Tag Archives: boxing

Vitor Jones Freitas stops Lucio in 1

 
Philadelphia, PA (August 2, 2016)–Vitor Jones Freitas record remained perfect by stopping Licelio Da Silva Lucio in the first round of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout this past Saturday in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
With the victory, Freitas of Salvador, Brazil improved his unblemished mark to 14-0, while notching his eighth knockout.
The 23 year-old Freitas registered two knockdowns, both with left hooks in the bout, which lasted just 79 seconds.
Freitas, who is the nephew of former four-time world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas, will now look to come back to the United States in a higher profile bout.
“Vitor is coming along very nicely in Brazil.  We showcased him on four of our cards here in the states to get his feet wet and now he has won four straight back in Brazil,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.  “Now we are looking to bring him back here in the fall and put him on television and fight for a regional title.  He is becoming the fighter we thought he could be when we signed him, and we are looking forward for the American public to embrace him in the same way they did his uncle.”

19-year old hot prospect Antonio Williams returns this Saturday Aug 6 in Miami

Photo by Team Williams / Pro Box Management
 
 
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (August 2, 2016) –  Pro Box Management’s 19-year old hot prospect, super-featherweight Antonio “Bang” Williams (3-0, 3 KOs), returns to the ring this Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the Miami Airport Convention Center.  Williams will square off against Brian Santos of Puerto Rico is a scheduled 4-round bout.
Williams, who made his pro debut earlier this year at age 18, has never made it past the second round, ending all three of his fights by knockout.  With power in both hands, Williams can also box, using movement to win fights.  This will be Antonio’s third fight in the Miami, Florida area.  His goal is to win this fight by knockout to keep his KO streak alive.
“Although I like to consider myself a smart fighter, my main objective in each fight is to get my opponent out of there early.” said Antonio “Bang” Williams. “I never want to leave any decision in the hands of the judges.  I just want to keep this knockout streak going, but if I go the distance, I’m ok with it, as long as I continue winning.”
Williams had an outstanding amateur record of 104-15, winning two state Golden Gloves championships.  In addition, Williams was crowned champion in many other national tournaments.  Pro Box Management was impressed with Williams superior talent and signed him to a multi-year contract.
“Antonio Williams is a great kid with a lot of heart and skills.” stated Henry Rivalta of Pro Box Management. “This kid has tremendous punching power to go along with his highly intelligent ring IQ.  Gary and I believe this kid has every ingredient to become a world champion.  He’s a pleasure to be around and he has the charisma to be a star.”
“I’m very grateful that my managers have me fighting on a regular basis.  When I signed with Pro Box Management, Gary and Henry told me they would keep my busy, and they’ve kept their word.  Now my job is to win fights and climb up the rankings, which I’m very motivated to do.  I’m excited about getting back in there this Saturday and putting on a great show for the fans.”
The Miami Airport Convention Center is located at 711 NW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET.  First fight begins at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets priced $75, $50 and $30 can be purchased at all “Presidente Supermarkets” in Miami, FL, or by calling Michael Luzbet at (786) 553-3895 or by email at luzbetk@gmail.com.
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Raquel Miller Added to Ward vs. Brand Undercard

Roc Nation Sports is pleased to announce the addition of San Francisco’s Raquel Miller (1-0, 1 KO) to the undercard of Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on August 6, 2016. This will be the first Roc Nation card to feature a female fighter.

Bayview-Hunters Point native Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller will be making her second professional start since debuting against Sara Flores on May 21, 2016 in Richmond, California. In her augural pro fight, the former amateur standout wasted no time, scoring a technical knockout over her opponent within the first minute and 14 seconds of the first round. Miller was the 2012 Women’s World Championships Silver Medalist, 2012 USA Boxing Women’s National Champion and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Bronze Medalist, serving as the U.S Women’s Olympic alternate in the London Games. Miller will be taking on an opponent to be determined on August 6 at Oracle Arena.

Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (29-0, 15 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, August 6, to continue his conquest of the light heavyweight division when he takes on power-punching Colombian Alexander Brand (25-1, 19 KOs) at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. Ward vs. Brand is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental title, presented by Roc Nation Sports and sponsored by Corona Extra, Verizon, ProSupps, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (CTMS), Brand Jordan, Shoe Palace, Kingsford, Autocom Nissan, Ticketmaster and The Clorox Company, supporting the Bay Area Community for over 100 years. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets priced at $250, $100, $70, $40 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

ENCORE PRESENTATION OF CARL FRAMPTON vs. LEO SANTA CRUZ FIGHT OF THE YEAR CONTENDER TO AIR TONIGHT AT 11 P.M. ET/PT ON SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

 

Saturday’s Instant Classic SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Event Available On SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®

 

WATCH A VIDEO PREVIEW: http://s.sho.com/2aptNld

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Last Saturday’s instant classic “Fight of the Year” contender between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz will re-air tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  The thrilling SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event had the Barclays Center rocking as Frampton narrowly edged Santa Cruz in a toe-to-toe battle to dethrone the defending WBA Featherweight World Champion.

 

Monday’s encore presentation of the entire three-fight telecast also features Mikey Garcia’s emphatic return to the ring and Tony Harrison’s title eliminator victory in the stacked 154-pound division.  The SHOWTIME Sports®presentation is also available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND and SHOWTIME ANYTIME.

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

David Benavidez Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Undefeated Rising Star Takes On Denis Douglin in Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Main Event
Friday, August 5 Live from Philadelphia
 
Click HERE for Photos from Valentin Romero From
Team Benavidez/Premier Boxing Champions
 
PHILADELPHIA (August 1, 2016) – Undefeated rising contender David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez is on the fast track to a world title opportunity and he will look to make another statement when he battles contender Denis Douglin in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Friday, August 5 live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with exciting lightweight contender Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (20-0, 15 KOs) taking on Ireland’s Stephen “The Rock” Ormond (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets click HERE.
Here is what Benavidez had to say about his opponent, training camp and more:
 
On his recent training camp in Southern California…
“We had another great training camp out here in Long Beach, California.  We put the final touches and wrapped up camp and I’m ready to go.  There was plenty of good sparring and we worked on some things we know will help us in this fight. I’m in great shape and I feel sharp.”
On fighting in his first main event on ESPN…
“Fighting on ESPN is great exposure for me and my team, especially in the main event.  We all worked so hard to get in this position and now it’s time to capitalize on this great opportunity. I know a lot of family and friends back home in Phoenix will be tuning in. I just want to shine out and perform to my best ability.”
On facing his opponent Denis Douglin…
“This is going to be a tough fight.  I know Douglin is hungry to give me my first loss.  He’s coming off three wins in a row, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. Being that he’s a southpaw, I’ll have to do some things a little different.  We worked on all that stuff in camp so I know I’m going to be ready for anything he brings to the ring.”
On training with his father and head coach Jose Benavidez…
“My dad Jose has been guiding my corner from the first day I started boxing around three years old.  Together we have a strong bond and I respect him very much.  He’s come up with a great game plan tailor made for Douglin.  He’s made a lot of sacrifices to help me get to this point and I’m very thankful to him for all that he’s done for me and my brother. I want nothing more than to bring him another great victory.”
On fighting on the East Coast for the second time in his career…
“The East Coast fans are very passionate about their boxing.  Douglin, being that he’s from New Jersey, will have a lot of fans rooting against me.  But I’m not going to let anything distract me from the task at hand and that’s coming back home with a win.”
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions.  Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BRANT VS FITZPATRICK HEADLINES CBS SPORTS NETWORK CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING THIS FRIDAY AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

 

This Friday, August 5, 2016, in the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, Greg Cohen Promotions and Ringside Ticket Inc., in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, will proudly present a quadrupleheader of professional boxing, televised live on CBS Sports Network (11 pm ET/8 pm PT).
In the night’s televised main event, red-hot WBA #4- and WBO #7-rated middleweight and current WBO NABO and WBA NABA Middleweight Champion, Rob “Bravo” Brant (20-0, 13 KOs) of Saint Paul, Minnesota, will look to keep his momentum going in a 10-round battle against Cleveland’s Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-4, 6 KOs).
In the six-round super welterweight co-featured bout, Fort Worth, Texas, slugger Skender Halili (10-1, 10 KOs) will look to keep his perfect knockout record intact against experienced Ghanian veteran (now living in Silver Springs, Maryland) Ben Odamattey (16-14-3, 9 KOs).
In another televised four-rounder, undefeated former amateur world champion Cem Killic (5-0, 2 KOs) of Sherman Oaks, California, via Frankfurt, Germany, will take on pro-debuting middleweight Jerhed Fenderson of Las Vegas.
And in the night’s opening televised bout, red-hot prospect Malik Hawkins (8-0, 7 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland, will look to keep his march to the top of the welterweight division alive against Portland, Oregon’s Sean Gee (3-4).
Tickets for CBS Sports Network Championship Boxing are priced at $85, $65 and $50 and are available at www.pechanga.com or by calling the Pechanga Box Office:(877) 711-2946.
 
25-year-old Brant has already won two fights this year. In April, he took care of Arkansas veteran Delray Raines in less than a round and in January, he scored a nationally televised “Knockout of the Year” candidate against formidable contender DeCarlo Perez. The victory put Brant on the radar of the boxing world.
29-year-old Fitzpatrick went undefeated in his first 15 fights and only suffered setbacks against some of the world’s top middleweights, including world champion Daniel Jacobs. “The Irish Ghost” is never in a bad fight and will test any would-be contender’s true mettle.
Promoter Greg Cohen says he’s excited to be bringing his popular televised boxing series to California.
“This is our first scheduled quadrupleheader and we’re excited to be bringing it to a classic boxing venue like the Pechanga,” said Cohen. “Rob Brant will be in against a guy who will take you out if you don’t have the goods. Skender Halili’s last fight was one of the best of the year, so I look forward to another slugfest. Cem Kilic won’t have it easy. Although his opponent is making his debut, he can really fight. And we all get another look at the amazing talent of Malik Hawkins to open the night. It’s truly a great night of boxing. Thanks to my partners and the wonderful staff at Pechanga for helping make it happen.”
The night’s jam-packed undercard will be announced later this week.
The Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, CA. For more information, call 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.pechanga.com. On fight night,doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7 pm. All bouts subject to change.

Cuba defeats Team Pittsburgh, 7-4 in front of over 2,500 fans at Battle on the Bridge

Pittsburgh, PA (August 1, 2016) – A group of some of the best amateurs from boxing hotbed Cuba defeated Team Pittsburgh 7-4 on Saturday night in front of a packed crowd of over 2,500 on the Roberto Clemente Bridge adjacent to to PNC Park.
The meet, which was a year in the making that saw the team from Pittsburgh travel to Cuba in May for a dual-training session between the teams and culminated with the historic event.
Not only was the meet staged in front of a capacity crowd, but was broadcast live back to Cuba with an estimated viewing audience of 11 million people.
In attendance were 1996 Olympic Gold Medal winner Maikro Romero of Cuba, who came over as an ambassador for his home country as well as two-time world champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham, who was a coach for Team Pittsburgh and father of team participant, Steve Cunningham Jr.
The younger Cunningham, along with teammates Nehemiah Hollinger, Sylvio Cercone & Kiante Irving were the four members from Team Pittsburgh to have their hand’s raised.

For more information on the event, www.cubasipgh.org
History of the Event

In the sport of amateur boxing, Cuba has established itself as a world power house. Despite only having a population roughly equal to that of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Cuba has won an unbelievable 67 Olympic medals in boxing, 34 of which are Gold. By all accounts, Cuba is a world leader in the sport.

In November of 2015, a diverse delegation of business and community leaders led by Congressman Mike Doyle, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, and Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak traveled to Cuba to invite Cuba to take on Team Pittsburgh. Today, July 30, 2016, right here in Pittsburgh, you are a witness to an unprecedented athletic exchange with Cuba. While Pittsburgh has had a long-standing relationship with the City of Matanzas, Cuba and has engaged in countless academic, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges with our friends in Cuba, this athletic exchange will be a first. Our belief is that if Pittsburgh wants to be the best in the world, we have to learn from the best in the world. Having the opportunity to compete against Cuba provides our athletes with a tremendous opportunity to challenge them to become better boxers while making friends and learning about a different culture

This competition will be unique in the fact that unlike the athletic exchanges of the past between USA and Cuba, this event will be a “friendly” club match. Each of the bouts athletes are evenly matched. The goal of the evening’s competition is to provide young boxers of all skill levels a chance to compete on the international level and ultimately grow as boxers and individuals. Because of the historic nature of this event, we endeavored to stage the boxing match in a manner that reflects its significance. Matanzas is Cuba’s City of Bridges, and Pittsburgh holds that designation in the U.S.A. Because of the need to create a symbolic bridge between the U.S. and Cuba to move past the Cold War Era, we have chosen to hold this match on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, honoring at the same time a man who gave his life building unity among nations.

History of Pittsburgh Matanzas
The Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership was founded to create an opportunity for our residents, public officials, and leaders of organizations to engage in mutually beneficial ‘people to people’ exchanges with the residents of Matanzas, Cuba. On February 20, 1998 a signing agreement took place in Matanzas officially designating our sister city relationship.

The Mission of the Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership is to expand our sister city relationship between the City of Pittsburgh and the City of Matanzas, Cuba, to foster understanding and bilateral cooperation through mutually beneficial exchanges between individuals, government officials, community groups, organizations, educational, environmental, cultural, sports, business, and other institutions. It is important that ordinary people be able to experience Cuba for themselves and form their own opinions. Over the years, our work has expanded to encompass bilateral relationships within the entire nation of Cuba.
Our work focuses on these 4 objectives:
1. Lift the illegal and immoral blockade (Extra-territorial economic and trade sanctions that impact world trade)
2. Lift the Travel Ban (Allow Americans the same freedom of travel enjoyed by every other democratic nation.)
3. Building International Relations that respect the independence and Sovereignty of Cuba
4. Ending the illegal and immoral occupation of Guantanamo Bay (US is in outright violation of Treaty)

Despite decades of travel restrictions placed on U.S. residents by our own government that remain in place even to this day, as do crippling economic sanctions against Cuba, which have been condemned worldwide as immoral and illegal under international law, we have continued our work to engage in peaceful and constructive activities with the people and institutions of Cuba.

History of Hibernian Celtic Athletic Fund

The Celtic Athletic Fund was created by members of Ancient Order of Hibernians to help make sports accessible for low-income Pittsburgh youth of all nationalities through “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity”.
Boxing on the Bridge is the brainchild of the organization.

Michael Diven, a former Pittsburgh councilman and former state representative, is a member of the Hibernian Celtic Athletic Fund and the Pittsburgh Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership. For the past three years on St. Patrick’s Day, the fund has sponsored an exchange with Irish boxers called the Donnybrook organized by Mr. Diven.

The Cuban Constitution guarantees “access to study, culture and sports.” But in the U.S., youth sports, as well as art and music, are among the first to be cut when school district funding shrinks. “Boxing on the Bridge” continues the work of the fund to support sports initiatives for Pittsburgh’s youth and builds on decades of work by the Pittsburgh-Matanzas Sister Cities Partnership

For Pittsburgh, it will be a unique opportunity for our amateur youth boxers to learn from the best boxers in the world. And for our nation, it will help build bridges with Cuba and public support for congressional action to finally end the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba, which continues, despite President Obama’s March visit to the island.

CARL FRAMPTON EDGES LEO SANTA CRUZ IN POTENTIAL FIGHT OF THE YEAR SHOOTOUT TO WIN FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® AT

Letterhead (2)

BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

 

Mikey Garcia Stamps His Return With Explosive Knockout Of Elio Rojas In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature: Click HERE For Video

 

Catch The Replay This Monday, Aug. 1 At 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME (Full Gallery Coming Soon)

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

Click HERE For Photos From Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions

 

BROOKLYN (July 31, 2016) – In a possible “Fight of the Year” showdown between two undefeated fighters, Carl Frampton edged Leo Santa Cruz in a firefight to capture the WBA Featherweight World Championship in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Saturday in front of 9,062 fans at the electric Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs), the former unified super bantamweight champion who moved up to 126 pounds to challenge Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs), became the first native of Northern Ireland to become a two-division world champion.

 

The majority decision, scored 114-114 draw, 116-112 and 117-111, was fought at a blistering pace from the outset.

 

Santa Cruz’s hallmark has always been his high-octane output and power punching, but the three-division world champion was unable to utilize his reach advantage, and his activity was eliminated by Frampton’s tremendous counterpunching and power shots.  While both fighters are top 10 in the world in jabs, a staggering 402 of their 497 combined landed punches were power shots.

 

While Santa Cruz landed almost equal the amount of power shots – 206 vs. 191 – the 46 percent that Frampton connected on appeared to land cleaner and inflict more damage. And while Santa Cruz was the taller fighter, he lunged forward and fought short on the inside, allowing Frampton to minimize the reach and contest the battle toe-to-toe, where it suited him best.

 

“It’s a dream come true,” said Frampton. “I had the dream of winning a world title and I won it, but I never thought I’d win in two divisions.  It was a tough fight, I wanted it to be a tough fight because I wanted a fight the people could remember.  I respect him a lot.  He was a true warrior.

 

“I had a good game plan.  Shane was an unbelievable coach.  He told me every time I came back into the corner that we could win this a lot easier. But I won it with my heart, not with my head and I got my hand raised.

 

“Distance control and hitting hard were the keys. I won the fight because I didn’t lose control.  I earned his respect early in the fight with my distance control and hard punching.  I would love to take this man to Belfast for a rematch and show the people there what a great fighter he is.”

 

In calling out the other champions at 126 pounds – including IBF champion Lee Selby and WBC champion Gary Russell Jr, who were both in attendance – Frampton said: “I want big, memorable fights.” Click HERE for Frampton’s full post fight interview.

 

Santa Cruz, who captured belts at 118, 122 and 126 pounds, disagreed with decision but agreed with Frampton’s wish for a rematch.

 

“It was a tough fight from the beginning,” Santa Cruz said.  “We knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I thought it was close when I was in there throwing.  Maybe the judges were hearing the crowd and thought that every little punch was scoring.

 

“He has a difficult style, but we know his style and will get him in the rematch.  The crowd was cheering, and I think the judges saw that.  Maybe, without that, we would have had a draw or maybe a decision.

 

“It’s hard to get your first loss, but now we’ll go back to the gym, we’ll get the rematch and we’ll win.  And that loss will mean nothing.  I want to have a rematch in Los Angeles, but I’ll go to Belfast too.”

 

Undefeated former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia returned to the ring in impressive fashion after a two-and-a-half year absence, flooring former titlist Elio Rojas four times en route to a fifth round TKO (2:02).

 

Garcia (35-0, 29 KOs) showed no signs of ring rust as he stalked forward from the opening bell.  The former 126 and 130-pound titlist and pound-for-pound mainstay floored Rojas (24-3, 14 KOs) midway through the third with a right-left combo, sending the Dominican to the canvas for just the second time in his career.  Rojas beat the count, but a monster right sent him falling face-forward less than one minute later for the second knockdown of the round.  Again, the durable Rojas continued to come forward as Garcia teed-off.

 

Rojas was tagged again midway through the fifth with a huge right, falling to the canvas for the third time in fight.  Now bleeding from his nose, Rojas was knocked down again just seconds later by a brutal right uppercut from Garcia.  Again, Rojas beat the count, but looked defeated and referee Eddie Claudio stopped the fight.

 

“The two-and-a-half-year layoff sparked a fire in me and motivated me to do the best that I could,” said Garcia, who landed 50 percent of his power shots.  “Elio is a tough guy and a former world champion. He didn’t come for a paycheck; he came to win.

 

“Elio took advantage of the opportunity. But we trained for a great performance like this and I was thrilled to get the job done. It felt great to be here with a supportive crowd behind me. I’m looking forward to getting back in there and winning another world title.”

 

Despite the four knockdowns, Rojas disagreed with the stoppage and wanted to continue fighting.

 

“I was able to get off the canvas because I trained so hard,” Rojas said.  “Mikey is just stronger. I’m a natural 126-pounder fighting above my weight.  It was a great matchup and Mikey is a great fighter. I have no doubt that he is going to take over the division.

 

“I was very upset when the fight was stopped. I wanted to keep going because I have a champion’s heart and I never want to quit.”

 

Once-beaten 154-pound contender Tony Harrison secured the IBF’s No. 2 position with a ninth round TKO (1:18) of Sergey Rabchenko in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

 

Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) is now ranked No. 2 behind IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and No. 1 mandatory challenger Julian Williams, who have agreed to fight later this year.

 

Harrison set up the distance with his jab, controlled the pace and outpunched Rabchenko (27-2, 20 KOs) by a nearly 2-1 margin.  He was breaking Rabchenko down with a steady diet of power shots and well-timed jabs when he floored the Belarus native with a sharp right hand one minute into the ninth.  Rabchenko got up, but looked defeated and unsteady on his feet, forcing referee Arthur Mercante to halt the contest.

 

Harrison landed 11 of 40 jabs per round on top of an impressive 46 percent of his power shots.

 

“This is definitely my biggest win ever,” Harrison said. “I was luring him to sleep. My trainer told me that I would have the right hand behind the jab and that’s what happened.  I’m a finisher. I had him hurt and I said to the ref ‘you better not let him go.’ I knew I had him beat.

 

“A focused Tony Harrison can beat anybody at 154-pounds. Now it’s on Jermall Charlo and Julian Williams. I’m in the catbird seat.”

 

Rabcheko threw an average of only 31 punches per round, connecting just seven per round.

“I didn’t throw enough punches,” Rabchenko admitted.  “I kept relying on my defense and didn’t attack enough. I was looking for one shot and it was difficult to do it against Tony Harrison with one punch.  The ref did a great job with the stoppage. My health is first and foremost. The health of any fighter is the most important thing. I knew I couldn’t continue.”

 

Former two-division world champion and SHOWTIME analyst Paulie Malignaggi won a 10-round unanimous decision over fellow Brooklynite Gabriel Bracero in the “Battle for Brooklyn.”  The welterweight bout was scored 96-94 and 98-92 twice.

 

“The Magic Man” stuck to his usual game plan, jabbing at range and utilizing his reach advantage against the naturally smaller Bracero, who was unable to get inside against the master technician.  Malinaggi (36-7, 7 KOs) dictated the pace and was the more effective fighter, landing 35 percent of his total punches compared to 29 for Bracero (24-3, 5 KOs).  Malignaggi dominated with the jab, landing 11 per round, which is double the welterweight average.

 

“I knew Bracero was a counter-puncher like myself. I was just trying to be the sharper counter-puncher. We both try to set traps and I just wanted to make him earn any points that he got. At the same time, I felt like I had to earn my points. I dictated the fight with pot shots and stepping over.

 

“I didn’t want to get desperate. I wanted to force him to get desperate from being behind on the scorecards. I think I did a good job of that.  As the fight went on, I just used my movement and feints to stay in control.

 

“The plan was to keep it simple – if he didn’t adjust to any traps, then I was going to keep using them.  I kept it as simple as I could against a guy who if you complicate things, he will catch you. He’s a counter-puncher who can make you pay. “

 

Later in the evening, Malignaggi returned to his ringside position as commentator for the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

 

“I’m excited to call the fights tonight,” Malignaggi said.  “I’m a fan before I’m a fighter. I’m excited to go to work right now.”

 

In the opening bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME, Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmerwon his 15th consecutive fight with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over previously once-beaten lightweight Ivan Redkach, scored, 99-89, 98-90 twice.

 

Fighting on his 26th birthday, Farmer (22-4-1, 5 KOs) was the more effective fighter from the start.  He was able to fight on the inside against the naturally bigger Redkach (19-2-1, 15 KOs), who’s only defeat had come in a 2015 title eliminator against current WBC Lightweight World Champion Dejan Zlaticanin.

 

Farmer, who’s winning streak dates back to a 2012 loss to current 130-pound titlist Jose Pedraza, landed 42 percent of his power punches compared to just 19 percent for Redkach, who landed just 16 percent of his total punches.

 

“I’m proud of my performance tonight,” Farmer said.  “I was very confident that I would be victorious as long as I executed the game plan and that’s what I did. I want a world title. I’m going to go back to 130-pounds and I feel like I’m ready for a title shot. If I have to fight an eliminator I will. I won’t back down from any challenge.

 

“I beat him down. I was the more experienced fighter and I came in with more rounds and with better opponents on my resume.”

 

Both fighters were deducted a point, Farmer in the eighth for a low blow and Redkach in the ninth for an intentional head butt.

 

The SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast also featured highlights of WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano as she dropped Colombia’s Calixta Silgado twice on her way to a first round stoppage.

 

Serrano (29-1-1, 22 KOs) defended her title in the first women’s world championship bout at Barclays Center and made quick work of the challenger. Serrano swarmed Silgado (14-7-3, 9 KOs) from the start with strong combinations and powerful hooks. Silgado was able to recover from the first knockdown but was quickly smothered by Serrano, who sent her to the canvas and forced referee Benjy Esteves to halt the bout 1:41 into round one.

 

“I just wanted to get in there and show the fans and everybody out there that women can fight,” said Serrano. “We have talent as well. The sky is the limit. I want more belts. I’m going to drop down to 122-pounds and become a four-division world champion like Miguel Cotto.”

 

Featherweight World Champions Lee Selby and Gary Russell Jr. were interviewed by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® host Brian Custer during the SHOWTIME® telecast.  See below for quote excerpts:

 

Lee Selby: “Look, it isn’t my nature to call anyone out.  But I know that these guys are looking to fight me, so I will accept the offer with open hands.  In the build up to this fight, Leo Santa Cruz says he’ll fight me too.  So, I accept both challenges.”

 

Gary Russell Jr.: “I want all of the above.  I want to address something that that Lee Selby said. He said that no one knows who Gary Russell is.  Well, everyone knows who the WBC featherweight champ is, and it’s Mr. Gary Russell.  We are both men and I expect you to conduct yourself as a man.  Don’t use this as an out to try to avoid fighting me.”

 

Lee Selby: “I can clarify.  Back home, Carl Frampton is a huge name. A fight between he and I would be bigger, that’s what I was saying.”

 

Gary Russell Jr.: “Look, I like the IBF belt.  I want to add it to my collection.  And as for Leo Santa Cruz, he wants to avenge the loss I gave him in amateurs.  So, me and Leo, we can make it happen.”

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on Monday, Aug. 1 at 11 p.m. ET/PT.  The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast will re-air on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT.

 

The evet was presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Ruben Villa destroys Gerardo Molina in first round of pro debut 

   
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Onatario, CA. (July 30, 2016)–Heralded amateur Ruben Villa (1-0, 1 KO) did not waste any time putting away challenger Gerardo Molina (1-2, 1 KO) this past Friday night in his professional debut. Villa landed a counter left hook early in the first round that sent Molina backpedaling onto the canvas. Seconds later, Villa, who is from Salinas, Calif., rocked Molina with a series of punches, knocking him out at the 2:25 mark of the opening round. 
“It felt great to get that first win,” Villa said. “I didn’t go in thinking knockout, but I knew after the first knockdown that I was going to end it early. I had a bunch of friends and family in attendance. I’m glad I gave them something to smile about.”
“Ruben looked sensational in his pro debut,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.  “Even though it was just inside of one round, you could tell that Ruben is a tremendous talent, and we are looking forward to his next fight, which should be announced shortly.

“Ruben looked fantastic tonight,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He gave us a glimpse into his immense potential. Ruben has a very bright future ahead of him and we are excited to continue to feature him on our Southern California shows.”

Villa is co-promoted through Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.

Photos By Carlos Baeza/  Thompson Boxing

Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Scores Sensational Knockout Over Hard-Hitting Contender Thomas Williams Jr. In Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Main Event Friday Night From Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada

 
Middleweight Contenders Immanuwel Aleem & Demond Nicholson
Fight to Majority Draw
&
Top Contender Eleider Alvarez Dominates Robert Berridge On Way to Unanimous Decision Victory
 
Click HERE for Photos from Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
Click HERE for Main Event Highlights
QUEBEC CITY (July 30, 2016) – Light heavyweight world champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) delivered a highlight reel knockout victory over Thomas “Top Dogg” Williams Jr. (20-2, 14 KOs) in the fourth-round of an exciting main event showdown on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday night from Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada.
“It was a firefight,” said Stevenson. “He put pressure on me so I decided to put pressure on him too. It was a fight with two guys who could punch and it was spectacular. It was my daughter’s birthday and I gave her a great gift.”
The defending champion Stevenson, fighting in his adopted hometown, put Williams down in round one with a straight left hand. Williams was able to recover and began to fire back in round two. However, Stevenson’s jab consistently sent Williams backtracking, while Williams abandoned the jab and attempted to cut the distance with power punches from difficult angles. Williams staggered the world champion several times, using an effective counter right hand while getting the best of many exchanges.
Both men were hurt in an exciting third round that saw momentum swing in each man’s favor before the bell rang to end the round. A cut opened up over the left eye of Williams in the end of the round that was tended to in his corner. Williams hit the canvas as a result of a low blow early in the fourth, but regained his footing shortly after.
The notorious power puncher Stevenson eventually landed the deciding blow of the night when he caught Williams’ chin hanging in the pocket and delivered a straight left hand that put the challenger to the floor. The Washington, DC area-native was unable to recover, prompting referee Michael Griffin to stop the bout 2:54 into the fourth round.
Additional televised action saw rising middleweight contendersImmanuwel Aleem (16-0-1, 9 KOs) and Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) fight to a majority draw in their eight-round bout.
Neither fighter was able to control of the fight with Nicholson attempting to use his length and jab while Aleem tried to cut the distance and attack with short punches. Nicholson appeared to have the more effective attack in the early rounds, while Aleem began to have more success as the fight shifted to toe-to-toe action in the second half of the fight.
The judges’ scores reflected the close nature of the fight as one judge had it 77-74 for Aleem while the other two judges had it a 76-76 draw.
The televised opener saw Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (20-0, 10 KOs) keep his perfect record intact with a unanimous decision victory over New Zealand’s Robert Berridge (27-5, 21 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight affair.
“I am happy with the win, but I would have liked a knockout! He was tough, but he did not hurt me at all and I thought that I hurt him. I am ready for my next challenge, which will hopefully be a world title fight.”
The top-rated contender for Stevenson’s title, Alvarez established his jab early on while attacking the body of Berridge with right hooks. Alvarez continued to control the fight from a distance as Berridge was slow to begin increasing his output before he started putting the pressure on in round five.
The southpaw Berridge was able to land occasionally on Alvarez with a looping left hand, but never put the undefeated fighter in danger. Alvarez began to have more success varying up his attack with right uppercuts and hooks that eventually left Berridge’s right eye swollen and bruised.
Alvarez took home the decision by scores of 99-90 and 98-92 twice.
PBC on Spike was promoted by Group Yvon Michel (GYM).
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, @TopDoggJr, @yvonmichelgym @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.