Tag Archives: boxing

Berridge replaces injured Dawson vs. Alvarez

 

SHOOTOUTIN QUEBEC
STEVENSON vs. WILLIAMS
WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
July 29 airing live on Spike TV from Videotron Centre
MONTRÉAL (July 23, 2016) – Undefeated No. 1 light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (19-0, 10 KOs) has found a solid boxer to face him on the July 29 card, featuring the WBC and lineal world light heavyweight title fight between defending champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (27-1, 22 KOs) and challenger Thomas Williams Jr. (20-1, 14 KOs), at the Videotron Centre. WBC Silver light heavyweight champion Alvarez will face New Zealand southpaw slugger Robert “The Butcher” Berridge (27-4-1, 21 KOs).
 
The Alvarez-Berridge co-feature, scheduled for 10 rounds at a 180-pound catch-weight, will air on Spike TV in the United States. Named “The Butcher” because of his aggressive style and power, the 31-year-old Australian sputhpaw has won the several regional titles during his pro career including New Zealand (2013 and 2015), WBC Asia (2013), PABA (2013-2014) and WBO Oriental (2013-2014).
 
“I prepared to face a southpaw in Chad Dawson and Berridge is also left-handed, so adapting will be easier,” Alvarez said. “I tip my hat to him for accepted this challenge with only a 10-day notice
 
“For sure, I am really disappointed in Dawson’s withdrawal, but these things happen that you cannot control. I’m still happy to get in the ring of the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City.”
 
“Berridge is an aggressive, powerful and fierce fighter,” Groupe Yvon Michel president (GYM) Yvon Michel added.  “We are pleased to have found an opponent of this quality to face Alvarez in front of the Spike TV cameras.”
 
A new rival for Bouchard
Popular Sébastien Bouchard (13-1, 4 KOs), of Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada,  has a new opponent,Alejandro Herrera (14-3-2, 5 KOs), in a six-round bout.
 
Stevenson-Williams referee and judges announced
Names of the officials for the Stevenson vs. Williams main event fight have also been disclosed. The referee will be Michael Griffin (Quebec), the three ringside judges Richard DeCarufel(Quebec), Massimo Barrovecchio (Italy) and Juergen Langos (Germany), plus supervisor
Bob Logist (Belgium).
 
Two public training sessions were planned this weekend on Grande Allée Boulevard in Quebec City. The first, featuring Stevenson, took place today (Saturday) and tomorrow several undercard boxers will workout starting at 1 p.m. ET.
 
Tickets for the “SHOOTOUT” event, jointly promoted by GYM and Gestev and  presented by Vidéotron, in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu, start at $50.00 and are on sale and available to purchase at www.ticketmaster.ca, the Videotron Centre Box Office, calling GYM at (514) 383-0666 andthe Champion Boxing club (514) 376-0980, or by dialing 1-855-790-1245
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal, Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with InterBox and Rixa.
ABOUT GESTEV
Festive, passionate, daring and creative, Gestev promises epic moments that you will remember for a long time. Gestev agrees to act as a catalyst of positive emotions and deliver experiences to meet your expectations. GESTEV manages the Videotron Centre which is a property of the city of Quebec.

Orozco steps in to face Wilcox at “Next Generation” July 28

July 28 poster with fighters.JPG
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (July 23, 2016) – Lee Baxter Promotions announced that hard-hitting Juan Orozco will face Steven Wilcox Thursday, July 28 in the eight round main event of the first ever “Next Generation” card at Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The “Next Generation” fight series by Lee Baxter Promotions provides a platform for boxers with championship aspirations. Most of the boxers fight out of Canada but some will trek from across the world to display their talents.
Living and fighting out of Zamora, Michoacan de Ocambo, Mexico, Orozco is 12-3-2 with 10 victories by knockout. A winner in four of his last five bouts with three of those wins by KO, Orozco stopped Camilo Fuentes July 16 in Mexico. He’ll also enter the ring as the naturally bigger man, fighting as heavy as 151 lbs.
One of Canada’s rising stars,Wilcox owns an outstanding 13-1-1 record and has 5 KO’s. Fighting out of Hamilton Ontario, Wilcox shutout Pedro Navarrete in March. Prior to his pro career, the 26-year-old had approximately 180 amateur fights and was a two-time Canadian lightweight champion.
Both fighters deserve props for making this happen” said Lee Baxter. “Orozco is filling in on short notice for Jesus Singwancha, who withdrew after injuring his hand in training. On top of that, he just fought a few days ago. Wilcox also deserves credit for dealing with multiple opponent changes and going forward with no questions asked. On top of that, Orozco is a tough fighter and I’m expecting a very competitive fight.”
Tim “The Irish” Cronin, a cruiserweight from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada looks to run his unbeaten streak to 9 fights when he challenges Kristof Demendei of Slovakia in a six round contest. Cronin, 7-1-1 (2 KO’s), has primarily fought in Ontario and hasn’t been defeated since his pro debut. Demendei, 10-1-2 (6 KO’s), fought all but one of his bouts in Slovakia and looks to rebound from a decision loss in June.
In undercard action, super middleweights newcomers Augistino D’Aluisio and Mike Miller will swap leather. Junior middleweight Mayron Zeferino will have his first fight versus Quebec’s Danyk Croteau. Monster heavyweight Mladen Mijas of Ontario makes his pro debut against 5-1 Slovakian David Vyletel. Each bout is scheduled for four rounds.
 
Sponsored by Everlast, Vonbets, Hardknocks Boxing Club & Labatts Brewery, tickets to the “Next Generation” are on sale now for $45, $55 and $65 by logging onto Ticketmaster.Ca. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first fight is scheduled for 7:30.

ADAM LOPEZ & ROMAN REYNOSO FIGHT TO A DRAW IN MAIN EVENT OF 15th ANNIVERSARY TELECAST OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONFRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Catch The Replay This Monday, July 25 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

MASHANTUCKET, Conn.  (July 23, 2016) – With a potential title shot on the line, Adam Lopez and Roman Reynoso fought to a 10-round draw in the main event of the 15-year anniversary telecast of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME® from Foxwoods Resort Casino.

 

In attendance ringside before the fight, newly crowned IBF Junior Featherweight World Champion Jonathan Guzman (22-0, 22 KOs) announced that he’d like fight the winner of Lopez-Reynoso, raising the stakes for this matchup of 122-pound prospects.  While the fight was close and entertaining, analyst Steve Farhood, who has called all 219ShoBox telecasts, didn’t believe either fighter did enough to earn an immediate title shot against Guzman.

 

The fight looked like a toss-up heading into the 10th – with Lopez leading by just one connect after nine rounds – and the Ronnie Shields pupil came up with a huge final round rally.  The undefeated prospect hurt Reynoso (18-1-2, 7 KOs) in the final seconds with a flurry of shots, forcing the Argentine spit out his mouthpiece to buy himself nearly 30 seconds of rest.  Seemingly out on his feet, Reynoso somehow survived the onslaught without falling to the canvas before the final bell.  Lopez (15-0-1, 7 KOs) out-landed Reynoso 34-21 overall and 34-20 in power shots in the final round, but it wasn’t enough to earn him the victory.

 

Judge Don Ackerman saw Lopez a 96-94 winner, while Bill Morande had it 97-93 Reynoso, and Peter Hary cast the deciding ballot at 95-95.  All three judges scored the last round 10-9 for Lopez.  Had Reynoso fell to the canvas in the final seconds, the 10-8 round would have given Lopez the win.

 

“It was a tough fight.  He didn’t want to engage,” said Lopez, who out-landed Reynoso 158-144 overall and 131-125 in power shots.  “He’s slick and experienced and a good fighter.  I feel that this was my best performance on ShoBox.  I have been working on new things with Ronnie Shields and it showed in there.  I know I hurt him in the last round.

 

“The decision was bullshit.  He could not hit me.”

 

“It was a close fight, but I feel I won,” Reynoso said.  “He never hurt me.  The only thing that surprised me is that he was more aggressive than in other fights.  I hurt my hand from hitting him.”

 

Late replacement Jerry Odom knocked out previously once-beaten Julius Jackson with a vicious third round knockout (1:57) in the ShoBoxco-feature.

 

Jackson (19-2, 15 KOs), the son of former two-division world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, was outworking Odom through two rounds, who took the fight 10-days notice after Ronaldo Ellis suffered a hand injury.  That was until Washington, D.C.’s Odom (14-2-1, 13 KOs) clocked Jackson with a flush right counter shot with one minute left in the third, spelling the end for Jackson, who couldn’t beat the count and suffered his second consecutive knockout loss.

 

“I saw the right hand.  I was throwing combinations and I saw the opening and landed a good shot,” Odom said.  “As opposed to the last couple fights, I am in a great place physically, mentally and spiritually.  I have a great team around me.  We are unbreakable.”

 

“He threw the punch at the right time and caught me,” Jackson said.  “I was OK, but the referee stopped the fight.  I felt up until that point, I was boxing well and winning every round.”

 

Rolando Chinea won a close, eight-round split decision victory over O’Shaquie Foster (10-2, 7 KOs) in a matchup of lightweights, scored 79-73 (Chinea), 77-75 (Foster) and 78-74 (Chinea).

 

Chinea (13-1-1, 6 KOs) was the aggressor, dictating the tempo of the fight from the outset.  And while most rounds were extremely close – closer than the relatively wide scorecards – Chinea’s activity was the difference.  Chinea threw 733 total punches, compared to 641 for Foster, and he edged Foster by nearly 150 power punches (592-449).

 

“He is a hell of a fighter and it was fun to fight him,” said Chinea, who was largely able to minimize the jab, Foster’s best weapon. “Like I said before the fight, he could not take pressure.  I brought the pressure.  I blocked and slipped a lot of his punches.  My will and desire to win outweighed his will to punch.

 

“He did not take my pressure well.  I worked my shots well inside and that was a difference in the fight.”

 

Foster, who’s record fell to 10-2 with 7 KOs, complained that he “had distractions and couldn’t focus.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Ian Green handed previously undefeated super welterweight prospect Khiary Gray the first loss of his career with a stunning second round TKO (2:50).

 

With former world champion and fellow Paterson, N.J., Kendall Holt in his corner, Green (10-1, 8 KOs) came from behind to floor Gray with a big right cross to the chin that sent him tumbling face-forward into the canvas.  Gray, a local favorite from nearby Worchester, Mass., tried to hold on with just 30 seconds left in the round, but he couldn’t make it to the break and was falling backward into the ropes when the referee halted the contest.

 

“I got him good, and I got him out of there,” said Green, who out-landed Gray 14-0 in the final minute.  “He got me good one time, but I kept my left hand up and hung in there.  We’re going all the way up.  This is just the start.”

 

Gray (13-1, 10 KOs), who was seemingly in control of the fight and rocking Green with ease, became the 151st fighter to suffer his initial defeat on the prospect developmental series.

 

“He just caught me,” Gray said.  “I don’t even know what punch it was. I didn’t even see it. I tried to hold on and waste some time, but I got caught again. I just need to get back to the gym and fix my mistakes. I’ll bounce back.”

 

Friday’s four-fight telecast will re-air this Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

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 Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

The event was promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment & Sports Inc. (CES) and Sampson Boxing.

 

Team Shumenov petitions WBA to declare purse bid for mandatory title fight vs. Lebedev or strip Lebedev of his world cruiserweight title belt

LAS VEGAS (July 22, 2016) – It has been more than a month since World Boxing Association (WBA) world cruiserweight champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs), based on the much publicized WBA Cruiserweight Tournament rules and regulations, petitioned the WBA to either declare a purse bid for a title fight between WBA Super cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev, or strip Lebedev of his title belt for being non-compliant.
Last July, Shumenov defeated B.J. Flores by way of a 12-round unanimous decision to become the WBA mandatory challenger for   Lebedev, who hasn’t fought a mandatory defense since April 10, 2015.
The WBA issued a resolution this past April that Lebedev, who defeated Victor Emelio Ramirez in May to also become International Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion, must fight Shumenov within 120 days of the latter’s May 21, 2016 knockout victory over Junior Wright.
On record for making changes to insure only one world champion in each division, incredibly, the WBA presently has 38 different world title belt holders in only 17 different weight classes.  Only three WBA divisions have one world champion – super lightweight, lightweight and light flyweight – and eight have three world titlists, including its cruiserweight division, which presently has world champions in Lebedev, Shumenov and Interim champion Yunier Dorticos, who is the WBA second mandatory challenger.
In an apparent public relations move, the WBA has suddenly declared this month a rash of mandatory defenses, however, declaring and actually making these title fights are two different things, as Shumenov has unfortunately learned.  The WBA should have ordered a Lebedev vs. Shumenov purse bid on June 21, 2016, when the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement, but the WBA failed to do so. When Shumenov repeated his request for a purse bid in June, the WBA failed once again to act.
WBA Rule D: Purse Bids
1. Call For Purse Bid. Bout participants shall reach an agreement on holding the bout no later than ninety (90) days before the expiration of the mandatory period. To confirm an agreement has been reached, the WBA must receive acceptable bout contracts signed by the boxers certifying they have reached terms for the bout. If no agreement has been reached, the Championships Committee, with the approval of the President, can call for Purse bid. A boxer may also request a purse bid at any time. 
 
Lebedev’s promoter, Andrei Ryabinsky, has been quoted in stories about having a deal in place for his fighter to defend his IBF title first.  In effect, the WBA is allowing Lebedev to hold the WBA Super cruiserweight title belt hostage, leveraging it against his IBF crown.  Shumenov, who is a former WBA Super light heavyweight champion, has now proudly worn the WBA belt around his waist for a total of nearly five years.
“I was looking forward to fighting Lebedev and I don’t understand his unwillingness and refusal to step in the ring with me,” Shumenov said.
Team Shumenov is extremely disappointed in the WBA’s failure to act on making the fight with Lebedev that it mandated, in addition to being discouraged by the WBA’s failure, after several requests had been made, to either set a purse bid date or strip Lebedev of his world title belt.  Not knowing if or when the WBA is finally going to rule has left Shumenov unable to book any fights. The WBA’s failure to enforce its own purse bid rule, or strip Lebedev, has unfairly prevented  Shumenov from earning a living while at the peak of his pro boxing career.
Shumenov is the only native Kazakh to be a two-division world champion.  Now a resident of Las Vegas, he also represented his native Kazakhstan at the 2004 Olympics in Greece.
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

IN ORDER TO MOVE FORWARD, MIKEY GARCIA FIRST GOES ALL THE WAY BACK

Letterhead (2)

  

Watch SHOWTIME Sports Original Digital Series: “THE REVEAL With Mark Kriegel: MIKEY GARCIA”

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

“There’s a lot more that I’m going to accomplish and there’s going to be a lot more things for him to be proud of.’’ – Mikey Garcia on his father and motivator, Eduardo

 

YOUTUBE Watch, Share & Embed: http://s.sho.com/29Z12eO

DOWNLOAD Link For Your Site’s Video Player: https://we.tl/Lhylf8woLm

 

Undefeated Two-Time World Champion Returns to the Ring Against Former Titleholder

Elio Rojas On Saturday, July 30, Live on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

 

On the eve of his long-awaited return to the ring, undefeated two-division world champion Mikey Garciatakes a stroll down memory lane in an enlightening and candid conversation with Sports Emmy® Award-Winning Writer Mark Kriegel. The 28-year-old Garcia openly reflects on his two-and-a-half year hiatus from boxing, the toll of his lengthy legal battle, and the humble family background that drives him to compete and strive for greatness.   Check out the latest installment of the SHOWTIME Sports® digital series “THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel”, to get to know Garcia like never before as he embarks on the second chapter of his career. 

 

Garcia returns to face former world champion Elio Rojas in the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on Saturday, July 30, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In a battle of unbeatens in the main event, undefeated Leo Santa Cruz will defend his WBA Featherweight World Championship against former 122-pound titlist, unbeaten Irish star Carl Frampton. 

 

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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions, start at $38 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @mikeygarcia, @PaulMalignaggi @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.

Unbeaten Sergiy Derevyanchenko Dominates Former Champion Sam Soliman on His Way to Second-Round Stoppage In PBC on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Main Event Thursday Night From Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT

 
Ievgen Khytrov Picks Apart & Stops Paul Mendez in the Ninth-Round to Remain Undefeated
 
Click HERE For Photos From Will Paul/Premier Boxing Champions &
Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Highlights From Premier Boxing Champions
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (July 21, 2016) – Unbeaten rising middleweight Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (9-0, 7 KOs) knocked down Sam “King” Soliman(44-14, 18 KOs) three times before stopping the former world champion in the second round of the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Thursday night from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
A 2008 Ukranian Olympian, Derevyanchenko was in control from the start, standing his ground and delivering smart shots as Soliman attempted to flummox him with movement and awkward angles.
Soliman got caught with a missile right hand from Derevyanchenko that landed right on the chin and sent the off-balance Australian to the canvas. Soliman didn’t appear hurt however, as he continued to come forward to try to disrupt and frustrate the undefeated fighter.
Derevyanchenko continued to land effective shots and caught Soliman off-balance again in round two, this time with a left hook that put Soliman on the ground. Soliman again got to his feet but Derevyanchenko quickly stunned Soliman and put him into survival mode.
Soliman tried to tie up and avoid Derevyanchenko, but eventually the undefeated fighter training, who trains in Brooklyn, landed several right hands before a sweeping left hook sent Soliman to the ground hard and for the final time of the night. Referee Johnny Callas waved the fight off at 2:41 of the second round.
The opening bout of the evening saw hard-hitting Ievgen Khytrov (13-0, 11 KOs) lay a non-stop attack on Paul Mendez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) before eventually earning a stoppage in the ninth-round of their middleweight matchup.
Khytrov and Mendez went toe-to-toe from the first-round, exchanging flurries and showing a willingness to stand in front of their opponent. It was Khytrov who showed the more varied attack while getting out to a fast start and landing 50 percent of his power punches over the first three rounds.
Mendez stood tough and continued throwing punches, but was unable to land anything that bothered Khytrov. The Ukranian-born fighter who trains in Brooklyn attacked the body early while dazing Mendez with uppercuts and power hooks. Rounds seven and eight saw Khytrov increase his attack as he seemingly landed power punches at will.
The fight continued in that one-sided manner throughout the opening minute of round nine. Sensing an opportunity, Khytrov cornered Mendez and hit him with a series of unanswered hooks that forced referee Joe Lupino to stop the fight, at the recommendation of the ringside physician, 1:20 into the round. Khytrov ended the fight with a 482-125 advantage in punches landed while landing 50 percent of his total shots.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO
“I looked into his eyes after I knocked him down the first time and I knew he would continue coming forward. I wasn’t going to drop my guard. I didn’t even feel that punch on my glove because it was so clean to the chin. But I felt the final punch.
“I warmed up more than once and that broke my rhythm. In the ring I had to get my rhythm.
“Soliman came out nervous and not very coordinated, but that’s the way he usually fights. That’s his style.
“I’m going to keep moving forward. I can’t sit and wait. We will assess the situation and move from here.”
SAM SOLIMAN
“I’m doing well. I didn’t get to warm up, just a couple of minutes, but that’s no excuse. He did his job. That’s never happened before to me.
“He’s a good boxer who did what he had to do. I can’t take anything away from him.
“After every fight, fighters have to decide what to do next. I have a lot outside of boxing that makes me happy, and it takes the sting out of tonight.”
IEVGEN KHYTROV
“I love to fight and battle and go toe-to-toe. I executed the game plan. My defense was much better and I’ve worked hard on my defense. This was my best fight because that guy stood and fought, he didn’t run.
“I wasn’t surprised that Mendez took so many punches because I didn’t throw every punch hard, I mixed it up, but did throw some hard punches.
“I want a couple more fights then I want to fight for the world title. That’s what I’ve worked so hard to do. I’m not going to dodge anybody. I want to fight Gennady Golovkin and take his belts.”
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PBC on ESPN and ESPN Deportes was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions.  Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION 15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY TELECAST TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

       
Tickets on Sale At Foxwoods Resort Casino

Photos by Rosie Cohe / Showtime  CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS

Adam Lopez 121 – Roman Ruben Reynoso 121
Jerry Odom 168 – Julius Jackson 168
O’Shaquie Foster 134 – Rolando Chinea 134
Khiary Gray 155 – Ian Green 157

Off-TV Bouts:
Jimmy Williams 145 – Antonio Fernandes 148
Leroy Davila 118 – Edgar Cortes 121
Brent Venegas 119 – Christian Foster 123
David Wilson 161 – Kendrick Ball Jr. 162
Divante Jones 135 – Anthony Burgin 136
Doors open 6:30 PM ET
1st Bout: 7 PM
Television: SHOWTIME at 10 PM ET / PT
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment & Sports Inc. (CES) and Sampson Boxing, are priced at $45, $75 and $150 and can be purchased by phone from the Foxwoods Resort Casino at 800.200.2882 or online at www.foxwoods.com

FINAL QUOTES:

ADAM LOPEZ:
“I’ve experienced and grown a lot over my last few fights. I’ve learned a lot about myself and overcame adversity. All my fights on ShoBox have been tough, but I’m hoping for a breakthrough victory on Friday to prove I’m ready to face a contender.

“Reynoso is a tough fighter. We know he swings for the fences. Because he’s from Argentina, a lot of people call him a little Marcos Maidana. He’s probably the toughest opponent so far, but we’re ready for whatever he brings.

“I’m back to training with Ronnie Shields. I was with Ronnie for my first five fights and it’s good to be back. Ronnie is working on my jab and helping improve my basic fundamentals.

“I want to win and look good doing it. If I get the KO, that’s great, but I’m not going to look for it. I don’t want to be on the canvas looking for it.

“We want to show that we’re ready for bigger and better fights. But we know we can’t look past this guy.”

ROMAN REYNOSO:
“This is the biggest fight of my career. Everything is motivating for me. I want the best for my family, and winning a fight like this can help me get there.

“We moved up to Montreal for training camp and we’ve improved a lot. We’ve developed defense and a better boxing style. We used to be about just coming forward and punching, but we’re working on our movement, our boxing skills.

“We are coming here to exploit Adam Lopez. We’re here to upset him.

“I know he has a big left hook, but we’re going to take that away. We know he has a height and reach advantage, but we like to fight wars. If he wants a war, we’re prepared. If he wants to run, we’re prepared. We’ll see if he will be able to figure out how to beat me.

“I’m used to being the shorter fighter. It doesn’t bother me.

“I look up to (Marcos) Maidana, but he has his own style. I don’t try to mimic that.

“This is my first time moving down to 122 pounds. In Argentina, it was hard to get fights at 122 – most of my fights were at 126 – but fighting at 122 is more natural for me. This is what we were looking for.

On Matias Carlos Adrian Rueda, who fights Oscar Valdez for the WBO Featherweight Championship on Saturday:
“That’s the only boxer who has beaten me. We wish him the best. We were looking for the rematch, but it didn’t happen. In the future, it needs to happen.”

JERRY ODOM:
“I’ve been training all summer. Opportunities come and go. I was taught that when a window opens you have to jump in. That’s why we took this fight.

“We’re not thinking about his (Jackson’s) last fight. That isn’t going to dictate our game plan. We know the opportunities to knock him out are there, but we need to worry about our game plan.

“I’ve watched tape on him. He still has the same posture, he has no finesse. He’s a straight up type of fighter. Nothing we can’t handle.

“Records don’t mean anything. You look at my record and see I have two losses. That doesn’t mean anything, doesn’t define me. He better not be overlooking me because I have two losses. That would be a big mistake.”

JULIUS JACKSON:
“The loss made me hungrier. I just got hurt. He hit me and I just couldn’t recover.

“My team is confident I’m still a high-level fighter. We don’t just want opponents. We want guys that will test us.

“The change in opponents doesn’t affect us. We’re just trying to perfect ‘The Chef.’ We want to get in there and do what it takes to win.

“There’s definitely pressure. We know if I lose tomorrow it will set me back even more. But we’re not thinking about that. We’re coming to win. This is an opportunity to erase my loss.

“Odom comes to fight. That’s what makes this an exciting fight. We’re both coming to fight.”

O’SHAQUIE FOSTER:
“Chinea is a one-punch puncher. He’s suitable to my style. We like the pressure he brings. We can break him down, break his will.

“I’m supposed to be here. The loss in my first fight on ShoBox was a fluke. I showed in my last ShoBox fight that I belong here.

“I don’t see anyone at lightweight that can beat me. I’m only 22, but at this point next year we want to be considered a contender for a title shot.”

ROLANDO CHINEA:
“I’ve studied tape on him. He’s an accomplished fighter. But I know he doesn’t like pressure, and my style revolves around pressure. So he’s a tailor-made fighter for me.

“We’re going to do what we do best: apply pressure.

“This is my TV debut and I’m ready to make a statement. This is an opportunity that I need to take advantage of.

“We’ve done everything we can in the gym. We’re been sparring with top fighters in Philadelphia. We’re ready to go.”

KHIARY GRAY:
“I’m more of a boxer than a KO guy. I have a lot of knockouts, but that’s not what I’m always looking for. I consider myself more of a boxer.

“I’ve always had late replacements in my fights, so that doesn’t give us a problem. I’ve seen clips of him, and we’re ready for him.

“Going 10 rounds was a good experience for me. It taught me that my conditioning was there. That I can go the distance if I need to.

“I switch to lefty when I have to. I can fight the whole fight lefty if I need to.

“I sparred with Edwin (Rodriguez) recently, sparred with Demetrius Andrade. It’s good work with those guys. I can hold my own in the gym with them.

“There’s pressure fighting on TV, but I feel comfortable. People are going to know me after this. They’ll know that I’m ready to be a contender in the 154-pound division.”

IAN GREEN:
“I’ve been in the gym since April. I was supposed to fight on July 30, but this was a better opportunity and I jumped on it.

“We have Kendall Holt in our corner, and we hope to be the next fighter from Paterson to win a title.

“Gray is an aggressive guy, but my range and height is an advantage. I don’t think he’s faced anyone like me. He’s been touched a few times.

“Once you see me tomorrow, you’ll see the real Ian Green.”

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

   SANTA CRUZ vs. FRAMPTON BY THE NUMBERS:  SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE IN VOLATILE MIX OF STYLES BETWEEN TWO OF THE WORLD’S BEST

Santa Cruz’s Volume & Accuracy Battles Frampton’s Superb Jab & Defense
On Saturday, July 30, LIVE on SHOWTIME
® From Barclays Center In Brooklyn
 
Click HERE & HERE To Download High Res Versions Of Graphics Featured Below
Credit: SHOWTIME
BROOKLYN (July 21, 2016) – The featherweight world championship clash between defending titlist Leo Santa Cruz and undefeated former unified super bantamweight champ Carl Frampton features an unpredictable and potentially explosive mix of styles between two of the world’s top fighters.
Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs) will make the second defense of his WBA Featherweight Title against Irish superstar Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs), who relinquished two belts at 122 pounds, when they face off in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader on Saturday, July 30, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Three-division world champion Santa Cruz ranks as one of the world’s top-three fighters in four key categories – Total Punches Thrown, Landed, Connect Percentageand Power Punches Landed (all per round, per CompuBox).
The numbers prove that Santa Cruz is one of the best punchers in the world, toppingGennady Golovkin, Manny Pacquiao and ranking only second by a small margin to pound-for-pound champ Roman “Chocolatito”  Gonzalez in Power Punches Landed Per Round.
More impressively, Santa Cruz ranks as the world’s best in the Plus/Minus category that was dominated for years by pound-for-pound champ Floyd Mayweather.  In that statistical measure, which is determined by subtracting opponents connect percentage from a fighter’s connect percentage, Santa Cruz stands tall at No. 1 (+15.8% per fight), followed by Andre Ward (+15.3), Golovkin (+15.2), Erislandy Lara (+14.5), Terence Crawford(+13.2), Roman Gonzalez (+12.5) and Canelo Alvarez (+12).
While Santa Cruz is a statistical leader in five key categories, defending Santa Cruz’s biggest strength – power punches – is one of Frampton’s greatest attributes.  In his last six fights, Frampton’s opponents landed just 29.2 percent of their power punches.  Comparatively, Santa Cruz landed an astonishing 46.9 percent of his power shots over his last eight fights. Can both fighters continue at this impressive rate when they faceoff on July 30?
Frampton ranks in the top 10 of Opponents Power Punches Connected, meaning he stops his opponents from landing power shots at a staggering rate.  Frampton ranks No. 10 in a group that features Guillermo Rigondeaux, Lara, Wladimir Klitschko, Ward and Crawford.
Additionally, Frampton is the second best in the world in Average Number Of Jabs Thrown Per Round, behind leader Jesus Cuellar and well ahead of Rigondeaux (No. 5), Golovkin (No. 6), Crawford (No. 7) and Kell Brook (No. 8). Santa Cruz is also a statistical leader in this category, ranking No. 9 in the world.
Below is the list of categories where Santa Cruz and Frampton excel:
PLUS/MINUS (hit vs. get hit):
Santa Cruz ranks as the world’s best, followed by Andre Ward (No. 2), Gennady Golovkin (No. 3), Erislandy Lara (No. 4), Terence Crawford (No. 5), Roman Gonzalez (No. 6) and Canelo Alvarez (No. 7).  The retired Floyd Mayweather had previously held the top spot.
TOTAL PUNCHES THROWN PER ROUND:
Leo Santa Cruz only trails Roman Gonzalez in terms of total punches thrown per round.  Santa Cruz (No. 2) tops Jesus Ceullar (No. 3), Juan Francisco Estrada (No. 6), Orlando Salido (No. 7) and Gennady Golovkin (No. 9).  Santa Cruz throws 84.6 total punches per round, compared to boxing’s overall average of 55.5.
AVERAGE TOTAL PUNCHES LANDED PER ROUND:
Santa Cruz trails Roman Gonzalez by less than two percent, connecting at a 33.1 percent clip compared to the overall average of 16.9.  At No. 2, Santa Cruz tops pound-for-pound mainstays Gennady Golovkin (No. 3) and Juan Francisco Estrada (No. 4).  Santa Cruz’s average more than doubles the CompuBox average punches landed per round of 16.9.
TOTAL CONNECT PERCENTAGE:
Santa Cruz ranks in the top three in this important category in which only a few percentage points separate the world’s best.  Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. ranks No. 1, followed by Golovkin, Santa Cruz, Roman Gonzalez, Adrien Broner and Andre Ward respectively.  At 39.2 percent, Santa Cruz landed at a nearly 10 percent higher rate than the overall average.
AVERAGE POWER PUNCHES LANDED PER ROUND:
Santa Cruz is second in the world in this category, trailing only Roman Gonzalez by a slim margin and topping Juan Francisco Estrada (No. 3), Abner Mares (No. 5), Golovkin (No. 7) and Pacquiao (No. 8) among others.
AVERAGE JABS THROWN PER ROUND:
Santa Cruz and Frampton both rank in the top 10 in average number of jabs thrown per round.
Frampton, who is second in the world behind leader Jesus Cuellar, tops master jabbers Rigondeaux (No. 5), Golovkin (No. 6), Crawford (No. 7) and Brook (No. 8).  Santa Cruz is ninth best in this category.  Frampton, who trails Cuellar by just one percentage point, throws 13 more jabs per round than the overall average.
OPPONENTS POWER PUNCHES CONNECTED:
Frampton is amongst the world’s best at preventing his opponent from landing power shots.  He ranks at No. 10 in a category that includes Rigondeaux (No. 1), Lara (No. 2), Wladimir Klitschko (No. 3), Ward (No. 4) and Crawford (No. 5).  Frampton’s opponents landed just 29.2 percent of their power shots.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
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.

  Undefeated Prospect Brandon Figueroa Takes On Once-Beaten Puerto Rican Adalberto Zorrilla in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Action Saturday, July 23 From The Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio

 
Plus! Full Night of Local Undercard Attractions!
 
SAN ANTONIO (July 21, 2016) – Unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (8-0, 5 KOs) is set to face once-beaten Puerto Rican Adalberto Zorrilla (6-1, 6 KOs) in a super bantamweight showdown on Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, July 23 from Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
PBC on NBCSN action is headlined by unbeaten rising prospect Fabian “TNT” Maidana squaring-off against Puerto Rico’s Jorge “Machito” Maysonet. Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten prospect Alan Castano (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on brawler Aaron Garcia.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $85, $50 and $20 plus $1000 and $850 for tables, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call 210-988-8821, click HERE or visit Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78216.
Undefeated local prospects are in action as Daniel Baiz competes in a four-round super welterweight contest against Rick Graham while unbeaten Enrique Neira Jr. faces Adam Castillo in a four-round middleweight bout.
Rounding out the night of fights is undefeated Mexican Rolando Garza in a super welterweight contest and San Antonio’s Armando Cardenas taking on Fort Worth’s Adam Ealons in four-rounds of welterweight action.
The brother of former world champion Omar, the 19-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May of last year by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016 picking up four more victories via stoppage over Oldier Landin, Harold Reyes, Jahaziel Vazquez and Jonell Nieves. He now takes on the 24-year-old Zorilla out of Puerto Rico. Zorilla has fought in the U.S. once before and most recently stopped Juan Valdez in the third round in June.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSportsHighlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.  PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Brand-New IBF Junior Featherweight Champion Jonathan Guzman to be Ringside Friday at Foxwoods

IBF Junior Featherweight Champion Jonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (22-0, 22 KOs) won’t be taking any time to rest on his newly acquired laurels.
The Dominican KO artist won his first world championship yesterday (Wednesday, July 20) by stopping former #1 contender Shingo Wake in 11 brutal rounds in Osaka, Japan. Guzman’s power was simply too much for Wake, who fell four times before the end came at 2:16 from merciful referee Wayne Hedgpeth.
The iron-fisted Dominican could easily spend the rest of the summer celebrating the victory, but has no intention to do so.
He is quickly flying home from Japan in order to be ringside tomorrow (Friday, July 22) at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut, to watch San Antonio’s Adam Lopez face Argentina’s Roman Ruben Reynoso on ShoBox: The New Generation.
Guzman’s intention is to face the winner of that fight in his first title defense.
His promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, says Guzman’s victory has only created a new mission for the Dominican slugger.
“He wants to clean out the division now,” said Lewkowicz. “We told him to enjoy the victory for himself and his country, but he wants to go right back to work. That is the determination and love for what he does that has made him an undefeated champion with a perfect knockout record. I congratulate him for his first world title and for his commitment to be a true world champion.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.
Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.