Tag Archives: boxing

Sampson Boxing Signs Promotional Agreement with Undefeated Featherweight Mario Munoz

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated featherweight Mario “Yayo” Munoz to a promotional contract.
25-year-old Munoz, from Guadalajara, Mexico, currently sports a record of 16-0-1, 10 KOs and has been a professional since 2011. He will make his promotional debut under the Sampson Boxing banner onFebruary 19 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City when he takes on fellow unbeaten Adam Lopez (14-0, 7 KOs).
The fight against Lopez will be Munoz’s first outside Mexico. To prepare for this tough assignment, Munoz is working hard with trainer/manager Rafael Guzman and world-class Sampson Boxing stablemates Hugo “Cuatito” Ruiz (35-3, 31 KOs) and Jorge “Pilon” Lara (27-0-2, 19 KOs) in Guadalajara.
“I am proud to have a great promoter like Sampson helping me now,” said Munoz. “It will make me fight that much harder knowing I have the backing to become a world champion behind me. I will train to the top of my ability for February 19and for every fight I have with my new promoter. Together we will become world champion.”
“Sampson is my trusted friend and I feel this agreement will help Mario very much,” said Rafael Guzman. “Mario is very talented and determined and will go far in the sport. We needed the right promotional backing to take the next step and we now have it.”
“I am very happy to be adding another proud Mexican warrior to my stable of fighters,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “Along with Mario and Cuatito Ruiz and Pilon Lara I have the Red Flag, David Benavidez. Those are four very talented fighters and it makes me proud to be their promoter. Mario Munoz has a bright future in boxing if he keeps working as hard as he does and it’ll be a pleasure to help him with his career. It is my vision to continue to find new Mexican stars like him and welcome them to the Sampson Boxing family.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.
Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

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

DANNY GARCIA & AMIR MANSOUR PHILADELPHIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 
Click HERE For Photos From Bill McCay/Premier Boxing Champions
 
PHILADELPHIA (January 14, 2016) – Before they travel across the country for theirSaturday, January 23 showdowns, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour held a Philadelphia media workout Wednesday to discuss their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes bouts taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Garcia faces former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in a welterweight world title fight while Mansour takes on 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale in heavyweight action. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a welterweight battle between Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez and Aron Martinez.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
The workout took place at Garcia’s DSG Boxing Gym and the undefeated star was joined by his father and trainer, Angel Garcia. Here is what the participants had to sayWednesday:
DANNY GARCIA
“I’m just focused on Robert Guerrero because at the end of the day, that’s the task in front of me. None of the stuff in the future can happen if don’t get the job done.
“I feel like I’ve faced some real good fighters. We just want to keep winning fights and getting bigger fights.
“It’s almost impossible to predict the future in boxing. That’s why I don’t get ahead of myself. If the opportunity is in front of me, I’m going to take advantage of it.
“I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today. It’s just about taking it one fight at a time to get to where we want to be.
“This is my first fight being a father and I’m dedicating it to my daughter. I’m wearing pink and black for her. I named her Philly because of how important the city is to me. I’m the first Latino boxing champion from Philly and I wanted to name her something that was important to me.
“I represent everybody. I’m from Philadelphia, we’re all the same here. There’s not just one ethnicity. Where I’m from, we’re all cool.
“I knew the opportunities would come and that I’d be fighting for a title eventually. There’s nothing like a championship fight, it’s just a different atmosphere.
“We’re eating right, dieting right. We were already training like this was a title fight and now it’s come to fruition. I fought Morales for a belt and now I’m fighting another Mexican warrior in Guerrero.”
AMIR MANSOUR
“I expect Breazeale to come to fight. Looking at his prior fights, he doesn’t back down. That’s what I like. I don’t think that he’s going to run. He’ll engage and it’ll be an interesting fight.
“Breazeale is a tall guy but he’s nothing different. You just have to train hard and focus on the task at hand.
“I prepare to fight. I don’t prepare to run from a guy. I’m preparing to strategically target my opponent’s weakness. I don’t think he’s faster than me, I don’t think he’s stronger than me, he’s just taller than me.
“I don’t think this fight is going the distance. I’m always going to predict that I’m going to be the winner. I really want to get this guy out of there and not leave it in the judges hands.
“This isn’t my first time on the big stage. A win is a win. We’re all one punch away from success and one punch from failure. Any win is a blessing.
ANGEL GARCIA
“We’re going up there the same way whether it was for a belt or not. Hungry and we’re coming back with that treasure.
“After he wins that belt, I’m going to call my son the undefeated champion of the world yet again.
“My son now knows that feeling of being a family and you never really know that until you’re a father. He’s always been humble but now he’s really doing it for his daughter. Now he can live the rest of his life to make sure her and her kids and grandkids will be okay.
“Danny still trains the same. When we’re in camp, it’s camp. It’s all about Danny Garcia. Him and me do it like we’ve always done.
“Danny had his mind on 147 for a while. We should have gone right to 147 after Matthysse but I wanted him to take his time. We’re where we want to be now.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage,www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

DEONTAY WILDER & ARTUR SZPILKA WORLD TRADE CENTER PHOTOS

 
Click HERE For YouTube Link To Footage Of Near-Brawl Between The Heavyweights During Photo-Op
 
Heavyweights Meet Face-To-Face During Visit To
The New World Trade Center Before They Meet In The Ring
Saturday, January 16 At Barclays Center
Live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)
 
Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
BROOKLYN, NY (January 13, 2016) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and Polish contender Artur Szpilka continued their fight-week activities Wednesday, staring each other down for the first time at 4 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.
On Saturday, January 16th the two men meet in a battle for Wilder’s heavyweight world title live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features unbeaten Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov battling for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Championship.
Wilder and Szpilka posed for photos on the 57th floor of 4 World Trade Center.  Across from 4 World Trade Center is the “heavyweight champion of Manhattan skyscrapers”, One World Trade Center- standing 1,776 feet tall.
As the event came to a close, Wilder and Szpilka exchanged shoves and verbal jabs and they had to be separated by their respective teams. They will go face-to-face again tomorrow afternoon at the final press conference before Saturday’s championship showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.
Tickets for the live event, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Purchase before January 1 and receive a 10 percent discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Ty Barnett battles former world title challenger Daniel Attah on Saturday, February 27 at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Plus undefeated Beltway attractions Mykal Fox, Sam Crossed, Albi Sadikaj, Antonio Magruder & Luther Smith
Washington, D.C.. (January 13, 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.
He turned professional in 2005 and went 16-0-1 in his first 17 bouts.
The 33 year-old has wins over Deon Nash (3-0), Pavel Miranda (17-1); Jose Leonardo Cruz (13-3-2); Johnnie Edwards (14-2-1); Tyrese Hendrix (18-1-1);   Barnett is looking to get back in the win column following his 9th round stoppage defeat to former world title challenger Cosme Rivera on May 31, 2014 in Washington, D.C.
Attah of Washington, D.C via Nigeria has a record of 28-21-1 with 11 knockouts.
Attah, 37 years-old is a 20 year veteran who has some terrific wins on his resume.
He has wins over Miguel Figueroa (4-0-1), Elvis Ortiz (1-0-1), Brian Adams (7-0-1), Juan Carlos Suarez (14-2-2), Hicklet Lau (10-2-2), Kareem Braithwaite (6-1).
He won the WBO-NABO Super Featherweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision over Aldo Valtierra on February 25, 2000.  After winning the title he had three more quality wins over Keylang Umana (19-2), Ariel Nestal (24-2-4) and former world title challenger Ever Beleno (38-8) to set up a shot at undefeated WBO Super Featherweight champion Acelino Freitas.
Attah showed his toughness by going the distance with the Brazilian knockout artist, but fell short by losing a 12-round unanimous decision.
The loss to Freitas did not dissuade Attah as in his next bout he defeated Toncho Tonchev (27-1).  Attah also has wins over Isidro Granados (14-1-2) & Marvin Quintero (20-2).
Attah has fought 6 world champions and 7 men who have fought for world titles.
Scheduled to appear on a packed undercard that will feature many favorites from the greater Washington, D.C. area will be:
Middleweight Demond Nicholson (15-1, 15 KO’s) of Laurel, MD in an 8-round bout.
Cruiserweight Jordan Shimmell (19-1, 16 KO’s) of Hudsonville, MI in a 10-round bout.
Super Welterweight Mykal Fox (8-0, 2 KO’s) of Forestville, MD in a 6-round bout.
Sam Crossed (1-0, 1 KO) of Greenbelt, MD in a 4-round Cruiserweight bout.
Albi Sadikaj (4-0, 4 KO’s) of Fort Washington, MD in a 4-round Cruiserweight bout.
Antonio Magruder (3-0, 2 KO’s) Washington, D.C. in a 4-round Super Lightweight bout.
Luther Smith (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Bowie, MD in a 4-round Heavyweight bout.
All opponents will be announced shortly.
Tickets are on sale now for $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased atwww.beltwayboxing.com

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located at 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

ARON MARTINEZ, JAVIER MOLINA AND ALEJANDRO LUNA LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

 
Local Fighters Prepare For PBC Fight Week In L.A. Showdowns

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
LOS ANGELES (January 13, 2016) – With the highly anticipated “Fight Week On FOX In L.A.” just around the corner, Mexican warrior Aron Martinez, top welterweight prospect Javier Molina and undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro Luna held a media workout Tuesday that filled the Wild Card West Boxing Gym in Santa Monica with local media ahead of their respective battles.
On Tuesday, January 19, Molina will face-off against undefeated prospect Jamal James in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Club Nokia at L.A. Live with televised coverage beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.
“Fight Week On FOX In L.A.” continues on Saturday, January 23, as Martinez will battle undefeated welterweight Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez on the debut of PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event headlined by the welterweight showdown between Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. Luna will also be featured against Alan Herrera on the undercard of theJanuary 23 event with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Both events are promoted by TGB Promotions with tickets available for purchase at AXS.com. January 23 tickets may also be purchased by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
 
Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:
 
ARON MARTINEZ
 
“Vasquez said he’s going to stop me and prove himself, but everybody says things before the fight. He’s going to start boxing once he feels my power. Although I don’t have the knockouts on my record I do have the power and he’s going to feel it.
 
“I was always training before this run of success started even when I was off for fourteen months before the Robert Guerrero fight.
“I think Guerrero underestimated me, I thought I won the fight but the judges had it differently.
“Against Devon Alexander, I was the bigger guy. I’ve been fighting at 147 my whole life going back to when I was an amateur. He couldn’t hurt me and couldn’t deal with my pressure. I learned from the Guerrero to close the show like I did against Alexander.
“This is my third southpaw in a row but I trained with my brother for many years who’s a southpaw. We sparred for years together and it was always about learning how to fight a southpaw. It might be weird to fight an orthodox fighter now.”
JAVIER MOLINA
“I’ve seen Jamal James fight a couple times, he has great reach and height but he gets tired late in his fights. He makes a lot of mistakes and has a lot of flaws.
“My plan is to get inside on him and chop him down.
“I prefer to fight in L.A. It’s been a while but I’m thrilled to be fighting on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, so this is a great opportunity for me to shine.”
ALEJANDRO LUNA
“I’ve seen Alan Herrera fight. He’s a very tough guy and I saw his fight with Monty Meza Clay, but we’ve had great sparring and we’re well prepared. I have a great deal of respect for him. I know how tough he is.
“There’s no additional pressure on me, I’ve fought at STAPLES Center before and I’m ready to go. It’s great to fight at home and I’m sure I’ll have a lot of supporters.”

Brooklyn Brawl to air on Tuff TV, This Sunday, January 17th at 10 PM ET / PT

     
You Can Stick To This Resolution–Watch “Brooklyn Brawl” on Tuff TV!
For Immediate Release
Brooklyn, NY (January 13, 2016)-The New Year is here and resolutions are being crafted as we speak. Lose that stubborn five pounds…stop using curse words so much..eat more broccoli. And we have one more to add to the list..and we at Salita Promotions guarantee you can stick with this resolution.

Here it is: make a promise to yourself to watch the latest episode of

“Brooklyn Brawl,” on Jan. 17, at 10 PM.

The rock ’em sock ’em action will screen in prime-time on Tuff TV, America’s first digital broadcast network to offer original programming targeted at men and the specific pursuits, interests, and hobbies they are passionate about.

Viewers will enjoy watching Guinness Book of World Records entrant Alicia Ashley show that age is nothing but a number, as she skillfully battles for the WBC super bantamweight championship, against the rugged Irishwoman Christina McMahon. Ashley has now surpassed Bernard Hopkins as the boxer who most deftly has fended off the ravages of Father Time. She’s 48, and great.

Also, tune in to Tuff and see the US debut of skilled bantamweight contender Nikolay Potapov, a Russian scrapper who is on the cusp of receiving a title shot.

NYC-area and increasingly, nationwide fight fans have come to expect solid matchups featuring contenders, rising stars and talented up ‘n comers showing their stuff on “Brooklyn Brawl” promotions. The TV broadcast features the work of NYFights.com publisher and editor Michael Woods, formerly of ESPN Magazine. He called the blow by blow action with analyst Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, the heavyweight prospect now in the mix as one of the top American heavyweights in the game today.

Brooklyn Brawl will premiere Sunday, January 17th at 10:00 PM Eastern and Pacific. It will also air on Sunday, January 24th and Sunday, January 31st at the same time. The show was produced by Harry Cicma Production LLC

“We are pleased to offer our product to Tuff TV, which reaches more then 40 million TV households in the United States and Puerto Rico, and has a network of 45 broadcast affiliates in 42 television markets,” said Salita Promotions head Dmitriy Salita. “Fans in LA, Chicago, Philly, Atlanta, and on and on will be pleased with the card. We look for 2016 to be another step in the right direction for our company and our fighters, who are frequently being featured on premium cable and broadcast television. Junior middleweight Steven Martinez made us proud with his recent knockout win over Jorge Melendez. Big Baby Miller, Bakhtiyer Eubov will be on Showtime January 22, and their fan base is growing in a big way. I wish all fight fans a happy new year, and ask you to log on to our website to get updates on our fights and fighters!”

DEONTAY WILDER VS. ARTUR SZPILKA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (January 12, 2016) – A huge fight week featuring the first two heavyweight world title fights in Brooklyn in 115 years kicked off Tuesday with media workouts at world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.

 

This Saturday, January 16 at Barclays Center, WBC Heavyweight World ChampionDeontay Wilder will make the third defense of his title against Polish bruiser Artur Szpilka while unbeaten heavyweights Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov battle for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Championship. The doubleheader will air live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP

 

Also in attendance at Tuesday’s workout were local favorites and featured undercard fighters Julian Sosa (3-0-1, 1 KO), Ivan Golub (9-0, 7 KOs) and Amanda Serrano (26-1-1, 19 KOs),who will fight Erika Kalderas (11-1, 4 KOs) in a vacant WBO Female Featherweight World Title fight on Saturday night.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

 

DEONTAY WILDER

 

“I’m just happy to be here in New York. There’s so much great history, especially in the heavyweight division, in this city so I’m really happy about the opportunity. It’s the media capital of the word and I get to fight at Barclays Center. It’s an exciting time.

 

“2016 is going to be a huge year for Deontay Wilder. The fans are going to be very excited and impressed with what I do this year. I’m not playing around. My goal is to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and whoever has those belts is going to have to deal with me.

 

“We’re on a mission. Everything that has happened has been planned. Everything seems to happen at the right time in my career and my life. I was meant to do this. Boxing was my calling in life.

 

“I consider myself the most athletic heavyweight in the division today. I’ve surrounded myself with good people and they’ve helped me get to this place where I am now. I’m happy for it.

 

“I’m from Tuscaloosa just like the Alabama Crimson Tide and they call Tuscaloosa ‘Home of the Champions.’ There’s no better place to be a champion and I’m very proud of the National Champs.

 

“I’m happy that Szpilka got this opportunity. I’m sure he’s excited and overwhelmed. Most fighters don’t get this kind of chance. At the end of the day though, he’s never faced a fighter like me.

 

“I’m mobile and agile. My accuracy and my power is the best out there. Artur Szpilka is in for a world of pain.

 

“2016 is my year. I mean what I say. I feel it inside of me. Szpilka says he’s ready but he’s just trying to promote himself. I really mean what I say.

 

“This is big for me. Being in New York and making history, that’s a dream come true. I’ve been looking to come to Brooklyn for a long time to display my talent. Barclays Center needs a face and I’m looking to make it a home away from home.”

 

ARTUR SZPILKA

 

“I want to be the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world. I’m ready. This is important for Poland and my Polish fans.

 

“Wilder is very tough. He’s tall and strong. This is boxing. He’s human. I know I can beat him. He makes mistakes and I know what I have to do. I know him. I’ve studied him and I see what he does badly.

 

“I can’t wait. This is so important because the Polish people have supported me so well. I know I will be a hero after the fight. I know it and I believe it. Only four days.

 

“This opportunity to fight for a title and on SHOWTIME is something great. I’m here to make history.”

 

CHARLES MARTIN

 

“Getting to this point is very exciting but it will feel even sweeter when I walk out of that ring with the belt on Saturday. Heavyweight boxing is back.

 

“I’m going to go out there on my A-game. I’m going to box and I’m going to show off my power for everyone.

 

“We want to go in there and figure this guy out. We’re going to break through the barrier and end up on the other side a world champion.

 

“I’ve been doing my normal work in camp. We had some great sparring that got me ready for Saturday night.

 

“I’m not one to talk except when the media brings it out of me, but I definitely prefer to let my hands do the talking.

 

“I feel really good. I’m ready. My body is coming back stronger after training in Big Bear, California.

 

“This is the heavyweight division. One punch can change anything. I’m coming to be the IBF World Champion.”

 

VYACHESLAV GLAZKOV

 

“I’m only going to pay attention to what’s going on in the ring. If I relax I will be successful.

 

“I would like to take care of this bout and then work on unifying all the titles.

 

“My opponent has some skills but I have faced the better opposition. Power alone does not win a fight.

 

“I was always more successful fighting the bigger guys, so I am not worried about his size.

 

“My sparring partners were all perfect in preparing me for this fight. I am very confident in my preparation and it will show on Saturday night.

 

“I’ve seen some video of him. He’s definitely a tall guy. I’ve prepared especially for my opponent and anything he can do in the ring.”

 

AMANDA SERRANO

 

“I don’t care who I’m fighting. I want that belt. No one is going to take it away from me. I’m promising a night of fireworks.

 

“I’ll fight anybody. I’m a fighter at heart. I want all the world titles. I want to be an undisputed champion. Whoever they put in front me, I’m taking down.

 

“It’s an honor to fight at Barclays Center. I’m so thankful to have this opportunity. 2016 is going to be the year of Latino boxing.

 

“I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me and if you stay with me I promise you’ll never be disappointed.”

 

JULIAN SOSA

 

“This is a great opportunity for me on Saturday night and I’m really looking forward to fighting on a big stage like at Barclays Center.

 

“I have big goals in this sport and I know that every single fight is very important to do your best. I’ve trained very hard to get into this position and I’m not going to let it slip by me.

 

“No matter who is put in front of me, I want to excite the fans. I’m going to come forward and get the knockout.”

 

IVAN GOLUB

 

“I’m very excited to fight on such a big card at Barclays Center. It’s the first heavyweight title fights in Brooklyn in 115 years and I’m proud to be a part of that night.

 

“I think I’m going to have to box this guy. Everyone wants to win by knockout and if all goes to plan, that’s what we’ll see.”

 

# # #

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

DANNY GARCIA VS. ROBERT GUERRERO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Ray Flores
First of all, I want to send a Happy New Year to all the media and everyone that is joining us on the conference call. I’m really excited about Fight Week on FOX in Los Angeles. I could not think of a better way to kick off 2016 than the fight that we have on January 23 at STAPLES Center promoted by TGB Promotions.
It is Premier Boxing Champions Live on FOX and FOX Deportes on January 23 from STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is Fight Week and you get two fights that week – TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FOX Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPONES is on FOX Deportes. It is on Tuesday, January 18 at the Club Nokia at LA Live.
Looking at what we have on January 23, it is just going to be a tremendous matchup between two amazing welterweights and two of boxing’s biggest stars as you have Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, along with their fathers who are training them — Angel Garcia and Ruben Guerrero. They’re going to be joining us on the call in only moments.
I want to let you know tickets are still available. Get them now because we have been doing very well in regards to tickets. When you’re talking about the Garcia-Guerrero matchup, make sure to use the hashtag PBC on FOX.
Also on the card, we have another sensational welterweight matchup between the Iraq War Veteran Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. against Los Angeles fan-favorite — a man that endeared himself last year, Aron Martinez. Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes — also features an outstanding heavyweight bout between 2012 United States Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour.
Fight Week kicks off on Tuesday, January 18, Club Nokia in LA Live. The main event is 2008 United States Olympian and Southern California favorite Javier Molina — squaring off with undefeated prospect Jamal James.
Right now, we are going to welcome in one of our main event fighters. This hasn’t been easy for the fighters that have been training around the holidays, but they made the sacrifice anyway and have put themselves in tip-top condition.
First of all, we want to bring in, with the record of 31-0 with 18 wins coming by way of knockout, the former kingpin at 140 pounds campaigning and fighting at welterweight for the second time in his career. Looking at his resume, he has victories over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. He’s a star, he’s a rising super star, and he’s looking to have a big 2016, which is why he is kicking it off with this.
But before we get into this man, I want to bring in one of the promoters for what we’re going to be having on January 23 who is going to be promoting the event, from TGB Promotions, let’s bring in Brittany Goossen Brown.
Brittany Goossen Brown
Hello. I’m speaking on behalf of my father, Tom Brown, who’s actually in a meeting at the moment. But on behalf of all of TGB Promotions, we are really excited to be returning to STAPLES Center and partnering with FOX for another great event.
On this call today, we have two of boxing biggest stars, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. They’ll be answering your questions in a minute.
Along with them, on this card we have a welterweight showdown between undefeated Sammy Vasquez and LA’s Aron Martinez. Tickets do start at $25. They’re available at AXS.com. And the first televised bout will be at 4:00 pm on FOX.
This Fight Week on Fox in LA kicks off with TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS, which will be at Club Nokia at LA Live on the 19th. Those tickets also start at $25 and are also available at AXS.com. Doors open for that at 5:00 pm, the first televised bout at 7:00 pm.
It’s really going to be an action-packed week of boxing and we are very proud to be a part of it.
R. Flores
Premier Boxing Champions couldn’t visualize a better partner than what we have with those at FOX. They have been tremendous and the shows on Fox Sports 1 have been terrific.
FOX is known for having big events; the NFL, Super Bowls and big NASCAR events. Now we have Premier Boxing Champions on January 23.
It gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce John Stouffer of FOX.
John Stouffer
On behalf of everyone at FOX, FOX Sports and FOX Deportes, we’re excited for the return of boxing to the FOX Broadcast Network after almost 20 years. We’re thrilled to be working with the PBC to bring the highest level of boxing back to the masses on Saturday, January 23, free on FOX and in Spanish on FOX Deportes.
This will be a tremendous conclusion to a thrilling week of boxing here in LA, kicking off with the great action on FS1 and Fox Deportes. We wish all the boxers the best of luck and can’t wait for Fight Week.
R. Flores
I completely agree with the sentiments of John. We mentioned as well, Premier Boxing Champions is about putting boxing back on free TV. And these fights that we have on January 23 and January 19 are sure to capture the imagination of the public.
All right, let’s get back to business in regards to one of our main event fighters. As I mentioned, wins over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. Fighting out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an exciting style, and man-oh-man, he has vowed to put on a terrific 2016.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the former world champion. He is joined alongside by his father, Angel Garcia. Here is Danny “Swift” Garcia.
Danny Garcia
Thank you guys for having me on, I appreciate it. I want to say good afternoon everybody and thank you for having me on this conference call.
I’m very excited to be showcasing my skills January 23 at STAPLES Center live on FOX. I think it’s a great opportunity for the fighters to showcase their skills in a new audience. I want to thank FOX and I want to thank all my fans all around the world for making this happen.
Team Danny Garcia is training hard and we’re focused, we’re mentally prepared and we’re ready for January 23 and we can’t wait.
Q
Danny can you talk about training camp and balancing that with the holiday season?
D. Garcia
I’ve done this before. I’ve trained on the holidays before throughout my career. It’s nothing new.
Once I got the fight date in my head, it’s kind of like there are no holidays for me. So it wasn’t hard for me to stay focused. I trained just like any training camp. And me and my dad, we train hard every day. “The holiday is no holiday” is kind of a saying to us.
Q
What are the goals for you this year? And what do you think this fight can do for your future at 147?
D. Garcia
I think it’s a great fight, I think it’s a great fight for the fans. Two fighters who like to fight. So I think this is going to be an interesting fight and a great matchup.
This is just another fight to prepare myself for a fight for a world title. So I’m ready right now. Every fight in my career that’s going on now is going to be a big fight for me.
Q
12 months from now, where do you see yourself?
D. Garcia
I want to remain undefeated and hopefully be a champion if the opportunity comes up. We’re just taking it one fight at a time for right now and that’s how I did my whole career and that’s how I’m going to keep doing it
Q
When you’re in a fight, does that ever come across your mind when taking a risk or being a little more aggressive? Does that like weigh on you like don’t be too aggressive to risk something like that?
D. Garcia
No, not at all. I’m a fighter who takes risks all the time. I want to entertain the crowd. I have the ability to play it safe if I want too, but it depends on how I feel that day. But everybody knows that Danny Garcia likes to take risks.
When I’m in a fight, I’m just playing round by round; I’m not really worrying about a record or things like that.
Q
How does your body feel with moving up in the weight? You saw the power in your last fight. Do you feel like there’s anything different going from 140 to 147?
D. Garcia
To be honest with you, I feel a lot better. I’m happier now. When I fought at 140, I was always mean while trying to cut weight. I was never in a good mood. I think that’s why a lot of times I would go in there and just fight.
But now I’m able to think more; I’m able to be a lot smarter. My punches are crispier and my stamina is better. I’m able to run more, run more miles, train harder; more endurance. So I may have had the energy at 140 and do that, so at 147 so I just feel a lot stronger and I have more stamina.
Q
Do you see yourself being more active?
D. Garcia
Yes, I would love to stay active; I would love to stay active. But, you know, that my team’s job., I’m a fighter so whatever my team wants, I’ll do. So if they want me to fight two times or three times or four times, then that’s what I’m going to do.
But as for now we’re focused on January 23.
Q
With PBC giving you a lot of exposure, are you focused on just winning the fight or putting on a show with this national space so people can know outside of boxing who Danny Garcia is?
D. Garcia
It’s a Danny Garcia show. I’m always looking to put on a great show, and to go out there and give the fans an exciting fight because at the end of the day, I’ve got to give the fans their money’s worth.
So I’m going there and giving the fans their money’s worth in a great fashion and a smart explosive fashion.
Q
What kind of challenge does Robert present?
D. Garcia
I’m looking forward to – I know he’s going to come ready, but we’re ready. I’m looking forward to a challenge. I’ve prepared myself for a challenge every day, day-in and day-out. So I expect nothing but a great fight and a great performance by me.
Q
What are your goals at 147?
D. Garcia
We’re taking it one step at a time. The goal is to become a world champion again — my second division of being a world champion. So we definitely want to be a world champion again. And when the opportunity arrives, we’ll take advantage of it.
Q
Can you talk of what the difference is in approaching a fight as the underdog with nothing to lose compared to the undefeated favorite with a lot to lose?
D. Garcia
I always approach my mind with the same mindset and it’s just a winner’s mindset. I’m not really too concerned about being the underdog or the promoted fighter or favorite.
I always approach my fight mentally that I’m going to win. I never feed into the politics of the sport or who people think is going to win or going to lose. I prepare myself to be the best Danny Garcia at every fight, and that’s what I prepared myself to do for this fight.
Q
I know you’ve gone on record saying that you didn’t it to be a Puerto Rico-Mexico kind of fight. But here in LA, it becomes that. We just went through that with Cotto and Canelo.
D. Garcia
It is what it is. Whatever the fans want to take it as or whatever the promoters want to do with it, it is what it is. I have a lot of fans and I have a lot of friends out there in Los Angeles, California.
I feel like I represent everyone; Americans and things like that and a lot of Mexican-Americans. I’m an American-Puerto Rican.
So I feel like if you’re born in American and you’re Latino, I think it’s all the same. So that’s how I’m feeling and that’s why I just feel like I represent all the Latinos.
Q
Is there a different feel when you fight in LA, when you go down to STAPLES Center?
D. Garcia
It’s a great feeling; it’s a great atmosphere. I fought there once before with Kendall Holt. I was the undercard.
LA is where stars are born. So I’m looking forward to going out there and having a star performance.
Q
What do you feel your advantages are over Guerrero going into this fight?
D. Garcia
I just feel like I’m the better fighter. I’m one of the best fighters in the world., I got to go in there and be the best Danny Garcia and have a great performance.
Q
Have you seen where and learned anything from watching any of Guerrero’s past fights?
D. Garcia
I definitely watch the fights because at the end of the day, you know, I’m a boxing fan too and I just like to watch boxing.
I watch those fights and I see the things he likes to do and the things he doesn’t like. I’m just preparing myself for anything.
Q
Do you feel you have to make a statement?
D. Garcia
I’ve just got to go in there and get the job done like I always do. I’m not really worried about what’s next on the agenda or anything like that. Our main focus is to get the job done and that’s what we’re preparing ourselves for. Then we can talk about future opponents after the fight.
Q
Do you want to make any predictions for this fight?
D. Garcia
I’d like to say Danny Garcia wins by TKO. Round five.
Q
Did you think that Robert came back a little bit too soon for that Martinez fight and that perhaps is why he looked bad?
D. Garcia
I’m not really too sure. He might have underestimated the guy and not realized it was going to be that tough of a fight., I’m expecting a great Robert Guerrero and I’m focused on Robert Guerrero. I’m focused, I’m training hard. So I’m prepared for whatever I’ve got to do to get this victory.
Q
Kenny Porter has said he had called you out and you ducked the fight with Shawn Porter. Would you care to address that at all?
D. Garcia
I’ve never ducked anybody in the sport. This is actually my second fight at 147. So it wouldn’t even make sense to duck anybody.
I addressed the situation before when he called me out and I had my comments and he had his comments, and it was what it was. Danny Garcia doesn’t duck anybody.
Q
If the opportunity does present itself and even though the report states that it did, but if the opportunity does present itself, it’s something that you would be interested in, a fight with Shawn Porter?
D. Garcia
Yes, no doubt. I want to be a champion. If he’s a champion or there’s a belt up for grabs, then we’ve got to make it happen.
But as of now, I’m focused on Robert Guerrero and he is the task ahead. Can’t let nothing sidetrack me; I’ve got tunnel vision. I’m ready for this fight.
R. Flores
Angel, could you just give us some thoughts on training camp before we switch over?
Angel Garcia
Well yes. The time has been great, there’s no injuries. Danny is looking good. He’s got great sparring partners, as a matter of fact we spar in a few minutes a day. He’s looking great. January 23 the world will see again, as Danny said, the Danny Garcia Show. It’s not the circus coming to town, Danny Garcia Show is coming to town.
So California LA, get ready because we coming like a tornado. Right now they’ve got a storm out there, all this rain and all that. You know who’s causing that? We are.
So January 23, fans get ready baby. STAPLES Center on January 23. Love you guys.
R. Flores
Danny back to you for closing comments and then Robert Guerrero.
D. Garcia
I’m very excited for this upcoming fight January 23rd. Like my dad said, we’ve put a lot of work in the gym. It’s been a long, hard camp preparing ourselves for any situation. I can’t wait to go out there, show my DSG west fans a great fight.
R. Flores
Danny, thank you very much. We really appreciate it. We look forward to fight week with Danny Garcia and his father, Angel Garcia. As mentioned, fight week kicks off in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 19th, Club Nokia, PBC on FS1, Javier Molina and Jamal James.
We are excited and couldn’t pick a better place than STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Thank you to all the fans in Southern California for supporting PBC and the entire staff at STAPLES Center as well.
Let’s bring up a man who is representing the Bay Area, fighting out of Gilroy, California. He has won a world championship in multiple different weight divisions. Any time he steps inside the ring, it’s always electric, it’s always a show. He puts forth everything that he has and that much more. With victories over Andre Berto, Selcuk Aydin and Aaron Martinez, anybody that’s been put in front of him he’s fought and he has given everything. Not only is he a former world champion, but his wife is a world champion in her own right, having defeated cancer and she’s been cancer free for quite some time now.
Ladies and gentlemen, he’s joined alongside by his father and his trainer Ruben Guerrero, it gives me a great honor and pleasure to introduce the former world champion who is without question excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to fight Danny Garcia on FOX on January 23, ladies and gentlemen here is Robert Guerrero.
Robert Guerrero
Hello everybody, how are you guys doing? I’m excited to be here and ready for your questions, so shoot away.
R. Flores
Robert, before we have open it up for questions I want to touch base with you. We heard some of the media during the conference call asking and pretty much saying that you’re the underdog. How do you react to the fact that Danny is the favorite in this fight?
R. Guerrero
That don’t bother me at all. My whole life I’ve been an underdog, since I was a kid. My family was always an underdog, having to work out of a field and come up strong and get to what where we got. It’s just a way of life for us. A lot of us Latinos out there, that’s the way it is. We come from poverty and work our way to the top. We’ve always been with our back against the wall and always been an underdog. We never look at that being a favorite, we just come and get the job done.
Q
Could you talk about a little bit how being a boxer has shaped your faith?
R. Guerrero
It’s just that fight and that struggle, getting through everything day in, day out. That hard work. When you go back and you look in the Bible, God says to put out as much as he put into you. That’s what I do every day I’m in the gym. This is a sport where anything can happen. One punch could change your whole life. It brings you closer to God. Everything else I’ve been through, you put God first all the time and that’s how we live.
Just being in the ring and knowing what’s God done for me and my career and my family and how far he’s taken us by having that faith in him, it’s incredible. It’s incredible. STAPLES Center Los Angeles main event on FOX against an undefeated fighter like Danny Garcia, it truly is a blessing from God to be able to be in the position that I’m in and the circumstances that I’ve had to face to be in this position also. The only way you can overcome everything is by having faith in God.
Q
Could you talk a little bit about the positive and negatives sides of being kind of a public religious figure?
R. Guerrero
There’s always a positive to everything, no matter what the negative is. You get the people out there who test your faith and who judge you and try to tear you down. But, when you’re a believer in Christ, you put him first. Nothing else matters to you. You work hard and you do what you got to do and you let your actions speak for you and what God’s blessed you with.
That’s one of the things that we’ve always done. And I try to not overstep our boundaries and try not to be out there forcing the Lord’s word down people’s throat. You let it come and you let people see how much you’ve prospered and how good God is in your life.
Q
Do you think that you did come back to soon after the Keith Thurman fight to fight Aron?
R. Guerrero
I have no excuses. And, you know what? I came back; it was three months after the fight. I think somewhere around there; it was back in camp. Aron Martinez is a tough guy. Everybody saw his last fight and what he did. He came out rough and tough and did his job.
I think I have no excuses. I went out there and got the job done, he gave me a tough fight, and I’m not going to take anything away from Aron Martinez because he trained his butt off and came and did what he did and got the job done. So I have no excuses for that fight. You just got to get back on top of it and work hard.
Q
How did your body feel heading into that fight and coming out of the fight?
R. Guerrero
I felt a little drained and worn out. Not so much of the fighting, but I had other situations going on in my life at home and emotional stuff. It all adds up. But like I said, there’s no excuse. Aron Martinez came to fight and that’s what he did. I sucked it up and bent down and showed that true grit and got through the fight and pulled a victory off.
Q
What are your thoughts on Danny?
R. Guerrero
He’s been in some close fights. That’s the decision of the judges; that’s their job to do that. But, you’re just as good as your last fight. That’s what you look at. He came in and got the job done and stopped him. He cracked the wall through a division. Now it’s time to step in with me and that’s what we’re focusing on. We put a great game plan together and we’re excited to get out there and execute it.
Q
When you see that as a fighter that you’re fighting a guy who’s younger, he’s undefeated, does that give you a little more edge and if you do beat him does it make it that much sweeter for you?
R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely it makes it sweet to give somebody their first loss. It’s shows what a true champion is to see what they do after they lose and their adversity and their back against the wall. I’m excited to be getting in there with an undefeated Danny Garcia because I get that shot like everybody else gets that shot, to crack that zero and put a one there. It’s exciting.
Q
How important is your record finishing out?
R. Guerrero
It’s about trying to make yourself a better fighter. To come back strong and finish out your career with a strong output. It’s about becoming a world champion again and also attracting that Hall of Fame.
Q
I want to ask you about the whole — Danny didn’t want to make it a big deal about its Puerto Rico versus Mexico — but you know the fans always get so involved in it. You’re on the West Coast here, you know what it’s like, right?
R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely. Whether you like it or not it’s a rivalry and it’s been a rivalry in boxing and soccer and you name it for years. That’s what it comes down to, that’s what makes our two cultures so competitive at boxing. It’s because of that rivalry. Mexicans want to be better than Puerto Ricans in the game. In my honest opinion I think Mexicans are better in the game. It’s time to come out and show what I still got left and what I can do.
Q
Nowhere better to do than STAPLES Center right here in LA, right?
R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely. Where most of my Mexican fans are, all those Latinos out there, all those — I like to call them Chicanos out there — because that’s what we are.
Q
What advantages do you see you have over him?
R. Guerrero
There’s always that southpaw stance, being a volume puncher, a guy that throws a lot of punches. Plus being at 147 a little bit longer than him it’s all an advantage. The key is using those advantages and capitalizing on them and taking advantage of them. We got to go out there and execute the game plan and make it happen.
Q
You fought some of the top guys in the world at welterweight; Mayweather, Keith Thurman, Andre Berto and all of that. What have you learned from those fights that you could use against Danny Garcia?
R. Guerrero
You got to get better sparring. For the last couple of fights I’ve just been fighting with guys that are not even pushing me in the gym and getting me 100% ready. Guys that I can do what I want to do with in the ring. It just doesn’t cut it. It just doesn’t cut it.
That’s one of the biggest things that I’ve noticed in my training camp, is not having that solid sparring that’s going to take you to that limit and make you better, sharper, faster. Keep your eyes sharp, and be ready to make those exchanges where you do something wrong they’re going to make you pay no where you’re going to do something wrong and the guy’s going to shell up and just try to survive in the ring. You need those guys that are going to push you and make you better.
Q
Does the time in between fights give you time to heal up and get sharper better?
R. Guerrero
Not so much heal up. I always take good care of my body and I come out of these fights not really damaged too much. I mean, I do a lot of damage in the ring to guys and don’t take a lot of it. It’s a matter of me sitting back and analyzing everything that’s gone on in my training camps and my career and what I need to do, what adjustments I need to make in the gym to get back to where I need to be. I think we made those adjustments and I’m excited to get back out there and make it happen.
Q
Do you want to make a prediction for this fight?
R. Guerrero
Prediction; I’ll come in to fight. I’m coming to fight. Only God knows what’s going to happen and all I can say is I’m coming to win and put out my best performance I can put out and make it happen and become a champion in the welterweight division again.
Q
When we had Danny on the line, Danny made a prediction. I don’t know what your thoughts on his. He said he’s going to TKO you in the fifth round.
R. Guerrero
All I got to say is if that’s his prediction, come to do it. Because I’m coming to fight. I’m always up for that challenge and I love it because I know he’s coming to fight, too. If he’s coming to KO me in the fifth round, that means he’s coming to fight.
Q
Where do you see this putting you back in the rankings and how important is this fight to beat the undefeated with a lot of hype behind him in Danny Garcia?
R. Guerrero
This throws me right back in. There’s lot of hype behind Danny Garcia coming at 147 pounds. There’s a lot of big talk that he’s the next star in boxing that’s going to take over. Like he says himself, stars come to Hollywood. He’s a big star in the sport and I’m not going to say he’s not because he’s been doing what he’s had to do. He’s undefeated; he’s taken out a lot of top guys. His resume is great.
I think this is a tremendous fight for me to get back on top and to get back in the ranks. To show the doubters and the media and everybody out there that Guerrero got a lot left in him. I’ve been 100% prepared for this fight fight. We got that out of the way and it’s time to take care of business on the 23 and I’m excited about it.
Q
Do you think Danny is adding in the factor that he’s not going to be the bigger guy this time?
R. Guerrero
I think he’s going to be a lot bigger than people expect. Being at 140 for the amount of time he was and coming up to 147 pounds, he’s feeling great. He’s feeling strong, he’s feeling bigger. He just walked through Paulie Malignaggi and I know he’s expecting to walk through me. So he predicted the fifth round, a knockout. So he’s feeling great about himself. That just excites me, because I know he’s coming at his best and he’s feeling his strongest and he’s coming to fight. It’s exciting to know how he’s coming to fight.
R. Flores
Robert as we get ready to conclude the conference call, we really appreciate the time and looking forward to seeing you on fight week in Los Angeles. Did you have any closing comments for the media?
R. Guerrero
I’m just excited to be back in the ring. It’s great to be in such a big event, especially here at home in California, at STAPLES Center, in the heart of Los Angeles. I’m excited about that. Also with this great undercard with Aron Martinez who’s a local Los Angeles fighter also who’s coming up strong. It’s going to be an exciting card and I’m excited.
Everybody says that they had the best training camp ever that they’ve had in I don’t know how long. I’m just going to tell you I had a great training camp. I’m excited about this fight; I’m in great shape, feeling good. I can’t wait; I had great sparring. I can’t wait to get into that fight and show the world Guerrero’s still here. I got a little bit derailed and now I’m back on those tracks and it’s time to go full steam ahead.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com andwww.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

Melson to be Recognized at Johns Hopkins University!

 

New York, NY (January 11, 2016) – 2003 West Point graduate, philanthropist and WBC USNBC junior middleweight titlist Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will be recognized as a military star prior to the Johns Hopkins men’s basketball game Saturday, January 16 at the Goldfarb Gymnasium in Baltimore, MD.

 

An active Army Reserve Officer who was chosen for the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), Melson won four United States Army Championships, a gold medal at the Armed Forces Boxing Championship and was selected as an alternate for the 2008 US Olympic Team. Melson turned pro in 2010 and donated 100% of his purses towards a pending trial to help cure Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries. Overall, he’s raised more than $350,000 between his 17 professional bouts, three charity galas and other events.

 

On the 16th, Melson will present the game ball to officials while being escorted by Johns Hopkins’ ROTC cadets and the school will play a video at halftime titled “Still Fighting for the Cure”, which chronicles Melson’s journey to raise funds for a pending clinical trial that could impact hundreds of thousands suffering from Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.

 

“There are so many brave men and women that serve or served our country, especially in that region” said Melson. “The fact they thought of me is amazing. Never in a thousand years did I anticipate being honored as a military star by one of the best colleges in the country for my efforts in the ring and with Team Fight to Walk. I believe the video will move those in attendance and have them feeling the same way I did the first time Christan told me her story. It is truly a blessing that I have been chosen for this at a time where we need all the support we can get as we move closer towards the trial taking place.”

 

The video can be watched by going tohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4KvLQYWQ0E. Melson also partook in a candid interview with Donna Drake on CBS talk show “Live it Up” that can be seen athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbnXF6srafA.

 

For more information about Team Fight to Walk, please visitTeamfighttowalk.com. Tax deductible donations can be made on the website or by texting “Walk” to 20222.