Category Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

PBC ON SPIKE MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT WITH AMIR KHAN, CHRIS ALGIERI, PAULIE MALIGNAGGI & DANNY O’CONNOR

Kelly Swanson

Thanks so much, everyone, for calling in.  We have a great call today. Joining us will be Amir Khan, Chris Algieri, Paulie Malignaggi and Danny O’Connor all in exciting bouts at Barclays Center on PBC on Spike. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing. This is a great show.  I’m going to turn it over to our moderator now, Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment.  Also joining us on the call in between the fighters are Brett Yormark and Jon Slusser.

Lou DiBella   

It’s a great card that’s going to be on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Friday night, the 29th of May, at Barclays Center.  The first bout will feature the anticipated return of Paulie Malignaggi to the ring after a year layoff.  Very few guys in boxing can claim to be more Brooklyn than Paulie Malignaggi and he has his hands full in a bout with Danny O’Connor.  Danny is a tough kid who is hungry for this fight.  This is a matchup between an Italian-American and an Irish-American, a kid from New York and a kid from Boston has the makings of a terrific fight. We’re going to get to Danny first.  Danny is going to say a few words, then we’ll open it up to a few questions for him, then turn it over to Paulie.

Danny O’Connor

I want to thank everyone for being here.  I’m very excited about this opportunity to fight Paulie and to come down to New York and showcase my skills at Barclays Center.  I’ve worked my whole career for this.  I put a lot of effort and sacrifice in my life to get here.  I’m very excited and I’m ready for the task at hand.

Q

Danny, in a situation where you’re fighting a guy who in his last fight was TKO’d, does that make you think of coming in a different way than you ordinarily might, really target him and be more aggressive than usual being that he was stopped in his last outing?

                                                                                                                                                      

D. O’Connor 

No, I don’t.  Anything can happen on any given night in boxing.  That’s what we do we get punched in our face.  Because of that, I’m not looking at anything differently.

Paul had some time off to recover and recoup.  I’m expecting Paul at his best.  I want him at his best.  The better he is, the better challenge that lies in front of me.  The more excited that makes me. My game plan is going to be my game plan regardless of the outcome of his last fight.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

What was your reaction when your name was picked?  You’re fighting Paulie Malignaggi, a former world champion.  Did you think it was a joke or did you see it as you’re getting a fight at an elite fighter that will springboard you?

                                                                                                                                                      

D. O’Connor 

I was excited right off the rip.  That’s what I’ve been working my whole career for, is that shot at something big.  To be able to match my skills up against someone like Paul, with his résumé, that’s what excites me.  I get up for that type of challenge. I didn’t want to get my hopes up in case something fell through.  Boxing, anything can happen.  As it got more and more real it was excitement.  It’s all about excitement.

                                                                                                                                                      

I’ve been working a very long time to get to this spot.  I put in a lot of work and I deserve to be here.  I’m excited to take this chance and to showcase my skills against Paul.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

You have a tremendous amateur record, 110 wins, only 11 losses.  Is that part of the training ground that you’ve had to put you into this position now?

                                                                                                                                                      

D. O’Connor 

Yeah.  I think with anything in life, experience is going to get you places.  The more experience you have, the more comfortable you’re going to be, the more savvy you’re going to be.  I think along with that, the type of person I am, my work ethic, how hard I’ve worked, it’s got me far so far.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

A victory over Paulie will put you on top of the radar charts for the other 47-pounders. There is a grand central community of 147-pounders.  Is that what you’re looking for?

                                                                                                                                                      

D. O’Connor

 It’s not even in my mind, man.  I don’t look at all past Paul.  He’s a tough fighter.  I’m focused at the task at hand, and that’s Paul.  That’s all I’m looking at.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Paulie is fast.  How do you intend to deal with his speed?

                                                                                                                                                      

D. O’Connor 

Hopefully I’ll be able to neutralize that speed by having my own speed.  I’m not too slow myself.  I think it’s going to be a battle of the minds.

 

DiBella

I would just like to acknowledge Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys, the legendary Boston-based Irish rock band who has Murphys Boxing – Danny’s promoter. I’m going to introduce a man I know very well, and who probably didn’t think I’d be making this announcement, but Paulie, would you like to say a few words?

                                                                                                                                                      

Paulie Malignaggi

I’m happy to be here.  I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center again.  I’ve gotten the desire to fight again over the past year little by little.  It was almost nothing and then the desire started growing more and more.  Once you sign up for a fight, you see the event in front of you, you start seeing things like the teleconference and all that we’re doing now, it starts to resonate in your mind that it’s coming up, it’s close, so the excitement kind of builds.  I’m happy to be a part of this event, part of this show and everybody involved with it.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q.

Paulie, you’ve gotten off to a great start in your broadcasting career.  Does this take anything away from what you’re achieving in broadcasting or slow your development that way, or do you feel like you can manage both things side by side?

                                                                                                                                                      

P. Malignaggi 

This has been a training camp where I’m kind of getting it all down pat together.  It’s basically a training camp where I haven’t had as much work to do as I have this time around in the past. The reason I still have the passion for this is I still make time to train every day. I still find the time to prepare adequately every day.

                                                                                                                                                      

It’s not always easy with the broadcasting. Throughout the course of my career, you have to fight, shut everything down and focus on the fight.  It’s not like that anymore.  That kind of comes with age, you kind of get into new things in your life and whatnot.

                                                                                                                                                      

If it was a couple years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it.  I’m at a place in my life where I am more mature. I can handle it more and compartmentalize things more.  The passion shows in and of itself.  If I didn’t really want to do this, trust me, I would do the broadcasting, I would half-ass it on my training.  Last week was challenging, but every day I was able to get in my training somehow, some way.  One workout a day, sometimes two workouts a day.

                                                                                                                                                      

That shows me I have the passion. When you don’t want to train, but you still go out and do it, you have that victory in your mind, you want to persevere and excel.  I’m the type of person that wants to do that.  In the end, after this fight, I plan on winning the fight and looking good.  I’ve been feeling good in the training camp.  After the fight, I’m just taking it one fight at a time.  I’m not looking past Danny.  It’s a little bit different in my career right now, but at the same time I’m still enjoying the ride.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q.

At some point when you were doing the broadcasting, was there something about being on the sidelines that kind of inspired the feelings that you’d like to be back on the other side of the ropes again?  Was it a particular fight or moment?

                                                                                                                                                      

P. Malignaggi

I wouldn’t say it was anything in particular.  I don’t say that was part of the reason, I guess. At first it was part of the reason why I didn’t want to fight again.  I would see these fights from close range, see the violence, some crazy exchanges.  “Man, better these guys than me.  I’m done.”

                                                                                                                                                      

Then little by little, as I started feeling better, I would start seeing the same kind of stuff, and I would focus on the crowd reaction, the adrenaline these fighters are feeling.  I was starting to slowly change my thinking pattern.  It was starting to slowly become more like, I got to feel this again, I got to feel that rush again.  It’s something missing in my life.

                                                                                                                                                      

The transition kind of came slowly.  I don’t think it was one particular moment or situation, it just kind of came slowly and developed.  At first I got back in the gym and wanted to keep my weight down. Before you know it, you start to hit a couple bags.  As with any boxer in general, you start to hit the bag, you start to loosen, before you know it, you start to feel it. I suppose when you retire from boxing you should stay away from the boxing gym, because otherwise you’re going to want to fight.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Paulie, how much of a factor was the result of your previous fight in motivating you to kind of come back and have a chance to go out with a win if, in fact, that’s what ultimately occurs here?

                                                                                                                                                      

P. Malignaggi

My last fight had no bearing on any of this.  The only bearing in my life that fight had on me was the decision not to fight anymore.  When I went into the fight, I didn’t decide it was going to be my last fight.  I wasn’t thinking of any of that stuff at all.

                                                                                                                                                      

When the result happened, I was more so thinking, okay maybe this is it.  It wasn’t really that particular result as far as me not being able to accept it. It was more so, before the Porter fight, I hadn’t looked bad. I had a split decision lost against Broner. I had a dominant victory, but I had one bad night.  If I really want to chalk up my entire career to that one bad night and be done, or do I give myself another shot?

                                                                                                                                                      

It wasn’t about Idon’t want to go out on a loss, I have more left.  The Porter fight doesn’t take away from what I did in the past two or three years.  You have a fight like that, take a year off, people expect that’s where you are and that’s it.

                                                                                                                                                      

I think people are going to draw their own conclusions.  The Porter fight had no bearing on what I wanted to do.  I felt like, I’m alive and I want to live.  For me living is feeling that adrenaline rush, the rush of being in the ring and competing.  I’m a competitive person.  That’s more what was the motivator.  I’m not dead, so I don’t need to live like I’m dead.  Some people choose to live like they’re dead.  I don’t need to do that.  I can feel life.  Nothing makes me feel more alive than having the adrenaline of being in a boxing ring in front of a packed crowd.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Paulie, depending on how you look at this fight, if you perform to your highest capabilities, if you win handily, what’s next for you?  Do kick back into that mode where you go challenge for a title, fight one of the better fighters in the division again?

                                                                                                                                                      

P. Malignaggi:

Honestly, it hasn’t even crossed my mind.  I want to see not only how I look and feel in the fight.  There are a lot of things I have to decide. I may look good and say, you know what, I’m good to go again.  I may look good and say, you know what, this is taking away too much time from other things I want to enjoy in my life.  I may need to feel this adrenaline rush again.  I don’t know. I haven’t given it that much thought yet.  I’m only focused on Danny O’Connor right now. I’m focused on May 29th.  I feel like those are possible things that would be crossing my mind, but in reality I haven’t given it enough thought to really have made that kind of decision. I don’t know yet.  I’m focused only on the fight right now.  So anything post May 29th I’ll decide post May 29th.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

You said you started training, you were feeling good, had no problem training.  How much fun are you having again with boxing?  Do you feel rejuvenated?

                                                                                                                                                      

P. Malignaggi

I enjoy a good challenge in life, a challenge that I enjoy.  If you put me in a chemistry class, it will be a challenge, but I don’t think I’ll enjoy it too much.  Know what I’m saying? Boxing is a challenge to me, but it’s a challenge I enjoy.  I enjoy pushing my body and mind to the limits and seeing if I can succeed and testing myself.  Of course, I’ve been enjoying it.

                                                                                                                                                      

Sometimes people look at me and tell you, why would you want to fight again?  You’re good. You’re set.  You have good money coming in.

                                                                                                                                                      

It’s not about the money.  Well, obviously it’s always about the money.  That’s not the main motivator.  The motivator is to feel alive.  I can be dead when I’m six feet under.  Right now I don’t want to feel like that.  I want to feel that rush of adrenaline again, feel alive.  While I can still do it, I will do it.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Paulie, what made this particular fight the right opportunity to get back into the ring?  What does the New York/Boston rivalry add to this fight?

                                                                                                                                                      

P. Malignaggi

The opportunity to be back in the ring could have came against anyone. The New York/Boston rivalry, I’ve thought of it a couple times over the camp.  It’s not Boston/New York, Italian/Irish.  It’s like 50 years too late.  If it’s 1955 instead of 2015, you’re going to have this in a huge stadium, everybody would be into it. Everyone would be going crazy  It could be a real cool event.  Not that it’s not going to be a cool event anyway. What I’m saying is the perception of the event is different now than it would have been back in the day when the Italian and Irish rivalry, New York and Boston rivalry might have been more.  It gives it a fall-back feel to me and that’s good for me.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

What do you know about Danny O’Connor?  He hasn’t fought a lot of the top-level opponents that you have.  What do you see as your strengths and his weaknesses in this fight?

                                                                                                                                                      

P. Malignaggi

I’ve known Danny for quite some time.  Obviously he hasn’t fought at the level that I have.  The experience is in my favor. I knew he had a good amateur career.  He’s a solid competitor.  He has a national Golden Gloves title and he was an Olympic alternate.  When you have that kind of amateur career, you expect yourself to break through in the pros.

                                                                                                                                                      

I had a good amateur career, I was a national championship as well.  I remember turning pro with  the expectation I would have a successful pro career as well.  At that point you’re used to winning and winning at a high level.

                                                                                                                                                      

I feel like Danny has that expectancy of himself.  Maybe it’s come a little slower.  I feel this is an opportunity for him because he has a chance to finally show all the things he had to show in the amateurs where he was a good amateur and was considered a top guy.

                                                                                                                                                      

For that reason I can’t take him lightly, and I don’t take him lightly because I know what he’s feeling.  I know what it’s like to have that successful amateur career, go into your first professional fight and have those goose bumps and be ready for it.  I kind of know what he’s feeling, what’s going through his mind, both the good and the bad. In that way I guess I have the advantage because I’m prepared for that thing because I’ve already been through it. You can never underestimate me. I’m a hungry fighter and Danny’s a hungry fighter.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Are you able to focus on him as an opponent in this fight rather than all these broader questions about your career arc and all that type of thing?

                                                                                                                                                      

P. Malignaggi

Yes, of course.  I’m preparing for a slick boxer named Danny O’Connor. He can become aggressive at times.  He’s a southpaw, can sit back on the back foot sometimes.  He might bring the kind of fight I intend to bring, my game plan.  Every day I’m in the gym working on that.

                                                                                                                                                      

Although the distractions are nice to talk about, in the end I’m working on the exact plan in the gym every day.

                                                                                                                                                      

L. DiBella 

Thank you, Paulie. Now I’d like to acknowledge John Slusser the senior vice president of sports for Spike and everyone at Spike TV. The first PBC on Spike card was on March 13 and it was a terrific show and we are looking forward to continuing that streak. I would now like to introduce a gentleman who has become a friend of mine. I would be remised first if I did not make this announcement. Tickets are available 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.

Now I’d like to introduce the CEO of Barclays Center, Brett Yormark.

                                                                                                                                                      

Brett Yormark:

Thank you, Lou.  Glad to be here with everyone.  Looking forward to hosting Paulie and Danny on the 29th, as well as Amir and Chris.

                                                                                                                                                      

From a building perspective, obviously we’re committed to boxing.  We’re thrilled to be hosting our second PBC fight.  Our first event was just a resounding success.  It was our biggest gate since we opened Barclays Center as it relates to boxing.  It was the most highly attended event.

                                                                                                                                                      

The atmosphere and the environment was electrifying.  We think we’ll be able to duplicate and replicate that experience for our fans on the 29th.

                                                                                                                                                      

I’m thrilled that Spike will be our partner.  They have a great edgy and cool feel of broadcast, how they do their business.  That’s a perfect fit for Brooklyn.  Obviously we are just excited that Paulie is on the card. In bringing boxing back to Brooklyn, it was always about bringing fights that meant something nationally, but it was also about nurturing and fostering the careers of Brooklyn fighters.

                                                                                                                                                      

There’s no bigger fighter in Brooklyn than Paulie Malignaggi.  He’s a friend and has fought many times at Barclays Center.  Welcoming him back after a year away from the sport is terrific for us.

                                                                                                                                                      

We’re also thrilled to have Danny fight in our building for the first time.  I’m also excited to be working with Amir Khan. He and I have become friendly and I always hoped that Amir would call Barclays Center home.  He’s been in our building for Nets games and other boxing events. For him to be in our ring is a real pleasure.

                                                                                                                                                      

Then Chris Algieri, he and Provodnikov last June probably had one of the biggest and most electrifying fights ever at Barclays Center.  For him to come back and fight again is terrific for us.  He brings a big Long Island fan base, which we hope to tap into again.

                                                                                                                                                      

This should be a really big night for Brooklyn boxing, boxing in general and certainly the PBC.  We are thrilled to be a partner and look forward to the 29th.

                                                                                                                                                      

L. DiBella 

Thank you, Brett. Now to what will be our other main event of the evening, the final fight of the evening on Spike on May 29th at Barclays Center. The first participant is the pride of Huntington, Long Island. As Brett mentioned, his career best victory took place at the Barclays Center when he upset Ruslan Provodnikov and really established himself as a force in boxing. He is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

                                                                                                                                                      

Chris Algieri with a record of 20-1, I know is looking forward to this great opportunity versus Amir Khan. Chris, can you say a few words.

                                                                                                                                                      

Chris Algieri 

Hello, everybody.  I’d like to thank Lou DiBella Entertainment for working with my promoter Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.  It’s a pleasure to be back at Barclays Center.  We fought a year ago last June, had a great fight, won my first world title.  I’m also excited to be fighting on Spike TV.  Thank you for hosting the event.  It’s a whole new network to fight on.  I’m very excited about it all.

                                                                                                                                                      

L. DiBella 

Thank you, Chris.

                                                                                                                                                      

This next gentleman, I use that word seriously, is one of the most talented fighters in the game.  He’s from England.  Former world champion with a terrific record of 30-3.  Amir Khan.

                                                                                                                                                      

Amir Khan

Hello, everyone.  I want to say hi to all the press and media.  Brett Yormark is a friend of mine now from Barclays Center.  I’m very excited to fight at the Barclays Center.  I’ve been there a few times.  I always said that I want to come over here and give New York a huge fight, bring boxing there.  I have a big fan base from New York.  I’m sure Chris Algieri also has a big fan base there as well.  But we’re going to come and make some noise.

                                                                                                                                                      

The fight is going to be on Spike TV, which I’m also excited for.  I’m looking forward to the whole event on the 29th of May, on Friday.  I hope you’re all going to be there cheering us on.  Thank you.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Chris, you’ve had time to work with John David Jackson now.  Do you see him changing you in any significant way?

                                                                                                                                                      

C. Algieri

Yeah, absolutely.  It’s been a great training camp.  We’ve been learning quite a bit.  John has been bringing out a lot of aspects of my style, things I can do in the ring that I haven’t had an opportunity to show just yet.

                                                                                                                                                      

We’re both very excited about this fight, excited about what we’re going to be able to do on fight night the 29th. Learning new aspects in a sport I love has been an eye-opening experience and enjoyable one as well.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q.

Taking someone on like Amir Khan, someone with his experience, the people he’s fought, I know you’ve kind of made the step up in these last two fights to a higher level, but this could have been an opportunity for you to take a little bit easier fight.  Why did you keep it this tough right here?

                                                                                                                                                      

C. Algieri 

You know, I’ve never been that guy, to take an easy route or an easy fight.  I’ve come up very fast in both of the sports I’ve come up in.  Even at a young age when I was kickboxing, I took on big fights.  In my young boxing career, it’s been a constant step-up my entire career.

                                                                                                                                                      

I have not been one of those guys who has moved along gingerly.  I’ve been excited to tackle big opponents and big fights on big stages.  This is par for the course for my career.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Amir, you had a possibility of fighting Mayweather until he made the fight with Pacquiao.  They’ve already mentioned your name as a next possible opponent.  How critical is winning this fight toward preserving that dream of fighting Mayweather?  Do you see it as part of the big picture?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

Definitely, winning this fight is everything to me.  I’m not looking past this Chris Algieri fight.  I know it’s a very dangerous fight for me.  Stylistically he’s very dangerous and I’m not going to be looking past it.  If I do, I’ll have made a mistake. I’ve looked past fights and made mistakes. It will put me right back where I don’t want to be.

                                                                                                                                                      

I have to be focused.  I have to be disciplined in training camp, not looking past this Chris Algieri fight.  I know there are big fights out there like Mayweather and stuff.  I just have to stay focused and win this fight and go from there really.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

You call Chris “dangerous”.  He’s not known as a big puncher.  It could be a good boxing match.  What do you see as the danger that Chris poses to you?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

Technically I think overall he’s a very good boxer, moves well.  He makes a lot of fighters fall short.  He’s very skillful.  You have to be on your “A” game to beat him.

                                                                                                                                                      

I’ve been watching a lot of videos like Provodnikov. Even the Pacquiao fight, there’s some good things he did there.  It could be dangerous for me coming into this fight if I’m not on my “A” game.  I have to be one step ahead and make sure I don’t make any mistakes.  Chris Algieri is a guy that if you make a mistake, he’s going to make you pay for it.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Amir, you were criticized heavily for taking this fight.  What can you do in this fight to put your name up there to get the bigger fights again?  What will you have to do? Are you going to have to knock out Chris to make a real impression?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

Look, there’s people putting this fight down, and I don’t know why.  At the end of the day, Chris has won a world title.  He’s been in the ring with Pacquiao in his last fight.  He’s a very good boxer, moves well, boxes well.  I definitely have to be on my “A” game.

                                                                                                                                                      

All this stuff what people are saying, they’re probably thinking Amir thinks it’s going to be a walk in the park, but he’ll make a mistake and lose this fight.

                                                                                                                                                      

I take every fight seriously.  I’ve made that mistake in the past. For example the Danny Garcia fight.  I’ve fought some fights that I thought are going to be a walk in the park; I got hurt, I lost the fight.  I’m not thinking any fight is going to be easy.  Every fight I walk into, every person in front of me is going to be in there to win the fight.

                                                                                                                                                      

Listening to Chris Algieri, he seems he wants to win this fight.  That motivates me and makes me train harder.  I’ve got someone in front of me that wants to win this fight. I’m not really listening to what people are saying about future fights or where this fight can take me.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

There still is pressure on you to deliver because you have to send a message that you’re still a big name.

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

Definitely there is.  There’s a lot of pressure on me in every fight because they want to see me perform.  Obviously there’s always the bigger picture of the other side. At the end of the day I’m still fighting the top guys and I believe Chris is one of the top guys in boxing.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q.

You were quoted on the weekend that saying Leonard Ellerbe has mentioned Mayweather to you.  September is an issue. What would be your plan there?  Would it be hoping he puts it back to November or could you fight late in September?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

To be honest, I’m not looking past this fight.  I’ll tell you everything after the fight.  At the moment what’s on my mind is the Chris Algieri fight.  I don’t have anything else on my mind.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Amir, you left Golden Boy after your contract ran out.  You’re with PBC now.  What was your thinking behind making that move?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

PBC I think is brilliant because it’s going to give more fans the chance to tune in to get to see you.  I think it’s going to be good for the boxers.  To be on Spike, the viewers are going to be great.

                                                                                                                                                      

At the end of the day it’s not like I’m making less money or anything.  I’m still doing well financially.  Obviously I’m getting more people to watch me fight hopefully on Spike and on PBC.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Obviously your name has been linked with Mayweather not just the last three weeks but with the last three years.  You’re both with Haymon.  Has he ever said what you need to do to get in the ring with Mayweather?

A. Khan                                                                                                                    

Mayweather is the best fighter in the world and in order to get that fight, you have to look good.  You have to shine really.  It’s all about working hard, training hard, putting in good performances in the ring.  To turn in the best performances in the ring, I can’t take it easy in camp.  I have to work very hard in camp and I have to be very focused. I have to be very focused.

                                                                                                                                                      

There’s been the word there for the last couple years that that fight was going to happen.  But I’m going to be taking every fight one step at a time, hopefully put on great performances.  If that fight comes, obviously it’s something I’ve always wanted.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Is that what he’s saying to you?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

Yes, Virgil my trainer, everyone has said, “You have a fight in front of you and Chris Algieri is no joke.”  I can’t go into this fight thinking it’s going to be easy.  In boxing you can get beat and, there are always guys who are skillful and can beat you.  I have to be that one step ahead.  I can’t really take this fight lightly and think it’s going to be easy, lose my fight, then all my dreams are shattered to fight all the big names in boxing. Chris is a very dangerous opponent for me.

                                                                                                                                                      

Losing this fight, it would ruin my dreams to fight the big names in boxing.  I have to be focused on this fight. I’m fighting in his own backyard.  I know what it’s like to fight someone in their own backyard.  When I fought Lamont Peterson, you have to try harder to win that fight. There will be a big crowd there as well. I have to be very focused, definitely keep the game plan strong, just win your rounds and win the fight.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Chris, you were in the ring with Pacquiao before.  Obviously there’s a shoulder injury he says he’s had for quite some time.  Was there anything you felt when you were in there, maybe you saw a difference in him, different from when he fought you?

                                                                                                                                                      

C. Algieri 

I didn’t really see anything physically.  I saw a little more mental.  He seemed more focused from my fight, to tell you the truth.  Even at the weigh-in, he was kind of bubbly and smiley at the Mayweather weigh-in.  He wasn’t that way with myself when we were in China.  That’s neither here nor there.  You don’t know whether that could be anything. That’s kind of a hard question to answer for someone else.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

What does this fight mean for you going forward?  A win against a top name in boxing would do wonders for your career.  Tell us what a win would mean for your career moving forward.

                                                                                                                                                      

C. Algieri 

Yeah, I don’t want to speak for Amir or any other fighter out there, but we’re all competitors.  We’re all out there to win.  There’s a reason we do this at the elite level.  You have to have a burning desire to be a winner.

                                                                                                                                                      

Amir is a champion, a former champion.  I’m a former champion, a champion myself.  That will and desire to always want to win is there.  There’s a lot of questions that are being asked.  You have to win this fight.  Of course, you have to win this fight. That’s how boxing is. That’s what competition is. You have to win to get the big fights.

                                                                                                                                                      

That’s one of the great things about this sport:  when you keep winning, good things happen.  Of course, we’re all very hungry to get this victory and move on with our careers.  I’m in exactly the same place.  This is a huge fight, a huge opportunity.  As with any other fight, I want to win.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Amir, did you see anything in Mayweather that you would have taken advantage of, something you saw that other people didn’t see?  Did he look a step slower?  Something you saw that you could take advantage of?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

Yeah, I mean, I was there as a boxing fan.  I’m only an hour away from Vegas.  I went there to watch the fight.  I enjoyed the atmosphere and everything.

                                                                                                                                                      

Mayweather looked great.  He did what he had to do to win the fight.  His accuracy was nothing but the best.  He was catching Pacquiao with some good, clean shots, whereas Pacquiao was falling short.

                                                                                                                                                      

That’s the way he fights.  He’s a very skillful fighter who is very patient and makes his opponent make mistakes.  That’s what I liked about him.

                                                                                                                                                      

His world grade is dropping tremendously because of his age.  But there are a few things I saw there which I have not seen before; when he takes a good shot, he doesn’t panic.  The only way to catch him is with speed, which Manny has.  Pacquiao didn’t use as much speed and explosiveness in the fight. I enjoyed it.  I’m sure there were all those people who said he was never going to beat Pacquiao, well, he’s been there and done that.

 

Q:

One last point on Mayweather. Floyd Sr. said that Floyd would fight you next and it would be an easy fight and I was wondering what you think about that.

A. Khan

Floyd Sr. is going to say its going to be an easy fight. Before anything I have Chris Algieri in front of me. Maybe they don’t want me to focus on my next fight. I have to be smart. I’m not going to let anything distract me in anyway. I am not going to think about Floyd’s team or put me down. At the moment that fight is not happening. At the moment the only fight that is happening is between me and Chris Algieri. We are only three or four weeks away from the fight and it is crunch time.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q.  A lot of people want you to fight Kelly Brook, can you talk about the decision to take a different opponent who is not ranked as high?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

I could have fought Kell Brook in the UK.  I only want to fight in may. I don’t want to fight in June because of Ramadan coming up.  Either way, I’d be taking Ramadan off.  I don’t want to be going into Ramadan tired after a fight, going straight into Ramadan, fasting.

I like to give my body a break. I’ve done that before.  I’ve had a fight and I’ve gone straight into Ramadan back-to-back.  It’s too much for a body to take.  Obviously I need to look after my body.

                                                                                                                                                      

Yeah, Kell Brook, the guy is a world champion, he should be fighting the likes of Bradley and the big names in boxing, like I’m doing.  I’m fighting Chris Algieri, who just came out of the ring in his last fight against Manny Pacquiao.  Kell Brook, his last fight, never heard of the guy he fought.  Now he’s fighting another no-name fighter without a ranking.

                                                                                                                                                      

That name doesn’t bother me anymore because he’s not doing anything.  The only reason his name gets pushed to me because he holds the title.  If he didn’t have the title, I don’t think it would mean anything to me or boxing.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q.  Tell us your thoughts on Algieri as a fighter and give us some of your scouting report on him.

 

A. Khan

Chris Algieri just came off a win against Provodnikov.  I saw it the other day.  It was a very good fight.  He boxed very smart against a guy who is a good pressure fighter and a big puncher.  Then, against Pacquiao, one of the quickest fighters in the world.

                                                                                                                                                      

I think if you look at the names of Chris Algieri’s last few opponents and Kell Brook’s last few opponents, the names will speak for themselves.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Chris, in this fight there’s been a lot of discussion what Amir is going to do in his next fight, all this.  You’re in some ways being overlooked in this.  Tell us what you think your advantages are over Amir and why you think you’re going to be able to win this fight.

                                                                                                                                                      

C. Algieri 

All the talk is none of my concern, to tell you the truth.  I’m focused on training, preparing the best that I can for this fight.  I’ve been working hard, working on a lot of new things with John David Jackson.  Great sparring so far.

                                                                                                                                                      

I’m just a very hungry fighter at this point.  I’m coming off my first loss as a professional, and watching Pacquiao and Mayweather fight this weekend has spurred me on even that much more, made me that much more of a hungry fighter.

                                                                                                                                                      

It’s one of those things, you have a guy in great shape that is really hungry for the win.  I think that’s a big advantage in any fight.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Amir, focusing on this fight, what do you think your advantages are over Chris? You said you watched his fight recently with Provodnikov where he won. What do you think his advantages are?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

Yeah, the speed, the movement, the power.  Experience is something that I have on my side.  I remember a couple years ago when I was fighting the guys who were a lot more experienced than me, I was going and beating those guys.  Now I’m in a position where I’m one of the guys with most experience, fighting guys with less experience.

                                                                                                                                                      

You can’t take that lightly really because obviously I was once in Chris Algieri’s position where I had one loss and I was going up against the top guys in boxing, and I beat those guys.

                                                                                                                                                      

I can’t go into this fight thinking it’s going to be an easy fight or I’m going to win this fight because I was once in Chris Algieri’s position, where I was getting people telling me, you’re not going to make it, you’re not going to win this fight.  I was the underdog and I proved everybody wrong.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Amir, you fought in New York before.  Chris is going to be the hometown guy in this fight.  You’re well-known in New York, too.  What do you think the effect is going to be having the fight in Brooklyn?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

I always wanted to fight in Brooklyn.  I fought at Madison Square Garden in 2009 against Paulie.  From there, I always wanted to come back to New York.  The fan base is huge.

                                                                                                                                                      

It’s like a second home for me.  My wife lives in Staten Island.  I spend a lot of time in New York.  We live in England, but spend a lot of time in New York and America itself.

                                                                                                                                                      

For me, every time I’m walking the streets of New York, I have everybody asking me, when are you going to be fighting again?  We want to see you fight again in New York.

                                                                                                                                                      

Also when I’m at Barclays Center, I’ve been there for a couple of the Nets games, people have always asked me, we need you back in New York.  We need you to fight at Barclays Center.

                                                                                                                                                      

I think it’s time now.  I promised them I would come back.  I’m coming back fighting one of their home fighters.  I know by fighting that home fighter you have to work a bit harder because he’s going to have a little bit more fans than me.

                                                                                                                                                      

But, I mean, time will tell.  We’ll see how it all goes. I’m going to be focused on everything.  I’m going to stay calm and hopefully come fight night I’m going to be ready for everything that Chris Algieri brings to the table.  I’m going to be ready, yeah.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Amir, in Vegas over the weekend you were getting mobbed everywhere you went by fans.  What are they saying to you at this point?  They’ve been asking you about Floyd.  Has that subsided or is that still the message?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

Everybody was talking about that one big fight.  “You should fight Floyd.  You should fight Floyd.”

                                                                                                                                                      

I was telling them all, I’m fighting Chris Algieri next.  That for me is a very tough fight.  I need to win this fight if I need to go near any of the big names in fighting.

                                                                                                                                                      

They were very supportive.  I was getting a lot of respect in Vegas.  But, like I said, this is time to fight Chris Algieri.  I’m not going to be fighting Floyd Mayweather yet till I win this fight.

                                                                                                                                                      

I was listening, being respectful back. Just meeting fans and greeting fans really.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

How inspiring was that to be part of the weekend?  It was something quite special, wasn’t it?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan 

It was massive having two big names.  I’ve been to both big fights.  Normally you have a Pacquiao fight with big names.  When you go to a fight with two big names, it was huge.  Manny had the bigger crowd, it seemed to me.  Floyd just did what he had to do.  It was full of a high-profile people, celebrities and stuff.  I sat amongst them.  It’s something I want to be doing one day, being in the ring, having millions of people in the world watching you and having high profile people watch you ring side.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

You had Adrien Broner in your ear.  What was that all about?

                                                                                                                                                      

A. Khan

I think he just wants to jump on the bandwagon really and get a little hype.  I told my advisor Al Haymon to get me the fight with him before we even got the fight with Chris.  Adrien to me seemed to not want the fight.  In front of the cameras, he seems to want the fight, but when it comes down to signing the contract he didn’t want to sign anything.  When it comes down to signing the contract, he doesn’t want the fight. Adrien didn’t want it, so obviously I had to go on to someone else.

                                                                                                                                                      

Q

Is it true that you’ve ruled out fighting in September if a Mayweather fight does come to pass?  Will you not fight in September?

                                                                                                                                                      

A Khan 

No, no, I’ve not ruled out.  It’s possible I could fight in September, yeah.  Ramadan is going to be a little bit earlier this year, so obviously it helps, gives me enough time to get the training done and everything.  It can happen in September.

                                                                                                                                                      

L. DiBella 

Thank you, Amir and Chris.  Thank you, everybody, for joining us.

 

#          #          #

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

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE BROOKLYN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (May 13, 2015) – Former two-division world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs)held an open workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn Wednesday before he takes on Danny O’Connor (25-2, 9 KOs)on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike, Friday, May 29 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live from Barclays Center.

 

Also working out at Gleason’s Gym on Wednesday was undefeated bantamweight contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy (12-0, 2 KOs) and undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Adam Kownacki (9-0, 9 KOs).

 

These fights will be part of an explosive evening headlined by boxing superstar Amir “King” Khan (30-3, 19 KOs)who faces tough New Yorker Chris Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs).  Doors at Barclays Center open at 6 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is 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 atwww.barclayscenter.com, www.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 are what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

 

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

 

“I know Danny O’Connor pretty well. He’s a good boxer who had a good amateur career. He can be pretty slick and he’s a real intelligent guy. He’s not going to just hand it to you so you have to use your mind against him.

 

“O’Connor is going to come hungry. With the situation he’s in, he’s really been looking for this opportunity in his career. I expect the hungriest and best possible Danny O’Connor.

 

“I’m going to go out in the first round see what I’m looking for. I’m not going to go out and expect something from him, but we’ll make adjustments. If I see some of his patterns that I’ve seen on video, then I’ll know what to do. I’m going to look to take apart what’s in front of me.

 

“Gleason’s Gym is the first place I ever learned to box. I learned to throw a jab in here. I learned to throw a right hand in here. All of my fundamentals came from here. I didn’t have a clue about boxing before I came to Gleason’s. I owe a lot to this gym.

 

“There was a good six months where I didn’t really care about coming back. I was satisfied. But then I just started to miss being a competitor. I was keeping busy but the competition was missing in my life. Once I got back in the gym and started hitting the bag and I felt good I knew I wanted to get back out there.

 

“It’s been tough balancing the schedule out with my announcing. It’s a mental challenge to make sure you’re still training despite all the other responsibilities. To me that proves that I still have the passion to fight. I still wanted to train no matter how busy I got.

 

“I’m thankful to be able to be a part of something really big like this. Sometimes you take a bad loss in your career and you can take a big step back but I’m thankful to have an opportunity to be on a highly elevated show like this, it’s really cool.

 

“I’d still like to fight for a world title and take on big names. If I could win another title I feel like I can put myself into the position to go into the Hall of Fame as a fighter. I’ve been fighting at a high level since 2006, a good percentage of them have been world class opponents.

 

“PBC is really amazing, I think it’s great for the sport. It’s going to build up new stars because fighters are going to be on your television constantly. I think people are going to start to really follow it. You’re going to see a lot of different kinds of fights and fighters, there’s something for everybody.”

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

“Training camp has been very good, this is probably the biggest fight of my career so far against Noemi Bosques. I’m fighting the number two bantamweight and I’m really excited.

 

“I haven’t changed my training at all. I go into every fight to win and I always give 100 percent.

 

“I’m really happy to be back in the ring so quickly. I was winning my last fight and I was ready to knock this girl out, but then the head butt stopped it prematurely. There was an unfinished feeling after the last fight, almost like a sparring session.

 

“I know I’m facing a tough fighter, she can box but she’s also an aggressive fighter. We’re going to do what we do against every fighter, which is make adjustments.

 

“Me being on the undercards for these PBC shows has been great for women’s boxing because it’s got a lot of great media attention.

 

“I love fighting at home. I watched them build Barclays Center and I thought about how much I’d love to fight there. It’s a dream come true. Barclays Center is special.

 

“I’m still on the steps looking up in my career. There’s a lot more to go. I don’t feel like I’ve reached the highest that I can reach. I’m going to keep fighting and winning and giving the fans a reason to come back.”

 

ADAM KOWNACKI

 

“I was born and grew up in Brooklyn so it’s a real treat to fight at Barclays Center. I can’t wait to perform there. It’s going to be an amazing night.

 

“It’s really a dream come true to be fighting at Barclays Center. I’m so glad it’s finally here. Hopefully one day I’ll be the main event.

 

“I’ve fought recently in Chicago and Philadelphia, but I’m really excited to be back home and have a lot of people come out to support me.

 

“I come to fight, if the knockout comes it comes. Hopefully the knockout comes again on May 29.

 

“I want the fans to keep looking for me, I’m going to get tougher opponents and tougher fights and more exposure that I’m so excited for.

 

“I bring excitement to the ring. I throw a lot of punches and my defense has improved with every fight.”

 

#          #          #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions,www.barclayscenter.com and www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @PaulMalignaggi, @DOC_Boxing, @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.

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

 

CHICAGO (May 12, 2015) – 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. CTwith 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/WarriorsBoxingPromoand www.Facebook.com/Spike.

SUPERSTAR ROBERT GUERRERO TO BATTLE LOS ANGELES’ OWN ARON MARTINEZ  ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, JUNE 6 AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC COMES TO STUBHUB CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF. STARTING AT 3 P.M. ET/NOON PT

Plus! Chris Arreola & Alfredo Angulo

To Compete In Separate Bouts

 

And a Featherweight Showdown Between Jesus Cuellar & Vic Darchinyan

 

CARSON, CALIF (May 11, 2015) –Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs) returns to the ring as he squares off against Aron Martinez (19-3-1, 4 KOs) on Saturday afternoon, June 6 as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC comes to StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.   The broadcast begins at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT.

 

Also featured on the card are perennial stars Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) and Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (22-5, 18 KOs) who will compete in separate bouts. Rounding out action is a sure to be action packed featherweight showdown as Jesus Cuellar (26-1, 20 KOs) battles Vic Darchinyan (40-7-1, 29 KOs).

 

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.

 

“I’m very happy to be making a quick return to the ring, especially on NBC.”  said Guerrero. “It’s an honor to be fighting at StubHub Center once again as the main event. I’m going to bring it like always and give the fans an exciting fight. I can’t wait for the bell to ring!”

 

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to fight Robert Guerrero on network television,” said Martinez. “Since my last fight, I’ve been in the gym working extremely hard. I want to shock the world and beat ‘The Ghost.’ Make no mistake about it, I’m coming to win.”

 

“I am so happy to be getting back in the ring so soon after my last fight [March 13],” said Arreola. “The opportunity to stay busy and fight at StubHub Center is great and I plan on showcasing my skills.”

 

“I am grateful for the chance to fight on such a great card in Southern California where I have fought several times before,” said Angulo. “I see this as an important fight for me and I know that the fans won’t be disappointed.”

 

“We’re very excited to return to StubHub Center and work with the

NBC team on an action-packed card” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Robert Guerrero and Aron Martinez will provide fireworks from the opening bell in

the main event and we’ll be adding a full card of terrific undercard fights

for a complete afternoon of entertainment for Southern California fight fans.”

 

The 32-year-old Guerrero out of Gilroy, California owns victories over Andre Berto, Selcuk Aydin and Michael Katsidis. He most recently electrified fans with an exciting performance against Keith Thurman on the inaugural PBC card on March 7 of this year. A former world champion in four weight classes, Guerrero looks to put on another outstanding performance on June 6 at StubHub Center.

 

Born in Uruapan, Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico, but fighting out of East Los Angeles, Martinez makes his StubHub Center debut on June 6. The 33-year-old turned pro in 2005 and won his first seven starts before a technical draw in 2007 against Vito Gaspayran. A tough fighter Martinez strung together 10 straight victories between 2009 and 2012..

 

The 34-year-old Arreola defeated Curtis Harper in a thrilling heavyweight showdown on March 13 in Ontario, Calif. Born in Escondido, Calif. but fighting out of Los Angeles, Arreola has long been one of the most feared punchers in the heavyweight division. Having challenged the best in the division, Arreola knows what it takes to succeed at this level and looks to entertain his hometown fans on June 6.

 

A hard fighting Mexican warrior born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico but fighting out of Coachella, Calif.,Angulo is looking for a big victory in front of his adopted hometown fans. Always ready to challenge the best in the sport, the 32-year-old has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best fighters in the world and holds knockout victories over Gabriel Rosado, Joachim Alcine and Joel Julio.

 

A fast-rising star out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cuellar looks to make it 10 victories in a row when he battles Darchinyan on June 6. His power in both hands has led him to six knockouts of his last nine victories including a second round destruction of Puerto Rican icon Juan Manuel Lopez in Sept. 2014. The 28-year-old will make his first career start in California when he enters the ring at StubHub Center.

 

Looking to put himself back into the discussion of top featherweights, the 39-year-old Darchinyan comes in with the kind of experience to topple the explosive Cuellar. A former world champion, the fighter from Armenia who fights out of Glendale, California is coming off of a ninth-round TKO over Juan Jimenez in February of this year. Having fought against top contenders such as Abner Mares, Nonito Donaire and Nicholas Walters, Darchinyan also owns victories over Yonnhy Perez, Jorge Arce and Cristian Mijares.

 

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

OMAR FIGUEROA DEFEATS RICKY BURNS AT STATE FARM ARENA IN HIDALGO, TEXAS ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS

Jamie McDonnell Earns Close Decision Over

Tomoki Kameda

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/PBC on CBS

 

HIDALGO, TEXAS (May 9, 2015) – Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs) remained undefeated as he put on an exciting show in front of a raucous hometown crowd and earned a unanimous decision over Ricky Burns (37-5-1, 11 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS live from State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

 

Figueroa was the sharper fighter who landed harder punches and was able to dictate the pace of the fight. Burns was deducted a point in both the eighth and 11th rounds by the referee for excessive holding. “Panterita” won by scores of 116-110 twice and 117-109.

 

In the first televised fight of the afternoon, British star Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs) earned a narrow but unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-1, 19 KOs). McDonnell was knocked down for the first time in his career by a sharp right hand from Kameda in round three but quickly recovered to win by a score of 114-113 on all three judges’ cards.

 

Here are what the fighters had to say after their bouts:

 

OMAR FIGUEROA

 

“Fighting a fight like that, it takes a lot to go even four rounds, much less 12. With a fighter like that, leaning on you and using his weight on you it’s tough. I’m just glad I was in shape and didn’t let my fans down.

 

“I’m a very offensive fighter, so the holding kind of slowed me down. I tried to do what I could and, thankfully, the judges saw that.

 

“My hands are a little sore, but I really did hold back on my punches, especially because he has one of those European guards where he holds his hands up high and his elbows are exposed. I had to be careful going to the body because that’s how I hurt my hands most times, from hitting the elbows. I felt ridiculously strong at the new weight, but I didn’t think my hands would hold up, so I was holding back and trying to win the fight on points and if I could hurt him I would try to stop him.

 

“He was punching me behind the head, so I felt like I had to do the same. If you want to play like that, I can play that game.

 

“At the end of the fight, he came with a good body shot that hurt me a bit. That’s why I slowed down at the end. I have to give it to Ricky. He’s a tough fighter.

 

“It’s time to rest up. I’ve been training since the beginning of the year and I deserve a little rest.”

 

RICKY BURNS

 

“We knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I didn’t agree with the deductions for holding. I thought he was holding as much as me and that’s why I had to tie him up.

 

“We moved up in weight for this one but still had some trouble making weight, but I didn’t want to jeopardize my chance to fight in America.

 

“I think it was his size that gave me problems more than anything. I don’t know what weight he was in that ring, but it was a lot bigger than me.

 

“The plan was to try to stick to boxing for the first half of the fight, but once the size really took over I had to stand and exchange more than I would have liked. I couldn’t get him off of me. I’ve got no excuses, as I said the best man will win.

 

“I always leave everything in the ring and that’s all I can do. I hope everyone who watched enjoyed the fight.

 

“We’ve enjoyed the experience of being in the U.S., obviously the decision didn’t go our way which puts a damper on it, but overall everyone here in Texas has been great. I want to say a big thank you to everybody. I hope to back again.”

 

JAMIE MCDONNELL

 

“I felt in control all the way through. It was a great performance. I know I should have just boxed but I wanted to fight.

 

“I didn’t think I was going to get the decision being abroad, but it’s more than spectacular to come out of here victorious. He’s a great, undefeated champion.

 

“His speed surprised me on the knockdown. I knew he was going to be fast, but I didn’t expect it like that. I didn’t see the shot and next thing I knew I was on the floor.

 

“Hit and move, hit and move, that was the strategy. I remember being in there and thinking, ‘Man, this isn’t easy.’ I knew the crowd was going to go his way but it was a great experience.

 

“It’s been a fantastic time being here in America. I’d like to see some familiar faces but it’s a new experience. I was up against it but I knew I could pull it off. I knew deep inside that I could do it.

 

“I think I’m going to move up in weight. I want to catch the big fights before they’re gone.”

 

TOMOKI KAMEDA

 

“I think I won the fight. I did enough to win. He did a lot to win the last rounds, but I did more over the fight. I don’t agree with the judges decision, but I respect it.

 

“I knew he would get up after the knockdown because he’s a world champion. He’s a great fighter and I take my hat off to him, but I won the fight.

 

“I want a rematch.”

 

#          #          #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @OmarFigueroaJr, @RicksterKO, @TomokiKameda, @JamieMcDonnell1, @WarriorsBoxPromo and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo andwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ AND CRAIG BAKER TO SQUARE OFF IN BOSTON AS PART OF PBC ON NBC CARD TAKING PLACE

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 23

 

Plus Undefeated Javier Fortuna Battles Bryan Vazquez

In Undercard Action

 

Undercard Bouts To Support Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale

Super Middleweight Showdown

 

BOSTON (May 8, 2015) – Exciting light heavyweights Edwin Rodriguez (26-1, 17 KOs)and Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) enter the ring on Saturday, May 23 in Boston as part of a special Memorial Day weekend edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC.

 

The live PBC on NBC event starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

Further undercard action pits a pair of dangerous junior lightweights as Javier Fortuna(27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vazquez (34-1, 18 KOs)do battle at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. These undercard bouts will support the super middleweight contest between Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) and James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs).

 

“I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to be on this great card,” said Rodriguez. “I will show the world and all the top light heavyweights, especially Kovalev, Stevenson and Fonfara, that I am a force to be reckoned with by taking Craig Baker’s undefeated record in an entertaining fashion.”

 

“I’m well prepared to seize the opportunity that this fight presents,” said Baker. “A win on May 23 puts me closer to a world title fight and I’ve only dreamed of actually accomplishing something that big. I’ve seen Rodriguez in action before and he’s a good fighter, but I’m working to be in great condition so that I can put on a show for the fight fans in Boston. We’re having a great camp and making major accomplishments, things should be pretty interesting.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

An accomplished amateur who won a 2006 National Golden Gloves gold medal and a 2005 U.S. National Championship gold medal, the 29-year-old Rodriguez enters this fight as the winner of his last two bouts. Born in the Dominican Republic but fighting out of nearby Worcester, Mass., Rodriguez’s lone loss came to undefeated star Andre Ward in 2013 and he owns victories over previously undefeated fighters Will Rosinsky, Jason Escalera and Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna.

 

An undefeated fighter who turned pro in 2008, Baker enters this fight having stopped his last four opponents inside the distance. The 31-year-old took home victories over Anthony Greeley and Sergio Cordoba in 2014 and kicked off 2015 by knocking out Umberto Savigne. Fighting out of his hometown of Baytown, Texas, Baker will look for a big victory as he takes a step up in competition.

 

Undefeated and owner of a 4-0 record in 2014, the 25-year-old Fortuna is a prospect on the rise looking to make an impression on May 23. After a split draw decision against Luis Franco in 2013, he has bounced back to win five straight fights. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Roman and Patrick Hyland.

 

A former world title challenger whose only loss came to Takashi Uchiyama in 2012,Vazquez comes into this fight on an impressive five fight-winning streak. The 27-year-old began his career with 29 wins and has recently added victories over Sergio Thompson, Jose Feliz Jr. and Rene Gonzalez. Fighting out of Costa Rica, Vazquez has a big chance for a signature victory on May 23.

 

*           *           *

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys andwww.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/PBC on CBS

 

Live On CBS Sports Starting at 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT

 

HIDALGO, TEXAS (May 7, 2015) – Fight week for Premier Boxing Champions on CBS continued Thursday as televised fighters Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Ricky Burns, Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda, Jamie McDonnelland Austin “No Doubt” Trout spoke to the media at the final press conference before their respective bouts taking placeSaturday, May 9 at State Farm Arena.

 

Here are what the participants had to say Thursday:

 

OMAR FIGUEROA

 

“This is the biggest fight of my career thus far. I have my brother on the undercard and it’s here at home. This is it. I think it’s great for people from the Valley to get a huge card like this here. They haven’t seen this since Vasquez vs. Marquez, so I hope to bring that level of boxing back to the Valley.

 

“I definitely feel more pressure but the good kind of pressure. I’ve thrived on pressure my whole life. I was a pitcher for a long time. I was a closer. So I’ve been in situations where it’s bases loaded and we’re down so many runs and I’ve got to keep the game close. This is what I live for.

 

“I haven’t seen any film of Ricky Burns. Haven’t watched him at all. But from what I’ve heard he’s a tough fighter in great shape, so if we go 12 rounds it’ll be a good 12 rounds. I’m going to go out there and give it my all and win in the most impressive way possible.

 

“It wasn’t difficult to give up my title. I don’t fight for titles. I don’t care for titles. I think they’re just aesthetic things. I’d rather please the fans with a good fight. I don’t care if I win a title at the end of the day, but if the fans are happy, I am happy.

 

“I’m going to be a lot stronger at this new weight. I don’t know what to expect. I’m excited to get in the ring and find out.”

 

RICKY BURNS

 

“When you’re in hard fights, that’s what brings out the best of you. I’m looking forward to getting in the ring and putting on a good performance and win some fans over here.

 

“It’s a very tough fight and we knew that before we took it. Figueroa likes to come forward and be aggressive, but that can be his downside because he takes a lot of shots. We’re prepared for whatever happens on fight night and the best man will win.

 

“Some people think I’ve come over here just to be an opponent but that’s not the case. I had a bad year but it’s all behind me. I’m going to get back to my winning ways.

 

“This is everything I’ve ever wanted to accomplish in boxing. It’s going to be a hard fight but by the time the fight comes it will be just about four weeks that I’ve been in Texas.

 

“I treat boxing as my job, when it comes to training and fighting I always give it 100 percent and leave it all in the ring and hopefully the fans will see that. Omar is never in a dull fight and I’m not one to back out.

 

“We’ve treated this fight exactly the same as any other. Even though we’re in his hometown, as soon as that first bell goes that’s when it’s going to count. It’s just me and him in that ring.”

 

TOMOKI KAMEDA

 

“It is a dream come true to fight on a network like CBS. Millions are now going to get to know me, get to know my style. Boxing is changing and to be part of that is a great honor to me.

“It was not easy to relinquish my world title — I was the first Japanese to hold that title. It’s never easy to give up something that you’ve worked so hard for. But I respect the sanctioning body’s decision, they said I had to relinquish it and so I did. Now, I’m going for another title, and after that maybe unification.

“McDonnell is a good boxer. He knows how to box and knows his way inside the ring. Most British fighters do that, move around a lot. Its not an easy style to face, but my team and I have a great strategy and we are going to win, we are going to win by knockout.

“I love Mexico. I moved there when I was 15 with my family. I did all of my amateur and all my professional career there. I’m grateful to Mexico and all Mexicans for giving me so much.

“My team and the guys at the gym started calling me ‘El Mexicanito’ because I embrace Mexican culture as my own. I love the food, the people and of course the Spanish language. I struggle with it at first, but now I think I got it mastered.”

 

JAMIE MCDONNELL

 

“I think Kameda is a bit scared and a bit intimidated by my size. I genuinely believe I am going to knock him out. I’m too big and too strong.

 

“I’ve been a world champion for a couple of years now. I’m ultra-confident for this fight. It’s the best I’ve ever felt. I’m really looking forward to it.

 

“Kameda is a good fighter and I expect the very best from him. He better expect the very best from me. This is life changing, whoever wins this fight gets propelled up a few levels.

 

“I want the best life possible for my wife and baby daughter. To do that I have to beat him.

 

“My losses were six years ago and I didn’t even really believe in myself at that time. I’ve gone through every experience that you can in that time and I bring everything to the table.

 

“Fans can expect to see a lot of heart. I can take a punch, I can give a punch. It’s an interesting fight and it’s a chance for me to showcase what I’m all about on this great stage here in America.”

 

AUSTIN TROUT

 

“As far as my opponent dropping out at the last minute, disappointment is kind of an understatement. But I’m trying to keep it classy, so I’ll stick with disappointed. I’m not surprised though.

 

“The day I heard that he pulled out it definitely changed my mindset, but I had to find that focus and realize that we still have work to do.

 

“It’s an honor to be part of this whole PBC on CBS card. I feel like this is the resurgence of boxing – brining it back to the golden days. For me to be a part of that was one of my goals when I turned pro. I wanted to be a part of the comeback of boxing.

 

“I’m trying to get a belt. I want my world title back.  After I get a world title I’m going to try and avenge those losses. After I avenge those losses I want another title so I can become an undisputed champion. Once that’s done we can consider moving up to another weight class maybe.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @OmarFigueroaJr, @RicksterKO, @TomokiKameda, @JamieMcDonnell1, @WarriorsBoxPromo and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo andwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

STACKED UNDERCARD COMES TO HIDALGO, TEXAS ON SATURDAY, MAY 9 AT STATE FARM ARENA

  

Austin Trout To Face Luis Galarza

 

Plus Top Local Talent & Highly-Touted Prospects Complete Card

 

Coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on CBS Starts

at 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT

 

HIDALGO, TEXAS (May 7, 2015) – A full day of exciting undercard fights come to State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texason Saturday afternoon, May 9 as local fan favorites and top prospects will look to make their marks on the boxing world. This includes former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (28-2, 15 KOs), who battles Luis Galarza (21-3, 15 KOs) in super welterweight action .

 

 

A former world champion who defeated Miguel Cotto in 2012, the 29-year-old Trout looks to make it three victories in a row on May 9. He also owns victories over Delvin Rodriguez, Daniel Dawson and Rigoberto Alvarez, in addition to his 2004 U.S. Championships gold medal. Fighting out of Las Cruces, New Mexico, he takes on the 33-year-old Galarza out of El Taino, Puerto Rico.

 

 

These fights will support the Premier Boxing Champions on CBS show featuring undefeated star Omar “Panterita” Figueroa battling former world champion Ricky Burns and the bantamweight showdown between Tomoki Kameda (31-0, 19 KOs) and Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs).

 

 

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at the State Farm Arena Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

 

Undercard action will also feature a pair of knockout artists as Rogelio “Porky” Medina (35-6, 29 KOs) takes on Samuel Miller (28-10, 25 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout. Undefeated prospect Miguel Flores (14-0, 7 KOs) battles German Meraz (43-34-1, 24 KOs) in an eight round featherweight attraction and Darwin Price (6-0, 3 KOs) faces Juan Ovalle (4-6-2, 3 KOs) in six rounds of super lightweight action.

 

 

Action continues with Steve Lovett (11-0, 9 KOs) battling Eric Watkins (12-8-2, 5 KOs) in an eight round light heavyweight showdown. Plus, Jose Prado (4-1, 2 KOs) will take on Victor Rosas (6-1, 2 KOs) in a four round welterweight tussle while Carlos Velasquez (18-1, 12 KOs) faces Juan Ruiz (24-16, 7 KOs) in an eight round featherweight bout.

 

 

Some of Texas’ hottest prospects round out the card as Omar’s brother, Brandon Figueroa (pro debut) takes on Hector Gutierrez (2-7) in a four round featherweight bout while Mario Barrios (8-0, 5 KOs) looks to remain undefeated against Jose Del Valle (4-10-1, 3 KOs) in six rounds of action in the super featherweight division.

 

 

More Texas flavor comes in the form of a pair of undefeated prospects as Ryan Karl (6-0, 5 KOs) faces Alfred Hall (4-8-2, 2 KOs) in four rounds of welterweight action and Enrique Alvarez (5-0, 3 KOs) battles Alberto Espinoza (3-6) in a four round super welterweight swing bout.

 

 

After a long career having fought mostly in Mexico, the 26-year-old Medina burst onto the scene with a thrilling knockout over previously unbeaten J’Leon Love in Aug. 2014. The fighter out of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico added two more victories since then and looks for a third when he takes on the 35-year-old Miller out of Arboletes, Colombia.

 

 

An undefeated fighter making his 2015 debut, the 22-year-old Flores out of Morella, Mexico will take on an experienced fighter in the 28-year-old Meraz out of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. Another fighter looking to keep his perfect record intact, the 25-year-old Price out of St. Louis takes on the 27-year-old Ovalle from Mercedes, Texas.

 

 

Representing New South Wales, Austraila, Lovett turned pro in 2010 and has yet to drop a fight in his first 11 bouts. The 30-year-old takes on the 28-year-old Watkins out of Morgantown, West Virginia.

 

 

After picking up his third straight victory in March, the 26-year-old Prado returns to the ring looking for a fourth win in a row. Fighting out of Reynoso, Mexico, he faces the 27-year-old Rosas out of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

 

A 2004 Puerto Rican Olympian, the 30-year-old Velasquez has been perfect since his lone loss to Rico Ramos in 2013. The fighter out of Catano, Puerto Rico hopes for his fourth straight victory when he battles the 36-year-old Ruiz out of Santa Clarita, California.

 

 

Fighting in his home state and representing San Antonio, Barrios looks for his second victory of 2015 on May 9. The 19-year-old hopes to build on his momentum when he squares off against the 25-year-old Del Valle out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

 

 

The brother of headliner Omar, Brandon Figueroa will make his pro debut at 18-years-old just miles away from his hometown of Weslaco, Texas. His opponent is the 27-year-old Gutierrez out of Mission, Texas.

 

 

A pair of swing bouts feature 23-year-old Houston native Karl battling the 32-year-old Hall out of Jackson, Michigan and the 20-year-old Alvarez from McAllen, Texas who faces 29-year-old Espinoza from San Antonio.

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @OmarFigueroaJr, @RicksterKO, @TomokiKameda, @JamieMcDonnell1, @WarriorsBoxPromo and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo and www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

BADOU JACK DEFEATS ANTHONY DIRRELL BY MAJORITY DECISION ON SPIKE FROM CHICAGO’S UIC PAVILION

DANIEL JACOBS KNOCKS OUT CALEB TRUAX IN A THRILLER

 

ROBERTO GARCIA SECURES WIN OVER JAMES STEVENSON

Click HERE for Photos

Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

CHICAGO (April 25, 2015) – Premier boxing Champions took Chicago by stormFriday night with an exhilarating fight card featuring three captivating fights on Spike from the UIC Pavilion.

 

The televised opener showcased Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 23 KOs) getting an eight-round unanimous decision win over James Stevenson (22-2, 15 KOs). The first main event saw Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-2, 26 KOs) in a 12thround knockout win over the hard-nosed Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-2-2, 15 KOs). The night’s second main event featured Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) earning a majority decision over Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-1-1, 22 KOs).

 

Below are comments offered by the televised fighters as they discussed their performances tonight:

 

ANTHONY DIRRELL

 

“He fought a great fight tonight.

 

“I want a rematch.”

 

BADOU JACK

 

“I was in great shape for tonight and I believed in myself. All the talk from Dirrell and his camp never got to me.

 

“Nothing he did tonight frustrated me. He’s a good fighter, and I didn’t fight a perfect fight, but I got the win.

 

“I knew they couldn’t rob me. I thought I clearly won. I had a tough start to my career, but I re-focused myself with my team and got back on track.

 

“It’s a blessing to be part of PBC. Bringing boxing back to primetime is incredible for the sport. I’m not even from this country originally, but I have lots of fans here and this series will only help me gain more.

 

“I want George Groves next.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“I was in tremendous shape for this fight. I knew I was ready to go 12 rounds. He’s a veteran when it comes to fighting down the stretch, so I had to be prepared.

 

“At the end of the sixth round I hit him with a right that caused him to stumble into the ropes. I wasn’t sure at that moment if he was really hurt, or if he was just playing opossum. My corner let me know when I really had him hurt though and I took advantage.

 

“He didn’t hold as much as I thought he might. I’m glad it turned out that way, but I was prepared for it if he did.

 

“He was physically stronger than I thought he’d be, but he never really hurt me tonight.

 

“PBC is an unbelievable outlet for us boxers. My hope is that I can continue to grow my brand and become a star inside and outside of the sport of boxing.

 

“I’m out to prove that I’m the best in this division. I want whoever Al (Haymon) says next.”

 

CALEB TRUAX

 

“I wanted to pressure him, but I couldn’t get my punches off the way I wanted to. His movement was great and it was just an off night for me.

 

“I couldn’t get him to engage me and I think that ended up winning him the fight.

 

“There were a couple good shots that buzzed me, but no shots that really hurt me all that much. There were no devastating blows or anything. A fighter always wants to continue on, but the ref did his job.

 

“PBC is fantastic for bringing in casual fans who wouldn’t have otherwise watched our fights. This is truly groundbreaking. After a fight like that I hope that more and more fans will continue tuning in.

 

“I’m heading back to the gym to put in hard work. Hopefully I’ll be back on another PBC card against whoever Warriors and Al (Haymon) say.”

 

ROBERTO GARCIA

 

“I felt like Stevenson was just trying to survive, whereas I was trying to win. I could tell that my punches were bothering him. I could hear him breathing very heavily.

 

“I was just trying to get back to it tonight. My last fight was almost nine months ago here in this same venue. I needed to get this fight under my belt to keep up my drive and continue working toward the goal.

 

“I usually have to chase the guys I’m fighting. Even with the punchers like (Antonio) Margarito I end up having to chase them down. I took all that previous experience and used it tonight. It basically felt like a sparring session for me.

 

“PBC is an incredible opportunity for fighters like myself and I plan on continuing to take advantage of it.

 

“I have a great team behind me and we’re just interested in moving forward. I’m ready for a big step though. I want Shawn Porter next. I made a commitment to fight him, and I plan on sticking to that.”

 

JAMES STEVENSON

 

“Nothing he was doing was really getting to me. The fact is, I took this fight on a week and a half notice. I honestly thought I pulled it off. Everyone knows who really won tonight.

 

“I was getting in a groove, but then my back started hurting me and that took me out of it a little bit.

 

“PBC gives fighters like me a chance to showcase my skills to so many more people than we’ve been used to.

 

“I’m ready for all takers in my weight class. I’m heading back to the gym immediately and I’ll be ready for whatever’s next.”

 

# # #

The card was co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Mayweather Promotions. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @WarriorsBoxProm, @MayweatherPromo and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo,www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/Spike.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

CHICAGO (April 22, 2015) – Fight week officially kicked-off Wednesday in Chicago as fighters on the Premier Boxing Champions on Spike fight card participated in the final press conference before entering the ring on Friday, April 24 at UIC Pavilion.

 

The night of fights features Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-0-1, 22 KOs) battling Badou Jack “The Ripper” (18-1, 12 KOs) and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (28-1, 25 KOs) taking on Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-1-2, 15 KOs). The televised action on Spike begins at 9 ET/8 CT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, 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.).

 

Here are what the press conference participants had to say:

 

ANTHONY DIRRELL

 

“I’m a better fighter now because I’m working harder. You have to work harder to stay at this level. Now everybody is gunning for you because you have what they want.

 

“I’m glad that because of this platform, everybody knows what I’ve been through now. People can see that anything is possible. Going through something like defeating cancer has helped me achieve my dreams.

 

“Badou Jack is a good fighter, but he hasn’t fought a guy like me.

 

On Friday night I just have to hope that Jack doesn’t run. I want him to stand in there with me and we’ll see who’s better. I’m going to test his chin like nobody else has.”

 

BADOU JACK

 

“I had the best training camp I’ve ever had and I’m ready to bring the title back to Las Vegas.

 

“I don’t do the social media trash talking, I save it for the ring and on Friday I’m going to show the world why I deserve to be world champion.

 

“I respect Anthony Dirrell for winning the fight against cancer. I lost two of my amateur trainers to that disease and I’ll be dedicating this fight to them.

 

“His team likes to bark and talk a lot of trash but they can’t fight for him. Come Friday night it’s just going to be the two of us in the ring.

 

“I don’t bark, I don’t talk trash, I let my fists do the talking.

 

“Opportunities like this don’t always come around and I will make sure I don’t let this one slip away.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“Fighting here in Chicago serves as extra motivation for me. I’ve always been the guy fans favored at Barclays Center, and I may have gotten a little spoiled. So I’m excited to be the guy that people want to see lose. Truax will probably have a larger crowd supporting him, and those fans will motivate me to be stronger and fight better on Friday.

 

“People love a great story. I’m extremely proud of my story and for having beat cancer, but let’s not forget about my skill set.

 

“Truax can say he’s tired of hearing about ‘The Miracle Man’ all he wants, but he shouldn’t be thinking about my cancer when we get in the ring. He should just fear me. I’m going to be a cancer to him once we start fighting.

 

“I’m not saying I’m going to knock him out. I’m just saying I’m going to win because that’s what I came to do. I’ll take a win however I can get it.”

 

CALEB TRUAX

 

“This is a huge fight and a huge opportunity for me. It’s a career-changer and life-changer for my career in boxing. I’ve got to be smart in this fight.

 

“I couldn’t be in any better shape right now. Physically I’m mature at 31-years-old. This is the right spot for me and a great opportunity.

 

“I want to thank all of my fans and you should expect to see a lot of people from Minnesota coming down to see me. It’s going to be great to celebrate with all of them.”

 

#          #          #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AnthonyDirrell, @BadouJack, @DanielJacobsTKO, @GoldenCalebT, @WarriorsBoxProm, @MayweatherPromo and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/Spike.