Tag Archives: boxing

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE & MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

Click HERE For Barclays Center TV Interview With Amir Khan

 

BROOKLYN (May 27, 2015) – Fight week activities for Premier Boxing Championson Spike continued Wednesday as fighters participated in the final press conference and media workouts at Barclays Center before they enter the ring on Friday, May 29.

 

Tickets for the live event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, are priced at $250, $150, $75, and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.  Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.comwww.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

AMIR KHAN

 

“I really believe that I have the movement, the skills and the technique to beat Chris Algieri and look spectacular doing it.

 

“Algieri has been in the ring with big names before so we know that’s not going to scare him and he won’t get nervous. I’m going to be ready for anything he brings to the table.

 

“This is going to be an entertaining fight because of our styles. We both like to throw a lot of punches and there will be a lot of movement. This will be a more skillful fight and I think the fans will enjoy what they see.

 

“I’ve always wanted to fight here at Barclays Center and I really am excited to put on a great performance for all the New Yorkers.

 

“Virgil Hunter has been great for me as a fighter and he’s helped me really understand the sport of boxing. I’ve worked on my technique and my defense and really just everything.

 

“Training camp for me has been really good. I’m focused on my opponent and I’m not going to make any mistakes. It’s going to be a great performance from me on Friday.”

 

CHRIS ALGIERI

 

“This is going to be a great fight with two fast-paced boxers. It’s going to be very exciting for everyone watching.

 

“Working down in Florida with John David Jackson really refreshed a lot of things in boxing for me. I got to see new things and try new things. I learned a lot.

 

“The only thing that matters is proving something to myself and I do feel like I have to prove something. I wasn’t happy with my last performance at all. I know I belong here at the elite level and it’s time for me to prove it.

 

“I like to challenge myself and this is a great opportunity. I’m ready for this, I will challenge anybody in the welterweight division.

 

“I feel very comfortable being here in New York and I’m happy to be back at Barclays Center.

 

JAVIER FORTUNA

 

“For me it is an honor to be here in Brooklyn. This will be a great night for all of my fans.

 

“I hope my opponent doesn’t have any excuses on Friday, because I’m going to knock him out.

 

“Everyone here is going to see a great performance and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

 

“I’m a strong fighter and I am looking forward to showing everyone what I am capable of.”

 

BRYAN VASQUEZ

 

“I’m very thankful to be here and I look forward to a great fight. I promise it’s going to be a war.

 

“I’m an exciting fighter who always comes to fight. This is my time and I will not disappoint.

 

“Fighting in New York is a great opportunity. I want people to see that Costa Rica has great fighters.

 

“I know I have a tough opponent, but he has never faced anyone like me. I’m going to give it my all and I hope he does the same.”

 

MARCUS BROWNE

 

“I feel like having a daughter has given me the kick in the rear that really has me focused on what I want to do, which is becoming a world champion. I want to give her a better life than I ever had.

 

“My intensity and focus has never been higher. The fun part of boxing is back again.

 

“I told my daughter that ‘daddy is going to give you the world.’ So I guess I need to become a world champion to give her the world. Her first word might be ‘champ.'”

 

“I’m so thankful to all the people at Barclays Center that allow me to continue to show off my talent and skills in this beautiful building.

 

“Fighting on this Premier Boxing Champions card is really special and amazing. When I went to the Olympics in 2012 we stayed in Bolton and worked out at Amir Khan’s gym, now it comes full circle.

 

“Fans can expect to see ‘spizazz’ from me. That’s a word I came up with back in my amateur days. I’m here to bring that ‘spizazz’ back, if you want to know what that is you have to buy a ticket for Friday night.”

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

“I don’t look past what is in front of me. I have a really tough challenge in front of me on Friday. I know she has an incredible desire to win and I’m ready for that.

 

“I’m a pretty aggressive fighter but I’ve been known to box. I go in there and make adjustments but I’m not afraid to throw punches.

 

“There was a really unfinished feeling after my last fight, I was disappointed. I expected more from my opponent. I wanted to put on a show for fans to remember.

 

“I definitely want to make up for my last fight this time and I feel like my opponent is on the same page with me about where we need to go to take this sport further.”

 

 

#          #          #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com andwww.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage,www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.

UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT DOMINIC WADE TAKES ON TOUGHEST CHALLENGE OF HIS CAREER IN FORMER WORLD CHAMP SAM SOLIMAN FRIDAY, JUNE 26 ON SHOWTIME®

ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader

Live At 10:35 p.m. ET/PT From Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Wash.

 

“My time has arrived…I’m ready for the next level.” – Dominic Wade

 

“My road to regaining the world title begins on June 26 against Dominic Wade.” – Sam Soliman

NEW YORK (May 27, 2015) – Young undefeated middleweight prospectDominicLights OutWade will take on the toughest opponent of his career when he faces former world champion Sam “King” Soliman in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, June 26, live on SHOWTIME from Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Wash.

 

Wade (17-0, 12 KOs), of Washington, D.C., and Soliman (44-12, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, will clash in the 10-round middleweight main event of the TGB Promotions tripleheader.  In other televised bouts, former Marine and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Captain JamelSemper FiHerring (11-0, 7 KOs), of Rockville Centre, N.Y., and 19-year-old former amateur standout and unbeaten super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (10-0, 7 KOs), of Orlando Fla., will be featured against opponents to be determined in separate bouts.

 

If triumphant, Wade will begin to transition from promising prospect to legitimate contender in his quest to become the next ShoBox graduate to win a world championship.  To date, 61 ShoBox alums have captured world titles.

 

While Wade is unbeaten, Soliman is vastly more experienced, having competed in four world championship fights.  He held the IBF Middleweight World Championship before suffering a debilitating knee injury and losing via unanimous decision to Jermain Taylor in his first title defense last October.  Soliman, who was leading on the judges’ scorecards at the time of the injury, will make his first start since losing the 160-pound title.

 

“This is a great opportunity for me to face a former world champion,” Wade said.  “While he’s more experienced I truly believe my time has arrived and I plan to show the boxing world that I’m ready for the next level.”

 

“I know what it takes to be a world champion, the sacrifices needed to endure, the battles that need to be won.  My road to regaining the world title begins on June 26 against Dominic Wade,” said Soliman.

 

“We’re very excited to work once again with the terrific SHOWTIME and Little Creek Casino Resort teams on this exciting fight card,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions.  “Wade vs. Soliman is an excellent cross-roads bout.  Additionally, Lubin and Herring are two of the best prospects in boxing.”

 

Wade, 25, will be making his 2015 debut and third appearance on the network.  In his first ShoBox fight – and first 10-rounder — he stepped up in class and won a close but clear decision over Nick Brinson in June 2014.  The aggressive-minded 5-foot-11½-inch Wade, a top amateur before going pro in March 2009, is 6-0 with four knockouts since returning to the ring in February 2013 after a two-year layoff due to promotional problems.

 

A well-conditioned, power puncher who is steadily ascending in the world rankings, Wade’s four stoppages have come inside two rounds (one in the first, three in the second).  Wade, who had over 160 amateur fights, is coming off a second-round TKO over Eddie Hunter last Dec. 20, in Shelton.

 

The 5-foot-8½-inch Soliman keeps a relentless, almost non-stop pace and delivers punches from odd angles. Tough and durable, Soliman can be very awkward and he is always well-conditioned.  This combination makes Soliman a very difficult fighter to face.  He went 0-2 in WBA 168-pound world title fights before dropping a notch in weight to capture the IBF Middleweight World Championship with a decisive 12-round decision over Felix Sturm in a rematch on May 31, 2014.

 

The 41-year-old Soliman, who lost the title in his first injury-marred defense against Taylor, is 9-1-1 with one No Contest since May 2008.  A former kickboxing world champion, Soliman has been knocked out just once – in 2007 by then WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony Mundine.  The veteran has had a successful yet unusual 18-year career that began with a four-round fight but then followed with three straight 12-rounders (all went the distance) in three different weight divisions over a period of five months.

 

The 5-foot-10-inch Herring was the 2012 United States National Champion at 141 pounds and captained the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games boxing team.  The 29-year-old turned pro in December 2012 and has remained active since with five fights in 2013 and four in 2014.  Herring, who will be making his ShoBox debut, is making his second start of this year, coming off a lopsided eight-round decision over Hector Marengo in March.

 

Herring served nine years in the Marine Corps including two tours of duty in Iraq.  The Long Island native enlisted about a year after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.  Herring considered giving up the sport multiple times, particularly after the death of his infant daughter, Ariyanah, due to sudden infant death syndrome in 2009 – three years to the day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony in London.  But he was persuaded by coaches and teammates to stick with it.

 

At 19 years of age, Lubin is one of the youngest boxers to appear onShoBox (Francisco “Panchito” Bojado, at 18, was the youngest.).  Lubin is a heralded blue-chip prospect who will be making his ShoBox debut and 11th start since turning pro in November 2013.  A southpaw with good punching power, skills and movement, Lubin will be making his third start this year and his fourth scheduled eight-round bout.

 

Lubin had a remarkable amateur career.  He was the 2013 National Golden Gloves champion at 152 pounds, the 2012 National PAL Champion at 141, the 2012 Junior Olympic National Champion at 138 pounds and the 2011 National Junior Olympic Champion at 132 pounds.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox blow by blow with expert analyst Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as ringside analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

Tickets for “Little Creek Brawl VII” from Skookum Creek Event Center start at $20 and are available online at www.little-creek.com or by calling1.800.667.7711.  Doors will open at 5 p.m. PT, with the first fight tentatively set to begin at 6 p.m.  Live coverage will begin at approximately 7:35 p.m. local time (PT).

 

Previously hosting boxing events broadcast on SHOWTIME, the 22,500-square-foot Skookum Creek Event Center provides unrivaled sightlines and acoustics for a televised fight.  Boxing fans staying the weekend at the resort’s well-appointed rooms and suites may also complete their experience with a round of golf at world-renowned Salish Cliffs Golf Club, a treatment at Seven Inlets Spa or Vegas-style gaming on the casino floor.

 

For more information about Little Creek Casino Resort and its full line-up of upcoming acts that includes Paul Rodgers, Trace Adkins, Dwight Yoakam, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, YES and Toto, please call 800-667-7711 or visit online at www.little-creek.com

 

# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 61 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

MIGUEL COTTO LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

WBC MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO TO FACE

FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION DANIEL GEALE

ON JUNE 6, 2015 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN LIVE ON HBO®

 

PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS + MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS

 

Los Angeles (May 26, 2015) – Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO’s), the reigning WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, will defend his titles against former Two-Time World Champion Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KO’s) of Australia on June 6, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a 12-round fight that will be televised live on HBO. Cotto hosted a Los Angeles media workout Tuesdayafternoon at Wild Card Boxing Club in preparation for his title defense against Geale.

 

PHOTOS:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fqjvnl11t2q1xbb/AAAOImxUmohGdl5fC1fp2Fnka?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Miguel Cotto Promotions/Roc Nation Sports

 

VIDEO:

https://afcdmc.wetransfer.com/downloads/1397cb7b30b42decabe83c7b48c48f9520150526232502/c178d18b36986aea786b9c36c0ccae4120150526232502/526528

VIDEO CREDIT: Miguel Cotto Promotions/Roc Nation Sports

 

Here’s what Cotto and his trainer, Freddie Roach, had to say:

 

Miguel Cotto – WBC & Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion

 

“I feel good and in the best shape possible. I just feel ready. I know Geale is a tough opponent and he is going to bring his best on June 6, but I trust in the work we have done here in Los Angeles and I’m going to bring my best too.”

 

“After 14 years in boxing, the best decision I could have made was to take the last year off. My mind was not in boxing, but since I got here with Freddie, everything is working perfectly again. Boxing is all I know. Boxing is my life. Through boxing, I raised my family and I work to provide the best future for them. They are the reason I love boxing.”

 

“Boxing at this point in my career is a battle with myself. Everyday I need to bring my best in the gym from morning to evening. Next week has to be better than last week. I need to ask myself to be better every day. I know that if I bring my best to the gym every day, I can bring my best the night ofJune 6 against Geale.”

“Freddie comes here every day with the best attitude and he knows how to get the best out of me.”

 

“It will have been 364 days to the day on June 6 since I have been in the ring. It’s not difficult to get back in after this long stretch. I’ve been focused on my work. I have gained more knowledge during my time off in order to get myself ready to fight again.”

 

“Daniel Geale is the next chapter in my career. After I get through him, I can talk about what comes next.”

 

Freddie Roach – Cotto’s Trainer

 

“Miguel’s sparring has been great. His movement has been very good. It’s hard on me in the ring! His body shots are very effective and the head shots come with it. I think we are going to get a late round knockout. Geale is tough enough to go some rounds, but a knockout in a late round…that’s my call.”

 

“One of Miguel’s greatest strength against Geale will be his body shots, but Miguel’s knowledge in the ring will be Geale’s ultimate undoing.”

 

“He has found a new home here at Wild Card and I’m glad I provided that for him. He loves this gym. He loves the atmosphere. He’s thrived in this environment and when a fighter is in a good mood and happy, he performs at the highest level.”

 

Cotto vs. Geale, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be televised live on HBO. The fight, which is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, will be the official kick-off event of the 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Jaybird, TapouT, Tequila Cazadores and Venue Kings. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Roc Nation and Grammy nominated artist Big Sean taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee “The Voice of New York” Angie Martinez and will also feature hit master DJ Lobo who will serve alongside Martinez throughout the night. Tickets priced at $500, $350, $250, $200, $150, $100, $80, $50, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first fight begins at 6:15 PM and the HBO telecast begins at 10:30 PM ET/PT.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Baltimore Boxing meets with Baltimore Police Officials!

 

Jake95Family95Humble95the95Bee95Debbie95Ramsey95and95Ganesha95Martin951.jpg

L-R: Mindi Smith, Ally Smith, Jake Smith, Ganesha Martin (Chief of Staff Baltimore Police Department), Debbie Ramsey (Former Baltimore Police Detective and Founder of Unified Efforts) and Anthony Batts (Baltimore Police Commissioner)

For Immediate Release

Baltimore, MD (May 27, 2015) – Jake Smith, CEO of Baltimore Boxing Promotions, and his family recently met with Baltimore City Police officials.

Smith, a longtime promoter in the Charm City and former professional boxer, was personally impacted by the riots as his gym was temporarily shut down. Having spent his entire life in and around Baltimore, Smith called the riots the worst thing he’s ever seen and feared for the safety of those that had neighboring businesses. Within a few days, order was restored due to an outstanding effort by the Baltimore PD.

During the visit, which included time with Chief of Staff Ganesha Martin and Commissioner Anthony Batts, Smith personally thanked them for their heroic efforts. He also donated tickets for his May 29 “Blood, Sweat & Tears” fight card at Michael’s Eighth Avenue to the department and will honor them during the evening.

“The police are unsung heroes in almost every community,” said Smith. “It’s unfortunate that certain isolated incidents have many people feeling like law enforcement is bad. We all must remember the good that they’ve done in keeping us safe. They risk their lives to keep crime, drugs and guns off the streets. It’s also important for people in Baltimore to remember how scary it was living here during the riots. The men and women of the police department literally had to face violent protesters while significantly outnumbered. For all that they did to restore the city I love, the absolute least I can do is donate tickets and honor them on fight night. I believe that we all owe them a big thank you for protecting us.”

Tickets for “Blood, Sweat & Tears” can be purchased by calling 410-375-9175 or going to Baltimoreboxing.com. Individual tickets start at $25 and VIP tables of 10 are available for $500. All VIP ticketholders can enjoy free hors d’oeurves from 7-8 pm, the best seats in the house and a special meet and greet with five time world champion Vinny Paz.

In addition to honoring the policemen and women, Baltimore Boxing is proudly teaming up with Unified Efforts. Since their founding in 2012 by former Baltimore detective Debbie Ramsey, Unified Efforts is a full-service bullying prevention organization that has helped raise awareness throughout theCharm City. To assist with the program,

Baltimore Boxing will donate tickets and proceeds from a 50/50 raffle on fight night.

For more information on Baltimore Boxing Promotions, visit Baltimoreboxing.com

Steve Upsher Chambers to have homecoming bout this Friday night at Stadium Holiday Inn in Philadelphia

Frank De Alba to fight Bernardo Gomez Uribe for UBF Lightweight title in main event; Plus Farah Ennis, Raynell Williams, Miguel Cruz, Samuel Figueroa, Christopher Brooker and Leo Hall
For Immediate Release
Philadelphia (May 27,2015)This Friday night at the Stadium Holiday

Inn in Philadelphia, King’s Promotions presents a great night of championship boxing that will headlined by 10-round UBF Lightweight championship bout between Frankie De Alba (15-1-2, 5 KO’s) and Bernardo Gomez Uribe (14-3, 10 KO’s).
In one of the 8-round co-features, Steve Upsher Chambers (24-4-1, 6 KO’s) returns to the city where he cut his teeth as a professional to take on Alejandro Rodriguez (24-16-1, 14 KO’s) in a Jr. Welterweight bout.
Chambers, who came originally to Philadelphia with former Heavyweight title challenger, “Fast” Eddie Chambers, fought 23 times and the famed Blue Horizon in Philadelphia and will be making his first start in the City of Brotherly Love in almost 6 years.
“I have been training hard and working on opening my new gym with (Lightweight contender) Rod Salka,” said Upsher.
“I am on weight already and I feel good.  We will be fighting at 142 pounds.”
Upsher is ready to show the fans how far his abilities have grown since he turned pro in Philadelphia in 2003 when he was just 18 years old.
“I am happy to be coming back to Philadelphia.  I want to show people how far I have come and see the improvement that I have made as a fighter.”
Despite losing his three bouts to the likes of former world champions Luis Collazo and Andre Berto as well as then-undefeated prospect Eddie Gomez, Upsher was competitive in all those bouts and grew tremendously from those experiences.
“It showed that I can compete against that level of fighter.  Plus everyone of those guys was bigger than me.  I am a natural 140 pounder and can make 135 if the right opportunity presented itself.”
Chambers went back to his native Pittsburgh to train in neighboring city Coal Center, PA.
“My mind is set on winning a world title at 140 pounds.  After the three losses, I cant afford any missteps.  People see about the losses.  I know I have the ability to be a world champion and on May 29 that will start to show.”
On the veteran opponent, Rodriguez, Upsher said, “I know he is tough and from Mexico.  I will look at a little film before the fight and go from there.  I really don’t worry about what he will do.  He should worry about me.  This fight is redemption for me.  It’s a start  and then I would like to right all of the losses.  But first I am looking for a dominant  performance on Friday then I want to end all doubts.”
An outstanding undercard has been assembled.
In 6-round bouts:
Farah Ennis (21-2, 12 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Michael Gbenga (20-19, 20 KO’s) of Accra, Ghana in a Super Middleweight bout.
Former U.S. Olympian, Raynell Williams (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will take on an opponent to be named in a Lightweight bout.
Welterweight Miguel Cruz (8-0, 7 KO’s) of Lake Mary, FL battles Juan Rodriguez (6-2-1, 5 KO’s) of Haymarket, VA..
Samuel Figueroa (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Ansco, PR will fight Jose Valderrama (4-9, 3 KO’s) of Arecibo, PR in a Welterweight bout.
Brandon Bennett (18-1, 7 KO’s) of Cincinnati, OH will square off with Rondale Hubbert (10-1-1, 6 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN in a Lightweight bout.
Demond Nicholson (12-1, 12 KO’s) of Laurel, MD will battle German Perez (11-1, 3 KO’s) in a Middleweight bout.
Leo Hall (5-0, 5 KO’s) of Detroit, MI will risk his perfect mark against Lawrence Blakey (2-3, 1 KO) of Pennsylvania in a Light Heavyweight affair.
Caleb Plant (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Ashland City, TN will fight Jason Zabokrtsky (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Kansas in a Middleweight bout.
Rounding out the card in a 4-round bout will be Christopher Brooker (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia fighting pro debuting Santario Martin of Gainesville, FL in a Super Middleweight bout.
The Stadium Holiday Inn is located at 900 Packer Ave. in Philadelphia
Tickets are priced at $75 and & $50 and can be purchased at www.stadiumboxing.eventbrite.com or by calling 610 587 5950

The 1st bout will start at 6:45 PM with the doors opening at 6 PM.

AMIR KHAN & CHRIS ALGIERI FIGHT WEEK QUOTES   PLUS! PHOTOS FROM BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

BROOKLYN (May 26, 2015) – Fight week for Friday’s Premier Boxing Champions on Spike event kicked off today with Amir Khan (30-3, 19 KOs)and Chris Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs) hosting a photo opportunity at Brooklyn Bridge Park before they square-off at Barclays Center on May 29.

 

Coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with an exciting showdown betweenJavier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, are priced at $250, $150, $75, and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.  Tickets are available at
www.barclayscenter.comwww.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Here is what Khan and Algieri had to say about training camp, each other and more:

 

AMIR KHAN

 

“Algieri is a fighter that has a lot of skills and assets. His range and height give him good advantages against opponents but I believe with my speed, movement and style it will be too much for him.

 

“Each day me and Virgil Hunter are getting stronger and we have built a really good rapport. It takes time to get that but he understands my style even more now and what works for me so we’re only going to keep growing.

 

“My aim since I was a kid and got into this sport was to be the very best. I fulfilled a dream when I got to the Olympics at 17 and brought back a silver medal. Later I became a world champion and then unified the light-welterweight division. My goal now is to fight the very best at 147 pounds and make my mark on this division too.

 

“I was away in training camp when my daughter turned one last week. It’s hard to be away from her but as a fighter those are the sacrifices you have to make. Everything I do is for her and I can’t wait to see her and spend time with her after this fight. Her birthday celebrations have been put on hold until after the fight!

 

“I’m really looking forward to returning to New York and fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. I have good memories of this city because it’s the place where I had my first fight on US soil against Paulie Malignaggi in 2010 and also where I got married. I’m out to make it another good time this weekend.”

 

 

CHRIS ALGIERI

 

“I know that it gets said all the time, but this was truly the best and most intense training camp of my life. Working with John David Jackson has truly been a blessing. He has brought out the best Chris Algieri there is. You are going to see a whole new fighter come Friday night.

 

“I am excited to be back in New York and excited to show the world what I am really made of on Friday night. We are just a few days away from the fight and I am so anxious to get in there and get to work.

 

“Amir is a tough fighter there is no doubt about that, but I am very confident in my ability and the game plan that coach has come up with for me.

 

“You are going to see two proven champions in a high intensity and high level fight, laying everything on the line come Friday night.”

 

#          #          #

The Friday, May 29 edition of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike features Amir Khan (30-3, 19 KOs)and Chris Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs) squaring off in a 12-round welterweight battle and the 12-round junior lightweight battle between Javier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs).

 

This event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing with live coverage beginning on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com andwww.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage,www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.

TUREANO JOHNSON PROVIDING GREAT SPARRING FOR DANIEL GEALE

 

NEW JERSEY (May 26, 2015)Gary Shaw Productions middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs), is now the chief sparring partner for Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KOs) as he prepares him for his upcoming WBC title clash with Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KOs).  Johnson, who captured the WBA International and WBC Silver middleweight titles in his last bout, is currently ranked WBC #2, WBA #5, IBF #8 and WBO #13.  He gives his thought on sparring with Geale.

 

“Daniel Geale is a special fighter who possesses a lot of boxing skills,” said Tuerano Johnson. “He’s looking real sharp in the gym and his power is there.  I can feel the snap on his punches and I think Miguel Cotto is in for a big surprise.  Everyone is counting Geale out but not me.  Gary Shaw brought me in to test Geale’s skills and after a few days of sparring, I believe Daniel will be crowned champion.”

 

“I brought Tureano to the gym to spar with Geale because he’s a good look to emulate Cotto and he’s one of the top fighters in the middleweight division,” Gary Shaw said. “The feedback I got from Johnson about sparring Geale is very positive.  I’m confident that Daniel will use everything in his playbook to come out victorious.”

 

Tureano Johnson is currently riding a 4-fight winning streak, three of which came by stoppage.  Highly ranked across the board of all sanctioning organizations, Johnson is on the cusp of landing a big fight.

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO  TRAINING CAMP UPDATE

FORMER FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BATTLES

ARON MARTINEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT STUBHUB CENTER

 

Coverage on NBC Starts At 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

 

GILROY, CA (May 26, 2015) – While entering the final days of training camp, four-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs), gives his thoughts on his upcoming PBC on NBC main-event attraction against Aron Martinez.  The 10-round bout will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., June 6, 2015and will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.

On fighting in the PBC on NBC main-event…

“First I really want to thank Al Haymon for bringing boxing back to the fans.  This is another wonderful opportunity where fans from all walks of life can see me fight on NBC for free.  PBC on NBC has taken boxing back to its glory days and I’m honored to be headlining my second show.  Everyone knows I come to fight and you can expect the same when I step in the ring with Martinez.

On staying active…

“When a fighter is constantly staying busy, it makes a world of difference.  My timing is down, my body is used to the rigorous training.  When I’m on the grind, I perform at a much higher level.  This will be the first time I’ve had back to back fights in a very long time.  Everyone watching this fight will see the difference in my fighting style.

On fighting at the StubHub Center…

“The StubHub Center is probably my favorite venue to fight in.  The fans are incredible.  Everyone has a great seat and you can feel the energy from the crowd while you’re fighting.  It’s like there right on top of you.  For some reason the StubHub Center brings out the warrior spirit in everyone.  It’s a great place to fight!”

On training camp…

“Training camp has been going great.  Like I mentioned before, when you stay active, everything flows a lot smoother.  I’ve taken my sparring sessions to a new level.  I’m quicker on my feet and my timing is spot on.  My dad Ruben who trains me, is really happy with my progress.  Everything has come together really nice.  It’s time to go to war!”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.

WBC MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO VS. DANIEL GEALE ON JUNE 6, 2015 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN NAMED OFFICIAL KICK-OFF EVENT OF NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE WEEK 2015

Cotto Receives Honorary Title of “Athlete of the Year”

NEW YORK (May 26, 2015) – The National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) today announced that its 2015 Parade, scheduled for Sunday, June 14 on New York’s Fifth Avenue, will officially kick off a week of festivities with the WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship fight between Miguel Cotto and Daniel Geale on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It was also announced that Miguel Cotto, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions will be making a contribution to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Fund.

“Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are thrilled to be aligned with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and to kick off their week of festivities with our event on June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said David Itskowitch, COO of Boxing for Roc Nation Sports. “New York’s Puerto Rican community has supported Miguel throughout his career and we look forward to mirroring that support through our scholarship fund contribution and association with the Parade’s mission to promote education and empowerment.”

In addition, to honor Cotto’s impressive athletic accomplishments spanning over a decade which include him becoming Puerto Rico’s first and only Four Division World Champion, the NPRDP has bestowed upon him the honorary title of “Athlete of the Year.”

“It’s a privilege for my June 6 fight against Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn to be named the official kick-off event of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and I want to express my deepest gratitude for being honored me as Athlete of the Year,” said Cotto. “New York is truly my second home because I have been embraced by its Puerto Rican community. I’m looking forward to seeing my New York fans at Barclays Center on June 6.”

The NPRDP established the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Awards Program to help promote the pursuit of higher education within the community. In 2015, the organization will double the total dollar figure and number of scholarships awarded from the previous year to 30 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each. In celebration of the 2015 class of scholarship winners, Miguel Cotto, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions will be contributing $5,000 to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Fund in support of helping other high school and college students pay for their educations.

“The mission of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is to create an awareness and appreciation of Puerto Rican contributions to the United States by holding an annual parade that displays the culture and diverse achievements of the Puerto Rican community and by supporting the higher education of our youth through our scholarship program,” said Ululy Rafael Martinez, Vice-Chair of NPRDP. “We are proud to honor Miguel Cotto as Athlete of the Year and express our deepest gratitude to Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Productions for contributing to our scholarship fund.”

The 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, June 14, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on New York’s Fifth Avenue. The Parade’s overall theme will be a continuation of “Un Pueblo Muchas Voces” (One Community, Many Voices) with a special commemorative theme “Celebrating Afro-Boricua Heritage,” meant to coincide with the designation of the next decade as the “International Decade for People of African Descent” by the United Nations. Spectators can watch the Parade from any designated areas between E. 44th and E. 79th Streets. NPRDP 2015 official events include the following:

May 27 – Education Leadership Awards
May 30 – 152nd Street Festival in the Bronx
June 6 – Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
June 6 – Rising Stars Challenge
June 7 – Annual Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
June 12 – Annual Gala of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
June 14 – 58th National Puerto Rican Day Parade

For more information please visit www.nprdpinc.org. Follow NPRDP on Twitter: @PRparadeNYC, Instagram: NPRDP, #PRparade, and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/NationalPuertoRicanParade.

Cotto vs. Geale, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be televised live on HBO. The fight, which is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, will be the official kick-off event of the 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Jaybird, TapouT, Tequila Cazadores and Venue Kings. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Roc Nation and Grammy nominated artist Big Sean taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee “The Voice of New York” Angie Martinez and will also feature hit master DJ Lobo who will serve alongside Martinez throughout the night. Tickets priced at $500, $350, $250, $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase atwww.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first fight begins at 6:15 PM and the HBO telecast begins at 10:30 PM ET/PT.

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO TRAINING CAMP UPDATE   FORMER FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BATTLES ARON MARTINEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT STUBHUB CENTER

 

Coverage on NBC Starts At 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos From Team Guerrero

 

GILROY, CA (May 26, 2015) – While entering the final days of training camp, four-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs), gives his thoughts on his upcoming PBC on NBC main-event attraction against Aron Martinez.  The 10-round bout will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., June 6, 2015 and will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.

 

On fighting in the PBC on NBC main-event:

“First I really want to thank Al Haymon for bringing boxing back to the fans.  This is another wonderful opportunity where fans from all walks of life can see me fight on NBC for free.  PBC on NBC has taken boxing back to its glory days and I’m honored to be headlining my second show.  Everyone knows I come to fight and you can expect the same when I step in the ring with Martinez.

 

On staying active

“When a fighter is constantly staying busy, it makes a world of difference.  My timing is down, my body is used to the rigorous training.  When I’m on the grind, I perform at a much higher level.  This will be the first time I’ve had back to back fights in a very long time.  Everyone watching this fight will see the difference in my fighting style.

 

On fighting at the StubHub Center

“The StubHub Center is probably my favorite venue to fight in.  The fans are incredible.  Everyone has a great seat and you can feel the energy from the crowd while you’re fighting.  It’s like there right on top of you.  For some reason the StubHub Center brings out the warrior spirit in everyone.  It’s a great place to fight!”

 

On training camp…

“Training camp has been going great.  Like I mentioned before, when you stay active, everything flows a lot smoother.  I’ve taken my sparring sessions to a new level.  I’m quicker on my feet and my timing is spot on.  My dad Ruben who trains me, is really happy with my progress.  Everything has come together really nice.  It’s time to go to war!”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.