Category Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

FOUR WEEKS OUT AND WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN COMES IN ON HISTORICAL HIGH WITH MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF BOXING IN HIS CORNER FOR THE FIRST PRIMETIME FIGHT ON CBS IN NEARLY 40 YEARS

Leave a comment
 
Thurman’s Training Camp In Full Swing In Florida;
June 25 Title Defense Against Shawn Porter
On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® On CBS,
Presented By Premier Boxing Champions
 
 ‘I can’t help but think about this being my 20th year in boxing. For this fight I’m just going to be me,
 just going to be Keith Thurman.’ – Thurman

Click here for photos
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 2, 2016) – Keith Thurman, the reigning WBA Welterweight World Champion, is four weeks out from his June 25 title defense against Shawn Porter and has his 20-year career in boxing on his mind heading into the crucial showdown.
Thurman will be headlining on CBS live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn with televised coverage starting at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.  Tickets can be purchased online by visiting
www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“It’s been an amazing journey and no one predicted this better than my first coach Ben Getty,” said 27-year-old Thurman. “It puts me in a state of gratitude for Ben. He told everyone I’d be world champ, and here I am, defending my title against Shawn Porter. I am just starting to see what Ben Getty saw in me and the mark that I can make in boxing.”
Thurman isn’t the only one celebrating a boxing anniversary – his trainer of 13 years and Florida Hall of Fame elected boxing trainer Dan Birmingham, who trained former champion Winky Wright, has been in the sport for 50 years, and assistant trainer Chris Getty has grown up with Thurman in the sport through his father Ben Getty.  The fight also is the first primetime fight on CBS in almost 40 years since the Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks from Las Vegas.
Now, 20 years after Ben Getty introduced Thurman to boxing as part of an after school program, he is one of the strongest power punchers in the division, with an excellent knockout rate of 80%. His focus, however, is on making boxing history.
“My goal is to be known as the hardest hitting welterweight in the division,” said Thurman. “This camp, if anything, I feel more comfortable. I’m fully recovered, sparring, training.  I’ve been throwing power punches for what seems like forever and it’s a little weird. I can’t help but think about how this is my 20th year in boxing and knowing the longevity I’ve had. It’s given me a new confidence. “
For Birmingham, this training camp has been a re-commitment to the strategic and conditioning process the team has gone through for each fight for the past 13 years.
“Training is going real well,” said Birmingham. “We know Porter is a come-forward fighter – he is going to try to be on Keith’s chest. I want Keith to box, use his power, use his jab, and use his feints to work the body from the inside. All the things Keith knows how to do. Porter is not a real technical fighter so we’re working on using that to our advantage.”
Birmingham on sparring:
“We’ve been doing great sparring work – we have some tough, tough kids in camp. We’ve been boosting aerobic capacity, and those kids are keeping on Keith.  He’s going to be in great shape for this fight. We’re excited for this fight. “
What does Team “One Time” anticipate?
Birmingham:  “We know that Porter is going to bring it so we’re working extra hard on aerobics and being fit for this fight. Keith’s doing a lot of running, cardio, endurance; we expect a tough fight and we’ll be prepared for this fight. We expect a victory”
What can fans expect on June 25?
Thurman: “Hopefully a knock out! I’m coming to bring it. Shawn is coming to bring it. It’ll be a great fight. We are two of the top welterweights in the division. Two of the youngest and strongest welterweights in the sport going toe-to- toe.”
What is your goal for this fight?
Thurman: “My goal is to be known as the hardest hitting welterweight in the division. My lifelong goal is to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world – and I have a ways to go in unifying the titles. Once I move past Shawn I look forward to the challenge of making my dreams come true. I’m blessed to be where I am today.”
 
The Welterweight division is one of the hottest divisions in boxing, what do you think of a Super 6 tournament in the division?
Thurman: “I’m for it. In the 147-pound division it’s time to unify a title. Someone at 147 should have more than one belt and that’s my goal that before end of the year to have more than one belt.”
One of the sports more enigmatic athletes, Thurman is known for having a varied list of interests and hobbies setting him apart from other fighters, including playing the flute, piano and guitar, books (The Secret Life of Plants to Bhagavad Gita the Little Buddhist Handbook) and music (Ziggy Marley to Tupac). It is his uniqueness that helps him be an easy fan-favorite.
“Greatest advice I’ve been given is just to be Keith Thurman – just be me,” said Thurman. “I’m looking forward to stepping on this scale, not over talking and just going in and getting the knock out.”
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Juan Carlos Payano & Rau’shee Warren Talk Bantamweight World Title Rematch & First Fight Ahead of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Saturday, June 18 from UIC Pavilion in Chicago

Leave a comment
“I ran him ragged from post to post…I plan on winning even more convincingly this time.” – Payano
 
“I clearly won the fight. I felt cheated…I’m way smarter now and
a knockout is going to come.” – Warren
 
Click HERE to Watch Their First Fight
 
Click HERE For Photos From Their First Fight
From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
CHICAGO (June 2, 2016) – Rau’shee Warren is ready. The three-time Olympian and top bantamweight challenger from Cincinnati has spent months preparing for his second showdown against world champion Juan Carlos Payano. In August 2015, the two fought ferociously to a controversial split decision, which went in Payano’s favor, allowing the Dominican Republic native to retain his title. Warren was less than pleased with the judges’ decision, and intends to take what he feels is rightfully his when the two rematch in primetime on NBC on June 18.
“I felt like I clearly won the first fight,” said Warren. “I thought the two judges that scored the fight for him were going to give it to him no matter what. The fight was in his backyard. It really hurt me when they raised his hand, I felt cheated.”
The first fight between Payano and Warren served as the main event for the first installment of the PBC: The Next Round on Bounce TV series on August 2, 2015. One judge scored the bout 115-109 for Warren while the other two had it 113-11 for Payano, leaving the two men to dispute the true winner of the bout. But for Payano, there was no question that he was the rightful winner that night.
“I ran him ragged from post to post,” said Payano. “It was the champion chasing the challenger. Normally to win the title, it has to be the other way around. If he had got the decision, there would have been no controversy, he’d be a superstar.”
The fight featured solid two-way action throughout but the final scores were effected by a couple of decisions by referee Frank Santore Jr. Payano lost a point in the third round for punches to the back of the head, while Warren was deducted two points in round nine for a foul that was ruled intentional.
For this fight, neither man plans to leave any doubt in the minds of the audience or the judges.
“I watched our first fight about 20 times,” said Warren. “I spent a lot of time looking at my mistakes and things I needed to eliminate. I feel like this fight is going to be really easy for me now. Payano is not getting out of this one. I won’t be finished until he stops. He’s going to try to get away from me, but I’m going to use what I’m doing in the gym to take him out smart. I’m way smarter now and a knockout is going to come.”
“I plan to win even more convincingly this time,” said Payano. “I’m going to use my ring intelligence and not fight on emotion like I did in the first fight. I’m going to fight smart, but my style is my style. I don’t know how to fight any other way, so it will be another great fight. I’m sure he will make adjustments but I know I will win this fight.”
The punch stats told the classic tale of the busier fighter versus the more accurate fighter. Payano threw 709 punches to Warren’s 439. But it was Warren who out landed Payano 173 to 166, while owning the advantage in connect percentage at 39 percent to 23 percent. Warren was even able to score a knockdown of Payano in the 12th round but was unable narrow the scores enough to get the victory.
Now, training camp is in full swing as as both men look to gain an edge and leave the ring with their hand raised on June 18.
“Training has been going great,” said Payano. “It’s been a very long camp. We were supposed to fight a long time ago and it didn’t happen. We’ve been waiting a long time and I’m ready to go. I’m eating gunpowder and the bomb is going off on June 18, so be ready.”
“The first time around it was just me, my brother, personal trainer and my coach out in Colorado,” said Warren. “This time I started training back home in Cincinnati and now I’m in Washington, D.C. sparring with Gervonta Davis to get ready. The way I look at it, my sparring partner is better than Payano.”
The Payano vs. Warren rematch will open up Premier Boxing Champions on NBCcoverage on June 18 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT that is headlined by light heavyweight bruiser Andrzej Fonfara taking on tough New Yorker Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Star Boxing, are priced at $201, $101, $61 and $41, 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 Friday9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @JC_Payano, @RausheeWarren, @EricksonHammerL, @WarriorsBoxProm, @StarBoxing and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoand www.Facebook.com/NBCSports.Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Rances Barthelemy vs. Mickey Bey Final Press Conference  & Media Workout Quotes & Photos

Leave a comment
 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Begins Friday, June 3
at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT from Hard Rock Live at
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions &
Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (June 1, 2016) – Lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey went face to face for the first time Wednesday as they participated in the final press conference and media workouts for Premier Boxing Champions on Spike this Friday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida.
Action begins on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features exciting bantamweight prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez taking on former title challenger Alberto Guevara in a 10-round bout. Also in attendance Wednesday and competing on the undercard is undefeated Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant, who battles Carlos Galvan on Fridaynight.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60, and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Fighters spoke to media and posed for cameras at the Paradise Live Theater before moving into the Hard Rock Live Arena for media workouts.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
RANCES BARTHELEMY
“I’m very excited to be fighting here close to Miami. This is a second home for Cubans and I’m really motivated to put on a great performance for the fans.
“Ismael Salas is one of the top trainers in the world and our whole team has been fantastic. We’re ready to get in the ring and fight.
I come prepared with a few strategies. I never stick to one game plan because us Cubans were taught to have a few up your sleeve so that you can adjust according to whatever presents itself to you in the ring.
“If we don’t get the knockout, then we are ready to go the distance. My team is prepared to go the distance if we have to, but also to give an entertaining fight.
“You’re going to see a new Rances Barthelemy in 2016.
“Don’t miss this fight. Get there early, because it might not go five. Get ready for a great night of boxing.”
MICKEY BEY
“I want to give Rances props for stepping up and taking the fight. This is the beautiful thing about boxing, the best fighting the best.
“You have a two-time champion fighting a world champion that never lost his belt in the ring. That says it all right there. We’re two elite fighters. We’re both going for glory.
“No matter what anybody says today, it comes down to the action on Friday.
“I’m in there with the same mindset no matter who I’m fighting. I’m coming in there to do what I do no matter what. It’s just another day for me.
“You’ll see a throwback fighter in there. I’m like the fighters from back in the day. I’m here looking for the victory. I don’t care how I get it and I can’t predict. But we want to have our hand raised.
“I’m coming to get what is rightfully mine. Don’t miss it.”
EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ
“I feel great and ready for Friday. I’m not worried about tomorrow at all, we’re right on weight, so we’re just looking forward to stepping into the ring at this point.
“We’ve been in training camp for six months as we had a tentative fight date scheduled prior to this so I was already in the gym getting ready. We’re in the best shape.
“We have seen footage of him and saw he makes a lot of mistakes. We analyzed those defaults and are using them as a strategy against him. We’ve put those into practice and think we will be able to execute them to come out victorious at the end of the night.
“He’s not your typical Mexican warrior fighter, he’s the total opposite actually so we’re not worried about what he does.”
ALBERTO GUEVARA
“I’m ready for this big opportunity and I’m ready to fight. This is a big card and it’s very exciting.
“I know what I have in front of me. Emmanuel Rodriguez is a good fighter, but he’s just another opponent to me.
“I’m well prepared and I believe I’m going to win this fight.”
CALEB PLANT
“I’m thankful to have this stage to perform on. I’m glad the media could come out and get a sneak peek of what I’m going to bring Friday night.
“The game plan is to go in there and look sharp, be slick, make adjustments and dictate the pace. He’s going to be uncomfortable because we’re going to dictate the pace. We’ll see if he can keep up.
“I’ve seen enough tape on, which wasn’t very much. I let my coaches breakdown the film and let me know what I need to do.
“This is my only job and I do it well. I’m not into getting ready, I stay ready. We’re here to show out.
“I’ve had a great training camp. I worked hard and I’m ready to put on a show this Fridaynight. I’m going to do what I always do in there.”
###
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV,@SpikeSports,@KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Undefeated Bantamweight Emmanuel Rodriguez Takes On Mexico’s Alberto Guevara in Co-Main Event of  Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 From Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida

Leave a comment
 
Plus! Top Rising Prospects Gervonta Davis & Caleb Plant in Separate Bouts as Part of Action Packed Undercard
 
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (June 1, 2016) – Undefeated bantamweight Emmanuel Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) will battle experienced Mexican Alberto “Metro” Guevara(24-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
An exciting undercard of action will feature rising undefeated knockout artist Gervonta “The One” Davis (15-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight showdown with Mexico’s Mario Macias (28-18, 14 KOs) and unbeaten prospect Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant(12-0, 9 KOs) against Columbia’s Carlos Galvan (12-4-1, 11 KOs) in a middleweight bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60, and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Additional undercard action features Homestead, Florida’s Courtney Jackson in a four-round super lightweight contest against Anthony Woods of the Bahamas, Miami’s Steven Geffrard taking on veteran Samuel Miller in a six-round light heavyweight battle and veteran Dyah Davis against Leosvy Mayedo in a six-round super middleweight contest.
Rounding out the night of fights is Vero Beach, Florida’s Dat Nguyen in a six-round featherweight bout against Jesus Lule, super featherweight prospect Antonio Williams in a four-round contest against Puerto Rico’s Hector Fernandez and Las Vegas prospect LaTondria Jones (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round middleweight bout against Latoya Burton.
At just 23-years-old, Rodriguez has been on a fast track towards a world title fight since turning pro in 2012. He made his U.S. debut in November by stopping Eliecer Aquino after previously taking down Gabor Molnar, Luis Hinojosa and Alex Rangel in 2015. The Manati, Puerto Rico-born fighter will bring his exciting style into the ring against another tough opponent on June 3. He will be opposed by the 25-year-old Mexican Guevara. The Sinaloa-native has challenged for world titles against Leo Santa Cruz and Shinsuke Yamanaka and has won six fights in a row entering June 3.
A highly-regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 21-year-old Davis recorded five victories inside of the distance in 2015. The Baltimore-native stopped former world champion Cristobal Cruz during that streak and most recently recorded a TKO victory over Guillermo Avila in April. He takes on the veteran Macias out of Distrito Federal, Mexico.
A 2011 National Golden Gloves champion, Plant has begun to make his name in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2014. Last year, the 23-year-old picked up six victories including hard fought triumphs over Jamar Freeman in September and Tyrone Brunson in October. Fighting out of Nashville, he kicked off his 2016 campaign by stopping Adasat Rodriguez in January and will return to battle the Colombian Galvan who most recently knocked out William Moreno Anaya in April.
###
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV,@SpikeSports,@KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Former World Champion Miguel Vazquez Earns Unanimous Decision Over Erick Bone in the Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes SaturdayNight from  The Dancehall in San Antonio

Leave a comment
 
Rising Featherweight Miguel Flores Remains Unbeaten with Victory Over 
Mexican Veteran Ruben Tamayo
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to Be Added Shortly) 
 
SAN ANTONIO (May 29, 2016) – Former world champion Miguel “Titere” Vazquez (36-5, 13 KOs) defeated Ecuador’s Erick Bone (16-4, 8 KOs) in a 10-round battle that headlined Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday night from the Dancehall in San Antonio.
The former champion from Mexico worked behind a strong jab and brought the fight to Bone throughout the main event. Bone was able to return fire and was effective at times when countering.
The jab of Vazquez eventually led to success with the right hand that was able to hurt his opponent and keep the battle-tested Bone from building momentum.
Both fighters landed at a nearly identical rate as Vazquez connected on 22 percent of his punches while Bone landed 21 percent. However, it was Vazquez with the advantage in punches landed at 94 to 74.
The fight featured many close rounds, which was reflected by the varied scores of the judges. In the end, all three had the fight for Vazquez by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94.
In the co-main event, rising featherweight Miguel Flores (20-0, 9 KOs) kept his record perfect as he defeated Mexican veteran Ruben Tamayo (26-9-4, 18 KOs) in their 10-round bout.
Facing a southpaw for the first time as a professional, Flores had some trouble early with the game Tamayo who was able to penetrate the defense of the 23-year-old with left hands while also opening a cut with an accidental head butt in round two.
As the fight went on Flores showed improved movement and a variety of effective punches that allowed him to take control of the fight. Most notably, Flores used a bruising left hook to the body that left Tamayo marked up and slowed down his offense.
Both fighters threw over 550 punches but it was Flores who out landed his opponent 175-121. The judges rewarded the still undefeated fighter with the unanimous decision by scores of 100-90 and 98-92 twice.
Here is what the main event fighters had to say Saturday:
MIGUEL VAZQUEZ
“I wanted to throw the heavier punches because I thought I could win by knockout, but that didn’t happen. There was an overhand right in the eighth round that I thought hurt him badly.
“He was an elusive fighter and survived, so there are still things that I have to work on.
“There was some difficulty adjusting to the late opponent switch, but overall, no problem. I had been sparring southpaws as well as right-handers.
“If I could have followed up on some of the hooks and overhand rights, I could have gotten him out of there.
“I’ve always wanted to fight Adrien Broner. I want to make that.”
ERICK BONE
“Vazquez was awkward and hard to fight. I gave it my all in there.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym and working on some things before I return to the ring.”
PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TitereVazquez, @LeijaBattahPR, @TGBPromotions @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsportsand www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Exciting Rising Prospects Justin DeLoach & Junior Castillo Battle in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, June 25 From The Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio

Leave a comment
 
Plus! Unbeaten Super Lightweight Ryan Karl Takes On
Mexico’s Luis Solis & Undefeated Prospects Darwin Price & Semajay Thomas Square-Off in Action Packed Tripleheader
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
SAN ANTONIO (May 27, 2016) – Rising super welterweight prospects Justin DeLoach (14-1, 8 KOs) and Junior Castillo (10-0, 9 KOs) will meet in the eight-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, June 25 from the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten Ryan “Cowboy” Karl (11-0, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Luis “Muecas” Solis (14-6-4, 12 KOs) plus a showdown of unbeaten prospects when Darwin Price (12-0, 11 KOs) and Semajay Thomas (7-0, 4 KOs) compete in an eight-round super lightweight contest.
“I’m thrilled to be headlining on NBCSN and to once again perform in front of the great fans in San Antonio,” said DeLoach. “I’ve got a great deal of respect for Junior Castillo but I’m putting in the work with my new trainer Paul Williams and I plan on being victorious.”
“I know how tough DeLoach is, but I’m well prepared to stay undefeated on June 25,” said Castillo. “I’m an exciting fighter and boxing fans will have another chance to see me showcase my skills. I can’t wait.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $85 and $20 plus $1000 and $850 for tables, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call 210-988-8821 or visit Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78216.
In his last bout, the 22-year-old DeLoach delivered a sensational knockout over previously unbeaten Dillon Cook in his first bout with new trainer and former world champion Paul Williams. The fighter from Augusta, Georgia turned pro in 2013 and won his first 10 fights before suffering a defeat in early 2015. DeLoach has rebounded masterfully with four wins in a row including victories over veterans Santos Benavides and Todd Manuel.
A 2012 Olympian for his native Dominican Republic, Castillo recorded a significant victory in his last bout when he defeated previously unbeaten and highly regarded Kyrone Davis over eight rounds in April. Castillo turned pro in 2013 and made his U.S. debut in December 2015 with victories over Eduardo Flores and Roland Nagy before his triumph in April.
An undefeated prospect representing Houston, Karl had an excellent amateur career that ended with him ranked third in the nation in the 141-pound division. The 24-year-old won six times in 2015 including an October domination of Alfonso Olvera at the Dancehall in San Antonio. Now he is primed to reach contender status as his competition improves beginning with the 24-year-old Solis of Mexico who comes in off of a fifth round knockout of Isidro Toala earlier this month.
Originally from St. Louis, Price’s road has led him to Houston where he now trains with Ronnie Shields. An exceptional athlete who was highly regarded in track and field as a teenager, the 26-year-old turned pro in 2013. His activity ramped up in 2015 as he took home four victories including a win in his first eight-round bout against Alvaro Ortiz in November.
A National Silver Gloves champion as an amateur, Thomas made it out of the roughest neighborhoods of Chicago and made his professional boxing debut in 2013. After winning his first six pro bouts, all in Chicago, the 23-year-old defeated Farkhad Sharipov in San Antonio in December 2015.
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.  PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Welterweight Showdown Between Phil Lo Greco & Joseph Elegele Headlines Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round  On Bounce TV Sunday, June 12 From  The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, FL (9 p.m. ET/PT)

Leave a comment
 
Plus! Unbeaten Australian Steve Lovett Takes On Craig Baker
in Light Heavyweight Action
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
LAKELAND, FL. (May 26, 2016) – A battle between exciting welterweights Phil Lo Greco (27-2, 15 KOs) and Joseph Elegele (15-2, 11 KOs) will serve as the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV and BounceTV.com Sunday, June 12 from The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, FL.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will feature unbeaten Australian prospect Steve Lovett (15-0, 12 KOs) and tough contender Craig Baker (16-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight showdown. The full night of action will be streamed on BounceTV.com
“I don’t know much about Elegele but I will not take him lightly,” said Lo Greco. “I am always in the gym. I enjoy fighting. This is what it’s all about, fighting on television and making a name for yourself. A win here will get me one step closer to the bigger fights.”
“People should watch me, because after this fight, I am ready to show the world that I am ready for the big fights,” said Elegele. “This win will put me towards the top and in a position to fight top fighters. This is the best I have felt in my whole career. Lo Greco is a game fighter. This is my hometown and I will have a lot of people coming out to support me and I can’t wait.”
“A win here will get me in the mix with the top contenders,” said Lovett. “I expect an entertaining fight and I am ready to go. Training camp is always good and I will be in the best shape possible on June 12. I helped Edwin Rodriguez prepare for his fight against Baker so I know him well. I am at the stage to step up to the next level”
“I’m excited about this opportunity to take on a fighter like Steve Lovett,” said Baker. “He’s highly regarded but I know that I have the skills and experience to beat him. I’m leaving it all in the ring. A win here puts me in position to get big fights so I plan on being impressive.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $75, $50 and $35, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by visitingwww.thelakelandcenter.com or by calling 888-397-0100 and from the Lakeland Center Box Office by calling 863-834-8111 or visiting between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“This will be a great night of boxing,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Elegele and Lo Greco is a real 50/50 fight with each guy needing a win to get to the next level. The last show at Lakeland was action packed and June 12 will be no different.”
A four-time amateur national Canadian champion, the Toronto-born Lo Greco turned pro in 2006 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the top fighters from Canada. The veteran fighter has also fought in Germany, Italy and Hungary before making his U.S. debut in 2012 by defeating Hector Orozco in Atlantic City. He racked up a 25-0 record to begin his career and his lone defeats have come to top welterweights Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr. In his last bout, Lo Greco stopped Pablo Munguia in the fifth-round.
After piling up an amateur record of 69-8, Elegele turned pro in 2009 and reeled off 12 victories to start his career. One of nine siblings, Elegele worked as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and has also spent time in the training camps of Adrien Broner and fellow New Haven, FL native Andre Berto, who he has known since he was 12-years-old. He owns victories over Manuel Aguilar, Angel Hernandez and Lanard Lane and most recently stopped Alex De Jesus in the sixth-round of their Bounce TV clash in January.
Born in Australia but now training in Houston with Ronnie Shields, Lovett looks to build on the momentum he has gained in 2015 with four knockouts in his five wins. The New South Wales-native has taken down veterans Kevin Engel and Samuel Miller in his last two fights as he heads into his toughest challenge in Baker.
A once-beaten fighter who turned pro in 2008, Baker enters this fight having four of his last five opponents inside the distance. The Baytown, TX native took home victories over Anthony Greeley and Sergio Cordoba in 2014 and kicked off 2015 by knocking out highly regarded Umberto Savigne. Now, Baker looks to bounce back from a defeat to Edwin Rodriguez when he enters the ring on June 12.
#  #  #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona Extra: La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets.  Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.
For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Featherweight Miguel Flores Takes On Mexican Veteran Ruben Tamayo  Saturday, May 28 on Premier Boxing Champions On FS1 & FOX Deportes from The Dancehall in San Antonio (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Leave a comment
 
Plus! Unbeaten Prospects Brandon Figueroa, Rickey Edwards & Emmanuel Medina Featured as Part of Full Night of Undercard Action
 
SAN ANTONIO (May 25, 2016) – Unbeaten rising featherweight contender Miguel Flores (19-0, 9 KOs) will take on Mexican veteran Ruben Tamayo (24-8-4, 16 KOs) this Saturday night, May 28, in a 10-round fight on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from The Dancehall in San Antonio.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Miguel Vazquez battling tough contender Erick Bone in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.
Undercard action will feature the brother of former world champion Omar Figueroa, Brandon Figueroa (6-0, 4 KOs), in a super bantamweight battle against Puerto Rico’s Jonell Nieves (6-2, 4 KOs), unbeaten 25-year-old lightweight Rickey Edwards (10-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout against fellow unbeaten John Delperdang (5-0, 5 KOs) and Los Angeles prospect Emmanuel Medina (9-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round welterweight showdown against Isiah Robinson (3-2, 2 KOs).
Additional action features a slew of local prospects as unbeaten Enrique Neira Jr. competes in a four-round middleweight bout against Rudy Lozano, Ramon Cardenas facing Isau Duenez in a four-round super bantamweight contest, unbeaten Rolando Garza battles Houston’s Rick Graham in a four-round super welterweight fight and the pro debut of Xavier Wilson in a four-round lightweight affair against Thomas Smith.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $85 and $20 and $1,000 and $850 for VIP tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call (210) 988-8821visit http://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/march28th2016/ or in person at Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave.
An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17-years-old. The 23-year-old had a big 2015 beginning in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed up by wins against Juan Ruiz, Carlos Padilla and Alfred Tetteh. He started 2016 with a headlining win over Mario Briones at The Dancehall in January. Now he will take on the 27-year-old Tamayo of Sonora, Mexico. The southpaw has wins over veterans including Meraz and Jose Cayetano and he challenged Jesus Cuellar for a world title in 2014.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TitereVazquez, @LeijaBattahPR, @TGBPromotions @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Rances Barthelemy & Mickey Bey Ramp Up Training Camp Ahead of Friday, June 3 World Championship Showdown That Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida

Leave a comment
Click HERE For Photos From Premier Boxing Champions
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (May 24, 2016) – Lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey are deep into training camp and closing in on their main event battle on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida

Both fighters have been training in Las Vegas before they head to southern Florida for their world title battle. Barthelemy trains with Ismael Salas at the Salas Boxing Academy while Bey works with his longtime trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. at the Mayweather Boxing Club.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Here is what the fighters had to say about training camp, their matchup and more:

What advantages do you believe you have because of your training team?

Rances Barthelemy: “To me, Ismael is the best trainer in the world. He was the lead trainer of the Cuban National Team at the time that Cuban amateur boxing was having its most success. He is truly underrated and I do not know why.

“Having gone through different trainers throughout my career, I am glad that I found Salas. We clicked right off the bat, and him being a Cuban and having a successful background both in the Cuban amateur system and in the pros, he’s been able to incorporate the best from both worlds in his training methods. He has also been able to bring out abilities in me that others were not able to and it has made me a completely different fighter.”

Mickey Bey: “Floyd Sr. has been my trainer for about 12 years. We’ve been together since I was a teenager and before I turned pro. He is an old school trainer and he knows the science of boxing.

“Being around the other Mayweather Promotions fighters provides a lot of energy to training because everybody is striving to be the best they can be. Whenever that’s the case it’s always a positive thing because the trainers know that’s what you’re after. Floyd Sr. and Floyd are the reason I moved to Las Vegas. It’s been a blessing to be able to train with him for so long. We gelled from the beginning and I have definitely grown a lot as a fighter.”

What does fighting for this belt mean to you?

RB: “I don’t really focus on this being another title defense. I just focus on it being another fight that I must win impressively so that I can get to the big fights. There is no added pressure from it being a title defense. I just want everyone to see the boxing ability that I have so that I can get the big fights that I want and deserve.”

MB: “Winning back this belt is really important to me. I still feel like it’s mine. He’s just been keeping it warm for me. I had to deal with the injuries but now I don’t have to worry about babying my hand or anything like that.”

What do you think this fight will be like stylistically?

RB: “I plan on this being a great fight between two great boxers. He has a great amateur and pro background, as do I, and hopefully that makes for a great show.”

MB: “You never really know until you’re in the ring but it’s going to be a fight between two skilled boxers. I have seen some footage but not too much because I don’t really watch much tape. I saw him fight for my vacant belt but I can’t get caught up in that because I’m different than anybody he’s ever fought. I’m a lot more difficult than he probably thinks.”

What skill advantages do you believe you have over your opponent?

RB: “I feel I am the better all-around fighter. I have the reach, height and power over him. I feel he has shown in the past that he can’t take a good punch, so we will see if he can take mine.”

MB: “I bring it all. I can do everything that can be done in the ring. Every single department, period. I do think he’s a good fighter, I give him his props, he’s a two-time world champion, but I don’t think he can do one thing better than me.”

What did you learn from your fight with Denis Shafikov?

RB: “It was a really tough fight and definitely a great learning experience. I made it tougher than it should have been but I had never been in a war like that before and adrenaline kicked in. The blood made me want to dig down and trade with him in the center of the ring and beat him at his own game. It was the first time I had to go down to the trenches and engage in a fight like that but I wanted to do it to show that not all Cubans are boring and only box around.”

What did you learn from your fight with Miguel Vazquez?

MB: “I found out how good I was because I was able to beat a guy that good with one hand. Going into it I already knew I was going to be fighting with one hand since it had been giving me problems. I couldn’t let both hands go, so I had to strategically land more accurate shots. I couldn’t let it become a high volume fight because I knew I wouldn’t be able to respond with both hands. This is my first fight in four or five years with two good hands, so it’s going to be a completely different ball game.”

What does it mean to you to fight in south Florida in front of your Cuban fans?

RB: “That’s my backyard and it’s another advantage for me. It is like being in a free Cuba pretty much and I don’t think I’ll ever feel as comfortable fighting anywhere else with the majority of the people being there to support me. It means the world to me to be able to fight in front of my fans and my closest friends. It’s the closest thing to being able to fight in my country.”

Are you concerned about fighting on the road in front of a crowd that is expected to be for your opponent?

MB: “They can’t get in the ring for him. It’s just going to be me and him. Nobody can get in the ring and help him. It doesn’t add any pressure. I grew up hard, in a rough neighborhood and I’ve been through a lot so I’m numb to any pressure. I’m just ready to get in the ring with him.”

What are your plans after this fight?

RB: “I will be headed straight to the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. after the fight to try to obtain a visa so I can finally return to Cuba and visit my family that I have not seen since my defection eight years ago. I thought I would never be able to return but now I will be returning as a two-time world champion with grand dreams of one day headlining the first pro boxing event in Cuba.”

MB: “After this fight I’ll be looking for another big competitive fight. I’m always looking for a challenge. That’s why I’m in this fight.”

Why do you believe you’ll be victorious on June 3?

RB: “I feel I am levels above Mickey Bey in all aspects of the game. I am comfortable with my training and I plan on returning to Miami with my second world title. The adrenaline of fighting in front of my Cuban people will add fuel to my fire and propel me to victory. I am on a mission to be great and leave an imprint in the sport and Mickey Bey is in the way.”

MB: “I’m a better fighter. It’s that simple.”

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

Perrella ready for breakthrough performance June 4

Leave a comment
Fort Myers, FL (May 24, 2016) – Welterweight Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella of Fort Myers, FL faces his toughest foe to date when he challenges Washington, DC’s David “Day Day” Grayton Saturday, June 4.
The anticipated ten round match up between unbeaten southpaws takes place at the Bell Centre in Montreal as part of a Premier Boxing Champions card on ESPN.
Both Perrella, 13-0 (12 KO’s), and Grayton, 14-0 (10 KO’s), were heralded amateurs that have been dominant thus far in the paid ranks. As is typically the case when two noteworthy prospects meet, the winner moves a step closer to contention while the fighter who falls short often has to climb back up the mountain.
With Grayton undefeated in his own right and also very hungry to advance his career by emerging victorious, Perrella’s taken his training to new heights. The 27-year-old has traveled throughout the Sunshine State for quality sparring and is strengthening his body by doing regular aquatic training. This has helped him remove weight properly so there won’t be any surprises on the scale. To further assist, Perrella hired a private chef to ensure he’s refueling his body properly.
Overall, Perrella’s team is confident about the match up against Grayton and believes the hard work in the gym is an integral part why Bryant will have his hand raised June 4.
“Camp has been great,” said Perrella’s trainer Michael Nowling. “Bryant is treating this camp like we’re preparing for a world title fight. Most importantly, he’s got a calm demeanor and clear head with no distractions whatsoever. He is not nervous about the fight or overly anxious. A lot of guys may feel overwhelmed since this a win in a fight like this likely gets the winner to the next level but not Bryant. He’s been a true professional in the gym since day one and seeing him kick it up a notch further solidifies my confidence that June 4 will be the night he puts the boxing world on notice.”
Tickets are available by going to http://www.evenko.ca/html/tickets/boxe-jun2016/index_en.html and the bout will air at 11 pm ET/8 PM PT.