Tag Archives: boxing

boxing, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

ANDY LEE & BILLY JOE SAUNDERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES FOR WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT

Leave a comment

THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHO EXTREME®

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Lee vs. Saunders
Airs Live at 5 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME; Encore Presentation at 9 p.m. ET/PT

“He’s not good enough to beat me.” – Andy Lee

“I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.” – Billy Joe Saunders

 

SHO VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1ROfSkF

NEW YORK (Dec. 15, 2015) – WBO Middleweight World Champion Andy Lee and undefeated challenger Billy Joe Saunders held separate media workouts in Manchester, England, as they conclude preparations for their eagerly awaited showdown this Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME  (5 p.m. ET/PT)from Manchester Arena.

 

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) will make the first defense of his 160-pound title against England’s Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender.

 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of theBoxNation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggibefore and after the world championship showdown.  An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Here’s what Lee and Saunders had to say at their media workouts on Tuesday and Monday, respectively:

 

ANDY LEE:

“I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out, in any given second.

 

“I won’t rely on the punch.  I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure.

 

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment.

 

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage.  He’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by(Frank) Warren.

 

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points.  If I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round.

 

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

 

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS:

“I’m ready to go for Saturday night.  This is the best camp that I’ve ever had.  I’m prepared for the toughest test of my career, but I know that I’m in excellent shape to win this fight and become world champion.

 

“Andy Lee is a tough fighter – he’s proved that by becoming world champion and having the type of career he has had. But I’m undefeated and hungry and know that I’m on the brink of fulfilling a childhood dream.  I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.

 

“Training in Spain allows me to lock myself away from all distractions and focus solely on the fight.  It’s hard being away from home, but it’s all part of boxing.  It’s been a long camp, a tough camp, but after that I know that I’m ready to go through hell to make sure that I’m successful come fight night.

 

“The middleweight division is one of the hottest around and I’m prepared to fight any of the other champions in there once I win the title.

 

“Danny Jacobs had a great win against Peter Quillin, and then there is Canelo (Alvarez) and (Gennady) Golovkin.  I know the importance of this fight for the division and I want my name to be among the very best.  I’m taking it one step at a time, but I’m open to fight anyone.

 

“There has been no trash talk with Andy because we know what each person is about.  We share a similar background and neither of us is going to take a back step.

 

“This is going to be a very exciting all-action fight because we’re going to leave it all in the ring.  I know I have the skills to beat him and I intend to show the world why I’m among the best around.”

 

Saunders on fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jr.:

 

“The truth of the matter is that Eubank Jr. does not belong at the world level – he’s a phony. It’s as simple as that.  I wasn’t impressed with his win over Gary O’Sullivan, who I’ve already beat.  He thinks he can fool the public with a win like that, but he can’t.

 

“His aim now is to move up and fight the best guys in the world, but we saw what happened the last time he stepped up a notch and faced me: he was badly exposed.  The same thing will happen with him if he fights someone like Danny Jacobs for the WBA title.

 

“You’re not the best middleweight in your own country and you want to fight a world champion and say you’re going to beat him?  I think it’s a delusion and he thinks he’s greater than he actually is.

 

“Sooner rather than later he’s going to get exposed again as the fraud that he is.  You can keep talking, but eventually you have to back it up in the ring against top-level fighters.  He’s won his last fight and now he’s back talking (expletive) again like he’s the best fighter in history.

 

“If he has the balls to fight again, which I doubt, I would happily hand him another beating, this time in even more convincing fashion.”

boxing, HBO Boxing

FIGHTERS FEATURED ON THE HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® AND HBO LATINO® BOXING TELECASTS ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 SHARE FINAL THOUGHTS ON TRAINING CAMP

Leave a comment

 
LIVE FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, NEW YORK
 
Click HERE 

for Photos
LOS ANGELES (December 15) – Fighters featured on the December 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino shows at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York share their final thoughts on training camp as fight week kicks off.  In the main event of the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, former heavyweight world title contender Bryant “Bye – Bye” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia, will face the heavy-handed Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz  (23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round matchup for the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title. The co-main event of the night features former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion from Montego Bay, Jamaica’s Nicolas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0, 21 KOs) taking on Jason Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) of Camden, New Jersey in a 10-round super featherweight fight.  The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast will begin at10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
In the HBO Latino Boxing (12:15 a.m. ET/PT; tape delayed) main event Yuneski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) of Del Rio, Cuba will face Los Angeles’ undefeatedVyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) in a fight scheduled for 10-rounds. The co-main event will feature an exciting 10-round middleweight slugfest as “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) will fight the dangerous former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-5, 22 KOs). Opening the HBO Latino telecast will be former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs) squaring off against Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) of Houston in a 10-round lightweight bout.
Off camera, rising light heavyweight prospect, D’Mitrius Ballard (10-0, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will take on Brazilian seasoned fighter Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena(11-3-1, 8 KOs) in a six to eight-round light heavyweight fight and opening the night Manati, Puerto Rico’s Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-5-1, 26 KOs) and Steven Martinez (15-2, 12 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico will clash in a 10-round middleweight fight.
Below is what the fighters had to say about as their training camp comes to a close this week.
BRYANT “BYE BYE” JENNINGS, Former Heavyweight World Title Challenger:
 
“The weather is warm out here in Florida, and John David Jackson is doing a great job as my new trainer. He’s a man that knows the fight game being that he was a fighter himself, a former world champion to be exact. The little things he’s showing me are making a big difference. I was happy that my promoter Gary Shaw came out to visit and see the progress I have made.  We’re out here doing it. I believe I’ve become a better fighter, and it will show come fight night.
“This is a big fight for the heavyweight division. The interim WBA World heavyweight title is on the line. The winner will move on to bigger and better things. Everyone says he has a lot of power but his opposition is suspect.  He’s a big slugger and I’m a boxer that gives a lot of movement. I believe I’m the one with the better skills and better pro experience. I’m winning this fight.
“I think it’s great. The sport needs to keep its integrity.  Ortiz is a good fighter but he’s already shown that he has some insecurities. When a fighter gets caught cheating while using steroids to get an edge says a lot about that person. He paid his dues and now it’s time to fight.  With VADA testing installed for this fight, everyone will be on an even playing field.
“With Klitschko losing to Fury, the heavyweight division is wide open. There are a lot of hungry fighters out there ready to take charge and I’m one of them. I know I got what it takes to become a world champion. The heavyweight division is mine to be conquered.”
LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” ORTIZ, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion:
 “I am ready physically and mentally for this fight, and I am going to come out to destroy my opponent. I have not been able to show off my condition and preparation in my last few fights, and this is my opportunity to show the world that I am the best. I have been ready for a world championship fight for three years and am ready for to go 15 rounds if needed.
“This is the new era of the heavyweight division, and I am in the running to become the best in the world. I feel like I have the conditions to become a world champion; I have the power, speed and intelligence in the ring.
“Jennings will be a difficult fighter, but I am also a difficult fighter. I have been physically prepared for this fight for three years.”
NICHOLAS “AXE MAN” WALTERS, former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion:

“My focus is to be the smarter fighter in the ring, to focus, to fire off more combinations, to take control of the fight. We know that Sosa is a hard puncher and he comes to fight.
“This is an important fight for me because it is at 130 pounds, which is a step up for me.”

“Training the right way is the proper way to prepare for such an important fight like this. I know the difference in this fight is will be my speed in the ring.”

JASON SOSA, Super Featherweight Contender:
“I have been working extremely hard on speed and angles because we know that Walters is flat footed and I want to make sure I have an advantage with movement on fight night.
“We know that Walters is a tough fighter with an impressive record. He has beat Donair and Darchinyan which are both strong opponents. But we also believe that we are the bigger fighter being that this is his first fight at 130. He has never felt power like mine and I believe that will be my biggest advantage on Dec. 19.
“Winning this fight would mean everything that we have been working on for the past five years is starting to pay off and will put me in a good position for a World Title next year.”
YUNIESKI GONZALEZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“Every aspect of my training has been elevated to be able to make a great impression. Shabranskyy applies basic combinations and I am a fighter that is more complex and will bring that advantage with me on fight night.
“A victory on Dec. 19 will keep me on the right track as I climb to the top of the mountain and establish myself as an elite fighter in the light heavyweight division.
“I have focused on turning my punches over to maximize my power. I’m not going to give up too much information, but the world will see on Dec. 19.”
VYACHESLAV “LION HEART – CHINGONSKY” SHABRANSKYY, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“The primary focus of this training camp has been to make sure my power and conditioning are the best they can become Dec. 19. I will finish camp knowing that I’m in the best shape ever.
“Gonzales is an aggressive come forward fighter. He’s not the typical Cuban boxer, he is more of a ‘banger’ come forward fighter which isn’t typical of Cuban fighters and I have made sure to prepare for that.
“This fight, without question is the biggest fight of my career so far and is step closer to getting a shot at a world title. I’m a smarter fighter now. My team and I have a game plan in place, if I stick to that I believe the fight will be in my favor.
“With every camp there is growth. Everyday I come into the gym the goal is to get better, in every single aspect- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When there is a well-rounded growth it becomes easier to focus and devote myself to training, to be more willing to learn and to be taught.”
“KING” GABRIEL ROSADO, Former Middleweight World Title Contender:
 “My primary focus is to do everything Fernando tells me to do. I believe in his information and I’m confident that it will make me a better fighter.
“This fight means a new beginning; it’s the second chapter of my career, and I believe it’s truly my time to shine. I know that Clottey is a defensive-minded fighter and will be looking to counter. But, I believe that I have the advantage.  I’m younger, faster, stronger, and I believe my ring IQ is better.
“I’ve learned not to rush things, timing is everything. The focus and discipline has to be 100 percent. I believe that will show Dec. 19.”

JOSHUA “GRAND MASTER” CLOTTEY, Former IBF Welterweight World Champion:

“This is another that and I approach it like all my other fights: I train hard, eat correctly, get my rest properly and win.
“I know Gabe is very tough and always comes to fight so I expect a hard fight from him. I just will need to stay focused and I do what I need to in order to win.
“I want to be a world champion again, and I believe my experience will help me be one again and know I can do that by winning this fight.”
D’MITRUS BALLARD, Light Heavyweight Prospect:
“My primary focus going into this fight has been to become a better fighter, a more complete boxer. I want to make sure that I show all of my talents, experience and growth in the ring. The focus, the intensity of my training has been stepped up, my entire camp has stepped it up and we are ready.
“Winning this fight and advancing my record to 11-0 just means I’m one step closer to the goal a World Championships and putting people on notice that I am a threat in the light heavyweight division.”
 
YURIORKIS GAMBOA, Former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion:
“My primary focus for every fight is to get in the ring, get the job done in a way that I perform my best as a fighter, and the people paying for tickets go home happy with what they went to see. However for this fight I added another layer to that. I focus on proving to everyone that I still have what it takes to make it to the top.
“Winning means a lot. But the real pudding in the cake is winning this fight the way I know I can win it. Putting up a show for the people and getting the ‘W’ would mean the world to me. I am at a stage in my career that I need to fight as often as I can. I have to win but I also have to put on a good show to bring more and more people in to watch me fight.
“I think my experiences as a fighter are the only advantage I bring to this fight. Other than that, we are two hungry men with two arms waiting for this opportunity to shine.
“I learned that boxing is a lot tougher outside of the ring than inside. I learned that we are not meant to be boxing forever and have to take advantage of every opportunity in front of us as if it were the last one. I am about to put that to use.”
HYLON “KID COSMO” WILLIAMS, Lightweight Contender:
 
“This training camp my main focus was to put myself in a great state of mind and grind hard as I could stress free. I know my opponents a veteran fighter that’s had a decorated career and he’s been on my boxing radar since 2008 when I became a professional fighter.
“Winning this would be the door opener to the title shot I’ve always dreamed about and of course it’ll not only put a sock in people’s mouth but it’ll open the eyes to all my critics and have them see me in a new light.
“My youth and knowledge of the fight game will carry me through this fight. Having the heart to take on a former world champion shows I have the heart of a lion to protect my record and not duck anyone.”
Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).
Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. TheDecember 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.
Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.grayshawproductions.com, www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing,www.starboxing.com and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @TRboxing, @StarBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions-134758615997/,www.facebook.com/trboxing, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing, @TurningStone. Follow the conversation by using #JenningsOrtiz and #WaltersSosa.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED CONTENDER OMAR DOUGLAS MEETS FRANK DE ALBA IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES MAIN EVENT

Leave a comment
 
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29 FROM SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENT CENTER
IN BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (December 15, 2015) – Undefeated super featherweight contender Omar “Super O” Douglas (15-0, 11 KOs) faces his toughest test when he battles Frank De Alba (17-1-2, 6 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Tuesday, December 29 from Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
“I’ve been working really hard and getting great work in camp,” said Douglas. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I plan to take advantage of it. I know how to beat this guy and I know I am in great shape. I expect an early night, but if it goes 10 rounds, so be it.”
“I am really grateful for this opportunity,” said De Alba. “I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices to get to this stage. Now that we’re here, I’m going to take advantage. I know he is a strong fighter but we will be 100 percent come fight night. This will be an entertaining fight and I will give the fans what they pay for.”
This will be the ninth installment of the TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES series since it premiered on FS1 and FOX Deportes on September 8 at the Hollywood Palladium. The series has brought numerous exciting matchups and thrilling moments in 2015 and will continue to bring sensational fights to sports fans in 2016.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in his TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS debut in September when he showed power and skill in defeating Braulio Santos in his first ten-round outing. The 24-year-old had already beaten Daniel Attah in 2015 and previously took down veterans Anthony Napunyi, Jean Javier Sotelo and Osnel Charles.
The 28-year-old De Alba is undefeated since dropping his pro debut back in 2011 and has picked up victories of Jesus Lule, Bernardo Uribe and Jose Bustos in 2015. Born in Puerto Rico but fighting out of Reading, Pennsylvania, De Alba previously fought at Sands Bethlehem in January 2014 when he took down Chazz McDowell.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SuperO130KP, @FOXSports1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, UK Boxing

Corito Stops Ellis as Gelder Outpoints Bogdanovic In Malta

Leave a comment

ukpic1

On Friday night, at the Aria Complex in San Gwann, Malta’s own Heavyweight King Billy Corito scored yet another emphatic victory, this time over late replacement, Great Britain’s Matt Ellis.

 

Originally Corito was lined up to face Lee Kellett, who unfortunately was unable to make it through the floods in Cumbria to compete against the local star on this special Stephen Vaughan promoted Malta versus UK charity event, Fight For Life in aid of Caritas.

 

In front of a packed house, both fighters started hard and fast, Ellis utilising his jab to good effect to stop the local hero getting in too close, however as the bout progressed nothing Ellis could do could stop Corito getting in close and letting rip with big rights to the body of the Englishman.

 

The first two rounds were very close, but the third was a different matter altogether, Corito started fast and backed the Englishman onto the ropes with some superb combinations, once there Corito proceeded to target the body and then around the thirty second mark let rip with a powerful body shot that sent Ellis to the canvas, then as referee Lee Murtagh began the count the Englishman’s corner threw the towel in, which was ignored and the referee continued to count Ellis out.

 

The official time of the stoppage was thirty three seconds of the third round.

 

Following his victory Corito was informed by Stephen Vaughan that his next fight will be in the United Kingdom, where he will fight in a six rounder on the undercard of Tasif Khan versus Isaac Quaye WBU Super Flyweight World Championship bout in Bradford on February 6th.

 

Prior to Corito-Ellis, local Light Heavyweight Goran Bogdanovic made his professional debut against Bilston, West Midlands, UK’s Jamie Gelder.

 

Gelder started hard and fast, taking the fight to Bogdanovic, and then continued to keep up the high pace of attack for the entire four rounds, forcing Bogdanovic to be defensive throughout.

 

Bogdanovic did have some success, backing the Englishman onto the ropes and letting rip with fast and furious combinations of his own, however not enough to capture any of the rounds.

 

After four sensational rounds of boxing Judges Nick Aish and Stephen Farrugia both scored it 36-40, whilst Judge Gwayn Bonsfield scored the bout 37-39, all in favour of Jamie Gelder.

 

Supporting the two professional bouts were a number of Malta vs UK Novice Pro bouts as well as two exhibition bouts featuring local fighters.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

REGIS PROGRAIS KNOCKS OUT ABEL RAMOS IN MATCHUP OF UNBEATEN 140-POUND PROSPECTS IN MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

Zenunaj, Rolls and Baranchyk All Impress With Knockouts

At Bayou City Event Center In Houston;

Heavyweight Challenger Artur Szpilka Interviewed During Telecast

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 12, 2015) – Regis Prograis dominated previously undefeated Abel Ramosen route to a ninth-round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME on Friday at Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Prograis (16-0, 13 KOs) was connecting at a more than 5-1 rate the last three rounds of the fight before Ramos’ corner asked referee Laurence Cole to stop the fight.

 

With the loss – and the previous results in the quadrupleheader – Ramos became the 139thfighter to suffer his first loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

Prograis was the more aggressive and effective fighter from the outset.  He landed 53 percent of his power shots compared to just 28 percent for Ramos while throwing more than 250 more total punches.

 

Ramos (14-1-2, 9 KOs) simply couldn’t deal with Prograis’ speed and movement.  At the finish, he was a bloody mess from a cut around his left eye and a gash on the top of his head and had no answer for the onslaught of punches from his undefeated opponent.

 

“It was an incredible fight,” Prograis said.  “It was really, really tough and I didn’t think I was going to stop him, but I did.  We stuck to the game plan and I am happy.

 

“He was really messed up.  I don’t like to talk bad about my opponents, but I definitely hurt him and think that maybe they should’ve stopped it earlier. You never want to hurt anybody that bad where it can affect them in the long run.”

 

After the fight, Ramos complained that he wasn’t the same after the accidental head butt in the fifth that opened the gushing cut on the top of his head.

 

Late-replacement Dardan Zenunaj handed previously unbeaten lightweight prospect Bryant Cruz the first loss of his career after Cruz’ trainer Ronnie Shields called an end to the fight after the seventh round.  Zenunaj was ahead 67-64 on the three judges’ scorecards after the seventh.

 

Cruz was the more active fighter, throwing 754 punches through seven rounds compared to just 555 for Zenunaj, but it was clear that Zenunaj was landing the more powerful shots.

 

Zenunaj (11-1, 9 KOs) knocked Cruz down midway through the fourth with a wide left hook.  Cruz survived the round, but continued to eat a series of big shots to close the round.  Cruz bounced back but couldn’t keep Zenunaj from picking his shots and landing damaging power punches.  Zenunaj floored Cruz again with another strong blow in the final seconds of the seventh, Cruz beat the count, but Shields had seen enough and halted the fight when Cruz (16-1, 8 KOs) returned to the corner.

 

Zenunaj out-landed Cruz 40-24 in the seventh, the only time in the fight that he out-threw and out-landed Cruz.

 

“I wanted it to be a war for all of the people watching and I did it, so I’m feeling really good,” Zenunaj said.  “He is really good, much stronger than I believed he would be.  He hung in there, but I did the work and I won.

 

“Today was my first fight in the U.S. and it won’t be the last. Next year is going to be a big year for me.”

 

After the fight, Cruz didn’t make any excuses for the disappointing performance.

 

“I came in really confident that I was going to win.  I had almost seven weeks of training and this guy took the fight on a week’s notice.

 

“I came in thinking I was going to win, but it didn’t go my way.  He was a tough opponent. He came forward and hit me with some really awkward shots.  He’s an awkward fighter and he hit me with different angles I hadn’t seen before. He caught me by surprise, but that’s the way that boxing is so I can’t really be too upset with myself by this loss. I will come back stronger.

 

“I did everything I could and gave it my all.  I tried to listen to the punch list from my coach, but he just out-hustled me and I give him all the respect for that.”​

 

In a matchup of middleweight prospects, Steve Rolls scored an impressive fourth round TKO over previously undefeated Steed Woodall.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHT:http://s.sho.com/1O1bf7g

 

After two close rounds, Woodall knocked Rolls down midway through the third.  While Rolls complained it was a slip, Woodall came out blazing after the count and legitimately hurt Rolls in the final minute of the round.  Rolls (13-0, 7 KOs) came back with a vengeance in the fourth, landing nearly a dozen big right hands.  With Woodall wobbling around the ring with his guard down, referee Laurence Cole stepped in to halt the contest at 2:46 of the round.

 

“I was prepared to do what I came here to do,” said Rolls, who landed 41 percent of his power shots.  “I didn’t agree with the knockdown, but that’s the nature of boxing. That kind of stuff is going to happen and you just need to pick yourself up, collect yourself and fight on.

 

“I’m going to rest a bit and really just soak it in and relax.”

 

Woodall (8-1-1, 5 KOs) complained that the stoppage was premature.

 

“I didn’t agree with the stoppage,” Woodall said.  “I was caught on my ear so that threw off my balance a little bit, but I was totally fine.  I’m wise enough to take a knee if I wasn’t able to continue, but that wasn’t the case.  I definitely feel that was a premature stoppage but I’m not a sore loser.

 

“Now it’s back to the drawing board. I need to sit down with my manager and get back to training camp.  I know it’s soon to say this after the fact, but I’ll definitely be looking for the rematch at some point.  But, for now, it’s back to the drawing board.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Ivan Baranchyk (9-0, 8 KOs) knocked out previously undefeated Shadi Shawareb (9-1-2, 5 KOs) with a steady diet of power shots at 2:28 of the first round.

 

Polish southpaw Artur Szpilka was interviewed by ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhoodduring Friday’s telecast as he prepares to challenge undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder on Saturday, Jan. 16 on SHOWTIME.  During the interview, Szpilka warned Wilder that he’s coming to take his belt:

 

“Artur Szpilka is future heavyweight champion, future Polish champion and a wonderful person.  I can’t wait, man.  I can’t wait.

 

“I was so excited.  When I was very young I dreamed that one day I would be champion, and now I have that opportunity.  Thank you to the champ for giving me the chance.  But you don’t see what you’re doing.  This is no joke.  This is no (expletive) joke.

 

“This is very important for Polish fans.  This is when I change my story, change my life, change what people think about Polish people here.  Polish people have heart, we have everything.  And now I must show everyone what I want.  I am so confident, you will see.  I can’t wait.

 

“Listen, I don’t care what everyone thinks.  I care what my team thinks.  I care what my family, my people think.

 

“I’m going to kick his ass.  Remember, champ, I’m going to kick your ass.  Happy Holidays, champ.  Do not sleep.”

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader will re-air on Monday, Dec. 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning Saturday, Dec. 12

 

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 Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

boxing

JENNINGS VS. ORTIZ ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK ® TO FEATURE A FULL CARD OF EXCITEMENT AT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, NEW YORK ON DEC. 19

Leave a comment

 
HBO LATINO BOXING ® CARD ADDS YURIORKIS GAMBOA VS. HYLON WILLIAMS JR. AS TELEVISED OPENER
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
LOS ANGELES (Dec. 11) – A full night of action awaits fans on Saturday, December 19 as heavyweight world title contender Bryant “Bye-Bye” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) and undefeated Cuban star Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) battle for the WBA interim Heavyweight World Title on HBO Boxing After Darkstaring at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gray Shaw Productions. The undercard of the event will also see three stellar undercard bouts one featuring the return of Cuban superstar Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs), as he squares off against Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on HBO Latino Boxing at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay) presented in association with SMS Promotions.
Featured in off-TV bouts will be unbeaten super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Brazilian seasoned fighter Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena (11-3-1, 8 KOs) in a 6 to 8 – round brawl and an all-Puerto Rico 10-round clash between Manati’s Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-5-1, 26 KOs) and Bayamon’s Steven Martinez (15-2, 12 KOs).
As previously mentioned, Nicholas “Axe Man” Waters (26-0, 21 KOs) battlesJason “El Canito” Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight matchup as the co-main feature of the HBO Boxing After Dark portion of the televised undercard presented by Top Rank. In the HBO Latino® Boxing portion of the televised night, Cuban light heavyweight contender  Yunieski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) fighting out of Miami, Florida will face the undefeated power-puncher, Vyacheslav  “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 10-round light heavyweight main event presented in association by Star Boxing. Plus, former world title contender, “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) of Philadelphia makes his highly anticipated return to the ring against former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-4, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, in a 10-round junior middleweight co-main event.  The HBO Latino Boxing event will start at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay) or immediately following the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast.
Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
A 2004 Olympic Gold medalist for Cuba, Guantanamo native Yuriorkis Gamboa was one of the greatest fighters to graduate from the Cuban amateur boxing program, and he has not stopped making history as a professional. Now living in Miami, the 33-year-old Gamboa has won three world titles already, defeating the likes of Orlando Salido, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Darleys Perez. Following the lone loss of his career in a Fight of the Year candidate against Terence Crawford in June of 2014, Gamboa bounced back with a technical knockout of Joel Montes de Oca five months later, and now he makes his return to the ring on December 19.
Houston’s Hylon Williams Jr. was a decorated amateur himself, winning National PAL and National Golden Gloves titles while also securing a spot as an alternate on the 2008 United States Olympic team. As a pro, “Lil’ Ced” has won all but two of his pro bouts, with his most recent draw against Jason Litzau in August coming after a nearly three-year layoff. On December 19, he gets a chance to make a statement to the boxing world if he can defeat Gamboa.
Blasting through all comers at super middleweight, Washington, D.C.’s D’Mitrius Ballard is one of the top prospects from a region of the United States that is producing more world-class fighters than any other these days. Showing his ability to box as well as bang in recent victories over Josue Ovando and Juan Carlos Rojas, the 22-year-old Ballard is looking to end the year with a knockout when he faces an opponent to be determined in a six-round bout.
Fabiano Pena of Los Angeles has accumulated an impressive record of eleven victories since his professional debut in Balneario Rincao, Santa Catarina, Brazil in February of 2013, where he went on to claim the vacant Brazilian cruiserweight title against Lourival Luiz Da Silva that same year. He made his U.S. debut in 2014 boasting a win against Dave Valykeo at the Wheeling Island Casino Racetrack in Wheeling, West Virginia, and hit a rocky patch with one win and three loses in 2015. Pena will seek redemption as he takes on an evenly matched opponent in D’Mitrius Ballard.
A power puncher who delivers the knockouts Puerto Rican fight fans love, 26-year-old Jorge “The Destroyer” Melendez has won several regional titles over the years, but after snapping a two-fight losing streak with a 68-second finish of Antonio Rodriguez in June, the Manati native is firmly focused on finishing 2015 with another win and beginning his quest for world title honors in 2016.
Owner of wins in four of his last five bouts, Steven Martinez packs fight-stopping power in his fists, and with nine of his 12 knockouts coming in three rounds or less, he will be hoping to make short work of Melendez in this battle for Puerto Rican pride. But more importantly, with a victory over this veteran contender, the 25-year-old Martinez can start to make his move up the divisional ladder.
Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).
Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. TheDecember 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.
Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.grayshawproductions.com, www.toprank.com,www.hbo.com/boxingwww.starboxing.com and www.turningstone.com.  Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @TRboxing, @StarBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions-134758615997/,www.facebook.com/trboxing,  www.facebook.com/StarBoxing,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing, @TurningStone. Follow the conversation by using #JenningsOrtiz and #WaltersSosa
boxing, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME®  UNVEILS SATURDAY’S MIDDLEWEIGHT MAIN EVENT IN 360 VIDEO, WHERE UNDERDOG DANIEL JACOBS KNOCKED OUT PREVIOUSLY UNDEFEATED PETER QUILLIN

Leave a comment

 

 

Viewers Can Watch The All-Brooklyn Showdown In Virtual Reality On Multiple Platforms

cid:image001.jpg@01D130FA.BFDB1BA0

cid:image002.jpg@01D130FA.BFDB1BA0

 

Photos: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK, NY – December 8, 2015 – For the first time ever, a boxing match has been released in its entirety in 360 degree immersive virtual reality, as SHOWTIME captured the shocking first round TKO from Saturday night’s main event between WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs’ and previously undefeated challenger Peter Quillin. The all-Brooklyn main event has been made available in 360 video from ring-side, giving fans an unprecedented boxing experience. The virtual reality video engrosses viewers in the matchup of the top middleweights, facing off in the prime of their career, where Brooklyn’s Jacobs (31-1, 28 KOs) won the “Battle For Brooklyn.” The 360 footage is viewable on the SHOWTIME Sports’ YouTube channel*, the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page, on the Samsung Gear VR via the MILK VR app and Littlestar VR apps for Samsung Gear VR, iOS and Android.

 

The telecast is currently available On Demand, on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and on the SHOWTIME streaming service. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event happened live on SHOWTIME on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. One minute into the fight, Jacobs landed a straight right to Quillin’s temple and pounced with an onslaught of punches while his opponent was against the ropes. Quillin stumbled forward and referee Harvey Dock looked in Quillin’s eyes and halted the fight without the challenger ever touching the canvas.

 

The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

boxing, ShoBox

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR QUADRUPLEHEADER TOMORROW/FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

 

Local Favorite Regis Prograis Headlines Against
Fellow Top Prospect Abel Ramos in Main Event
From Bayou City Event Center In Houston

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

HOUSTON (Dec. 10, 2015) – Eight fighters, including seven undefeated prospects, with a combined record of 92-1-5, weighed-in Thursday for the ShoBox: The New Generationquadrupleheader taking place tomorrow/Friday, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Bayou City Event Center in Houston.

 

Headlining the DiBella Entertainment- and Savarese Promotions-promoted event will be talented local prospect Regis Prograis (15-0, 12 KOs), who faces fellow unbeaten Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event.

 

In the co-feature, Bryant Cruz (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Belgium’s Dardan Zenunaj (10-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

Rounding out the telecast, Steed Woodall (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Steve Rolls (12-0, 6 KOs) clash in an eight-round middleweight match, and fast-rising Ivan Baranchyk (8-0, 7 KOs) faces Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight match.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Super Lightweights Main Event – 10 Rounds

Regis Prograis – 140 Pounds

Abel Ramos – 139 Pounds

 

Lightweights Co-Feature – 8 Rounds

Bryant Cruz – 132¾ Pounds

Dardan Zenunaj – 131½ Pounds

 

Middleweights – 8 Rounds

Steed Woodall – 159¼ Pounds

Steve Rolls – 159½ Pounds

 

Super Lightweights – 8 Rounds

Ivan Baranchyk – 139¼ Pounds

Shadi Shawareb – 141¾ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

REGIS PROGRAIS:

 

“He’s a tougher opponent than the guys I’ve faced, and a bigger guy, but I’m coming to win.

 

“I’ve been living in Houston fighting those rugged Mexican fighters for the last 10 years.  I know how to fight tough guys like that.  I know what he’s bringing.

 

“I didn’t get the knockout [against Amos Cowart], which is what I wanted, but I did land a lot of punches.

 

“I think if I hurt Ramos early I’ll be able to take him out, but I feel that he won’t hurt me.

 

“I have a lot of people coming out from New Orleans.  I’m not worried about the crowd – I’m here to do what I have to do.

 

“We can fight on the inside and pound it out or fight on the outside.  We’re ready for anything.”

 

ABEL RAMOS:

 

“I don’t feel like I’m coming in as the underdog at all. I have much more amateur experience and I have more of an edge over him.

 

“This time you’re going to see the real Abel Ramos. I’m feeling really good. I’m prepared and conditioned. You’re going to see a little bit of everything in the ring on Friday.

 

“He’s [Prograis] a very busy guy in the ring and throws a lot of punches but we will see how we handle it in the ring.

 

“I know he throws a lot of punches and I believe I can do the same but better. He throws a lot, but they’re not effective.  Going anywhere from eight to 10 rounds, I have an advantage to wear him down.

 

“I want to dedicate this fight to my cousin Margarito Camacho who passed away of a heart attack this Monday at only 43 years old.”

 

BRYANT CRUZ:

 

“I’ve been living here [Houston] and training here.  I’m trained by the best with Ronnie (Shields) and I’ve learned a lot from him.  I’m getting a lot of attention with him as my trainer and I’m getting to learn much more about myself as a fighter and my technique.

 

“Of course I believe there’s always more to learn and with a trainer like Ronnie I’ve gained much more confidence.   I feel the difference improving my technique.

 

“Sometimes I just have the instinct [to get aggressive] and I want to go at it and put the pressure on to really please the crowd.

 

“He’s [Dardan] not hard to look for and he likes to come forward.  I know he will be right in front of me and I know what to look for there.

 

“I’m a New York guy, so here in Houston I am a little bit out of my element, but I do have some people from back home coming out to support me.  I am going to go out there and go for it.

 

“I want to put on a good show but I’m also going to be a smart fighter and go in with my game plan to do what I came here to do.

 

“I knew I was serious about boxing after my first time sparring. I got beat up and I knew I couldn’t just give the guy that. After that, I stopped partying, stopped drinking and started running and training. When I went back I knew I was ready to beat him and I did.

 

“Since I started, I haven’t missed a single day in the gym; even when I’m not training for a fight I’m always training and refuse to miss a day in the gym.”

 

DARDAN ZENUNAJ:

 

“Moving to Oxnard to work with Robert (Garcia) has been a big step in my career.  I’ve sparred with (Vasyl) Lomachenko, Mikey (Garcia), (Jesus) Cuellar, Brandon Rios, some of the best fighters in boxing.

 

“I spared with Lomachenko for four weeks for his last fight.

 

“This is my first fight after moving to Oxnard so we are excited to show what we have been working on, show how we’ve improved.

 

“I took this fight on short notice, but we’ve been working in the gym.  This is a good opportunity for us.  This is the fight we’ve been waiting for.  He’s undefeated but beatable.

 

“I wasn’t worried because I was only about four pounds off-weight.

 

“I’m the type of guy who wants to fight the toughest fights.

 

“I knew that if I wanted to make a real name for myself in boxing I would have to go after it myself.  I knew I would have to come to America for I wanted to accomplish.

 

“I have watched Cruz and I know the way he fights.  It’s all mental.  I have that drive – I’d die in the ring.  I’ve seen Cruz and he doesn’t have that.”

 

STEED WOODALL:

 

“We’ve been working with Ronnie Shields for about five months now, sparring with Jermall Charlo and Edwin Rodriguez.  Having those guys around is a great experience.  I’m always in competition with them, pushing myself to the limit and learning from them.

 

“I have a naturally aggressive approach, even when I started as an amateur at 14 years-old. Now I am working off different approaches and know that I just need to let my hands go.  Ronnie is putting the finishing touches on me.

 

“Through training I’ve learned different approaches with my style. Different guys come in and with each of the different fights I learn different styles. I am always in competition to learn more and I am always training.

 

“I want to show the judges and the fans how much this fight means to me. I am going to be aggressive but will be fighting intelligently as well.

 

“This is a pivotal fight for me because I’ve been alone in most of my fights, but this time by mom will be here along with my brother, sister and brother-in-law. My mom is my biggest inspiration and to have her here means the world to me.”

 

STEVE ROLLS:

 

“He’s a young hungry guy that is coming to fight.  I’m not taking him lightly.  This is definitely the toughest fight for both of us.

 

“I feel great. I have had six to eight weeks of training and I feel great and ready.

 

“I’ve watched a little bit [of Woodall] and learned about him.  He looks aggressive and has a good amateur background, as do I.

 

“I let my trainers watch the fight footage and I just see whatever I need to see. I love to capitalize on my opponent’s mistakes.

 

“I feel better than ever. During running and training I feel much better than when I was in my twenties. Regardless of my age, I still feel that I haven’t even reached my prime.

 

“Now, as a fighter, I am much more confident and more relaxed with my strategy.

 

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to fight on national TV against an undefeated guy.  This is my big shot.”

 

IVAN BARANCHYK:

 

“I have been training very hard for this fight.  This opportunity is what I have been working so hard for.

 

“As a young, motivated fighter, I want to continue to improve and never stop working towards getting better every day.

 

“When I first started training, even as an amateur, I realized the potential and the impact of my power punch.

 

“I do not stop training.  I am extremely motivated and will keep working harder than anybody else to get where I want to be.”

 

SHADI SHAWAREB:

 

“I am not worried that I took the fight on short notice.  I stay prepared and I have been in the gym staying in good shape.

 

“I am always busy.  When I’m not working, I’m in the gym training.

 

“I know I need to mix it up, get inside and outside.  I’m going to throw out a little bit of everything.”

 

# # #

 

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 on ShoBox 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.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM DANNY GARCIA AND ROBERT GUERRERO  PRESS CONFERENCE IN ADVANCE OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES SHOWDOWN ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 AT STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

Leave a comment
 
 
CO-MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS SAMMY VASQUEZ AND ARON MARTINEZ ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Idris Erba/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LOS ANGELES (December 9, 2015) – Before undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs) face-off in a 12-round welterweight showdown on Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles they met Wednesday for a press conference at the Conga Room at L.A. Live to formally announce their primetime battle.
Garcia and Guerrero will headline the televised action on the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes fight card beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Undefeated rising star Sergeant Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez (20-0, 14 KOs) and Los Angeles-native Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs), who will meet onJanuary 23 in the FOX co-main event, were also on-hand at Wednesday’s press conference.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB 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.
Here is what the participants had to say at today’s press conference:
 
DANNY GARCIA
“I want to thank California for accepting me and giving me the chance to showcase my skills at STAPLES Center.
“Training camp has been going well. We already started sparring. I feel a lot stronger at 147-pounds. The world hasn’t seen the best of Danny Garcia yet, but they’ll see a fresher, faster, stronger and smarter fighter on January 23.
“I’m from Philadelphia, but I feel like California is my home because they say this is where the stars come. And I’m a star.
“I’m going to go out there and set the tempo. I’m going to back him up. If I have to move around and use angles I will. I’m going to stick to the game plan.
“I’m looking to fight anybody at 147. I believe I will be a champion in this new weight class.This is another step for me towards taking over the welterweight division.
“There are always going to be critics. It’s not a source of motivation. My motivation is to go out there, train hard and win the fight. I want to make my family proud and be the best person I can be.
“Anything can happen on any day. I have to prepare myself for all of the outcomes. The way I prepare myself, I feel like nobody can beat me.
“I represent all Latinos. In order to be a star you have to come here and do it. No matter where you come from, great fights are what you want.
” Come January 23 I’m going to go out there and give the fans a great fight.”
 
ROBERT GUERRERO
“It’s a blessing to be in the position that I’m in. This is going to be a great fight. We know that Danny comes into every fight ready to win.
“A lot of people are writing me off, but I’ll come in 100% prepared to take the win onJanuary 23.
“This isn’t do or die for me, but it is a big fight. The fans love fighters and that’s what I am. As you saw in my fight with (Keith) Thurman, I come to fight.
“I’ve got to take advantage of this opportunity. If I want to get back on top then this is step one. This is a pivotal point in my career.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Danny and Angel, but on fight night I’m coming ready to do business. We can be friends after. I’m excited to fight on FOX.”
 
SAMMY VASQUEZ
 
“This is because of everything I’ve been through in my life. Now I’m standing here living a dream.
“I know come January 23 this is going to be a tough fight. Aron has faced many world champions. He had a close split decision with Robert Guerrero as well.
“Honestly, it’s easier to be fighting outside of my hometown of Pittsburgh. I’m so busy when I’m there and I try to give everyone attention. I appreciate having that fan base though. They’ve been with me from the beginning.
“The fans are who builds you up. Having those fans has allowed me to get to where I am today.
“I’m looking for fireworks. He’s definitely the type of fighter that’s a step-up for me, and that’s what I’ve been wanting. I’ve been saying I’ll fight anyone the put in front of me. Now he’s in front of me, and it’s my time to shine.
“I’m coming into his back yard, but this isn’t my first time doing that. I’ve done this before and come out victorious.”
 
ARON MARTINEZ
“I’m happy to be fighting in my hometown. I grew up here. I can’t wait to fight in front of my people.
“Friends are asking me what it’s like to be the underdog. I tell them I’m always the underdog. That’s what makes me work harder.
“I cannot let this man come here and beat me in my hometown. It’s a dream come true to be fighting at STAPLES Center, and I’m going to take full advantage of the opportunity to add this win to my legacy.
“Hopefully Sammy Vasquez is ready because I’ve trained very hard to get here. I plan to train even harder now, have a great camp right here in the capital of boxing, and finish preparing myself.
“I think this fight is going to steal the show. It’ll be fireworks!”
ANGEL GARCIA, DANNY GARCIA’S FATHER AND TRAINER
“We’ve got to take Robert Guerrero very seriously because we know he’s coming to win against Danny.
“Danny is 31-0 and I’m going to make sure nobody takes that zero away from him.
“The Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry will heat up. Danny is the best Puerto Rican fighter out there and we’re excited for the chance to prove it January 23 at STAPLES Center.”
RUBEN GUERRERO, ROBERT GUERRERO’S FATHER AND TRAINER
“We’re having a strong camp. This is going to be a war.
“Danny Garcia is a good fighter. He can punch. So we’ve got to be ready for all of the things that he’ll bring to the table.
“We have a good game plan and are looking forward to facing Danny at STAPLES Center. We just want to put on a great show on FOX and prove to the world what we’re capable of.”
# # #
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.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER TO DEFEND WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST POLISH CHALLENGER ARTUR SZPILKA ON SATURDAY, JAN. 16, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

Leave a comment
 
 
Tickets On Sale This Monday, December 14 For Brooklyn’s First Heavyweight World Championship In 115 Years
 
BROOKLYN (Dec. 9, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will make the third defense of his title against brawling Polish contender Artur Szpilka on Saturday,Jan. 16, 2016, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
The 12-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event between the power-punching Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs), of Wieliczka, Poland, will be the first heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn since James Jeffries knocked out James Corbett in the 23rd round on May 11, 1900, on Coney Island.
Jeffries fought in all three of the Brooklyn heavyweight title fights, which were the fourth, fifth and seventh world heavyweight title fights of the modern gloved era.  All three took place on Coney Island, two in 1899 and the final in 1900.
It will be Wilder’s first fight in New York and his ninth overall on Showtime Networks.  Wilder is the first United States-born heavyweight champion since 2007.
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 saleMonday, December 14 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will also be available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Tuesday, December 15 at noon. Purchase before January 1 and receive a 10% discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“I’m excited about coming to New York City, I’m excited about displaying my talents and I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center,” said Wilder. “I want to thank my opponent Artur Szpilka for accepting this opportunity that I’m giving him.  I wish him luck – he’s going to need it.  I look forward to winning over the Polish fans after I beat him.  I know he’s a southpaw and he tends to give up when things get tough in the ring, going off the fight he had with Bryant Jennings.  He doesn’t have heart when it gets tough.  I look forward to giving the fans plenty of action and excitement on Jan. 16.”
“It feels amazing to get the opportunity to fight Deontay for his heavyweight world title,” said  Szpilka.  “I can’t wait to be the first ever Polish heavyweight to win a world title.  I’ve dreamed about this many times, and now my time has come.  I’ll be ready to put on a show for my fans and take his belt from him on Jan. 16.”
“It should be an exciting night on Jan. 16 when the ‘Bronze Bomber’ defends his title, for the first time at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, against rugged brawler Artur Szpilka,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.  “Brash and outspoken, the Polish fighter looks to derail Deontay and become the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world in boxing history.  This is Deontay’s third title defense in 12 months and a victory will lead to a major clash in his next bout.”
“I’m very excited that Artur Szpilka is getting an opportunity to become the first heavyweight champion in the history of Poland,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing.  “We’re thrilled that Artur will be able to fight for the title in a boxing-rich city like Brooklyn and in front of what will undoubtedly be a strong showing of support from his Polish fans.”
“SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has been the home of many of the biggest and best heavyweight world title fights of the last 30 years, and we are proud to continue that legacy with Deontay Wilder,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Deontay has used his rare blend of raw power, athleticism and charisma to become one of the can’t-miss boxers of this era.  Credit Artur Szpilka for accepting the challenge.  Szpilka is a young, strong southpaw with good power and a flair for showmanship, and he is eager to make the most of his first world title opportunity.  January 16 is sure to be an exciting night on SHOWTIME.”
“It took 115 years, but Heavyweight Championship boxing is back in Brooklyn,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “I spent some time with Deontay at the Jacobs-Quillin fight last Saturday and he can’t wait to defend his title at Barclays Center, but it won’t be easy. Artur Szpilka is a great fighter and is sure to be well represented by the ‘Little Poland’ neighborhood of nearby Greenpoint. The borough is ready for Heavyweight Championship boxing. It was worth the wait.”
The 6-foot-7 Wilder will be making his third title defense and fourth fight in 364 days. The 30-year-old won the WBC belt with a unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, in his first professional fight to go past the fourth round.
Wilder successfully defended the belt against Eric Molina (KO 9) last June 13 and most recently against Johann Duhaupas (TKO 11) on Sept. 26.  Both of the title defenses took place in his home state of Alabama.
The last heavyweight champion to fight four times in 12 months was Lennox Lewis in 2000-01.  Lewis was also the last undisputed heavyweight champion.
“I’m looking forward to being the next undisputed heavyweight champion and the most active heavyweight champion in history,” Wilder said.  “I’m also active once I get into the ring.  In my last fight, I landed an average of 30 of the 53 punches that I threw each round.  That was more than double what Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko landed, combined.”
Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder won the bronze medal at heavyweight for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games.  He is the last American male boxer to medal in The Olympics.
The aggressive-minded, 6-foot-3 Szpilka has won four consecutive fights since suffering the only loss of his career to then-undefeated Bryant Jennings in 2014.  The 26-year-old rebounded with a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion Tomasz Adamek in 2014 and stoppage victories over Yasmany Consuegra, Manuel Quezada and Ty Cobb in 2015.
A pro since 2008, the southpaw first gained notice when he stopped the once-touted Owen Beck in four rounds in 2011, then unanimously outpointed former world title challenger Jameel McCline the following year.
Szpilka has honed his boxing skills under the tutelage of Houston-based trainer Ronnie Shields.While he is still predisposed to brawling and coming forward, Szpilka has developed into a more complete fighter under Shields and one that could be the toughest test of the young world champion’s career.
Brooklyn has a deep history in heavyweight boxing, including hometown heavyweight championsMike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Shannon Briggs and Michael Moorer.  In addition, Brooklyn-native and 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Mark Breland serves as one of Wilder’s coaches.
# # #
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, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter