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Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Featherweight World Title Showdown Headlines

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Doubleheader Saturday, December 10 from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles

 

Live on SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME

 

 

LOS ANGELES (October 27, 2016) – Featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares met face-to-face Thursday at a press conference at OUE Skyspace at US Bank Tower – the tallest building west of the Mississippi River – to discuss their world title showdown presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Saturday, December 10. The event will be live on SHOWTIME from USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader begins with super welterweight world champion Jermall Charlo defending his title against top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams in a matchup of undefeated rising stars in their prime.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, October 28 at 3 p.m. PT and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday about the highly anticipated night of action:

 

JESUS CUELLAR

 

“I’ve been wanting to fight Mares for about two years. It’s finally going to happen. This is what I want. I’m going to make a statement.

 

“I’m very happy that this fight is finally here. I can’t wait to get in the ring on December 10. I’m thankful for the opportunity. I know Mares is popular in Los Angeles, but I have a following as well and they will be there to support me.

 

“I’m training very hard and feeling physically strong. We never stopped training for this fight. Mares will come prepared for a war and I hope that’s what the fight is like. It’s going to prove who has the bigger heart.

 

“I’ve been training with Freddie Roach for about four months. It’s been a great partnership and he will make me even better than I’ve been. We’ve been practicing really hard. Freddie is handing me the tools to go to work. You will see all my experience come together on fight night.

 

“Mares is a great fighter. He’s been a champion for many years. He’s never faced an opponent like me. This will be his hardest challenge.

 

“I’m sure Mares will give it his all, just like I will. I’ve been dreaming about this fight for years. This will be a great battle, but I am prepared to take my belt back to Argentina.

 

“This is the most important fight of my career. I’m planning on knocking him out. I know that big things are going to come my way after I beat Mares.”

 

ABNER MARES

 

“This is going to be a smarter Abner Mares. I’ve been learning a lot with Robert Garcia. They gave us a year to train and learn together. He’s a knowledgeable coach. He’s not just a guy who works mitts. This is the real deal. He gets you better and I’m really happy with him.

 

“I want to thank Cuellar and his team for waiting for this fight to come to fruition. I really appreciate that as a person. It’s finally here.

 

“I was actually commentating the Stiverne vs. Arreola fight at Galen Center and it was a great atmosphere. The environment there is incredible and I was just imagining being up in the ring as the main event.

 

“I want the winner of the Frampton vs. Santa Cruz rematch. I want to continue to fight the best. I want to be known as a guy who fights the best.

 

“Being on the big stage like this has made me what I am. Being on the bantamweight tournament on SHOWTIME really started to show people what my style is like. To be back for another world opportunity, it means everything to me. I’m hoping to give them another exciting fight.

 

“I never talk down about a fighter. We all deserve our respect. We all have the same desire to strive to be the best. Cuellar is a beast. He hits hard. The record speaks for itself and that’s what has me so excited. This is the kind of fight I want to be in. It brings the best out of me.

 

“If I have to make it into a brawl, I will do that. I have the boxing abilities to be the smarter fighter and win by out boxing him. I learn from all of my fights, especially the losses. From the Santa Cruz fight I learned that I really need to listen to my corner. I let the crowd get to me and fought the wrong fight. I’m going to be ready for everything.

 

“This title coming home is going to be a nice Christmas present. It means the world to me. I’m going to add something to my trophy case.

 

“I’m a new man. I’m a grown man. I have two beautiful daughters. I like to learn something new every day. You will see a different Abner on December 10. This is going to end the year with the ‘Fight of the Year.’”

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

 

“I’m thankful to Cuellar and his team for giving us this opportunity. He’s a good person who trains very hard and gives 100 percent all the time.

 

“I’ve been working with Abner almost this whole year. The dates for the fight have changed but now we have had a lot of time to get to know each other. We’ve been working side-by-side and we’ve had a lot of time to learn about each other.

 

“I think everybody should come out to this fight or watch on SHOWTIME, because it’s going to be one of the best fights of the year. I guarantee it.”

 

SEBASTIAN CONTURSI, Cuellar’s Manager

 

“Here we go again. It’s been a long process and there have been a lot of people who have helped get us to this.

 

“I want to thank Mares and his whole team for taking this fight. This is going to be a war. There’s no doubt about it. We love Robert, but we will have our back and forth leading up to this one. These are boxing war times, but he is a great person. But now we are with another one of the best trainers in the world, none other than Freddie Roach.

 

“Cuellar doesn’t live in Los Angeles. He actually still lives in Argentina. But he has stayed in Los Angeles throughout this whole process. He’s been away from his friends and family for almost nine months, but he has not complained once or asked to go home. That just shows the kind of professional that Jesus Cuellar is.”

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

“I’m truly excited to be here with all of you. This night will feature two top-notch matchups and four guys who are at the pinnacle of their respective divisions. I’m really excited for this to be my first event back.

 

“This is a statement fight for Jesus Cuellar. It’s the biggest fight of his career. But he has passed every test so far. He’s a true warrior, as all Argentine fighters are. He’s a big puncher with a sterling record. This is a tough challenge, but he has every intention of keeping that belt.

 

“Abner Mares is a true warrior and you will all have the opportunity on December 10 to go after a fourth world title against a strong champion in Jesus Cuellar, who has defended his title five times. But that is the kind of person Abner Mares is. He’s going to test himself against the best there is.

 

“I’m happy to be back and hopefully I’ll be able to add to this great sport of boxing. We’re here in a first class venue today and this is the kind of venue deserving of boxing. Boxing is about entertainment, and if you were to pick four boxers to put on an entertaining card, these would be them.

 

“These are going to be tremendous fights. Styles makes fights. Mares has been waiting for this opportunity and Cuellar is going to fight to keep his title. This is one of the most talked about fights around. It’s going to be all toe-to-toe action from the start to the finish.

 

“Two of the best matches in the sport are happening right here in Los Angeles on the same night. This is the best fighting the best and Los Angeles will be buzzing.

 

“It’s very special to be able to do my first event back in Los Angeles. To have two exciting, toe-to-toe battles on this card is great. Then the cherry on top is the opportunity to work with a man like Abner Mares. I met him at the 2004 Olympics and I was always impressed with his style and his personality and how he carries himself. “

 

BRITTANY GOOSSEN BROWN, TGB Promotions

 

“We’re thrilled to be here working on another great night of boxing. Together, with the matchmaking expertise of my father, Tom Brown, and Richard’s promotional talent, this has the makings of an excellent collaboration.

 

“We’re especially looking forward to working with the great staff at the Galen Center. We were here once before, for the heavyweight world title fight between Chris Arreola and Bermane Stiverne. That was a sold out night and I have a feeling this one will be too.

 

“Los Angeles has the best fight fans in the world and I know that they will be there to support these great fighters.”

 

CHRIS DEBLASIO, SVP Sports Communications at Showtime Networks

 

“SHOWTIME continues to deliver the strongest lineup of any network in boxing, bar none.  We recently announced a slate of upcoming events that is further proof that no one is committing more resources to move the sport forward than Showtime.   And the next great run of evenly matched, world class fights begins on Saturday, December 10 in Los Angeles.  This card features four fighters ranked in the top-10 of their division taking the right fight at the right time.  These men are as respectable and dependable outside of the ring as they are ferocious and talented inside the ring.

“We’re proud to be showcasing these two world title fights on the network. These fights exemplify what SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is all about.

 

“Mares and Cuellar might be the most evenly matched of the five featherweight championship fights we have presented on SHOWTIME this year. And we know that Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams, the latest in a series of fights at junior middleweight, will determine the future of the deep and talented division.”

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports andwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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Premier Boxing Champions Presents a Thrilling Doubleheader of World Title Fights Coming to Los Angeles & Live on SHOWTIME

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Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar Battles
Former Three-Division World Champion Abner Mares,
Super Welterweight World Champion Jermall Charlo Faces
Undefeated Top Contender Julian Williams Saturday, December 10
From USC’s Galen Center
 
Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Friday, at 3 p.m. PT!
 
LOS ANGELES (October 27, 2016) – Hard-hitting featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) is set to take on former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) in a world title showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event on Saturday, December 10. The exciting doubleheader will be live on SHOWTIME from USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event begins with super welterweight world champion Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) meeting top-ranked contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs) in a highly anticipated matchup of undefeated stars.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, October 28 at 3 p.m. PT and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go to www.galentix.com.
“This is the most important fight of my career as Mares is one of the best in this loaded featherweight division,” Cuellar said. “We had to wait very long for this fight to happen, but everything happens for a reason and I’m grateful that the time is almost here. I know that this fight will be a war. I’ve been working hard with Freddie Roach and I’m excited to show what I’ve learned and get my frustration of waiting off my chest. I am more motivated than ever to keep my title and prove who is the best in the division.”
“I’m excited to get back in the ring and win my fourth world title,” said Mares. “I’m 100 percent healthy and ready to go. I’m looking forward to showing that to my fans and the entire audience on December 10. Los Angeles is my town. This is a fight that I’ve wanted and I’m glad to be giving the fans a great show at the end of the year. Come watch me on December 10 and see what a warrior looks like.”
“Camp for me started a month after I defeated Austin Trout,” said Charlo. “From that point on, I’ve been in the gym working and I got my vision corrected, so I’m feeling great. I’m looking forward to putting my clearer vision to the test and I’m so prepared and ready for this fight. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s the best fighting the best. Julian brings an undefeated record to the table and I know he’s watched a lot of my past fights because we always knew we would fight one day. So who’s the best? We’ll find out, but I know I’m ready to rumble.”
“I’m excited to get my first title shot, but more than anything I’m just focused on winning,” said Williams. “Jermall Charlo is strong and fast, but I will be better than him on December 10. I’ve been waiting for this fight for the longest time and I know this will be a great night for the fans. I plan on giving them an exciting, explosive fight and most importantly a win.”
The action-packed doubleheader features two evenly matched showdowns as all four men, firmly in the top 10 in their division, will enter the ring believing that they will be the one leaving with a belt around their waist. Cuellar and Mares look for supremacy in a crowded featherweight division brimming with contenders while Charlo and Williams each look for a career-defining performance to boost their burgeoning profiles.
“I am elated to be promoting this great night of action for boxing fans around the world,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Both of these fights are 50-50 match-ups with a lot on the line. These are fights that the fans want to see and pose challenges that these fighters are eager to face. They will have a great stage at the Galen Center at USC and on SHOWTIME to prove that they are amongst the best in the world.  I couldn’t be coming back to the sport with a better fight card and I know that the real winner on December 10 will be the fans.”
“We’re very excited to present this highly anticipated featherweight world title fight between Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “I’m thrilled to work with Richard Schaefer on the debut promotion of Ringstar Sports and look forward to many more world-class collaborative events. I also want to thank Stephen Espinoza and the SHOWTIME team along with the Galen Center staff for their help in making what will undoubtedly be an outstanding night of boxing.”
“These two world title fights exemplify what SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has and will continue to deliver – true ‘pick-em’ fights between top-rated fighters in the prime of their career,,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “Cuellar vs. Mares is arguably the toughest to predict of the five featherweight world championships we’ve presented this year.  And in Charlo vs. Williams, our latest in a series of significant bouts at 154-pounds, we have a prime example of how great this sport can be.  These are major fights between the top players in two of boxing’s deepest divisions.”
A fast-rising star out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cuellar isworking toward his 12th consecutive victory when he gets in the ring to defend his 126-pound title against Mares. His power in both hands has helped him deliver seven knockouts in his last 10 victories, including an eighth-round knockout of former world champion Vic Darchinyan in June 2015. The 29-year-old won his world title with a unanimous decision over Claudio Marrero in his U.S. debut in August 2013. He went on to defend his title against Rico Ramos, Juan Manuel Lopez and Ruben Tamayo.
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif., Mares won his first title in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to capture the bantamweight crown. He continued to rise in the pound-for-pound list with victories over Anselmo Moreno and Daniel Ponce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight. The 30-year-old won three straight fights leading to a massive showdown with Leo Santa Cruz last August. Mares showed the same explosiveness that made him a multiple-division world champion in a thrilling “Fight of the Year” candidate which he lost by majority decision. The always-exciting Mares will enter the ring for the first time under the tutelage of renowned trainer Robert Garciaand strength coach Luis Garcia as he seeks to capture another world title.
Twin brother of fellow 154-pound world champion Jermell, Jermall Charlowill be making the third defense of the super welterweight crown he won last September with a dominant stoppage  over Cornelius Bundrage. The 26-year-old is coming off of a career-best, hard-fought decision over crafty former world champion Austin Trout in May in Las Vegas. Training with Ronnie Shields in Houston, Charlo will look to silence Williams and stake his claim as the best in the division.
One of the most highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams, of Philadelphia, will be getting his first world title opportunity. The 26-year-old has dismantled opponents on his way to accumulating an unbeaten record. Williams solidified his status as a fast-rising star by defeating veterans Luciano Cuello and Arman Ovsepyan in addition to a shutout victory over contender Joey Hernandez in 2015. He earned his No. 1 ranking and title fight by stopping Italy’s Marcello Matano in the seventh round in March.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports andwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Wilfredo Vázquez, Jr.-“JuanMa” López press Conference quotes & pictures

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(L-R) — Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr. & Juan Manuel Lopez
(other press conference pictures below.  Press conference video available – in Spanish – upon request)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 25, 2016) – A near brawl broke out today between former world champions Wilfredo “Papito” Vázquez, Jr. (24-6-1, 19 KOs) and Juan Manuel “JuanMa” López (34-5, 31 KOs) at today’s press conference, during the traditional face-off picture, in advance of this Saturday night’s grudge showdown, airing live on pay per view from Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Guerra En El Clemente: Vázquez Jr. v. López, presented by Black Tiger Promotions, is being distributed live by Integrated Sports Media in the United States and Puerto Rico, starting at 9 p.m. ET /6 p.m. PT, on both cable and satellite pay per view on iN Demand, DISH, DIRECTV, Liberty Cable, Claro TV and Vubiquity.  The event will also be available to watch across Canada on Fight Network, as well as via Fite TV app for iOS and Android devices or watch on the www.Fite.TV website.  Suggested retail price is $29.95.
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
WILFREDO VASQUEZ, JR.: “‘JuanMa’ Lopez and many people have belittled me.  They have disparaged my sacrifice, the food that I put on the table for my family, but Saturday I will hurt him.  I have a Maciavelli plan to destroy him so he will respect me. I respect everybody that has had a rough time.”
JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ: “Vasquez was interrupting at all times during the press conference.  He was singing out loud and during the face-to-face picture he tried to kiss me and I did not permit.  I understand that he’s afraid and what a better moment than in front of everybody including the press to release his emotions.”
CARLOS MALDONADO, President of Black Tiger Promotions:  “Security will be tripled for Friday’s weigh in so everybody can feel at ease and secure including the press.”
In other PPV fights, former world title challenger Jonathan Oquendo (26-5, 16 KOs) takes on Mexican rival Gustavo “El Gustavo” Molina (23-13, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.
World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX junior welterweight champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (11-0, 8 KOs), the reigning, will be fighting in his first scheduled 10-round bout against Edwin “Bazookita” Lopez (27-6-1, 24 KOs).
Puerto Rico Olympian Jantony Ortiz (5-0, 3 KOs) faces fellow Puerto Rican bantamweight Luis Hernandez in a 6-round match to open the PPV action.
INFORMATION:
Websites: www.blacktigerpromotionspr@gmail.com, www.integratedsportsnet,com
Twitter: @integratedPPV
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ROLLS INTO SEASON NO. 3

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PBC Series Continues in 2017 with a Robust Broadcast & Cable Schedule
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 26, 2016) – The
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TVseries will roll into its third season in 2017 with a spectacular slate of boxing shows featuring an array of the most talented boxers in the world.
“The Premier Boxing Champions series will continue its mission in 2017 of making the sport available to the widest possible audience,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “Through its first two seasons the PBC will have broadcast over 90 shows, featuring surprising upsets, spectacular knockouts and hard-fought championship matches.  The 2017 season of the PBC series will be the most exciting yet.”
The 2016 season saw some very exciting and compelling showdowns such as Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter and Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton, and featured the most viewed boxing matches of the year. Thurman-Porter peaked at 3.94 million viewers on CBS on June 25, while Danny Garcia-Robert Guerrero peaked at 3.5 million viewers on FOX on Jan. 23.  The PBC also registered the largest television audience for a boxing show in 18 years when the 147-pound match between Errol Spence, Jr. and Leonard Bundu scored a peak of 6.3 million viewers on NBC onAugust 21.
The 2016 PBC season will close with two outstanding shows as Danny Garcia battles Samuel Vargas on Spike onNov. 12, with a huge 147-pound championship showdown against Keith Thurman hanging in the balance for Garcia.  Next up will be a scintillating doubleheader featuring two world title fights as Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares square off in a hotly contested 126-pound showdown and Jermall Charlo and Julian Williams meet in a 154-pound title match on Dec. 10.
The 2017 PBC season will continue the great tradition of compelling matches in all weight classes from heavyweight on down. There will be particular fireworks in the hottest and deepest divisions in the sport at 147 pounds, 154 pounds and 126 pounds. With so much talent in all these divisions, competitive matchups abound.
In 2017 the PBC series will continue it’s  broadcast partnerships with FOX, FS1, Spike, NBC, ESPN, SHOWTIME/CBS and Bounce TV and will feature more primetime networks shows next year than in either of the first two seasons.
FOX will broadcast three prime time network shows, the first of which will be on February 25.   FS1 will broadcast 25 shows, running from February-October.
NBC will broadcast three primetime network shows in the second half of 2017, beginning with the first show on Sept. 23.
ESPN will broadcast 12 shows from April-August with the first show on April 14.
Spike will regularly broadcast shows as part of its Combat Sports Friday platform, beginning with the first show on Jan. 13.
Bounce TV will feature a quarterly boxing show with the first broadcast on March. 31.
SHOWTIME/CBS will broadcast select PBC series fights on dates throughout the year. The first show on SHOWTIME/CBS for the 2017 season will be the highly-anticipated 126-pound title rematch between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz on Jan. 28, followed by a super-fight for 147-pound supremacy between champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia on March 4.
“We’re excited for the 2017 PBC series on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes, with a robust schedule of outstanding matches at all levels of boxing including exciting champions, contenders and prospects,” says David Nathanson, FOX Sports Head of Business Operations. “We’ve enjoyed our thrilling Tuesday night series on FS1 and FOX Deportes and had several major title fights on the FOX broadcast network, including the heavyweight championship of the world. We’re looking for more great fights in the coming year.”
“We are thrilled to continue showcasing excellent bouts between top fighters when Premier Boxing Champions returns to NBC in 2017,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN.
“We are thrilled to welcome Premier Boxing Champions back on ESPN in 2017.  The PBC series has delivered exciting boxing events that have garnered solid boxing viewership for ESPN,” said Burke Magnus, executive vice president, programming and scheduling for ESPN.  “We are looking forward to showcasing a new season of fights next year.”
“In 2016, the PBC series once again delivered another year of exciting fights with many of boxing’s biggest names, including Danny Garcia, Daniel Jacobs, Adrien Broner and Adonis Stevenson,” said Kevin Kay, President, Spike TV. “We look forward to broadcasting the PBC series again in 2017, for more hard-hitting action that fits in with our highly-successful combat sports lineup that includes Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing.”
About Premier Boxing Champions
Premier Boxing Champions is a live boxing series created for TV and cable by Haymon Sports, LLC. The series features the greatest array of international boxing talent in all weight divisions, with fighters representing over 10 countries including the United States and Mexico. From former Olympians to Champions of all nationalities, the series can be seen on over 10 networks in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the U.K.
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Boxing trainer Orlando Cuellar goes  Back to the Future at 5th St. Gym

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MIAMI (October 26, 2016) — Internationally renowned boxing trainer Orlando Cuellar has come full circle,  right back to the famed 5th St. Gym in South Beach, where he once visited as a teenager to learn and now trains fighters out of six days a week.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Cuellar’s family resettled in Miami when he was three with Orlando living there through high school.  As an amateur boxer, Cuellar vividly remembers watching boxers at 5th St. Gym such as Cassius Clay, Willie Pastrano, Vinnie Curto and Florentino Fernandez, as well as legendary trainers, brothers Angelo and Chris Dundee.
“I watched and learned, picking up as much as much as I could,” Cuellar said.  “Now, I find myself working out of the 5th St. Gym for the past six weeks.  It’s been an incredible experience.  Every day, you never know who is going to walk through the doors there.  It’s been one of the best boxing gyms in the world for more than 50 years.  From the days dating back to Muhammad Ali, fighters have been attracted to this gym because of its rich history and great sparring, as well as to the area with South Beach’s restaurants, clubs and beach.  The warm, humid weather also makes it easier for fighters to lose weight running and training.
“(Owner) Dino Spencer is carrying on the 5th St. Gym’s tradition. Everyday I’m there is exciting for me.  Mixed ethnic groups train there and it’s a magnet for talent.   There’s sparring three days a week – I call it Spar-a-rama – and everybody’s welcome to challenge themselves.  The sparring is better than a lot of TV fights.
“5th St. Gym trainer Guy Laieta had been trying to convince me to join the team for the last five years.  I spoke to Dino on several occasions, expressing my desire to train fighters out of the 5th St. Gym.  He said, ‘Let’s do it.’ The success of the 5th St. Gym today has a lot to do with ownership.  Dino has a passion for boxing and he is very hospitable, which trickles down to his staff and fighters.  Good vibes all of the time!”
Cuellar left for Las Vegas in 1976 and, after he realized that being a boxer wasn’t in his best interest, he started training fighters there in 1981 out of Johnny Garcia’s Gym.  A year later, he shifted his base Brooklyn and started training fighters out of another boxing icon, Gleason’s Gym.  In 2000, he resettled in Miami.
Best known as world light heavyweight champion the head trainer of Glen Johnson, Cuellar also worked with future champions such as Nicolas Walters, Rances Barthelemy and Erslandy Lara, as well as Luis Franco, Aaron Davis and Juan Carlos Gomez, to name a few of the more notables.  Today, he’s the chief second for several top fighters including Antonio Tarver.
Recognized throughout boxing as a superior teacher, Cuellar’s success is mostly attributed to his training of fighters on an individual basis, focusing on their personal needs rather than giving all fighters the same instructions and attention.
“Each fighter needs personal and specific work to complement their God-given talents,” Cuellar explained.  “You can’t teach all fighters the same way.  I specialize on what I call old school meets new school.  Old school was upfront and personal to go 15 rounds, new school is about throwing more punches, more foot movement and fighting from the outside.  I teach doffense: defense + offense.  Punches aren’t vitamins, none should be taken.  Boxing is little more than a battle of reflexes; one fighters versus another, but the real trick is how the fighter uses his reflexes.  I teach my fighters how to turn the ring apron into a minefield.”
Boxing has played a huge role in Cuellar’s life.  Back in the 5th St. Gym is just another chapter in his unique life.
“I live through my fighters,” Cuellar concluded.  “Every victory is my proudest moment.  There are no big or little victories, every win is a happy moment because of all the hard work and sacrifices me and my fighter made during training camp.”
Orlando Cuellar is thrilled to have gone back to the future.
boxing

Ed Williams, Nephew of Former World Champion Duane Thomas, Will Appear on Salita Promotions’ ‘Detroit Brawl’

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As a kid, watching his uncle, former WBC World Super Welterweight Champion Duane Thomas fight on TV, Detroit’s Ed Williams used to dream of becoming a boxer.
That’s where he and his mother disagreed.
“I always wanted to box,” laughs Williams, “but my mother wouldn’t let me fight until I was older. My uncle even came and tried to sneak me to the gym a few times, but my mom would never let me. She just wouldn’t let me train.”
When Williams turned 17, he was finally able to box and made the most of it, going 57-9 as an amateur and winning two State Championships, the Ringside Nationals and two Detroit Golden Gloves before turning professional in 2007.
Williams won his first two fights before leaving boxing to obtain a B.Sc degree in Industrial Engineering at Eastern Michigan University. But after working in the field a few years, Williams felt the pull once again that he’d felt since childhood.
He wanted to be a boxer, full-time and give it a shot.
Now 27 years old, and 12-1-1, 4 KOs as a Kronk Gym super welterweight, Williams will make his next ring appearing by once again appearing on a Salita Promotions “Detroit Brawl” event, this one on Saturday, November 12, at the Masonic Temple against an opponent that will be announced shortly.
“It feels great to fight in Detroit,” he said. “You get support from friends and family and I’m even growing a new fan base.
Sponsored by Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” will be priced at VIP $123, Box Seats $100, Ringside $93, $63, $38, and $28 and available at all Ticketmaster outlets andTicketmaster.com.
“My goal in boxing,” said Williams, “is to become the second guy in my family to win a world title. Right now, I want to have the right fights to have that opportunity. I’ve been progressing and having challenging fights and getting good opportunities, so things are going well.”
Williams is, admittedly, not your typical fighter.
“I have a boxing style that is awkward. It’s not a traditional style at all. I fight with an off-beat tempo that throws you off. And I’m tall and long, so I box you and use my jab and then I set up shots.”
While Williams says he has no regrets with his decision to pursue fighting, someone in the family does have a few…
“My mom now says she wishes she would have let me do it sooner. But I understand. She didn’t want me to get hurt and was just being protective. Now she’s my biggest fan.”
More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 5:00 pm and the fights begin at 6:00 pm.
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Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar offers patrons an old-school sports and whiskey bar in Downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market district. Thomas Magee’s prides itself on providing every sport, every game, and every fight, plus great beer and whiskey!
For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com.
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar is located at 1408 E Fisher Service Drive in Detroit. For more information, call 313-263-4342 or visit their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ThomasMageesSportingHouseWhiskeyBar
boxing

Lee Baxter Promotions Card Postponed; McGuinness and Miljas to fight October 28

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada (October 25, 2016) – Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lee Baxter Promotions’  card scheduled for Thursday evening at the Powerade Center in Brampton, Ontario has been postponed until further notice.

Two of Baxter’s fighters scheduled to appear on that card, 130 pound contender Logan “Cotton” McGuinness and heavyweight prospect Mladen “Monster” Miljas, will now fight October 28 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

A former NABA champion at 126, 130 and 135 pounds, McGuinness signed with Lee Baxter Promotions in July.  McGuinness, 23-0-1 (10 KO’s), is fighting for the first since May 2015 and meets Noel Rincon, 18-9-1 (10 KO’s), of Mexico over eight rounds. With a victory, the 29-year-old Ontario native hopes to get back in the mix.

Known as “Monster” due to his crushing power and impressive physical stature, Miljas looks to go 2-0 as a pro when he challenges Mexican Adrian Garcia, 1-1 (1 KO), in a four rounder.

“”I’m glad I was able to keep Logan and Mladen fighting even after our card was postponed,” said Lee Baxter. “The card will be rescheduled in the near future but in the meantime it’s important to keep my fighters busy. Logan’s been very sharp in training and Mladen has the look of a good heavyweight prospect based on what we saw in his pro debut.”

Baxter, who is growing his stable of talented boxers, also looks forward to the career changing opportunity his fighter Samuel Vargas has when he faces unbeaten Danny GarciaNovember 12.

“We’ve got a lot of nice things on the horizon and I believe that Sammy is going to surprise a lot of people. His trainers know everything there is to be known about Garcia and Team Vargas was thrilled when we heard he accepted the fight.

I’ve also got Kane Heron returning from a few lingering injuries and he’ll be back by the end of the year. He is a truly special talent and one of boxing’s best kept secrets. Most importantly, we will continue to grow and invest in our fighters while providing quality events in Canada.”

For more information, please visit LeeBaxterpromotions.com.

boxing, Russia

VLADIMIR TIKHONOV WANTS TO TEST ACES QUIGG, RIGO AND/OR DONAIRE 

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RUSSIAN HITTER SEEKS STERNEST TESTS AT 122
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vladimir Tikhonov, rated No 9 by the WBA, and No 13 by WBO, has put word out that he’s ready, willing and more than able to rumble with the best and brightest in the super bantamweight division.

Scott Quigg, “let’s get it on”, he is calling the former WBA champion out, through promoter Dmitriy Salita.

Guillermo Rigondeaux, “I respect your skills but don’t believe you are invincible”, is Tikhonov’s message for the Cuban sweet scientist.

Nonito Donaire, “If you take care of business Nov. 5 against Jessie Magdalendo then how about you step to the line against me,”, said  the 15-0 (8 KOs) Russian.

“Tikhonov is a big, strong super bantamweight who knows how to use his height, reach and power,” Salita said of the southpaw pugilist tutored by Igor Shafer in St Petersburg, Russia. “Vladimir is very well schooled and wants to fight the best fighters in the division. Russia is producing lots of top notch fighters, contenders and world champions. I feel that Vladimir has the skills and experience to be the new face in the super bantamweight division!”

The 26 year-old Tikhonov got it done in his last outing against 40-4 Mikhail Krivolapov. Salita has proven himself to be judicious talent spotter, no surprise since he’s been to the mountain top himself, as a standout at 140 pounds, with a 35-2-1 record at junior welterweight/welterweight. “This Russian is ready to rock and makes heads roll at super bantamweight,” Salita said. “He can finish out this year with a bang and climb even higher in 2017!”
boxing

Card shaping up for November 11 fight card at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

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Adam Lopez to take on Carlos Valcarcel in main event; Ed Brown takes on Albert Mensah;  Jerry Odom battles Taneal Goyco and Jaron Ennis takes on Chrisshawn Alexander

Broadcast begins at 9:00 PM ET LIVE on ONE World Sports

Plus undefeated Keenan Smith, Kenneth Sims, Jr, Emanuel Folly, Joshua Jones & LeRoy Davila

Derrick Webster battles Salim Larbi
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA (October 25, 2016, 2016) – The card is shaping up for the November 11thcard at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
In the main event, undefeated and world ranked super bantamweight Adam Lopez takes on Carlos Valcarcel
The scheduled eight-round bout will be the featured bout of the inaugural broadcast on

ONE World Sports.
 
In the televised co-feature, undefeated welterweight, Ed Brown will take on Albert Mensah in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds and , Jerry Odom will take on Taneal Goyco in a super middleweight bout.  Opening up the televised broadcast will be Jaron Ennis fightingChrisshawn Alexander.

The card is promoted by GH3 Promotions & Victory Boxing Promotions.

Lopez of San Antonio, Texas is ranked 4th by the WBA and has a record of 15-0-1 with seven knockouts.
The 25 year-old Lopez is a four year pro and has wins over Pablo Cruz (11-0), Eliecer Aquino (17-0-1), former world champion Erik Aiken & Mario Munoz (16-0-1).
In his last bout, Lopez fought to a ten-round split draw with Roman Reynoso (18-1-1) on July 22nd in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Valcarcel has a record of 14-8-4 with five knockouts.  The 34 year-old native of Miami, Florida has wins over Jovanny Soto (15-2-1), Rodolfo Garay (14-2-1) & Leivi Brea (16-4-3).
The 12 year veteran also has fought former world champion Eric Morel and future world title challenger Jessie Magdaleno.
Valcarcel is coming off a 6th round stoppage defeat to undefeated Erick DeLeon on June 25thin Dallas, Texas.
Seeing action in the eight round co-feature will be undefeated welterweight Ed Brown.
The 24 year-old native of Chicago has a record of 18-0 with 15 knockouts, and has established himself as one of the top welterweight prospects in boxing.
Brown is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Gilbert Venegas on July 30th in Hammond, Indiana.
Mensah of Accra, Ghana. has a record of 29-5 -1 with 13 knockouts.
The 33 year-old is a 14 year pro and holds a significant win over Michael Katsidis for the IBF International super lightweight title. He followed that by losing a 12 round decision to Denis Shafikov, who was 30-0.
After that fight Mensah fought Cesar Cuenca (46-0) in an eliminator for the IBF Super Lightweight title. Again he lost a close 12 round decision. Earlier in his career,
Mensah beat the then undefeated Ayi Bruce. He has made a habit of fighting undefeated fighters. In the course of his career he has fought fourteen undefeated fighters
and has a record of 12-2 in those fights.
Odom of Washington, DC has a record of 14-2-1 with 13 knockouts, and is a four-year professional.  The 23 year-old Odom won his first twelve bouts, which included a thrilling come from behind stoppage over previously undefeated Vilier Quinonez (9-0) on July 25, 2014 in a nationally televised bout on ShoBox: The New Generation.
Odom avenged a controversial disqualification defeat by destroying previously undefeated Andrew Hernandez (8-0) in one round.   In his last bout, Odom stopped Julius Jackson (19-1)in three rounds.
Goyco of Philadelphia has a record of 8-9-1 with three knockouts.
Goyco has upset the apple-cart on several occasions.  He has wins over undefeated Dennis Morris (1-0), Jeremy Trussell (8-0) & Devin Butcher (5-0) plus upset victories over Frankie Filippone (14-2-1) and Dennis Hasson (16-1).  Goyco is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision defeat to Tony Hirsch on June 11th in Oakland, California.
Ennis, 19 years old has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts.  In his last bout, he was taken the distance for the first time, but pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Eddie Diaz on September 15th.
Alexander of Norfolk, Virginia has a record of 4-2 with three knockouts.

The 24 year-old won his first three bouts and is coming off a no-contest with undefeated Matt Conway on July 15th in Pittsburgh, Pa.

In off-television action:

In Six Round Bouts:

Derrick Webster (20-1, 10 KO’s) of Willingboro, NJ will fight Salim Larbi (20-6-2, 7 KO’s) of Bronx, NY in a middleweight bout.
Undefeated welterweight Keenan Smith (9-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named.

Kenneth Sims Jr. (9-0, 3 KO’s) of Chicago will take on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

In Four Round bouts:
Undefeated super bantamweight Emmanuel Folly (7-0, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named.

Joshua Jones (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight pro debuting Jahmal Dyer of Baltimore, Maryland in a lightweight bout.

LeRoy Davila (3-0, 2 KO’s) of New Brunswick, NJ will fight an opponent to be names in a bantamweight bout.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $100, $75, $50 and $40 and can be purchased by calling 267-273-0945 and www.2300arena.com
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® ANNOUNCES SEVEN MARQUEE BOXING MATCHES PITTING TOP-10 CHAMPIONS VERSUS TOP-10 CHALLENGERS 

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VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2dqWazE 

SHOWTIME® Continues To Deliver Boxing’s Biggest and Best Fights
Bouts Presented In Association With Premier Boxing Champions Include
Garcia vs. Thurman, Frampton vs. Santa Cruz II and Cuellar vs. Mares 

NEW YORK (Oct. 25, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports will present seven marquee boxing matches pitting top-10 rated champions in the prime of their careers against fellow top-10 rated challengers over four consecutive months beginning in December.  The schedule, which is the second robust boxing programming announcement from SHOWTIME in 2016, was announced today by Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  The lineup includes two long-awaited championship matchups, Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares and Jermall Charlo vs. Julian Williams; the can’t-miss featherweight rematch between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz, and a welterweight unification blockbuster between undefeated champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.  All four of these anticipated bouts will be presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME Sports produced the strongest lineup of world-class boxing events of any network this year, delivering 18 world title fights devoid of mismatches and “tune-up” fights.  The best fought the best, and the results were spectacular: two “Fight of the Year” contenders, Thurman-Shawn Porter and Santa Cruz-Frampton; a “Knockout of the Year” frontrunner by one of boxing’s biggest punchers, Deontay Wilder; and the arrival of one of boxing’s most marketable new stars in Anthony Joshua.  SHOWTIME also featured the trio of junior middleweight champions, the Charlo twins, Jermall and Jermell, and Erislandy Lara, all in title fights on one card; highlighted the world’s best featherweights in Santa Cruz, Frampton, Gary Russell Jr. and Lee Selby; and set the table for the title unification fight between super middleweight champions Badou Jack and James DeGale.

Boxing’s brightest stars will again take center stage on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® as the network prepares to present the following seven matchups, including six world title fights, over a 12-week span.  All bouts will air live on SHOWTIME with the exception of Garcia vs. Thurman, which will either air live in Primetime on CBS or live on SHOWTIME.

Seven of the 14 fighters are undefeated, while the champions and challengers in the six world title fights boast a combined 313 wins versus just six losses.

December 10:            Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs)*
Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) vs. Julian Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs)*

January 14:                Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs) vs. James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs)**

January 28:                Carl Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs) vs. Leo Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs)*                                 Dejan Zlaticanin (18-0, 11 KOs) vs. Mikey Garcia (35-0, 29 KOs)*

February 11:              Adrien Broner (32-2, 24 KOs) vs. Adrian Granados (18-4-2, 12 KOs)

March 4:                     Danny Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) vs. Keith Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs)**

                                    *World title bout
                                    **World title unification bout     

“This is a slate of high-level, evenly-matched, 50/50 fights – the best fighting the best – which has become the calling card of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING,” said Espinoza.  “Every fight we are announcing today features a top 10-ranked champion taking on a top 10-ranked challenger; in many cases, it’s top-five vs. top-five.

“This is our second major boxing lineup announcement this year, further proof that no other network is delivering high-quality competitive fights – without relying on PPV – as consistently as SHOWTIME.  No other network is as committed to driving the sport forward.  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is giving subscribers the best that boxing has to offer.”

Saturday, Dec. 10 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

In a highly anticipated featherweight blockbuster, hard-hitting Jesus Cuellarwill make the second defense of his WBA 126-pound title against Abner Mares, a three-division champ who has compiled a staggering resume while collecting belts at 118, 122 and 126 pounds.  Cuellar vs. Mares is the latest in a lineup of action-oriented 126-pound showdowns assembled with the goal of unifying one of the sport’s most talent-laden divisions.  It will be the fifth featherweight world championship of 2016 on SHOWTIME.

On Dec. 10, there also will be a long-awaited world championship contest between two undefeated 154-pound fighters.  Jermall Charlo will make the third defense of his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against No. 1 mandatory challenger Julian Williams in a matchup of 26-year-old fighters at the top of their game.  Charlo vs. Williams becomes the sixth title or world title eliminator in the 154-pound weight class in 2016 on SHOWTIME, a roster featuring eight of the top-10 fighters in the division.

Saturday, Jan. 14 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Super middleweight world champions Badou Jack and James DeGale are set to unify the 168-pound class. Both champions retained their titles on a doubleheader last April 30 on SHOWTIME.  Jack kept his WBC belt in a controversial draw with longtime titlist Lucian Bute that many thought Jack clearly won.  Earlier that evening, DeGale successfully defended his IBF crown with a unanimous decision over mandated challenger Rogelio Medina.  Jack landed 61 percent of his power punches, while DeGale connected on an astonishing 66 percent of his power shots.  Now, Jack and DeGale will face off in a long-awaited unification to determine the No. 1 fighter in the super middleweight division.

Saturday, Jan. 28 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

The most anticipated rematch in boxing will take place when Carl Framptonand Leo Santa Cruz square off in an immediate rematch of a leading 2016 Fight of the Year candidate.  In their first encounter July 30 on SHOWTIME, former super bantamweight champ Frampton moved up in weight to challenge fellow unbeaten Santa Cruz, edging the three-division titlist in a firefight.  The must-see rematch will be the sixth featherweight world championship on SHOWTIME in less than 12 months.

The co-feature pits undefeated lightweights Dejan Zlaticanin against resurgent fan favorite Mikey Garcia.  Zlaticanin is making the first defense of his WBC 135-pound crown against the former two-division titlist in Garcia.  The champion is the No. 1 fighter at 135 pounds, while Garcia is aiming to become a three-division world champion in just his second fight back from a two-and-a-half year layoff.

Saturday, Feb. 11 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Four-division world champion Adrien Broner will face the streaking Adrian Granados in a matchup of top-10 ranked 140-pound fighters.  The flashy Broner, who has captured titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, has scored two consecutive knockouts in the super lightweight division.  The hard-charging, all-action Granados, who pulled a stunning upset of then-undefeated WBC No. 1 ranked super lightweight Amir Imam in a dominating performance last November on SHOWTIME, thrives in the underdog role and has a deceiving record – his four defeats, all via split or majority decision, have come against opponents with a cumulative record of 52-1.

Saturday, March 4 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Presented in association with Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated welterweight world champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garciahave been on a collision course for more than a year.  Thurman has held a version of the WBA Welterweight World Championship since 2013 but announced his arrival in March 2015 with an emphatic win over Robert Guerrero.  Thurman has since defended the title twice, including most recently against former world champion Shawn Porter in a potential Fight of the Year thriller in June on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS.  Garcia, after conquering the 140-pound division, captured the WBC Welterweight World Championship with an impressive performance against Guerrero in January.  Should Garcia defeat Samuel Vargas on Nov. 12 in a non-title fight, he and Thurman are set to meet in a marquee unification blockbuster between undefeated champions at the pinnacle of their careers.  Garcia vs. Thurman will air live in Primetime on CBS or live on SHOWTIME.