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boxing

Final bell tolls for popular Boxing manager Si Stern

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KEY WEST, Fla (September 6, 2015) -Boxing manager Si Stern, president of SHS Boxing Management, passed away at the age of 81 this past Monday due to complications from a heart attack.
Stern managed three-time, two-division Randall “The Knock Out King” Bailey, veteran heavyweight Sherman “Tank” Williams, Marcus “Arillius” Upshaw and former Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso.
A very successful businessman, Williams explained that Stern also had a law degree and studied at one point to be a rabbi.  Si recently returned from Romania, where he supported Williams at his fight, on Sunday, Aug. 30 and he suffered a heart attack the following day at home in Key West.  He was air lifted to a hospital in Miami, where he remained for a week before he succumbed.
Bailey and Stern’s partner, Dave Johnson, along with Stern’s son, Gary, and daughter, Cynthia, were bedside in the hospital with Si for several days until the end.  “I spoke to Si on Sunday night (August 30) and got a call the next day saying he had been admitted to the hospital,” Bailey explained.  “He suffered a massive heart attack. Things were up and down all week until last weekend.
Randall Bailey (L) with Si Stern (holding belt) and his son, Gary Stern, shown here after Bailey knocked out Mike Jones in 2012 for the IBF welterweight title
“Si was a great guy and a good friend.  As a manager, he always fought for his boxers.  If nobody else cared, Si cared; if they couldn’t do it, Si would do it.  I was with him nearly 10 years and nobody was throwing money our way.  It was hard for us.  I only made enough money in a few fights, like when I won the world title, where he took any money.   If Si had your back, he’d go to war with you.
“He’d drive up from Key West to Miami to see me but, instead of staying overnight, he’d drive back. He’d call me call me 10 times while he drove home.  He was so happy to get me a promotional contract (AK Promotions in Korea) and was really looking forward to my fight October 4th in Korea.  I’m dedicating that fight to Si and we’ll be doing something special.”
L-R: Si Stern & Sherman “Tank” Williams shown here in Romania
Williams was managed by Stern for the past 11 years and they had a special relationship.  They had dinner together in Romania and flew back to the U.S., arriving Sunday, August 30.
“Si was much more than my manager,” Williams offered.  “He was a good friend, a confident I could always rely on for advice, in and out of boxing.  Si was an all-around good man.  We had many deep discussion about politics and religion, me being a Christian and Si a Jew, especially spending so many days together in Romania.
“We all lost a good man in Si Stern.  I was proud to be represented by Si.  He wasn’t in boxing for the money.  He was an important part of my life.  He was always there for me and all of his fighters.  Si never took a short cut or spared money.  Si Stern was the best manager I ever had.”
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION JAVIER FORTUNA WILL DEFEND AGAINST PUERTO RICAN OLYMPIAN CARLOS VELASQUEZ TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

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TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY!
LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2015) – Super featherweight world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs) takes on 2004 Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos “Twin Dream” Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs) as PBCTOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 comes to the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Tuesday, September 29.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undercard action to be announced shortly.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50 and $20.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale Thursday, September 10. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
“I am so excited to be headlining this great event and I look forward to defending my title in Las Vegas,” said Fortuna. “Velasquez is a very tough fighter, but I am going to prove that I am a great world champion. This will be an entertaining fight and I won’t stop going until I get the knockout.”
“It’s been a childhood dream of mine to become a world champion and now that time has come to show the world that I’m worthy.” said Velasquez. “I’m going to leave everything in the ring against Fortuna.  He’s one of the best fighters in the division and a win against him will open up many doors for my career. “
“September 29 is shaping up to be another exceptional card at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “It will be another great night of action in the arena or on your television on FS1 from start to finish.”
“The Pearl always provides a fantastic, intimate spot to watch a live boxing match,” said Billy Conn, Vice President of Entertainment and Special Events at Palms Casino Resort. “We welcome these spirited and driven fighters, as well as FS1, for what will be a great night of sports action.”
An amateur standout that participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 26-year-old Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. He most recently took down the highly regarded Bryan Vasquez to earn a super featherweight world title. Representing La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna looks to be impressive in his first title defense and fourth career start in Las Vegas.
Although Velasquez now calls Miami his home, he was a 2004 Olympian representing Catano, Puerto Rico. Since turning pro in 2007, he has been beaten just once and enters this fight on a four-fight win streak. He most recently earned a dominant victory over Jesus Ruiz and will be returning to Vegas for the first time since 2013 for his world title shot.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @PearlAtPalmsand @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PETER QUIlLLIN, MICHAEL ZERAFA, MARCUS BROWNE & GARY STARK JR. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (September 8, 2015) – Former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Australian middleweight Michael Zerafa, 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne and Staten Island’s Gary Stark Jr. took part in a media workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn Tuesday before their respective showdowns on Saturday, September 12 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Quillin and Zerafa face-off in a 12-round middleweight showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC with televised coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with a super welterweight world title clash between Cornelius “K-9” Bundrageand Jermall Charlo. Browne will take on former world champion Gabriel Campillo in a 10-round light heavyweight affair that may appear on the NBC portion of the broadcast, while Stark Jr. takes on Anthony Napunyi in six-rounds of super featherweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
PETER QUILLIN
“I was just telling Zerafa when we faced-off that I’ve been in his shoes before and I know how it feels. No disrespect. He doesn’t have to tell me that he’s got nothing to lose, I know that. I’m worried about looking good in this fight and doing what I’ve been working on in the gym.
“I know he’s beaten all the best in Australia, but I’ve beaten the best all over the world. He’s not going to be in his backyard and have that comfort he’s used to.
“We’re at a point now where I need to showcase my talent at this level. The exposure on NBC is great. We can be seen by so many people and build something that will last for years to come.
“Not everyone knows I was raised all my life in Grand Rapids, Michigan just like Floyd Mayweather and he was really one of my biggest inspirations. Fighting on the same day as him is the closest I’ll get to fighting on his undercard, which I’ve always wanted to do. I still get to headline my own event on NBC and I hope that people are inspired by how hard Floyd and I have worked to get to where we are.
“I’m excited for the possibility of fighting Daniel Jacobs. He’s been calling for it for a long time and the seats are reversed now, because he’s a champion and I’m not. I’m motivated regardless of the belt, but I want the opportunity to fight one of the best in the world and showcase my talent and show I’m the king of Brooklyn.”
MICHAEL ZERAFA
“It’s been a good experience coming to the U.S. for my first time. It’s a lot of adrenaline and I have as we get closer to the fight and I’m just looking forward to fighting one of the best in the world.
“It’s going to be an exciting fight and I’m going to give it my absolute all. We know it’s going to be a hard fight and our team has trained extremely hard. We have a great game plan and we’re going to give it our best shot.
“I didn’t know too much about Quillin when I accepted the fight but he is one of the best in America so we know that it’s going to be a hard fight and we’re going to make it a war. We’ll leave it all out on the table and the better man will win.
“I feel good at this weight. I’m strong and smarter with less stress on my body. I’m feeling switched on and very confident.
“Losing has made me a better, tougher and stronger fighter. There’s nothing to lose in this fight, I have everything to gain.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“I’m blessed to be in this position and I’m looking forward to getting into this fight and putting on a great show.
“Everything is part of the plan. I’ve just taken it one fight at a time and now we’re here in a great position.
“Training camp has been great. We’ve worked on everything and covered all the corners we need to. The sparring with Charles Foster and Lennox Allen has been great and they’ve gotten me ready for the lefty.
“Campillo is a veteran and he’s going to be there. You just have to find him and get him out. I’m going to use my use, my speed, my strength my power. All of that will get me the victory.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I just want to keep putting on a better performance every time I’m out there.”
GARY STARK JR.
 
“I feel great, It’s been a very good camp. It’s tougher with the baby at home but it’s all a blessing. I feel like I’m resurrected.
“I fought recently and that first fight back there were some jitters. By the fourth round of that fight I really wanted it again. It’s great to be on a ‘Kid Chocolate’ show. I remember when he first started, he was on some of my shows, throwing chocolates to the crowd. Now look where he is now.
“I’m looking to work my way towards a title shot. My team pushes me very hard. Everybody believes in me and that’s big. Boxing is all confidence. I’ll always have tons of confidence.
“We’ll see the old me back in the ring Saturday afternoon. It’s so great to be back in the ring again.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.dbe1.comand www.nbcsports.com/boxing,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm,
boxing

8-TIME WORLD CHAMPION THOMAS”THE HITMAN” HEARNS CONFIRMED FOR SECOND ANNUAL BOX FAN EXPO TAKING PLACE SATURDAY IN LAS VEGAS 

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The ultimate fan experience event that gives boxing fans the opportunity to meet-and-greet top fighters, boxing celebrities and industry people
 in an up-close, personal setting

Las Vegas (Sept. 8, 2015) – Eight-time world champion Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns has confirmed that he will appear and have a booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second annual Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday. The Boxing Expo will coincide with the Floyd Mayweather vs Andre Berto championship fight, which will take place later that evening and Mexican Independence weekend.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Hearns more famously known as “The Hitman,” became the first boxer in history to win world titles in four divisions. He would also become the first fighter in history to win five world titles in five different divisions. Hearns was named Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1980 and 1984 and is best known for his fights with Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.
 
Hearns will also have on hand, T-shirts, gloves and signed pictures for fans to purchase and enjoy.

Hearns joins his old rival Duran, Tim Bradley, Zab Judah, James Toney, Sergio Martinez, Shawn Porter, Mia St. John, Terry Norris, Joel Casamayor, Fernando Vargas, Ruslan Provodnikov, Ray Mancini, Jessie Vargas, Mike McCallum, Austin Trout, Kevin Kelley, referee Richard Steele, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Boxing Association (WBA) among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

This unique fan experience event, which allowed fans to meet and greet boxing legends, past and current champions and other celebrities of the sport, debuted last September. This year, the Expo will run from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once again, allow fans a chance to collect autographs, take photos and purchase merchandise and memorabilia.
Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, broadcasting media and other brand companies who wish to participate will have a chance to showcase their products to fans and the whole boxing industry.
Last year’s inaugural Box Fan Expo featured some of the most popular fighters and boxing celebrities in recent history. Fans were treated to visits with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, Martinez, Amir Khan, Judah, Mikey Garcia,Toney, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks Terry Norris, Porter, Chris Byrd, Jesse James Leija, Lamon Brewster, Ray Mercer, Earnie Shavers, St-John, Erislandy Lara, Peter Quillin, Jean Pascal and Austin Trout. Also appearing were current WBC Champion Deontay Wilder, the charismatic Vinny Pazienza, Paul Williams, noted commentator Al Bernstein and trainer Roger Mayweather of Mayweather Promotions.
The roster of attendees for this year’s Box Fan Expo will continue to be announced throughout the next few days leading up to the event.
For anyone in the boxing industry or brand companies who wish to be involved and reserve a booth as an exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Box Fan Expo at:
U.S.A telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222
For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com
More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at:http://www.boxfanexpo.com
View the official promo video of Box Fan Expo here:http://www.boxfanexpo.com/video-2/
You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo
boxing, Showtime Boxing

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS STARS CHRIS PEARSON, RONALD GAVRIL, GERVONTA DAVIS & ASHLEY THEOPHANE FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

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Exciting Fights Precede HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto
Live on SHOWTIME PPV® at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2015) – Exciting stars from the Mayweather Promotions stable of fighters will fill out the action-packed day of undercard bouts on Saturday, September 12 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena preceding the SHOWTIME PPV event HIGH STAKES: Floyd Mayweather vs. Andre Berto.
Featured undercard action pits Chris “Young King” Pearson (12-0, 9 KOs) against Janks Trotter (9-1-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout, Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (13-1, 9 KOs) as he takes on Scott “Cujo” Sigmon (25-7-1, 14 KOs) in 10-rounds of super middleweight action and Ashley “Treasure” Theophane who will face Steve Upsher (25-4-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight attraction.
Further action will see undefeated 20-year-old prospect Gervonta Davis (11-0, 10 KOs) out of Baltimore taking on 23-year-old Mexican Guillermo Avila (14-4, 11 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight affair and the pro debut of Atlanta’s Trakwon Pettis against 22-year-old Devante Seay (0-0-1) of Martinsville, Virginia in a four-round super lightweight showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.comor www.ticketmaster.com.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in his last four fights. The 24-year-old looks to further prove his contender status when he takes on the powerful Trotter out of Alberta, Canada. The 31-year-old is coming off of back-to-back knockout victories in 2014.
A power-punching Romanian fighting out of Las Vegas, Gavril returns to the ring looking for his third straight victory. He scored decision victories in his last two bouts over Jessie Nicklow and Oscar Riojas and also owns knockout victories over Jose Berrio, Thomas Falowo and Tyrell Hendrix. The 29-year-old will square-off against Lynchburg, Virginia’s Simon on September 12. The 28-year-old is coming off of a June stoppage of Jonathan Reid.
An experienced contender from London but fighting out of Las Vegas, Theophane is looking to build on his current five-fight win streak when he enters the ring on September 12. The 35-year-old has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. He started his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mahonri Montes in April. He shares the ring with the 30-year-old Upsher who has challenged former world champions Andre Berto and Luis Collazo throughout his career. Fighting out of Philadelphia, he most recently defeated Alejandro Rodriguez in May and owns a victory over previously unbeaten Bayan Jargal.
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout. SHOWTIME “Countdown Live” begins 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with a 10-round super welterweight showdown between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @siri_salido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna headlines Boxing by the Beach on Saturday, September 26 in Beach Haven Memorial Park in Beach Haven, NJ

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Plus six-time MMA Heavyweight champion “Brutal” Brendan Barrett, Ian Green, Arturo Trujillo, Kennan Smith and Bienvenido Diaz
Beach Haven, New Jersey (September 8, 2015)—On Saturday, September 26, at Beach Haven Memorial Park (In between the Sea Shell & Engleside Resorts) at Engleside Avenue at the Beach in Beach Haven. New Jersey.  
In the main event, Jr. Middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will take part in a 6-round bout.

LaManna will be looking for his 2nd straight win as he won a 6-round unanimous decision over Joshua Robertson on August 7 in Atlantic City.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 17-1 with 7 knockouts.
Fighting in the 4-round co-feature will be “Brutal” Brendan Barrett.
Barrett, of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, is a 6-time MMA Heavyweight champion, will be making his 2nd professional boxing appearance.
He is 0-0-1 as he fought a disputed draw with James Rankin on May 8, 2009 in Philadelphia.
Also seeing action in a 6-round bouts will be Super Middleweight Ian Green (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Paterson, NJ; Welterweight Keenan Smith (8-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA; Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Orange, Texas
In 4-round Bouts: Welterweight Arturo Trujillo (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Easton, PA will fight an opponent to be named.
Jr. Lightweight Bienvenido Diaz (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Prospect Park, NJ will face Joshua Arocho (3-10-4, 2 KO’s) of Vineland, NJ in a four round bout.
Smith, Diaz, Foster and Trujillo are promoted by GH3 Promotions.
The full card with more bouts will be announced shortly.
 H.I.T.M Promotions will present Boxing at the Beach.  The show will have 8 professional boxing matches that will take place approximately one block from the beach.
The fights begin at 5:30 PM with the doors opening at 4:30 PM with tickets ranging from $125 (rows 1 & 2), $100 (rows 3 and 4). $75 (rows 5-7) and $50 for General Admission and be purchased by clicking  www.hitmpromotions.com.
The entire will be announced shortly.

Seating done by Section. First Come, First Served.

This is an outdoor event but will be enclosed in a 11,000sq ft tent.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

FLOYD MAYWEATHER MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Leonard Ellerbe       
I’d like to thank everyone for calling in today to hear the one and only Floyd “Money” Mayweather. But before we get to Floyd, I’d like to introduce the Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME, Stephen Espinoza, who’s going to make a few comments.
Stephen Espinoza    
Thanks very much Leonard. As most of you know, Episode 1 of ALL ACCESS “Mayweather vs. Berto” premiered last Friday. We had tremendous viewership numbers on the network for the premiere night. In fact, premiere night viewing of that episode was on par with the viewership for the premiere of “Inside Mayweather vs Pacquiao.”
So we’re very happy with the amount of attention that that ALL ACCESS is generating. If you haven’t seen it, it is available just on the SHOWTIME website, on the YouTube channel, and of course repeated across the network many times.
Episode 2 of ALL ACCESS “Mayweather vs. Berto” will air this Friday at 10:35 p.m. ET with a third episode premiering on Friday immediately preceding the weigh-in.
As we get into fight week, as usual SHOWTIME and CBS are supporting this fight across all platforms. We’ll be offering live streams of virtually every fight week event including both the press conferences for both the main event and the undercard, the weigh-in and Countdown Live on Saturday immediately preceding the pay-per-view which will include a live fight between Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
SHOWTIME and CBS Sports Network are also airing classic fights from Floyd’s career, from Andre Berto, and the undercard fighters including might be the Fight of the Year this year, the first bout between Rocky Martinez and Orlando Salido. That’s available on SHOWTIME on Demand and CBS Sports Network. Leonard, take it away.
L. Ellerbe      
Okay thank you Stephen for those comments. We’re going to cut straight to the chase. I’d like to introduce none other than 12-time world champion, five different weight classes, Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
Floyd Mayweather
Hey everybody. Thank you Leonard. Thank you Kelly. Thank you Steve. Thanks everybody that’s on the line. I appreciate you guys covering me throughout the years. Let’s get on with the call.
Q
What are your thoughts on the athletes like Serena Williams in her pursuit of her record path as well as you on September 12?
F. Mayweather
I’m very pleased with Serena Williams. They say records are made to be broken. I’m just very proud of her and what she’s done during her career. She’s done some amazing things in her career. It’s just marvelous what she did. I’m behind her 100%. If she stays focused she can continue to break records.
Q
Both you and Serena are deep into your thirties, what does that say for the level of dedication that both of you guys have shown to your craft?
F. Mayweather         
Genetics. I think that the older you get, the harder you have to work. That’s what I’ve done. The older I get, the harder I work.
Q
Would you ever consider the winner of the Canelo-Cotto fight as your 50th opponent – as your 50th fight rather?
F. Mayweather
Are you just getting into the Floyd Mayweather business? You should know what I’ve done to Canelo, Pacquiao, and Cotto. So I’m through with them, why would I fight them in my 50th fight?
Q
I heard you just say, “Why would I fight one of them in my 50th fight?” which seems to sound like you think there will be a 50th fight. Are you having a change of heart on your retirement plans?
F. Mayweather
No. 49 is my last fight. Before you go on with a question, I want to thank you for a positive article that you wrote that someone brought to me.
Q        
Thank you. Are you having second thoughts because of your previous comment about there possibly being a 50th fight?
L. Ellerbe      
Like I’ve said and Floyd has said a number of times, this will be his last fight. Why can’t a man go out when he’s had an illustrious career, accomplished everything that he needs to accomplish and be done? And he’s done it his way.
Q
Are there any other things that you have in mind that you’d like to do in retirement?
F. Mayweather
Well we’ve got The Money Team music group. I’ve also been working for years on concert promotions. The Mayweather Music Group, we have several different artists that we’re working with.
We’ve got the Bad Medina makeup line. She is working on four or five different clothing stores. She already has one. She’s got the “Bad” Medina makeup line. We’re also working on my shoe line. Also watching my kids go through college. I think their school is very important.
Q
Do you think that you’ll get that itch to come back like the last time you retired and you’ll want to do it again? Is that something that you leave open the possibility of?
F. Mayweather
No I’m going to just push the limit for this fight and see what I can accomplish.
L. Ellerbe      
Let me touch on this.  Just over the last week I received three major movie offers. So we fully expect that Floyd could be heavily involved in the entertainment industry because this is what he does. As I said, I know for a fact that with the significant entertainment offers coming our way that it’s definitely something that is going to occupy a lot of his time.
Do you understand why that there are people that can’t imagine why you would leave the sport at the top of the game?
F. Mayweather
Well no one is in my shoes. My health is more important. If you stick around anything too long, anything can happen. I’m not really worried about losing, but I want to have a sharp mind. You can make a lot of money, but you still want to be able to talk, walk, and have a sharp mind.
Q
What do you think you’ll miss about boxing after you retire?
F. Mayweather
Really I’m still in the sport. I’ve got so many fighters, so there’s nothing that I’m going to really miss about the sport. I have fighters that I’m working with on a daily basis. There’s still going to be the next world champions coming from Mayweather Promotions. We got a lot of fighters. I think J’Leon Love is up next. So we’ll just see how everything plays out.
Q
Which of your opponents most resembles Berto, anyone you fought before?
F. Mayweather
I’m really not sure. After the fight is over you can ask me that question and then I can kind of enlighten you and let you know.
Q
Is there any one thing that you consider the greatest accomplishment of your career?
F. Mayweather
I think every fight played a major key. All 48 fights played a major key. Every fight, number 49 is extremely important also. Every fight was important in playing a major key in my career. One more though, my career’s not over it. You can never overlook anyone.
Q
Do you have any regrets from your career?
F. Mayweather
I regret not having Al Haymon from the beginning.
Q
Did anyone approach you about being the first to christen the new MGM Arena?
L. Ellerbe      
As always there’s a lot of speculation out there and I just want to clear that up. We have not been approached by MGM about anything as it relates to the opening of the arena. As I’ve said a number of times this will be Floyd’s last fight. MGM has significant plans with their opening of their arena and we have a great relationship with them and I’m sure whatever they come up with, it will turn out great.
Q
Is being an actor in some motion pictures something that you’d want to get into?
F. Mayweather
I’ve been approached on numerous occasions. But I’d rather be behind the scenes. I just feel like I had my time to shine in this world of boxing. But we never know what the future holds. Just keeping my fingers crossed and anything that comes my way then we’ll take full advantage of it.
Q
Are you surprised at all the criticism that your selection of Andre Berto has gotten for this fight?
F. Mayweather
I didn’t even know. All I do every day is I go to the gym, I train. I leave, I go eat, and go see shows on the strip, go to the movies, go bowling, go shopping. That’s really about it, and just being at home resting. It really don’t matter who I choose. They’re going to always criticize. That comes with the territory.
Q
Does it bother you, all the criticism that you can get about your career?
F. Mayweather
No. I don’t read it. I don’t know about it. I could care less. Nobody’s forced to watch. Watch if you want to watch. If you don’t want to watch, don’t watch. Write about it if you want to write about it. If you don’t want to write about it, don’t. I’m not saying if you write good or bad, just continue to write. Keeps me relevant.
Q
Is that another reason why you consider this your last fight? To not be criticized anymore?
L. Ellerbe
No, obviously the criticism that might be out there, that’s just negativity, people are entitled to have their opinion. What Floyd has been able to do with his career, he’s been able to do it his way. His way is being focused on what he has to do, the task at hand, and not worrying about what anybody else says.
Q
What’s the number of pay-per-view buys that would make this fight a big success for you personally?
F. Mayweather
The numbers will be what they are. Only thing I can do. I can’t say any particular number, but we’ll just have to see.
Q
How do you grade in a package this six-fight deal that you’ve done?
F. Mayweather
I just want to win and go out on top.
Q
If this is your last fight, what’s the significance of that number 49 on your way out?
F. Mayweather
Everybody and every fight played a major key and this is number 49.
Q
Do you feel like because Andre Berto has nothing to lose at the moment and everyone is counting him out, do you think that that makes him a more dangerous opponent?
F. Mayweather
Absolutely. He feels like he has nothing to lose, and I think that when you got a guy that’s put in that situation, it makes him work that much harder because he got a chance to be one of the top guys in the sport when I’m through.
It’s like they say in football, any given Sunday. I say any given Saturday, anything can happen. So I’m prepared. I’m prepared mentally and physically. I’m in top shape. I’m ready. I’m pretty sure he’s in top shape and he’s ready. But I’m not going to overlook him.
Q
Can you tell us how you’re staying focused and making sure all this other stuff doesn’t slow you down or cause you to overlook him?
F. Mayweather
I want to win just like he wants to win. I’m working out, I’m pushing myself every day. As I get older I’m working harder. Actually I think this camp I sparred a lot more, I pushed myself a lot more. This fight, I think I worked harder this fight than I did for the Pacquiao fight.
Q
Is your state of mind that this is going to be a more exciting fight for the fans because of the opponent that you chose?
F. Mayweather
Well, of course. It’s always about self-preservation, but I appreciate the fans. I do. I’m not Nostradamus but if you go look at an old interview, I talked about Pacquiao, what they were going to say, what they were going to do and how that fight was going to go.
Now you got to realize probably almost everybody on the phone chose Pacquiao. Everybody that said that throughout the years that I was a coward, I was scared, he couldn’t beat Pacquiao. They gave him this. They gave him so many accolades and he’s an all-time great.
But all these people had to eat their words. So if he’s an all-time great, then what does that make me? If they’re saying he’s the fighter of the century, what does that make me? So when they do rate me and when my fight is over, the only thing I can do is believe in myself and believe in my skills. I’m going to be The Best Ever till the day I die.
L. Ellerbe
I’d just like to thank everyone for calling in and we look forward to seeing everyone on fight week. It’s going to be an exciting week and we’re going to have a great night of fights come next Saturday night.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Super-Featherweight Phenom Mario Barrios Looks Sensational Knocking Out Torres in Four Rounds

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Photo by Team Barrios

 

SAN ANTONIO, TX (September 6, 2015) – Super-Featherweight phenomenon, Mario Barrios improved to (11-0, 6 KOs) with another sensational knockout, stopping his opponent Jose Cen Torres, at the 2:10 mark of round four.  Leija Battah Promotions and Warriors Boxingpromoted the event from American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, which aired live on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS.
In the opening round, Barrios used his height and reach to perfection, keeping Torres at bay with a powerful jab.  Torres, who was running for dear life, did everything he could to survive.  After dominating for the first three rounds, Barrios turned up the heat.  In the round four, Barrios came out guns blazing, and landed a double left hook to Torres’ temple, followed by a bruising shot to the liver, ending the bout.  With the win, Barrios sees himself as a force to be reckon with in the super-featherweight division.
“This was a good fight for me as I’m on my march for a world title,” said Mario Barrios. “I definitely want to get right back in the gym to start working on some things I know I can improve on.  Because Torres was giving me a lot of movement, I had to make some adjustments.  Once I figured him out, I know I was going to stop him. The super-featherweight division is wide open for me to march up the rankings.  With Al Haymon guiding my career, I know I’m going to have some golden opportunities to shine.  I’m looking forward to my next fight.”
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

ANTHONY DIRRELL DOMINATES MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO ON HIS WAY TO UNANIMOUS DECISION ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS

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FROM THE AMERICAN BANK CENTER

IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

 

JAMIE MCDONNELL RETAINS BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH ACTION-PACKED VICTORY IN REMATCH WITH TOMOKI KAMEDA

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (Sept. 6, 2015) – Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) scored an impressive unanimous decision over Marco Antonio “El Veneno” Rubio (59-8-1, 51 KOs) Sunday afternoon in the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS main event from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

 

Dirrell proved to be too fast for Rubio as he consistently beat the Mexican veteran to the punch and was able to control the fight. Rubio hung tough throughout the fight, continuing to come forward in his attempts to catch Dirrell.

 

Dirrell won by scores of 100-90 on all three judges scorecards and showed that he still had more left in the tank when he pulled off a backflip in the ring just seconds after the final bell.

 

In the co-main event, Jamie McDonnell (27-2, 12 KOs) used immense pressure to defeat Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-2, 19 KOs) by unanimous decision and retain his bantamweight world title.

 

McDonnell and Kameda went back and forth throughout the 12-round affair that saw McDonnell apply pressure with his consistent jabs while Kameda looked to score with big counters.

 

McDonnell was able to score a knockdown in the final round with a sharp left hook that sent Kameda to the canvas. Kameda and his corner argued that the knockdown should have been ruled a slip, but to no avail. The judges’ scores were 116-11, 115-112 and 117-110.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Sunday:

 

ANTHONY DIRRELL

 

“I had an off night when I fought Badou Jack, but everyone saw my jabs and straight punches. I was moving and I was really catching him.

 

“Rubio is a tough fighter but I was able to control the fight with my speed and skills. I felt really good in there.

 

“I deserve another shot at a world title.”

 

MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO

 

“He was a very fast fighter. I tried to push and push but I could not find him.

“I love boxing. I will get back in the gym and train for another fight because this is what I love to do.

“I appreciate all the fans who supported me today. I fight for them.”

 

JAMIE MCDONNELL

 

“I didn’t think it was a controversial decision, because I always felt in control and I believe that I won the fight comfortably.

 

“My jab was the key in the fight and it was a great weapon for me. I just had to make sure that I stuck to the game plan we had been working on for over eight weeks.

 

“When I dropped him in the last round, I think he did slip a little bit, I tried to stay away. But I did catch him. After that I know I sealed the victory.

 

“Everything went according to plan. The plan was to box him and catch him with some big shots.”

 

TOMOKI KAMEDA

 

“I thought I won this fight a lot more clearly than the last fight.

 

“I followed our plan perfectly. I did everything right.”

 

*        *        *

 

PBC on CBS was promoted by Leijah Battah Promotions and Warriors Boxing.  

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.americanbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing @AnthonyDirrell, @MAVenenoRubio, @JamieMcDonnell1, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports,  @WarriorsBoxingProm, @LeijaBattahPR, @AmericanBankCtr and @Swanson_Comm,

become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.

boxing, UK Boxing

Joel Brunker Set to Flip the Script in England Tomorrow Night Against Unbeaten Warrington

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‘Selby vs. Warrington Will Have to Wait. It’ll be me re-matching Selby Next.”
Australian featherweight contender Joel Brunker says that all talk of his next opponent, undefeated Josh Warrington, facing current IBF Champion Lee Selby in an all-UK showdown will be moot when he hands Warrington his first defeat tomorrow night (Saturday, September 5).
Brunker (28-1, 16 KOs) from New South Wales will face hometown hero Warrington (21-0, 4 KOs) for the WBC International and Commonwealth (British Empire) Featherweight Championships at the First Direct Arena, Leeds, Yorkshire in the United Kingdom.
“The media over here keeps talking about Josh Warrington fighting Lee Selby next in an all-English showdown, but they aren’t focusing enough on what’s about to happen,” said Brunker. “I’m coming in tomorrow night to take Warrington out!”
Brunker’s only career loss was to Selby in October 2014. In his last fight, Brunker picked up the International Boxing Organization Oceania Super Featherweight Championship by dropping and stopping Ray Laspinas of the Philippines in two rounds last February at the Richmond Club in Richmond, New South Wales, Australia.
“What they should be getting ready for is my rematch with Selby because that’s what’s going to happen and this time I’ll be ready for him,” Brunker continued.
“They seem to be overlooking Joel somewhat over here and talking about the Selby fight as though it’s a foregone conclusion,” said Brunker’s co-promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions (along with Adam Wilcock of FightCard Promotions). “It’s a huge mistake on their part to overlook Joel because he’s coming in here to set up a rematch with Selby by beating this undefeated guy.”
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.
Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.
Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.
In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.
Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah, women’s boxing superstar Amanda Serrano, and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.
Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.
For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.