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Adrien Broner vs. Jessie Vargas Plus Jermall Charlo vs. Hugo Centeno Jr. & Gervonta Davis vs. Jesus Cuellar Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Tripleheader This Saturday, April 21 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Janer Bigio/

Mayweather Promotions

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

 

 

BROOKLYN (April 19, 2018) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader, headlined by four-division champion Adrien Broner battling two-division champion Jessie Vargas, went face-to-face Thursday at a press conference in Brooklyn before they enter the ring this Saturday, April 21 at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

 

Live coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated former world champion Jermall Charlo clashing with once-beaten Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim 160-pound world title and former champions Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Jesus Cuellar as they square off for the vacant WBA 130-pound Super World Championship.

 

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and can be purchased atticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

 

 

 

Also in attendance Thursday was popular local fighter and unbeaten contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy, who takes on Paola Torres in undercard action Saturday night.

 

 

 

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Barclays Center in Brooklyn:

 

 

 

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m just ready to fight. I’m not worried about Jessie. This is a very important fight for my career. I know that Jessie trained hard to beat me. This is a win that could take either of us to the next level. I’m ready to fight right now and get after it.

 

 

 

 

“When he stepped up and fought Tim Bradley and Manny Pacquiao, he lost. I’m a four-time world champion so I don’t want to hear anything about my losses. Jessie Vargas is not as good as those guys I lost to.

 

 

 

 

“I hope I get credit when I beat Jessie Vargas. I hope I get the credit I deserve. People want me to lose and go away, but guess what? I worked harder than ever for this fight. I’m not losing to Jessie Vargas. I’m a four-time world champion and soon to be five-time world champion this year.

 

 

 

 

“I’m still one of the best fighters of this era. When I’m done with my career, I will be one of the best to ever lace up a pair of boxing gloves. I just can’t wait to give everyone something to remember on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

“Being with Kevin Cunningham in camp changed a lot. It took a while to get used to it. This is the first camp I’ve done since I was kid with a new coach. There were no distractions down at camp. It was all work, no play.

 

 

 

 

“I’m on a different level than him. I’m going to prove it on Saturday. I don’t worry about any of the negativity that surrounds my name. I’m just ready to go put on a show.

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m taking over this year. It all starts with Jessie Vargas on Saturday night. I’m going to be myself, and put on a great show.”

 

 

 

 

JESSIE VARGAS

 

 

 

 

“Everything in training camp has gone fantastically. I can’t wait for this fight. This isn’t a game. I’m here to win and I plan to do that. This is going to be action.

 

 

 

 

“I’ve seen the mistakes Broner has made in the past. I have to come out and worry about my performance though. I’m versatile and I’ll do what I have to do. We’re both former world champions but at the end of the day there will only be one winner, and It’s going to be me.

 

 

 

 

“I think I have an advantage being the taller and stronger fighter. I’m a full grown welterweight. I’m ready for victory.

 

 

 

 

“We both bring experience and we’re both talented guys. We are definitely going to give the fans entertainment on Saturday night. I’m in a great part of my career because I haven’t received that much punishment. I’m a two-division world champion for a reason.

 

 

 

 

 

“My weight has been on point this camp. My nutritionist has done a great job and I’m going to be perfect on the scale tomorrow. My whole team has been perfect and it’s going to lead to the best Jessie Vargas you’ve ever seen on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

“Saturday night is going to be a great show. It’s a great card and then main event will be all fireworks. Come out and enjoy a great night of boxing and see me get the win.”

 

 

 

 

JERMALL CHARLO

 

 

 

 

“I’m looking to make a statement on Saturday night. I’ve been training hard since my last fight. I promised my fans something they’ll remember from this fight. You’ll have to wait and see.

 

 

 

 

 

“Once you step in front of me, it’s a fight. I put my life on the line each time. I’m just looking forward to even bigger things that are in front of me. I’m giving the fans something special to take home from my performance.

 

 

 

 

“I feel really good right now. It was another one of those camps that I was able to start early and get in the gym early. I can do whatever you need to do in the ring. I’m ready to make this fight all fireworks.

 

 

 

 

 

“I do a lot of good things in camp to make myself feel stronger. It was a little tough with the delay, but nothing that I couldn’t work through. I’m on weight right now this far out. I have a great team that’s helped me get there.

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m focused on what I have going on. Hugo thinks I’m overlooking him but that’s not happening at all. I want to take him out and make a statement that I’m ready for the big names in the division.

 

 

 

 

 

“We’re going to turn Brooklyn up. I want to really make a statement. No matter how I’m feeling throughout the fight, we’re going to make it rock.”

 

 

 

 

 

HUGO CENTENO JR.

 

“I feel like I’m being overlooked. I haven’t been able to make myself a household name by being on these platforms. Come April 21, I’m going to make my name known.

 

 

 

 

“The rib injury was tough to take at first. We were very close to the end, but once I resumed training, I was already in phenomenal condition. It took me to another level and now I’m in the best condition of my life.

 

 

 

 

“I feel perfect right now heading into this fight. We had great sparring in camp and I’m ready to step into the ring.

 

 

 

 

 

“Even just being in this position shows people that I’ve earned my way here. No one has handed me anything. This is one of the hardest divisions in the world and I’m here for a reason. This fight means the world to me. It’s been 20 years of hard work coming together Saturday.

 

 

 

 

“I know Charlo is coming to fight, and I’m definitely coming to fight. No matter what the strategy or style is, I’m going to be ready for whatever comes my way.

 

 

 

 

“I expect him to come out strong. We know he’s looking for a knockout. But I think if he doesn’t have the opportunity, it will come down to who is the smarter fighter.”

 

 

 

 

 

GERVONTA DAVIS

 

 

 

 

 

“Saturday night you can expect an action packed fight. I know Cuellar is going to come to fight. I’m definitely coming to fight. I’m ready to pick up where I left off, as a champion again.

 

 

 

 

 

“I had a lot of distractions last camp that led to me missing weight. From that day forward I was focused on getting back to a world title shot. I let people down when I lost the title on the scale, but now I’m more focused.

 

 

 

 

 

“It was great being in camp in Florida instead of back home in Baltimore. This way it’s only boxing that I’m worried about each day. I’m eating right and really just 100 percent focused on boxing. It was a great move and it’ll show on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

“I have the skills and the charisma to be at the top of the sport. I just need the right opponents, but I’m not going to rush it. I have to make smart decisions in this sport to get where I want. I want to continue to put on great performances.

 

 

 

 

 

“I believe this fight is going to put me back on the map as one of the youngest rising stars in boxing. I believe I have the skills to do that.

 

 

 

 

 

“I’ve been training so hard with Adrien in camp. We’ve been pushing each other and I just want to be able to look back at this fight and be able to say this was one of my best performances. I want to show that I have the skills and ability to take over the sport of boxing.”

 

 

 

 

 

JESUS CUELLAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I understand that Davis is a great opponent, but inside the ring, it will just be the two of us, going toe-to-toe. I know that it’s going to be a great fight.

 

 

 

 

 

“This is going to be all action. Expect to see a war with me raising my hand at the end of the night. I’m going to do whatever it takes.

 

 

 

 

 

“The plan is to go out there and win that belt. We’ve had great training and sparring to get us in this position. My coaches worked really hard to get me ready.

 

 

 

 

 

“This fight is very important for me. I want to become a two-division world champion and I have the chance I’ve waited for on Saturday night.

 

 

 

 

 

“I think I made the right decision to take some time away from boxing. Now I’m back stronger than ever. I feel great and everyone will see that on Saturday night.

 

 

 

 

 

“We have a game plan and we’re going to execute that. I’m going to be aggressive like I always am, but also show some new things that I’ve worked on.

 

 

 

 

“I’m ready to go 12 rounds if necessary, but If I have the opportunity early for a knockout, I’m going to take it. I’m here to give it my all and win this fight, that’s it.”

 

 

 

 

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

 

 

 

 

“There’s really nothing like fighting at home. As exciting as it was to be in the cage, this is like being in my backyard.

 

 

 

 

 

“This is always a dream to box at Barclays Center and there’s nothing like being here in front of my people. I hope that my opponent trained hard because I’m ready to brawl.

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m really excited to be back working on my boxing skills. I can’t wait to give my fans a great show. They know I always give it my all and leave it in the ring. I’m going to give my fans their money’s worth.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

 

 

 

 

 

“On Saturday night we have the biggest and baddest boxing card in the entire sport. It will be a great event right here in front of the passionate Brooklyn boxing fans.

 

 

 

 

 

“The main event has the four-division champion Broner taking on the two-division champion Vargas, in a fight that means a great deal to both fighters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Plus Jermall Charlo facing Hugo Centeno in a great middleweight fight to look to establish themselves as contenders in the star-studded middleweight class.

 

 

 

 

 

“The opener of our telecast will have a rising superstar in boxing in Gervonta Davis, battling former world champion Jesus Cuellar in an entertaining world title fight. This is what boxing is all about. It’s big time boxing here in Brooklyn.”

 

 

 

 

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

 

 

 

 

“This is a great fight card. That’s why tickets are selling. There are a lot of up-and-coming stars on this dais. It was put together to be great televised boxing, and that’s why we’ll have a full room on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

“Barclays Center truly is the home of big-time boxing. This is the venue with the most dedication to a regular boxing program and you see that with the great fights coming here month after month.

 

 

 

 

 

“This card is stacked from top to bottom. The off-television undercard is sensational and features a load of undefeated talent. Heather Hardy will make her return after two consecutive matches in the cage to step back into the ring on this show. We’re here to offer fans the best we can all night long.

 

 

 

 

 

“The first televised bout of the night has Gervonta Davis, one of the rising young stars of the sport, going for his second world title. He’s fighting a former world champion in Jesus Cuellar, who’s an accomplished guy in his own right. Gervonta has his hands full, but he’s going to have a lot of fans up from Maryland supporting him Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

“There’s a lot of action and controversy in the middleweight division. Jermall Charlo might be the hardest puncher in that division. Him and his brother might be the most accomplished twins in the history of boxing already. He’s got a tough matchup because Hugo Centeno Jr. is also a terrific young fighter with power and great boxing ability. He has star potential if he can overcome this obstacle against Charlo.

 

 

 

 

 

“Adrien Broner is a terrifically skilled boxer, who has star power and brings a lot of attention. You don’t have to be loved by everybody, you have to have people want to see you. A lot of people want to see Adrien Broner. They’re going to see him in a tough fighton Saturday night. Jessie Vargas is already a two-time world champion, who’s had a terrific career and will arguably be the bigger and stronger guy on Saturday. Adrien knows that everything is on the line on Saturday night.”

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

“SHOWTIME Boxing is in the midst of an unprecedented run. It has been meaningful fight after meaningful fight.

 

 

 

 

 

“Back in January we made an unprecedented announcement of 11 events this first part of the year. I’m not sure any network has done that many events this year.

 

 

 

 

 

“Barclays Center, like SHOWTIME, has become home to the most meaningful fights in the sport. This isn’t happening by accident. This is an intentional strategy. It’s a plan to promote and elevate the sport and its’ fighters to heights we haven’t seen before. We’ve put real effort into elevating this sport.

 

 

 

 

 

“Saturday’s stacked card has three must-see matchups. These are star fighters versus star battles. There are no ‘no-names’ in this. All six fighters here have headlined fights. These fights are as good as any card that I can remember.”

 

 

 

 

 

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m excited about Saturday night’s fights. It’s packed from top to bottom and should be a great night of BROOKLYN BOXING. It’s a great tripleheader and in many respects this defines Brooklyn boxing. Evenly matched fights, the biggest stars in the sport, some established and some on the rise. You have a bit of everything this weekend

 

 

 

 

 

“We are so thrilled to have Heather Hardy back at Barclays Center on Saturday after a few fights in MMA. She’s a boxer and we can’t wait to have her here this weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

“A big thank you for everyone who has helped establish BROOKLYN BOXING and been partners with us here in Brooklyn. Everyone involved continues to elevate the sport and we’re looking forward to seeing you on Saturday night. Tickets are moving and this could be one of the biggest fights we’ve ever had at Barclays Center.”

 

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Back to the future with Hall of Famer Virgil Hill

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (April 20, 2018) —

Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill has gone back to the future, parlaying what he learned as an amateur boxer into a Olympic silver medal, five world titles in two weight class, induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF), and now giving back as a Los Angeles-based boxing coach and invaluable member of the USA Boxing Alumni Association.

 

 

 

 

“Winning the WBA (World Boxing Association) and IBF (International Boxing Federation) world titles were all big.” Hill spoke about his greatest boxing achievement, “But the Olympics come around every four years with only one guy from each country, if that, in each weight class. It’s very difficult. I had competed against some of the best athletes in the world, right here in the United States, preparing to represent our country in the Olympics against the best in the world. We sparred each other at camp. US fighters all have a target on their backs.

 

 

 

 

“I fought in 10 different countries that year (1984), but the best Olympics ever was held here in Los Angeles. Half of our team went on to become world champions as pro fighters and three are in the Hall of Fame (Hill, Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitaker). I wasn’t picked to win a medal in my class. I should have won a gold medal but lost in the final (middleweight division) to a Korean fighter (Shin Joon-Sup, 2-3). Losing was tough but the opportunity to be on the US Olympic Boxing Team was the highlight of my boxing career, even more so than winning my world titles.”

 

 

 

 

Hill grew up on a ranch in North Dakota. He watched the Golden Gloves on television and asked his father if he could learn to box. His response was, maybe if we move to a city. “Remember,” Hill noted, “a city for me back then was only 50,000 people. We did move to Grand Forks and my father asked me if I still wanted to box. He brought me to a local gym when I was eight and I started training right away.”

 

 

 

 

After capturing a gold medal at the 1984 National Golden Gloves Tournament, Hill went to the USA Boxing training facility, where he learned a lot being around so many different people and boxing styles. Although he’s part Puerto-Rican, Hill is a Native-American who grew up in a predominantly German and Norwegian state (North Dakota).

 

 

 

 

“There were not many blacks or Latinos,” Hill admitted. “We grew up poor, but not ghetto poor. I learned a lot. My roommate (at USA Boxing’s training facility) was a 106-pound Puerto-Rican from New Jersey, Jose Lazario. Jose took me for a haircut one day and, when I went back to North Dakota, I had a bounce in my step and people there were all looking at my haircut. Evander Holyfield taught me how to iron. He wouldn’t go with me to the mall unless I ironed my jeans. I sat and listened to know what to expect.”

 

 

 

 

Hill completed his amateur career with an incredible 288-11 record, married a woman who was on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team, Denean Howard (two-time gold and two-time silver medalist), and turned professional November 15, 1984, stopping Arthur Wright in the second round at famed Madison Square Garden.

 

 

 

 

He had moved to Las Vegas to train with legendary trainer, Eddie Futch, and his assistant, Freddie Roach. “I was on my own for the first time,” Hill explained. “They were good role models who prepared me to be a pro boxer, as well as for life.

 

 

 

 

Hill fought professionally until 2015, winning 51 of 58 pro fights, 24 by knockout, with only seven losses. He won his first 30 pro fights, including a fourth-round win by technical knockout of Leslie Stewart in his 19th pro fight to capture the WBA world light heavyweight title. Hill made 10 successful WBA title defenses, including eight in Bismarck, North Dakota, before losing for the first time as a pro in 1991 to future Hal of Famer Tommy Hearns.

 

 

 

 

 

Hill later recaptured the WBA world light heavyweight crown and he eventually added the IBF world light heavyweight title, in addition to becoming three-time WBA cruiserweight world champion. He retired in 2007 and then make a one-fight comeback February 28, 2015, stopping Jimmy Campbell in the second round in Bismarck, marking Hill’s final fight.

 

 

 

 

During his remarkable pro career, Hill had a 24-5 (7 KOs) world title fight record, including victories over Stewart, Marvin CamelAdolpho WashingtonLou Del ValleDonny LalondBobby CzyzFabrice Tiozzo (twice), Henry Maske and Hill’s 1984 US Olympic teammate, Frank Tate (twice).

 

 

 

 

Hill remains in boxing as a trainer and occasionally a co-promotes pro-am shows in North Dakota. In Los Angeles, Hill currently trains one pro and nine amateurs. “I love being a trainer,” Hill exclaimed. “There are some special kids, the real athletic ones, but it’s the others that often make it for me. Those who aren’t as athletic and really need to work hard. Once you get a few of the kids working hard, the rest follow in line. This isn’t a democracy; it’s a dictatorship and I push ’em hard. Our LBC has 180 fights a year. I do all the matching and, if they’re in too tough, I top the fight. It’s not about winning and losing. It’s striving to be better, discipline, accomplishments and competition.

 

 

 

 

“The Elite boxers are moving on to the next level, establishing themselves to make a name and enter the pros. Ninety-five percent of the others aren’t. Boxing is still a poor man’s sport and sometimes the only option for some of these kids have is boxing. And boxing is still a very dangerous, unforgiving sport. The sky’s the limited, good and bad, for these kids. Boxing occupies their time. Some kids need more encouragement, others need to believe more in themselves. This is where they come from and who they become.”

 

 

 

 

Not only is Hill giving back as a coach, he’s key member of and spokesperson for the USA Boxing Alumni Association.

 

 

 

 

“I’m happy to be involved,” Hill talked about his back to the future journey in boxing. “It’s about time we had an alumni organization. Only the top three-percent of boxers make it big. It’s great watching everybody mix and mingle at alumni gatherings. This is about respect for each other; it’s a kinship.”

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

Super Welterweight Contender Erickson Lubin Battles Mexico’s Oscar Cortes in Undercard Attraction Saturday, April 28 from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas

Welterweight Showdown Between Ryan Karl & Kevin Watts

Plus Prospect Miguel Flores Returns Against Raul Chirino As

Part of Exciting Night of Action Presented by 

Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

EL PASO, TX. (April 19, 2018) – Exciting 154-pound contender Erickson Lubin will return to the ring to take on Mexico’s Oscar Cortes in a 10-round showdown that highlights undercard action on Saturday, April 28 the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

 

 

 

The April 28 event is headlined by a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes card that features Josesito Lopez in a welterweight contest against unbeaten Miguel Cruz. Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will also see former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell take on El Paso’s Abraham Han plus unbeaten Mexican featherweight contender Jorge Lara clashing with Dominican brawler Claudio Marrero.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

 

 

 

Also stepping into the ring will be once-beaten Ryan Karl (15-1, 9 KOs), who faces Kevin Watts (11-2, 4 KOs) in a welterweight bout, and super featherweight prospect Miguel Flores (21-2, 9 KOs), who will take on Miami’s Raul Chirino (12-7, 6 KOs) in an eight-round fight.

 

 

 

Rounding out the night of action will be a group of unbeaten prospects as Robert Rodriguez (1-0) competes in a four-round super flyweight matchup, Aaron Morales(1-0, 1 KO) steps in for four rounds of super bantamweight action, Alejandro Guerrero (7-0, 6 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in a six-round super featherweight showdown and Leon Lawson III (3-0, 2 KOs) fights in a four-round super welterweight attraction.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old Lubin (18-1, 13 KOs) will compete in action on April 28 in his first fight back since dropping his first world title challenge to Jermell Charlo last October. The former amateur star defeated Ivan Montero in a PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes fight in 2016 as he climbed up the super welterweight ranks. The Orlando-native will face the 24-year-old Cortes (26-3, 14 KOs), who has won three of his last four fights and lives and trains in Mexico.

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.tgbpromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOXTV, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

CARL FRAMPTON AND NONITO DONAIRE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN ADVANCE OF INTERIM WBO FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE BOUT

This Saturday, April 21 LIVE SHOWTIME Sports® YouTube Channel & SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

 

 

NEW YORK (April 18, 2018) – Former world champions Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire took questions from the media at Wednesday’s final press conference at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, Ireland two days ahead of their clash for the interim WBO Featherweight Title this Saturday.  The main event bout from SSE Arena in Belfast, will stream live to U.S. audiences via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page. (See links and embed codes below).

 

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® livestream will begin at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT with coverage provided by BT Sport and BoxNation and featuring commentary by U.K. sportscasters John Rawling (blow-by-blow) and former featherweight world champion Barry Jones (analysis).

 

 

 

 

Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs), of Northern Ireland, and Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs) of General Santos, Philippines, are two past Fighter of the Year award winners who will meet in a 12-round bout. The winner of this fight will be in position to challenge WBO Featherweight Champion Oscar Valdez, who is recovering from injury following his fourth title defense, a unanimous decision win over Scott Quigg on March 10.

 

 

 

 

This is the first of three high-stakes featherweight fights on SHOWTIME® platforms featuring five of the consensus top-10 ranked featherweights in the world.   On May 19, IBF World Champion Lee Selby will defend his 126-pound title against undefeated Josh Warrington live in the U.S. on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms and on June 9, Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares will meet live on SHOWTIME in a highly anticipated rematch for the WBA Featherweight World Title.

 

 

 

 

The livestream of Frampton vs. Donaire will precede Saturday evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader that features former four-division champion Adrien Broner and former champion Jessie Vargas in a 12-round welterweight bout live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. In the co-feature, Jermall Charlo will face Hugo Centeno Jr. for the interim WBC Middleweight World Championship and Gervonta Davis will meet Jesus Cuellar for the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship.

 

 

 

 

Below is what Frampton, Donaire and their respective trainers had to say at today’s press conference:

 

 

 

 

Carl Frampton

“I’m really excited about this fight and I have been since it was announced. To have a guy like Nonito Donaire coming to Belfast to fight me almost feels like a bit of an honor. It’s a quality fight.

 

 

 

 

“It’s a cliché when fighters talk about how good their camp has been, but I genuinely believe that the camp that I’ve had has been the best camp because it’s been my smartest camp. I’ve had a completely different approach to training. I don’t remember having a bad day in training or sparring. I feel like everything is coming together and I’m ready to put on a big performance in front of my home crowd.

 

 

 

 

“I had a lot of respect for Donaire back when he was a champion and I still do. He’s a quality fighter. In terms of accolades, he’s accomplished more than any other fighter that I’ve ever fought. He’s a future Hall of Famer. Hopefully I can put myself in that bracket one day. He is the best fighter that I will have ever fought. That includes Leo Santa Cruz and [Scott] Quigg and everyone else. Donaire has accomplished more than anyone. It’s going to be big for me to get a result here on Saturday night.

 

 

 

 

“I think it’s been a bit disrespectful just talking about his left hook. It takes more than a left hook to become a Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year or five-time world champion. He has a brilliant slip right hand. I know a lot about Nonito Donaire and to say all he has is a left hook is a bit disrespectful. He’s a brilliant fighter and he can do a bit of everything. I’ll need to be ready for different situations and I feel like I’ve covered all the bases in training camp.

 

 

 

 

“Some people want the easiest fights possible but that’s not me. I don’t think that’s Nonito either. I want to be in fights that people talk about and are interested in. This is a fight that puts the winner in position to fight Oscar Valdez for a chance to be a world champion again. When I’m in that position to fight for a world title, it’s fights like this one that are preparing me to go and win it.”

 

 

 

 

Nonito Donaire

“It’s been amazing being here, just as it was the last time. Everybody has been fantastic. Belfast has been a great experience overall. The people have been really warm to my entire team and we’re all having a great time being here.

 

 

 

 

“I believe that I am gifted with great genes. I’m a late bloomer. I feel like I’m starting to get into my peak shape and that’s because of my mentality. Our physical shape can only be as strong as our minds inside that ring. The strength of our mental fortitude has allowed us to be confident here in Belfast where we will be fighting one of the best fighters in the world.

 

 

 

 

“I think I’m a smarter fighter than I was in 2012. With the ups and downs that I’ve experienced in my career, I’ve learned what I’m capable of and where my mind is. We’re very confident going into this fight.

 

 

 

 

“The key factor in this fight is that my wife and I feel that we’re married to Carl because we wake up, we see Carl; we sleep, we see Carl; everything we do we see Carl, so that’s pretty much what it’s all about. I have to say, Carl is an amazing fighter. I have to give it to the guy. For a long time, he was the boogeyman in boxing. He has chosen this fight because it inspires him and I came to Belfast because it inspires me.”

 

 

 

 

Jamie Moore, Carl Frampton’s Trainer

“Last time around, it was a bit of a rushed training camp. We could have benefited from a couple of weeks extra. We’ve taken on a few different changes this time. We’ve done altitude training and taken on a scientific approach.

 

 

 

 

“Carl is in fantastic shape. He’s gradually built up his fitness. The altitude work has been brilliant. Even though the last camp wasn’t bad, this one is by far so much better. He’s in much better condition than last fight and mentally, he’s in a great place.”

 

 

 

 

Mike Bazzel, Nonito Donaire’s Head Trainer

“Nonito has the experience of being on top for so long. When you are at the top for so long, there are always going to be little drops and little valleys. There’s a maturity with Nonito. Most fighters at this stage of their career have a physical decline. Nonito’s body is starting to come into form now. So now, he is not only physically peaking, but he is mentally strong because of all the experience he has.”

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY’S FIGHT: 5:15 p.m. ET / 2:15 p.m. PT (note: start time is approximate)

YouTube Link: https://s.sho.com/2vp8XvT

Facebook Link: https://s.sho.com/FramptonDonaire

“WHOSE “O” WILL GO” TO AIR LIVE ON SAN ANTONIO TV AN ABC AFFILIATE DIGITAL CHANNEL

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 18, 2018) – TMB & PRB Entertainment is pleased to announce its partnership with San Antonio TV, an ABC affiliate in San Antonio, TX, which will air all its boxing shows on their digital channel.

 

 

 

 

With over 50,000 subscribers, San Antonio TV is ABC’s local digital channel which can be viewed on devices such as RokuAmazon, and Apple TV. Subscribers can watch their live feeds for FREE. The first boxing show to air live on the platform will be this weekend’s Whose “O” Must Go card, taking place at the Mi Mercado Event Center in San Antonio, TX on April 28, 2018.

 

 

 

 

“This is a great opportunity for TMB & PRB Entertainment to showcase our events to our local San Antonio market,” said Rick Morones, promoter of TMB & PRB Entertainment. “We have some great fights lined up for our first show with San Antonio TV. Everyone who can’t make it to the fight, should be watching in on their devices.”

 

 

 

 

In the 6-round main event, undefeated fighters, James Cantu (10-0, 4 KOs) and Jairo Castaneda (9-0, 3 KOs), will battle for welterweight supremacy in San Antonio. In the 6-round co-main event, local standout, Daniel “Da Beast” Baiz (11-1, 5 KOs), will square off against Isai Mireles (8-8, 6 KOs).

 

 

 

 

 

Baiz, who recently sparred former world champion, Ishe Smith (29-9, 12 KOs), is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. After sparring Smith, Baiz is confident he can make some noise in the super welterweight division.

 

 

 

 

“When I was in Las Vegas for Lara vs. Hurd, I had a great sparring session with former world champion Ishe Smith, who is an accomplished fighter,” said Daniel Baiz. “Smith was impressed with my work, and I know if I continue to work hard in the gym, I’ll be ready to fight for a regional title soon. I have a tough fight with Mireles on Saturday, so that’s where my focus is right now.”

 

 

 

 

UNDER CARD BOUTS:

 

4-Round Featherweight Bout

 

Gregory Morales (2-0, 2 KOs) vs Jahaziel Vasquez (1-6)

 

4-Round Super Lightweight Bout

 

Frank Brown (2-1, 1 KO) vs Joe Sambrano (2-11)

 

4-Round Featherweight Bout

 

Vicente Loredo (1-0, 1 KO) vs Omar Rangel (Pro Debut)

 

4-Round Super Middleweight Bout

 

Steven Ramos (2-0, 2 KOs) vs Rudy Lozano (3-5)

 

4-Round Bantamweight Bout

 

Abraham Flores (1-0, 1 KO) vs Manuel Rubalcava (4-26)

 

 

 

Ringside tickets priced at $100, and general admission $30, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Mi Mercardo Event Center is located at 227 New Laredo Hwy, San Antonio, TX. Doors open at 6:00 PM, first bell at 7:30.

 

#   #   #

‘Argentinean Lomachenko’ Alberto Melian Returns May 26 to Face Undefeated Sergio Sosa for IBF Latino Super Bantamweight Championship

On Saturday, May 26, the fast-tracking of the “Argentinean Lomachenko,” two-time Olympian Alberto “Impacto” Melian (2-0, 2 KOs), will continue in Buenos Aires, when he takes on his undefeated countryman Sergio Sosa (10-0, 3 KOs) for the IBF Latino Super Bantamweight Championship.

 

 

 

Presented by Sampson Boxing, Melian vs. Sosa will headline a night of boxing entitled “Triple Impact on Paternal” that will be televised live on TyC Sports and VTV Uruguay (available in HD) for all of Latin America, The United States and the Caribbean.

 

 

 

After a distinguished amateur career and two Olympic appearances, 28-year-old Melian is off to a sensational start as a professional. In his debut, he knocked out the former world title contender Diego Ricardo Santillan (who entered the ring at 23-2) in the fifth round. In his second contest, Melian won the Argentine Super Bantamweight Championship with an eight-round TKO over Julian Aristule (32-8, 16 KOs).

 

 

 

A victory over Sosa will mean his first international championship and bring him one step closer to the world stage.

 

 

 

“Alberto Melian is a star on the rise in boxing,” said his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “Because of his amateur and Olympic experience and his incredible skills, there is no need to take it slow. He is already one of the world’s best 122-lb fighters. He will continue to climb with every fight and should be ready for a world championship fight by next year.”

 

 

 

The co-main event will feature Uruguay’s Caril “El Ratón” Herrera (39-2, 23 KOs) taking on Argentina’s Roman “220 Volts” Reynoso (20-2-2, 9 KOs) in what promises to become a thrilling South American duel. Also appearing on the card will be former Olympian Alberto “Beto” Palmetta (7-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout against fellow Argentinean Nahuel “El Perfecto” Galessi (12-4-1, 7 KOs).

 

 

 

Starting at 8:20 p.m. (7:20 EST) on TyC Sports, the new edition of “Boxeo de Primera Promocional,” will be begin with an amateur boxing showcase, followed by the professional fights.

Undefeated Super Flyweight Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price ready for first six-round bout this Saturday at Barclays Center

 

PHILADELPHIA (April 18, 2018)–This Saturday, undefeated super flyweight, Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price (5-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, New Jersey will take the next progression in his pro career, as he takes part in his first scheduled six-round bout when he battles Edson Eduardo Neri (2-2, 1 KO) of Mexico City at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The bout will be part of a big night of boxing that is headlined by a bout of former world champions Adrien Broner and Jessie Vargas.

The 19 year-old Price has been training very hard, and is looking forward to his next step in his career.

“I would like to first thank Yahuah, my Elohim for putting me in such a great position to showcase the talent he has given me. My  entire team that is doing a phenomenal job. My promoters Floyd Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe of Mayweather Promotions. My management team Doc Nowicki, Dejuan Blake and David Price who is my dad/trainer/manager, plus my “Real Dyl” team Lake Tilghman and Will Sanders,” said Dylan Price.

“I am super excited to be on such an action packed card once again. I can’t wait to weigh in on Friday, and perform on Saturday. I have had a really good camp with some excellent sparring, and I’m looking forward to my first 6 round bout. Saturday night will be packed with some of the biggest stars in the business, and I’m looking to show that over the next few years I will belong in this company.

Price is managed by D and D Management and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

Foster Decisions De Alba in Bethlehem

         
Smith stops Sanchez in 2-round shootout

 

Jules and Sonnier remain undefeated

 

Bethlehem, PA (April 17, 2018) -This past Friday night at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center, junior lightweight O’Shaquie Foster got a career boosting win as he defeated Frank De Alba via eight-round majority decision in a crowd-thrilling fight.

 

 

 

 

The six-bout card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

 

 

 

 

Foster got off to an early lead, as he featured an accurate straight hand.  De Alba got back in the fight as he decided to stand toe-toe with Foster, and on many occasions, he gave as good or even better then he received.  Neither fighter took a backward step, which was much to the delight to the crowd that congregated at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

 

 

 

 

The furious action continued, De Alba began to leak some blood from his nose in the fifth frame.

 

 

 

 

Foster of Houston, Texas won his third bout in a row as he took two cards by scores of 79-73 and 78-74, while a 3rd card read even at 76-76.

 

 

 

 

Foster, 131.2 lbs of Houston, Texas is now 13-2.  De Alba, 130.1 lbs of Reading, PA is 22-3-2.

 

 

 

 

In the explosive co-feature, Luther Smith stopped Elvin Sanchez 55 seconds into the 2nd round of their scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Sanchez struck in the 1st round when he dropped Smith with a left to the head.  In round two, Smith came back to send Sanchez to the canvas with a right hook.  Smith ended the fight when he landed a straight left that sent Sanchez to the canvas, and the fight was immediately stopped.

 

 

 

 

Smith, 199.1 lbs of Bowie, MD is 10-2 with 9 knockouts.  Sanchez, 198.7 lbs of Paterson NJ is 8-4-1.

 

 

 

 

Martino Jules remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Vincent Jennings in a featherweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Jules, 128 lbs of Allentown, PA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice to raise his unblemished mark to 4-0.  Jennings, 126.7 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI is 5-5.

 

 

 

 

 

James Robinson took a six-round majority decision from Greg Jackson in a junior middleweight bout.

 

 

 

 

Robinson 156.7 lbs of York, PA won by scores of 59-55 twice and 57-57, and is now 5-9-4.  Jackson, 150.9 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 8-6-1.

 

 

 

 

In a battle of undefeated welterweights, Anthony Sonnier won a six-round unanimous decision over Jesus Perez.

 

 

 

 

In round three, Sonnier scored two knockdowns.  The 1st knockdown came from a flush right hand.  The 2nd knockdown came from a hard left.  In round five, Perez was bleeding from his nose.

 

 

 

 

Sonnier, 143.2 lbs of Seattle won by scores of 59-53 and 58-54 twice to raise his record to 4-0.  Perez, 142.7 lbs of Reading, PA is 3-1.

 

 

 

 

Craig Callaghan and Cesar Soriano Beruman battled to a six-round majority draw in a welterweight fight.

 

 

 

 

Despite bleeding from around both eyes, Beruman was able to get inside and land some solid punches, while Callaghan had success from the outside.

 

 

 

 

Scores were 58-56 for Callaghan, and 57-57 twice.

 

 

 

 

Callaghan, 152 lbs of Houston, Texas via Liverpool, ENG is 17-1-1.  Beruman, 151.6 lbs of Iztacaloc, MEX is 28-37-3,

 

 

 

 

 

King’s Promotions will be back on Friday, May 11th at The SugarHouse Casino with a big night of action that will feature undefeated junior welterweight Mykal Fox battling Anthony Mercado in the eight-round main event.

Max Ornelas vs. Tony Lopez, Jr. Vacant NABA USA bantamweight title & RJJ bragging rights on the line

     
 
MAX ORNELAS vs. TONY LOPEZ
Vacant WBA NABA United States Bantamweight Championship
 
Friday night, April 20, 2018 ● Cox Pavilion ● Las Vegas, Nevada
This Friday night on beIN Sports live from Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2018) – University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) student and Las Vegas resident, unbeaten bantamweight prospect “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Max Ornelas (10-0-1, 4 KOs), faces Mexico-native Tony Lopez, Jr. (13-3, 4 KOs) this Friday night (Apr. 20) in the eight-round main event for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) United States title, at Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus.
Ornelas vs. Lopez, Jr., presented Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, will air live on beIN Sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET /7 p.m. PT.  Ornelas and Lopez, Jr, who fights out of Ft. Worth, TX, are RJJ stablemates.
In the eight-round, co-featured event, unbeaten World Boxing Council (WBC) United States welterweight champion Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (14-0-1, 5 KOs), a former college football player from New Haven, Connecticut, meets Marquis Taylor (8-1, 0 KOs), of Houston, in a non-title match.
Undefeated Roy Jones protégé Shady Gamhour (6-0, 5 KOs), a Swedish middleweight now living in Jones’ hometown of Pensacola, FL, fights Mexican Erasmo Garcia (5-2, 3 KOs) in the six-round televised opener.
Also fighting on the undercard is Australian super welterweight and past world title challenger,Tommy “The Titan” Browne (35-7-2, 13 KOs), versus Carlos Hernandez (15-17, 12 KOs), of Puerto Rico, in an eight-round bout.
Top Rank’s blue-chip prospect, 17-year-old Stockton, CA sensation Gabriel Flores, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), a 2016 World Juniors Championships silver medalist, takes on Mexico-native Alejandro Rochin (5-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Oklahoma City, in a six-round match.
Pro-debuting Las Vegas junior lightweight Jaime Gomez and Ivan Ortiz (1-0-1, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, will clash in a four-round “walk out” fight.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are priced at $100.00 Ringside, $40.00 Reserved Seating & $25.00 General Admission, and available to purchase online at http://www.unlvtickets.com/eventInfo/spe/687/ornelas-vs-lopez/Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @beINSPORTS ,
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @beINSportsusa, @artofmusiclv, @cervezatecate, @rivalboxinggear, use #RoyJonesJr, #RJJ, #MaxLopez

Carl Frampton vs. Nonito Donaire Interim WBO World Featherweight Championship

Zolani Tete vs. Omar Andres Narvaez
WBO World Bantamweight Championship
 
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
EDMONTON, Canada (April 17, 2018) – Canada’s preeminent destination for boxing fans in Canada, Super Channel, will air a world-class event featuring two world title fights this Saturday, headlined by the 12-round main event for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Interim World Featherweight Championship between former world champions Carl “The Jackal” Frampton and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, live from The SES Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
 
Frampton vs. Donaire, presented by Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, will air exclusively on Super Channel across Canada, starting at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT.
 
WBO World Bantamweight Champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete defends his title against former world champion and Olympian Omar “El Huracan” Andres Narvaez in the 12-round, co-featured event.
 
The 31-year-old Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs), fighting at home in Belfast, is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Featherweight Champion. The crowd-pleasing Irishman is 5-1 in world title fights, 6-1 (3 KOs) versus current or past world champions, including a victory over Canada’s Steve Molitor.
 
Frampton has also defeated world champions such as Kiko Martinez (twice), Scott Quigg and Leo Santa Cruz, the reigning WBA featherweight world champion who defeated Frampton in their world-title fight rematch on January 28,2017 for the WBA crown.

Philippines-native Donaire, who lives in San Leandro, California, is a seven-time, four-division world champion, who is 10-0 in fights held outside of the United States. The 35-year-old Donaire has a 13-3 (8 KOs) world title fight record and he’s 12-3 (8 KOs) against current or former world champions. His Who’s Who list of victims include Vic Darchinyan (twice), Ferrnando Montiel and Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr., among the more notables.
 
One of the greatest Filipino fighters of all time — along with Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, Gerry Penalosa and Gabriel “Flash” Elorde –Donaire is unquestionably a future Hall of Famer, who has won five of his last six fights.


Tete (26-3, 2 KOs), fighting out of South Africa, captured his WBO title a year ago, when he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Arthur Villanueva (30-1). Last November, Tete needed only 13 seconds to one-punch knockout his fellow countryman, Siboniso Gonya (11-1), In his first title defense.
 
Narvaez (48-2-2, 25 KOs) is a two-time, two division world champion, as well as a two-time Argentinian Olympian. The veteran southpaw has an incredible 28-2-1 (12 KOs) record in world title fights during his 17 1/2 -year pro career. One of his two career losses, ironically, was in 2011 to Donaire by way of a 12-round unanimous decision for the WBO world bantamweight title.
Other exciting fights on the “Frampton vs. Donaire” card, in addition to the aforementioned main event and co-feature, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, and the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) quarterfinals and semifinals.
To watch Frampton vs. Donaire live, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

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