible opponent.

“I’m not going to rush on this fight. I’m not going to lie, I’m always looking for the knockout, but if it goes the distance I’d be ready.”

 

“I’m war-ready,” Nieves said. “I’m excited to finally showcase my skills on the big stage and let the boxing world know that I have graduated to contender. I feel many don’t see that I’m one of the best 118-pounders out there.

 

“I’m confident I have what it takes to win, and I’m a better boxer. I’m 100 percent ready for whatever type of fight my Santiago brings. I will box my way to my big shots.

 

“After this fight, I’ll probably look for a path to a world title shot. I want to bring a title home, just like the Cleveland Cavaliers brought the NBA Championship home,”

 

“I know I’m a replacement opponent, but I’m always ready,” Santiago said. “I’m always in training camp. I don’t take any breaks from the gym after I fight. I’m a true Mexican warrior. Always ready.

 

“I am looking to follow the heritage of great Mexican fighters from Tijuana and bring this win and title back home. I am coming to win. Get ready for war.“

 

Menard vs. Mamadjonov

The co-main event features promising Louisiana lightweight “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard facing his toughest test to date in Bahodir “Baha” Mamadjonov of Houston, Texas by way of Uzbekistan for the WBO NABO Lightweight Title. Both fighters are making their second appearance onShoBox: The New Generation.

 

Menard, an eight-year pro at the age of 27, is fighting outside of his native Louisiana for only the second time.  He’s is ranked among the Top 15 fighters at 135 pounds in the WBA and WBO. In the most noteworthy victory of his career, he made his ShoBox debut at Turning Stone Casino & Resort last April 15 delivering an impressive Knockout of the Year candidate over previously undefeated Dominican Eudy Bernardo with a vicious one-punch knockout. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW

 

Menard floored Bernardo for the first time in his career with a series of rights near the end of the second round.  Bernardo beat the count and finished the round, but he had no answer for Menard’s power.  With less than one minute left in third, Menard connected with a huge right, knocking Bernardo out before he even hit the canvas.

 

Mamadjonov (19-2, 11 KOs), has been matched against very tough opposition throughout his career. His only blemishes were to opponents with a combined record of 46-0 (38 KOs) – Colombian Darleys Perez in Aug., 2012 and Ghana’s Richard Commey in April of last year. Perez went on to become interim WBA Lightweight World Champion and recently lost a rematch against world champion Anthony Crolla. Commey is set to fight Robert Easter Jr. for the vacant IBF World Lightweight Title on Sept. 9.

 

This is Mamadjonov’s third start since losing to Commey and his secondShoBox appearance. In his ShoBox debut in April, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nev., Mamadjonov scored an upset ninth-round stoppage (:51) against previously unbeaten Cuban prospect Angelo Santana. VIDEO:http://s.sho.com/2aPfkwp

 

Nieves vs. Santiago

Also featured in the Aug. 19 quadrupleheader are WBO NABO Bantamweight Champion Antonio Nieves and his new foe, Alejandro “Peque” Santiago

 

Nieves, (16-0-1, 8 KOs), a prospect at 118 pounds, has stayed active with five fights in 2014, five in 2015, and is fighting for the third time this year. The 29-year-old is coming off his first 10-round performance, a unanimous decision over then once-beaten Oscar Mojica on June 18 in Washington, Pa.  A win against Santiago will put Nieves a step closer to his goal of challenging fellow Ohio-native WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Rau’shee Warren.

 

Santiago, (11-2-1, 3 KOs), of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, is a three-year pro who seldom breaks training camp between fights. He has won three fights in a row since his last loss in November 2014 to fellow Mexican Hector Flores. In his last fight on Feb. 27, Santiago won an eight-round unanimous decision over Mario Lara. This will be his United States debut and the first time he’s fought north of 116 pounds.

 

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

 

boxing

Steamrolling Through the Super Middleweight Division in Record Time, ‘Boxing Prodigy’ David Benavidez ‘Determined and Ready’ for Whatever Comes Next

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He was billed from the first day of his career as a “boxing prodigy,” but not even David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez himself could have predicted his meteoric rise through the boxing ranks.
Despite having had just 31 boxing matches in his entire life, amateur and professional, 19-year-old Benavidez (16-0, 15 KOs), is already the undefeated WBA #10 super middleweight in the world and a sure lock on 2016 “Prospect of the Year.” The young phenom from Phoenix has been nearly flawless tearing through his ever-escalating level of opponents (his last four had combined records of 62-7), while being labeled a potential superstar by world-famous trainer/commentator Teddy Atlas.
Last Friday night at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, Benavidez wore down and stopped capable veteran Denis Douglin (20-5, 13 KOs) in the tenth and final round of their ESPN-televised main event.
“It feels amazing to be in this position,” said Benavidez, “everything that has happened wasn’t expected, but we worked hard to get to this point and I feel like I just have to keep working hard, stay in the gym and stay determined and dedicated. I want to be ready for any opportunity that comes up.”
Benavidez, who appears ready to reach a dream and smash the record for youngest super middleweight champion in history (Darrin Van Horn was 22), attributes his natural sense of space in the ring as a big reason for his success.
“I feel like it’s a mix between distance and power in the ring. I know how to control it with the jab and there’s power behind my punches, so I’m are able to get dudes out of there.”
“To be honest I didn’t expect this to happen this soon,” said father/trainer Jose Benavidez. “It’s a dream come true for me to have my sons as two of the best in the world.” David’s brother, Jose Jr., is the undefeated former interim WBA junior welterweight champion.
“Today we went to eat and we were talking about how fast things were happening. We just have to be ready for big opportunities to show up. We’ve got to keep working and stay focused. David knows big challenges are coming, so we have to be ready. I tell him ‘you’re only 19 and people are already talking about you. Keep working hard and make your sacrifices now, so they pay off later. David understands that.”
Both Benavidez credit promoter Sampson Lewkowicz for helping make their miraculous run through the division a reality. “He’s done everything he said he would,” said David. “He says I’ll be back in December against another veteran with good experience. I’ll be ready.”
boxing

19-year old Antonio “Bang” Williams remains unbeaten with dominating unanimous decision

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Photo by Team Williams / Pro Box Management
 
 
MIAMI, FL (August 8, 2016) –  This past Saturday at the Miami Airport Convention Center, 19-year old Super-featherweight prospect, Antonio “Bang” Williams, remained undefeated with a dominating unanimous decision victory against tough opponent, Brian Santos, improving his record to (4-0, 3 KOs).  Scorecards ready 40-36 across the board.
After knocking out his first three opponents within two rounds, Williams goes the distance for the first time in his young career.  With the win, Williams, who is signed by Pro Box Management, reflects on getting the much needed rounds as he is ready to get right back in the ring.
“It was great experience going the full four rounds,” said Antonio Williams. “Although I’m always gunning for the KO, every fight comes with a different style, so I know I’m not going to be able to knock everyone out.  Santos came to fight and pushed me past the second round.  I made the proper adjustments and came out on top.  I’m happy with my performance and I’ll be ready to get back in the ring immediately.  I’ll be back in the gym waiting on my next fight.”
“Antonio showed a lot of maturity in this fight by not punching himself out while going for the knockout,” stated Gary Jonas of Pro Box Management. “We will be looking to get him a few more fights before the end of the year.  He has all the ability to be something special in this sport, especially in the super-featherweight division.”
boxing

Witherspoon takes on Marrone in 2

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Bristol, PA (August 6, 2016) – Chazz Witherspoon scored his fifth consecutive knockout victory as he took out former world title challenger Mike Marrone in round two of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout in the main event at the Grundy Arena.

The eight-bout card was promoted by D and D Promotions and Silver Spoon Promotions.

Witherspoon sent Marrone to the canvas in round one with a left hook. Seconds later it was a hard 1-2 that sent Marrone down for a second time.

In round two, Witherspoon landed a booming right that deposited Marrone on the canvas for a third time. Marrone got to his feet but the fight was waved off at 1:31.

Witherspoon of Paulsboro, New Jersey is now 35-3 with 27 knockouts. Marrone of Vero Beach, Florida is 21-6.

Samuel Teah won a four round unanimous decision over Samuel Amoako in a junior welterweight bout.

Teah of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 8-1. Amoako of Silver Spring, MD is 21-13.

Elijah Vines stopped Julian Valerio in round three of their scheduled four round middleweight brawl.

In the first frame, Vines dropped Valerio with a short right on the inside. Valerio returned the favor after a furious exchange, Valerio put Vines on the canvas from a left hook. In round three, Vines drilled Valerio a multitude of times with power punches that continuously snapped the head of Valerio’s head back until a moment later when Vines landed some hard body punches and referee Hurley McCall stopped the fight at 2:37.

Vines of Philadelphia is 3-0 with three knockouts. Valerio of Brooklyn, NY is 3-4.

Good looking prospect, Jaron Ennis stopped Matthew Murphy in round two of a scheduled four round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Ennis sent Murphy to a knee after landing a barrage of punches. Seconds later, It was a left to the body that sent Murphy down and the fight was stopped at 2:53.

Ennis of Philadelphia is 5-0 with five knockouts. Murphy of St. Louis, MO is 1-3.

Mike Hilton remained undefeated by stopping Cortez Reed at 1:57 in the fourth and final scheduled round of their cruiserweight bout.

Hilton of Trenton, NJ, is now 3-0 with all wins coming via stoppage. Reed of Atlanta, GA is 1-3.

Emanuel Taylor stopped Carlos Aguilera in round two of their scheduled eight round junior welterweight bout.

Taylor cracked Aguilera with a left hook to the ribs that dropped him. He could not get to his feet and fight was over at 2:07.

Taylor of Edgewood, MD is now 20-4 with 14 knockouts. Aguilera of Chiapas, MX is 10-18.

Leshawn Rodriguez demolished Jason Whar inside of one round of their scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Whar three times in round one, with the last coming from a left hook and the bout was stopped at 1:55.

Rodriguez of Shirley, New York is 4-0 with four knockouts. Wahr of Virginia Beach, Virginia is 4-13.

Luis Perozo remained undefeated by winning a 4-round unanimous decision over Alberto Martinez in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Perozo scored a knocked down from a right hand.

Perozo of New York , NY won by scores of 39-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Martinez of Tifton, GA is 0-2.
boxing, HBO Boxing

  SERGEY KOVALEV VS. ANDRE WARD “POUND FOR POUND” SHOWDOWN OFFICIALLY SET FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

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OAKLAND, CA (Aug. 6, 2016) – On Saturday, Nov. 19 the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer will be crowned. Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs), the WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion, and Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) Two-Time World Champion, officially announced their long-awaited showdown following Ward’s victory over Alexander Brand at the conclusion of the live HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast Saturday night at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Kovalev vs. Ward will take place Saturday, Nov. 19. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions.

Kovalev and Ward are currently ranked the number two and number four pound-for-pound boxers in the world, respectively, by The Ring Magazine, making their hotly anticipated fight only the third bout in the history of The Ring Magazine pound-for-pound list to pit two undefeated top-five ranked pound-for-pound fighters against each other. Odds makers and pundits have this fight evenly matched at 50-50 and it is poised to be a sure-fire 2016 Fight of the Year candidate. History will be made on Nov. 19th!

 

Making the fight even more intriguing, Kovalev and Ward are polar opposites. The Russian Wrecking Ball Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev is an unbeaten knockout artist sitting atop boxing’s light heavyweight division. With his ferocity in the ring and his charisma outside of it, Krusher is on his way to becoming the sport’s next big star. The last American man to win an Olympic Gold Medal in boxing, Andre “S.O.G.” Ward is already a future Hall of Famer. Known for his strong character and integrity outside the ring and his warrior’s instinct inside it, Ward has not lost a fight, amateur or professional, since he was 12-years-old. Kovalev’s seemingly unstoppable offense-first approach stands in stark contrast to Ward’s slick, defensive style that has been an unsolvable riddle for every foe he’s taken on.

 

Neither man has faced an opponent like this before. Who will be the next “Pound for Pound” king? Find out Saturday, Nov. 19!

 

Live on HBO tonight, when asked about whether or not Ward is ready to face him Kovalev said, “I think he is ready. I am ready too. The fight against Chilemba was similar to how it is going to be against Andre Ward. He is a really great champion and he proved this today. I just want to say, let’s do it November 19 on HBO.”

 

Ward responded, “I am excited, man. I am looking forward to it. I want to be the light heavyweight champion of the world. I got past this step. He got past his step. We will see you in November. I have been doing this for 22 years and if I am not ready to fight the best now then I will never be ready. I have been preparing for these moments since I been a kid. You got to respect Sergey for the way he has gotten to where he has gotten. He didn’t have any soft touches. He wasn’t protected. He wasn’t really pushed by the media. He is a guy who should get a lot more credit than he has. The winner of this fight could possibly be pound-for-pound #1.”

 

Additional details for the event, including ticket information, will be released shortly.

 

*The Ring Magazine began publishing pound-for-pound rankings in 1989.

 

Kovalev, the Russian Wrecking Ball, 33, has been dominating boxing’s light heavyweight division with his aggressive, fan-friendly style since his breakout performance against then-unbeaten Nathan Cleverly in 2013. His rise to boxing stardom has been meteoric, as he has gone from an unknown fighter from Chelyabinsk, Russia to headlining HBO Pay-Per-View in just four years after signing with his first promoter, Main Events. Out of of Kovalev’s 30 career victories 26 have come by way of knockout. Additionally, he has entered into championship rounds only twice in his professional career. Kovalev has always sought to test himself against the best boxing has to offer; he wants to prove in the ring that he deserves that mantle.

Ward, 32, the last American man to win an Olympic Gold Medal in boxing (2004), reigned as the WBA Super Middleweight World Champion from 2009 to 2015 while fighting mostly out of his hometown, Oakland, CA. He announced his intention to move to up to the light heavyweight division in search of a bigger challenge in 2015, shortly after signing with his current promoter, Roc Nation Sports. He has been a top rated pound-for-pound fighter since 2011. Ward is seeking to assume his place and leave a legacy at the top of the sport.

 

Follow the conversation using #KovalevWard. FOLLOW US:

 

 
www.kovalboxer.com @KrusherKovalev @SergeyKovalev_Official /thekrusher /kovalboxer
www.andresogward.com @AndreWard @AndreSogWard /AndreSogWard  
www.mainevents.com @Main_Events @Main_Events /MainEventsBoxing /MEBoxingSeries
www.rocnation.com/sports @RocNation @RocNation /RocNation /RocNation
www.hbo.com/boxing @HBOboxing @HBOboxing /HBOboxing /HBOboxing

 

boxing, CBS Boxing

Results from CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing in Temecula, California 

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‘Bravo’ Brant Stops Fitzpatrick in Three, Continues March to Middleweight Title Shot
 
Current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight Rob “Bravo” Brant (21-0, 14 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, kept his momentum plowing forward and continued to impress tonight with a one-sided beatdown of Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-5, 6 KOs) of Cleveland.
 
Fighting in the 10-round main event of CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing from the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, Brant had too many weapons for the game Fitzpatrick.
 
The event, a televised quadrupleheader, was Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with the International Championship Boxing League (ICBL), Ringside Ticket Inc., and David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions.
 
Brant moved smoothly around the ring, landing at will. He dropped Fitzpatrick with an uppercut in round two (Fitzpatrick nearly fell out of the ring) and finished it with another knockdown at 1:18 of round three.
 
Typically candid, Brant said the game plan was to not let Fitzpatrick get a toe hold in the fight. “He’s the type of guy, if you let him hang in there, he’ll hang for a number of rounds,” said Brant, post-fight. “I wanted to make an example of him and make sure I put him down.”
 
The future looks bright for the red-hot Brant, who seems to tighten up his game with every performance. “Under the tutelage of Derrick James, I’ve learned to sit down on my punches and stay defensively sound at the same time,” he continued, “but now it’s time to step up the level of competition. As nice as it is to get these kinds of win, it’s a lot nicer to get them up a level.”
 
In the co-main event, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger “No Surrender” Skender Halili made quick work of Silver Springs, Maryland, veteran Ben Odamattey.
Halili, with a record of 11-1, 11 KOs, caught Odamattey with his proven power early and it quickly became apparent he couldn’t handle it. Odamattey tried bravely to keep his feet under the hell fire. He rose from a knockdown but was quickly under siege again and with Odamattey’s legs betraying him, Referee Ray Corona waved it off at 1:17 of the first.
Odamattey slips to 16-15-3, 9 KOs. Halili, never in a bad fight, is becoming “must see TV” with his action-packed way of doing things.
 
Undefeated middleweight Cem “The Champ” Killic (6-0, 3 KOs) did what he was supposed to do in his tryout fight for GCP, by tearing through debuting Vegas fighter Jerhed Fenderson (0-1).
Fenderson looked to have some skills and fought evenly with Killic in the first round.
However, Killic, of Frankfurt, Germany, now residing in Sherman Oaks, California, took over in round two, clubbing a tiring Fenderson against the ropes with heavy shots until dropping him hard to get the stoppage.
The end came at 1:50 of round two.
To start the televised bouts, Baltimore, Maryland welterweight Malik “Ice Man” Hawkins had to work all four rounds to move his record to 9-0, 7 KOs against a surprisingly determined Sean “The Beast of War” Gee (3-4) of Portland, Oregon.
Hawkins had too much speed and skill for the brawling Gee, but Gee kept it interesting with his wild swings and willingness to exchange. Hawkins’ brilliance carried the night though as he was given a unanimous decision (40-36 x 3).
In the night’s opening bout, Detroit’s Jarico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (3-0, 2 KOs) survived a scare from nearby Oceanside California’s Jonathon Quiroz (6-3, 1 KO) in their bantamweight four-rounder.
O’Quinn came out firing in the first, as expected, but Quiroz figured out how to time him with looping shots in the second. He rocked O’Quinn to his boots with a right but wasn’t able to finish.
O’Quinn did a little more in the final two rounds, but credit the California judges for not playing home favorites. The scores, met with booing, were 39-37 across the board.
“It was a good step up for me, being 2-0, fighting someone with nine fights,” said O’Quinn. “I learned that not everybody is going to lay down and that’s exactly what I wanted. I didn’t want a cake-walk.
What was supposed to be a routine dual-pro-debut for two unknowns quickly turned into an epic war for ages, as “Slick” Will Davis finally managed to stop a wild-swinging Erick Fowler in four rounds.
A classic “skill vs. will” match-up, Davis would land his sharp, educated combinations only to be answered every time by the clubbing shots of the iron-chinned Fowler.
With momentum swinging back-and-forth every few seconds, Davis dropped Fowler in the second. Fowler returned the favor in the third.
By the fourth round even the crowd was exhausted, as Davis landed a barrage of unanswered shots that finished things at the :39 seconds mark of round four.
Local super flyweight product Danny Andujo (1-0, 1 KO) turned professional with a quick stoppage of San Jose’s Israel Hernandez, now 1-3-1, 1 KO.
Andujo swarmed, landing hard shots against the outgunned Hernandez, who took the 10 count at :55 of the first round.
And finally, undefeated Temecula featherweight Robert Meza (3-0-0, 1 KO) cruised to a dominant four-round decision over brave, but crude Jose Fabian Naranjo (3-3-1, 1 KO)
of Baja California, Mexico.
The scores were 40-36 x 3.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rising Star David Benavidez Knocks Out Denis Douglin in Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Main Event from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena

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Undefeated Lightweight Alejandro Luna Bests
Naim Nelson by Unanimous Decision
 
Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Premier Boxing Champions/Ryan Hafey
 
Click HERE for Benavidez vs. Douglin Highlights
 
Click HERE for Luna vs. Nelson Highlights
 
PHILADELPHIA (August 6, 2016) – Undefeated rising contender David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez (16-0, 15 KOs) knocked out Denis Douglin (20-5, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Douglin, who is trained by his mother Saphya, opened the fight very aggressive, stealing the first round on all three judges’ scorecards. Douglin continued to press the action, also winning the second round battle with two of the three judges, but Benavidez would soon settle in and take control of the war.
“I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I knew Douglin wasn’t going to go out without a fight,” said Benavidez. “So I came in here and started slower than I usually do, just using my jab a little bit more.”
The 19-year-old Benavidez made the necessary corrections in round three and never looked back, chipping away throughout the fourth and fifth rounds. In the sixth, Benavidez teed off on Douglin with damaging punches to both Douglin’s body and head.
In the seventh round, Benavidez was still having his way when one of the top turnbuckles gave out, causing the ropes on one side of the ring to collapse, and stopping the fight momentarily. When the action resumed, Douglin came forward with a flurry, but that burst of energy was short-lived.
Benavidez regained control in the eighth round, and in the ninth he scored the only knockdown of the fight. In the tenth and final frame, Benavidez threw a barrage of punches, several of which buckled Douglin, causing referee Gary Rosato to intervene and stop the fight at :35 into the round.
When asked about Douglin’s resilience, Benavidez said, “I hurt him a lot of times, but I kept my cool. I knew I was going to get him out of there sooner or later and that’s exactly what I did tonight. This is a good victory for me. Douglin is a tough veteran. He started fast and swinging wildly, and his offense probably looked better on-camera than it was, but he did what he had to do to survive until the final round.”
Benavidez continued, “It was important to me to get the stoppage and show everybody that I am just as strong in the late rounds as I am early on. I love this. This is what I signed up for. I want tough fights.”
A disappointed Douglin said, “I was in this fight, I just got winded. I was in great shape and everything, but I got winded there towards the end. Benavidez is a tough, young fighter. He was able to make me stay in there longer than I wanted to, but I feel good and I’ll be back.”
Benavidez concluded, “Right now, I would like to say that I don’t think about who’s next. I’m just trying to progress in my career and I’m not trying to call anybody out. But if I do dream about fighting anybody, it would be whoever is the champion at my weight. I’m going to work hard to get to that spot.”
Televised coverage began with exciting undefeated contender Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (21-0, 15 KOs) defeating Philadelphia prospect Naim Nelson (13-2, 1 KO) by unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 97-93) in a ten-round bout fought at a catch weight of 144 lbs.
Nelson, who stepped up to face Luna on only 24-hours notice, tried to bring the fight to Luna in the early rounds and make it a physical contest on the inside.
Despite Luna landing a couple of blistering uppercuts in the second and third rounds, Nelson still came forward. Luna later said, “Nelson was a tough guy and could bang a little bit.”
By the close of the third round, Luna’s left eye appeared to be swelling badly, but luckily for Luna Nelson’s gas tank appeared to drain just in time. Although Nelson was all aggression and wanted to fight in a phone booth early on, he found himself landing fewer punches and looking to create distance in the middle rounds.
Luna soon took over the action, and in the seventh round a cut opened on Nelson’s forward, but was quickly controlled by his corner. Nevertheless, Luna had done enough damage in the middle stages of the scrap and was able coast to a unanimous victory on the scorecards.
“Obviously we prepared for another opponent, but I felt I had a solid performance against him,” said Luna. “Nelson came to fight and was in shape, and I thought I handled him pretty well, but I know I can still do better.”
When asked about taking the fight on short notice Nelson said, “I make no excuses, but we took this fight at 9 p.m. last night and I knew I was stepping up to face a tough opponent. I didn’t get the decision, but I felt good in there tonight, and I proved I can compete with a world class fighter.
Nelson added, “Luna is a good puncher and he’s strong. I won’t take anything away from him. We fought a hell of a fight, and I look forward to being back soon.”
Luna summed up the night adding, “I’m looking to build on what I did here tonight and get back in the ring soon for another good fight.”
# # #
The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions.  Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, HBO Boxing

TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD AND POWER-PUNCHING COLOMBIAN ALEXANDER BRAND FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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SHOWDOWN SET FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ®

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports/Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos

 

OAKLAND, CA (August 4, 2016) – On Thursday, August 4, Roc Nation Sports hosted the final press conference for Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (29-0, 15 KOs) and power-punching Colombian Alexander Brand (25-1, 19 KOs) at Lake Merritt Amphitheater in Oakland, California in advance of their August 6 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Ward and Brand will meet in 12-round WBO Intercontinental title fight televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf sent senior special advisor, Penny Moore, to kick off the press conference with an official proclamation honoring Ward’s contribution to the city and declaring August 4 as Andre Ward Day.

 

Below is what the fighters and dais guests had to say at the press conference:

 

 

ANDRE WARD, Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter:

 

“The Bay Area is a beautiful place. I’m blessed to be here in my city and to represent you all. I’ve gotten a lot of heat in the press about fighting here but I won’t apologize. I dreamed about fighting here and being a headliner. We’re going to continue to headline. I’m thankful for all the sponsors that were named, HBO and everybody who supported on a small and big level.

 

“I’m excited about the future. I want to be the lightweight champion of the world, a two division champion. Everyone knows that, but it’s impossible for me to overlook this man (Brand). I’m not built like that. I wasn’t raised like that. I wasn’t groomed like that. As a young fighter, I don’t operate like that. This man is coming, this is his super bowl. Because this is his super bowl, it has to be my super bowl. My ribs are showing, I’m hungry. I’ll see you all Saturday night.”

 

 

ALEXANDER BRAND, Former WBC Latino Super Middleweight Champion:

 

“I want to thank you all for being here today. It’s a pleasure for me to be in this wonderful city. All I want to do is give a good show and make sure that I give that to my fans here in Oakland. I want to have a good fight and work hard. It’s really a true honor to be in the ring with a champion like Andre Ward.”

 

 

MICHAEL YORMARK, President and Chief of Branding & Strategy – Roc Nation:

 

“Over the last year and a half this city has become our home away from home, with Saturday marking Roc Nation Sports’ third big Bay Area fight in the last 16 months. More importantly, Oakland is also the home to the world’s greatest pound-for-pound boxer and Olympic gold medalist, your very own Andre Ward and now the new home of another Roc Nation star athlete, Kevin Durant. On Saturday at Oracle Arena and live on HBO, Andre looks to continue his conquest of the light heavyweight division when he takes on power-punching Colombian Alexander Brand.”

 

 

VIRGIL HUNTER, Andre Ward’s Trainer:

 

“Thanks to the city of Oakland for coming out and supporting Andre. We hope you continue to do that as we continue to grow in his career and his journey. Much respect for Team Brand. We consider him a very formidable opponent. He cannot be taken lightly. We know he can fight, we know he is a great competitor. It is also an honor for us to be in the ring with him and his team.”

 

 

JAMES PRINCE, Andre Ward’s Manager:

 

“I like to thank God for this opportunity, HBO, Roc Nation, Antonio Leonard Promotions and Team Alexander Brand. Alexander Brand has over 400 amateur fights so this is an opponent we’re not taking lightly. Anybody who has 400 fights has a lot of experience so we look forward to fighting him. We had him on our radar a few months ago but we didn’t reel him in. We were injured and he got away from us. Come Saturday night, we’re going to put an S.O.G brand on Alexander Brand.”

 

 

ALEX CAMPONOVO, Alexander Brand’s Manager:

 

“It’s been a long road for Alexander Brand. He’s worked very hard to get where he is today. He was given the opportunity by HBO last December for a fight in Florida on HBO Latino and he showed his true colors. This is a great opponent, one of the greatest of all time, in Andre Ward. We know that this champion probably has never lost a round inside the ring and that is what Brand is here to do, to prove himself and to show that if you try and work hard, you can go very far.”

 

 

TONY WALKER, Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View:

 

“On behalf of our executive Vice President Peter Nelson and the rest of the HBO Sports staff, I’d like to say that we’re very happy to be here in Oakland. We are looking forward to a great card on Saturday night. We’ve done three shows from Oracle, and each time, Andre Ward has put on an outstanding performance and showcased his skills as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. We consider Andre one of the HBO family as he’s been able to showcase his skills, become one of the best boxers of this generation, recognized as a champion and he’s all done it with great character and great professionalism. He’s a joy to work with us at the network.

 

“I’d like to welcome Alexander Brand to the network as he’s here to spoil the party. Anytime you get in the ring, anything can happen as we’ve seen in boxing over the years. We welcome him and know that he’s going to give a great performance as he tries to elevate his own career.

 

“There seems to be an opportunity that people have been talking about this fall for Andre. With what we’ve seen in boxing over the past few years, I think we should wait to see what happens Saturday night, then start talking about what happens after that. The telecast starts at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT. We have a great broadcast crew, we guarantee you some informative and exciting discussion on boxing and a great night of television.”

 

 

Ward vs. Brand is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental title, presented by Roc Nation Sports and sponsored by Corona Extra, Verizon, ProSupps, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (CTMS), Jordan Brand, Shoe Palace, Kingsford, Autocom Nissan, Ticketmaster and The Clorox Company, supporting the Bay Area Community for over 100 years. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®beginning at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $250, $100, $70, $40 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

 

Follow the conversation using #WardBrand.