Category Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT & MP3 WITH ROBERT GUERRERO, ARON MARTINEZ, DOMINIC BREAZEALE & YASMANY CONSUEGRA

 

 

Click HERE For MP3

 

Lisa Milner

Thank you, everybody, for joining us today.  We have a very exciting call.  All four of the fighters participating on the televised portion of this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC telecast will be with us.  We are going to start with the heavyweights, and before we head to those fighters, I’m going to turn it over to Tom Brown, head of TGB Promotions to tell you a little more about the event and introduce our first set of fighters.

 

Tom Brown

Well, thank you and thank you very much to the media for joining us on this call.  TGB Promotions is very happy working again with PBC on this excellent card to be telecast on NBC this Saturday afternoon from the famed StubHub Center in Carson.  The doors openon Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with the first bell at 11:15 a.m.  We go on live TV starting at12:00 p.m. PT.  It’s a huge sports day for NBC.  They’re also telecasting the French Open, the Belmont Stakes, and game two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

 

The main event is former world champion, Robert Guerrero (32-3-1 18 KOs) out of Gilroy, California.  Robert’s no stranger to the southern California boxing fans, having posted two huge wins in recent years: the sensational 12-round decision over Andre Berto in November 2012 down in Ontario, and his epic fight-of-the-year win over Yoshihiro Kamegai on June 21, 2014 at the StubHub Center.

 

Aaron Martinez, West Covina, California has a record of (19-3-1, 4 KOs).  He made his bones on the southern California boxing circuit, and knows how valuable this opportunity to face Guerrero is on such a big platform.  Martinez never takes a backward step, never tires, and that’s his primary weapon:  incredible stamina.  With the styles of Guerrero-Martinez, this main event has all the makings of another action-packed StubHub Center war to add to the venue’s history.

 

In the televised co-main, the opening fight, we’ve got two outstanding, undefeated young heavyweight prospects:  U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale (14-0, 13 KOs).  He competed in the 2012 London games, and Yasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KOs) outstanding Cuban amateur with a perfect pro record.

 

Again, the doors will open at 11:00 a.m.  Tickets start at $25 and we’re looking forward to seeing the great boxing fans of southern California attend this great event.

 

L. Milner

We’re going to do the heavyweights now.  Dominic, could you make an opening statement before we turn it over to the media?

 

Dominic Breazeale

This is Dominic Breazeale.  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  I’m excited to be part of this fantastic card this Saturday, June 6th.  Can’t wait to get in the ring and show off my skills.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  And Luis DeCubas Jr. is on the line to translate for Yasmany.  Luis, could you ask him to make just a quick opening statement and then translate that for us?

 

Yasmany Consuegra

I want to thank everybody on the call.  I want to thank NBC, the PBC, Al Haymon for this opportunity and all the people involved.  I look forward to a great fight.  On Saturday, I want to show everyone who I am.

 

Q

Hey, Dominic, it seems to me it’s safe to say that this is going to be your toughest opponent to date.  Would you agree with that, and if so, how excited are you to get this opportunity to move up in competition and show what you’ve been able to learn?

 

D. Breazeale

Definitely toughest competition to date thus far.  Definitely, Yasmany is 17-0, 14 KOs.  One of those guys that steps in the ring with a ton of confidence.  We’re both undefeated fighters and I was extremely excited when I got the call.  Thanks to Al and the team.  Thanks to NBC, we’ll be able to perform in front of the whole world, nationwide, and I couldn’t ask for more.  It’s a great setting, a great way to have a stepping-stone to the next level.  I want to be considered the top heavyweight and I guess you’ve got to fight top guys to get there.

 

Q

What do you know about Consuegra?

 

D. Breazeale

I know he’s got a great amateur record.  I know he did real well in Cuba, the Cuba National team.  He had some great fights here in the States.  He fought a lot in Florida.I know he’s got a boxing style.  I know he’s going to come out tough.  Cuban fighters always do.

 

Q

Dominic, you’ve had a lot of knockouts in your early career in the pros, but this is going to be your biggest fight yet with another undefeated fighter.  Can you talk about your transition from the amateur style, which obviously you had to do in the Olympics, to the professional style?

 

D. Breazeale:

Like you said, it’s going to be a big fight with a guy that’s undefeated.  I’m sure he’s coming in looking to knock me out.  I’m coming in to knock him out, for sure.  But, amateur transition into the pros, I would say was a little bit easier for myself than it was for most amateurs.  The amateurs, a lot of my wins came by way of knockouts, so I’ve been knocking guys out since day one.

 

It’s one of those things that I transitioned from putting punches in bunches to putting punches in bunches with power.  I’m throwing a lot more punches now.  I’m putting a lot more punches together with power.  Every punch I throw has got devastating power.  I not only punch with the right hand, but I can punch with the left.  So long as I make contact, somebody’s going down for sure.

 

Q

Can you talk about the experience factor?  You both fought a number of guys who have a lot of fights under their belt.  His last fight, he defeated Taurus Sykes, who’s been around for a long time, a guy with a winning record.  Tell us where you think you’re at.  Because eventually, everybody wants to become a world champion, but what level do you think you’re at and how does that compare to Yasmany?

 

D. Breazeale

I think I’m right up there, if not, definitely above him.  I’ve fought some very experienced guys and guys that have been former Olympians, as well.  Guys like Matt Galer, who have been in heavyweight ranks and considered top contenders at one point.  Me and Matt put on a great fight.

 

My last fight with Victor Bisbal, that was March 7th of this year.  He’s a Puerto Rican Olympian.  He came out with a great amateur background, very good professional background.  When I finally beat him he had fought some experienced guys as well, so I definitely have the experience there.  Not only as an amateur, but definitely as a pro, too.

 

 

Q

And a similar question for Yasmany.  To me, it looks like this is going to be your biggest fight as a pro.  Where do you think you are as a professional at this point?  Where do you think you rank overall in the professional ranks?

 

Y. Consuegra

It’s definitely my toughest fight.  Breazeale’s a real good fighter out of the pros, but I’ve also had a great amateur background.  I fought the best of the best, obviously.  The Cuban heavyweight program is much more difficult than the American heavyweight program, and he was an Olympian, but I won a lot of world amateur tournaments.  I look forward to just getting in the ring with Breazeale and showing what I’ve got, because I think I could beat Breazeale, and I think I’m ready for Breazeale.  The top guys in the division, I’m going to show them.

 

Q

Yasmany, how influenced are you by some of the great Cuban fighters and heavyweights of the past year:  Teofilo Stevenson, Felix Savon, and many others?  How much of a role have they played in influencing your style?

 

Y. Consuegra

Obviously, Cuba has a great history of Cuban amateur heavyweights.  I like to put my style more toward Savon, who is a power puncher, as looking for the knockout at all times.  And Stevenson’s a great fighter, but he’s more of a boxer, so was Roberto Balado, but that’s definitely a great point.

 

Q

How does it feel to be fighting on NBC in front of such a big network audience, especially on a day when you’re going to be right in between French Open final and Stanley Cup game.  Dominic, could you answer that first?

 

D. Breazeale

I am definitely excited.  I’ve got to thank NBC for giving me the opportunity to fight on this card.  It’s a wonderful date.  Can’t ask for anything better:  southern California, noon.  Sun’s going to be out.  The weather is going to be great.  Great venue at the StubHub Center there.  It’s definitely exciting.  Whenever I get a chance to perform in front of a hometown crowd, family and friends, and things like that, it brings out the best in me, so I’m definitely looking forward to it and, like I said, I’ve got to thank NBC, Al Haymon, Goossen Promotions for putting this all together.  My team, all of you guys, I definitely, truly appreciate it.

 

Q

And Louis, could you ask Yasmany the same question?

 

Y. Consuegra

Yeah, it’s definitely the biggest fight of my life, the biggest fight of my career.  At this moment, I’d also like to thank Dominic Breazeale for taking this type of risk.  Not too many guys are willing to take these risks to fight an undefeated heavyweight and fight the best.  So, it’s a big day for both of us, and come Saturday, I’m going to show everybody that I’m one of the top guys in the division.

 

L. Milner

Okay, great.  Thank you, both, so much.  We will see you this week for a great event.  We have the main event on the line now, so I’m going to turn it back over to Tom Brown to introduce Robert Guerrero and Aaron Martinez.  Tom, take it away.
T. Brown

Okay, great.  Thank you.  First, I’d like to introduce former world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, again, with a record of 32-3-1 and 18 KOs, making a quick return to the PBC on NBC.

 

Robert Guerrero

I just want to thank everybody for being on and I’m ready to go.

 

T. Brown

Okay, we’ve got Aron Martinez here also, with a record of 19-3-1, and he understands how valuable this opportunity is to face Guerrero on such a big platform.

 

Aron Martinez

Yeah, of course, I’m here.  It’s a great opportunity for me; I’m ready for battle.  We’re at weight and everything went pretty good at this camp, and what can I say, man?  Just excited to fight Saturday.

 

Q

Robert, you’re a guy that has fought a lot of big name fighters over a really nice career, an illustrious career.  Does it become a little more difficult to get up for a fighter like Aron Martinez who is, kind of unknown, at least as compared to the other guys that you’ve fought?

 

R. Guerrero

No, not at all.  Coming off the last fight with a loss at the short end of the stick, it drives you to be hungry.  So, that’s why I wanted to get right back into the ring, stay active.  That’s one of the biggest problems with being inactive and not having enough action throughout the year.  The year layoffs, a nine-, eight-month layoff, it really kills you, especially at that championship elite level.  It’s hard to come back and be 100 percent sharp, so the plan is to just stay sharp all year and get back on it.

 

Q

What do you know about him?  Do you watch any tapes of your opponents or anything like that?

 

R. Guerrero

Yeah, I’ve watched some tape on him.  I watched a few of his fights that I found on YouTube and he’s a crafty little guy.  He’s in there and he can fight on the inside.  He’s got some good counter shots and he mixes it up.  So, you’ve just got to be ready for everything all around, because you never know what’s going to come your way, especially when this is such a big opportunity for him, fighting on NBC.  You know he’s going to come 100 percent ready and that seems to happen all the time when I fight somebody.  They come 10 percent better than they were in their last couple of fights, so it’s about being prepared and being ready for whatever comes.

 

Q

Is there any concern about coming back to the ring so soon after a brutal fight like you just had three months ago?

 

R. Guerrero

Oh, no, not at all.  To me, the fight wasn’t even that brutal.  It may have been brutal for Thurman, but I was just getting started toward the end.  It actually feels good to get right back in.  I got right back into the gym three weeks after that and stayed on it.  So, after I left that ring, I still felt good.  My body felt good.  I just had that cut, got that taken care of, but other than that, I feel great.  That’s why I’m jumping right back in the ring so quick.

 

Q

I know you’re a well-known fighter throughout your career, but was there any difference after fighting on that show.  That was the most viewed fight in quite a long time, being that it was on free TV on a primetime Saturday night.  So, I just want to know if anything changed on your end, like more notoriety.

 

R. Guerrero

Definitely.  When you have a 96-year-old woman come up to you in the parking lot and say, “Man, what a great fight; that reminds me of the olden days of boxing,” it’s nice to see that.  And you see all the fans coming around and just the average person that’s at the grocery store recognizing you, it’s huge.  It’s not just huge for my career, but it’s huge for boxing.

 

Q

Did that factor into your wanting to come back so soon?  I know you said you want to stay sharp, but, obviously, staying in the public eye helps as well.

 

Robert Guerrero: Oh, definitely.  Out of sight, out of mind. So you want to stay active, you want to stay busy; you want to stay sharp.  You want to stay in the public eye to make that big run before time passes.

 

Q

Aron, I just have one question for you. You’ve been out of the ring for over a year since your fight with Josesito.  Was there any reason for that delay?  Could you just not get fights or did you just want to take the time off to clear your head?
A. Martinez

It was just with my promoter, little here and there, they were not giving me the right fights. Anybody that knows me, I stayed in the gym, because that’s what makes it easy for me, making weight.  I never have trouble making weight and that goes to show that I stay active.  I stay active in the gym and that’s what it is.

 

Q

My question is for Robert Guerrero.  I was a little disappointed to see that it took you quite a while to get into the fight with Keith Thurman.  Do you feel like that’s going to be something you’re going to change for this fight with Aron, is taking off right off the bat, first round?

 

R. Guerrero

Yeah, it goes back to being active in the ring. Everybody says, well, I feel great, there’s no ring rust, and this and that, but you truly don’t know until you get into that ring.  Then, those long layoffs really kill me.  You develop bad habits.  You lay back a little bit too much, and you end up getting started a little bit late like I did in the Thurman fight.  But when I did get started, there was no stopping me.

 

So, that’s why I want to stay active and stay in the ring.  Like I said before, it’s being inactive, not being in the ring fighting.  You develop habits where you do start off slowly and I felt like after the fight, when I looked back on it, it felt like I was starting off like I was sparring and just working into it, warming up, and then getting started.  Glad to get that fight out of the way and shake off that ring rust, and it’s time to make that push.

 

Q

First question for Robert.  Can you talk about getting up for this fight, because you fought such top level opponents and championship fights, Thurman and Mayweather and higher profile fights, and I think in this fight, you’re going to come in as a favorite.  Can you talk about making sure that you don’t overlook Aron Martinez and staying sharp and getting up mentally.

 

R. Guerrero

You never want to overlook anybody.  I don’t care who it is.  You’ve got two hands, you can throw a punch.  Anything can happen in the ring.  So, you never want to overlook anybody.  I found that out earlier in my career with a loss against Gamaliel Diaz.  I was overlooking him, thought I was going to take him out and he ended up out-boxing me.  He beat me by one point.

 

So, it’s one of those things where you live and learn.  You learn your lesson throughout the years and at this level of boxing and competition, you’ve got to just be able to get up and do your job and be prepared for everything.  So, it’s not a problem.  It’s like second nature to me.  I wake up every day.  I run.  I do my gym work.  If I don’t do it, it feels like I’m cheating, because I’ve been doing it since I was a kid.  So, it’s just being well-prepared and I’m always well-prepared for every fight, as you’ve seen through my previous fights.  I come to fight no matter what.

 

Q

What do you think your advantages are over him coming into this fight?
R. Guerrero

Maybe the arm reach, the hand speed, the height.  It’s a matter of not just having the advantages, but putting them to work and using them, and sticking to your game plan and being well prepared and being able to execute.  So, it’s time to react when you get in that ring and what you’re going to do with everything to make it happen.

 

Q

Aron, I think Robert’s going to be the one coming in as the favorite in this fight, but I just noticed on a lot of the PBC cards, there have been a lot of upsets and unexpected outcomes coming in.  Tell us why you’re going in expecting to win and what the effect is being on the PBC card on NBC.  Does that add something special to this?
A. Martinez

Yes of course.  It’s on national TV at StubHub Center, this is where I grew up.  It’s my home base.  I’ve got 23 fights.  Out of these 23 fights, I’ve never been the favorite; I’ve always been the underdog.  I’m not even supposed to be at this stage. That’s what I’m looking forward to.  I’ve never been the favorite in any of my fights, so I come out for every fight.  I know Rob, he’s an excellent champion; he’s been in with the best.  He knows I train hard for this fight because I really want it and it and I’m going to lay it all on the line. This is what I’m talking about.  I’m on to show everybody.

 

Q

You’re coming off a little over a year layoff as you explained earlier, and he’s coming off just a three-month layoff after a 12-round fight.  Do you think that’s going to factor into this fight, especially if it goes the distance?

 

A. Martinez

No.  It’s like what Robert said.  You don’t really know until you get in the ring.  We could say a bunch of things now, but you never know until you get in the ring and you actually feel it, because once you’re in the ring, it’s a whole different story, how it’s going to be.  We train really, really hard for this fight, and we’re ready.  It’s whatever I’ve got to do, I’ve got to do.  We fight inside we box, whatever.  We’re ready for whatever comes our way.
Q

Aron obviously, I know you’re up for this fight, and Robert’s already expressed that he’s trained for this fight and he’s expecting the very best from you, it’s been asked twice on this call if Robert is overlooking you.  Do you find that disrespectful that nobody is giving you a shot in this fight?  Or do you just use it as extra motivation?

 

A. Martinez

No.  I don’t find it that way.  It’s what it is.  Robert has been up there with the best.  And I don’t find it disrespectful; it’s just what it is, and it makes me train harder and just to make a point that who I am and they’re going to see Aron Martinez in there on Saturday and they’re going to see who I am.

 

L. Milner

Okay, that was our last question.  Robert, do you want to make a closing comment?

 

R. Guerrero

Yes.  I just want to thank everybody.  Thank Al Haymon and thank my team and thank everybody who’s been putting in the work to get this together, and I’m coming to fightSaturday night.  I’m ready to go.  I’m excited and going on right before the Belmont Stakes and it’s a big event leading into another big event.  So, I’m excited and I just can’t wait to fight.

 

The thing is staying active all year and doing my job and giving the fans what they love to see and giving them a great fight.  So, thank all the fans and thank everybody that’s on the conference call.  I really appreciate it and God bless everybody.

 

L. Milner

Okay, thanks.  Aaron, do you want to make a closing comment?

 

A. Martinez

Yes, I want to thank NBC, PBC and all.  Goossen for giving me this chance to show what I’ve got on Saturday, and I thank Robert, and just give a good show to everybody on Saturday, and I’m ready to push off and I’m ready to go. Thanks, everybody.
Lisa Milner: Thank you. Fight week events start tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at the Wild Card West Boxing Gym with a media workout and I hope to see everybody there.  Thank you so much.  Thanks to the fighters.  Thanks, Tom Brown, and thanks to the media.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE OPENS UP PBC ON NBC LIVE TELECAST & FACES UNDEFEATED CUBAN HEAVYWEIGHT YASMANY CONSUEGRA

Upland, California (June 3, 2015) – Top U.S. heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (14-0, 13 KO’s) makes his return to the ring this Saturday afternoon, June 6th at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.  Breazeale, takes another step up in competition and faces Cuban heavyweight Yasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KO’s) in a battle of undefeated heavyweights.  The televised bout will support the Robert Guerrero-Arron Martinez main-event and will open up the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) live telecast on NBC.

 

Photo c/o Timoteus “FOE” Hernandez

The 2012 U.S. Olympian is coming off of a solid win against heavyweight veteran Victor Bisbal this past March during the inaugural PBC on NBC series.  Breazeale showed true heart and resilience after experiencing the first knockdown of his career early in the first round of the bout.  Breazeale recovered quickly and dominated Bisbal until the bout was stopped in the fourth round, resulting in Breazeale’s 14th win and 13th by knockout. 

Immediately following the bout with Bisbal, Breazeale asked his advisor Al Haymon for another tough-quality opponent and Breazeale was granted his request. 

“My last bout with Bisbal was by far the toughest opponent I have ever shared the ring with.  He caught me with a good shot and I recovered quickly.  I shook it off and ended up stopping him a couple of rounds later.  After the bout, I wasn’t happy that I was knocked down although many people told me that I showed resilience and that is what champions are made of.  Still, I wanted another tough opponent and Al Haymon gave me the opportunity,” said Breazeale. 

In addition to the quality opponent, Breazeale now has the chance to make an impression on many avid and casual boxing fans who will be watching the bout live on NBC Saturday afternoon, an opportunity Breazeale welcomes and is thankful for. 

“This is a dream come true for me.  Some of my previous bouts have been televised in the past, but not on a prime-time network where millions of people will be tuning in and see an American heavyweight like me.  The heavyweight division is the most popular division in boxing because of its excitement and this is a bout between two undefeated heavyweights.” 

If this bout turns out as well as Breazeale has worked so hard for, he is looking to transition from a top prospect to a contender.  Since turning professional two and a half years ago, Breazeale has been on the fast track to the world heavyweight title and has been learning from every training camp and fight thereafter under the tutelage of trainer John Bray. 

“I know I still have some room to

Photo c/o Team Breazeale

grow.  I’ve been learning in the gym everyday and with every bout that I have had.  In just 14 professional bouts so far, I feel that I have fought tougher opposition at this particular point of my career than the current American world heavyweight champion did in his first fourteen bouts. With the platform I have been provided this Saturday, I intend to make the best of it and will definitely give the fans watching at home an entertaining fight and hope to make a name for myself in the heavyweight division.” 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

“Here Comes Trouble!

 

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ERISLANDY LARA TRAINING CAMP UPDATE

Lara Takes On Delvin Rodriguez On Friday, June 12 Installment Of

Premier Boxing Champions On Spike Live From UIC Pavilion In Chicago

 

Click HERE For Photos From Francisco Perez/Team Lara

HOUSTON (June 2, 2015) – Super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs) is wrapping up his final days of training camp in anticipation of his Premier Boxing Champions on Spike debut taking place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago on Friday, June 12.

 

This edition of PBC on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Doors at UIC Pavilion open at 5 p.m. CT with the first fight set for 5:30 p.m. CT.

 

Before escaping communist Cuba, where Lara had to swim in dangerous waters to reach freedom, he was a decorated international amateur champion, winning numerous titles against some of today’s champions. He has followed his dream of becoming a world champion and now looks to build on his legacy.

 

Having fought some of the top names in the super welterweight division, Lara is looking to keep the momentum roaring with a dominant performance against the always tough Delvin Rodriguez.  Known as one of the most skillful fighters in boxing, Lara spoke on his recent training camp, his opponent and fighting on PBC:

 

On training camp…

“My trainer Ronnie Shields and I have been sharpening up what I do best. It’s been a long hard camp and I’m going into this fight with a 100 percent healthy body.

 

On fighting on PBC on Spike…

“PBC on Spike is a great series that shows a lot of good fights.  A lot of young fight fans are tuning into Spike on a regular basis. I want to gain new fans with a great performance.

 

On sparring with top level partners…

“I’ve been sparring with the (Jermell and Jermall) Charlo brothers and a few other top contenders. The work I’m getting is unbelievable. I feel my timing is right on point. I’m getting pushed by some of the best fighters in the world.

 

On being a Cuban-American boxer:

“For me, defecting to the United States was a shot at achieving my dream – the American dream – of being a world champion. I love my former country and look forward to the day when the world can see the talent in Cuba and allow my fellow boxers the chance to truly pursue their dream. This is my dream, and it’s come true.

 

On fighting in Chicago…

“I know there’s a lot of great boxing fans in Chicago. I’m coming to put on a great show for everyone and I’m going to look electrifying on fight night.

 

On fighting Delvin Rodriguez…

“Since this fight is for my world title, I know Delvin Rodriguez is hungry for victory. He’s my main focus and all my concentration is on the defeating him.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @DRodriguez1980, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.

CUBAN SENSATION ERISLANDY LARA TO FACE DELVIN RODRIGUEZ AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE RETURNS TO UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, JUNE 12

 

 

 

KNOCKOUT ARTIST ARTUR BETERBIEV TO FACE DOUDOU NGUMBU

 

Cuban boxing sensation Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs)returns to the ring on Friday, June 12 to face veteran Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4, 16 KOs) as Premier Boxing Champions heads back to Spike.

 

Additionally, Russian knockout artist Artur Beterbiev (8-0, 8 KOs) is set to square off against the ring-savvy Doudou Ngumbu (34-6, 13 KOs) of Haute-Garonne, France.

 

This edition of PBC on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET. Doors at UIC Pavilion open at 5 p.m. CT with the first fight set for 5:30 p.m. CT.

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting on Spike TV on June 12th in Chicago.” said Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara. “Delvin Rodriguez is a tough veteran fighter who I respect.  He has a lot of heart and determination. But once the bell rings I’m looking for the knockout!”

 

“On June 12, I am going to change everyone’s mind about me and show that I can beat Lara,” said Rodriguez.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Group Yvon Michel (GYM), are priced at $151, $101, $51, and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

 

The 32-year-old Lara is a slick boxer with the ability to deliver punishment while taking very little of it in return.  Lara has notched victories over Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout and Freddy Hernandez throughout his career. As an amateur, Lara won numerous titles including a national championship at welterweight and also participated in the 2007 Pan-Am games. The fighter originally from Guantanamo, Cuba but fighting out of Houston most recently defeated former world champion Ishe Smith on his way to his 20th professional victory.

 

Already deep into an accomplished career, the 35-year-old Rodriguez looks to give Lara a stiff test and entertain the crowd at UIC Pavilion on June 12. Having battled the likes of Miguel Cotto and Austin Trout, Rodriguez has also picked up victories over Mike Arnaoutis, Pawel Wolak and Shamone Alvarez throughout his accomplished career. Born in Santiago de le Caballeros, Dominican Republic but fighting out of Danbury, Connecticut, Rodriguez will look to improve on his last outing, a draw against Joachim Alcine in May 2014.

 

Having floored every opponent he’s faced professionally, the now 30-year-old former amateur standout Beterbiev will be seeking to keep his knockout streak alive in Chicago. Having notched impressive wins over Tavoris Cloud in 2014 and Gabriel Campillo earlier this year, the heavy-fisted Russian knows he’ll be tested with an experienced opponent on June 12.

 

Following a hard-fought loss to Andrzej Fonfara in November 2014, France’s Ngumburebounded nicely with a knockout win in January of this year. The battle-tested 33-year-old veteran will look to use his wealth of professional experience at UIC Pavilion in order to emerge victorious.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @DRodriguez1980, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo and www.Facebook.com/Spike.

AMIR KHAN SECURES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER CHRIS ALGIERI   JAVIER FORTUNA WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER BRYAN VASQUEZ

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

BROOKLYN (May 30, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spikereturned to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Friday night with another explosive night of bouts for fight fans. In the main event, Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) scored a crafty and hard fought unanimous decision over Chris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) and Javier Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs) won a crowd-pleasing unanimous decision victory over Bryan Vasquez (34-2, 18 KOs) in the televised opener.

 

Below are comments made by the televised fighters after their performances tonight:

 

AMIR KHAN

 

“I thought I worked well inside. I’ve never done a lot of work in the pocket like that and I plan to do more of that in the future.

 

“I give Chris a lot of credit. He came forward a lot more than we thought he would and he had a big chin tonight.

 

“Chris gave it his all tonight. This is the best Algieri we’ve seen in a long time, and if he’d have fought Manny (Pacquiao) that way he might have won.

 

“Everyone knows I want Floyd (Mayweather) next after all the talk about it, but when you wait and hope for something for this long it can set you back. I don’t want to overlook any other fighters, including Chris.

 

“My first show with PBC has been great. The New York crowd was awesome and really got into it. The promotion was excellent and I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

 

CHRIS ALGIERI

 

“I thought I pressured Khan well and got my touches. He definitely didn’t like it when I got into his body.

 

“I thought I hurt him several times, but Khan’s a cagey fighter and he spins off. I guess the judges liked that tonight. I would think the cleaner, harder shots would get a little more respect.

 

“I think PBC is fantastic. The focus is on the fighters, not the politics or the promoters. This is helping bring the sport back to boxing’s glory days of primetime events for the fans.

 

“I haven’t thought much about after this fight. I’m disappointed, but I’ll watch the film from this fight and we’ll go from there.”

 

JAVIER FORTUNA

 

“I’m very surprised that the fight went the distance. Vasquez is a strong fighter. After the fifth round, I was boxing to score points.

 

“I was never really hurt by Vasquez, but I hurt my own hand on his head.

 

“Vasquez didn’t really affect me throughout the fight. The swelling on my eye is from a headbutt.

 

“The biggest key to my success tonight was my training. Before this I didn’t have the stamina that I needed. However, after my work with Hector Bermudez leading up to this fight I was more than ready.

 

“Becoming a champion here in New York is huge for me. I’m very proud of my performance tonight.”

 

BRYAN VASQUEZ

 

“My style is to box and then move. Fortuna fought a smart fight tonight. He wouldn’t engage me and fight.

 

“Fortuna used his head and elbows a lot tonight, but I don’t want to use that as an excuse. I tried telling the referee, but nothing was done.

 

“I worked very hard for three months of training to get to this fight. I hope I won over some fans today because I fight to please them.

 

“Hopefully I get a rematch because this is not the end of my career, and I’d love the chance to take that belt from Fortuna.

 

“I want to thank PBC for this opportunity. It was great being a part of this show and I hope they’ll think of me again in the future.”

 

# # #

The card was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingand www.Facebook.com/Spike.

ROBERT GUERRERO MEDIA WORKOUTS QUOTES & PHOTOS AHEAD OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FIGHT AGAINST ARON MARTINEZ JUNE 6 LIVE FROM STUBHUB CENTER

Click HERE For More Photos From Team Guerrero

AROMAS, CA(May 28, 2015)- Four-Division world champion, “Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs) hosted a media workout yesterday at the CrossFit Ranch to shed light on his upcoming fight with Aron Martinez.  The 10-round main-event bout will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., June 6, 2015 and will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.

 

Guerrero, who won the hearts of America with his gut wrenching performance against Keith Thurman in his last fight, is looking forward to another main-event attraction where he can showcase his entertaining fighting style to the fans.

 

“All the hard training is done and now it’s time to zone in,” said Robert Guerrero. “Everyone should be watching the PBC on NBC June 6thbecause I believe this is going to be a crowd-pleasing fight.  Aron Martinez is not coming to lay down.  He’s had plenty of time to prepare for this fight and I’m expecting him to come out guns blazing.  One thing is for sure, I’m going to be throwing some hard shots right from the opening bell.  My goal is to bring an entertaining fight to the fans and let my hands go.  Fight night can’t come soon enough.”

 

Headlining his second PBC on NBC, Guerrero wants continue fighting on a regular basis.  Known for being an all-out action fighter, Guerrero feels he can close out the rest of 2015 with a bang.

 

“I can’t emphasize how important it is for me to be fighting back to back in just a couple of months,” Guerrero continued. “Staying active is crucial to any fighter.  The more you fight the better you perform and I can feel the improvement in my whole fighting style.  If possible, I want to fight two more times before the year ends, but first I must get past Martinez.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.

UNDEFEATED CUBAN SENSATION RANCES BARTHELEMY BATTLES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ANTONIO DEMARCO ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 LIVE ON CBS SPORTS AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT

FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

 

Plus Exciting Welterweight Showdown Between

Sammy Vasquez & Wale Omotoso

 

LAS VEGAS (May 28, 2015) – An action-packed showdown between former world champions Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs) and Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs) headlines the next installment Premier Boxing Champions on CBS taking placeSunday, June 21 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas with televised action beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

 

Also featured in televised bouts is an explosive welterweight matchup that pits the undefeated Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) against Nigerian knockout artist Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs).

 

“I’m excited for this big opportunity and I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of,” said Barthelemy. “A big fight like this is what I want. I know it will be very difficult, but I’m going to train hard to put on a show for the fans.”

 

“This is a huge fight for me. I’m going to leave everything I have in that ring,” said DeMarco. “The chance to fight on network television is once in a lifetime and I’m going to make the most of it.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes go on sale Thursday, May 28. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

 

A Cuban amateur national champion, the 28-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July of last year by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion. Most recently he delivered a second round TKO over Angino Perez in March and looks to impress once again when he hits the ring in June.

 

A former world champion in the lightweight division, the 29-year-old DeMarco steps back into the ring to face the undefeated Barthelemy. Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, he owns victories over John Molina Jr., Jorge Linares and Lanardo Tyner. He fights for the second time as a pro in the city of Las Vegas on June 21.

 

The 29-year-old Vasquez has fought professionally since 2012 and served two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He made it to the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials and won gold at the 2010 and 2011 Armed Forces Boxing Championships. The fighter out of Monessen, Penn., has not lost as a professional and is coming off of a unanimous decision over Emmanuel Lartey in February of this year.

 

Born in Nigeria, but fighting out of Oxnard, Calif., Omotoso is looking to make it three wins in a row when he battles Vasquez. His most recent victories were both knockouts as he defeated Abraham Alvarez and Eduardo Flores. The 30-year-old made his U.S. debut in 2011 and has racked up a 7-1 record stateside.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.TGBPromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @RealKidBlast, @De.Marco07, @SammyV2112, @MayweatherPromo , @TGBPromotions and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing orhttp://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE & MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

Click HERE For Barclays Center TV Interview With Amir Khan

 

BROOKLYN (May 27, 2015) – Fight week activities for Premier Boxing Championson Spike continued Wednesday as fighters participated in the final press conference and media workouts at Barclays Center before they enter the ring on Friday, May 29.

 

Tickets for the live event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, are priced at $250, $150, $75, and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.  Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.comwww.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

AMIR KHAN

 

“I really believe that I have the movement, the skills and the technique to beat Chris Algieri and look spectacular doing it.

 

“Algieri has been in the ring with big names before so we know that’s not going to scare him and he won’t get nervous. I’m going to be ready for anything he brings to the table.

 

“This is going to be an entertaining fight because of our styles. We both like to throw a lot of punches and there will be a lot of movement. This will be a more skillful fight and I think the fans will enjoy what they see.

 

“I’ve always wanted to fight here at Barclays Center and I really am excited to put on a great performance for all the New Yorkers.

 

“Virgil Hunter has been great for me as a fighter and he’s helped me really understand the sport of boxing. I’ve worked on my technique and my defense and really just everything.

 

“Training camp for me has been really good. I’m focused on my opponent and I’m not going to make any mistakes. It’s going to be a great performance from me on Friday.”

 

CHRIS ALGIERI

 

“This is going to be a great fight with two fast-paced boxers. It’s going to be very exciting for everyone watching.

 

“Working down in Florida with John David Jackson really refreshed a lot of things in boxing for me. I got to see new things and try new things. I learned a lot.

 

“The only thing that matters is proving something to myself and I do feel like I have to prove something. I wasn’t happy with my last performance at all. I know I belong here at the elite level and it’s time for me to prove it.

 

“I like to challenge myself and this is a great opportunity. I’m ready for this, I will challenge anybody in the welterweight division.

 

“I feel very comfortable being here in New York and I’m happy to be back at Barclays Center.

 

JAVIER FORTUNA

 

“For me it is an honor to be here in Brooklyn. This will be a great night for all of my fans.

 

“I hope my opponent doesn’t have any excuses on Friday, because I’m going to knock him out.

 

“Everyone here is going to see a great performance and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

 

“I’m a strong fighter and I am looking forward to showing everyone what I am capable of.”

 

BRYAN VASQUEZ

 

“I’m very thankful to be here and I look forward to a great fight. I promise it’s going to be a war.

 

“I’m an exciting fighter who always comes to fight. This is my time and I will not disappoint.

 

“Fighting in New York is a great opportunity. I want people to see that Costa Rica has great fighters.

 

“I know I have a tough opponent, but he has never faced anyone like me. I’m going to give it my all and I hope he does the same.”

 

MARCUS BROWNE

 

“I feel like having a daughter has given me the kick in the rear that really has me focused on what I want to do, which is becoming a world champion. I want to give her a better life than I ever had.

 

“My intensity and focus has never been higher. The fun part of boxing is back again.

 

“I told my daughter that ‘daddy is going to give you the world.’ So I guess I need to become a world champion to give her the world. Her first word might be ‘champ.'”

 

“I’m so thankful to all the people at Barclays Center that allow me to continue to show off my talent and skills in this beautiful building.

 

“Fighting on this Premier Boxing Champions card is really special and amazing. When I went to the Olympics in 2012 we stayed in Bolton and worked out at Amir Khan’s gym, now it comes full circle.

 

“Fans can expect to see ‘spizazz’ from me. That’s a word I came up with back in my amateur days. I’m here to bring that ‘spizazz’ back, if you want to know what that is you have to buy a ticket for Friday night.”

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

“I don’t look past what is in front of me. I have a really tough challenge in front of me on Friday. I know she has an incredible desire to win and I’m ready for that.

 

“I’m a pretty aggressive fighter but I’ve been known to box. I go in there and make adjustments but I’m not afraid to throw punches.

 

“There was a really unfinished feeling after my last fight, I was disappointed. I expected more from my opponent. I wanted to put on a show for fans to remember.

 

“I definitely want to make up for my last fight this time and I feel like my opponent is on the same page with me about where we need to go to take this sport further.”

 

 

#          #          #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com andwww.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage,www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.

AMIR KHAN & CHRIS ALGIERI FIGHT WEEK QUOTES   PLUS! PHOTOS FROM BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

BROOKLYN (May 26, 2015) – Fight week for Friday’s Premier Boxing Champions on Spike event kicked off today with Amir Khan (30-3, 19 KOs)and Chris Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs) hosting a photo opportunity at Brooklyn Bridge Park before they square-off at Barclays Center on May 29.

 

Coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with an exciting showdown betweenJavier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, are priced at $250, $150, $75, and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.  Tickets are available at
www.barclayscenter.comwww.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Here is what Khan and Algieri had to say about training camp, each other and more:

 

AMIR KHAN

 

“Algieri is a fighter that has a lot of skills and assets. His range and height give him good advantages against opponents but I believe with my speed, movement and style it will be too much for him.

 

“Each day me and Virgil Hunter are getting stronger and we have built a really good rapport. It takes time to get that but he understands my style even more now and what works for me so we’re only going to keep growing.

 

“My aim since I was a kid and got into this sport was to be the very best. I fulfilled a dream when I got to the Olympics at 17 and brought back a silver medal. Later I became a world champion and then unified the light-welterweight division. My goal now is to fight the very best at 147 pounds and make my mark on this division too.

 

“I was away in training camp when my daughter turned one last week. It’s hard to be away from her but as a fighter those are the sacrifices you have to make. Everything I do is for her and I can’t wait to see her and spend time with her after this fight. Her birthday celebrations have been put on hold until after the fight!

 

“I’m really looking forward to returning to New York and fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. I have good memories of this city because it’s the place where I had my first fight on US soil against Paulie Malignaggi in 2010 and also where I got married. I’m out to make it another good time this weekend.”

 

 

CHRIS ALGIERI

 

“I know that it gets said all the time, but this was truly the best and most intense training camp of my life. Working with John David Jackson has truly been a blessing. He has brought out the best Chris Algieri there is. You are going to see a whole new fighter come Friday night.

 

“I am excited to be back in New York and excited to show the world what I am really made of on Friday night. We are just a few days away from the fight and I am so anxious to get in there and get to work.

 

“Amir is a tough fighter there is no doubt about that, but I am very confident in my ability and the game plan that coach has come up with for me.

 

“You are going to see two proven champions in a high intensity and high level fight, laying everything on the line come Friday night.”

 

#          #          #

The Friday, May 29 edition of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike features Amir Khan (30-3, 19 KOs)and Chris Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs) squaring off in a 12-round welterweight battle and the 12-round junior lightweight battle between Javier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs).

 

This event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing with live coverage beginning on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com andwww.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage,www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO TRAINING CAMP UPDATE   FORMER FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BATTLES ARON MARTINEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT STUBHUB CENTER

 

Coverage on NBC Starts At 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos From Team Guerrero

 

GILROY, CA (May 26, 2015) – While entering the final days of training camp, four-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs), gives his thoughts on his upcoming PBC on NBC main-event attraction against Aron Martinez.  The 10-round bout will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., June 6, 2015 and will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.

 

On fighting in the PBC on NBC main-event:

“First I really want to thank Al Haymon for bringing boxing back to the fans.  This is another wonderful opportunity where fans from all walks of life can see me fight on NBC for free.  PBC on NBC has taken boxing back to its glory days and I’m honored to be headlining my second show.  Everyone knows I come to fight and you can expect the same when I step in the ring with Martinez.

 

On staying active

“When a fighter is constantly staying busy, it makes a world of difference.  My timing is down, my body is used to the rigorous training.  When I’m on the grind, I perform at a much higher level.  This will be the first time I’ve had back to back fights in a very long time.  Everyone watching this fight will see the difference in my fighting style.

 

On fighting at the StubHub Center

“The StubHub Center is probably my favorite venue to fight in.  The fans are incredible.  Everyone has a great seat and you can feel the energy from the crowd while you’re fighting.  It’s like there right on top of you.  For some reason the StubHub Center brings out the warrior spirit in everyone.  It’s a great place to fight!”

 

On training camp…

“Training camp has been going great.  Like I mentioned before, when you stay active, everything flows a lot smoother.  I’ve taken my sparring sessions to a new level.  I’m quicker on my feet and my timing is spot on.  My dad Ruben who trains me, is really happy with my progress.  Everything has come together really nice.  It’s time to go to war!”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.