Category Archives: NBC

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

IRISH INVASION COMING TO LOWELL! GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN, STEPHEN ORMOND & PATRICK HYLAND FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION, SATURDAY OCTOBER 10 FROM THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

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DANNY O’CONNOR FACES GABRIEL BRACERO IN REMATCH
HEADLINING PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN
8 P.M. ET/5 P.M. PT
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
 
LOWELL, Mass. (September 25, 2015) – An Irish invasion is coming to Lowell, MA onSaturday, October 10 as Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (21-1, 14 KOs), Stephen “The Rock” Ormond (18-2, 9 KOs) and Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland enter the ring and provide colorful support for the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN card, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, from historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
At the same venue in which he became a New England Golden Gloves amateur champion, wildly popular welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs), will be out to avenge his 2011 loss to Brooklyn welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
The 10-round co-feature showcases undefeated super bantamweight knockout specialist Jonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs), a Dominican Republic native now living in nearby Lawrence MA, facing New England upset specialist Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs), of Meriden, CT.
Opening the NBCSN broadcast, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, will be Quincy, Mass. rising prospect Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs), who twice captured a New England Golden Gloves title at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, against Brooklyn’s Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout.
Tickets are on sale and priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes.  Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets, visit www.lowellauditorium.com.
Irish middleweight champion O’Sullivan returns to the United States once again, where he has a perfect 5-0 (3 KOs) record.  The charismatic, top 10 world rated brawler, in the truest Irish sense, has a growing fan-base throughout New England, as well as back home in Cork, Ireland.  O’Sullivan, whose only pro loss was two years ago by controversial 12-round decision to current world title challenger
Billy Joe Saunders, takes on 29-year-old Colombian invader Francisco “Volcan” Cordero(31-4, 22 KOs) in a potentially explosive 10-round match.
A Former European champion, Ormond, from Dublin, will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time in nearly six years, against local favorite Agustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3KOs), from Lawrence, MA, in a lightweight showdown.
The former world title challenger” Hyland (30-1, 14 KOs), also fighting out of Dublin, is slated for an eight-round lightweight bout.
Also competing on the undercard is unbeaten 26-year-old Polish heavyweight prospectAdam Kownacki (11-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, in an eight-round bout. The 6′ 3″, 250-pound Kownacki is a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion.
Super featherweight prospect Titus Williams (2-0, 1 KO) will enter the ring in a four round bout. The 26-year-old won a gold medal at the 2013 New York Golden Gloves tournament.
 
Argentine veteran Fernando “El Vasco” Saucedo (56-6-3, 9 KOs), a former South American champion, will compete in an eight-round bout. The 33-year-old is a former world title challenger who will be looking for his fourth victory of 2015.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED RISING STAR JERMELL CHARLO FACES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JOACHIM ALCINE ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT IN HIS HOMETOWN AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN COMES TO NRG ARENA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS 11 P.M. ET/8 P.M. PT

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Powerful Super Welterweight Prospect Tony Harrison Takes On
Cecil McCalla In The Co-Main Event
 
Pre-Sale Discount Available Now!
Public On-Sale Available Too!
 
HOUSTON (September 25, 2015) – Undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (26-0, 11 KOs) will look to put on a show for his hometown fans when he takes on Joachim Alcine (35-7-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight bout on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31 as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN comes to NRG Arena in Houston, Texas.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with powerful super welterweight prospect Tony Harrison (21-1, 18 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight attraction. Doors in the arena open at 5 p.m. CT and will feature a full night of exciting action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $163, $109, $49 and $22, plus applicable fees. A Pre-sale ticket discount with special passcode is available now through Sunday at 11:59pm online only at ticketmaster.com. The public tickets are on sale now by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210.979.3302 or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800.745.3000, via the internet at www.ticketmaster.com and at the NRG Stadium South Ticket Windows.
“This is a good fight against a former world champion,” said Charlo. “He’s experienced and he’s been in the ring with multiple world champions. I’m not taking anything away from him, but Houston is my town. I’ve been anticipating another fight here. I’m ready to go and I’m going to put on a great show.”
“I am so excited for this opportunity to compete against a young, strong fighter like Jermell Charlo,” said Alcine. “I don’t think he’s faced a fighter with my level of experience in big fights. I am not going to make it easy for him. I am going to challenge Charlo like he never has been before.”
Younger-by-one-minute than his identical twin, super welterweight world champion Jermall, Charlo is also a highly ranked young fighter looking to get one step closer to a world title shot. A tall fighter for his division, the 25-year-old stepped up in class in 2014 and delivered three wide unanimous decision victories over Gabriel Rosado, Charlie Ota and Mario Lozano. In 2015 he delivered his most impressive victory to date, beating highly-ranked Vanes Martirosyan in March.
A veteran of the sport for over 15 years, Alcine is unbeaten in his last three bouts. The 39-year-old won a world title in 2007 with a victory over previously unbeaten Travis Simms and defended against Alfonso Mosquera. Born in Haiti, but fighting out of Quebec, Alcine owns a victory over David Lemieux and most recently fought to a split-draw with Delvin Rodriguez.
At just 25-years-old, Harrison has made big noise recording a 10-fight knockout streak before dropping his last fight to Willie Nelson. The Detroit-native will look to bounce back and return to the win column when he enters the ring onOctober 31. He has picked up victories over Antwone Smith, Tyrone Brunson, Bronco McKart and Pablo Munguia in the last two years.
After an extended amateur career in which he competed in nearly 100 fights, McCalla is looking to bounce back from a loss to Ishe Smith in April. He entered 2015 on a 20-fight win streak and hopes to get back on track onOctober 31. The 30-year-old fights out of Baltimore, Maryland.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC DEONTAY WILDER VS. JOHANN DUHAUPAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Stephonia Mclinn
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 24, 2015) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and French heavyweight Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas faced-off for the first time Thursday before they enter the ring for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday, September 26 from the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference was 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale who battles “Big” Fred Kassi in a 10-round heavyweight bout and undefeated prospect Charles “Missouri” Martinwho takes on Vicente “Bufalo” Sandez in 10-rounds of heavyweight action.
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.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I’m so happy to have the opportunity to defend my title in my home state. I just defended my title a few months ago and I can’t wait to do it again.
“I’m always looking to have my face on new networks and NBC is where a lot of the greats that came before me started. I can’t wait to display my talent on the network. I can’t wait for Saturday night.
“This is my happiest point. Words can’t even express the feeling that I have. I love what I do. I’m so passionate about boxing. If she was a woman, I’d put a ring on her.
“I’d like to thank Duhaupas for accepting the challenge. If anyone is looking past him, they’re a fool. He’s a tall guy, with a good record who’s never been knocked out. I have friends all over the world who have told me not to look past him.
“Any man that steps in the ring, definitely gets my full attention in respect. The heavyweights are the hard-hitters. When people get dressed up to see a heavyweight fight, there’s one thing they want to see – knockouts.
“Right now, there are two tall guys with power that are determined and dedicated. There is one challenger, trying to become the first heavyweight champion from his country. There is a difference between being here for the opportunity or for the money. Guys here for the opportunity, they come to fight.
“I’ve been training extremely hard for this opportunity. I have a great team behind me. I’ve worked so hard to get that belt and I have to work even harder to keep it. I have a target on my back now. I love that feeling of the world wanting what I have.
“I’m excited to be back home once more. I’m excited about all the fans that will be tuning in on NBC. It’s going to be a packed crowd full of my people.
“I’m taking this very seriously. This is one of the biggest fights of my career. I’m ready to defend this title. Now is the time.”
JOHANN DUHAUPAS
“I’m very thankful to be here and I’m so glad I accepted this fight. I’m someone who has worked very hard to be here.
“It’s because of all my hard work that I am here today, ready to fight for a world title. I’ve traveled a lot to train with the best boxers in the world. I am here for a reason, and that is to win the title on Saturday.
“It’s an immense pleasure to be boxing here in the United States. It’s been a magical country to me ever since I was little. When I walk around in the streets here, I feel like I’m in the movies.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s an honor to be on a stage like this with Deontay Wilder. I got some fireworks coming as well. I’m planning to stop the show early.”
CHARLES MARTIN
“I’m coming to bring fireworks on Saturday night and to let you know what a superstar looks like. Thank you for coming out and I’m looking forward to putting on a show.”
JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer
“It’s great to be here. I’m looking around the room and I see a lot of phenomenal fighters who are going to be on this undercard. You don’t want to be late because you want to see all of these guys.
“This is going to be a great heavyweight title fight. Scouting a guy like Johann Duhaupas is not easy. He’s big and strong with a great record. He’s never been stopped. He’s tough, determined and ready for the challenge.
“If anyone is looking past Duhaupas, it’s not us. We’ve been focused on him since day one. This is the biggest challenge of Deontay Wilder’s career. Deontay knows what a challenge this is.
“We had 12 sparring partners come into camp, which is more than we’ve ever had. That’s because we know what a big event and challenge this is. We’re not looking past anybody.
“This is one of the best camps we’ve ever had. We’re in the gym day in and day out. That’s where the real work is done. You’ll see it all pay-off on Saturday night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“It’s amazing to see how much excitement there is here for Deontay. He is the finest young athlete that we have in the sport. On Saturday night you’ll be able to see him in action for the third time this year, which is an amazing thing.
“Deontay fighting this often proves that he is dedicated to his craft and to improving. He’s already one of the best heavyweights in the world today and he’s still a work in progress.
“To put on gloves for the first time at 21 and to win a Bronze a couple of years later and win a world title while still in his twenties, it’s tremendous. What he can do between now and 39, will be truly special.
“Having Deontay fighting on free television is a big deal. NBC primetime is a big deal. The heavyweight division has suffered some decline. I’ve watched Muhammad Ali fight on free television. Some of the greatest of all time developed on free television.
“I’m so excited about a lot of people getting the chance to see this young, charismatic champion fight on free television.”
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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. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC DEONTAY WILDER VS. JOHANN DUHAUPAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

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Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Natalie Mussafer
Birmingham, AL (September 24) – Just days away from the heavyweight main event showdown between Deontay Wilder and Johann Duhaupas, fighters featured on this Saturday’s fight card from Legacy Arena in Birmingham participated in a media workout Wednesday to officially kickoff fight week. The NBC telecast begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
 
In the co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale will enter the ring against the crafty “Big” Fred Kassi in a 10-round heavyweight showdown in the co-main event.
Below please find what the fighters had to say:
 
Deontay Wilder:
“I’m just ready to fight. Anybody can be knocked out. It just takes the right amount of time and patience. You have to set up for it. Some guys can take punches better than others, but I don’t think he’s faced any guy with the charisma that I bring to the ring.
“I don’t look at video or any of that stuff. I like to adjust when I get into the ring. It get’s me involved mentally and I can show off my IQ in the ring. I can’t wait for that bell to ring.
“When you talk about the heavyweight division, all of the guys and big and strong. You have to respect each fighter. At the end of the day, the records don’t matter. It’s about who’s the toughest, who’s the smartest and whose the most motivated in the ring.
“For all of my fights I’ve been gaining more experience. I knew I could go rounds and take punches even though people didn’t think I could. With this fight, it’s a new style and a new opponent, so I might have to bring out something I haven’t had to in my career.
“Each and every time I fight it’s a learning experience. Inside the ring and outside. I’m a busy champion. I want to be the biggest name around. I’m the right man for the job.
“I love this sport. I’m married to this sport and I’m not going anywhere. My hand is stronger than it was before my last fight and I look forward to putting it to the test.”
 
 
Johann Duhaupas:
“I’m very confident in myself and solid in my training. I have great confidence in all of the work that I have put in.
“Deontay’s a great fighter that hits very hard. I know that we’re in his neighborhood and that puts extra pressure on the fight. Either way, it’s a world title fight. Doesn’t make a difference if it’s in his backyard or mine.
“I’m not the first guy he asked to fight. Several refused before me but I’m the one who accepted the fight.
“We’ve got a great strategy in place. I have 15 years of experience. He’s a wonderful adversary, but like us all, he has weaknesses that I can expose.
“It’s been an honor to come to the United States. I feel like I’m in the movies that I used to watch as a child. I really appreciate this country.
“Height is always an issue when facing a taller guy, but it will be up to me to take care of that. I’ve fought several guys taller than me and I’ll be ready.
“I’m confident in myself and I’ll be equally as confident in the ring. I’m ready to deliver the knockout.”
Dominic Breazeale:
“A win in a small town is great. A win in a huge town is great. A win on national television is amazing. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m looking for the knockout on Saturday night.
“This is a great experience for me. I’m trying to design my own road map to the world title. Deontay and I have taken different paths, but I know eventually we will be fighting for the same belt.
“PBC is doing some great things and it’s great to be back in this position. It’s phenomenal. These are the things you dream about when you’re a kid. I’m glad to be on this huge stage.
“I’m an aggressive, boxer-slugger type of fighter. I’m always looking for that big punch. When I land it, the lights go out.
“Last fight I got hit with some shots I shouldn’t have taken. This time I want to be more sound defensively. I’ve worked on my jab a lot and I want to establish that.
“Slugging is the only way I know how [to fight]. I never want to go the distance. Fans want to see someone get hurt. I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Fred Kassi
“I don’t know too much about Breazeale. After the fight, I can rank how good he is right now.
“I just have to be smart in there. I have to let him make a mistake and counter those mistakes.
“It’s going to be a great fight because I always come to fight. I’ve come up short a couple of times but I am coming here to win!”
 Jay Deas, Wilder’s Trainer:
“We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing. Deontay is fighting at a pace that has never been done before. No heavyweight champion has ever fought as frequently as Deontay Wilder is fighting. He’s fought three times in nine months.
“The possible fights with Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin take time to get done. While those are coming together, we’re fighting different guys. These guys here come to win. This guy can be an instant millionaire in one night.
“We work day in and day out. I’ve been there with Deontay since his first day in the gym in 2005. We had a plan, we stuck to the plan and it turned out to be the right plan.
“Deontay is the hardest worker in the game today. American has been wanting a heavyweight that is charismatic, energetic, wants to fight often, has a knockout punch, has the looks and everything that the heavyweight champ should have. He’s the man for the job.
“Deontay is never out of shape. We put a heart monitor on him and that thing does not lie. It will show you that Deontay is in shape and that’s why we are always ready to fight.
“Without Duhaupas there is no Klitschko, there is no Fury and there is no Povetkin, period. We’re gunning for the biggest opportunities possible but it starts on Saturday night.
“In the heavyweight division, anybody on the right night can be champion. That’s why it’s our job to make sure Deontay is ready mentally and physically. We know he’s ready.”
# # #
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.
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. For video clips go to www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

TELEVISED BOUT AGAINST FRED KASSI BUMPED TO SEPTEMBER 26TH

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Upland, California (September 16, 2015) – In a change of events a month prior to his scheduled main-event bout on October 13th, top

U.S. heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (15-0, 14 KO’s) will now be returning to the ring on the Premier Boxing Champions series on September 26th on prime time television.  Breazeale, who opened up the Premier Boxing Champions Series (PBC) this past June, will be the co-main event on the Wilder-Duhaupas card in Birmingham, Alabama.
The 2012 U.S. Olympian will still face Cameroon native Fred Kassi (18-3-1, 10 KO’s) in a scheduled 10-round bout.  Breazeale, who has been training hard in camp is excited about the opportunity and is truly looking forward to this upcoming bout.

Photo c/o Peter Politanoff
Photo c/o Peter Politanoff

“When I received the call from my adviser Al Haymon this past week asking me if I was open to bumping up my bout to the 26th, I was all for it.  To be able to fight on prime time television on NBC is a blessing.  I remember speaking with my grandmother before my last bout who doesn’t have cable and she was able to see me last time on regular television.  It means a lot to me that she is able to watch me again.”

“I am also looking forward to this bout as it is headlined by Deontay Wilder.  It’s no secret that I am gunning for him and I want that championship belt.  I want to be the heavyweight champion of the world and this televised bout is a great opportunity to showcase my skills while gaining fans and will put me in that position for a shot at the title.  I want to send a message that I’m coming for those belts”, said Breazeale.
“Here Comes Trouble“
 
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boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT DOMINIC BREAZEALE TAKES ON FRED KASSI IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC OPENING BOUT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 FROM LEGACY ARENA IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

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UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT CHARLES MARTIN TAKES ON
MEXICO’S VICENTE SANDEZ, PLUS UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS TERRELL GAUSHA, 
BRYANT PERELLA & MARIO BARRIOS
ALL IN ACTION ON NBCSN
11 P.M. ET/8 P.M. PT
 
Omar Figueroa Forced To Withdraw From Scheduled Bout
Due To An Elbow Injury
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 14, 2015) – 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (15-0, 14 KOs)will enter the ring against the crafty “Big” Fred Kassi (18-3-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight showdown on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday, September 26 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, with televised coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
PBC on NBC is headlined by heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) as he defends against France’s Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs).
Omar Figueroa, who was originally scheduled on the card,was forced to drop out of his scheduled bout against Antonio DeMarco due to an elbow injury.
In another exciting matchup, heavyweight knockout artist Charles “Missouri” Martin (21-0-1, 19 KOs) squares off against Vicente “Bufalo” Sandez (15-4, 10 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight affair.
Further undercard action features the undefeated Olympian Terrell Gausha (15-0, 8 KOs) taking on Puerto Rico’s Eliezer Gonzalez (15-1, 10 KOs) in a super welterweight bout, plus Bryant Perella (10-0, 9 KOs) in a welterweight attraction and Mario Barrios (11-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight fight.
The broadcast will switch over to NBCSN at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.
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.
Since representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, Breazealehas been nearly perfect in recording knockouts as a pro, having only gone the distance in one fight. The 30-year-old played quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado before picking up boxing and looks to keep his undefeated record intact on September 26 when he faces the toughest challenge of his career. In 2015 the Glendale, California native has recorded stoppages over Victor Brisbal and Yasmany Consuegra.
Born in Cameroon but fighting out of New Orleans, the 36-year-old Kassi will be looking to build off of his last performance, when he earned a draw against Chris Arreola in a fight many believed was too close to call. Kassi had previously delivered knockouts in five of his eight prior fights and will make his second start of 2015 on September 26.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, but fighting out of Carson, California, Martin has stopped his last 10 opponents within the distance. The 29-year-old owns knockout victories over Damon McCreary, Raphael Zumbano Love and Tom Dallas in 2015. He will be opposed by Baja California, Mexico’s Sandez, who is coming off of a knockout over previously unbeaten Thanasis Michaloudis.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he has scored a knockout victory over Norberto Gonzalez and defeated Luis Grajeda. He takes on the 28-year-old Gonzalez out of Cupey Alto, Puerto Rico.
An undefeated 26-year-old out of Fort Myers, Florida, Perrella comes off of a first round knockout over Eduardo Flores in August. He has picked up three knockouts in a row in 2015 and looks to make it eight in a row overall onSeptember 26.
Fighting out of San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his fifth victory of 2015 on September 26. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum after earning a fourth-round stoppage of Jose Cen Torres on September 6.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.alabamatitlefight.com andwww.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: “GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II”  PRELIMINARY BOUT CARD RECEIVES TWO NEW PROSPECTS IN PLACE OF INJURED ISAAC VALLIE-FLAGG AND KELVIN TILLER

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Preliminary fight card streams live on WSOF.com prior to
five-bout telecast on NBCSN on
Friday, Sept. 18 from Comerica Theatre in Phoenix

LAS VEGAS (September 14, 2015) – Two Tucson, Ariz.-based fighting prospects – Kamuela Kirk and Brian Grinnell – have been given the shot of a lifetime after injuries have rendered Isaac Vallie-Flagg and Kelvin Tiller ineligible to compete in their respective  “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” preliminary card bout commitments at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18.

Kirk (4-1) will replace Vallie-Flagg, who sustained an elbow injury, in the scheduled lightweight (155 pounds) contest against Estevan Payan (16-8) of Tempe, Ariz., and Grinnell (8-6) will fill in for Tiller in the scheduled middleweight (185 pounds) matchup against undefeated Vagab Vagabov (19-0) of Dagestan, Russia.

The 21-year-old Kirk, who will make his fourth start of 2015, is coming off of a powerful performance on July 19, when he scored a first round (3:17) TKO on Edgar Escarrega with a barrage of knee strikes.

Kirk produced submission victories in each of his first three starts.  His only defeat, thus far, came via split decision in February.

Originally from Shawnee, Okla., the 27-year-old Grinnell (8-6) is an expert on the mat who has claimed 6 of his 8 professional career wins by way of submission.   In his latest effort, a July 24 matchup against Levi Queen, Grinnell forced Queen to tap out in the first round (2:59) of battle.

The WSOF 23 seven-bout preliminary card will stream live on an embeddable video player on WSOF.com.

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, 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 story Teddy Holder (9-1), whose nine career wins have all come by way (T)KO or submission.

The live, five-fight NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 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 (Live on NBCSN)

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 (Live on WSOF.com)

Middleweight: Vagab Vagabov vs. Brian Grinnell
Middleweight: Clifford Starks vs. Krasimir Mladenov
Lightweight: Estevan Payan vs. Kamuela Kirk
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
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PETER QUILLIN DEFEATS MICHAEL ZERAFA VIA FIFTH-ROUND KNOCKOUT ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT

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Victory Sets Up All-Brooklyn Battle With Daniel Jacobs Later This Year
 
Jermall Charlo Wins Junior Middleweight World Title With Third-Round Stoppage of Cornelius Bundrage
Rising Star Marcus Browne Stops Former Champion Gabriel Campillo In 55 Seconds Into Round One
 
Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (September 12, 2015) – Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 22 KOs) knocked out Michael Zerafa (17-2, 9 KOs) in the fifth round on Saturday afternoon from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC.
Quillin and Zerafa exchanged power punches throughout the affair, with the underdog Zerafa landing several big shots that stopped Quillin in his tracks. In the fifth round, a powerful right hand from Quillin connected with Zerafa and sent him tumbling to the ground as referee Arthur Mercante Jr. waved-off the fight. Quillin landed 47 percent of his power punches and out-landed Zerafa 54-38, per CompuBox.
Zerafa exited the ring on a stretcher and was taken to Backus Hospital in Norwich, Connecticut as a precautionary measure. During Quillin’s post-fight press conference, he was put on the phone with Zerafa, who said that he was okay. Zerafa has been undergoing tests, his CAT scan is normal, and all indications are that he is likely to be released from the hospital tonight.
The victory for Quillin sets up an all-Brooklyn middleweight world title fight with Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs tentatively set to take place this December. Jacobs was ringside as part of the PBC on NBC broadcast team and was interviewed after the fight to share his thoughts about the future collision.
In the co-main event undefeated star Jermall “Hitman” Charlo (22-0, 17 KOs) knocked down Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (35-6, 19 KOs)four times en route to a third round stoppage to win a junior middleweight world title at 25-years-old.
Charlo came out firing, knocking down Bundrage in the first round with a sharp overhand. He followed that up in the second round with a straight left that again sent Bundrage to the canvas. Charlo began the third round with a barrage of punches that ended in Bundrage tumbling to the mat. One final flurry late in the round put Bundrage on the mat for the fourth time, prompting referee Johnny Callas to stop the fight.
Charlo’s twin brother and fellow undefeated boxer Jermell cheered him along in his corner and the two embraced immediately upon Jermall’s victory. Charlo out-landed Bundrage 33-20 over the three rounds, per CompuBox.
In a light heavyweight bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated rising star “Sir” Marcus Browne (16-0, 12 KOs) stopped former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-8-1, 12 KOs) 55 seconds into the first round, after unleashing a series of shots to the body that knocked Campillo down twice.
PETER QUILLIN
“It is hard to celebrate a performance like that, especially when someone is leaving on a stretcher. Unfortunately that is part of the game. I just pray that he gets better and gets home to Australia safe and sound.
“I made a bad mistake in my past when I fought Miranda.  I learned that you have to give every guy credit.
“What’s important is that I’m ready for Danny Jacobs. Now it’s time for Brooklyn to see me and Danny Jacobs. We’ve waited for a long time for it.
“I like Danny because I’m a big fan of his. But business is business unfortunately.
“[To Jacobs] We can do it right here if you want to take off that suit and put on those gloves. Lets do it right now.
“I’m back in camp on Monday. I’m getting ready for Danny Jacobs.
“Right now he’s the champ, I’m the challenger. I like to be in that position. It motivates me. I fight for all the kids who were told they wouldn’t make it.”
DANIEL JACOBS, Middleweight World Champion is expected to take on Quillin on December 5.
“I’m from Brownsville in Brooklyn. I never ran and I never will.
“December 5 at Barclays Center.  I’m the champion and he’s the challenger.
“I don’t know how it’s going to go down, but it’s going to be a great fight.
“In the sport of boxing, you can’t make too many friends.
“It will be one of the biggest fights that Brooklyn has had in a long time.
“I’m a mover, I’m a power puncher and I have a high boxing IQ. He has trouble with guys that move and I can think on the fly.
“This [fight] is all the motivation I needed…what other motivation do you need to get your butt in the gym and get prepared?
“They call me the ‘Miracle Man’. It’s no secret that I have motivation to be the best I can be. Come December 5, Brooklyn is going to have a new star.”
JERMALL CHARLO
“I’m the champion of the world. It’s all God-given. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I feel good.
“You never put a dog in a pen with a lion. I said I was going to do what I was going to do.
“This is the future. I am the future of boxing.
“I studied and I stayed ready. K-9 got cut and I stayed ready.  When I turned pro seven years ago, I didn’t know this would be possible.
“I was ready for 12 rounds, and I knew he was ready for 12 rounds.
“I’ve finally made it to the championship status. To be classified as a world champion, it’s history.
“The fight went exactly how we thought it would. It was getting rough and I was ready for it. It was just a matter of time. It’s the best feeling in the world.
“I want to become even better. I want to defend my title and show everyone how good I am.”
CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE
“You win some, you lose some. The problem was, I’ve been inactive. I was in there with a good fighter who has been active and is hungry.
“I’m older and have to stay active to stay with these young guys. I’m not going anywhere. I have to stay active to see punches coming.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“My performance was definitely a statement to everyone in the light heavyweight division – watch out. We’re here!
“He was standing straight up and my trainer said to hit him with a nice straight jab. I threw the 1-2 and then I followed up.
“I took my time and just let it come.
“My trainer Gary Stark told me to come around the arms and that’s what I did. You can see it.”
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PBC on NBC was promoted by DiBella Entertainment
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,
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DANNY O’CONNOR FACES GABRIEL BRACERO IN REMATCH ON  PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 FROM THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS 8 P.M. ET/5 P.M. PT

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Plus! Unbeaten Jonathan Guzman Takes On The Exciting Danny Aquino & Featherweights Ryan Kielczweski & Rafael Vasquez Collide
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
 
LOWELL, MA. (September 11, 2015) – Popular Massachusetts’ welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs) takes on Brooklyn’s Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs), in a 10-round rematch of their 2011 bout won by Bracero, as the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN Saturday, October 10 from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The evening’s co-main event will feature undefeated super featherweight knockout artist Jonathan Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs) battling exciting brawler Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round bout and rising local prospect Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs) takes on the exciting Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight bout.
“I’m excited to be fighting at a building with great boxing history such as the Lowell Memorial Auditorium,” said O’Connor. “I won the Golden Gloves there and I can’t wait to fight there again. I’m also excited to avenge my first loss against Gabriel Bracero. I’m so ready for this!”
“This is a huge fight for me and my career,” said Bracero. “I only have one thought in my mind and that’s victory. Danny is a tough opponent and on a winning streak right now. The best ‘Tito’ Bracero will be there October 10. I beat Danny before and I plan to do so again, in his backyard, even more convincingly. My best days are still ahead of me and you will see that come October 10.”
“I’m excited for the October 10th PBC on NBC Sports Net from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “All three TV fights are super competitive matchups with the outcomes in doubt. In the main event, Boston’s Danny O’Connor will rematch with Brooklyn’s Gabriel Bracero in an attempt to avenge a close decision loss. Undefeated junior featherweight puncher Jonathan Guzman will try to keep his record perfect against dangerous contender Danny Aquino. The opening bout features another 50/50-type matchup as Quincy’s Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski faces hard-punching, world-ranked Rafael Vazquez from Brooklyn.”
The city of Lowell is one rich in boxing history and is the hometown of Massachusetts legend and three-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward. “It is an honor to have this fight happen in my hometown,” said Ward. “Danny O’Connor is so ready for this opportunity. He is focused like I’ve never seen him before.”
Part of Lowell’s deep boxing history are the future Hall of Famers who have fought in the city as amateurs, including Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson &Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
“Bringing a big fight to Lowell is incredible,” said Ken Casey, Founder of Murphys Boxing, “Lowell is such a great fight town and it is Micky Ward’s hometown. For Danny O’Connor to have the chance to avenge his first loss in his own backyard with all his fans cheering him on is going to be a site to see.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets visit www.lowellauditorium.com
A National Golden Gloves champion who has fought as a pro since 2008, O’Connorgets a chance to avenge his defeat to Bracero when they square off October 10. The 30-year-old is coming off of three straight knockout victories over Michael Clark, Andrew Farmer and Chris Gilbert. Fighting out of Framingham, Massachusetts, O’Connor is looking to impress in a fight on his home turf.
Bracero has won nine of his 11 fights since defeating O’Connor in 2011 and hopes to see a repeat of that performance on October 10. Fighting out of Brooklyn, the 34-year-old owns victories over Dmitry Salita, Pavel Miranda and Jermaine White. He will be going into unfriendly territory for his first pro fight in Massachusetts.
Owner of a perfect knockout percentage, Guzman looks to build off of his last three fights, all knockouts coming in the New England region. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the 26-year-old fighting out of Lawrence, Massachusetts faces the toughest challenge of his career and will look to make his mark as a 122-pound contender.
The 25-year-old Aquino made his mark with a hard fought victory over the previously undefeated Kielczweski in April and returns to New England in hopes of taking down another unbeaten prospect. Born in Mexico, Aquino fights out of Meriden Connecticut and owns victories over Jhon Alberto Molina and Coy Evans and will hope to make it three wins in a row on October 10.
A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 25-year-old Kielczweski has become a staple fighting in his home state of Massachusetts. Born and raised in Quincy, he bounced back from his first defeat to deliver a first round knockout over Anthony Napunyi in May. Another tough challenge awaits “The Polish Prince” as he looks to prove his world title worth.
Brooklyn’s Vazquez has kept a busy schedule in 2015 and will return for his fifth fight this year when he challenges Kielczweski. While the 37-year-old Vazquez is ranked highly in the world rankings at number seven and is seeking a world title opportunity, fame and glory are not his top priorities. With an autistic daughter and a wife diagnosed with cervical cancer, Vazquez fights for his family. Getting a late start to boxing, Vazquez, who lost both of his parents at an early age and endured a stint in prison as a wayward youth, turned pro in September 2010. He has since donated portions of his purses to autism research, while also holding fundraisers to help raise awareness.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @DiBellaEnt, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
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PETER QUIlLLIN, MICHAEL ZERAFA, MARCUS BROWNE & GARY STARK JR. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (September 8, 2015) – Former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Australian middleweight Michael Zerafa, 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne and Staten Island’s Gary Stark Jr. took part in a media workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn Tuesday before their respective showdowns on Saturday, September 12 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Quillin and Zerafa face-off in a 12-round middleweight showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC with televised coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with a super welterweight world title clash between Cornelius “K-9” Bundrageand Jermall Charlo. Browne will take on former world champion Gabriel Campillo in a 10-round light heavyweight affair that may appear on the NBC portion of the broadcast, while Stark Jr. takes on Anthony Napunyi in six-rounds of super featherweight action.
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.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
PETER QUILLIN
“I was just telling Zerafa when we faced-off that I’ve been in his shoes before and I know how it feels. No disrespect. He doesn’t have to tell me that he’s got nothing to lose, I know that. I’m worried about looking good in this fight and doing what I’ve been working on in the gym.
“I know he’s beaten all the best in Australia, but I’ve beaten the best all over the world. He’s not going to be in his backyard and have that comfort he’s used to.
“We’re at a point now where I need to showcase my talent at this level. The exposure on NBC is great. We can be seen by so many people and build something that will last for years to come.
“Not everyone knows I was raised all my life in Grand Rapids, Michigan just like Floyd Mayweather and he was really one of my biggest inspirations. Fighting on the same day as him is the closest I’ll get to fighting on his undercard, which I’ve always wanted to do. I still get to headline my own event on NBC and I hope that people are inspired by how hard Floyd and I have worked to get to where we are.
“I’m excited for the possibility of fighting Daniel Jacobs. He’s been calling for it for a long time and the seats are reversed now, because he’s a champion and I’m not. I’m motivated regardless of the belt, but I want the opportunity to fight one of the best in the world and showcase my talent and show I’m the king of Brooklyn.”
MICHAEL ZERAFA
“It’s been a good experience coming to the U.S. for my first time. It’s a lot of adrenaline and I have as we get closer to the fight and I’m just looking forward to fighting one of the best in the world.
“It’s going to be an exciting fight and I’m going to give it my absolute all. We know it’s going to be a hard fight and our team has trained extremely hard. We have a great game plan and we’re going to give it our best shot.
“I didn’t know too much about Quillin when I accepted the fight but he is one of the best in America so we know that it’s going to be a hard fight and we’re going to make it a war. We’ll leave it all out on the table and the better man will win.
“I feel good at this weight. I’m strong and smarter with less stress on my body. I’m feeling switched on and very confident.
“Losing has made me a better, tougher and stronger fighter. There’s nothing to lose in this fight, I have everything to gain.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“I’m blessed to be in this position and I’m looking forward to getting into this fight and putting on a great show.
“Everything is part of the plan. I’ve just taken it one fight at a time and now we’re here in a great position.
“Training camp has been great. We’ve worked on everything and covered all the corners we need to. The sparring with Charles Foster and Lennox Allen has been great and they’ve gotten me ready for the lefty.
“Campillo is a veteran and he’s going to be there. You just have to find him and get him out. I’m going to use my use, my speed, my strength my power. All of that will get me the victory.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I just want to keep putting on a better performance every time I’m out there.”
GARY STARK JR.
 
“I feel great, It’s been a very good camp. It’s tougher with the baby at home but it’s all a blessing. I feel like I’m resurrected.
“I fought recently and that first fight back there were some jitters. By the fourth round of that fight I really wanted it again. It’s great to be on a ‘Kid Chocolate’ show. I remember when he first started, he was on some of my shows, throwing chocolates to the crowd. Now look where he is now.
“I’m looking to work my way towards a title shot. My team pushes me very hard. Everybody believes in me and that’s big. Boxing is all confidence. I’ll always have tons of confidence.
“We’ll see the old me back in the ring Saturday afternoon. It’s so great to be back in the ring again.”
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,