Tag Archives: Andre Dirrell

boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Premier Boxing Champions Rolls Into May With An Exciting Slate Of Shows

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Featherweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz
Puts On Promoter’s Hat For FS1 & FOX Deportes
Toe-to-Toe Tuesday Show On May 2
 
Unbeaten Rising Star David Benavidez Tests
His Mettle Against Porky Medina In 168-Pound
World Title Eliminator On FS1 & FOX Deportes
On Saturday, May 20
 
Undefeated Welterweight Star Errol Spence
Challenges Kell Brook For 147-pound Championship
In Sheffield, England in Premier Boxing Champions Action
On SHOWTIME, May 27
LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2017) – The Premier Boxing Champions series will follow a very busy April with an extremely exciting month of May. The slate of shows will run the weight spectrum from featherweight to super middleweight.
“The Premier Boxing Champions series schedule for May has a slate of shows where several boxers get an opportunity to step up to world title matches,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Sports. “With so much on the line those kinds of challenges typically lead to action-packed, fan-friendly matches.”
Kicking off the month is a thrilling 10-round lightweight clash between Ivan Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs) and former world champion Argenis Mendez (23-5-1, 12 KOs) on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California on May 2. Televised coverage begins at9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The show will be staged by featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz’s Last Round Promotions, and will include an 8-round junior featherweight match between Brandon Figueroa and Luis Saavedra and a 6-round bantamweight match between Antonio Santa Cruz and Arturo Torres. The show will be a family affair as Brandon Figueroa is the younger brother of Omar Figueroa and Antonio is the cousin of Leo Santa Cruz.
David Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), an ascending star, will meet former world title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-7, 31 KOs) in a super middleweight title elimination match from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas on May 20. Benavidez will face the toughest test of his career against Medina, a veteran who has already fought for a world title. The winner will get a shot at the 168-pound world champion.
Televised coverage will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with unbeaten 126-pound contender Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) taking on hard-hitting brawler Mario Briones (28-5-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight match.
Unbeaten top welterweight star Errol Spence, Jr. (21-0, 19 KOs) will travel from his home in Desoto, Texas to take on Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) in his hometown at Bramall Lane Football Ground in Sheffield, England in a Premier Boxing Championship match on SHOWTIME.
In other non-PBC matches of interest to boxing fans in the month of May, Gervonta Davis (17-0, 18 KOs) will defend his 130-pound world title against No. 1 contender Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) from Copper Box Arena in London, England on SHOWTIME on May 20.
On the same night Gary Russell, Jr. (21-1, 16 KOs) will defend his 126-pound world title against Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) at MGM National Harbor outside Washington D.C. on SHOWTIME. In the co-feature Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) will meet Jose Uzcategui(26-1, 22 KOs) for the vacant 168-pound championship. Additionally,Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) faces Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a lightweight world title eliminator.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

Four-Division World Champion Amanda Serrano Seeks Record Fifth World Title Against Former World Champion Dahiana Santana in Vacant Bantamweight World Title Matchup Live on  SHOWTIME EXTREME® Saturday, April 22

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Plus! Undefeated Super Lightweight Prospect Jose Miguel Borrego Battles California’s John Delperdang in SHOWTIME EXTREME Action Beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT Live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (April 19, 2017) – Four-time world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano will look for a record-setting fifth world title when she battles former world champion Dahiana Santana for the vacant WBO Bantamweight World Championship on Saturday, April 22 in the featured bout of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Televised coverage on SHOWTIME EXTREME begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT with an eight-round showdown between unbeaten 140-pound prospect Jose Miguel Borrego(11-0, 10 KOs) and California’s John Delperdang (10-2, 9 KOs). Delperdang replaces Jonathan Alonso, who withdrew from the bout because of a rib injury. Coverage continues at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME® headlined by the WBC welterweight world title eliminator between Andre Berto and Shawn Porter.
Unbeaten top heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz was originally scheduled to faceDerric Rossy in an undercard attraction, but was forced to withdraw after injuring his hand in training.
The 28-year-old Serrano (31-1-1, 23 KOs) can become the first female and the first Puerto Rican fighter in history to win world titles in five weight classes. Standing in her way is the former featherweight champion Santana (35-8, 14 KOs) out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
“I’m really excited about this fight because this is the first time I haven’t had to call someone out, Santana has been calling me out for some time,” said Serrano. “I’ve been in training since my last fight, just like I always am. I’m constantly learning and trying to improve and maintain my skills. Santana is the best female boxer from the Dominican Republic and she’s won fights all over the world. In the end, I think my pressure is going to be too much. I’m not planning on letting this fight go the distance.”
“I got the offer for this fight about a month and a half ago and I have been training hard ever since,” said Santana. “I’m a technical fighter, but I have different styles and I can adapt to my opponent. I know Amanda very well and I’ve seen her fight many times. I’m going to come and put on a great show and leave everything I have in the ring.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, Serrano gravitated toward boxing from watching her older sister Cindy, also a professional fighter. She picked the sport up quickly, amassing a 9-1 record during a brief amateur career in which she won the New York Golden Gloves title in 2008. The 28-year-old would go on to fight all over the world, seizing her first world title in 2011 when she defeated Kimberly Connor to grab a super featherweight belt. In 2014, she went to Argentina and defeated Maria Elena Maderna to become a world champion at lightweight. Her world title climb continued in 2016 as she stopped Olivia Gerula in the first round to capture her featherweight championship and followed that up with a victory over Alexandra Lazar to add a super bantamweight title to her collection. She most recently put on a show at Barclays Center in January when she defeated two-division champion Yazmin Rivas by unanimous decision.
A pro since 2002, Santana won a world title in 2011 with a victory over Stacey Reile before defending her belt successfully three times. She picked up an interim featherweight title in 2014 to cap a seven-fight win streak that spanned from 2011 to 2014. In 2016 she traveled to Finland to challenge Eva Wahlstrom for her super featherweight title, ultimately losing a decision. Santana has fought in six countries throughout her career and will be making her second U.S. start on April 22.
At just 19-years-old, Borrego will look to establish himself as a prospect on the path toward stardom when he takes on the toughest opponent of his career on April 22. Hailing from Aguascalientes, Mexico Borrego turned pro in 2015 after an amateur career that included a gold medal at the 2013 Mexican National Olympiad. He racked up three victories before a busy 2016 saw him score seven knockout victories, including his last outing, a stoppage of Tomas Mendez in round one. Borrego had previously trained at Freddie Roach’s gym when training in the U.S., but held training camp up in the Bronx leading up to April 22.
Fighting out of Escondido, California, Delperdang most recently went 12-rounds with former title challenger Hank Lundy after winning his previous four fights, including three by knockout. The 24-year-old defeated previously unbeaten Oscar Mejia last September and his only other defeat came via a narrow majority decision to then unbeaten Rickey Edwards. After turning pro in 2014, Delperdang won his first six pro bouts, all by knockout.
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ABOUT BERTO vs. PORTER                     
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter is a WBC welterweight world title eliminator between former 147-pound world champions. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday April 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event, undefeated super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo battles top rated challenger Charles Hatley, with televised coverage beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AndreBerto, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Super Middleweight Contenders Andre Dirrell & Jose Uzcategui Battle for Interim World Title Plus Two-Division World Champion Rances Barthelemy Takes on Former Title Challenger Kiryl Relikh in 140-Pound Title Eliminator

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Saturday, May 20 From MGM National Harbor in Maryland &
 Live on SHOWTIME
 
Tickets Now on Sale!
 
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (April 17, 2017) – An exciting night of action will feature 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 on Saturday, May 20 from the recently opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland and live on SHOWTIME.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. making the second defense of his title when he faces top challenger Oscar Escandon.
Top 168-pound contenders Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs) are set to meet in a 12-round matchup with the winner in line to face IBF champion James DeGale, who is currently recovering from injuries sustained in his draw against Badou Jack in January on SHOWTIME.
“This fight is a massive step towards my journey to success in 2017,” said Dirrell. “To me, this is my championship fight leading up to the rematch with the current champion, James DeGale. Jose has all of the tools of a champion, so he’s fierce competition for me. But I will show the world that I’m up for the task. This is my year!”
“I’m very excited to be facing a fighter the quality of Andre Dirrell,” said Uzcategui. “These are the types of fights that I’ve wanted and I look forward to coming out victorious. This fight will be another step on the way to my dream of becoming a world champion.”
A world champion at 130 and 135-pounds, Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) and the former world title challenger Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) will battle in 12 rounds of action for the right to be the mandatory challenger for current WBA Super Lightweight Championship held by unified champion Julius Indongo.
“I’m very excited to be back in the ring, especially on SHOWTIME against a top-ranked contender in Kiryl Relikh,” said Barthelemy. “This victory will get me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming the first Cuban to win world titles in three different weight classes. I’m very motivated and I will not be denied on May 20.”
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity in a world title eliminator,” said Relikh. “Rances Barthelemy is a good fighter, but my experience at this weight will help me get the victory. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to get this win and eventually wear that world title belt around my waist.”
Tickets for the live event, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go tohttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Representing his hometown of Flint, Michigan, Dirrell looks to take one step closer to a rematch with DeGale after dropping a narrow decision to the current IBF champion inMay 2015. The 33-year-old bounced back from the defeat in his last outing by earning a wide unanimous decision over Blake Caparello last April. After a decorated amateur career that saw him win two U.S. Amateur World Championships in addition to an Olympic bronze medal, Dirrell was unbeaten in his first 18 pro fights before losing a split decision to Carl Frosh in 2009.
Born in Venezuela, Uzcategui now fights out of Baja California, Mexico, where he won two fights last year by knockout. The 26-year-old shot up the rankings in 2015 when he stopped previously unbeaten Julius Jackson in the second round after knocking his opponent down four times. Uzcategui was undefeated in his first 22 pro fights and enters this bout on a four-fight win streak.
A Cuban amateur national champion, 30-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. he won a super featherweight world title in July 2014 by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion, and followed that up with a second round TKO victory over Angino Perez. After dominating former champion Antonio DeMarco in June, he won a world title in a second division when he impressively defeated Denis Shafikov in December. Most recently, Barthelemy made the lone defense of his lightweight belt with a decision over former champion Mickey Bey last June.
Fighting out of Minsk, Belarus, Relikh returns to the ring after challenging the former champion Burns for the WBA title in October 2016. The 27-year-old was undefeated after turning pro in 2011 leading up to his world title shot. Relikh owns wins over veteran contenders Christian Ariel Lope, Joaquim Carneiro and Lazaro Santos de Jesus.
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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.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® UNVEILS FULL SPRING BOXING SCHEDULE, HEADLINED BY LIVE TELECAST OF HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT: JOSHUA vs. KLITSCHKO

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SHOWTIME® To Present Seven World Championship Fights Across Seven Live Telecasts In Eight Weeks

 

Video/Graphic Credit: SHOWTIME

 

Watch Joshua-Klitschko launch spot:  http://s.sho.com/2ouhMgN

 

NEW YORK (April 17, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports has unveiled the network’s complete spring 2017 boxing schedule following today’s earlier announcement that the heavyweight boxing event of the year will be televised live on SHOWTIME.  The stacked lineup includes seven world championship fights across eight live boxing telecasts over an eight-week span.

 

On Saturday, April 29, Anthony Joshua will face Wladimir Klitschko in the most significant heavyweight world championship fight in more than a decade.  The event will air live on SHOWTIME at 4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT from a sold-out Wembley Stadium, where a record crowd of more than 90,000 spectators is expected.

 

Also announced today, SHOWTIME and Premier Boxing Champions will present the rematch between WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara on Saturday, June 3.  This bout is an encore of a 2014 action-packed fight in which Stevenson edged Fonfara to defend his 175-pound crown.

 

The SHOWTIME boxing lineup also includes two significant welterweight bouts with world title implications: Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter (April 22) and Kell Brook vs. Errol Spence Jr. (May 27).  Both events are presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions.  The April 22 Berto vs. Porter event will feature an anticipated 154-pound world title fight between Jermell Charlo and Charles Hatley as well asworld champion Amanda Serrano attempting to become the first woman—and first fighter of Puerto Rican decent—to win a world title in five different weight classes.

 

On Saturday, May 20, SHOWTIME will present a unique twin-bill of world championship fights.  First, boxing’s hottest young star, newly minted world champion Gervonta Davis, will make his first world title defense against Liam Walsh from London.  Later that evening, featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr. and former world champion Andre Dirrell will be featured in separate bouts.  Start times for both live telecasts are to be determined.

 

In all, SHOWTIME Sports will present one live SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast, one live ShoBox: The New Generation telecast, and five SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts, all free to network subscribers.  Plus, SHOWTIME is in the early stages of planning for the return of four-division world champion Adrien Broner and undefeated star Mikey Garcia in separate events this summer.

 

The spring lineup complements the network’s robust 2017 boxing schedule.  In the first 10 weeks of the year, SHOWTIME Sports presented eight world championship fights, including two world title unification bouts (Jack vs. DeGale and Thurman vs. Garcia, SHOWTIME Boxing on CBS), two world title rematches (Frampton vs. Santa Cruz II and Linares vs. Crolla II), the live-stream of the first-ever boxing event on Twitter (Broner vs. Granados), the resurgence of women’s boxing (Serrano vs. Rivas) and the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history (Shields vs. Szabados).

 

“SHOWTIME continues its unrivaled commitment to the sport.  There simply is no other network in boxing delivering world-class events on a consistent basis,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.

 

“Our 2017 schedule already includes some 17 live boxing telecasts, 15 world championship fights, with the top-rated fighters squaring off in boxing’s deepest weight divisions.  We continue to break the glass ceiling on women’s boxing, deliver the biggest bouts from overseas and see champions take on champions to unify divisions.  We are proud to be re-shaping the boxing landscape both in and out of the ring.”

 

See below for the SHOWTIME boxing spring calendar.  This is the network’s third major boxing schedule announcement of the past 13 months.

 

 

Saturday, April 22 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Main Event:     Andre Berto (31-4, 24 KOs) vs. Shawn Porter (26-2, 16 KOs) – WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator

Co-Feature:     Jermell Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) vs. Charles Hatley (26-1-1, 18 KOs) – WBC Super Welterweight World Championship

SHOX:            Amanda Serrano (31-1-1, 23 KOs) vs. Dahiana Santana (35-8, 14 KO’s) – 10-Rd. WBO Bantamweight World Championship

Start Time:      9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT (SHO Boxing on SHO EXTREME, 7:30p ET/PT)

Venue:             Brooklyn’s Barclays Center

Notes:              ·  The winner of Berto-Porter becomes the WBC mandatory challenger to Unified World Champion Keith Thurman.

  • Berto-Porter is the fourth welterweight world title/title eliminator fight televised on SHOWTIME/CBS in the last 10 months.
  • Charlo-Hatley is the eighth world title/title eliminator in the 154-pound division on SHOWTIME/CBS in the last 13 months
  • Serrano attempts to become the first woman to win world titles in five different weight classes

 

 

Saturday, April 29 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event:     Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) vs. Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) – IBF and vacant (Super) WBA Heavyweight World Championship

Start Time:      4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT, live on SHOWTIME

Venue:             Wembley Stadium, London

Notes:              ·  Most significant heavyweight world title fight in 15 years—since Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson in June, 2002

  • Officially sold out more than 90,000 tickets; set to smash the attendance record at Wembley and join the ranks of the biggest events in boxing history

 

 

Saturday, May 20 – SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL

Main Event:     Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) vs. Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) – IBF Super Featherweight World Championship

Start Time:      TBD, live from London

Venue:             Copper Box Arena in London, England

Notes:              ·  Matchup of undefeated fighters. Champion vs. No. 1-ranked contender

  • Davis is the youngest reigning American titlist and second youngest in the world (Kosei Tanaka)

 

 

Saturday, May 20 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event:     Gary Russell Jr. (21-1, 16 KOs) vs. Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) – WBC Featherweight World Championship

Co-Features:   Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) vs. José Uzcátegui (26-1, 22 KOs) – IBF Super Middleweight Interim World Championship

Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) vs. Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) – WBA Super Lightweight Eliminator

Start Time:      TBD

Venue:             MGM National Harbor in Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area

Notes:              ·  Sixth featherweight title fight on SHOWTIME since Feb. 2016, and second this year.

  • The winner of Dirrell-Uzcátegui becomes the mandatory for IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale
  • The winner of Barthelemy-Relikh becomes the mandatory challenger to WBA Super Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns

 

 

Saturday, May 27 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Main Event:     Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) vs. Errol Spence Jr. (21-0, 19 KOs) – IBF Welterweight World Championship

Start Time:      TBD, live from England

Venue:             Bramall Lane Football Ground in Sheffield, England

Notes:              ·  World Champion vs. IBF No. 1-ranked contender

  • No. 3-ranked vs. No. 5-ranked welterweights (via Transnational Boxing Rankings)
  • Six of the consensus top-10 welterweights in the world featured on SHOWTIME/CBS events in the first half of 2017

 

 

Saturday, June 3 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Main Event:     Adonis Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) vs. Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) II – WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship

Co-Main:         Eleider Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs) vs. Jean Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs) – WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Title

Start Time:      TBD

Notes:              ·  Stevenson-Fonfara II is a rematch of 2014 all-action championship bout in which both fighters scored knock downs

 

 

Friday, June 9 – ShoBox: The New Generation (Hall of Fame Induction Weekend)

Main Event:     Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) vs. Abel Ramos (17-2-2, 12 KOs) – 10 Round Super Lightweight Bout

Start Time:      10 p.m. ET/PT

Venue:             Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Notes:              ·  International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend

  • The lead announce team for ShoBox, legendary sportscaster Barry Tompkins and boxing historian Steve Farhood, to be inducted to the Hall in nearby Canastota, NY.

 

 

Expected This Summer

Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia in separate events live on SHOWTIME.

 

 

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com

 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Andre Dirrell Wins Unanimous Decision over Blake Caparello in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Live from the Taj Mahal Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City

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Anthony Dirrell Scores First Round Knockout Over Caleb Truax
 
Jonathan Guzman Stops Daniel Rosas in Title Eliminator
 
Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 30, 2016) – Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) defeated Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-2-1, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-91 X 3) in a 10-round super middleweight attraction in the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike main event from the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
In a bout that started off with a lot of back and forth action, Caparello struck first with a left in the second round that sent Dirrell to the canvas.
“The knockdown I got in the second round felt good,” said Caparello. “I knew I had him hurt, but I wasn’t able to capitalize on it.”
Caparello again got Dirrell against the ropes and seemingly into a bit of trouble with a similar left in round three, but eventually Dirrell settled in and managed to gain control of the fight.
Dirrell said, “My focus, determination and my drive got me the win tonight. I know I’ve got more work to do, but I never stopped grinding in there tonight.”
Caparello continued to go to work and battle, but it was clear who the ring general was from the close of the third round and until the final bell rang.
Dirrell exclaimed, “I wanted to send the boxing world and this whole division a message. I’m coming for anyone with a belt. I’ll take on anyone who’s a champion. I know I’ll be a world champion. I have to be a champion. I don’t slow down for anyone. I’m going to keep pushing to get where I’m going.”
On his struggles in the later rounds, Caparello said, “I continued to look for the same left hand all night, it just didn’t come again. Andre has a lot of tricks, he is both good and fast. I am not happy with my performance.”
Dirrell concluded, “Tonight my brother and I were both able to display our talents in front of a national audience on Spike. Anthony is strong as an ox and got the win quickly tonight. I got the win on determination and heart. I had to use my toughness in this fight, and I pushed myself as hard as I could to get the win.”
In the second televised bout of the evening, former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (29-1-1, 23 KOs) met former world title challenger Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-3-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight affair.
The former 168-pound titleholder Dirrell got off to a quick start, scoring two knockdowns in the first round, causing referee Harvey Dock to stop the fight at just 1:49 into the first round.
Dirrell said of the dominating performance, “What helped me tonight was landing my shots early. I was right on top of him with combinations and controlling my jab and that set the tone. I showed tonight that I work hard in the gym, and it paid off. If I work like I did this time leading up to the fight, then I know nobody can beat me.”
A stunned Truax said, “Everything was great leading up to the fight. I don’t know what happened tonight. He just caught me early. I think it was an overhand right.”
Reflecting on what the victory means for his struggling hometown of Flint, MI, Dirrell said, “My work tonight inside the ring made a big statement for what my brother and I are doing outside of the ring. A lot of people were watching tonight, and now they know a little bit more about what’s going on with the Flint Water Crisis back home.”
The opening televised bout featured undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Guzman (21-0, 21 KOs) continuing his hot streak in a 12-round super bantamweight title eliminator against Mexico’s Daniel Rosas (20-3, 12 KOs).
Guzman, an unbeaten fighter out of the Dominican Republic and now training in Massachusetts, stabilized early and easily controlled the action in the second half of the fight.
Guzman said, “I used a lot of concentration early and let him make errors so I could see what he was planning to do. Once I saw the mistakes he was making I let my hands go.”
Rosas was stunned in the third round, but Guzman was unable to close on the wobbled fighter. In the fifth round, Guzman landed a left that knocked Rosas back and followed it with another, dropping Rosas just before the bell.
“I wanted to let him throw some punches early. It helped me gain confidence and learn his tendencies,” said Guzman. “I saw him dropping that right hand, and I knew it would open up the opportunity for me to land my left.”
Rounds six and seven saw Rosas take a pummeling, but miraculously stay on his feet. At the end of the eighth frame, Guzman dropped Rosas for a second time, and again Rosas was saved by the bell.
However, referee Benjy Esteves had seen enough and stopped the fight following the close of round eight.
When asked about the stoppage, Rosas said, “The ref stopped the fight. I thought the fight should have continued, but he decided to stop it.” Rosas continued, “(Guzman) knocked me down, but I kept on fighting. I was never hurt. Guzman is a strong fighter, but I felt I could have continued and come back in the rest of the rounds.”
 
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The fight card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Andre Dirrell, Blake Caparello, Anthony Dirrell, Caleb Truax, Jonathan Guzman & Daniel Rosas Media Roundtable Quotes

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PBC on Spike Friday, April 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
From Taj Mahaj Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 28, 2016) – With just two days until they enter the ring, Premier Boxing Champions on Spike fighters participated in media roundtables Wednesday in Atlantic City and discussed their respective Friday, April 29showdowns taking place at Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City.

The card is headlined by the return of the Dirrell brothers as Olympic Bronze medalist Andre “The Resurrected” Dirrell battles Australia’s Blake Caparello and former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell takes on Minnesota’s Caleb “Golden” Truax. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT with knockout artist Jonathan Guzman against Mexico’s Daniel Rosas in a 122-pound eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and are on sale now.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

ANDRE DIRRELL

“I can tell that Caparello is coming from Australia to prove a point. He’s hungry for a victory and It’s my job to make sure he doesn’t get that. I take this as a championship fight.

“The blessing in having a layoff is that my body is in great shape. I feel 25-years-old not 32.

“I don’t see myself as the smaller man. I suppose he can take a few shots but I am going to display my skill and show that it will lead to a world championship.

“I feel I am at the championship level. I’ll have an eye on the 168-pound title fightsSaturday. I’m looking to get that championship as soon as I can. I am ready and I want DeGale. I don’t care if it’s in his hometown, backyard, basement, living room or kitchen. I want to make sure that fight happens.

“I worked really hard and I can’t wait to get in the ring on Friday night.”

BLAKE CAPARELLO

“It’s good to be back in Atlantic City. I took a lot from my fight against Sergey Kovalev. Being in the ring with him taught me a lot about ring composure. This is my Atlantic City redemption.

“Dirrell is a very difference fighter. Andre is very quick and slick. I can’t afford to make minor mistakes. I didn’t make the 20-hour flight for a loss. I was small for 175 pounds which made the move to 168 very comfortable.

“The plan is to win and fight one of the champions but fighting Andre is a world title for me.

“People don’t think that I can punch, but I’m coming to win and put on a show. I’m looking to bring a victory back to Australia.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“It means a lot to share this card with my brother. We share everything. He is my big brother and this is a great moment for both of us.

“I will be watching the super middleweight title fights Saturday night, but I am not looking past Caleb Truax.

“I know Truax has fought some good competition in Daniel Jacobs and Jermain Taylor. I have my hands full but I prepared to have my hand lifted in Victory.

“I think the loss made me a better fighter because I know what it takes to get there. I am just looking for the next shot. When I get it, I’m going to capitalize and not let the title go.

“I’m going to stick to my game plan and try to get Truax out of there. Then I can start thinking about Badou Jack. I definitely want a rematch.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I have to make the most of this opportunity. This is a huge fight for me. I can get another shot at a world title with a win.

“Dirrell is a good fighter. I’ve seen a lot of his fights and we’ve fought on the same card before. You have to respect that he is a former world champion.

“I have to draw from all the experiences I’ve had in my career. I have to use my experience and be on top of my game.

“Most of my fights have been around super middleweight. I don’t have to struggle to make weight as much and I couldn’t turn down this opportunity.”

JONATHAN GUZMAN

“Rosas is a typical Mexican fighter who will come forward and be in great condition. I’m ready for him and I feel I know him well.

“I want a world title and we’re happy that if we get this win we can compete for a belt next time out.

“We are excited to put on a great show Friday night. I will break him in half.”

DANIEL ROSAS

“We know our opponent is very good, but we trained 100 percent to get the victory.

“We’ve been waiting and putting in the work. If the knockout comes, it comes.

“I know this is an elimination bout. We came to win and we’re prepared for anything that comes. I’m ready to be a world champion.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Unbeaten Knockout Artist Jonathan Guzman Takes On Mexican Brawler Daniel Rosas in Title Eliminator Friday, April 29 On Premier Boxing Champions On Spike Live from the Taj Mahal Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City

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Plus! Top Prospects Eddie Ramirez, Titus Williams & Local Favorites Featured On Loaded Undercard
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 25, 2016) – Undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Guzman(20-0, 20 KOs) will battle Mexico’s Daniel Rosas (20-2, 12 KOs) in a 12-round super bantamweight title eliminator in the opening bout of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike on Friday, April 29 from the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features the return of the Dirrell brothers as Andre “The Resurrected” Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) takes on Minnesota’s Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-2-2, 6 KOs) while Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) battles Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-1-1, 6 KOs) in a pair of 10-round super middleweight bouts. Guzman and Rosas will fight for the number two contender spot for the world title currently held by Carl Frampton.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and are on sale now.
A trio of exciting prospects highlight the undercard action as unbeaten New York Golden Gloves champion Titus Williams takes on Indiana’s DeWayne Wisdom in a six-round featherweight bout, unbeaten 23-year-old Eddie Ramirez enters the ring in an eight-round super lightweight contest and Brooklyn’s Chordale Booker battles Virginia’s Rogue Zapata in a four-round super welterweight fight.
Addition bouts features New Jersey talent including welterweight Anthony Young of Atlantic City against Juan Rodriguez in a six-round battle, Little Egg Harbor’s Brendan Barrett in a four-round heavyweight bout against Alando Pugh, Toms River’s Hafiz Montgomery against fellow unbeaten Darnell Pierce in a four-round cruiserweight affair and Atlantic City’s Chris Thomas taking on Jessie Singletary in a four-round middleweight fight.
Rounding out the action is unbeaten heavyweight Luther Smith in a four-round battle withSolomon Maye, Antonio Magruder in a six-round super lightweight contest againstVictor Vasquez and the pro debut of Abraham Nova as he faces Weusi Johnson in a four-round super lightweight bout.
An unbeaten fighter out of the Dominican Republic and now training in Massachusetts, Guzman is nearing a world title fight thanks to his extreme power and ability to stop opponents. The 26-year-old has won all of his fight by knockout and since making his U.S. debut in 2014 he has stopped Ernesto Guerrero, Juan Guzman, Christian Esquivel and most recently Danny Aquino.
An experienced 26-year-old who has fought professionally since 2007, Rosas came up just short in his last title opportunity, when he dropped a decision to Alejandro Hernandez in 2014. Rosas has won his last three fights in a row since then and the Mexico City-native will look to make a splash in his U.S. debut on April 29.
 
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Dirrell Brothers Return As Premier Boxing Champions On Spike Hits Atlantic City

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Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell Battles Australia’s Blake Caparello & 
Former World Champion Anthony Dirrell Takes On Veteran Caleb Truax
At The Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 22, 2016) – Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) takes on Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight attraction as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) returns to Spike on Friday, April 29 from Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Also on the same card, Dirrell’s brother, former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) will meet former world title challenger Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-2-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight affair as part of an exciting night of PBC on Spike action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
The former 168-pound titleholder Anthony and two-time title challenger Andre are both prime for another run at championship gold, but will have stiff competition from opponents who have recently had their own title opportunities.
“April 29 is going to be a fun night of boxing,” said Andre. “Caparello is hungry just like me and he’s fighting for his career so I know he’s a very dangerous man. Everything in camp has been perfect so far. I’m excited that both Anthony and I will get to showcase our skills and spread our family name even more on the same Spike show.”
“It’s an honor to be fighting on the same card as my brother,” said Anthony. “It’s going to be a great night of boxing. Truax is a good, rugged fighter who will bring out the best in me. I need someone to push me to the max. My prediction is always a knockout.”
Caparello scored a first round knockdown in his 2014 world title bout before losing to Sergey Kovalev, while Caleb Truax battled middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a PBC on Spike co-feature in 2015, failing to Jacobs in the final stanza.
“This is a huge opportunity for me to show the world that I am one of the best 168-pounders in all of boxing,” said Caparello. “This is the weight class where I belong. Dirrell is a former Olympian and, like myself, a world title challenger. I expect a very tough fight on October 17, but I know that I will be victorious.”
“This is a fight that I have to take advantage of and win,” said Truax. “It’s another great opportunity for me and I’m putting everything into training. Dirrell is a good, athletic fighter with skills. It’s a tough task but I’m up for it. I’m bringing my A-game so he better do the same.”
“April 29 will be an outstanding night,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Having the Dirrell brothers on the same card will be a great and unique night of boxing. Both are exceptional talents and they are in with two guys who are looking for breakthrough wins in Blake Caparello and Caleb Truax.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and are on sale now.
An amateur standout that won two U.S. World Championships in addition to his Olympic Bronze medal, the 32-year-old Andre Dirrell is ready to return to the ring after an illness delayed his previously scheduled bout against Caparello. The fighter out of Flint, Michigan holds victories over Arthur Abraham and Curtis Stevens and only has two narrow losses on his resume.
A crafty fighter out of Victoria, Australia, Caparello won his first 20 professional fights primarily fighting out of his home country. He owns victories over Michael Bolling, Jorge Olivera, Allan Green and previously unbeaten Robert Berridge. The 29-year-old most recently scored a unanimous decision over Affif Belghecham in June and after his scheduled bout with Dirrell was delayed, he defeated Luke Sharp by decision.
Anthony Dirrell has seen more adversity than most throughout his career as his time in boxing has been seriously jeopardized twice, first in December 2006 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and was sidelined for 20 months and again in May 2012 when he broke his lower left leg and left wrist in a motorcycle accident. The Flint, Michigan-native never let that hold him down as he kept winning fights and working his way up the professional ranks. In 2014 he won his first championship when he defeated defending champion Sakio Bika. His road back to a 168-pound title began in September when he dominated the action against Marco Antonio Rubio on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
Born in Osseo, Minnesota, Truax is an experienced veteran who has fought professionally since 2007. Fighting mostly in his home state, the 31-year-old won his first 14 fights. He dropped a 2012 showdown to Jermain Taylor but went undefeated in his next eight fights to earn the fight against Jacobs. Most recently, Truax stopped veteran Melvin Betancourt in the fourth round in February.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

168-POUND STAR ANDRE DIRRELL TAKES A STAND AGAINST POISONED WATER IN  FLINT, MI WITH FUNDRAISING EFFORT

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Flint Native Creates GoFundMe Page As Call To Action
 
To Donate CLICK HERE
 
Flint, MI (Feb. 2, 2016) – Olympic bronze medalist and super middleweight star Andre Dirrell has taken matters into his own hands with a grassroots effort to raise funds in toward the purchase of clean water for those affected by the poisoned water crisis in his hometown of Flint. President Obama, last month, declared a national state of emergency in Flint, Michigan, whose water supply was contaminated with toxic levels of lead when its source was changed from Lake Huron to the Flint River. To date, over 102,000 people have been poisoned and the number continues to climb (source: Huffington Post).
The super middleweight has already donated thousands of dollars of his own money toward the purchase of clean water for Flint residents and is imploring his fellow fighters and everyone in the boxing community to do what they can to help.
 
“As an athlete, I have a great appreciation for the importance of water in someone’s life,” said Dirrell. “You can’t train without water, but the people of Flint need it for much more than drinking. They need to bath, cook and stay alive. This is a tragedy and I feel as though I’m in a position to not only do what I can to help these people, but encourage my fellow fighters and the whole boxing community to do what they can.
 
“On a personal note, I have over 30 family members living in Flint can possibly be poisoned, including six or seven of my nieces and nephews who range from the ages of 2-13. It hurts knowing that there are serious long-term effects, especially on young kids. If those were my kids, I would want something to be done. Let’s help save my city.”
 
To donate to support Dirrell’s fundraising effort to purchase clean water for the residents of Flint, click go to https://www.gofundme.com/7wm96hz8.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION LAMONT PETERSON RETURNS TO TAKE ON UNBEATEN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST FELIX DIAZ JR. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC COMES TO EAGLEBANK ARENA AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY IN FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT

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PLUS! U.S. OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST ANDRE DIRRELL FACES
AUSTRALIA’S BLAKE CAPARELLO IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT
 
Tickets on Sale Tomorrow At 10 a.m. ET!
 
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (September 4, 2015) – Former world champion Lamont Peterson(33-3-1, 17 KOs) will return to the ring near his Washington D.C. home as he takes on 2008 Olympic Gold medalist from the Dominican Republic Felix Diaz Jr. (17-0, 8 KOs) in a 12-round bout on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC on Saturday, October 17 from EagleBank Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
The televised co-main event begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT and pits Olympic Bronze medalist Andre “The Resurrected” Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) against Australia’s Blake “Il Capo” Caparello (21-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout.
“I’m very excited to be back in the ring, especially close to home in Virginia and fighting on NBC,” said Peterson. “I’m happy just to be doing what I love to do. I’ve been in the gym and I’ve stayed ready so I’m prepared to give the fans the kind of show they deserve.”
“I am very thankful for this opportunity and I know that Lamont Peterson will be my toughest battle so far,” said Diaz. “I am confident that at the end of the fight, I will have my hand raised. No disrespect to Lamont, but he has had his opportunity, now it is my time to show the world who Felix Diaz is. I can assure you that the fans will not be disappointed onOctober 17.”
“My motivation to succeed only gets stronger with each fight,” said Dirrell. “I fight to win. All I want to see is a belt around my waist. Whatever it takes, whatever I have to do, it’ll get done. I will be a world champion! This fight is the next step.”
“This is a huge opportunity for me to show the world that I am one of the best 168-pounders in all of boxing,” said Caparello. “This is the weight class where I belong. Dirrell is a former Olympian and, like myself, a world title challenger. I expect a very tough fight onOctober 17, but I know that I will be victorious.”
“Lamont Peterson is an elite fighter. He proved it in his disputed loss to Danny Garcia and will come back to face an undefeated Felix Diaz in what should be a great scrap,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Diaz is an Olympic gold medalist from the Dominican Republic with a fan-friendly style; he will bring that to the fight and I expect great action. In the opening bout, coming back from a hard-fought battle with James DeGale, Andre Dirrell returns to action against former world title challenger Blake Caparello, who is now campaigning as a world-rated super middleweight. I expect an excellent night of fightsOctober 17.”
“We are thrilled to host the first Premier Boxing Champions telecast in the Washington D.C. area on October 17th,” said General Manager of EagleBank Arena Barry Geisler. “The PBC series is leading a renaissance of boxing and EagleBank Arena is excited to participate in their efforts.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $85, $65 and $40, plus applicable service charges, and are on sale tomorrow, September 4 at 10 a.m. ET/. Tickets will be available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the EagleBank Arena box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com and via Phonecharge at 1-800-745-3000. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 703-993-3035. Please visitwww.eaglebankarena.com for more information.
The 31-year-old Peterson will be fighting just minutes outside of his native Washington D.C. and looks to pick up his fifth career victory in the DC metropolitan area. Discovered as a child by trainer Barry Hunter while homeless on the street with his brother Anthony, Peterson has one of the best rags to riches stories in the sport. A pro since 2004, he owns victories over Victor Manuel Cayo, Kendall Holt and Dierry Jean in addition to the world title winning performance against Amir Khan, which he successfully defended three times.
A two-time Olympian representing the Dominican Republic, Diaz Jr. won a gold medal at his second Olympic games in 2008 in Beijing. Now fighting out of the Bronx, the 31-year-old has slowly increased the level of his competition, as he owns victories over Emmanuel Lartey, Adrian Granados and most recently Gabriel Bracero in a dominating performance on April 11. Now, he will jump to the world-class level as he looks to prove he belongs at the top of the sport when he takes on Peterson.
An amateur standout ßthat won two U.S. Amateur World Championships in addition to his Olympic Bronze medal, the 31-year-old Dirrell looks to work towards another world-title opportunity on October 17. The fighter out of Flint, Michigan holds victories over Arthur Abraham and Curtis Stevens and only has two narrow losses on his resume.
A crafty fighter out of Victoria, Australia won his first 20 pro fights primarily fighting out of his home country. He owns victories over Michael Bolling, Jorge Olivera, Allan Green and previously unbeaten Robert Berridge. The 29-year-old most recently scored a unanimous decision over Affif Belghecham in June and looks to make it three wins in a row onOctober 17.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @DiBellaEnt, @KingPete26, @NBCSports, @EagleBankArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/EagleBankArena.