Category Archives: NBC

mixed martial arts, NBC, World Series of Fighting

COSTUMED CRUSADER PHOENIX JONES SUITS UP TO FACE ROBERTO YONG AT “WSOF 23: GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II”  

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Live on NBCSN from Phoenix, Arizona
on Friday, September 18

LAS VEGAS (August 11, 2015) – World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) rising star and costumed crime fighter Phoenix Jones (5-1-1) will return to the decagon cage to take on Roberto Yong (2-2) in a 160-pound catchweight contest on the live, NBCSN-televised main card of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18.

Headlined by a previously announced and much-anticipated rematch between undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting World Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) and hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), the star-studded event features a second title fight, the inaugural World Series of Fighting world light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout between David Branch (16-3) and Teddy Holder (11-7).

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.

The 27-year-old Jones of Seattle, Wash. has received national media attention for his heroic deeds as a volunteer crime fighter who patrols his local streets, clad in a full-body suit and mask, in an effort to assist others in distress and curb every day street crimes.

Jones made his World Series of Fighting debut on April 10, coming up short in a unanimous decision against Emmanuel Walo in a 175-pound catchweight contest.  The upcoming bout will be contested at a weight closer to Jones’ natural fighting weight of 155 pounds.

Yong, of Glendale, Ariz. is a former professional boxer focused on establishing a career in MMA.  The 31-year-old opened his professional MMA career with back-to-back KO victories.

Yong has since stumbled against longtime veteran Estevan Payan and prospect Joel Champion but, like Jones, will look to return to the win column by dropping below the welterweight (170 pounds) limit.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 7:00 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Friday, September 18.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open for “WSOF 23” at 3:00 p.m. MT and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 3:45 p.m.

Additional bouts for the event will be announced soon.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) 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.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR PETER QUILLIN HEADLINES ACTION PACKED PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC CARD AS HE FACES AUSTRALIAN MICHAEL ZERAFA

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PLUS CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE TAKES ON JERMALL CHARLO
IN A SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT
AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (August 10, 2015) – Undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) will headline in a 12-round middleweight bout against Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) while super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) defends against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) on an action-packed edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Saturday, September 12 live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut starting at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
“I’m ready and excited to return to the ring on NBC on September 12,” said Quillin. “I’m already deep into training camp and preparing to be in the best shape of my career. I know my opponent is dangerous and he’s coming to make a name for himself.  I’m at the top of my game and I plan to stay there.”
“I’m excited for this fight. This sport is all about fighting the best and giving the fans what they want to see,” said Zerafa. “This is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to coming over there and putting on a show.”
“It’s a blessing to be the junior middleweight world champion,” said Bundrage. “I want to thank my entire team for making this fight happen. I’m looking forward to my debut on PBC and successfully defending my second world title. Detroit is where the title is at, it’s not going anywhere. I will be ready to give my supporters all around the world a great performance, in victory.”
For Charlo this is a long-awaited title shot. He and his brother, Jermell, are both top prospects in the 154-pound division.
“This is my time, I’ve never been more ready for a fight,” said Charlo. “I’ve dreamed about a fight like this for a long time and it’s here in front of me. I will be spectacular and I will finish Cornelius Bundrage.”
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.
“Peter Quillin is coming off the toughest fight of his career. We are looking forward to him getting back in the ring, in anticipation of the long-awaited showdown with Daniel Jacobs later this year,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Young, hungry Michael Zerafa is looking to upset the apple cart. With no pressure and nothing to lose, he will try to throw a wrench into Kid Chocolate’s lofty plans. Young Jermall Charlo looks to put his name on the 154-pound map by taking a world title from veteran champion and puncher Cornelius ‘K9’ Bundrage. We are thrilled to bring this PBC event to DiBella Entertainment’s New England home, Foxwoods.”
“For 23 years, Foxwoods has been the East Coast capital for the best in entertainment and sports, especially boxing, where we have been privileged to host hundreds of fights featuring the best fighters in the world,” said Felix Rappaport, President and CEO Foxwoods Resort Casino. “On September 12, continuing in that rich tradition, The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods will be honored to work with the best in the business, Lou DiBella and Premier Boxing Champions series, as they present a nationally televised afternoon of championship boxing live coast-to-coast on NBC.”
Quillin returns to action on September 12 fresh off of a hard-fought draw against middleweight world champion Andy Lee looking to keep his undefeated record intact. He won a middleweight belt in 2012 with his star-making, six-knockdown performance against Hassan N’Dam in the first boxing card hosted at Barclays Center. Born in Chicago but fighting out of New York City, the 31-year-old went on to defend that title against strong contenders Fernando Guerrero, Gabriel Rosado and Lukas Konecny. Now, “Kid Chocolate” looks to show off his superstar skills on network television for the second time.
After turning pro at 18-years-old, Zerafa won the first 15 starts of his career while fighting out of his native Australia. At 23-years-old Zerafa will make his U.S. debut on September 12 when he comes to Connecticut to take on Quillin. He owns wins over previously unbeaten fighters Bruno Carvalho and Luke Sharp and is coming off of a fourth round TKO over Yodmongkol Singmanasak in March.
Bundrage’s career has skyrocketed in recent years since a world title winning performance in 2010 over Cory Spinks. The Detroit-native went on defend the title against Sechew Powell and Spinks. He would lose the title in 2013 but quickly earned another shot against Carlos Molina, who he would defeat by unanimous decision to become a two-time world champion. He defends against the very hungry Charlo on September 12.
Highly regarded and undefeated,the 24-year-old Charlois primed for his first world title opportunity. He remained undefeated in 2014 with dominant victories over Hector Munoz, Norberto Gonzalez and Lenny Bottai and started 2015 by shutting out Michael Finney in March. Fighting out of Houston, Charlo will no doubt look to be impressive in his first PBC opportunity.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.dbe1.comand www.nbcsports.com/boxing,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm,
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

CALEB “SWEET HANDS” PLANT RETURNS TO THE RING SATURDAY AUG 15 IN QUEBEC

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Photo By Team Plant

 

 

NASHVILLE, TN (August 4, 2015) – Undefeated super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (8-0, 7 KOs), will be making his way back to the ring next Saturday August, 15, 2015on the PBC on NBC event, headlined by Lucian Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs).  The fight takes place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.  Plant, who’s scheduled to fight in a 6-round bout, will face an opponent TBA.

 

Managed by Al Haymon, Plant feels his career is taking off.  Plant’s fight will serve as the swing bout for the PBC broadcast.  Fighting in Canada for the first time, Plant wants to make a sound statement.

 

“I’m very satisfied with everything happening in my career,” said Caleb Plant, Nashville Tennessee’s rising star. “This will be my fourth bout of the year and I’m very happy to be staying busy.  Fighting for Al Haymon and the PBC is a dream come true for my team and me.  This will be my first time fighting in Canada so I want to give the fans a great night of action while making a statement.”

 

Known for having heavy hands, Caleb Plant is looking to extend on his 6-fight knockout streak, four of which came by first round KO.

 

“I never go into a fight looking for the knockout but I’ve been hurting my opponents in the early rounds,” continued Caleb Plant. “If I see my opponent is hurt, then I go for the knockout.  I love to pound the body in those situations.  I know with a lot of hard work I can become a world champion.  I’m going to take it one fight at a time and give the fans exciting fights.  On August 15th, I’ll be letting my hands fly!”

mixed martial arts, NBC, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING EIGHT-HOUR TV MARATHON HITS NBCSN TOMORROW, TUESDAY, AUGUST 4

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Programming run includes Saturday’s
 “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” world championship doubleheader  

LAS VEGAS (August 3, 2015) – An action-packed, eight-hour marathon of World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) television programming will air on NBCSN tomorrow,Tuesday, August 4, beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, the world championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) franchise announced today.

Among the four recent, star-studded events that will replay during the extensive programming run is the “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” world championship doubleheader extravaganza that aired live on the network on Saturday, August 1, and was headlined by a long-awaited showdown between reigning world welterweight (170 pounds) champion Rousimar Palhares and two-time world champion and challengerJake Shields.

“We are excited to be able to give millions of fans the opportunity to re-live some of the best, world-class MMA action we have witnessed this year in our decagon cage,” said World Series of Fighting President, six-time world champion  and two-time Hall of Famer, Ray Sefo.

“All four events that will be showcased,” continued Sefo, “feature at least one, pivotal world championship bout as well as a collection of our top stars, so we have a great opportunity to introduce new fans to World Series of Fighting’s tremendous roster of athletes as well as to entertain our existing fans with some of the most memorable moments, thus far, from 2015.”

The marathon schedule will air on NBCSN as follows:

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT – “WSOF 20: Branch vs. McElligott”

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT – “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields”

11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT – “WSOF 19: Gaethje vs. Palomino”

1 a.m. ET/10 p.m. PT – “WSOF 21: Palmer vs. Horedecki”

World Series of Fighting’s live event programming will return to NBCSN on Friday, September 18 with “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II,” another world championship doubleheader led by a much-anticipated rematch between undefeated, reigning world lightweight (155 pounds) kingpin Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje and hard-hitting challenger Luis “Baboon” Palomino, who engaged in what has already been named a “Fight of the Year” candidate, on March 28.
mixed martial arts, NBC, World Series of Fighting

ALL 20 FIGHTERS MAKE WEIGHT FOR “WSOF 22: PALHARES VS. SHIELDS” TOMORROW, SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 IN LAS VEGAS

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NEW LIVE NBCSN TELECAST START TIME:
10:30 PM ET/7:30 PM PT

LIVE PRELIMINARY CARD BEGINS ON WSOF.COM AT
8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT

Las Vegas, Nev. (July 31, 2015) – All 20 fighters, reigning World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) World Welterweight (170 pounds) Champion Rousimar Palhares (17-6) and challenger and two-time world champion Jake Shields (31-7), made weight one day before the highly-anticipated “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) mega-event at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., live on NBCSN, beginning at a new start time of 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Palhares weighed in at 169.8 pounds and Shields clocked in at the weight limit of 170 pounds. 

WSOF World Bantamweight (135 pounds) Champion Marlon Moraes (14-4-1) tipped the scales at 135 pounds and his opponent, undefeated challenger Sheymon Moraes (7-0) registered a weight of 134.2 pounds.

The live, five-bout preliminary card stream will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT on an embeddable video player on www.WSOF.com.

Priced from $29.99, tickets for “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” are on sale at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

Doors at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will open at 4:00 p.m. PT.  The first preliminary bout will begin at 5:00 p.m.

COMPLETE “WSOF 22: PALHARES VS. SHIELDS” WEIGH-IN RESULTS:

Main Card:

Main Event: World Welterweight (170 pounds) Championship Bout

Rousimar Palhares (17-6) (169.8 lbs.) vs. Jake Shields (31-7) (170lbs)
Minas Gerais, Brazil                                    San Francisco, Calif.

Co-Main Event:  World Bantamweight (135 pounds) Championship Bout

Marlon Moraes (14-4-1) (135 lbs.) vs.   Sheymon Moraes (7-0) (134.2 lbs.)
Toms Rier, N.J.                                      Rio de Janeiro, Brazil            .

Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Bout

Mike Kyle (21-12-1) (206 lbs.)   vs.    Clifford Starks (11-2) (204.8 lbs.)
San Jose, Calif.                                  Tempe, Ariz.

Welterweight (170 pounds) Bout

Abubakar Nurmagomedov (9-1) (171 lbs.) vs.    Jorge Moreno (4-0) (168.8 lbs.)
Dagestan, Russia                                                Moses Lake, Wash.

Lightweight (155 pounds) Bout

Jimmy Spicuzza (6-2) (155.4 lbs.) vs.    Islam Mamedov (11-1) (155.4 lbs.)
Las Vegas, Nev.                                      Jersey City, N.J.

Preliminary Card:

Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Bout

Jake Heun (7-4) (205.6 lbs.) vs. Davin Clark (5-2-2) (206 lbs.)
Coconut Creek, Fla.                   San Jose, Calif.

Flyweight (125 pounds) Bout

Donavon Frelow (4-0) (125 lbs.) vs. Carlos Garcia (0-0) (124.8 lbs.)
Las Vegas, Nev.                                 Las Vegas, Nev.

Catchweight (140 pounds) Bout

Jimmy Jones (4-3) (139.4 lbs.) vs. Marco Simmons (0-0) (140.6 lbs.)
Las Vegas, Nev.                              Las Vegas, Nev.

Light Heavyweight (205 pounds) Bout

Cory Hendricks (2-0) (204.4 lbs.) vs.  Julio Hinojosa (3-1) (206 lbs.)
Las Vegas, Nev.                                   El Paso, Texas

Lightweight (155 pounds) Bout

Gil Guardado (3-1) (154 lbs.)  vs.  Pete Martin (5-3) (155.6 lbs.)
Las Vegas, Nev.                             Las Vegas, Nev.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BEIBUT SHUMENOV WINS CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE WITH VICTORY OVER B.J. FLORES ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN

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FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

(Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/PBC)

ISIAH THOMAS TRIUMPHANT IN BATTLE OF UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHTS AGAINST JORDAN SHIMMELL

Claudio Marrero Knocks Out Rico Ramos In Round Two

&

Andrew Tabiti Shuts Out Roberto Santos To Remain Undefeated

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (July 25, 2015) – Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) defeated B.J. Flores (31-2-1, 20 KOs) by unanimous decision Saturday night to win a cruiserweight world title on Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

 

Shumenov came out aggressive early before using his movement late to earn a world title in a second division and become the first fighter from Kazakhstan to achieve that feat. Flores was competitive throughout the fight, countering effectively when Shumenov showed aggression while landing more power punches.

 

In the 12th-round Flores wobbled Shumenov on the ropes in the closing seconds, but was unable to earn a knockdown. Shumenov used a strong jab and quick movements to make Flores miss consistently. All three judges scored the fight 116-112.

 

In a battle of undefeated rising cruiserweight contenders, Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) earned a hard-fought victory over Jordan Shimmell (19-1, 16 KOs) in their 10-round bout.

 

The southpaw Thomas used his slick-style to slow down Shimmell’s offense and land lead rights to the head that left Shimmell’s right eye cut. Thomas was able to fend Shimmell off on the inside as the broader Shimmell attempted to land big punches from close quarters. Thomas won by the scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93.

 

In further action, Dominican power-puncher Claudio Marrero (19-1, 14 KOs) delivered a vicious second round knockout over former world champion Rico Ramos (24-5, 12 KOs). Marrero connected with a strong overhand left that immediately sent Ramos to the canvas, prompting referee Jay Nady to wave off the count. The knockout came twenty seconds into the round.

 

The televised opener featured undefeated cruiserweight Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti(11-0, 10 KOs) scoring a dominant unanimous decision victory over Roberto Santos(12-2, 5 KOs). Tabiti used his length and speed to outwork and outland Santos over the eight-round fight. All three judges scored the fight 80-72.

 

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

 

“B.J. is a strong guy but he was lunging while I was scoring points. I’m still in the learning process and I’m more comfortable as a cruiserweight.

 

“Boxing is an art. I used my skills, positioning, angles and footwork to win the fight.

 

“I feel blessed, I have a strong team that is like one. Without them I wouldn’t have won the fight tonight.

 

“I followed the instructions from my corner and thought I won the fight clearly.

 

“I had extra motivation to make history. I first did that when I wont the light heavyweight title in 10 fights and now I’m the first person from my country to win world titles in two different division. I’m very proud of that.

 

“Denis Lebedev is my main target. But I want to fight all the best and most dangerous cruiserweights in the world.”

 

B.J. FLORES

 

“Beibut always comes forward, he’s very tough, but tonight he ran the whole night. It’s tough to win a fight when the guy is trying to run in circles.

 

“My punches were crisp and effective and I hurt him. He had nothing on his punches and never hurt me.

 

“I wobbled him in the twelfth round and then I went in to rush him. He kept moving back though.

 

“You have to want to fight. PBC is about guys wanting to fight. That’s what it’s all about.

 

“I’m ready to get back in the ring, I’m fine. It was difficult to catch up with him because he wanted to move around so much.

 

“I learned in those last few rounds that even though he was moving around so much, I could pick up the tempo and bring the fight to him.

 

“You can’t fight a guy who isn’t trying to engage. You have to fight to win the fight. He was throwing jabs while I was trying to hurt him.

 

“I’m so thankful to all my fans who came out tonight, I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I will be back. Beibut, I want the rematch.”

 

ISIAH THOMAS

 

“I think I did well in there. I listened to my corner and was able to land punches.

 

“I used my defense, my eyes and most importantly I listened to my corner. I should have thrown some more punches, but I wanted to stay on the outside and use angles.

 

“I knew it was going to be a close fight, he came very hard and I had to be at my best. Me and my team were able to get it done.

 

“I feel great about representing Detroit boxing. I want to carry on the legendary legacy of Kronk Gym and just keep working.

 

“This win is huge for my career. Being on the national stage was a great experience for me.

 

“I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible. I’m going to get back in the gym and get with my team but I’ll be back soon.”

 

JORDAN SHIMMELL

 

“I thought it was a closer fight than the judges had it. Nothing he did surprised me, I knew it was going to be a tough fight.

 

“I just have to be even more prepared. He is a great fighter, I thought it was closer. But he’s a great fighter.

 

“I’m okay, I’m going to come back.”

 

CLAUDIO MARRERO

 

“I trained very hard for this fight and I was just listening to the corner and we saw that the overhand was open and I connected on it.

 

“I’ve improved a lot since my loss and I come into each fight better and better. I’m more confident in my preparation and I have a great fight plan.

 

“I’m very excited about this victory. We worked so hard for this fight. I hope that boxing will take Dominican fighters a little more seriously. There are currently two Dominican world champions and I want to be the third.

 

“I want to fight the best of the best. Whoever it is, I’m ready”

 

ANDREW TABITI

 

“I stayed disciplined tonight. It was a good test tonight and I’m just ready to get back to work.

 

“I was a little disappointed I couldn’t get the knockout but I felt really good in there. Hats off to my opponent, he was tough and could really take a punch.

 

“I hurt him in the last round and he was holding me, but he was able to stay on his feet. I’m still going to knock guys out but I wanted to show the world I have the talent to go in there and box.

 

“I hope that I left everyone entertained and I’m going to keep on working hard and go from there.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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(Photo Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions)

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

LAS VEGAS (July 23, 2015) – Fighters competing in a pair of exciting cruiserweight matchups on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN event held a final press conference Thursday in advance of their July 25 bouts at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) taking on B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) in a 12-round showdown. A 10-round battle between undefeated fighters Jordan Shimmell(19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs) will also be featured on the telecast.

 

Rounding out the televised action is a 10-round featherweight battle between former world champion Rico Ramos (24-4, 12 KOs) and Claudio Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) plus eight-round of cruiserweight action featuring undefeated knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (10-0, 10 KOs) taking on Roberto Santos (12-1, 5 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

 

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

 

“I’m very happy to be part of PBC. My training camp was excellent, my best because I wasn’t stressed about losing weight.  I’m blessed to have a great coach, Ismael Salas, and assistant coaches Jeff Grmoja and Rodney Crisler.

 

“All the work has been done for Saturday night. I want to fight the best to prove that I’m the best cruiserweight in the world.

“I’m really happy for this opportunity.  I feel reborn since I met my new trainer.  I’ve changed and I feel like it’s a new beginning.  I want to fight the best fighters in the world.

“Every day we work hard on fundamentals to improve my skills and conditioning.  Each day I learn.

“I feel much better as a cruiserweight without stress on my body like I did when I had to make 175 pounds. Now, I just focus on getting better instead of making weight.

“Flores has been a cruiserweight for a long time.  Fighting an opponent like him is a good opportunity for me.

“If I pass the test, I want to unify the titles.”

 

B.J. FLORES

 

“I want to thank everyone on my team for having faith in me and believing me. This is a great opportunity for my career.

 

“I’m very excited about this night and this whole event. We have a great night of cruiserweight boxing. I’ve kept an eye on all of these guys because you never know who you’ll fight and now we’re all up here on the dais.

 

“As I look back in my career there are a lot of things I would have changed and things I would have done differently. I’ve had different promoters and switched things around a lot. I feel like this Saturday, I have the chance to erase all the wrongs from my career.

 

“Something that is very motivating for me is my one loss, when I traveled over to Australia to fight Danny Green.

 

“At 200-pounds I’ve never lost and I’m not going to lose on Saturday night.

 

“I have a lot of confidence and a lot of motivation coming into this fight. Beibut is a good fighter and I’ve taken this challenge more seriously than any other fight in my entire life.

 

“I know the dangers that this man possesses and I’ll be ready for them on Saturday. I’m going to lay it all out on the line and cement my entire career on Saturday night.

 

“I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring with Beibut. He’s a very good fighter. They don’t give light heavyweight world titles for free or because they’re easy. He earned it. Everything he’s gotten in his career he’s earned and I’m looking to get mine on Saturday night.”

 

JORDAN SHIMMELL

 

“I feel ready. I’m prepared. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for quite a while now. I trained hard and feel healthy. I just have to perform well and show everything I have on Saturday.

 

“From a young age it was always a dream of mine to be on this stage. Making it here now, I just want to further my career and perform well so I can do that.

 

“Anytime you get to fight in Vegas it’s an exciting thing. This is the boxing headquarters of the world. Being on the main stage on television is very exciting.

 

“I know Isiah is a quick guy, so we’ve been working a lot of speed, quickness and movement. I pride myself on not getting hit often. I want to continue that and make it an easier fight on Saturday.

 

“Fighting on this PBC card is definitely a big motivation because it’s where I’ve wanted to be. I want to get another opportunity to fight on television and if I perform well I think that will do it.

 

“I’m a good well-rounded fighter that can do a bit of everything. That’s what makes my fights easier, because I’m able to switch up styles.

 

“I represent the whole state of Michigan in this fight. I want to rep the state and eventually the whole country.

 

“Quite possibly one of those guys who was up on stage with me could a future opponent. Those are the top guys in the division and they’re all great fighters so I would look forward to any fight my team puts together.”

 

ISIAH THOMAS

 

“I’m very excited, it’s great to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time. I’ve said it before though, it doesn’t matter where I fight, my emotions are always in check and I’m just ready to go to work.

 

“Training camp was excellent. I was five weeks into training camp when I got this fight so everything is 100 percent.

 

“I’ve worked on staying busy, throwing a lot of punches and using angles. I’ll outwork him or outland him. I’m going to use my speed and my boxing skills.

 

“I’m a puncher-boxer with great ring generalship. I’m an all-around fighter. I want to get in the ring and look spectacular.

 

“I’m just going to work every night, if the knockout comes I’ll go for it. But it’s more about just looking impressive.

 

“To be a part of the PBC movement means a lot. They’re bringing back the history of boxing and to be a part of the movement is really important to me.”

 

ANDREW TABITI

 

“I’m ready to fight. I’ve worked hard to prepare myself to fight. Come Saturday it’s just going to be a regular day in the ring.

 

“Everything I do is setup, it’s like chess. I try to be smart and not take too much punishment. I want to catch guys when they make mistakes.

 

“I’m prepared for my opponent and the Mexican-style he’ll bring into the ring. I plan on him ending up like the rest of them.

 

“Being in the Mayweather gym is great because there’s so many different kinds of fighters in there. It feels like a fight every day. It gets your mind ready for the stage like this. There’s all kinds of people looking at you and it helps you get ready mentally.

 

“I’d like to fight any of the guys on the stage today. I want to make good fights and bring the cruiserweight division back.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
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FORMER WORLD CHAMPION RICO RAMOS TAKES ON CLAUDIO MARRERO ON SATURDAY, JULY 25 AT THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

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Plus! Undefeated Prospects Michael Hunter, Andrew Tabiti

& Ladarius Miller All In Action

 

Main Event Features Beibut Shumenov vs. B.J. Flores

On Premier Boxing Champions On NBCSN

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (July 21, 2015) – Former World Champion Rico Ramos (24-4, 12 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Claudio Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight battle on Saturday, July 25 at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

 

The bout is part of a full night action headlined by a 12-round cruiserweight showdown between Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) and B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a 10-round contest between undefeated cruiserweights Jordan Shimmell(19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased atwww.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Undefeated prospects will faces tough tests Saturday as knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti(10-0, 10 KOs) faces Roberto Santos (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter (8-0, 5 KOs) battles Michael Bissett (9-7, 7 KOs)in 10-rounds of heavyweight action and Ladarius “Memphis” Miller (7-0, 1 KO)rounds out the action in a six-round super lightweight contest against Sean Gee (2-0).

 

A decorated amateur out of Carson, California, Ramos won a super bantamweight world title in 2011 by knocking out Akifumi Shimoda. The 28-year-old owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Efrain Esquivias and Carlos Ivan Velasquez. He most recently took home a unanimous decision victory over Juan Ruiz in Dec. 2014.

 

After winning a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games, in addition to several other amateur accolades, the Dominican Republic’s Marrero won the first 14 outings of his pro career. At 26-years-old, he brings a four-fight win streak into this matchup on July 25, including his most recent victory over Orlando Rizo in February.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who won U.S. Amateur Championships in 2009 and 2007, the 26-year-old Hunter has begun to make a name for himself in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2013. After winning four times in 2014, the Van Nuys, California-native won a unanimous decision over Avery Gibson in February to start 2015 and followed that up by stopping Deon Elam in June. He takes on the 31-year-old Bissett of Biloxi, Mississippi.

 

Coming off of a thrilling one-punch knockout over Thomas Hanshaw in June, the 25-year-old Tabiti looks to keep his knockout ratio perfect when he returns on July 25. The Chicago-born cruiserweight now fighting out of Las Vegas will face the most experienced fighter of his career when he battles the 26-year-old Mexican Santos.

 

A slick fighter out of Memphis but fighting out of Las Vegas, Miller is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014. The 21-year-old most recently took home a unanimous decision over Marquis Taylor in April and will return to take on the 27-year-old Portland, Oregon born Gee.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports
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BEIBUT SHUMENOV MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (July 15, 2015) – Former world champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) hosted a media workout at a private gym in Las Vegas on Tuesday as he prepares for his Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN showdown with B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 live from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a battle of undefeated cruiserweights between Jordan Shimmell (19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Here is what Shumenov had to say on Tuesday:

 

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

 

“B.J. Flores is a good, tough cruiserweight who has a lot of good experience. I am prepared to fight with any style and against any style.

 

“I’m ready for anything in the ring and I want to make it a great fight for the fans.

 

On working with head trainer Ismael Salas for a second fight: “Ismael is the coach I dreamed about fighting. We have a lot of similarities in our boxing backgrounds. I learned in the Soviet Union system and the Cuban system that Ismael teaches is very similar.

 

“Me and Ismael had great chemistry right away from the first day of training.

 

On fighting at cruiserweight: “All I thought about was making weight when I fought at 175. There was too much stress on my body to lose weight and it was also affecting me psychologically because all I thought about was losing weight.

 

“Now, as a cruiserweight, I have no problems making weight. There is no stress at all.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
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Lucian Bute back in the ring!

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Eleider Alvarez and Oscar Rivas also in action

MONTRÉAL (July 14, 2015) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), in association with InterBox, is happy to announce the return to the ring of former IBF world super middleweight champion Lucian Bute, August 15 at Bell Centre, as part of Premier Boxing Champions series, airing live on NBC Sports. His opponent will be European super middleweight champion, Andrea Di Luisa, of Italy.

“I’m ready and looking forward to being back in the ring. I have not lost my passion and I train six days a week, twice a day,” said Bute (31-2, 24 KOs), who will be in his first fight since meeting Jean Pascal in front of a sellout crowd, January 18, 2014 at Bell Centre.

In his last bout, Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs) defeated his compatriot, Roberto Cocco, by 11th round technical knockout to capture the EBU-EU Europe title. Di Luisa has won his last four fights.

“I’m very happy about this opportunity,” Di Luisa commented. “I know Bute because I fought him in the amateurs. He is very good and I respect him. But I don’t fear him.”

 

“We are delighted that Lucian can finally return to the ring. This fight is very important for the rest of his career,” said InterBox president Jean Bedard.

“We are very proud to present the first event of the Premier Boxing Championsseries in Montreal. This will also be the first time that NBC Sports will be present in Montreal to broadcast a boxing event,” added GYM President Yvon Michel. “I am also very happy to support the return of Lucian Bute and I thank InterBox for allowing us to participate.”

Serious test for Alvarez

In addition to Lucian Bute, fans will see unbeaten Colombian Olympians Eleider Alvarez and Oscar Rivas, in action. They will both face the biggest challenge of their young career.

Alvarez (17-0, 10 KOs) will face an undefeated, WBO #6 rated Paraguayan-born slugger Isidro “El Guerrero” Prieto (24-0-3, 20 KOs). The Argentina-based boxer is trained by none other than the mentor and first coach of former world championSergio Martinez, Raul Paniagua.

“Prieto is a very serious opponent, undefeated and world-ranked, ” head trainer Marc Ramsey analyzed. “He beat everyone in South America, often by KO. He has a strong right hand, in addition to being young and hungry. He will try to use Eleider as a stepping stone to the big leagues.”

Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs) will lace his gloves against an opponent yet to be determined.

Alvarez and Rivas have both been impressive in their last outing this past June in the United States. They respectively knocked out Anatoliy Dudchenko and Jason Pettaway.

Other fighters on the card

In addition to the three aforementioned featured fights, five other bouts will be presented.

Russian super bantamweight Vislan Dalkhaev (2-0, 0 KOs), Romanian heavyweightBogdan Dinu (12-0, 8 KOs), Montreal super lightweight Yves Ulysse (8-0, 5 KOs), Sorel-Tracy super lightweight David Theroux (6-1, 4 KOs) and Laval light heavyweight Erik Bazinyan (8-0, 5 KOs) are all scheduled to be in action.

Dalkhaev, a friend of fellow boxer Artur Beterbiev, will attempt to add a third win in the pro ranks. In his last outing, the Chechen-born pugilist defeated Frenchman Adel Hadjouis by unanimous decision on April 4, in Quebec City.

Dinu, a compatriot of Bute, will fight for the first time in 2015. His last encounter occurred December 6, 2014, when he stopped Frenchman Mickael Vieira in the first round.

Ulysse, a former member of the Canadian National Amateur Boxing Team, recorded the easiest win of his career on June 20 at Bell Centre, when Frenchman Renald Garrido was disqualified before the start of the confrontation. This time, though, Ulysse is likely to have a rival who really wants to fight.

Theroux, the pride of Sorel-Tracy, fought in a fierce battle against former Spanish champion Ignacio Mendoza, on June 17 in Sorel-Tracy. Even if the result was not the one hoped for, the 21-year-old boxer in no quitter and he wants to redeem himself in front of his Montreal fans.

As for Armenian-born Bazinyan, he is trained and managed by the Grant brothers. The 20-year-old fighter will jump into the ring for the second time in 2015. On March 27 at Olympia Theatre, he stopped Frenchman Morgan Le Gal in the fifth round.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. ET, 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.