Category Archives: Showtime Boxing

“PAULIE MALIGNAGGI: DEAR BOXING” PENS OPEN LETTER SHARING HIS INTIMATE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ON WHY HE KEEPS FIGHTING

 

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Photo by Amanda Westcott / SHOWTIME

 

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“Boxing Gave Me Things I Couldn’t imagine. Boxing Let Me Dream. That’s What I’m Fighting For: That Chance To Dream Again.”

Veteran boxer, a former two-division world champion, Paulie Malignaggi pens an open letter to the sport of boxing as the Magic Man prepares to step into the ring once more on Saturday night.

 

Malignaggi (35-7, 7 KOs) will face Gabriel Bracero in a 10-round welterweight bout between fellow Brooklynite in the SHOWTIME EXTREME® main event tomorrow, Saturday live at 7 p.m. ET/PT from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

Malignaggi explains in the letter why he keeps on climbing into the ring: “I know fighters don’t age gracefully,” he says. “I know fighters get hurt. But I also know in my heart, I gotta fight. At least one more time. Why? I’ll tell you why: Love.”

 

After his bout, Malignaggi, also a SHOWTIME Sports® boxing analyst, plans to join the announce team and call the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader featuring featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz defending against N. Ireland’s Carl Frampton and the return of  undefeated and former two-division champion Mikey Garcia facing ex-champion Elio Rojas, live onSHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton  Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Stacked Night of Boxing at Barclays Center in Brooklyn Highlighted by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Tripleheader
 
Live On SHOWTIME®, This Saturday, July 30 At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Preliminary Fights Begin At 7 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (July 28, 2016) – Undefeated three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified 122-pound world champion Carl Frampton went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their featherweight world title clash that headlines a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader this Saturday, July 30 live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIMEat 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated former world champion Mikey Garcia taking on former world champion Elio Rojas in the co-main event,plus once-beaten contenders Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko in a junior middleweight title eliminator.
Two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi meets fellow Brooklynite Gabriel Bracero in the SHOWTIME EXTREME main event. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT with a lightweight battle between Ivan Redkach and Tevin Farmer.
Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
The fighters spoke to media Thursday at the Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan. Here is what the participants had to say:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I’m glad that my whole family is here and I’m thankful to my whole team that got me ready for this opportunity.
“I’m so happy to have my dad here. We thought about not taking this fight when he got the [cancer] diagnosis. He’s always been there with me since the beginning of my career. Since I was very small. When the doctors told me that he would be in my corner, I was even more ready for this fight.
“I know that this is going to be an interesting fight. We’re both undefeated and we’re going to make it a war. Neither of us wants that first loss. We’re going to leave it all in the ring. This won’t be an easy fight. It’s a 50-50 fight. The fighter who wants it the most will win the night.
“I want boxing fans from every background – Latino people from everywhere – Mexicans, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans – to come out and support me and come watch a great fight on Saturday night.”
CARL FRAMPTON
“I’ve worked very hard in the gym and I feel strong at 126 pounds. This new weight suits me and you will see the result in the ring.
“Nothing can compare to this opportunity. People know me in Belfast, but Leo Santa Cruz is a three-weight world champion who gives me the opportunity to become more well known.
“This fight sells itself. I respect all my opponents until I’m disrespected myself. I respect Leo because of his actions and because of the great fighter that he is.
“I’m a different animal now at 126 pounds. I was only performing at 70 or 80 percent of what my capabilities were. I’m feeling strong and I’m a different fighter. This will be my best performance.
“I’m honored to be on a bill with so many great fighters. There are four fights that could probably top a bill in their own right. I’m honored to be here and I’m going to get the victory on Saturday night.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“It’s been a while since I’ve done this but I’m very excited to be back. I want to thank everyone who helped put this fight together.
“Everybody has said it all. We’re ready. We’re prepared and we’ve had a great training camp. Rojas has the boxing skills to make this complicated.
“I have better skills than any fighter put in front of me. This will be the beginning of the next stage of my career. The most memorable part of my career.”
ELIO ROJAS
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’m really happy about being on this show. In this fight. I know I’m being brought in as an opponent, but I’m going to let the fans know that I’m not just an opponent.
“I know who Mikey Garcia is. I have all the abilities to win on July 30. I’ve always been a boxer who was never protected. I always prepare to win the fight and this will be no exception.”
TONY HARRISON
“I’m just excited to be back on a platform like this. I’m ready put in work. I know my opponent doesn’t speak much English, but I bet he speaks hands.
“No disrespect to Ricky Hatton, because what he’s done for his country and for Rabchenko is amazing, but I don’t care about it at all. Seeing Ricky over there fuels me even more to get the win.
“I just had a son, he’s three months old. He’s my new motivation. We’ve pushed it to the max in training camp. I’m ready to swim with the sharks. I’ve transitioned from a sprinter to a marathon runner. I’m ready to go into the later rounds.
“I’m ready to put Detroit back on the map. One thing you know about Detroit, we’re about that action. On Saturday, we’re coming for it.”
SERGEY RABCHENKO
“This is a very nice country and a great city for boxing. It’s my first time here and it’s very exciting. I’m going to give the fans a really good fight.
“I know my opponent is a young, strong kid fighter and he will be ready. I want him to be ready so that we can give the fans a great show.”
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
“I hear young guys like Tony Harrison and Tevin Farmer come up here and talk, it reminds me of my young days. The gym I train in down in Miami is full of young guys hungry to break through. That’s the feeling we all used to have in the gym. It starts to rub off on you when you hang around motivated people.
“I need to have great motivation and that fire to return to the top level. I took a couple steps back after the Garcia fight and gradually stepped up. I think Gabe is another step up. He’s a hungry and motivated guy.
“I know Gabriel Bracero, not only as a fighter, but I know his spirit. We came up together in the same generation of New York fighters.
“It’s all love and respect. But this Brooklyn Belt, it looks pretty nice. This is staying here in Bensonhurst.”
GABRIEL BRACERO
“I want to thank Tommy Gallagher, my trainer. He always stood by my side and always believed in me. No matter what the critics said. It’s because of him that I’m standing here now.
“I’ve made mistakes in life. I was away from this sport for a while. Boxing was always my dream though. I stayed focused so that I can come out and do what I’m doing now. Not too many people can bounce back from a situation like that.
Saturday is a big fight and I’m looking forward to it. I’m really thankful that Paulie gave me this opportunity. I always followed his career and his successes. It was a dream of mine to come out here and have the same success he had. I looked up to him.
“To be here right now and to be able to fight Paulie is incredible. He’s giving me the opportunity to reach his level of success.
“I encourage everyone to come out Saturday night. I’m going to leave my heart in the ring. That Brooklyn Belt is beautiful and I can’t wait to have it around my waist. This is business, not personal. You should get ready to see fireworks.”
IVAN REDKACH
“I’m very thankful to be part of such a great event. I changed a lot about my training heading into this fight. I’ve trained with the great champion Leo Santa Cruz and it has me ready.
“I want to show everyone in the ring what I can do, not up on the stage with my words.”
TEVIN FARMER
“I want to thank my training staff for preparing me for battle Saturday night. I’m thankful for this opportunity.
“This is another chance to show the world who I am. I have about three years with no losses. I started boxing as a hobby. But when I realized how much talent I had, I started training right.
“Since I started taking this sport seriously, I’ve been taking guys out easily. Ivan Redkach will get this work. It’s going to be easy.
“I’m not about talk. A lot of people don’t know who I am, but everyone will know on Saturday night.”
AMANDA SERRANO
“To be here with these great fighters is an amazing opportunity. I’m very honored. I’m ready to fight and successfully defend my title.
“I’m going to show all the critics and non-believers that female fighters have the talent and courage of the male fighters, and we’re here to stay. Come out on Saturday night for a great show.”
BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion & Hall of Famer
“We’re delighted to be here in Manhattan for this potential Fight of the Year. The whole team that made this fight happen has been fantastic.
“I just wanted to say that we’re thrilled that Jose Santa Cruz is back on his feet, every one of our families is affected by cancer.
“This is a clash of styles that could make it a fight of the year. We have the utmost respect for Leo Santa Cruz, but we’re here to win and we will win.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“I think that this is the best card that I’ve ever been able to promote. This is the deepest boxing card from top to bottom that I’ve seen.
“Barclays Center has become one of the homes for great boxing. It is the premier venue right now for boxing in this country. The Brooklyn Boxing program is something that Barclays Center is truly committed to.
“If you’re from Brooklyn, then you want that Brooklyn Belt. It’s about carrying the mantle of being that guy from Brooklyn. That’s what both Paulie and Gabe are going to try to do.
“The main event is one of the elite fights that can be made in the sport. These are two amazing fighters. The winner won’t just be a featherweight champion; the winner will have an argument for the pound-for-pound list.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“SHOWTIME has been bringing its viewers the best, most competitive fights of the year, and Saturday will be no exception.
“The 154-pound division is the deepest and hottest in the sport. Tony Harrison and Rabchenko are looking to make their mark and get up to the next level of the division.
“Having Mikey Garcia back is a treat. It’s a big positive for the sports of boxing. Elio Rojas is not just an opponent though. He is tough, he is hungry and I expect this to be an amazing fight as well.
“The main event is again the best versus the best. Two of the most aggressive fighters in any division. There’s nothing else to say about this fight other than that it will be all action. I think this fight could be better than Thurman vs. Porter.
“We’re proudest of all to have the best versus the best. This is what boxing should be. You should be there if you can on Saturdaynight and if not, watch on SHOWTIME, you will not be disappointed.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“This is arguably the strongest card from top to bottom that we’ve had in Brooklyn since we’ve hosted fight cards. This will be a great follow-up to the incredible Thurman vs. Porter fight last fight. We expect another headlining fight that could be a leading contender for Fight of the Year. We are honored to welcome these two great competitors to Brooklyn. They are two of the most exciting fighters in the sport and we wish both of you the best on Saturday.
Saturday’s card certainly has a Brooklyn flavor to it. It begins with Bensonhurst’s Paulie Malignaggi taking on Gabriel Bracero from Sunset Park with the Brooklyn’s World Championship on the line.
“Amanda Serrano, another Brooklynite, will be the first women ever to defend her title at Barclays Center. We look forward to seeing you in the ring on Saturday night.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURES: LEO SANTA CRUZ FIGHTS FOR HIS AILING FATHER; CARL FRAMPTON AIMS TO REPLICATE SUCCESS OF MENTOR BARRY MCGUIGAN

 Santa Cruz Family Opens Up About Father Jose’s Battle With Cancer

YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/2aggcKE

DOWNLOAD: https://we.tl/J0vCnh3Bn7

 

Frampton, & McGuigan Plan For Irish Invasion

YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/2aym4k3

DOWNLOAD: https://we.tl/sWZP1GAXgJ

 

As Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton prepare to collide for one of the top spots in the featherweight division this Saturday, the undefeated fighters have plenty of motivation as they approach their marquee summer blockbuster.

 

Boxing has always been a family affair for the Santa Cruz clan, with father Jose leading the charge with the assistance of Leo’s brother, Antonio.  But a frightening diagnosis of cancer has threatened to prevent Jose from manning Leo’s corner for the first time in his career.

 

After unifying the super bantamweight division, Frampton moved up to featherweight for his second fight in the U.S.  And while the Irish sensation aims to become a two-division world champion, he’s also hoping to become a star in America and follow in the footsteps of his mentor, Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan.

 

Check out these intimate SHOWTIME Sports features on Santa Cruz and Frampton as they approach a career-defining moment this Saturday, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

#SantaCruzFrampton

 

Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.comwww.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.

 

Undefeated former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia will fight for the first time in two-and-one-half years when he faces Elio Rojas in the co-feature on SHOWTIME. In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast, Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko will meet in a 12-round IBF Junior Middleweight Elimination Bout.

 

An all-Brooklyn showdown between welterweights Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi andGabriel “Tito” Bracero highlights the undercard on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.  A 10-round clash between once-beaten lightweight Ivan Redkach and streaking Tevin Farmer, a winner of 14 straight, will open the SHOWTIME EXTREME®telecast live at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton  Fight Week Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Featherweight World Title Clash Headlines
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® This Saturday, July 30
From Barclays Center Live on SHOWTIME
®
(9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
 
Action Begins on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7 p.m. ET/PT
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (July 27, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified 122-pound world champion, Irish star Carl Frampton, were joined by undercard fighters in Manhattan at Church Street BoxingWednesday for the final media workout before Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME following fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME that begin at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
In attendance Wednesday and fighting on SHOWTIME wereundefeated two-division world champion Mikey Garcia and former world champion Elio Rojas, who meet in a 10-round super lightweight bout, plus super welterweights Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko, who meet in a world title eliminator.
Also working out at Church Street Boxing were the main event boxers on SHOWTIME EXTREME, Brooklyn natives Paulie Malignaggi and Gabriel Bracero.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I’m ready to come here and give a great fight. I want to make it a war. Carl Frampton is a great fighter and he makes for an interesting fight. I’m excited to perform in front of the fans.
“Carl is an undefeated fighter just like myself, so we’re both going to be hungry. We’re going to leave it all in the ring. Neither of us wants to lose and we’re going to give it our all.
“My dad is going to be in my corner and that’s very important to me. We’re both excited to give the fans a great show. It’s a great relief to have him here and for many more years.
“I think that this is the perfect time for this fight. We’re both undefeated and in the prime of our careers. It’s an easy fight to make and a really big fight that the fans will love.
“I don’t think moving up in weight will affect Carl at all. He’s got a big frame and he’s a big guy. He is probably a little bit bigger than me. I know he had problems making 122 pounds, but this should be easier for him.
“I think he’s going to move and I’m going to have to be smart and not get caught. If I’m not feeling his punches, then we’re going to stand in front of him and exchange. I can also box with him if I need.
“I know I’ll have to use my jab and follow up with the right. We have a game plan and backup plans. We’ll be ready for anything.
“I think our styles are both very exciting. I can’t wait for Saturday night. This is the right fight. I’m hoping that both of us come forward and give the fans a show.
“People think Frampton is the underdog because he’s moving up in weight. But I moved up in weight too. I never take an opponent lightly. I’m going to come really hungry. I respect every fighter and I train for my opponent to be at his best.
“I have a lot of respect for Frampton. He has everything you need to be a great fighter. Excellent footwork, great power and good punches. Once he’s in the ring with me, I’m fighting for my future.
“This could definitely be a career-defining fight. I think getting a win over Carl Frampton will get me to the next level. I think the winner of the fight will be considered one of the best fighters in the world.”
JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer
“I’m really happy to be here. I’ve been at all of Leo’s fights and it’s great to be at this one. This is just another reason to be happy. I’m so thrilled for Leo that he has this opportunity and to be here for him.
“I know Frampton is undefeated, but Leo comes very prepared. He has worked hard in camp, like he always does. Hopefully both fighters give the fans a good fight on fight night.”
CARL FRAMPTON
“It’s getting big this week. It’s real. I’m completely up for it. I’m excited to bring a big crowd over here and I’m going to do everything I can to have my hand raised.
“This is a dream of mine. To come to America and box is something I’ve always wanted to do. Barclays Center is taking over as the best venue in New York and I’m going to look to put on a world-class performance. It will take my best to get this victory.
“Obviously I have enough motivation on my own, but it would be nice to bring back the title that Barry (McGuigan) once owned. It feels a bit like destiny for me. It’s my turn to win it back for him. I’m doing this for my whole team. I’m doing this for my family and I’m doing this for my entire country.
“I’ve dealt with fighting bigger guys throughout my whole career. I’m used to it. I’ve fought bigger guys than Santa Cruz. I think on fight night I’m going to be stronger. People forget that he started his career at bantamweight while I fought as a featherweight in the amateurs. On the night, I’ll be the bigger man and that will be the difference.
“Leo seems like a nice guy and he’s very respectful. I’ve been respectful to him. He’s obviously a very good fighter. This is a world title fight, so I don’t think we need any extra words between the two of us. We’re both undefeated and we’re looking for a war.
“The last time I was an underdog was 2009 during the Irish championships. I was a massive underdog and everyone who knew me won a lot of money that night.
“Leo is a great fighter. He’s world class. Easily the toughest opponent that I’ve faced so far. But I think I’m Leo’s best opponent as well. I think this has all the ingredients to be a top quality fight. I’ve had a hard training camp and I’m ready to leave everything in the ring.
“I’ve got a game plan. I’m not going to blink. We’re hoping that ‘game plan A’ will work, but if not, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
“All the pressure is on Santa Cruz. Everyone is expecting him to win. I’m going to come in there and upset him. I’m here to put on a great performance and bring the belt back home.
“I’ve gotten a good reception since coming to America and I think it will only grow on fight night. People will appreciate my style and I think our styles will gel well in the ring.
“I’m feeling strong mentally and physically. I feel like my stamina level has increased with the new weight. I’m eating well and enjoying myself.
BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion & Hall of Famer
“Being here is great. I never got a chance to fight here in New York. I’ve always known that Frampton would be a sensation over here. We’ve always wanted to be here on the east coast. We’ve worked very hard with the Irish community to get his name out there. It’s been fantastic.
“This is a can’t miss fight. It can’t be a bad fight, no matter how you look at it. It’s going to be an exciting fight. It might start off tepid, but it’s going to develop into a phenomenal fight. The mesh of styles is going to make this a Fight of the Year candidate.
“It was a wonderful experience being at the Empire State Building yesterday and it was our first opportunity to meet the Santa Cruz family. They’re wonderful people and Leo is an incredible fighter. He’s not arrogant and he’s the sort of guy that everybody likes. We admire Santa Cruz, but we believe that Carl is going to put on an amazing performance Saturday night.
“What’s important is winning on Saturday night. We put so much time and commitment to this game. You don’t want to do all that work and lose. Getting the win is vital.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“I don’t feel any pressure at all. To me, it’s just another day at the office. I have faith in my abilities and confidence in what I can do as a boxer. I’m excited to be back. I’m going to go in there and take care of business like I always do.
“The New York fans have always showed me a lot of love and support. No matter what, they’re in for a good boxing match. The fans are great and they want a great fight. I never look to make a boring fight. I always want to put on a show. I want to give the fans something to talk about.
“I’m more motivated than I ever have been before. It’s been a long time of working hard in the gym every day.
“I’m very happy to be back and I want to accomplish a lot more. I think you’re going to see a better Mikey on Saturday. My will to win is higher than it’s ever been.
“Being on a card like this is a reminder of everything that I can be. If there is interest in me right now, it shows that someone believes in me. We put everything else aside and focused on this date. After that, I’m looking for a world title.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother & Trainer
“I think that Mikey is going to put on a great performance. Anything could happen in boxing. Mikey should look good and he should win convincingly.
“I think the interest that people have in Mikey’s future shows how much potential he has. He’s a guy who could be a big name to help carry the sport.
“We haven’t been listening to anything outside of the camp. We stopped any conversations outside of training to get 100 percent focused on this fight. We’re looking to come back stronger than ever.”
ELIO ROJAS
“We’re both coming off of long layoffs. I see the fight pretty even. Garcia might have some advantages of being the bigger guy but I’m not worried about that.
“The new weight feels good. It’s different but it’s nice to not have to kill the body to make weight. We’ve been on weight for two weeks. I’ve brought some power with me as I go up in weight. I feel strong.
“I’ve been doing everything right in training camp. My specialty is moving my hands and excellent footwork.
“I feel like I can beat Mikey Garcia. I have some things that I think will give Mikey Garcia a lot of trouble. I have the tools. We know that Mikey is the favorite. Everyone thought LeBron James was going to lose in the Finals when he was down 3-1, but this is a sport and anything can happen.”
TONY HARRISON
“I take this sport seriously. Everything I do, I do 100 percent. I’m here for the city of Detroit. The city needs something to rejuvenate and that’s what I’m trying to do. I want to bring big-time boxing back to Detroit.
“This is going to be a fan-friendly fight. This is going to be like Thurman vs. Porter. The styles are just perfect for this fight. I’m going to be at my best on fight night.
“Being here in New York is great. I can tell right away that it’s a great fight atmosphere and I love it.
“It was a very long camp. I’m in great shape and ready mentally. I have a lot to prove in this fight and I’m excited to get in there.
“I watched a 15-second clip of him and then I shut the video off. I don’t want to make adjustments off of him, I want him to adjust to me. I know that he’s a tough competitor. You can’t take anything away from his record.
“I’m taking it one fight at a time. I just want to get the respect that I deserve. That’s what I’m coming for. They call me for a fight and I say yes.
“I think I’m at my best right now. I’m starting to peak. I’m starting to find my grown-man strength and my second wind in the ring. When I’m going in late rounds I feel comfortable.
“Whoever wants to fight; they know I’m going to say yes. I just want to compete. I’m fighting for my city and I want to see where I’m at. I’m ready to carry the load for Detroit boxing. I wouldn’t want to be from anywhere else.
“My team is definitely the strongest it’s ever been. I’m in a really good place mentally right now. I think I’m going to show a whole new level on Saturday night.”
SERGEY RABCHENKO
“It’s the most important fight of my life. I think it’s a very interesting fight, with it being my first time in America. I’ve enjoyed it a lot so far. New York never sleeps. There are always many different kinds of people. It’s a nice city.
“Having Ricky Hatton as my trainer helps me because of his great experience. He’s been in many big fights and he’s a great trainer. I’m very comfortable working with him.
“I am aiming for a knockout, but I’m ready for 12 rounds. It’s boxing though, so anything can happen. It could be over very quickly.
“This is a big chance in my life. It’s a big step and I’m ready to take advantage of it.”
RICKY HATTON, Rabchenko’s Trainer
“This isn’t exactly like fighting, but I do get very nervous and tense in the corner. I’ve fulfilled my dreams and now I’m here trying to help other fighters fulfill their dreams. I get nervous but I’m confident in him.
“Sergey has been a pleasure to train. I think he’s going to be a world champion. I really do. He’s been a European Champion and he’s overcome his loss. I think this is the best he’s ever been. We’ll hope that it translates to Saturday night because he certainly has the potential to be a world champion.
“I can’t train fighters that I’m not fond of. I’ve known Sergey for a number of years and I’m here for him. I have a feel for being in the corner with him. There is a different type of nerves I have being in the corner.”
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI
“I hope the crowd enjoys this fight. I really want to put on a show for the local fans and represent for my home.
“It would normally be strange to fight a guy I know so well. But I know he’s a competitor. I’ve known his mentality since the amateurs. He’s coming to win. Once the bell rings, this guy isn’t taking any prisoners. I trained with that same mentality.
“I know we’re both competitors. Who wants the bragging rights on Saturday night?
“Hopefully we can bring some fans of ours to the building on Saturday night and they can become fans of Santa Cruz and Frampton.
“This is a great crossroads fight. I trained for the competitor that I know he is and I’m ready to put on a show.
“This fight gives me an opportunity to keep dreaming in that ring. I have an opportunity to do some things that people don’t think I’m able to, but I feel like I still can. I’m going to put my skills to good use and accomplish what I’m set out to do.
“It’s not about impressing myself, it’s about getting the job done to the best of my abilities. I want to prove to people that I still have more left than they think.”
GABRIEL BRACERO
“This is all business. Paulie is a friend now and he’ll be a friend after. But I’m trying to make it to Paulie’s level. He is successful and I’m trying to do the same thing. Boxing is my outlet to reach those goals.
“There was a time when I was away in prison. I would receive boxing magazines in the mail and see Paulie there and on TV. I wanted to be Paulie’s competition and have his success. By him giving me this opportunity I can accomplish that. I’m thankful but I’m taking him down.
“I don’t want to sound overconfident. You’re going to see a chess match. Paulie is a boxer. When he makes a mistake, I’m going to capitalize on it. The rest will be a surprise.
“This is the biggest fight of my career. If I beat Paulie, my career will jump to the next level. I can get the big fights that I’m looking for. I’m never looking past Paulie and I’m focused on the task at hand.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

ADAM LOPEZ & ROMAN REYNOSO FIGHT TO A DRAW IN MAIN EVENT OF 15th ANNIVERSARY TELECAST OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONFRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Catch The Replay This Monday, July 25 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

MASHANTUCKET, Conn.  (July 23, 2016) – With a potential title shot on the line, Adam Lopez and Roman Reynoso fought to a 10-round draw in the main event of the 15-year anniversary telecast of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME® from Foxwoods Resort Casino.

 

In attendance ringside before the fight, newly crowned IBF Junior Featherweight World Champion Jonathan Guzman (22-0, 22 KOs) announced that he’d like fight the winner of Lopez-Reynoso, raising the stakes for this matchup of 122-pound prospects.  While the fight was close and entertaining, analyst Steve Farhood, who has called all 219ShoBox telecasts, didn’t believe either fighter did enough to earn an immediate title shot against Guzman.

 

The fight looked like a toss-up heading into the 10th – with Lopez leading by just one connect after nine rounds – and the Ronnie Shields pupil came up with a huge final round rally.  The undefeated prospect hurt Reynoso (18-1-2, 7 KOs) in the final seconds with a flurry of shots, forcing the Argentine spit out his mouthpiece to buy himself nearly 30 seconds of rest.  Seemingly out on his feet, Reynoso somehow survived the onslaught without falling to the canvas before the final bell.  Lopez (15-0-1, 7 KOs) out-landed Reynoso 34-21 overall and 34-20 in power shots in the final round, but it wasn’t enough to earn him the victory.

 

Judge Don Ackerman saw Lopez a 96-94 winner, while Bill Morande had it 97-93 Reynoso, and Peter Hary cast the deciding ballot at 95-95.  All three judges scored the last round 10-9 for Lopez.  Had Reynoso fell to the canvas in the final seconds, the 10-8 round would have given Lopez the win.

 

“It was a tough fight.  He didn’t want to engage,” said Lopez, who out-landed Reynoso 158-144 overall and 131-125 in power shots.  “He’s slick and experienced and a good fighter.  I feel that this was my best performance on ShoBox.  I have been working on new things with Ronnie Shields and it showed in there.  I know I hurt him in the last round.

 

“The decision was bullshit.  He could not hit me.”

 

“It was a close fight, but I feel I won,” Reynoso said.  “He never hurt me.  The only thing that surprised me is that he was more aggressive than in other fights.  I hurt my hand from hitting him.”

 

Late replacement Jerry Odom knocked out previously once-beaten Julius Jackson with a vicious third round knockout (1:57) in the ShoBoxco-feature.

 

Jackson (19-2, 15 KOs), the son of former two-division world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, was outworking Odom through two rounds, who took the fight 10-days notice after Ronaldo Ellis suffered a hand injury.  That was until Washington, D.C.’s Odom (14-2-1, 13 KOs) clocked Jackson with a flush right counter shot with one minute left in the third, spelling the end for Jackson, who couldn’t beat the count and suffered his second consecutive knockout loss.

 

“I saw the right hand.  I was throwing combinations and I saw the opening and landed a good shot,” Odom said.  “As opposed to the last couple fights, I am in a great place physically, mentally and spiritually.  I have a great team around me.  We are unbreakable.”

 

“He threw the punch at the right time and caught me,” Jackson said.  “I was OK, but the referee stopped the fight.  I felt up until that point, I was boxing well and winning every round.”

 

Rolando Chinea won a close, eight-round split decision victory over O’Shaquie Foster (10-2, 7 KOs) in a matchup of lightweights, scored 79-73 (Chinea), 77-75 (Foster) and 78-74 (Chinea).

 

Chinea (13-1-1, 6 KOs) was the aggressor, dictating the tempo of the fight from the outset.  And while most rounds were extremely close – closer than the relatively wide scorecards – Chinea’s activity was the difference.  Chinea threw 733 total punches, compared to 641 for Foster, and he edged Foster by nearly 150 power punches (592-449).

 

“He is a hell of a fighter and it was fun to fight him,” said Chinea, who was largely able to minimize the jab, Foster’s best weapon. “Like I said before the fight, he could not take pressure.  I brought the pressure.  I blocked and slipped a lot of his punches.  My will and desire to win outweighed his will to punch.

 

“He did not take my pressure well.  I worked my shots well inside and that was a difference in the fight.”

 

Foster, who’s record fell to 10-2 with 7 KOs, complained that he “had distractions and couldn’t focus.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Ian Green handed previously undefeated super welterweight prospect Khiary Gray the first loss of his career with a stunning second round TKO (2:50).

 

With former world champion and fellow Paterson, N.J., Kendall Holt in his corner, Green (10-1, 8 KOs) came from behind to floor Gray with a big right cross to the chin that sent him tumbling face-forward into the canvas.  Gray, a local favorite from nearby Worchester, Mass., tried to hold on with just 30 seconds left in the round, but he couldn’t make it to the break and was falling backward into the ropes when the referee halted the contest.

 

“I got him good, and I got him out of there,” said Green, who out-landed Gray 14-0 in the final minute.  “He got me good one time, but I kept my left hand up and hung in there.  We’re going all the way up.  This is just the start.”

 

Gray (13-1, 10 KOs), who was seemingly in control of the fight and rocking Green with ease, became the 151st fighter to suffer his initial defeat on the prospect developmental series.

 

“He just caught me,” Gray said.  “I don’t even know what punch it was. I didn’t even see it. I tried to hold on and waste some time, but I got caught again. I just need to get back to the gym and fix my mistakes. I’ll bounce back.”

 

Friday’s four-fight telecast will re-air this Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

The event was promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment & Sports Inc. (CES) and Sampson Boxing.

 

IN ORDER TO MOVE FORWARD, MIKEY GARCIA FIRST GOES ALL THE WAY BACK

Letterhead (2)

  

Watch SHOWTIME Sports Original Digital Series: “THE REVEAL With Mark Kriegel: MIKEY GARCIA”

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

“There’s a lot more that I’m going to accomplish and there’s going to be a lot more things for him to be proud of.’’ – Mikey Garcia on his father and motivator, Eduardo

 

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Undefeated Two-Time World Champion Returns to the Ring Against Former Titleholder

Elio Rojas On Saturday, July 30, Live on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

 

On the eve of his long-awaited return to the ring, undefeated two-division world champion Mikey Garciatakes a stroll down memory lane in an enlightening and candid conversation with Sports Emmy® Award-Winning Writer Mark Kriegel. The 28-year-old Garcia openly reflects on his two-and-a-half year hiatus from boxing, the toll of his lengthy legal battle, and the humble family background that drives him to compete and strive for greatness.   Check out the latest installment of the SHOWTIME Sports® digital series “THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel”, to get to know Garcia like never before as he embarks on the second chapter of his career. 

 

Garcia returns to face former world champion Elio Rojas in the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on Saturday, July 30, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In a battle of unbeatens in the main event, undefeated Leo Santa Cruz will defend his WBA Featherweight World Championship against former 122-pound titlist, unbeaten Irish star Carl Frampton. 

 

# # #

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions, start at $38 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @mikeygarcia, @PaulMalignaggi @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION 15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY TELECAST TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

       
Tickets on Sale At Foxwoods Resort Casino

Photos by Rosie Cohe / Showtime  CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Adam Lopez 121 – Roman Ruben Reynoso 121
Jerry Odom 168 – Julius Jackson 168
O’Shaquie Foster 134 – Rolando Chinea 134
Khiary Gray 155 – Ian Green 157

Off-TV Bouts:
Jimmy Williams 145 – Antonio Fernandes 148
Leroy Davila 118 – Edgar Cortes 121
Brent Venegas 119 – Christian Foster 123
David Wilson 161 – Kendrick Ball Jr. 162
Divante Jones 135 – Anthony Burgin 136
Doors open 6:30 PM ET
1st Bout: 7 PM
Television: SHOWTIME at 10 PM ET / PT
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment & Sports Inc. (CES) and Sampson Boxing, are priced at $45, $75 and $150 and can be purchased by phone from the Foxwoods Resort Casino at 800.200.2882 or online at www.foxwoods.com

FINAL QUOTES:

ADAM LOPEZ:
“I’ve experienced and grown a lot over my last few fights. I’ve learned a lot about myself and overcame adversity. All my fights on ShoBox have been tough, but I’m hoping for a breakthrough victory on Friday to prove I’m ready to face a contender.

“Reynoso is a tough fighter. We know he swings for the fences. Because he’s from Argentina, a lot of people call him a little Marcos Maidana. He’s probably the toughest opponent so far, but we’re ready for whatever he brings.

“I’m back to training with Ronnie Shields. I was with Ronnie for my first five fights and it’s good to be back. Ronnie is working on my jab and helping improve my basic fundamentals.

“I want to win and look good doing it. If I get the KO, that’s great, but I’m not going to look for it. I don’t want to be on the canvas looking for it.

“We want to show that we’re ready for bigger and better fights. But we know we can’t look past this guy.”

ROMAN REYNOSO:
“This is the biggest fight of my career. Everything is motivating for me. I want the best for my family, and winning a fight like this can help me get there.

“We moved up to Montreal for training camp and we’ve improved a lot. We’ve developed defense and a better boxing style. We used to be about just coming forward and punching, but we’re working on our movement, our boxing skills.

“We are coming here to exploit Adam Lopez. We’re here to upset him.

“I know he has a big left hook, but we’re going to take that away. We know he has a height and reach advantage, but we like to fight wars. If he wants a war, we’re prepared. If he wants to run, we’re prepared. We’ll see if he will be able to figure out how to beat me.

“I’m used to being the shorter fighter. It doesn’t bother me.

“I look up to (Marcos) Maidana, but he has his own style. I don’t try to mimic that.

“This is my first time moving down to 122 pounds. In Argentina, it was hard to get fights at 122 – most of my fights were at 126 – but fighting at 122 is more natural for me. This is what we were looking for.

On Matias Carlos Adrian Rueda, who fights Oscar Valdez for the WBO Featherweight Championship on Saturday:
“That’s the only boxer who has beaten me. We wish him the best. We were looking for the rematch, but it didn’t happen. In the future, it needs to happen.”

JERRY ODOM:
“I’ve been training all summer. Opportunities come and go. I was taught that when a window opens you have to jump in. That’s why we took this fight.

“We’re not thinking about his (Jackson’s) last fight. That isn’t going to dictate our game plan. We know the opportunities to knock him out are there, but we need to worry about our game plan.

“I’ve watched tape on him. He still has the same posture, he has no finesse. He’s a straight up type of fighter. Nothing we can’t handle.

“Records don’t mean anything. You look at my record and see I have two losses. That doesn’t mean anything, doesn’t define me. He better not be overlooking me because I have two losses. That would be a big mistake.”

JULIUS JACKSON:
“The loss made me hungrier. I just got hurt. He hit me and I just couldn’t recover.

“My team is confident I’m still a high-level fighter. We don’t just want opponents. We want guys that will test us.

“The change in opponents doesn’t affect us. We’re just trying to perfect ‘The Chef.’ We want to get in there and do what it takes to win.

“There’s definitely pressure. We know if I lose tomorrow it will set me back even more. But we’re not thinking about that. We’re coming to win. This is an opportunity to erase my loss.

“Odom comes to fight. That’s what makes this an exciting fight. We’re both coming to fight.”

O’SHAQUIE FOSTER:
“Chinea is a one-punch puncher. He’s suitable to my style. We like the pressure he brings. We can break him down, break his will.

“I’m supposed to be here. The loss in my first fight on ShoBox was a fluke. I showed in my last ShoBox fight that I belong here.

“I don’t see anyone at lightweight that can beat me. I’m only 22, but at this point next year we want to be considered a contender for a title shot.”

ROLANDO CHINEA:
“I’ve studied tape on him. He’s an accomplished fighter. But I know he doesn’t like pressure, and my style revolves around pressure. So he’s a tailor-made fighter for me.

“We’re going to do what we do best: apply pressure.

“This is my TV debut and I’m ready to make a statement. This is an opportunity that I need to take advantage of.

“We’ve done everything we can in the gym. We’re been sparring with top fighters in Philadelphia. We’re ready to go.”

KHIARY GRAY:
“I’m more of a boxer than a KO guy. I have a lot of knockouts, but that’s not what I’m always looking for. I consider myself more of a boxer.

“I’ve always had late replacements in my fights, so that doesn’t give us a problem. I’ve seen clips of him, and we’re ready for him.

“Going 10 rounds was a good experience for me. It taught me that my conditioning was there. That I can go the distance if I need to.

“I switch to lefty when I have to. I can fight the whole fight lefty if I need to.

“I sparred with Edwin (Rodriguez) recently, sparred with Demetrius Andrade. It’s good work with those guys. I can hold my own in the gym with them.

“There’s pressure fighting on TV, but I feel comfortable. People are going to know me after this. They’ll know that I’m ready to be a contender in the 154-pound division.”

IAN GREEN:
“I’ve been in the gym since April. I was supposed to fight on July 30, but this was a better opportunity and I jumped on it.

“We have Kendall Holt in our corner, and we hope to be the next fighter from Paterson to win a title.

“Gray is an aggressive guy, but my range and height is an advantage. I don’t think he’s faced anyone like me. He’s been touched a few times.

“Once you see me tomorrow, you’ll see the real Ian Green.”

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez will serve as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

   SANTA CRUZ vs. FRAMPTON BY THE NUMBERS:  SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE IN VOLATILE MIX OF STYLES BETWEEN TWO OF THE WORLD’S BEST

Santa Cruz’s Volume & Accuracy Battles Frampton’s Superb Jab & Defense
On Saturday, July 30, LIVE on SHOWTIME
® From Barclays Center In Brooklyn
 
Click HERE & HERE To Download High Res Versions Of Graphics Featured Below
Credit: SHOWTIME
BROOKLYN (July 21, 2016) – The featherweight world championship clash between defending titlist Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified super bantamweight champ Carl Frampton features an unpredictable and potentially explosive mix of styles between two of the world’s top fighters.
Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs) will make the second defense of his WBA Featherweight Title against Irish superstar Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs), who relinquished two belts at 122 pounds, when they face off in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader on Saturday, July 30, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Three-division world champion Santa Cruz ranks as one of the world’s top-three fighters in four key categories – Total Punches Thrown, Landed, Connect Percentageand Power Punches Landed (all per round, per CompuBox).
The numbers prove that Santa Cruz is one of the best punchers in the world, toppingGennady Golovkin, Manny Pacquiao and ranking only second by a small margin to pound-for-pound champ Roman “Chocolatito”  Gonzalez in Power Punches Landed Per Round.
More impressively, Santa Cruz ranks as the world’s best in the Plus/Minus category that was dominated for years by pound-for-pound champ Floyd Mayweather.  In that statistical measure, which is determined by subtracting opponents connect percentage from a fighter’s connect percentage, Santa Cruz stands tall at No. 1 (+15.8% per fight), followed by Andre Ward (+15.3), Golovkin (+15.2), Erislandy Lara (+14.5), Terence Crawford(+13.2), Roman Gonzalez (+12.5) and Canelo Alvarez (+12).
While Santa Cruz is a statistical leader in five key categories, defending Santa Cruz’s biggest strength – power punches – is one of Frampton’s greatest attributes.  In his last six fights, Frampton’s opponents landed just 29.2 percent of their power punches.  Comparatively, Santa Cruz landed an astonishing 46.9 percent of his power shots over his last eight fights. Can both fighters continue at this impressive rate when they faceoff on July 30?
Frampton ranks in the top 10 of Opponents Power Punches Connected, meaning he stops his opponents from landing power shots at a staggering rate.  Frampton ranks No. 10 in a group that features Guillermo Rigondeaux, Lara, Wladimir Klitschko, Ward and Crawford.
Additionally, Frampton is the second best in the world in Average Number Of Jabs Thrown Per Round, behind leader Jesus Cuellar and well ahead of Rigondeaux (No. 5), Golovkin (No. 6), Crawford (No. 7) and Kell Brook (No. 8). Santa Cruz is also a statistical leader in this category, ranking No. 9 in the world.
Below is the list of categories where Santa Cruz and Frampton excel:
PLUS/MINUS (hit vs. get hit):
Santa Cruz ranks as the world’s best, followed by Andre Ward (No. 2), Gennady Golovkin (No. 3), Erislandy Lara (No. 4), Terence Crawford (No. 5), Roman Gonzalez (No. 6) and Canelo Alvarez (No. 7).  The retired Floyd Mayweather had previously held the top spot.
TOTAL PUNCHES THROWN PER ROUND:
Leo Santa Cruz only trails Roman Gonzalez in terms of total punches thrown per round.  Santa Cruz (No. 2) tops Jesus Ceullar (No. 3), Juan Francisco Estrada (No. 6), Orlando Salido (No. 7) and Gennady Golovkin (No. 9).  Santa Cruz throws 84.6 total punches per round, compared to boxing’s overall average of 55.5.
AVERAGE TOTAL PUNCHES LANDED PER ROUND:
Santa Cruz trails Roman Gonzalez by less than two percent, connecting at a 33.1 percent clip compared to the overall average of 16.9.  At No. 2, Santa Cruz tops pound-for-pound mainstays Gennady Golovkin (No. 3) and Juan Francisco Estrada (No. 4).  Santa Cruz’s average more than doubles the CompuBox average punches landed per round of 16.9.
TOTAL CONNECT PERCENTAGE:
Santa Cruz ranks in the top three in this important category in which only a few percentage points separate the world’s best.  Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. ranks No. 1, followed by Golovkin, Santa Cruz, Roman Gonzalez, Adrien Broner and Andre Ward respectively.  At 39.2 percent, Santa Cruz landed at a nearly 10 percent higher rate than the overall average.
AVERAGE POWER PUNCHES LANDED PER ROUND:
Santa Cruz is second in the world in this category, trailing only Roman Gonzalez by a slim margin and topping Juan Francisco Estrada (No. 3), Abner Mares (No. 5), Golovkin (No. 7) and Pacquiao (No. 8) among others.
AVERAGE JABS THROWN PER ROUND:
Santa Cruz and Frampton both rank in the top 10 in average number of jabs thrown per round.
Frampton, who is second in the world behind leader Jesus Cuellar, tops master jabbers Rigondeaux (No. 5), Golovkin (No. 6), Crawford (No. 7) and Brook (No. 8).  Santa Cruz is ninth best in this category.  Frampton, who trails Cuellar by just one percentage point, throws 13 more jabs per round than the overall average.
OPPONENTS POWER PUNCHES CONNECTED:
Frampton is amongst the world’s best at preventing his opponent from landing power shots.  He ranks at No. 10 in a category that includes Rigondeaux (No. 1), Lara (No. 2), Wladimir Klitschko (No. 3), Ward (No. 4) and Crawford (No. 5).  Frampton’s opponents landed just 29.2 percent of their power shots.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT JARRELL “BIG BABY” MILLER, UNDEFEATED HARD-HITTING WELTERWEIGHT BAKHTIYAR EYUBOV MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM NEW YORK

 

 

Boxers Featured on ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader

Friday, Aug. 19, Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

“I’m different to all the heavyweights out there. I’m not chasing a pay day. I’m chasing a legacy.” – Jarrell Miller

 

For Photos Click HERE (Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME)

TV Outlets: For RAW Workout Highlights & Soundbites Click HERE (Credit SHOWTIME)

 

NEW YORK (July 19, 2016) – Promising, unbeaten, power-punching heavyweight Jarrell “ Big Baby” Miller and undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov participated in an Open Media Workout Tuesday at Mendez Boxing in Manhattan, N.Y.

 

Miller and Eyubov, who both fight out of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be featured in two of the three fights of a ShoBox: The New Generation  tripleheader on Friday,Aug. 19, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m.. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from the outdoor soccer venue at Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

The confident, fast-talking Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs), a consensus top 15 heavyweight, will take on the experienced Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs), of New Orleans, La. in the 10-round main event. Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs), a native of Kazakhstan, will be opposed by veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs), of San Francisco, Calif. in a 10-rounder that will open the telecast. Undefeated bantamweight prospects, world-ranked Nikolay Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs), of Potolsk, Russia, and Antonio Nieves (16-0-1, 8 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio square off in the 10-round co-feature.

 

Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions are on sale and available at www.rhinossoccer.com/ and http://www.etix.com.

 

This is what the Miller, Eyubov and promoter Dmitriy Salita said Tuesday:

 

JARRELL “BIG BABY” MILLER

On Training Camp…

“Training camp is going real well. I put on a lot of muscle for this camp, I’m going to put on a lot of solid mass, I am going to go in there and manhandle it. Like a chew toy in a dog’s mouth, I want to mangle it.

 

“I’m really committed to this training camp. I’ve made some changes: less cheeseburgers. I cut down from three cheeseburgers to one cheeseburger a day. Same thing, in the gym every day, not doing anything different. My main thing is my strength and my speed and we are going to see, come Aug. 19.”

On His Opponent, Fred Kassi…

“Supposedly Fred Kassi is the most durable guy I have fought in my whole entire boxing career. This is what they are saying and I tip my hat off to the guy; he’s been in some fights where I thought he won and he ended up on the wrong side of the decision. When he fought other fighters, he had three weeks training camp, two weeks’ notice. He had two months to get ready for this. I’m not a last-minute opponent. He’s going to come in ready and I’m not about to underestimate him.

“I’m a boxer-puncher and he’s more one-dimensional. He switches back and forth, he’s not pretty at what he does, but no worries, you can look at me, because I am nice at what I do.

I predict a fifth-sixth round knockout. Kassi is definitely a doable guy, but I feel once he sees my size and my pressure and the speed that I bring with my footwork – it’s going to be game over for him. I know for a fact I’m going to knock out Fred Kassi, fifth or sixth round. That’s what I do, I take your heart, I take your soul, I take your ribs.”

On Deontay Wilder…

“Wilder is a wild man when he gets in that ring, but at the same time if you watch how he performs, he performs at a mediocre level against mediocre fighters. If you stick him to a world professional athlete, like myself or top guys, you’ll see him bring even more. Not saying he hasn’t been in the ring with A+ fighters yet, but you can see all his loopholes in his fighting style. It’s just a matter of time before he gets really exposed and I hope it is with me because I want that behind.

“Shorter fighters do what they do, taller fighters do what they do. Deontay is tall but he doesn’t do what his body is designed to do; he’s trying to do something that smaller guys do, so that is going to be his downfall. Like I said, it is just a matter of time and I am going to break him in half, him and his toothpick legs.

“I was watching the livestream of the Wilder-Arreola fight and it was horrible. It was horrible because he is the heavyweight champion of the world. He doesn’t understand that he is doing more damage to himself than he thinks he is. He’s getting hurt. He’s getting hit. He’s taking some punishment.

 

“I want to fight Wilder. If he sees my style, if he sees my footwork, he’ll realize I’m no Artur Szpilka or Chris Arreola. And when I get in there, well, most of my fights end up in knockouts. I’m 100 percent power. Once I touch them, they are getting hurt.”

 

On Anthony Joshua…

“Joshua is overrated, overhyped. I am going to break that jaw of his. Definitely one of the weakest of the heavyweight champs.

 

“It comes down to the basics. You have a lot of guys that have a lot of punching power and basic skills and that’s not enough. Joshua is a basic heavyweight, a one-two fighter. I could cut that half way across the ring.

 

“I’d fight Joshua when the timing is right. I personally don’t want to go and fight Joshua just because I’m his ‘next.’ I think that when the time is right, it’ll be me and him at the MGM Grand on pay-per-view. One of those super sweepstakes fights, you know.”

 

On Tyson Fury…

“I like Tyson Fury, I still want to break his fingers in half but he is good for the sport of boxing and I feel like me and him for a main event will sell any arena out. He talks a lot of smack and he does back it up, but he is still a jokester and I am real. I will smash him if he tries to step on me in the press conference. I will knock him out, same way I will for everyone else.

“A fight between us two will be like Comedy Central on steroids, it would be bananas. It would sell out kind of like a Mayweather-Pacquiao … I feel like we can capture the heavyweight division and put it back on the map, just because of the way he talks. As an American heavyweight I feel like we have to take over American soil first. I’ll fight anywhere and anytime, but on the business side, I have to take over my country first.”

 

On the Heavyweight Division…

“They better get motivated now because I’m coming. I’m hungry and I’m motivated. SHOWTIME is having me on the main event on national television. I’m telling you I’m coming, and I’m coming to stay. They better get ready.

 

“I’m different to all the heavyweights out there. I’m not chasing a pay day. I’m chasing a legacy. I’m trying to change the layout. I’m trying to change the game. I’m trying to change my future and make history at the same time.”

 

 

BAKHTIYAR EYUBOV

“I have had hard training camps before, but this is up there. It’s one of the most intense camps I’ve ever had. I know that people expect me to deliver another knockout, but I’m training to go the distance. I’m scheduled to go 10 rounds and I am preparing myself as best as I can.

 

“My opponent is an experienced and tough fighter. Perhaps my toughest test to date. I’m confident in my skills. He can run, but he can’t hide. There are only four corners, I’ll find him and I’ll do what I came here to do: win.”

 

DMITRIY SALITA

“It is a great honor to be able to promote a show on SHOWTIME and both of these fighters. Miller and Eyubov are both willing to show that they are some of the best in their respective divisions.

 

“It is going to be a great event, happening at a special venue in Rochester at the soccer stadium, outside in the summer time. The show has all the ingredients to be a key event of the summer.”

 

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FACTS & FIGURES FOR MILESTONE 15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

 

 

Prospect Developmental Series Celebrates 15 Years With A Four-Fight Telecast This Friday, July 22, Live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT)

 

Take A Look At The History Behind ShoBox:

http://s.sho.com/29zMdfs

 

NEW YORK (July 19, 2016) – Acclaimed SHOWTIME Sports®prospect developmental series ShoBox: The New Generationcelebrates its 15th anniversary this Friday, July 22 with a quintessential four-fight telecast, live on SHOWTIME®  at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Since its inception in 2001, ShoBox: The New Generation has been dedicated to promoting competitive fights pitting promising boxers in the toughest fights of their career. ShoBox has carved out its identity by matching top talent against each other.

 

“This is certainly an accomplishment for the series, but we wouldn’t be here for 15 years without the fighters,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation.  “The credit should go to the young men who are willing to step up and take risks early in their career.

 

“As we’ve seen over the last 15 years, matching fighters tough at a young age escalates their career development, and we’re thrilled to provide the platform to introduce viewers to these talented fighters.  I’d also like to thank the promoters, managers and trainers who are willing to test their fighters at an early stage.  Working together with a diverse roster of promotional companies is vital for the advancement of the sport as we aim to find tomorrow’s stars today.”

 

After 15 years and 67 future world champions, below are some remarkable ShoBox facts and figures:

 

  • 67 fighters who fought on the series have gone on to become world champions (click HERE for full list)

 

  • July 22 is the 219th ShoBox telecast.  That means that, on average, fans have seen a future world champion on nearly one out of every three shows

 

  • An additional 75 fighters who appeared on ShoBox have fought for a world title

 

  • 150 fighters have suffered their first loss on the developmental series

 

  • There have been 96 matchups of undefeated fighters

 

  • There have been a total of 484 bouts aired on the series.  The percentage of decisions and stoppages is about 50/50.

 

  • The list of graduates who have won world titles includes: Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Tyson Fury, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Badou Jack, Gary Russell Jr., Jermall Charlo, Jermell Charlo, Andre Ward, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

  • Eight fighters won a world title in the fight immediately following an appearance on ShoBox: Joan Guzman, Robert Guerrero, Chad Dawson, Devon Alexander, Andre Ward, Rico Ramos, Jhonatan Romero and Demetrius Andrade.

 

  • There have been 11 fighters who lost on ShoBox and went on to become world titlists: Luis Collazo, Robert Guerrero, Eric Aiken, David Diaz, Isaac Hlatshwayo, Cornelius Bundrage, Rodrigo Guerrero, Ishe Smith, Gamaliel Diaz, Mickey Bey, and Badou Jack.

 

  • 22 U.S. Olympians have fought on ShoBox

 

  • There have been ShoBox shows in 71 different cities, 26 different states, and eight different countries.  The leading site for has been Santa Ynez, Calif., with 33 shows. Second is Las Vegas with 19.

 

  • Gary Russell Jr. was the first fighter to turn pro on ShoBox

 

  • The first ShoBox show came at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2001, at Bally’s in Atlantic City.  The first fight was John Molnar (18-1-1) scoring an eight-round technical decision over Victor Rosado (17-2-1).  In the main event, lightweight Leo Dorin (17-0) stopped Martin O’Malley (17-0) in the ninth round. Six months later, Dorin won the WBA lightweight crown, becoming the first ShoBoxfighter to win a world title

 

  • Steve Farhood’s Best Fighters (in no order): Timothy Bradley, Robert Guerrero, Lucian Bute, Joan Guzman, Diego Corrales, Ricky Hatton, Chad Dawson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Paul Williams

 

  • Farhood has worked all 219 ShoBox telecasts

 

Undefeated top 10-ranked super bantamweight Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs) faces Roman Ruben Reynoso (18-1-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.  In an eight-round co-feature, Jerry Odom (13-2-1, 12 KOs) faces Julius Jackson (19-1, 15 KOs) in a matchup of super middleweights.  Two eight-rounders will round out the four-fight telecast: O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KOs) meets Rolando Chinea (12-1-1, 6 KOs) in a lightweight scrap and undefeated Khiary Gray-Pitts (13-0, 10 KOs), of Worcester, Mass., will be opposed by once-beaten Ian Green (9-1, 7 KOs) in the super welterweight opener.

 

Tickets for the GH3 Promotions event from Foxwoods Resort Casino are priced at $45, $75 and $150 and can be purchased by phone from the Foxwoods Resort Casino at 800.200.2882 or online at www.foxwoods.com.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez will serve as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.