Category Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

Official Boxing Fan Fest To Be Held Before Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto PBC on FOX Super Fight At StubHub Center In Carson, Calif.

 
Saturday, April 30 at 2:30 p.m. PT
 
Featuring Autograph Signing With Top Fighters, Live Music By Metalachi, Corona Beer Garden & More!
 
CARSON, CALIF. (April 20, 2016) – Fight fans are in for a treat on Saturday, April 30 as the official boxing fan fest will be held at StuHub Center in Carson, California prior to the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX & FOX Deportes event headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre “The Beast” Berto. The fan fest begins at 2:30 p.m. PT and is open to fans with tickets for the PBC on FOX: Ortiz vs. Berto fight card.
The event features autograph signings with top fighters including LEO SANTA CRUZ, ABNER MARES, SHAWN PORTER, CHRIS ARREOLA, JOHN MOLINA JR., JOSESITO LOPEZ, ALFREDO ANGULO, FERNANDO GUERRERO, SERGIO MORA, HUGO CENTENO JR., ALEJANDRO LUNA, DOMINIC BREAZEALEand more!
Also included in the festivities are live performances from Metalachi, the musical stage show sensation from Juarez, Mexico plus a Corona Beer Garden and local food trucks. Fans will have the opportunity to win free prizes, signed gloves and purchase official merchandise.
Tickets for the live PBC on FOX event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53, and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
Televised fights begin inside the arena at 4 p.m. PT and go live at 5 p.m. PT on FOX and FOX Deportes with matchups featuring light heavyweight sluggers Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr. plus unbeaten featherweight Jorge Lara taking on former multiple division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel.
PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. For more information visitwww.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr,@FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

Ivan Redkach & Luis Cruz Fight To Split Draw In Thrilling Main Event On Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes From Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 
Immanuwel Aleem Takes Decision In Action Packed Battle Against Jonathan Cepeda
 
Junior Castillo Drops Kyrone Davis & Wins Unanimous Decision In Battle of Unbeatens
 
Click HERE For Photos From
Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (April 20, 2016) – Ivan Redkach (19-1-1, 15 KOs) and Luis Cruz (22-4-1, 16 KOs) fought to a split draw and both scored knockdowns Tuesday night in an exciting main event on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
In early action, Cruz began to establish his straight right hand when he knocked Redkach off balance and sent him to the canvas in round two. The Puerto Rican veteran controlled much of the early rounds with that right hand, great movement and overall boxing ability.
Redkach was aggressive throughout, throwing 602 punches over the 10-round bout to Cruz’s 485. However, Cruz’s 33 percent connect rate was good enough for him to dominate the first half of the fight.
The 2008 Ukranian Olympian began to find a landing zone for his big left hand as the fight wore on and late in round eight he landed one cleanly on Cruz that dropped him hard. Redkach was then awarded a controversial knockdown in an explosive ninth round when Cruz fell to the mat on what he said was a slip as a result of a push.
Both men emptied the tank in the final round knowing that one punch could change the outcome of the fight and ended with several flurries. The scores after 10 rounds were razor thin at 94-93 for Redkach, 94-93 Cruz and 94-94, resulting in the split draw.
The co-main event of the evening featured a fast pace brawl that saw unbeaten prospect Immanuwel Aleem (16-0, 9 KOs) earn a hard fought victory over Jonathan Cepeda (17-2, 15 KOs) in their eight-round middleweight contest.
Aleem and Cepeda traded power punches all fight long, with Cepeda taking the brunt of the punishment as he was out landed 272 to 107. Aleem was superior in all regards as he also landed an impressive 42 percent of his total punches.
Cepeda refused to surrender however and used a powerful right hook to occasionally stun Aleem. The still unbeaten prospect was always able to return any punishment and then some, winning by the score of 79-73 on all three judges’ scorecards.
In the televised opener unbeaten middleweight prospects collided as Junior Castillo (10-0, 9 KOs) earned a unanimous decision over Kyrone Davis (10-1, 4 KOs) in a competitive eight-round affair.
The Delaware-native Davis was impressive early with his movement and boxing abilities but the southpaw Castillo was soon able to time his opponent and land left hands to the head and body.
In the fourth round, Castillo hurt and dropped Davis in the middle of the round with a left hand after an exchange. Neither man allowed the other to gain too much momentum throughout the remainder of the fight, but it was Castillo’s output advantage of 117-92 that bettered Davis’ accuracy advantage of 36 percent to 30 percent.
Castillo won the decision by scores of 78-73, 77-74 and 76-75.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
IVAN REDKACH
“I think I won, but it was a good fight.
“The knockdown I suffered was me losing my balance. I felt I controlled the fight because I knocked him down twice. I thought I could have stopped him after the first knockdown.
“I am not going to argue with the decision but I feel I won the fight.”
LUIS CRUZ
“I thought the last knockdown was a slip. That was the difference between the draw and my win.
“I hurt him. I had the power. I tried to work round-by-round. I feel that I won six rounds and that the knockdown cost me the win.
“I thought I fought well. The draw was better than a loss. Why not a rematch? He is strong and dangerous. He hits hard but I know I am better than him.”
IMMANUWEL ALEEM
“He was a tough guy. I hit him with some good shots but he kept his ground. I respect that.
“I was trying to take my time to get him out. I was being hasty. I was trying to get him every chance I got but he was tough. I am a student of the game and I was taking my time.
“My manager George Peterson has a resume of building up Paul Williams and I trust what he has in store for me. He knows what I am capable of doing. We will go after everybody, just like Paul did.”
JUNIOR CASTILLO
“It was a very good fight. I had some difficulty at first but I felt confident that I would be victorious.
“I kept consistent with my game plan and I was able to knock him down. I thought I would be able to finish him but I got too wild.
“It feels good to defeat an undefeated prospect and also go the distance. I have never gone the distance before.
“I want some kind of title fight. My confidence is much higher right.”
KYRONE DAVIS
“I felt like it was a good fight. I feel like I won. I thought the crowd swayed the judges. I felt like I won but that’s how it goes sometimes.
“78-73 was too wide. I controlled the first two rounds. He crossed over and hit me with a good shot. He may have won the knockdown round and the last round.
“If he gives me a rematch, I would love it. This is just a minor setback. I will improve after this fight and I will move forward.”
PBC’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes was promoted by King’s Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @IRedkach, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

MARIO BARRIOS DOMINATES IN 2016 DEBUT

Photo by Leo Wilson / Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN, NY (April 16, 2016) – IBF #15 super-featherweight ranked contender,Mario Barrios, remained undefeated with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Edgar Gabejan (26-33-6, 9 KOs) a veteran of over 500 ronds, improving his record to (15-0, 8 KOs).
Barrios, who hails from San Antonio, TX, came out guns blazing, dropping Gabejan in round one.  Towering over his opponent, Barrios, who stands over six feet tall, used his height and reach to perfection as he landed precise punches throughout the remainder of the fight.  Gabejan made it to the final bell but was severely beaten up.  Scorecards read 80-71 across the board, all in favor of Barrios.
This marks the first fight for Barrios in 2016.  With the win, Barrios hope to get back in the ring as soon as possible.  A world title fight by the end of the year is what Barrios has is mind set on.
“I’m happy with my performance tonight,” said Mario Barrios. “My opponent showed a lot of heart making it to the final bell.  Going the full eight rounds was great experience for me.  I feel I’m improving with each fight and I’m hoping by the end of the year I’ll be ready to challenge any of the champions in my division.”

Undefeated Rising Star Errol Spence Jr. Makes A Statement In The Welterweight Division With Dominating Fifth-Round Stoppage Of Former World Champion Chris Algieri In Primetime On Premier Boxing Champions On NBC Live From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

 
Krzysztof Glowacki Drops Steve Cunningham Four Times On His Way To Retaining Cruiserweight World Title
&
2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne Remains Undefeated With Split-Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Radivoje Kalajdzic
Click HERE For Photos From Leo Wilson/Ryan Greene
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Fight Highlights from Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (April 17, 2016) – Undefeated rising welterweight star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (20-0, 17 KOs) went emphatically from prospect to contender with a fifth-round stoppage of former world champion Chris Algieri (21-3, 8 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday night from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“It meant a lot to get the stoppage,” said Spence Jr. “I did something Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan couldn’t do. That shows where I’m at in the welterweight division.”
Spence Jr. was superior in every regard as he took control of the fight from the beginning with world-class bodywork and blazing speed. Algieri was expected to be a major step-up for the 2012 U.S. Olympian, but was unable to bother his opponent despite landing 31 percent of his punches to Spence Jr.’s 30 percent per CompuBox stats.
“I can’t take anything away from this young hungry lion,” said Algieri. “He did a great job. I trained really hard for this fight. I hope that people appreciate me and how hard I worked and what I brought to the fight.”
“The Truth” dominated by landing 41 percent of his power punches over the five rounds and only lost one round on the three judges’ scorecards. Spence Jr. sent Algieri down for the first time in the fourth round with a combination finished off by a straight left hand.
Algieri survived the round, but Spence Jr. was determined to get a stoppage and he connected with another straight left that put Algieri on the canvas early in round five.
“It was pretty one-sided, I felt,” said Spence Jr. “I started slowly. He said he was going to take me to deep waters so I wanted to pace myself.”
“I just wasn’t sticking to the style and the strategy like I should have,” said Algieri. “We had a couple of different styles that we were going to show him and I never stayed in one style long enough to be effective.”
Spence Jr. saw his opportunity and launched a vicious attack in an attempt to end the fight. A massive left hook connected clean with Algieri’s jaw and put him on the canvas for the third and final time, as referee Benjy Esteves waved off the bout at :48 seconds into the fifth round.
“Everyone wanted to see what I could do against a proven fighter and I blew him out of the water,” added Spence Jr.
In the opening bout of the telecast, Polish star Krzysztof Glowacki (26-0, 16 KOs) sent former world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-8-1, 13 KOs) to the canvas four times on his way to a unanimous decision to retain his cruiserweight world title in front of a raucous Polish-heavy crowd.
“Power and precision is my trademark,” said Glowacki. “That’s always been my game. I was a little bit reluctant because of the surgery, but I got more comfortable as the fight went on.”
Glowacki got the action going early as he scored his first knockdown with a left hand that he would use to control the fight and knocked down Cunningham a second time shortly after the former champion rose to his feet.
“I’m just disappointed,” said Cunningham. “I knew I just had to work. The corner kept telling me to go to the body more in the later rounds. I’ve been down before. I knew I had to go at this guy.”
The southpaw from Walcz, Poland and the orthodox veteran from Philadelphia combined for several exciting exchanges as Cunningham was able to land his share of power right hands but was more often than not met with Glowacki’s thudding left.
“The plan from the beginning was to hit him with the left hand and you could tell I was hitting with full power,” said Glowacki. “I couldn’t hit that hard against Marco Huck because of my injury and now I’m hoping to keep that power up in my next fight.”
Cunningham went down again in the 10th round from a short right hand but was able to rally and stun Glowacki with a big right hand. The champion recovered quickly, but Cunningham did arguably his best work of the fight in the 11th round as he aggressively attacked Glowacki with combinations to the head and body.
The fireworks continued in the final round as a strong combination put Cunningham down for the fourth time in the fight. The challenger rose to his feet and attacked effectively at times, but the left hand proved to be too much.
“He punched with me and caught me coming in,” said Cunningham. “I knew after the second round knockdowns that I had to get rounds back and go get him. He’s a smart fighter.”
Cunningham was actually able to land a higher percentage of punches than Glowacki as he connected on 34 percent versus just 25 percent from Glowacki. However the knockdowns and Glowacki’s output advantage of 462 to 366 was enough for him to retain his title by scores of 116-108 and 115-109 twice.
“The fans were my motivation throughout the fight,” said Glowacki. “I just wanted to give them more and more. I want to thank everyone who came and watched me.”
The televised swing bout saw 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (18-0, 13 KOs) remained undefeated with a narrow split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight contest.
“Establishing my jab was the key,” said Browne. “Once I did that, he couldn’t get past it. He got me with a couple of good shots.”
Kalajdzic was emphatic that the judges were wrong in their decision.
“I don’t see how I lost,” said Kalajdzic. “I was the aggressor. I showed my heart. If he feels like he beat me, give me the rematch.”
The southpaw Browne was able to jab his way into control of the fight by landing 52 jabs to the 54 thrown by Kalajdzic the whole fight. Browne was able to bruise and eventually open up a cut over Kalajdzic’s left eye late in the fight.
In the first round, Browne was credited with a controversial knockdown as it appeared via replay that a slip had occurred and Browne had hit Kaladjzic after he was down.
Kalajdzic was effective with his power punches throughout the fight as he landed 36 percent of his power punches to 29 percent from Browne. His most effective moment came in round six when he sent Browne to the mat with a right hand.
“He caught me with something that grazed me,” said Browne. “I didn’t even know what it was. I walked into the punch but I was able to get up from it and get back in rhythm.”
“He didn’t do anything that bothered me,” said Kalajdzic. “I was doing my thing. I should have listened to my coaches more and I would have stopped him.”
Browne was able to recover for the final two rounds and earn the split-decision by scores of 76-74 for Kalajdzic, 76-74 for Browne and 76-75 again for the still unbeaten Staten Island-native.
“I love fighting in front of my fans and family. We gutted this one out and it’s on to the next one,” added Browne.
PBC on NBC was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform was presented by AARP. PBC on NBC was sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/NBCSportswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

KEITH THURMAN TO DEFEND WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST SHAWN PORTER ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

 
FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION JESUS CUELLAR BATTLES FORMER THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION 
ABNER MARES IN CO-MAIN EVENT
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS
Presented By Premier Boxing Champions Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Tickets On Sale Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m.!
 
BROOKLYN (April 16, 2016) – An action-packed primetime doubleheader of world title fights, headlined by the explosive, eagerly-awaited clash between welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and former champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter,will come to Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 25.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) broadcast will begin with a co-main event featherweight battle between current champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m. 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.
Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs), of Clearwater, Fla., and Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Akron, Ohio, are both coming off superb 2015 campaigns that solidified the fresh faces among the elite of arguably boxing’s most exciting division.  With perennial pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather now retired, the 27-year-old Thurman and the 28-year-old Porter are hungry to stake their claim as the future of boxing.
Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, will make the second defense of his WBA 126-pound title against Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs), a popular brawler from Southern California who has compiled a staggering resume over the past five years while earning titles at 118, 122 and 126 pounds.  Cuellar vs. Mares joins a stacked lineup of featherweight bouts that showcases many of the world’s best 126-pounders aiming to unifying one of boxing’s deepest divisions.
“Keith Thurman against Shawn Porter is one of the best matchups that can be made in the welterweight division right now,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Fans in attendance at Barclays Center and those watching on CBS will witness a passing of the torch as the hard-punching world titleholder Thurman and the highly skilled former champion Porter vie to prove who will be the next heir to the throne in the post-Mayweather era of the 147-pound division. The explosive co-main event between Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares will give fans a fight to remember.”
“Barclays Center has featured many memorable welterweight fights and the long-awaited Thurman vs. Porter matchup promises to become the best one yet,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.
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 and www.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/PremierBoxingChampionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

Unbeaten Prospect Stephen Fulton Takes On Undefeated Adalberto Zorilla & Super Featherweight Contender Frank DeAlba Returns To Battle Veteran Mexico’s Daniel Perales

 
Tuesday, April 19 From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
 
Plus Full Night Of Exciting Undercard Action!
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (April 15, 2016) – Undefeated super bantamweight prospect Stephen Fulton (8-0, 3 KOs) faces undefeated Puerto Rican Adalberto Zorilla (5-0, 5 KOs) and local super featherweight contender Frank DeAlba (17-2-2, 6 KOs) faces Mexico’s Daniel Perales (6-4-1, 3 KOs) as part of an exciting undercard on Tuesday, April 19 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes is headlined by lightweight contender Ivan Redkach (19-1, 15 KOs) will facing off against Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz (22-4, 16 KOs). Televised coverage begins ay 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with brawling 160-pound prospect Immanuwel Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) taking on Jonathan Cepeda (17-1, 15 KOs) while Dominican Olympian Junior Castillo (9-0, 9 KOs) faces Delaware’s Kyrone Davis (10-0, 4 KOs).
Fulton and Zorilla will square-off in a six-round super bantamweight bout while DeAlba and Perales meet in six-rounds of super featherweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Further action will feature a pair of Pennsylvania prospects in their pro debuts as Harrisburg’s Dustin Pague takes on Philadelphia’s Rafael Davis in a four-round welterweight fight, super welterweight Nicholas Hernandez (3-1, 1 KO) in a six-round bout against Newark’s Jamil Gadsden (0-6), Philadelphia’s Emmanuel Folly (6-0, 4 KOs) in four-rounds of lightweight action and St. Louis-native Vincent Cruz (9-0, 6 KOs) in eight rounds of super lightweight action against Allentown’s Jerome Rodriguez (7-3-3, 2 KOs).
At just 21-years-old, the rising prospect kept busy in 2015 as he picked up five victories including his last out in Bethlehem where he defeated previously unbeaten Joshua Greer. The Philadelphia-product will look to open his 2016 with a victory over the unbeaten Zorilla out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
The 28-year-old De Alba had a 19 fight unbeaten streak snapped in his last outing in which he dropped a narrow majority decision to unbeaten Omar Douglas. Originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico but now fighting out of nearby Reading, Pennsylvania, he’ll battle the 24-year-old Perales out of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @IRedkach, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

Victor Ortiz Media Workout Quotes & Photos

Former Welterweight Champ Talks Training, Ortiz vs. Berto Rematch and More Heading Into Saturday, April 30 Clash on
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes From
StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba & Premier Boxing Champions
“Berto comes to fight. He comes for war and wont give up ever, but that makes two of us.” – Victor Ortiz
 
CARSON, CALIF. (April 14, 2016) – Former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz held a media workout in Los Angeles Thursday andshared thoughts on his upcoming primetime rematch with former champion Andre “The Beast” Berto on Saturday, April 30 on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Televised coverage starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features light heavyweight sluggersEdwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (28-1, 19 KOs)and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr.(19-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round brawl and unbeaten Mexican brawler Jorge Lara (27-0-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout against former three-division world championFernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53, and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
Ortiz and Berto will square-off in a rematch of their 2011 Fight of the Year in which Ortiz took home a victory as both men hit the canvas throughout the 12-round affair. Now, Ortiz is preparing for another big victory that could catapult him back to world title contention.
Here is what Ortiz had to say about Berto, training camp and more:
VICTOR ORTIZ
On his first bout against Berto:
“I made a lot of mistakes that night but I did enough to get the victory. I always said if I ever got the rematch, I would end him and now I have the chance.
“Berto had an off night. I wasn’t at my best either, but I destroyed him regardless. This time we’ll both be at our best.
“Berto just talks and talks. When you have to hype yourself up just to think you have a chance, that’s on you. I don’t need to talk myself into thinking I’m going to win. I just know I’m going to win.
“We’ve both had some wars since our first fight, but if you can’t back it up, you should just stop.
“I had injuries heading into the last fight, but now you have two guys who are 100 percent. That is going to make for an even better fight this time around.”
On the rematch with Berto:
“Berto comes to fight. He comes for war and wont give up ever, but that makes two of us.
“We have been through a lot in the last five years. He hates me. I have no hate in my heart, but I know it’s a sport. I’m not leaving that ring without a victory.
“Berto wants to hurt me just as bad as I want to hurt him. I’m ready to go again. This is going to be a Fight of the Year for sure.
“Anytime you have to convince yourself that you’re going to beat me. That you actually had a chance the first time, there’s a lot wrong with you.
“It’s a sport. It’s not personal. Two guys going back and forth. I want to rip his head off and he wants to rip my head off. Its nothing personal. We can go get a burger after the fight.
“He’s a heck of a fighter and a boxer and I am too. He’s had his fair share of wars. He’s had his fair share of injuries and I’ve had mine.
“I would hate someone that took my undefeated record. So maybe he hates me, but I don’t hate him. Whatever his mindset is, April 30 is right around the corner and I’m ready.”
On working with Coach Joseph “Hoss” Janik & David Rodela:
“Coach Hoss has always been there 100 percent. He has been in my corner about a decade and he knows the game better than a lot of the people I’ve worked with. Every fighter needs to find a ‘zen’ with their coach and I have that with Coach Hoss.
“I feel like this is the best fit for me. Hoss has been with me through it all, from being dropped, to the hospital and everything. He always says that this is just another way to make you stronger.
“I also have coach David Rodela in my corner. We were once upon a time rivals and now we are closest of friends. It is a true ‘Grudge Match’ right there. Now he just tortures me in training.
On his acting career:
 
“At this point I have one focus. For the next three or four years I am going to be 100 percent focused on boxing.
“I’ve had big celebrities and actors come up to me and say ‘you’re Victor Ortiz, can we take a picture?’ It’s mutual respect, but it’s also kind of crazy. I don’t overstep my boundaries.
“I don’t watch the movie I’ve been in. That is too much. Some people like to see themselves on the screen, I’m not one of those people.
On his positive attitude:
 
“I believe that if you’re a bad person, bad things happen. I’m a hard worker. I used to work construction and out in the fields. I never complained. Always smiled.
“I wake up in the morning with a smile on my face. People take some things too seriously. Of course there are haters out there, but I don’t pay attention to any of that. I’ve found that a good positive attitude goes a long way.
“It doesn’t matter what people say. What matters what I want, what I’m going to do. April 30is going to be the rebirth of me.”
On what’s next after April 30:
 
“I’m ready to fight for a world title. Especially after this victory that’s coming. This is for personal satisfaction. Berto has been talking for five years and I’m ready to go.
“I took a different route, a different approach. Why? Because I wanted to try other things. Do I have to be here? No. I turned down two movies to be here. Boxing is my first and true love.
“I’m ready to conquer the 147 and 154 pound divisions and Andre Berto is standing in my way right now.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andfoxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto,@LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Errol Spence Jr., Chris Algieri, Krzysztof Glowacki, Steve Cunningham, Marcus Browne & Radivoje Kalajdzic Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
PBC on NBC Live From Barclays Center On Saturday, April 16
(8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKYLN (April 13, 2016) – Undefeated rising welterweight star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and former world champion Chris Algieri went face-to-face Wednesday to kick-off fight week activities with the final press conference before they meet in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC this Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Also in attendance at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan were cruiserweight championKrzysztof Glowacki and former champion Steven “U.S.S” Cunningham plus undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne and unbeaten light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic who round out a stacked tripleheader on Saturday night.  In addition, popular Brooklyn undefeated fighter Heather “The Heat” Hardy was in attendance as she nears her undercard bout against Sweden’s Anna Hultin.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. 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.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“This is a great card with great fighters and its a fantastic opportunity. A lot of people think I’m a prospect on the verge of being a contender. Saturday night is going to be a great performance.
“I never thought fight week would come. I’m just so excited to put on a show. It’s going to be the best Errol Spence you’ve ever seen.
“I just need to stick with my game plan. The game plan that my coach laid out for me and do what I do and get the win.
“Whatever happens, happens. I’m going to have to feel it out in the first round.  I just need to fight smart.
“I’ve always felt like I was ready for this level. Saturday night, I’m looking for a coming out party. My focus is 100 percent on this fight.
“I was ready two fights ago to fight for a title. After this fight we can talk about what’s next, but right now, Chris Algieri is in front of me.
“Chris has been in a lot of hard fights. At the end of the day he’s a boxer and so am I. It’s going to be a war.”
CHRIS ALGIERI
“Brooklyn has treated me very well. I’ve had some of my best performances here at Barclays Center and I look forward to another.
“It’s always an honor to share the stage with such illustrious guys in our sport. A lot of these guys really bring honor and respect to the business that we do.
“I don’t think I’ve gotten as much respect as I deserve throughout my career. I don’t know why, but it doesn’t really matter. At the end of the day I go out there and perform. More often then not I’m victorious.
“I think everyone knows that I’ll fight anybody. Spence is a guy people don’t want to fight, so they brought him to me.
“The best thing about working with John David Jackson is the confidence he gives me. He let’s me be who I am. He gives me the faith to trust in my abilities. I’m looking forward to putting on another great display with him in my corner.
“The hard work is done. Training camp was long, hard and grueling. Not much more to be said. It’s time to fight. It’s going to be a great night of fights. “
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“I’m so happy to be back in the United States and I’d like to thank my team for preparing me so well.

“I’m very happy to be healthy. Training camp went the way I wanted to and I feel 100 percent ready to get in the ring
“I have to win. That’s the most important thing. It’s nice to be fighting on such a great card, but all that matters is keeping my belt.
“Fans can expect to see beautiful boxing. It will be a war inside of the ring. Most importantly, I will win.
“A lot of things have changed since I won my world title. Nobody used to know me and now everyone knows me. I’m happy with my career so far. I don’t like to talk about the future of my career until after the fight.
“Steve Cunningham is not only a great fighter but a great human being, so I expect a tough fight. He wants to take the belt from me but it’s not going to be easy. I want everyone to come out for a great show on Saturday.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“This is my first time fighting at Barclays Center and I’m very excited about that. I’m ready to fight. Training camp is over. You know it’s grueling and hard work.
“I know I have a great opponent. He took the belt from the champion. He got up off the canvas so I can’t look at him lightly at all. But I’m here to do a job.
“I’m was sick of getting cheated and robbed of opportunities at the heavyweight division. I decided to come back down. It’s no problem. Three pounds or four pounds, no big deal. Here we are.
“We are coming to steal the show. I’d like to steal the show without me getting hit too much. A fight is a fight. You know I come to win, so we’re going to have some fun.
“There are some adjustments you have to make when you fight a southpaw. A guy throwing two gloves at you and you have to throw gloves back at him. Doesn’t matter if he fights me upside down, I have to fight smart and beat him regardless.
“There’s always something special with Naazim Richardson. He’s a great mind. One of the great trainers out there. We’ve always got something special prepared. We have to do what we have to do and that’s win.
“When you beat a guy like Marco Huck who was about to make history and you beat him like Glowacki beat him, you have to think he’s good and realize you can’t take Glowacki lightly. He’s a warrior. He’s a problem, something I’m going to have to deal with.
“I’m not 40-years-old yet. Give me a few more months! I don’t feel 39 or 40. I feel great. I just want to go in there and perform and do what I do.
“I’m not one of those predicting guys. I know things happen in the ring. But come Saturday night, I want things to go my way. If not, we’re able to evolve. Let’s go, it’s work time.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“We’ve done a lot of talking leading up into this fight. I want to talk with my hands. He said he’s ready to fight. We’ll see on Saturday night.
“I feel great. Training camp has gone great. Right now the focus is to win and look good. Whatever happens after that is going to happen.
“I’m going to do what I do best and that’s take care of business no matter what.
“I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table. We will know that after the first minute of the first round.
“It’s an incredible honor to be representing my hometown. Fighting in front my home fans is always very motivating and I can’t wait to put on another show for them.
“People have said a lot about how this will be my toughest fight. I can’t listen to anything on the outside. I’m prepared to my fullest and we’ll see what he has on Saturday night.”
 
RADIVOJE KALAJDZIC
“I’m ready. I don’t have too much to say. I’m just ready to fight.
“Training camp went great. We got a full eight weeks in. Roadwork, conditioning, everything. I’m just ready to fight.
“I want to introduce myself to the fans by knocking out Marcus Browne. If that doesn’t come, I want to put on a great performance. Being on the big stage doesn’t bother me, once the bell rings its just another day.
“I know Marcus is fast and has pop to him. I don’t want to give too much away.
“I’m a boxer puncher. I’ve got the power to knock a fighter out. Most of my knockouts have come in the first round.
“I feel like I came up the right way. I didn’t have that much amateur experience, but I stepped up to this big opportunity at the right time.”
HEATHER HARDY
“I’m expecting to face a good strong boxer on Saturday night. She’s coming down in weight to fight me, so don’t miss it.
“We changed a little bit during this training camp. I added another conditioning coach. A guy that has been putting me through torture three times a week.
“My opponent is strong, she has a good record, she’s from overseas. I know I have my hands full.
“It’s a real honor to fight at Barclays Center. I couldn’t ask for a better place. There’s nowhere in the world I’d rather fight than right here at home. As far as my career progressing, I’d like to be up there on stage and be on TV.
“I can’t wait to fight (unbeaten contender) Shelly Vincent. I think that will be the big breakthrough fight that let’s me establish who I am in this game and who I am for the bigger competition.  That’s a perfect fight for TV. Fingers crossed.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This great card features a fighter who is believed to be the top prospect in boxing, in Errol Spence Jr. versus New York’s own, a former world champion in Chris Algieri in what promises to be an exciting primetime main event.
“Marcus Browne has fought more times at Barclays Center than any other professional fighter. He has the chance to make the jump towards a world title by taking out another young undefeated fighter. ‘Hot Rod’ is not planning on letting that happen without serious resistance.
“Glowacki’s fight with Huck was one of the best of last year and he can expect the Polish fans in Brooklyn to be behind him on Saturday night.
“Steve Cunningham is one of the most respected fighters by his peers. Not just for his quality in the ring, but his quality as a family man and as a human being. He knows he’s fighting a great champion and I know he’s got a great game plan.”
JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing
“It’s a pleasure to be back in Brooklyn and to have Chris Algieri fighting at Barclays Center again. It’s very rewarding that he will be in the main event on national television on NBC. It’s a real testament to this fight.
“Chris has had some great performances at Barclays Center. He’s going to have another one in front of him on Saturday. Spence Jr. is a challenge that Chris is looking forward to and one he has faced before.
“Everyone wrote him off when he faces Ruslan Provodnikov. We’re looking forward to Chris Algieri pulling off a surprise just like that on Saturday night.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“Barclays Center is thrilled to have Chris Algieri back for his fourth fight and we expect a great turnout from the Long Island fans who are looking forward to Saturday as well. We’re also looking forward to a new name to headline Brooklyn and we welcome Errol Spence Jr.
“We welcome Marcus Browne back for your 11th fight and we thank you for calling Barclays Center home. Heather Hardy is also back at Barclays Center for the sixth time and we are thrilled to have all of them fighting in our building.
“It’s fitting that Saturday nights card features Chris Colbert and Earl Newman who got their start at Golden Gloves.
“I think 2016 will be our biggest year yet and we look forward to welcoming everybody back in the coming months.”
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/NBCSportswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

MARIO BARRIOS TO FACE 500 ROUND VETERAN IN EDGAR GABEJAN

Photo by Team Barrios
 
SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 13, 2016) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender, Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KO), has an opponent named for his upcoming bout scheduled for this Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  Barrios will face Edgar Gabejan (27-32-6, 9 KOs), his most experienced foe to date, a veteran with over 500 battle tested rounds.  The non-televised 8-round bout will take place on the undercard of a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC tripleheader headlined by undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking on former world champion Chris Algieri.  Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Standing over six feet tall, the towering Barrios will look to carry the momentum from a fabulous 2015, where he went 7-0 with 5 knockouts.  Fighting in New York for the first time in his professional career, Barrios wants to send a messages to the 130-pound division with a dominating performance.
“I’m eager to get back in the ring and start the year off with a bang,” said Mario Barrios, the rising star who hails from San Antonio, TX. “I’ve been in the gym since my last fight in mid-December and I’m ready to make statement in this fight.  I want let everyone in the super-featherweight division know I’m gunning for them, especially the all the champions.  My 2016 march toward a world title starts this Saturday. I can’t wait to let my hands go and give the east coast fans a great night of action.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. 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

2012 U.S. Olympians Errol Spence Jr. & Marcus Browne Reflect On Olympic Experience Heading Into Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Showdowns Taking Place Saturday, April 16 From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

(Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME)
 
Click HERE For Photos of Spence Jr. & Browne From the Olympics
 
“The Olympic stage prepares you for anything.” – Spence Jr.
 
“We always thought about nights like these where
we’re both center stage.” – Browne
 
BROOKLYN (April 12, 2016) – Undefeated rising stars Errol “The Truth” Spence  Jr. and “Sir” Marcus Brownestarted out as teammates on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team and will face the toughest tests of their careers when they enter the ring in primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The rising welterweight Spence Jr. will take on former world champion Chris Algieri in the main event while Browne kicks-off televised coverage at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT when he takes on unbeaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. 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.
With the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio nearing the opening ceremonies, it is poetic that both Spence Jr. and Browne will have the opportunity to launch themselves into the upper echelon of the sport as a new generation of rising stars get set to test themselves against the best in the world at the Olympics.
Here is what the fighters had to say about their Olympic experiences, fighting on the same card, advice to the 2016 team and more:
On fighting in televised fights on the same card:
 
Errol Spence Jr.: “My pro debut was on the ‘Night of the Olympians’ and it had me, Terrell Gausha, Marcus Browne, and Rau’Shee Warren. These are the kind of nights we envisioned. It’s so great to see my friends and Olympic brothers doing as well as me.
 
Marcus Browne: “We always thought about nights like these where we’re both center stage. This couldn’t have happened if we didn’t keep our records clean and fought hard. To have gotten to this point alongside an Olympic teammate is an amazing thing. I look forward to both of us being propelled to the next level.”
On their favorite Olympic memories:
ES: “My favorite memory is competing and being around all of the great athletes. I got to meet Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Serena Williams and Michael Phelps. All of these athletes that I had seen on TV. Being in that atmosphere helped me realize that I am a great athlete amongst other great athletes.
MB: “It sounds materialistic, but all the free gear we got was amazing. Coming where I come from, I had never been given anything like that before. I was surprised at the adoration I was getting from people. Everyone just wanted to make us feel a part of this unbelievable event.
On how the Olympics prepared them for the pros:
ES: “The Olympic stage prepares you for anything. It’s the biggest tournament in the world. Having media day and talking to all of those outlets and then having to train, it prepares you for the professional ranks. When you get to the top, you’re going to have to do those exact same things.
MB: “Fighting in front of 10,000 people that are cheering against you will prepare you for anything in this sports. A lot of people don’t get that until they’re at the highest level. The atmosphere is just so intense and the Olympic fans are so passionate.
 
On the bond they share with their Olympic teammates:
ES: “All of us on the team have a great bond. Anytime you spend four months in camp with the same group of guys and you’re training and losing weight together, you become very close. It automatically creates a natural bond and connection. They are like brothers to me.
MB: “There is always going to be that bond of brotherhood regardless if you talk everyday or every three years. Spending every waking moment with these guys and singing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ every morning, we build up a group bond and individual friendships that are so important to us.
On their impressions of the other:
ES: “Marcus was always the loud one in the Olympic training center. Marcus was always encouraging everyone to work hard and train harder. I want to be like Evander Holyfield. He and his Olympic teammates like Pernell Whitaker all held belts at the same time.
MB: “Errol and I are kind of opposites. Errol is more of a quiet and reserved guy. He works hard and runs like a gazelle. He fights hard and at the end of the day he is just a good dude. The plan is for all of us to be world champions and do great things.
On their advice to the 2016 U.S. Olympic team:
ES: “I would tell the 2016 team to just keep doing what they’re doing. Stay focused. Don’t get too big headed. Listen to your coaches and do everything you’ve been doing. The Olympics are right around the corner and we want to see medals in the men’s division this year.”
MB: “I just want to tell the team to make sure you get all the international experience you can get and fight hard for your country.”
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/NBCSportswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.