Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of highly rated super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin.
Shishkin, from Serpukhov, Russia, is just 8-0, 5 Kos, but is already rated WBA #15, WBC #11 and IBF #11 and is the current WBA Continental Super Middleweight Champion. The 27-year-old won the title with a KO 5 over Gasan Gasanov last July and then defended it against former world title challenger and world-rated contender Nadjib Mohammedi via TKO 10 in October of last year. He also won the WBA Asia Super Middleweight Title last May with a TKO 7 over solid Belarussian veteran Sergey Khomitskiy.
Njengoba i amateur, Shishkin is a former national junior champion. Big for the weight class, Shishkin stands 6′ 1″ and is extremely strong. He boxes with power behind a world-class jab and has excellent defense.
Signing with Salita, says Shishkin, is a chance to bring his name and talents to North America.
“I am happy to sign with Salita Promotions as I know it will lead to new exciting opportunities for my career,” uthe. “I feel that I am the best super middleweight in the world and will continue to prove that fact by climbing up the ladder to the world title.”
IZwi, who has quickly become boxing’s top cultivator of Soviet iron men, says audiences not yet familiar with his new fighter are going to love what they see.
“I am excited to work with one of the best contenders in the super middleweight division in Vladimir Shishkin. In only eight fights, he has already beaten some impressive names in the division, and he is just getting started. Vladimir’s exciting style, size and desire to be the best will very quickly make him a fan favorite. In due time, he is going to be world champion.”
Salita says Shishkin will make his US Debut in summer.
A certain candidate for Round of the Year went down last Friday night (May 10, 2019) at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Fighting in a supporting bout at Rumble at the Rock V event, super middleweights Irosvani Duvergel (5-0, 3 Kos) of Cuba and Jerhed Fenderson (5-10 (2 Kos) of Las Vegas went to war in unforgettable fashion.
In round ezintathu, all hell broke loose. The two fighters trade hard knockdowns during the course of the round and then, shortly before the bell, a boxing rarity occurs… the double knockdown!
Check it out and remember this fight during next year’s voting for Round of the Year 2019!!!
Rumble at the Rock V was presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory.
Fairfax, VA. (May 11, 2019) - Julian “J-Rock’’ Williamsknew he was walking into the lion’s den when he traveled from Philadelphia to Virginia to face undefeated unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd in his backyard. But Williams (27-1-1, 16 Kos) wasn’t afraid.
He came. He saw and he conquered Hurd (23-1, 16 Kos), scoring a 12-round unanimous decision, handing Hurd his first loss and taking the IBF, WBA and IBO championships before a hometown crowd at the EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University.
The crowd and the primetime audience, which tuned in to FOX and FOX Deportes, witnessed a valiant performance from both Williams and Hurd in what will certainly be a “Fight of the Year’’ candidate. The judges had Williams handily defeating Hurd with scores of 116-111 futhi 115-112 kabili.
Williams had come up short in his previous attempt at a world title when he was stopped on via TKO by Jermall Charlo in 2016. He was overwhelmed by emotions after his upset victory over Hurd, who was a presumptive favorite over the 29-year-old Williams.
“I am just overwhelmed. This is such a great feeling. I outclassed him. I am one of the best fighters in the world,"Kusho Williams. “Maybe I wasn’t ready for the title the first time I got the shot. I took the loss. I took it like a man and the whole world doubted me. I went into this fight a five to one underdog.’’
“Lokhu kugcwaliseka iphupho. I have been waiting for this for years. I never ditched the gym. I never got into girls or left the gym. I am from the streets, but I was never in the streets. I was in the gym practicing my craft.
“The only people that believed in me were my team, but all I can say is ‘and the new’!”
Hurd is often a slow starter and Williams made him pay for that. He jumped on the defending champion right out of the gate, throwing crisp punches behind a pistol-like jab. Williams dropped Hurd in the second round with a shot to the temple.
“It didn’t really change my strategy. It was just a flash knockdown. It caught me by surprise. I wasn’t really hurt,’’ Hurd said.
Sensing he had stunned Hurd, Williams came out firing in the next round. He picked up the pace and Hurd decided to match the ferocity of the attack rather than wither under it. Midway through the third round, Hurd landed a blistering left uppercut that snapped Williams’ head upward and slowly started to regain his form.
Hurd and Williams went to the trenches in the middle rounds, closing the distance and fighting in tight quarters. Conventional wisdom would seem to favor Hurd in that space, because he is physically bigger than Williams. But Williams did more than hold his own.
By the seventh round, the fight had become a war of attrition and a test of wills. Hurd was cut over his left eye in the eighth round. By then, Williams was completely in control.
Williams said he was well prepared for everything that Hurd threw at him, but it was by no means a cakewalk.
“He wasn’t easier to hit than I thought. He was crafty and he had heavy hands. I just stayed poised. I listened to my coach and I just worked,’’ Williams said. “He couldn’t hurt me. I saw everything he was throwing. I knocked him down. The game plan was to win however I could. I adapted on the fly. We knew he had certain tendencies and worked on his tendencies. ''
Hurd said he didn’t feel like himself in the fight against Williams. Fighting in front of a raucous hometown crowd filled with family and friends as he hails from nearby Accokeek, Md.
“I wasn’t able to get off. I can’t really call it right now. I have to go back and watch. I was loading up on my shots instead of just letting my hands go,’’ Hurd said. “J-Rock was just the better man tonight. There’s definitely a rematch clause in our contract and I’m going to go for it. I’m going to come back better than I was tonight.’’
Super lightweight sensation Mario Barrios (24-0, 15 Kos) scored a devastating second round knockout victory over Juan Jose Velasco (20-2, 12 Kos) in the co-feature. Barrios of San Antonio, Texas kept his undefeated record intact when he landed a crushing body shot that sent Velasco to the canvas midway through the second round. Referee Hugo Spinola counted out Velasco at 1:16 of the second round as the Argentine was on his hands and knees trying to catch his breath.
Barrios said he was trying to be patient and use his jab to set up the perfect shot.
“I saw him opening up every time he would step in. I knew one of the body shots was going to do it and I found the sweet spot,’’ Barrios said. “We weren’t expecting it to end that quickly. I wasn’t predicting a knock out, but I knew I had the power to do it and stop him.”
“I was very confident. I had a great camp. I can’t thank Virgil Hunter and the team for the preparation for this fight. We knew he was vulnerable with body punches and that was something I work on regardless. It is one of my favorite shots. I have been working on it since the amateurs.”
Barrios said he would build on the victory over Velasco and continue to climb the ladder at 140 amakhilogremu.
“I want a world title shot. I am always in the gym. I am always ready. I want all the smoke at 140. I want any of the champions. And I’m ready to bring a big fight to all my hometown fans in San Antonio.’’
In the opening television bout middleweight contenders Matt Korobov of Orotukan, Russia and Immanuwel Aleem of East Meadow, N.Y.. stalked each other for 10 emahlandla. They took turns pressing the action and playing the aggressor, dishing out and absorbing the best that each had to offer. In the end Korobov (29-2, 14 Kos) and Aleem (18-2-1, 11 Kos) had fought to a majority draw. One judge had Korobov winning 97-93 and two judges scored it 95-95.
In the sixth round Korobov landed a combination that rocked Aleem and had him in trouble momentarily. But Aleem weathered the storm. Aleem came out strong in the ninth round, practically running across the ring to meet Korobov, who had slowly raised his 36-year-old body off the corner stool at the last second. Sensing the close nature of the fight, both Korobov and Aleem unloaded and landed some heavy shots seeking to keep the outcome away from the judges’ scorecards.
Aleem said he thought he won the fight.
“I didn’t feel like he was doing enough. I was trying to use my range. He was just touching me. I realized when I started hitting him that he didnt have the gas.,’’ Aleem said. “I am faster than people think. I see open shots better than people expect. I made a statement tonight and I want to keep making statements.”
Korobov , who lost a unanimous decision to Jermall Charlo in his last fight, said he felt sluggish during the match against Aleem.
“I felt heavy and not totally sharp enough. It was hard to react and stop him from going inside. I have things to work on.,’’ Korobov said. “He was tougher than I expected. He wasn’t as strong as Charlo, but he is a really good fighter. He kept coming forward. He wasn’t afraid. He just kept throwing punches.”
ON SATURDAY JULY 20, PBC AND FOX WILL PRESENT AN UNFORGETTABLE FEAST FOR SPORTS FANS
UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CALEB PLANT MAKES HIS FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST UNBEATEN MIKE LEE IN THE MAIN EVENT ON PBC ON FOX
THEN…
PBC ON FOX SPORTS PAY-PER-VIEW WILL PRESENT THE YEAR’S MOST ANTICIPATED FIGHT AS EIGHT-DIVISION CHAMPION MANNY PACQUIAO TAKES ON UNDEFEATED WORLD CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN IN A BATTLE FOR WELTERWEIGHT SUPREMACY
In the biggest night of boxing this year, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, SenatorManny “Pac Man” Pacquaio, will take on undefeated WBA Welterweight World ChampionKeith “Isikhathi Esisodwa” Thurman ngomgqibelo, July 20 in a blockbuster showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event.
Adding to the excitement of the evening, PBC will present 2-hours of boxing action with undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World ChampionCaleb “Sweethands” Plantmaking his first title defense against unbeaten contenderMike Leein the main event of PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show taking place in the same ring where Pacquiao and Thurman will later battle for welterweight supremacy.
Henderson ka Fayetville, Arkansas iwine iziqubu bakhe 2nd at The 2300 Arena, futhi manje 12-0 nge knockouts eziyisishiyagalombili. Aikens Atlantic City manje 13-7-1.
In the co-feature, Brandon Robinson wasinda 1st round knockdown ukuba ngezinkani futhi uthatha ayisishiyagalombili-round yokuhlukanisa isinqumo phezu DeVaun Lee e super middleweight emncintiswaneni.
Lee lawela welungelo overhand saba sesimweni ukuvulwa ukuthi ushayiwe kwesilevu ka Robinson, nedolo Robinson sika yayiklaba canvas okwesikhathi knockdown. Wazamazamisa ukuthi off, futhi kokubili fighters babeshintshana e sisho isenzo. Bobabili bakwazi ukuyohlala abanye okuhle amandla isibhamu, okuphambili kanye nempi sasiqine bona indlela yonke kuyilapho sihlinzeka isenzo esihle kuwo wonke.
NOVA KOS LOZANO IN MAIN EVENT FOSTER, GONGORA & MORE PICK UP WINS
‘ICEMAN’ JOHN SCULLY RECEIVESWARRIOR’S CODE AWARD
Photo Credit: Emily Harney/Fightography
Springfield, Massachusetts (May 11th, 2019):
In the firstUMurphys Boxingevent of a multi fight deal withUFC Fight Pass, fans watched NABA Super Featherweight Champion, Abraham Nova(15-0, 11 Kos) stop Argentina’sMario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano (18-3-1, 9 Kos) in the second round of scheduled 10 round fight last night in Springfield, Massachusetts live fromMGM Springfield.
Nova, who is currently ranked #10 in the WBA’s super featherweight world rankings, put on a near perfect performance in front of a packed crowd of ‘Super’ supporters. After a tentative first round from both fighters, Nova found his range midway through the second and exploded on Lozano. Firing off a series of fast and powerful combinations to both the body and head, Nova dropped the only twice beaten, Lozano forcing the referee to call a halt to the contest at 2:26 into the second round.
“I’m ready for anybody. Top 10. Top 2. The Champ. Anybody can get it. I’m the best kept secret in boxing. It’s time to make my national television debut and let the world know who Abraham ‘Super’ Nova is.”, said the outgoing and confident young prospect who sports a bleach blonde beard and has one of the most creative ring walks in all of boxing.
Nova’s promoter, Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Caseywas thrilled with Nova’s performance and is anxious to get the 25 year old in a title eliminator with another Top 10 fighter zibalwa.
“He’s got the whole package. The look. The emnyango. The talent. The performance. The fan base. He’s accurate and sharp but he also punches with bad intentions. You can just tell he’s on a different level. He’s a world class fighter.”
As for Nova’s immediate future, Casey confirmed he will be making his national TV debut in his next fight.
“We’re finalizing a nationally televised fight for Abraham this summer against another Top 10 fighter that we will be announcing soon. Then I’d like to see him fight for the mandatory by the end of the year. We think he can win the big one, so it’s time to get him the opportunity. We’re incredibly excited about Nova’s future. He’s ready to be a star.”
The co-main event saw Murphys Boxing’s ownWilliam Foster III (10-0, 7 Kos) absolutely dominate and drop Argentina’sRamon Esperanza (22-16-1, 11 Kos) multiple times before the referee called a stop to the fight at 2:39 into the fourth round of a scheduled 8 round iziqubu. Foster, the current Jr. NABF Super Featherweight Championand younger brother of NABA Light Heavyweight Champion, Charles Foster, looked sensational, using a relentless body attack to overwhelm his more experienced opponent from the opening bell. The buzz on Foster continues to build in New England and he brought a vocal crowd from his hometown of nearby Hartford, Connecticut.
Recent Murphys Boxing signee, Venezuelan Olympian, Luis Arcon Diaz (7-0, 7 Kos) continued his knockout streak stopping Argentina’sJose Aubel (8-4, 7 Kos) at 2:36 into the fourth round of a scheduled 6 round junior welterweight bout.
Local Springfield fighter, Derek Whitley Jr. (5-1-1) won a unanimous decision over Philadelphia’sBryan Goldsby (5-11) phakathi ku 4 round welterweight fight. Goldsby had several moments throughout the fight but the MMA veteran didn’t stay busy enough against the counter-punching southpaw who won with decisions of 39-27 futhi 40-36 kabili.
2x Olympian from Ecuador, Carlos Gongora (16-0, 12 Kos) won a hard-fought unanimous decision over a game and rugged veteran, Damien Ezequiel Bonelli (23-6, 20 Kos) phakathi ku 10 round middleweight fight with scores of 99-91 futhi 98-92 kabili. Gongora, who is signed with Murphys Boxing, is the current WBC South American Middleweight Champion.
Springfield’s ownAnthony Velazquez (6-0, 6 Kos) continued his impressive KO streak against an outgunnedBruno Diaz(0-6) dropping him twice in less than a minute into the first round of a 4 round welterweight bout before the referee waved off the contest at 1:32 for a 1st round TKO.
The hard-hittingRay Jay Bermudez(7-0, 5 Kos) who hails from nearby Albany, New York unleashed a barrage of hard hooks dropping a helplessPatrick Leal (0-6) three times for a first round TKO at 1:35 seconds into a scheduled 4 round welterweight bout.
Boston based amateur standout, James Perella (3-0, 3 Kos) made easy work ofPaulo DeSouza (0-14) dropping him twice in the first round before the referee called a stoppage 16 seconds into the second round of a scheduled 4 round welterweight fight after DeSouza was badly hurt by a straight right. It was Perella’s third fight in his first two months as a professional.
The event also saw the presentation of Murphys Boxing’sWarrior’s Code Awardwhich has been established to honor legendary New England based fighters.
The latest award was presented to light heavyweight title challenger and now successful commentator and trainer, John Scully. Scully who is based out of nearby Hartford, Connecticut fought several times in Springfield throughout his career.
The ‘Iceman’ was presented with a plaque in the ring by Murphys Boxing’sKen Casey futhiSean Sullivanand he received a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd after sharing a few poignant words about his career.
ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING
Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O'Sullivan, Abraham Nova and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr. futhi nokuningi!
Las Vegas, NV (May 11, 2019) – Last night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super bantamweight prospect, Raeese Aleem (14-0, 8 Kos), remained undefeated with a first round knockout overRamiro Robles (15-7-2, 9 Kos). The scheduled 8-round bout was promoted byMarshall Kauffman’s King’s Promotions.
“After my last two fights fell through, I really wanted to make a statement in this fight and I got the KO in the first round,” said Aleem. “I’m hoping to get right back with after this momentous victory.”
“Aleem looked fantastic last night scoring a first round knockout,” said managerGreg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “He’s certainly one of the top prospects in the super bantamweight division. We’ll be looking to get him right back in there.”
“All the hard work in the gym paid off for Aleem.” said trainerBones Adams. “He looked sensational last night. We are ready to fight anyone in the division. Raeese is the real deal, he’s going to be a world champion some day soon.”
Undefeated Prospect Michael Dutchover Knocks Out Rosekie Cristobal in First Round; Saul Sanchez KOs Brandon Benitez In Eighth Round of Telecast Opener
Catch The Replay Monday, May 12 At 10 p.m. ET / PT On Showtime obedlulele®
Chofoza LAPHA For ifotho; Credit Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME
CORONA, Calif. – May 10, 2019 – Undefeated prospect Ruben Villa stayed true to his calm and consistent style, recording a unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Lopez in his first main-event appearance onShoBox: The New GenerationFriday from Omega Products Events Center in Corona, Calif.
The judges’ scorecards read 98-92, 97-93 futhi 96-94 in the featherweight bout, although all threeShoBoxcommentators had Villa winning each round except the 10th round, giving the final round to Lopez (17-2, 8 Kos) in a fight that saw nearly 1,400 punches thrown.
“I give myself a ‘C’ grade,” said Villa, making his second consecutiveShoBox ukubukeka. “He was a tough opponent and had a real awkward style and wasn’t really a boxer. It took me awhile to adjust to him and it was hard not to get frustrated.”
Taken the 10-round distance for the first time in his career, the 22-year-old Villa (16-0, 5 Kos) of Salinas, Calif., took the first two rounds to get used to the top-15 ranked contender Lopez’s awkward style before he began landing heavy body shots to dominate the third round.
In the seventh round, Villa out-jabbed Lopez and continued the onslaught of body punches in the ninth round, but was not able to get the knockout against the game Lopez.
“I agreed with the judges’ scorecards,” the two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion Villa said. “I still got the unanimous decision win so I have no problem with that. I can take a whole lot from this fight tonight.”
Lopez was coming off an upset victory over Ray Ximenez in his U.S. debut in February but could not repeat the feat against the highly regarded Villa.
“I hit him with the better shots,” Lopez said. “I was consistently throwing and landing the power shots while he was just jabbing. Ngazizwa ngijabule. It’s a complicated to fight a lefty, but I thought I landed the punches that scored.”
In the co-feature, undefeated 21-year-old rising prospect Michael Dutchover (13-0, 10 Kos) made quick work of late replacement Rosekie Cristobal (15-4, 11 Kos) of the Philippines, connecting on a right-left combination to Cristobal’s liver that sent him to both knees before being counted out by referee Zachary Young at 1:46 of the first round of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight contest.
In yakhe ShoBox DEBUT, Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., by way of Midland, Texas, recorded six body connects among his 11 landed power punches in the fight that lasted just 109 seconds.
“I have to be able to adjust,” said Dutchover, a runner-up at the 2016 National Golden Gloves and a bronze medalist in the 2016 Isiphawulo Olympic. “I was given a tall lefty on short notice due to the original opponent dropping out. Part of being a professional is being able to adapt. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I’ve seen pretty much every style through the amateurs and now during sparring sessions as a pro.”
Dutchover added: “I was patient and waited for the open shots. He wasn’t covering up the body so that was my target. The plan from the beginning was to break him down. I’m just happy I was able to end it early and give the fans something to talk about.”
In the iziqubu ukuvulwa tripleheader, undefeated bantamweight prospect Saul Sanchez (12-0, 7 Kos) recorded an eighth-round knockout against Brandon Benitez (14-2, 6 Kos) in an entertaining and all-action fight.
After an even first round, Sanchez and Benitez continued to trade shots over the first three rounds before Benitez’s legs began to betray him and he tired midway through the fourth, slowing the pace of the fight considerably. Sanchez, of North Hollywood, Calif., landed three huge punches that staggered Benitez as the fourth round came to a close, stoking the undefeated prospect with confidence as the fight reached progressed to the later rounds.
In the seventh round, Mexico’s Benitez suffered an injury over his right eye from a Sanchez punch, and referee Raul Caiz Jr. warned Benitez prior to the eight round to protect himself. At the start of the eighth round, a flush right hand by the 21-year-old Sanchez connected cleanly and Caiz Jr. stepped in and stopped the fight after just 18 seconds.
“I felt strong throughout the fight,” Sanchez said. “Benitez was tough so I had to be careful and aggressive at the same time. I know I hurt him a handful of times, but I know I can do better. My conditioning was great. I was ready to go the distance.”
Sanchez out-landed the 21-year-old Benitez 145-94 overall and 123-78 in power connects while landing 42 percent of his power shots to Benitez’s 29 Amaphesenti angu.
“I was responding well in every round,” said Benitez from Queretaro, Mexico. “I don’t know why the referee stopped it. I had a lot more left. I’m just disappointed I wasn’t allowed to finish the fight.”
Middleweight contender and 2018 champion ofThe Olwachampion Brandon Adams was interviewed during Friday’s telecast to discuss his June 29 Showtime Championship Boxing®showdown with undefeated Jermall Charlo, which was announced earlier on Friday.
“I’m a new face,” Adams told Hall of Famer Steve Farhood. “I’m in the top 10. I’m in the discussion and I think that’s enough to shake everything up. The guy that comes out to nowhere is a great story for boxing.
“I hope I get the best Charlo because I’m bringing the best ‘Cannon.’ I’m very fan friendly and I definitely go for the kill. When I get in the ring I like to entertain myself. I’m very much looking forward to fighting Charlo. It’s going to be exciting.”
Friday’s fights were promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. The full telecastwill replay on Monday, May 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME®and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.
Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean directing.
Kusukela yaqala ukuba khona ngo July 2001, the akukhuthazwa bajule Showtime boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation kunyatheliswa talent young abafanelana ezinzima. The ShoBox ifilosofi iwukuba televise okuthakazelisayo, isixuku ejabulisa nokufana yokuncintisana kuyilapho sihlinzeka kuyindlela yokunquma for amathemba uzimisele sizimisele ukulwa for isihloko emhlabeni. Ezinye uhlu elandayo 79 fighters abaye bavele on ShoBox sezihambile ukuletha izihloko emhlabeni kuhlanganisa: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
Last weekend’s middleweight title showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs also featured the annual Box Fan Expo, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The amazing memorabilia on display and live amateur boxing action complemented an array of past and present world champion fighters available for quick meet and greets.
As a lifelong boxing fan, it was a shame that I only had a little over two hours to spend at the event before heading back to the T-Mobile Arena for the start of the undercard bouts. The time I was able to spend was thoroughly enjoyable. The prices were reasonable to meet these fistic legends and have a few moments to talk and take photos. The average $20 -$25 price for a photo op was significantly less than what would have been lost at the casino in a single roulette spin.
James Toney was there in a suit, proving that he can even make plaid look stylish. For a guy known for a surly nature, he was very accommodating and mentioned he will be in Philadelphia for a live show on June 7 and hopes to see me there.
In the booth next over was Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Al Berstein, who I had the privilege of interviewing in 2011. When told of my admiration of his classy work and being a fan since his days with Barry Tompkins on ESPN’s Thursday Night Fights, he was humble and appreciative.
The line to meet Roy Jones Jr. was long but worth the wait. While the time to talk with Roy was short, I was able to mention what an honor it was to meet one of the greatest performers of my generation and how I sat only a few feet from him when he was on the Creed II set.
While the line to meet the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard was exceptionally long, you could see he was truly enjoying himself, flashing that million-dollar smile and doing his famous fists-raised photo op with fans. Unfortunately, with time running short, I did not have the opportunity to meet one of my favorite fighters growing up. I would have loved to have shown him a photo when I was four-years-old, swinging away on the Sugar Ray Leonard punching bag I was given.
A few feet away was one of Sugar Ray’s most-famous rivals, the great Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. While the Hitman has shown some slowing as he has aged, he still proves to be an imposing figure, but he now replaces that fearsome glare with a warm smile.
Also coming up to meet Thomas Hearns was current IBF Super-Featherweight Champion Tevin Farmer, a fellow Philadelphian, who I’ve had the opportunity to watch grow from a 7-4-1 journeyman boxer to a 29-4-1 iqhawe somhlaba.
My visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping to see “The Pazmanian Devil” Vinny Paz, always one of my favorite action fighters and charismatic personalities. Instead of a handshake, he greeted me with a big hug and expressed disappointment that my dad didn’t join me at the expo.
In the short time frame, it was impossible to meet all of the great fighters there including Michael Spinks, Riddick Bowe, Errol Spence, Anthony Dirrell, and Earnie Shavers. With it being Cinco de Mayo weekend, the lines for some of the Mexican legends wrapped around the convention center floor. Mikey Garcia, Marco Antonio Barerra, Erik Morales, and Juan Manuel Marquez all proved to be exceptionally popular. But nothing compared to the roar of the pro-Mexican crowd when the great Julio Cesar Chavez was introduced.
Attending this event was a dream come true and I could only wish I had more time to spend at the event. Everything was so professionally done and those in attendance were beyond accommodating.
Kudos toBox Fan Expofor such an exceptional event.
Unified 154-Pound Champion Hurd & Top Contender Williams Square-Off Before Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event This Saturday Night from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia Live at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Chofoza LAPHAfor Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions
Arlington, VA. (May 9, 2019) – Unified 154-pound world champion“Swift” Jarrett Hurd futhi Olwa phezulu Julian “J-Rock” Williams previewed their showdown at a final press conference on Thursday evening before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday night from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Also squaring-off at the press conference and stepping into the ring Saturday in action beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT were unbeaten super lightweight contenderMario “El Azteca” Omakhelwaneand Argentina’sJuan “The Pitbull” JoseVelasco, who meet in a 10-round fight, and middleweight contendersMatt Korobov futhi Immanuel Aleem, who battle in a 10-round attraction.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Arlington, Virginia:
JARRETT HURD
“This has been a great week. This is the homecoming I always wanted. It’s even better than I imagined and I can’t wait to step into the ring.
“You can tell a lot about a fighter when you see them in the lead up to a fight. Julian Williams looks confident and he looks ready. It’s going to be a classic on fight night.
“It’s been fun to have this support from the city and my hometown. It’s fueled me. The love and support motivated me in the gym to make sure I go out there and put on a show.
“I’m a big 154-pounder but I know how to cut the weight and get it off right. We’re still eating and we’ll be strong come fight night.”
UJulian Williams
“I really don’t think too much about fighting in his hometown. I’ve fought on the road my whole career. I just focus on the fight, not what’s going on outside of the ring.
“We touched on a lot of different things in training camp. We left no stone unturned. It sounds cliché and I’ve never said this before, but this was the best camp I’ve ever had. I’m ready to go get this win.
“I just see a man over there. His crowd can’t fight for him. That’s all it’s going to be Saturday night.
“The jab is always a key. It’s the most important punch in boxing and it’s the key for me no matter who I fight. I always work with bigger guys in camp so the size is going to be nothing new.”
MARIO Barrios
“We focused on being explosive in training camp. Working with Virgil Hunter was great as always. This is a big opportunity and I’m excited to put on a great show for these fans.
“He’s a hungry fighter. That’s the main thing. He’s tasted defeat and he doesn’t want to again. I’m blocking his path. NgoMgqibelo ebusuku, he’s not getting past me.
“I’m getting stronger and better every camp. There’s not too much to say, but I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring Saturday.”
JUAN JOSE VELASCO
“The fight against Regis Prograis was very tough and important for me. I want to be champion of the world and it showed me what I need to do to achieve that goal. I’m going to put what I learned on display Saturday.
“We’ve watched him and we know what he’s capable of doing. We know we have to be prepared to get this victory.”
MATT KOROBOV
“I took the fight against Jermall Charlo as a win because people know me better now and know where I stand in this division with my performance on short notice. I’m happy to be back and have this fight. My team did a great job preparing and we’ll be ready on Saturday night.”
IMMANUWEL ALEEM
“My trainer George Peterson has always stressed to train year round. We’re not part time fighters. I’m always in the gym working. When the fight comes, we’re always prepared.
“Korobov is another opponent who’s in my way to becoming a world champion. I’ve gotten some good work with southpaws to get ready for him and I feel fully prepared.
# # #
ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
