Tag Archives: boxing

UNBEATEN 2012 U.S. OLYMPIAN MICHAEL HUNTER, MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER PAUL MENDEZ & FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER CLAUDIO MARRERO FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION SATURDAY, FEB. 27 FROM HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM, CALIF.

 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Headlined By 
Unbeaten Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Against
Former World Champ Kiko Martinez
 
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (February 12, 2016) – Unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter (10-0, 7 KOs), middleweight contender Paul Mendez (20-2-2, 10 KOs) and exciting featherweight contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (19-1, 14 KOs) will compete in separate bouts that highlight undercard action on Saturday, February 27 from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
The event is headlined by a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader featuring undefeated three-division world champion Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz making his first featherweight world title defense against former world champion Kiko Martinez.In the co-feature bout, Mexican warriors Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz will meet again in an awaited super bantamweight world title rematch and opening the telecast, heavyweights Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington and Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas will put their unblemished records on the line in a 10-round matchup. The telecast will air live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.
Hunter will compete in an eight-round cruiserweight bout while Mendez will enter the ring in a 10-round middleweight affair against Joshua Okine (22-4, 15 KOs). Marrero takes on Jonathan Arellano (16-6-2, 4 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight attraction.
The action continues with 27-year-old Ceferino Rodriguez (20-1, 11 KOs) of Spain in an eight-round welterweight bout against Mexico’s Ernesto Ortiz (10-3, 7 KOs) plus 29-year-old South Korean brawler Min Wook Kim (14-1, 11 KOs) in a super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez (14-6, 9 KOs).
Rounding out the night of fights is unbeaten 25-year-old Los Angeles-native Anthony Flores (9-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout against Daniel Nava (7-3-2, 3 KOs) while Leo Santa Cruz’s cousin,Antonio Santa Cruz (1-2, 1 KO) enters the ring in a four-round bantamweight fight against California’s Jorge Perez (2-0, 1 KO) and undefeated Mexican Rey Vargas (25-0, 20 KOs) in featherweight action.
Since turning professional in early 2013 following the London Olympic Games, the 27-year-old Hunter, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV, has continued to shine. With four victories in 2015, the last three by knockout, he will be looking to march again into the win column to kick off his 2016 campaign.
Fighting out of Delano, California, the 26-year-old Mendez looks for his seventh straight victory when he gets in the ring on February 27. He comes into this fight off of victories over David Alonso Lopez, Santiago Perez, Raul Casarez, Andrik Saralegui and Ernesto Berrospe twice. He takes on the experienced Okine, who was born in Ghana but who fights out of Silver Spring, Maryland.
After winning a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games, in addition to several other amateur accolades, the Dominican Republic’s Marrero won the first 14 outings of his pro career. The 26-year-old brings a five-fight winning streak to the ring and in his most recent bout he delivered a sensational one-punch knockout victory over former world champion Rico Ramos. Marrero takes on the 28-year-old Arrellano out of Commerce, California.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports

UNBEATEN PROSPECTS JUAN HERALDEZ, LADARIUS MILLER & MAURICE LEE HIGHLIGHT UNDERCARD ACTION ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

 
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS On FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on
FOX Deportes Headlined By Bantamweight Showdown Between
Alexis Santiago & Erik Ruiz
 
LAS VEGAS (February 11, 2016) – Unbeaten prospects Juan Heraldez (9-0, 6 KOs),Ladarius “Memphis” Miller (9-0, 1 KO) and Maurice Lee (5-0, 3 KOs) will highlight a stacked undercard on Tuesday, February 16 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.
The February 16 event is headlined by a 10-round bantamweight contest between Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (20-3-1, 8 KOs) and Erik Ruiz (15-4, 6 KOs) on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two more exciting matchups as light heavyweight Lionell “The Great” Thompson (16-3, 10 KOs) battles Paul Parker (7-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round affair and hard-hitting Lanell “KO” Bellows (14-1-1, 7 KOs) faces Antowyan “Iceman” Aikens (10-0-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round super middleweight contest.
Heraldez will battle Adam Mate (17-7, 10 KOs) in welterweight action while Miller will enter the ring in a six-round lightweight contest against Rolando Chinea (11-1-1, 4 KOs) and Lee takes on Ronald Rivas (3-3-1, 1 KO) in a six-round welterweight affair.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at: http://www.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Additional undercard fights feature 29-year-old Latondria Jones (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, D.C. against Louisiana’s Latasha Burton (4-5) in a four-round middleweight contest and 24-year-old Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman (4-0-1, 1 KO) of Los Angeles in a six-round super middleweight contest against unbeaten Corey Dulaney (3-0-1, 1 KO) of Columbus, Ohio.
Rounding out the action is Las Vegas-native Charvis Holifield (4-1-1, 3 KOs) against San Antonio’s Azriel Paez (4-1-1, 1 KO) in a six-round welterweight bout and 20-year-oldTra-Kwon Pettis (2-0, 1 KO) in four-rounds of lightweight action.
Unbeaten at just 25-years-old, Heraldez hopes to pick up in 2016 where he left off after a very successful 2015. The Las Vegasnative picked up three victories in his hometown last year as he bested Tavorus Teague, Eric Bossler and most recently Joaquin Chavez in September. He will be opposed by the 25-year-old Mate out of Budapest, Hungary who picked up six victories in 2015.
Born in Memphis but fighting out of Las Vegas, Miller has shown excellent boxing skills as he remained unbeaten and fought his first six-round bouts in 2015. The 22-year-old faces a 24-year-old Chinea who fights out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Chinea most recently defeated Christian Steele in November 2015.
Fighting out of Van Nuys, California, Lee will be making his first pro start in Las Vegas when he enters the ring on February 16.  The 23-year-old most recently was victorious by way of knockout in September 2015 over Shaun Lee Henson. He will take on the 29-year-old Guatemalan Rivas who fights out of Louisiana.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.comwww.samstownlv.com/entertain andwww.mayweatherpromotions.com . Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LonnieBtheGreat, @LanellBellows  @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

King’s Promotions Fighters Carlos Rosario & David Gonzales speak after big wins this past Tuesday night


BETHLEHEM, PA. (February 11, 2016) – This past Tuesday night at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center, two of King’s Promotions up and coming prospects gained big wins on the non-televised undercard of a Premier Boxing Champions FS1 Toe-To-Toe Tuesdays show.
Undefeated Jr. Welterweight David “TwoGunz” Gonzales (7-0-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia scored a 4th round stoppage over veteran Justin Johnson and Lightweight Carlos “Rockhands” Rosario (4-1, 2 KO’s) of Pennsauken, NJ won a 4-round split decision war over Victor Vasquez in what was the fight of the night.
Below, are post fight interviews with the two victors as they talk about their great wins and future plans.
David Gonzales
Carlos Rosario
Carlos Rosario

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The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Boxing Manager and 2016 Forbes “30 Under 30” Honoree Adrian Clark Offers Manifesto to Help Fighters Clarify Roles

A Revolution in Boxer-Manager Relationships
DALLAS, TEXAS, February 11, 2015 – In an unprecedented move, boxing manager and owner of AC Sports Management, Adrian Clark, has issued a challenge to professional boxers all over the world in the form of a free legal document: The Boxer-Manager Agreement now allows professional fighters to contract the services of their managers.

 

 

Typically, in boxing, the manager has the boxer under contract for a minimum of three years. The Boxer-Manager Agreement clarifies the role and duties of the manager, giving both parties the opportunity to evaluate one another fairly and to ensure the boxer is in the executive position.

 

“I want guys to develop a mindset of a CEO,” Clark said, “because that’s what they are. They must understand what it is to be in a position of power and able to call shots and make tough executive decisions in their careers.”

 

Clark’s main concern is that many boxers may be working as if they are the subordinate, unlike other executives. “Name me one CEO that is under contract to his spokesperson, or to anyone he is paying” Clark said.

 

Clark, currently in his sixth year of boxing management, has been selected as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 (Sports) for 2016. He has just released his first book, titled “i: A Guide for Young Entrepreneurs,” available from Amazon.

 

“As a business owner, I do what makes sense in regards to business, Clark said. “I have been in the boxing business long enough to see that the common boxer-manager arrangement does not make sense. I’d like to think this document is a game-changer in the sport of boxing for the athletes. It is now up to the athletes to exercise this agreement and be in more control of their careers and who is representing them.”

 

The Boxer-Manager Agreement is available for download on Clark’s website (www.ACsportsm.com/manifesto.html), free of charge. Clark has recorded a video there encouraging fighters to download the document. He also urges them to further educate themselves on the business they are in.

 

A graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Clark currently manages seven clients, including former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes, former IBO World champion Will Tomlinson, and James de la Rosa, who has a March 12 showdown with David Lemieux in Montreal, Quebec. At age 25, Clark was certified by the National Basketball Players Association as a “Player Agent” (Sports Agent). Clark founded AC Sports Management, LLC, in 2012.

Amanda Serrano Sends an Ultimatum to All World Champions in her Division

New York – Two-time world champion,  Amanda ‘The Real Deal’ Serrano from Carolina, Puerto Rico, but now living in Brooklyn, will be fighting on February 17 in Manhatthan for the vacant WBO World female featherweight title against former world champion, Olivia Gerula of Canada.
The ambitious Puerto Rican lefty wants to become the undisputed world champion in the featherweight division, and has a message to the current title holders.
“Right now, I’m only focused on Olivia, but at the same time I’m very confident about bringing that belt to Brooklyn and Puerto Rico on February 17,” said Amanda Serrano, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
“Once I get that beatiful belt, we will be looking to unify. There is Jennifer Han, who is the IBF world champion, Soledad Matthysse is the WBC and WBA champion, and she is fighting Jelena Mrdjenovich. I want the winner!”
“Unifying all four featherweight titles is the only thing we care about. If we fail to make that happen, I will go down to 122 to fight for another world title, and become a four division legitimate world champion just like Miguel Cotto”.
Serrano (26-1-1, 19 KO) vs. Gerula (17-15-2, 3KO) showdown will take place at the famed B.B. King Blues Club and Grill marking the first world title fight in the club’s history.
On August 15, 2014, Serrano traveled to Argentina to face WBO Lightweight World Champion Maria ‘Tily’ Maderna, who at that time, had three successful title defenses, but could not handle the aggressiveness of the Puerto Rican power puncher, and decided to give up in the sixth round.
Serrano’s first title reign came in September 2011, when she knocked out Kimberly Connor in the first round to become the IBF World Champion at the super featherweight division in a bout held in Brooklyn.

Boxing For The Beginner; How To Get Started in The Sweet Science

By: Rich Bergeron

 

Boxing is a unique sport, to say the least. It’s often referred to as “The Sweet Science” with terms from the sport frequently invoked to describe intense rivalries and matchups in a myriad of other sports. Boxing is also often referenced in metaphors about politics. Though the popularity of boxing is not where it used to be these days, it is still one of the most challenging and daunting sporting activities a person can legally participate in all over the world.

If you are interested in either pursuing a career in boxing or just looking to learn the basics, the benefits of mastering the craft of pugilism can be very rewarding. At the same time, there is a big difference between “going through the motions” and devoting the time it would take to be a successful professional. Either way, if you work hard and maintain your dedication to learning, your training will surely result in both increased confidence and enhanced physical fitness.

If you plan to take your lessons to the level where you are ready to compete at some point, you will need a serious training regimen of at least two to three hours per day. You will also need to find a reputable boxing gym. Online searches should lead you to a facility in your area, but you can also seek out a competent trainer who might be able to work with you from home if there are no boxing gyms near you. Here is a detailed article on how to find the best gym for your needs.

If you simply want to know how to move around, throw punches and defend yourself, there are specific facilities that specialize in the basics that can accommodate your needs. One of the most well-known and nationwide operations for basic boxing and kickboxing lessons is Title Boxing Club. They offer comprehensive workout sessions and group classes overseen by professional trainers that promise “to help you feel more confident, burn more calories and lose weight.” It is important to remember that facilities like Title Boxing Club are not really designed for competitive boxing training, as their offerings are primarily geared toward teaching boxing for self-defense, exercise, weight loss and stress release purposes.

It does not take much devotion or sacrifice to take up boxing purely for the fitness benefits. It is actually a part of the sport that is becoming wildly popular due to the fact that the training workouts provide benefits to nearly all the muscles in your body. Hollywood stars, models, and even reality television stars swear by boxing workouts as a way to maintain their attractive figures and their youthful appearances.

Time Magazine published a story in May, 2015 that described boxing as one of the hottest fitness trends of the year.

Still, boxing training for non-competitive purposes can be intense and agonizing for someone who never put on a pair of boxing gloves before. In addition to punching, footwork and defensive drills, there will be sit-ups, push-ups, jump-roping and most likely a great deal of running that will benefit your training and workout routine. You may not need the same kind of time commitment if you are not competing, but many of the workouts will be very similar to what pro boxers do in the gym each day when they are not sparring.

Sparring and fighting another boxer in competition brings your training to a whole new level. Boxing is a very high-risk activity, though headgear, mouthpieces and organized rules and regulations make it much safer today than it was when the first gloved boxing contest took place.  People do still die in boxing matches, and some end up facing lifelong complications from single matches or long careers of taking too many punches.

For these reasons, the decision to box competitively should not be impulsive or taken lightly. You have to be willing to accept the risks of serious injury if you would like to make boxing a career. You have to be well versed in defensive techniques and be aware of the signs of a concussion or brain injury. Full contact sparring sessions should take place only under the supervision of trained professionals, and both fighters should be instructed to use about half as much power in their punches as they would in a real competition. Still, if you plan to box as an amateur or a professional, some type of injury is almost inevitable. At some point you will suffer a split lip, bloody nose, black eye and/or a nasty cut. So, if you do really want to be a competitive boxer, be sure to have adequate health insurance in the event you need medical attention stemming from your participation in the sport.

More so than the risks you face, it is extremely important that you know going into training that boxing is one of the most difficult sports on the planet. There is no team to carry you in competition if you have a bad day at the office. There are just two competitors in each match: you and your opponent. Anyone with courage and tenacity can step into a boxing ring and fight, but it takes a special kind of devotion and willingness to put in the time and work to win trophies, medals and/or money through your exploits in the ring.

Most boxers go through years of amateur boxing before their first professional match. It is not mandatory for a boxer to fight in the amateurs before going pro, but it is certainly recommended. Some boxers may never go into the professional ranks, even if they do excel in the amateurs. There is even a “Masters” division for folks 35 and older.

Yet, even amateur boxing involves a great deal of hard work. The main differences between amateur and pro matches are that most amateur matches are shorter in duration than pro fights and feature competitors wearing headgear that offers protection to the side of the head and some areas of the face. Still, the punches that land on that headgear can be just as hard to take as hits that connect on your bare skull.

Whether you plan to take your talents to the professional ranks or not, amateur boxing can be an excellent starting point. Here are a couple great articles that describe how to pursue amateur boxing opportunities:

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/11/18/amateur-boxing-for-beginners-a-how-to-guide-part-i/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/420913-how-to-get-started-in-amateur-boxing/

Some colleges also offer boxing, with the US military academies fielding the most dominant teams over the years. Though it is not offered at nearly as many colleges as traditional sports like football and baseball, the competition can be just as fierce as it is in those other sports, if not much more so.

No matter how you choose to start out your foray into boxing for fitness or competition, sticking to it will require a strong will and a healthy supply of both mental and physical toughness. Truly mastering the sport can take years, if not decades. Whether you box for money or for glory, it can be well worth the risks you take to participate. You will always remember that first time you had your hand raised at the end of a fight. Becoming a world champion may not be in the cards for you, but just stepping in the ring to fight an opponent will put you in a class of people that you will always be proud to be associated with.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT LANELL BELLOWS TALKS TRAINING CAMP, FLOYD MAYWEATHER & MORE BEFORE FIRST TELEVISED FIGHT

 
Bellows Takes on Unbeaten Antowyan Aikens Tuesday, February 16
On TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES On
FOX Deportes From Sam’s Town Live In Las Vegas
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions & Premier Boxing Champions 
 
LAS VEGAS (February 10, 2016) – Rising super middleweight contender Lanell “KO” Bellows (14-1-1, 7 KOs) is deep into training camp as he prepares to take on unbeaten Antowyan Aikens (10-0-1, 1 KO) on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes on Tuesday, February 16 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.
The eight-round super middleweight contest is the first televised appearance for the fighter who lives in Las Vegas and trains out of Floyd Mayweather’s Mayweather Boxing Club. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by Alexis Santiago(20-3-1, 8 KOs) taking on Erik Ruiz (15-4, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at: http://www.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling(702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Bellows is set for his most high-profile fight to date and shared his thoughts on training camp, his promoter Floyd Mayweather, his opponent and more:
How is training camp going?
Training camp is going beautifully. It’s going as planned. I’m training with Otis Pimpleton and Rafael Ramos at the Mayweather Boxing Club. I’m doing everything they are asking for and we’re more than prepared for this fight.
What do you know about your opponent?
I know he’s tall and that he likes to box a little bit. I know for sure that he’s going to lose onFebruary 16. He doesn’t have a chance of winning. He jabs and runs well so I’m preparing for that. I’m going to come into the ring and bring all I got.
You’ve fought in Las Vegas more than anywhere throughout your career. What does it mean to you to be a “Las Vegas Fighter”?
It’s definitely a beautiful thing. Las Vegas is the boxing capital of the world. I’m a resident of Las Vegas now so fighting in where I consider to be my home means a lot of fans, family, and team support.
What are the advantages you have in training at the Mayweather Boxing Club with the other Mayweather Promotions’ fighters? 
There’s a level of competition here that motivates me to strive harder and to do my best. When you look to your left and your right, everyone here is trying to do the exact same thing. We have the same goal in mind. It definitely keeps you focused and pushes you to keep going.
How influential has Floyd been in your career?
Floyd has been very influential in my career. He’s the reason for me even being a part of Mayweather Promotions. His work ethic is something I try to mimic and gives me the motivation to take my career to the next level. It’s a very positive and impactful influence. Floyd leads by example. He’s a very busy man so he can’t always be at the gym. But when he does come in, he advises me on things that I need to work on and how I can improve myself. He always brings that positive energy wherever he goes.
What are your thoughts on fighting on television for the first time?
It was bound to happen. At all the other fights I’ve participated in, there are always cameras rolling. The only difference now is that I’m going to be televised. I’m still going to go out there and take care of business. There’s always pressure whenever you enter the ring but for me being televised just adds to my motivation. I get to showcase my talent and the work I’ve put in to my training for everyone to see.  At the end of the day, whether I’m on television or not, I’m still a fighter and I’m here to win.
What are your goals for your career in 2016?
My goals for this year are to be a minor belt holder and a contender for a world championship belt. I just want to be able to build on to my legacy for my family, friends, and my fans. I want to be the best I can be, not just this year but for my entire career.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,
http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.comwww.samstownlv.com/entertain and www.mayweatherpromotions.com . Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LonnieBtheGreat, @LanellBellows @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at
www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

UNDEFEATED JULIAN WILLIAMS TO FACE MARCELLO MATANO IN IBF SUPER WELTERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR SATURDAY, MARCH 5, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Tripleheader Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
 
Unbeaten Middleweight Contender Antoine Douglas Meets Former Champ Sam Soliman; Super Welterweight Tony Harrison Battles Fernando Guerrero
 
NEW YORK (Feb. 10, 2016) – Undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154-pounds in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
In the co-feature, fast-rising middleweight contender Antoine Douglas will take on former world champion Sam Soliman in a 10-round middleweight bout.  In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.
“This upcoming fight will be the biggest fight of my career,” Williams said. “I’m chomping at the bit to get back out there. I am taking my opponent very seriously and I refuse to let Marcello Matano stop me from being a world champion.”
“This is a dream come true,” said Matano. “I’ve been working for my whole life for a real opportunity to make to the top level and I will not let Julian Williams take it away. What will happen when Williams has to go to the championship rounds? Will he be ready? I know for sure that I will. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I will do all I can to grab it.”
“Facing a former world champion like Sam Soliman is a great opportunity for me,” Douglas said. “The plan has always been to keep moving forward, and to do it successfully.  This is that next step, and I’m ready for it.  I’ve grown and learned so much fighting on ShoBox and it’s a beautiful thing to continue to progress and move to the next level.”
“This is an important fight for me,” said Soliman. “I had three opportunities on the table and I chose Douglas believing it to be a better fight for ranking, and it’s a challenge I’m excited to take on. From what I have seen, Douglas is a very talented fighter, which will make for a good fight. I am in great shape and looking forward to fight night.”
“I’m excited and eager to showcase my abilities to the world again,” said Harrison. “I’d advise fans to arrive early because I don’t plan to be in the ring long. I’m knocking this guy out. I know Guerrero is coming in with a chip on his shoulder and I can’t overlook him. I brought my uncle into camp and I think that’s going to give me the edge that I’ve needed to get over the hump. I’m putting the whole division on notice!”
“It’s warrior time,” said Guerrero. “We are going to have a war. This is going to be non-stop action. This fight will lead to big things for me. I’m used to fighting guys that are bigger than I am. I’m at my more natural weight and I’m looking to do great things in this division.”
“I’m thrilled to promote this great show on March 5,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “This is a great card from top to bottom with some future champions looking to show the world that they are ready for the next level. I am honored to have Julian Williams headline this card. He put on an explosive performance in his last bout at the Sands and I am sure he will be looking to do the same on March 5.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HEREat www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
One of the most promising and highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams (21-0-1, 1 ND, 13 KOs) will headline for the first time on SHOWTIME. He’s stepping up after honing his skills and steadily ascending the ranks after five fights on SHO EXTREME.  The 25-year-old shut out longtime contender Joey Hernandez last April, followed that with a sixth-round stoppage of Arman Ovsepyan in June and closed the year by stopping Orlando Lora in the first round in September. The Philadelphian has also picked up victories over Joachim Alcine, Eliezer Gonzalez and Freddy Hernandez in his young career and looks to earn his first title shot with a win on March 5.
Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) is a former Italian super welterweight titlist.  He’s registered four consecutive wins since the only loss of his career, including victories in three scheduled 12-round fights.  The 29-year-old is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over fellow-Italian Nick Klappert in October 2015.  Like Williams, he fought three bouts in 2015, although he logged 31 total rounds compared to just 17 for Williams.
Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has been impressive in five consecutive victories since he boxed to a draw when he was just 21 years old with former world title challenger Michel Soro in July 2014.  The former top amateur has won his last three fights by knockout, including a sixth-round KO of previously undefeated Thomas LaManna and a fourth-round TKO of veteran Les Sherrington last November in his fifth appearance on ShoBox: The New Generation. On the prospect developmental series, the 23-year-old Douglas has graduated from unproven prospect to undefeated contender and is now ranked No. 4 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBA. Douglas is promoted by GH3 promotions.
Soliman (44-13, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, is vastly more experienced than Douglas, having competed in four world championship fights.  The 42-year-old held the IBF Middleweight World title before suffering a debilitating knee injury and losing via decision to Jermain Taylor in his first title defense in October 2014.  Soliman, who is 9-2-1 since 2008, won the IBF crown with a decisive 12-round decision over Felix Sturm in 2014.  The Australian, who fights at a relentless pace and can be awkward at times, will look to bounce back from a close, 10-round split decision loss to Dominic Wade last June on ShoBox.
At just 25-years-old, Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) has showed tremendous promise as he recorded a 10-fight knockout streak from 2013 to 2015 and proved he could recover from a loss when he dominated Cecil McCalla for 10-rounds in October. The Detroit-native will look to make it back-to-back victories as he continues his ascent towards championship contender status. He has picked up knockout victories over Antwone Smith, Tyrone Brunson, Bronco McKart and Pablo Munguia in the last two years.
A former world title challenger, Guerrero (28-3, 20 KOs) returned to his winning ways in 2015 with victories over Abraham Han and Daniel Souza Santos. The 29-year-old lives and trains out of Los Angeles but grew up in Maryland after being born in the Dominican Republic. The veteran owns victories over Ishe Smith, Derrick Findley and Gabriel Rosado in a pro career that dates back to 2007.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.comfollow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBECand @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

JAMEL HERRING WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER LUIS EDUARDO FLORES ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES FROM SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENTS CENTER IN BETHLEHEM, PA

 
Alex Martin Defeats Rossemberth Gomez by Unanimous Decision
 
Raynell Williams Scores Unanimous Decision Over Gabriel Tolmajyan
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (February 10, 2016) – Undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring (15-0, 8 KOs) scored a unanimous decision (100-88, 100-88, 99-89) over Colombia’s Luis Eduardo Flores (21-3, 17 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout in the main event of Tuesday’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes fight card at Sands Event Center in Bethlehem, PA.
Herring, who represented the United States at the 2012 Olympic games after winning the U.S. National Amateur title the same year, commanded the action throughout.
“I knew if I boxed smart it would show, but I didn’t think it would be that wide a margin,” said Herring. “He’s a very experienced fighter.”
Herring added, “I was trying to get rid of him early because he’s a dangerous guy. If you let a guy like that sit around too long there’s always the risk that you might get clipped with something and regret it.”
Herring, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, hopes the win Tuesday night will launch him into world title contention in 2016.
Making his U.S. debut, the Magangue, Colombia native Flores put on a valiant effort, recovering from a flurry in the second round that would have sent most fighters packing.
In the fifth round, the 28-year-old Flores was ruled to have been knocked down twice, but disputes those calls by the ref. “Both times that the officials called it a knockdown and started counting were just slips. I didn’t actually get knocked down either time,” said Flores.
Flores added, “I know that (Herring) had the advantage tonight, and he outperformed me. But I’ll keep trying wherever my next opportunity comes.”
“I think getting a win like this over a fighter with Flores’ experience will help me gain a lot more respect. People seeing me win on my first PBC card on national TV on FS1 and FOX Deportes just helps raise my profile and I look forward to being back,” said Herring.
The opening televised bout featured unbeaten prospect Alex Martin (12-0, 5 KOs) defeating Rossemberth Gomez (17-5-1, 13 KOs) by unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 79-73) in an eight-round welterweight contest.
Martin, a 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion, controlled much of the fight from the outside using his superior footwork to evade Gomez.
The Harvey, IL native Martin said, “I could see his punches coming from a mile away, but I should have followed up a little more than I did tonight and let my hands go a bit more too.”
An owner of 340 amateur wins, Martin turned pro in 2013 and is yet to lose. That experience helped Martin keep his composure when Gomez taunted him repeatedly in the second round.
 “We wanted to make Martin mad and get him to punch himself out if we could,” said the 29-year-old Gomez.
Martin responded to the talk of baiting saying, “I just stuck to my fundamentals, kept pumping my jab and setting him up for the next shot.
“I knew I hurt him with the uppercut. He walked right into it. And then when I threw the hook he couldn’t do anything,” said Martin.
Following the bout Gomez said, “I plan to retire after tonight. I care too much and fight too hard to be just another opponent.”
The second televised fight saw Raynell Williams (11-0, 5 KOs) win a unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 78-74) over Gabriel Tolmajyan (14-3-2, 3 KOs) in eight rounds of lightweight action.
A member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, Cleveland’s Williams was able to establish himself early and get in a rhythm.
“The only time he was able to catch me with anything was when I got a little lazy,” said Williams.
Williams caught Tolmajyan with a big right hand in the fourth round, seemingly stunning Tolmajyan momentarily, but he kept his composure and didn’t allow himself to become overzealous.
“I was focused on boxing him and not so much worried about the knockout,” added Williams. “I knew I was winning the rounds.”
In the final frame, Tolmajyan, fighting out of Glendale, CA, caught Williams with a shot that nearly ended things.
Williams recalled, “It was an overhand left that he hit me with. And then he came after me again, but the ref and I made contact, so then the ref pushed me away because he didn’t want me to try holding on to him. But once I got my feet under me I was fine.”
However, Tolmajyan wasn’t impressed with Williams saying, “He wasn’t as good as we were expecting and I had him hurt with my left.
“I thought that I was winning the fight to be honest. I didn’t think I was going to lose the decision,” added Tolmajyan.
Williams concluded, “I hope to learn from my mistakes tonight. I got caught with a good punch in the last few seconds tonight, so I just need to work on consistency and fighting until the final bell.”
# # #
The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @JamelHerring, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/theSBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD AND UNDEFEATED SULLIVAN BARRERA SET FOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN ON SATURDAY, MARCH 26 AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO®

 

NEW YORK, NY (February 9, 2016) – Roc Nation Sports is pleased to announce that Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, March 26, to begin his assault on the light heavyweight division when he takes on undefeated and number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round bout at Oracle Arena in Ward’s hometown of Oakland, California. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 5:00 PM PT and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

“I don’t really have much to say other than this. On March 26, it will be very simple. I’ll be in a new weight class against a tough opponent but I’m coming with the same approach,” said Ward. “I’ll be in great shape and ready for battle. Sullivan Barrera has had a lot to say lately and I love it. He’s going to have an opportunity to back up every word that he has spoken. These are the type of challenges I like and on March 26, it’s go time.”

 

“We as a team had a tough choice to make – crash the party by taking out Ward first or wait for the mandatory and take out Kovalev,” said Barrera. “We decided that the time is now. Ward will fall first and then we will go after the belts.”

 

“Having cleaned out the super middleweight division, Andre’s next challenge is to become the best light heavyweight in the world, and that challenge begins with the IBF’s number one rated contender in Sullivan Barrera,” said David Itskowitch, COO of Boxing Roc Nation Sports. “With both fighters having their sights set on an eventually showdown with Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey Kovalev, there’s a lot on the line in this fight, but only one man will move on. March 26 is a night of boxing that no fan should miss.”

 

“I’m excited to be on Team Ward as we enter the light heavyweight division. No weapons formed against us shall prosper,” said James Prince, Ward’s manager.

 

On March 26, before a hometown crowd, pound for pound star Andre Ward returns to HBO in his light heavyweight debut against undefeated Sullivan Barrera” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “With a perfect record dating back to the age of 12 years old, Andre has risen to every challenge as both an amateur and a professional, including world titles and an Olympic gold medal. Now, he takes on Barrera, one of the toughest challengers as Ward moves up the scale. Boxing fans won’t want to miss it.”

 

Known for his strong character and integrity outside the ring and his warrior’s instinct inside it, Ward’s skill and talent were apparent early in his outstanding amateur career. He racked up every title in the books, culminating with a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. As the only male American boxer to claim Olympic gold since 1996, Ward joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya. He turned professional on December 18, 2004, scoring a second round technical knockout victory over Chris Molina at Staples Center in a fight that was televised live on HBO. He has gone on to rack up 27 more victories since then, building an ever-growing legion of fans in the process. After becoming the Ring Magazine and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion, rising to the number two spot on the pound-for-pound list and winning the 2011 Fighter of the Year Award (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America), it was announced that Ward signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports in January 2015, opening a new chapter in his storied boxing career. The Bay Area product returned to the ring on June 20, 2015 at the Oracle Arena in front of his hometown fans in Oakland, California and scored a ninth-round knockout over Paul Smith, continuing his unbeaten streak which dates back to when he was a 13-year-old amateur. Ward recently stepped in front of the camera for a completely different role, a part in the New Line/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Warner Bros. feature “Creed.” Fellow Bay Area natives, director Ryan Coogler and the film’s star Michael B. Jordan, reached out to Ward so that he could provide his expertise for the film. In addition to working in front of the camera with Ward, Jordan spent time at Ward’s home gym in preparation for his role as Apollo Creed’s son. Now it’s time for Ward to get back to his day job when he faces the undefeated Barrera on March 26.

 

Born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Barrera had an impressive amateur run with a record of 285-27. As an amateur, he was able to earn World Amateur Championships in Germany, Cuba, Venezuela and Central America. During his amateur career he also defeated former Light Heavyweight World Champions Chad Dawson and Beibut Shumenov. Following his defection from Cuba, where he was a member of the country’s national team, Barrera made his professional debut in 2009 with a first round technical knockout win over Anthony Adorno in his adopted hometown of Miami, Florida. He would go on to knockout the first five opponents he faced in his professional career in either the first or second round. Barrera made his television debut in January of 2015 with his appearance on ESPN’sFriday Night Fights, when he scored a fourth round knockout win over former Super Middleweight World Champion Jeff Lacy. Barrera quietly rose through the ratings of the light heavyweight division until he was afforded the opportunity to fight former Light Heavyweight World Title Challenger Karo Murat to become the IBF’s number one rated light heavyweight contender. Barrera seized the opportunity, knocking out Murat in the fifth round on December 12, 2015 in his HBO Latino Boxing debut at the Civic Auditorium in Glendale, California. Sullivan is trained by legendary trainer, Abel Sanchez, who is best known for his work with middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. When he is not at The Summit in Big Bear Lake, California training with Sanchez, Barrera resides in Miami, Florida.

 

Ward vs. Barrera, a 12-round fight which is presented by Roc Nation Sports in association with Main Events, takes place Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.  Follow the conversation using #WardBarrera.

 

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.