Category Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Featherweight Prospects Leduan Barthelemy & Eduardo Ramirez Fight to Split Draw in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday Night from the Cannery Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

 
Alejandro Salinas Defeats Duarn Vue in High-Octane
Super Featherweight Brawl
&
Bryan Figueroa Scores Decision Over Ivan Jimenez in
Battle of Unbeaten Prospects
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions – Photos to be added shortly
 
LAS VEGAS (September 26, 2017) – Unbeaten featherweights Leduan Barthelemy (13-0-1, 7 KOs) and Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-3, 7 KOs) fought to an exciting split draw in their 10-round brawl that headlined Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONESon FOX Deportes Tuesday night from the Cannery Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The back-and-forth battle saw Barthelemy attempt to take advantage of his length early while Ramirez fought hard to do damage on the inside. By round four, Ramirez had begun to break through Barthelemy’s defense and by the sixth round he connected with Barthelemy repeatedly with no response to score a huge round in his favor.
“I wanted to pressure him all the way through and take away his reach advantage,” said Ramirez. “I felt good the whole fight and he never hurt me at any point. I believed in my skills and I performed well.”
“It was a very tough, physical fight for both of us,” said Barthelemy. “I didn’t feel 100 percent but I was able to work through it and I never felt hurt during the fight. He landed on me but I was able to keep my composure.”
Barthelemy was able to recover and began to stifle Ramirez’s aggressiveness by pivoting effectively and landing punches from different angles. By the final round, the two fighters resorted to brawling on the inside, with both men landing big punches all the way to the final bell.
In the end the judges’ scores reflected the close nature of the bout as one judge scored the fight 97-93 for Barthelemy while another judge scored the bout 96-94 for Ramirez. The fight was declared a split draw after the final score was announced as 95-95.
“I would definitely fight him again,” said Barthelemy. “I’ll be ready for another great battle and I’ll get the clear victory this time.”
“I thought that I won the fight, it was a close fight but I believe that I did what I had to do to win,” said Ramirez. “I would fight him again and beat him even worse.”
Additional action saw once-beaten Alejandro Salinas (9-1, 8 KOs) was able to earn a unanimous decision over rugged brawler Duarn Vue (12-1, 4 KOs) in their eight-round super featherweight contest.
The fight was defined by close quarters exchanges that began right after the opening bell as Vue charged Salinas and tried to navigate the distance and brawl with Salinas. The tide quickly turned for Salinas who established his right hand and connected several times cleanly with Vue’s head.
Vue did not stop attacking and forced Salinas to vary his attack and add in uppercuts and left hooks with his effective right hand. While Vue was able to tag Salinas as he tired into the later rounds, it was not enough to come back in the minds of the judges as all three scored the bout for Salinas by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75.
The opening bout saw Bryan Figueroa (13-0, 5 KOs) remain unbeaten and win a close decision over Ivan Jimenez (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in their six round lightweight fight.
Figueroa took his time early trying to utilize his height advantage to strike Jimenez from a distance and in round three he connected on a hard left hand that backed up and staggered his opponent. Jimenez was able to stay on his feet, and had success at times getting on the inside and hitting Figueroa with hooks, but was not able to land consistently enough.
The fiery exchanges continued through the sixth and final round with Figueroa eventually earning the decision on all three judges’ scorecards by the score of 58-56.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by Sampson Boxing.

Fast-Rising Undefeated Junior Welterweight Eddie Ramirez Meets Rugged Former Champion Antonio DeMarco in Primetime Battle

 
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes  
Saturday, October 14 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
CARSON, CALIF. (September 25, 2017) – Undefeated rising junior welterweight contender Eddie Ramirez (17-0, 11 KOs) will step up and take on former world champion Antonio DeMarco (32-6-1, 23 KOs) in a 10-round match to open the television broadcast of the Premier Boxing Champions card on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, Oct. 14 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Televised coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. and is headlined by sensational three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz defending his featherweight world title against Chris Avalos and four-time world champion Abner Mares defending his 126-pound championship against once-beaten Andres Gutierrez.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.
The 25-year-old Ramirez has made rapid progress this year in a 2017 that saw him jump from prospect to contender. He started the year with a rousing ninth-round TKO over then unbeaten Ryan Karl on Feb. 2 and followed that up with a victory over veteran Erick Bone in June.  Fighting out of Aurora, Illinois, Ramirez won three times in 2016, including a knockout victory over then undefeated Kevin Watts.
“I’m trying to make a statement, and if I’m able to take him out, I’ll take him out,” said Ramirez. “But I’m also going to be smart at the same time. He’s a veteran southpaw and a former champion, but his time is up and my time is now. So we’re prepared for whatever comes our way. I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I’ve been in a lot of tough fights, but they’ve all been worth it to get me prepared to become a world champion. I’ve been sparring with some big, tough guys and I’m ready to take on another one to get up there with the top fighters in the division.”
The 31-year-old DeMarco of Tijuana, Mexico has an outstanding resume, which includes matches against Adrien Broner, Rances Barthelemy, Omar Figueroa, Jr., and Jessie Vargas. DeMarco won the lightweight world championship with a TKO victory over Jorge Linares in 2011 and successfully defended it twice before losing it to Broner in 2012.  Most recently DeMarco won a unanimous decision over Luis Solis in their 10-round bout in February.
“This is a very important fight at this point for my career,” DeMarco said. “I’m going to prove that I still have a lot to give in this sport and this wide-open division. Ramirez is a young, undefeated fighter and a very tough opponent, but I’ve been in a lot of big fights and as a former champion, I definitely believe that he has never faced an experienced southpaw opponent like me. I’ll wear him down, round-by-round and if the knockout presents itself, I’ll definitely go for it.

“I know he’s a dangerous fighter, but I’m very calm and confident because of the experience I’ve gained and the camp I’m having. I know the truth about myself, and emotionally and physically, I’m 100 percent.”

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSportsand www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

ATTENTION: THE TOWERING INFERNO IS COMING YOUR WAY, LAS VEGAS!

Undefeated 6′ 7″ Middleweight Sebastian Fundora to Face His Toughest Test to Date Against Ohio’s Undefeated Victor Toney

LAS VEGAS (September 22, 2017) – Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz will be keeping an especially close eye on one of the supporting bouts of his “Cuba vs. Mexico” installment of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Tuesday, September 26, at the Cannery Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas.

Appearing in an important six-round test against another undefeated fighter will be 6′ 7″ middleweight prospect Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora (4-0, 3 KOs). With a victory over Youngstown, Ohio’s Victor Toney (5-0, 4 KOs), 19-year-old Fundora, from Coachella, California, will be enlisted to join Lewkowicz’s formidable promotional stable… a fast-track to an eventual world rating and championship challenge.
Televised live on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), and presented by Sampson Boxing, in association with Pochiro Boxing and the Cannery Hotel & Casino, “Cuba vs. Mexico” will be headlined by a 10-round featherweight main event between undefeated Leduan Barthelemy (13-0, 7 KOs) and also undefeated Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-2, 7 KOs).
In the other televised bouts, hard-hitting prospect Alejandro Salinas (8-1, 8 KOs) matching up against unbeaten Duarn Vue (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction plus a six-round showdown between unbeaten lightweight prospects Bryan Figueroa (12-0, 5 KOs) and Ivan Jimenez (7-0-1, 4 KOs).
Tickets, starting at $30, are available by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, at all Boyd Gaming Showroom Box Offices (Aliante, The Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town, Cannery & Eastside Cannery), or by calling 800-745-3000.
Salinas, who has been boxing since age nine and had over 100 amateur fights, says his incredible height comes from his father/trainer Freddy Fundora’s Cuban side of the family. His mother is of Mexican descent.
“I have cousins in Cuba that are seven feet tall,” said Fundora. “I eat a lot but for some reason, I can’t gain any weight. Could be because I’m always training.”
Naturally, Fundora says he boxes from the outside and uses his natural gifts to overwhelm opponents and eventually stop them. He credits his success in the ring to his father, who has been his trainer since the first day. “He’s always been there for me, and he’s the biggest inspiration of my life. He’s the only person I really look up to. He’s my coach and father and best friend; an all-around good guy.
Fundora says he doesn’t know much about opponent Toney, but has worked hard at Coachella Valley Boxing Club to land this big promotional bump with a victory. “First and foremost, I want to thank Sampson Boxing Promotions for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent that has derived from all the hard work that both my team and I have put in for so long,” continued Fundora. “As ‘Towering Inferno,’ my game plan is out of control and coming your way on Tuesday, September 26, at the Cannery Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas.
“The lost art of professionalism in the boxing industry is something that Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz bases his company on,” said Freddy Fundora. “Those very same values are the core of Fundora Squad and what we are based around.”
“I haven’t seen him fight yet,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “But with a name like Towering Inferno and that incredible height, I will be watching closely. If he is impressive in victory, I look forward to a long association with Sebastian and his father, Freddy. At just 19 years old, Sebastian has all the physical gifts to become a major force from middleweight all the way to heavyweight with age.”
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Sampson Lewkowicz is proud to announce he will be donating $1 from every ticket sold to his upcoming event in Las Vegas to help victims of the recent Mexico City Earthquake. The donated funds, to be distributed by Mauricio Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, will be matched X5 by world-renowned philanthropist and Mexican business man Carlos Slim’s Foundation.
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Sampson Boxing to Donate Proceeds of Upcoming Fight to Earthquake Victims in Mexico

Donation to be Matched X5 by World-Famous Philanthropist Carlos Slim’s Foundation
LAS VEGAS (September 21, 2017) – Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is proud to announce he will be donating $1 from every ticket sold to his upcoming event in Las Vegas to help victims of the recent Mexico City Earthquake.
The donated funds, to be distributed by Mauricio Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, will be matched X5 by world-renowned philanthropist and Mexican business man Carlos Slim’s Foundation.
Tickets, starting at $29, are available by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or calling 800-745-3000.
Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing, in association with Pochiro Boxing and the Cannery Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas, are presenting a “Cuba vs. Mexico” installment of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes on Tuesday, September 26.
Televised live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, in the night’s 10-round featherweight main event, undefeated Leduan Barthelemy(13-0, 7 KOs) takes on also undefeated Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-2, 7 KOs). In the other televised bouts, hard-hitting prospect Alejandro Salinas (8-1, 8 KOs) matching up against unbeaten Duarn Vue (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction plus a six-round showdown between unbeaten lightweight prospects Bryan Figueroa (12-0, 5 KOs) and Ivan Jimenez (7-0-1, 4 KOs).
Tuesday’s 7.1 magnitude quake killed at least 230 people in total, including at least 21 children and five adults at a primary school which collapsed in Mexico City.
Carlos Slim is one of the worlds most important philanthropists. He owns stock in more than 200 companies that employ more than 200,000 people in Latin America and beyond. He has used his resources to help develop the communities where his businesses are located. In his own country, Mexico, he has personally supported more than 165,000 young people in attending university, paid for numerous surgeries, provided equipment for rural schools and covered surety bonds for 50,000 people who were entitled to their freedom but could not afford. He recently created the Carso Institute for Health, and designed it to provide a new approach to health care in Mexico. He has four billion dollars of investments ready to promote education, health and other great challenges, and has recently announced an additional six-billion-dollar investment in several programs, including his Telmex Foundation.
Newly crowned WBC Super Middleweight Champion David Benavidez will be at the fight to support this endeavor and be part of the PBC broadcast team, together with announcer Ray Flores and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz New York Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Defends Against Undefeated Contender Luis Ortiz On Saturday, Nov. 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
NEW YORK, NY (Sept. 20, 2017) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and hard-hitting Cuban southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz announced their upcoming Nov. 4 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING heavyweight world title bout on Wednesday from Dream Hotel in Downtown Manhattan.
The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Because of inclement weather near his home in Miami, Ortiz was unable to travel to New York, but did offer his thoughts about the upcoming fight via telephone.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I am the best. I am the toughest heavyweight in the division. I am the man in the division. I don’t care what anybody else has going on. You’ve got to come through me.
“When I knock him out, I want my due respect. I’m the only American heavyweight champion of the world and I am the man. Nobody is stronger physically, mentally and spiritually. They are all scared of me.
“I’m the heavyweight in the division with real knockout power. I put grown men down easily. On November 4, Ortiz is going down. After that, you already know who is next. I’m ready to unify.
“If he’s the boogeyman, I can’t wait to shine a light on him because the boogeyman is only effective at night. And we’re in New York so you already know what happened to King Kong in New York.
“The game plan is the same as usual. We’re going to use my attributes. I’m going to set him up until the time comes. Ortiz has a great set of skills and I like his aggressive style. That’s one of the reasons I chose him. I wanted to beat him to prove that I am the man.
“It definitely won’t go the distance. Right now, I’m thinking about three rounds but come November 4th, it might be in the first round.”
LUIS ORTIZ
“I’m ready to go and excited for the fight. I want to get to November 4 so I can do what I have to do.
“Wilder does a lot of talking. He’s nervous and keeps forgetting the date of the fight. I think he took this fight because he has no choice and no one else to fight.
“I think Wilder is going to run in this fight. He should be careful what he says before the fight, because I think he’s going to run from me.
“Wilder should sign his death sentence. I’m very different than anybody else that he’s fought. I punch harder than anybody else. I’m going to teach him not to mess with Cubans.
“Some skeptics are talking about my age, but look at Mayweather. I still have my speed and my quickness.”
JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Co-Manager and Trainer
“Everything in camp has been going well. Last time we were here in New York we had a great crowd and it was a wonderful event. This will be an even bigger challenge. This is the fight the fans wanted and this is the fight we wanted.
“Deontay has always wanted the biggest challenges. We won the belt in [Bermane] Stiverne’s hometown and we were ready to go to Russia to defend the belt. These are two guys in the division no one wants to fight, but they’ve decided to fight each other.
“This is a great opportunity for Deontay to show who he is and where he is. It’s going to be well worth everyone’s time to be there at Barclays Center.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“There is nothing like a great heavyweight championship fight and on November 4th, a great champion is going to fight a great contender. This is a terrific fight.
“This fight is happening because Deontay Wilder wants the world to know that he is afraid of no one, and that he’s prepared to fight anyone and he’s the best heavyweight in the world today. I could not be prouder of him for making this fight happen.
“This is the toughest fight that Deontay Wilder could engage in right now. This is the most difficult opponent he possibly could fight.
“Luis Ortiz is the boogeyman of this division. You haven’t heard anyone scream about fighting Luis Ortiz. A lot of people were shocked when they heard that Deontay Wilder wants to fight him. He not only wants to fight him, but he insisted upon it.
“This isn’t a 43-year-old champion on his last legs in Luis Ortiz. This is a hungry beast that wants to beat Deontay Wilder. But Deontay is a champion. He’s not doing this for the money. A lot of people would think this is a dumb economic move. This is a legacy move. This is a move to prove who is the best. We’re not afraid of Anthony Joshua. If he was available on November 4th and wanted to fight, we’d fight him then.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & GM, SHOWTIME Sports
“This has been a really strong year for SHOWTIME Boxing. This will be our 23rd live boxing event on SHOWTIME this year. And they’ve been important, meaningful fights. Not just a big name against a nobody. In fact, 16 times this year on SHOWTIME we’ve featured and unbeaten fighter taking on another unbeaten fighter. We know on SHOWTIME that you’re seeing the best fighting the best. No other network is as dedicated to delivering the highest quality fights. So without question, it’s been a great year. But we may have saved the best for last here.
“We have two of the top heavyweights in the world. Both undefeated with a combined record of 65-0, 60 knockouts. This is the best fight that can be made in the heavyweight division. There is no question about that. This will be the eighth heavyweight title fight we’ve featured in the last two years. The only way to get to one unified champion in the heavyweight division is to have the best fight the best, and that is what is happening here on Nov. 4, and we can’t wait.”

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER DEFENDS AGAINST UNDEFEATED CONTENDER LUIS ORTIZ LIVE ON SHOWTIME® SATURDAY, NOV. 4 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

  
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
BROOKLYN (Sept. 20, 2017) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will make his sixth title defense when he meets hard-hitting Cuban southpaw Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, Nov. 4 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
An exciting lineup of undercard attractions will be announced soon to support this titanic heavyweight matchup. True heavyweights in every sense of the word, the 6-foot-7, 228-pound Wilder and the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Ortiz have 60 combined knockout victories.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and I’m excited that the time has come to meet Luis Ortiz,” said Wilder. “Ortiz is considered the boogeyman of the sport and I am the hardest hitter in boxing. When you put us together in a ring, you will get one of the best heavyweight fights in a long time. I will unify the division. This I promise. This is the first step towards unifying. Any heavyweight that gets in my way is getting knocked out.”
“Wilder has been doing a lot of talking about me and this fight,” said Ortiz. “I’m tired of hearing it. I’m not that big on talking. I like to do all my talking in the ring and that’s what I plan to do. I respect him. I know he hits hard, but I hit hard too. It’s going to be a great fight. I can’t wait to get in the ring and shut him up in front of everybody at Barclays Center on SHOWTIME on November 4.”
“This fight is happening because Deontay Wilder wants to beat the best, regardless of the risk,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He will knock ‘King Kong’ off the Empire State Building for the world to see on November 4 at Barclays Center.”
“The resurgence of the heavyweight division is going to be on full display at Barclays Center and on SHOWTIME on November 4,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions. “Deontay is facing his toughest challenge yet in the undefeated Cuban, giving him the opportunity to really prove himself. We are thrilled to be a part of the action and can’t wait until fight night.”
“Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz is one of the highlights of what has been an exceptional year for boxing on SHOWTIME,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “We have consistently delivered the biggest names in boxing in their most important fights. The main event on Nov. 4 features two dynamic punchers with a 92-percent knockout ratio between them.  It will be the 21st world championship fight on SHOWTIME this year and the 16th time we’ve seen undefeated fighters going head-to-head.  It is clear that no other network is more committed to delivering the most significant bouts directly to its subscribers than SHOWTIME.”
“On November 4 Barclays Center will once again host one of the year’s best fights,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Deontay has made his mark in Brooklyn, and I am thrilled to welcome him back to our ring alongside a tough competitor in Luis Ortiz, who will be fighting here for the first time.”
The 31-year-old Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs), the only reigning American heavyweight world champion, won his WBC title with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015 -the birthday of legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.
Wilder, a Bronze Medal winner for the U.S. Olympic boxing team at the 2008 Beijing Games, has successfully defended the title five times. In his previous defense at Barclays Center, Wilder scored a memorable ninth-round knockout over Artur Szpilka back in Jan. 2016. In his most recent defense, Wilder, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. stopped Gerald Washington via fifth-round technical knockout before a hometown crowd at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Feb. 25.
The 38-year-old Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), of Camaguey, Cuba by way of Miami, Fla., will make his SHOWTIME and Barclays Center debut when he meets Wilder for his first title shot. The hard-hitting southpaw turned pro seven years ago after defecting from Cuba and has since been steadily climbing the heavyweight ladder. He cemented his standing in the division with victories over veteran contenders Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott and is the No. 1-ranked contender by the WBC.
If Ortiz wins, he will become the first Cuban born fighter to win a heavyweight world championship.
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

Super Lightweight Contender Mario Barrios Remains Undefeated Against Naim Nelson In Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes From Sands Bethlehem Events Center

 
Featured Bouts Thomas Velasquez vs. Tyrome Jones & Earl Neman vs. Paul Parker Both End in Draws
Click HERE For Photos (Photos Forthcoming)
Kenyon Sessoms/Premier Boxing Champions 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (September 19) – Unbeaten super lightweight Mario Barrios (20-0, 12 KOs) defeated Naim Nelson (13-4, 1 KO) via seventh round TKO in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
The fast-rising star Barrios of San Antonio started the bout throwing multiple combinations to the head and body of Nelson of Philadelphia. He kept his distance and stayed patient, but did not get to showcase all of the tools in his arsenal as the fight took a turn in the third round when Nelson went to the canvas after hurting his left shoulder by throwing a hook. That was ruled a slip and he dropped to his knees again after throwing another punch, but after being examined by the ringside doctor, it was determined that Nelson could continue.
Barrios was not deterred and continued to move forward, apply pressure and control the action into the fourth round. By the fifth, Nelson’s work rate dropped significantly, which Barrios took advantage of by battering the Philadelphia-native against the ropes. Throughout the sixth, Barrios stalked Nelson around the ring while Nelson tried to work through his apparent shoulder injury, countering with the right where he could. In the end, Barrios sent Nelson to the canvas with a hard left hand causing Referee Gary Rosato to wave off the bout at 1:41 of the seventh round. The victory over Nelson marks Barrios’ fourth straight stoppage – all of which have taken place since he started working with renowned trainer Virgil Hunter.
 “I apologize to the fans of Pennsylvania as I wanted to put on a show tonight,” said Barrios. “After I caught him, he was trying to survive.  He was moving around.  I did not concentrate if he hurt his shoulder or not.
“I just want to keep moving along and get better. I want to fight again before the end of the year if possible and I know I will put on a show in my next fight.”
“I was doing well and I had him, but I hurt my shoulder,” said Nelson. “I thought I was doing a good job, but my shoulder just hurt too much. This is a sport and injuries happen.”
In the co-feature, lightweights Thomas Velasquez (9-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia and Tyrome Jones (4-2, 1 KO) of South Bend, Ind. Tyrome Jones fought to a draw in a fast-paced six-round bout. Velasquez, who is mentored by former world champion Danny Garcia, started the fight going to Jones’ body and stuck with that plan throughout. As the fight wore on, Jones turned up the heat and listened to his corner who told him to stay busy and aggressive. Velasquez landed multiple straight left hands in the fourth that stung Jones, but the Indiana-native was able to counter with several straight lefts of his own. The sixth and final round showcased hard-fought action from both pugilists with Jones throwing several hard lefts with Velasquez countering with his own flurries of shots finishing the fight strong. In the end, the judges ruled the bout even 59-55 for each and 57-57.
“I had to use the jab in this fight as well as my double-jab and body shots were working well,” said Velasquez. “This was a great learning fight and I felt that I won. I can’t wait to get back in the gym, apply what I learned and get back in the ring again soon.”
“This was a tough fight against an undefeated guy who came in confident,” said Jones. “I countered very well and I got to him. I feel that I won the fight, but sometimes the judges don’t see it that way.”
The opening bout saw light heavyweights Earl Newman (10-0-1, 7 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY and Paul Parker (8-2-1, 4 KOs) of Toledo, OH fight to an eight-round draw. Parker made it awkward for Newman in the first two rounds by starting out strong, moving forward, diving in and staying busy. However, Newman came out of the corner swinging in the third, throwing a left hook that forced Parker to tap the canvas with his glove although it was not ruled a knockdown by referee Benjy Esteves.
Neman worked his right hand throughout the fourth round, ready to counter Parker’s shots. Newman drove Parker back with a left hook in the fifth and continued to put pressure on the Ohio-native throughout the round. The two-time New York Golden Gloves winner continued to press forward and walk down Parker in the later rounds, but was unable to finish strong enough to be victorious as the judges scored the bout 79-32 (Newman), 77-75 (Parker) and 76-76.
“After a year off I felt rusty,” said Newman. “I saw the punches, but I did not react as well as I wanted to.  That being said, I kept pressuring and landed more to the body. I felt I won the fight.  Now it is back to the drawing board. I definitely can’t be inactive for a long time again.”
“He is a great fighter,” said Parker. “I listened to my corner and followed the game plan.  He caught me with some good punches, but I landed more.  I wobbled him and I was busier.  I really feel that I won the fight. I want a rematch”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Leo Santa Cruz Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Featherweight Champion Battles Chris Avalos in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday, October 14 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Erick Ramirez/Ringstar Sports
 
LOS ANGELES (September 19, 2017) – Three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz hosted a media workout Tuesday at the new Team Watson Boxing Club in Lake Balboa, Calif. as he prepares to defend his featherweight titles against Chris Avalos on Saturday, October 14 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Televised coverage begins 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT with four-time world champion Abner Mares defending his 126-pound belt against once-beatenAndres Gutierrez.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100, $150, and $250 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com HERE.
Also in attendance was lightweight Ivan Redkach, who trains with Santa Cruz and will compete in an undercard bout on October 14.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“Now we both get another fight first, I’m pretty sure we will both win and the fans win by seeing us again as well.
“I always train the same way. I train really hard. I go out there like I’m going to fight the best opponent possible. My focus is there. You can never underestimate any fighter. Especially someone like Avalos. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain by beating me.
“Fighters like that are the most dangerous. They come really prepared and I can’t afford to lose. I am going to be focused coming into October 14.
“If we both get the win, I want the rematch with Abner in the beginning of the year. That is going to happen so I’m not concerned about both of us taking a fight first.
“I feel great and will be ready and prepared to fight 12 hard rounds on October 14.
“I know this will be a tough fight, every fight at this level is a tough fight.
“I am coming off of two hard fights and I wanted my body to rest, but I am always ready to get in the gym and prepare to do my best. I will never take a fight lightly and I won’t on October 14.
“The rematch will be a very tough fight like the first, it’s better for Abner and I
to each have a fight in-between.”
IVAN REDKACH
“I’m very excited to fight in Southern California on a big show against a tough fighter. I’m ready for October 14th.
“This is my third fight training with the Santa Cruz family and I love training with them. They’ve taught me a great deal about defense and about throwing combinations. I feel like it’s more of a ‘Mexican Style’ for me. I feel like they have helped me become a more entertaining fighter.
“This is really like a double hometown fight for me. I’ve lived in Southern California for eight years and I’ve been on a lot of Leo’s cards, so I will be in my second home with my second family.”
JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer
“Avalos is a very tough fighter, if we fight Mares we want a tough fight first to get ready.”
“I know Mares and Leo will put on a great fight and both need to be prepared for the rematch.
“We’re working on tighter defense and better ring generalship in this camp.
“In the first Frampton fight Leo wasn’t quite ready, we don’t want to make the same mistake again.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“Leo just went 24 action-packed rounds with the 2016 Fighter of the Year [Carl Frampton]. He has been in nothing but slugfest fights with 3 out of his last 4 fights ending in a majority decision, and don’t count out Chris Avalos one bit because he can crack. That is the last thing you want. Avalos is motivated and he needs a win.
“”When Steve Farhood [of SHOWTIME Sports] did his 2016 10 best one-punch knockouts in the history of ShoBox, Chris Avalos was on there because he has that one-punch knockout power.
“Avalos has one punch knockout power and that’s the kind of guy you have to be very careful with.
“Three of the last four ‘Fight of the Year’ matches have taken place at the StubHub Center, and they weren’t always ‘Fight of the Year’ candidates going in. Something just happens there and fans won’t want to miss this.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOX, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

SAMPSON BOXING AND CANNERY HOTEL & CASINO ANNOUNCE TWO-FOR-ONE FIGHT TICKETS FOR FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE AND MILITARY ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Undefeated Leduan Barthelemy Meets Also Undefeated Eduardo Ramirez in Main Event Plus Alejandro Salinas vs. Undefeated Duarn Vue and Unbeaten Prospects Bryan Figueroa vs. Ivan Jimenez
 
Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes
 
LAS VEGAS (September 18, 2017) – Sampson Boxing and the Cannery Hotel & Casino are proud to announce a “Buy One Get One Free” fight-ticket special for firefighters, police and military personnel attending their upcoming “Cuba vs. Mexico” Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes event on Tuesday, September 26.
In honor of the brave men and women serving Las Vegas and around the world, all seats, will be two-for-one for qualifying attendees when undefeated Leduan Barthelemy (13-0, 7 KOs) faces also undefeated Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round featherweight main event at the Cannery Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas. Tickets, starting at $30, are available by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or calling 800-745-3000.
Televised live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, the event also features hard-hitting prospect Alejandro Salinas (8-1, 8 KOs) matching up against unbeaten Duarn Vue (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction plus a six-round showdown between unbeaten lightweight prospects Bryan Figueroa (12-0, 5 KOs) and Ivan Jimenez (7-0-1, 4 KOs).
“I am proud to offer this ticket special to the bravest ones in our society,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “Please be my guest at the fights and bring a friend or family member. This is a great night of fights, featuring fighters with combined records of 72-1-3 in the three televised bouts, and I’m proud to be able to offer it to our best and brightest at a discounted price.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Unbeaten Contender Takes On Naim Nelson in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, September 19 From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
Click HERE for Photos from Brett Ostrowski – Team Barrios/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
HAYWARD, Calif. (September 15, 2017) – Unbeaten rising contender Mario Barrios shared his thoughts on training camp and more as he nears his showdown against Naim Nelson that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYSon FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, September 19 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature an eight-round matchup between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (11-0, 5 KOs) and Adam Lopez (8-0, 3 KOs) plus undefeated prospect Earl Newman (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Paul Parker (8-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Here is what Barrios had to say heading into his September 19 showdown:
On his recent training camp with Virgil Hunter in California…
“Right now, we are finishing up the final days to training camp.  All the sparring is complete and I’m 100% healthy going into this fight.  My weight is good and Virgil and I have been working harmoniously since he became my lead trainer a few fights back.  This will be our fourth fight together and I’m learning a lot, especially with my jab.  The improvement will be evident when I step into the ring on fight night.”
 
On facing Naim Nelson in his hometown…
“In this sport, sometimes you have to go into someone’s backyard, and battle them on their home turf.  I know he’ll have a lot of his fans in attendance, but that has no effect on me and my game plan.  My goal is to go into this fight, set the pace from the opening bell and come out victorious.  By the end of the night, everyone in the building will have respect for me.”
 
On fighting in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes…
“It’s great to be fighting on FS1 and FOX Deportes once again, especially in the main event.  The exposure I get from fighting on a national stage like this is great for my career.  I’m just grateful to my team and everyone involved who put this fight together.  I always shine on FS1 and Fox Deportes, and this fight is not going to be any different.  I’m ready to take my career to the next level.”
On fighting at super lightweight for the fourth time in his career…
“The move to 140 pounds has be a tremendous blessing to my career.  I feel really strong and I can see myself fighting at this weight class for a few more years.  My body is filling out just fine and my power is coming up with me.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.