A certain candidate for Round of the Year went down last Friday night (May 10, 2019) at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Fighting in a supporting bout at Rumble at the Rock V event, super middleweights Irosvani Duvergel (5-0, 3 KOs) of Cuba and Jerhed Fenderson (5-10 (2 KOs) of Las Vegas went to war in unforgettable fashion.
In round three, all hell broke loose. The two fighters trade hard knockdowns during the course of the round and then, shortly before the bell, a boxing rarity occurs… the double knockdown!
Check it out and remember this fight during next year’s voting for Round of the Year 2019!!!
Rumble at the Rock V was presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory.
FAIRFAX, VA. (May 11, 2019) – Julian “J-Rock’’ Williams knew he was walking into the lion’s den when he traveled from Philadelphia to Virginia to face undefeated unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd in his backyard. But Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) wasn’t afraid.
He came. He saw and he conquered Hurd (23-1, 16 KOs), scoring a 12-round unanimous decision, handing Hurd his first loss and taking the IBF, WBA and IBO championships before a hometown crowd at the EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University.
The crowd and the primetime audience, which tuned in to FOX and FOX Deportes, witnessed a valiant performance from both Williams and Hurd in what will certainly be a “Fight of the Year’’ candidate. The judges had Williams handily defeating Hurd with scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice.
Williams had come up short in his previous attempt at a world title when he was stopped on via TKO by Jermall Charlo in 2016. He was overwhelmed by emotions after his upset victory over Hurd, who was a presumptive favorite over the 29-year-old Williams.
“I am just overwhelmed. This is such a great feeling. I outclassed him. I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Williams. “Maybe I wasn’t ready for the title the first time I got the shot. I took the loss. I took it like a man and the whole world doubted me. I went into this fight a five to one underdog.’’
“This is a dream come true. I have been waiting for this for years. I never ditched the gym. I never got into girls or left the gym. I am from the streets, but I was never in the streets. I was in the gym practicing my craft.
“The only people that believed in me were my team, but all I can say is ‘and the new’!”
Hurd is often a slow starter and Williams made him pay for that. He jumped on the defending champion right out of the gate, throwing crisp punches behind a pistol-like jab. Williams dropped Hurd in the second round with a shot to the temple.
“It didn’t really change my strategy. It was just a flash knockdown. It caught me by surprise. I wasn’t really hurt,’’ Hurd said.
Sensing he had stunned Hurd, Williams came out firing in the next round. He picked up the pace and Hurd decided to match the ferocity of the attack rather than wither under it. Midway through the third round, Hurd landed a blistering left uppercut that snapped Williams’ head upward and slowly started to regain his form.
Hurd and Williams went to the trenches in the middle rounds, closing the distance and fighting in tight quarters. Conventional wisdom would seem to favor Hurd in that space, because he is physically bigger than Williams. But Williams did more than hold his own.
By the seventh round, the fight had become a war of attrition and a test of wills. Hurd was cut over his left eye in the eighth round. By then, Williams was completely in control.
Williams said he was well prepared for everything that Hurd threw at him, but it was by no means a cakewalk.
“He wasn’t easier to hit than I thought. He was crafty and he had heavy hands. I just stayed poised. I listened to my coach and I just worked,’’ Williams said. “He couldn’t hurt me. I saw everything he was throwing. I knocked him down. The game plan was to win however I could. I adapted on the fly. We knew he had certain tendencies and worked on his tendencies. ‘’
Hurd said he didn’t feel like himself in the fight against Williams. Fighting in front of a raucous hometown crowd filled with family and friends as he hails from nearby Accokeek, Md.
“I wasn’t able to get off. I can’t really call it right now. I have to go back and watch. I was loading up on my shots instead of just letting my hands go,’’ Hurd said. “J-Rock was just the better man tonight. There’s definitely a rematch clause in our contract and I’m going to go for it. I’m going to come back better than I was tonight.’’
Super lightweight sensation Mario Barrios (24-0, 15 KOs) scored a devastating second round knockout victory over Juan Jose Velasco (20-2, 12 KOs) in the co-feature. Barrios of San Antonio, Texas kept his undefeated record intact when he landed a crushing body shot that sent Velasco to the canvas midway through the second round. Referee Hugo Spinola counted out Velasco at 1:16 of the second round as the Argentine was on his hands and knees trying to catch his breath.
Barrios said he was trying to be patient and use his jab to set up the perfect shot.
“I saw him opening up every time he would step in. I knew one of the body shots was going to do it and I found the sweet spot,’’ Barrios said. “We weren’t expecting it to end that quickly. I wasn’t predicting a knock out, but I knew I had the power to do it and stop him.”
“I was very confident. I had a great camp. I can’t thank Virgil Hunter and the team for the preparation for this fight. We knew he was vulnerable with body punches and that was something I work on regardless. It is one of my favorite shots. I have been working on it since the amateurs.”
Barrios said he would build on the victory over Velasco and continue to climb the ladder at 140 pounds.
“I want a world title shot. I am always in the gym. I am always ready. I want all the smoke at 140. I want any of the champions. And I’m ready to bring a big fight to all my hometown fans in San Antonio.’’
In the opening television bout middleweight contenders Matt Korobov of Orotukan, Russia and Immanuwel Aleem of East Meadow, N.Y. stalked each other for 10 rounds. They took turns pressing the action and playing the aggressor, dishing out and absorbing the best that each had to offer. In the end Korobov (29-2, 14 KOs) and Aleem (18-2-1, 11 KOs) had fought to a majority draw. One judge had Korobov winning 97-93 and two judges scored it 95-95.
In the sixth round Korobov landed a combination that rocked Aleem and had him in trouble momentarily. But Aleem weathered the storm. Aleem came out strong in the ninth round, practically running across the ring to meet Korobov, who had slowly raised his 36-year-old body off the corner stool at the last second. Sensing the close nature of the fight, both Korobov and Aleem unloaded and landed some heavy shots seeking to keep the outcome away from the judges’ scorecards.
Aleem said he thought he won the fight.
“I didn’t feel like he was doing enough. I was trying to use my range. He was just touching me. I realized when I started hitting him that he didnt have the gas.,’’ Aleem said. “I am faster than people think. I see open shots better than people expect. I made a statement tonight and I want to keep making statements.”
Korobov , who lost a unanimous decision to Jermall Charlo in his last fight, said he felt sluggish during the match against Aleem.
“I felt heavy and not totally sharp enough. It was hard to react and stop him from going inside. I have things to work on.,’’ Korobov said. “He was tougher than I expected. He wasn’t as strong as Charlo, but he is a really good fighter. He kept coming forward. He wasn’t afraid. He just kept throwing punches.”
ON SATURDAY JULY 20, PBC AND FOX WILL PRESENT AN UNFORGETTABLE FEAST FOR SPORTS FANS
UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CALEB PLANT MAKES HIS FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST UNBEATEN MIKE LEE IN THE MAIN EVENT ON PBC ON FOX
THEN…
PBC ON FOX SPORTS PAY-PER-VIEW WILL PRESENT THE YEAR’S MOST ANTICIPATED FIGHT AS EIGHT-DIVISION CHAMPION MANNY PACQUIAO TAKES ON UNDEFEATED WORLD CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN IN A BATTLE FOR WELTERWEIGHT SUPREMACY
In the biggest night of boxing this year, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquaio, will take on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, July 20 in a blockbuster showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event.
Adding to the excitement of the evening, PBC will present 2-hours of boxing action with undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making his first title defense against unbeaten contender Mike Lee in the main event of PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show taking place in the same ring where Pacquiao and Thurman will later battle for welterweight supremacy.
Brandon Robinson wins split decision over DeVaun Lee
Raeese Aleem and Alycia Baumgardner score 1st round KO’s
Umberger and Kroll remain undefeated with 1st round stoppages
Philadelphia, PA (May 11, 2019)–Rising super middleweight contender Kalvin Henderson dropped Antowyan Aikens five-times in less than three rounds, and stopped Aikens in the 3rd frame of their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout that headlined an eight-bout card at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
The card, which was the inaugural event that was streamed by Warfare Sports, was promoted by King’s Promotions and Titans Boxing Promotions.
Henderson dropped Aikens with a jab in round two. That opened up Aikens for an Henderson onsluaught, as the fighter nicknamed “Hot Sauce” put AIkens down two more times before the 2nd round could end. Already on shaky legs, it was another jab that sent The Atlantic City native down for a fourth time. Henderson wasted no time in disposing of Aikens, as he ended things with a hard right hand for the fifth and final knockdown at 2:14.
Henderson of Fayetville, Arkansas won his 2nd bout at The 2300 Arena, and is now 12-0 with eight knockouts. Aikens of Atlantic City is now 13-7-1.
In the co-feature, Brandon Robinson survived a 1st round knockdown to comeback and take an eight-round split decision over DeVaun Lee in a super middleweight contest.
Lee landed an overhand right in the opening frame that clipped the chin of Robinson, and Robinson’s knee grazed the canvas for a knockdown. He shook that off, and both fighters took turns in dictating the action. Both were able to land some good power shots, and the fight was tight they whole way while providing good action throughout.
When the scores were tallied, they read 77-74 and 77-75 for Robinson. Lee won on one card 76-75.
Robinson of Philadelphia is now 13-2. Lee of Jamaica Queens, New York is 10-6-1.
Good looking super bantamweight prospect Raeese Aleem stopped normally durable Ramiro Robles in the opening frame of their scheduled eight-round bout.
Aleem dropped Robles three times, with the punctuation shot being a left hook to the body that sent Robles down at 1:51.
Aleem of Las Vegas is 14-0 with eight knockouts.Robles of Queretaro, Mexico is 15-9-2.
Alycia Baumgardner made quick work of Gabriella Mezei, as she needed just 68 seconds of their scheduled six-round junior lightweight contest.
Baumgardner scored knockdowns on body shots on the overmatched Mezei.
Baumgardner of Fremont, Ohio is 7-1 with five knockouts. Mezei of Covasna, Romania is 9-18-5.
In non-streamed bouts:
Former U.S. Olympian Paul Kroll scored his 3rd consecutive stoppage as he took out Vincent Floyd in the opening round of a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.
Kroll hurt Floyd with a right hand that backed up Floyd to the ropes. Kroll then landed a barrage of power punches, and the bout was stopped at 2:27.
Kroll is 3-0 with three knockouts. Floyd of Philadelphia is 4-7-1.
Ryan Umberger dropped Darryl Fenton twice in en-route to a 1st round stoppage of their scheduled four-round middleweight fight.
The time of the stoppage was 1:34
Umberger of Philadelphia is 2-0 with two knockouts. Fenton of Washington, DC is 1-5-1.
Antonio DuBose won a six-round majority decision over Weusi Johnson in a featherweight bout.
DuBose of Philadelphia won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57, and is now 11-2-1. Johnson of Wilmington, Delaware is 3-12-1.
Hector Mercado won a four-round majority decision over LaQuan Evans in a junior middleweight fight.
Mercado of Veracruz, Mexico won by scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38 and is now 3-10. Evans of Philadelphia is 1-1.
NOVA KOS LOZANO IN MAIN EVENT FOSTER, GONGORA & MORE PICK UP WINS
‘ICEMAN’ JOHN SCULLY RECEIVESWARRIOR’S CODE AWARD
Photo Credit: Emily Harney/Fightography
Springfield, Massachusetts (May 11th, 2019):
In the first Murphys Boxing event of a multi fight deal with UFC Fight Pass, fans watched NABA Super Featherweight Champion, Abraham Nova (15-0, 11 KOs) stop Argentina’sMario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano (18-3-1, 9 KOs) in the second round of scheduled 10 round fight last night in Springfield, Massachusetts live from MGM Springfield.
Nova, who is currently ranked #10 in the WBA’s super featherweight world rankings, put on a near perfect performance in front of a packed crowd of ‘Super’ supporters. After a tentative first round from both fighters, Nova found his range midway through the second and exploded on Lozano. Firing off a series of fast and powerful combinations to both the body and head, Nova dropped the only twice beaten, Lozano forcing the referee to call a halt to the contest at 2:26 into the second round.
“I’m ready for anybody. Top 10. Top 2. The Champ. Anybody can get it. I’m the best kept secret in boxing. It’s time to make my national television debut and let the world know who Abraham ‘Super’ Nova is.”, said the outgoing and confident young prospect who sports a bleach blonde beard and has one of the most creative ring walks in all of boxing.
Nova’s promoter, Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Casey was thrilled with Nova’s performance and is anxious to get the 25 year old in a title eliminator with another Top 10 ranked fighter.
“He’s got the whole package. The look. The entrance. The talent. The performance. The fan base. He’s accurate and sharp but he also punches with bad intentions. You can just tell he’s on a different level. He’s a world class fighter.”
As for Nova’s immediate future, Casey confirmed he will be making his national TV debut in his next fight.
“We’re finalizing a nationally televised fight for Abraham this summer against another Top 10 fighter that we will be announcing soon. Then I’d like to see him fight for the mandatory by the end of the year. We think he can win the big one, so it’s time to get him the opportunity. We’re incredibly excited about Nova’s future. He’s ready to be a star.”
The co-main event saw Murphys Boxing’s own William Foster III (10-0, 7 KOs) absolutely dominate and drop Argentina’s Ramon Esperanza (22-16-1, 11 KOs) multiple times before the referee called a stop to the fight at 2:39 into the fourth round of a scheduled 8 round bout. Foster, the current Jr. NABF Super Featherweight Championand younger brother of NABA Light Heavyweight Champion, Charles Foster, looked sensational, using a relentless body attack to overwhelm his more experienced opponent from the opening bell. The buzz on Foster continues to build in New England and he brought a vocal crowd from his hometown of nearby Hartford, Connecticut.
Recent Murphys Boxing signee, Venezuelan Olympian, Luis Arcon Diaz (7-0, 7 KOs) continued his knockout streak stopping Argentina’s Jose Aubel (8-4, 7 KOs) at 2:36 into the fourth round of a scheduled 6 round junior welterweight bout.
Local Springfield fighter, Derek Whitley Jr. (5-1-1) won a unanimous decision over Philadelphia’s Bryan Goldsby (5-11) in a 4 round welterweight fight. Goldsby had several moments throughout the fight but the MMA veteran didn’t stay busy enough against the counter-punching southpaw who won with decisions of 39-27 and 40-36 twice.
2x Olympian from Ecuador, Carlos Gongora (16-0, 12 KOs) won a hard-fought unanimous decision over a game and rugged veteran, Damien Ezequiel Bonelli (23-6, 20 KOs) in a 10 round middleweight fight with scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice. Gongora, who is signed with Murphys Boxing, is the current WBC South American Middleweight Champion.
Springfield’s own Anthony Velazquez (6-0, 6 KOs) continued his impressive KO streak against an outgunned Bruno Diaz (0-6) dropping him twice in less than a minute into the first round of a 4 round welterweight bout before the referee waved off the contest at 1:32 for a 1st round TKO.
The hard-hitting Ray Jay Bermudez (7-0, 5 KOs) who hails from nearby Albany, New York unleashed a barrage of hard hooks dropping a helpless Patrick Leal (0-6) three times for a first round TKO at 1:35 seconds into a scheduled 4 round welterweight bout.
Boston based amateur standout, James Perella (3-0, 3 KOs) made easy work of Paulo DeSouza (0-14) dropping him twice in the first round before the referee called a stoppage 16 seconds into the second round of a scheduled 4 round welterweight fight after DeSouza was badly hurt by a straight right. It was Perella’s third fight in his first two months as a professional.
The event also saw the presentation of Murphys Boxing’s Warrior’s Code Award which has been established to honor legendary New England based fighters.
The latest award was presented to light heavyweight title challenger and now successful commentator and trainer, John Scully. Scully who is based out of nearby Hartford, Connecticut fought several times in Springfield throughout his career.
The ‘Iceman’ was presented with a plaque in the ring by Murphys Boxing’s Ken Casey andSean Sullivan and he received a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd after sharing a few poignant words about his career.
ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING
Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan, Abraham Nova and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr. and more!
LAS VEGAS, NV (May 11, 2019) – Last night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super bantamweight prospect, Raeese Aleem (14-0, 8 KOs), remained undefeated with a first round knockout over Ramiro Robles (15-7-2, 9 KOs). The scheduled 8-round bout was promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s King’s Promotions.
“After my last two fights fell through, I really wanted to make a statement in this fight and I got the KO in the first round,” said Aleem. “I’m hoping to get right back with after this momentous victory.”
“Aleem looked fantastic last night scoring a first round knockout,” said manager Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “He’s certainly one of the top prospects in the super bantamweight division. We’ll be looking to get him right back in there.”
“All the hard work in the gym paid off for Aleem.” said trainer Bones Adams. “He looked sensational last night. We are ready to fight anyone in the division. Raeese is the real deal, he’s going to be a world champion some day soon.”
Undefeated Prospect Michael Dutchover Knocks Out Rosekie Cristobal in First Round; Saul Sanchez KOs Brandon Benitez In Eighth Round of Telecast Opener
Catch The Replay Monday, May 12 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME
CORONA, Calif. – May 10, 2019 – Undefeated prospect Ruben Villa stayed true to his calm and consistent style, recording a unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Lopez in his first main-event appearance on ShoBox: The New Generation Friday from Omega Products Events Center in Corona, Calif.
The judges’ scorecards read 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 in the featherweight bout, although all three ShoBox commentators had Villa winning each round except the 10th round, giving the final round to Lopez (17-2, 8 KOs) in a fight that saw nearly 1,400 punches thrown.
“I give myself a ‘C’ grade,” said Villa, making his second consecutive ShoBox appearance. “He was a tough opponent and had a real awkward style and wasn’t really a boxer. It took me awhile to adjust to him and it was hard not to get frustrated.”
Taken the 10-round distance for the first time in his career, the 22-year-old Villa (16-0, 5 KOs) of Salinas, Calif., took the first two rounds to get used to the top-15 ranked contender Lopez’s awkward style before he began landing heavy body shots to dominate the third round.
In the seventh round, Villa out-jabbed Lopez and continued the onslaught of body punches in the ninth round, but was not able to get the knockout against the game Lopez.
“I agreed with the judges’ scorecards,” the two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion Villa said. “I still got the unanimous decision win so I have no problem with that. I can take a whole lot from this fight tonight.”
Lopez was coming off an upset victory over Ray Ximenez in his U.S. debut in February but could not repeat the feat against the highly regarded Villa.
“I hit him with the better shots,” Lopez said. “I was consistently throwing and landing the power shots while he was just jabbing. I felt good. It’s a complicated to fight a lefty, but I thought I landed the punches that scored.”
In the co-feature, undefeated 21-year-old rising prospect Michael Dutchover (13-0, 10 KOs) made quick work of late replacement Rosekie Cristobal (15-4, 11 KOs) of the Philippines, connecting on a right-left combination to Cristobal’s liver that sent him to both knees before being counted out by referee Zachary Young at 1:46 of the first round of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight contest.
In his ShoBox debut, Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., by way of Midland, Texas, recorded six body connects among his 11 landed power punches in the fight that lasted just 109 seconds.
“I have to be able to adjust,” said Dutchover, a runner-up at the 2016 National Golden Gloves and a bronze medalist in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers. “I was given a tall lefty on short notice due to the original opponent dropping out. Part of being a professional is being able to adapt. It’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I’ve seen pretty much every style through the amateurs and now during sparring sessions as a pro.”
Dutchover added: “I was patient and waited for the open shots. He wasn’t covering up the body so that was my target. The plan from the beginning was to break him down. I’m just happy I was able to end it early and give the fans something to talk about.”
In the opening bout of the tripleheader, undefeated bantamweight prospect Saul Sanchez (12-0, 7 KOs) recorded an eighth-round knockout against Brandon Benitez (14-2, 6 KOs) in an entertaining and all-action fight.
After an even first round, Sanchez and Benitez continued to trade shots over the first three rounds before Benitez’s legs began to betray him and he tired midway through the fourth, slowing the pace of the fight considerably. Sanchez, of North Hollywood, Calif., landed three huge punches that staggered Benitez as the fourth round came to a close, stoking the undefeated prospect with confidence as the fight reached progressed to the later rounds.
In the seventh round, Mexico’s Benitez suffered an injury over his right eye from a Sanchez punch, and referee Raul Caiz Jr. warned Benitez prior to the eight round to protect himself. At the start of the eighth round, a flush right hand by the 21-year-old Sanchez connected cleanly and Caiz Jr. stepped in and stopped the fight after just 18 seconds.
“I felt strong throughout the fight,” Sanchez said. “Benitez was tough so I had to be careful and aggressive at the same time. I know I hurt him a handful of times, but I know I can do better. My conditioning was great. I was ready to go the distance.”
Sanchez out-landed the 21-year-old Benitez 145-94 overall and 123-78 in power connects while landing 42 percent of his power shots to Benitez’s 29 percent.
“I was responding well in every round,” said Benitez from Queretaro, Mexico. “I don’t know why the referee stopped it. I had a lot more left. I’m just disappointed I wasn’t allowed to finish the fight.”
Middleweight contender and 2018 champion of The Contender champion Brandon Adams was interviewed during Friday’s telecast to discuss his June 29 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® showdown with undefeated Jermall Charlo, which was announced earlier on Friday.
“I’m a new face,” Adams told Hall of Famer Steve Farhood. “I’m in the top 10. I’m in the discussion and I think that’s enough to shake everything up. The guy that comes out to nowhere is a great story for boxing.
“I hope I get the best Charlo because I’m bringing the best ‘Cannon.’ I’m very fan friendly and I definitely go for the kill. When I get in the ring I like to entertain myself. I’m very much looking forward to fighting Charlo. It’s going to be exciting.”
Friday’s fights were promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. The full telecastwill replay on Monday, May 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.
Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean directing.
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 79 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, 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.
Unified 154-Pound Champion Hurd & Top Contender Williams Square-Off Before Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event This Saturday Night from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia Live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions
ARLINGTON, VA. (May 9, 2019) – Unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams previewed their showdown at a final press conference on Thursday evening before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday night from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Also squaring-off at the press conference and stepping into the ring Saturday in action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” JoseVelasco, who meet in a 10-round fight, and middleweight contenders Matt Korobov and Immanuwel Aleem, who battle in a 10-round attraction.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Arlington, Virginia:
JARRETT HURD
“This has been a great week. This is the homecoming I always wanted. It’s even better than I imagined and I can’t wait to step into the ring.
“You can tell a lot about a fighter when you see them in the lead up to a fight. Julian Williams looks confident and he looks ready. It’s going to be a classic on fight night.
“It’s been fun to have this support from the city and my hometown. It’s fueled me. The love and support motivated me in the gym to make sure I go out there and put on a show.
“I’m a big 154-pounder but I know how to cut the weight and get it off right. We’re still eating and we’ll be strong come fight night.”
JULIAN WILLIAMS
“I really don’t think too much about fighting in his hometown. I’ve fought on the road my whole career. I just focus on the fight, not what’s going on outside of the ring.
“We touched on a lot of different things in training camp. We left no stone unturned. It sounds cliché and I’ve never said this before, but this was the best camp I’ve ever had. I’m ready to go get this win.
“I just see a man over there. His crowd can’t fight for him. That’s all it’s going to be Saturday night.
“The jab is always a key. It’s the most important punch in boxing and it’s the key for me no matter who I fight. I always work with bigger guys in camp so the size is going to be nothing new.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“We focused on being explosive in training camp. Working with Virgil Hunter was great as always. This is a big opportunity and I’m excited to put on a great show for these fans.
“He’s a hungry fighter. That’s the main thing. He’s tasted defeat and he doesn’t want to again. I’m blocking his path. On Saturday night, he’s not getting past me.
“I’m getting stronger and better every camp. There’s not too much to say, but I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring Saturday.”
JUAN JOSE VELASCO
“The fight against Regis Prograis was very tough and important for me. I want to be champion of the world and it showed me what I need to do to achieve that goal. I’m going to put what I learned on display Saturday.
“We’ve watched him and we know what he’s capable of doing. We know we have to be prepared to get this victory.”
MATT KOROBOV
“I took the fight against Jermall Charlo as a win because people know me better now and know where I stand in this division with my performance on short notice. I’m happy to be back and have this fight. My team did a great job preparing and we’ll be ready on Saturday night.”
IMMANUWEL ALEEM
“My trainer George Peterson has always stressed to train year round. We’re not part time fighters. I’m always in the gym working. When the fight comes, we’re always prepared.
“Korobov is another opponent who’s in my way to becoming a world champion. I’ve gotten some good work with southpaws to get ready for him and I feel fully prepared.
# # #
ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
RENO, Nev. (May 9, 2019) — Boxing’s preeminent action superhero, Oscar Valdez, will make the sixth defense of his WBO featherweight world title Saturday, June 8 against the upset-minded Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
Valdez-Sanchez and the 10-round light heavyweight showdown between title-hungry contenders Sullivan Barrera and Michael Seals will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Gabriel Flores Jr. (13-0, 6 KOs), fresh off his third-round knockout over Eduardo Pereira Reis in front of more than 10,000 fans in his hometown of Stockton, California, will see action on the undercard.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, tickets for this world championship event priced at $103, $68 and $43 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa gift shop.
“Jason Sanchez is the real ‘Cinderella Man,’” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is young, hungry and capable of pulling off a major upset. It should be an exciting battle.”
“I’m excited to be back in the ring for the sixth defense of my world title. I know there is a big target on my back because I’m the champion, but nobody is going to take this title away from me,” Valdez said. “This will be my second fight training with Eddy Reynoso. Training with Eddy, I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I felt great in the ring during my first fight with Eddy in my corner. I know that I will look even better this time out. The fans in Reno and watching on ESPN and ESPN Deportes can expect a great showing from me on June 8.”
“I am truly honored and blessed to have an opportunity like this,” Sanchez said. “Coming from Albuquerque, New Mexico, I knew I had to work extra hard to be noticed and to get where I’m at right now. I will be bringing this belt home to Albuquerque, to my family, my supporters, and most of all, my late brother Alan Sanchez. I believe he guided me down this road and that my journey is only beginning.”
Valdez (25-0, 20 KOs), Mexico’s first two-time Olympian, has thrilled boxing fans with his go-for-broke style. He won the WBO featherweight title in July 2016 and proved his mettle with a trio of 12-round bloodbaths against Miguel Marriaga, Genesis Servania and Scott Quigg in consecutive bouts. Valdez outlasted an over-the-weight Quigg last March by unanimous decision despite fighting more than half the bout with a severely broken jaw. Following the Quigg bout, Valdez took nearly a year off, returning Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, to knock out then-unbeaten Italian challenger Carmine Tommasone in the seventh round.
The 24-year-old Sanchez (14-0, 7 KOs) enters this championship fight as one of the featherweight division’s fastest-rising young guns. Last October, he stunned then-unbeaten Jean Carlos Rivera via unanimous decision in Panama City, Panama. Following the Rivera victory, Sanchez signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank. He impressed in his Top Rank debut Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, knocking out Daniel Olea in the second round. Sanchez hopes to become only the fifth men’s boxer from New Mexico to win a world title.
Barrera (22-2, 14 KOs), a former Cuban amateur standout, defected to the United States in 2009 and turned pro later that year. The Miami-based bruiser won the first 17 bouts of his career before dropping a decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. A perennial contender, Barrera holds victories over Joe Smith Jr., Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Karo Murat and former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy. He challenged Dmitry Bivol for a light heavyweight world title last year and fought valiantly before being stopped in the 12th and final round.
Seals (22-2, 16 KOs), a former linebacker for Alabama A&M University, traded in his cleats for trunks and turned pro after a five-fight amateur career. He was 19-0 when he clashed with Edwin Rodriguez in November 2015. In a seesaw battle that included five knockdowns, Rodriguez knocked out Seals in the third round of a Fight of the Year contender. Seals is 3-1 since the Rodriguez battle, the lone loss coming via disqualification after he hit his opponent while he was on the ground. The winner of this can’t-miss action fight will be in line for a potential world title opportunity.
“I am very excited to have signed with Top Rank, a world-class organization with the best light heavyweights in the world,” Barrera said. “I am excited about the future, but the first step is to handle business June 8 and then I can look forward to a shot at a world title. My ultimate goal is Sergey Kovalev. I’ve been chasing him my whole career. Hopefully, we can finally fight this year.”
“This means everything to me. I had a great opportunity with Edwin Rodriguez, but I went into that fight with a torn rotator cuff. I was basically fighting with just my right hand,” Seals said. “Now, I am 100 percent healthy. This is my time. Barrera had his time. I feel good. I feel sharp. I feel young. I have sacrificed so much and have had a lot of time to reflect on the decisions I’ve made and all of the hardships I’ve gone through. On June 8, I’m going to unleash all of my frustration on Barrera. I don’t want to take anything away from Barrera. He’s a world-class fighter, but I am as well.”
American Champion Wilder Fights To Join Hall Of Fame Heavyweights Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson And More As Only The 10th Heavyweight In History With Nine Or More Successful Consecutive Title Defenses
Saturday, May 18 Against Top Contender Dominic Breazeale Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
BROOKLYN (May 8, 2019) – When WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defends his title against mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale on Saturday, May 18, he will not only seek to continue his run as the only American heavyweight champion, but also cement himself into the historic company of heavyweight legends that came before him.
In an event taking place live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, Wilder will attempt to defend his WBC title for the ninth time since first capturing the belt in January 2015. Wilder’s triumph marked the return of heavyweight prizefighting in America and the end of an eight-year drought without an American heavyweight world champion, the longest in the history of the sport.
“There has been a long line of great American heavyweight champions who represented our country with pride, strength and honor in the ring,” said Wilder. “I take the responsibility very seriously to pick up where they left off and continue to show every young fighter who looks up to me, that they one day can be the heavyweight champion of the world.
“I’m a champion of the world, but I represent for the entire country and everyone in it,” said Wilder. “I’ve fought challengers from all around the world, knowing in my mind how important it was to keep this title in the U.S.
If successful on May 18, Wilder will become just the 10th fighter in the more than 135-year history of heavyweight boxing to make nine or more consecutive successful heavyweight title defenses. Wilder would join an impressive list of Hall of Famers who dominated the sport during their reign – Tommy Burns, Joe Louis, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko and future Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko. *Note: number of title defenses listed below
“Fighters like Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and more have paved the way for me,” said Wilder. “Now I’m going to take what they started and make sure that the heavyweight world championship stays in America for a long time.”
Wilder’s successes in the ring have seen him skyrocket toward the kind of recognition that heavyweight champions have garnered throughout history. In 2018 he was ranked 34 on ESPN’s “World Fame 100” list, the top spot of any boxer in the world.
“Being the heavyweight champion and holding that title on the American sports landscape is a huge deal,” said Wilder. “There was a time where that person was as well-known as the president. I’m going to keep leaving a path of destruction inside the ring, so that everyone knows I am the one name and one face of the heavyweight division.”
List of fighters with nine consecutive heavyweight title defenses (listed chronologically): 1.) Tommy Burns (11) 2.) Joe Louis (25) 3.) Joe Frazier (nine) 4.) Muhammad Ali (nine in first run, 10 in second reign) 5.) Larry Holmes (20) 6.) Mike Tyson (nine in first run) 7.) Lennox Lewis (nine in second run) 8.) Vitali Klitschko (11 in second run) 9.) Wladimir Klitschko (18 in second run)
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ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction.
Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.comandbarclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.
