boxing

World ranked junior middleweight Kanat Islam takes on Norberto Gonzalez for the WBO/NABO & WBA Intercontinental titles on Friday, May 26th at the Boca Raton Resort & Spa in Boca Raton, Florida

Leave a comment
   

World class boxing event to be shown around the world
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boca Raton, FL (May 17, 2017) – WBA number-4 ranked and WBO number-6 ranked junior middleweight Kanat Islam will take on Norberto Gonzalez in a battle for the WBO / NABO and WBA Intercontinental Junior Middleweight championships on Friday night, May 26th at the beautiful Boca Raton Resort & Spa in Boca Raton, Florida.

The international card is promoted by Nelsons Promotions.
The event will be distributed world-wide exclusively by New York-based MultiVision Media, Inc.  The Executive Producer is Brian Ricco.  The event will be produced and directed by Ira Steven Glass.
The card will feature fighters from no less than six countries.
“This is a very special event with an International feel,” said Nelson Lopez, Sr. of Nelson’s Promotions.
“The Boca Raton Resort & Spa is an incredible facility that every A-List celebrity visits and vacations at.  This will be a great night, and we look forward to having a great crowd to see one of the best fighters in the world in Kanat Islam on May 26th.”
Islam of Almaty, Kazakhstan has a record of 23-0 with 19 big knockouts.
The 32 year-old has built up a reputation of being an exciting fighter who is constantly going for the knockout.
Islam turned professional in 2012 after competing in the 2004 and winning a Bronze medal in the 2008 Olympic Games.
Islam started to gain recognition when he stopped Humberto Toledo (41-8-2) in the 1st round.  He then scored impressive stoppage victories over Francisco Cordero (29-2) & Juan De Angel (16-3-1).
On October 29, 2016, Islam returned home to Kazakhstan and won a 12-round unanimous decision over Patrick Allotey (30-2) in front of over 18,000 fans.
In his last bout, Islam was cut badly in the 1st round of his bout with Robson Assis (16-3), yet stopped his Brazilian foe in the first round of their bout on February 17thas part of the Roy Jones, Jr. – Bobby Gunn Pay-Per-View undercard in Wilmington, Delaware.
Gonzalez of Nuevo Leon, Mexico has a record of 23-8 with 13 knockouts.
The 36 year-old is a 10 year-professional who has solid wins over Joel Juarez (22-3-1), Jesus Arras Perea (18-2), Michael Oliveira (20-1), former world title challenger Javier Maciel (30-3) and in his last bout when Gonzalez when an eight-round split decision over Daniel Rosario Cruz (11-1) on November 18, 2016 in Las Vegas,
In the eight round co-feature, Islam stablemate, Zhankosh Turarov will face Gustavo Garibay in a welterweight battle.
Like Islam, Turarov is from Almaty, Kazakhstan and sports a perfect mark of 20-0 with 14 knockouts.
On October 18, 2013, Turarov won the WBA Fedecentro super lightweight title with a 5th round stoppage over Abrahan Peralta (10-1).  In Turarov’s last bout, he stopped Isaac Aryee in 4 rounds in Almaty, Kazakhstan on October 29, 2016.
Garibay of Mexico is 13-8-2 with five knockouts.
The 36 year-old Garibay is a nine year professional who has victories over Mario Alberto Lozano (29-6) & Jose Napoles (4-1).
Lozano is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision defeat to Sebastian Bouchard (14-1) on February 24th in Quebec City, Canada.
In eight-round bouts:
Dagoberto Aguero (11-0, 8 KO’s) San Cristobal, Dominican Republic will take on Gustavo Molina (24-10, 9 KO’s) of Mexico in a super bantamweight bout.
Zhilei Zhang (15-0, 11 KO’s) of Zhoukou, China will take on Curtis Harper (12-4, 8 KO’s) of Jacksonville, Florida heavyweight attraction.

Wellington Romero (12-0-1, 9 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic battles Wilfrido Buelvas (18-7, 12 KO’s) of Barranquilla, Colombia in a junior welterweight bout.

In a six-round bout, Mike Bolagun (10-0, 9 KO’s) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland will take on Ytalo Perea (8-2-2, 5 KO’s) of Howard Beach, NY in a heavyweight bout.
Justin Wright will make his pro debut in a bantamweight bout against Christopher  Salerno (0-1) of Florida.
boxing

Carlos Rosario ready for 1st headlining appearance against Josh Davis this Friday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Leave a comment

1st bout 6:30 PM

Amir Shabazz takes on Antowyan Aikens in a light heavyweight bout
Plus undefeated Tyrone Crawley, Jr., Steven Ortiz and Thomas Velasquez
David Gonzales battles Darius Ervin

Weigh In This Thursday at 5:30 PM at The Stadium Holiday Inn
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA (May 17, 2017) – Lightweight Carlos Rosario is ready for his headlining appearance this Friday night when he takes on Josh Davis in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.
The show is promoted by King’s Promotions. (1st bout 6:30 PM; Doors 6 PM)
Rosario of Pennsauken, New Jersey, has a record of 7-1 with four knockouts, and has won seven consecutive since dropping his pro debut. 
“Everything is going great.  I am just winding down, losing the last couple of pounds , and I will be ready on Friday, said Rosario on Tuesday night.
In Davis, he is fighting his toughest opponent, but 26 year-old Rosario is ready for for whatever the Washington, DC native will bring.
“Even though he has an impressive record (10-1, 4 KO’s), I do not know a lot about him.  His record is actually better then mine.  I am fighting at home but I still feel that I am the underdog.  I think this is a fight that could go all eight-rounds, and I am looking forward to that as I have never gone that distance.”
Rosario, who has won seven consecutive fights has been slowly moving up the card and now finds himself in the main event.
“That has not hit me yet that I am the main event fighter.  I just continue to fight and my team has done a good job of finding me the right fights.  I am gaining more confidence with each fight and my opponents continue to get better.”
Rosario has been in the gym since age 10 but did not start to competing until he was 18.  He then embarked on a 28 fight amateur career.
The full-time corrections officer is taking his boxing career one step at a time, but he is seeing improvement in every fight.
“As long as I keep winning, and stay consistent, I can maybe fight for a minor title this year.”
“I hope the fans come out.  I have never been in a bad fight.  Sometimes it’s not about winning.  I want the fans to say that I am one of their favorite fighters to watch.”
In the co-feature, Amir Shabazz (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on Antowyan Aikens (10-3-1, 1 KO) of Atlantic City, NJ in a six-round light heavyweight bout.
Also in six-round bouts:
Tyrone Crawley, Jr (6-0) of Philadelphia will take on Juan Rodriguez (7-6, 5 KO’s) of Manasa, Virginia in a lightweight fight.
 
David Gonzales (8-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will look to get back in the win column when he battles Darius Ervin (4-1) of Los Angeles, California in a junior welterweight bout.

Steven Ortiz (5-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Hector Rivera (3-1, 2 KO’s) of San Juan, Puerto Rico in a lightweight bout.

Anthony Burgin (10-3, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout

Thomas Velasquez (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia will battle Brandon Sanudo (5-3, 2 KO’s) of Baja California, Mexico in a lightweight bout.

In four-round Bouts:
Vincent Floyd (2-2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will square off with Rafael Montalvo (3-3, 3 KO’s) of St. Clair, PA.
 
Antonio Allen (0-5) will take on Demetrius Williams (0-2) in a battle of Philadelphia based junior welterweights looking for their first win.

Lucas Dos Santos (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Miami, Florida will battle an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Rounding out the card will be a four round junior welterweight bout between Titos Gosalves of Philadelphia (0-1) and pro debuting Gerardo Martinez of Phoenixville, PA.

Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased at www.2300arena.com for $100, $75 and $50
THE WEIGH IN WILL BE THIS THURSDAY, MAY 18 AT THE STADIUM HOLIDAY INN AT 5:30 PM
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ERROL SPENCE JR. REVEALS MOTIVATION AND EXPECTATIONS FOR MAY 27 FIGHT IN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH MARK KRIEGEL

Leave a comment

The Reveal with Mark Kriegel: Errol Spence Jr.:http://s.sho.com/2pRC3wr

 

Video/Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

Undefeated welterweight Errol Spence Jr. sat down with SHOWTIME Sports®reporter Mark Kriegel prior to his highly anticipated world championship match against Kell Brook Saturday, May 27 live on SHOWTIME® (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) from Bramall Lane in Sheffield.  The interview is the latest in a reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel, featuring exclusive and in-depth interviews with boxing greats.

The IBF’s No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger at 147 pounds, Spence opens up about his first knockout, injuring past sparring partners Adrien Broner and Charles Hatley, giving Floyd Mayweather a black eye and much more.

 

Below are bites from the interview:

 

KRIEGEL: That feeling when you knock someone out; it’s addictive is it not?

 

SPENCE JR.: “Who doesn’t love knockouts? That’s the ultimate way to win in boxing, by knockout.”

 

KRIEGEL: You’ve been the most talked-about talent in boxing for a good while. Why is that?

 

SPENCE JR:  “I think it’s the way I fight, knocking people out and in the ring I’m passive-aggressive… I don’t come at people reckless, I take my time, I break my opponent down. I am the sweet science.”

 

KRIEGEL: Do you think this is the fight that announces Errol Spence?

 

SPENCE JR.: “I think so… I’m willing to prove to everybody that I am that guy”

 

 

# # #

boxing

Ruben Villa to Test Unbeaten Record on “New Blood” Undercard Friday Night

Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORANGE, Calif. (May 17, 2017) – Blue chip featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (5-0, 3 KOs) headlines an action-packed “New Blood” undercard when he puts his undefeated record on the line against Anthony de Jesus Ruiz (2-2, 2 KOs) this Friday, May 19, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
Thompson Boxing’s 17 year anniversary show will be live streamed on its website and  Facebook Live beginning at 7:45 p.m. PDT this Friday.
Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.
Friday’s bout marks the fourth time Villa will fight in front of an expected sold out crowd at the Doubletree Ontario. It will be his first, however, fighting on a live streamed show.
“I’m definitely excited for it. It’s great exposure for us new guys trying to make a name for ourselves,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I know a lot of my friends and family will be watching. It also gives an opportunity for boxing fans all over the country to tune in and watch some quality fights.”
Villa, a southpaw, is coming off his East Coast debut in April where we notched his third career knockout win over the previously unbeaten Luis Diaz Torres. Villa stopped the stiff-chinned Torres in the sixth and final round. It was the first, sixth round fight of Villa’s career, one that tough him several impactful lessons.
“It’s important to stick to the plan and listen to my corner,” said the 20-year-old, who hails from Salinas, Calif.  “He was somewhat reckless so I needed to show a little more patience with him. I’m used to fighting guys who are a little more technical. Diaz was able to take a shot. He was willing to absorb two or three punches to set up one of his own. I learned not to give him those opportunities.”
For Friday’s six-round bout versus Ruiz, Villa spent most of his training camp sparring at the Robert Garcia Gym in Riverside, widely seen as one of Southern California’s most boxing rich environments. His chief sparring partner was Hector Tanajara, another highly regarded prospect with an undefeated record.
“Training camp went great,” said Villa, who as an amateur won back-to-back National Golden Gloves championships. “I had quality sparring sessions against Hector Tanajara. He fights one division higher than me so it’s always good to learn from guys that are naturally bigger than you.”
While Villa comes from a well-rounded amateur career that saw him bank two wins against fellow high ceiling prospect Shakur Stevenson, the Northern California native is always on the quest to better his skills.
“I’ve been working on using more angles to set up punches,” Villa said. “The goal is to develop better range with my jab so I can be more effective. With Ruiz, I plan to feel him out for the first round and then I’ll start going at his weaknesses. A lot of what I plan to do will come off the jab.”
The live stream, titled “TB Presents: New Blood,” will be anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Beto Duran with Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.
Connect with Ruben Villa on social media: Instagram: RubenV4 , Facebook: Ruben Villa IV , & Twitter: @Ruben_Villa4 .
boxing

Rising Super Welterweight Prospect Money Powell IV Returns to the Ring Friday, June 2 against Hungary’s Sandor Jozsa

Leave a comment
 
From Le Dome – Palais Des Sports de Paris in Event Headlined By the Pro Debut of 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Tony Yoka
 
PARIS (May 17, 2017) – Exciting unbeaten prospect Money Powell IV (1-0, 1 KO) will make his second professional start on Friday, June 2 when he takes on Hungary’s Sandor Jozsa (5-3-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round super welterweight attraction from Le Dome – Palais Des Sports de Paris.
The June 2 event is headlined by French Olympian and 2016 super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka making his professional debut against unbeaten Travis Clark(12-0, 8 KOs) live in France on Canal Plus at 7:30 p.m. CET.
“Stepping into the ring in Paris is going to be a special experience and I can’t wait to show the French fans what I’m all about,” said Powell IV. “I want to be able to connect with as many people as possible and this is a great opportunity in just my second fight. I’m going to keep training hard like I do every day and give the fans something to remember on June 2.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar France and sponsored by Unkut Paris, start at 25 € and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 0825 038 039, or visiting www.ticketmaster.fr and www.FranceBillet.com.
“I am very happy to take ‘Money’ Global! All of France will get a chance to see the future of Boxing.  Money Powell is an American, born in Germany and now fighting in Paris, France in only his second professional outing.  This goes to show you that ‘Money’ truly knows no borders,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports.  “This young man has so many great attributes inside and outside of the ring and we’re excited to introduce him to as many new fans as possible. This is going to be a great experience for Money as he continues to sharpen his skills in the pro ranks.”
Powell made his pro debut on April 9 in Los Angeles in spectacular fashion as he used his height and reach advantage to dominate Todd Templeton and score two knockdowns before the referee halted the fight at 2:55 of the first round.
Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military, Powell dedicated himself to boxing for good when his family moved back to the U.S. in 2011. The 19-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since then, winning the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing. Fighting out of Fort Mitchell, on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, Powell will continue his pro campaign on June 2.
The 26-year-old Jozsa turned pro last October and won his first three contests, including two victories by way of stoppage. Representing Hungary, Jozsa has been busy in 2017, fighting five times already including one draw and victories over Levente Siktar and most recently Laszlo Vadasz.
For more information visit www.ringstar.com or follow in Twitter @Ringstar, @laboxesurcanal, @TonyYoka and @Swanson_Comm.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

  MAY 20 IS BOXING BINGE-WATCH DAY WITH SLATE OF TELEVISED BOXING SHOWS FROM U.K. AND U.S.

Leave a comment
GET YOUR POPCORN & CORONA READY!
 
Gervonta Davis Defends 130-pound Title Against Liam Walsh From London, England On SHOWTIME
 
Gary Russell, Jr. Defends 126-pound Title Against Oscar Escandon At MGM National Harbor on SHOWTIME
 
Rising Star David Benavidez Meets Rogelio “Porky” Medina in 168-pound Title Eliminator From Laredo, Texas on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes
LAS VEGAS (May 17, 2017) – Let the boxing binge watching begin this Saturday, May 20 when separate shows on SHOWTIME and FS1 deliver six matches running over six consecutive hours. This boxing extravaganza will present a unique opportunity for fans to watch boxing starting at 6 p.m. ET and continue throughout the evening.
“It’s not unusual to spend all day Sunday watching the NFL or to spend the day watching the NBA playoffs,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “But it’s rare for boxing fans to be able to turn on the television in the early evening and binge watch great action until late at night. The slate of shows on May 20 will provide that opportunity for boxing fans.”
Kicking off the day will be an action-packed 130-pound championship match with undefeated young star Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) defending his title against No. 1 contender Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) from Copper Box Arena in London, England with coverage beginning on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
The 22-year-old Davis is the youngest reigning American world champion in boxing and he will travel to England for his first title defense against Walsh, an undefeated southpaw fighting in his hometown of London.
Immediately following the Davis-Walsh bout, things kick into high gear with three matches originating from MGM National Harbor outside of Washington, D.C. Gary Russell, Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) defends his 126-pound world title against Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) in the main event.
A pair of world title eliminators round out the televised portion of the card.  Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and Jose Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs) meet in a 168-pound match with the winner set to fight for the interim IBF title and a shot at current champion James DeGale. Two-division championRances Barthelemy (25-0, 16 KOs) takes on Kiryl Relikh(21-1, 19 KOs) in a 140-pound title eliminator with the winner earning an opportunity to fight for a world championship.
Rounding out the night is a pair of Premier Boxing Champions matches on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas that start at 10 p.m. ET.
David Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), an ascending star, will meet former world title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-7, 31 KOs) in a 168-pound title eliminator in the main event. Benavidez will face the toughest test of his career against Medina, a veteran who gave DeGale all he could handle last year. The winner will get a shot at the 168-pound world championship.
Unbeaten 126-pound contender Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) takes on hard-hitting brawler Mario Briones (28-5-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight match in the co-feature.
Binge Away!
Amateur MMA, Tuff-N-Uff

Mayhem in Mesquite XI this Saturday! Tickets start at just $11

Leave a comment

Mayhem in Mesquite XI

Tuff-N-Uff and The Casablanca Resort and Casino are proud to present it’s 11th “Mayhem in Mesquite” event this weekend!

The festivities kick off with official fighter weigh-ins at 6pm on Friday May 19th in the Casablanca Showroom followed by a FREE concert.  Fan Halen will be rocking the house and getting fans ready for “Mayhem in Mesquite XI” on Saturday night!

Tickets for “Mayhem in Mesquite XI” start at just $11 and can be purchased here or by calling 800-585-3737.
Find Out More
boxing, charity

June 3, NYC, Wilfred Benitez Fundraising event

Leave a comment
FUNDRAISER for three-time World Champion WILFRED “EL RADAR’ BENITEZ
(Youngest World Champion Ever at age 17)
Organized and promoted by Efrain Diaz, Franklin “Beatle” Flores, former NYC amateur boxer Eddie Montalvo, Yvonne Benitez (Wilfred’s sister)  and “Iceman” John Scully
Saturday, June 3, 2017  @ Monique’s Lounge in Spanish Harlem, New York City. 1 pm – 7 pm
181 East 108th St. Spanish Harlem, NY 10029.
FOOD-MUSIC-FUN
$20 admission. All proceeds go to Wilfred Benitez.
Wilfred Benitez tee-shirt comes with the admission price)
Invited and expected guests include the likes of Mark Breland, Iran “The Blade” Barkley, “Poison” Junior Jones, Seamus McDonough, Dennis “The Magician” Milton, Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, Angel Manfredy, Israel “Pito” Cardona, Harold “The Shadow” Knight, Pedro Vilella, Hector Camacho Jr. Richie “The Mountain” Lamontagne, Alfred “Ice” Cole, Tyrone “The Harlem Butcher” and HBO Judge Harold Lederman.
Benitez’ sister Evelyn will also be in attendance.
Actor and former professional boxer Mickey Rourke has already donated an undisclosed sum to the Fundraiser.
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

THE FIGHTING FIREMAN WILL MAKE NEF DEBUT ON JUNE 17

Leave a comment

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 16, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional boxing bout to the fight card.  Jason “The Fighting Fireman” Quirk returns to the ring against Borngod Washington in a four-round super middleweight bout.

 

The fight will represent the first appearance for Quirk in the NEF boxing ring.  After a stellar amateur career, Quirk turned pro in late 2014.  He has been perfect (5-0, 3 KOs) over the course of his pro career thus far.  When Quirk steps into the ring onJune 17, it will have been more than a year-and-a-half since his last fight, and he is looking forward to competing once again.  He trains out of the Portland Boxing Club (PBC) and works as a firefighter with the Portland Fire Department – Local 740 IAFF.  Quirk also served his country for four years as a member of the Coast Guard.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and getting to work,” said Quirk immediately following a training session at PBC.  “We’ve had a good camp so far, and I’m training hard for this fight. I’m grateful for NEF considering me for this card and I’m ready to put on a show.”

 

Borngod Washington is about as seasoned of a veteran as one will find in the boxing world.  The native of Queens, New York has fought in the pro ranks since 2007.  Washington’s career highlight came in 2011 when he scored a fourth-round TKO victory over Ricky Dawson (4-1, 1 KO), brother of former light-heavyweight champion of the world Chad Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs).  Washington also took current light-heavyweight contender Sean Monaghan (28-0, 17 KOs) the distance in a four-round bout, losing a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards.  He currently trains with John Wesley Meekins (25-5-2, 17 KOs) in New York.  Meekins challenged Meldrick Taylor (38-8-1, 20 KOs) for the IBF Junior Welterweight Title in 1989.

 

“I’m excited to come to Maine and fight with my new trainer John Wesley Meekins in my corner,” said Washington.  “I’m returning to form and ready to go, and I thank NEF for the opportunity to fight in Maine.  I’ve got people from different areas coming to see the fight, and I know I’ll be ready”.

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.com.

 

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Oscar Escandon Training Camp Quotes & Photos 

Leave a comment
 
Top Featherweight Challenger Battles Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. in Main Event Showdown Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland on 

SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Team Escandon/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (May 15, 2017) – Top 126-pound challenger Oscar Escandon shares his thoughts on training camp and more ahead of his first world title opportunity against WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui battling for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a 140-pound world title eliminator. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui battling for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a 140-pound world title eliminator. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go tohttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Here is what Escandon had to say from Las Vegas before he wraps camp and heads east to headline at MGM National Harbor in Maryland:
On his recent training camp:
“Training camp started off in Gilroy, California where we got a lot of good sparring in the Bay Area.  But then we moved camp to Las Vegas where we are training in high elevation.  We are running up at Mt. Charleston where the elevation is 8400 feet.  All in all, it has been a fantastic camp.”
On fighting in his first main event on SHOWTIME:
“It’s a dream come true to be fighting on SHOWTIME, especially in the main event for a world title. I believe the fans watching will enjoy my fighting style. I always bring excitement to the ring. This will be a fan-friendly fight to watch.”
On facing his opponent, champion Gary Russell Jr:
“Gary Russell Jr. is one of the best fighters in the division. I know it’s not going to be an easy task to defeat him but I’m confident in my ability to come out victorious. I will dig deep and impose my will on him.”
On training with head coach Ruben Guerrero:
“Together Ruben and I get along very well. He’s always there for me when I need him.  We are doing everything to get better and we’ll be ready to go. We have a nice game plan that we will display on fight night.”
On what a victory will do for his career:
“This is the biggest fight of my career and a win will lead to bigger and better things, like unification bouts. To capture the WBC world title will be an honor for my team and my people of Colombia. I need to win this fight and capture that WBC title. I can see myself in major fights with a victory.”
ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON
Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

The Best Fight News on the Net!

Newsletter Powered By : XYZScripts.com