Category Archives: boxing

Undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez Punctuates 2015 with 2nd round knockout over former world champion Erik Aiken

San Antonio, Texas (December 16, 2015) – This past Saturday night in his hometown of San Antonio, undefeated Super Bantamweight contender Adam Lopez(14-0, 7 KO’s) scored a 2nd round stoppage over former world champion Erik Aiken in a bout that took place at the AT & T Center.

 

Lopez is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Lopez dominated the action as he took the fight to the former champion, finally stopping Aiken at 2:09 of round two.
“I was very excited and we executed the game-plan,”said Lopez, who celebrated his 25th birthday on fight night.
“I am happy to have that win in San Antonio.  It’s my hometown and it’s a great place to be.  I wish I was on later in the card, but I am happy to get the stoppage win.”
Aiken, who was a Featherweight world champ is the biggest name on the Lopez’ resume to date.
“He is a former world champion and even though he hasn’t fought at the world championship level in a while, a win is a win.”
Lopez will kick off what he believes will be a huge 2016 with a nationally televised bout in February.
“I am headlining ShoBox on February 12th.  It will be my first headliner.  After that, I hope that I could be in a line for a world title opportunity.  I am ranked number-seven by the WBA but if that isn’t next after the ShoBox fight, we will wait for our opportunity.”
When asked if he indulged in any birthday / knockout win celebrations, Lopez was busy with his family and fans.
“I really didn’t even eat. let alone eat any cake.  I was busy thanking my family and fans.  I got the best present anyway and that is to be able to do what I love to do on my birthday and that is fight and win!”
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.

ANDY LEE & BILLY JOE SAUNDERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES FOR WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT

THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHO EXTREME®

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Lee vs. Saunders
Airs Live at 5 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME; Encore Presentation at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“He’s not good enough to beat me.” – Andy Lee

“I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.” – Billy Joe Saunders

 

SHO VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1ROfSkF

NEW YORK (Dec. 15, 2015) – WBO Middleweight World Champion Andy Lee and undefeated challenger Billy Joe Saunders held separate media workouts in Manchester, England, as they conclude preparations for their eagerly awaited showdown this Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME  (5 p.m. ET/PT)from Manchester Arena.

 

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) will make the first defense of his 160-pound title against England’s Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender.

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of theBoxNation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggibefore and after the world championship showdown.  An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Here’s what Lee and Saunders had to say at their media workouts on Tuesday and Monday, respectively:

 

ANDY LEE:

“I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out, in any given second.

 

“I won’t rely on the punch.  I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure.

 

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment.

 

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage.  He’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by(Frank) Warren.

 

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points.  If I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round.

 

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

 

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS:

“I’m ready to go for Saturday night.  This is the best camp that I’ve ever had.  I’m prepared for the toughest test of my career, but I know that I’m in excellent shape to win this fight and become world champion.

 

“Andy Lee is a tough fighter – he’s proved that by becoming world champion and having the type of career he has had. But I’m undefeated and hungry and know that I’m on the brink of fulfilling a childhood dream.  I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.

 

“Training in Spain allows me to lock myself away from all distractions and focus solely on the fight.  It’s hard being away from home, but it’s all part of boxing.  It’s been a long camp, a tough camp, but after that I know that I’m ready to go through hell to make sure that I’m successful come fight night.

 

“The middleweight division is one of the hottest around and I’m prepared to fight any of the other champions in there once I win the title.

 

Danny Jacobs had a great win against Peter Quillin, and then there is Canelo (Alvarez) and (Gennady) Golovkin.  I know the importance of this fight for the division and I want my name to be among the very best.  I’m taking it one step at a time, but I’m open to fight anyone.

 

“There has been no trash talk with Andy because we know what each person is about.  We share a similar background and neither of us is going to take a back step.

 

“This is going to be a very exciting all-action fight because we’re going to leave it all in the ring.  I know I have the skills to beat him and I intend to show the world why I’m among the best around.”

 

Saunders on fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jr.:

 

“The truth of the matter is that Eubank Jr. does not belong at the world level – he’s a phony. It’s as simple as that.  I wasn’t impressed with his win over Gary O’Sullivan, who I’ve already beat.  He thinks he can fool the public with a win like that, but he can’t.

 

“His aim now is to move up and fight the best guys in the world, but we saw what happened the last time he stepped up a notch and faced me: he was badly exposed.  The same thing will happen with him if he fights someone like Danny Jacobs for the WBA title.

 

“You’re not the best middleweight in your own country and you want to fight a world champion and say you’re going to beat him?  I think it’s a delusion and he thinks he’s greater than he actually is.

 

“Sooner rather than later he’s going to get exposed again as the fraud that he is.  You can keep talking, but eventually you have to back it up in the ring against top-level fighters.  He’s won his last fight and now he’s back talking (expletive) again like he’s the best fighter in history.

 

“If he has the balls to fight again, which I doubt, I would happily hand him another beating, this time in even more convincing fashion.”

FIGHTERS FEATURED ON THE HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® AND HBO LATINO® BOXING TELECASTS ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 SHARE FINAL THOUGHTS ON TRAINING CAMP

 
LIVE FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, NEW YORK
 
Click HERE 

for Photos
LOS ANGELES (December 15) – Fighters featured on the December 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino shows at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York share their final thoughts on training camp as fight week kicks off.  In the main event of the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, former heavyweight world title contender Bryant “Bye – Bye” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia, will face the heavy-handed Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz  (23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round matchup for the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title. The co-main event of the night features former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion from Montego Bay, Jamaica’s Nicolas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0, 21 KOs) taking on Jason Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) of Camden, New Jersey in a 10-round super featherweight fight.  The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast will begin at10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
In the HBO Latino Boxing (12:15 a.m. ET/PT; tape delayed) main event Yuneski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) of Del Rio, Cuba will face Los Angeles’ undefeatedVyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) in a fight scheduled for 10-rounds. The co-main event will feature an exciting 10-round middleweight slugfest as “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) will fight the dangerous former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-5, 22 KOs). Opening the HBO Latino telecast will be former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs) squaring off against Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) of Houston in a 10-round lightweight bout.
Off camera, rising light heavyweight prospect, D’Mitrius Ballard (10-0, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will take on Brazilian seasoned fighter Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena(11-3-1, 8 KOs) in a six to eight-round light heavyweight fight and opening the night Manati, Puerto Rico’s Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-5-1, 26 KOs) and Steven Martinez (15-2, 12 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico will clash in a 10-round middleweight fight.
Below is what the fighters had to say about as their training camp comes to a close this week.
BRYANT “BYE BYE” JENNINGS, Former Heavyweight World Title Challenger:
 
“The weather is warm out here in Florida, and John David Jackson is doing a great job as my new trainer. He’s a man that knows the fight game being that he was a fighter himself, a former world champion to be exact. The little things he’s showing me are making a big difference. I was happy that my promoter Gary Shaw came out to visit and see the progress I have made.  We’re out here doing it. I believe I’ve become a better fighter, and it will show come fight night.
“This is a big fight for the heavyweight division. The interim WBA World heavyweight title is on the line. The winner will move on to bigger and better things. Everyone says he has a lot of power but his opposition is suspect.  He’s a big slugger and I’m a boxer that gives a lot of movement. I believe I’m the one with the better skills and better pro experience. I’m winning this fight.
“I think it’s great. The sport needs to keep its integrity.  Ortiz is a good fighter but he’s already shown that he has some insecurities. When a fighter gets caught cheating while using steroids to get an edge says a lot about that person. He paid his dues and now it’s time to fight.  With VADA testing installed for this fight, everyone will be on an even playing field.
“With Klitschko losing to Fury, the heavyweight division is wide open. There are a lot of hungry fighters out there ready to take charge and I’m one of them. I know I got what it takes to become a world champion. The heavyweight division is mine to be conquered.”
LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” ORTIZ, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion:
 “I am ready physically and mentally for this fight, and I am going to come out to destroy my opponent. I have not been able to show off my condition and preparation in my last few fights, and this is my opportunity to show the world that I am the best. I have been ready for a world championship fight for three years and am ready for to go 15 rounds if needed.
“This is the new era of the heavyweight division, and I am in the running to become the best in the world. I feel like I have the conditions to become a world champion; I have the power, speed and intelligence in the ring.
“Jennings will be a difficult fighter, but I am also a difficult fighter. I have been physically prepared for this fight for three years.”
NICHOLAS “AXE MAN” WALTERS, former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion:

“My focus is to be the smarter fighter in the ring, to focus, to fire off more combinations, to take control of the fight. We know that Sosa is a hard puncher and he comes to fight.
“This is an important fight for me because it is at 130 pounds, which is a step up for me.”

“Training the right way is the proper way to prepare for such an important fight like this. I know the difference in this fight is will be my speed in the ring.”

JASON SOSA, Super Featherweight Contender:
“I have been working extremely hard on speed and angles because we know that Walters is flat footed and I want to make sure I have an advantage with movement on fight night.
“We know that Walters is a tough fighter with an impressive record. He has beat Donair and Darchinyan which are both strong opponents. But we also believe that we are the bigger fighter being that this is his first fight at 130. He has never felt power like mine and I believe that will be my biggest advantage on Dec. 19.
“Winning this fight would mean everything that we have been working on for the past five years is starting to pay off and will put me in a good position for a World Title next year.”
YUNIESKI GONZALEZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“Every aspect of my training has been elevated to be able to make a great impression. Shabranskyy applies basic combinations and I am a fighter that is more complex and will bring that advantage with me on fight night.
“A victory on Dec. 19 will keep me on the right track as I climb to the top of the mountain and establish myself as an elite fighter in the light heavyweight division.
“I have focused on turning my punches over to maximize my power. I’m not going to give up too much information, but the world will see on Dec. 19.”
VYACHESLAV “LION HEART – CHINGONSKY” SHABRANSKYY, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“The primary focus of this training camp has been to make sure my power and conditioning are the best they can become Dec. 19. I will finish camp knowing that I’m in the best shape ever.
“Gonzales is an aggressive come forward fighter. He’s not the typical Cuban boxer, he is more of a ‘banger’ come forward fighter which isn’t typical of Cuban fighters and I have made sure to prepare for that.
“This fight, without question is the biggest fight of my career so far and is step closer to getting a shot at a world title. I’m a smarter fighter now. My team and I have a game plan in place, if I stick to that I believe the fight will be in my favor.
“With every camp there is growth. Everyday I come into the gym the goal is to get better, in every single aspect- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When there is a well-rounded growth it becomes easier to focus and devote myself to training, to be more willing to learn and to be taught.”
“KING” GABRIEL ROSADO, Former Middleweight World Title Contender:
 “My primary focus is to do everything Fernando tells me to do. I believe in his information and I’m confident that it will make me a better fighter.
“This fight means a new beginning; it’s the second chapter of my career, and I believe it’s truly my time to shine. I know that Clottey is a defensive-minded fighter and will be looking to counter. But, I believe that I have the advantage.  I’m younger, faster, stronger, and I believe my ring IQ is better.
“I’ve learned not to rush things, timing is everything. The focus and discipline has to be 100 percent. I believe that will show Dec. 19.”

JOSHUA “GRAND MASTER” CLOTTEY, Former IBF Welterweight World Champion:

“This is another that and I approach it like all my other fights: I train hard, eat correctly, get my rest properly and win.
“I know Gabe is very tough and always comes to fight so I expect a hard fight from him. I just will need to stay focused and I do what I need to in order to win.
“I want to be a world champion again, and I believe my experience will help me be one again and know I can do that by winning this fight.”
D’MITRUS BALLARD, Light Heavyweight Prospect:
“My primary focus going into this fight has been to become a better fighter, a more complete boxer. I want to make sure that I show all of my talents, experience and growth in the ring. The focus, the intensity of my training has been stepped up, my entire camp has stepped it up and we are ready.
“Winning this fight and advancing my record to 11-0 just means I’m one step closer to the goal a World Championships and putting people on notice that I am a threat in the light heavyweight division.”
 
YURIORKIS GAMBOA, Former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion:
“My primary focus for every fight is to get in the ring, get the job done in a way that I perform my best as a fighter, and the people paying for tickets go home happy with what they went to see. However for this fight I added another layer to that. I focus on proving to everyone that I still have what it takes to make it to the top.
“Winning means a lot. But the real pudding in the cake is winning this fight the way I know I can win it. Putting up a show for the people and getting the ‘W’ would mean the world to me. I am at a stage in my career that I need to fight as often as I can. I have to win but I also have to put on a good show to bring more and more people in to watch me fight.
“I think my experiences as a fighter are the only advantage I bring to this fight. Other than that, we are two hungry men with two arms waiting for this opportunity to shine.
“I learned that boxing is a lot tougher outside of the ring than inside. I learned that we are not meant to be boxing forever and have to take advantage of every opportunity in front of us as if it were the last one. I am about to put that to use.”
HYLON “KID COSMO” WILLIAMS, Lightweight Contender:
 
“This training camp my main focus was to put myself in a great state of mind and grind hard as I could stress free. I know my opponents a veteran fighter that’s had a decorated career and he’s been on my boxing radar since 2008 when I became a professional fighter.
“Winning this would be the door opener to the title shot I’ve always dreamed about and of course it’ll not only put a sock in people’s mouth but it’ll open the eyes to all my critics and have them see me in a new light.
“My youth and knowledge of the fight game will carry me through this fight. Having the heart to take on a former world champion shows I have the heart of a lion to protect my record and not duck anyone.”
Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).
Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. TheDecember 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.
Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.grayshawproductions.com, www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing,www.starboxing.com and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @TRboxing, @StarBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions-134758615997/,www.facebook.com/trboxing, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing, @TurningStone. Follow the conversation by using #JenningsOrtiz and #WaltersSosa.

UNDEFEATED CONTENDER OMAR DOUGLAS MEETS FRANK DE ALBA IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES MAIN EVENT

 
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29 FROM SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENT CENTER
IN BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (December 15, 2015) – Undefeated super featherweight contender Omar “Super O” Douglas (15-0, 11 KOs) faces his toughest test when he battles Frank De Alba (17-1-2, 6 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Tuesday, December 29 from Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
“I’ve been working really hard and getting great work in camp,” said Douglas. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I plan to take advantage of it. I know how to beat this guy and I know I am in great shape. I expect an early night, but if it goes 10 rounds, so be it.”
“I am really grateful for this opportunity,” said De Alba. “I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices to get to this stage. Now that we’re here, I’m going to take advantage. I know he is a strong fighter but we will be 100 percent come fight night. This will be an entertaining fight and I will give the fans what they pay for.”
This will be the ninth installment of the TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES series since it premiered on FS1 and FOX Deportes on September 8 at the Hollywood Palladium. The series has brought numerous exciting matchups and thrilling moments in 2015 and will continue to bring sensational fights to sports fans in 2016.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, 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.
An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in his TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS debut in September when he showed power and skill in defeating Braulio Santos in his first ten-round outing. The 24-year-old had already beaten Daniel Attah in 2015 and previously took down veterans Anthony Napunyi, Jean Javier Sotelo and Osnel Charles.
The 28-year-old De Alba is undefeated since dropping his pro debut back in 2011 and has picked up victories of Jesus Lule, Bernardo Uribe and Jose Bustos in 2015. Born in Puerto Rico but fighting out of Reading, Pennsylvania, De Alba previously fought at Sands Bethlehem in January 2014 when he took down Chazz McDowell.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SuperO130KP, @FOXSports1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHRIS PEARSON MEETS FELLOW UNBEATEN ERIC WALKER & RISING STAR GERVONTA DAVIS TAKES ON LUIS SANCHEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

 
PLUS! FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS ISHE SMITH & MICKEY BEY FEATURED ON STACKED UNDERCARD
 
LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2015) – Undefeated contender Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) will meet fellow unbeaten Eric Walker (11-0, 6 KOs) in a super welterweight battle while rising star Gervonta “The One” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) takes on Luis Sanchez (17-4-1, 5 KOs) in a lightweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) on Spike Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino resort in Las Vegas.
PBC on Spike is headlined by undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) and Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) in a lightweight world title fight. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas(15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a battle of unbeaten cruiserweights.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Part of the stacked undercard of exciting fights will see former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (27-8, 12 KOs) against Tommy “The Razor” Rainone (24-6-1, 5 KOs) in a super welterweight showdown and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a lightweight contest against unbeaten Naim Nelson(12-0, 1 KO).
Rounding out the action is 29-year-old Romanian Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (14-1, 10 KOs) against the Dominican Republic’s Mariano Hilario (12-4, 5 KOs) in super middleweight action, 26-year-old Brian Castano (13-0,9 KOs) againstMexico’s Aaron Garcia (12-4-1, 7 KOs) in a super welterweight tussle and Fabian “TNT” Maidana (8-0, 6 KOs), brother of former world champion Marcos, in a welterweight bout against Washington’s Virgil Green (11-3, 4 KOs).
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in four fights before he defeated Janks Trotter in September. The 24-year-old looks to continue to rise within the junior middleweight division and cement his contender status with a victory over the 22-year-old Walker out of Plaquemine, Louisiana who is yet to lose since turning pro in 2013.
A highly regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 21-year-old Davis has already recorded four stoppage victories in 2015. Most recently, the Baltimore-native stopped former world champion Cristobal Cruz with a vicious combination in their October fight. Now he is challenged by the 23-year-old Sanchez out of Cancun, Mexico who owns victories over Miguel Beltran and Adan Mares.
After a long career that saw him go from the world of reality television as a star on “The Contender” to competing at the top level at 154 and 160 pounds, Smith finally put it all together in 2010, beginning a four-fight winning streak that culminated in a decision win over Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight world title in 2013, becoming the first native Las Vegan to ever win a world title. He continues to challenge the best and recorded his most recent victory in April by defeating Cecil McCalla. He takes on a dangerous veteran contender in New York’s Rainone who enters this fight having beaten Francisco Reza and Allen Litzau.
Bey returns to the ring on December 18 for the first time since winning a world title in September 2014 with a victory over Miguel Vazquez. He has won three fights in a row including victories over Alan Herrera and Carlos Cardenas. Representing Cleveland, Ohio, Bey looks to work his way back to title-contention beginning with the 25-year-old Philadelphia-native Nelson.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm,@PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and

Heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman chimes in on  controversial decision with Chris Arreola

Reading, PA (December 14, 2015) -This past Saturday night at the AT & T Center  in San Anonio, Heavyweight Travis Kauffman (30-2, 22 KO’s) and former two-time world title challenger Chris Arreola engaged in a action packed bout that saw Arreola get a dubious split decision by scores 114-113 twice for Arreola and 114-113 for Kauffman.
Most accounts of the fight had Kauffman getting the decision, which included PBC ringside scorer Steve Farhood.
Kauffman of Reading, PA. pushed the action and landed the more telling blows, which included a knockdown in round three from a jab-right hand combination.  The fight validated Kauffman as a player in the division, but he wasn’t satisfied with just a good performance.     
“I feel good.  I thought I did enough to win the fight.  I had it 8-4 or 7-5 in my favor plus the knockdown,” said Kauffman after viewing the fight.
“I dominated from rounds three to nine.  I took off ten and eleven as I thought that I was secure with my lead.  I dominated the twelfth round and after a three-punch combination, Chris went falling back and it looked like his glove touched the canvas.  No matter what, I thought I won the twelfth round.  I backed him up the entire fight.  I dominated him at his own game.”
Kauffman believes that he won over the crowd and those in attendance thought that he deserved the nod as well.
“The crowd booed me as I came into the ring and cheered me when I left.  I won them over and I won over the boxing public.”
With the performance, Kauffman should be in line for another significant fight in the first quarter of 2016.
“I spoke to my manager, Al Haymon and he said that bigger things are going to happen for me.  Weather it is a rematch or someone else, I am ready for that.  I showed that I am a force in the division.  I worked for so long for this fight, so I am just going to take a week off and enjoy my kids and I will be right back in the gym.  I am looking to be back sometime between February and April.”
“I appreciate all the fans.  The ones that have been with me before the fight one the ones that became fans on Saturday.”
Said Kauffman’s father Marshall Kauffman, “I am very proud of Travis and what he did in the fight  Just look at each of them and you could tell who took the beating in the fight.  The worst case scenario, the fight it was 6-6 but Travis scored the knockdown that should have gave him the fight.  I believe he will get another opportunity.  He showed what he is capable of doing.”

Photos by Joe Tarlecky –Team Kauffman

Corito Stops Ellis as Gelder Outpoints Bogdanovic In Malta

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On Friday night, at the Aria Complex in San Gwann, Malta’s own Heavyweight King Billy Corito scored yet another emphatic victory, this time over late replacement, Great Britain’s Matt Ellis.

 

Originally Corito was lined up to face Lee Kellett, who unfortunately was unable to make it through the floods in Cumbria to compete against the local star on this special Stephen Vaughan promoted Malta versus UK charity event, Fight For Life in aid of Caritas.

 

In front of a packed house, both fighters started hard and fast, Ellis utilising his jab to good effect to stop the local hero getting in too close, however as the bout progressed nothing Ellis could do could stop Corito getting in close and letting rip with big rights to the body of the Englishman.

 

The first two rounds were very close, but the third was a different matter altogether, Corito started fast and backed the Englishman onto the ropes with some superb combinations, once there Corito proceeded to target the body and then around the thirty second mark let rip with a powerful body shot that sent Ellis to the canvas, then as referee Lee Murtagh began the count the Englishman’s corner threw the towel in, which was ignored and the referee continued to count Ellis out.

 

The official time of the stoppage was thirty three seconds of the third round.

 

Following his victory Corito was informed by Stephen Vaughan that his next fight will be in the United Kingdom, where he will fight in a six rounder on the undercard of Tasif Khan versus Isaac Quaye WBU Super Flyweight World Championship bout in Bradford on February 6th.

 

Prior to Corito-Ellis, local Light Heavyweight Goran Bogdanovic made his professional debut against Bilston, West Midlands, UK’s Jamie Gelder.

 

Gelder started hard and fast, taking the fight to Bogdanovic, and then continued to keep up the high pace of attack for the entire four rounds, forcing Bogdanovic to be defensive throughout.

 

Bogdanovic did have some success, backing the Englishman onto the ropes and letting rip with fast and furious combinations of his own, however not enough to capture any of the rounds.

 

After four sensational rounds of boxing Judges Nick Aish and Stephen Farrugia both scored it 36-40, whilst Judge Gwayn Bonsfield scored the bout 37-39, all in favour of Jamie Gelder.

 

Supporting the two professional bouts were a number of Malta vs UK Novice Pro bouts as well as two exhibition bouts featuring local fighters.

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS TO HOLD “TOYS 4 TICKETS” CHARITY DRIVE TO BENEFIT “TOYS FOR TOTS” PROGRAM FOR PBC ON SPIKE SHOW FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

 
TOYS CAN BE DROPPED OFF
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 & FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
 
LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2015) – Mayweather Promotions will hold a “Toys 4 Tickets” charity drive in advance of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike show taking place Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
The charity drive will benefit the “Toys for Tots” program, which aims to distribute toys to less fortunate children during the holiday season. Toys can be dropped off at the Mint Lounge inside the Palms Casino Resort on Thursday, December 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, December 18 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 
Fans who donate a new unwrapped toy will receive a ticket voucher redeemable at the Pearl Theater Box Office at the Palms Casino Resort. Ticket value is $25 with a limit of four per person.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm,@PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and

OMAR FIGUEROA DEFEATS ANTONIO DEMARCO IN PRIMETIME SLUGFEST ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM THE AT&T CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO

 
CHRIS ARREOLA RECOVERS FROM EARLY KNOCKDOWN TO TAKE HOME  SPLIT-DECISION OVER TRAVIS KAUFFMAN IN HEAVYWEIGHT BRAWL
 
VICTOR ORTIZ, TERRELL GAUSHA & MARIO BARRIOS PICK UP VICTORIES IN PBC ON NBCSN ACTION
Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
SAN ANTONIO (December 13, 2015) – Undefeated Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (26-0-1, 18 KOs) won an intense slugfest over former world champion Antonio DeMarco(31-6-1, 23 KOs) in primetime Saturday night on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) onNBC from the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
Figueroa earned the unanimous decision in an action-packed battle that saw the south Texas-native throw over 1000 punches across 12 rounds. Figueroa dominated the first six rounds of the fight, throwing numerous combinations and taking minimal damage from his opponent.
The Mexican veteran DeMarco saved his best for the second half of the fight and was able to frequently land clean power punches against the offensive-minded Figueroa. In the 11th-round, DeMarco staggered Figueroa with a series of headshots and appeared to have him in serious trouble. Figueroa recovered enough to survive the round and win the final stanza in the eyes of all three judges.
Combined the fighters threw 1160 power punches against just 519 jabs. Figueroa landed 48 percent of his power shots while DeMarco connected on 45 percent of his. The 1092 to 587 punch output advantage for Figueroa could have proved to be the difference as he out-landed his opponent 414 to 225.
The final judges’ scores were 116-112 and 115-113 twice.
In the co-featured event, Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (37-4-1, 31 KOs) earned a split-decision victory over Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-2, 22 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight showdown that lived up to the pre-fight trash talk between the former sparring partners.
Arreola started out strong, winning the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards. In the third round, Kauffman delivered a sensational combination to the head and body that put Arreola on the mat.
The knockdown slowed Arreola down as Kauffman won five rounds between rounds three and nine while displaying excellent footwork and body punching. After a low blow by Kauffman in round nine, Arreola took several minutes to recover before the referee continued the action. The extra time appeared to give Arreola a second wind as he finished strong and closed the fight with an impressive performance in the last three rounds.
The split decision was about as narrow as it could be with two judges’ scoring the bout 114-113 for Arreola and the other judge with the same score for Kauffman. Arreola out-landed Kauffman 216-206 in total punches and connected on 57 percent of his power shots.
Headlining the NBCSN telecast prior, former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (31-5-2, 24 KOs) returned from a yearlong layoff to stop Gilberto Sanchez-Leon (31-15-2, 13 KOs) in the eighth round of their welterweight bout.
Ortiz was coming back from a broken wrist suffered at the end of his last bout in December 2014 and was able to land 50 percent of his power punches. The stoppage came at 2:57 into the eighth round in a bout scheduled for 10.
San Antonio-native Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KOs) impressed in front of his hometown fans on his way to stopping Manuel Vides (18-5, 11 KOs) 31 seconds into the sixth round. Barrios showed lethal accuracy, landing 54 percent of his power punches and 46 percent of his total punches.
In NBCSN action that followed the primetime broadcast, 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (17-0, 8 KOs) kept his perfect record intact, defeating Said El Harrak (12-4-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight fight. Gausha recorded a knockdown in the second round and cruised to a 100-89 decision according to all three judges.
OMAR FIGUEROA
“These are the kind of fights I love to be in. A little rougher than I would have liked and my face shows it. It was a good fight. I wish I had done better but I always do the best I can.
“My determination is what helped me win this fight. I’m not going to lose a fight. I don’t have that in me. I’ve had every injury. I could have a missing arm but I’m still going to find a way to win the fight.
“It was a great atmosphere. I could hear the fans cheering me on and it’s a great feeling. I know the people here were backing me up and I just wanted to give it my all.
“It was all heart and guts out there. That’s what I rely on when all else fails. We do our best to come out with the victory.
“I want to fight in the 140-pound weight class. Some things happened that were out of our control and we just wanted to put on a show for the fans. My body is getting bigger but I want to do some things at 140-pounds before I move up. We’re doing our best, we’re learning how to do things right. We’re in the learning process.
“My hands feel really good. They look like hands. Which is nice. My face looks like a face, just a beat up face.
“Antonio gave me a lot of respect after the fight and he told me that ‘family is the most important thing.’ We all sacrifice in training camp and we’re just so grateful that we get to fight.
“I have no quit in me. I’ve fought with injuries and adversity. It’s just not in me to quit.”
ANTONIO DEMARCO
“I thought I got a draw out of the fight, but he’s here in his home state, with his home crowd, and I respect the decision.
“He was just too big. No excuses, but I know that was why he was able to last the full fight with me.
“He was just pushing me forward, pushing me forward and using his body weight, but he never hurt me at any time.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I wasn’t hurt from the knockdown, it was more of a flash knockdown.”
“I pulled it out in the championship rounds. I was in great shape and that was the difference in my winning.
“I had to show him a little different look tonight and not just bull rush him. He came to me, which made it easier for me. Conditioning was the deciding factor tonight.”
“Yes, I would give Travis Kauffman a rematch. Any time, we can do it again.
“I have to earn a world title fight and have to win convincingly. If I fight Deontay Wilder, I have to be in great shape.
“I’m going to take a little vacation with the family then I plan on being back in the gym right after New Years.”
TRAVIS KAUFFMAN
“I’m not the only one that thought I won the fight, the entire crowd thought I won the fight. I fought a great fight. I came here to win. I’m not a slouch, I’m a fighter. I’ve been doing this my entire life.
“I didn’t get the victory that I deserved tonight, but I was able to win over the crowd and I won over America.
“The crowd came in cheering for Chris. They left cheering for me.”
VICTOR ORTIZ
“He was a really tough fighter. He got some good shots in. I don’t like making excuses. In three years, I’ve only fought twice. There was a lot of rust. But I’m just happy to get back in the ring.
“I feel no pain whatsoever. I’m happy for that and ready to move forward.
“My past is in my past. I want to go for it. Any of the top welterweights, I want them.
“This camp was incredible. Not just Joel Diaz, but the whole team has been with me 24/7 and they’ve been awesome. It’s a great asset to have these kind of people in my corner.
“In the past, I always found myself jumping the gun. These coaches have helped me slow down. This is definitely a step forward.
“I’m my own worst critic. There’s a lot to improve on. My reflexes were good but my timing was off. Probably due to inactivity. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and I have a whole new chance to reach my goals.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“I’m just happy to have been able to put on a great show for my family and friends. Right now I’m feeling great. I couldn’t be any more excited.
“We start with a game plan that revolves around working off our jab and picking our shots. He tended to work up the middle and that’s how we found openings.
“At any point I was ready to sit there and brawl with him, but that wasn’t the plan for this fight. The plan was to be smarter and that’s what we did.
“My height and size is something we always work on and use to our advantage.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
 
“I’m very happy with my performance but I still have a lot of improvements to make in the gym.”
“I caught him with some good body shots and that was the difference.
“We don’t target anyone, but I’m ready for someone in the top 10. I’d like to fight again in February if possible.”
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PBC on NBC and NBCSN was promoted by Leija Battah Promotions in association with TGB Promotions
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

MARIO BARRIOS SCORES SPECTACULAR KNOCKOUT

 
SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 12, 2015) – Rising star and super-featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KOs), remained undefeated with a spectacular sixth round knockout over Manuel Vides (18-5, 11 KOs).  The bout, which was televised as part of the PBC on NBCSN took place at the AT&T Center in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas.
From the opening round, Barrios established his presence in the ring as he landed numerous power shots, mostly to the body and head.  A powerful right uppercut followed by a monstrous left hook sent Vides crashing to the canvas head first, ending the bout at the 2:29 mark of round six.
“I felt strong going into the ring tonight,” said Mario Barrios. “We had a great training camp and I got a lot of good sparring to get me prepared for this fight.  I got into a good rhythm early and kept my foot on the pedal.  I had him hurt early but he was a very tough opponent and pushed me to the later rounds.  By coach Bob Santos told me to start throwing more uppercuts and that’s when I landed that big shot in the sixth round.  I followed the right uppercut with a left hook and got him out of there.”
With the win, Barrios, who’s been on fast track, recorded his seventh victory of 2015.  He’s very pleased to be staying active as he ascends to the top of the super-featherweight division.”
“I want to thank PBC and NBC for this opportunity.” Barrios continued. “To be part of the PBC series is a dream come true.  My goal is to continue winning and become a PBC superstar.  I also want to thank my team for all their hard work.  I’m very happy with my performance and I couldn’t have done it without them.  I’m looking forward to another busy year in 2016.”