Joyce And Stiverne Erupt Over 2017 Sparring Session At Final Press Conference In London For Saturday’s Co-Feature To James DeGale vs. Chris Eubank Jr.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Begins Live At 3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT
Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Ian Walton/SHOWTIME
LONDON – February 20, 2019 – Undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce and former heavyweight world champion Bermane Stiverne sounded off at the final press conference on Wednesday for their 12-round showdown that opens a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT) from The O2 in London.
Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs), Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs) and their respective camps had to be separated as they debated the truth surrounding a 2017 sparring session in Las Vegas. Stiverne was preparing for his November 2017 rematch with WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder while Joyce was readying for his professional debut after a decorated amateur career. Both Joyce and Stiverne promised to erase any doubt surrounding the sparring session this Saturday.
A 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, Joyce aims to continue his perfect knockout streak as a professional and inch closer to a world title shot. A former WBC Heavyweight World Champion, Stiverne hopes to prove he’s still a force in the stacked heavyweight division following a disappointing 2017 loss to Wilder.
In the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, former two-time super middleweight world champion James DeGale will face-off with former world title challenger and British rival Chris Eubank Jr. in a 12-round grudge match. Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will host the doubleheader from London with versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein. Three Hall of Famers will round out the telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial ringside scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.
Here’s what the fighters and their camps had to say during Wednesday’s press conference at Intercontinental at The O2.
JOE JOYCE:
“I had a really good camp in Big Bear and I’m ready to go and put a dent on Stiverne on Saturday night.
“Bermane Stiverne, all respect to him, he’s a former WBC Champion. I have a lot of respect for him for taking this fight. It’s the perfect fight right now for my situation. It’s a great stepping stone for my career.
“I’m top five in the WBA at the moment, I’m moving fast. Each fight is getting me closer and closer to the top three names in the heavyweight division. I’m just going to keep on working hard in the gym and if everything goes well I’ll be back training for the next one soon. This year I’m going to make big strides.
“It was four rounds [of sparring] but I think that’s all he could do at that stage. He says he took me to school but I went to university, if you know what I mean. When we sparred in his camp in Las Vegas he was a bit lethargic. I don’t really care, though – they can talk however they want but we’ll see what happens Saturday night.
“I know how good I am and I just need to show all of you guys. I’m happy with Richard [Schaefer] having the faith in me. I’m just going to do my job and show how good I am.
“He’s towards the end of his career. He’s going to want to beat me to get back in the mix, but good luck to him. I’d be happy if I beat him before seventh or eighth round. I’m not going to be Wilder. I won’t beat him in under a round. I’m not there yet, but I will be eventually.
“This is quite a step up for me. I have my eyes set on bigger fights and he is the right step for me. To be honest, I was surprised that he accepted the challenge. I think that he believes that a win over me will help him regain his status as a top heavyweight. He won’t beat me.
“He’s going to try to come in and try to take me out early, but he’s not going to be able. I’m ready for him. I’m confident that towards the end of the year my name will be among the top five heavyweights in the world.
“A Wilder fight, that’s a fight to make in the future. That’s a good fight, I like the WBC belt.”
BERMANE STIVERNE:
“It’s good to be back. I feel great. I came prepared. We can talk all we want right now but what matters is what happens Saturday night. I’m prepared. My team made sure of that.
“I’m not looking past Joyce. That’s what I have to take care of on Saturday. I’m well prepared. We can talk about the future once that business is taken care of.
“There are a lot of stories about our sparring, but it wasn’t anything too interesting. It was a couple, maybe four rounds. Nothing to talk about. I’m not going into this fight based on the sparring we had. I’ve never disrespected this man. I posted a picture and thanked him for the sparring.
“Obviously they are taking this fight based on what happened in the last fight with Wilder and I’m glad. They are underestimating me. We could go back and forth all day but that’s not what matters. What matters is what happens on Saturday at The O2.
“I’m a stumbling block, not a stepping stone.
“I’m glad he thinks I’m here as a gatekeeper or stepping stone. I’m not really worried about that. They didn’t call me last minute – I was already in the gym. However they view me, I’m ready. I’ll tell you one thing, they didn’t catch me with my pants down. I’m ready.
“I would have packed it up or hung it up if I wasn’t ready. I’m coming to fight.
“Wilder hit me with a right hand in the rematch and that was it. You’re not going to see the same thing on Saturday. This is the perfect fight for me. They’re taking me too lightly and it’s a mistake.”
ABEL SANCHEZ, Joyce’s Trainer:
“We’ve prepared for the Bermane that fought Chris Arreola.
“These are the types of fights that will prepare us for the elite later this year.
“I wasn’t with Joe when his sparring with Stiverne took place, but if it got a guy like Stiverne heated up, it must have been something.
“We feel he’s ready for the next step. Stiverne is the kind of test we have to go through to move forward with his career.
“Joyce is probably the most decorated fighter in the U.K. He’s smart, very athletic and he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with just like George Foreman was.
“In the heavyweight division one punch can define the outcome of a fight so we are preparing for the guy that fought Deontay Wilder for 12 rounds, the guy that defeated Arreola.”
CHARLES MOONEY, Stiverne’s Trainer:
“I brought Tony Thompson to fight David Price, which they thought it was an accident and we knocked him out in the second round. They thought it was a fluke and they brought us back again and we stopped him again. I’m not a giant slayer, but I’m 2-0. I stopped an Olympic bronze medalist and now I’m going to stop a silver medalist. We’re working our way up to gold.
“Joe needs to grow up a bit. He’s not ready for this. We’re going to kick that ass. My opinion, I think he should have waited a little bit. He should have traveled the road instead of trying to leap over the fence. When the bell rings we’ll know.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Joyce’s Promoter:
“This card is historic and one of many ITV cards that Al Haymon and the PBC will bring to the U.K. fans.
“DeGale and Eubank is a 50/50 fight, but this fight is going to steal the night. When I saw Stiverne walk into the room I knew that he means business. When Stiverne is in tremendous shape he is a very difficult guy to beat.
“I’m going to make a bold statement – Joe Joyce today is the best heavyweight in the world. By the end of the year, he’ll be heavyweight champion of the world. By next year he’ll be ready to take on Wilder, [Anthony] Joshua and [Tyson] Fury.
“Joyce is a generational talent. This is going to be a very difficult test. We want to see the best Stiverne because Joe Joyce is going to make a statement.”
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo (February. 19, 2019) — The 70th edition of the Strandja Tournament came to a close today with Team USA winning two gold and one silver to add to the five bronze medals they won in yesterday’s semifinals in Sofia, Bulgaria.
2018 Elite Women’s World Championships bronze medalist Naomi Graham (Colorado Springs, Colo.) added another medal to her impressive international resume after defeating Sweden’s Love Holgersson by split decision. This marks the middleweights fourth international medal since the beginning of 2018.
Super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.) closed out the tournament in spectacular fashion to take another international gold medal. Torrez took all five judges’ cards over the host countries Petar Belberov to earn his second elite international gold medal. At the conclusion of the tournament, Torrez was named on the Boxers of the Tournament.
2018 breakout star Khalil Coe (Jersey City, N.J.) picked up a silver medal following a walkover win by Russia’s Imam Khataev.
Troy Isley (Alexandria, Va.), Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio) Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio), Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio) and Yarisel Ramirez (Las Vegas, Nev.) earned bronze for Team USA in yesterday’s semifinal bouts.
Team USA began the tournament with 25 boxers with Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) leading the American delegation throughout the tournament, along with USA Boxing National Assistant Coach Kay Koroma (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Rasheen Ali (Cleveland, Ohio), Tim Back (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kevin Benford (Cincinnati, Ohio), Joe Guzman (Fountain, Calif.) and Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas) served on the coaching staff during the tournament. This year’s tournament saw over 300 boxers from over 30 different countries step into the ring.
The delegation will return to the United States tomorrow.
You can look back at the United States performances throughout the tournament by clicking here.
Finals Results
75 kg: Naomi Graham, Colorado Springs, Colo./USA, dec. over Love Holgersson/SWE, 3-2 81 kg: Imam Khataev/RUS won by walkover over Khalil Coe, Jersey City, N.J./USA, WO 91+ kg: Richard Torrez Jr., Tulare, Calif./USA, dec. over Petar Belberov/BUL, 5-0
Unbeaten Welterweight World Champion Spence Battles Undefeated Four-Division World Champion Garcia In Historic Showdown On First Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event
Saturday, March 16 From AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Tickets On Sale Now at SeatGeek.com
Click HERE for Photos from Don Alexander/Dallas Cowboys
ARLINGTON, TX. (February 19, 2019) – Unbeaten welterweight world championErrol Spence Jr. and undefeated four-division world champion Mikey Garcia went face-to-face at a press conference in Arlington, Texas Tuesday as they previewed their showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium.
Spence and Garcia were joined by Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jonesat the same stadium where they will battle for the welterweight title and pound-for-pound supremacy.
Tickets for the March 16 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“This is a dream come true. This is something that still hasn’t really hit me yet. I try not to get caught up in the moment, but this is my favorite team that I’ve watched since I was sitting on my dad’s lap.
“Every time I see Mikey I get excited and anxious and want to go to the gym and spar. On Sunday, I sparred 18 rounds because of the whole press conference and face off on Saturday. Looking into Mikey’s eyes, I can see how hungry he is and that’s motivating me.
“Mikey is very difficult because of how me places his punches. He’s always thinking and he has a high ring IQ. But I’ve been clicking on all cylinders. I’m strong mentally and physically and prepared for anything he brings to the table. A win here can definitely catapult me and I’m ready to make it happen.
“Any athlete would love to have their home team supporting them. It just so happens I have the most popular team in the world right here in Dallas. It means a lot because they don’t have to do that. I’m very humbled and it feels great to represent Dallas. I always support my people here.
“I’m 100 percent prepared and focused on Mikey Garcia. I’m hungry and I’m already on weight. I can’t wait to put on another show. March 16, you have to make sure you don’t miss it. It’s going to be a legendary night.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“This fight deserves a home like this. This fight deserves this type of atmosphere and energy. I was a Cowboys fan myself growing up and now I’m here in their home about to have the biggest fight of my career. It’s unbelievable, but here we are. I’m excited to make this a memorable night. This is history in the making.
“I’m very excited for what’s coming in a few weeks. This is a fight that I really wanted and it’s definitely the biggest challenge of my career. To fight the best welterweight in the division is no easy task. Errol Spence Jr. is going to bring the best out of me.
“I’m sure Errol is getting ready for the biggest fight of his career just like I am. That’s what’s going to make this interesting. That’s the recipe for a tremendous fight. It’s not very common to see two of the pound-for-pound best, still undefeated and fighting each other in their prime.
“We’ve been implementing techniques that will help me improve my speed, explosiveness and reaction time, while also adding a little bit of mass. I think all of that is going to be beneficial to me on fight night. I feel very happy with the results.
“If I don’t take these risks, then I won’t be rewarded. I want to be recognized as one of the greatest and the best of this generation. How can I achieve that if I don’t take these risks? That’s why I’m taking the biggest fight available.”
DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s been a really good ride with Errol and myself. This is our 10th year working together and this is a beautiful place for everything to culminate. Mikey is a true fighter and he has a phenomenal trainer in his brother and father. We’re prepared for him and in shape right now. We’re ready to go.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“We’ve had a great training camp and our sparring partners are doing a great job preparing us for a very tough challenge. By the time the fight comes, you’re going to see what Mikey is all about. Everyone who watches this fight is going to enjoy a great night of boxing.”
JERRY JONES, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager
“I don’t know if we’ve ever had an event here that has this kind of stature and the combination of two men standing in there on their own, and at the very best stage of their career. This is two champions meeting and that is something very rare for fans.
“When we built this stadium I thought a lot about boxing. The Dallas Cowboys constituency is particularly into boxing. We have a fantastic Mexican and Hispanic fan base and when we have fights at this stadium, there is a great affinity for boxing. When there is a fight of this caliber at this stadium, then we know we’re doing something very special.
“These two fighters are uniquely associated with this stadium and the Cowboys. Errol Spence Jr. literally lives next door and is from this particular area. The last night he had at The Star, he had his Cowboys gear on and made our players and myself so proud.
“Our home away from home, Oxnard, California is where Mikey Garcia used to watch the Cowboys practice. We have a lot of kinship with these two fighters and our fans are in for a tremendous treat.
“These two fighters are worthy of this stadium. Their skill level and ability to compete is worthy of this stadium. This is a special event that will be taking place on March 16.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“Errol Spence Jr. vs Mikey Garcia is one of the most intriguing fights of the year. It’s a fight that will determine who is pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world.
“We’re thrilled to be at the home of the best professional franchise in sports, in the Dallas Cowboys. This is the perfect place for this event that features two unbeaten champions in their primes, putting their records on the line. Mikey and Errol are destined to walk out of that tunnel and into that ring to engage in a battle that will never be forgotten.”
Garcia to debut in her third combat sport at “Combate Estrellas” in Monterrey, N.L., Mex. on Friday, April 12
NEW YORK– February 19, 2019 – Combate Americas has signed undefeated boxer and former Lucha Underground champion Dulce Maria Garcia Rivas (0-0 MMA, 5-0 boxing), formerly known as “Sexy Star,” to an exclusive, multi-fight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotional agreement, the premier sports entertainment franchise announced today.
Garcia will make her much-anticipated MMA rules debut under the promotion of Combate Americas at the soon-to-be-announced ‘Combate Estrellas’ live television event in her hometown of Monterrey, N.L., Mexico on Friday, April 12.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dulce Garcia to the Combate Americas familia, and see her perform in La Jaula, and what is quickly emerging as the second biggest sport with Hispanic millennial fans worldwide,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren.
Garcia notched three consecutive professional boxing victories in 2018 – her most recent, a six-round unanimous decision over Karla Islas on August 18 – to bring her overall record in the sport to an unblemished, 5-0. Pictured above: In her second professional boxing start, Garcia (right) earned a unanimous decision victory over Guadalupe Coral (left) in Ecatepec, Mex. on September 30, 2017.
Prior to making her boxing debut in April 2017, Garcia had appeared in 57 episodes of El Rey Network’s Lucha Libre television series, Lucha Underground, and was crowned the first women’s champion in the show’s history on April 9, 2016.
Garcia is also a four-time champion of Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide professional wrestling organization, and the wife of former, three-time world boxing champion Jhonny Gonzalez.
A second main event has been added to the professional boxingevent on Friday, March 1, at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and live on Boxeo Telemundo (11:35 PM ET/PT). Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with All Star Boxing, Rumble at the Rock IV will now also featurehighly touted WBO No.1-ranked and WBO Bantamweight Latin Champion Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza (22-2-19 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, defending his title against Panama’s rugged veteran Ricardo “El Matematico” Nuñez (29-8-23 KOs).
In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Miami via Puerto Rico’s Derrieck Cuevas(18-0-1, 14 KOs) will face fellow Floridian Ed “The Lion” Paredes (38-7-1, 25 KOs) of Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock IV” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 and are available through ticketmaster.com.
Nuñez, a former world title challenger, is looking to test his young opponent by bringing him into deep waters and kickstarting his boxing career for one last shot at a world title. On the other hand, Espinoza is coming off a second-round stoppage of then undefeated Colombian prospect Yeison Vargas (17-1-12 Kos).
“My opponents tend to underestimate me because of my young age,” said Espinoza.“They soon realize my power once in the ring. I never underestimate anyone who has two hands.”
“I’ve seen that Espinoza has never fought into later rounds,” said Nuñez. “I’m looking to take him into uncharted waters to see if he still has the power he claims when we get into rounds 8, 9 and 10.”
On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.
HARTFORD, Conn. (February 18, 2019) – Undefeated prospect Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera returns to the South this Saturday night (Feb. 23) in another “stay busy” fight on the “Christy Martin Fight Night” card, presented by Christy Martin Promotions, at Centerstage@Noda in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Last November 30th, Rivera fought in Charlotte for the first time, knocking out local favorite Joshua Robertson in the sixth round. On Feb. 23 he will face veteran Mexican fighter Jose “Olimpico” Corral (20-23, 12 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout to be contested at a 187-pound catch-weight.
The Puerto Rican-American fighter didn’t have many supporters last time around but, based on his impressive performance, he won some fans over to his side, and he fully intends to add more this trip.
“Fighting there the first time was an interesting experience,” Rivera said. “I had some mixed emotions, but the fans there showed me a lot of love. People came up to me after the fight saying how much they enjoyed watching me fight. It was a good experience for me. I beat up a local fighter, but they want me back, and I’m going there to get the job done again.
“The plan is for me to have more fights this year to increase my ring experience. I feel more confident each fight. All I’m lacking is experience in big fights and that’s coming. The more confident I become in the ring helps me focus better on what I’m doing in there.
“I’ve had a few obstacles along the way, but I love boxing and fighting as ‘Popeye’. I wake up every morning ready to go.”
Rivera (9-0, 8 KOs), the reigning Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All America light heavyweight champion, is part of a trio that formed Hartford Boxing Promotions (HBP) last year, which also includes Rivera’s manager/head trainer Tony Blanco and their other partner, Michael Tran.
Blanco noted that this fight for Rivera has added importance. “We’re talking to a big promoter about a deal to co-promote Richard,” Blanco explained. “So, he has to look good February 23rd in Charlotte. He has the right combination of talent and marketability that fans love.
“Going to Charlotte to fight the first time was a good experience. They liked and respected him so much that he’s heading back by popular demand. We really love Christy, to be honest. She has already asked if Richard would fight on a card that she’s promoting in March in Jacksonville, Florida.”
Martin feels the same way about Team Rivera. “He’s an awesome kid,” she added. “He’s talented, a solid pro in the ring, and very charismatic outside the ring. Fans here love him as a fighter and person. I’ve been saying ‘Popeye’ is coming back and fans here are excited.
“And now he’s stepped out of his comfort zone, fighting outside of New England, in front of different crowds, and against fighters with different styles The sky’s the limit for him. I think he’s the real deal.”
Tickets are priced at $70.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission and available to purchase at the venue.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.
WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER ADDED TO THE TELEVISED UNDERCARD OF PORTER VS. UGAS – LIVE ON FOX – MARCH 9TH
Ventura, California: February 18, 2019
Francisco ‘Chia’ Santana (25-6-1, 12 KOs) will make his PBC debut on the televised undercard of the WBC Welterweight World Championship Fight between Shawn Porter and Yordenis Ugas live on Fox on March 9th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Santana will face Arizona’s Abel Ramos (23-3-2, 18 KOs) in what promises to be an action packed battle between two aggressive fighters both coming off victories, with the winner in line to face an opponent from PBC’s deep welterweight stable later this year.
Santana, who is coming off one of the biggest upsets of 2018 when he defeated Olympic Gold Medalist and world title challenger, Felix Diaz, is currently ranked #14 in the WBC.
“It’s crazy how much can change in a year.” explains, Santana.
“Last year at this time I was coming off back to back controversial losses that I felt I had won. My promoter had dropped me. I couldn’t find a fight. I had been out of the ring for a year. It looked like my career was over. I actually landed the Diaz fight because a friend entered me in an online contest to be an alternate fighter for a WBC tournament. The fans voted me in and when a fighter was injured, I was bumped up into the main tournament. I knew no one was giving me a chance to beat Diaz who was the favorite to win the whole tournament but when I’m overlooked that’s when I’m the most dangerous. The win landed me in the WBC’s Top 15 rankings allowing me to now be able to fight for their world title. I believe I am only one or two fights away from that opportunity and no one is going to stand in my way.”
Having worked with several promoters throughout his 14 year professional career, Santana is happy to be featured on a major Premier Boxing Champions event.
“The amount of world class welterweights that PBC has is unreal, including 4 of the 5 current world champions. It’s literally a who’s who of the division. I’m beyond excited to be able to make my PBC debut on Fox in primetime on the undercard of the WBC welterweight title fight. I have nothing but respect for a fellow hard working fighter like Ramos and I expect a war but I intend to make a statement on March 9th and come out victorious.”
Santana, a Santa Barbara native who lives and trains in Ventura, California atKnuckleHeadz Boxing Gym with trainer, Joseph “Hoss” Janik, is a favorite amongst hardcore boxing fans for his relentless in ring style and his fight anyone, anywhere, anytime attitude that has seen him give multiple future world champions all they could handle. In addition, he’s widely considered one of the friendliest fighters in the entire sport.
“I follow the golden rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. I’m a boxer but I’m a also massive boxing fan. Nothing is better than going to the fights and talking boxing with other fans. I’m no different than them. I wake up and run. I go to work all day with an hour commute back and forth. I hit the gym at night. I spend what little time I have left with my family. Then I go to sleep exhausted. I haven’t caught many breaks in this sport but I still haven’t given up on my dream of being a world champion. In life or in boxing, my motto is train, fight, win. I think that’s something everyone can relate to.” FRANCISCO ‘CHIA’ SANTANA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Former WBA International Champion Has wins over 4 former world champions and challengers Has a draw against world title challenger, Julian Williams Has gone the distance with world champions like Jermell Charlo Has taken the “O” from 3 different prospects including Eddie Gomez His 1st round KO of undefeated Kendal Mena was ESPN’s #2 Play of the Day
Unbeaten Welterweight World Champion Spence Battles Undefeated Four-Division World Champion Garcia In Historic Showdown On First Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event
Saturday, March 16 From AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Tickets On Sale Now at SeatGeek.com
Click HERE for Photos from Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports
Click HERE for Photos from Andy Samuelson/ Premier Boxing Champions
LOS ANGELES (February 16, 2019) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and undefeated four-division champion Mikey Garcia previewed their upcoming showdown and faced-off live on FOX at a press conference in Los Angeles Saturday as they near their battle for pound-for-pound supremacy that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Spence and Garcia were joined on stage at the press conference by a living legend,Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, who won titles in five weight divisions and fought Sugar Ray Leonard in one of the most memorable welterweight fights in history.
The event also featured an interview via satellite with Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones, who shared his thoughts on the electrifying event coming to AT&T Stadium, before Spence and Garcia were gifted personalize Cowboys jerseys by two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
Tickets for the March 16 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.
Also in attendance at the press conference were undefeated former 168-pound champion David Benavidez and heavyweight fan-favorite Chris Arreola, who compete on the PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View undercard as Benavidez battles veteran contender J’Leon Love, while Arreola matches up against unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Saturday from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live:
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“I train old school so I don’t worry about how Mikey is planning to get stronger at the weight. I’m not worried about it and I don’t think it will make a difference in the fight. I’m just going to focus on what I have to do to be at my best.
“Size always matters, but when you get in there, at the end of the day, it’s about skills and intelligence. I’m not going to rely on size. I’m going to focus on my talent. If I can roll through him, then I’ll show my killer instinct and try to get him out of there. I’m going to use my ability to break him down.
“At first I thought he was just chasing my name when he was calling me out. Once it became real, I saw how serious he was. At that point I was very confident it would happen.
“I’m not the bully here because Mikey really pushed for the fight. The other champions weren’t available at the time, plus Mikey is the only top fighter who called me out. I knew this was a fight I wanted.
“Mikey is undefeated, has a great skill set and has won a title at 140-pounds. I don’t see him as that small a fighter. He has a technical style that’s very traditional. He likes to use angles to set his opponent’s up.
“We’re focused on what I can do and what our game plan is. I always spar the same people no matter what because they get me into the condition I need to be in and they have me primed for any challenge.
“The welterweight division has always been one of the strongest divisions in the sport and it is like that now. We just need to fight each other. I’m ready to fight any of them. Whoever ends up on top from this group, will end being a Hall of Famer. That’s how you become an all-time great.
“This is something I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I’m focused and prepared for this challenge. It’s going to be all eyes on me and Mikey in that ring and I can’t wait.
“I’m happy that someone is challenging me. I’ve been looking for an opponent like him. He’s established himself in this sport. I’m happy to be able to take on this challenge. I’m looking for a skillful Mikey Garcia to bring the best out of me on March 16.
“My vision is that my hand will be raised in victory, whether it’s a knockout or a 12-round grueling fight, I’m preparing for the best Mikey Garcia skill wise, strength wise and as far as his ring intelligence.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“These are the kinds of challenges I want. I need someone like Errol Spence Jr., with his demeanor and style, to bring the best out of me. I want the world to finally see the full Mikey Garcia.
“The training that we did in the Bay Area definitely helped me. We are going up in weight and needed to do a different type of training. We wanted to make sure that we gained a little bit of mass so that I can be able to hold off Errol Spence’s weight and strength.
“The key to my strength training was that we didn’t want to lose my speed and explosiveness. I can see now that I’m back in sparring that I still have that speed while also gaining the muscle we had to.
“If people say Errol is bigger, that’s just obvious. But who’s faster? Who has better timing? There’s a lot more that goes into this sport and who’s going to win this particular fight.
“This has been one of the toughest camps I’ve ever had. We’re working on a lot of different methods and techniques to be at our very best. He’s going to be bigger than me on fight night, but that’s part of the challenge. I’ve know that since the beginning and that’s why we’ve trained the way we have.
“When I saw him fight Lamont Peterson I decided that Errol Spence Jr. was the fight I wanted one day. People tried to talk me out of it, but now they’re all on board. People have now started to see what I’m going to be capable of on March 16.
“I want the best Errol Spence Jr. I know he’s a great fighter with a lot of skills and talent. He hasn’t needed to use all of his skills, just like me. He does everything well, but nothing spectacular. I just feel like I’m the better fighter. I think I have the advantage everywhere except maybe power, but we’ll find out on fight night.
“This is history in the making. I’m trying to establish a great legacy. This is the kind of fight that I need. I know my fans are going to show up and give me a lot of support. This fight truly excites me and motivates.
“I’m not going to let this fight slip away. I’m going to establish myself as one of the best of the generation and eventually one of the best of all time.
“Even though some people believe I’m the underdog, I don’t see myself that way. I’m undefeated and I think Errol knows that I pose a challenge. It’s no easy task for either one of us. This is the fight that I need for my legacy.”
DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer
“This fight is all about the skillset, not the size. Size will come into play a little bit, but we’re going to show the skillset that we have to beat this guy. That’s what Errol is going to show.
“Mikey Garcia has a good technical style. But there’s always a method to take down a great fighter. I think that a day like today will inspire us even more to work even harder. We can see him right in front of us. Its real and we can’t wait.
“When I first saw Errol we were actually sparring each other. We started working together and I got to see him walk through guy after guy. We knew he was a great athlete, but it took time to build to where I started to realize he was something special.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“This is a big challenge for us to go up in weight to fight the best welterweight in the world. But it’s not like its’ never been done before and I know Mikey has the skills and power to pull it off. That’s what we’re coming to Dallas to do.
“This is an opportunity for Mikey to continue building his legacy. He wants to be known as one of the greatest fighters of all time and a win over Errol Spence Jr. is a big step toward that.
“I don’t think they’ve overlooking Mikey. “They know the talent he has. They’re getting ready for a great fight like they’ve done before. I think they know that they’re in for a real fight.”
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“I’m back here in this stage and that’s all that matters. I’m living and learning. I can’t wait to be in position to again fight for the world title.
‘I actually sparred with J’Leon Love when I was 15-years-old. He’s a great fighter who’s a veteran. I’m not overlooking him. I’m training for this fight like it’s a world title fight. Whatever style he comes with, I’m going to be ready for it.
“I’m better than ever. Everything has been a lesson learned. I had to sit out while I lost my spot, so now I’m more motivated than ever. This year we’re leaving the past in the past and coming back stronger.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I’m excited to be back. It was a long layoff where I spent time with my son and watched him grow. I missed that feeling of being in front of fans and getting that nervous energy right before a fight.
“I’m anticipating and I’m hoping for a rowdy crowd on March 16. There will be a lot of Spence and Garcia fans and a whole lot of great fights. Us Mexicans, we love fights.
“I know that my opponent is a southpaw and he’s slick. He’s going to try to out box me. I know he’s not going to want to stay in my wheelhouse. I have to be in shape to go the distance and be ready for shots coming from different angles.”
JERRY JONES, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager
On hosting Spence and Garcia at separate Cowboys home games last season: “It was just good to rub elbows with champions. I want all that they have to rub off on me and the Dallas Cowboys.
“The fact that FOX is involved and their interest in this fight is amazing. We’ve had great events with FOX, including the Super Bowl. Our stadium was really built for boxing. These fighters will be standing 70 feet tall suspended above the ring on the video board. It’s an excellent way to feel like you’re so close you’re receiving the blows from these great fighters.
“We’re so excited for our Mexican-American fan base. This is a great area for boxing. We endear ourselves to be involved with an event like this in anyway the Cowboys can. Especially with two great fighters like Spence and Garcia.
“I think you’ll see a fight with outstanding champions involved on March 16. You don’t get to see the best against the best very often. At AT&T Stadium, you’ll see it in a way that can’t be matched at normal sports venues. The aura of having thousands of fans like at a football game is unmatched. It’s a grand experience and we’re proud to be a part of boxing.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“The winner of this fight will be pound-for-pound the best in the world. Everybody would agree both of these guys are near the top of that list, and I believe whoever wins will be number one. This is a coronation for who is today the king of the sport.
“Mikey Garcia is technically one of the best fighters in the world. Errol Spence Jr. is a strong, determined fighter who just wants to prove that he’s the best. This fight is a chance for both guys to prove they’re the best in the world.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“This is a true blockbuster event, worthy of this incredible press conference live on FOX. These two fighters are not only superstars of the sport, but the winner of this fight will be able to make the claim of being number one pound-for-pound.
“FOX and the Dallas Cowboys have given a tremendous amount of support to this event and we anticipate an unforgettable evening on March 16. Mikey Garcia is truly daring to be great against a fighter in Errol Spence Jr. who has established himself as the class of the 147-pound division.”
# # #
ABOUT SPENCE VS. GARCIA Spence vs. Garcia is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event that is headlined by unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. defending his title against four-division world champion Mikey Garcia on Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View undercard will feature undefeated former super middleweight champion David Benavidez battling veteran contender J’Leon Love, unbeaten former bantamweight champion Luis Nery taking on former champion McJoe Arroyo and fan-favorite Chris Arreola facing unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin.
About AT&T Stadium: AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.
England’s Thomas Ward Wins In U.S. Debut With Impressive Unanimous Decision Over Jesse Hernandez
Catch The Replay Monday, February 18 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME® Click HERE For Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME
MULVANE, Kan. – February 15, 2019 – Shohjahon Ergashev overcame a five and a half-inch height advantage recording a unanimous decision victory over fellow undefeated prospect Mykal Fox in the 10-round super lightweight main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from the Kansas Star Casino.
With famed trainer Sugarhill Stewart shouting instructions from his corner, the Detroit-based power-punching Ergashev (16-0, 14 KOs), by way of Fergana, Uzbekistan, did enough to beat the rangy 6-foot-4 Fox (19-1, 5 KOs) in a matchup of two exciting undefeated prospects. The scores were 96-94 and 98-92 twice (Click HERE to watch).
“I didn’t think it was a close fight,” said Ergashev, who was only able to land two jabs the entire fight missing more than a hundred times. “He was awkward and his head was very low. He was very long and tall too, so it was hard to hit him in the head. I expected him to run all fight and he did.”
Ergashev did connect on 29 percent of his power punches (66 for 225) compared to Fox at 27 percent (41 for 153).
Ergashev said he was disappointed in his performance. “I come to fight,” he said. “I like fighters who stand and fight. I’m a fighter. I like guys who let me showcase my skills and bang. Fox wasn’t even boxing. He was just running around the ring. I wanted to sit down and fight.”
The 23-year-old Fox of Forest Hill, Md., one of the tallest fighters in the 140-pound division, said he agreed with one of the judges’ cards, but not the two 98-92s. “I knew it was close, and thought maybe I did enough to win,” said Fox, who did a nice job slowing the pace of the fight. “I think it was closer than 98-92. I took a few shots, but I knew he was going to be strong.”
Fox became the 186th fighter to lose their undefeated record on the prospect developmental series.
Fox, who had his father Troy and brother and fellow professional boxer middleweight Alantez in his corner, became the ninth fighter in ShoBox history to have a brother who also fought on ShoBox joining brother duos like Jermall and Jermell Charlo, Andre and Anthony Dirrell and Glenn and Nonito Donaire.
In the opening bout of the telecast, England’s Thomas Ward (26-0, 4 KOs) put on an impressive performance and showed U.S. fight fans he will be a force to be reckoned with in the wide-open 122-pound weight class as he won a unanimous decision against ShoBox veteran Jesse Hernandez (11-2, 7 KOs).Click HERE to watch a recap.
Fighting for the first time in the States, the WBO No. 4-ranked Ward of West Rainton, England, scored a fourth-round knockdown and took the 10-round super bantamweight fight easily against Fort Worth’s Hernandez. The scores were 100-89, 99-90 and 98-90.
“I came to America and fought a home fighter and won quite comfortably, I even got a knockdown,” the 24-year-old Ward said. “He was supposed to be the puncher and I was supposed to be the boxer. A lot of people think I can’t punch, then they get over-confident and get clipped. Then they realize I can punch. Look at his face compared to mine. That will tell you something.”
Ward started strong, and seemed to get better as the fight went on. “He’s been on the gas from the opening bell, and he hasn’t gotten off it,” said International Boxing Hall of Famer and ShoBox play-by-play commentator Barry Tompkins in the final minutes of the 10th and final round.
Ward exceeded double-digit connects in every round and topped 30 in five of the final six rounds while Hernandez reached double digits just three times.
It was a clean left hook that sent Hernandez to the canvas in the final seconds of the fourth round (ClickHERE to watch). Ward controlled the middle of the fight and landed consistent three-punch combinations against Hernandez, who at the end of round six was warned by referee Bill Clancy that he was taking a lot of punishment and had to show him something or he would stop the fight. At the top of the ninth, the referee still concerned about Hernandez lack of action, called the doctor and asked once again the same question. The doctor cleared Hernandez to continue.
Hernandez said he felt Ward’s power, and was impressed. “Yeah, he got me with that left, but I recuperated,” he said. “But all the credit to him. A knockdown is a knockdown.”
Ward said Hernandez asked for the fight, but wasn’t prepared for the it. “I knew he was a good, experienced fighter,” Ward said. “He’s fought some good guys and knocked out some good guys. He’s supposed to be a puncher, but I was just on another level tonight.
“I wanted a good fight to showcase my skills and I’m glad the people on ShoBox got to see it.”
Farhood interviewed undefeated middleweight world champion Claressa Shields before the main event. Shields and fellow undefeated champion Christina Hammer will meet on Saturday, April 13 live on SHOWTIME to crown the women’s undisputed 160-pound world champion. The blockbuster unification from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. will be the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITIONlive at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history (Clickhttps://s.sho.com/2UVWXtE to watch full interview).
Shields talked about her disdain for Hammer. “I’m going to keep it 100 percent professional,” she said. “I don’t like her as a person but that doesn’t matter. I want to beat her well. She’s just mad because I’m meaner that her and I’m better than her. I’m the GLOAT. Greatest lady of all time. I’m fighting every person that they say I can’t beat. I’m going to unify my division. I’m going to be the undisputed champion and nobody is going to be able to say otherwise.”
Friday’s fights were promoted by Salita Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 18 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 Rick Phillips directing.
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 79 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: 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.
Fighting in the main event of a special two-hour live stream on UFC Fight Pass and in front of an adoring crowd of fans at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas, hometown favorite and US Olympic bronze medal winner Nico Hernandez (7-0, 4 KOs) won his eight-round flyweight showdown by unanimous decision over a determined but out-gunned Victor Trejo Garcia of Mexico City, Mexico (16-10-1, 8 KOs).
It was a good “learning” fight for Hernandez, as Garcia never threatened to win, but hung tough against the superior firepower to keep things entertaining throughout. The judges’ scores were 79-73, 80-72 and 80-72. Hernandez appears to be progressing well in the professional game. He was sitting down on his punches well and picking spots for his punishing combinations like a veteran.
“I was feeling really good in there,” said Hernandez, post-fight. “I’ve been working on fighting southpaws and I did better than I did last time against a southpaw. It was awkward for me, but I’m proud of my progress and I just need to keep working. He was a tough opponent and I take my hat off to him. If anybody is ready to step up next, have them call my team.”
As always the case, Kazakhstani buzzsaw Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (14-0-1, 12 KOs) came out looking for a brawl and this time found a willing participant in Monterrey, Mexico’s Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (25-12-1, 13 KOs).
Fighting in the middle UFC Fight Pass bout, the two super lightweights did not disappoint, going to old-school inside warfare for eight exciting rounds. The entertaining Eyubov was the much more active fighter. He worked the body relentlessly while mixing in powerful hooks with both hands upstairs. Rodriguez weathered the relentless storm and came back consistently with hard, accurate counters.
In the end, the judges couldn’t decide who won and a majority draw was the verdict. One judge had it 77-75 for Rodriguez, a bit surprisingly, but was overruled by stereo scores of 76-76. Give both fighters credit, it was an entertaining slugfest and the Kansas fans loved it.
In the six-round super flyweight Fight Pass opener, Pushkino, Russia’s Elena Savelyeva (5-1, 4 KOs) needed just 36 seconds to dispatch Kansas City’s Tatiana Williams Kansas City (0-2). Williams was dancing and smiling before the action and came out looking to trade, but a taste of the former Olympian Saveleva’s power and she packed it in quickly.
Saveleva’s body work was ferocious as long as it lasted.
In the opening swing-bout of the night, a 10-round heavyweight bout didn’t last a full round, as knockout specialist Apti Davtaev (16-0-1, 15 KOs) of Kurchaloi, Russia, made quick work of Belton, Missouri, veteran Richard Carmack 15-15-1, 12 KOs.
The two giants traded strong blows from the outset, with both landing. Davtaev, however, had the better accuracy and chin. One of his long right hands put Carmack down on a delayed reaction and another finished things at 2:26. KO 1.
Afterward, the stern Russian, who trains at Detroit’s world-famous Kronk Gym and is featured in upcoming Ring Magazine “New Faces” section as a “Heavyweight to Watch” for 2019, signalled he is ready for a step up in competition in his next fight.
The UFC Fight Pass commentating team consisted of The Fight Network veteran Cory Edrman and “2018 Female Boxer of the Year” and women’s world champion Claressa Shields, making her debut behind the microphone. The event was presented by Salita Promotions.
