Category Archives: boxing

On Target: Team Gunn goes 2-0 in Indiana!

 

Hackensack, NJ (May 3, 2016) – Undefeated middleweight Bobby Gunn Jr. and debuting cruiserweight Henry Stewart, both of Hackensack, NJ, scored victories last Saturday at the Tyndall Armory in Indianapolis, IN.

Coming off more than a year layoff, Gunn Jr. met hardcore veteran Guy Packer. Gunn Jr., who was regularly in the gym during the layoff, was the sharper fighter. Packer, a 20 year pro that fought the likes of Cornelius Bundrage, Michael Oliveira, Dominique Dalton, J’Leon Love, Vernon Paris & Joe Greene among others, looked to use his experience against his 19-year-old foe. Gunn Jr. boxed well however, the bout was halted on multiple occasions due to issues with the ring and canvas. In the fourth and final round with Gunn Jr. hoping to close the show, there was yet another issue with the ring and the bout was sent to the scorecards early.

Scores were 39-37 twice and a head-scratching 38-38.

Gunn Jr is now 6-0 with 4 wins by knockout.

Stewart, a cousin of the Gunn Family, made his professional debut one to remember by destroying Darrel Sohm in 25 seconds.  A hard hook followed by a straight right put Sohm down and showed the boxing world that the 21-year-old Stewart enters the paid ranks with heavy hands.

“I’m very proud of my guys,” said Bobby Gunn Sr., a former IBA cruiserweight champion and Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Famer who manages and trains both fighters. “Little Bobby was working hard in the gym during the layoff and was fine tuning a number of things. He also grew into his body and is now a solid middleweight. Henry on the other hand is a good sleeper prospect. He’s has excellent power in both hands and will continue to improve in all aspects.”

The next bouts for Gunn Jr. and Stewart will be announced shortly.

VIDEO: Christopher Brooker and Antowyan Aikens joint interview before their Super Middleweight showdown THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Weigh-in this Thursday at Chickie’s & Pete’s in South Philadelphia at 6 PM

For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, PA (May 3, 2016)–THIS Friday night, May 6th, a terrific night of boxing returns the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia as King’s Promotions presents a ten-bout card.
In the main event, rising super middleweight Christopher Brooker (8-1, 5 KOs) takes on Antowyan Aikens (10-1-1. 1 KO) in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.
This past Friday night in Atlantic City, the Brooker of Philadelphia and Aikens of Atlantic City met for an impromptu face off and they are both ready for this important battle. The two spoke face to face to each other and below, here is what they had to say.
Christopher Brooker and Antowyan Aikens talk about their May 6 showdown
Christopher Brooker and Antowyan Aikens talk about their May 6 showdown
In the six-round co-feature, former world welterweight champion, Kermit Cintron (35-5-2, 28 KO’s) of Reading, PA will be back in action when he takes on Eduardo Flores (23-20-3, 15 KO’s) of Quito, Ecuador in a jr. middleweight bout.
In a six-round super lightweight bout, Naim Nelson (12-1, 1 NC, 1 KO) battles Carlos Velasquez (24-23-2, 15 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua.
In a six-round super welterweight bout, Erik Spring (6-1,1 KO) of Reading, PA will fight Justin Johnson (6-11-4) of Pittsburgh, PA.
In four-round bouts:
Scott Kelleher (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Robert Ramos (1-4, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA. in a super lightweight fight.
Tyrone Crawley Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia will square off with Korey Sloane (2-8-2) of Philadelphia in  lightweight bout.
Amir Shabazz (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Tahlik Taylor (1-3) of Freeport, NY. in a light heavyweight affair.
Aaron Brooks of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Ryan Bivins (0-1-1) of Philadelphia in super middleweight bout.
Thomas Velasquez (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Grashino Yancy (1-0) of Staten Island, New York in a super featherweight bout.
Emmanuel Folly (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will take on an opponent to be announced in a bantamweight contest.
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $100 for Ringside, $75 for Premium, $50 for Reserved and $35 for Standing room and can be purchased BY CLICKING HERE
The weigh-in will take place this Thursday at Chickie’s & Pete’s at 6 PM.
Chickie’s & Pete’s is located at 1526 Packer Avenue in Philadelphia.

Marston to Challenge Tshabalala for Her World Crown on July 2nd

Over the past week or so the World’s press have been focusing heavily on the recently announced 9th July Tyson Fury-Wladimir Klitschko WBO-WBA-IBO Unified Heavyweight Championships rematch. Quite rightly so, it’s a huge fight, however just one week earlier, an equally World significant unification bout is also set to take place right here in the United Kingdom.

 

On July 2nd, at the Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire, World #15 and British #1 ranked Marianne Marston will not only be challenging South Africa’s World Boxing Federation (WBFed) Super Bantamweight World Champion Gabisile Tshabalala for her coveted crown, but will also be aiming to secure the World Boxing Union (WBU), Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) and Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) World accolades.

 

London based Marston, who was originally due to challenge Unathi Myekeni for the Bantamweight version of the WBFed strap back in December, that was until Myekeni was forced to withdraw following a hand injury, is cleary relishing the belated opportunity, as she made clear when she spoke earlier.

 

“I cannot thank WBFed President Howard Goldberg enough for making this happen, like me he was so dissapointed when Unathi (Myekeni) pulled out injured last year.

 

In addition to Howard, I would also lke to thank WIBA President Ryan Wissow, WBU President Don Lewis and Sebastien Pitois from the UBO, as they have been so supportive throughout my career, so to also challenge for their Championships really is so special for me.

 

I’m forty two now, so honestly thought after Unathi pulled out, that’s it for me, I’ll never get the chance to fight for a World title, OK that’s not quite true, I could have fought for a vacant title, but to me that’s just not good enough, I want to fight the best, I want to beat the World Champion.

 

I’ve seen video of Gabisile, when she fought Shannon (O’Connell) in 2013, but would very much like to find any video of her when she won the World title last year. I know how much I have changed, fight wise, since 2013 so really want to see if there are any changes to her style or tactics.

 

From what I have seen, she’s a classy fighter, very quick hands. When she fought Shannon, she was mainly counter punching, which would suit me, but for some reason I have a feeling she will have a very different approach as a defending Champion.

 

Either way, this will be a great fight for the fans, there’s such a contrast in our styles and in my view it’s those differences in style and tactical approach that will make this such a great fight to watch.

 

British boxing is booming, we have so many World Champions at the moment, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Kell Brook, Carl Frampton, Lee Selby, Liam Smith, Jamie McDonnell, Lee Haskins, Tony Moran, Craig Docherty, Terry Flanagan, Anthony Crolla, James DeGale and of course my old gym mate at the TKO, Billy Joe Saunders.

 

Obviously they’re all men, so I want to redress the deficit a little and join them, as well as be the first British Female boxer to be crowned World Champion since Jane Couch beat Jaime Clampitt for the IWBF title in 2004.”

 

Gabisile Tshabalala Vs Marianne Marston for the WBFed, WBU, WIBA and UBO Super Bantamweight Unified World Championship headlines the Russ Brown promoted AS GOOD AS IT GETS event at the Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK on Saturday 2nd July.

 

This event is sanctioned by the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) www.boxbiba.com

 

Tickets: Priced £30 (Standard Seated) and SOLD OUT (Ringside VIP) are available online at www.tkoboxoffice.com andwww.mariannemarston.com

 

Please show your support and follow Marianne Marston on Twitter @MarianneMarston or on Facebook www.facebook.com/marianne.marston and www.facebook.com/MarianneMarstonFanPage – or see her websites www.mariannemarston.com andwww.goldengirlboxing.com

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz Ordered to Begin Negotiating Guzman vs. Wake Fight for Vacant IBF Super Bantamweight Title

Sampson Boxing Fighters Score Four Impressive KOs in One Weekend
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has been given the go-ahead to begin negotiating a world-title fight between his fighter, explosive KO punching Dominican Jonathan Guzman, and the promoters for Japan’s Shingo Wake.
As per their rules for vacant championships, Lewkowicz, representing Guzman, the IBF #2 super bantamweight, and Kyoei Promotions representing IBF #1 Wake were ordered to begin negotiations immediately and have them completed no later than June 2 of this year.
Guzman (21-0, 21 KOs) is hot on the heels of a sensational eight-round stoppage victory over Daniel Rosas last Friday, April 29, in Atlantic City, in a voluntary eliminator for the #2 spot in the ratings.
Wake (20-4-2, 12 KOs) earned his number one spot by scoring a unanimous decision victory over Thailand’s Mike Tawatchai last June.
Also per IBF rules neither boxer may compete in another match until they face each other.
“Any boxer who is contracted with a promoter, a network, or a state, tribal or national commission to take another fight, or who is ill, injured, under a legal impediment which could prevent the bout from taking place in the opinion of the IBF/USBA, or on suspension at the time the Championships Chairman and the President order a bout under this rule shall be considered unavailable. We would then move to the next available contender. Neither fighter can take another fight until this fight for the vacant title is concluded.”
In the event the camps cannot reach an agreement by June 2, the IBF will call for purse offers to be held to determine who will promote the bout, when and where it will be held.
The Guzman vs. Wake fight is more good news for Sampson Boxing, who had four different fighters score sensational victories over the weekend.
In addition to the aforementioned Guzman TKO, Sampson Boxing’s Jorge “Pilon” Lara scored a jaw-dropping KO 1 over former world champion Fernando Montiel at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, on Saturday. Lara had the formidable Montiel on the deck four times in a brutal beatdown that only lasted 1:37.
The same night in the same venue, future world champion and boxing prodigy David “El Bandera Roja/Red Flag” Benavidez destroyed capable New Yorker Phillip Jackson Benson by KO 2. Benavidez, now 14-0, 13 KOs, had way too much firepower for Jackson, who entered the ring a respectable 16-2, 15 KOs. The end came at 2:07 with Jackson down and ruled unable to continue without a count being needed. A star on the near horizon in boxing, high network demand means that Benavidez will be back in action in July.
And in his professional debut on Friday night, on the Guzman undercard in Atlantic City, highly decorated amateur star Abraham “Super” Nova turned professional the right way by levelling Delaware’s also debuting Weusi Johnson by KO 1.
Nova, of Braintree, Massachusetts, began his professional career undefeated by putting Weusi to sleep at 2:56 of the first.
“I am looking forward to getting my superstar KO artist Jonathan Guzman his first title shot later this year,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “And I give my congratulations to all my other fighters who won by knockout this past weekend. Jorge Lara is back in a big way and headed for a world championship after beating Montiel. David Benavidez is going to become the youngest Mexican super middleweight champion in boxing history and Abraham Nova let the world know he’s here with his power punching. I am proud to be promoting every one of these fighters.”

Kubrat Pulev – Dereck Chisora European title clash added to Crolla – Barroso Lightweight title telecast this Saturday on AWE–A Wealth of Entertainment

 
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- May 2, 2016 This Saturday afternoon an intriguing and important heavyweight contest between former world title challenger’s Kubrat Pulev and Dereck Chisora has been added to the much anticipated telecast that will feature WBA Lightweight champion Anthony Crolla defending his title against hard punching Ismael Barroso that will be shown LIVE ON AWE–A Wealth of Entertainment.
The Pulev – Chisora European Heavyweight title clash will originate from Hamburg, Germany and will precede the Crolla – Barroso bout from Manchester, England.
The broadcast will begin at 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT.
“We are ecstatic to add this important heavyweight fight to our world title broadcast.  The winner of this fight will be at the head of the line to get their second world title opportunity and these are big heavyweights, so we expect an explosive fight,” said AWE President, Charles Herring.

Pulev, who represented Bulgaria in the 2008 Olympics has had an excellent professional career, which stands at 22-1 with twelve knockouts.

The 34-year old has faced quality competition from the onset of his career.  He has quality wins over Gbenga Oluokun (17-2); former world title challenger Matt Skelton (22-4); Dominick Guinn (33-6-1); Derric Rossy (25-3); Maksym Pedyura (13-1-1); Travis Walker (38-6-1); Alexander DiMitrenko (32-1); Alexander Ustinov (27-0); Former two-time world title challenger Tony Thompson (38-3).

On November 15, 2014 he challenged unified champion Wladimir Klitschko for the Heavyweight title.  Pulev came up short, but a win on Saturday will facilitate a second opportunity at history.

Pulev has won his last two bouts with wins over George Arias (56-13) and his last bout when he stopped Maurice Harris in one round on December 5th
Now he must get past the tough as nails Chisora.
The London, England native has a record of 25-5 with 17 knockouts and he has built his reputation by facing and defeating a high level of opposition.
The 32 year-old won his first fourteen bouts  In that streak, he netted the British Heavyweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over former world title challenger Danny Williams.  He defend the title with a ninth round stoppage over Sam Sexton (13-1), before losing the belt to eventual unified champion Tyson Fury.
Chisora put on a great performance before dropping a disputed decision to then undefeated top heavyweight contender Robert Helenius.  That fight got him a shot at WBC Heavyweight champion Vitaly Klitschko.
Chisora fought a gutsy fight before dropping a unanimous decision to Klitschko.  After losing to former two-division world champion David Haye, Chisora had an impressive five-fight winning streak that featured victories over undefeated Malik Scott (35-0-1); Edmund Gerber (23-1); Ondrej (32-3) and former world title challenger Kevin Johnson (29-4).
After losing a second time to Fury, Chisora has won five in a row, which includes a 2nd round stoppage over Andras Csmor on January 9th.
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

Christopher Brooker & Antowyan Aikens meet Face to Face before their big showdown this Friday, May 6 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, PA (May 2, 2016)–THIS Friday night, May 6th, a terrific night of boxing returns the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia as King’s Promotions presents a ten-bout card.
In the main event, rising super middleweight Christopher Brooker (8-1, 5 KOs) takes on Antowyan Aikens (10-1-1. 1 KO) in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.
This past Friday night in Atlantic City, the Brooker of Philadelphia and Aikens of Atlantic City met for an impromptu face off and they are both ready for this important battle.
In the six-round co-feature, former world welterweight champion, Kermit Cintron (35-5-2, 28 KO’s) of Reading, PA will be back in action when he takes on Eduardo Flores (23-20-3, 15 KO’s) of Quito, Ecuador in a jr. middleweight bout.

In a six-round super lightweight bout, Naim Nelson (12-1, 1 NC, 1 KO) battles Carlos Velasquez (24-23-2, 15 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua.

In a six-round super welterweight bout, Erik Spring (6-1,1 KO) of Reading, PA will fight Justin Johnson (6-11-4) of Pittsburgh, PA.
In four-round bouts:
Scott Kelleher (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Robert Ramos (1-4, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a super lightweight fight.
Tyrone Crawley Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia will square off with Korey Sloane (2-8-2) of Philadelphia in  lightweight bout.
Amir Shabazz (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Tahlik Taylor (1-3) of Freeport, NY in a light heavyweight affair.
Aaron Brooks of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Ryan Bivins (0-1-1) of Philadelphia in super middleweight bout.

Thomas Velasquez (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Grashino Yancy (1-0) of Staten Island, New York in a super featherweight bout.

Emmanuel Folly (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will take on an opponent to be announced in a bantamweight contest.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $100 for Ringside, $75 for Premium, $50 for Reserved and $35 for Standing room and can be purchased BY CLICKING HERE

Lightweight World Champion Rances Barthelemy Battles Former World Champion Mickey Bey in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 From The Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino In Hollywood, Florida

Plus! Unbeaten Bantamweight Prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez
Takes on Mexican Brawler Victor Proa

Tickets on Sale Now!
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (April 29, 2016) – Undefeated lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs) will make his first title defense against former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (22-1-1, 10 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday, June 3 at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT as unbeaten Puerto Rican prospectEmmanuel Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Mexican Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight affair.

“There were rumors that a fight between me and Mickey Bey was on the brink of happening prior to my fight against Denis Shafikov, so now that it is here, I know it was destined to happen,” said Barthelemy. “I’m not a rookie anymore. I’m not going into this worried or nervous about it being my first title defense at 135. I’m comfortable enough now to see every fight as just another challenge I need to execute my game plan the most effectively and with the least amount of errors.”

“Barthelemy won my title, I had to vacate it due to a hand injury, so all he is doing is keeping it warm for me,” said Bey. “Training camp is going great. I have been training hard for over a month. I have the best team in the business, with the most knowledgeable trainers. I’m looking forward to the challenge with him being undefeated and a two-time world champion. We both have a lot of skills, so it will make an entertaining fight for sure.”

“I want to challenge all of the bantamweight champions to fight me so they can see a real athlete in the ring,” said Rodriguez. “I have been training hard. This is a lifestyle for me. I have been training since December and on June 3, I am going to deliver a knockout.”

“I’m excited about this opportunity against a good young fighter,” said Proa. “I’ve been training hard and feel like this is my time. I’m going to come forward and see what this guy can do.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m. *Additional fees may apply.

“This will be a tremendous night of boxing on Spike TV,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Barthelemy is an up-and-coming star in the sport and he is facing a former world champion who never lost his belt in the ring. This will be a great fight and there should be a great atmosphere with a lot of Cuban boxing fans there to support their world champion.”

“We’re looking forward to bringing a great night of boxing to the State of Florida. We’re giving the fans another treat come June 3rd. The card is stacked with matchups that will undoubtedly be crowd pleasers,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both Mickey Bey and Rances Barthelemy have world titles under their belts, so they will bring in the experience of being able to perform, and match it up against one another to see who will come out the best man standing at the end of the night.”

“We at Panther Promotions are very excited for this June 3rd card at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” said Elliot Alvarado, CEO, Panther Promotions. “We are proudly joining forces with both Mayweather and Kings Promotions, which are featuring PBC on Spike TV. This is going to be a sensational evening of boxing featuring Cuban Lightweight Champion Rances Barthelemy vs. Cleveland’s own former champion, Mickey Bey. Our goal is to bring back the classic fights to the Seminole Hard Rock Live in South Florida.”

A Cuban amateur national champion, 29-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July 2014 by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion, and followed that up with a second round TKO victory over Angino Perez. After dominating former champion Antonio DeMarco in June, he won a world title in a second division when he impressively defeated Denis Shafikov in December.

Bey won his world title in 2014 with a decision victory over long reigning champion Miguel Vasquez. The 32-year-old vacated his title due to inactivity and injuries but returned in December to defeat previously unbeaten Naim Nelson by decision to earn himself a shot at the very title he vacated. Bey’s previous victories include defeats against Alan Herrera, Carlos Cardenas and Hector Velazquez.

At just 23-years-old, Rodriguez has been on a fast track towards a world title fight since turning pro in 2012. He made his U.S. debut in November by stopping Eliecer Aquino after previously taking down Gabor Molnar, Luis Hinojosa and Alex Rangel in 2015. The Manati, Puerto Rico-born fighter will bring his exciting style into the ring against another tough opponent on June 3.

Fighting out of Monterrey, Mexico, Proa will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time when he takes on Rodriguez on June 3. The 31-year-old was unbeaten in his first 28 pro starts and has won his last two bouts, including most recently a first round stoppage of Oswaldo Delgado in February.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

BADOU JACK & JAMES DEGALE SET FOR FALL SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT UNIFICATION AFTER JACK DRAWS WITH LUCIAN BUTE & DEGALE DEFENDS AGAINST ROGELIO MEDINA SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Catch The Replay Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos; Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE To Download Photos; Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
Interview With Promoter Floyd Mayweather: http://s.sho.com/1TCWl6u
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2016) – Badou Jack retained his WBC Super Middleweight title in a controversial draw against Lucian Bute Saturday on SHOWTIME, setting up a fall unification with IBF champion James DeGale, who defended his IBF crown against Rogelio Medina in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from the DC Armory.
“Let’s unify the decision and see who the best is,” DeGale said to Jack in a post-fight interview moderated by SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray.
“I’m ready in September, ready in August,” responded Jack.”  “I’m ready whenever.  Let’s do it where it makes the most sense financially.”
Jack was the sharper fighter from the opening bell, committing to pounding the body of the former long-time titlist.  Facing his second southpaw, Jack prevented Bute from fighting his game, smothering the Romania-born Canadian whenever he attempted to fight on the inside.
While Jack varied his punches with a diverse attack to the body and head, he slowed in the latter rounds and allowed Bute to climb his way back into the fight.  Bute had perhaps his best round in the 10th and closed the show well, in the 11th and 12th.  But it was too little too late for Bute, who escaped D.C. with what most felt was an undeserved draw.
“Bullshit, but is what it is.  Ask Bute as well, he knows what time it is,” said Jack, who landed nearly 100 more punches than Bute, including 61 percent of his power punches, and 40 percent total of his total shots.  “His punches weren’t hurting me.  I feel I won the fight.  Maybe I lost the last round.  He’s a great guy and a great champion, but I know I won the fight.
“It’s not Bute’s fault, it’s the judges.  People saw I won the fight.”
The 36-year-old Bute certainly looked like a fighter with plenty left in the tank, rejuvenated under trainer Howard Grant with his sights set on the new crop of stars in the super middleweight division.
“It was a close fight,” said Bute, who connected at just a 21 percent rate with his total punches.  “Believe me, it was very close fight.  My last fight with DeGale was very close, tonight was a very close fight.  I showed everyone I’m still at the top.”
James DeGale defended his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship with a close, hard-fought unanimous decision against Rogelio Medina in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.
DeGale was supremely accurate, landing 51 percent of his power punches compared to just 23 for Medina, including a staggering 66 percent of his power punches.  The switch-hitting southpaw attacked from unorthodox angles, and was most effective when he snuck in a right uppercut to back up Medina.  But the British titlist – a record 12th from Great Britain – failed to utilize his jab and was not able to deliver on his prediction of a knockout inside of six rounds.
“The boxing skills are too good,” DeGale said.  “If I’m being honest, he’s a very strong fighter, but skills pay the bills.  I watched this guy years ago and he didn’t have the engine like that.  He’s gotten better and stronger in the last year and a half.
“I’m a bit disappointed – I should be taking out people like Porky Medina, no disrespect to him.
“I’m always learning in the gym.  My inside work, my defense, my concentration.  I’m going to go back to the gym, I’m going to work and I’ll be ready in September.
“I want Badou Jack.  I want a fresh name on my record.”
Medina, on the other hand, nearly doubled DeGale, throwing 1,140 total punches, compared to 612 in the best performance of his career, but not enough to dethrone the champion.  The Mexican challenger pounded the body and was at his best with DeGale against the ropes, striking the British champion with a killer left hook to the body.
“He said he was going to stop me.  He was running all around and he didn’t stop me like he said he would,” said Medina, who’s seven losses have come against fighters with a combined record of 131-2-2.  “He’s the only one who thinks he won.  The fans think I won.  I definitely want the rematch.”
Saturday’s event was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing.
Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
# # #
 
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Andre Berto, Thomas Williams Jr. & Jorge Lora Score Huge Knockouts on PBC on FOX & FOX From StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
Carson, CA (April 30, 2016) – In front a packed house of 7,760 and a nationally televised PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes audience, Andre Berto, (31-4, 24 KOs) turned back the clock and successfully gained his revenge over “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, 31-6-2 (24 KOs) with a stunning fourth-round knockout in a rematch of their 2011 “Fight of the Year” on Saturday night at Southern California’s legendary open-air boxing venue StubHub Center.
Ortiz found success early dropping Berto with a straight left, sending the Winter Haven, Florida-native to the canvas. Berto turned the tables in brutal fashion in the fourth, drilling Ortiz with a right uppercut which sent the southpaw from Ventura, Calif. sprawling to the mat. Upon rising, Ortiz was met with a barrage of punches which sent him down again as referee Jack Reiss waived the fight off at the 1:14 mark of the round.
Said a thrilled Berto, “I wasn’t hurt by the first knockdown. I was more mad at myself for getting caught. Once he went down it was over, I knew he was hurt and I went right after him. He couldn’t take my power.

“I feel terrific, it’s a great comeback victory. I would take on Danny Garcia sure, just tell me when and I’ll be ready.”

From a disappointed Ortiz, “I didn’t really lose control. I dropped my hand and he caught me. He is a hard puncher just like myself.
“This was a history book type of fight. He went down. I went down. Righty vs. lefty. This is boxing.
“I knew as soon as the head butt happened that it was not good because the blood started pouring. That’s not a big deal. It happens in boxing.
“I never disliked Berto. It is part of the game. He acted like he didn’t like me, but I always tried to shake his hand. I don’t hate anyone.”
In the televised co-feature, Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr., 20-1 (14 KOs), continued his reign of terror in the light heavyweight division with a spectacular second round (2:59) knockout of Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (28-2 19 KOs).
With both contenders throwing and landing bombs from the opening bell, Williams and Rodriguez were each rocked in the first stanza. Towards the end of the second round with the action reaching a boil, Williams unloaded with a massive left hand that sent Rodriguez sprawling to the canvas resulting in an immediate stoppage.
Said an elated Williams, “I told you what was going to happen, that he was going be open for everything and he was. I countered him and hurt him with every punch. I could see his punches like it was slow motion.

“I want the title, absolutely I want to fight Adonis Stevenson next, he’s the champ and I want his belt.”

From a dejected Rodriguez, “I thought I could have continued. I didn’t know what the referee saw, but I could have kept going.”

“I didn’t fight the fight I was supposed to. I was supposed to go in there and box, and I didn’t do it. I should have taken my time.

“He throws like crazy and I wasn’t fighting defensively. I should have stuck to my game plan and that’s my fault.”

In the televised opening, unbeaten featherweight contender Jorge Lara, (28-0-2 20 KOs), savagely stopped former world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel, (54-6-2, 39 KOs) in the first round. Montiel was drilled to the canvas four times before the action was halted at the 1:37 mark.
Said Lara, “It went totally according to plan. We trained for every round, but we knew that it wouldn’t go every round. After the first knockdown, I knew it wouldn’t go past the first round.
“I want the winner of either Mares v. Cuellar or Frampton v. Santa Cruz.
“I am honored to beat a great champion like Montiel.”
From a shocked Montiel on the quick start by Lara, “It’s what I expected. He didn’t do anything that surprised me. He just caught me with a shot. But he gave me a couple shots behind the head that weren’t good.”

When ask if he was fouled, “Absolutely. Especially when I was down and he hit me in the back of the head. The referee should have called that (a foul).”

In televised heavyweight action, Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington improved to 17-0-1 (11KO’s) with an eight round unanimous decision over former world title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers, 42-5 (23KO’s). Scores were 80-72 twice and 79-73.
In a televised swing bout top light heavyweight prospect, David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, 14-0 (13KO’s), stopped Philip Jackson, 16-3 (15KO’s) in the second round at the 2:07 mark.
PBC on FOX was sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. For more information visitwww.premierboxingchampions.com  www.TGBPromotions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

Andre Dirrell Wins Unanimous Decision over Blake Caparello in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Live from the Taj Mahal Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City

 
Anthony Dirrell Scores First Round Knockout Over Caleb Truax
 
Jonathan Guzman Stops Daniel Rosas in Title Eliminator
 
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Credit: Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 30, 2016) – Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) defeated Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-2-1, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-91 X 3) in a 10-round super middleweight attraction in the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike main event from the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
In a bout that started off with a lot of back and forth action, Caparello struck first with a left in the second round that sent Dirrell to the canvas.
“The knockdown I got in the second round felt good,” said Caparello. “I knew I had him hurt, but I wasn’t able to capitalize on it.”
Caparello again got Dirrell against the ropes and seemingly into a bit of trouble with a similar left in round three, but eventually Dirrell settled in and managed to gain control of the fight.
Dirrell said, “My focus, determination and my drive got me the win tonight. I know I’ve got more work to do, but I never stopped grinding in there tonight.”
Caparello continued to go to work and battle, but it was clear who the ring general was from the close of the third round and until the final bell rang.
Dirrell exclaimed, “I wanted to send the boxing world and this whole division a message. I’m coming for anyone with a belt. I’ll take on anyone who’s a champion. I know I’ll be a world champion. I have to be a champion. I don’t slow down for anyone. I’m going to keep pushing to get where I’m going.”
On his struggles in the later rounds, Caparello said, “I continued to look for the same left hand all night, it just didn’t come again. Andre has a lot of tricks, he is both good and fast. I am not happy with my performance.”
Dirrell concluded, “Tonight my brother and I were both able to display our talents in front of a national audience on Spike. Anthony is strong as an ox and got the win quickly tonight. I got the win on determination and heart. I had to use my toughness in this fight, and I pushed myself as hard as I could to get the win.”
In the second televised bout of the evening, former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (29-1-1, 23 KOs) met former world title challenger Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-3-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight affair.
The former 168-pound titleholder Dirrell got off to a quick start, scoring two knockdowns in the first round, causing referee Harvey Dock to stop the fight at just 1:49 into the first round.
Dirrell said of the dominating performance, “What helped me tonight was landing my shots early. I was right on top of him with combinations and controlling my jab and that set the tone. I showed tonight that I work hard in the gym, and it paid off. If I work like I did this time leading up to the fight, then I know nobody can beat me.”
A stunned Truax said, “Everything was great leading up to the fight. I don’t know what happened tonight. He just caught me early. I think it was an overhand right.”
Reflecting on what the victory means for his struggling hometown of Flint, MI, Dirrell said, “My work tonight inside the ring made a big statement for what my brother and I are doing outside of the ring. A lot of people were watching tonight, and now they know a little bit more about what’s going on with the Flint Water Crisis back home.”
The opening televised bout featured undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Guzman (21-0, 21 KOs) continuing his hot streak in a 12-round super bantamweight title eliminator against Mexico’s Daniel Rosas (20-3, 12 KOs).
Guzman, an unbeaten fighter out of the Dominican Republic and now training in Massachusetts, stabilized early and easily controlled the action in the second half of the fight.
Guzman said, “I used a lot of concentration early and let him make errors so I could see what he was planning to do. Once I saw the mistakes he was making I let my hands go.”
Rosas was stunned in the third round, but Guzman was unable to close on the wobbled fighter. In the fifth round, Guzman landed a left that knocked Rosas back and followed it with another, dropping Rosas just before the bell.
“I wanted to let him throw some punches early. It helped me gain confidence and learn his tendencies,” said Guzman. “I saw him dropping that right hand, and I knew it would open up the opportunity for me to land my left.”
Rounds six and seven saw Rosas take a pummeling, but miraculously stay on his feet. At the end of the eighth frame, Guzman dropped Rosas for a second time, and again Rosas was saved by the bell.
However, referee Benjy Esteves had seen enough and stopped the fight following the close of round eight.
When asked about the stoppage, Rosas said, “The ref stopped the fight. I thought the fight should have continued, but he decided to stop it.” Rosas continued, “(Guzman) knocked me down, but I kept on fighting. I was never hurt. Guzman is a strong fighter, but I felt I could have continued and come back in the rest of the rounds.”
 
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The fight card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_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 Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.