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Tūtohu Archives: mekemeke
Ruben Villa Eyes First Title Saturday Night from Salinas, Pērā i
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Philadelphia, Penn. /ORANGE, Calif. (April 11, 2018) – Top featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 Koó)looks to add the first championship of his young career when he battles Colombian Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 Koó) mo te wātea WBO Youth Title this Saturday night from the Salinas Storm House in Salinas, Calif.
Villa, te tangata e tahuri 21 wiki i muri mai, will be fighting in his hometown for the first time as a professional.
“There’s a lot of firsts for this fight,” Villa said. “It’s a great feeling to fight for a title and to do it in my home city with me as the headliner [also a first], ngā tae mai te moe te reira parau mau. These are the types of fights I’ve been working toward ever since I was little.”
The southpaw with fast hands and high IQ split his training camp from the arid climate of Riverside, Calif., to the coastal weather of Salinas. Villa faced a variety of sparring partners to prepare for the quick hitting style that Olea will bring on Saturday night.
“The key to any training camp is to get tested against quality fighters,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I went against boxers that were real slick with their movements, and others that came forward and threw a lot of punches. I feel confident in what I want to do against Olea.”
In addition to making his first headlining appearance on “toto New,” Villa also fights for the first time at 8-rounds. He is coming off three straight 6-round unanimous decision victories. Until recently, Villa had won every round on every scorecard in his six decision wins with the exception of dropping one round on one scoresheet against Juan Sandoval in February.
Olea, for what it’s worth, holds a unanimous decision loss to WBA world champion Danny Roman from November of 2016. That matchup was contested at 122-pounds, while Saturday night’s fight is set for 126-pounds. Villa would appear to have the size advantage, as he is a natural featherweight with room to fill out as he gets older.
“In this sport, you take any advantage you can get,” Villa remarked. “He’s still a talented guy so I can’t get over confident on that.”
Tikiti hoki “toto New” E utu i $75 & $125, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.
All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.
The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.
Doors tuwhera i 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Dr. Salinas, Pērā i 93907.
“toto New” is presented by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.
No te whakahōunga auau i runga i to tatou whawhai, ngā, me whakatairanga, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram a Twitter BannerBoxing
Frank De Alba looking for big fights; but he 1st must get past O’Shaquie Foster this Friday night at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center
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Red Hot 154-pound Division Continues to Sizzle With Undefeated World Champion Jermell Charlo Defending His Title Against Former World Champion Austin Trout Saturday, Pipiri 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
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Leo Santa Cruz & Abner Mares Battle in World Title Rematch in the Main Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Los Angeles (April 11, 2018) – The 154-pound division continues to heat up as undefeated world champion Jermell Charlo defends his belt against former world champion Austin “No te feaa” Taraute Rāhoroi, Pipiri 9 in a 12-round showdown live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by WBA Super World Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz battling WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Apanere Merehe in an anticipated world title rematch.
Tikiti mo te takahanga ora, whakatairangatia ana e te e Ringstar Sports ko TGB Whakatairanga, begin at $50, me utu e hāngai ana, and are on sale now To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.
Super welterweight is one of the deepest and most ferociously contested divisions in boxing with unified champion Jarrett Hurd and Charlo on a collision course for supremacy in the weight class. Virtually all of the most significant fights in the division are taking place in 2018 i runga i SHOWTIME, with the three consensus best fighters, and at least five of the consensus top-10, facing off in what has become an unofficial tournament.
Charlo (30-0, 15 Koó) has blasted his way to the top of the division, having stopped four of his last opponents by knockout. The 27-year-old from Houston won the title with a knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. Since then he has successfully defended it twice, including scoring a devastating first round knockout victory over top contender Erickson Lubin in his last fight in October and a Knockout of the Year contender against Charles Hatley in April. Charlo and his twin brother, Jermall, were the only twin brothers to hold world titles in the same weight class simultaneously before Jermall relinquished his 154-pound championship to campaign at 160 pauna.
“Trout is no journeyman. He’s a former world champion, someone who has a name and he comes to fight. The name means he’s worthy of another title challenge,” Said Charlo. “Trout is the man that has been chosen for me and I have to take care of him. I’m super excited to be fighting and defending my title again.
“The only thing I’m going to tell you about what I’m going to do against Trout is, I’m going to surprise you guys. I plan to show my skills and show why I’m the best at 154 pauna. The most important thing is to make my mark and claim my territory.”
The 32-year-old Trout (31-4, 17 Koó) is one of most accomplished boxers in the 154-pound division, having stepped into the ring against champions like Miguel Cotto, Haora “Canelo” Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Jermall Charlo and Jarrett Hurd. Representing Las Cruces, New Mexico, he won the super welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Rigoberto Alvarez in 2011. He successfully defended the title four times, including a victory over Cotto, before losing the championship to Alvarez in 2013 and a decision to Lara eight months later.
After winning four straight, Trout stepped in for a world championship against Jermall Charlo but lost a close unanimous decision in 2016, although he is the only person to go the distance with Jermall since 2015. Last October he took on Hurd for the title, but lost via 10th round TKO – the first time in his career that he’d ever been stopped. Trout is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel on Feb. 17.
“Au nui atu i oaoa ahau. I’m happy because I’m still a threat in this game,” Na ka mea a taraute. “People can write me off all they want. Even when I was a champion people wrote me off. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I’m approaching it is as my last opportunity. Everybody is counting me out and I’m hoping he is too. I’m going to shock him and the world.
“I feel like I’ve done this before because I fought his brother. Jermell uses more of his skills where Jermall uses more of his brute strength. I fought the bigger one and I fought Hurd who was like his bigger brother. Now I get to fight someone who is closer to my size.”
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Mō ētahi atu pārongo'a'ahi www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.coma www.staplescenter.comwhai i runga i Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions awww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, pai rawa Beer.
Adrien Broner & Gervonta Davis Exclusive Training Camp Quotes & Photos
Broner & Davis Talk Training Camp, Upcoming Matchups & More Ahead of Saturday, April 21 Showdowns Live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Pāwhiritia HERE for Photos from Jose Pineiro/SHOWTIME
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (April 11, 2018) – toa wha-wehenga ao Adrien Broner and unbeaten former champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis shared updates from their training camp in West Palm Beach, Florida as they prepare for their respective showdowns on Saturday, April 21 ora i runga i SHOWTIME i Barclays Center, te kāinga o Brooklyn BOXING.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Adrien Broner battling former welterweight world champion Jessie Vargas in a 12-round bout. haamata te telecast SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING i 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and features Davis whakaminenga Ihu Cuellar as they square off for the WBA 130-pound Super Featherweight World Championship plus undefeated former world champion Jermall Charlo clashing with once-beaten Hugo Bevan Jr. for the interim 160-pound world title.
Tikiti mo te takahanga ora, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, tīmata i $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com ranei na roto i te te karanga 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. E wātea ana pä Group i karanga 844-BKLYN-GP.
Broner and Davis are sharing camp in West Palm Beach for the first time under the guidance of head trainer Kevin Cunningham, a former St. Louis police officer who has worked with former world champions Devon Alexander and Cory Spinks.
Here is what the fighters, plus coach Cunningham, had to say about camp, April 21 me te ake:
Adrien BRONER
On changing trainers…
“I felt like it was time to change. I hear people say, ‘You are expected to change but you don’t, that’s why you end up in the same spots over and over’. Na, I have to change something to get a different result. That’s why I had to step outside of the box and go for it.
“I had to change things. I had to add to my repertoire because I’m getting all that I can do out of what I’m doing but I keep coming up short for these fights that I’m supposed to be winning. Na, it was time for a change.
“Looking back at all of my defeats, the only real punishment that I’ve taken in this sport was against [Marcos] Maidana-I got a fractured jaw. In the Shawn Porter fight, he outwrestled me and in the Mikey [Garcia] whawhai, he just outworked me. Na, it’s time to add to my team and that’s why I got coach Kevin Cunningham. He’s going to bring out the best of Adrien Broner.”
On why he chose Kevin Cunningham?
“I’ve known Coach Cunningham since my amateur days. We used to go up to St. Louis all the time and fight in his tournaments, on his shows. I have even fought for St. Louis in the Ringside Tournament. Ko ha a'usia nui.
“I’ve known Coach Cunningham for a long time. He is the real deal He is not going to B.S. ahau. He’s going to keep me on my toes. I need that.
“There are coaches that change when their fighters get to certain levels. They still coach, but they don’t provide the structure the fighter needs. When I was fighting at 130, 135, Coach Mike [Stafford] will be at my door yelling ‘Get your butt up. We have to run. We have to train. Get up! Get up!’ But time went by and things changed.
“Coach Mike stopped being a coach and started being more of a friend. I needed him to keep being my coach. I need someone to keep me in line. Kaua tiki ahau he, he’ll always be like a father figure but when it comes to training and my career. I needed a change.”
On training camp…
“I’m very happy with this camp. It’s just what I needed. I’m catching up with sleep, eating well. The isolated training is really good. I love everything about this camp.
“Training in isolation is really good for me. I told everybody that they were not coming to Florida with me, that I will see them all after the fight and that if they really love me they will understand the situation and they will be cool with it.
“I actually did a camp with Coach Kevin before when Devon Alexander fought Timothy Bradley. And I’ve seen the way he is. We had our arguments and he cussed me out almost every day, but I was just missing the structure and that’s what I need.”
On how he felt after losing to Mikey Garcia…
“I was upset. I te mutunga o te ra, nobody fixes my problems but me. I can take care of everybody when they have a problem, but nobody fixes my problems. There are one or two people that are there for me but at the end of the day, I told myself I have to get my life and career together.”
Reflecting on his career…
“I started my career young. I won titles in four weight classes. I’ve accomplished a lot and there’s still more to come. I got a lot of fighting left to do.”
GERVONTA Davis
On why he decided to do training camp with Kevin Cunningham…
“I was actually going to go to Colorado to train, but Adrien invited me to come down here to West Palm Beach to check out the camp. He said I should come to Florida to train with him and Kevin. So I came down, I saw Kevin’s routine and I really liked it.
“There were a lot of distractions in Baltimore and I think they were a problem for me. I needed to straighten my head and focus on the things I have to work on. It was time to set my camp somewhere else.
“I needed a change after my last fight. I let myself down. I learned to be a different fighter, more responsible. I let others down, but think I let myself down more than anything.”
On becoming one of the youngest champions in boxing…
“I was one of the youngest world champions in boxing. It is not that I was not prepared for it. I was just so young and it happened so quickly. I had to adapt to it. Live up to the hype. It was hard.”
I te hoariri tona, Ihu Cuellar…
“I’m not really into researching my opponents-or other fighters other than the ones that I like. I just train hard and fight who is in front of me. I know a little bit about him [Ihu Cuellar]. I know that he can hit, that he’s not going to back down and that he’s a tough opponent. I believe he’s my toughest opponent to date. I te Paenga-whāwhā 21, we will see if he is ready. I know for sure I will be.”
On life in training camp when not at the gym…
“We have a big house that the coach provided for us. We all live together-Adrien and I. We go swimming and to the movies. We just chill. We are being responsible. No South Beach, no clubbing. Just training hard.”
On his relationship with Adrien Broner…
“What people don’t know is that I’ve been around Adrien since I was younger. I looked up to him. When Adrien came on the scene, he was super sharp and fast. I remember him. He used to come to the amateur tournaments.
“Adrien is like a big brother to me. We are just like a little brother, teina nui. We are very competitive. We do not say it but we always want to outdo each other. Hei tauira, I usually run faster than he does, but sometimes he beats me. Yesterday he ran so fast I could not catch him. So today, I took the lead and ran even faster. We push each other to our best.”
On his plans for the future…
“I want to win more belts. I want to become a big star in boxing. I am going to put my work in the gym, put on a great performance in the ring and get back on track to become a world champion again.
“Being a world champion again is just a step closer towards my goal: I want to be a pay-per-view star. I want to be able to fight on pay-per-view against the big fighters and do big numbers.”
KEVIN CUNNINGHAM
On his relationship with Adrien Broner…
“I’ve known Adrian Broner for a very long time. I think I’ve known him since he was like eight years old and 60 pauna. He’s always been an extremely talented fighter. When he was a kid he was one of the most talented kids. He has always had boatloads of talent.”
On Broner’s shortcomings as a fighter…
“I think sometimes, he could be a little more focused and have a little more discipline in a lot of the different things he’s doing. I think he’s trying to turn the corner and get things moving in the right direction.”
On what caused Broner to come up short in recent big fights at higher weights…
“There are several things that could cause him to lose focus and come up a little short in some of the major fights. Some of it is the focus but there needs to be a little more discipline in terms of the training aspect and more structure. I think that’s what we’re working on here.”
On what he can do to improve Broner’s game…
“I think coming over here with me, he’s finding a lot more structure in the training aspect. It’s a totally different training program that I have him doing. I think that he’s ready for some new leadership. He’s ready to be a little more disciplined in his profession and I think it’s going to show on the 21st.”
On why this time will be different…
“I’ve heard from him like everybody has, but this time Broner really has done everything possible to rectify the situations that needed to be straightened out to help him propel his career and get back moving in the right direction – and it’s not just his boxing career; it’s also as a person – his personal life – and I’m here to help him out with that. He’s really working hard to get it right this time.”
On his history and background as a trainer and how it applies here…
“I’m known to be a stern and disciplined trainer, kaiako, and teacher. I’ve got a military and police background, so I don’t play a lot of games. We’re serious and we’re about business. When Broner made the decision to come with me, I knew that he was ready to take his career seriously because he knows what it’s like being here with me. He has to be about business, he has to be serious, and he has to be focused and disciplined. He made the choice to have me take over his training and take the lead as his head trainer and that’s what he’s getting when he’s dealing with me.”
On how he and Broner came together…
“A couple of weeks after the Mikey Garcia fight, he called me and he told me he was thinking about making some changes and that he wanted me to consider being his guide and taking the lead as head trainer. He asked me what I thought about that and I said, ‘You know what you’re getting when you come to me and if you’re going to be serious and focused about this, I’ll give you all I’ve got.’ And he said, ‘I’m serious.’ We started training together before camp started and I just saw a different look in his eyes. Ever since camp started he’s been nothing but hard work, fakatapui, and focus.”
On if he had any fears about their partnership…
“I told him upfront what I expected and what we needed to do and how things had to go. I told him that if he wasn’t ready to adhere to what I’m expecting, he shouldn’t waste his time or mine. He has done everything I’ve asked of him. Everything and more. He’s going to show that he’s ready to get himself together. He’s going to show the world onApril 21 that he’s rededicated himself, he’s ready to reclaim the thrown.”
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Mō ētahi atu pārongo, toronga www.SHO.com/Sports, a www.PremierBoxingChampions.com. Follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, AdrienBroner, @JVargasBoxing, MayweatherPromo, LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, TGBPromotions, ranei riro i te tahi i runga i Facebook i www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsa www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, pai rawa Beer.
Boxing Commission Launches Boxer Health & Safety Advisory Website
The British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) today announced the launch of the BIBA Health & Safety Executive website – www.boxbiba.co.uk– that not only covers Health & Safety advice, resources and information for boxers, but also features Mental Health awareness information and resources.
Mai 2016 the British & Irish Boxing Authority have strived to improve all aspects of Boxer Health & Safety, including appointing a number of specialists, including renowned sports injury specialist Professor Michael Graham MBChB; PhD; FRSM; BASEM; MICR; MCSFS; PCCMH; APIL Expert; FSB to the BIBA Medical Advisory Board to develop additional Boxer Health and Safety procedures, such as Cognitive Testing both as part of their licensing procedure as well as the post event medical, as well as to head up a team of experts to undertake long term research into Combat Sports related head injuries.
I roto i te Maehe 2017 the British & Irish Boxing Authority were the first commission to introduce Infra-Scanners, a portable infrared brain scanner that can detect signs of bleed to the brains, at events sanctioned by themselves, following a number of serious head injuries within the sport, including the death of Mike Towell in 2016.
Another recent British & Irish Boxing Authority initiative was the introduction in January 2018 of permitting Rehydration drinks in the corner for all contest of eight rounds and over, in an attempt to ensure that boxers remain hydrated in longer contests, which in itself can also reduce the risk of potential swelling or bleeds to the brain.
On announcing the new Health & Safety Executive website BIBA CEO and Executive Vice President Gianluca Di Caro stated;
“Back in February we signed up to the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation and as part of our action plan we decided to create a specific website to raise Mental Health awareness within the sport.
During the discussions with the committee that overseas our Mental Health policies it dawned on me that whilst it is essential that we get the information and resources available on the very important subject of Mental Health, that we should also cover other equally important Health & Safety matters, especially those that may reduce the potential risks of bleeds to the brain as well as take a serious look at the current rules of the sport to improve the Health & Safety of those that compete.
Another factor that led us to decide to create an all-encompassing HSE website was that our leading team of specialists are currently undertaking a long-term research project into head injuries within not just Boxing but all Combat Sports.
Even though we are only a few months into this research project we have already highlighted a number of areas, within the current rules, that need to be seriously looked at and changes made, we will also be highlighting these proposed changes on the new HSE website ahead of lobbying all World and Regional Championship Organisations, the Boxing and Combat Sports Industry Associations as well as other Commissions around the world to try and get these incredibly vital changes to the rules introduced.
Those of us who govern the sport need to consider making much needed changes to the rules now, as well as move with the times and embrace new technology, especially if these can prevent further tragedies, as I believe it is our, the Commissions that Govern the Sport’s responsibility to ensure that the Health & Safety of those that compete is of the highest level possible, not to do so would be dangerous and irresponsible and could even destroy our beloved sport, by basically help in making the case, by our own inaction, for those that want Professional Boxing banned.”
The British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) Health & Safety Executive website – www.boxbiba.co.uk – went live today and will be updated regularly to provide boxers with an unequalled information and resources reference point.
BIBA Main Website: www.boxbiba.com
BIBA HSE Website: www.boxbiba.co.uk
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Apanere Merehe 2 Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos
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Featherweight World Champions Battle Saturday, Pipiri 9 In World Title Rematch Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Vauvauhia e Pirimia mekemeke Champions
Pāwhiritia HERE hoki Whakaahua i Scott Hirano / SHOWTIME
Los Angeles (April 10, 2018) – Featherweight world champions Leo Santa Cruz a Apanere Merehe met face to face at a press conference in downtown Los AngelesTuesday and discussed their world championship rematch taking place Saturday, Pipiri 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Santa Cruz and Mares first battled in August 2015 at STAPLES Center with Santa Cruz earning the majority decision and a vacant featherweight title. Na, Santa Cruz will put his WBA Super World Featherweight Title on the line against the WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Mares.
Tikiti mo te takahanga ora, whakatairangatia ana e te e Ringstar Sports ko TGB Whakatairanga, begin at $50, me utu e hāngai ana, and are on sale now To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday at the open to the public press conference from STAPLES Center in Star Plaza in Los Angeles:
LEO Santa Cruz
“It was a really close fight the first time. Before the fight, I told him I would give him the rematch, just like I would have wanted if I lost. Now is the time and I think this fight is going to be even better than the first fight. Mares will be better with Robert Garcia. He has many champions and I’ve seen the improvement. That’s great motivation for me.
“I know he’s going to seek revenge, but I’m not going to let that happen. My dad is a smart man too and he always knows how to send me to the ring with the right style.
“When two Mexicans get in there, you know it’s going to be a war. I hope everyone comes out June 9 because it’s going to be a fight to remember.
“Every time I step into the ring, I do it for the fans. If it weren’t for them, E kore e waiho e ahau i konei. I always want the fans to go home happy. I want to give the fans a great show onJune 9 just like in the first fight.
“I think that Abner is going to be a little smarter than the first fight. He said in the first fight he didn’t train for the right fight. I know Robert Garcia will have him bring a smarter fight. We’ll be able to adjust and do what we have to do to win this one.
“I have to make some little changes. There will be adjustments. We have to be prepared to box. I’ll listen to what my dad tells me to do. We’ll know early and take it from there. I know how to fight different styles, but brawling is what the fans love. I’m going to do that while still being smart in the ring.
“This fight is dedicated to my dad as he battles cancer. The only way I can pay him back or try to lift his spirits is to train hard in the gym and give him this win. If he sees me not giving up, I think it will give him the courage to keep fighting his battle.
“It was hard after the loss to Carl Frampton. I got a lot of fan support that inspired me to get back to training and win my title in the rematch. My plan was to retire undefeated, but at the end of the day, the loss means nothing. As long as I give the fans great fights, that’s all that matters.”
Apanere uwha
“This is going to be another great one. Leo Santa Cruz is a great person and a humble guy. You have to be the bad guy against Leo. I could talk about what I’m going to do in the ring, but my fists and my brain will do the work for me.
“Kia tatou te tiki i roto i te whakakai, you already know what it’s going to be. It was war from the first bell last time. Nothing could stop either of us. We pleased the fans and gave them a great night. This is going to be the same thing. We’re two young fighters, fighting for pride.
“The fight is here now and it’s official. I’m eager to get this win and get redemption. There were things I could have done that would have made the fight easier for myself. Once you get in there, I know we all have a plan, but once you hear the crowd, it can go out the window. I’m a warrior and that type of fighter who’s looking to get the win no matter what.
“I’m not worried about the decision in the first fight. I think he landed the clearer punches but it was definitely a close fight. I was happy with my performance as far as pleasing the crowd. I’ve moved on to the rematch. I’m going to make adjustments and get the win.
“I can talk about how I’ve changed, but you just need to look at my last two performances. People thought Jesus Cuellar was going to knock me out, but I was the one who dropped him That lets you know what type of team I have and what kind of Abner Mares you will see on June 9.
“It feels good to be back fighting Leo for the second time at STAPLES Center. Every time I fight here in Los Angeles the people show me love. This is my hometown and STAPLES Center is my house.
“I’ve always seen holes in Leo’s game that I can take advantage of. It’s a matter of going in there with the perfect game plan. I feel like there’s no way I can lose this fight. That makes it a more exciting fight. If he wants to box, I’m more natural than him doing that. We’ll see who’s done their homework and who can translate it to the ring.”
Jose Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz o Matua & Trainer
“My fight with cancer is the toughest one of all. But I’m fighting very hard and I’m not going anywhere. I’m right there by Leo’s side all the way for this fight.
“For the first fight for Frampton, I had to try to prepare Leo from a distance. This fight is different because I’m right there every step of the way. I’m telling him what to do and guide him every day.
“I think Leo is even more prepared this time than for the first fight with Mares. Leo is doing great mentally because he’s such a brave kid. I tell him not to worry about me and to keep working hard. He seems really motivated right now. He knows he’s doing well.
“Right now we’re working on maintaining speed, being smart and not looking for too much of a clash of a fight. I know Leo can win with his speed and his brain. He’s learning and growing as a fighter. I think Mares has reached his peak. Robert Garcia Ko te kaiwhakangungu nui, but at a certain point, there’s nothing the fighter can do to surprise anyone.”
ROBERT Garcia, Mau metua vahine’ Trainer
“I was there live for the first fight and it was a great matchup. I knew then that Abner was much better than the fight he gave that night. He left the fans happy, which is all that matters to him. But with me in the corner, it should be a different fight.
“I think the fans have seen what we’ve done with Abner for his last two fights and they know that it’s going to lead to a totally different outcome in this fight.
“Abner tried to blitz Leo from the first bell and he knows that was a mistake. Leo is a tremendous fighter and you can never count Leo out. He takes a great punch and throws a lot. I think working with me for three years now will work out in Abner’s favor.
“Leo always goes out and pleases the crowd. That’s what he loves to do. It’s my job to get Abner to fight smart and not focus on the crowd. He has to focus on what I’m telling him. I’ll do what I have to to make sure he is.
“We’ve been training already for a little over a month. Sparring will start next week. Having Abner in the gym, we’ve taken his strength and conditioning to a level where he’s really doing the right work. He’s giving me good work each day so I know he’s focused.”
RICHARD Schaefer, Tiamana & Kaiwhakahaere Matua o Ringstar Sports
“This is one of the most anticipated fights of the sport. It’s a rematch we’ve all been waiting for between great warriors in Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.
“STAPLES Center has a rich tradition of bringing the best and biggest fights in Los Angeles here to this fantastic venue. STAPLES Center always seems to bring out the best in fighters as they fight under the brightest lights.
“Week after week we are witnessing great battles and great matchups on SHOWTIME. Every week is another ‘Fight of the Year’. They are pushing the best to fight the best and that is what we are going to see with these two great fighters on June 9 in Los Angles.
“We all witnessed the great first fight. Over 2,000 punches were thrown between these two fighters. It’s impossible when you have Leo and Abner in the ring to see a boring fight. We are going to have the pleasure of seeing these two guys going again. Kotahi ano, it’s a 50-50 whawhai. We don’t know who’s going to win, but we do know it will be all action here at STAPLES Center.
“Abner is a tremendous fighter inside of the ring and one of the most decorated fighters in recent history to come out of Mexico, but he’s equally impressive outside of the ring. He has a fantastic family and is truly one of the good guys in the sport of boxing.
“I’ve known Leo and his family for a long time and have been involved in many of his fights. He is truly, just like Abner, a family man who just so happens to be one of the best fighters in the world. He’s certainly one of the most exciting fighters in the world and it’s my pleasure to be able to watch him fight again on June 9.”
TOM Brown, Peresideni o TGB Whakatairanga
“This is going to be an incredible night. Los Angeles has always been a great fight town going back more than a hundred years. Any time you put two Mexican warriors together like this, you can’t help but get another great fight night in Los Angeles.
“In the first fight, Santa Cruz won an incredibly hard fought decision over Mares. From the opening bell they blasted away at each other, the crowd went wild and there was an all-out brawl underway for 12 grueling rounds.
“The last fight with this kind of significance in Los Angeles was when Bobby Chacon stopped Danny ‘Little Red’ Lopez in a now legendary featherweight fight in 1974. They fought for the mythical city championship on that night. While there are world titles on the line in this fight, I also know that these fighters have a lot of pride in Los Angeles and they’ll be fighting for the championship of this city on June 9.”
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Robinson wins 10th straight this past Friday night in Philadelphia
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Super-Sized Super Welterweight, Sebastian Fundora, Relaxed and Confident Going Into Action This Friday Against Also Undefeated KO Artist Veshawn Owens
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It takes a big man to go into another undefeated fighter’s hometown and take him down, but as the biggest super welterweight in boxing history, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora is more than up to the task.
The 6-foot-6 Fundora (8-0, 4 Koó) will face Minnesota-based KO artist Veshawn Owens (9-0, 9 Koó) tenei Rāmere, April 13, in an eight-round showdown at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The pair will meet on the undercard of the Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes event featuring hometown welterweight Jamal James taking on Abel Ramos (9:00 p.m. AND / 6:00 p.m. PT)
Presented by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, the event will also see rugged veteran Edner Cherry battling rising lightweight Dennis Galarza in a 10-round bout and Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert clashing in an eight-round match between unbeaten super featherweight prospects. Also appearing on the card is sensational 17-year-old 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer (1-0, 1 KO), a former No. 1 ranked amateur and nine-time national champion.
Tikiti mo te takahanga ora, which is, are on sale now and are available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com.
“I’ve fought in other people’s backyards and I’ve already beaten undefeated fighters too, so I’m used to this,” said Fundora, a confident 20-year-old southpaw from Coachella, California. “I don’t know much about Owens, but it feels great being able to fight tougher opponents. People are now able to view my full capabilities, instead of knocking guys out in the first round and it doesn’t mean as much.”
With a heavyweight’s reach and height, Fundora is massive for a 154-lb fighter… a natural gift he works on in the gym to its full advantage.
“We trained hard and worked a lot on distance and a lot more power and strength for this fight. I’m not just the biggest, I’m also stronger than anybody else. We started training for this in January. I muri i toku whawhai whakamutunga, i roto i te Argentina, I took a week off and then started working on conditioning in Big Bear. It’s been a great camp.”
Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz o Sampson Boxing, ta “The Towering Inferno” is more than a “gimmick fighter.”
“He’s for real,” Na ka mea a Lewkowicz. “He’s already beaten some good fighters. How he puts all that size and strength into 154 lbs., I do not know, but Fundora is too big for anyone at this weight. You have to get inside on him and it’s just too far to go because he’s punishing you for every inch you try to take.”
“I’m more than happy with the way things are going,” continued Fundora. “A victory in this fight would be a good stepping stone to hopefully fight for a regional belt next. I will have a lot of opportunities after I win.”
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 Kicks Off 2018 Season With Three-Hour Action Packed Extravaganza From The Armory in Minneapolis on Friday, April 13
Welterweight Contender Jamal James Returns to Hometown to Battle Abel Ramos in Welterweight Clash
Rugged Veteran Edner Cherry Takes on Dennis Galarza
In Lightweight Showdown in Co-Main Event
Ētahi atu! Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert Square-Off in Matchup of Unbeaten Super Featherweights & Sensational
Prospects Sebastian Fundora & Joey Spencer In
Action in Separate Matches
MINNEAPOLIS (April 10, 2018) – Te Pirimia mekemeke Champions kicks off the 2018 season on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Friday, April 13 with five action-packed bouts on a three-hour televised show from the Armory in Minneapolis, featuring welterweight contender Jamal James pakanga Apera Ramos in a 10-round main event in front of his hometown crowd.
I roto i te hui tahi-matua, rugged veteran Edner Cherry clashes with rising lightweight Dennis Galarza in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super featherweights Austin Dulay a Chris Colbert square off in an eight-round match.
Ētahi atu, exciting 6-foot-6 super welterweight Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora(8-0, 4 Koó) Ka tangohia i runga i Veshawn Owens (9-0, 9 Koó) in an eight-round match of unbeaten prospects. Sensational 18-year-old, 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer (1-0, 1 KO), a former No. 1 ranked amateur and nine-time national champion, whawhai Ousmane Sylla (1-2, 1 Koó) in a four round match. The televised action starts at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
The event marks the return of boxing to the Minneapolis Armory, a historic venue that hosted nearly 100 cards between 1915 a 1973, including a show headlined by all-time great Sugar Ray Robinson in 1942.
“This show is the perfect example of what Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes is all about – boxers at various stages of their career, each with something to prove in all action matches,” ka mea a Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “The stakes are raised for Jamal James because he’s fighting in front of his hometown crowd and yo get in title the mix at 147 pounds and Abel Ramos wants to spoil all of that.
“Veteran Edner Cherry, who has tangled with Paulie Malignaggi and Timothy Bradley, and Dennis Galarza are both looking fighting to get into title contention. And it’s rare for unbeaten prospects like Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert to clash this soon in their careers. It all promises to be an exciting night of boxing on a night when the sports calendar isn’t crowded.”
James (22-1, 10 Koó) is coming off the biggest victory of his career – a knockout over tough veteran Diego Chaves on Dec. 15. The 29-year-old James joined unified 147-pound champion Keith Thurman as the only boxer to have knocked out the durable Argentine. It was James second straight victory since suffering the only loss of his career – a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 12, 2016. James hasn’t fought in his hometown of Minneapolis since he scored a unanimous decision over Mohammed Kayongo in 2013.
Ramos (18-2-2, 13 Koó) will complete his move to the welterweight division by taking on James after making his welterweight debut with a stoppage of Emmanuel Robles last July. The 26-year-old out of Arizona has won three of his last four fights and his only pro defeats have come at the hands of top 140-pound contenders Regis Prograis and Ivan Baranchyk.
Cherry (36-7-2, 19 Koó) has defeated once-beaten contenders Haskell Rhodes and Omar Douglas since losing a split decision to Jose Pedraza in a 130-pound world title match in 2015. The 35-year-old Cherry of Wauchula, Florida has previously challenged Tim Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi during his career that included a 10-fight win streak after the Bradley bout.
Galarza (16-2, 9 Koó), an outstanding amateur boxer, is stepping up in competition with this matchup against the more experienced Cherry. The 25-year-old Galarza, who’s from Brooklyn but trains in Orlando, has won three straight fights since losing a split decision to Cesar Alan Valenzuela on Sept. 16, 2016.
Dulay (11-0, 8 Koó) was busy last year, fighting four times with only one fight going the distance. The 22-year-old southpaw from Nashville, Tennessee most recently scored a TKO victory over Carlos Padilla last August.
Colbert (7-0, 2 Koó) has one of the most decorated amateur careers in New York City as he fights out of the renowned Atlas Cops and Kids Gym in Brooklyn. The 21-year-old is noted for his blazing hand and foot speed and he enters this fight coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Titus Williams last November.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 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. I tua atu, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Mō ētahi atu pārongo'a'ahi www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage a www.foxdeportes.com.
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