Category Archives: boxing

boxing, Showtime Boxing

JAMES DeGALE VS. LUCIAN BUTE, ELEIDER ALVAREZ VS. ISAAC CHILEMBA MAIN EVENT PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“They think it’s going to be a boxing match, but it will be a destruction.

It will be explosive. Three rounds – place your bets. Trust me.”

– James DeGale

 

“I have the power to knock him out and the skills to box him.

I’m just ready to become world champion again.”

– Lucian Bute

 

Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® This Saturday, Nov. 28,

Live On SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT

From Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada

 

SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME Live at 9 p.m. ET/PT

 

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (Nov. 25, 2015) – Boldly predicting at least a sixth-round finish against hometown favorite Lucian Bute, a confident James DeGale held his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship belt high over his head during the main event press conference in advance of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event.

 

“Gonna be six rounds, but it may be three,” DeGale repeated over and over as the fighters concluded their final shots for a packed room of media members on Wednesday at the Le Bonne Entente Hotel.  DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs), from London, England, defends against the popular former 168-pound world champion Bute (32-2, 25 KOs), of Montreal, this Saturday from the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City, live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/PT. 

 

Also participating in the press conference were the two top ranked light heavyweights facing off in the co-feature.  WBC’s No. 1-ranked 175-pound fighterIsaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs), of Montreal, meets unbeaten, No. 2-rankedEleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs), of Johannesburg, South Africa, in a light heavyweight world title eliminator. The winner earns the right to become the mandatory challenger for WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson, who is expected to be in attendance on Saturday night.

 

NOTE: A new opponent was announced on Wednesday for heavyweight Oscar Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs), of Montreal.  Joey Abell (31-8, 29 KOs), of Champlin, Minn., will square off with the undefeated heavyweight in the 10-round opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME. 

 

Here is what the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING participants had to say on Wednesday:

 

JAMES DeGALE

 

“It’s on – fight time is finally here.  I feel like a beast. 

 

“They think it’s going to be a boxing match, but it will be a destruction.  It will be explosive.  Three rounds – place your bets. Trust me.

 

“I fought the best super middleweight southpaw out there in Andre Dirrell and look what I did to him. Once he feels my power that will be it.  I’m going to start fast and throw loads of punches.

 

“I watched him against Carl Froch, watched him against (Librado) Andrade.  He’s great in the center of the ring, but I’m not going to stand there.  It won’t be a chess match.  I’ll start fast and we’ll see how he takes it.

 

“Carl exposed him and I’ll finish him. But I don’t care about Carl Froch – he’s old.  I’m the new champion.  If he wants this belt, he’ll have to come get it.

 

“I’m an old school fighter – I don’t mind travelling to fight in my opponents’ hometown. 

 

“He was a great champion who has fought some great fighters so I should get kudos when I beat him.”

 

LUCIAN BUTE

 

“It’s a great opportunity to fight for my old belt in front of my hometown fans.  I think they’ll push me toward the victory.  I’m looking forward to becoming world champion again.

 

“I think he’s the best super middleweight in the world right now, but I’m very confident in myself.

 

“I had a great camp.  I’m just ready to become world champion again.

 

“I’m healthy, I feel great physically.  I have the power to knock him out and the skills to box him.

 

“Now I have a chance to take back my belt against another English fighter.”

 

JIM McDONNELL, DeGale’s Trainer

 

“I’ve tried to come back and do what Lucian has done and it’s not easy. Tune in on Saturday night because what I’ve got is special, and you’ll enjoy what you see.

 

“It’s tough to win your world title back.  I respect Lucian for trying, but James is a world class fighter. He’s ready for everything.”

 

HOWARD GRANT, Bute’s Trainer

 

“We did everything we had to do.  Lucian is 100 percent prepared to surprise everyone on Saturday.  Lucian knows what wearing that belt is all about – he wore it for about five years and he’s coming on Saturday to take it back to where it belongs.”

 

ELEIDER ALVAREZ

 

“This is my chance right now. I’m hungry and I’ve done everything I had to do to have the best camp possible for this fight. I’m facing a very intelligent boxer who is technically excellent. But I’ve always said that if I don’t face the best, then I will stay an ordinary boxer. So I must face the best, to be the best.

 

“When I wake up on Sunday morning, I’m going to be the mandatory challenger for the title.”

 

ISAAC CHILEMBA

 

“I had a great camp in Burbank, Calif., training there for six or seven weeks. I believe I should have a shot at Stevenson, and if this is what it takes to get there I will do whatever possible to make it happen. I’m up for the challenge.

 

“I’m fighting a good fighter and he’s undefeated for a reason. But I’m here to prove that I’m the best light heavyweight in the world. I will put on a good show on Saturday night and everyone will see.

 

“I have a lot of trials in my life, but I think that’s what makes me stronger and has made me what I am today. I don’t look back on what has happened and I appreciate what life has given me.

 

“He is a great fighter and I know it won’t be an easy fight.  But I’ve put in the work and I’m ready.”

 

MARC RAMSAY, Alvarez’s Trainer

 

“This is the major leagues right now. These two are the best light heavyweights in the world. I’ve had the chance to work with Isaac because he has sparred in Montreal with Artur Beterbiev for two weeks. So I know him well. He’s a very complete and complex boxer. But I full trust my fighter to win this fight. It’s his chance.”

 

BUDDY McGIRT, Chilemba’s Trainer

 

“I just want to say it’s great to be a part of this event. Mr. DeGale is the champion and he’s coming to Mr. Bute’s country to fight him. That’s what boxing needs. It needs more fights like this to keep it on the rise.

 

“As far as our fight goes with Mr. Alvarez, I believe that besides (Sergey) Kovalev, these two are the best light heavyweights in the world. And I think they should be fighting for the title and not an eliminator to see who fights the champion.”

 

# # #

 

The event, billed as “THE RECLAMATION”, is a presentation of Vidéotron in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu. Tickets are on sale at the Vidéotron Centre box office, on www.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.

 

@butelucian, @jamesdegale1, @yvonmichelGYM, @interboxca,@stormalvarez, @SHOsports,

 

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

MULTIPLE PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENTS ADDED TO FOX BROADCAST LINEUP

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UNDEFEATED DANNY GARCIA FACES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ROBERT GUERRERO ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 LIVE FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES
 
Tickets On Sale Today!
 
LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports expands its existing media rights agreement for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) with multiple primetime Saturday evening bouts on the FOX broadcast network and FOX Deportes in 2016.
PBC on FOX debuts Saturday, January 23 (8:00 PM ET) with an action-packed two-hour show headlined by one of the most exciting undefeated fighters in boxing, Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs), facing former three-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs), live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. That bout, along with others to be announced, airs on the broadcast network and in Spanish on FOX Deportes, The January 23 event is the first of three PBC cards scheduled to appear on FOX in primetime during 2016.
“We’re thrilled to present the first professional boxing on FOX in almost 20 years with Premier Boxing Champions’ exciting primetime Saturday shows,” said David Nathanson,FOX Sports Head of Business Operations. “With the success of the PBC’s Tuesday night boxing series on FS1 and FOX Deportes, we knew boxing would make a great addition to FOX alongside the FOX Sports portfolio that includes the world’s premier sports properties.”
Veteran boxing announcer Brian Kenny hosts the inaugural edition of PBC on FOX with Gus Johnson calling the action ringside. On FOX Deportes, former featherweight world champion and 2000 Mexican Olympic team member Daniel Ponce de Leon joins renowned blow-by-blow announcers Jessi Losada and Ricardo Celis to call the action.
Premier Boxing Champions’ live boxing series TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1, and simulcast as BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes, kicked off on Tuesday, Sept. 8with 21 Tuesday shows scheduled through the end of June, 2016.
Headlining the inaugural PBC on FOX, Garcia and Guerrero are hungry to add another signature win in their respective careers. Both have fought at STAPLES Center previously, but this is the first time as a main event for each.
“I’m excited to be fighting in Primetime on FOX and to get back in the ring in such a big way,” said Garcia. “I know people are going to say this is a Puerto Rico vs. Mexico matchup, but I fight for all Latinos and I have the fan-friendly style to back it up. Guerrero comes to fight and he’s faced the best in the sport. This is a huge opportunity for me to show why I’m a star there’s no better place to do that than in Los Angeles, where stars are born.”
Garcia established himself as the preeminent boxer in the 140-pound division with major victories over Kendall Holt, Zab Judah, Amir Khan, Erik Morales, Lucas Matthysse and Lamont Peterson. A native of the fighting city of Philadelphia, Garcia last fought at STAPES Center in 2011 when he defeated Holt by decision before winning his first world title in his next bout over Morales. The 27-year-old unified titles in his next fight with a thrilling stoppage of Amir Khan in the fourth round. The undefeated Garcia worked his way up to the 147-pound division in 2015 with victories over former world champions Paulie Malignaggi and Lamont Peterson. Now he takes on his second former welterweight world champion when he faces Guerrero.
“If there ever was a fight that defined the word ‘war’, it’s this fight,” said Guerrero. “What a great way to kick-off the return of primetime boxing on FOX. I guarantee this is going to be a historic fight. A Mexican-American vs. a Puerto Rican-American, it’s a bitter rivalry. Danny Garcia is a great champion and I know we’re going to put on a tremendous show. January 23, it’s going to be fireworks…and I can’t wait!”
Born and raised in Gilroy, California, Guerrero has been in two exciting contests this year after defeating Aron Martinez in June and dropping an electrifying battle to Keith Thurman in the inaugural PBC event in March. Prior to 2015, the 32-year-old has picked up victories over Andre Berto, Secluk Aydin and Michael Katsidis on his way to winning world titles in three divisions. The brawling warrior has been in several “Fight of the Year” candidates throughout his career and will hope to again invigorate fans with a thrilling battle.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale today at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849or at STAPLES Center.
“Garcia and Guerrero are two of the toughest guys in the sport today,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “They leave it all in the ring every time out and they’re going to give the great Los Angeles sports fans a memorable night of action. There’s no better way to start off the New Year and no more-suited venue for it than STAPLES Center.”
“We are incredibly excited to have Premier Boxing Champions back at STAPLES Center with a huge event featuring these two great warriors on January 23,” said Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “Los Angeles boxing fans are in for an amazing night of fights with a main event that will undoubtedly be action-packed.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com. http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.
boxing, HBO Boxing

MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV TALKS HBO DEBUT AGAINST ALEXANDER BRAND

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HOUSTON, TX (November 23, 2015) – Undefeated light heavyweight contender, Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs), returns to the ring December 5, 2015 at the Osceola Heritage Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  Medzhid will square off against Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout that will be shown live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
Bektemierov, ranked WBA #12 and WBC #13, is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Savarese Promotions.  Alexander Brand will be a major step up in class for Bektemierov, definitely his toughest fight as a professional.  Training out of Houston, Texas, Bektemierov, gives his thoughts on fighting Brand on HBO, his first televised bout.
“Against Alexander Brand, I will have to be at my best,” said Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov, who’s knocked out three of his last four opponents. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to show the world that I’m a real contender.  Gary Shaw and Lou Savarese did their part on getting me this fight on HBO, now it’s time to do mine.  They won’t be disappointed.  Everyone watching on television can expect to see a lot of bombs being thrown from me.  I’m always going to be gunning for the knockout early, but will be prepared to go the distance if I need to.”
“Bektemierov has been in the gym working on his craft since his last fight earlier this year,” said Gary Shaw. “He’s waited patiently for a chance to fight on television, and the fans watching on HBO are going to see B-52 drop some heavy artillery.  This is a real fight with two top level contenders.  Everyone should be tuning in, this is going to be a war.”
“Gary and I know this is a huge step up for Bektemierov, but we feel he’s got the talent and skills to become a world champion,” Lou Savarese said. “The fight will be shown to millions watching on HBO and we feel our B-52 can come out on top.  These are the type of fights that build the character of a champion.”

Tickets are priced at $60, $35 and $20, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

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

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Cuban Sensation Erislandy Lara Faces Former World Champion Jan ZaveckWednesday, November 28 From Hilaleah Park Racing & Casino
Click HERE For Photos From Andre Courtemanche/Warriors Boxing
 
MIAMI (November 23, 2015) – Super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (21-2-2, 12 KOs) and former world champion Jan Zaveck (35-3, 19 KOs) took part in a press conference Monday afternoon in Miami as they near their Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN showdown taking place Wednesday, November 25 from Hialeah Park Racing & Casino.
PBC on ESPN coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with undefeated prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (13-0, 9 KOs) taking on Elicer Aquino (17-1-1, 11 KOs) in bantamweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100, $75, $50, $35 and $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.myticketforce.com, by phone at (877) 840-0457 or at the Hialeah Park casino cage.
Here is what the fighters had to say Monday:
ERISLANDY LARA
“I’ve worked very hard for this fight. I’ve concentrated very hard during training camp because I know how difficult this fight will be. There’s not much to say now, I’m just thinking about making weight and getting in the ring.
“I’m thrilled to be here in south Florida fighting in front of these great fans. I’m happy to fight for the Cubans and show that we have great boxing fans.
“Zaveck has fought some of the best boxers in the world and I have great respect for him. I’m totally concentrated on my opponent and I want to continue to prove that I am the best 154-pounder in the world.
“I’ve been together with my trainer Ronnie Shields for a long time and we’re ready to implement our gameplan in the ring on Wednesday night.”
JAN ZAVECK
“I’m excited to get in the ring and challenge a brilliant champion like Erislandy Lara. I very satisfied with the condition I’m in entering this fight.
“We’re going to show everything we have on Wednesday night and give a great performance. I like Lara as a person and a boxer. Outside of the ring we can be respectful because in the ring we will try to take everything from each other.
“I know that this will be a hard fight, but I’m going to leave it all in the ring and make sure this fight is memorable for everyone watching.”
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.hialeahpark.com,  follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing @WarriorsBoxingProm and @ESPNBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions
boxing, Showtime Boxing

DEC. 5 SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME® TO FEATURE CHRIS ALGIERI vs. ERICK BONE & UNDEFEATED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MARCUS BROWNE

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SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT)

Chris Algieri vs. Erick Bone – 10 Round Welterweight Bout

Marcus Browne vs. Francisco Sierra – Eight Round Light Heavyweight Bout

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® LIVE ON SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)

Daniel Jacobs vs. Peter Quillin – WBA Middleweight World Championship

Jesus Cuellar vs. Jonathan Oquendo – WBA Featherweight World Championship

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 23, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® will televise the 10-round welterweight matchup between former world champion and Long Island-native Chris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) and Ecuador’s Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs) on SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME, Saturday, Dec. 5, live at 7 p.m. ET/PT from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

In the opening bout on SHO EXTREME, undefeated rising star and 2012 U.S. OlympianMarcus Browne (16-0, 12 KOs), of Staten Island, will take on experienced veteranFrancisco Sierra (27-9-1, 24 KOs).

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME with WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) defending his belt against exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan Oquendo(26-4, 16 KOs).

 

It all leads to the #BattleForBrooklyn when WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) defends his belt against undefeated former champion Peter Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs).  Winner takes the belt and Brooklyn.

 

Tickets for the live event start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona. The Algieri vs. Bone and Rosinksy vs. Smith Jr. fights are promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @JesusCuellarBOX , @jonathanoquen; @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

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

UNDEFEATED BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECT EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ FACES ELICER AQUINO IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN ACTION ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 FROM HIALEAH PARK RACING & CASINO IN MIAMI

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PLUS! DAQUAN ARNETT SQUARES OFF AGAINST YUDEL JHONSON IN A SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CONTEST & WES NOFIRE TAKES ON YASMANY CONSUEGRA IN HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE
 
Full Night Of Undercard Action In Miami
 
MIAMI (November 23, 2015) – Undefeated bantamweight prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (13-0, 9 KOs) will be tested by Elicer Aquino (17-1-1, 11 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) on ESPN Wednesday, November 25 from Hialeah Park Racing & Casino in Miami.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (21-2-2, 12 KOs) defending his title against former world champion Jan Zaveck (35-3, 19 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100, $75, $50, $35 and $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.myticketforce.com, by phone at (877) 840-0457 or at the Hialeah Park casino cage.
Undercard action continues with a pair of 10-round contests as Daquan Arnett (14-1, 8 KOs) takes on Yudel Jhonson (17-2, 9 KOs) in a super welterweight showdown while undefeated heavyweight Wes Nofire (18-0, 14 KOs) goes up against Cuba’s Yasmany Consuegra (17-2, 14 KOs).
Also entering the ring, in an eight-round lightweight contest, is 23-year-old Brooklyn-native Dennis Galarza (10-1, 7 KOs) who takes on 27-year-old Mexican brawler Hugo Partida (26-6-2, 16 KOs) while undefeated 20-year-old Chicago-product Jose Quezada (8-0, 5 KOs) faces Tennessee’s Donnell Logan (11-18-2, 6 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight affair.
Rounding out the night of fights is 26-year-old Jeff Souffrant (1-1) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a four round welterweight bout against Miami’s Gregory Moore (1-0) and Puerto Rican super welterweight Alex De Jesus (21-1, 13 KOs) in a six-round bout.
At just 23-years-old, Rodriguez has been on a fast track towards a world title fight since turning pro in 2012. On November 25 he makes his U.S. debut after 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 his toughest test to date when he fights on November 25.
Undefeated in his first 18 pro fights, Aquino looks to bounce back from a narrow majority decision loss to undefeated Adam Lopez in his last outing. The 28-year-old hadn’t gone the distance since 2012 before his last bout, having stopped seven of his previous eight opponents. Born in Higuey, Dominican Republic, he will be fighting in the U.S. for the second time as a professional.
The 22-year-old Arnett was an accomplished amateur who won a 2009 Junior Olympic Championship. Born in Winter Park, Florida, he has taken down previously unbeaten fighters Jeremiah Wiggins, Brandon Quarles and in his last outing, Joshua Conley. He looks to make it four in a row on November 25.
A Cuban boxer fighting out of Miami, Johnson won a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic games. He began fighting professionally in 2009 and won his first 12 pro starts. The 34-year-old took down Norberto Gonzalez and Lenwood Dozier in 2014 and began 2015 with a victory over Pablo Munguia.
A Cherokee-citizen born in Oklahoma and training out of Miami, Nofire will look to make a mark when he faces his toughest test to date on November 25. The 28-year-old has picked up victories in 2015 over Joell Godfrey and Sylvester Barron and has stopped six of his last seven fights inside the distance.
Born in Cuba but fighting out of Miami for several years, Consuegra returns to the site of his last victory, a March triumph over Taurus Sykes. The 31-year-old has picked up victories over veterans Byron Polley, Santiago De Paula and Stacy Frazier since turning pro in 2010.
 For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.hialeahpark.com,  follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing @WarriorsBoxingProm and @ESPNBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions
amateur boxing, boxing, FDNY Boxing

FDNY BRAVEST BOXERS TAKE ON NYPD FINEST BOXING TEAM AT 33rd ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BADGES

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The FDNY Bravest Boxing team will take on the NYPD Fighting Finest Boxing team at The Battle of the Badges on Friday November 20 at 8 p.m. in the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

 

The night will feature exciting three-round bouts featuring FDNY members versus NYPD members who will fight to raise funds for a veteran Marine Corporal Gunnery Sergeant injured in the line of duty.

 

Proceeds from the FDNY Bravest Boxing team event will go to the non-profit organization Building Homes for Heroes in order to help facilitate the building of a home for United States Marine Corporal Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Claude who was injured while serving in Afghanistan. In 2009 Gunnery Sergeant Claude’s team was ambushed by a roadside IED, leaving him with extensive injuries including an above the knee leg amputation, extensive nerve damage, and a traumatic brain injury.

 

The FDNY Boxing team competes in several amateur boxing matches each year against other Fire and Police Departments. In the past several years, the FDNY Bravest Boxing team has donated over $50,000 to military related charities. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and through the Madison Square Garden Box Office and website.

 

WHO: FDNY Bravest Boxing Team, NYPD Fighting Finest Boxing Team

 

WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden

 

WHEN: Friday, November 20, 2015

– Doors Open at 7 p.m. – First Bout begins at 8 p.m

boxing, HBO Boxing

MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ UNDERCARD FINAL MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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COTTO AND CANELO CLASH NOVEMBER 21 AT
THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS
PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Tom Hogan –Hogan Photos/Roc Nation Sports & Golden Boy Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (November 19) – Fighters featured on the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez undercard hosted a media workout in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino ahead of their scheduled fights on November 21.

 

Joining in the day’s festivities, WBC Super Featherweight World Champion, Takashi Miura (29-2-2, 22 KOs) and undefeated top contender Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (22-0-1, 16 KOs), who are scheduled to face off in a12-round battle, gave fans something to cheer about as they shadow boxed in the ring.

 

Also in attendance, former WBA and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion and one of boxing’ best pound-for-pound fighters Guillermo Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs) of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and Drian Francisco (28-3-1, 22 KOs) of the Philippines not only showed off in the ring, but spent time with fans at the media event ahead of their 10-round super bantamweight fight.

 

Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, undefeated, multiple-regional title champion Jayson “Star” Velez (23-0-1, 16 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico, and opponent Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios(24-1, 10 KOs) were also in attendance ahead of their Puerto Rico vs. Mexico themed 10-round featherweight bout.

 

IBF Bantamweight World Champion, Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) and England’s Lee “Playboy” Haskins (32-3, 14 KOs) were on hand to show off in the ring and address members of the press ahead of their scheduled 12-round world championship bout.

 

Making his Las Vegas debut, heavyweight prospect Zhang Zhilei (5-0, 3 KOs) of Zhengzhou, China came into the ring and gave the fans a display of power.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bouts.

 

TAKASHI MIURA, WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:

 

“This is a big fight for me and I am ready to defend my title and prove I am still the best fighter in the division.

 

“This will be my fifth title defense and my tenth consecutive victory. I am proud of that accomplishment and will be ready to give fans an exciting fight.”

 

FRANCISCO VARGAS, Super Featherweight World Title Contender:

 

“I have had a great training camp, with a lot of conditioning running in the mountains and making sure I sparred with fighters who had similar qualities to Takashi.

 

“The thought of carrying Mexico with me has made me concentrated and motivated to win the fight on Saturday.

 

“I am feel good and my goal is always to bring the best of myself in the ring and so far I feel like I have delivered exciting fights to all the fans.  Saturday will be no different. I am ready to deliver a great fight and I am also ready to deliver a victory to Mexico.

 

“I feel ready to fight him. We know that the Japanese come and fight hard but I think the Mexicans are better.”

 

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX, Former WBA and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion:

 

“I would like to thank Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity. I’m really happy to be a part of the Roc Nation family now. Signing with Roc Nation has been the best decision I have made. They are capable of taking my career to the next level. It’s what I need to stay active in the ring and give the fans what they want. I appreciate all the fans coming out today. The preparation is done and I’m ready to get in the ring and give the fans a show.

 

“I’m a very good boxer. And I’m always going to be ready for the next fight. And the fans are going to see that I can put on a show every time. Get ready to see what’s coming next.

 

“To the rest of the super bantamweights out there with belts, beware because I am coming for them. I’m coming for all the belts and I am going to destroy them all.

“I am the real champion. And everyone knows it. If you want to step in the ring with me, to prove it, let’s do it. It’s up to the fans to demand it from their champion to step up and get in the ring with me. They can run, but they can’t hide.

 

“Once I’m done with Francisco, I’m ready to fight everyone else. My energy after that will be spent winning all my belts back. I don’t need to say I am the best. I demonstrate it. I will fight anyone at my weight.

 

DRIAN FRANCISCO, Super Bantamweight Contender: 

 

“I know that Rigondeaux is one of the best fighters. He’s one of the top four or five best fighters in the world. But I’m here to fight and I am here to win.

 

“I’m mentally prepared for this fight. I hope the fans will support me. I will do my best in the ring.”

 

JAYSON VELEZ, Featherweight Contender:

 

“I’m excited, I feel happy, it’s my first time fighting here, fighting in a great event, fighting in Las Vegas, first time fighting on HBO Pay-Per-View, I’m happy, what more can I ask?

 

“I’m ready to be a world champion, I’m ready to fight Ronny. He’s a top fighter but I will beat him.

 

“Mexico vs Puerto Rico are the top fighters in boxing so I’m happy to be part of that.”

 

RONNY RIOS, Featherweight Contender:

 

“I’m not going to say anything, I’ve never been a talker. I’m just going to go out there and show it.

 

“It means a lot to me that my fans have stood by me. Last year was a very hard year for us so that means a lot. I’m really thankful and grateful.

 

“Fighting at this level, getting an opportunity like this, we have to take our game up ten notches. We’re focused, we’re ready and stay tuned and watch. I’m sure you’ll see an exciting fight.”

 

RANDY CABALLERO, IBF Bantamweight World Champion:

 

“It’ll be an action-packed night but I promise everybody it will be my night to shine. I’m going to show them why I’m the IBF Bantamweight world champion.

 

“I don’t care who it is, I’ll fight anybody. From heavyweight to straw weight, I’ll take whoever.

 

“I know him, I see that hunger in him, a young hungry Canelo that wants to come out on top where he belongs and I think he’s going to pull it off.”

 

LEE HASKINS, IBF Bantamweight Mandatory Challenger:

 

“Fighting in Las Vegas, fighting in a fight of this magnitude, I never thought in my dreams I’d be on an undercard like this, that’s what’s giving me the extra push.

 

“It feels absolutely amazing, just to be here. The magnitude of the fight, seeing everybody here, just up in the middle of the Vegas square, it’s incredible.

 

“I take nothing away from that, I’m sure he’s done a lot of sparing and he’s just as ready as myself. I’m just looking forward to having a great fight.”

 

ZHANG ZHILEI, Heavyweight Prospect:

 

“I really appreciate the exposure that I will have on Nov. 21. And I welcome the fans from all over the world to watch my fight and to see how exciting I can make the fight. I will do my best to get a knockout.

 

“I don’t know a lot about my opponent, just basic information. For training, I concentrate on my part and what my trainer has told me. For me, I just have to do what I do in the ring.

 

“I’ll bring an exciting fight to Nov. 21 and I’ll make everyone remember there’s a giant from the East.”

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms). Also on the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast will be Takashi Miura vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round co-featured fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions; Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Drian Francisco in a 10-round super bantamweight bout presented in association with Caribe Promotions; and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round bout for the WBC Silver Featherweight World Championship, which will open the Pay-Per-View telecast. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercard available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. Also part of the preliminary undercard available on digital platforms will be a four-round heavyweight bout featuring 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Zhang Zhilei who faces Juan Goode.

 

In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature a special live performance by 2015 Latin Grammy nominee Yandel. The performance will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View after the second fight of the pay-per-view telecast.

 

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com,mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo at select MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visitingwww.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

 

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, NV) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or visit www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing andwww.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS & MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS PRESENT

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WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. VS. RAFAEL RIVERA

ON DECEMBER 5, 2015 AT OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK

IN KISSIMMEE, FL LIVE ON HBO® LATINO

 

NEW YORK, NY – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are pleased to announce their next co-promotion as part of the HBO Latino Boxing series. On Saturday, Dec. 5, former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-1-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico will take on undefeated Rafael Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a ten-round featherweight showdown from the Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall in Kissimmee, Florida televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

In the televised co-feature, Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (28-0, 15 KOs) will take on Steve Claggett (23-1-3, 16 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight co-featured bout. Opening the HBO Latino telecast will be a ten-round light heavyweight tilt featuring Colombian slugger Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) and Russian knockout artist Medzhid Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs) which is presented in association with Camponovo Sports and Gary Shaw Productions.

 

Tickets are priced at $67 and $35. Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 19 at 12:00 PM ET and will be available at www.ticketmaster.com andwww.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

“I’m very happy with my team and blessed by God to have the opportunity to do what I do best which is fight,” said Vazquez Jr. “I can see that Rivera is an excellent fighter looking to go far in this business, but I am coming to give it my all. I need to overcome this challenge in order to climb back to a number one rating and win a world title belt. It’s always exciting to be part of this great rivalry between Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and this one won’t be an exception.”

 

“It’s a real honor to be able to fight a former world champion and to do it on national television with HBO Latino,” said Rivera. “I’m young and hungry to be successful in the sport of boxing and I can’t wait to trade shots with Papito Vazquez.”

 

“Once again, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are committed to providing fight fans with an action-packed night of boxing onDec. 5,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing, Roc Nation Sports. “The HBO Latino broadcast will showcase three exciting fights featuring some of the brightest young talents in the sport.”

 

“We are excited to come back to Orlando, Florida to give the fans great fights,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “OnDec. 5, Vazquez Jr. has the opportunity to show that he still has what it takes to be at the top level of boxing when he faces a tough Mexican fighter that is hungry and willing to make a great fight. This will be another great chapter in the storied rivalry of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico.”

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. has emerged from the large shadow of his father, Puerto Rican legend Wilfredo Vazquez, to make a name for himself inside the squared circle.  The 30-year-old former world champion from Bayamon is on a quest to capture a world title belt in the featherweight division.  After storming out of the gates with an 18 fight unbeaten streak, Vazquez captured the WBO junior featherweight world championship by defeating then fellow unbeaten Marvin Sonsona via a fourth round knockout on February 27, 2010 in his hometown.  Two successful title defenses followed before Vazquez lost his title to Three-Time World Champion Jorge Arce in an all-out war that the judges had a draw at the time of the twelfth round stoppage. Another world title challenge came against Six-Time World Champion Nonito Donaire on February 2, 2012, but Vazquez came up short, dropping a split decision to the champion.  In his last bout on June 6,Vazquez lost via a unanimous decision against Fernando Vargas in an eight-round bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale. Dec. 5 is a true crossroads fight for the former world champion.

 

Undefeated featherweight boxer Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera made his pro debut on Aril 27, 2012 against Mario Lemus and came out with a technical knockout win in the second round. Since drawing in two of his next four fights, Rivera has reeled off 17 wins with 12 of them coming by way of knockout. In his last fight, Rivera scored an eight round unanimous decision win against Cancun, Mexico native Ruben Garcia in an eight round bout at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California. On Dec. 5, Rivera will look to hold on to his undefeated record when he battles Vazquez Jr.

 

Washington, DC’s Dusty Hernandez-Harrison made his professional debut as the youngest licensed professional fighter in the United States on June 11, 2011, less than a month following his 17th birthday. Twenty-four straight victories would follow before Hernandez-Harrison headlined Roc Nation Sports’ inaugural throne boxing event at The Theater at Madison Square in a fight televised by FOX Sports 1 on January 9, 2015, capturing the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship with a dominant ten-round unanimous decision victory over Tommy “The Razor” Rainone. Since then, he’s continued his winning ways, scoring three more wins, including a first round knockout over James Wayka in his last fight on September 26. On the 5th of Dec., he’ll look to keep that momentum going against Steve Claggett.

 

Claggett (23-3-1), from Alberta, Canada, holds the Canada Professional Boxing Council welterweight title over his most recent fight over Stuart McLennan in a third round TKO and the Canada Welterweight Title from his win by unanimous decision earlier this year against Tebor Brosch. He looks to finish his winning year, and Hernandez-Harrison’s unbeaten streak, onDec. 5.

 

Bogota, Colombia native Alexander Brand is riding a seven fight winning streak dating back to July 2012. That streak began following his only professional defeat which came at the hands of current World Champion Badou Jack via an eight-round split decision on May 11, 2012. Since that fight, Brand has passed every ring test with flying colors, notching seven consecutive victories. In his last bout on August 9, he defeated Bernard Donfack by unanimous decision. He faces the sternest test of his professional career on Dec. 5 when he faces Bektemirov.

 

Born in Makhachkala, Russia, Medzhid Bektemirov began his professional career in 2009 in Houston Texas, where he currently resides. The undefeated Bektemirov’s 16-0 record includes 12 KOs. He most recently fought on April 18, 2015 at the University of Texas against Michael Gbenga, where he won an eight-round bout by unanimous decision. He looks to stay undefeated against Brand on Dec. 5.

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera, a ten-round featherweight bout, takes place Saturday, Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall in Kissimmee, Florida and will be televised live on HBO Latino. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

 

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

 

boxing

With new promoter, Aikens looks for big win on Fridaynight to springboard into high profile fights in 2016

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Frank De Alba and Jesus Lule headline at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Philadelphia , PA (November 19, 2015)–This Friday night, November 20, King’s Promotions will present a big night of professional boxing at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

In the main event, Frank De Alba (16-1-2, 6 KO’s) of Reading, PA will take on Jesus Lule (7-14-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, FL in a 6-round Jr. Lightweight bout.

In the 6-round co-feature, undefeated Super Middleweight prospect, Antowyan Aikens of Atlantic City, NJ will take on fellow undefeated Tahir Thomas (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Salisbury, Maryland.
Aikens, who has had several occurrences of being inactive, will be making his first start under the King’s Promotions banner.
“This is a big opportunity to fight for King’s Promotions.  I know I will keep active and in the next year I expect four to five fights and hopefully end up with a ShoBox kind of fight,” said 26 year-old Aikens.
“I look forward to a good fight on Friday as it will be my first in Philadelphia.”
Said King’s Promotions Marshall Kauffman, “Antowyan is a interesting prospect.  He is tall and is already a good boxer.  We feel that he will grow into his power and he has a chance to do a lot of great things in his career.”
A packed undercard of local talent has been assembled.

In 4-round Bouts:

Christopher Brooker (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Jade Ealy (1-2, 1 KO) of Atlanta, GA in a Super Middleweight bout.

Terrence Williams (4-0, 1 KO) of Harrisburg, PA will take on veteran Edgar Perez(6-16, 3 KO’s) of Chicago, IL in a Super Middleweight bout.

Ryan Bivins (0-1) of Philadelphia battles pro debuting Daryl Bunting of Vineland, NJ in a Super Middleweight bout.

Hafiz Montgomery (1-0) of Toms River, NJ will fight Devon Mosley (0-3-1) of Capitol Heights, Maryland in a Cruiserweight affair.

Tyrell Colston of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Hector Perez (2-1, KO’) of Atlantic City, NJ in a Cruiserweight fight.

Ely Mendez (1-1) of Reading, PA will take on Derrick Bivins (1-3-2) of Philadelphia, PA in a Featherweight contest.

Corey Morley of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Brian Donahue (3-13-2) of Philadelphia in a Heavyweight fight.

Scott Kelleher (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will box Jack Grady (0-1-1) of Buffalo, NY in a Lightweight contest.

Tickets can be purchased for $100, $75 and $50 by and be purchased by clicking