Category Archives: ESPN Boxing

BETERBIEV IS BACK! Arthur Beterbiev vs. Ezequiel Maderna June 4 at Montreal’s Bell Center PBC on ESPN in U.S., PPV in Canada

MONTREAL (May 11, 2016) —  World light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev returns to the ring Saturday night, June 7, to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) International and North American Boxing Association (NABA) title belts against Argentinian champion Ezequiel “El Olympico” Maderna in the 12-round main event at historic Belle Centre in Montreal, Canada.
 
Presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), the “Grand Prix” boxing event is part of the prestigious Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series, which will air live in Canada on pay-per-views starting at 8:00 p.m. ET via Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV.  The main event and co-feature, commencing at 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT, will be broadcast on ESPN in the United States.
 
“We will launch the Grand Prix activities, which is the biggest sport week in Montreal, with this card”, said the President of GYM, Yvon Michel. “Artur is the next boxing superstar in Quebec. He injured his shoulder, but the surgery fixed everything and we plan to give him three fights in 2016. We aim at Sergey Kovalev by the end of the year or the beginning of 2017.”
The 31-year-old Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs), the adopted son of Montreal, is on a seek-and-destroy mission for his first fight in one year. The two-time Russian Olympian (pictured to the left) hasn’t fought since last June, when he stopped Alexander Johnson in the 7thround, due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
 
Beterbiev is world ranked among the top six in all four major sanctioning organizations:  IBF #2, WBO & WBA #4, and WBC #6.  The power-punching Betervbiev will be defending his WBO International and NABA titles against Maderna.
 
During his 3-year professional career, Beterbiev has defeated two former world champions, Gabriel Campillo and Tavoris Cloud.
 
 
Maderna (23-2, 15 KOs) is a veteran fighter from Argentina, the same country that has produced numerous championship boxers, from Luis Firpo to Sergio Martinez, as well as well standout contemporaries such as IBF cruiserweight champion Victor Ramirez, along with contenders Lucas Matthysse, Jesus Cuellar, Omar Narvaez and Juan Carlos Reveco.  In his most recent action last May, Maderna stopped Rolando Wenceslao Mansilla in the opening round for the Argentina super middleweight championship.
 
Also airing on ESPN in the co-feature, undefeated American prospects Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella (13-0, 12 KOs), fighting out of Fort Myers, Florida, and David “Day Day” Grayton (14-0, 10 KOs), of Washington D.C., square off in a 10-round middleweight bout.
 
Unbeaten super welterweight Jamontay “Quiet Assassin” Clark (9-0-0, 6 KOs), from Cincinnati, Ohio, meets an opponent to be determined in a 6-round “TV swing” match.
Montreal’s undefeated heavyweight Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs), also a 2008 Colombian Olympian, returns in an 8-round bout versus TBA.
 
Also fighting on the undercard is popular French-Canadian welterweight Sebastian Bouchard (12-1, 4 KOs) who meets an opponent to be determined in an 8-rounder; Montreal super bantamweight Vislan Dalkaev (6-0, 2 KOs) vs. Mexican invader Javier “El Chivero” Franco (25-17-4), Montreal super middleweight Dario Bredicean (8-0, 2 KOs) against TBA and Toronto’s Parnell Fischer (0-1, 0 KOs) vs. Mexican opponent Larami “Sir” Carmona (1-2, 0 KOs) in a 4-round fight.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
Tickets are on sale at the Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666) or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @YvonMichelGYM, @ABeterbiev, @OscarKaboom
Instagram:  @YvonMichelGYM, @ArturBeterbiev

ERISLANDY LARA KNOCKS OUT JAN ZAVECK IN THIRD ROUND OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FIGHT CARD FROM HIALEAH PARK RACING & CASINO IN MIAMI

 
Emmanuel Rodriguez Stops Elicer Aquino In Seventh Frame
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champoins
 
MIAMI (November 25, 2015) – Super welterweight world champion and Cuban sensationErislandy “The American Dream” Lara (22-2-2, 13 KOs) successfully defended his title against former world champion and Slovenian Jan Zaveck (35-4, 19 KOs) in a Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN show from Miami’s Hialeah Park Racing & Casino.
Due to weather in the area, the main event was moved up to ensure the fight happened. From the opening bell, Lara controlled the action by landing heavy blows. In the third round, the ref stopped the action with Zaveck against the ropes, unable to continue. The ref called a stop to the fight at :41 into the third round.
In the second televised fight of the evening, Puerto Rican undefeated bantamweight prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) dealt a seventh round knockout toElicer Aquino (17-2-1, 11 KOs) from the Dominican Republic.
In a contest that saw great action out of both corners, Rodriguez ultimately proved to be too much for Aquino. The official stopped the fight at 2:44 into the seventh round.
Here is what the televised fighters had to say about their performances tonight:
ERISLANDY LARA
“I think I handled the pressure well tonight. I stayed in the pocket and fought my fight. This was a great win for me. (Zaveck) is a former champion and he’s never been knocked out until tonight.
“I’m very happy to be back fighting in the Miami area. This is my first time fighting back here since 2009 and I’m glad I was able to put on a good show for the fans. I’m very thankful for the way they showed up to support me tonight.
“I hit (Zaveck) with a great shot to the chin and froze his whole body. He was complaining about pain in his ear and his leg, but the bottom line is I got the win.
“I’ll face anyone they want to put in front of me at 154 lbs, unless it’s Canelo (Alavarez) or (Miguel) Cotto. Then we’ll go up to 160 lbs.”
JAN ZAVECK
“I currently have a sharp pain going from my neck to my shoulder on the right side.
“I knew I could try to fight on and land a lucky punch, but that was a small possibility and it was probably better to stop and fight another day.
“I felt good in there before that. I tried to surprise him by fighting him in close, but I was taking too many punches and he has very good power.
“I have never been injured like this before. It is very strange. The pain is surging.”
EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ
“As the fight started I could tell Aquino was a strong fighter, but once I started boxing him I knew I could end the fight in the later rounds.
“The plan was to take him into deep waters and make it a long fight. In the seventh round my corner told me to end it and I listened.
“I agree with the stoppage. He was taking too much punishment in there.
“Being a part of a PBC card on ESPN helps take my career to the next level. I’m grateful for this opportunity.
“I’ll fight whoever my promoter and manager tell me to. I’m ready for anyone.”
ELICER AQUINO
“(Rodriguez) was better tonight. It’s nothing more complicated than that. He was a better fighter than me. I take nothing away from him.
“I was never hurt during the fight. He was strong, but I held my ground and was never in trouble. I hit him with some good shots too. He just landed more than I did. That’s my fault.
“I wasn’t frustrated. I just ran into a great fighter and tonight was his night. I will be back. It’s just one fight and a lesson learned.”
# # #
The card was promoted by Warriors Boxing.
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

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

 
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

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

 
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

CUBAN SENSATION ERISLANDY LARA RETURNS TO DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JAN ZAVECK WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FROM HIALEAH PARK RACING & CASINO IN MIAMI 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
MIAMI (October 19, 2015) – Cuban sensation Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (21-2-2, 12 KOs) will defend his super welterweight world title against former world champion Jan Zaveck (35-3, 19 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN Wednesday, November 25 from Hialeah Park Racing and Casino in Miami with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
“I’m very excited to be defending my title in my hometown of Miami,” said Lara. “Getting in the ring with a former world champion and an experienced fighter like Jan Zaveck is something I’m very much looking forward to. On November 25 I will put on a show for all my fans and especially all my Cuban fans watching on ESPN.”
“I am aware that this will be one of the toughest fights of my career,” said Zaveck. “I respect Lara and I will prove that I am on the same level. I am aware that I am the underdog and that I am coming into Lara’s ‘living room.’ I am coming to Miami to chase my dreams and surprise everybody.”
Lara, known as one of the best technical boxers in the sport, was an exceptional amateur for the Cuban national team before eventually defecting from the country. Now, Lara will fight in Miami for just the second time in his career, a city that boasts the largest Cuban population in the U.S.
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.
The 32-year-old Larais a slick boxer with the ability to deliver punishment while taking very little of it in return.  Lara has notched victories over Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Ishe Smith and Freddy Hernandez throughout his career. As an amateur, Lara won numerous titles including a national championship at welterweight and also participated in the 2007 Pan-Am games. The fighter originally from Guantanamo, Cuba most recently dominated Delvin Rodriguez on a June 12 PBC card.
A former world champion at welterweight, Zaveck was a seven-time national champion in his native Slovenia, but has fought out of Germany for most of his career. The 39-year-old won a world title by stopping Isaac Hlatshwayo and went on to defend his title against, Rodolfo Martinez, Rafal Jackiewicz and Paul Delgado. Zaveck enters this fight on a three-bout win streak including his most recent triumph over Sasha Yengoyan in April 2015.
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.hialeahpark.com,  follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing @WarriorsBoxingProm and @ESPNBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions

ARON MARTINEZ SCORES UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER DEVON ALEXANDER IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FIGHT CARD FROM GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, AZ

 
LEE SELBY WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION
AGAINST FERNANDO MONTIEL
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Lucas Noonan/PBC
 
Click HERE For Fight Highlights
 
GLENDALE, AZ. (October 14, 2015) -Tonight’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN fight card featured Mexican brawler Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs) capturing a unanimous decision (97-93, 97-93, 96-94) victory over former world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-4, 14 KOs). In a 10-round battle, spent mostly on the inside, Martinez managed to emerge victorious.
The televised opener showcased a 12-round, action-packed battle as Lee Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) made his U.S. debut and secured a unanimous decision (116-112, 118-110, 119-109) win over former three-division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KOs).
Here is what the fighters had to say about their performances tonight:
DEVON ALEXANDER
 
“I wanted to be smart and aggressive in there tonight, and that’s what I did.
“He was coming in fast like we knew he would. We knew he was going to come forward. I just couldn’t get my shots off like I wanted to.
“Consecutive losses are tough, but I’m not easily discouraged. I just need to regroup and then we’ll see what’s next. I’m still considered one of the best.”
ARON MARTINEZ
“I’m the heavier guy. I’ve always fought at 147 lbs. This is my natural weight and I sparred against much bigger guys during the last few weeks of training camp. I was facing fast 180 lbs fighters in camp to get ready for this.
“We followed our game plan tonight. I give (Alexander) props for standing in there with me.
“Fighting on a PBC card on ESPN is the best kind of opportunity for me. I’ll use this fight to get another great chance like I got tonight.
“I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me. I’m always the underdog, but I embrace it because that mentality has pushed me to work harder.”
LEE SELBY
“My jab, reach and speed were my biggest advantages tonight. That was how I got the win.
“All the cuts I’ve had in my career have come against shorter fighters like (Montiel). When I got cut tonight in the 6th round it was the same thing. I caught a head butt.
“I was honestly disappointed in my performance tonight. I got the win and it was a great feeling to get my first one on U.S. soil. But the fans didn’t see me at my best, and a big part of that was Montiel’s experience. He’s a great fighter.”
FERNANDO MONTIEL
“I thought it was a lot closer fight than the judges had it on the scorecard.
“I spent the first few rounds waiting for him to come at me so I could counterpunch. But he wasn’t engaging me so I became the aggressor and brought the fight to him.
“It was an honor to fight on this PBC card here in Arizona. I honestly think I deserve a rematch. I want to fight him again.”
# # #
The card was promoted by Ring Pros Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comandwww.gilariveraarena.com.Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TheRealDevonA, @LeeSelby126 @ESPNBoxing, @GilaRivArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  www.facebook.com/GilaRiverArena.com and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES IN ADVANCE OF DEVON ALEXANDER VS. ARON MARTINEZ AT GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, AZ ON OCTOBER 14

 
Coverage On ESPN Begins At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT/PT
 
GLENDALE, AZ. (October 12, 2015) – Televised fighters on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN fight card taking place this Wednesday in Glendale, AZ took time out of their busy schedules to host a media workout at Central Street Boxing Gym.
Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-3, 14 KOs) will take on battle-tested Mexican Aron Martinez (19-4-1, 4 KOs) in the headlining bout at Gila River Arena. Televised coverage is slated to begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT/PT with the U.S. debut of featherweight world champion Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on former three-division world championFernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs).
Here is what the fighters had to say in anticipation of their bouts:
DEVON ALEXANDER
“This camp has been all about getting things right. I had to make sure my mentality was right. Losing is not an option anymore. In my loss to Amir (Khan), it wasn’t anything that he necessarily did to make me lose. All the losses that I’ve had I think I could have just as easily won those fights. This is a mental game, and I wasn’t there mentally for those fights.
“I had to get rid of the distractions around camp that were keeping me from fully focusing on the task at hand and how important boxing is to me. I had to focus and then re-focus on how much this means to me. Everybody needs to reprogram themselves once in a while to help you remember what’s important.
“I know Aron Martinez is going to come to fight. He knows my record and that I’ve beaten some of the best. So he knows it’s going to be tough for him, and I’m sure he’ll bring his best into the ring with him, but it’s not going to be enough. When I’m focused like this nobody can beat me.”
ARON MARTINEZ
“My style is to fight and hopefully he stands and exchanges with me, but if he doesn’t we have a good game plan to box him. We know he’s a boxer so I’m pretty sure that’s what we’ll see.
“I have to take care of Alexander. I want to give a good fight and then go on to bigger fights. I’m here to fight whoever they put in front of me. I’m ready to fight anybody.
“I haven’t met one single person who didn’t think I won the Robert Guerrero fight, but that’s the past. I believe I beat him, but it’s boxing and I’m ready to fight a way different type of fighter.
“It felt good to knock down Guerrero because everyone underestimates my power. I fought a lot of strong guys and they’ve felt my punches. We train to box or trade blows.”
LEE SELBY
“I’m really excited. This is my first world title defense and it’s against a tough challenge that most guys wouldn’t take. It’s not an easy win, especially with me having to come overseas.
“I’ve chosen a formidable foe and if I beat a guy like him and look good, it should raise my profile overnight.
“I don’t really study the fighters, I just like to know a little bit about their style. Montiel can do both, he doesn’t have a typical style.  I like to keep it simple because you don’t want to prepare for one thing and then have your opponent come out doing something different.
“Montiel is a big puncher but I’ve been with lots of good punchers. I’ve beaten several unbeaten guys and I have loads of experience for my young age.
“I’m used to coming out here for training camps and as far as not having the home crowd advantage, I’ve won titles in hostile crowds before so it won’t be a problem.
“I think I’m there with the best in the division. I want to fight the top guys and I think if I get a big win and look good here, I’ll be in the mix.
“With these fights being on free T.V., more people get to see me and my profile will change rapidly as long as I do what I’m capable of.”
FERNANDO MONTIEL
“I honestly believe that (Selby) chose the wrong guy to fight. I’ve had great preparation for this fight. All the work has been put in. He just chose the wrong guy to make his US debut against.
“I was very happy when I heard that we were going to fight in Arizona. There are lots of Mexicans here, so I know I’ll have a lot of people behind me on Wednesday. It’s going to be great to fight here.
“I certainly don’t feel like age has anything to do with this fight. Look at me. I’m ready to go.”
# # #
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ring Pros Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25 for general admission, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.gilariverarena.com.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.gilariveraarena.com.Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TheRealDevonA, @LeeSelby126 @ESPNBoxing, @GilaRivArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  www.facebook.com/GilaRiverArena.com and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.

EXCITING UNDERCARD ACTION FEATURES IVAN REDKACH FACING ERICK MARTINEZ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 AT GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA

 
Premier Boxing Champions On ESPN Headlined By
Welterweights Devon Alexander vs. Aron Martinez
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
GLENDALE, AZ. (October 7, 2015) – Exciting contender Ivan Redkach (18-1, 14 KOs) returns to battle Erick Martinez (11-2-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout onWednesday, October 14 from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
The October 14 Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN event is headlined by former world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-3, 14 KOs) taking on battle-tested Mexican Aron Martinez (19-4-1, 4 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with the U.S. debut of featherweight world champion Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on former three-division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs).
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ring Pros Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25 for general admission, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.gilariverarena.com.
Further undercard action pits 18-year-old undefeated flyweight Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (7-0, 3 KOs) out of Thornton, Colorado against Mexican Francisco Lapizco(7-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout, 2012 Olympic Silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar(3-0, 3 KOs) of Mongolia in a super bantamweight bout against Mexico’s Ricardo Proana (11-2, 9 KOs) and Phoenix’s Alexis Santiago (19-3-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on Mexican Gustavo Molina (10-8, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.
Rounding out the action is 30-year-old Lionell Thompson (15-3, 9 KOs) out of Buffalo as he takes on Kentucky-native Thomas Hanshaw (6-6, 4 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated super middleweight prospects Kevin Newman “The Second Coming” (3-0-1, 1 KO) fighting out of Las Vegas and David Benevidez (9-0, 8 KOs) of Phoenix in separate undercard bouts.
Born in Ukraine but fighting out of Los Angeles, Redkach began boxing at the age of six and has put together an impressive career since turning pro in 2009. The 29-year-old owns victories over Tony Luis, Sergey Gulyakevich and Yakubu Amidu. He will be opposed by the 24-year-old Zamudio out of Sinaloa, Mexico.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.gilariveraarena.com.Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TheRealDevonA, @LeeSelby126 @ESPNBoxing, @GilaRivArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  www.facebook.com/GilaRiverArena.com and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION DEVON ALEXANDER TAKES ON ARON MARTINEZ AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN COMES TO GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

 
PLUS! FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION LEE SELBY MAKES HIS U.S. DEBUT AGAINST FORMER THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION FERNANDO MONTIEL
 
TICKETS ARE ON SALE TODAY AT 12 P.M. PT!
 
GLENDALE, AZ. (September 11, 2015) – Former two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-3, 14 KOs) returns to take on battle-tested Mexican Aron Martinez (19-4-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight clash as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN heads to Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Wednesday, October 14.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with the U.S. debut of featherweight world champion Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on former three-division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs) in the co-main event.
“I’m very excited to return to the ring and I’m anxious to show people that I’m still an elite fighter,” said Alexander. “This is a huge opportunity to be on primetime and I’m going to make sure everything is in order at camp so I’m there 100 percent mentally and physically on fight night.”
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to fight on such a big stage against a great fighter in Devon Alexander,” said Martinez. “Arizona has a huge Mexican boxing community and I look forward to the support from their terrific fans.”
“I’m looking forward to my USA debut in Arizona on ESPN,” said Selby. “It’s been my dream since I was a young boy to win the world title and then to box in a major fight in the U.S. I have the upmost respect for Fernando Montiel, he’s a three-time world champion and we all know over here in the UK how tough the Mexican fighters are. I know the U.S. fight fans appreciate the top fighters and I am sure I can win them over on 14th October with my skill, style and technique.”
“I am very happy to have an opportunity to win another world title,” said Montiel. “I am going to make the most of this and leave everything I have in the ring. I will leave that ring with Lee Selby’s belt and with the fans cheering my name.”
“This is a big fight for Arizona and the first world title fight in Arizona since 2004,” said Scott Maling, Owner of Ring Pros Promotions. “I was lucky enough to promote that last world title fight and I can’t wait to bring the boxing fans of Arizona a terrific night of action from start to finish, featuring some of the top talent in the sport.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ring Pros Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25 for general admission, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale today at 12 p.m. PT. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.gilariverarena.com.
Doors at Gila River Arena open at 3 p.m. PT with the first bout following shortly after.
 A world champion at 140 and 147-pounds, the 28-year-old Alexander makes his 2015 debut looking for a performance that will vault him back into title contention. Alexander owns victories over Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse, Randall Bailey and Lee Purdy. The St. Louis-native is 4-2 in world title fights with his most recent victory coming via a dominant decision over Jesus Soto Karass.
The 33-year-old Martinez is coming off of a controversial decision loss to Robert Guerrero, in a fight where Martinez dropped Guerrero for the second time in his career and appeared within seconds of being awarded a stoppage victory. Born in Mexico, but fighting out of Los Angeles, Martinez has fought professionally since 2004 and racked up 10 straight victories between 2009 and 2012.
Born in Barry, Wales, Selby picked up his world title with a dominant technical decision over previously undefeated Evgeny Gradovich in May. The 28-year-old owns a slew of victories over previously unblemished fighters including Joel Brunker, Ryan Walsh, Viorel Simon, Corey McConnell and Stephen Smith. The slick-boxer will be making his first start on U.S. soil on October 14.
The Mexican veteran Montiel has won world titles across three weight classes throughout his long career that began as a 17-year-old in 1996. He won his first world title in 2000 over Isidro Garcia and went on to have title winning performances over Pedro Alzacar, Ivan Hernandez, Z Gorres, Ciso Morales and Hozumi Hasegawa. Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel is riding an eight-fight win streak heading into this match and returns to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2011.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.gilariveraarena.com.Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TheRealDevonA, @LeeSelby126 @ESPNBoxing, @GilaRivArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  www.facebook.com/GilaRiverArena.com and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.

Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN’s Santa Cruz vs. Mares Delivers Largest Boxing Audience on ESPN Since February 1998


Highest-Rated and Most-Watched Boxing Telecast Ever on ESPN Deportes
ESPN Classic to Air Instant Classic Tonight
 
The third edition of ESPN’s Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN presented by Corona Extra (PBC on ESPN) series-headlined by Leo Santa Cruz’s majority decision win over Abner Mares-on Saturday, Aug. 29, delivered the largest boxing audience on ESPN since February 1998 (02/22/98 Mark Johnson vs. Arthur Johnson).
The telecast was seen by an average of 1,217,000 viewers (P2+)-up 30 percent from the average of the previous two PBC telecasts on ESPN. The telecast peaked from 12:00-12:15am with 1,641,000 viewers (P2+) according to Nielsen.
ESPN’s Spanish-language telecast of the event on ESPN Deportes averaged a 1.3 Hispanic HH US Rtg and 355,000 Hispanic viewers-making it the highest-rated and most-watched boxing telecast to ever air on ESPN Deportes. The telecast peaked from 11:15-11:30 p.m. with 453,000 viewers.

ESPN Classic will reair the fight tonight at 7 p.m. ET as an Instant Classic. In addition, ESPN Deportes will re-air the entire card on Saturday, September 5, at 7 p.m.