Tag Archives: Antonio Tarver Jr.

boxing

Silva sharp for Saturday showdown with Casarez; targets the best at 135

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Silva.jpg
Plant City, FL (March 1, 2018) – Many in the boxing world best remember Brazilian lightweight William Silva for his gutsy 2016 performance against Felix Verdejo. In the HBO televised bout, Silva showed tremendous heart and toughness but was outpointed over ten rounds in front of a sold out pro-Verdejo crowd.
“I didn’t have the right team or training camp at the time,” said Silva, who entered the Verdejo bout 23-0.
Since relocating to Florida from Arizona, Silva linked up with Jose Rodriguez at the Plant City Boxing Gym and inked a promotional agreement with Tampa-based Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. In November 2017, he returned to the ring after a year and a half layoff to outpoint Ariel Vasquez. Thus far, everything has paid off and Silva’s currently in top form.
“He’s been training at a fantastic pace, said Rodriguez. “His balance and power are extraordinary – he’s ready to fight!”
On Saturday, March 3, Silva faces tough Rogelio Casarez in the 10 round main event of a Fire Fist Boxing card at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL. Silva-Casarez is for the NBA World and IBO Continental lightweight championships. Casarez, who has a deceiving 13-6 record, faced excellent opposition including Jamel Herring and multi-division title contender Cesar Seda, who he took the distance last August.
“I don’t know much about him besides that he’s a tough lefty that comes at you,” Silva said of his opponent.
Even with limited information about the man he’ll swap punches with Saturday evening, Silva’s confident he’ll defeat his Arkansas-based foe before setting his sights on the 135 pound division’s elite.
“(With a victory) I hope to get ranked and fight the top fighters at 135. This is my time to make it happen because I’ve got the right people behind me that believe in my career.”
The card starts at 7 pm and also features 7 other bouts including local standouts Nicholas Iannuzzi, Antonio Tarver Jr., Joseph Fernandez, Ricky Tomlinson and Ozodek Aripov.
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com and tables can be purchased by calling 813-734-2461. Fans can also watch the eight bout card live anywhere in the world for just $9.99 by going to https://www.fite.tv/watch/lightweight-battle/2mzhw/.
boxing

William Silva headlines March 3 in Clearwater, FL

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March 3 Fight Poster.jpg
Tampa, FL (February 18, 2018) – Lightweight contender William “Baby Face” Silva returns to the ring Saturday, March 3 to face rugged Rogelio Casarez at Banquet Master in Clearwater, FL.
The eight-bout card is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and tables can be purchased by calling 813-734-2461.  Fans can also watch the card live for only $9.99 at Fite.tv/watch/lightweight-battle/2mzhw/. The first bout is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Hailing from Sao Paolo, Brazil but residing in Florida, Silva has an excellent 24-1 professional record with 14 of those victories by knockout. The former WBO Latino Lightweight titlist fought highly-touted Felix Verdejo on HBO in 2016 but came up short in a gutsy performance. Silva is looking to get back into the limelight but must first pass a tough test on the 3rd.
Known by his moniker “El Loco,” Casarez has proven his willingness to fight anybody, anytime, anywhere. The Arkansas native, who is 13-6 with 5 KO’s, fought 2012 Olympian Jamel Herring, undefeated Louis Cruz and two-division world title challenger Cesar Seda. In 2016, Casarez traveled all the way to China to capture the NABF and IBU 130 pound titles by outpointing previously unbeaten Ronnakit Boontree over twelve rounds.
The Silva-Casarez showdown is slated for ten rounds and is for the NBA World and IBO Continental 135 pound titles.
Popular Tampa cruiserweight Nicholas “The Showstopper” Iannuzzi returns to the squared circle for the first time in nearly four years to face Lemarcus Tucker of Arkansas in a six rounder. Known for his larger than life Personality, Iannuzzi has a solid 18-4 record with 10 KO’s. Tucker, 5-3-1 (3 KO’s), had all nine of his professional fights during Iannuzzi’s hiatus and looks for a second consecutive victory.
Ricky “Cowboy” Tomlinson of Thonotasassa, FL meets unbeaten Ernest Hall of Baltimore, MD in a four round featherweight contest. Tomlinson, 5-3-2 (3 KO’s) is a big local draw and fought his entire career in the Sunshine State.
Middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver Jr. of Orlando, FL looks to run his record to 5-0 when he meets Dallas, TX based veteran Carlos Dixon in a four round contest. Tarver Jr. is the son of former unified champion Antonio Tarver.
“We at Fire Fist Boxing are looking forward to an explosive night of boxing with championship bouts and a great undercard,” said Promoter Jody Caliguire. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the boxing fans for another great evening filled with international and local talent.”
In other undercard bouts, Joseph Fernandez meets Thomas Amaro in a six rounder, heavyweight Jordan Sanders challenges Rodriguez Cade over four rounds, Ozodbek Aripov faces Chaklit Ali Redwood in a four round junior middleweight tilt and Rufat Huseynov battles Emilio Rivera.
For more information, go to Firefirstboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.
boxing

Undefeated prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. establishing his own identity in ring

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TAMPA (May 10, 2016) – Fighting for his young family, as well as to expand the legacy associated with his last name, the son of 5-time world champion and 1996 U.S. Olympian Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver – unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. – this past weekend continued establishing his own identity in the ring.
After a 9-month absence, the 28-year-old Tarver (4-0, 3 KOs) returned to the ring in Lakeland, Florida, stopping Jose Cortez in the second round.  Tarver displayed his improving skills, especially a punishing body attack, during a thoroughly dominating performance.  He broke-down Cortez and closed the show in style.
“It took me one round to get rid of ring rust,” he explained.  “We had a game-plan to go to the body, then the head, body and head, but it took me a round to do it. God’s really blessed me and I owe all thanks to Him. My father and coach, Jimmy Williams, have always told me not to look for a knockout but that it’ll come.  I’m not a one-punch knockout fighter.  It’s all about setting up shots and putting them together.  I may not connect with every single body shot I throw, but if I get in three of four each round, it’ll eventually cause damage. I’m focusing on my opponent’s liver and ribs, trying to be a body-snatcher.”
Tarver was an athlete, playing basketball and football, who didn’t start boxing until he was 19.  He had a very brief amateur career and fully realizes that he’s consistently going to be fighting more experienced boxers.
“In the ring,” Tarver said, “I’m still a baby. My opponents may be much more experienced than me, but I do have a lot of experience around me: my father, coach Williams and Darrell Foreman.  My father wouldn’t support me as a fighter until I proved to him that I was worthy (sacrificing and training).  I’m worthy now and believe I’m coming into my own as I continue to learn.”
“As a father,” Tarver Sr., noted, “I wanted him to know what he was getting into and have the tools to succeed.  He’s as tough as nails.  When he realizes how strong he really is…..look out. There’s a difference between hitting an opponent with a punch and punching through him like he’s doing now.  I just wish he’d get started quicker.  He doesn’t get going until he gets hit and then he turns into a beast.  A ferociousness comes out from inside that I never had.  He’s improving all of the time.  He’s putting punches together better and sitting down on his punches.
“Antonio is going to be a fan-friendly fighter.  I know I put him under a lot of pressure, but he’s fighting much more experienced guys.  I’ve never been worried about him fighting a tough guy.  It’s the guys who think in the ring and have amateur pedigree that can be problems for him.”
Understanding that his opponents get pumped to fight him because of his last name, Antonio Jr. rationalizes that, taking advantage of the situation he is in.  “It’s very important for my opponents to beat me and the name,” he admitted.  “My father set this stage for me and my name is, Antonio Tarver, Jr., so they’re trying to give us both a loss.  I’m fighting for my family and to protect the legacy of my last name.  I try and take advantage of being my father’s son and accept everything that goes with that.  I don’t try to put pressure on myself but, of course, I want to be the best Antonio Tarver Jr. I can be.
“People are always going to compare me with my father but we fight in different weight classes.  Light heavyweights, other than Roy Jones Jr., are slower than junior middleweights, who are much quicker like Floyd Mayweather, Jr.  I’m always going to be fighting opponents taller than me, or sometimes the same height, but I’m 5′ 9″ and a lot of my opponents are going to be 6′ 2″ or so.
The father has another important lesson he’s teaching his son.  “Antonio became a father for the first time last September and he was slow getting back in the gym,” Antonio Sr. added.  “He has to learn how to balance fatherhood with his pro boxing career, making sacrifices to become a champion!”
INFORMATION:
@AntonioTarverJr
@AntonioTarver
Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Contender Kanat Islam Stops Colombia’s Jesus De Angel in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round On Bounce TV from The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida

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Miguel Cruz Wins Narrow Split Decision Over Samuel Figueroa in
Competitive Battle of Undefeated Prospects
&
Super Featherweight Dennis Galarza Earns Decision Over Mexico’s
Yardley Suarez in Opening Bout
 
Click HERE for Photos from Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions
LAKELAND, FLORIDA (May 9, 2016) – Undefeated contender Kanat Islam (21-0, 18 KOs) stopped Colombia’s Jesus De Angel (18-4-1, 17 KOs) in the sixth round ofSunday night’s main event on Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round onBounce TV from the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida.
The rising 154-pounder from Kazakhstan stopped his ninth straight opponent inside the distance when De Angel fell to the canvas twice in round six prompting referee Telis Assimenios to halt the bout 22 seconds into the round.
De Angel appeared to succumb to an ankle injury while taking a step backward that forced him to drop to the canvas. Islam sensed his moment and pounced on the injured brawler to put an end to the bout quickly. De Angel was taken to the emergency room after the fight due to the in-ring injury.
A 2004 Olympic Bronze medalist, Islam was able to navigate around the four-inch reach advantage owned by De Angel and control the fight with his athleticism and powerful right hand. His first headlining appearance was a successful one as he looks to continue to climb the ladder towards a world title.
The co-main event of the evening saw Miguel Cruz (13-0, 11 KOs) take home a split decision victory over Samuel Figueroa (10-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round back-and-forth battle of unbeaten welterweight prospects.
The friends turned rivals brought the action from the beginning as the smaller southpaw Figueroa aggressively attacked the body of Cruz in early exchanges. Cruz’s timing improved as the fight went on and his combinations began to land and stunt the attack of Figueroa.
Some of the best back-and-forth action came in round six as both fighters had found their way through the opponent’s defense. Cruz used his length to beat Figueroa to the punch, but Figueroa continued to throw punches and do plenty of damage throughout the heated final stanzas.
In a fight that appeared to be an even affair, the judges scores were 77-75 for Figueroa and 78-74 and 77-75 for Cruz to give him the split decision.
In the opening bout of the telecast, super featherweight Dennis Galarza (13-1, 8 KOs) won his eighth straight fight as he defeated durable Mexican Yardley Suarez (15-4, 9 KOs) over eight hard fought rounds.
Galarza used his length advantage to break Suarez down with his jab and penetrate his defense with various combinations. The Brooklyn-born fighter now training out of Orlando dominated the first half of the fight on his way to the unanimous decision.
Suarez began to pick up the action in the second half of the fight landing several hard punches and challenging Galarza to exchange in the middle of the ring in round five. He landed perhaps the best combination of the fight in round six with a pair of punches that sent Galarza into retreat mode for the remainder of the round.
Overall it was Galarza’s output that proved to be the biggest difference as he threw 421 punches to Suarez’s 305 on his way to a 117-99 advantage in punches landed. The judges’ scores were 77-75 and 78-74 twice for Galarza.
Here is what the fighters had to say Sunday night:
KANAT ISLAM
“It felt good to go to (six) rounds to get the win. My last few opponents didn’t put up a fight and challenge me. My team wanted to test me and everything went to plan for what I wanted to do in the ring.
“I boxed, I used my feet, I moved in and out, I set up my power punches and I was able to finish him off. I hope he’s OK, I know it’s hard to fight with an injury. I hope he recovers soon.
“I saw he was beginning to get tired around round four and knew I had him hurt. That’s when I started hitting him with harder punches. I did the work I wanted to do, and then I wanted to finish him.
“There were a lot of fans from the Kazakhstan community here, a lot of fans who traveled from far places to see me fight. That meant a lot to me. I wanted to make sure they got to see everything I can do in the ring. Now I want them to see me win a world title this year.
“I feel like I can come back tomorrow. I don’t want any longer breaks in my career. I want big fights. Who are the champions? That is who I want to fight.”
MIGUEL CRUZ
“I know that I won the fight in the end, but it was a hard fight, a very tough fight. I was landing the cleaner shots but there were times where he was putting the pressure on me. He hurt me with body shots and he actually managed to hurt me in the last round with a right hook. I recognized when he hurt me and I hit him and hurt him right back. I had him hurt a couple of times.
“I knew he was a tough guy from when we fought in the amateurs and from when we sparred together. He made me bring something out of me that I didn’t even know I had and I appreciate him for that.
“This was the toughest fight of my career. Right now, I want to rest and relax, but within the next 2-3 months I’ll start looking at the guys that can get me closer to a world title.
“The fight’s over, we can absolutely go back to being friends. It’s business. They told us we had to fight each other. We’re better fighters for it and now it’s over and back to the way it was between us as far as I’m concerned.”
SAMUEL FIGUEROA
“I didn’t think Miguel won the fight but that’s how the judges seen that. I don’t know how, but I can’t do anything about that. The first rounds I hit him clear in the face, Miguel only caught me with a couple of clean shots but I was catching a lot of his punches with my hands and elbows. I don’t know how I lost this fight.
“I love fighting unbeaten opponents. I train with champions in the gym, I have the resources to get me ready for these fights.
“Yes of course we go back to being friends. Nothing personal. He’s my friend. We’re cool.”
DENNIS GALARZA
“It felt good to go eight rounds. I didn’t mind going rounds, although I wanted to take him out. He was throwing a lot of wild shots just looking to catch me with a lucky blow. He caught me with some good shots but he never had me hurt. I train with southpaws all the time and was ready for anything Yardley Suarez had to offer.
“I want to come back as soon as possible. Whatever my team has in store for me, I’ll be ready.”
YARDLEY SUAREZ
“I had him hurt but feel like I let the opportunity get away from me. I wasn’t busy enough; I need to let my hands go more. My corner told me that I needed a knockout to win. I went for it, but I couldn’t slow him down and land enough punches.
“I want to stay on this level, I could have done more but know that I can compete with the best.”
#  #  #
PBC: The Next Round on Bounce TV was promoted by King’s Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets.  Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.
For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.
Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Back with Marshall Kauffman, Featherweight Dat Nguyen has title aspirations

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Unbeaten Super Welterweight Kanat Islam Battles Colombia’s Juan De Angel in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round On Bounce TV, TONIGHT, May 8 From Lakeland Events Center in Lakeland, Florida
Plus! Unbeaten Prospects Miguel Cruz & Samuel Figueroa Go Toe-To-Toe While Hard-Hitting Dennis Galarza Takes On Mexico’s Yardley Suarez
Tickets On Sale Now!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAKELAND, FLA. (May 8, 2016) – TONIGHT in Lakeland, Florida, featherweightDat Nguyen returns to the ring after a 31-month layoff when he takes on Gustavo Molina (22-10, 9 KO’s)

In the main event, unbeaten super welterweight and Olympic Bronze medalist Kanat Islam (20-0, 17 KOs) will take on Colombian brawler Juan De Angel (18-3-1, 17 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Roundon Bounce TV taking place Sunday, May 8 from Lakeland Events Center in Lakeland, Florida.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.thelakelandcenter.com or by calling 888-397-0100 and from the Lakeland Center Box Office by calling 863-834-8111 or visiting between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features a pair of exciting undercard battles as unbeaten prospects Miguel Cruz (12-0, 11 KOs) and Samuel Figueroa(10-0, 4 KOs) compete in an eight-round super welterweight showdown while featherweight prospect Dennis Galarza (12-1, 8 KOs) faces Mexico’s Yardley Suarez (15-3, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Nguyen of Vero Beach, Florida hasn’t had the typical layoff of getting out of shape and thinking about missed opportunities.

“I have been training the whole time.  I own a gym here in Vero Beach and I have been training people for the past six years, so I have been in shape.  Sure it is not professional competition but I am able to stay busy and am ready for the fight on Sunday,” said Nguyen.  “I haven;t fought in a while, but I have no fear of ring rust.  I been sparring and going through boxing techniques the whole time.”
Nguyen was cruising along as a heralded prospect at 11-0 before losing a split decision to Gregorio Torres.  Nguyen then won six straight before dropping back to back fights to Luis Del Valle and future world title challenger Jayson Velez.
“The first loss was a bad decision.  The second loss, I was so winded after five rounds that I don’t know what happened.  The third loss to Velez, I also thought that I won that fight.  I just think under better circumstances that I would have won those fights. I know a lot of good stuff was said about me on the way up and I still think that I am championship material.  I just have not had that opportunity.”
To gain that opportunity, Nguyen turned to the man, who turned him professional twelve years ago in King’s Promotions Marshall Kauffman.
“Marshall is a father figure to me.  He trained me in 2004 and twelve years later I am back with him.  I have learned the business and now I am with a good promoter.  If I would have stayed with Marshall, I would be world champion.  I have the skills and Marshall knows boxing.  Now that I am back with him, he will get me that opportunity.  I live a clean and healthy life and now it is time that I reach my potential as a boxer.”

Also on the card:

In an eight-round bout, Alantez Fox (18-0, 7 KO’s) of Forestville, MD takes on Milton Nunez (35-15-1, 29 KO’s) of Barranquilla, COL in a middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Antonio Tarver Jr. (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Tampa, FL will fight Jose Cortez (1-1) of West Palm Beach, FL in a middleweight bout.

In a junior welterweight battle, Nestor Bravo (5-0, 5 KO’s) fights Daniel Lorenzano(4-7-1, 2 KO’s) of Miami, FL.
Efrain Cruz (4-0-1, 1 KO) of Vieques, PR will fight Irvin Hernandez (3-14-2, 1 KO) of Caguas, PR in a junior welterweight bout.
Botirsher Obdidov (4-0-1, 1 KO) of Kissimmee, FL take on Hakeem Atkinson (2-2, 2 KO’s) of Atlanta, GA in a super middleweight bout.

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.
Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Rising Undefeated Middleweight Alantez Fox Battles Colombian Veteran Milton Nunez in Undercard Action On Sunday, May 8 From The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida

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Plus! Unbeaten Prospects Antonio Tarver Jr., Nester Bravo & Antonio Williams Featured On Stacked Undercard
 
PBC: The Next Round on Bounce TV and BounceTV.com
Begins AT 9 p.m. ET/PT
 
LAKELAND, FLORIDA (May 5, 2016) – Unbeaten rising middleweight contenderAlantez Fox (18-0, 7 KOs) will square-off against Colombian brawler Milton Nunez (32-15-1, 29 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight attraction that headlines undercard action on Sunday, May 8 from the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida.
The May 8 event is headlined by undefeated super welterweight Kanat Islam taking on Colombia’s Juan De Angel in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV and BounceTV.com. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features a pair of exciting undercard battles as unbeaten prospects Miguel Cruz (12-0, 11 KOs) and Samuel Figueroa (10-0, 4 KOs) do battle while featherweight prospect Dennis Galarza (12-1, 8 KOs) faces Mexico’s Yardley Suarez (15-3, 9 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by visitingwww.thelakelandcenter.com or by calling 888-397-0100 and from the Lakeland Center Box Office by calling 863-834-8111 or visiting between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Additional action inside of the arena will feature the son of former champion Antonio Tarver, Antonio Tarver Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), in a four-round middleweight contest against West Palm Beach’s Jose Cortez (1-1), unbeaten junior welterweight prospect Nester Bravo (5-0, 5 KOs) of Puerto Rico taking on Miami’s Daniel Lorenzano (4-7-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout and unbeaten Fort Lauderdale-prospect Antonio Williams (3-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round featherweight bout against Puerto Rico’s Luis Ortiz (3-20).
Rounding out the night of fights is Vietnamese-born Florida native Dat Nguyen (17-3, 6 KOs) in a six-round featherweight contest against Fort Meyers-product Jesus Lule (8-16-1, 1 KO), undefeated Puerto Rican Efrain Cruz (4-0-1, 1 KO) against fellow Puerto Rican-native Irvin Hernandez (3-14-2, 1 KO) in a four-round junior welterweight affair and the pro debut of West Palm Beach’s Daruma Almenarez in a four-round middleweight bout against Zarief Brand.
A tall fighter at six-feet, five-inches with a 79-inch reach Fox is looking to take advantage of his outstanding physical skills on his path towards a world title. After a 165-35 amateur career the Forestville, Maryland-native turned pro in 2010 and is yet to taste defeat. The 24-year-old had a big 2015 as he began the year defeating previously unbeaten Patrick Day by decision before stopping Franklin Gonzalez, Guillermo Valdes, Eric Mitchell and Todd Manuel. The 28-year-old veteran Nunez from Barranquilla, Colombia has won four fights in a row by knockout heading into the May 8 showdown.
#  #  #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets.  Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.
For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.
boxing

Inaugural Team Tarver Back-To- School  drive a major hit last week in Tampa

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Team Tarver at Layla’s House in Tampa
TAMPA (August 26, 2015) —  The inaugural Team Tarver Back-To-School-Drive was a major hit last week at Layla’s House (www.LaylasHouse.com)  in Tampa, Florida.
Five-time world champion and world heavyweight contender, Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver (31-6-1, 22 KOs),  his son, unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), and some other Team Tarver members distributed school supplies last Thursday to underprivileged children in Tarver’s hometown of Tampa.
TEAM TARVER: (L-R) – Antonio Tarver, Antonio Tarver Jr., Eboney De Costa, Orlando Fernandez, Angela Mitchell and Jamil Thompson
“There’s nothing better than seeing smiles on the faces of young children,” Tarver said.  “I believe it’s important to give back in your community.  We feel it’s very important for children, especially the youngest ones, to have supplies for the first day of school. We were able to provide them with essential supplies like book-bags, pencils, and notebooks.  Hopefully, they feel better about themselves, attending school, and getting a good education.”
Team Tarver’s next planned function will be a Turkey Giveaway prior to Thanksgiving.For additional information, sponsorship inquires or to make a donation, please email officialteamtarver@gmail.com or visit its website at
 
 
 
INFORMATION:
@AntonioTarver
boxing

Antonio Tarver, Jr. Fighting Out of his father’s shadow

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Prospect to face Julian Valerio this Saturday night in Tampa

Antonio Tarver, Jr. can crack just like his father

 

TAMPA (July 9, 2015) – Junior middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), son of five-time world champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver, continues to fight out of his famous father’s shadow this Saturday night in Tampa.

 

The 27-year-old Tarver faces Julian Valerio (2-3) in a four-round bout off-television on the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN show, headlined by Keith Thurmanvs. Luis Collazo, at USF Sun Dome.

 

Tarver Jr. grew-up in nearby Daytona Beach and he recently relocated in Tampa where his father also lives. They have both trained in Miami with Orlando Cuellar. “This fight means a lot to me,” Tarver Jr. said. “I’m a young, up-and-coming fighter who has the great opportunity to fight Saturday night in front of family and friends. It’s only a two-hour drive from Daytona Beach. I’d like to thank ESPN, Al Haymon and everybody else who helped get me on this card. I sparred with him (Valerio) two years ago. He probably took this fight because of that sparring session, but I’ve got a big surprise for him Saturday night.”

 
The fightin’ Tarvers

There are many pros and cons having “Magic Man” as your father, especially when he is still an active, world-class fighter. “I’m my own man,” explained Tarver Jr. who was a basketball college player until he proved to his father that he was fully dedicated to boxing. “He’s more calculated; I’m quicker because I’m a junior middleweight and he’s a heavyweight. He’s a defensive genius and I’m working hard every day to improve my defense. I don’t put any pressure on myself as his son. He always told me to achieve my dreams, I’ve got to work hard, bust my butt, putting it all into my skills and crafts.

 

“I’ve only had 10 fights in my whole career (2 professional, 8 amateur) and I’m trying to catch-up with everybody else who have much more experience in the ring. But I have my father talking in my ear with advice from all of his experience and a great trainer in Orlando. People are going to see big differences from my first two fights. I’m ready for this fight!”

 

Antonio’s father is excited about his son’s third professional fight. “This is an unbelievable feeling to following my son’s transformation into the fighter he wants to be,” he admitted. “Nobody works harder than Junior. He’s dedicated, focused and all of that gives me a real easy feeling. All I do is talk to him to help him mentally. I can’t fight for him, but I can guide him, hoping he takes the right strides. He has everything going for him – talent and his head on straight. I never worry about him getting in trouble. He’s a different breed of fighter, my greatest accomplishment as a man, and I’m really excited about his future in this game.

 
The Tarvers with coach

Jimmy Williams

“He was Keith Thurman’s main sparring partner for his fight and there was a buzz from their sparring sessions. Keith is one of the hottest young fighters in the world and Junior gave him everything he could handle. I tell Junior all the time that sparring isn’t the same as a fight. Sparring doesn’t get you paid or championships. Junior knows that in a fight he has to do what he worked so hard on in the gym. The lessons he learned from sparring with Keith made Junior more confident.”

Tarver Jr. has been taught in Tampa by the same coach, 86-year-old Jimmy Williams, who also trained Tarver Sr. when he was 12.

 

“Every fight is a challenge and test as Antonio works his way up the boxing ladder,” Cuellar commented. “With his limited amateur experience, Antonio has had to learn on the job, cramming for the mental and physical challenges that will be presented. He’s passionate and dedicated on a consistent basis. Antonio seems to have all the tools to make a good run. We’ll grade his July 11th performance and go from there.”

 

As if Tarver Jr. needed any additional inspiration, he has just that as a father to-be for the first time this September. “The due date for my little boy is September 17,” he added. “That has motivated me even more.”

 
Antonio Tarver and trainer Orlando Cuellar

 

It also means that 46-year-old Tarver, Sr. will be fighting later this year as a grandfather, on his quest to become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history.

 

“I’m so happy for Junior but becoming a grandfather doesn’t make me feel old,” Tarver Sr. concluded. “He’s a different cat. I’m preventing him from making the mistakes I made. He’s been settled for five years with his girlfriend and now they’re having a baby. I couldn’t be happier. This is a great time for me. When I do decide to retire, I’ll hand the torch to him, still hot, and let’s see how far he runs with it.”

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.OfficialAntonioTarver.com

 

@Tarver25

 

@MagicMan5XChamp
boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FIGHTER MEDIA WORKOUTS QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Przemek Garczarczyk

 

TAMPA (July 8, 2015) -Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN card held media workouts in Tampa today before their July 11 showdowns at the USF Sun Dome with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

The headlining event will pit undefeated Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) against former world champion Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs). The televised opener will see undefeated rising star Tony Harrison (21-0, 19 KOS) taking on the quick-fisted Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOS). Also participating in the workout was the son of former world champion Antonio Tarver, Antonio Tarver Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) who will fight on the undercard.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $200, $150, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Sun Dome box office.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

KEITH THURMAN

 

“There’s a lot to talk about with this fight. The fact that it’s on ESPN, people are going to tune-in and I’ll have the opportunity to make more fans and broaden my fan base. It’s another audition for a national audience.

 

“Depending on how you do, your stock goes up. An impressive win though, that gets you a real jump. I’ve worked hard to get here and I want to be spectacular.

 

“I believe the excitement will come for myself when I enter the arena and I hear the cheers of the hometown crowd. I’ve gotten a lot of love and respect from different venues I’ve fought at, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been back home.

 

“There are a lot of people who have followed my career that haven’t been able to see me, live in action. The fact that I’m bringing this fight home, I just think about when Winky Wright did it; Jeff Lacy did it; Antonio Tarver did it; it’s a big thing for me emotionally to be able to bring world-class boxing back to Tampa Bay.

 

“I’m looking forward to a great performance and hopefully we can continuously bring these big fights back to Tampa Bay.”

 

LUIS COLLAZO

 

“My preparation was for 15 rounds so we’re ready to go the distance. I’m here for the long haul.

 

“I’m trying to pull off the upset again. Anything can happen in this sport, one punch can end everything, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday.

 

“With the Khan fight I showed myself how much passion I still have for the sport. This fight here, everyone is going to see the old Luis Collazo again.

 

“I’m the type of guy who doesn’t like to plan ahead. I’m the underdog and I love being the underdog. I’ve been the underdog all my life. It inspires me to go out there and show the fans that anything is possible not just in the ring, but in life.

 

“I’m going to give it my all, that’s the type of person I am. I didn’t come here for handout so I hope he’s prepared.”

 

TONY HARRISON

 

“Nelson’s got a lot of heart. I’m not underestimating him. I’m coming in in top shape. I did things I normally don’t do in training. I went swimming for this camp. We know what we’re up against.

 

“He’s got the heart of a champion. He’s been knocked down before, but he gets back up and starts fighting again, so we know we’re up against a real tough fighter.

 

“I’ve been ready to face a guy of this caliber for a long time. I’ve been sparring Gennady Golovkin, Andy Lee, K9, and Luis Collazo. I’ve been in with champions before I even turned pro. I’ve been in with the best and did what I was supposed to do against them.

 

“All these guys are familiar faces to me. Luis Collazo and Willie. These guys have been down to Kronk to spar me. I’ve been on that stage and had those wars in the gym already, so I’m ready.

 

“It feels great for Detroit to be back on the map and getting the recognition that’s been missing for many years. If I can be the one to help out the next generation of Detroit fighters and make it easier for them to break through so be it.”

 

WILLIE NELSON

 

“Training camp has been excellent. I’ve sparred with a lot of different guys, especially ones that were heavier than me and have given me some great work.

 

“Tony knows how to use his height in the ring, but I’m a tall fighter so he won’t be able to do that against me. He’s a puncher, that’s what he tries to do.

 

“I channel out any of the talking he does. I’m self-motivated and I know what I need to do out there. I can’t get mad at his antics because that does nothing for me.

 

“I want to be one of the successful boxers from Ohio that really does something. I want to make my mark in not just Ohio boxing but boxing period.

 

“This isn’t the toughest fight of my career but it’s the toughest challenge, going up against a young, undefeated guy. All my fights have been tough so I’m used to it.

 

“I’m excited to be on such a big card, but I am used to it now. The lights don’t get to me. PBC has been great for the sport because everyone can tune-in to these fights.”

 

ANTONIO TARVER JR.

 

“I’ve been training with the world champion Keith Thurman and I held my own in there. It’s been a great experience.

 

“It’s a beautiful thing to be fighting in my home state. I’m blessed to be fighting at the Sun Dome.

 

“My dad is always right in my ear. Always on me about the defense and protecting myself in the ring.

 

“I’m a southpaw who’s a fast hitter. I can hit hard and counter punch. I think of myself as the whole package.”

 

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @RealLuisCollazo, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @ESPNBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions

and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.