Category Archives: NBC

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION LAMONT PETERSON RETURNS TO TAKE ON UNBEATEN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST FELIX DIAZ JR. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC COMES TO EAGLEBANK ARENA AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY IN FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT

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PLUS! U.S. OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST ANDRE DIRRELL FACES
AUSTRALIA’S BLAKE CAPARELLO IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT
 
Tickets on Sale Tomorrow At 10 a.m. ET!
 
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (September 4, 2015) – Former world champion Lamont Peterson(33-3-1, 17 KOs) will return to the ring near his Washington D.C. home as he takes on 2008 Olympic Gold medalist from the Dominican Republic Felix Diaz Jr. (17-0, 8 KOs) in a 12-round bout on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC on Saturday, October 17 from EagleBank Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
The televised co-main event begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT and pits Olympic Bronze medalist Andre “The Resurrected” Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) against Australia’s Blake “Il Capo” Caparello (21-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout.
“I’m very excited to be back in the ring, especially close to home in Virginia and fighting on NBC,” said Peterson. “I’m happy just to be doing what I love to do. I’ve been in the gym and I’ve stayed ready so I’m prepared to give the fans the kind of show they deserve.”
“I am very thankful for this opportunity and I know that Lamont Peterson will be my toughest battle so far,” said Diaz. “I am confident that at the end of the fight, I will have my hand raised. No disrespect to Lamont, but he has had his opportunity, now it is my time to show the world who Felix Diaz is. I can assure you that the fans will not be disappointed onOctober 17.”
“My motivation to succeed only gets stronger with each fight,” said Dirrell. “I fight to win. All I want to see is a belt around my waist. Whatever it takes, whatever I have to do, it’ll get done. I will be a world champion! This fight is the next step.”
“This is a huge opportunity for me to show the world that I am one of the best 168-pounders in all of boxing,” said Caparello. “This is the weight class where I belong. Dirrell is a former Olympian and, like myself, a world title challenger. I expect a very tough fight onOctober 17, but I know that I will be victorious.”
“Lamont Peterson is an elite fighter. He proved it in his disputed loss to Danny Garcia and will come back to face an undefeated Felix Diaz in what should be a great scrap,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Diaz is an Olympic gold medalist from the Dominican Republic with a fan-friendly style; he will bring that to the fight and I expect great action. In the opening bout, coming back from a hard-fought battle with James DeGale, Andre Dirrell returns to action against former world title challenger Blake Caparello, who is now campaigning as a world-rated super middleweight. I expect an excellent night of fightsOctober 17.”
“We are thrilled to host the first Premier Boxing Champions telecast in the Washington D.C. area on October 17th,” said General Manager of EagleBank Arena Barry Geisler. “The PBC series is leading a renaissance of boxing and EagleBank Arena is excited to participate in their efforts.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $85, $65 and $40, plus applicable service charges, and are on sale tomorrow, September 4 at 10 a.m. ET/. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the EagleBank Arena box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035. Please visitwww.eaglebankarena.com for more information.
The 31-year-old Peterson will be fighting just minutes outside of his native Washington D.C. and looks to pick up his fifth career victory in the DC metropolitan area. Discovered as a child by trainer Barry Hunter while homeless on the street with his brother Anthony, Peterson has one of the best rags to riches stories in the sport. A pro since 2004, he owns victories over Victor Manuel Cayo, Kendall Holt and Dierry Jean in addition to the world title winning performance against Amir Khan, which he successfully defended three times.
A two-time Olympian representing the Dominican Republic, Diaz Jr. won a gold medal at his second Olympic games in 2008 in Beijing. Now fighting out of the Bronx, the 31-year-old has slowly increased the level of his competition, as he owns victories over Emmanuel Lartey, Adrian Granados and most recently Gabriel Bracero in a dominating performance on April 11. Now, he will jump to the world-class level as he looks to prove he belongs at the top of the sport when he takes on Peterson.
An amateur standout ßthat won two U.S. Amateur World Championships in addition to his Olympic Bronze medal, the 31-year-old Dirrell looks to work towards another world-title opportunity on October 17. The fighter out of Flint, Michigan holds victories over Arthur Abraham and Curtis Stevens and only has two narrow losses on his resume.
A crafty fighter out of Victoria, Australia won his first 20 pro fights primarily fighting out of his home country. He owns victories over Michael Bolling, Jorge Olivera, Allan Green and previously unbeaten Robert Berridge. The 29-year-old most recently scored a unanimous decision over Affif Belghecham in June and looks to make it three wins in a row onOctober 17.
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @DiBellaEnt, @KingPete26, @NBCSports, @EagleBankArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/EagleBankArena.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

TOP NORTHEAST PROSPECTS SHOWCASED ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT

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PETER QUILLIN TAKES ON MICHAEL ZERAFA
IN FEATURED PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC BOUT
AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT
 
Action Begins Inside the Arena at 1 p.m. ET!
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (August 31, 2015) – Some of the top prospects from the Northeast including undefeated super featherweight Bryant “Pee Wee” Cruz (15-0, 8 KOs) will be showcased on a stacked undercard Saturday, September 12 live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT with the first bout beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
The September 12 Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card is headlined by undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) taking on Michael “Pretty Boy” Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout with world title implications on the line for former world champion Quillin. Super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) will defend his title against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) in the co-main event. Live coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on NBC.
As part of the previously announced featured undercard bouts, two of the most promising prospects in boxing will put their undefeated records on the line as 2012 U.S. Olympian and highly-touted light heavyweight “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs), takes on former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs), and undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno (22-0, 12 KOs) meets Poland’s Lukas Maciec (22-2-1, 5 KOs).
The Browne or Centeno fight could end up as a swing bout for the NBC broadcast pending the outcome of the two scheduled televised bouts.
Fighting on the non-televised portion of the undercard are top prospects representing New England, New York and Washington D.C.
The Undefeated super featherweight Cruz, fighting out of Port Chester, NY, puts his perfect record on the line in an eight-round bout.
Popular New York City super featherweight Gary Stark Jr.  (24-3, 8 KOs) will be gunning for his second straight win of his comeback bid against former African champion Anthony Napunyi (15-15, 6 KOs) in a six-round match.
Washington D.C. super featherweight Antonio Russell (3-0, 2 KOs), the younger brother of reigning world super featherweight champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Gary Russell, Jr., will compete in a six-round bout while undefeated super bantamweight world champion Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (14-0, 1 KO) squares off against former Youth champion Brittany “Pretty Girl” Cruz (10-6-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-round non-title fight.
Also fighting on the undercard in a four-round matchup is Elmont, NY super featherweight Titus Williams (1-0), a 2013 New York Golden Gloves champion, taking on Benjamin Burgos (2-12-1), and a four-round featherweight bout featuring Timmy Ramos (1-0, 1 KO) of Framingham, MA.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingcghampions.com, www.dbe1.com andwww.nbcnbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate, @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing Champions,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Campillo and Cuello Training in Paradise

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Sampson Boxing Establishes Training Camp in U.S. Virgin Islands
Two Madrid-based fighters have traveled to a newly established 340 Boxing/Sampson Boxing training camp in the island paradise of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to prepare for their upcoming fights.
Sampson Boxing’s own former light heavyweight world champion and IBF #13-rated Gabriel “El Chico Guapo” Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs) and WBC #11-rated Luciano Leonel “El Principito” Cuello (35-3, 17 KOs) are working hard at the 340 Boxing Gym in St. Thomas, USVI with trainer Matias Antonio Gonzalez and two world-rated locals, John “Dah Rock” and Julius “The Chef” Jackson.
On Saturday, September 12 at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut, (and live on NBC) Campillo will face undefeated “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs) of Staten Island, New York, on the undercard of the Peter Quillin vs. Michael Zerafa event.
And on Tuesday, September 22, at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California, (and live on USA FOX Sports 1) Cuello will face undefeated Philadelphian Julian “J Rock” Williams (20-0-1, 12 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title.
“I wish to thank our generous sponsor, Cardow Jewelers, for their help with establishing this ‘training camp in paradise,'” said Lewkowicz. “I also wish to thank my valued partners in the Virgin Island, 340 Boxing. The two fighters are getting excellent work with the Jackson Brothers and their team and will be in fantastic shape for their fights.”
Both Campillo and Cuello are managed by former world champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez.
Sampson Boxing now currently maintains training camps in Las Vegas, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, the Virgin Islands and a full camp in Cebu City, Philippines, for Jonel “Kid Pacquiao” Dapidran.
ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

TOP RISING STARS MARCUS BROWNE AND HUGO CENTENO ADDED TO UPCOMING PBC ON NBC CARD

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
 
PETER QUILLIN TAKES ON MICHAEL ZERAFA
IN FEATURE BOUT LIVE ON NBC
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT
AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT
MASHANTUCKET, CT (August 21, 2015) – Undefeated light heavyweight rising star “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs) will take on former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs) while undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno(22-0, 12 KOs) battles Poland’s Lukas Maciec (22-2-1, 5 KOs) as part of the featured undercard bouts on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC event on Saturday, September 12 from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
The September 12 card is headlined by undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) taking on Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight matchup, while super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) defends against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) in the co-main event. Live coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on NBC.
The undercard, which is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET, will feature two of the brightest young up-and-coming stars in all of boxing putting their undefeated records on the line as Browne and Centeno compete in their separate 10-round matchups.
A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Browne has been very impressive since making his pro debut in November 2011.The 24-year-old Staten Island-native is coming off his two most impressive victories to date this year. In May, Browne dominated Cornelius White (21-3) over 10 rounds at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Prior to that, in April, Browne scored an impressive sixth-round TKO over perennial contender Aaron Pryor Jr. Browne is looking to throw his name into the mix of the top fighters in the 175lb. division, and an impressive showing against the former world champion Campillo would do just that.
Campillo is 3-1 in his last four bouts, including a huge upset stoppage victory over previously undefeated Thomas Williams Jr. (17-0) in August of last year. The 36-year-old owns victories over Beibut Shumenov, Hugo Hernan Garay and Mirzet Bajrektarevic over a career that dates back to 2002. The fighter out of Madrid, Spain knows that if he is going to make another run at a light heavyweight title, he cannot afford another loss.
Oxnard, California’s Centeno has long been one of boxing’s top prospects with victories over Ayi Bruce, Keandre Leatherwood, Angel Osuna and Gerardo Ibarra. In his most recent fight, he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Ready to make his move on the middleweight elite, Centeno will take on the 26-year-old Maciec out of Lubin, Poland. Maciec enters the bout on a five-fight win streak, including victories over Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten fighters Jussi Koivula and Sasu Karapetyan. Maciec is 15-1-1 in his last 17 bouts and is ready to show the world that he belongs at the top of the 160lb. division when he makes his U.S. debut.
The Browne or Centeno fight could end up as a swing bout for the NBC broadcast pending the outcome of the two scheduled televised bouts.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingcghampions.com, www.dbe1.com andwww.nbcnbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate, @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing Champions,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER AND JOHANN DUHAUPAS FORMALLY ANNOUNCE THEIR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SHOWDOWN AT BIRMINGHAM PRESS CONFERENCE

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Fighters to Square Off September 26 Live From Legacy Arena in BirminghamOn NBC At 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Heather Durham
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (August 21, 2015) – Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) hosted a press conference yesterday to formally announce his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC bout taking place Saturday, September 26 against Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs) at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.
Wilder will defend his title for the second time in his home state. Duhaupas, who has never been stopped, hopes to defy the odds and do what no previous opponent has accomplished against Wilder – emerge victorious.
This fight will signify the return of heavyweight world championship boxing in primetime to NBC. This is the first heavyweight title bout in primetime on NBC since May 20, 1985, when another undefeated American heavyweight world champion, Larry Holmes, defended his title against Carl Williams in Reno, Nevada with legendary broadcaster Marv Albert on the call, just as he will be on September 26. Now, Wilder looks to pick up where Holmes left off and deliver world-class heavyweight action right into sports fans’ living rooms.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at just $25 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
Quotes From Thursday’s Press Conference:
DEONTAY WILDER
“He’s never been knocked out until now. That’s always the ultimate goal when I’m in there with my opponent, to take them down. That’s how my name has gotten out there, through knockouts, and I want to keep that legacy going.
“It was big for me to knock my last opponent out and now I’m on a knockout spree.
“My hometown fans give me the momentum and the energy to continue to be great at what I do.
“This is a different ballgame when you’re dealing with the heavyweights. Everybody’s coming to get what I have. I like it. I love it actually. I like being the world’s most wanted, in a positive way.
“At the last fight, the energy was electrifying in there. It was so loud. People were so hyped and you could feel the wind from people’s voices traveling around when they shouted my name. And that’s one of the things when you have a fighter fighting at home. You have so much love and support.”
JOHANN DUHAUPAS
“I’m excited to be making my US debut and fighting for a heavyweight world title in the same night. This is the biggest opportunity of my career and I’m going to take advantage of it.
“Deontay is a huge competitor, but I’m coming into this fight prepared to make things very difficult for him.
“I plan on brining the title back home to France.”
JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer
“It’s a day-by-day, brick-by-brick existence to be a world champion.
“It’s going to be a tough fight. He’s never been stopped before. He’s coming off the biggest win of his career against Manuel Charr. This is a huge, huge fight and it’s going to be right here in Birmingham.
“This is my challenge straight to the fans: This is where we want to be. We want to be in Alabama. We want Deontay to have his home turf in Alabama. We want to show the world what Alabama can do on international TV. We want to show them the young undercard guys coming up, and we want it all right here. That can only happen if this place is full.”
MAYOR WILLIAM BELL, Mayor of the City of Birmingham
“People from all over the country are already calling for hotel rooms. Can they get in early? This is exciting for our city.
“People were talking about the first fight, and not just around the country. They were talking about it around the world.”
# # #
PBC on NBC returns with a 12-round heavyweight world title clash between Deontay Wilder and Johann Duhaupas. In the evening’s co-main event, undefeated star Omar Figueroa takes on former world champion Antonio DeMarco in 12-rounds of super lightweight action. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team. The telecast begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER COMES TO PRIMETIME NBC AS HE FACES FRENCHMAN JOHANN DUHAUPAS AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS COMES TO  LEGACY ARENA IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH LIVE AT 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

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PLUS! UNDEFEATED STAR OMAR FIGUEROA TAKES ON FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ANTONIO DEMARCO IN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT ACTION!
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (August 20, 2015) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) will make the second defense of his title when he faces France’s Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs) in primetime on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday, September 26 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with exciting undefeated brawler Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs) returning to the ring to battle former world champion Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs) in 12 rounds of super lightweight action.
This fight will signify the return of heavyweight world championship boxing in primetime on NBC. This is the first heavyweight title bout in primetime on NBC since May 20, 1985, when another undefeated American heavyweight world champion, Larry Holmes, defended his title against Carl Williams in Reno, Nevada with legendary broadcaster Marv Albert on the call, just as he will be on September 26. Now, Wilder looks to pick up where Holmes left off and deliver world-class heavyweight action right into sports fans’ living rooms.
Wilder returns to his home state to defend his title for the second time this year after knocking out Eric Molina in the ninth round of their June bout. Wilder won his world title with a dominating performance against former champion Bermane Stiverne in January and became the first undefeated American to win a heavyweight title since Michael Moorer in 1994 and the first U.S. born heavyweight champion since Shannon Briggs in 2006.
“Fighting at home last time exceeded my expectations and coming back again is a blessing upon my life,” said Wilder. “I’m looking forward to bringing more boxing to Alabama and introducing the entire state to this great sport.”
“I know my opponent has great size and that’s what we’re looking for in opponents. He has a great record and he’s never been knocked out…until he faces me,” added Wilder. I know Duhaupas is tough and he comes to fight and that’s exactly what we need.”
“I am very happy to be challenging Deontay Wilder for the heavyweight world title,” said Duhaupas. “This is a huge opportunity and I will make the most of it on September 26. Deontay is a good boxer, but I have the heart of a lion and the mental fortitude to handle anything in the ring.”
“Deontay Wilder is one of the brightest stars in boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “September 26 will mark his third heavyweight championship fight of 2015 and the second defense of his title. It’s great for boxing to have an American heavyweight champion make a defense in his hometown, on free television, in primetime. In heavyweight years, Deontay is a young champion and it’s great to see him fighting so often and continuing to grow and improve as a champion.”
“The first heavyweight championship fight in Alabama this summer was a huge success and we expect nothing less this time around,” said Gene Hallman, president and CEO of Bruno Event Team. “When the heavyweight champ says he wants to fight in Birmingham, you make it happen. We are looking forward to another incredible display of support for Deontay by the people of Alabama.”
“From Holmes in ’85 to Wilder in ’15, NBC Sports continues its rich boxing heritage with a heavyweight championship fight in primetime,” said Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports and NBCSN. “This broadcast will introduce Deontay to a whole new group of sports fans, which is what we set out to do when we first partnered with PBC.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 and are on sale now. For Tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Wilder is the fighting pride of Alabama having fought four times in his hometown, once in Mobile and now twice in Birmingham. The 29-year-old began boxing at the age of 21 after his daughter Naieya was born with spina bifida. Despite the late start in this sport, Wilder would go on to represent the U.S. in the 2008 Olympic Games, where he won a bronze medal. He is the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics.
Before winning his title via a 12-round decision, Wilder had not allowed an opponent to get past the fourth round in any of his pro fights. Over that time Wilder racked up victories over Audley Harrison, Siarhei Liakhovich, Jason Gavern and Malik Scott.
An experienced fighter standing 6’5″ with 20 knockouts to his name, Duhaupas makes his U.S. debut on September 26 looking to realize his heavyweight championship dreams. After turning pro in 2004, the 34-year-old won his first 17 professional fights and has picked up French, South American and the Mediterranean heavyweight titles over his 11-year career. Having fought in 10 different countries throughout his career, the fighter out of Abbeville, Somme, France has been in every kind of sporting environment and will not be phased by the bright lights of primetime when he enters the ring onSeptember 26.
Figueroa made his PBC and 140-pound debut on May 9 when he took down former world champion Ricky Burns in an exciting battle that featured great two-way action throughout. The 25-year-old won a 135-pound world title in 2013 when he outslugged Nihito Arakawa in a brutal “Fight of the Year” battle before defending his title against Jerry Belmontes and Daniel Estrada. Born in Weslaco, Texas, he is looking to be a dominant force in 140 lb. weight division.
A former world champion in the lightweight division, the 29-year-old DeMarcosteps back into the ring in Birmingham on September 26. Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, he owns victories over John Molina Jr. and Jorge Linares. He looks for another shot at one of the best in the game as he takes on the undefeated Figueroa.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
mixed martial arts, NBC, World Series of Fighting

WSOF 23 PRELIMINARY FIGHT CARD COMPLETE WITH SEVEN BOUTS HIGHLIGHTED BY ISAAC VALLIE-FLAGG, CLIFFORD STARKS AND LEGION OF LOCAL PHOENIX AREA TALENT

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Preliminary fight card streams live on WSOF.com prior to
five-bout telecast on NBCSN on Friday, September 18

LAS VEGAS (August 18, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today a stacked, seven-bout preliminary card for its “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader mega-event at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, September 18.

The preliminary fight card, which will stream live on WSOF.com prior to the five-bout, live NBCSN telecast of the event’s main card, is highlighted by the promotional debut of battle-tested road warrior Isaac Vallie-Flagg, the quick return of streaking Clifford “Big Cat” Starks, the U.S. debut of undefeated finisher Vagab Vagbov and a total of nine of the Phoenix area’s top professional prospects.

“This is a phenomenal assembly of up-and-coming talent from Phoenix as well as established veterans and rising stars from elsewhere around the U.S. and other parts of the globe,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

“When we brought World Series of Fighting to the city of Phoenix for the first time earlier this year,” continued Sefo, “we discovered a considerable pool of talent.  We are excited to be able to put some of this talent back in action and to deploy several new faces that we feel have earned a shot to compete in the big leagues.”

Topping the preliminary bout card is a middleweight (185 pounds) matchup between Vagabov (19-0) of Dagestan, Russia and submission specialist Kelvin “The Mama’s Boy” Tiller (7-1) of Topeka, Kan.

Just six weeks after he shocked the world by pulling off an upset victory over Mike “MAK” Kyle in a matchup that he accepted on less than one week’s notice, Starks (12-2) of Tempe, Ariz. will re-enter the World Series of Fighting decagon cage and hunt for his fifth consecutive win when he faces another steep test in undefeated, former Bulgarian national wrestling champion Krasimir “The Wrestler” Mladenov (12-0), who is fighting out of Las Vegas.

Vallie-Flagg (15-7-1) of Santa Fe, N.M., a member of the famed Jackson-Winklejohn fight squad will make his debut under the World Series of Fighting banner in a lightweight (155 pounds) tilt against power puncher Estevan “El Terrible” Payan of Tempe.

Matthew “The Thunder From Down Under” Frincu (6-1) of Tempe via Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia will make his second start for World Series of Fighting, after scoring a devastating, second round (:14) KO on Eric Regan with a headkick at WSOF 19 on March 28.

Frincu, whose six career victories have all come by way of (T)KO or submission, will battle streaking Danny Davis, Jr. (11-8-1) of Las Vegas at welterweight (170 pounds).  Davis Jr. is a winner of his last five straight fights, including three World Series of Fighting matchups.

In one of two bantamweight (135 pounds) preliminary card bouts, Tempe-based rivalsAndres Ponce (1-0) and David Nuzzo (7-1) will go to war while, in the other, Randy Steinke (15-9-1) of Phoenix will face off with Joey “The Beast” Miolla (4-1) of Mesa, Ariz.

Leading off the preliminary fight card will be a lightweight scrap between Benny “El Hijo” Madrid (7-3) of Phoenix and Jeff Fletcher (11-10, 1 NC) of Ahwatukee, Ariz.

Priced from just $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

In the main event of WSOF 23, undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will collide for the second time with hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), after the two engaged in an all-out war, which has already been touted as a “Fight of the Year” candidate, in the main event of WSOF 19 at Comerica Theatre.

In the co-main event and inaugural World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout, David Branch (16-3), the promotion’s reigning world middleweight (185 pounds) champion, will attempt to become the first two-division kingpin in World Series of Fighting history, when he faces off with Cinderella storyTeddy Holder (9-1), whose nine career wins have all come by way (T)KO or submission.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open at 3 p.m. MT and the first preliminary bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.

MAIN CARD

World Series of Fighting Lightweight Championship Main Event:
Justin Gaethje (Champion) vs. Luis Palomino (Challenger)

World Series of Fighting Light Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event:
David Branch vs. Teddy Holder

Bantamweight: Timur Valiev vs. Tito Jones
Catchweight (160 pounds): Phoenix Jones vs. Roberto Yong
Lightweight: Brian Foster vs. LaRue Burley

PRELIMINARY CARD

Middleweight: Vagab Vagabov vs. Kelvin Tiller
Middleweight: Clifford Starks vs. Krasimir Mladenov
Lightweight: Estevan Payan vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg
Welterweight: Matthew Frincu vs. Danny Davis, Jr.
Bantamweight: Andres Ponce vs. David Nuzzo
Bantamweight: Randy Steinke vs. Joey Miolla
Lightweight: Benny Madrid vs. Jeff Fletcher

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

ABOUT NBCSN

NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — NASCAR, Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, and America’s Cup. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk,The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Middleweight Prospect Caleb Plant Remains Undefeated With 1st Round KO

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Photos Provided by Primer Boxing Championships
MONTREAL, QUEBEC (August 17, 2015) – This past Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (9-0, 8 KOs), remained undefeated with a first round knockout over late sub, Zoltan Sera (20-6, 12 KOs).  The bout served as the swing bout for the PBC on NBC broadcast, headlined by Lucian Bute (32-2, 23 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-3, 13 KOs).
Plant sent Sera to the canvas twice before ending the bout with a left hook to the jaw at the 2:19 mark of the opening round.  Plant set everything up with a nice jab that helped him time all his power punches.  Once Plant saw that Sera was hurt, he went for the knockout.
“I wanted to make a statement with an impressive win and I was fortunate to land a couple of hard shots in the early part of round one that hurt my opponent,” said Caleb Plant. “After seeing him on wobbly legs I went for the kill.  I want to thank Al Haymon for this tremendous opportunity to showcase my skills on NBC.  I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring.  I’m ready to move forward and continue marching up the rankings.”
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

CALEB “SWEET HANDS” PLANT ANNOUNCES OPPONENT IN CHRIS HERRMANN

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Caleb Plant (Right) lands an overhand right to the face of his opponent.
Caleb Plant (Right) lands an overhand right to the face of his opponent.
NASHVILLE, TN (August 13, 2015) – Unbeaten super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (8-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent for his upcoming bout this Saturday Aug 15, 2015, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.  Plant will face Chris Herrmann (16-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, which will serve as the swing bout for the PBC on NBC broadcast, headlined by Lucian Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs).
“I’m excited that the fight is on,” said Plant, I’m going to fight smart and pick my windows where I can let my hands go with hard punches. If I see him hurt, you can bet on it that I’ll be gunning for the knockout.  My goal is to make a statement with an impressive performance, preferably a knockout.”
Fighting out of Nashville, Tennessee, Caleb Plant is looking to become a household name and the first middleweight champion to come out of the music city.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PBC on NBCSN in Montreal  Final press conference quotes

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MONTRÉAL (August 12, 2015) – Only three days prior to their Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN fights, participating boxers on the August 15 card at Bell Centre in Montreal held a press conference Wednesday at the Montreal Casino.
 
Televised coverage is headlined by a 10-round showdown between Lucian “Le Tombeur“ Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) and Andrea Di Luisa (17-2). Also featured on NBCSN is light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm“ Alvarez (17-0) versus Isidro Ranoni “El Guerrero“ Prieto (24-0-3) in a 12-round bout for the WBC Silver belt.
LUCIAN BUTE
 
“I would like to thank Andrea Di Luisa for accepting this challenge and to fight me at home. My preparation was great. In the last few years, I had health problems that affected my performances. What I can say now is that I’m fully healthy. I did almost 100 rounds of sparring for this fight. I am back!“
 
ANDREA DI LUISA
 
“This bout is a rematch of an amateur fight we had 15 years ago. This is different this time because Bute is now a former world champion and a well know name in the sport. Make no mistake, I am here to fight.“
 
ELEIDER ALVAREZ
 
“This is the biggest challenge of my career. Prieto’s record says it all: he has 20 KO’s in 24 wins. The problem is that he will face a new Alvarez. Since my elbow surgery, my jab, which is my money punch, is amazing. I also want to look good in front of my fans in Montreal and on American television.“
 
ISIDRO RANONI PRIETO
 
“I will do my best to bring back the WBC light heavyweight Silver belt home to Argentina.“
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel in association with InterBox,
are available to purchase at the Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.
 
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @InterBoxBute, @yvonmichelgym and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports.