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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN – LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. ABNER MARES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Leo Santa Cruz & Abner Mares Headline PBC on ESPN Live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa
 
LOS ANGELES (August 26, 2015) – Boxing fans and media members gathered at Placita Olvera in Los Angeles Wednesday as fight week kicked-off for Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN headlined by Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) taking on Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs) on Saturday, August 29 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with a super bantamweight world title fight between Hugo Ruiz (35-2, 31 KOs)and Julio Cesar Ceja (29-1, 26 KOs).Mexican brawler and Southern California favorite Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (23-5, 19 KOs)worked out for the fans that came out to Placita Olvera before he takes on Hector Munoz (23-15, 15 KOs) Saturday night.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $300, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“We both have a lot to prove. Neither of us wants to lose. I know he’s really hungry to get the victory. I don’t want my first defeat so I’m going to go out there and put a show on.
“I have to pressure him and stay on top of him. I have to do what I always do. If that doesn’t work, we have different plans. We know the way to victory.
“This is a huge fight for Los Angeles. Everyone in the city has wanted us to fight and now they’re going to get it.
“We’re excited and happy to give the fans a great fight. At the end, the best man will win.
“You’re going to see a lot of action. I train hard to bring action. That’s what I do. We’re going to break him down little by little.
“No one wants to lose. We’re going to leave everything in the ring. When two Mexicans fight each other it’s always bloody. We both have everything to lose.
“Fight by fight I’ve been learning and picking up new things. I am definitely a brawler but I can box too. I want to finish my opponent once I get in there.”
ABNER MARES
“It feels good to be fighting in my hometown. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to fight here in Los Angeles. Headlining at STAPLES Center means the world to me and my fans. I can’t wait for August 29.
“I’m going up against a young, undefeated, talented and strong Leo Santa Cruz. He’s never tasted defeat. All of that motivates me to go in there and be the first one to take him down.
“I’m past my loss and I’m looking toward a fourth world title and making history in this sport.
“Being in Los Angeles means so much to me personally. I work so hard for these opportunities. But it’s for everybody, my family, my fans and everyone. I work hard in the gym every day for them.
“My experience is going to be the difference in this fight. I’ve faced tougher opponents and been a three-time champion. Every time that I fight someone at this level, it brings the best out of Abner Mares.
“Everything I overcame has brought me here and made me the person that I am. I’m more determined now than I’ve ever been.
“I have to win. My gameplan is to get the win. I am in there to destroy. I know what I have to do.
“Anything is possible. He has a lot of talents but I’m going to take what comes my way and put in a great performance.”
HUGO RUIZ
“Winning this fight means everything. I am prepared for a great performance.
“I’m very happy and very motivated for this fight. I’m ready for Saturday night.
“Ceja is a great fighter but we prepared one hundred percent to win this. It’s going to be the best of Mexican boxing.”
JULIO CESAR CEJA
“This is a big opportunity for me and I am coming to knock Ruiz out. That is the plan.
“I want to be world champion. It is right in front of me. My time is here and I know I have the skills to get there.
“This is going to be a great fight for the fans. We are going to exchange and show our heart and the best man is going to win.”
ALFREDO ANGULO
“I’m honored to be part of a card of this magnitude. After my last victory I took one week off and got right back in the gym.
“Santa Cruz vs. Mares is great because I know that when two Mexicans get in the ring, they leave their heart and soul in there. I’m excited to put on a show for the fans in the arena Saturday and be part of a historic night.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing

Jonathan Maicelo sees another title opportunity with win over Bennett this Friday in Washington, DC

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Brandon Bennett takes on Jonathan Maicelo in 10-round Main event this Friday night at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC
For Immediate Release
Washington, DC (August 26, 2015) This Friday night, August 28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in the nation’s capital of Washington, DC, King’s Promotions will present a spectacular night of boxing that will feature some of the best talent in the United States.
In the main event, Brandon Bennett (19-1, 8 KO’s) will square off with former world title challenger Jonathan Maicelo (21-2, 12 KO’s) in a Lightweight bout scheduled for 10-rounds.
Maicelo of Callao, Peru, but now resides in North Bergen, New Jersey is just seven months removed from challenging Darleys Perez for the Interim WBA Lightweight championship.  The loss in that fight had made Maicelo even hungrier and he looks for a big effort on Friday night to put him right back in contention for a world title.
“Training has gone great and I am super motivated,” said Maicelo.
He knows he will be fighting a tough guy in Bennett and has praise for the Cincinnati native.
“I respect every fighter. I have seen a few of his fights in tape and he is a good fighter from what I see.  With that being said, I am better the fighter and on Friday, I will prove that.”
Maicelo fought a good fight against Perez but came up just short.  He is taking the positives of that experience which will be a big factor in the fight on Friday night.
“Even though I lost to Perez, I took it as a big learning experience.  I learned a lot and Friday, It will show.  I was just in camp with Danny Garcia and I been super motivated.”
Maicelo isn’t a fighter who wants to be protected and babied to get back to contention, he wants to earn it by fighting top quality opposition.
“Fighting a guy like Bennett are the fights that I want.  I want to show that I can beat guys with good records.  I imagine that he feels the same way.  I am sure he knows that I am no pushover and that he is in for a tough fight.”
The 32 year-old is steadfast that being in a hard 12-round title fight will make all the difference on Friday.
“I feel that I have all the experience.  I have fought the tougher guys.  I been at the world class level and that will be the difference.  I just want to tell all my fans from Peru and here that I will give 100 %.  It has nothing to do with Bennett but Friday night, I will be victorious.”
A terrific undercard is taking shape that will feature some of the best prospects in the country.
In 10-round Bouts:
Phil Jackson-Benson (15-2, 14 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on Jinner Guerrero(8-5, 4 KO’s) of Sucumbios, Ecuador in a Super Middleweight bout.

2012 U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring (12-0, 7 KO’s) will fight Ariel Vasquez (12-8-2, 8 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua in a Lightweight bout.

Robert Easter (14-0, 11 KO’s) of Toledo, OH will take on Osumanu Akaba (32-8-1, 25 KO’s) of Accra, Ghana named in a Lightweight bout.

In 8-round bouts:

Demond Nicholson (13-1, 13 KO’s) of Laurel, MD battles Antonio Baker (8-12, 4 KO’s) of Fayetteville, NC in a Middleweight bout.

David Grayton (11-0, 8 KO’s) of Washington, DC will fight Jose Valderrama (4-10, 3 KO’s) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico in a Welterweight clash.
In 6-round bouts:

Kareem Martin (5-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Washington, DC battles Anthony Prescott (5-6-2, 2 KO’s) of Cherry Hill, NJ in Welterweight bout.

2012 U.S. Olympian Raynell Williams (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH takes on Jose Miguel Castro (5-5, 3 KO’s) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a Lightweight tilt.
Patrick Harris (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take Irvin Hernandez (3-12-2, 1 KO) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a Lightweight bout.
Leo Hall (6-0, 6 KO’s) of Detroit, MI will box against Edgar Perez (6-15, 3 KO’s) of Carolina, PR in a Light Heavyweight bout.
In a 4-round Bout:
Shynggyskahn Tazhibay (1-0, 1 KO) of Karaganda, Kazakhstan will fight an oppont to be named in a Welterweight bout
All Bouts Subject to change
Tickets are on sale for $100 (Front Row); $75 (Ringside) $50 (General Admission) by calling 301-899-2430 or by logging on to www.beltwayboxing.com
More fight information is available at www.kingsboxing.com
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boxing, Showtime Boxing

ROMAN MARTINEZ, ORLANDO SALIDO, JHONNY GONZALEZ & JONATHAN OQUENDO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Click HERE For MP3
Kelly Swanson
Thanks everybody for calling in. We appreciate it. We know it’s a busy week, but we wanted to kick it off with this conference call and on the line today we have two bouts from the HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. BertoPay-Per-View undercard, taking place Saturday, September 12.
The two bouts that we’re talking about today are Jhonny Gonzalez versus Jonathan Oquendo and also Roman Martinez versus Orlando Salido, in their rematch. We’re going to start with Gonzalez and Oquendo and then we will move into the Martinez-Salido portion of the call. To make the introductions and MC the call I’d like to introduce Leonard Ellerbe, Chief Executive Officer of Mayweather Promotions.
Leonard Ellerbe
Thank you Kelly. I’d like to thank everyone for calling in to our first of two conference calls. It’s exciting to present these great fights on the Pay-Per-View televised portion of the Mayweather versus Berto event. This call is extremely special because we have not only one, but two classics – Mexico versus Puerto Rico matchups which we’ll be discussing. Before we get into the fight details and fighters I’d like to introduce Chris DeBlasio, he’s the Vice President of Sports Communications for SHOWTIME.
Chris DeBlasio
Thank you to all the press for getting on and Kelly for setting this up. I won’t take much of your time. I know you want to hear from the fighters today, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t share some of the exciting programming that we have coming up. As Leonard mentioned, the two fights that we’re going to talk about today are special in the classic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico and we do expect this to be a very exciting and fun undercard. So we’re excited to get to it.
As such, SHOWTIME Sports, in keeping with our tradition with the Mayweather events that we have been fortunate enough to work with Mayweather Promotions since 2013, we have a strong lineup of programming that comes in advance of the Pay-Per-View. The lynchpin of that is, of course, our Sports Emmy Award winning “ALL ACCESS” series.
We will premiere the first of a four episode series this Friday, August 28, on SHOWTIME. That is chronicling Mayweather and Berto as they prepare for the main event on September 12. In addition we have the first fight of Orlando Salido versus Rocky Martinez from April of this year.  We believe many of you have already called this a leading candidate for fight of the year for 2015. That first fight in its entirety is airing on SHOWTIME EXTREME. It airs on the CBS Sports Network, our sister cable television network. It is also available in full on the internet. If you haven’t seen that fight or you want to relive some of the excitement or share with your readers and viewers, please do. That fight was excellent and we expect a great one in the rematch as well.
Our typical compliment of programming during fight week will be available as expected and as you’ve seen before from SHOWTIME in partnership with Mayweather Promotion. You’ll see a main event press conference streaming live on Wednesday of fight week. The undercard press conference we will also stream live that week. Weigh-in Live on Friday will air on SHOWTIME network, on CBS Sports Network and on many other platforms, including the internet.
We also have a very special “COUNTDOWN LIVE” on Saturday, September 12. COUNTDOWN LIVE is going to be a 90-minute show on SHOWTIME leading up to the Pay-Per-View. That’s going to include a live 10-round fight between Mayweather Promotions’ Ishe Smith in a super welterweight bought against Vanes Martirosyan. So lots of great programing coming up.
I know you guys have lots of other live action to cover as well. So I’m not going to take up any more of your time. I wish you luck and thanks for the time.
L. Ellerbe
Okay, thank you Chris. Mayweather versus Berto is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and as Chris mentioned it will be live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View. Just a reminder the Pay-Per-View telecast will start at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET. This event will be sponsored by Tecate.
Also, just a reminder tickets are on sale now at the MGM Grand and the ticket prices are $150, $300, $500, $750, $1000 and $1500. Mayweather versus Berto will be shown live in select movie theaters all across the country with our partners Fathom Events. Tickets are on sale now at www.fathomevents.com. In the main event, obviously, you have Floyd “Money” Mayweather versus hard hitting former champ Andre Berto. In the co-main event we have WBO Junior lightweight title fight between Roman “Rocky” Martinez and Orlando Salido. This will be a rematch of their fight of the year from this past April.
The Martinez versus Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first title defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World Championship and he’ll be fighting “Saint” George Groves. The Jack vs. Groves fight is in association with Sauerland Events. And as announced last Tuesday the first Pay-Per-View television fight will be a 10 round Junior Lightweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. I’d like to acknowledge Peter Rivera of PR Best Boxing
Peter Rivera
Hi, Leonard. Hi everybody. Once again, thanks for the opportunity to SHOWTIME and Mayweather and we’re looking forward to being part of this great event.
L. Ellerbe
Thank you. I would like to introduce and first the opening televised bout on the Pay-Per-View portion. Jonathan Oquendo, fighting out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He’s won 11 of 13 fights and will fight for the sixth time in his career at the MGM when he faces Jhonny Gonzalez on September the 12. Coming to us with a record of 25-4 with 16 KOs. Jonathan, would you like to make a few comments?
Jonathan Oquendo
I want to thank the press. I want to thank everyone for this opportunity. I’m very excited. I’m very focused and looking forward to the match up.
L. Ellerbe
Next up I’d like to introduce a very very exciting fighter from Mexico City, Mexico. He has won world championships at 118 and 126. One of his most memorable fights is his fight against Abner Mares in a very very exciting fight he ended with the first round KO to grab the WBC featherweight title. He defended it twice because eventually losing to Gary Russell Jr. Jhonny Gonzalez comes in with with a 58-9 record with 49 big KOs
Jhonny Gonzalez
I’m very happy for this opportunity. I’m extremely excited for the chance to fight on such a big stage that is important to fans around the world and I’ve really picked up my training and I’m extremely focused and looking ahead towards September 12.
Q
Jonathan, why did you accept this fight at this stage of your career?
J. Oquendo
I feel like this is a great opportunity. I want to be a great champion. I want to go ahead and showcase my talents on the card that Floyd Mayweather is headlining because there is a lot of attention when he fights. I feel that the training and that we’ve been doing in camp has been fantastic and I do believe that I have enough to defeat somebody of the caliber of Jhonny Gonzalez.
Q
Jhonny, what do you expect out of Jonathan Oquendo?
J. Gonzalez
He is very complicated and difficult to fight. I know that for Jonathan it’s a great opportunity. I’m awaiting a very stiff and strong challenge and I believe that Jonathan will bring his best coming up on September 12.
Q
Johnny, you just fought earlier this month. Did you already know that this fight was in the works if you won?
J. Gonzalez
I’m very happy that I took the previous fight and came out fine and it’s allowed me to just keep up the same training. I feel terrific at 130 pounds. I understand how important this is for all the Mexicans to be able to celebrate during this time on September 12 and during the month of September. At the end of the day I want to come out with my hand raised on September 12.
Q
How important is it to you to keep up the tradition of always fighting on or near your birthday, which of course is also the Mexico Independence Day?
J. Gonzalez
It’s very important for me to fight during this time of the year. I have had the opportunity to compete during this time of the year on various occasions and also more than anything I’ve learned from my defeats. Sometimes I’ve came up short but I have looked back and figured out the reasons why. And at the end of the day, most importantly, I want to go out and I want to fight for one more world title.
Q
Jhonny, do you believe you’re done at featherweight or would the right opportunity prompt you to drop that kind of weight?
J. Gonzalez
No, I’m done. My days are over fighting at 126. My focus is strictly on 130 pounds. I want to fight for a world title and I want to fight the best at 130. I get that opportunity to do so on September 12 against Jonathan Oquendo.
Q
This question is for Jhonny. Are you going to put on another action-packed fight or will this be a more conservative Jhonny?
J. Gonzalez
I feel that the face that I’m back with my father will make me better than ever. I feel better at 130 instead of at 126 and my mindset is more to focus on boxing and that ability to focus on boxing, is going to allow me to land harder shots against Jonathan Oquendo.
Q
Do you plan on making a title run at 130?
J. Gonzalez
I want to put on exciting fights, but I also want to focus on my campaign at 130 step-by-step. I feel that I will be ready to fight for a world title if the opportunity presents itself, but I’m more focused on handling things one by one and step-by-step.
Q
Having been through the process of rebuilding after a loss, do you feel more comfortable going through it?
J. Gonzalez
I always learn from my losses. I’m going to come back stronger and my mindset is to fight for a world title at 130 pounds. I understand the adjustments I need to make and I’m going to put that on display against Jonathan Oquendo.
Q
Jonathan, how do you feel fighting at 130 pounds?
J. Oquendo
I’m in excellent condition right now. I understand the opponent that I have against me in Jhonny Gonzalez and I think I’m going to be totally fine conditioning wise and physically against Jhonny Gonzalez.
K. Swanson
Great. Thank you so much. Okay, now we’re going to transition over to Orlando Salido and Rocky Martinez.
L. Ellerbe
This next bout, which will be the second part of this great Mexico versus Puerto Rico rivalry, we have a very exciting fight. It’s a fight that the fans are really looking forward to and I’d like to introduce first Roman “Rocky” Martinez. He comes to us with a 29-2 record with 17 KOs and he’s fighting out of Puerto Rico. He’ll be making the first defense in his third stint as the WBO Junior Lightweight champ. He survived a desperate late rush to unanimously out-point Salido in a hard fought action packed fight this past April and it was a classic Puerto Rico versus Mexico battle. Roman, would like you to say a few words?
Roman Martinez
I’m very prepared. My team has done a terrific job in training camp. I want to put on an amazing fight and I’ve worked extremely diligently to be able to defend his title on a spectacular card like this one that is headlined by Floyd Mayweather.
O. Salido
I’m very happy and it means a lot for me to be included on such a great card like this that is headlined by Floyd Mayweather and I want to prove to everybody that I still have a long career in front of me and I want to go out and recapture the world title.
Q
Orlando, what will be different in this fight coming up?
O. Salido
I’ve been training with guys that are very mobile that like to move a lot and I know that Roman is going to constantly be on the move, but the difference with this fight is that during his last fight in training camp I did not spar with guys that are very mobile and moved around the ring. But in this fight I’m very focused and prepared to go head and seek Roman Martinez in every single corner of the ring.
Q
For both fighters, what is your mentality of going back into the ring immediately with an opponent you just fought in what was a very very hard, physical, tough fight. How do you mentally prepare yourself for that knowing you’re probably going to be standing across the ring from a guy who is going to put you through another 12 rounds or maybe less of all out warfare?
R. Martinez
My training has been excellent. To be able to come out and put on a show on a card like this, I want to not only look good, but I want to look spectacular. The difference is that I’m going to use my intelligence more. I know Orlando is a terrific fighter and is going to leave it all inside the ring, but I’m going to use my brains more in this fight compared to the last.
O. Salido
Training has been going very well. I understand that we went toe-to-toe in our last match, but honestly, mentally I feel fantastic. What I’m looking at in this fight is not to leave anything behind. To give it my all and he understands that Roman Martinez is a great fighter, but I want to go out and recoup the title for all of Mexico on September 12.
Q
Roman did you think at any point that you could finish him in that fight and did you think that because you were able to drop him two times that perhaps this time you could finish him off in the rematch?
R. Martinez
I understand in the first fight I feel like I didn’t start as strong and in this fight I’m going to fight with pressure of from the outset and I do have a lot of confidence understanding that I could hurt Orlando Salido, but in this fight it’s all about starting faster and stronger and really going ahead and putting the pressure on Orlando Salido early. I definitely feel I can go ahead and finish off Orlando Salido. Orlando is a very valiant fighter and very courageous, but if I have the moment and I have the opportunity, if it is there then I will certainly oblige and finish off Orlando Salido.
Q
Leonard, could you talk about how this fight ended up on the undercard of Floyd’s show?
L. Ellerbe
We’re always looking to put on exciting fights on our undercards and this was the best fight out there that we could make. I’m truly excited, not only as the promoter of the event, but as a fan to be able to witness another great fight. We know the first fight was a hardcore fight and I suspect nothing else in this fight. I went out and I tried to make the best fight I could on the card and that’s what we got.
Q
Roman do you believe that you have the advantage mentally heading into the rematch?
R. Martinez
Orlando is a veteran. We had an amazing fight back in April, but I’m not going to get over confident because Orlando Salido is a dangerous fighter and I understand I must bring 100% and my absolute best on September 12.
Q
Orlando did you want the rematch immediately?
O. Salido
The first fight was in Roman’s backyard out in Puerto Rico. I did not fight well, but I craved an opportunity to regain my title and I will do so for all of Mexico.
Q
Orlando how do you feel being able to fight very close to Mexican Independence Day and all that it represents?
O. Salido
It’s such an honor to be fighting so close to this day for the Independence of Mexico. I am so just overjoyed by the opportunity to be able to regain my title for all of Mexico during that time of year.
Q
Orlando do you think that this is the last time you will be fighting for the world title?
O. Salido
I do not know whatsoever. You can’t tell and you can’t know for sure. Anything can happen in the ring. But what I do know is that I am focused and coming up on September 12 I will, once again, regain my world championship for all of Mexico.
Q
The first fight that you had was very close and a lot of people felt that real difference in the decision was the two knockdowns. What happened with those knockdowns and how are you going to work in this fight to prevent something like that from happening again?
O. Salido
Mentally I feel great. Roman hit me with great shots, but the second knock down he hit me with an amazing show. In the first fight I lost the fight mentally and in this fight everything is different mentally, spiritually. I just feel so much better and I thought that in the first fight that everyone was for Roman. This time everything is different and I think that the results will be different as well.
Q
Roman, could you tell us what led up to the knockdowns and how you will try to repeat that in the rematch?
R. Martinez
The first fight, it was just an amazing matchup. I went ahead and I saw an opportunity. I took advantage of it. I’m training very hard to go out there and get the finish that I was looking for in the first match up.
Q
In the back of your mind have you thought at all about a trilogy?
O. Salido
If the fans want a third fight after I am victorious then so be it. Let’s make it happen. But in my mind I’m coming out only thinking about this fight. That is my only focus at the moment. I want to come out and fight an intelligent fight. I know Roman is going to be at his best, but when he steps inside the ring on September 12 I want to put on a spectacular performance for all the fans and everyone watching on Pay-Per-View.
R. Martinez
I know it’s going to be a great fight and that if the fans want a third fight then I’m willing to oblige, but it will have to be on my point because I’m going to be victorious yet again over Orlando Salido. So if it is another great fight where I am victorious it will certainly be up to me and I would be willing to go ahead and consider the option of fighting a third time against Orlando Salido.
“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.
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 at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANDRZEJ FONFARA & NATHAN CLEVERLY COLLIDE IN LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE RETURNS TO UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

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Tickets on Sale Now!
 
CHICAGO (August 26, 2015) – Bruising Polish star Andrzej Fonfara (27-3, 16 KOs) and former world champion Nathan Cleverly (29-2, 15 KOs) will meet in a 12-round light heavyweight battle as Premier Boxing Champions on Spike returns to UIC Pavilion in Chicago on Friday, October 16, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Fonfara, a fan-favorite in Chicago, will be fighting at UIC Pavilion for the 14th time in his career and is fresh off a stunning performance against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in April of this year. He steps up again to fight a top light heavyweight in former world champion Cleverly and if he can get by this stiff test, he will be in a position to face all of the other top light heavyweights in this talent rich division.
“I’m excited to return to my hometown of Chicago on this big fight night against a world class fighter like Nathan Cleverly,” said Fonfara. “This will be a tough fight for both of us. Cleverly is a solid fighter and it’s no fluke that he was a world champion and that he defended his belt so many times. Our fighting styles guarantee that everyone can expect fireworks on October 16th. I want this fight to be a quick stop on my way to a rematch with Adonis Stevenson.”
“This is a major platform for me to prove that I am more than capable of becoming world champion again,” said Cleverly. “If I beat Fonfara it’s a doorway fight to the world title and establishing myself as one of the best light heavyweights once again. Fonfara is a good fighter. He’s tall, has power and has moved up through the levels in his career. I am looking forward to coming over to Chicago and I am very confident that our styles will blend well for a really exciting fight.
“Spike has been the home to some of boxing’s most exciting bouts of 2015 including Marco Huck vs. Krzysztof Glowacki and Andre Berto vs. Josesito Lopez,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports, Spike. “We feel this trend will continue as Andrzej Fonfara vs. Nathan Cleverly is an equally matched fight that will bring a ton of action.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $151, $101, $51, $41 and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
Born in Warsaw, Poland, but fighting now out of Chicago, Fonfara will look to take advantage of a supportive atmosphere on October 16 as he returns to UIC Pavilion. After racking up victories over Tommy Karpency, Gabriel Campillo and Doudou Ngumbu, the 27-year-old took down his biggest name when he stopped Chavez Jr. in the ninth-round on April 18. With 13 of his last 15 wins coming by way of knockout, Fonfara will no doubt deliver a great fight for fans on October 16.
A former world champion with a strong resume that includes victories over Tony Bellew, Karo Murat, Tommy Karpency and Nadjib Mohammedi, the Welsh Cleverly hopes to make an impact in his third career fight in the U.S. The 28-year-old made five defenses of his light heavyweight crown and is coming off of an early stoppage of Tomas Man in May.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @NathanClev, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoand www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing

Inaugural Team Tarver Back-To- School  drive a major hit last week in Tampa

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Team Tarver at Layla’s House in Tampa
TAMPA (August 26, 2015) —  The inaugural Team Tarver Back-To-School-Drive was a major hit last week at Layla’s House (www.LaylasHouse.com)  in Tampa, Florida.
Five-time world champion and world heavyweight contender, Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver (31-6-1, 22 KOs),  his son, unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), and some other Team Tarver members distributed school supplies last Thursday to underprivileged children in Tarver’s hometown of Tampa.
TEAM TARVER: (L-R) – Antonio Tarver, Antonio Tarver Jr., Eboney De Costa, Orlando Fernandez, Angela Mitchell and Jamil Thompson
“There’s nothing better than seeing smiles on the faces of young children,” Tarver said.  “I believe it’s important to give back in your community.  We feel it’s very important for children, especially the youngest ones, to have supplies for the first day of school. We were able to provide them with essential supplies like book-bags, pencils, and notebooks.  Hopefully, they feel better about themselves, attending school, and getting a good education.”
Team Tarver’s next planned function will be a Turkey Giveaway prior to Thanksgiving.For additional information, sponsorship inquires or to make a donation, please email officialteamtarver@gmail.com or visit its website at
 
 
 
INFORMATION:
@AntonioTarver
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Robert Guerrero

Undefeated Super-featherweight Sensation Mario Barrios Returns Sept 6 in Corpus Christi

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 Photos By Lucas Noonan – PBC
SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 26, 2015) – Unbeaten rising star, Super-Featherweight Mario Barrios(10-0, 5 KOs), will make a quick return back to the ring on Sunday, September 6, 2015 against Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (33-12, 27 KOs).  The 8-round bout will take place at the American Bank Center, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
This past July, Barrios went the distance in his first eight round bout, proving to himself that he can fight effectively in the later rounds if need be.
“My last night I went eight rounds for the first time, and to be honest, I felt I could’ve went twelve easily. That’s a testament to my team and everyone around me that’s helping me get better. I’m still have a lot to learn but I feel my jab is getting much better. I’m starting to set up my combinations with my jab and I can see why that punch is so important. I’m steadily working on using my height and reach advantage.”
Managed by Al Haymon, Barrios is staying busy as this will be his fourth fight of the year.  As his career is ascending, Barrios is grateful for the great team around him.
“I’m very thankful to be fighting so soon. I want to thank Al Haymon, as well as my core team, for all their hard work. Everyone is doing a fantastic job guiding my career and I couldn’t be more pleased with my progress.  I know I’m a long way from my dream of becoming a world champion, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  With a lot of hard work, I know I can accomplish that dream.”
The event is headlined by former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-1-1, 22 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Marco Antonio “El Veneno” Rubio (59-7-1, 51 KOs) and features the rematch between bantamweight world champion Jamie McDonnell (26-2-1, 12 KOs) and exciting brawler Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-1, 19 KOs).  Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS will air the event live from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas Sunday, September 6. The telecast kicks off at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $109, $93, $49, $38 and $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office or by calling Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000
boxing

Travis Kauffman takes on Epifanio Mendoza on Friday, September 18 at the Claridge in Atlantic City

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Plus the return of former Heavyweight title challenger Eddie Chambers as well as undefeated Dauren Yeleussinov, Keith Tapia, John Magda, Earl Newman and Carlos Gongora
For Immediate Release

 
 
Reading, PA (August 26, 2015)– On Friday night, September 18, boxing returns to the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City as Kings Promotions returns for a big night of action.
In the main event, Travis Kauffman will take on former world title challenger Epifanio Mendoza.
Kauffman of Reading, PA has a record of 29-1 with 21 knockouts and is riding an 11-fight win streak that has spanned 5 and a half years.
Kauffman has defeated the likes of Malachy Farrell (16-1), William Shahan (7-1), Chris Koval (24-6), Vincent Thompson (13-1) and in his last bout he took out Richard Carmack in one-round on August 14 in Newark, New Jersey.
Mendoza is a grizzled veteran has fought everybody from Jr. Middleweight to Heavyweight.  He has prodigious knockout power as his record stands at 41-21-1 with 35 knockouts.
The native of Baranquilla, Colombia has wins over Tukunbo Olajide (17-0), Rubin Williams (19-0), Alejandro Garcia (7-1), Carlos Negron (13-0) & Ray Recio (6-0).  He is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Tomas Orozco Rodriguez on July 25 in Barinquilla, Colombia.
The co-feature will be an 8-round Heavyweight bout that will feature the American return of former world title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers (41-4, 22 KO’s) taking on Galen Brown (41-31-1, 25 KO’s) of St. Joseph, Missouri.
Also appearing in an 8-round bout will be Heavyweight Keith Tapia (15-0, 10 KO’s) of Santurce, Puerto Rico taking on Roberto Santos (12-2, 5 KO’s) of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Ivan Golub (8-0, 6 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Javier Castro (27-8, 22 KO’s) of Chihuahua, Mexico in a Super Welterweight bout.

John Magda (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will fight Francisco Reza (14-14, 11 KO;s) of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico in a Super Middleweight bout.
In 6-round bouts:
Dauren Yuleussinov (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY fighting Miguel Munguia (31-33-1, 25 KO’s) in a Super Middleweight fight.
Earl Newman (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Ricardo Campillo (9-8-1, 7 KO’s) of Sonora, Mexico in a Cruiserweight bout.
Danny Kelly (8-1-1, 7 KO’s) of Washington, DC will battle Jimmy Suarez (3-6, 3 KO’s) of Aguada, PR in a Heavyweight bout.
Former Olympian, Carlos Gongora (2-0, 2 KO’s) will take on Juan Carlos Rojas (10-12-1, 8 KO’s) of Saltillo, Mexico in a Super Middleweight bout.
Tickets can be purchased for $100, $75 and $50 by clickingwww.claridgeboxing.eventbrite.com or by calling call 610 587 5950 or 609 868 4243
Photo by Joe Tarlecky
boxing, UK Boxing

Young Prospects Sambou and Wood Battle For Supremacy This Saturday

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On Saturday night, at York Hall in London, two young prospects, Matar Sambou and Chris Wood are set to go toe-to-toe against each other, on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted LORDS OF THE RING II event.

 

How refreshing to see two young prospects willing to go toe-to-toe against each other so early in the careers, rather than the accepted normality of facing off against a journeyman for the first six or seven fights of their career.

 

Kent based Senegalese Sambou, who on his pro debut sensationally stopped Lithuanian hard-man Tadas Stulginskas in just one minute and forty seconds of the first round, had already built up quite a reputation, of being a one of the toughest, big punching youngsters around, during his extensive amateur career back home in Senegal, where he was spotted by no less than former Heavyweight World Champion David Haye, as well as on the unlicensed circuit here in the UK.

 

His opponent on Saturday, Middlesbrough’s Chris Wood, whose record stands at two wins and single split decision loss, also has built up quite a reputation as a tough young fighter that is willing to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime, and his willingness to enter into the Lions den was well and truly proved, when he traveled to Scotland to box former unified World Kick Boxing Champion Sam Allan on his home show at Wishaw on just his second pro bout.

 

Promoter Mark Lyons spoke earlier about the prospect of such a mouthwatering match up taking place on his upcoming event.

 

“What can I say, this is likely to be a truly memorable fight, probably will be the fight of the night as these two boys are true warriors.

 

We know all about Matar, we know that he is as tough as they come and is one of the most avoided young boxers around, nobody wants to fight him, well usually nobody wants to.

 

We had heard so many good things about Chris, but when he was approached by Matar’s matchmaker Ben Frankham we still didn’t really expect him to take the fight, but he did.

 

What can I say, Chris is a real fighter, he’s not looking to artificially build his record, he wants to fight the best, he wants to beat the best and get himself to the top by fighting other prospects, not being mollycoddled for six or seven fights, you can’t help but respect the kid for that.

 

Have to say, we’re all really looking forward to watching these two warriors against each other, it will be an out and out war, that’s for sure.”

 

Matar Sambou versus Chris Wood features on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys promotions LORDS OF THE RING II event that will take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London this coming Saturday, the 29th August 2015.

 

This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com

 

Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com and www.wiseguypromotions.com or call 07960 850645 or 07807 282559.

boxing

GSS announces that Radio Rahim, Diego Magdaleno and Rebecca Grant to make up broadcast team for Inaugural stream this Friday night’s “Best in Boxing”card live from Tijuana, Mexico

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 11 bout card Live on YouTube at
10:30 PM ET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Las Vegas, NV (August 25, 2015) –This Friday night, it will be a special night of boxing when Global Sports Streaming (GSS) will present the first broadcast of a brand new sports streaming service and the premier edition of Best in Boxing (BIB)
The first broadcast on Friday, August 28, 2015 will feature the IBU Middleweight title bout between Tony Hirsch (18-6-2, 8 KO’s) taking on Rolando Paredes (9-2-2, 8 KO’s)
The entire 11 bout card, which is promoted by Borizteca Promotions, will stream live beginning at 10:30 PM ET on YouTube and will feature the likes of popular female light flyweight Kenia Enriquez (13-1); lightweight Demond Brock (9-3) as well as undefeated prospects super featherweight Jesus Trujillo and Jorge Escalante (2-0)
GSS is pleased to announce that boxing reporter Radio Rahim, world title challenger and Diego Magdaleno and actress Rebecca Grant will comprise the broadcast team.
Radio Rahim has been a boxing reporter from the Bay area and has been covering the sweet science for over twenty years.  He is known for his hard-hitting interviews and was on hand in Macau, China when the controversial skirmish broke out between the camps of Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios.  Rahim was the first reporter on the scene with exclusive interviews with members of both teams.  Rahim is a respected journalist whose work can be found on secondsout.tv and boxingscene.com
Magdaleno is the number-one ranked Lightweight in the world and on October 10, he will be making the 2nd attempt at a world title when he takes on undefeated Terry Flanagan for the WBO Lightweight world title in Manchester, England.  In his previous title opportunity he lost a split decision to WBO Jr. Lightweight champion, Rocky Martinez in Macau, China.
Grant is an American actress who has done extensive work in television sports.  She worked as a host for the Buffalo Bills on the Empire Sports Network.  She then went on to work as a reporter for the NFL on Fox and ESPN and then worked on the popular NFL Under the Helmet.
Grant has been a staple on Network television as an actress and has been on 3rd Rock from Under the Sun as well as Third Watch.  She also has appeared on many shows on major networks NBC, CBS and ABC as well working on movies such as Brothers.
In 8-round bouts:
Demond Brock (9-3, 3 KO’s) of Kenner, Louisiana will fight Hector Garcia (4-3-1, 3 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Lightweight bout.
Brian Jones (11-3, 5 KO’s) of Los Angeles, CA will fight Andres Valdez in a Welterweight bout,
Kenia Enriquez (13-1, 6 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico will take on Lorena Arias (3-7) of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in a  female Light Flyweight bout.
In 6-round Bouts:
 
Jorge Ruiz (8-2, 3 KO’s) of San Diego, California will take on Antonio Villa (1-14, 1 KO) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Featherweight fight.
Michael Ruiz Jr. (9-4-2, 3 KO’s) of Fresno, California will square off with Alfonso Sandoval  (0-8) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Bantamweight fight.
Amaris Quintana (8-2-2, 1 KO) of San Diego, CA will fight Lesley Villanueva (0-1) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Light Flyweight fight.
In 4-round bouts:
Jesus Trujillo (1-0, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, CA will take on Ulises Jimenez (0-1-1) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Super Featherweight affair.
Armando Tovar of San Diego, California will make his pro debut against Andres Marroquin (0-1) of Rosarito, Mexico in a Welterweight clash.
Michael Haigood (0-3) of San Diego, California will box Manuel Sandoval (0-3) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Featherweight fight,
Jorge Escalante (2-0,1 KO) of San Diego, California will rumble with Angel De Jesus Estrada (0-3) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Cruiserweight battle.
All Bouts Subject to change
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

DAIKI KAMEDA & VICTOR RUIZ SQUARE-OFF IN BANTAMWEIGHT ACTION WHILE RISING STARS MIGUEL FLORES, MARIO BARRIOS & RYAN KARL PUT THEIR UNDEFEATED RECORDS ON THE LINE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 FROM THE AMERICAN BANK CENTER IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

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Premier Boxing Champions on CBS is Headlined By Super Middleweights
Anthony Dirrell and Marco Antonio Rubio With The Co-Main Event Featuring 
Jamie McDonnell vs. Tomoki Kameda 2
 
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (August 25, 2015) – Former two-time world champion Daiki Kameda (29-4, 18 KOs) takes on Mexican slugger Victor Ruiz (19-5, 14 KOs) in bantamweight action in a stacked lineup of undercard attractions as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS airs live from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas Sunday, September 6.  The telecast kicks off at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT.
The event is headlined by former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-1-1, 22 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Marco Antonio “El Veneno” Rubio (59-7-1, 51 KOs) and features the rematch between bantamweight world champion Jamie McDonnell (26-2-1, 12 KOs) and exciting brawler Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-1, 19 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $109, $93, $49, $38 and $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office or by calling Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
The action inside the arena will feature top undefeated prospects putting their unblemished records on the line as Miguel Flores (16-0, 7 KOs) faces John “Bam Bam” Johnson(31-10, 23 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout, Mario “Golden Boy” Barrios (10-0, 5 KOs) battles Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (33-12, 27 KOs) in eight rounds of super featherweight action and Ryan “Cowboy” Karl (8-0, 6 KOs) competes in a six-round welterweight affair.
Additional early action will also see 25-year-old New Jersey-born Rickey Edwards (7-0, 2 KOs) against 19-year-old Marco Solis (3-1, 1 KO) of Round Rock, Texas in a six-round lightweight attraction, 23-year-old Corpus Christi-born Jeremy Longoria (7-5, 1 KO) squaring off against 28-year-old Alberto Espinoza of San Antonio in six rounds in the super featherweight division and Corpus Christi’s own Robert Vela in a six-round super featherweight contest.
Kicking-off the undercard will be 23-year-old Kingsville native Omar Rojas (3-3, 1 KO) as he takes on 30-year-old Alberto Espinoza (3-7) of Laredo, Texas in six rounds of super welterweight action and Rickie Gutierrez (1-0) of Robstown, Texas in a four-round super featherweight bout against San Antonio’s Theo Johnson (1-8).
The middle brother of the fighting Kameda brothers, the only group of brothers to simultaneously hold world titles, 26-year-old Daiki will make his U.S. debut on September 6 in Corpus Christi. Fighting out of Tokyo, he won world titles with victories over Denkaosan Kaovichit and Rodrigo Guerrero. He will return to the ring for the first time since 2013, looking to make another run at a world title beginning with the 24-year-old Ruiz out of Tijuana, Mexico who most recently delivered a first round knockout over Felix Rubio.
An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17 years old. The 23-year-old made his 2015 debut in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed that up by defeating Juan Ruiz in July. He will take on Johnson who fights out of San Antonio.
Fighting in his home state and representing San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his fourth victory of 2015 on September 6. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum and continue to grow his fan base in his home state when he takes on the 28-year-old Colombian Perez.
An undefeated prospect representing Houston, Karl had an excellent amateur career that ended with him ranked third in the nation in the 141-pound division. The 23-year-old has already won three times in 2015 and most recently stopped Rigoberto Flores in July.
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,