Tag Archives: boxing

Undefeated Toledo Fireman DeAndre Ware defeats Enrique Collazo in battle of undefeated Super Middleweights

New York, NY (June 11, 2018)-DeAndre Ware scored the biggest win of his young career as he won an eight-round majority decision over 2012 Olympian and previously undefeated Enrique Collazo in a super middleweight bout at King’s Theatre in Brooklyn, New York.

 

 

 

After a tactical first three rounds, Ware took over the fight with relentless pressure while landing powerful shots to the head and body that forced Collazo to wilt.

 

 

 

Ware, who is a full-time fireman, specifically asked to fight Collazo, and he came through with flying colors as he won by the scores of 77-75 twice, and 76-76.

 

 

 

The bout was the 1st time that Ware navigated the 8 round distance, and he got stronger with each passing round.

 

 

 

“This was the biggest fight of my career,” said Ware.  “I am thankful for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to my career taking off after this big win.  We are on our way to the top.”

 

 

 

Said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management, “This was a great win for all of us.  DeAndre has been working hard, and was patiently waiting for his opportunity to come, and when it did, he came up with a big performance.  He should be a player in the super middleweight division real soon.”

 

 

 

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

 

 

 

Their impressive roster includes:

 

 

 

World Rated Contenders

 

 

 

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

 

 

 

Welterweight  “The New” Ray Robinson

 

 

 

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger  Antonio Nieves

 

 

 

2016 Olympians

 

 

Lightweight  Teofimo Lopez

 

 

 

Junior Middleweight  Charles Conwell

 

 

 

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

 

 

Undefeated Prospects

 

 

 

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw,  Marcus CarterYegor Plevako

 

 

 

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

 

 

 

Light Heavyweights: Joseph WilliamsBortirali Mamajonov

 

 

 

Super Middleweights: Isiah SteenDeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones

 

 

 

Middleweights: Marquis MooreRaquel Miller

 

 

 

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal HolmesHurshidbek NormatovFred Wilson, Jr.

 

 

 

Welterweight’s Janelson BocachicaPoindexter KnightMark DawsonBoubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

 

 

 

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

LEO SANTA CRUZ OUTPOINTS ABNER MARES IN REMATCH TO RETAIN WBA FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE BY UNANIMOUS DECISION

 
WBC 154-POUND CHAMPION JERMELL CHARLO RECORDS MAJORITY DECISION VICTORY OVER AUSTIN TROUT ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES
Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On 
SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE for Full-Night Video Recap
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (June 9, 2018) – In an electrifying war that had the STAPLES Center crowd on its feet chanting for more, Leo Santa Cruz defended his WBA Featherweight World Championship by winning a unanimous decision against four-division world champion Abner Mares in their rematch Saturday night on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.

 

 

 

In almost an exact replica stat-wise of the first fight that Santa Cruz won by majority decision in 2015, the Los Angeles-native and three-division world champion Santa Cruz won on all three of the judges’ scorecards against Mares by scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 117-111.

 

 

 

With the win, Santa Cruz (34-1-1, 19 KOs) takes one more step toward a possible unification fight in the competitive 126-pound division, one of boxing’s deepest.

 

 

 

“It feels great,” Santa Cruz said. “Abner is a great fighter. He left his heart out there. It was a tough fight but thank God we got the victory. I had to be smarter, that’s why it was not a bigger war but it was a good one.”

 

 

 

Similar to the first time the two Mexican-American warriors met, which resulted in more than 2,000 punches being thrown, a total of 1,992 totals punches were thrown in Saturday’s fight with Santa Cruz throwing 1,061 to Mares’ 931. Santa Cruz landed 357 punches compared to 208 for Mares.

 

 

 

Mares (31-2-1, 15 KOs) started fast, winning the first two rounds on SHOWTIME’s unofficial scorer Steve Farhood’s card before Santa Cruz kicked it in another gear and went to work.

 

 

 

“It was a ‘Fight of the Year’ like I told you,” said Mares. “I hope you like the fight because we fought for you, Los Angeles. Win or lose, we did it for the fans. It was a great fight.”

 

 

 

He added: “It is what it is. I don’t want to discuss scores. The judges decided that, and that’s it. I’ll do it again. Let’s do it again. Mares-Santa Cruz 3.”

 

 

 

In what SHOWTIME announcer Mauro Ranallo termed a “Featherweight Fiesta,” Santa Cruz dictated the pace from the third round on, utilizing his reach and working off the jab.

 

 

 

Santa Cruz suffered a cut above his left eye in the eighth round. “A cut is a cut, it wasn’t bothering me as much,” Santa Cruz said. “I didn’t let that distract me. I had cuts before. You keep on fighting.”

 

 

 

Mares, a former three-division world champion and a veteran of 10 world championship fights, had famed trainer Robert Garcia in his corner for this fight. “I said it before the fight: whoever wins this fight will be the number one featherweight. Santa Cruz won so he’s No. 1. I tip my hat off to him.”

 

 

 

When asked if he’s the No. 1 featherweight in the division, Santa Cruz replied: “Hopefully I am. I’ll leave it to the fans to decide. I want Gary Russell Jr. next. I want to unify. I’m ready for everyone, whoever and whenever.”

 

 

 

In the co-main event of the doubleheader, Jermell Charlo (31-0, 15 KOs) recorded a majority decision victory by outpointing former world champion Austin Trout (31-5, 17 KOs) to defend his WBC Super Welterweight World Championship. Charlo’s four-fight knockout streak ended in his third world title defense. Two judges scored it 118-108 and 115-111 in favor of Charlo, and third scored it 113-113.

 

 

 

“Sometimes you knock them out, sometimes you just beat them.” said Charlo, who has now defended his 154-pound title three times. “I went to fish, I tried to get some trout but I couldn’t catch him on the hook. I know they’re used to seeing me knock boys out but at least they saw me take care of business.”

 

 

 

Charlo recorded two knockdowns in the bout. Trout hit the canvas for the first time in the final minute of the third round as Charlo applied heavy pressure, first connecting on a big right followed by a counter left hook that knocked Trout off balance. Just eight seconds into the ninth, Trout went to one knee on a Charlo left hook to the side of Trout’s head. It was the sixth time Trout had been down in his career. Charlo continued to exert punishment on the game but tiring Trout.

 

 

 

“Take those knockdowns away I won the fight,” said the southpaw Trout, 32, who also went the distance in a unanimous-decision loss against Jermell’s twin brother and interim middleweight titleholder Jermall in 2016. “I can’t make any excuses, the better man won with those knockdowns.

 

 

 

“Both Jermell and Jermall are really good. They are the future. But I’m not done yet. I’m not defined by my results. I’m defined by the risks I take. I’ve taken the risks and I’ve stood my ground every time against giants and killers. And I’m still here.”

 

 

 

More accurate than Trout connecting on his punches the entire fight, Charlo went on a relentless attack in the 10th, connecting on multiples power punches that seemed to faze Trout. Charlo continued his attack in the 11th and 12th, choosing to stay upstairs as opposed to going to the body.

 

 

 

“Trout will tell you who will win that fight,” Charlo said of a potential unification with IBF and WBA 154-pound titleholder Jarret Hurd. “That’s why he survived 12. If Hurd sat in front of me and took those shots he’s done.”

 

 

 

During the SHOWTIME BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP telecast it was announced that WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. will meet in a 135-pound unification showdown between unbeaten stars Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center.

 

 

 

“We were fighting at 140 but I always had my mind set act coming back to lightweight,” Garcia said. “The only fight that made sense was a unification and the fighter available was Robert Easter Jr. He’s a champion and the man to beat. It’s great to be back to finally give my fans here in Southern California a fight.  Now that we are I get to give them a unification match and the biggest fight of my career to date.”

 

 

 

“I got my fight on July 28, but there’s been a lot of talk about [Vasyl] Lomachenko and me over the past year.  If I get through Robert Easter I’d be unified champ and the only other fight that makes sense is Lomachenko,” he added.

 

 

 

Easter recently changed trainers and is now working with Kevin Cunningham. “Lomachenko and Mikey are two skillful guys in the lightweight division and two guys I want to fight,” Easter said. “Me and Mikey will do the talking in the ring. My height and my reach will give anyone problems as long as I use them skillfully.”

 

 

 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenterPBC was sponsored by Corona and La Cerveza Mas Fina.

TYSON FURY SUCCESSFUL IN HIS RETURN TO BOXING WITH TKO OVER SEFER SEFERI ON SHOWTIME SPORTS SOCIAL PLATFORMS FROM MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

 

 

Click HERE for Photos; Credit Stacey Verbeek/Frank Warren

 

Maurice Hooker Scores Split-Decision Upset Victory Over Terry Flanagan For WBO 140-Pound World Championship Belt

LOS ANGELES (June 9, 2018) – Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury scored a fourth-round TKO over Sefer Seferi at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, on Saturday in a bout that was streamed live to U.S. audiences via SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

 

 

The 6-foot-9, 275-plus pound Fury, who outweighed Seferi by more than 65 pounds following Friday’s weigh-in, looked rusty in the scheduled 10-rounder, his first bout in more than 31 months. Seferi sat on his stool after four completed rounds and did not answer the bell for round five.

 

 

 

Fury (26-0, 19 KOs) playfully bounced around for the first few rounds, and was even warned for a lack of activity in the second round against a severely undermanned Seferi (23-2, 21 KOs). Fury is likely to face a tougher opponent in his next fight set for September in a division currently ruled by world title holders Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

 

 

 

Fury’s return to the ring came after 924 days of inactivity due to bouts of depression and admitted drug use following an upset victory over Wladimir Klitschko to take Klitschko’s WBA, IBF and WBO world titles.

 

 

 

In a fight that preceded Fury-Seferi, undefeated American Maurice Hooker won a split-decision upset victory over hometown favorite Terry Flanagan to capture the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship belt. The scores were 117-111, 115-113 for Hooker, and 117-111 for Flanagan.

 

 

 

With blood streaming down his face, the former lightweight title holder Flanagan (33-1, 13 KOs), who suffered a deep cut on the forehead after an accidental head butt in the seventh round, couldn’t overcome the aggressive Hooker (24-0-3, 16 KOs), who just like training partner Errol Spence Jr., had to travel overseas to win his first world title.

 

 

 

Hooker, a 28-years-old Dallas native, was fighting for the first time outside of the United States against Flanagan, who was a 135-pound champion for three years with five defenses before moving up to the 140-pound class.

 

 

 

With the victory, Hooker became the 76th ShoBox: The New Generation alum to win a world title, joining the likes of Spence and Wilder.

 

 

 

Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix delivered pre and post-fight analysis from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

 

 

Later on Saturday night, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz will rematch former three-division world champion Abner Mares on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (10 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the West Coast) from Staples Center in Los Angeles. In the telecast opener, Houston’s Jermell Charlo will defend his WBC Super Welterweight World Title against former world champion Austin Trout.

Mike Lee Breaks Rib in 1st round and despite not being able to breathe, defeats Jose Hernandez to claim NABO Light Heavyweight title

Chicago, Illinois (June 9, 2018) -WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee Broke his rib in the 1st round, but still claimed the NABO Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Hernandez at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

 

 

 

Lee pressed the action as he looked to land power shots early.  Hernandez fought gamely, but Lee was consistent with his right and left hands.

 

 

 

Lee showed incredible heart, as in round one, he suffered a broken rib and had trouble breathing throughout the whole ten round fight.

 

 

 

Hernandez was cut from Lee’s work, and the Notre Dame graduate cruised home with the victory by scores of 97-93 on all judges’ cards.

 

 

 

With the victory, Lee remains perfect with a record of 21-0, and will now look to face any of the world champions in either the light heavyweight or super middleweight divisions.

 

 

 

“I came out wanting the knockout,” said Lee.  “I give credit to Jose, he was tough.  I got a little excited early, and I was a little sloppy.  In the beginning, I was just throwing power shots, I wasn’t double jabbing and using my athletic ability.  Every fight is a learning lesson, and tonight I had to bite down and get the win.”

 

 

 

With the win, Lee will now look to challenge any of the champions and big names in and around his weight class.

 

 

 

“Let’s go.  I want a shot at the world title.  Whether it is at 168 pounds or 175 pounds, I am just waiting on a phone call.  We wanted to fight Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., but I don’t know what happened with that.  I just want someone with the belt.”

FNU Combat Sports Show: Huge Weekend for Boxing, UFC 225 and PFL Debut Night

Tom, Tony and Rich have a ton of ground to cover in this episode. We recap last week’s most significant fights, starting with the first sanctioned bareknuckle boxing event in hundreds of years. We also break down the latest UFC Fight Night card where Jimmie Rivera took the first loss in his last 21 fights. We discuss Dana White’s tirade against fighters who don’t take the fights the company wants them to, and we blast Canelo Alvarez and his team for destroying all chances of another fight with GGG. We take a good chunk of the show to outline and analyze all the various boxing matches taking place this Saturday, from Tyson Fury’s return to the ring against Sefer Seferi to the battle of pound for pound best and undefeated welterweights Jeremy Horn and Terrence Crawford fighting on ESPN+ (which we criticize heavily).  We also touch on the debut card for PFL, a fight league where all the prize money comes at the end of the season. Finally, we preview UFC 225 and discuss CM Punk’s chances of proving himself a true cage fighter.

 

Listen to the full show below:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n8oq38byukkzqim/fnushowjune72018.mp3?dl=0

 

 

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares 2 &  Jermell Charlo vs. Austin Trout Final Press Conference  Quotes & Photos

 
Two World Title Showdowns Featured Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (June 7, 2018) – Featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz and four-time world champion Abner Mares went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday, two days before they enter the ring for their highly-anticipated rematch this Saturday, June 9 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

Also squaring-off at the final press conference were super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo and former world champion Austin Trout, who step into the ring on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed in the West Coast).

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

 

 

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Chick Hearn Press Room at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles:

 

 

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

 

 

 

“The first fight was a really good one, but I think this one will be even better. Mares is a great fighter with a great trainer in Robert Garcia, and that’s the kind of challenge I want. We both want to give the fans great fights.

 

 

 

“I’ve learned a lot from my last few fights. I’m not coming in here worried about losing, I just worry about giving the fans a great show. If Mares is better than me that night, then he will win. But I’ve worked too hard and I’m going to be at my peak on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“I think that Mares has gotten a lot better. Robert Garcia is a trainer who has brought him up to a different level. He’s made a lot of improvements. I learned from the Frampton fights and my dad is a good trainer too. It’s even all the way around and it’s going to be a great fight.

 

 

 

“I think the winner of this fight will be number one in this division. Gary Russell Jr. is a great fighter and I definitely want a rematch of our amateur fight. But me and Abner put a lot of pressure on our opponents and I don’t think Gary would like the pressure from either of us.

 

 

 

“My team motivates me every day in the gym. They’re right next to me running every day towards the same goal. That’s what I love about training camp because it makes me work even harder.”

 

 

 

ABNER MARES

 

 

 

“I could stand up here and tell you what I’m going to do Saturday, but you’ve seen the first fight. You know how exciting the first fight was. I have even more to prove and I’m going to leave it all on the line this time.

 

 

 

“This is going to be an exciting fight. I know Leo has matured as an athlete and fighter by fighting Frampton twice. But if you look at my last couple of performances, they speak for themselves. I think both of us are seasoned and better fighters right now.

 

 

 

“There’s no doubt that the winner of this fight is number one in this division. There’s some great fighters at featherweight, but we’re fighting for the top spot in this division.

 

 

 

“Our focus isn’t on looking for a stoppage. That was my mistake the first fight. I tried to destroy him. I’m going to follow instructions and show I’m the better fighter in there.

 

 

 

“If I win Saturday night, and the fight is just as exciting as the first one, I’m ready for a trilogy. Let’s make it happen.

 

 

 

“I’m going to fight my heart out and win this fight this time. May the best man win. We’re going to give the fans what they want to see. I’m calling this ‘Fight of the Year’ guaranteed.”

 

 

 

JERMELL CHARLO

 

 

 

“My brother and I have been doing this a long time. Austin Trout has done it a long time as well. I’m hoping everyone gets there early, because I’m bringing excitement to the table right from the start.

 

 

 

“Some critics say that me and my brother haven’t fought the people required to be on the pound-for-pound list. My race to the top continues Saturday night to prove all those people wrong.

 

 

 

“A knockout is possible. If he wants that to be the way it goes, then I’m capable. Derrick and I have a great plan that we’re ready to use. None of our experience in the past matters, we’re both 0-0. Anything can happen on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“I look to do what my brother did against Trout, but way better. If that’s with a knockout or just picking him apart, I’m ready. I’m fighting for a lot more than just a win on Saturday. We’re going to keep shining and do what we have to do.

 

 

 

“We want everyone to know that my brother and I come from the trenches. We made it this far, so we’re not stopping now. Nobody is standing in my way. I know Trout wants a belt, but this is the wrong belt to go after.

 

 

 

“I have to deal with Austin Trout. Jarrett Hurd is not my focus right now. I definitely want to unify titles soon and I hope he comes out ringside on Saturday night so I can look at him after this fight. Everyone knows what time it is.”

 

 

 

AUSTIN TROUT

 

 

 

“I’m very excited to be here and have another once in a lifetime opportunity. I believe this is destiny. I’m coming into the lion’s den and I’m going to come out unscathed.

 

 

 

“As great as my win against Miguel Cotto was, I don’t think it compares to this fight here. People complained about Cotto being old after I beat him, but with Jermell, there’s no excuse you can make up. He’s an undefeated world champion, so if I get the win, this is definitely bigger than Cotto.

 

 

 

“I don’t think he’s overlooking me because I bet his brother told him not to sleep on Trout. Everyone’s going to see what I’ve been saying on Saturday night.

 

 

 

“My training camp with Barry Hunter was fantastic. We got all the work in that I needed and Barry is someone who always pushes me to be better than I believe I’m capable of.

 

 

 

“I learned from my mistakes when I fought the bigger brother. I’m going to be even better on

Saturday and it’s going to be a totally different result.

 

 

 

“For everyone sleeping on me, you better wake up. It’s going to be an awakening on Saturday night.”

 

 

 

 

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father & Trainer

 

 

 

“Now all there is left to do is wait for fight night. The work up to this point has been done and it has been done well. We are ready to do what needs to be done when the time comes.

 

 

 

“Usually at this point ahead of a fight the biggest feat is to make weight but he had no problem there. Leo was on target weight about a month ago so it’s not something we’re worried about at this point. He’s eating good and maintaining weight well and feeling really strong for this fight.

 

 

 

“Leo is in incredible shape and I am confident he will win on Saturday. I’m sure Abner and his team are going to bring their best and we’re bringing our best too, but on fight night there will only be two who will clash. We’re ready for war.”

 

 

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

 

 

 

“Just the fact that Abner is in my training camp and we communicate so well, it’s given me a lot of confidence. Everyone has done a great job doing their part in camp and I believe we’ve worked on all the tools we need to defeat Leo Santa Cruz.

 

 

 

“Leo is a great fighter but Abner knows he can win this fight. The confidence he’s gained, and how much more seasoned Abner looks since joining my camp, should translate to a strong performance Saturday.

 

 

 

“This has been a really smooth training camp and that’s exactly what Abner needed. We’re primed for a big victory.”

 

 

 

DERRICK JAMES, Charlo’s Trainer

 

 

 

“I think that Jermell has shown a great level of maturity while also being an aggressive fighter. He’s also very positive about what he wants to do every day in camp, and in the ring on Saturday.

 

 

 

“Being able to spar with Errol Spence Jr. every day in camp has definitely helped Jermell. They say it all the time, but iron sharpens iron and that’s the mentality we have to help both guys improve and get to where we know they can get to.

 

 

 

“Austin is a crafty fighter who has a lot of experience and a lot of tools. The most important thing though is that we’re focused on getting Jermell to be the best version of himself on Saturday night.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“Finally the wait is over. We waited three years for this rematch. Everyone asked me when this fight was going to happen. Now there’s just two days to go.

 

 

 

“You know it’s a big fight when you have the fight here at the premier venue in Los Angeles, STAPLES Center. These fighters here deserve it, because they are the best fighters in the sport, regardless of division. They’re going to show everyone on Saturday night why we love boxing so much.

 

 

 

“Each of these fights could have been a main event in its own right. I’m glad that these fighters were okay all being together on an event that really elevates the sport of boxing.

 

 

 

“Jermell Charlo is a once-in-a-generation talent in this sport. He has all the skills you need, but also has that one thing that makes you a superstar. He has charisma, and you cannot learn that. However, anyone who is doubting Austin Trout, is making a big mistake. I have no doubt that he’ll be more than ready for this challenge.

 

 

 

“I’ve been fortunate to follow these main event fighters from their first fight, all the way to now, with them being multiple time world champions and fantastic men outside of the ring. Leo and Abner live the kind of lives that make this sport proud. But on Saturday night, may the best man win.

 

 

 

“SHOWTIME delivers week after week of the best fighting the best. This fight is no different and will be another treat for the fans watching on SHOWTIME who have come to expect these great matchups.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Network Inc.

 

 

 

 

“These four guys up here have been on SHOWTIME a combined 41 times. That’s a lot and it doesn’t happen by accident. The reason it happens is because these fighters embody everything we want SHOWTIME Boxing to be about. They have some of the strongest resumes in the sport. None of these guys have ever shied away from taking a tough fight. They don’t come with excuses, they want the best and biggest fights. We’ ae proud to have all four of them on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

“Right now we have a matchup between two of the biggest stars and faces of Southern California boxing. The featherweight division has seen top five fighters on SHOWTIME already this year-This is a rematch between two more of the top 5. In the first fight, they threw a combined 2,000 punches, which I would bet will be matched again on Saturday.

 

 

 

“Austin Trout has been in there with the biggest and best stars in the sport of boxing. But Jermell has quite a bit of momentum. He has four consecutive stoppages, which is very impressive at the championship level. As everyone has said this is another main event quality matchup and I look forward to seeing it on Saturday night.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

TERRY FLANAGAN & MAURICE HOOKER FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS AHEAD OF THEIR 140-POUND TITLE FIGHT STREAMING LIVE ON SHOWTIME SPORTS® SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS THIS SATURDAY

 

Flanagan-Hooker Serves As Chief Support For The Long-Awaited Return Of Tyson Fury At Manchester Arena

 

 

Click HERE for Photos; Credit Frank Warren/Stacey Verbeek

 

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (June 7, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contenders Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker faced off on Thursday just two days before they meet for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship on Saturday at Manchester Arena.

 

 

 

Flanagan vs. Hooker serves as the chief support for the long-awaited return of former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.  Both bouts will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

Live coverage for the Frank Warren-promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre and post-fight analysis from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

 

 

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch against former world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

 

 

Here’s what Flanagan and Hooker had to say on Thursday:

 

 

 

Terry Flanagan

“I’m more than ready. I’ve prepared well, and I’m expecting a good night.”

 

 

 

“Of course he believes in himself, like the last few Americans that have come over. He’s just another American I’m going to add to the list.”

 

 

 

“I’m confident. I’m stronger and I’m bigger, fitter.”

 

 

 

“I’m more than ready. I know what he’s going to bring, and I’m prepared for the best Maurice Hooker. … I think I need to step up now and show people what I’m about.”

 

 

 

(On moving up a weight class) “It’s five pounds, it’s nothing. I’m plenty big enough to move up again. I’m 5-foot-10. I’m big, I’m strong, I’m ready for this weight. This is my natural weight. … I’ll get a title at this weight and then see what happens from there.”

 

 

 

“There’s nothing he can do now or that I can do now to change how the fight is going to go. It’s all about getting in there and being 100 percent switched on ready, and we’re going to have a fight Saturday night.”

 

 

 

Maurice Hooker

“I love being the underdog – I’ve been the underdog my whole life, and look where I’m at now. I’m ready to fight Saturday, and Terry’s ready to fight. I’m going to punch him in the mouth, and I hope he punches me back – if not, he’s in trouble.”

 

 

 

“We’re going to put on a good show come Saturday night. He’s in good shape, and I’m in good shape. We can go 12 rounds real hard, or it might be an early night for Terry.”

 

 

 

“I’m back now and better than ever. I’m ready to show the whole world who I am. Before that fight with Darleys Perez, everybody was scared to fight me. I’m still that monster, I’m still that dog. Come Saturday night, I’m going to punch him in the mouth and I might knock him out in the first round.”

 

 

 

“Come Saturday night, I pray for him, because I mean business when I get in that ring.”

 

 

 

“It’s my best against his best. We’ve got a fight Saturday night, so don’t blink.”

 

 

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 – 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

 

 

Fury vs. Sefari From Manchester Arena

 

 

Facebook: s.sho.com/FurySeferi 

 

 

SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Event Page: https://s.sho.com/2M0rsek

Tyrone Crawley Jr. battles Ricardo Garcia in main event on Friday, August 10th at SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia

  
Clarance Booth battles Victor Vazquez in co-feature

 

Philadelphia, Penn. (June 7, 2018)–Tyrone Crawley, Jr. will fight Ricardo Garcia in the eight-round junior welterweight main event on Friday, August 10th at SugarHouse Casino.

 

 

 

In the eight-round co-feature, Clarence Booth battles Victor Vazquez in a junior welterweight bout.

 

 

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

 

 

 

Crawley of Philadelphia has a record of 7-1.

 

 

 

The 32 year-old is a 6-year professional who won his first even bouts.

 

 

 

In his last bout, Crawley had to retire after round three of his bout with Anthony Mercado.  Crawley was winning the fight until he suffered a wrist injury.

 

 

 

Garcia of The Dominican Republic has a record of 14-3 with nine knockouts.

 

 

 

The 31 year-old Garcia is a two year professional who won his first 14 bouts.

 

 

 

He won The Dominican Republic Super Lightweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over undefeated Francisco Aguero (13-0).

 

 

 

Garcia is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision defeat to undefeated Montana Love on May 5th in Johnstown, Pa.

 

 

 

Booth of Saint Petersburg, Florida has a record of 15-4 with eight knockouts.

 

 

 

The 30 year-old Booth is seven-year professional who won 13 of his first 14 bouts, which included wins over Luis Joel Gonzalez (11-2-1), Osenohan Vazquez (8-2-1), Jonathan Perez (5-0) & Marcus Powell (1-0).

 

 

 

Booth is coming off a 4th round stoppage defeat to Dadashev (8-0) on November 11, 2017 in Fresno, California.

 

 

 

Vazquez of Yonkers, New York has a record of 10-4 with four knockouts.

 

 

 

The 22 year-old Vazquez is a four year professional who has wins over David Gonzales (8-2-2), Garcia (14-0), Jerome Conquest (6-1) & Bienvenido Diaz (2-0).

 

 

 

Vazquez is coming off being stopped in seven rounds to Josue Vargas on April 21st in Brooklyn, New York.

 

 

 

A FULL UNDERCARD WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY

 

 

 

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHousecasino.com

 

 

 

About ELEVEN SPORTS:

 

 

 

ELEVEN SPORTS is available in 70 million homes worldwide in Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. Launched in the US in March 2017, ELEVEN SPORTS is dedicated to delivering world-class domestic and international sports and lifestyle entertainment ‘For The Fans’. Sports fans will be treated to a unique mix of emerging and established sports combined to provide engaging and compelling LIVE entertainment, placing the viewer at the very heart of the action.

 

 

 

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Boxing the way out for pro-debuting “The Special One” Sharad Collier

 
June 16 at Xfinity Centre in Hartford, CT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HARTFORD, Conn. (June 7, 2018) – Hartford boxing prospect “The Special One “Sharad Collier has overcome tougher obstacles in life than he may ever face in the ring.

 

 

 

The two-time New England Golden Gloves champion will make his professional debut Saturday night, June 16, on Hartford Boxing Promotions’ inaugural event, “Fight Night at The Capital”, at Xfinity Centre in Hartford.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to make my pro debut at home in Hartford,” Collier said. “Fans are going to see a whole new beast: more power, speed and I’m not just in the ring to fight. I’m going to put on a show. Here’s what ‘Special’ stands for: S is for speed, P for power, E for enthusiasm, C for charisma, I for intelligence, A for – athleticism, L is for the looks.”

 

 

 

Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All America light heavyweight champion Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (7-0, 6 KOs) will defend his title and fight Mexican challenger Jaime “Zarco” Solorio (12-3-2, 9 KOs) in the eight-round main event. They will also fight for the vacant ABF Continental Americas Championship.

 

 

The 21-year-Collier, who will fight Ohio’s Antonio Castillo, Jr. (1-0) in a four-round Special Welterweight Attraction, has dedicated his boxing career to his uncle and father. His uncle was murdered three years outside of a venue in which Sharad was boxing and, sadly, his father has been in and out of prison. Collier grew up in toughest part of (south) Hartford, spent time in a detention center and, at times, lived in and out of foster homes.

 

 

 

“I’ve been through a lot in life,” the charismatic Collier admitted. “I’ve had to fight my whole life. My goals include becoming world champion, making good money, and buying a house. I have two kids and I want them to have a better life than I did. I love boxing and it’s my way out.”

 

 

 

Undefeated Danbury, CT lightweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (5-0, 1 KO) will fight in his first scheduled six-round bout versus. Alexander “El Bravo” Picot (2-5-1), fighting out of Hartford by way of Puerto Rico.

 

 

Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Hartford featherweight Luis “Lobito” Rivera (4-3) vs. Phillip Davis (1-1-1), of Worcester, MA; pro-debuting New Haven, CT lightweight Anuel Rosa vs. Cleveland’s Roger Blankenship (1-3), New Britain, CT featherweight Nathan Martinez in his professional debut vs. New Bedford’s (MA)Henry Garcia (0-1), Hartford lightweight Jose Maysonet vs. Justin Morales, of New Bedford, MA, in a battle of pro-debut fighters, and another pair of pro debut fighters, Bridgeport, CT featherweight Jacob Marrero vs. Jimmy Santiago, of New York City, and New Haven junior welterweight prospect Jeffrey Torres (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA..

 

 

 

Boxing’s rich roots in the Hartford market dates back nearly a full century, headlined by International Hall of Famers Willie “Will o’ the Wisp” Pep and Christopher “Battling” Battalino. Other top-area boxers include world champion Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, world title challengers Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega, and Israel “Pito” Cardona, and 1996 USA Olympic Boxing Team captain Lawrence Clay-Bey.

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

Tickets, priced at $80.00, $60.00 and $40.00, are on sale and available to purchase, as well as $125.00 VIP tickets that include food and soft drinks), at Ticket Master outlets or at the Hartford Boxing Center gym.

 

 

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout starts at 7 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

Sponsors include Hot 93.7 FM, Hartford Boxing Center, Foster Buddies Network and HBC ProShop.

 

 

 

INFORMATION;

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