Tag Archives: boxing

HURRICANE WRIGHT WANTS TO TOPPLE TOP CRUISERWEIGHTS CHICAGO BOXER TARGETS CHAMP SHUMENOV

   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL (February 22, 2016) – BoxRec.com says Junior Wright is the number-two ranked cruiserweight in the United States, and the Chicagoan is keen to show he should have the top slot.

On Friday, the 15-1-1 Wright got a 1st round stoppage over Jim Franklin on a show in Iowa, and the boxer feels he’s building superb momentum, which will soon result in another title shot.

“The fight was over so fast I couldn’t really tell you much about it,” said Wright, laughing. “But I threw a really good body shot to put him down and then afterwards I just threw a lot of combinations when he got up and they stopped it. I feel great about my win. While training for my world title fight with Rakhim Chakhiev in 2015, I had an injury but still went ahead with the fight. After the match I had surgery and now I am 100 hundred percent. I feel ready for all the top cruiserweights in the world, from what I see there is not much out there to worry about in the division. I would love the opportunity to fight Beibut Shumenov for a world title. He is one of the dominant champions and his fights happen in the U.S. so I feel there is no home-turf advantage, no jet leg to worry about. I feel very confident in this fight and my abilities!”

Wright is now No. 13 in the WBA and wants to fight best in the division, including WBA world champion Shumenov, or BoxRec No. 1 in the USA, BJ Flores.

His promoter Dmitry Salita backs the fighter nicknamed “Hurricane” all the way.

“I’ve always felt that Junior Wright is one of the best cruiserweights in the world and most definitely in the U.S.,” Salita said. “I believe he has the tools to compete with and beat the best fighters in the cruiserweight division.”

UNDEFEATED ADAM LOPEZ OUTPOINTS MARIO MUÑOZ IN MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FROM ADRIAN PHILLIPS BALLROOM IN HISTORIC BOARDWALK HALL

 

Unbeaten Ronald Ellis and Jerry Odom Box to Majority Draw,
O’Shaquie Foster Scores TKO Over Previously Undefeated Lavisas Williams, Christopher Brooker and John Magda Fight to Controversial Split Draw

Catch Replay Monday, Feb. 22, at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME®

 

ATLANTIC CITY (Feb. 20, 2016) – Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (15-0, 7 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, remained unbeaten and took another step toward becoming a full-fledged contender by winning a hard-fought unanimous 10-round decision over previously undefeated Mario “Yayo” Muñoz  (16-1-1, 10 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in Friday’smain event on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIMEfrom the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in Historic Boardwalk Hall.

 

“Lopez punched harder and controlled the tempo,” ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood said. “He overcame the problem with his right eye and now he’s 3-0 with three undefeated fighters on ShoBox, so he’s indeed a prospect to watch.”

 

The highly regarded Lopez, making his third ShoBox appearance and main event debut, survived a nasty cut over his right eye to win by the scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93. There were no knockdowns.

 

“This was my toughest fight as a pro and I think I proved a lot,’’ said Lopez, who entered the ring as the WBA No. 8 contender at 122 pounds. “I showed I could fight through a lot of adversity. The cut in my eye was definitely a factor for my performance in a couple of rounds, but I put the pedal to the medal and got through it. I landed the more telling shots.

 

“This is the kind of fight I can learn from. Fighting through the cut and all the head butts, and still persevering. These are the kinds of fights that make fighters better. You don’t learn a thing by blowing guys out.

 

“Muñoz  was a good fighter and landed some tight shots on me, but I was definitely the better fighter and there was no question I would get the decision. I thought I might stop him in the eighth or ninth, but it didn’t happen.’’

 

There was little known about Muñoz  going into Friday, but the mystery man from Mexico who was making his United States debut and first start outside of Mexico performed well and showed solid skills and ability.

 

“I’m very disappointed in the decision,’’ Muñoz  said. “I’m a better fighter than he is. I landed more combinations. My face is unmarked, look at his. He hurt me more from his low blows and head butts than he did with his punches. I’d love to fight him again.’’

With the defeat, Muñoz  became the 142nd boxer on ShoBox to suffer his first defeat. Two fights earlier, Lavisas “Red Williams (8-1-1, 3 KOs), of Rochester, N.Y., became the 141st ShoBox boxer to suffer his initial setback when he lost by seventh round TKO to O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (10-1, 7 KOs), of Orange, Texas.

 

Foster, a former amateur standout, rebounded from a poor outing in hisShoBox debut to register a seventh-round TKO over Williams. Foster dropped the outclassed southpaw four times. After the final knockdown in the seventh, the fight was stopped at 52 seconds into the round.

 

In the co-feature of a ShoBox quadrupleheader, undefeated super middleweight Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (12-0-1, 10 KOs), of Lynn, Mass., and Washington D.C.’s Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (13-2-1, 12 KOs) fought to a hard-fought eight-round majority draw. A close, competitive contest throughout was scored 78-74 for Ellis and 76-76 apiece.

 

In the opening fight of the telecast, John “Madman” Magda (11-0-1, 7 KOs), of Rutherford, N.Y., and  Philadelphia’s Christopher “Ice Cold” Brooker (7-1-1, 5 KOs) fought to a disputed eight-round split draw in a super middleweight matchup that most felt Brooker won. At the finish, one judge had it for Magda (77-74), one had it for Brooker (78-74) and one had it even at 76-all.

 

“I thought that was a terrible decision,’’ Farhood said. “The judges were all over the place. I think Brooker did enough to win. He was the more aggressive fighter and landed the bigger punches. I was very surprised by the result that it was a draw.”

 

Ellis, a five-year-pro who hurt his right hand at the end of the third, was pleased with his overall performance, not so much the result.

 

“I think I did a good job tonight,’’ said Ellis, the older brother of welterweight prospect Rashidi Ellis who’d won four straight by knockout, including a second-round TKO over Jas Phipps in his last start last Aug. 29. “I started strong and I showed that I belong here, in a nationally televised show. I’m happy with what I did.

 

“I showed tonight that I can counter a busy fighter. I can take a punch. I can also be a boxer-puncher. Odom tried to do his thing at the beginning, but he just couldn’t do it with me. I followed my trainer’s advice. I punched, I stood back. I used my left hook. I think I really hurt him a couple times.

 

“I won that fight. I’m sure. At first, I banged with him and then I showed my boxing. It was easy in there, I won that fight.  He never hurt me. I’ll be back. You will be seeing a lot of me in the future.”

 

Odom, a top amateur and 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion at 178 pounds who was looking to turn it around after losing two of his last three, was content with the decision although he felt he’d won his first fight in seven months.

“I can’t be disappointed with the decision because I fought my heart out.’’ Odom said. “I know I hurt him. He hurt me a bit in the second, but I got back on my feet and I kept on going.

“I feel I pulled it out in the last rounds. I worked the body, I think I did some damage. Ellis looked hurt.

“I mean no disrespect, but I felt I definitely did enough to win, but the judges saw it differently.”

Said Farhood: “Ellis-Odom was a strange fight. At times it was a brawl, and at times it was a boxing match. At times, one fighter came forward and at times the other fighter came forward. I thought Odom did enough in the last couple of rounds to salvage a draw and it turns out that is what the judges scored, a draw. So, I think the judges got it right on that fight.”

Foster decked Williams in the second, third, fourth and seventh rounds. Three of the knockdowns appeared to result from a push, but Williams’ gloves touched the canvas each time so they went into the books as knockdowns.

“I think it was a great win for Foster, because he looked so bad when he fought on ShoBox last time outdoor in Las Vegas,’’ Farhood said. “And this kind he showed the kind of skills that enable him to be a good amateur. He showed the kind of skills that will make him a legitimate prospect as a pro. It was a very good win for him. He showed speed. He showed his movement, his boxing abilities and he scored four knockdowns, and you can’t ask for much better than that.”

 

“This is a huge relief for me,’’ Foster said. “I feel great. I think people saw a glimpse of the kind of fighter I can be tonight. That wasn’t me in my first ShoBox fight. I don’t know if I froze under the lights or if I lost because of the cold weather outside, but I wasn’t nearly as confident for that fight as I was tonight and it affected my performance.

 

“I had a tremendous training camp, my best camp ever, which played a big part in my confidence tonight. I thank God for the opportunity to fight on national television again and I’m already looking forward to the next time.’’

The previously undefeated Williams confessed he was unable to his rhythm.  “For some reason, I just could not get loose. I had a cold, but I won’t take anything away from Foster. He knocked me down, but I actually thought he pushed me down most of those times.

“I learned something tonight. I can’t do what I did. I can’t wait on my opponent. I have to attack first. I’ll be will be back.”

There were no knockdowns in the Brooker-Magda battle. One judge scored it for southpaw and local favorite going in, Magda 77-74, one had it 78-74 for Brooker and one had it 76-76 even.

 

After a few rounds of solid back-and-forth exchanges, Brooker seemed to dominate in the eyes of everyone but the judges. The ShoBoxannouncers had Brooker a close but clear winner and the fans booed the decision. According to SHO STATS, Brooked outpunched and outlanded Magda by a significant margin. Brooker landed 152 of 481 punches (32 percent) while Magda connected on 78 f 268 (29 percent).

Brooker was visibly upset with the verdict.

 

“I don’t train eight hours a day, seven days a week to get this kind of decision. That was not a draw, I clearly won the fight,’’ he said. “I don’t want to take away from Magda. He’s strong fighter and he countered well, but I showed everybody that hard work beats talent any day.

“I won this fight. I was the aggressor. I threw some big punches. My right was key. In the beginning Magda was fast, but I placed my punches and I know I did enough to win the fight.’’

 

“I feel OK, but this was a tough fight,” said Magda. “He stayed on me and pressed forward, which we knew he would. But he was stronger than I thought. I’ll have to watch the tape again, but I thought I landed the more effective punches.’’

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader will re-air this week as follows:

 

DAY                                                                CHANNEL

Monday, Feb. 22, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT             SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Friday’s four-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, Feb. 20.

 

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

SHAWN PORTER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Former Champion Porter Challenges Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman In Exciting Primetime Matchup Saturday, March 12

Live On CBS (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)

 

Click HERE For Photos From Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (February 19, 2016) – Welterweight star “Showtime” Shawn Porteropened up his training camp to media Thursday at Porter Hy-Performance Center in Las Vegas as he prepares for his primetime showdown with welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, March 12 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) from Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut.

 

Televised action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with an all-action showdown between former multiple division world champions Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel.

 

Porter worked out for media along with his father and trainer, Ken Porter as he looks to become a welterweight world champion for the second time. Porter defeated multiple-division champion Adrien Broner in a primetime PBC main event last year and is looking to again find success under the bright lights.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at

$300, $150, $75 and $35 (plus applicable fees) and are on sale now through

Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call (800) 745

3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available at the Mohegan Sun

Box Office.

 

Here is what Porter and his father had to say Thursday:

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

On training camp…

 

“Training camp is going great. It’s been hard work as always and nothing really different specifically for this fight.  Obviously it is always a different game plan for a different fighter but that’s about it.

 

“I’m not making too many adjustments from my previous fight, just taking what I learn from each fight and take those learning experiences with you. Going into this fight we will definitely have some of our past experiences show up.

 

“It is getting closer. I feel it every day. It’s approaching and the excitement is brewing. The closer it gets the more excited and more focused that I get.

 

On being perceived as the underdog…

 

“I do not feel like I am coming in as the underdog. In order to be the champion, you have to beat the champion. That is my outlook on this fight, not only to outpoint him but to make it very decisive and dominate the fight.

 

”My motivation is to prove the doubters wrong.

 

“I have faced a tougher opposition than Keith Thurman. I feel like that may work most to my advantage. I think that there will come points in this fight where I will put him up against things that he has never been up against. It is all about how he reacts to what I throw at him.

 

“My plan is to go in there and shake him up, make him uncomfortable and carry the fight just like that.

 

“I am ready and whatever Thurman has to bring. I’m ready for 12 rounds, I’m ready to knock him out.  I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win. I’m ready.

 

On sparring with Thurman…

 

“We expect what we saw in sparring with him to show up in the fight. He moved around a lot when we sparred. There weren’t very many clean shots landed by either of us, but I know from sparring with him that I have to be aggressive and that I have to cutoff the ring.

 

“I would say that for the majority of this fight it is probably going to be me as the aggressor. He likes to bully guys at the beginning of the fight to wear them down to feel himself out.. We’re expecting him to move a lot more against me.

 

“We’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to be smart, we’re looking beyond this fight.

“In my last fight I didn’t get hit very much and I am taking that same mindset and defense into this fight.

 

On being the next Floyd Mayweather Jr…

 

“I am expecting to beat Keith and be the guy that everyone looks at.

 

“When you go up against someone at a high level like this, you go up and you show out.

 

“As far as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, I think those faces are going away. The welterweight class is exciting and there’s going to be a new face on the top of that ranking.  I’d like that face to be me.

 

“I don’t make any predictions; I just know I am going to win.

 

“I have been waiting for this fight since 2013. I had just gotten my title then and I could see the way his career was moving that there was a collision course. We didn’t know how long this fight would take to happen or when it would happen, but we knew it was coming.

 

“When I was told this fight was happening all I could think was ‘Ok, let’s do it’ and it took some time to make the fight happen but when we finally did our faceoff, it felt great to look him in the eyes and let him know ‘I’m coming after you.’

 

“For me to fight Keith it has always been something that was a part of my career, all business not personal. It was just something that I needed to do to get to where I want to be.

 

“Keith Thurman is a good fighter. Nothing really sticks out to me as something I should worry about. He’s a good athlete and a good boxer, but he is very beatable, he just hasn’t been beat yet.

 

“You’re only as good as you’re last competition. If you look at the Kell Brook fight, I was not as good as I should’ve been. Since then I am very good, but still I feel that you are only as good as your last fight until you prove otherwise.

 

“It is and isn’t personal. For Keith to be considered one of the top dogs in this weight class, it is personal to me to beat him and reign over him. Other than that, it is all business.”

 

KEN PORTER

 

On being his son’s trainer…

 

“Because I have the history of working with a lot of top-level amateurs who have moved on to the professional level, I think that Shawn sees that in me as an edge.”

 

On his history with Keith Thurman…

 

“I know him very well. I’ve had opportunities to work with him in the amateurs. I’ve had opportunities to work with him in the pros. I’ve worked in his corner in an amateur fight before, I’ve worked in his corner in a pro fight.

 

“Keith knows Shawn, they’ve sparred about 30 rounds. He knows speed and won’t come in the ring trying to land a significant shot from the beginning.  If he’s throwing that punch, he’s probably running the other direction at the same time.

 

“I would challenge [Thurman] to come in the ring and fight, but I know he’s going to fight. I know he will try to outbox us and try to land a slick and unexpected punch. Anyone can land a shot on you, that happens, but it’s what you do after the punch that counts.

 

“We’re looking forward to trading punches, boxing with him, slugging with him. We’re looking for a fight.”

 

On what it will take to win this fight…

 

“At this point in time, there’s going to be a lot of adjustments that have to be made, and I can’t just determine what it’s going to take to do it, but I know it’s going to take everything – speed, quickness, power, aggressiveness, conditioning, making adjustments mentally –  it’s an intellectual fight.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

King’s Promotions Promotional video for February 27 at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC

King’s Promotions video promoting February 27 boxing card in Washington, D.C.
Ty Barnett battles former world title challenger Daniel Attah in Main event on Feb. 27 at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Jordan Shimmell battles Willis Lockett in co-feature

Plus beltway stars Demond Nicholson Mykal Fox, Sam Crossed, Patrick Harris, Thomas Snow, Antonio Magruder and Luther Smith to see action
Washington, D.C.. (February, 19, 2016) – On Saturday night, February 27th,King’s Promotions returns to our nation’s capital of Washington, D.C with a big night of boxing at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
In the main event, Ty Barnett take on former world title challenger Daniel Attah in a Super Lightweight battle scheduled for 8-rounds.
Barnett of Washington, D.C. has a record of 22-4-1 with 14 knockouts.
Attah of Washington, D.C via Nigeria has a record of 28-21-1 with 11 knockouts.
Below is a promotion video with more details about this great night of action
A terrific ten bout card is now set that will feature many up and coming stars in the Beltway region.
In the 8-round co-feature, Jordan Shimmell will battle the upset-minded Willis Lockett in a Cruiserweight bout.
In a 6-round Middleweight bout, knockout artist, Demond Nicholson (15-1, 15 KO’s) of Laurel, Maryland will take on Victor Kpadenou (10-10, 5 KO’s) of Cotonou, Benin.
King’s Promotions promoted Super Lightweight, Mykal Fox (8-0, 2 KO’s) of Forestville, MD will fight Claudinei Lacerda (17-13-1, 12 KO’s) of Sombrio, Brazil in a bout scheduled for 6-rounds.
In a 4-round Cruiserweight affair, Sam Crossed (1-0, 1 KO) of Greenbelt, MD. will battle Devon Mosley (0-4-1) of Capitol Heights, MD.
In a 6-round Super Lightweight contest, Patrick Harris (7-0, 4 KO’s) fights Korey Sloane (2-8-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia.
Thomas Snow (18-2, 12 KO’s) of Washington, D.C., takes on Stephon McIntyre (2-17-2 of Atlanta, GA.
Antonio Magruder (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Terrell James (1-2-1) of Philadelphia in a 4-round Super Lightweight bout.
Luther Smith (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Bowie, MD. will look to keep his perfect knockout record intact when he squares off with Charlemagne Jones (2-4-1, 2 KO’s) in a 4-round battle of Beltway based Heavyweights
Wesley Triplett (2-0, 1 KO) of Youngstown, OH.  will fight Alando Pugh (1-6-1, 1 KO ) of Washington, D.C. in a 4-round Heavyweight bout.
Tickets are on sale now for $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.beltwayboxing.com
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located at 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Email for credentials: phillyboxing@gmail.com

ALL EIGHT BOXERS MAKE WEIGHT FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER  TONIGHT, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM HISTORIC BOARDWALK HALL IN ATLANTIC CITY

 Adam Lopez vs. Mario Muñoz, Ronald Ellis vs. Jerry Odom,
Lavisas Williams vs. O’Shaquie Foster, John Magda vs. Christopher Brooker

 

Telecast Begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT; First Fight is at 7 p.m. ET

 

Tickets Are Still On Sale!

 

Click HERE For Photos From Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

ATLANTIC CITY (Feb. 18, 2016) – All eight fighters hit their marks and are set to go for their fights tonight, Friday, Feb. 19 on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). A quadrupleheader, presented by GH3 Promotions, will emanate from the Adrian Phillips Ballroom in the Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic, City, N.J.

 

In the main event two undefeated prospects with exceedingly high expectations face their most dangerous opponent to date when Adam “Mantequilla” Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., meets Mario “Yayo” Muñoz (16-0-1, 10 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in a 10-round super bantamweight matchup.

 

In other televised bouts, all scheduled for eight rounds, Ronald “Flatline” Ellis (12-0, 10 KOs), of Dorchester, Mass., takes on Washington D.C.’s Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (13-2, 12 KOs) in a clash of hard-hitting super middleweights, southpaw Lavisas “Red” Williams (8-0-1, 3 KOs), of  Rochester, N.Y. risks his undefeated record against O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (9-1, 6 KOs), of Orange, Texas, in a lightweight match and, opening the telecast, John “Madman” Magda (11-0, 7 KOs), of Rutherford, N.J., faces Philadelphia’s Christopher “Ice Cold” Brooker (7-1, 5 KOs) in a super middleweight matchup.

 

The Weights: Lopez and Muñoz each weighed 121½ pounds; Ellis tipped scale at 166½ pounds, Odom 167½, Williams weighed 132 pounds, Foster 134; and Magda weighed 167½ pounds and Brooker 168½.

 

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 and are available for purchase online at www.Ticketmaster.com and over the phone at (800) 736-1420.

 

Here’s what the fighters said Thursday:

 

ADAM LOPEZ

 

“This is my third time on ShoBox and my third fight against an undefeated fighter. They like to match me tough but I must confess, I’m really looking forward to it.

 

“I know I only had 14 fights, but I truly feel I feel I’m ready for a major fight or a title shot at the end of year. I have a strong amateur background, so I have experience. There are a lot of good fights right now at 122 pounds. The division is hot.

 

“I fought at 118 last time so I can make that weight if the right opportunity comes, but I am strong at 122. I thought I clearly won my last fight. I don’t think it was as close as the judges said it was.

 

“I’m fighting a guy, Munoz, who is sort of a mystery to me. I’ve seen one tape of him, but it was from 2012. So I don’t really know how he’s fought recently.

 

“He seems to want to box and slug. He’s had some good performances in the past and fought some good ones so I won’t take nothing away from him and I do respect him.

 

“But I’m prepared to make the fight and be aggressor if necessary, and to win it any way that I have to. My trainer [former two-time world champion Carlos “Famous” Hernandez] continues to work on all the little things, and trains me for anything that might come my way..

 

“I feel that I’ve moved from prospect to contender, but a victorytomorrow night should prove that to everybody.”

 

MARIO MUÑOZ

 

“This is my first fight in nine months and first in America, which is very exciting. You have to fight in the United States eventually; this is where you become known.

 

“I know that I’m in top shape. I’ve fought some good guys in my division, and I’m at the level I need to be. I had a really hard training camp; I know what I’m supposed to do.

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity. I know a lot of people haven’t heard of me, but I promise you a good fight.

 

“I’m more of a boxer than a puncher, but I love to exchange and switch stance to southpaw, although my trainer doesn’t like it.

 

“Lopez is very fast, smart and has a great left hand. But I’m ready for all that. I’ll look at what he has to offer and counter with my best.

 

“I’m a little nervous. Things are moving fast now. But I couldn’t be more ready.’’

 

RONALD ELLIS

 

“I’ve been working for this sort of opportunity since I was 13, so, yes, I am very excited. I want to win and look good doing it so promoters and television will want to see me again.

 

“I’ve had problems in the past getting opponents, so I’ve taken a few ‘stay busy’ fights. But this fight is a totally different story.

 

“Everyone says I’m a boxer-puncher, and I do feel I am versatile. I’ll decide how I want to go the night of the fight. We know how Jerry’s gonna fight so I need to fight him smart. We’ll see how Odom’s chin is because it’s going get tested tomorrow night.

 

“I only had 24 amateur fights, but I am dedicated and continuing to improve with each fight. It will be a great night for me. I’m looking forward to putting on a good show.’’

 

 

JERRY ODOM

 

“Everybody has to make changes so I have a new trainer, Kennie Johnson, for this fight. He has been trying to stress finesse, movement and utilizing my overall skills more, with less emphasis on just trying to load up and knock the guy out.

 

“We’re working on me picking shots, breaking down opponents and setting up the power shots rather than just show it. Defensively, he’s had me working on my overall movement, head movement in particular.

 

“I’m looking to shine on Friday, especially after my last ShoBox fight that I lost. I should have never taken the fight once he came in so overweight. It was a bad business decision on my part, but I learned – no more thinking with my heart.

 

“I got over my last fight right away and I’m anxious to do my job and show how much I gained and learned from it. I certainly feel ready. My only focus is to win.

 

“Ellis should be a good opponent for me. Obviously he has power, a good jab and punches. There are some good things about him, but I’m better. I’ll go out and execute, he won’t be able to stop me.’’’

 

LAVISAS WILLIAMS

“I’m naturally lefty … I’ve sparred against ambidextrous boxers, so I like to say I’m ready for anything that comes my way.

 

“I’m excited to be debuting on national television. That’s a pretty big deal for me so I need to put a great show. Especially for my fan base back home, they are all going to be watching.

 

“I take boxing seriously. I like to say I’m very dedicated. I take advantage of any opportunity I see. I trained at Mayweather Boxing Gym in Las Vegas for a bit last year. It was a good experience.

 

“My job is to frustrate him and trust me, I will. He will fight my fight. If he freezes again, I’m sure taking advantage of that, but I’m not counting on it.

 

“I’m going in knowing I’m the better boxer, but not overconfident. You can’t overlook anybody, but I know I’m the one that’s coming out victorious.”

 

O’SHAQUIE FORSTER

 

“I don’t know what happened in my last fight. I thought everything was OK but I just couldn’t find my fight rhythm. I couldn’t get off for some reason. But I am done thinking about that night.

 

“I’m definitely more focused this time around and in better shape. I need a win – and I’m fighting a guy who beat the guy that beat me, Samuel Teah. So, I have to be smart. He’s a southpaw but I can deal with that.

 

“I’ve never worked so hard in camp. I left Texas to go to Washington D.C. to train for this. I’m 100 percent set to go.

 

“I need a challenge and this is it. I’m ready to step up and I’m ready for him.”

 

 

JOHN MAGDA

“I’m excited and ready to go. Right now I’m looking at this as just another fight, but it’s definitely a big, big deal. I’m hoping to win and put on an exciting show.

 

“I’ve been in the gym training since November but a series of unfortunate events took place and I didn’t fight that month, or in December, or in January. So, I’ve been training for a while. I’m ready to fight.

 

‘I’m in with a rough, tough guy. I can’t let him bully or push me around; I just can’t let him stand and throw.

 

“I need to box, move, do a lot of things I know I can do. I have to see how it plays. It’s all just a matter of me doing what I am supposed to do, whether it is to box or slug. I’m ready for it.’’

 

CHRISTOPHER BROOKER

 

“I love being the underdog; I’m accustomed to it. That’s why I work so hard, remain dedicated and will not ever quit.

 

“Magda throws a lot of punches, so you can’t expect him to stay on the outside. But I run 15 miles a day, three days a week after sparring, to get into the kind of shape I need to be in and am for this fight.

 

“This is my first fight against a southpaw, but I’ve had southpaw sparring, including some recently with [former world champion] Andre Dirrell. I learned so much from him.

 

“I’m a Philly fighter through and through: I may not be a favorite to win, but I come to war and will never give up. That’s a lot like the way I grew up when living in foster homes — and later, homeless, for some time. I just not give up, I keep on fighting.

 

“There’s a lot on the line for me this Friday and I am ready to show what I can do.’’

 

# # #

 

 

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

 

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 65 fighters who have appeared onShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

Masini and Young Back Together

Atlantic City, NJ (February 18, 2016)–Anthony “Juice” Young, a young promising Welterweight has reunited with his original manager, Rich Masini.
The two had forged a great team and along with trainer Bill Johnson have rekindled their relationship and this Friday night at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Young (11-1, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City takes on Skander Halili (8-1, 8 KO’s) on the featured non-televised bout that will precede a terrific ShoBox: The New Generation card that will be televised live on SHOWTIME®
This will be the first fight back together as Young is on a quest to win championships.
“I am excited to be back with Anthony,” said Masini.
“I have always have had a great deal of respect for for him and admiration for his family.  It works with with us.  We have the same goals and plans,  “Juice” has always been hard working and trains very hard.  I greatly look forward to Friday night and his future.  He is a great fighter and a better person.  I am excited that team , which also includes his dad Teany, is back together.”
“We have worked through some ups and downs but now I could not be more happier with Rich as manager now,”said Young
I am expecting a tough fight.  I trained for a tough fight.  I trained eight hard weeks and I am looking to go out there and get the win.”
“It’s great to have the team working together.  Bill Johnson, Arnold Robbins, Aaron Green plus his father is a co-manager.  Everyone has worked together to help him get this win and push his career forward,” said adviser, Ray McCline.
1st bout is 7:15 PM ET ; ShoBox: The New Generation telecast begins at 10 PM ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)

LEO SANTA CRUZ MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 
Undefeated Santa Cruz Defends Featherweight World Title Against
Former Champ Kiko Martinez Saturday, February 27 Live On SHOWTIME® 
From Honda Center In Anaheim, Calif. 
 

Click HERE For Photos From Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (February 18, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz held an open media workout Thursday at Who’s Next Boxing Academy in La Puente, Calif., as he prepares for his first title defense against Kiko “Sensación” Martinez Saturday, February 27 live onSHOWTIME from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Santa Cruz vs. Martinez headlines a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader that features Mexican warriors Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz meeting in an awaited super bantamweight world title rematch plus heavyweights Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington and Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas will put their unblemished records on the line in a 10-round matchup. The action begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 

 
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.

 

Santa Cruz worked out alongside his father and trainer, Jose Santa Cruz, for the media in attendance and spoke about his upcoming bout and more. The workout also featured a surprise performance from Martin Castillo and a five-piece band that included a tuba and an accordion. Santa Cruz jumped rope and went through drills while traditional Mexican folk music called Corrido filled the Southern California gym.
Here is what Santa Cruz and his father had to say Thursday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I always train to make a statement. I want to go out there and show everyone that I’m really good and I deserve to be considered one of the best.
“I fight for my family. Since I was small, this is what I’ve wanted to do to help my family. I wanted to work hard and give my family a better future.
“Martinez is a strong fighter who comes forward and always puts pressure on you. He never backs down and always comes to fight. That’s what we like about this matchup — it makes for a more intense fight.
“We’re going to give the fans an entertaining show. The fans are the ones who are going to win at the end of the night. I’m going to go out there and try to knock him out by the end of the third round.
“I think he’s going to be the aggressor because he’s shorter and has to fight that way. But I’m going to go forward and be the aggressor too. If that’s not working, I’ll box him. We’re going to do what we need to do to win the fight.
“I see Carl Frampton vs. Scott Quigg as a 50-50 fight. It’s a tough fight for both of them. I think whoever catches the other guy first will get the victory. They both can hit and they both have great skills. It could go either way.
“It’s a very interesting fight between Frampton and Quigg. They’ve both been possible opponents for me and I hope that I do well that night and face the winner of that fight. I don’t care who it is, I want to fight them.
“I’m willing to fight whoever. I want the winner of Frampton-Quigg. If not then Lee Selby, Gary Russell Jr., Jesus Cuellar or anyone in the division. Hopefully next it will be one of those fighters.
“My fighting style is to always go forward and throw a lot of punches. I just want to entertain the fans. I fight for them and I try to send them home happy. I want to go in there and fight in a war.
“I’m going to fight all of the top guys. I’m still young and I know if I keep working hard and taking care of the guy in front of me, I’ll get all of those fights.
“We’re working on our distance and learning new things every day in camp. I don’t want to change too much, since I’m undefeated. I’m going to be prepared mentally and physically to get the win.
“We’re working hard all the time. We know what we have to do in the ring to win the fight. My last fight our strategy was to brawl but we adjusted it and moved more and we were able to get the victory.
On his recent foray into boxing promotion: “Being a promoter is difficult. It’s very hard. You’re always busy, so right now I’m focused on my boxing career. I’m letting my brothers and my family take care of it now. I’m not there 100 percent yet but I like to give my opinion. It’s something I’d like to do after I retire.”
JOSE SANTA CRUZ
“Leo is very well prepared as he always is. We always train 100 percent and we are ready.
“The team is ready to fight. We have one week left to rest and put some finishing touches on this camp.
“We’re going to fight Martinez with our style. We’re going to do whatever we need to do to win the fight. Leo is going to take the fight to him and try to counteract whatever style Martinez brings.
“It’s going to be a good fight. Whichever style Martinez brings, we’re going to out-maneuver him and make it a good fight. I see Leo winning a decision at least if not a knockout.”
 

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

Ring 8 Guest Speaker Promoter Lou DiBella Pictures 

NEW YORK (February 18, 2016) – Boxing promoter Lou DiBella was Ring 8’s monthly guest speaker this past Tuesday night at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive in Maspeth, New York.
“Lou was fantastic,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “He was very informative and spoke nearly 30-minutes.  He kept everybody in tune to what’s happening in boxing today, discussed how difficult it is to promote a boxing show, and answered everybody’s questions.  Our members really enjoyed listening to Lou.”

(L-R) Ring 8 vice president Jack Hirsch, promoter Lou DiBella and Ring 8 president Bob Duffy
(pictures courtesy of John Roe)
ABOUT RING 8:  Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

Split-T Management fighters go 6 for 6 this past weekend

Nieves, Sylla, Jones Ware, Wattley & Anderson remain undefeated with wins
New York, NY (February 18, 2015)–Upstart boxing manager’s Split-T Management was perfect this past weekend by going 6 for 6 in fights all over the country.

At The Mountaineer Casino in Chester, WV, Bantamweight Antonio “Carita” Nieves(15-0-1, 8 KO’s) registered a vicious 3rd round,one punch stoppage over Hungarian, Tibor Nadori (6-3) on a card promoted by Mademan Promotions.

A full-time banker, Nieves dissected the taller Nadori for the first two rounds. In the third round, he threw a double jab followed with a straight right hand that put Nadori down and out for the full 10 count. Nadori was knocked out cold for several minutes

Former amateur star from Senegal, Welterweight Boubacar Sylla, now residing in Cincinnati, OH made a successful pro debut with an explosive 2nd round knockout over Shannon Kelley of Columbus, OH. After working the body for the first round, the 6’1″ Sylla ended the fight with an one punch overhand right that dropped Kelley. The referee had to call a halt to the bout after Kelley attempted to get up.

A few hundred miles away, the other four Split-T managed boxers fought on a card in Royal Oak, MI, promoted Ahrens Promotions.

Leading the charge was 20 year old, “Mighty” Joe Jones of Jersey City, NJ. Making his return to the ring after a two-year layoff, Jones scored a devastating 2nd round stoppage over Michael Shipp, improving his record to 5-0, 4 KO’s. Jones wowed the crowd and had them oohing and ahhing after every punch he landed as he knocked Shipp down with powerful combinations to the head and body twice in the opening stanza. Jones started round two with a combination to the head that had Shipp slumped over on the ropes causing the referee to call the bout.

The card also featured three of Toledo, OH’s best up and coming fighters.
Among them was full-time Toledo Fireman and former Super Middleweight Amateur Star Deandre Ware, who improved to 3-0, 3 KO’s with a 1st round KO over debuting Brian Jackson of Port Huron, MI. After scoring a knockdown early in the fight, Ware connected with a right hand to the head that put Jackson down and out.

Junior Welterweight, Alden Wattley made a successful pro debut with a first round stoppage over Christopher Johnson of South Bend, IN.. A right uppercut to the body put Johnson down for the full 10 count.

Completing the hat trick for Team Toledo, Former University of Toledo Linebacker,Cassius Anderson made a successful transition to boxing with a 4 round unanimous decision over tough Ryan Pokrfky of Detroit, MI. Pokrfky was game and hung in tough but the skills and conditioning of Anderson was the difference as all the judges gave the bout to Anderson.

All the Toledo boxers are trained by young upstart trainer, Lamar Wright. He also trains Split-T fighter, undefeated jr welterweight/welterweight Wesley Tucker 10-0, 7 KO’s.

“It was another great weekend for Split-T Management and for the Split-T Philosophy of keeping fighters as active as possible,”said Split-T management CEO David McWater.

These fighters are being guided by long time respected matchmaker and boxing mind, Joe Quiambao.

Quiambao’s philosophies on building fighter’s are really showing with the success of the Split-T stable.

“I’m working with a real good group of prospects and I see lot of promise. I expect to see big things from them as they only needed an opportunity from someone to show what they can do. These kids are very hungry because they want to prove themselves to us and to the rest of the boxing world. As you know I have been involved with quite a few champions and contenders early in their careers and I see a lot of similarities in the level of talents of the group here,” said Quiambao

Split-T Management growing roster includes Undefeated Bantamweight Antonio Nieves; Undefeated Light Heavyweights Joseph Williams and Joe Louis Jones; Undefeated Welterweights Wesley Tucker; Boubacar Sylla; Undefeated Super Middleweight Deandre Ware, Undefeated Heavyweights: Darlington Agha and Trent Rawlins and Adonis Stevenson conqueror, Super Middleweight Darnell Boone.

Split-T Management can be reached by at 917-627-6559 or by email atjoematchmaker@yahoo.com

Robert Guerrero to be inducted into California Boxing Hall of Fame 2016 class

“THE GHOST”
TO BE INDUCTED INTO CALIFORNIA BOXING HALL OF FAME
Ghost vs. Aydin SJ Merc.jpg
GILROY, CA (February 17, 2016) – The “California Boxing Hall of Fame” is happy to announce that multiple division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, will be one of its 2016 inductees.  The ceremony will take place at the Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center in Studio City, CA on October 22, 2016.
“The Ghost” who once fought at super-bantamweight (122 lbs) successfully moved up several weight classes to compete at welterweight, winning multiple world titles along the way, becoming one of boxing’s most notable warriors.  Still active today, Guerrero has plenty of fight left in him and wants nothing more than to get the fans more great fights.  He is thrilled to be part of the 2016 class of inductees.
“To be inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame is a great honor,” said Robert Guerrero.  “I have to thank my family and team for getting me to where I’m at today.  I couldn’t have done it without them.  As fighters, we put our lives on the line every time we step into the ring, and we do it for the love of the sport.  The fans are the ones who benefit from our sacrifices and that’s what it’s all about.  I love boxing and I want to let the fans know that I’m always going to give it my all every time I fight.  To be part of the 2016 inductees is unbelievable.”
WHAT:      2016 California Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies
WHEN:      October 22, 2016
                  Starts at 11:00 am
WHERE:    Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center “Empire Room”
                   12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
                   Phone: (818) 755-5000
                   Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel Phone: (818) 769-4700
Ticket Information
Luncheon Ticket – $75.00 (tax, tip incl.)
Send check payable to – California Boxing Hall of Fame
c/o Don Fraser
10516 Addison St, North Hollywood, CA 91601
For Advertising Information – Call (818) 761-4887 or Email: neicyrox@sbcglobal.net