Tag Archives: Claudio Marrero

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

ERROL SPENCE JR. DELIVERS KNOCKOUT PERFORMANCE: +6 MILLION VIEWERS ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SUNDAY AFTERNOON

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Rising Star Stops Leonard Bundu for Title Shot;
Post Highest Rating for Boxing on Television in 2016
LAS VEGAS (August 23, 2016) – Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr.’ssensational sixth-round knockout of Leonard Bundu delivered over +6 million viewers during his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC fight this Sunday, according to Nielsen. Following the broadcast of the 2016 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team’s gold medal-winning performance, Spence Jr.’s fight posted a peak audience of 6.34 million viewers and averaged 4.8 million viewers for the entire hour. This fight is the highest-rated PBC fight to-date.
Spence-Bundu drew the largest television audience for boxing in 18 years (August 21, 2016 vs. March 23, 1998).
“I knew this would be the most important fight of my career and the goal was to not just win, but to put on a spectacular one-sided performance,” said Spence Jr. “It felt good to go out there and give everyone watching a great show and to do it in front of such a large television audience makes it even better. Thanks to everyone who tuned in and I promise you’ll be seeing more of me soon. My time is now and this is just the beginning.”
The Dallas boxer’s sixth-round knockout victory over Bundu ensures that he will fight for the world title currently held by British welterweight Kell Brook.
With his power, pinpoint accuracy and desire to close the show, Spence Jr. is squarely in the mix as a top welterweight in the most talent-laden division in boxing. As a young, hungry contender circling champions like Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia and Brook, Spence’s presence adds to the tantalizing possibility of super fights in the welterweight division harkening to the days of Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Undefeated Rising Star Errol Spence Jr. Scores Sensational Sixth-Round Knockout of It Leonard Bundu in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn

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Exciting Contender Claudio Marrero Defeats Luis Hinojosa By 
Fourth-Round TKO
&
Heather Hardy Edges Shelly Vincent in Exciting Clash on NBCSN
(Tape Delayed NBCSN Coverage Begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Spence Jr. Highlights via PBC’s Youtube Page
 
BROOKLYN (August 21, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (21-0-, 18 KOs) moved one step closer to a world title as he delivered a thunderous sixth-round knockout of tough Italian contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu (33-2-2, 12 KOs) Sunday afternoon in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)on NBC from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
With the knockout, Spence Jr. becomes the mandatory challenger for undefeated welterweight Kell Brook and showed his willingness to step in the ring with Brook.
“I definitely want my shot at Kell Brook and his title,” said Spence Jr. “I want him next. If he vacates or gets stripped then I’ll fight for his vacant title. I’ve paid my dues.”
In a prime spot that immediately followed the U.S. Men’s basketball team winning Olympic gold in Rio, the Dallas-native started patiently, measuring his opponent with steady jabs. Bundu came ready to fight and tried to make it difficult for Spence Jr. by switching stances and attacking from awkward angles.
“I was a little shakey in the first round and second rounds,” said Spence Jr. “He’s very awkward and I was trying to feel him out.”
Spence Jr. began to pick up his power punching as the rounds went on and started to connect with left uppercuts and hooks. After round four, Bundu returned to his corner with swelling beginning to show up over his right eye.
“Once I was able to catch his rhythm and figure him out, I knew I had him,” said Spence Jr. “I knew he was very tough, but he never hurt me. He was switching and jumping in and out and it took me a little bit to adjust to.”
The dominance with his power punches began to wear Bundu down as the fight entered the sixth. After seemingly scoring a knockdown, which was ruled a slip by referee Johnny Callas, Spence Jr. quickly pounced on Bundu and trapped him in the corner.
“He certainly lived up to the hype,” said Bundu, who was taken to the hospital for evaluation after the fight. “Errol was more precise than Keith Thurman. Errol threw more punches and was fresh in every round.”
It didn’t take long for Spence Jr. to take advantage as he hit Bundu with a hard left uppercut and followed with a crushing right hook that put Bundu on the mat for good and forced the referee to stop the fight at 2:06 of the sixth-round.
“I really tried to get up but I couldn’t,” said Bundu, who had never been stopped before. “I am okay though. I feel good.”
Spence Jr. won every round on all three judges’ cards and landed a staggering 64 percent of his power punches, per Compubox.
“I think this performance showed once again that I am one of the top fighters at 147-pounds,” said Spence Jr.
In tape delayed action that airs on NBCSN at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, exciting featherweight contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (21-1, 15 KOs) scored a dominant fourth-round technical knockout of fellow Dominican Republic-native Luis Hinojosa (28-10, 17 KOs).
“This is how champions perform,” said Marrero. “They do it smart and they figure out their opponents quickly. Regardless of his record, you have to figure it out and then go for the finish.”
Marrero was in control from the outset, putting Hinojosa on the mat with a right hand early in the first stanza. Hinojosa tried to keep himself in the fight by throwing primarily power punches. However, it was Marrero who was much sharper in that department, landing 60 percent of his power punches to just 24 percent from Hinojosa.
In the fourth-round Marrero’s power and style proved to be too much as he consistently beat Hinojosa to the punch on his way three fourth-round knockdowns of Hinojosa. The final barrage and knockdown forced referee Danny Schiavone to stop the bout at 2:55 of the round.
“I’m glad that Hinojosa was brave enough to take the fight,” said Marrero. “I’ll fight anybody. I don’t care how short the notice is.
“I’ve endured my loss to Jesus Cuellar and I feel like I’m back at the top of the contenders in the featherweight division. The champions keep running from me so I’m going to keep working until I’m the mandatory and can get another title shot.”
On the same day that Flint, Michigan’s Claressa Shields won her second consecutive Olympic Gold medal for the U.S., women’s boxing was given another great platform as Brooklyn’s Heather “The Heat” Hardy (18-0, 4 KOs) earned a majority decision over previously unbeaten Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (18-1, 1 KO) in their 10-round bout.
“This is definitely a win for women’s boxing,” said Hardy. “We kept up a great pace throughout and the fans were invested the whole time.”
The action was non-stop from the beginning, as Vincent charged in early and often looking to close the distance between her and the taller Hardy. Hardy was the more mobile fighter as she circled the ring looking to find the right distance to attack the Providence-native.
“Every time she crowded me, she would get off more punches,” said Hardy. “I wanted to keep the fight on the outside and when I did that I had a lot of success.”
The longtime rivals were able to live up the hype that their matchup drew. The action was non-stop and it appeared that neither woman would be able to build a big lead on the scorecards.
Hardy’s movement allowed her to create more angles for her attack as she varied her offense with overhand rights, jabs and hooks. Vincent was consistent countering, especially with her left hand that yielded much success.
The punch stats reflected the exciting nature of the fight as Hardy threw 752 punches while Shelly threw 678 across 10 two-minute rounds. It was Hardy who had the advantage in punches landed as she connected on 251 punches compared to 194 for Vincent.
“I thought I won the fight pretty convincingly,” said Hardy. “She only really caught me a few times the whole fight. I knew I had to be tactical to win the fight. Judging by the belt around my waist, I would rate my performance a 10.”
Power punches were a key to the fight, with the two combatants combining for 955 power punches thrown. Hardy’s biggest advantage came in this department as she landed over 50 percent of her power shots to 34 percent from Vincent.
In the end, the judges ruled the bout a majority decision for Hardy by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 95-95. Vincent believed she had done enough to win the fight and expressed her displeasure with the judges scores afterwards
“I definitely thought I won the fight,” said Vincent. “I was coming forward and I landed the bigger shots. Everyone saw the fight.
“I got head-butted all night long. I came here and everybody told me I’d get robbed. I’ll take the rematch but I’m not playing by these rules. I want her to come up to Providence.”
#          #          #
PBC on NBC and NBCSN is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Heather Hardy, Shelly Vincent, Joseph Williams, Julian Sosa & Chordale Booker Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Hardy vs. Vincent Featured in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Action Sunday, August 21 From Ford Amphitheater at
Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (August 19, 2016) – Undefeated brawlers and longtime rivals Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent hosted a media workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn Friday as they near their long anticipated showdown featured on Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
Also in attendance Friday and competing on Sunday’s undercard were a trio of local prospects: cruiserweight Joseph Williams (9-0, 7 KOs), welterweight Julian Sosa (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and welterweight Chordale Booker (2-0, 2 KOs).
PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Live PBC on NBC coverage begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking on once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
The two undefeated brawlers Hardy and Vincent are expected to bring fireworks in a matchup that has been building since Vincent showed up at Hardy’s second pro bout looking to get in the ring with the popular Brooklyn-native.
Here is what the fighters had to say Friday:
HEATHER HARDY
“This is a huge step up to be on television. It’s not the top of the ladder. There’s still room to go but I’m really excited, happy and proud to be on this stage. It proves that all you have to do is be super determined, open your mouth and good things can happen.
“A lot of people have been waiting for this one. She’s done a lot of talking and I’m pretty quiet back to her. My fans know I’m going to do my talking in the ring, so there is definitely a lot of excitement leading up to this.
“I’m going to be fighting closer to home than ever. It’s an honor to be able to represent Brooklyn on the first show at the Amphitheater in Coney Island.
“When I spar, I don’t look to focus in too much on my opponent. I just want to get better. We’ve had really diverse sparring. If I improve my techniques, there is no one who can beat me and that’s the truth.
“You can prepare as much as you want, but I don’t like to over plan. We’ll go in there and figure her out in the first round. We’ve done the work that we need to.
“A lot of people have criticized some of the opponents me and Shelly have had, but we’ve honestly always had an eye on preserving our records and making sure this fight happens on television. This fight is not about my wins, but it’s about giving women boxers the opportunity to be showcased. Win, lose or draw, we’ve both opened the door for other women and that’s what’s most important.
“This fight means everything to me. This is for everything I’ve ever stood for. I came up from nothing. I’ve spoken up about my past so that people who have walked a similar road will know what is possible with hard work and dedication. I’m here because I wanted something so bad and I wouldn’t let anybody tell me I couldn’t have it.
“I’ve fought so hard for everything and it inspires me to keep going. This is only one step. There’s so many more doors I want to open before I end my career.
“I would like to treat everyone to a boxing clinic this Sunday. Shelly is going to get a free boxing lesson from me this Sunday. Not many people can say they get that.”
SHELLY VINCENT
“This fight is going to be non-stop action. Don’t blink.”
“She’s a busy fighter. I’m smaller than her, but power-punching comes from your legs. It won’t matter. I’ve fought tall girls and I’ve fought small girls and it’s the same thing, I won. The only way I leave without a victory is if I get robbed.
“I’ve been working hard. Even harder than usual. I’ve run, biked, swam miles and miles preparing for this. We didn’t leave any stone unturned getting ready for this.
“I’m not going to look for the knockout. If it comes, it comes. I’m looking for the victory. I want to attack her body. It’s there for me.
“It feels great to finally be almost time to fight. This fight couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s a great opportunity. We both worked hard for this. I don’t take away from what Heather does for the sport, but I’m excited to get the victory.
“I love New York. It’s always great being here and I hope I can fight here more after I win.
“I was trying to find a way to channel my anger when I was younger and it ended up being a release for me. Eventually this sport turned my whole life around so that I could help others who are like I was.
“This is great for our sport and I want it to give hope to the little girls that are coming up in the sport. I’m winning, but our sport will be the real winner. It’s an honor to fight for all the girls who came before me and didn’t get this opportunity.
JOSEPH WILLIAMS
“Training camp was very good. I feel strong and I’m ready to get in the ring on Sunday. I’m sharp and really ready to fight.
“I’m a versatile fighter so I’m ready for anything. Early in the first round I’ll figure him out and start breaking him down.
“The venue looks like an amazing place to fight. If you’re coming to watch me, get there early. You don’t want to miss it.
“I want to keep working towards a title. I want to get my way down to super middleweight and I’m going to keep working every day to get a world title shot.
“Me and Errol Spence Jr. have some history. I was the 2012 Olympic team alternate, so I’ve been following his career and I’m rooting for him. It will be a good night for boxing because I definitely expect him to put on a show.
“My coaches have watched my opponent. I’m ready to adapt to anything. I trust my team and they tell me how to attack. I’m strong and ready to fight.”
JULIAN SOSA
“I’m very humbled to be on a big card again, with an opportunity to showcase my skills. I have to show how thankful I am by working hard and looking very good that night.
“Being the first boxing show at this venue means I’m a part of history. I have to make sure that my performance is memorable.
“This was the best training camp I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to display the hard work that I’ve put in the gym.
“The fan support I have means a lot. It’s really nice to have all my friends and family together and able to see me do what I love to do. There’s no better feeling than that.
“My opponent is a very aggressive fighter. The first couple of rounds we’re going to try to work the body. As we go to the later rounds, I’m going to take the knockout if it presents itself. But I’m happy to put on a beautiful boxing clinic.”
CHORDALE BOOKER
“Sparring has been really good for this fight. I’ve been going hard. I don’t take it easy on anyone during sparring because I need to be ready to fight.
“It’s really big to be a part of this kind of fight. Especially being a welterweight and with the main event being a title eliminator. I’ve looked up to Errol for a while. He’s a guy I’ve tried to pick up different things from Errol since we’re both southpaws.
“I want everyone to get there early. I’ve got power and I’m looking for a knockout.
“It means everything to fight in front of the fans in Brooklyn. I’m just really excited. My family and friends are from Brooklyn, Flatbush specifically and I’m expecting a lot of support.
“I’m excited to be boxing as a pro for the first time in my hometown. It’s even better that it’s at a new venue. It’s going to be big for me and something that I remember forever.”
PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Claudio Marrero Training Camp Quotes

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Exciting Featherweight Contender Takes On Unbeaten Derrick Murray in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Main Event Sunday, August 21 From Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (August 17, 2016) – Exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero is ready to make a statement in the featherweight division beginning with his Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN showdown against undefeated Derrick Murray thisSunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage on NBCSN begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent battling in a matchup of unbeaten rivals. PBC on NBC will begin at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and sees undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. facing once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
 
Marrero enters this bout the winner of six-straight fights, including a sensational knockout of former world champion Rico Ramos last July. Now, the self-described “boxer-puncher with exceptional defense” is looking to get himself a world title opportunity and show off his skills against the unbeaten Murray on Sunday.
Here is what Marrero had to say about his start in the Dominican Republic, his opponent, the featherweight division and more:
What was it like growing up in the Dominican Republic?

Claudio Marrero: It was really tough…my dad was a jack of all trades and I was the oldest of three boys.  My dad was my biggest influence on keeping me out of trouble. He trained me early on as an amateur and that’s where I developed my fundamentals. Because of him I’m here today and I’m very grateful.
 
How did you first get introduced to boxing? What boxers did you look up to growing up?

CM: As a child, my dad and I would watch fights. He thought boxing would keep me off the streets, where 9 out of 10 kids in my country end up dead, or in jail.  Around 8-years old I started boxing.  Favorite fighter is Pernell “Sweet Pee” Whitaker.
 
When did you come to America? What led you to making that decision?

CM: The journey to come to America started in January of 2010, when my manager/trainer now, Herman Caicedo, came to the D.R. to scout Juan Carlos Payano and myself.  We met and he promised to work hard on our behalf and look out for us. Unlike many others who had said similar things, Herman was a man of his word. I was able to solidify myself with hard work, so here we are.

Q. Talk about your team and how they’ve helped you transition to life in America and progress your boxing career:

CM: There has been one man who has helped with everything I know in Boxing as a pro, and life here in the states, and that’s Herman Caicedo, our manager/trainer. He took us on as his kids and treated us like his own children, not just fighters.  All of us who train with him owe our progression and discipline to him.  In addition, Henry Rivalta and Gary Jonas, our other managers, have been very instrumental in the progress as well.  We are a strong team with goals of becoming world champions together.

Q. What do you know about your opponent? What kind of problems does he pose?
CM: I know he’s undefeated.  I know he’s coming to win and that he’s from St. Louis.  There isn’t anything I see in him that has me concerned except the fact that he’s unbeaten.  Anyone who is unbeaten is going to go that extra mile to come out victorious.  But that really is not a problem in my eyes.  I’m a hungry fighter as well.  The problem for him is that he stands in my way of getting back in the ring with all the top guys.

Q. How important is a win on August 21 to your career? Which fighters would you like to face next and how do you think you matchup with the top featherweights?

CM: I want everyone all at 126 pounds.  These guys have been evading, ducking and dodging me.  None of these guys want to face me.  I want them all.  I’ll fight them all on the same night if I have to.  I’m tired of them hiding. It’s very frustrating when my managers tell me they don’t want to fight me.  So I must make a statement each time I step in the ring and it starts with Derrick Murray.

Q. What is your prediction for your fight on August 21?

CM: My opponent will feel pain!
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Top Fighters Support Undefeated Contender Heather Hardy as She Prepares to Take On Fellow Unbeaten Shelly Vincent In Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN This Sunday, August 21 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)  

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(Photo Credit: (Top Image) James Devaney;
(Bottom Image) Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)
 
All-Action Fan Favorite Boasts Historic Punch Stats Heading into Matchup At
 Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (August 16, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy is ready to take center stage and she has garnered the praise of the sport’s top fighters as she prepares to take on longtime rival Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN action Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero taking on unbeaten Derrick Murray. PBC on NBC is headlined by undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. facing once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator that begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.
Always in entertaining battles, Hardy’s punches per round stats far exceed the average for her weight class and prove why everyone believes her matchup with Vincent will be all-action. In six CompuBox-tracked fights, Hardy has averaged 83.4 punches per two-minute round, which projects to a staggering 111.2 if fought over three minutes. This number would far exceed the two men’s leaders Roman Gonzalez and Leo Santa Cruz. Her two-minute output of 83.4 punches per round would rank her fourth among the men over three minutes, ahead of hard-hitters Gennady Golovkin (68.6), Andrzej Fonfara (75.1), Orlando Salido (71) and Abner Mares (69.4) amongst others in the top ten.
“I think that if there is a female boxer out there that should and deserves to be seen, it’s Heather Hardy,” said former world champion Shawn Porter. “She has put tons of work in. I have seen her fight and train and she is a top competitor and a true athlete in this sport. Some people think it’s taking a chance to put women’s boxing on television, but I think Heather Hardy is the best person to take that chance on. I don’t know anyone that is more worthy of this shot.”
“Heather Hardy is always in fan friendly and entertaining fights,” said former world champion Paulie Malignaggi. “Off the top of my head, I cannot think of a dull Heather Hardy fight. Plus, she brings a big following and that always makes for a fun, noisy crowd and atmosphere.”
A fan-favorite in Brooklyn, Hardy has been helping to fill local venues for years including Barclays Center, where she has fought seven times as a pro. Now, her long awaited matchup with the unbeaten New Englander Vincent has given her the opportunity to show her talents on a bigger stage.
“I couldn’t be happier for my fellow Brooklynite Heather Hardy,” said middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs. “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase her talents on TV, and one that she has rightfully earned. This is huge, not only for her, bur for women’s boxing in general.”
“I think it’s a great for Heather to get this opportunity,” said Spence Jr. “It’s not common that we see women’s boxing on television but there are a lot of women who deserve it. This is great for them and it’s great for the sport.”
“Heather has been working incredibly hard and grinding for years,” said former world champion Chris Algieri. “It’s great to see her get the exposure she deserves after the time and commitment she has put in to get to this point. She’s one of the most consistent performers in the local area and it’s time for the rest of the world to see her hard work and skills.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
 
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Heather Hardy & Shelly Vincent Media Roundtable Quotes & Photos

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Longtime Rivals Meet Sunday, August 21 In PBC on NBCSN Action from
Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (August 4, 2016) – Undefeated contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardyand Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent hosted a media roundtable in Manhattan Thursday to officially announce their long awaited showdown taking place Sunday, August 21 on Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero taking on unbeaten Derrick Murray. PBC on NBC coverage begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star and 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in a welterweight title eliminator against once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
Hardy and Vincent will meet in a 10-round featherweight showdown years in the making. Vincent began calling Hardy out at her second professional fight, looking to get in the ring with the popular Brooklyn ticket seller. Despite the rival, both have campaigned for a women’s match on this platform for years and will look to make their mark on August 21.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
HEATHER HARDY
“I wouldn’t be here without all the help of my team and fans. I don’t stand here alone. I stand here with all of the women who have fought before me that no one knows about.
“This is the kind of platform that this fight deserves. I’ve always imagined this fight being on television and I’m thankful that this fight has come together on NBCSN. It’s important to have a stage like this and I hope it’s the first of more fights like this on television.
“I really can’t wait to punch Shelly right in the face. I like that everybody is sleeping on ‘The Heat’. Don’t sleep on me.
“Shelly started her career a little bit before me. She started showing up at my fights with all these antics from almost my pro debut and talking about wanting to fight me. It was inappropriate at the time, but then she signed with Lou and we’ve both developed in our careers. Hats off to her, it worked. I’m ready to brawl.
“I’ve seen her fight before. I went to one of her fights to talk to press and build up this matchup. I don’t get too hung up on what I’ve seen. I go into the ring ready to make adjustments based off what I see. I’m not treating this fight any differently than other fights.
“Every fight I’m back in the gym working on getting better. I don’t work hard, I don’t work on getting in better shape, I work to improve at my craft. You’re going to see a new and better Heather than ever before.”
SHELLY VINCENT
“I’m thankful for this opportunity for women as a whole. This is a fight we’ve been waiting for, for a while. I can’t wait to get in there and hit Heather. She thinks there’s no pop in my punches but she’ll be surprised on fight night.
“Heather and I really just don’t like each other. I’ve tried to make this fight for years and she wouldn’t take the fight. I’ve seen her lose some of these fights. I don’t believe she’s undefeated. I feel like she’s avoiding me.
“I’ve been trying to make this fight happen but I’m glad it didn’t happen back then; this is the perfect time for it. We both deserve this opportunity. Heather and I work hard, taking nothing from her, but I can’t wait to get my hands on her.
“I know Heather is going to use her legs. She doesn’t seem strong so I think she’s going to try to get away from me. I just have to cut the ring off.
“I always knew I’d have to come to her home territory. I’m going to stick to what I have to do. I know she’s not better than me. It’s going to be me coming forward with constant pressure. I hope she comes at me because that would make it an even more exciting fight.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“We’re making a lot of history on August 21. This will be the first women’s bout broadcast from Coney Island. I want to thank PBC and NBC for giving these women this much deserved platform to showcase their talents.
“The co-featured bout on NBCSN will be this long awaited contest between these two women. It’s been talked about for years. They’ve been talking to each other for years and it’s finally happening.
“This is history and I think it’s going ot be a good night for boxing, and especially for women’s boxing. This is a great opportunity for these two contenders and two women who have earned the right to be on television. They both have crowd pleasing styles. This is going to be a Gatti-Ward fight. These two want to beat each other up.
“Heather and Shelly are two of the most popular female fighters in the country. They like to rumble. They make every fight a war. They’re willing to be hit and that’s what makes their fight so much fun.”
PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
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Exciting Contender Claudio Marrero Takes On Unbeaten Derrick Murray; Undefeated Rivals Heather Hardy & Shelly Vincent Battle In Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Sunday, August 21

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From Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Plus! Undefeated Prospects Abraham Nova, Julian Sosa &
Joseph Williams in Undercard Attractions
 
BROOKLYN (August 4, 2016) – Exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero(20-1, 14 KOs) takes on unbeaten Derrick Murray (13-0-1, 5 KOs) while undefeated contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardy (17-0, 4 KOs) and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (18-0, 1 KO) face off in a long awaited battle on a Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN doubleheader, Sunday, August 21.
Tape delayed PBC on NBCSN coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn. PBC on NBC coverage begins at5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star and 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in a welterweight title eliminator against once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu.
Marrero and Murray will meet in a super featherweight bout while Vincent and Hardy are set to compete in 10-rounds of featherweight action that sees the return of women’s boxing to a primetime national audience.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
A former title challenger who lost a narrow decision to Jesus Cuellar in 2013, Marrero has won six-straight bouts since then. Most recently, the 27-year-old dominated Jonathan Arrellano on his way to a decision in February. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Marrero was an accomplished amateur who will be fighting in New York for the second time in his pro career.
Unbeaten and fighting out of St. Louis, Murray has already picked up victories in 2016 over Jose Silveria and Darryl Hayes. A pro since 2011, Murray will step up in competition when he takes on Marrero. The 28-year-old was victorious twice in 2015 in addition to four victories he earned in 2014.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple of the Brooklyn boxing scene. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014. In 2015, she defeated Noemi Bosques and Renata Domsodi twice. In 2016 she has stopped Anna Donatella Hultin in the fourth round and most recently defeated Kirstie Simmons in June.
Born in Connecticut but now fighting out of and representing Providence, Rhode Island, Vincent will look to earn the biggest win of her career August 21 when she fights in New York for the second time. Vincent has been busy in 2016, picking up victories over Renata Domsodi, Elizabeth Anderson and most recently Christina Ruiz in July. An all-action fighter, Vincent has fought 10 rounds twice in her pro career that dates back to 2011.
Additional undercard action will see unbeaten prospect and New England Golden Glove champion Abraham Nova (1-0, 1 KO) take on California’s Leonardo Chavez (6-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round lightweight attraction, unbeaten Brooklyn-native Julian Sosa (5-0-1, 2 KOs) taking on Rene Marquez (5-2, 2 KOs) in a welterweight showdown and New York Golden Glove champion Joseph Williams (9-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight fight.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
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LEO SANTA CRUZ RETAINS WBA FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH FIFTH-ROUND TKO WIN OVER KIKO MARTINEZ

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HUGO RUIZ REGAINS WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND KO OVER JULIO CEJA
Watch The Replay Of The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® DoubleheaderTomorrow/Sunday at 9 a.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME®,
Monday, Feb. 29, at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHO EXTREME®
 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2016) – Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz defended his WBA Featherweight World Championship in convincing fashion on Saturday night, knocking down Kiko “Sensación” Martinez twice in the first round, then ending it on a barrage of punches as the fight was called at 2:09 in the fifth round in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
In the co-feature on SHOWTIME, 29-year-old Hugo Ruiz (36-3, 31 KOs), Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, regained his WBC Super Bantamweight World Title with a devastating early knockdown with just 51 seconds into the 12-round fight against 23-year-old Julio Ceja (30-2, 27 KOs) of Atizapan De Zaragoza, Mexico, in a highly anticipated rematch of their August fight won by Ceja.
Fighting just 10 miles west of his hometown of La Habra and before 7,780 enthusiastic fans, the 27-year-old Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs) continued to establish himself as the King of Southern California as he punished the game 29-year-old Martinez (35-7, 26 KOs) of Alicante, Valencia, Spain, with 570 total punches in just five rounds. There were 1,038 total punches thrown during the fight.
“The fans love it when two fighters go toe-to-toe,” Santa Cruz told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray after the fight. “I wanted to give the fans a great fight. I knew I could hurt him with a right hand. He’s a fighter and when he’s knocked down, he’s going to come back. In the fifth round I knew I had to finish him off and I did.”
Santa Cruz continued, “We were going toe-to-toe from the beginning. He’s was throwing good punches I was throwing out good punches and the crowd was loving it. Then my dad told me to slow down and be smarter so we started boxing.”
Santa Cruz wasted no time getting the upper hand as the opening bell rung. He knocked Martinez out twice in the first round; the first just 23 seconds into the fight and the second on a devastating right hand at two minutes into the round prompting SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo to tell expert analyst Al Bernstein: “We may be able to get to Disneyland before the end of the night.”
Martinez fell into a groove in the third and fourth rounds, but got into trouble two minutes into the fifth round as Santa Cruz had him up against the ropes connecting on numerous body shots, uppercuts and combinations before referee Raul Caiz Sr. signaled the end of the fight for Santa Cruz’s second straight world title defense in Southern California.
Martinez said that Santa Cruz, “started to move a lot and he broke my strategy and he fought a great fight. The second round I was getting looser and I was starting to feel much better.
“He was like a bull coming forward really strong,” Santa Cruz added. “He has definitely been one of the strongest fighters I’ve been in the ring with yet.
“Towards the end I said, ‘this is it, this is my opportunity to take him down. If I don’t finish him right here, it’s going to make it a really tough fight.’ So I said I was going at it with my all and thankfully it turned out the way that it did.”
Santa Cruz, making his second defense after capturing the world title from Abner Mares back in August, said someday he wants to break the records for most punches thrown in a fight. “I wanted to throw as many punches as I can so the fans could get a good show.”
Santa Cruz is now eyeing a future potential matchup with IBF 122-pound world champion Carl Frampton at 126 pounds or Gary Russell. “I’m up for anyone,” he said. “I want the rematch with (Abner) Mares. Since Frampton won, if he’s ready to go up in weight, I’m ready for him. I challenge him to a fight whenever he’s ready.”
In a rematch of the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title he lost last August, the new 122-pound champion Ruiz improved his record to 5-0 in rematches (with five knockouts) as he delivered a stunning first-round knockout against Ceja, who injured his right ankle on a powerful clean right just seconds into the fight sending him to the canvas.
Ceja got up slowly but was battered with a fury of punches and knocked out again with just 51 seconds into the fight ending the affair.
“I was very prepared to knock him out, but I was prepared to go 12 rounds tonight also if I had to,” said Ruiz, who was teary and emotional following the victory. “I was happy to knock him out in the first round. I’m looking for the best fighters and the best money out there.”
Said SHOWTIME analyst Paulie Malignaggi: “I’ve never seen a first-round KO that soon in a fight of this much importance.” Added SHOWTIME’s Bernstein: “The right hand was the weapon of choice for Ruiz, and he got the job done. What a moment of redemption for Ruiz!”
Ceja, who beat Ruiz on a fifth-round knockout last August to win the world title, was hurt from the first series of Ruiz punches and never recovered in the intense first round.
Ceja was taken to nearby UC Irvine Hospital and diagnosed with a fractured right ankle.
“I saw that he got hurt with the first punch and I saw his leg wobbling and so I said, ‘Let’s finish’,” Ruiz said. “And I did in that round.”
Earlier Saturday from Manchester, England, on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL, IBF 122-pound world champion Carl Frampton unified the super bantamweight division with a split decision victory over WBA titlist Scott Quigg.
 
The long-awaited matchup of unbeaten champions got off to a slow and tactical start, but Belfast native Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) established himself as the aggressor and worked his jab to pocket the early rounds. Quigg didn’t come alive until after the seventh, when trainer Joe Gallagher warned his charge that he was likely down big on the judges’ scorecards.
Quigg (31-1-2) pounded the body and was the aggressor in rounds eight through 11, but it was too little, too late for the Lancashire, England native. Frampton won the 12th and walked away the unified champion by scores of 115-113 for Quigg, but 116-112 twice for Frampton.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader will re-air this week as follows:
            DAY                                                                            CHANNEL
Tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 28, 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT  SHOW EXTREME
Tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 28, 9 am ET/PT                 SHOWTIME
Monday, Feb. 29, 10 p.m. ET/PT                               SHOWTIME EXTREME
Saturday’s two-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 28.
 
Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggicommentating and Jim Gray reporting. In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
# # #
Santa Cruz vs. Martinez, was 12-round bout for Santa Cruz’s WBA Featherweight Title taking place on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona. In the co-feature, Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz met in a super bantamweight world title rematch for the WBC belt. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast aired live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and was available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
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LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. KIKO MARTINEZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FOR THEIR FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY AT THE HONDA CENTER

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Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos

Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (February 25, 2016) – Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruzand Kiko “Sensacion” Martinez went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their featherweight world title showdown on Saturday, Feb. 27 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

 

Also in attendance Thursday were Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz, who will enter the ring in a super bantamweight world title rematch as part of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

 

The previously announced opening bout between undefeated heavyweights Gerald Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) and Oscar Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs) has been cancelled due to Rivas being unable to pass a mandatory eye-exam.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations, by calling 800-745-3000 of by stopping by the Honda Center Box Office.

 

All of the televised fighters in the now doubleheader have promised to live up to their all-action styles and will provide great drama for fans on Saturday night at Honda Center. Santa Cruz will be making the first defense of his featherweight world title while Ceja puts his 122-pound title on the line after earning the vacant belt with a fifth round stoppage of Ruiz in an exciting back-and-forth fight in August.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

 

“Headlining a televised card has been my childhood dream. I could have never imagined I was going to get this far. And Here I am, on my second main event, defending my title on a premium network. I’m so psyched. I cannot believe it.

 

“The first time I put the gloves on, I knew that I had found my craft, and I also knew that it was not going to be an easy road. I knew that I had to work hard to become a champion. So, I trained the hardest and I fought the hardest, and with my father by my side I got here, where I’m at today. I owe him everything.

 

“I remember watching all the great Mexican Champions and day dreaming about being like them one day. It felt unreachable. I thought it was impossible to get where they were. But I worked hard, really hard from the beginning.

 

“The most important thing is that the fans leave happy and get their money’s worth. I’m glad that Kiko has come prepared because we’re ready for a great fight.

 

“People are saying that I should walk through Kiko Martinez, but I don’t listen to that. I look at Kiko the same way I look at any other opponent. When we step inside the ring, we are equals.

 

“At the end of the day, the winner will be the fighter who has prepared more and who has imposed his will on the other man.

 

 

KIKO MARTINEZ

 

“I have faced much stronger boxers than Leo and come Saturday, all of those who did bet on me for this fight, I am going to make you a lot of money.

 

“I am excited and proud to know that Sergio Martinez will be present on Saturday supporting me. His guidance and presence

 

“My trainer could not be here, but we have not taken one day off in training camp and I have been pushed to my limit to prepare me for this fight. I’m thankful to Robert Garcia for being in my corner on Saturday.

 

“I know this is a great opportunity to fight Leo Santa Cruz and I will make the most of it. I’m going to leave everything inside the ring so that the fight fans enjoy a great championship matchup.

 

“I feel that Leo Santa Cruz is a great fighter, he has beat some incredible fighters. He’s a great athlete and boxer. Sometimes people will try to make him out to be more than he actually is but they are mistaken with what they see in me. I am not to be mistaken as the underdog here.

 

 

JULIO CEJA

 

“As Hugo mentioned, we have both trained even harder than last time and we’re more prepared physically and mentally.

 

“I’m going to give everybody a great fight just like last time. I’m walking into the ring knowing my opponent very well. We’ve been to war. I know what to expect from him. I know about his punch and I know how to counter it.

 

“I’m going to be alert and ready. I’ll be a little more intelligent, because I know that he’s coming well prepared and he’s coming for the world title, but he’s not going to get it.

“There are going to be no surprises in this fight. Hugo Ruiz said that he was training harder this time. But I am too. I’ve trained very hard.

 

“The key for me to win this fight is to keep my hands up and to not give him one inch. I cannot be careless. I’ll be strategic and use my wisdom. I cannot come in with my hands down because I know I’ll pay for it. But nothing to worry about, we have rectified those issues in training camp. I’m ready. He’s not taking my belt away from me.

 

“I’m glad that he says he is better prepared this time because I am better than ever. My team has been instrumental in preparing me for this matchup.

 

“The winner will be the man who is more prepared physically and mentally. But the real winner will be the fans at Honda Center because this is an amazing card and we’re going to put on an amazing fight.”

 

 

HUGO RUIZ

 

“If you liked the first fight between us, then you are going to love this one.

 

“I’m excited to be fighting once again in Southern California. I’ve trained very hard and I have prepared myself for this world title opportunity.

 

“I’m looking forward to putting on a grand show for all my fans on Saturday night.”

 

 

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’ Father & Trainer

 

“I hear Kiko has a great trainer on his corner. Robert Garcia is really good, but I have news for Kiko, his trainer is not going to fight for him.

“Once a fighter steps into the ring, he’s alone in there. There are no trainers and no great promoters that can fight for him.”

 

“Kiko speaks about this prestigious trainer and thinks that by mentioning him, he is going to intimidate us. He has something else coming. The trainer won’t fight for Kiko. Roberto Garcia has trained my son and knows Leo very well but that does not give Kiko the upper hand.”

 

 

TOM BROWN, Head of TGB Promotions

 

“Southern California favorite Leo Santa Cruz returns to bring his action style to the ring. He will be opposed by a tough former world champion in Kiko Martinez who is sure to make this a tremendous fight.

 

“The first fight between Ceja and Ruiz was a true back and forth war. Should this pick up right where it left off, we will have a great fight to start the telecast.

 

“I’m looking forward to a great night on Saturday night in front of the fantastic Southern California boxing fans.”

 

 

TIM RYAN, CEO & President of Honda Center

 

“I’m so thankful to everyone for helping to bring boxing back to Orange County. It’s hard to believe that Julio Cesar Chavez fought here in 1996, because it seems like yesterday.

 

“We have a great arena and a great fan base that loves boxing here in Orange County. The card on Saturday is wonderful. I know these guys will be ready and I’m looking forward to an action-packed night on the 27th.

 

CHRIS DEBLASIO, Vice President, Sports Communication Showtime Networks

 

“This is a fight fan’s fight card and we are looking forward to some explosive action. I think everyone knows that the lighter weight classes, especially at the championship level, produce exciting fights. My favorite examples include the epic series between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, which are available on SHOWTIME platforms and should wet your appetite for what we will see on Saturday night.”

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

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KIKO MARTINEZ, JULIO CEJA & GERALD WASHINGTON MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR THIS SATURDAY’S SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® TRIPLEHEADER Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT “

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Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 24, 2016) – Former world champion Kiko “Sensacion” Martinez (35-6-0, 26 KOs) participated in a media workout Wednesday at the City of Angels Boxing Club in Los Angeles as he prepares to face undefeated WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz (31-0-1, 17 KOs) on Saturday, Feb. 27 live on SHOWTIME® (7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
In the co-feature Mexican warrior Julio Ceja (30-1, 27 KOs) meets Hugo Ruiz 35-3, 31 KOs) in a long-awaited Super Bantamweight World Title rematch and undefeated heavyweight Gerald Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) will face unbeaten Oscar Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs). Both Ceja and Washington joined Martinez to give the media a preview of what’s to come on Saturday.
Martinez spoke about the adjustments he’s made as his trainer Gabriel Sarmiento was unable to obtain a Visa in time to travel to the United States and will not be able to serve in his corner come Saturday. Martinez is confident that renowned Southern California trainer Robert García will be able to lead him to a world title on Saturdaynight.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations, by calling 800-745-3000 of by stopping by the Honda Center Box Office.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
KIKO MARTINEZ
“I’m very happy to have Robert Garcia in my corner. He has led so many fighters to world titles. I’m excited and I’m anxious to get things going. I’m ready to collaborate and I think we’ll do great things Saturday.
“The people who doubt that I will take this title only make me stronger and more dangerous.
“Training camp has been extremely tough with lots of demands due to facing a champion like Leo Santa Cruz because he’s an excellent boxer who I admire. I have completely devoted myself to training for this fight.
“On Saturday everyone will get to see the best Kiko Martinez. I am going to be bringing the pressure and giving you all a great fight with power punches to disarm Santa Cruz and take the title.
“I hope that fans will change their mindset of seeing me as the underdog and support me because I am here to show something else.
“I am very happy to be here and have the opportunity to fight in the United States again.
“I love this California weather, it reminds me of the weather of El Canario where I was training and I am feeling great.
“I am ready. Now all there is left is to wait. We’ve got the weigh-in ahead of us and I’ve already made weight. I will be working up a sweat just to remain active and distracted because I am ready to jump in the ring and start the best fight of my life.
“I have won a world title in the United States and became a world champ here and I am expecting to become the world champ here once again. That fight was how I became known here, now this fight will be the biggest fight of my career.
“I’ve been studying [Santa Cruz] for quite some time now, since I’ve been waiting to fight him previously, now it has come to this point in this time of my life. I have grown and learned so much since then that I truly feel that I have learned from my mistakes and grown to the best of my life yet.”
“Luckily [trainer Gabriel Sarmiento] has been training me up until this point. We’re on the same team and we have each other’s backs and he is still fully supportive. I have him in my heart and I know that he will be supporting me all the way.
“I am not worried about what anyone is saying. All I want is to get in the ring comeSaturday and demonstrate that Leo and I will put on a huge fight and the audience will not be bored for a single minute.”
 
JULIO CEJA
“We have had a long and very intense camp. We are prepared and know what is on the line here because we know that Hugo comes at it with everything he’s got. This is a prestigious opportunity that I have been presented with and we can forecast that it will be an all-or-nothing fight.
“This will be a toe-to-toe fight because we both know each other’s strengths and having fought before we know this rematch will be explosive.
“From the second we knew there would be a rematch, we immediately started training. We knew going in to this again that it will be a tough fight and this one will be better than the first. It will be more dangerous and more of a fight than the last because of what the rematch represents.
“I have trained very hard because I know what is on the line and I am not going to allow Ruiz to take that title from be so easily. It is going to be an all-out battle.
“Hugo has reach and height on me but all I know is that once I hear that bell, none of that matters. There’s a reason why they call me the champ and I am confident in my skill to show that.
“I am looking to show up and give the fans an entertaining show. I will be looking for a fight all throughout and keep it exciting for the fans who are coming out to see a good fight.
“I devoted my life to becoming the champion and my life dream was always to be a champ, so this is something that I will fight to the end for.
“I became a champ here in the United States and now that I am blessed with the opportunity to get a rematch here. I’m ready to take full advantage of this chance to give it 100 percent.”
 
GERALD WASHINGTON
“I grew up boxing and boxing was always my passion as a kid. I used to go to the local Boys & Girls Club as a kid and I’ve been in love with it since. It’s always been a part of me and I’m glad I can do it again and take over this division.
“There are lot’s similarities in football and boxing. You watch film, break your opponent down. We take everything from sparring and practice and take them out to the game.
“This is going to be a great fight. It’s always a good battle when you have two undefeated fighters. It’s going to be a night full of action. I look forward to the action. I love stepping up and facing top-flight competition.
“Rivas has an extensive amateur background. He’s a big, strong guy who likes the knockout. He’s going to go for it. I’m prepared for a fight like that. I know the pressure is coming. We’ve worked hard since my last fight.
“The jab is the key for everything. It opens up all the other shots and keeps the opponent off balance. I’m going to hammer him with it. It’s a major tool.
“It’s a great honor to be fighting here in Los Angeles. My whole life has taken place in this state and everyone who has supported me is coming together on Saturday to see it all in action.
“Heavyweight boxing is always exciting. We’re the hardest hitters in the game. I can’t wait to show everyone the hard work I’ve put in and give a great performance.
“I’m going to be smart and disciplined in the ring. But you also have to have a strong will and have the determination to keep moving forward. You have to step to the guy and apply the pressure.
“My height and reach is always to my advantage but it’s not that. It’s the legs, the mind, the combinations. It’s everything.
“You will see a smart and aggressive style from me on Saturday and I’m going to take that into the next level of my career.”
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Santa Cruz vs. Martinez, a 12-round bout for Santa Cruz’s WBA Featherweight Title taking place on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing Promotions. In the co-feature, Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz will meet in super bantamweight world title rematch for the WBC belt and opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, Gerald Washington will face Oscar Rivas in a 10-round heavyweight bout. The tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports