Category Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

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EXCITING WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER SAMMY VASQUEZ RETURNS TO HIS HOMETOWN TO TAKE ON JOSE LOPEZ AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONSON FOX SPORTS 1 COMES TO THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA CONVOCATION CENTER IN CALIFORNIA, PA. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

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Plus Thomas Williams & Umberto Savigne Square-Off
In Light Heavyweight Rumble
 
Tickets Are On Sale Now!
 
PITTSBURGH, PA (August 19, 2015) – Undefeated hometown favorite Sergeant  Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez (19-0, 13 KOs) will enter the ring in his own backyard as he battles it out with Jose “Piston” Lopez (25-3, 15 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight match-up on the September 15 edition of FS1’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS.
The event will air live from the California University of Pennsylvania Convocation Center in California, PA. with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
This fight is the second installment of Premier Boxing Champions’ FOX Sports 1 series and is set to bring another exciting world-class fight to weekday television. The co-main event on September 15 will see a 10-round light heavyweight clash between Thomas Williams (18-1, 12 KOs) and Umberto Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs).
“The best feeling in boxing is fighting back in your hometown,” said Vasquez. “To be on FOX Sports 1 and to be headlining in my hometown, there isn’t anything better. I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity.”
“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Lopez. “I know I will be the underdog and the fans will start out rooting for Vasquez, but I will show them I have the heart of a champion. It will be a great fight for all the fans watching.”
Vasquez is coming off of a victory over Nigerian knockout artist Wale Omotoso in June in a bloody brawl that Vasquez won by unanimous decision. His toughest challenge to date, Vasquez showed that he has the skills to box on the outside and bang inside when necessary. With another victory over the tough “Piston”, he hopes to prove that he is ready for top welterweights such as Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Team Vasquez Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com. To charge by phone call Team Vasquez at (724) 797-8694.
The 29-year-old Vasquez has fought professionally since 2012, after serving two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He made it to the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials and won gold at the 2010 and 2011 Armed Forces Boxing Championships. The fighter out of Monessen, Penn., has not lost as a professional and looks to further improve his stock in the welterweight division.
A slugger who always competes in action-packed fights, Lopez will make his U.S. debut on September 15. Fighting out of Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, the 24-year-old has racked up wins over Jorge Paez Jr., Jhonny Navarrete, Jose Emilio Perea and Mahonri Montes over his five-year career. He hopes to make a strong impression on American audiences when he tries to upset the hometown fighter Vasquez.
At 27-years-old, Williams is looking to take out another tough contender on his road to title contention. The Fort Washington, Maryland-born fighter owns victories over Enrique Ornela, Cornelius White and Yusaf Mack throughout his career. He most recently dominated Michael Gbenga on his way to earning a unanimous decision in December 2014.
Born in Cuba but fighting now out of Miami, Savigne won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games and the 2000 Cuban National Championships. He has beaten Jeff Lacy, Maxell Taylor and previously unbeaten fighters Jackson Junior and Quinton Rankin since turning pro in 2009. The 36-year-old fights for the second time in Pittsburgh on September 15.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SammyV2112, @TopDoggJr, @FoxSports1, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

HUGO RUIZ BATTLES JULIO CESAR CEJA IN SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN SATURDAY, AUG. 29 FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES 10 P.M. ET/7 P.M. PT

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Full Night Of Undercard Action Features Mexican Star Alfredo Angulo & Local Favorites Alejandro Luna, Jessie Roman & Paul Mendez
 
LOS ANGELES (August 20, 2015) – Mexican power-punchers Hugo Ruiz (35-2, 30 KOs) and Julio Cesar Ceja (28-1, 26 KOs) square off in a super bantamweight world title match as the televised opener for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on Saturday, August 29 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
The evening’s main event features the highly anticipated featherweight showdown between undefeated two-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) and former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs).
Also featured as part of this great night of boxing will be popular Mexican star Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (23-5, 19 KOs), who will compete in a middleweight bout against Hector Munoz (23-15-1, 14 KOs).
Additionally, a slew of top prospects will be featured including local favorites Alejandro Luna (18-0, 13 KOs) who battles Yakubu Amidu (19-7-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight attraction, Jessie Roman (19-2, 9 KOs) who takes on Hector Serrano (17-4, 5 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight battle and Paul Mendez (19-2-2, 9 KOs) who squares off against Andrik Saralegui (19-2, 15 KOs) in 10-rounds of super middleweight action.
Further action will see 25-year-old Argentine Brian Castano (12-0, 9 KOs) in middleweight action against the Domincan Republic’s Jonathan Batista (14-6, 7 KOs), plus his brother, 22-year-old Alan Castano (8-0, 5 KOs) taking on 23-year-old Michigan native Thomas Howard (8-4, 4 KOs) in a six-round middleweight bout. Rounding out the action will be fights featuring 25-year-old Anthony Flores (8-0, 5 KOs) out of Los Angeles taking on 32-year-old New Yorker Curtis Morton (3-4-3) in a welterweight battle, and the pro debut of Leo Santa Cruz’s cousin Antonio Santa Cruz who takes on Isaiah Najera(0-1)in a four round bantamweight bout.
A 28-year-old fighting out of Sinaloa Mexico, Ruiz enters this fight on a four-fight win streak and as winner of 26 of his last 27 fights. He owns victories over the likes of Jean Sampson, Yonfrez Parejo and Francisco Arce throughout a pro career that began in 2006. He most recently knocked out Carlos Medellin in November 2014 and will be making his U.S. debut on August 29.
The 22-year-old Ceja has won five-fights in a row and is looking to make the most of this world title opportunity. The fighter out of Atizapan de Zaragoza, Mexico will make his U.S. debut August 29 and is coming off of a victory over Oscar Blanquet in March of this year. He has taken down Jesus Acosta, Juan Jose Montes and Henry Maldonado as a pro.
A hard fighting Mexican warrior born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico but fighting out of Coachella, Calif., Angulois looking for another big victory in front of his Southern Californian fans. Always ready to challenge the best in the sport, the 33-year-old has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best fighters in the world and holds knockout victories over Gabriel Rosado, Joachim Alcine and Joel Julio while most recently earning a knockout victory over Delray Raines in June. He takes on the brawler Munoz out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
At just 23-years old, Lunahas already put together an impressive 18 professional wins since turning pro in 2010. Fighting out of Bellflower, California, he most recently defeated former world champion Cristobal Cruz over eight rounds in June. Before that he had put together victories over experienced fighters Daniel Attah and Sergio Rivera while knocking out six of his last nine opponents. He takes on the experienced 30-year-old Amidu who fights out of Los Angeles by way of his native Ghana.
A tall lightweight at 5″10″, the 24-year-old Roman looks for his third straight victory onAugust 29. Fighting out of nearby Santa Ana, California, Roman has already won twice in Southern California this year, earning a pair of eight-round decisions over Donald Ward and Evincii Dixon. He takes on the 30-year-old Serrano out of Huntingon Beach, California who enters this fight on a five-fight win streak.
Another local prospect, fighting out of Delano, California, the 26-year-old Mendez looks for his sixth straight victory when he gets in the ring on August 29. He comes into this fight off of victories over David Alonso Lopez, Santiago Perez, Raul Casarez and Ernesto Berrospe twice. He will take on Saralegui out of Los Mochis, Mexico.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

ABNER MARES LOS ANGELES MEDIA DAY QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Three Division World Champion Mares Takes On Undefeated Leo Santa Cruz In Battle For Los Angeles On Premier Boxing Champions On ESPN Saturday, August 29 Live From STAPLES Center In Los Angeles
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE For Photos From Abel Madrid
 
LOS ANGELES (August 18, 2015) – Former three division world champion Abner Mares was joined by dozens of Los Angeles media members today during his open media workout at his Del Mares Gym. Mares is preparing for his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN showdown with Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz onSaturday, August 29 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Mares went through a full training session as media members watched on and documented the event. In addition, the Mexican band Banda Culiacansito performed a private concert as he went through his workout.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $300, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
Here is what Mares had to say Tuesday:
ABNER MARES
“All the work is done. I could go this whole week, not train and just recover because I’m that ready. I’ve done what I have to do.
“I feel really good. No injuries, no illness; I’m just really ready for August 29.
“I’m really excited. I know fans are excited but I’m also really excited to be fighting Leo Santa Cruz at STAPLES Center. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I cant think about the past because this fight is happening now. It’s finally here. Less than two weeks away.
“We’ll find out how our styles mesh on August 29. In my mind, I know I’m ready and I know his style. He is a high-volume puncher but we’ve prepared very well for that.
“It’s two well-prepared fighters in their prime. Expect fireworks. This is something fight fans have been asking for. I hope my fight can be considered one of the best once it’s done.
“It’s great to be here at my gym on my home turf. I started the hashtag #ThisIsMyTown because L.A. is my town. Leo can say whatever he wants but I’m at home and ready to put on a show.
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. I’m ready to fight anyone. I want Gary Russell Jr. and all the great fighters at this weight. It’s just a matter of taking care of business one by one.
“In my mind, after the loss, I left the top level of the game. I had to overcome some issues mentally, but now I’m back better than I ever have been. I’m going to go in there August 29ready to prove that. I’m going to make a statement that Abner Mares is back.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Click HERE To Download MP3
Kelly Swanson
Thank you, operator. Thanks so much everybody for joining us today and for the busy boxing calendar this month and next. We’re very excited about this fight and to talk with the main event Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. Abner will open up the call.
But to tell you a little bit more about the fight and to make the introductions of the fighters, we have a very special guest joining us, Ray Flores. He is the voice of TGB Promotions and also will be the ring announcer for the fight.
Ray, welcome to the conference call and we look forward to hearing from you.
Ray Flores
Thank you very much, Kelly. We are very excited for the Battle of Los Angeles, Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares on Saturday, August 29th at STAPLES Center. Make sure you use the hashtag when talking about the fight, #PBConESPN, starts at 10 p.m. ET.7 p.m. PT, live on primetime and promoted by TGB Promotions.
Tickets begin at $25. And I will tell you this, to all you listeners and readers, they are going fast. Twenty-five dollars is where they start, AXS.com and also at the Staples Center box office.
This is a fight that’s been talked about for a very long time, 12-round matchup in the Featherweight Division. It is without question one of the most anticipated fights of the year, Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.
Also want to let you know that the undercard, which is going to be scintillating, is going to be announced in the coming days, plus the entire fight week festivities will be announced as we get set for a legendary night at the Staples Center. There have been so many amazing fights that have occurred at the Staples Center and also in Los Angeles in 50 years, and this fight without question is certainly going to live up to that billing if not surpass it.
Now just to let you know, coming up next Tuesday, August 18th, Abner Mares is going to open up the doors to the media for a media workout session. That is at Del Mares Gym, 6400 Garfield Avenue in the Bell Garden in California. So, please arrive, if you are in the media, at 10:30 a.m.. Abner will begin his workout promptly at11:00 a.m.
Also for those that are, because this is a tremendous fight and I know that there’s a lot of publicity and excitement also from the Latin media as well, I will go ahead and do a quick introduction in Spanish.
All right. Right now I’m going to go ahead and introduce the man you’re here to listen to first, with a record of 29-1-1 (15 KOs), he is a former three-division world champion, ladies and gentlemen, here is Abner Mares.
Abner Mares
Yes, sir. I can’t wait to be announced like on August 29th. I just have to say that I’m truly, truly excited, looking forward (to the 29th, give you guys, the) fight fans, the media, everybody in the boxing world. It’s a great fight against a great fighter in Leo Santa Cruz. Do not miss this fight. Do not miss this fight. Please come and support. Staples Center. If not, but not miss it on ESPN. Looking forward to another opportunity at a world title and another fight, another great fight. I’m really excited and looking forward to it.
Q
How much have you looked forward to this fight? How much have you personally looked forward to this particular showdown?
A. Mares
I’ve been looking forward to this fight for many years, many years fans have been excited, I’ve been wanting to fight. I’ve been calling out Leo this whole year, called him out on radio shows, in person. And it’s finally here. I’m really, really excited to fight. A couple of weeks away.
I know you’ve been in the boxing business for I don’t know how many years and fighters say this all the time, “Oh, I can’t wait, I wish it’s tomorrow.” But honest truth, I wish it was tomorrow. I am that ready and I am that focused, I cannot wait.
Q
Why do you think, Abner that the fight came together now instead of earlier? Neither of you are really bigger names than you were a few years ago.
A. Mares
I think at the end of the day our fighting styles that we both have, the fight is pretty much going to answer your question August 29th. If we look at, other fights where the names were big, the promotion was big they announced the fight super-big, and we all know what happened during fight time. We don’t need much of a name, my side or Leo’s, because this will be an exciting one.
So I think August 29th, we are going to make it a Fight of the Year. I have no question in my mind that that will be it. I think that answered your question. I know I suffered one defeat to a great fighter, Leo Santa Cruz is undefeated, he has not lost, he has not tasted defeat and he’s fighting a hungrier Abner Mares, and he’s a hungry fighter too. I don’t think the name is going to be an issue for the fight to be exciting.
Q
I was wondering if you thought maybe it might have happened a little bit sooner?
A. Mares
No. It could have but you know things happen for a reason and fights get made at weird times for business issues, but I think it’s the perfect time for both. Leo has more experience, he’s been fighting great, and myself, after my defeat, I’ve fought three times and my mindset is there. So I think it’s a perfect time for both.
Q
What are your thoughts about being the focus of that community in that building?
A. Mares
Yes. I’m excited. It’s not my first show. I don’t know if you remember it, but I fought Anselmo Moreno, main event. What I’m saying is, that it just is a big emotional event. I remember being the underdog for that fight because of Anselmo’s fighting style. They said it was the perfect fighting style, and Abner Mares was a soft, talented fighter. I proved everybody wrong. I gave everybody a good show and I think people left the arena happy. That’s what’s going to happen August 29th. I am not going to disappoint myself, I’m not going to disappoint my family, and sure enough, I’m not going to disappoint the boxing fans. It’s going to be a tremendous show. I’m ready to headline once again.
Q
Would it be safe to say that you want to entertain as much as win the fight or are you cool with winning the fight even if it’s not as entertaining but as long as you get the W. What’s your focus? It seems you’re ready to put on a show.
A. Mares
Yes. There’s no pressure. If anything, excitement. If anything, it’s just another day at work where it’s a big party. Family from all over Mexico, from all over it’s just a big party where I have to entertain on fight night. So yes, there is that pressure where you want to entertain the folks, but then you have that mindset where you can make it an easy fight and not so much entertaining. But you know what, I try to play both. I try to be more of a fighter in there, try to make it as easy as I can. But guess what, the Mexican heart, warrior comes out, and I make it a hard fight, and at the end of the day I just want the boxing fans to go home happy.
Q
Would you say this is a legacy fight for you, something that you need to win, so whenever you hang them up, you can be like, “Boom, we got that one at Staples Center.”
A. Mares
Honestly, I don’t see it like that. I mean fights get legendary after they’re done. I think that’s our job to make this fight one of the great ones. I think my job is just to go in there and give it a great fight. And the fight fans will be the judges of that. To me it’s just another fight, I’m not thinking of pressure in my head, just the fight.
Q
So, do you think in a way we’re going to see the best Abner Mares at this time in a big fight that we might not have seen a couple of years ago had the fight been made earlier?
A. Mares
No doubt. I was at the peak, I was at a great time in my career where I was a three-time world champion, undefeated and I look great. No doubt in my mind even now, after my defeat, I’ve become even a better fighter, because now I know what defeat is, now I know how to come back up and start all over. So it’s going to be the best Abner Mares. I think it’s the perfect time for me to focus on myself, I don’t care about him, for myself it’s the perfect time, and I can’t wait.
Q
Is this the most motivated you have felt in a long time fighting Leo Santa Cruz, and talk about the emotions and the drive?
A. Mares.
I do feel very motivated. I’m extremely focused. I can’t recollect the time where I felt like this. It would have to date back to when I was going after my first world title.
Q
What do you feel emotionally and mentally heading into the fight, and what do you want to go and demonstrate?
A. Mares
I want to just go and prove that I’m the better fighter coming up on August 29th, and I personally just want to go out and prove that I’m superior.
Q
What’s the feel in your camp, what is the mindset during training camp? And also, how significant is fighting Leo Santa Cruz and getting the victory over him?
A. Mares
Camp is going terrific and my outlook is very positive. There’s an energy that we have in camp. This fight is very significant because it is the Battle of Los Angeles and being able to fight Leo Santa Cruz, I want to come out and I needs to get the W and prove to everybody that I am the best of the area and one of the top featherweights in the world.
Q
Who are you representing here in Los Angeles? Hawaiian Gardens, Downey? Who are you fighting for?
A. Mares
I am representing myself – I’m representing myself, my fans, and everybody that’s behind me.
Q
With Leo being undefeated, do you feel that Leo feels kind of invincible that he’s never went ahead and suffered a defeat before?
A. Mares
Right now Leo is feeling very good about himself. He will commit errors and I will make him pay. I’m going to show Leo Santa Cruz on August 29th that I am the superior fighter at STAPLES Center.
Q
How are you going to respond if the crowd is not truly in his favor?
A. Mares
I can’t worry about that. I have to go ahead and perform at the high level, and whatever I need to do, I’m going to go out there and fight very hard and get the crowd on my side coming up on August 29th.
A. Mares
Okay. My last comment is I’m ready for August 29, I can’t wait. Leo Santa Cruz, I know you’re listening, I’m ready. You guys have a good one.
R. Flores
All right, thank you very much. Right now I’m going to introduce the undefeated two-division world champion with a record of 30-0-1, 17 KOs. Fighting out of Los Angeles, California, please welcome Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz.
Leo Santa Cruz
Thank you for being here on this call. I just want to say that I’m excited; I’m very happy and motivated for this fight. This is the biggest fight in my career and I can’t wait.
Q
Can you explain why this is the biggest fight of your career?
Leo Santa Cruz
It’s the first time I’m the main event, and then also because it’s the first time I’m going to fight a fighter that’s on a big level, like the fans said, they wanted me to fight a fighter that is at the elite level fighter, and I think Mares right now is the hardest opponent I ever faced. So that plus me being the main event is like the same excitement as I’m fighting for a world title.
Q
Are you ready to throw down with him in a fight that could be a fight of the year.
L. Santa Cruz
Yes, of course, In my mind this is a fight of the year because we’re both Mexican street fighters, we come forward, trying to please the fans and I think this is going to be a great fight. I think he’s a great fighter and everything, and I see this fight like almost a 50/50, it could go either way because he’s a good fighter, I’m a good fighter, so I think it’s going to be great.
Q
Who do you think is the favorite in this fight? And why?
L. Santa Cruz
Well, at the beginning I think Mares was the favorite, but now I think as I’ve been hearing that I’m the favorite now. But, like many of the fans, they can’t choose either side because they know this fight is really hard for both of us, that it’s a really even fight. So I think we have to leave it to August 29th to see who’s the better fighter that day.
Q
Have you thought about the possibility that this fight might lead to a rematch or even trilogy?
L. Santa Cruz
Yes, of course. If Mares loses, I know he’s going to want a rematch. If I lose, I’m going to want a rematch. So, none of us are going to be comfortable after the fight.
Q
Abner Mares told us that it’s personal because you laughed in his faced, can you elaborate on this?
L. Santa Cruz
I didn’t laugh in his face and it’s not a personal fight for me, just professional, just a great fight, and it’s a 50/50 fight for me.
Q
Is there any extra motivation heading into this matchup against Abner Mares.
L. Santa Cruz
I’m fighting for going ahead and being a world champion, fighting for Los Angeles. That alone is motivation all to itself and as much as I need for this matchup with Abner Mares.
Q
What does a win over Abner Mares do for Leo Santa Cruz?
L. Santa Cruz
As I go ahead and move up to 126, I want to prove to everyone that I am worthy and am in the upper echelon in the featherweight division. I want to go after world title at 126, and I know I could do so by fighting and doing very well and winning against Abner Mares.
Q
Was it always in your mind that this fight would happen?
L. Santa Cruz
I started my career and I saw Mares in my weight class and he has been really good throughout his career. I think I had like four, five fights at the time and I knew that maybe in the future we’re going to have to face each other and I never doubted that we were going to face each other. So, yes, it was always in my mind that sooner or later we’re going to face each other.
Q
Do you think this is like the perfect opportunity for you to enter the division?
L. Santa Cruz
Yes, of course. I think it’s the best fight because Abner Mares is a natural featherweight right now and he’s a great fighter and can do everything. So, getting a victory against him is going to put me on the big level, it’s going to put me to the next level and show that I’m ready for the rest of the fighters in the division.
Q
Was there any point in your career where you were kind of frustrated, that you wanted more of your career?
L. Santa Cruz
Yes. I wanted to listen to the fans and the criticism, and then I wished I could choose and say I’m going to fight this fighter, and just go on ahead and fight him. But I had to leave it to my team. They’re here to protect me. They know what’s right. So that’s why I listen to them and they know what’s best. But sooner or later, I’m going to fight the fight that the fans want.
Q
Who do you think the fans are going to be for? And do you think they’re going to look for a good fight and end up cheering for either one of you, depending upon how the fight is going, or is there loyalty there depending upon your neighborhood? Tell us a little bit about that.
L. Santa Cruz
I think the fans are going to be like 50/50, half for him, half for me. I think it’s going to be evenly divided. I think the fans are going to be divided between both of us. Half of them are going to be cheering for him, half for me.
But yes whoever I think puts on the better fight the fans are going to root for at the end. It’s really hard to get up in the ring and put on the great fights the fans will love. I want to give the fans that.
Q
After Abner suffered the loss to Johnny Gonzalez, could Leo tell that Abner was more immobile and didn’t want to engage as much?
L. Santa Cruz
After that loss it certainly seemed that way, but I understand that come August 29th, that all that’s going to go out the window and Abner is going to come forward and wants to stand and trade and I will be willing to oblige by that, and then we will go from there, and go toe-to-toe on August 29th.
Q
Abner has stated about you, one of his detriments is the fact that you are undefeated and that you don’t know how to lose but doesn’t fully understand what it’s like to face defeat, what do you think of that?
Q
I’m very calm, relaxed and focused. I don’t think that’s a detriment and I’m going to put all that talk behind me. I do not engage whatsoever in trash talk, so to speak, and I just go out there and do my work, very calm, cool and collected.
Q
You’ve seen Abner fight many times before obviously and you know his style pretty well from that. What do you think is the most important thing that you can do in there to make sure you leave victorious?
L. Santa Cruz
Yes, it’s been like six, seven years since we fought in sparring. He has changed a lot. I have changed a lot too. We’re going to come out in the first round and try to use our game plan. If it’s not working, we’re going to change the plan to what we’re working on in the gym with my dad. But we have the plan to fight and to get the victory. We’re going to go out there, do what we’re doing in the gym. And once we’re up there, we’re going to know how to fight and get the victory.
Q
Are you training to get a stoppage?
L. Santa Cruz
Yes.  The sooner the fight ends, the better for one of us. Less punishment, less hits. But if the stoppage didn’t come, we’d just be happy with the victory. We’re going to go out there, beat Mares any way we can get the win, that’s what’s more important.
K. Swanson
Leo, I have one more question. How is your dad holding up? This is such a big fight for you and he’s so emotional. We’ve seen it time and time again; he’s your father and your trainer. How is he holding up?
L. Santa Cruz
No, he’s really excited. He’s just calm. He tells me to not worry about nothing other than this fight. It’s very important, but with all the hard work and everything we’ve been doing in the gym, it’s going to come out good. And if it doesn’t, they’re still going to be there for me no matter what happens in the fight. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win, but we have to be concentrated and focused on what we want and know that we’re going to go out there and put on a great show.
L. Santa Cruz
I want to thank all the fans coming out to the fight, August 29, that we’re both great Mexican warriors and we’re going to go and give the fans a great show, that we’ve been training really hard, and none of us want to lose. So that when that happens, we both give a great show and an explosive war. Don’t miss it.
R. Flores
Just want to let everyone know, we appreciate the media covering Santa Cruz and Mares. Don’t miss it, August 29th. We are about two weeks away. I cannot wait to get to Los Angeles. The entire West Coast is going to be buzzing. The country is going to be buzzing, because you get this fight on free television, PBC Boxing free for all. It is going to be 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Also for the media out there, don’t forget about on Tuesday, August 18th, Abner Mares is going to have his doors open to the media, Del Mares Gym, 6400 Garfield Avenue in the Bell Gardens, California. Media to arrive there at 10:30 a.m. Abner starts his workout at 11 o’clock.
We really appreciate. We cannot wait. Abner Mares-Leo Santa Cruz. It’s going to be a historic night for boxing in Los Angeles. The Staples Center is going to be rocking and I cannot wait. PBC on ESPN, coming up August 29th, 10 o’clock Eastern, 7:00 Pacific.
Make sure to get your tickets now. They’re selling fast. They start at $25, (AXS.com) and the Staples Center box office zone.
Can’t wait for August 29th, and we will see you guys on fight week in Los Angeles.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com andwww.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Middleweight Prospect Caleb Plant Remains Undefeated With 1st Round KO

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Photos Provided by Primer Boxing Championships
MONTREAL, QUEBEC (August 17, 2015) – This past Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (9-0, 8 KOs), remained undefeated with a first round knockout over late sub, Zoltan Sera (20-6, 12 KOs).  The bout served as the swing bout for the PBC on NBC broadcast, headlined by Lucian Bute (32-2, 23 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-3, 13 KOs).
Plant sent Sera to the canvas twice before ending the bout with a left hook to the jaw at the 2:19 mark of the opening round.  Plant set everything up with a nice jab that helped him time all his power punches.  Once Plant saw that Sera was hurt, he went for the knockout.
“I wanted to make a statement with an impressive win and I was fortunate to land a couple of hard shots in the early part of round one that hurt my opponent,” said Caleb Plant. “After seeing him on wobbly legs I went for the kill.  I want to thank Al Haymon for this tremendous opportunity to showcase my skills on NBC.  I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring.  I’m ready to move forward and continue marching up the rankings.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

HEAVYWEIGHTS ANTONIO TARVER  AND STEVE CUNNINGHAM FIGHT TO SPLIT DECISION DRAW;   POLAND’S KRZYSTOF GLOWACKI SCORES 11TH ROUND TKO OVER MARCO HUCK FOR THE CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE IN A SOLID NIGHT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE BOXING ACTION AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
NEWARK, NJ (August 15, 2015) – Heavyweights Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) and Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs) fought to a split decision draw in the main event of tonight’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Both Tarver and Cunningham fought at a consistent pace throughout the bout, exchanging punches evenly in the early rounds. Tarver caught Cunningham in the fourth round with a sneaky right cross that wobbled the younger fighter who quickly regained his composure and finished out the round.  The back and forth action, which left Cunningham bruised and swollen around the eyes, lead to the draw with judges scores of 115-113 Cunningham, 115-114 Tarver and 114-114.
In the opening bout of the telecast, Poland’s Krzystof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs) scored an 11th round technical knockout victory over Germany’s Marco Huck (38-2-1, 26 KOs) in a huge upset that saw Glowacki capture Huck’s cruiserweight title. Huck was hoping to set a new record for most cruiserweight title defenses with a 14th successful defense tonight. Both fighters were making their US debut in front of a crowd of 5,843, many of which were their Polish and German countrymen living stateside.
In the give and take cruiserweight bout, Glowacki came out strong in the early rounds beating Huck with his power and speed on the inside. Huck started to find his rhythm in the middle rounds and out of nowhere put Glowacki on the canvas in the sixth with a punishing left hook to the temple.  Glowacki recovered quickly and was able to finish the round. Both men stayed busy for the remainder of the later rounds with the judges heeding favor to Huck by the end of the 10th. However, Glowacki came out in the 11th and late in the round put Huck on the canvas with a hard left right combination. Huck beat the count only to have Glowacki jump on him immediately, throwing a series of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight at 2:39 in the round.  Glowacki shocked the boxing world with a devastating 11th technical knockout of the 8-1 favored Huck in what will surely be a fight considered for upset of the year.
ANTONIO TARVER
“I knew they weren’t educated on my defense and ring generalship. I threw the harder punches and wasn’t tired. I controlled the tempo, kept my jab busy and feel like I outboxed him too.
“He didn’t hurt me and couldn’t get to my body. I did what I had to do but didn’t get the win. We got a draw and I’m not satisfied with it at all.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“I’m the man I’ve always been before and after the fight, and this decision, you won’t find me kicking and screaming.
“I have nothing to be ashamed of and I’ll get together with my team and family and talk about what we do next.”
KRYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“The US market is now open to me, and fans around the world are going to have to respect the cruiserweight division now.
“When I was knocked down in the sixth round I didn’t know where I was and it took me a whole round to regain myself. I still cannot hear well. I was listening to my corner though and when I heard that there was only one minute left in the eleventh round I knew I had to come on strong.
“I’ve always had a thing against bullies and Huck was trying to bully me in there. So I brought it to him. I want to thank all my fans in Poland and from around the world for supporting me. We kept “believing” and that’s how we won this world title. This is the biggest night of my life.”
MARCO HUCK
Was unavailable for quotes. Both Glowacki and Huck were taken to Rutgers University Hospital for pre-cautionary observation.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Aug. 14 PBC on Spike TV  Official weights & pictures

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment:
Antonio Tarver
Steve Cunningham
Tarver & Cunningham
MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS – 12 ROUNDS
ANTONIO “The Magic Man” TARVER (31-6, 22 KOs), Tampa, FL 217 lbs.
STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM (28-7, 13 KOs), Philadelphia, PA 204lbs.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.comand www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/PruCenterand www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

CALEB “SWEET HANDS” PLANT ANNOUNCES OPPONENT IN CHRIS HERRMANN

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Caleb Plant (Right) lands an overhand right to the face of his opponent.
Caleb Plant (Right) lands an overhand right to the face of his opponent.
NASHVILLE, TN (August 13, 2015) – Unbeaten super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (8-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent for his upcoming bout this Saturday Aug 15, 2015, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.  Plant will face Chris Herrmann (16-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, which will serve as the swing bout for the PBC on NBC broadcast, headlined by Lucian Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs).
“I’m excited that the fight is on,” said Plant, I’m going to fight smart and pick my windows where I can let my hands go with hard punches. If I see him hurt, you can bet on it that I’ll be gunning for the knockout.  My goal is to make a statement with an impressive performance, preferably a knockout.”
Fighting out of Nashville, Tennessee, Caleb Plant is looking to become a household name and the first middleweight champion to come out of the music city.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PBC on NBCSN in Montreal  Final press conference quotes

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MONTRÉAL (August 12, 2015) – Only three days prior to their Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN fights, participating boxers on the August 15 card at Bell Centre in Montreal held a press conference Wednesday at the Montreal Casino.
 
Televised coverage is headlined by a 10-round showdown between Lucian “Le Tombeur“ Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) and Andrea Di Luisa (17-2). Also featured on NBCSN is light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm“ Alvarez (17-0) versus Isidro Ranoni “El Guerrero“ Prieto (24-0-3) in a 12-round bout for the WBC Silver belt.
LUCIAN BUTE
 
“I would like to thank Andrea Di Luisa for accepting this challenge and to fight me at home. My preparation was great. In the last few years, I had health problems that affected my performances. What I can say now is that I’m fully healthy. I did almost 100 rounds of sparring for this fight. I am back!“
 
ANDREA DI LUISA
 
“This bout is a rematch of an amateur fight we had 15 years ago. This is different this time because Bute is now a former world champion and a well know name in the sport. Make no mistake, I am here to fight.“
 
ELEIDER ALVAREZ
 
“This is the biggest challenge of my career. Prieto’s record says it all: he has 20 KO’s in 24 wins. The problem is that he will face a new Alvarez. Since my elbow surgery, my jab, which is my money punch, is amazing. I also want to look good in front of my fans in Montreal and on American television.“
 
ISIDRO RANONI PRIETO
 
“I will do my best to bring back the WBC light heavyweight Silver belt home to Argentina.“
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel in association with InterBox,
are available to purchase at the Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.
 
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @InterBoxBute, @yvonmichelgym and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AUSTIN TROUT TAKES ON JOEY HERNANDEZ IN THE MAIN EVENT OF THE INAUGURAL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX SPORTS 1 EVENT SEPTEMBER 8TH LIVE FROM THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

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Plus! Undefeated Rising Star Jorge Lara Faces Jesus Rojas
In Junior Featherweight Showdown
 
Tickets on Sale Today At 2 P.M. PT for FS1’s Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays!
 
HOLLYWOOD, CA (August 12, 2015) – Former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (29-2, 16 KOs) takes on Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-3-1, 14 KOs) in a super welterweight attraction as part of FS1’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS live from the legendary Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California Tuesday, September 8th.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a junior featherweight showdown between undefeated rising star Jorge Lara (27-0-1, 19 KOs) and Jesus Rojas (21-1-1, 15 KOs). This show will be the first installment of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports 1.
“I’m very excited to be fighting for the fourth time in Los Angeles and at such a legendary venue as The Palladium in Hollywood,” said Trout. “My fight against Joey Hernandez kicks off the brand new series on Fox Sports 1 and I plan on putting on a spectacular show for the fans. I’m one of the best fighters at 154-pounds and I’m ready to prove it again.”
“This is a big fight for me and I’m grateful to have the opportunity on this stage,” said Hernandez. “I’m coming with no fear and I’m coming to win. I respect what Austin Trout has done in the sport but I’m going to make his life miserable on September 8.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $78.50, $53.50 and $28.50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale today at 2 p.m. PT. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
In 2004, Trout won the U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and after climbing up the ranks as an elite pro boxer, he won a super welterweight world championship in 2004 by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez. He went on to defend that title four times, including a dominant victory over Miguel Cotto in New York. He is currently on a three-fight win streak and is looking for a big win over Hernandez.
Fighting out of Miami, Hernandez is known for his fast hands that have landed him in big fights against top super welterweights and aided him to victories against Jose Berrio, James Winchester and Angel Hernandez. The 30-year-old southpaw will get another tough test when he takes on Trout on September 8.
Undefeated out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Lara made his U.S. debut on March 7with a first round stoppage of Mario Macias in Las Vegas. The 24-year-old has ended seven of his last eight opponents early including experienced contenders Jovanny Soto, Jairo Hernandez and Oscar Ibarra. His second opportunity in the U.S. will see him step up in competition to take on the once-beaten Rojas.
Representing Caguas, Puerto Rico, Rojas will be fighting for the first time in California as a professional on September 8. The 28-year-old comes into the fight on a three-match winning streak, having not lost since 2008. He owns victories over Juan Carlos Pena, Jose Luis Araiza and Reynaldo Lopez and hopes to add an even more impressive name in Lara to that list.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @JoeyHernandez, @FOXSports1, @TGBPromotions, @ThePalladium and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.