Category Archives: boxing

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

TOP WELTERWEIGHTS: THURMAN-PORTER  WINNER TOO CLOSE TO CALL

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 This Saturday, June 25, Live in Primetime at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on CBS  
Click HERE For PBC Fighter Prediction Video
 
NEW YORK (June 22, 2016) – Their peers in the welterweight division – world champions, former champions, contenders and top prospects – can’t pick a definitive winner between defending WBA 147-pound king Keith “One Time” Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs) and former world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs).
The majority of the fighters polled – some of whom are potential opponents down the line for the winner – lean toward Thurman, but most all concede that Saturday’s eagerly awaited main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) at Barclays Center is going to be an intense, exciting, tight fight from start to finish that could go either way.
Here’s how the boxers see “Thurman vs. Porter”:
 
Danny Garcia (WBC Welterweight Champion): “I think this is a great matchup. Thurman has the boxing ability and the movement while Shawn Porter is the aggressor and he’s going to bring the heat. To be honest with you it’s a 50-50 fight, but I would give the edge to Keith Thurman by a very close decision.”
 
Kell Brook (IBF Welterweight Champion):”This is a great fight, one I can’t wait to watch. If Shawn can stick to his boxing I think he can become world champion again on points, but Keith is heavy-handed and he could walk Shawn onto one – it’s really a pick ’em fight for me.”
 
Errol Spence Jr. (Undefeated Welterweight Contender): “I think this is a great fight between young fighters with good skill. Shawn throws a lot of punches while Thurman is a boxer who can punch too. I know Shawn will be aggressive and it should make for a great fight. If Keith can box and keep Shawn Porter on the outside I see Keith Thurman winning. If Shawn stays on the inside and stays in the chest of Keith, I see him winning.”
Andre Berto (Former Welterweight Champion): “Shawn is going to come, but I think Keith will be on his toes and box but also drop hard shots as well when Shawn comes in. Keith can be very versatile in there and has a lot of great skills, while Shawn is more like a bull. Keith will hurt or knock Shawn down but will keep coming all night.”
Sammy Vazquez (Undefeated Welterweight Contender): “Shawn is a pressure fighter and Thurman used to be a pressure fighter but now he boxes. It’s really hard for me to decide who is going to come out on top. Thurman has good power. It all depends on how Shawn is able to take Thurman’s punches. I think Thurman because of the power but Shawn will bring it for 12 rounds.”
 
Robert Guerrero (Former Welterweight Champion): “This is a fight the fans are going to love watching.  Both Thurman and Porter bring exciting styles to the ring. I think if Porter can keep the fight on the inside he’ll have a better chance to come out victorious. But Keith Thurman is a very smart and powerful fighter and will make the right adjustments. I just think Thurman is going to outbox Porter.  I’m picking Thurman to win by decision in a very tough fight.”
Luis Collazo (Former Welterweight Champion): “I’m not sure who the favorite is, but I’m going with Porter. I like his style and I think it’s going to be interesting to see how Thurman holds up with the pressure Porter is going to bring.”
 
Devon Alexander (Former Welterweight Champion): “It’s a very exciting fight. Both fighters are come forward type fighters and they swing for the fences when they throw. I don’t know who will come out on top because they have similar styles. Shawn Porter has decent power, but out of the two Keith has the more power. We’ll see. This is boxing.”
 
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The live CBS telecast with open with a 10-round matchup between undefeated super welterweight prospects Jarrett Hurd andOscar Molina
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.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. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP,  @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebookat www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing

Undefeated New Haven Super Bantamweight Luis “KO King” Rosa Jr. To headline June 30th Broadway Boxing card at Foxwoods Resort Casino

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MASHANTUCKET, CT (June 22, 2016) – Undefeated world-rated junior featherweight prospect Luis “KO King” Rosa Jr. takes on former world title challenger Luis “Barcelo” Hinojosa in the eight-round main event Thursdaynight, June 30, in Premier Ballroom at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
The 25-year-old Rosa (22-0, 10 KOs), born in Puerto Rico and fighting out of New Haven (CT), is a rising star in the junior featherweight division, world rated at No. 10 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 12 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).  He is a recent graduate of Gateway College in New Haven with an associates degree in business.
Hinojosa is a former Dominican Republic and World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin bantamweight champion who was stopped in the 11thround by Yonfrez Parejo in their 2014 interim WBA bantamweight title fight.
Rosa doesn’t feel any added pressure in terms of risking his ranking and undefeated record against a veteran such as Hinojosa.  “I’m hungrier knowing I’m so close to a major fight,” Rosa said. “I’m working even harder, I’m right there, knocking on the door for a world title fight. I think that will take a little more than a year. I know it’s hard to get a world title fight. I’m willing to fight any of the top 122-pounders. I’m ready to take them on, but I still take it one fight at a time. Eventually, they’ll (world champions) will have to fight me, and then I’ll take their belts.”
In the eight-round co-feature event, Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) junior featherweight champion Jennifer “The Bolivian Queen” Salinas(18-3, 4 KOs), now fighting out of Providence (RI), faces off in a non-title fight against Hungarian challenger Gina Chamie (14-6, 6 KOs), a three-time world title challenger.
Unbeaten Irish junior welterweight prospect Noel Murphy (6-0, 2 KOs) faces Albanian invader Afrim Mema (5-3-1, 2 KOs), who fights out of Detroit, in a six-round bout.
Also fighting on the undercard is the newest DBE signee Mykey Williams (1-0, 1 KO), the 18-year-old three-time Ringside World amateur champion from East Hartford, in a four-round welterweight fight against an opponent to be determined.
Also scheduled to be in action are New Haven’s highly decorated Foster brothers, light heavyweight Charles (10-0, 5 KOs) and junior lightweight William III (2-0, 1 KO), in six and four-round matchups, respectively, versus TBAs. Both brothers were National amateur standouts.
Worcester, MA featherweight Irvin Gonzalez, another decorated New England amateur who qualified for the 2016 USA Olympic Boxing Team Trials, will make his professional debut in qa four-round fight against TBA.
Tickets for the June 30th card are on sale and priced at $125, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.
For more information, visit www.DBE1.com and www.Foxwoods.com,follow on Twitter @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT, @JSalinasBoxing, and @MarvelousMykey, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/foxwoods/
boxing

Mexican Heavyweight Contender Andy Ruiz to Headline Salita Promotions’ next ‘Detroit Brawl’ on Saturday, July 16, at Masonic Temple

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Andy Ruiz

To the delight of the sizable Mexican community in Detroit, on Saturday, July 16, world-rated Mexican heavyweight contender Andy “The Destroyer from Mexicali” Ruiz will appear in the 10-round main event of Salita Promotions’ next “Detroit Brawl” installment at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit.

26-year-old Ruiz, from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, is a former amateur standout, now undefeated at 27-0, 18 KOs as a professional and rated WBO #5, IBF #5, and WBC #7 at heavyweight. Ruiz is the current NABF heavyweight champion and has already made four successful defenses. Before that, he held the WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship and made an additional three successful defenses before relinquishing.
In his last in-ring appearance, Ruiz stopped former world title challenger Ray Austin in the fourth round on May 14 in Studio City, California.
“I cannot wait to get back into the ring,” said Ruiz. “I’ve got some thunder coming with me to Detroit.”
Sponsored by Greektown Casino and Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” will be priced at VIP $123, Box Seats $100, Ringside $93, Reserved $63 and $38, and Balcony $28, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Tickmaster.com.
“I am very excited about bringing another sensational show to Detroit that will feature local talent as well as some of the best fighters from around the country and the world,” said Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “I have a vision of helping Detroit become known as America’s Greatest Comeback City and the East Coast hub of professional boxing. With each show, we are showcasing great fighters and building a fan base locally and around the world.”
Giving the “Detroit Brawl” crowd its usual international flavor will be red-hot welterweight KO artist Bakhtiyer Eubov (10-0, 10 KOs) of Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan making a very special six-round appearance, along with welterweights Giorgi Gelashvili (4-0, 2 KOs) Brooklyn via Georgia and Serdar Hadurbadyev (2-0, 2 KOs) of Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan in other six-round bouts.
Making his long-awaited four-round pro debut that night will be “Southpaw Prince” Gheith Karim, a three-time national amateur champion from Dearborn, Michigan. A product of the Kronk Gym, Karim was being touted as a future star by legendary Kronk founder Emanuel Steward since the age of 11. He will compete as a junior middleweight.
Also scheduled for action that night are crowd-favorite Detroit prospects including cruiserweight Demetrius Banks (7-0, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder; middleweight Dorell Van Horn Jr (9-0, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder; as well as Detroit bantamweight Jarico O’Quinn (1-0, 1 KO); super bantamweight Zach Shamoun (3-0-1, 3 KOs) of Bloomfield Hills Michigan; and cruiserweight Clarence Dubose (3-0, 3 KOs) of Eastpointe, Michigan, in separate four-rounders.
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Greektown Casino Hotel features a 30-story hotel with 400 stunning guestrooms and suites devoted to your comfort. And for your culinary needs, you can savor eclectic cuisine at one of their outstanding restaurants: Prism, Bistro 555 and The Market District.
For your special event or corporate gathering, Greektown Casino Hotel offers impeccable service in addition to a variety of exceptional spaces to help make your event an unforgettable experience.
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar offers patrons an old-school sports and whiskey bar in Downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market district. Thomas Magee’s prides itself on providing every sport, every game, and every fight, plus great beer and whiskey!
For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com. The Greektown Casino Hotel is located at 555 E Lafayette Street in Detroit. For more information, visit them online atgreektowncasino.com. Twitter: @GreektownCasino.
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar is located at 1408 E Fisher Service Drive in Detroit. For more information, call 313-263-4342 or visit their official Facebook page:www.facebook.com/ThomasMageesSportingHouseWhiskeyBar

On fight night, doors open at 6:30 pm and the fights begin at 7:15 pm.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Prospect Brandon Figueroa Takes On Cuba’s Oldier Landin in Featured Undercard Bout on Saturday, June 25 from The Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio

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Plus! Full Card Featuring Local Prospect Kendo Castaneda, Justin Pauldo, Brandin Chaulker & More
 
PBC on NBCSN Tripleheader Begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
 
SAN ANTONIO (June 22, 2016) – Unbeaten local prospect Brandon Figueroa (7-0, 5 KOs) will battle Cuba’s Oldier Landin (4-1-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight showdown that highlights undercard action on Saturday, June 25 from the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
The June 25th event features a Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN tripleheader that is headlined by a clash of rising super welterweight prospects Justin DeLoach and Junior Castillo. Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features unbeaten Ryan “Cowboy” Karl against Mexico’s Luis “Muecas” Solis plus a battle of unbeaten prospects as Darwin Price takes on Semajay Thomas.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $85 and $20 plus $1000 and $850 for tables, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call 210-988-8821 or visit Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78216.
Further undercard bouts will see Orlando-born prospect Justin Pauldo (6-1, 4 KOs) take on Phoenix’s Jesus Aguinaga (4-3-1) in six-rounds of lightweight action, the pro debut of Houston’s Laurynas Arbaciauskas in a four-round super lightweight battle against Corpus Christi’s Omar Reyes (1-3) and England’s Steve Woodall (10-1-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout.
Rounding out an exciting night of fights are a slew of unbeaten San Antonio-prospects as Kendo Castaneda (9-0, 3 KOs) enters the ring in welterweight action, Brandon Soto (1-0, 1 KO) against Texas-native John Van Meter (0-1) in a four-round super featherweight clash, unbeaten super featherweight Brandin Chaulker (3-0, 1 KO) in a four-round bout against Daniel Arriaga (0-2-2) and a four-round super middleweight attraction between fighters making their pro debuts as Tommy Kamara battles Rynell Riley.
The brother of former world champion Omar, the 19-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May of last year by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016 picking up three more victories via stoppage over Harold Reyes, Jahaziel Vazquez and Jonell Nieves. He will be opposed by the 28-year-old Landin from Havana, Cuba who made his U.S. debut in February by knocking out Alex Roman in Florida.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSportsHighlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.  PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

Perrella back in training; excited for next Opportunity

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BP Gym.jpg
Fort Myers, FL (June 22, 2016) – Welterweight rising star Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella has returned to the gym and is training in anticipation of his next bout.
On June 4, Perrella destroyed previously unbeaten two time National Golden Gloves champion David Grayton on ESPN. Rather than go on vacation or celebrate his victory, Perrella immediately wanted to resume training. At the advice of his team, he took a short period of time off before getting back into the gym less than two weeks after his career best victory.

Even though he’s currently waiting to get the word on his next fight date, the 27-year-old Fort Myers native believes he’ll be in another televised bout in the coming months. Naturally, his immediate goal is to raise his record to 15-0 while continuing to fight his way into the upper echelon of the 147 pound division.

“I live, eat and sleep boxing,” said Perrella. “This is what I do for a living and I take my career seriously. Since I’m moving up and believe I’m ready to take a big step forward in the welterweight division, there’s no time to waste. I don’t have any vices and stay in shape year round. Next fight, I’ll be even better and want there to be no doubt in anybody’s mind that I’m one of the next stars in the welterweight division.”
Fans can follow Bryant on Twitter @Bryantperrella.
Information on Perrella’s next move will be available in the near future.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Deontay Wilder vs. Chris Arreola Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos 

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(Photo Credit: Chris Farina/TGB Promotions)
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions & Chris Farina/TGB Promotions
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (June 21, 2016) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola went face-to-face for the first time Tuesday at a Los Angeles press conference for their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX & FOX Deportes showdownSaturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated welterweight contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. taking on former world champion Luis Collazo. Two more hours of boxing on FS1 and FOX Deportes will immediately follow at 10 p.m. ET after the Wilder vs. Arreola fight on FOX. Further details will be announced shortly.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
The fighters were together at the Conga Room at L.A. Live after Wilder had hosted a press conference in Birmingham the week before, that Arreola joined via skype.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“This is going to be an exciting fight for everyone. It’s two dangerous heavyweights. Two guys who fight with their hearts. It’s going to be an action-packed fight from beginning to end.
“People said Arreola doesn’t deserve the shot, but who are they to say things about a man who every time he gets in the ring, fights with his heart.
“I feel like this is a special occasion. It’s a short notice fight. A lot of guys said they would take it, but used the short notice as an excuse. It takes a lot to put together a fight. But when you can get someone who can make the best of this and put on a great show, it’s a job well done.
“There’s only one name who can make this be what it is. Every time he steps in the ring, he comes to fight. I think we chose the right person.
“This is going to be a great fight for boxing fans. I chose to go back home because of all the travel I did preparing for the Povetkin fight. I’m excited to be in my backyard and have the great support behind me. I won’t crack under the pressure.
“The fans will get their money’s worth. It’s two tough and determined fighters who are trying to knock each other’s head off.
“This was my longest layoff. I’ve wanted to be an active champion since I won the belt. When one door closes, another one opens.
“It’s up to Chris to take advantage of this opportunity. He has his own history that he can make and it will mean a lot to him.
“My mentality is to go all out. Everything I say, I really believe. I don’t need anyone to believe in me, because I believe in myself.
“I have a guy in front of me who’s trying to stop me from getting to the next level. I promise this is going to be an outstanding fight.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. A lot of people say that I don’t deserve this title fight. A lot of people said Deontay didn’t deserve his title shot. I said that. But when he got it, he made the most out of it. He beat the guy who beat me.
“He’s defended his title and done everything you’re supposed to do as a champion. I respect him a lot. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“I’m going to his backyard. I’m fine with people not recognizing me out there. He’s going to be dealing with ticket requests and I’m just going to be focused on beating Deontay Wilder.
“I’m not fighting the fans, at the end of the day it’s me and Deontay Wilder in that ring. That’s what I know about this sport, there’s a lot of talk, but at the end of the day, it’s mano a mano.
“I’m blessed to have this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com www.dbe1.com, www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Prospect Antonio Russell Battles Jamaica’s Rudolph Hedge On On Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, June 28 From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA.

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Plus! Unbeaten Prospects Chris Colbert & Antonio Dubose Meet as Part Of Full Undercard of Action
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 21, 2016) – Unbeaten prospect Antonio Russell (6-0, 5 KOs) will take on Jamaica’s Rudolph Hedge (10-3-3, 4 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight showdown as part of Premier Boxing Champions ­TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, June 28 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
The June 28 event is headlined by a lightweight showdown between former title challenger Edner Cherry and quick-fisted contender Lydell Rhodes. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten featherweight Omar Douglas taking on Cuba’s Alexei Collado.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at(800) 745-3000.
Additional undercard action features unbeaten Brooklyn-prospect Chris Colbert taking on fellow unbeaten Antonio Dubose of Philadelphia in a six-round super bantamweight bout, unbeaten Philadelphia-prospect Milton Santiago against veteran Osumanu Akaba in an eight-round super lightweight attraction, local heavyweight Eric Newell in a four-round bout against Randy Easton and the pro debut of Philadelphia’sYurik Mamedov in a four-round welterweight bout.
Rounding out the night of fights Maryland-prospect Mykal Fox in a six-round super lightweight bout against Puerto Rico’s Jose Valderrama Yonkers-native Victor Vasquez against Philadelphia’s Seifullah Jihad Wise in a six-round lightweight battle and unbeaten Washington, D.C. prospect Marcus Bates in a bantamweight bout against Bennie Culpepper.
 
Twice a National Golden Gloves runner up, Russell won the national championship in 2013 and he now looks to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and current 126-pound world champion Gary. The 23-year-old fighting out of Washington, D.C. turned pro in 2015 and delivered five victories before making his 2-16 debut in April with a stoppage of Alberto Serna. He will take on Kingston, Jamaica’s Hedge who made his U.S. debut in May.
 
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Unbeaten IBF World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua, Undefeated, World-Ranked Challenger Dominic Breazeale International Media Conference Call Highlights

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 “That’s what the Americans love. They like knockouts and I won’t let them down” – Anthony Joshua

 

“I can’t wait to get in the ring and shock the world” – Dominic Breazeale

 

Breazeale Challenges Joshua This Saturday, June 25,
On SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL Live on SHOWTIME®
From The O2 in London

                                                                                                                   

NEW YORK (June 20, 2016) – Undefeated IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KOs) will make the first defense of his title against fellow unbeaten Dominic Breazeale (17-0, 15 KOs) of Upland, Calif., thisSaturday, June 25 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® from The O2in London, live on SHOWTIME® on at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

 

Just a few hours later in Primetime on CBS (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), Keith “One Time” Thurman will defend his WBA Welterweight World Title against former champ Shawn “Showtime” Porter in a welterweight blockbuster that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

Both Joshua and Breazeale participated in an international media conference call on Monday. Also taking part were Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports; Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport and Brittany Goossen of TGB Promotions introducing Breazeale.

 

Below are highlights of what the principals had to say on the conference call. A full transcript will be available in the coming days.

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA

Thoughts on his preparation for the fight:

“I feel great condition wise, and mentally I’m in a good place.  I’ve never felt so relaxed because I just know I’m capable of doing it.  I’ve trained weeks and years and it’s just about getting it right on the night of the fight.  My tactics and my mind have not let me down so far, so that’s why I don’t want to change anything.

 

“I’m not putting too much pressure on myself.  I’m going to attack the fight the same way I have my last 16 and put on an explosive show. That’s what the Americans love. They like knockouts and I won’t let them down. 

 

“Every fight can be my last fight. As much as I would like to tell you I’m confident and ‘I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that’ I do understand I have to approach this as if it could be my last fight.

 

“I know he can hang around, he doesn’t go down easy.  He’s a big guy, he can eat shots.  The Dominic Breazeale I’m used to watching on YouTube and I’m reading about is the enhanced Dominic Breazeale – the Dominic Breazeale that is 50 percent better because I think he knows he wants to come prove himself on a global stage.  And this is his chance come Saturday, so I need to prepare for the best of Breazeale.”

 

On going from being the hunter as a challenger to being the hunted as a champion:

“I’m not the cream of the crop in the gym.  I’m around guys that are achieving things on the same level so I’m still hunting. I still have that mentality as if I’m a main killer in the jungle.  I haven’t lost that hunger.

 

On potential to fight in the US in the future:

“I just keep on hearing the United States is where it’s happening. And if I come to the U.S., I’m going to shut it down.”

 

Thoughts on Breazeale’s performance against Amir Mansour:

“He’s a tough guy.  He managed to go out there and break Mansour’s jaw and capture a win, which has led him into where he is now. Whichever angels were floating in the ring with him that day have led him to this point, so I’ve got to put an end to his dream.”

 

On winning a piece of the heavyweight championship in just his 16th pro fight:

“It didn’t mean much.  I still have another couple titles I need to get my hands on.  I’m still hunting. There’s still work to be done. So it only ticked one of the boxes on my to-do list.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“I’m out here very excited.  I can’t wait to get in the ring June 25 and shock the world, that’s for sure. I’ve been lucky enough to prepare for the biggest fight of my life and I’m really super excited about it.”

 

On why he thinks he was selected for this matchup:

“Honestly, the way I see it is that someone didn’t do their research.  They didn’t look deep enough.  They didn’t find out enough about me and maybe they’re looking at me as just another football player that transitioned into boxing.  And I’m hoping they’re overlooking me. It definitely can be a situation where they’re just watching one fight, especially my last fight. But there’s been a lot of tough ones. If they’re looking at that one situation, I’m glad because that’s to my liking.”

 

On his feelings about fighting overseas:

“The way I’m thinking about it is, June 25, I gain 20,000 fans. I’m in a situation where I’m very confident going into this fight and I know for sure I’m going to put on a great show, come out victorious and go back to the U.S. with 20,000 UK fans.

 

“I definitely believe [Joshua] realizes; he understands that he’s got a big test in front of him.  He’s got a big fighter in front of him.  He’s got a guy that’s going to break him down, test his will and see if he is a true champion. 

 

“I am coming into this fight very confident and I’ve got some things that I know are going to work for me, as well as some things that I plan on exploiting out of Joshua.

 

“I’m blessed to have been picked for this fight and am thankful for this opportunity. The way I look at it, and the way I look at every fight that I go into, is that as long as I do everything that I need to do in the gym as far as sparring, preparation and training, running my miles, sleeping right and eating right – I’ve crossed all of my T’s and dotted all of my I’s.  I’ve got nothing to worry about.  I’ve got nothing to second-guess.  I’ve done everything I’m supposed to and I just can’t wait to shine.”

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

 

“Anthony quickly went from a diamond in the rough to really one of the foremost stars in the UK and Europe, and we are happy to be his partner as he establishes his presence in North America.

 

“We are particularly excited about this bout because we have, pardon the phraseology, two behemoths. There are two skilled boxers, really the epitome of what heavyweight boxing should be – big, strong athletes skilled in their sport, with amateur pedigree, meeting on the afternoon here in the US, evening in the UK to determine who is the best fighter.”

 

EDDIE HEARN, President, Matchroom Sport

 

“Over here, the feeling is that it’s going to be quite a routine defense, but Anthony hasn’t trained like that.  He is not expecting that.  He knows the background and roots of Dominic Breazeale. He knows his skill, and he knows how dangerous he can be and he knows how hungry he is as well.  I think you’re going to get a different kind of fight than the Charles Martin fight.  I think you’re going to get a guy that’s not afraid to let his hands go.  He’s not going to wait and the sold out O2 Arena is going to be an electric place to be.”

“SHOWTIME is a deal we are very excited about. To link up with an American broadcaster for us was an obvious move, but it was a move we had to choose carefully. And I think we chose very, very well in SHOWTIME.”

 

BRITTANY GOOSSEN, TGB Promotions

 

“Over here in the U.S. we have gotten to see Dominic grow before our eyes. We know he is definitely capable of challenging for the world title. On Saturdaywe expect him to be victorious and bring that back to America.”

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/ShoSports 

 

Also follow Dominic Breazeale on Twitter @TroubleBoxing, Anthony Joshua@AnthonyJoshua and use hashtag #JoshuaBreazeale to join the conversation.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter Undercard Complete

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Unbeaten Polish Heavyweight Adam Kownacki Faces Massachusetts’ Jesse Barboza While Undefeated Rising Star Heather Hardy Battles Colorado’s Kirstie SimmonsSaturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Plus! Puerto Rican Prospect Nicklaus Flaz Added to Stacked Undercard
 
BROOKLYN (June 21, 2016) – The stacked undercard for the highly anticipated Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter welterweight showdown is complete and will feature a pair of popular Brooklyn fighters as heavyweight Adam Kownacki (13-0, 10 KOs) battles hard-hitting Jesse Barboza (11-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout while crowd-pleasing featherweight   Heather “The Heat” Hardy (16-0, 4 KOs) takes on Colorado’s Kirstie Simmons (8-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round contest on Saturday, June 25from Barclays Center.
The June 25 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, is headlined by the world title fight between defending world champion Keith Thurman and former champion Shawn Porter. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The live telecast will open with an exciting battle between undefeated super welterweight prospects Jarrett Hurd and Oscar Molina.
Additional undercard action features unbeaten prospect Jonathan Alonso taking on Los Angeles native Brian Jones in a junior welterweight match, Bronx native Josue Vargas opposing Oklahoma’s David Nelson in a four-round welterweight bout and a recent addition to the card, Puerto Rico’s Nicklaus Flaz, in a four-round junior middleweight battle against Brooklyn’s Mack Babb.
Completed matchups that were previously announced include fast-rising prospect David Benavidez (14-0, 13 KOs) taking on Francy Ntetu (16-0, 3 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight bout and unbeaten junior welterweight Regis Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs) versus Luis Eduardo Flores (21-3, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.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 since. On June 25, she will be making her seventh appearance at Barclays Center. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014. In 2015, she defeated Noemi Bosques and Renata Domsodi twice. In her lone 2016 fight, she stopped Anna Donatella Hultin in the fourth round. She will be opposed by Aurora, Colorado’s Simmons who has won nine fights in a row after losing her pro debut.
A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Kownacki had a big 2015, notching four victories including knockouts of Maurenzo Smith and Randy Easton. Born in Lomza, Poland, the 26-year-old now calls Brooklyn home. His 2016 campaign began in January at Barclays Center when he defeated Danny Kelly in front of a raucous Polish crowd. He will take on Barboza out of Hyannis, Massachusetts. The 29-year-old Barboza was a three-time New England Heavyweight Golden Gloves champion.
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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rising Star Sammy Vasquez Jr. Takes On Former World Champion Luis Collazo in Co-Main Event of  Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

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BIRMINGHAM, AL (June 21, 2016) – Undefeated welterweight contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. (21-0, 15 KOs) is set to battle former world champion Luis Collazo (36-7, 19 KOs) in the 10-round co-main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes in primetime on Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with two more hours of boxing on FS1 and FOX Deportes to follow immediately at 10 p.m. ET. Further details will be announced shortly.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to showcasing my talent and skills,” said Vasquez Jr. “Luis Collazo is one of the toughest guys I’ve fought so far and he’s definitely going to test me. My job is to go in there, handle my business and beat him worse than anyone else has. I think our styles will combine for a great battle and I’m excited to give the people another great fight.”
“I’m totally stoked about this fight against Sammy Vasquez” said Collazo. “He is a talented fighter and I’m excited to test his abilities and the will that he has to keep that zero. This will be a good one.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Vasquez has fought professionally since 2012, after serving two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He made it to the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials and won gold at the 2010 and 2011 Armed Forces Boxing Championships. The fighter out of Monessen, Penn., notched big victories in 2015 over Wale Omotoso in June and Jose Lopez in September. In PBC on FOX action in January, Vasquez stopped veteran contender Aron Martinez in the sixth-round in Los Angeles.
One of Brooklyn’s most respected fighters,Collazo looks to make the most of his showdown with the undefeated Vazquez on July 16. A world champion in 2005, Collazo has faced top fighters his whole career. Most notably in recent years, he delivered an electrifying second round knockout over Victor Ortiz in December 2014. Collazo gave world champion Keith Thurman trouble in his last outing, staggering him with a body shot in the middle rounds before eventually losing to the undefeated fighter.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com www.dbe1.com, www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.