Category Archives: boxing

2012 U.S. Olympian & 154-Pound Contender Terrell Gausha Takes On Mexico’s Orlando Lora in Exciting Undercard Battle

 
Plus! Unbeaten Heavyweight Gerald Washington Takes On
Former Title Challenger Eddie Chambers
&
Undefeated Light Heavyweight David Benavidez Faces
Hard-Hitting Phillip Jackson
 
Saturday, April 30 From StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
 
CARSON, CALIF. (April 22, 2016) – Rising contender and 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (17-0, 8 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Orlando Lora (30-6-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight affair that highlights undercard action at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 30.
In addition, heavyweight contenders Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) and “Fast” Eddie Chambers (42-4, 23 KOs) will meet in a 10-round bout while unbeaten  rising knockout artist David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez (13-0, 12 KOs) battles hard-hitting Phillip Jackson (16-2, 15 KOs) in eight-rounds of light heavyweight action.
The April 30 event features a PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes tripleheader headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight rematch between “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre “The Beast” Berto. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with a featherweight showdown between unbeaten Jorge Lara and former multiple division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel followed by a contest between hard-hitting light heavyweights Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr.
Further undercard action features Los Angeles-native Manny Robles Jr. (9-0, 4 KOs) in a featherweight battle against Mexico’s Eduardo Rafael Reyes (6-6, 5 KOs), 26-year-old brother of Abner, Adan “Speedy” Mares (14-1-2, 3 KOs) taking on Phoenix’s Jesus Aguinaga (4-3) in a six-round lightweight bout and Mexico’s Luis Bello (6-4, 2 KOs) against in a six-round super lightweight contest.
Rounding out the action is Los Angeles native Anthony Flores (10-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round welterweight scrap and 28-year-old Dardan Zenunaj (11-1, 9 KOs) of Kosovo in a six-round lightweight affair.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53, and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
Prior to the start of televised fights, an Official Fan Fest will be held for ticket holders outside of StubHub Center. The events start at 2:30 p.m. PT and features a Corona Beer Garden, food trucks, music from the band Metalachi and autograph signings with popular fighters such as Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Shawn Porter and more.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he earned victories over Norberto Gonzalez, Luis Grajeda, Eliezer Gonzalez and Said El Harrak. He will be challenged by the Mexican veteran Lora out of Sinaloa.
A two-way player (tight end and defensive end) at the University of Southern California, Washington spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practice squads on his unconventional path that led him to boxing. The 33-year-old also worked in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic before going to USC and did not get his start in professional boxing until 2012. Fighting out of Vallejo, California, he is yet to lose in his latest endeavor after fighting to a draw with Amir Mansour in October and defeating Jason Gavern in March last year.
Representing the outstanding fight city of Philadelphia, Chambers enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak including stoppages in his lat two fights of Dorian Darch and Galen Brown.  The veteran heavyweight challenged Wladimir Klitschko in 2010 for the heavyweight world title and owns victories over Derric Rossy, Dominick Guinn, Calvin Brock and Alexander Dimitrenko over his long career.
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 13 wins in 13 starts at just 19-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and kicked off his 2016 with a knockout of Kevin Cobbs in January. He returns to take on the New York City product Jackson, who enters this fight the winner of 13 of his last 14 contests.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andfoxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto,@LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Weimer makes its a perfect 10 with win over Figueroa

Tony Jeter, Steve Weimer and Team Weimer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

York, Penn. (April 22, 2016) – Back on April 9, Steve Weimer came back from a 39-month layoff with a four round unanimous decision over 73-fight veteran, Joseph Figueroa in Springfield, Virginia.

With the win, Weimer raised his perfect mark to 10-0 and the middleweight prospect from York, Pennsylvania is primed and ready to keep the momentum going.
“He was a tough guy, but I boxed him,” Weimer said of Figueroa.  “I used my length and range to set up the right hand to score a knockdown in the first round.  After the layoff, it was good to shake the rust off.”
“I kept my composure and fought my fight.  I did exactly what I wanted to do.  It was the perfect comeback fight.
There won’t be anymore long layoffs for Weimer as he is already preparing for his next outing, which is scheduled to take place on June 4th in Springfield.
“I am already back in the gym for June 4th.  There are a few guys they are talking to and I am just preparing for whoever takes the fight.”
The fight was also a new beginning for Weimer as it was his first bout under the promotional banner of Jeter Promotions.
“Being my first fight under Jeter Promotions, it went really well.  Tony Jeter is a smart guy and a good promoter.  He focuses on me and I know he will get me the fights that I need to get me to where I need to be,” said the 26 year-old Weimer.
Said Jeter Promotions CEO, Tony Jeter, “Steve wants to fight anybody.  He has the confidence to go along with his talent.  I know if we bring him along the right way, he can do big things.  The sky is the limit for him.  He has all the intangibles that a promoter looks for that go along with his ability.  He is every marketable and he can fight and I am just so excited to what the future has in store for Steve.”

BREAZEALE TO JOSHUA: “LET’S DO THIS!”

Photo c/o of Timothy Hernandez
Upland, California (April 22, 2016) – Nearly three months after an exciting victory in the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on Fox series, Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (17-0, 15 KO’s) finds himself sitting on the cusp of a shot at the world title against newly crowned IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KO’s). What has transpired for Breazeale in the last four months, has been nothing short of the irony in how he has reached this point to possibly fight Joshua; is his fate as he sees it.

Back in December of 2015, Breazeale was scheduled to fight Charles Martin in a battle of undefeated American heavyweights. Martin then withdrew from the bout to preserve a title shot against Vyacheslav Glazkov in which he later won. Breazeale went on to fight heavyweight veteran Amir Mansour a month later and after courageously getting up from the canvas, stopped Mansour on his stool prior to the 6th round.
“You know, the incident with Martin was really disappointing as we had trained hard for that bout. To show up fight week physically and mentally prepared for the bout and then it’s all of a sudden called off, is just discouraging. But I trusted in my adviser Al Haymon and he put something together for me quickly.”
“Later the Mansour bout was scheduled and it was a tough fight, but I learned a lot from it. During and after the fight, I realized that I had to use basic fundamentals. He caught me with a good shot but I got off the canvas and started to box him. Only the best of best heavyweights get off the canvas and finish the fight the way I did. Mansour was never stopped before and I clearly showed I have the power needed to stop fighters, and after I broke his jaw, I don’t think he’s ever going to want to fight again,” said Breazeale.
Breazeale, was then scheduled to fight Chris Arreola on April 30th and received disappointing news that Arreola had fractured his ankle and could no longer move forward with the bout. “When I first heard about it, I thought to myself not again, and I was upset that another fight was cancelled, but it was a blessing in disguise,” Breazeale said.
Two weeks later, Anthony Joshua would obliterate Charles Martin and claim the IBF world heavyweight title. “Charles Martin got what he deserved and was totally outclassed by Anthony Joshua. Joshua did what he had to do. Martin wasn’t even developed or prepared for the bout. He was soft and slow and you can’t do that in the heavyweight division,” said Breazeale.
Breazeale, who is now ranked #13 by the IBF, is being considered to fight Joshua in his first title defense, and he hopes that he gets a shot at the world heavyweight title and is chosen for the bout. “When I first heard that I was possibly going to fight Joshua for the title I was extremely excited. I have been thinking about this daily. This is an opportunity that every fighter dreams and hopes of. I’m sure Joshua felt the same way when he first found out he was going to fight Martin for the title. The only difference is that I am not going to lay down like Charles did and hand the belt over.”
“Hey Anthony Joshua! LET’S DO THIS! This a great fight for the heavyweight division and the fans. We are both 2012 Olympians, undefeated, and pack a punch. The United States of America versus Great Britain. I want to go back to London and finish what I didn’t in 2012. Instead of the gold medal, I want the IBF title, and I guarantee you I’m bringing it back to the United States where it belongs!,” said Breazeale.
“Here Comes Trouble
 
#

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES FROM NORTHPORT, ALABAMA

“When we step in that ring, nothing is acceptable but a knockout. And I’m looking to knock him out.” – Deontay Wilder
 
Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) Defends Against Mandatory Challenger
Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs) One Month From Today
on May 21 in Moscow, Russia
NORTHPORT, ALA. (April 21, 2016) -Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder hosted a media workout Tuesday at the Skyy Gym in Northport, Ala. as he prepares to become the first reigning American heavyweight champion to travel to Russia to defend his title.
In exactly one month, on Saturday, May 21, Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will put his world title on the line against mandatory challenger and native Russian,Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs), in Moscow.
Here’s what Wilder said at his Media Workout day on Tuesday:
 
DEONTAY WILDER
(On his expectations going to Russia…)
“My expectation is, of course, to win. To come back with that victory for America. This is a big fight, not just for myself, for America. It’s like Russia vs. America. I’ve been getting nothing but positive feedback from fans all over. Even if they weren’t a fan of Deontay Wilder they are now for this very fight. Hopefully I can win them over to stay a fan of Deontay Wilder after this fight. I think it’s a great fight. I think it’s a great thing that we’re going over to Russia defending my title in somebody else’s backyard.
“Like I said before, it’s easier for me to fight here in American but that’s not what it’s all about to me. When I have a title that says the heavyweight champion of the world, I want to travel all over the world to defend my title. I’m living my dream, I’m getting an opportunity to do that with this fight. I’m looking forward to Russia and I want to tell Russia,’Here I come.’ “
(What it means to be the first heavyweight champion to fight in Russia…)
 
“It means a lot. It makes me even closer to my faith. God doesn’t make mistakes in lives. He doesn’t make a mistake in my life, your life or anybody else. Things happen for a reason and they happen at the right time in your life. Things may not come when you want it, but when they come it’s right on time. The things that have been accumulating throughout my career, it’s been amazing. How I’ve been able to make history, beat other records, and continue to make history. It’s amazing. I just want to know what else he has in store for my life. If it’s continuously history being made, what’s next? I’m excited.
“I can’t wait to see how my life unfolds at the end of my career. What happens at the end of Deontay Wilder when it’s time for him to say I’ve done all I’ve done in this sport and I don’t want to do it anymore. I want to see how much ground I can cover for those that have come before me.”
(How you predict the fight going…)
 
“I predict the fight as being a punishment in the first round and then knocking him out. All heavyweights want to knock somebody out so we have to say we’re going to knock them out. This is the cream of the crop division. The heavyweights. The hard-hitters. The heavy hitters, as they say. When we step in that ring, nothing is acceptable but a knockout. And I’m looking to knock him out.”
(On if he’s reached his peak…)
“Not at all and that’s the scary part about it. I haven’t even reached my peak yet and I’m still learning on the way up. I want to always learn. Each and every fight brings experience to me. It brings something that I’ve taken away from that fight and that I’ve added to the next fight. Looking forward to being very crisp and very good in this fight and showing people a little bit more of what Deontay Wilder is capable of. Especially those who haven’t seen anything thus far yet, stay tuned to this fight. This is one you don’t want to miss.”
(On unifying the titles in the future…)
“Most definitely. I really feel when I say that I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, I don’t just say it to say it, but I also feel it inside me, deep inside me that I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and add my name to the few undisputed champions that have come before me. My name will be placed in history on that. Why wouldn’t it? All the things I’ve done up to now, that will be the icing on my cake to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I won’t stop, no matter how many hours I have to put in. No matter how many fights that I have to take. No matter how many countries I have to visit to defend my title. I will be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
(On concerns about going to Russia…)
“I don’t have any concerns. I don’t let my brain sit back and think about if I don’t knock him out or are they going to rob me, or anything like that. I just don’t want my mind to be on that when I’m in a fight. I want to have a clear mind. I want to go in there and do what Deontay is capable of doing. Like I said, all things are in God’s hands and if it’s in his will for me to win, it’s going to happen. If not then, I don’t stop there. My legacy is not going to stop there. But I’m very confident in what I’m about to do and what I’m going to do, and we all know that if we knock him out then we don’t have to worry about that. So of course that’s going to be my priority on my list – to knock him out.”

 

Official Boxing Fan Fest To Be Held Before Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto PBC on FOX Super Fight At StubHub Center In Carson, Calif.

 
Saturday, April 30 at 2:30 p.m. PT
 
Featuring Autograph Signing With Top Fighters, Live Music By Metalachi, Corona Beer Garden & More!
 
CARSON, CALIF. (April 20, 2016) – Fight fans are in for a treat on Saturday, April 30 as the official boxing fan fest will be held at StuHub Center in Carson, California prior to the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX & FOX Deportes event headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre “The Beast” Berto. The fan fest begins at 2:30 p.m. PT and is open to fans with tickets for the PBC on FOX: Ortiz vs. Berto fight card.
The event features autograph signings with top fighters including LEO SANTA CRUZ, ABNER MARES, SHAWN PORTER, CHRIS ARREOLA, JOHN MOLINA JR., JOSESITO LOPEZ, ALFREDO ANGULO, FERNANDO GUERRERO, SERGIO MORA, HUGO CENTENO JR., ALEJANDRO LUNA, DOMINIC BREAZEALEand more!
Also included in the festivities are live performances from Metalachi, the musical stage show sensation from Juarez, Mexico plus a Corona Beer Garden and local food trucks. Fans will have the opportunity to win free prizes, signed gloves and purchase official merchandise.
Tickets for the live PBC on FOX event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53, and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
Televised fights begin inside the arena at 4 p.m. PT and go live at 5 p.m. PT on FOX and FOX Deportes with matchups featuring light heavyweight sluggers Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr. plus unbeaten featherweight Jorge Lara taking on former multiple division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel.
PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. For more information visitwww.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com,http://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 andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

AUSTIN TROUT: ‘I’M GOING TO TAKE THAT BELT’

 

 

Former World Champion Heads to Las Vegas
For 154-Pound Title Showdown May 21
Against Jermall Charlo Live on SHOWTIME
®

At The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of  Las Vegas

 

‘I don’t see this being a boring fight; he’s going to bring it, I’m going to bring it’ – Austin Trout

 

Click HERE For Photos From Dave Nadkarni/PBC

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2016)Austin Trout (30-2, 17 KOs), the former super welterweight world champion, is ready to collect his second world title on Saturday, May 21 when he meets IBF Junior Middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo in a 12-round match live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from The Chelsea, a one-of-a-kind 40,000-square-foot venue inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

 

“It’s my time,” said Trout. “My focus is amplified 10-fold.  I’m the confident, happy Austin that fans know, but trust me, when it’s fight time I’m ready for any dogfight that comes. You’ll see Austin bring out and defeat the ‘Lion’ in him because at the end of the day I’m taking that belt.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000and www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Trout is trained by Barry Hunter and Louie Burke of Headbangers Gym in Washington D.C. Having started boxing at the age of 10, his natural talent and the ability to grow into the sport took Austin across the United States and Latin America in the amateur divisions and then into the pros. Known as one of the fiercest gentlemen competitors in the sport, he beat the likes of Miguel Cotto, Rigoberto Alvarez and Delvin Rodriguez, before losing his title to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Trout comes into May 21 looking to claim a title in a division he’s been a true threat within for his career.

 

You’ve said you’ve been led to this fight, why is it important?

“Coming off of four consecutive wins, I’m not just on a comeback streak but I’m taking a full step forward. Charlo is the champ, this fight is about no more half stepping. It’s about taking on the best. Isn’t that what it’s about, being the best?”

 

How is camp going?

“I physically feel great. I’m really comfortable with Barry, it’s my fourth camp with the Headbangers team; Luis is there as well.  Luis helps me with pre-camp and then I shift to D.C.

 

“I was already in D.C. getting camp started when the rumors about this fight came true. I had been at the gym at home for pre-camp for a month and a half before hitting D.C. I was working out five times a week, running every day just getting the program going. As I said, no half-stepping. I’m already sparring, doing the work, getting right. I’m not walking through it but running and trotting through it. I’m 30, I’m at my physical peak, my talent couldn’t be any better.”

 

Talk about the fight and what to expect?

“Neither one of us is going out without a fight, so I don’t see this being a boring fight. It’s time for people to remember me. I’ve earned this championship shot against an undefeated bull like Jermall Charlo but I will take his belt. “

 

Your first professional loss was against ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in San Antonio in 2013.  What are your thoughts on that fight?

 

“I had a good, competitive fight with Saul – it felt like a unification bout – I was WBA champion and he was WBC champion. The open scoring was more detrimental to my game plan thea the judges! During the fight when I was told that I wasn’t winning on anyone’s cards I had to change my game plan.  It was a dogfight.  Canelo never had to box and move that much before in a fight.

“But, live and learn. Instead of walking into a fight like that I listened to those around me. No more surprises. This Charlo fight is a fight I want, a fight my team wants and we’re ready. I’m a more mature, focused champion who’s coming back. I’m dangerous – I have experience, talent and God on my side.”

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com andwww.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

 

Mayweather Promotions Stars Chris Pearson & Sharif Bogere Headline Undercard Action In Separate Bouts  Saturday, April 30 From The DC Armory In Washington, D.C.

 
Plus! Impressive Lineup Of Top Talent & Local Prospects
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2016) – Mayweather Promotions stars Chris “Young King” Pearson (16-1, 11 KOs) and Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs) compete in separate bouts that highlight undercard action on Saturday, April 30 from the DC Armory in Washington D.C.
The event is headlined by a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader that begins live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT featuring a pair of super middleweight world title fights, as WBC champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack takes on former champion Lucian Bute, and IBF champion James “Chunky” DeGale battles top contender Rogelio “Porky” Medina.
Pearson will take on Joshua Okine (22-5, 15 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight contest while Bogere faces former African champion Samuel Amoako (21-9, 15 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, on sale now. To purchase tickets visitwww.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
Additional action inside the arena will feature unbeaten Washington, D.C.-born Latondria Jones (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight bout against Virginia’s Kamika Slade, undefeated Ecuadorian Carlos Gongora (6-0, 3 KOs)in a light heavyweight match and the pro debut of D.C. product Keegan Grove in a four-round lightweight scrap.
Rounding out the non-televised undercard fights are Richmond, Virginia‘s Moshea Aleem(4-0, 2 KOs) who will go up against fellow unbeaten Georgia native Martez Jackson (2-0-1, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight bout, lastly is a four-round welterweight attraction with Brooklyn’s Chordale Booker (1-0, 1 KO).
The 25-year-old Pearson will look to bounce back from his first career loss to unsurpassed Eric Walker in December with an emphatic victory on April 30. 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 in which he captured a National Championship in 2011. He takes on the experienced Okine, who is originally from Ghana but now fights out of nearby Silver Spring, Maryland.
A recent addition to the Mayweather Promotions stable, Bogere fights out of Las Vegas while proudly representing his native Uganda. The 27-year-old won his first 23 pro fights while picking up victories over Raymundo Beltran, Francisco Contreras, and Manuel Levya. He enters this bout on a four-fight win streak and will be challenged by the former African lightweight champion Amoako, who represents Ghana while fighting out of Silver Spring, Maryland.
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 atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Ivan Redkach & Luis Cruz Fight To Split Draw In Thrilling Main Event On Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes From Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 
Immanuwel Aleem Takes Decision In Action Packed Battle Against Jonathan Cepeda
 
Junior Castillo Drops Kyrone Davis & Wins Unanimous Decision In Battle of Unbeatens
 
Click HERE For Photos From
Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (April 20, 2016) – Ivan Redkach (19-1-1, 15 KOs) and Luis Cruz (22-4-1, 16 KOs) fought to a split draw and both scored knockdowns Tuesday night in an exciting main event on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
In early action, Cruz began to establish his straight right hand when he knocked Redkach off balance and sent him to the canvas in round two. The Puerto Rican veteran controlled much of the early rounds with that right hand, great movement and overall boxing ability.
Redkach was aggressive throughout, throwing 602 punches over the 10-round bout to Cruz’s 485. However, Cruz’s 33 percent connect rate was good enough for him to dominate the first half of the fight.
The 2008 Ukranian Olympian began to find a landing zone for his big left hand as the fight wore on and late in round eight he landed one cleanly on Cruz that dropped him hard. Redkach was then awarded a controversial knockdown in an explosive ninth round when Cruz fell to the mat on what he said was a slip as a result of a push.
Both men emptied the tank in the final round knowing that one punch could change the outcome of the fight and ended with several flurries. The scores after 10 rounds were razor thin at 94-93 for Redkach, 94-93 Cruz and 94-94, resulting in the split draw.
The co-main event of the evening featured a fast pace brawl that saw unbeaten prospect Immanuwel Aleem (16-0, 9 KOs) earn a hard fought victory over Jonathan Cepeda (17-2, 15 KOs) in their eight-round middleweight contest.
Aleem and Cepeda traded power punches all fight long, with Cepeda taking the brunt of the punishment as he was out landed 272 to 107. Aleem was superior in all regards as he also landed an impressive 42 percent of his total punches.
Cepeda refused to surrender however and used a powerful right hook to occasionally stun Aleem. The still unbeaten prospect was always able to return any punishment and then some, winning by the score of 79-73 on all three judges’ scorecards.
In the televised opener unbeaten middleweight prospects collided as Junior Castillo (10-0, 9 KOs) earned a unanimous decision over Kyrone Davis (10-1, 4 KOs) in a competitive eight-round affair.
The Delaware-native Davis was impressive early with his movement and boxing abilities but the southpaw Castillo was soon able to time his opponent and land left hands to the head and body.
In the fourth round, Castillo hurt and dropped Davis in the middle of the round with a left hand after an exchange. Neither man allowed the other to gain too much momentum throughout the remainder of the fight, but it was Castillo’s output advantage of 117-92 that bettered Davis’ accuracy advantage of 36 percent to 30 percent.
Castillo won the decision by scores of 78-73, 77-74 and 76-75.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
IVAN REDKACH
“I think I won, but it was a good fight.
“The knockdown I suffered was me losing my balance. I felt I controlled the fight because I knocked him down twice. I thought I could have stopped him after the first knockdown.
“I am not going to argue with the decision but I feel I won the fight.”
LUIS CRUZ
“I thought the last knockdown was a slip. That was the difference between the draw and my win.
“I hurt him. I had the power. I tried to work round-by-round. I feel that I won six rounds and that the knockdown cost me the win.
“I thought I fought well. The draw was better than a loss. Why not a rematch? He is strong and dangerous. He hits hard but I know I am better than him.”
IMMANUWEL ALEEM
“He was a tough guy. I hit him with some good shots but he kept his ground. I respect that.
“I was trying to take my time to get him out. I was being hasty. I was trying to get him every chance I got but he was tough. I am a student of the game and I was taking my time.
“My manager George Peterson has a resume of building up Paul Williams and I trust what he has in store for me. He knows what I am capable of doing. We will go after everybody, just like Paul did.”
JUNIOR CASTILLO
“It was a very good fight. I had some difficulty at first but I felt confident that I would be victorious.
“I kept consistent with my game plan and I was able to knock him down. I thought I would be able to finish him but I got too wild.
“It feels good to defeat an undefeated prospect and also go the distance. I have never gone the distance before.
“I want some kind of title fight. My confidence is much higher right.”
KYRONE DAVIS
“I felt like it was a good fight. I feel like I won. I thought the crowd swayed the judges. I felt like I won but that’s how it goes sometimes.
“78-73 was too wide. I controlled the first two rounds. He crossed over and hit me with a good shot. He may have won the knockdown round and the last round.
“If he gives me a rematch, I would love it. This is just a minor setback. I will improve after this fight and I will move forward.”
PBC’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes was promoted by King’s Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment.
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