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boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Lamont Peterson Final Press Conference   Quotes & Photos

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Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines Saturday, January 20 Live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
BROOKLYN (January 18, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and two-division world champion Lamont Peterson faced off Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring Saturday, January 20 in the main event live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter and former world champion Javier Fortuna, who met face to face for the first time on Thursday.
Competing in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS on Saturday will be unbeaten light heavyweight Marcus Browne and once-beaten Francy Ntetu, who meet in a 10-round bout, plus undefeated heavyweight Adam Kownacki and once-beaten  Iago Kiladze, who step into the ring for a 10-round affair.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are priced starting at $50, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center or by calling 800-745-3000. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“This fight means everything to me. I still have a chip on my shoulder. I want to be the last man standing. I want to beat the top fighters in my division. Lamont is the one standing in front of me, so it’s fight time.
“I think it’s going to turn into a war. A lot of people have thought this would be an easy fight for me. But if you follow Lamont Peterson, you know this will be tough. He’s always in great shape and has a lot of skills. IT might be a dog fight and that’s what I wanted. He’s the guy who wanted to fight and I said of course. It’s going to be a rugged fight. Later on in the fights, he always gets rough and stands toe-to-toe.
“There might not be a lot of talking and bad blood between us, but you know that the two of us always give a great fight for the fans.
“I had to wait for my title defense and then I had a lot of guys not answer the call for this fight. I have a belt and I still have to call these other guys out. Lamont Peterson answered the call like a real fighter.
“In a perfect world I’d be unifying with Keith Thurman this year. I’m going to fight three times this year though. You don’t get time back. I’m ready to strike now.
“I’m just excited to fight. I like to fight. I can’t wait to be in front of those bright lights in front of the fans. Brooklyn is a great place to fight and my family from the area can come see me live. I can’t wait to display my skills.
“A true champion can’t fight everybody who calls them out, it’s still a business. But a true champion fights other champions, especially when they’re available. You can’t avoid questions and try to delay a fight. You fight the next champion that’s available, that’s what a true champion does.”
LAMONT PETERSON
“When I got into boxing, I had goals. First I wanted to be a National Champion, then a world champion as a professional, but the ultimate goal is to be in the Hall of Fame. With that being my goal, I wouldn’t put myself in that conversation yet. With wins over a guy like Errol Spence and the other top welterweights, I think I’m right there in it. That’s my goal and I’ll give it my all to get there.
“If you left it to me I’d fight every month. That’s how much I love the sport. I know a victory would help me get in the ring even more often. Sometimes if you lose at the top level, other top guys don’t want to take a chance against you. I can fix all of that this weekend
“I don’t worry about any negativity. My resume is written in the history books. All I can do is respect the opinion of others and work hard to get this win.
“I’m excited and looking forward to the skill level that’s going to be displayed this weekend. It’s going to be a rough fight for sure. But I look forward to the technique and skill level. Defense, offense and transitioning between the two. That’s the part of boxing that I love.
“Errol even taking the Kell Brook fight was impressive to me. Most guys in his position take their time leading up to the first title shot, but he ended up fighting someone in his prime in his country. To will himself to that win was very impressive.
“When you get to the big stages and those big fights, you have to win more than you lose. I think if I can win some big fights these next few years my career will be in a good place.”
ROBERT EASTER
“I have no concerns fighting a southpaw. I made my last fight hard, but this time I’m going to use my reach, my feet and my speed to dominate.
“I’m looking for a great performance. This is going to be the best Robert Easter the fans have ever seen. We prepared to dominate this fight.
“Javier Fortuna is an accomplished fighter but I don’t know too much about him. I know what I came to do. I’m a world champion and everyone knows what I bring to the fight game. I won’t leave without my strap.
“I’m ready to fight the best in this sport. I want to become the man at this weight and I know I have to beat the other champions to do that.
“Boxing is all about showing you’re the best and fighting the best. I just want to fight these other champions in my weight class. I’m looking to stay healthy in 2018 and remain on top.”
JAVIER FORTUNA
“I have no excuses on January 20. I hope he doesn’t either. I will be taking that title to the Dominican Republic for my fans. I’ve been dreaming about it and I will take it.
“I have the style and the skills to beat Robert Easter. I know how to make sure his height does not affect me at all. Everyone will see it on fight night.
“I’ve prepared myself very well. I have a plan to win every round. If he’s able to stand there, I’m going to break him down round by round.
“I am fighting for more than just myself and that is why I’ll be successful. I am going to prove that I’m truly one of the top fighters in the sport.
“Robert Easter is a fighter I respect, but I believe I can defeat anyone in front of me. If he takes me lightly, it will go even worse for him. I’ve been training hard to make sure I’m at my absolute best on fight night.
“A win would be great for my country, my fans and my family. Winning this title is everything for me. That’s why I’m here and I will not be stopped.”
DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer
“I started training Errol about nine years ago but I never really knew just how special he was until about a year or so into our training. I thought Olympics were definitely possible, because I didn’t want to look too far ahead. Now that we’re here, I think he can beat any of the top guys. I want him to be undisputed welterweight champion just like he wants to be.
“I never worry about comparing Errol to other guys in the sport. He’s a hard puncher who breaks ribs and breaks faces. The longer the fight goes, the more pain he inflicts. I’ve never seen anybody who punches that hard.
“I think Lamont knew when he moved up to welterweight that this fight would be a possibility. It’s time for us to go to work because I know Lamont and Barry Hunter are working on a game plan. They have a great team and I know Lamont will be ready for what we bring.”
BARRY HUNTER, Peterson’s Trainer
“We stay in the gym all the time. We didn’t have to deal with the weight monster this camp. Weight issue can really derail a camp leading up to a fight of this magnitude. We didn’t have to deal with any of that.
“There are several different things in Errol’s arsenal that I think we can exploit. Errol will make adjustments though, so I think strategy will be a key in this fight.
“Lamont has always been a coach’s dream. He’s the type of athlete that you would love to coach. He does everything a coach asks of him. He will train until he passes out. All he wants is to work hard and compete.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is a great night for boxing. The first January date of the year drums up a lot of excitement and we expect a great turnout on Saturday night at Barclays Center. It’s going to be a great crowd and an exciting night from top to bottom.
“Errol Spence Jr. is one of the best young fighters in the world testing himself against another great fighter in Lamont Peterson It’s the best fighting the best. Lamont Peterson is a guy with a tremendous resume. If anybody thinks Errol is going to take Lamont lightly, they’re mistaken and he would be too.
“Both of these main event fighters are lucky to have trainers who are real teachers. They are old school and two of the best. Derrick James and Barry Hunter know the game inside and out.
“Robert Easter is a beast, he’s got reach, power and boxing ability. He’s facing a guy in Javier Fortuna who is a confident former world champion. Javier has been talking a big game. He’s talking about knockouts. You want to see a guy come into a fight like this with that kind of confidence.
“This year in boxing is starting out just like last year started, at Barclays Center with a great, even matchup like Badou Jack vs. James DeGale last year.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“In terms of representing the sport, you don’t get any better than Errol Spence Jr. and Lamont Peterson. The professionalism of these guys is unmatched and they represent the best of the sport. I’m proud to have them on the network.
“You can’t play boxing. You have to be dedicated and passionate. Those values are going to be reflected in the ring on Saturday.
“This is a special fight. These are the best in the sport. They’re both top 10 guys. Errol Spence Jr. has grown up on SHOWTIME.
He made his pro debut on ShoBox and won his first world title on SHOWTIME. This is Lamont’s eighth appearance on SHOWTIME and he has one of the strongest resumes in the sport.
“Robert Easter and Javier Fortuna is another matchup of top 10 guys. What we’re doing here is special. This isn’t just another network doing boxing, this is the cream of the crop.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“I’m really excited about Saturday night. We’ve been very fortunate to host the first big event of the year. There’s an appetite to get back into the game and we’re happy to be hosting it.
“I want to welcome back Errol and Lamont to Barclays Center. Both have been there before and we’re thrilled to have you back. We’re pleased that Robert has finally decided to take his show to Barclays Center and give the fans a performance. Last time Javier won at Barclays Center he won his world title and we’re happy to have him back.
“We’re going to create something great here in Brooklyn and it continues on Saturday night at Barclays Center.”
# # #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

Introducing undefeated middleweight prospect Eddie Ortiz

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Ortiz managed by former Tony Ayala manager Brian Raditz

San Antonio, TX (January 18, 2018) – 26 year-old Eddie Ortiz is trying to be the next in a long line of top fighters from San Antonio, Texas.

In 2010, The 26 year-old started boxing at the age of 18.  He was a lifelong athlete, who wanted to box his whole life, but his parents would not allow young Eddie to begin fighting until he turned 18.
Eddie embarked on a successful amateur career where he went 40-5, and along the way he captured the 2012 National PAL title, 2015 U.S. National title that catapulted him to be ranked number-two at middleweight and also a berth in the 2015 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Ortiz was training at the Zarzamora Gym in San Antonio under the guidance of Tony Ayala, Sr.
Ayala’s son, Tony Ayala, Jr. was managed by Dr. Brian Raditz.  Raditz took over the manager duties of young Ortiz.
Ortiz turned professional in 2016, and is undefeated with a record of 5-0-2 with three wins coming via knockouts.
The only two blemishes for Ortiz are two disputed draws when he fought in Philadelphia.
Ortiz describes himself as a boxer-puncher, who likes to exchange and he uses a lot of movement and footwork.
Ortiz will be in action on February 17th at The San Antiono Shrine Auditorium.
“My next fight is the next step towards my goal of being the top middleweight prospect in Texas, and then being a world champ,” said Ortiz.
Said Raditz, “He is a two-time National champion, he is tall at 6’3″ and I feel he has a big future in the sport.”
boxing

Local standouts highlight loaded undercard for Inaugural Boardwalk Boxing card on Saturday, February 24th at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City

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Undefeated fighters Darren Goodall, Jahmal Dyer, Frederick Julan, Donald Smith, Omar Kabary Salem highlight packed night of boxing
Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna battles Gabriel Bracero in welterweight main event
 
ATLANTIC CITY – January 18 2018 – A massive undercard featuring some of the brightest prospects and fan favorites in the tri-state area will be on display on Saturday night,February 24th at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.
The inaugural Boardwalk Boxing card is promoted by Rising Star Promotions.
Last week a mouth watering main event was announced that will pit  Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna taking on Gabriel “Tito” Bracero in a ten-round battle for the WBC Fecarbox Welterweight title.
A trio of six-round bouts will top a ten-bout undercard.
Tommy Rainone (26-8-2, 6 KOs) of Farmingdale, NY will take on Eduardo Flores (23-29-3, 14 KOs) of Quito, Ecuador in a welterweight bout.
Undefeated light heavyweight Frederick Julan (8-0, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY via Paris, France will take part in a bout against an opponent to be named.
Undefeated super middleweight Darren Goodall (5-0, 4 KOs) of New Milford, NJ will fight veteran Edgar Perez (7-22, 3 KOs) of Chicago.
In four-round bouts:
Bryne Green (7-10-1, 3 KOs) of Paulsboro, NJ will fight Tyrone Luckey (8-8-3, 6 KO’s) in a battle of New Jersey based junior lightweights
Jahmal Dyer (4-0, 2 Kos) of Baltimore, MD will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.
Undefeated junior lightweight Donald Smith (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Andrew Bentley (3-2) of Jersey City, NJ.
Mike Rashid of Tucson, AZ will make his pro debut against Demetrius Shaw (0-2) of Wilson, NC in heavyweight bout.
Ernesto Perez of Vineland, NJ will make his pro debut against Steve Moore (0-2) of Orange, NJ in a welterweight tussle.
Omar Kabary Salem (1-0) of Brooklyn, NY will fight pro debuting Cory Weekley of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.
Osnel Charles (11-8-1 KO) of Atlantic City, NJ boxes against Laquan Lewis (2-8) of Brooklyn, NY in a junior welterweight tilt.
Tickets are available for $150, $80 and $55, and can be purchased online at www.risingboxingpromotions.com.
This event is sponsored by Acos Energy, Designer Wraps, Eat Clean Bro, Calvi Electric, and Alpha Academy.
For more information, ‘Like’ Rising Star Promotions on Facebook.
boxing

Exciting Slugger Eyubov Calls Out Fellow Prospect: ‘Bring me Yves Ulysse Jr. I Will Run Him Out of the Ring!’

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Already one of the most entertaining up-and-comers in boxing and willing to face anyone put in front of him, Kazakhstan-born slugger Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov, is calling out a fellow super lightweight prospect that most of his contemporaries try to avoid.

“Bring me Yves Ulysse Jr. next,” said Eyubov. I want to fight him.”
A true warrior, Eyubov says he’s willing to go where others fear to tread on his way to a world championship. “I know Ulysse is considered a difficult opponent and fighters are avoiding him, but I would run him out of the ring. I’ll stop him and get my respect in the division. I am too strong and too hungry. He can’t survive my tenacity!”
Montreal-based Ulysse (15-1, 9 KOs) was last seen in December dominating formerly undefeated Cletus Seldin over 10 one-sided rounds on HBO. The quick-fisted Canadian is currently rated #14 in the world by the IBF.
Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs) returned to the ring last weekend, but had his stalking of opponent Maurice Chalmers cut short when Chalmers suffered an accidental headbutt. The fight was ruled a No Decision at 1:59 of the first round.
“I will stop him if that fight ever happens,” continued Eyubov. “I hope he doesn’t get intimidated by my confidence. I hope he’s a real man that likes a challenge. We will see.”
Eyubov’s promoter says he’s willing to try and make this interesting showdown a reality.
“This is a great fight,” said Salita. “Bakhtiyar says he wants to prove himself against a tough guy who can get him in the world ratings. We asked him who he wants, and he didn’t hesitate. He wants Yves Ulysse. Fights like this, between two hungry young lions are what boxing is all about. Both these guys are essentially undefeated. Ulysse’s loss was very controversial. It would be a sensational war.”
amateur boxing, boxing, Golden Gloves

SECOND-ROUND RESULTS    72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship

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Central N.E. quarterfinals round action  
this Friday night at Lowell Auditorium

Marlboro, MA light welterweight Nelson Perez after his win last night
Pictures courtesy of Edward Boches / bochesphotogrphery.com
LOWELL, Mass. (January 13, 2018) – The Central New England (Greater Lowell) second-round of the 72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championships concluded last night at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium with that featured 13 exciting men’s and women’s novice class matches.
The quarterfinals are on tap next Friday night (Jan. 19) at Lowell Memorial Auditorium with novice and open class matches. See the complete 2018 schedule of events below as well as last night’s complete results.
“The first bout (Rodriguez vs. Picariello) of the night was awesome, one of the best I’ve seen in years,” Tournament Executive Director Bobby Russo said. “It was a lesson to be learned for fans: don’t come late! One of the great things about amateur boxing is you never know what the fight of the night will be and last night it was the first.  Rodriguez showed a good skill level, especially for a novice, and Picariello had tremendous determination. He kept coming and they both threw a lot of punches. It was a great way to start the show.”
Season tickets for the remaining seven events are still available and reasonably priced at $75.00 (general admission). To purchase call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online at www.lowellauditorium.com. Individual event tickets are also available to purchase, starting at $13.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required).
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
Manchester, NH welterweight Apostolus Lolos was a winner last night
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
 
NOVICE
(Feb. 12, 2018)
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Kevin Rodriguez, Lawrence, MA / Intenze 978
WDEC (5-0)
Giovanni Picariello, Medford, MA / Nonantun Boxing Club
Emmanuel Adumbire, Dorchester, MA / Grealish Boxing
WDEC (3-2)
Shane Jordan, Brockton, MA / Everybody Fights
FEMALE LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Stephanie Khan, Brighton, MA / The Ring
WDEC (5-0)
Marine Krizisch, Cambrige, MA / Nonantum Boxing
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Steve Rao, Lowell, MA / West End Gym
WDEC (3-2)
Miguel Rivera, Lawrence, MA / Intenze 978
Robert Tomczyk, Sterling, MA / Palladin Martial Arts
WDEC (5-0)
Scott Nardella, Lowell, MA / West End Gym
Nelson Perez, Marlboro, MA / Upperkuts
WDEC (3-2)
James Quealy, Dorchester, MA / Grealish Boxing
FEMALE WELTERWEIGHTS (152 lbs.)
Emily Jones, Woburn, MA / Everybody Fights
WDEC (5-0)
Samatha Kreitman, Boston, MA / Sweatbox
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 LBS.)
Alexander Lynch, Quincy, MA / Grealish Boxing
WDEC (5-0)
Doug Maguire, Hudson, MA / Hudson Boxing Club
Apostolus Lolos, Manchester, NH / Manchester PAL
WDEC (4-1)
Daniel Richard, Malden, MA / Somerville Boxing Club
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)
Jordy Artica, Chelsea, MA / Grealish Boxing
WDEC (5-0)
Steve Baez, Lowell, MA / West End Gym
Mohammed Ibrahim, Boston, MA / unattached
WDEC (5-0)
Ethan Marshall, Haverhill, MA / Haverhill Downtown Boxing
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201 lbs.)
Andrew Perez, Methuen, MA / Intenze 978
WDEC (4-1)
Jordan Faulkner, Haverhill, MA / Haverhill Downtown Boxing
SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS (201+ lbs.)
Jean Fleurissaint, Mattapan, Ma / Boston Boxing
WDEC5
Brandys Nunez, Peabody, Ma / Dullea’s
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
Central New England (Greater Lowell)
Quarterfinals – Friday, Jan. 19
Semifinals: – Thursday, Jan. 25
Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 1
New England Tournament of Champions
Novice Class Semifinals – Thursday, Feb. 8
Novice Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 15
Open Class Semifinals – Wednesday, Feb. 21
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 22
INFORMATION:
Tournament Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials: Lauri Purcell
Ring Announcer: John Vena
Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter: @LowellGloves
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

UNIFIED WOMEN’S SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION CLARESSA SHIELDS DOMINATES TORI NELSON IN THE MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO

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 Shohjahon Ergashev Shines While Jesse Hernandez Edges Ernesto Garza In Co-Featured Bouts

 

Catch The Replay Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 13, 2018) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields dominated previously undefeated Tori Nelson en route to a 10-round unanimous decision in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino.

 

 

 

Shields controlled from opening to closing bell, sweeping 100-90 on all three judges’ scorecards in the first 10-round distance fight of her career.  The 2012 and 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist out-landed Nelson 225-81 with her total punches, 186-70 in powers shots, and connected at a 44 percent clip with her power shots compared to just 20 percent for Nelson.

 

 

 

“I landed every shot that I thought possible to land,” Shields said. “She was tough, she wasn’t a pushover.  She put on a good fight.”

 

 

 

Shields advanced to 5-0 with two knockouts in what was likely her final fight in the super middleweight division.  The 22-year-old now has her sights set on the middleweight division where she will eventually target undefeated and Unified Women’s Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer, who was ringside Friday in Verona.

 

 

 

“I have to drop down and see how I feel (first),” Shields said.  “I think I could make 160 easy, I’m going to be bigger and stronger than any girl.

 

 

 

“Hammer just wants to scope.  I think she’s pretty scared to be honest.  She is more worried about me than I am about her.  I’m going to kick Hammer’s ass.  People think Hammer is more skilled than me so I can’t wait to show her that she’s not.”

 

 

 

Hammer, who is expected to fight in a co-featured bout on the next Shields card, was interviewed by SHOWTIME analyst Steve Farhood and expressed excitement to make her U.S. debut and eventually face the American champion.

 

 

 

“It’s a great combination me and her on the same card,” Hammer said.  “I can’t wait to show the fans who Christina Hammer is.  That will be the best fight ever.  It will be the game-changer for female boxing.  It’s our time to shine.

 

 

 

“I’m long-time world champion and I have more experience.  I have longer reach, I’m tall, I have good footwork and better technique than her.  I feel the energy, and I can’t wait to fight against her.”

 

 

 

The former world champion Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs) became the 173rd undefeated fighter to suffer their first professional loss on ShoBox: The New Generation.

 

 

 

“I’m not happy because I didn’t win, but other than that I thought I executed pretty well,” said the 41-year-old Nelson.  “I gave her a better fight than she was expecting.

 

 

 

“No disrespect to Claressa, she doesn’t have great power. She has great speed and she overwhelms you with a lot of punches.  My movement threw her off like I knew it would but knowing she was the champion, I needed to just push a little bit more.”

 

 

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, Jesse Hernandez narrowly defeated Ernesto Garza via split-decision in an action-packed fight that was scored 95-94 Hernandez, 95-93 Garza, 97-93 Hernandez.

 

 

 

After a close first round, Garza floored Hernandez with a flush left hand to the nose in the closing moments of the second round.  Hernandez recovered, and while the middle rounds featured tremendous back-and-forth action, Hernandez seemingly had no trouble walking down Garza, who’s punches seemed to lack any real power.  Garza (9-3, 5 KOs) found a second wind and seemed to pick up the eighth and ninth rounds until Hernandez roared back in an excellent 10th and final round that featured 178 total punches.

 

 

 

Hernandez (11-1, 7 KOs) landed 50 percent of his power punches and connected on 40 percent of his punches compared to just 28 percent for Garza, however he threw just 719 total punches compared to more than 1,000 by Garza.

 

“I think it should have been a unanimous decision,” Hernandez said.  “I’ve always been a slow starter and I feel like I lost the first two rounds, especially with the knockdown.  But I won pretty much every round after that, I maybe lost three rounds.

 

 

 

“I’m not completely happy with my performance. I have to control my distance and my range a little bit better.  I need to go back to the gym and work on those things. Before the summer comes I hope to have another fight and I hope it’s on SHOWTIME.

 

 

 

“I give Garza a lot of credit for getting in the ring and knocking me down.  He hung in there for 10 rounds even after I caught him with some good shots.  He was able to withstand those shots, but all that said, I still think it should have been a unanimous decision.”

 

 

 

Garza countered that sentiment.

 

 

 

“I thought it was a bogus decision,” Garza said.  “I don’t understand that last judge’s card.  I was happy with everything that I did.  I executed well and did everything I needed to do to win the fight.

 

 

 

“I’m really disappointed with the outcome.  I felt that I won.  To me, I won a majority of the rounds and I knocked him down.   I know knocking your opponent down usually leads to you winning the fight.”

 

 

 

Undefeated Uzbekistan power-puncher Shohjahon Ergashev handed Sonny Fredrickson the first loss of his career with an impressive third round TKO in the opening bout of the ShoBox telecast.

 

 

 

The win over the top-10 ranked Fredrickson extended Ergashev’s perfect record to 12-0 with 12 knockouts.

 

 

 

The 26-year-old pressed the action from the beginning, negating Fredrickson’s five-inch reach advantage with a steady diet of well-timed, crisp punches.  Ergashev landed a wide left to the head that stumbled Fredrickson in the opening minute of the third and continued to tee-off as his opponent wobbled against the ropes  With Fredrickson (18-1, 12 KOs) unable to defend himself and eating a series of brutal lefts, referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the bout at 1:58 of the third.

 

 

 

All of Ergashev’s 61 connects in the bout were power shots, and he connected on 77 percent of his power punches in the third and final round.

 

 

 

“The ref saved him,” Ergashev said.  “If he let him stay on his feet any longer I would have knocked him out.  He couldn’t handle my power.

 

 

 

“At this stage of my career, I am in the best shape of my life and the best I have felt.  This is my time right now, especially because I am training with Rick (Phillips) and (Javan) Sugar (Hill Steward). That’s what leads to all of my knockout power.

 

 

 

“I’m ready for whatever comes next. I’m ready for more fights in the U.S., and I want to keep getting more exposure to show off my skills.  I’m ready to fight anybody in America.”

 

 

 

Fredrickson, who became the 172 fighter to suffer his professional loss on the prospect developmental series, suffered a jaw injury in the bout and was unavailable for comment.

 

 

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday, Jan. 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

Russian Heavyweight Apti Davtaev Remains Undefeated on Shields vs. Nelson Undercard at the Turning Stone Resort Casino

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Several entertaining fights highlighted the untelevised undercard for two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields defense of her WBC and IBF titles against mandatory challenger Tori Nelson at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York tonight.
In the main supporting bout, Detroit via Kurchaloi, Russia, heavyweight Apti Davtaev had a successful United States fighting debut by scoring a six-round unanimous decision over Philadelphia’s Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson.
Wilson didn’t make it easy. Fighting out of a crouch, the heavily muscled, but much shorter Wilson came up with enough wild haymakers to make the entire fight very interesting. Davtaev appears to have a heavy right hand, which he dropped onto the hard head of Wilson often enough to earn the close, but deserved nod. Davtaev warrants credit for going to war whenever one of Wilson’s looping swings connected.
Davtaev (now 14-0-1, 13 KOs) loses his perfect KO percentage, but walks away with a hard-fought victory over a foe who came to win. Wilson is now (18-14-1, 9 KOs).
The scores were 58-56 from all three judges.
An accidental headbutt brought an abbreviated end to the six-round super lightweight return of Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan’s Bakhtiyar Eyubov.
In against Lynchburg, Virginia’s Maurice Chalmers (14-13-1, 8 KOs), the exciting slugger Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs) was advancing behind active head movement and a tight shell when his head collided with the retreating Chalmers’. The cut that resulted was ruled too severe and the fight was ruled a No Decision at 1:59 of the opening round.
In a wild women’s light heavyweight brawl featuring fists flying from every direction, wrestling holds and several MMA-style takedowns, Franchon “The Heavy Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn won a unanimous six-round decision over Tiffany “The Terminator” Woodard.
Crews-Dezurn, now 3-1, 1 KO, of Baltimore, Maryland, had too many weapons for Wilson, North Carolina’s Woodard (now 4-10-3, 3 KOs), so Woodard tried and succeeded to make things ugly. What followed was a wild punch-out featuring elbows and headlocks and takedowns that left both on the canvas more than once.
Woodard took a lot of hard leather and deserves credit for her toughness. Crews-Dezurn showed class in not taking the bait for most of the fight. She did lose a point in the sixth for a sneaky revenge takedown.
The scores were 59-53, 59-54 and 59-54.
Detroit via Magnitogorsk, Russia’s Alexey Zubov outworked a determined Lamont “Too Smooth” Capers of Hawley, Pennsylvania, on his way to a six-round majority decision.
An entertaining fight between hard-nosed cruiserweights, Zubov was cut over the right eye and took some good punches, but simply outworked the more selective Capers. Zubov showed his often-superior conditioning and worked behind an educated jab, while Capers was content to lay on the ropes and land hard pot shots often enough to keep it interesting.
A score of 57-57 draw was over-ruled by scores 59-56 and 58-56 for the tough Russian. With the victory, Zubov moves his record to 17-1, 9 KOs. Capers falls to 8-11-3.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATEN TOP MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER SERGEY DEREVYANCHENKO HIGHLIGHTS ACTION-PACKED UNDERCARD SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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Plus, Super Lightweight Contender Anthony Peterson Faces Luis Florez And Unbeaten Prospects Richardson Hitchins, Dylan Price & Keeshawn Williams Enter the Ring 
in Separate Bouts
 
BROOKLYN (January 12, 2018) – Unbeaten middleweight contender and IBF No. 1 challenger Sergey Derevyanchenko (11-0, 9 KOs, WSB: 23-1, 7 KOs) will enter the ring for an eight-round bout as part of an exciting undercard on Saturday, January 20from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. taking on two-division champion Lamont Peterson live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Lightweight world champion Robert Eastersquares up against two-division champion Javier Fortuna.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP telecast will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are priced starting at $50, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center or by calling 800-745-3000. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Additional action inside of the arena will see the brother of Lamont Peterson, once-beaten Anthony Peterson (37-1, 24 KOs), facing Luis Florez (23-7, 19 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight matchup plus once-beaten welterweight Ivan Golub (13-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round fight against Colombia’s Fidel Monterrosa (38-14-1, 30 KOs).
Undercard fights continue with undefeated 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins(3-0, 1 KO) entering the ring for a four-round welterweight fight against Preston Wilson(4-2-1, 3 KOs), Philadelphia’s Dylan Price (4-0, 4 KOs) competing in a four-round super flyweight bout against Nestor Ramos (7-7, 3 KOs) and welterweight prospect Keyshawn Williams (1-0, 1 KO) taking on Denis Okoth (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round matchup.
Rounding out the night is a four-round showdown between unbeaten Desmond Jarmon and Dallas-native Charles Clark plus New Jersey’s Matthew Gonzalez in a six round middleweight fight against Alexander Serna.
A highly decorated amateur who represented his native Ukraine in the 2008 Olympics, Derevyanchenko now lives and trains in Brooklyn and most recently earned the top spot in the IBF rankings with an impressive 12th round stoppage over Tureano Johnson. The 32-year-old also defeated previously unbeaten Kemahl Russell in 2017 after his 2016 saw him earn a TKO victory over Mike Guy in March before stopping former champion Sam Soliman in the second round of a world title eliminator in July. The unbeaten fighter defeated a slew of experienced contenders in 2015 with wins over Elvin Ayala, Alan Campa, Vladine Biosse and a third-round stoppage of Jessie Nicklow.
Derevyanchenko and Golub make it a pair of Ukrainian sluggers fighting out of Brooklyn who will compete on the undercard looking to put on impressive performances in their adopted hometown.
# # #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @Brooklyn_Boxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bellator, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Holm vs. Cyborg Recap, Stephenson v. Ho Choi Preview, Can UFC Boxing Work: Look Ahead to 2018

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This FNU Combat Sports Show covers a wide range of important topics and events. We recap Holly Holm’s brutal battle with Cris Justino at UFC 219 and look forward to a great Fight Night 124 card on the 14th.

We report on Mike Tyson’s new Pot Ranch in California, Big John McCarthy Joining the Bellator Analyst Crew, Vinny Paz getting wrapped up in assault charges, and Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor 2 chances.

Tony discusses the upcoming boxing schedule and we also get off topic and talk some football and basketball. Tony even updates us on the Canelo vs. GGG rematch negotiations.

 

Listen here:

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. TORI NELSON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TRIPLEHEADER TOMORROW ON SHOWTIME®

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 Live at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino

 

“I’m going to go after her in the first round and get her out of there.” – Claressa Shields

 

 

 

“I’m going to shock the world.” – Tori Nelson

 

 

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 11, 2018) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields and undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson made weight on Thursday for their 10-round WBC and IBF Super Middleweight World Championship showdowntomorrow/Friday, January 12 in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the former world champion Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

Undefeated Uzbekistan power-puncher Shohjahon Ergashev (11-0, 11 KOs) will meet fellow unbeaten and top-10 ranked Sonny Fredrickson (18-0, 12 KOs), of Toledo, Ohio, in the telecast opener. The 26-year-old Ergashev, a former six-year member of the Uzbek national team, and the current WBA No. 9 ranked Fredrickson will contest an eight-round super lightweight bout.

 

 

 

In the co-feature of the ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader, Jesse Hernandez (10-1, 7 KOs), who is coming off consecutive victories over undefeated opponents, will take on former National Golden Gloves Gold Medalist Ernesto Garza (9-2, 5 KOs; 1-3 WSB) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout between two all-action fighters.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are currently on sale for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

 

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

 

 

 

Claressa Shields vs. Tori Nelson – 10-round WBC and IBF Super Middleweight World Title Bout

 

 

Shields:  167 pounds

 

Nelson:  164 ¾ pounds

 

 

 

Jesse Hernandez vs. Ernesto Garza – 10-round Super Bantamweight Bout

 

Hernandez:  122 ½ pounds

 

Garza:  122 ½ pounds

 

 

 

Shohjahon Ergashev vs. Sonny Fredrickson – Eight-round Super Lightweight Bout

 

Ergashev:  140 pounds

 

Fredrickson:  141 pounds

 

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

 

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

 

 

“Tori brings a lot more aggression, a lot more fight than a lot of my previous opponents.  On paper, she has the best resume of any opponent I’ve faced and can put up a better fight.

 

 

 

“Everybody underestimates me because of my size. My frame looks like I’m a 140 but really I’m a 168. Everyone goes into a fight thinking they can win, but once that right hand lands everything changes.  I’m going to go after her in the first round and get her out of there like Nikki Adler.

 

 

 

“I expect my opponent to apply pressure, and to use some dirty tactics. She has more experience, but not that much when you speak of her amateur experience.

 

 

 

“She’s confident and she believes in herself.  She thinks I haven’t earned my place yet.  She doesn’t think I throw hard punches.  Speed is power.  She doesn’t get that.

 

 

 

“This has been a hard camp, I really pushed myself. I usually do six weeks, this time I did eight weeks. I hadn’t fought since August so I wanted to give myself an extra two weeks so I knew I was in perfect shape.

 

 

 

“There’s no doubt that I start the year with a win, but I see this as a competitive fight. I’m going to have to earn the win but I believe I can KO her by the sixth, seventh round.”

 

 

 

TORI NELSON:

 

 

“I know I’m the underdog, but I’ve dropped nine people. She hasn’t scored one knockdown yet as a pro. When Claressa turned pro, I knew I’d have to face her eventually.

 

 

 

“A win is what I came for. I expect nothing different.  I hope it would expose female boxing and not only open doors for me, but other female boxers coming up after me.

 

 

 

“I feel it’s more entertaining to watch a female fight. When women get dropped, they get right back up and go after it again. When men get knocked down, they start hiding because they don’t want to get hit again. So I think we should get paid just as much as the men.

 

 

 

“I’m blessed to be here, but I’m not a winner until I complete what I came here to do.  And that’s win. The odds are definitely against me, but I’m going to shock the world.

 

 

 

“I want to take her into the deep waters.  We don’t think she can beat us in a 10-round fight.

 

 

 

“They’re not going to give me anything. I have to be a dog and go in there and win this fight.  I’ve always been aggressive.  Why change anything for her?”

 

 

 

JESSE HERNANDEZ

 

 

“I’m just trying to get closer to a title fight. Moving up the rankings is the main goal right now, and I’m on the right path. A win here in a 10-round fight would be huge for my career.

 

 

 

“Being an all-around fighter is something I’m working on. But you can’t become a well-rounded fighter until you get the experience and the fights and that’s what I’m working on doing right now. I want to get more rounds in and progress.

 

 

 

“Fighting a southpaw is not a problem for me. I can switch my stance, but it’s not something I think about or plan. It just happens naturally in a fight.

 

 

 

“I’ve always believed in myself, even when I took time off. I believed that I could get back into it and get to a top level. The wins over two undefeated fighters did a lot for my confidence.  I knew I could do it, but it showed others I belong and that I can compete at the top level.”

 

 

 

ERNESTO GARZA

 

 

“I like to bring the pressure, and he’s a pressure fighter too.  We’ll see who backs up once we start throwing punches.

 

 

 

“I like to face fighters who come forward like him so I think everything will work for me.  I plan on applying the pressure, getting him tired in the latter rounds, and taking him out.

 

 

 

“He tends to switch, but I think that’s when he gets off-balance.  He won’t bring anything I haven’t seen before.

 

 

 

“I’m fighting at my natural weight class this time.  My last fight on ShoBox (against undefeated Jon Fernandez) I was fighting a much higher weight.

 

 

 

“I don’t think his height and reach will give me any issues.  I’ve been working with a lot of guys in the gym who have similar size and style.  We’re ready for anything.

 

 

 

“A win would be a great step for me and my career.  All the doors would open up for us.”

 

 

 

SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV:

 

 

“I love training here because of the fact that it’s a different atmosphere here in the States. It’s a real professional setup, I feel that my skills and my technique have gotten a lot better training here with Sugar Hill.

 

 

 

“I know that he is an experienced fighter. He’s undefeated and he’s coming to fight. It’s a big opportunity for both of us.

 

 

 

“I’m very honored to be on SHOWTIME and happy to be getting this kind of national exposure. A win would cement me as one of the best junior welterweight prospects in the world.

 

 

 

“I’ve gotten a lot better training at the Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit. Last training camp was an introduction to the American style of boxing and this camp really improved my technique and tactics with the intense sparring.

 

 

 

“I’m 11-0 with 11 knockouts. I’m a puncher and I want to knock him out, but I’ve trained for the distance. I’ve trained to knock somebody out in the first round and the eighth round.

 

 

 

“This is a big step-up in opposition, but I’ve had over 200 amateur fights against some of the best amateur boxers in the world. I’ve beaten Olympic medalists and very accomplished amateur fighters.”

 

 

 

SONNY FREDRICKSON

 

 

“I’ve been waiting for this exposure for a long time. I’ve been trying to get on TV for the last two or three years, so this is a huge deal for me. Hopefully a win bumps me up into the top 5 and gives me a title shot at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

 

 

 

“We spar a lot with Robert (Easter).  It’s back-and-forth action.  We grew up together and learn a lot from each other. I give him some pointers here and there and he does the same for me.

 

 

 

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. I know he’s a lefty and he has a strong punch. He’s a good match for me. He wants to keep coming forward and land big shots so I’ll be able to outbox him pretty easily.

 

 

 

“I don’t think nerves will be factor. I’ve fought on Andre Ward’s card, I’ve been in big fights before.

 

 

 

“I’m going to knock him out after the third round. I’m going to say, hey, get him out of here.

 

 

 

“After this fight, fans will start learning my name. I think they’ll want to see me have a shot at the 140 pound title.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analyst. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.