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ADONIS STEVENSON, SAKIO BIKA & ARTUR BETERBIEV MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL

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Lisa Milner

Thank you, operator.  Thanks everyone for calling in.  We have a great call today to talk about the debut of PBC on CBS taking place next Saturday, April 4th, from the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Canada.  We are going to start with the main event guys it’s Adonis Stevenson, light heavyweight world champion; his trainer, “Sugar” Hill; Sakio Bika, former super middleweight world champion; and his trainer, Kevin Cunningham.  We will also have Artur Beterbiev later.  His opponent is training in Spain.  So, he will not be joining us.  But, first let’s get some opening comments from the fighters and their trainers.  Adonis, would you give us a little bit of information on how training’s going leading into next week’s fight week?

 

Adonis Stevenson

Thanks to all the media. I want to thank Al Haymon, my manager, great job.  This is a good person for me and fight on CBS since like ’80 like Sugar Ray Leonard, Muhammad Ali.  You know, this is amazing.  And the first championship they want to start in Canada, Quebec City.  This is amazing.  And I’m very glad to be part of that.

 

L. Milner

Great. “Sugar” Hill, could you add anything to that about training or comments about how Adonis is doing at camp?

 

“Sugar” Hill

The training camp is going fantastic.  We are here in his hometown of Montreal training at his gym.  His gym is just opening.  So, this would be the first training camp held at this gym and for such a fight of this magnitude where Adonis is defending his world championship for the fifth time.  I’ve only been here for one week any other time, but Montreal is a great place and a great place for training as well.  The city has been so good and warm welcoming me here, and I see why Adonis loves Montreal, and I see why Montreal loves Adonis as well.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  Sakio, could you give us a quick opening comment about training camp?

 

Sakio Bika

All right, first of all, I want to thank everybody for giving me this big opportunity at the world title.  .  My training camp is going really well. I want to thank God, you know, to give me this opportunity.  Again, we have a good training camp here.  Everyone is happy.  I’m happy, and my coach is happy.  All my kingdom is happy.  I’m just looking for on April the 4th, to become three time world champion.

 

L. Milner

Awesome.  Thank you.  Mr. Cunningham, are you there?  Could you add anything to that?

 

Kevin Cunningham

Yes.  To piggyback on what Sakio has just said, we’ve had a tremendous training camp, great sparing.  Everything is going well.  Sakio understands the opportunity that’s before him, and we look to come to Canada and Montreal.  And we’re going to into Adonis’ hometown.  So, I’ve been there, done that.  You got to go into the lion’s den and take the title.  So that’s what we’re working on doing and that’s what we plan on doing.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  Okay, we’re going to go ahead and open it up for questions from the media.  Operator, can you please do that?

 

Q

Adonis, so much talk about you fighting the other light heavyweight champions and who the real light heavyweight champion of the world is.  What are your thoughts about these other guys and it is interfering with your concentration for your fight with Sakio on April 4th on CBS? 

 

A. Stevenson

Yeah, I know they have so much talking about that, but I’m very focused on Bika now, because Bika is in my face now.  I don’t see anybody.  I don’t see anybody in my face now.  It’s Bika.  And I don’t underestimate him, and I’m very prepared for him. I will be ready for him April 4th. So, my focus is on Bika. I know that they have so many people talking to me about how to fight this, but I’m very focused on this guy.

 

Q

What is the procedure for drug testing before the April 4th?

 

A. Stevenson

Three time in the training and one time is six o’clock in the morning.  So, they come into the condo and to do a drug test and two times in the training after sparing.  I think it’s good for the boxers, to protect them.  I’m very glad about that.  And when I got to fight, I always do the test, you know?  So, it is not the first time I do the test, but I always to do it.  This is fantastic, I love that.

 

Q

Do you think it was necessary for boxing to have that kind of test?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course it is necessary because, is helps you. So, it is very important to make sure everything is going very well. And that’s part of boxing and that’s the evolution. I’m very glad and happy and support that.

 

Q

Sakio, what do you think about that?

 

S. Bika

I think it is very, very good because I have [unintelligible] since I’ve been here.  I think it’s good for the new generation.  It goes for this sport. For me, I think it is perfect. It’s perfect because, so many people [unintelligible] retire [unintelligible] drug and they never get tested.  And now with new generation, I think it’s very good, you know, for younger kids to try to see if they want to win.  Once you come in this sport you have to have been clean. It’s a perfect organization to get people involved in and test them. It’s the perfect thing to do.

 

Q

So both of you will be tested three times, two times during the training camp, one time before the fight?  Is that correct, guys?

 

 

A. Stevenson

I don’t know for him, but for me it’s three time.  And we do a piss test, and we do a blood test, too.

 

S. Bika

Yeah, for me it was three time.  Then two blood test–like blood test and piss test.  This is the third time them testing me since I was here.

 

Q

The first question that was asked to Adonis about his preparation for the upcoming fight and also the distraction around all future potential opponents, I would like to get to add the same question to Adonis again.

 

A. Stevenson

You know, the kind of stuff like Bika is wild and has shown he come–you know, he just keep coming.  The kind of stuff like that, I love this kind of stuff because he’s large and keep pressuring.  And so, it shows if you make a mistake like that then it will be a knockout very soon in the fight.

 

Q

My question is for “Sugar” Hill.  “Sugar”, I just want to know if you were pleased with the style that was chosen for this upcoming fight, if this is the type of test you were looking for as a trainer.

 

S. Hill

As far as looking for a style for Adonis to fight–and actually it doesn’t really matter to me.  I’m happy with the selection of Sakio Bika.  I have no problem with his style.  I actually like the style because he’s coming forward.  He wants to fight, and Adonis loves to fight.  Adonis likes to go to toe-to-toe, and he likes to box.  This is important for the maturity and, for Adonis learning more about boxing to be able to be in it with a fighter like Sakio Bika, who’s a strong, determined and tough veteran who can withstand. He can take a punch.  He’s never been knocked out or anything like that.  So, this is an opportunity for Adonis to maybe go 12 rounds or into the later rounds, which can build and add to his career as fighting in later rounds, which he has been able to do. This fight here with Bika is a test, and Adonis loves to be tested. I love for him to be tested as well.  This is the only thing that’s going to make him grow and become more of a talented fighter and become a bigger superstar.

 

Q

Adonis, are you looking at a tough 12 round fight or do you see it as motivation as to being the first to knock this guy out if that opportunity presents itself?

 

A. Stevenson

It is motivation for me.  That’s why I train very hard.  I know he’s large as well in his punch.  And he wants to keep me pressured.  I love this kind of style.  And if he goes for 12 rounds I’m ready for 12 rounds. I fight and spar.  My fight is, sparing and training for 12 rounds.When I get in the ring, I’m looking for the knockout.  I don’t look for the 12 round.  If he goes the distance or 12 rounds, this is not a problem.  I can box.  I’m beautiful.  I got a good skill.  I’m a Superman.  So, it’s not a problem for me.  But, first I’m looking for a knockout.  And I think any boxer going in the ring to fight always looks for a knockout. Sometimes, it’s not like that.  But, me, I’m looking for the knockout.  And Emanuel said knockouts sell.

 

Q

You said that you weren’t impressed with Kovalev’s performance over Jean Pascal.  Do you want to put on a better performance?  Do you feel pressure to put on a better performance since you said that?  What do you think about that?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m not going to put pressure on myself.  “Superman” doesn’t feel pressure. I’m going to use my boxing skill, and I’m going to use my head in the ring. I don’t have to put pressure on something like that.  I don’t feel like that. I’m the man.  I’m the guy to get beat.

 

Q

Was Sakio Bika the first opponent they offered to you?

 

A. Stevenson

Yeah, it was the first.  He was the first to open.  We’re happy, and we don’t have a problem.  And I know Sakio he was light–no, super middleweight champion.  It’s very good, because he’s a good boxer. He was champion last two fights.  That’s a good opportunity for him, too, to go from light a heavyweight to fight me.  And it’s a good opportunity for me, too.

 

Q

I want to ask you at what point did you say to yourself, “I have to fight,” or “I want to fight Sergey Kovalev to unify all the belts in the division.”  At what point did you say that in your career?

 

A. Stevenson

I don’t think about Kovalev now.  I think about Bika. It doesn’t matter what I said now because I have a fight coming up with Bika.  But, sure I want to fight for titles, but now–for now I’ve got Bika in my face.

 

Q

You were not impressed with the way that Kovalev looked in the fight the other week against Pascal. Why?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m not impressed by it because this is the first big fight Pascal had since Bernard and he fights one time a year before Bernard Hopkins.  So, in four years he fights one time.  So, that’s why I’m not impressed about that, because Pascal is not an active boxer like he used to be back in the day.

 

Q

You know that Kovalev, because of the WBC is going to be mandatory.  I want to know how hard will you press for that mandatory if you’re successful again.

 

A. Stevenson

Of course, I know. I’m ready to fight a title.  But, I let my team, Al Haymon, care about that. Then after that Kovalev we can unify the title.  It’s not a problem for me because the two titles he gets now he gets Bernard Hopkins’ title, and I should fight Bernard Hopkins.

 

Q

This is a fight that’s going to be on national television in the United States, free TV.  Have you given any thought about the fact that you’ll be performing in front of an audience probably bigger than has ever seen you fight ever?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course.  This is a good opportunity for that.  And first of all, I want to thank Al Haymon for that, too, because, that’s him putting on the show.  And since Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, back in the day it was free.  Now, we offer the public the fight for free and that’s a great opportunity for me.  So, I have a good performance for Sakio Bika.  But, I know Sakio Bika is a tough opponent and he’s very awkward and tough.  We’ll prepare for that, and we’re ready. It’s also very good for the young kids, watching the fight. It’s a good opportunity for everybody.

 

Q

With that big potential audience watching wouldn’t that put you in a position where you’re looking for a knockout?

 

A. Stevenson

Of course.  That gives me a lot of motivation.  That’s why I train really hard for this fight and watch–so people watch me.  Since Muhammad Ali, I’m the first to be poor and the projects.  So, I’m very, very happy, and I’m going to put a good performance.  Like Emanuel said, knockouts sell.

 

Q

Adonis, where are you training this week?  And then, when are you actually going to Quebec City?

 

A. Stevenson

You know I opened a new gym in Quebec City.  This is a good opportunity for me to train in my hometown.  This is the first time since 2011. I can see my kid, too.  So, I love that.  And we train very hard, me and my trainer. We put the hard work pay off.  This is different.  This is a good opportunity for me, and I love that.

 

Q

So, you’re in Quebec City now then?

 

A. Stevenson

I’m in Montreal now.  Quebec City, I’m going this week.

 

Q

So, when will you actually go to Quebec City?

 

A. Stevenson

Sunday.

 

Q

Again, my question goes to Adonis.  I just want to know if a knockout is the result that you absolutely need or would you be disappointed if you didn’t win by a knockout against Bika?

 

A. Stevenson

I know Bika is a tough opponent.  So, I’m prepared for 12 rounds. If the knockout is there, it’s there.  If it’s not, it’s not.  But, in the ring, I’m looking for the knockout.  So, it doesn’t matter for me, but I’m always looking for the knockout.  That’s a Kronk.  The Kronk Gym and my team we’re looking for that.  Since the Kronk it’s been a while.  They’re always looking for the knockout.  If you’re training in the Kronk Gym and any fighter is looking for the knockout.

 

Q

But, it can be dangerous to always be looking for a knockout because then if you don’t get it as quickly as you want then you can get away from your style of boxing.  Is that something that worries you?

 

A. Stevenson

We can go 12 round.  It’s not a problem for me.  We train for that.  We train for that.  I can go 12 round.  And I’m from Kronk Gym, Detroit.  And this place, we have a good, good trainer like Emanuel “Sugar” Hill.  They know boxing.  They teach me very well my skill and everything and my balance.  They know boxing.  And so, they know if the knockout is not there, but we’re going to work.  We’re going to use the good ability to go for 12 rounds.  It’s not a problem.

 

Q

Sakio, I just want to know, how does it feel for you in this training camp to train for a light heavyweight fight after having spent pretty much your entire career at a super middleweight?

 

S. Bika

I feel it was a new challenge to go up and try to fight the big bull. When you see my regimen, nobody ever wants to fight me. It was always a little bit difficult because people don’t want to fight me. For me it’s a big challenge because Stevenson, Adonis is a great champion and I want to become the world champion in life. I’m very sure I can handle him. And come April 4, because I have a good preparation, , a great sparing partner, I just looking for you to see how I can handle the big bull. Adonis is the first one for me at this weight,  but I just feel confident, I feel positive. I’m ready, you know, to go there and show the people in the world I can beat Adonis Stevenson on April 4. I want to tell the big bull.  I want to move up in light heavyweight division, andApril 4 people are going to be see it.

 

Q

Does the weight feel better for you?  Do you see yourself staying at light heavyweight?

 

S. Bika

I see myself like a light heavyweight. I see myself at light heavyweight because you see so many world champions. For me just it’s just a challenge.  I want to challenge myself. I can do light heavy easy. It would be a struggle to do super middleweight.  You know, I can do light heavyweight really easily. I can handle the big bull, because I handle everyone. This is a big opportunity for me to try to see if can I handle the big bull.  I can handle Adonis. come April 4, I will try to test myself.  You all ready? I’m ready. I have a good preparation,. We train very hard for this fight. I’m just looking to come to Quebec and take care of business.

 

Q

At the same time you were at the Sergey Kovalev/Jean Pascal fight, and you went over to HBO commentator at the time, Bernard Hopkins, and you told him that you guarantee that you will fight Sergey Kovalev.  I wanted to see what your answer was to what you think of Sergey Kovalev and his performance on Saturdaynight a couple of weekends ago.

 

A. Stevenson

Pascal doesn’t matter now because we’re talking about Bika. I go to fight April 4 with Bika. It’s a very tough thing about Bika and Kovalev is not a person now when I think about the fight with Kovalev and Pascal and then after I said, “Well, yeah, I’m going to fight.”  He’s not a person for me now.  The person now is Bika.

 

Q

You guaranteed that your next fight would be against Kovalev back in May of last year after 12 rounds against Fonfara.  You beat Fonfara. 

 

A. Stevenson

You can’t guarantee.  It’s not working like that.  It’s not football.  It’s not hockey. And one punch can change anything.  So now I got Bika in my face, and I’m very focused with Bika, because I know this guy gives problems to all the champions.  He was champion.  And I know this fighter is tough.

 

L. Milner

Okay.  Gentlemen, thank you so much for your time.  I think this call really set in motion a great week and a half heading into the fight.  So, thank you so much.  We’re going to switch over to Mr. Beterbiev.

 

Artur Beterbiev

 

I like my training, and I am training hard.  And it was all planned.  So, it all went according to the plan. It’s a serious opponent. I can’t wait to have that fight.

 

Q

Artur, you defeated Sergey Kovalev in the amateurs.  What do you think of him as far as a professional opponent right now?

 

A. Beterbiev

Taking into consideration all his statements that he recently produced, I would like to meet with him and put him back in his place in professional.

 

Q

What do you remember about him as a guy who’s fighting you?  What do you remember?

 

A. Beterbiev

I have a very good memory.  So, I did beat him twice in the amateur ranks, but I’m more focused on the future right now. I would like to beat him again.

 

Q

Artur, could you describe how you feel your career is going up at this point? 

 

A. Beterbiev

I like the way I’ve been led in my professional career. I’m training everyday and working everyday and always thinking about that. I always try to improve and improve my not that strong parts, as part of my preparation.I’m not a future teller.  So, I’m ready to meet all the solid opponents.  And I’m ready for the championship of the world, and I’m ready for any case scenario.

 

Q

Is there any interest in you fighting the winner of Stevenson/Bika?

 

A. Beterbiev

I could fight anybody.

 

Q

What do you think of Campillo and what kind of challenges does Campillo presents to you because he has so much more professional experience than he has?

 

A. Beterbiev

Yes, I have a lot of respect for Campillo because he’s very experienced.  For sure he has more experience than I do.  He has experience winning and losing, and he’s a solid opponent, but the fight’s going to show if his professional language could help him in this fight.

 

Q

What do you learn from a knockdown?

 

A Beterbiev

I don’t think that was a knockdown.  I just lost my balance for an instant. I recovered right away instantly.  But I still think that this is a good lesson for me for this not to happen in the future.  And I’m going to try to avoid any dangerous situations in my future.

 

Q

How do you see Campillo, what kind of a fighter is he, and is there any part of his style–any elements of his style that can be worrisome?

 

A. Beterbiev

This is a solid opponent.He’s working very well, very experienced at attack.  He’s very experienced at defense. The fight is going to show what’s going to happen.

 

L. Milner

Okay, great.  Thank you.  Thank you, Artur.  Thanks everybody for being on.  A special thanks to the media.  This is a great show April 4th on regular CBS, PBC on CBS right from Quebec City.  So, thank you so much and have a great day.

 

#          #          #

 

PBC on CBS, headlined by the light heavyweight world championship fight between Stevenson and Bika, is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and presented by Videotron and in association with Mise-O-Jeu.
Tickets are on sale now at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @yvonmichelgym, @AdonisSuperman and @Sakio_Bika, follow the conversation using #StevensonBika, become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

LAMONT PETERSON WORKS OUT FOR WASHINGTON D.C. MEDIA AHEAD OF  HIS APRIL 11 PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC BOUT AT BARCLAYS CENTER

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Photo Credit: Rouse Photography Group

 

Washington D.C. (March 26, 2015) – A little more than two weeks in advance of his highly anticipated bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) hosted media at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Washington, D.C. Lamont, his brother Anthony and Lamont’s trainer, Barry Hunter, took some time out of their training schedule to discuss Lamont’s Premier Boxing Champions showdown against Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) on April 11.

 

Below please find notable quotes from the event, which was attended by print, broadcast and online media outlets from around the region:

 

Lamont Peterson, Super Lightweight World Champion

 

“The plan might be to just go out there and fight him. Regardless of how I choose to fight, I feel like I can win. I do have quicker feet, but I can use them to do other things too. I can go forward. I don’t always have to be going backwards. I will stick to the game plan, but we don’t know what the game plan is right now.

 

“My mentality always shows in the ring, especially in the late rounds. You ask a lot of your body in that ring and a lot of times it goes to what it knows. So your personality definitely comes out, and I think that’s where I shine more than other fighters. The later rounds are when I normally take over the fight. A lot of the time I wish we could go more rounds.

 

“The fans wanted to see this fight so I wanted to make sure that it happened. I never really call out names or talk about who I want next. I leave it up to the fans and to the media because there are lots of fights that the fans want to see that never happen. At the end of the day, I’m fighting for the fans and the media so why not fight who they want me to fight?

 

“I’m just looking to take the things I do well and execute, and then I’m looking to take away the things Garcia does well and force him to do the things he doesn’t do well more often. I don’t look at any one previous fight of his and think ours is going to go that way.

 

“I’m a better fighter. He’s definitely a counter-puncher and we’re looking to make sure that we don’t get countered the way some others have been.

 

“There have been ups and downs in the camp. Sometimes it’s time to pull back and relax, but sometimes it’s time to work hard. Overall I feel great. A lot of people say this, but this has been my best training camp ever and I’m happy where I’m at right now. I’m ready to fight.

 

“This is the biggest fight for me. After this there’s nothing left to do in the weight class. I’d like to move up after this next fight.”

 

Barry Hunter, Peterson’s Trainer

 

“Lamont is a very versatile fighter. He’s been in the ring hundreds of times. He can box. He can fight both inside and outside. He can strategize, but he can also be very aggressive.

 

“Danny is a solid fighter. He doesn’t do one or two things great, but he does a lot of things well. There are some things though that we’ve seen in him that we think we can exploit and we’re going to go out there with the intent to do so. Overall I think Lamont is a better fighter.

 

“There’s only a few big names left at 140, everyone else has moved up to 147. So Lamont’s way of thinking was that the only way this fight made sense at 140 was if he could face Danny Garcia. This was more about giving the fans what they want to see. This is going to give fans a great free fight again on national TV.

 

“NBC is a true sports network. They have NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and the only sport that was missing was boxing. Boxing used to be on every network and they had legendary fights with legendary fighters. It wasn’t always about a belt either. Then things changed, but this gives us a chance to bring boxing back to the true fans.”

 

Anthony Peterson

 

“I’m not nervous about watching this fight. I’m just going to sit back and watch. Lamont’s so ready.

 

“Danny is an extraordinary fighter. It’s in his DNA, but Lamont is so focused I’m confident he’s going to win.

 

“Lamont learned to fight protecting me on the streets.”

 

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.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.

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.
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STACKED UNDERCARD COMES TO BARCLAYS CENTER ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11 AS PART OF SUPER NIGHT OF FIGHTS

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DOMINICAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST FELIX DIAZ TAKES ON BROOKLYN’S GABRIEL BRACERO

 

BROOKLYN’S LUIS COLLAZO RETURNS TO THE RING

 

U.S. OLYMPIANS MARCUS BROWNE AND ERROL SPENCE JR.

ALSO IN ACTION

 

PLUS! THE EXCITING VIKTOR POSTOL AND UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS PRICHARD COLON AND HEATHER HARDY TO ENTER THE RING

 

BROOKLYN (March 26, 2015) – Superstars of the present and future will be well represented on Saturday, April 11 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as a full undercard of Olympians, prospects and future stars hit the ring looking to impress the Brooklyn crowd.

 

The exciting undercard features Olympic Gold Medalist for the Dominican Republic Felix Diaz battling Brooklyn-born Gabriel “Tito” Bracero in a 10-round super lightweight contest. Plus, the return of Brooklyn’s own Luis Collazo, who will compete in welterweight action.

 

Also fighting at Barclays Center are a pair of 2012 U.S. Olympians, as undefeated prospect “Sir” Marcus Browne takes on the experienced Aaron Pryor Jr. and Browne’s Olympic teammate Errol Spence Jr. makes his Brooklyn debut against once-beaten Samuel Vargas.

 

Additionally on the stacked undercard is the highly regarded Viktor Postol, plus undefeated prospect Prichard “Digget” Colon battles Jonathan Batista and undefeated prospect Heather “The Heat” Hardy” takes on Renata Domsodi in a super bantamweight bout.

 

“It’s an honor for me to be fighting in New York for the first time and at Barclays Center. I know the Dominican fans are going to come out in full force to support me,” said Diaz. “Bracero is a tough fighter, but I have world championship dreams and he is standing in my way.”

 

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Bracero. “I live in Sunset Park, right down the block from Barclays Center and I am grateful for this opportunity to fight in front of my hometown fans. I’ve been through hell in life, but I’ve never given up on my dream. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. This is my destiny and I am ready.”

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting at Barclays Center again. I’ve experienced some of the most incredible moments of my career there,” said Collazo. “This will be my fourth fight at Barclays Center and I plan on giving my hometown fans a lot to be excited about on April 11.”

 

“I’m happy and excited to fight at Barclays Center for the eighth time,” said Browne. “My friends and family are going to come out and support me like they always do, but I am even more excited to be on a card with so many guys I consider great fighters and my friends like Kid Chocolate and Lamont Peterson.”

 

“Fighting at Barclays Center for the first time is a great opportunity and I plan on making the most of it,” said Spence Jr. “I’m going to work hard in camp to put on a great show for the fans in Brooklyn.”

 

“I was born and raised in Brooklyn and it is an honor to be invited back to fight in my hometown at Barclays Center,” said Hardy. “I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans on April 11.”

 

“I’m very excited about this card and all the locals on the undercard. Collazo is a great fighter and one that the fans love to watch,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, promoter of the event. “Felix Diaz versus Gabriel Bracero is a New York showdown, with a Dominican Olympic gold medalist from the Bronx facing a “Nuyorican” from Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Also, the first Brooklyn appearance of 2012 Olympian Errol Spence will be a real treat for the fans. Add rising stars like Staten Island’s Marcus Browne and Brooklyn’s own Heather Hardy, the first lady of DBE and you have the makings of an electric, nonstop night of action.”

“The heart of boxing at Barclays Center is the great local boxers that fight in our ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. “Our April 11 card not only delivers major primetime matchups, but gives many of my favorite fighters, including Luis Collazo and Marcus Browne, the opportunity to showcase their skills in their hometown. This is going to be an exciting night for Brooklyn Boxing.”

 

This exciting roster of undercard bouts will complement the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC primetime main event bouts featuring undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) facing Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) and the middleweight championship bout between “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) and undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs). The second installment of PBC on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.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.

 

A two-time Olympian representing the Dominican Republic, Diaz (16-0, 8 KOs) won a gold medal at his second Olympic games in 2008 in Beijing. Now fighting out of the Bronx, the 31-year-old looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Bracero on April 11. This fight will mark his first time fighting in New York and he no doubt wants to impress the fans in his adopted home city.

 

The Brooklyn-born Bracero (23-1, 4 KOs) has worked his way to becoming a contender in the junior welterweight division. His only loss came in 2012 to DeMarcus Corley, but he has rebounded to win his last five fights, including his most recent victory over former title contender Dmitriy Salita. Now, he prepares to make another statement against Felix Diaz in his Barclays Center debut.

 

One of Brooklyn’s most respected fighters today, Collazo (35-6, 18 KOs) will be aiming to get back on track when he enters the ring on April 11. In May of 2015 Collazo faced Amir Khan in a hard fought 12-round unanimous decision loss, snapping a four-fight win streak. Never having suffered consecutive losses, the gritty Collazo believes that his hometown crowd will give him the boost he needs to get a win.

 

As he approaches his record eighth appearance at Barclays Center, the 2012 U.S. OlympianBrowne (13-0, 10 KOs) is becoming synonymous with boxing’s newest Mecca. Unbeaten as a professional, with five knockouts in Barclays Center ring, the Staten Island native has shown how much he loves fighting in his backyard. Browne faces the 36-year-old Pryor Jr.(19-7, 12 KOs) from Cincinnati in a light heavyweight bout.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who had a highly decorated amateur career, Spence Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs) from Desoto, Texas, is looking to remain undefeated and continue to make a name for himself in the sport. The 25-year-old will battle Columbian-born Vargas (20-1, 10 KOs) fighting out of Ontario, Canada.

 

A 31-year-old out of Kiev, Ukraine Postol (26-0, 11 KOs) has made a name for himself as one of the most feared men in the super lightweight division. Having only fought twice in the USA before, April 11 is a great opportunity for Postol to make a statement on American soil. After a thrilling victory over Selcuk Aydin in May 2014, Postol is primed for a big 2015.

 

Fighting out of Puerto Rico, the fast-rising Colon (13-0, 10 KOs) makes his second appearance at Barclays Center on April 11 after dominating Lenwood Dozier in Brooklyn en route to a six-round decision in August 2014. The 22-year-old will face the 30-year-oldBatista (14-5, 7 KOs) out of the Dominican Republic in super welterweight action.

 

Already the winner of the first-ever professional female boxing match at Barclays Center,Hardy (12-0, 2 KOs) returns on April 11 looking to keep her perfect record intact. Her previous victory at Barclays Center came in June 2014 when she won a split decision over Jackie Trivilino. Most recently, she won a dominant unanimous decision against Elizabeth Anderson in December 2014. She looks to keep that momentum going on April 11 when she faces the Renata Domsodi (12-6, 5 KO’s) out of Budapest, Hungary in a super bantamweight contest.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Campillo Next for Beterbiev 

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QUEBEC CITY (March 19, 2015) – After dominating the amateur ranks during two entire Olympic cycles, Russian prospect Artur Beterbiev is now ready for pro boxing’s elite, even though he has only fought seven times as a professional. The Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) jewel will continue his journey April 4 in Quebec City, airing live on CBS and TVA Sports, against former world champion Gabriel Campillo, of Spain.

“The journalists won’t be happy since I did not KO anybody today,” laughed Beterbiev after a public training session today in Quebec City, He demonstrated his skills with his sparring partners, Englishman Bob Ajisafe and Australian Blake Caparello.

“I really think it will be a short night for Campillo,” Caparello said after sparring Beterbiev. “This guy has some incredible brute force. He could even chase and hunt down a strong Sergey Kovalev in the ring,”

Beterbiev (7-0, 7 KOa) will face former WBA light heavyweight world champion Campillo (25-6-1, 11 KOa), a slick 6’2” southpaw who has fought 211 rounds as a professional, in a preliminary bout before the WBC andThe Ring light heavyweight world title fight between defending champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio Bika.

Beterbiev-Campillo is for the IBF world second ranking in the light heavyweight division. 

“It is a good fight against an excellent opponent; a resistant, experienced guy,” Beterbiev trainer Marc Ramsay analyzed. “Campillo will bring a lot of ring experience to Artur. My boxer continues to improve every day but, in fact, he is already ready for the best.”

“I will put on a good show and fight April 4th,” Beterbiev continued. “When I step in the ring, I don’t have a friend. I want to continue to get better until I face Sergey Kovalev again. And I will beat him again!”

Kevin Bizier vs. Stanislav Salmon

Canadian welterweight Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs) will have his chance to write history in the old Québec Coliseum, since he will fight the last boxing bout ever produced in the former Nordiques arena. April 4th, he will face former French and WBC Mediterranean welterweight champion Stanislav Salmon (24-3-2, 10 KOs). 

In order to realize that dream, the Quebec City’s pride had to refuse an offer to appear in the semi-final bout of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Andrzej Fonfara fight, April 18th in Carson, California.

“Kevin would have received a bigger purse than the one he had for his last fight against Jo Jo Dan, but he wanted to stay on the Quebec card,” promoter Yvon Michel added. “He did a great job in a really close brawl against Dan and Dan will fight in an IBF world welterweight fight, March 28 in England. Everything is still possible for Kevin and we believe in him.”

“To be the one that will close the Colisée is really something,” Bizier commented. “It is also a good preparation fight and I must do great. I would have liked to fight in California, but I will have another opportunity in June. And of course, I would have loved to be in Jo Jo Dan’s shoes to fight in a world championship…but one day, it will be my turn.” 

Sébastien Bouchard vs. Denis Farias

Also on the card, Canadian fovorie Sébastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will step up to face French tough guy Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KOs).

“Sébastien made us proud in his last fight when he stopped the last boxer to defeat icon Stéphane Ouellet, Belgian Cedric Spera,” GYM vice-president Bernard Barré mentioned. “He will be facing a durable fighter, who has only lost one time by K.O.”
Tickets are on sale at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or 1 (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

ESPN Reaches Multi-Year Agreement to Televise  Premier Boxing Champions Series

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 PBC on ESPN to Air 12 Two-hour Live Shows Annually on ESPN and ABC 

 

March 18, 2015 – ESPN will televise Premier Boxing Champions, a series created for television by Haymon Boxing, featuring top-level fights between many of boxing’s biggest names. The multi-year agreement was announced today. The first of 12 two-hour annual live Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) telecasts is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

 

ESPN telecasts will air live in primetime. ABC broadcasts will air on Saturday afternoon, with further details to be announced at a later date. ESPN Deportes, ESPN’s Spanish-language network, will also televise all PBC on ESPN fights as part of its Noche de Combates series.

 

Live coverage will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. The agreement also includes worldwide rights via ESPN International.

 

Card details of the first PBC on ESPN telecast and subsequent shows will be announced at a later date. ESPN’s long-standing Friday Night Fights will celebrate its last show Friday, May 22 with the finals of the Boxcino 2015 tournament.
“ESPN has a long history of carrying world-class boxing events and the new Premier Boxing Championsseries continues our commitment to the sport with premier-level primetime fights previously only available on premium cable networks,” said John Skipper, ESPN president.

 

PBC on ESPN telecasts will be produced by ESPN. Blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore and analyst Teddy Atlas, both recipients of the prestigious Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), will call the fights ringside on ESPN and ABC.Additional on-air commentators will be announced at a later date.

ESPN3, ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network,will present non-televised undercard bouts and PBC on ESPN weigh-ins live leading up to the fights. Stories about the fighters and the fights will also be featured on ESPN.com and on SportsCenter.

Boxing on ESPN

Boxing has been a staple of ESPN’s programming for nearly 35 years. ESPN began televising boxing on April 10, 1980 – the network’s first year on the air – when weekly boxing returned to television for the first time since 1964. For the past 17 years, ESPN Friday Night Fights hasshowcased some of the best bouts in the boxing industry and introduced fans to future stars and champions.

 

About Haymon Boxing Management
Haymon Boxing Management is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and manages and advises more than 200 professional fighters.

 

For more information on Premier Boxing Champions, visit:

 

premierboxingchampions.com, facebook.com/premierboxingchampions, or https://twitter.com/premierboxing

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY TRAINING CAMP NOTES FROM MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION “IRISH” ANDY LEE

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LEE SET TO DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST PETER QUILLINAPRIL 11 ON THE EAGERLY ANTICIPATED

PBC ON NBC CARD AT

BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN, NY

 

  

New York, NY (March 17, 2015) – While we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today, perhaps enjoying a beer or two, middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) is hard at work at his training camp in Monte Carlo with trainer Adam Booth as he prepares to defend his world title against former champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, NY, on Saturday, April 11. Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Lee vs. Quillin will air live on NBC at 8:30 p.m. ET, along with the eagerly anticipated contest between Danny “Swift” Garcia and Lamont Peterson, as part of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series.

 

Below are a few quotes from Andy and promoter Lou DiBella:

 

ANDY LEE:

 

“I love St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a day for all Irish men and women to be proud and celebrate our history and culture. Unfortunately, for me this year there’ll be no Guinness as I’ll be in the gym, but I look forward to celebrating with all the Irish people after I win on April 11!

 

“Training is all going according to plan. My coach Adam Booth is putting me through my paces and we’re working hard together to ensure that I beat Quillin and retain my title. I’m feeling very strong and sharp. I’ve been sparring with three undefeated fighters, Miles Shinkwin, Rocky Fielding and Deion Jumah. I’m looking forward to coming to Brooklyn and defending my title in front of everyone in attendance and those watching on NBC.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment:

 

“Andy Lee has always been the pride of Limerick. His success has made him one of Ireland’s great champions. The quality of person that he is makes him one of the most liked and respected athletes in boxing. As he prepares to defend his title against Peter Quillin on April 11, he’s getting ready for the biggest fight of his career on the biggest stage possible as part of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC at Barclays Center. As they train and prepare to travel to Brooklyn, New York, both Andy and trainer Adam Booth know how high the stakes are and will be ready for primetime. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone; today we’re all Irish. Andy plans on making it feel like St. Patrick’s Day again on April 11.”

 

Tickets are currently on sale for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, and are priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. 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.

 

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live “PBC on NBC” boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extrais available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, on select devices within Google Play, and on windows phones and tablets.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com   www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDibella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSportsand www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ERICK BONE IMPRESSES IN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT AGAINST FORMER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMP SHAWN PORTER DESPITE INJURED KNEE

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N.Y. BOXER TOOK FIGHT ON 24 HOURS NOTICE
For Immediate Release

New York (March 16, 2015)–Boxing is a funny business. Sometimes, even when you lose, you win.

So it was on Friday night, when 26-year-old Ecuadorean junior welterweight Erick Bone showed the world that he is a world-class talent and willing warrior.

Bone, who lives in Queens, NY, and is managed by Eli Mackay, was stopped in round five by former world champion Shawn Porter on Spike TV in Ontario, California.. Viewers saw Bone having some success against Porter. That success may have been suprising as Bone took the fight on twenty-four hours notice.

In round two, Bone, who is signed to adviser Al Haymon, sprained his right knee. He fought for three rounds on one knee. “I won’t make any excuses. But I want people to know I will be back, on TV, and I will be ready for a summer fight,” said Bone (16-2).

Mackay said he is proud his boxer stepped up a weight class on such short notice. “He fought on one knee,” Mackay marveled. “A doctor said it was good the fight ended because Erick’s knee could have been seriously hurt. But it’s just a sprain. Bottom line, Erick is a real talent and will make noise at junior welterweight!”
“As the fight progressed, Erick was starting to figure out Porter. It would have been real interesting to see how it would have played over the scheduled twelve rounds had he not injured his knee.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS RETURNS TO SPIKE TV ON FRIDAY, APRIL 24 AT UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO

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SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION ANTHONY DIRRELL BATTLES HARD-HITTING BADOU JACK

 

MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION DANIEL JACOBS TAKES ON EXCITING VETERAN CALEB TRUAX

 

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

 

CHICAGO (March 16, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike TV returns with an action-packed doubleheader onFriday, April 24 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago as the hard hitting Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-0-1, 22 KOs)faces off against challenger Badou Jack “The Ripper” (18-1, 12 KOs) in super middleweight action.

 

The first main event of the evening will see Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (28-1, 25 KOs) battling it out with exciting veteran Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-1-2, 15 KOs) in a middleweight bout.

 

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 atwww.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

 

The televised action on Spike TV begins at 9 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT (delayed on the west coast).

 

“I’m extremely excited to be fighting on Spike TV and I plan on being the guy everyone is talking about when the night is over,” said Dirrell. “This is a great platform for me and I’m more motivated than ever to put on a show for the fans. Badou Jack is a tough opponent but I’m going to make it a very bad night for him.”

 

“This is a great opportunity for me and I am not going to let it slip through my fingers,” said Jack. “I know Anthony Dirrell is a very skilled fighter but he’s about to feel a different kind of power when I hit him. I’m looking forward to becoming the super middleweight champion on April 24th.””

 

“‘The Miracle Man’ is back! I’m excited about this fight and I know it’s going to be a great night for the fans and I expect to put on a show,” said Jacobs. “Everyone in Chicago and everyone watching on Spike TV is going to be in for a treat.”

 

“I’m so thrilled to be able to compete in such a big fight on such a tremendous stage,” said Truax. “Jacobs is a good fighter and I respect him, but he’s never been in the ring with someone like me. I will make him pay if he underestimates me.”

 

“We’re excited to be bringing Premier Boxing Champions back to Spike TV and to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago for the first time,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing, co-promoter of the event with Mayweather Promotions. “Chicago has a great fight history and with two championship fights, April 24 will be another great chapter in that history.”

 

“We’re excited to be co-promoting this great night of boxing,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “”Badou Jack is a hard-working and motivated fighter who has been putting in the work to earn this world title shot. I expect a night of fireworks and on April 24th. Mayweather Promotions will have another champion.”

 

“We are thrilled to deliver to our viewers a compelling, action-packed event showcasing fighters who have beaten world class opponents in the ring and overwhelming obstacles outside of it to get to boxing’s big stage,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports, Spike TV.

 

Dirrell has seen more adversity than most throughout his career as his time in boxing has been seriously jeopardized twice. First in December 2006 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and was sidelined for 20 months and again in May 2012 when he broke his lower left leg and left wrist in a motorcycle accident. The Flint, Michigan-native never let that keep him down however as he kept winning fights and working his way up the professional ranks. In 2014 he won his first championship, when he defeated Sakio Bika in a rematch of their 2013 draw. Now the 30-year-old looks to put on another show on April 24 in Chicago.

 

The 31-year-old Jack has been on course for a world title shot since signing with Mayweather Promotions in 2013. The hard-hitting fighter out of Las Vegas by way of Stockholm, Sweden, lost for the first time in 2014 but rebounded in his next bout with a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Jason Escalera in August and continued to impress in December when he stopped Francisco Sierra in the sixth-round. Now, the 2008 Gambian Olympian will get a shot on the big stage when he takes on Dirrell on April 24.

 

Another inspirational figure that will be entering the ring, Brooklyn’s Jacobs completed his road from cancer survivor to champion last August when he defeated Jarrod Fletcher for his middleweight title. In 2011, he was in pursuit of a championship when cancer threatened his life and kept him out of the ring for 19 months. But when he returned, he picked up where he left off, having not lost since. Now, he looks to build on his momentum against a tough opponent on April 24.

 

Born in Osseo, Minnesota, Truax is an experienced veteran who has fought professionally since 2007. Fighting mostly in his home state, the 31-year-old won his first 14 fights before his first blemish on his record, a draw with Phil Williams in 2010. Truax would win four more fights, including a victory over Williams that earned him a 2012 fight with Jermain Taylor. Truax dropped a tough decision to Taylor but has gone undefeated in eight fights since. Now, he enters the biggest fight of his career on April 24 in Chicago.

 

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

ANDRE BERTO STOPS JOSESITO LOPEZ IN DEBUT PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TV SHOW IN FRONT OF A BOISTEROUS CROWD AT CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIF.

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SHAWN PORTER GETS THE STOPPAGE AGAINST AN IMPRESSIVE ERICK BONE

 

HEAVYWEIGHT CHIRS ARREOLA WINS A UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST A TOUGH CURTIS HARPER

ONTARIO, CALIF. (March 13, 2015) – The first Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card on Spike TV delivered on it’s promise to bring fight fans a great night of boxing match-ups.  The night’s main event featured Andre “The Beast” Berto (30-3, 23 KOs), who recorded an impressive stoppage of Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez (33-7, 19 KOs) in front of a very lively crowd at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

 

The opening televised bout saw Shawn “Showtime” Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) stop a spirited Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs), who was tabbed to fill in as the last-minute replacement for Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia.

 

In the swing bout, heavyweight sensation Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) managed to win a hard fought battle against Curtis Harper (12-4, 8 KOs). It appeared that the bout was destined for early stoppage after a near KO by Arreola in the first round. However, Harper was able to compose himself and force the fight to go the distance.

 

Below are some notable comments from the televised fighters regarding their performance tonight:

 

ANDRE BERTO

 

“I thought I did OK tonight. I was getting in my groove those first couple rounds, and then I realized he couldn’t hurt me. Then I let my hands go.

 

“The jab kept him away. I was using it to beat him up and get to his face. I was catching him with the jab all night. I felt strong after that first time I knocked him down.

 

“Josesito is a tough fighter. He took all my jabs and more.

 

“This is an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait for the numbers. They’ll show that PBC is for real.

 

“I don’t know what’s next just yet. I’m going to relax with my family and then talk to Al Haymon and see what he has in store for me.”

 

JOSESITO LOPEZ

 

“I wasn’t 100% tonight. I ruined my left hand in the third round. I just wasn’t at my best. I had opportunities. I just couldn’t get to him.

 

“I wasn’t doing much well for the ability that I have. I just couldn’t snap off the punches that I wanted to. He was there to get hit, but I couldn’t get it done.

 

“The first knockdown he caught me and I rolled my ankle a little, but I was fine. This stoppage was 10 times worse than the Maidana stoppage. I wasn’t unstable or hurt tonight and I could have kept going.

 

“Berto is just tough. I didn’t see anything that I couldn’t beat though. If it wasn’t for the stoppage then I think I could have beat him. He was resilient, but his jabs weren’t great.

 

“I want to keep fighting the best. Losing sucks and I wasn’t ready for it tonight. I bring out my best when I fight the best.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“I thought I gave a great performance tonight, but I could have done a better job of listening to what my corner was asking of me. I could have been a lot sharper tonight.

 

“The faints worked for me. We wanted to mix it up and set him up with the jab. Once I got to his body it was over. My mistake was taking shots to give shots.

 

“Bone was impressive on tape, but I wasn’t really sure what to expect tonight. He was strong and quick though. He came to fight.

 

“I don’t know what happened with Garcia. I think it’s unprofessional not making weight. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family though because I know they were looking forward to tonight.

 

“We did it our way tonight. I hope I was able to please the fans. At the end of the day we’re going to learn from what happened here tonight.

 

“I’m not sure what’s next, but I’m healthy and ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible. We’ll take all comers.”

 

ERICK BONE

 

“Everything was going well and then in the second round my knee gave out and it affected my performance the rest of the fight. I don’t want to make any excuses though. I tried to give it my all.

 

“I normally fight at 140. So again I don’t want to make excuses, but my opponent had a lot of leverage tonight.

 

“Tonight I learned to stick to my weight class at 140. It’s very tough to jump a weight class overnight, but I did what I could.

 

“It’s an honor to be showcased like this. Where I come from these things don’t happen very often and I consider this a blessing.

 

“We’re going to keep fighting at 140. Whoever they want to put in front of me at 140 I’ll welcome the fight.”

 

CHRIS ARREOLA

 

“I give myself a “D” overall tonight. I just wasn’t throwing enough combos.

 

“Whenever I threw punches it was working for me. I just have to stay more active in the ring.

 

“Harper is a tough man. I caught him with a lot of good punches and he hung in there very well.

 

“PBC has a great new platform for the masses to see me do what I do. It’s great to have the sport of boxing back in primetime!

 

“I want to get back in the ring the sooner the better. I’m ready to get back in the gym and work as soon as possible.”

 

CURTIS HARPER

 

“I came in sluggish. I’ve got to perform better. All the action in the first round did help to get the nerves out of the way though.

 

“I was doing well establishing the jab, but I need to move my head more. I was too patient overall. I’ve got to be more aggressive.

 

“Chris is a tough, strong kid. Considering where he’s been and who he’s fought I think I did well tonight.

 

“I’m blessed and happy to be here on this stage. I’d love to keep fighting on PBC cards.

 

“Thanks to PBC and all the fans. This is another day and another dollar, but I’m ready for more.”

 

# # #

 

The fight card was promoted by Goossen Promotions. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing and www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Robert Guerrero – I’m ready to bring another exciting night of action

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LAS VEGAS, NV (March 11, 2015) – A few days after his inspiring effort against WBA Welterweight Champion, Keith Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs), Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is already looking forward to his next fight.  Guerrero is today’s version of a modern day gladiator who leaves everything in the ring.  His never die fighting style is what fans of all ages are thriving to see.  Sports fans around the world witnessed a “Fight of the Year” candidate when Guerrero and Thurman left everything in the ring.  Guerrero speaks on his future.

 

“Although Thurman and I went to war, my body is recovering well,” said Robert Guerrero. “As crazy as it sounds, I’m ready to get back to work and start training.  I’m hoping I can get back in the ring by the summer and finish off strong by the end of the year.  If I can get two more fights in this year, I’ll be happy.  I know the fans are looking forward to my next fight, and I’m ready to bring them another exciting night of action.”

 

Bob Santos who co-manages Guerrero stated, “After looking at the fight, I realized Guerrero was fighting a super-middleweight on fight night, which makes his fight with Thurman even more unbelievable.  Guerrero who came up from 122 lbs. went the distance with an undefeated champion who fought most of his career at 154 pounds, that’s incredible.  The fans got to see a true warrior in Guerrero last Saturday, and will get to see him again in the near future.”