Tag Archives: Dominic Breazeale

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT DOMINIC BREAZEALE TAKES ON FRED KASSI IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC OPENING BOUT SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 FROM LEGACY ARENA IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

 
UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT CHARLES MARTIN TAKES ON
MEXICO’S VICENTE SANDEZ, PLUS UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS TERRELL GAUSHA, 
BRYANT PERELLA & MARIO BARRIOS
ALL IN ACTION ON NBCSN
11 P.M. ET/8 P.M. PT
 
Omar Figueroa Forced To Withdraw From Scheduled Bout
Due To An Elbow Injury
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 14, 2015) – 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (15-0, 14 KOs)will enter the ring against the crafty “Big” Fred Kassi (18-3-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight showdown on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday, September 26 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, with televised coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
PBC on NBC is headlined by heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) as he defends against France’s Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs).
Omar Figueroa, who was originally scheduled on the card,was forced to drop out of his scheduled bout against Antonio DeMarco due to an elbow injury.
In another exciting matchup, heavyweight knockout artist Charles “Missouri” Martin (21-0-1, 19 KOs) squares off against Vicente “Bufalo” Sandez (15-4, 10 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight affair.
Further undercard action features the undefeated Olympian Terrell Gausha (15-0, 8 KOs) taking on Puerto Rico’s Eliezer Gonzalez (15-1, 10 KOs) in a super welterweight bout, plus Bryant Perella (10-0, 9 KOs) in a welterweight attraction and Mario Barrios (11-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight fight.
The broadcast will switch over to NBCSN at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 and are on sale now. For Tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
Since representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, Breazealehas been nearly perfect in recording knockouts as a pro, having only gone the distance in one fight. The 30-year-old played quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado before picking up boxing and looks to keep his undefeated record intact on September 26 when he faces the toughest challenge of his career. In 2015 the Glendale, California native has recorded stoppages over Victor Brisbal and Yasmany Consuegra.
Born in Cameroon but fighting out of New Orleans, the 36-year-old Kassi will be looking to build off of his last performance, when he earned a draw against Chris Arreola in a fight many believed was too close to call. Kassi had previously delivered knockouts in five of his eight prior fights and will make his second start of 2015 on September 26.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, but fighting out of Carson, California, Martin has stopped his last 10 opponents within the distance. The 29-year-old owns knockout victories over Damon McCreary, Raphael Zumbano Love and Tom Dallas in 2015. He will be opposed by Baja California, Mexico’s Sandez, who is coming off of a knockout over previously unbeaten Thanasis Michaloudis.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he has scored a knockout victory over Norberto Gonzalez and defeated Luis Grajeda. He takes on the 28-year-old Gonzalez out of Cupey Alto, Puerto Rico.
An undefeated 26-year-old out of Fort Myers, Florida, Perrella comes off of a first round knockout over Eduardo Flores in August. He has picked up three knockouts in a row in 2015 and looks to make it eight in a row overall onSeptember 26.
Fighting out of San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his fifth victory of 2015 on September 26. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum after earning a fourth-round stoppage of Jose Cen Torres on September 6.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.alabamatitlefight.com andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE RETURNS TO PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

Upland, California (September 9, 2015) – Top U.S. heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (15-0, 14 KO’s) will be returning to the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series on October 13th. After debuting on the televised portion of the PBC series this past June on NBC, Breazeale will be headlining the main event in the new PBC series “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS” on Fox Sports 1.
Breazeale is on an accelerated path to heavyweight title contention and continues to face significantly tougher opposition. The 2012 U.S. Olympian will face Cameroon native Fred Kassi (18-3-1, 10 KO’s) in a scheduled 10 round bout. Both men are coming off impressive outings and this bout is expected to be a slug fest between the two heavyweights.
This past June, Breazeale stopped Yasmany Consuegra in three rounds in a battle of undefeated heavyweights in which most indicated was his toughest test yet. Although Breazeale was on the receiving end of a few punches in the first round, he found his range and dropped his opponent in the end of the 2nd round and then two more times in the 3rd round resulting in the stoppage.
It was a great experience for Breazeale and he continues to learn and mature in every bout. “My last bout against Yasmany Consuegra was definitely a great experience and I learned a lot from it.  I got hit more than what I would have liked but this is boxing and you’re going to get hit.  In this training camp I have been focusing on my defense with my trainer John Bray so I’m not getting hit with punches that I shouldn’t be hit with. The heavyweight division is a division that can end with one punch and I am fortunate to have a good chin and knockout power.”

Photo c/o Timothy Hernandez
“To have fought on the Premier Boxing Champions series on NBC and have the knockout I did was a blessing. I consider myself a fan friendly fighter and am sure I made a few new fans”, said Breazeale.
His opponent Fred Kassi is coming off a 10 round majority draw against Chris Arreola. Some boxing scribes thought he should have been awarded the decision against the veteran Arreola as Kassi landed more punches in the fight. This upcoming bout against Fred Kassi is one that will definitely place Dominic Breazeale in contender status and he is looking forward to it.
“After my last bout, I spoke with Al Haymon and let him know I am ready to get back in the ring very soon. I also asked for a tough opponent and I am now facing Fred Kassi. I respect Kassi and I know this will be a tough fight for me. To go all ten rounds with Arreola and the fight result in a draw shows that Kassi can box and fight. I have been preparing well in camp and I’m ready for the challenge.”
Breazeale is also excited that he will again fight in front of a nationally televised audience and will be headlining his first main event. “Since I turned professional three years ago, this is what I always wanted to do. I grew up watching Riddick Bowe and wanted to see my face on a poster of the main event. I realize the position I am in and know that a world title shot is not far away.”

“I want to fight the best out there and this is the next step to making my dreams come true and I will be the next American world heavyweight champion.  I want to thank Al Haymon for the opportunity and I will make the best of it.  I plan on giving the fans an exciting fight and show them that the heavyweight division is well on its way to being back into the mainstream.”

“Here Comes Trouble
 
#

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO DEFEATS ARON MARTINEZ VIA SPLIT DECISION IN MAIN EVENT OF SPECIAL AFTERNOON EDITION OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM STUBHUB CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF.

 

HARD-HITTING HEAVYWEIGHT DOMINIC BREAZEALE REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH THIRD ROUND KO OVER YASMANY CONSUEGRA

 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

Carson, Calif. (June 6) – Southern California boxing fans were treated to an afternoon of hard punches and quick action as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC took to the ring at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The Saturday afternoon fight card, part of a jam-packed day of sports action on NBC, showcased a heavyweight brawl between Dominic Breazeale and Yasmany Consuegra and a fast and furious welterweight bout between Robert Guerrero and Aron Martinez.

 

In the PBC on NBC main event, Guerrero and Martinez let their fists fly from the opening bell to the closing bell in a showdown that saw over 1,000 punches thrown between the two welterweights over 10 rounds. It was clear from the beginning of the fight that Martinez was not intimidated by Guerrero’s skills or resume as he dominated the first several rounds, even dropping Guerrero in the fourth. But Guerrero was able to turn the table in his favor as the fight progressed and dominate the second half of the 10 round brawl. The judges scored the bout 97-95 and 95-94 for Guerrero and 95-94 for Martinez in a split decision victory that brought the crowd to its feet.

 

Breazeale, a 2012 U.S. Olympian and Southern California-native, needed less than three rounds to defeat previously unbeaten heavyweight Conguegra. The referee called off the fight at 1:49 of the third round after Consuegra hit the canvas three times as Breazeale extended his professional record to 15-0 with 14 KOs.

 

The featured fight on NBC SportsNet saw a featherweight battle between the once-beaten Argentinean Jesus Cuellar and former world champion Vic Darchinyan that came to a half when Cuellar knocked out Darchinyan at 1:04 of the seventh round.

 

NBCSN also featured the return of Alfredo Angulo, who scored a fifth-round knockout victory over Delray Raines in a middleweight contest that saw  “El Perro” raise his hand in victory for the first time since 2012.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say about Saturday afternoon’s fights:

 

ROBERT GUERRERO

 

“Aron Martinez came to fight and the fans got to see two warriors go at it.

“I can’t explain why I go to war so much. I just love to get in there and mix it up.

“When I got up off the canvas, I told myself…get up and win this fight.

“Once I started boxing I felt I started dominating the fight.

“We got the victory and now it’s time to move on to some big fights and give the fans the warrior type fights they deserve. I’m an action fighter and I’ll continue to be so.

 

“There is something about this arena that makes you want to stand there and trade.

 

“I just suffered the loss of my cousin. She passed away last week and this fight was for her.”

 

 

ARON MARTINEZ

 

“I’m very happy with my performance. I thought I won the fight.

 

“I thought the third scorecard was way out of line.

 

“It was a great experience fighting on NBC. I wanted to put on a great fight for the fans and me and Robert did that.

 

“I look forward to being more active and fighting again as soon as possible.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

 

“Its always a little different to fight in the afternoon. The fans came out to support me. I put on a big show and got the win.

 

“He was putting his hand on his right side and I was hitting him with the upper cut.

 

“I couldn’t ask for anything better.

 

“I’d love to be back in the ring as soon as possible.  Everybody did a great job putting this together. This was only three rounds right here and lets do it again in a couple months.”

 

JESUS CUELLAR

 

“I wasn’t hurt. It was more of a slip. Darchinyan is a very tough warrior and I’m glad I came out on top.

 

“I want to fight again as soon as possible. I saw Abner Mares sitting in the first row and I want to fight him next.”

 

ALFREDO ANGULO

 

“I have so many fans and I want to thank them. They are here cheering for me – cheering for the dog. I always say it’s for the fans and I want to thank them for the support.

 

“This is my first fight coming back to my old trainer [Clemente Medina] and it was great.

 

“A lot of people say ‘the dog is dead,’ but if you ask the people that saw my performance, they will all tell you the dog is alive and well.”

 

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

 

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Workout Photos From Tom Hogan/TGB Promotions

 



 

LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2015) – Fight week continued today for the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC event taking place Saturday, June 6 at StubHub Center as fighters held a final press conference for media and fans at historic Olvera Street in Los Angeles.

 

Yesterday, fight week activities kicked off with media workouts at Wild Card West Boxing Gym in Santa Monica.

 

The Saturday afternoon telecast starts at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on NBC featuring the heavyweight showdown between Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (14-0, 13 KOs) andYasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KOs). Following that bout is the headlining event that pits former four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs) against Aron Martinez (19-3-1, 4 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say yesterday and today:

 

ROBERT GUERRERO

 

“I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’ve trained very hard and my focus is fully on this fight.Saturday afternoon you’re going to see a great fight.

 

“It’s a unique event starting so early. I’ll get up, eat and go fight but I’m ready for it.

 

“I want to fight often, inactivity is the worst thing for a fighter. I want to fight three-four times per year, every year.

 

“I never take another fighter lightly. This is a huge opportunity for Aron Martinez and I’m sure he’ll be ready for a real fight.

 

“Fighting on NBC puts all the eyes on me. I know how big of a platform this is.

 

“StubHub Center is a terrific venue, fans are right on top of you. I love fighting there and I’m not going to leave the fans disappointed.”

 

ARON MARTINEZ

 

“Come Saturday, expect a great fight. It’s going to be a war. I want to go in there and show everybody who I am.

 

“I know how tough of a fighter Robert is, he’s fought at the top level for a long time.

 

“I’m a brawler and I’m ready to test whatever skills he has. I need to close the distance, stay on top of him and get to him early. My power will surprise him.

 

“I love StubHub Center. I’ve been there many times to watch fights and can’t wait to fight there myself.

 

“This is a big opportunity for me, fighting on such a big card. We know Robert is a former world champion but I’m focused and ready. I’ve trained extra hard for this fight.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

 

“Everything starts off the jab, I need to put pressure on him early. I’ve seen a couple of YouTube clips of him fighting but the key is to focus on what I do best.

 

“This is a huge opportunity for me to fight on NBC at StubHub Center and I plan to take full advantage of it.

 

“This camp has been great, my whole team has done a phenomenal job getting me ready for this fight.

 

“I have to thank my opponent for coming out and putting his record on the line. When I’m done with him, he’ll be 17-1. I’m looking for an early round knockout and I want to keep the fans on the edge of their seats.”

 

YASMANY CONSUEGRA

 

“I’m very prepared for this fight. I’m thankful to Dominic for taking this fight and I can’t wait to put on a show this Saturday afternoon.

 

“I feel strong and ready for this challenge. My team has done everything they need to help me come out victorious.

 

“I was part of the national team in Cuba which is very difficult to do. I’m not worried about any hype leading into this fight.”

 

JESUS CUELLAR

 

“First Darchinyan, Then Leo Santa Cruz or Abner Mares, those are the fighters

I’m targeting.

 

“He can talk as much as he wants but we’re going to fight and find out who is better on Saturday.

 

“I’m very prepared and ready to represent Argentina. I trained hard and I’m ready to get in the ring. I’ve put in the hard work and I’m going to step inside the ring and showcase my talent for all of Argentina.”

 

VIC DARCHINYAN

 

“I will demolish this kid on Saturday, I have much more experience.

 

“He has no idea what’s going to happen.

 

“I was a champion for many years and want to win another title. I will show everyone that I’m still capable on Saturday.

 

“We’re going to see great fights and great action on Saturday. I’m ready to go and I hope everyone enjoys the fights.”

 

ALFREDO ANGULO

 

“I’m so happy to be here in Los Angeles and fighting so close to home. ‘The Dog’ is coming back and you’ll see that on Saturday.

 

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring. It’s been a bit of a layoff but I want to be as active and busy as possible.

 

“I’m back now with Clemente Medina. I work best with him and I’m happy to be back training in Los Angeles again.

 

“I recently got married. I’m much more settled and much more focused on my career. I look forward to becoming a champion again.”

 

OSCAR MOLINA

 

“My left shoulder is completely healed, the recovery took a while which was frustrating but now all systems are go.

 

“I’ve prepared well for this fight and I’m excited to go out and perform. It’s an honor for me to be on the same card as all these great fighters. I’m going to give a great show on Saturday.

 

“I don’t know much about my opponent but I’ve been very busy in the gym learning everyday and I look forward to setting the pace and fighting my fight on Saturday.

 

“I’ve been going to fights at StubHub Center for years and it’s great to be fighting there for the first time.”

 

# # #

 

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

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT & MP3 WITH ROBERT GUERRERO, ARON MARTINEZ, DOMINIC BREAZEALE & YASMANY CONSUEGRA

 

 

Click HERE For MP3

 

Lisa Milner

Thank you, everybody, for joining us today.  We have a very exciting call.  All four of the fighters participating on the televised portion of this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC telecast will be with us.  We are going to start with the heavyweights, and before we head to those fighters, I’m going to turn it over to Tom Brown, head of TGB Promotions to tell you a little more about the event and introduce our first set of fighters.

 

Tom Brown

Well, thank you and thank you very much to the media for joining us on this call.  TGB Promotions is very happy working again with PBC on this excellent card to be telecast on NBC this Saturday afternoon from the famed StubHub Center in Carson.  The doors openon Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with the first bell at 11:15 a.m.  We go on live TV starting at12:00 p.m. PT.  It’s a huge sports day for NBC.  They’re also telecasting the French Open, the Belmont Stakes, and game two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

 

The main event is former world champion, Robert Guerrero (32-3-1 18 KOs) out of Gilroy, California.  Robert’s no stranger to the southern California boxing fans, having posted two huge wins in recent years: the sensational 12-round decision over Andre Berto in November 2012 down in Ontario, and his epic fight-of-the-year win over Yoshihiro Kamegai on June 21, 2014 at the StubHub Center.

 

Aaron Martinez, West Covina, California has a record of (19-3-1, 4 KOs).  He made his bones on the southern California boxing circuit, and knows how valuable this opportunity to face Guerrero is on such a big platform.  Martinez never takes a backward step, never tires, and that’s his primary weapon:  incredible stamina.  With the styles of Guerrero-Martinez, this main event has all the makings of another action-packed StubHub Center war to add to the venue’s history.

 

In the televised co-main, the opening fight, we’ve got two outstanding, undefeated young heavyweight prospects:  U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale (14-0, 13 KOs).  He competed in the 2012 London games, and Yasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KOs) outstanding Cuban amateur with a perfect pro record.

 

Again, the doors will open at 11:00 a.m.  Tickets start at $25 and we’re looking forward to seeing the great boxing fans of southern California attend this great event.

 

L. Milner

We’re going to do the heavyweights now.  Dominic, could you make an opening statement before we turn it over to the media?

 

Dominic Breazeale

This is Dominic Breazeale.  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  I’m excited to be part of this fantastic card this Saturday, June 6th.  Can’t wait to get in the ring and show off my skills.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  And Luis DeCubas Jr. is on the line to translate for Yasmany.  Luis, could you ask him to make just a quick opening statement and then translate that for us?

 

Yasmany Consuegra

I want to thank everybody on the call.  I want to thank NBC, the PBC, Al Haymon for this opportunity and all the people involved.  I look forward to a great fight.  On Saturday, I want to show everyone who I am.

 

Q

Hey, Dominic, it seems to me it’s safe to say that this is going to be your toughest opponent to date.  Would you agree with that, and if so, how excited are you to get this opportunity to move up in competition and show what you’ve been able to learn?

 

D. Breazeale

Definitely toughest competition to date thus far.  Definitely, Yasmany is 17-0, 14 KOs.  One of those guys that steps in the ring with a ton of confidence.  We’re both undefeated fighters and I was extremely excited when I got the call.  Thanks to Al and the team.  Thanks to NBC, we’ll be able to perform in front of the whole world, nationwide, and I couldn’t ask for more.  It’s a great setting, a great way to have a stepping-stone to the next level.  I want to be considered the top heavyweight and I guess you’ve got to fight top guys to get there.

 

Q

What do you know about Consuegra?

 

D. Breazeale

I know he’s got a great amateur record.  I know he did real well in Cuba, the Cuba National team.  He had some great fights here in the States.  He fought a lot in Florida.I know he’s got a boxing style.  I know he’s going to come out tough.  Cuban fighters always do.

 

Q

Dominic, you’ve had a lot of knockouts in your early career in the pros, but this is going to be your biggest fight yet with another undefeated fighter.  Can you talk about your transition from the amateur style, which obviously you had to do in the Olympics, to the professional style?

 

D. Breazeale:

Like you said, it’s going to be a big fight with a guy that’s undefeated.  I’m sure he’s coming in looking to knock me out.  I’m coming in to knock him out, for sure.  But, amateur transition into the pros, I would say was a little bit easier for myself than it was for most amateurs.  The amateurs, a lot of my wins came by way of knockouts, so I’ve been knocking guys out since day one.

 

It’s one of those things that I transitioned from putting punches in bunches to putting punches in bunches with power.  I’m throwing a lot more punches now.  I’m putting a lot more punches together with power.  Every punch I throw has got devastating power.  I not only punch with the right hand, but I can punch with the left.  So long as I make contact, somebody’s going down for sure.

 

Q

Can you talk about the experience factor?  You both fought a number of guys who have a lot of fights under their belt.  His last fight, he defeated Taurus Sykes, who’s been around for a long time, a guy with a winning record.  Tell us where you think you’re at.  Because eventually, everybody wants to become a world champion, but what level do you think you’re at and how does that compare to Yasmany?

 

D. Breazeale

I think I’m right up there, if not, definitely above him.  I’ve fought some very experienced guys and guys that have been former Olympians, as well.  Guys like Matt Galer, who have been in heavyweight ranks and considered top contenders at one point.  Me and Matt put on a great fight.

 

My last fight with Victor Bisbal, that was March 7th of this year.  He’s a Puerto Rican Olympian.  He came out with a great amateur background, very good professional background.  When I finally beat him he had fought some experienced guys as well, so I definitely have the experience there.  Not only as an amateur, but definitely as a pro, too.

 

 

Q

And a similar question for Yasmany.  To me, it looks like this is going to be your biggest fight as a pro.  Where do you think you are as a professional at this point?  Where do you think you rank overall in the professional ranks?

 

Y. Consuegra

It’s definitely my toughest fight.  Breazeale’s a real good fighter out of the pros, but I’ve also had a great amateur background.  I fought the best of the best, obviously.  The Cuban heavyweight program is much more difficult than the American heavyweight program, and he was an Olympian, but I won a lot of world amateur tournaments.  I look forward to just getting in the ring with Breazeale and showing what I’ve got, because I think I could beat Breazeale, and I think I’m ready for Breazeale.  The top guys in the division, I’m going to show them.

 

Q

Yasmany, how influenced are you by some of the great Cuban fighters and heavyweights of the past year:  Teofilo Stevenson, Felix Savon, and many others?  How much of a role have they played in influencing your style?

 

Y. Consuegra

Obviously, Cuba has a great history of Cuban amateur heavyweights.  I like to put my style more toward Savon, who is a power puncher, as looking for the knockout at all times.  And Stevenson’s a great fighter, but he’s more of a boxer, so was Roberto Balado, but that’s definitely a great point.

 

Q

How does it feel to be fighting on NBC in front of such a big network audience, especially on a day when you’re going to be right in between French Open final and Stanley Cup game.  Dominic, could you answer that first?

 

D. Breazeale

I am definitely excited.  I’ve got to thank NBC for giving me the opportunity to fight on this card.  It’s a wonderful date.  Can’t ask for anything better:  southern California, noon.  Sun’s going to be out.  The weather is going to be great.  Great venue at the StubHub Center there.  It’s definitely exciting.  Whenever I get a chance to perform in front of a hometown crowd, family and friends, and things like that, it brings out the best in me, so I’m definitely looking forward to it and, like I said, I’ve got to thank NBC, Al Haymon, Goossen Promotions for putting this all together.  My team, all of you guys, I definitely, truly appreciate it.

 

Q

And Louis, could you ask Yasmany the same question?

 

Y. Consuegra

Yeah, it’s definitely the biggest fight of my life, the biggest fight of my career.  At this moment, I’d also like to thank Dominic Breazeale for taking this type of risk.  Not too many guys are willing to take these risks to fight an undefeated heavyweight and fight the best.  So, it’s a big day for both of us, and come Saturday, I’m going to show everybody that I’m one of the top guys in the division.

 

L. Milner

Okay, great.  Thank you, both, so much.  We will see you this week for a great event.  We have the main event on the line now, so I’m going to turn it back over to Tom Brown to introduce Robert Guerrero and Aaron Martinez.  Tom, take it away.
T. Brown

Okay, great.  Thank you.  First, I’d like to introduce former world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, again, with a record of 32-3-1 and 18 KOs, making a quick return to the PBC on NBC.

 

Robert Guerrero

I just want to thank everybody for being on and I’m ready to go.

 

T. Brown

Okay, we’ve got Aron Martinez here also, with a record of 19-3-1, and he understands how valuable this opportunity is to face Guerrero on such a big platform.

 

Aron Martinez

Yeah, of course, I’m here.  It’s a great opportunity for me; I’m ready for battle.  We’re at weight and everything went pretty good at this camp, and what can I say, man?  Just excited to fight Saturday.

 

Q

Robert, you’re a guy that has fought a lot of big name fighters over a really nice career, an illustrious career.  Does it become a little more difficult to get up for a fighter like Aron Martinez who is, kind of unknown, at least as compared to the other guys that you’ve fought?

 

R. Guerrero

No, not at all.  Coming off the last fight with a loss at the short end of the stick, it drives you to be hungry.  So, that’s why I wanted to get right back into the ring, stay active.  That’s one of the biggest problems with being inactive and not having enough action throughout the year.  The year layoffs, a nine-, eight-month layoff, it really kills you, especially at that championship elite level.  It’s hard to come back and be 100 percent sharp, so the plan is to just stay sharp all year and get back on it.

 

Q

What do you know about him?  Do you watch any tapes of your opponents or anything like that?

 

R. Guerrero

Yeah, I’ve watched some tape on him.  I watched a few of his fights that I found on YouTube and he’s a crafty little guy.  He’s in there and he can fight on the inside.  He’s got some good counter shots and he mixes it up.  So, you’ve just got to be ready for everything all around, because you never know what’s going to come your way, especially when this is such a big opportunity for him, fighting on NBC.  You know he’s going to come 100 percent ready and that seems to happen all the time when I fight somebody.  They come 10 percent better than they were in their last couple of fights, so it’s about being prepared and being ready for whatever comes.

 

Q

Is there any concern about coming back to the ring so soon after a brutal fight like you just had three months ago?

 

R. Guerrero

Oh, no, not at all.  To me, the fight wasn’t even that brutal.  It may have been brutal for Thurman, but I was just getting started toward the end.  It actually feels good to get right back in.  I got right back into the gym three weeks after that and stayed on it.  So, after I left that ring, I still felt good.  My body felt good.  I just had that cut, got that taken care of, but other than that, I feel great.  That’s why I’m jumping right back in the ring so quick.

 

Q

I know you’re a well-known fighter throughout your career, but was there any difference after fighting on that show.  That was the most viewed fight in quite a long time, being that it was on free TV on a primetime Saturday night.  So, I just want to know if anything changed on your end, like more notoriety.

 

R. Guerrero

Definitely.  When you have a 96-year-old woman come up to you in the parking lot and say, “Man, what a great fight; that reminds me of the olden days of boxing,” it’s nice to see that.  And you see all the fans coming around and just the average person that’s at the grocery store recognizing you, it’s huge.  It’s not just huge for my career, but it’s huge for boxing.

 

Q

Did that factor into your wanting to come back so soon?  I know you said you want to stay sharp, but, obviously, staying in the public eye helps as well.

 

Robert Guerrero: Oh, definitely.  Out of sight, out of mind. So you want to stay active, you want to stay busy; you want to stay sharp.  You want to stay in the public eye to make that big run before time passes.

 

Q

Aron, I just have one question for you. You’ve been out of the ring for over a year since your fight with Josesito.  Was there any reason for that delay?  Could you just not get fights or did you just want to take the time off to clear your head?
A. Martinez

It was just with my promoter, little here and there, they were not giving me the right fights. Anybody that knows me, I stayed in the gym, because that’s what makes it easy for me, making weight.  I never have trouble making weight and that goes to show that I stay active.  I stay active in the gym and that’s what it is.

 

Q

My question is for Robert Guerrero.  I was a little disappointed to see that it took you quite a while to get into the fight with Keith Thurman.  Do you feel like that’s going to be something you’re going to change for this fight with Aron, is taking off right off the bat, first round?

 

R. Guerrero

Yeah, it goes back to being active in the ring. Everybody says, well, I feel great, there’s no ring rust, and this and that, but you truly don’t know until you get into that ring.  Then, those long layoffs really kill me.  You develop bad habits.  You lay back a little bit too much, and you end up getting started a little bit late like I did in the Thurman fight.  But when I did get started, there was no stopping me.

 

So, that’s why I want to stay active and stay in the ring.  Like I said before, it’s being inactive, not being in the ring fighting.  You develop habits where you do start off slowly and I felt like after the fight, when I looked back on it, it felt like I was starting off like I was sparring and just working into it, warming up, and then getting started.  Glad to get that fight out of the way and shake off that ring rust, and it’s time to make that push.

 

Q

First question for Robert.  Can you talk about getting up for this fight, because you fought such top level opponents and championship fights, Thurman and Mayweather and higher profile fights, and I think in this fight, you’re going to come in as a favorite.  Can you talk about making sure that you don’t overlook Aron Martinez and staying sharp and getting up mentally.

 

R. Guerrero

You never want to overlook anybody.  I don’t care who it is.  You’ve got two hands, you can throw a punch.  Anything can happen in the ring.  So, you never want to overlook anybody.  I found that out earlier in my career with a loss against Gamaliel Diaz.  I was overlooking him, thought I was going to take him out and he ended up out-boxing me.  He beat me by one point.

 

So, it’s one of those things where you live and learn.  You learn your lesson throughout the years and at this level of boxing and competition, you’ve got to just be able to get up and do your job and be prepared for everything.  So, it’s not a problem.  It’s like second nature to me.  I wake up every day.  I run.  I do my gym work.  If I don’t do it, it feels like I’m cheating, because I’ve been doing it since I was a kid.  So, it’s just being well-prepared and I’m always well-prepared for every fight, as you’ve seen through my previous fights.  I come to fight no matter what.

 

Q

What do you think your advantages are over him coming into this fight?
R. Guerrero

Maybe the arm reach, the hand speed, the height.  It’s a matter of not just having the advantages, but putting them to work and using them, and sticking to your game plan and being well prepared and being able to execute.  So, it’s time to react when you get in that ring and what you’re going to do with everything to make it happen.

 

Q

Aron, I think Robert’s going to be the one coming in as the favorite in this fight, but I just noticed on a lot of the PBC cards, there have been a lot of upsets and unexpected outcomes coming in.  Tell us why you’re going in expecting to win and what the effect is being on the PBC card on NBC.  Does that add something special to this?
A. Martinez

Yes of course.  It’s on national TV at StubHub Center, this is where I grew up.  It’s my home base.  I’ve got 23 fights.  Out of these 23 fights, I’ve never been the favorite; I’ve always been the underdog.  I’m not even supposed to be at this stage. That’s what I’m looking forward to.  I’ve never been the favorite in any of my fights, so I come out for every fight.  I know Rob, he’s an excellent champion; he’s been in with the best.  He knows I train hard for this fight because I really want it and it and I’m going to lay it all on the line. This is what I’m talking about.  I’m on to show everybody.

 

Q

You’re coming off a little over a year layoff as you explained earlier, and he’s coming off just a three-month layoff after a 12-round fight.  Do you think that’s going to factor into this fight, especially if it goes the distance?

 

A. Martinez

No.  It’s like what Robert said.  You don’t really know until you get in the ring.  We could say a bunch of things now, but you never know until you get in the ring and you actually feel it, because once you’re in the ring, it’s a whole different story, how it’s going to be.  We train really, really hard for this fight, and we’re ready.  It’s whatever I’ve got to do, I’ve got to do.  We fight inside we box, whatever.  We’re ready for whatever comes our way.
Q

Aron obviously, I know you’re up for this fight, and Robert’s already expressed that he’s trained for this fight and he’s expecting the very best from you, it’s been asked twice on this call if Robert is overlooking you.  Do you find that disrespectful that nobody is giving you a shot in this fight?  Or do you just use it as extra motivation?

 

A. Martinez

No.  I don’t find it that way.  It’s what it is.  Robert has been up there with the best.  And I don’t find it disrespectful; it’s just what it is, and it makes me train harder and just to make a point that who I am and they’re going to see Aron Martinez in there on Saturday and they’re going to see who I am.

 

L. Milner

Okay, that was our last question.  Robert, do you want to make a closing comment?

 

R. Guerrero

Yes.  I just want to thank everybody.  Thank Al Haymon and thank my team and thank everybody who’s been putting in the work to get this together, and I’m coming to fightSaturday night.  I’m ready to go.  I’m excited and going on right before the Belmont Stakes and it’s a big event leading into another big event.  So, I’m excited and I just can’t wait to fight.

 

The thing is staying active all year and doing my job and giving the fans what they love to see and giving them a great fight.  So, thank all the fans and thank everybody that’s on the conference call.  I really appreciate it and God bless everybody.

 

L. Milner

Okay, thanks.  Aaron, do you want to make a closing comment?

 

A. Martinez

Yes, I want to thank NBC, PBC and all.  Goossen for giving me this chance to show what I’ve got on Saturday, and I thank Robert, and just give a good show to everybody on Saturday, and I’m ready to push off and I’m ready to go. Thanks, everybody.
Lisa Milner: Thank you. Fight week events start tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at the Wild Card West Boxing Gym with a media workout and I hope to see everybody there.  Thank you so much.  Thanks to the fighters.  Thanks, Tom Brown, and thanks to the media.

 

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

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE OPENS UP PBC ON NBC LIVE TELECAST & FACES UNDEFEATED CUBAN HEAVYWEIGHT YASMANY CONSUEGRA

Upland, California (June 3, 2015) – Top U.S. heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (14-0, 13 KO’s) makes his return to the ring this Saturday afternoon, June 6th at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.  Breazeale, takes another step up in competition and faces Cuban heavyweight Yasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KO’s) in a battle of undefeated heavyweights.  The televised bout will support the Robert Guerrero-Arron Martinez main-event and will open up the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) live telecast on NBC.

 

Photo c/o Timoteus “FOE” Hernandez

The 2012 U.S. Olympian is coming off of a solid win against heavyweight veteran Victor Bisbal this past March during the inaugural PBC on NBC series.  Breazeale showed true heart and resilience after experiencing the first knockdown of his career early in the first round of the bout.  Breazeale recovered quickly and dominated Bisbal until the bout was stopped in the fourth round, resulting in Breazeale’s 14th win and 13th by knockout. 

Immediately following the bout with Bisbal, Breazeale asked his advisor Al Haymon for another tough-quality opponent and Breazeale was granted his request. 

“My last bout with Bisbal was by far the toughest opponent I have ever shared the ring with.  He caught me with a good shot and I recovered quickly.  I shook it off and ended up stopping him a couple of rounds later.  After the bout, I wasn’t happy that I was knocked down although many people told me that I showed resilience and that is what champions are made of.  Still, I wanted another tough opponent and Al Haymon gave me the opportunity,” said Breazeale. 

In addition to the quality opponent, Breazeale now has the chance to make an impression on many avid and casual boxing fans who will be watching the bout live on NBC Saturday afternoon, an opportunity Breazeale welcomes and is thankful for. 

“This is a dream come true for me.  Some of my previous bouts have been televised in the past, but not on a prime-time network where millions of people will be tuning in and see an American heavyweight like me.  The heavyweight division is the most popular division in boxing because of its excitement and this is a bout between two undefeated heavyweights.” 

If this bout turns out as well as Breazeale has worked so hard for, he is looking to transition from a top prospect to a contender.  Since turning professional two and a half years ago, Breazeale has been on the fast track to the world heavyweight title and has been learning from every training camp and fight thereafter under the tutelage of trainer John Bray. 

“I know I still have some room to

Photo c/o Team Breazeale

grow.  I’ve been learning in the gym everyday and with every bout that I have had.  In just 14 professional bouts so far, I feel that I have fought tougher opposition at this particular point of my career than the current American world heavyweight champion did in his first fourteen bouts. With the platform I have been provided this Saturday, I intend to make the best of it and will definitely give the fans watching at home an entertaining fight and hope to make a name for myself in the heavyweight division.” 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

“Here Comes Trouble!

 

#

 

DEBUT OF “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” ON NBC IS MOST-WATCHED BOXING BROADCAST SINCE 1998

 

Viewership Peaked at 4.2 Million for Exciting Final Rounds of Keith Thurman-Robert Guerrero Bout


PBC Leads NBC to Victory in Adult 18-49 Demographic


More than 575,000 Minutes Live Streamed Via 

NBC Sports Live Extra

 

PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11

Live at 8:30 PM ET on NBC


STAMFORD, Conn. – Mar. 9, 2015 – Saturday night’s debut of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC was the most-watched professional boxing broadcast since 1998, according to Fast National Data from The Nielsen Company.

 

The PBC on NBC telecast averaged 3.4 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched professional boxing broadcast in 17 years (“Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Night” on FOX, 5.9 million, Mon., March 23, 1998).

 

Viewership increased every half hour through the telecast and peaked at 4.2 million from10:30-11 p.m. ET during the exciting Rounds 7-12 of Keith Thurman‘s unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero, which The Associated Press called “the kind of fight that had the crowd on its feet and gave a much needed boost to boxing.” With the victory on NBC’s first major primetime boxing broadcast in 30 years (Larry Holmes vs. Carl “The Truth” Williams, on May 20, 1985), Thurman improved to a perfect 25-0 (21 knockouts).

 

The PBC on NBC also led NBC to a Saturday primetime victory among Adults 18-49, with a 1.08 rating in the demographic.

 

“The return of primetime boxing to NBC for the first time in three decades got off to a strong start last weekend with Saturday’s PBC on NBC debut,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN. “With our next primetime telecast on Saturday, April 11, we look forward to building on the momentum that this first event clearly established. We are excited that high-quality boxing is back on NBC.”

 

Saturday night’s telecast (8:30-11 p.m. ET) posted a 2.11/4 fast national rating – up 174% from the average boxing telecast on NBC from 2012-14 (.77). It is also the highest-rated professional boxing broadcast since the ’98 De La Hoya show on FOX (4.29).

 

More than 575,000 minutes (576,435) of PBC on NBC coverage was live streamed via NBC Sports Live Extra to desktops, tablets and mobile devices – ranking as the third-best Saturday night this year behind the NFL Wild Card Playoff (Jan. 3, 2015) and the NHL Stadium Series game (Feb. 21, 2015). On social media, #NBCBoxing trended on Twitter worldwide throughout the telecast, along with #PBConNBC, boxers’ names and other key terms trending on the national level.

 

PBC on NBC returns on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, featuring four boxers with a combined 127-4-1 record and 80 KOs – undefeated superstarDanny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) vs. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

 

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live PBC on NBC boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, on select devices within Google Play, and on windows phones and tablets.

NOTES & QUOTES FROM DEBUT OF “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” ON NBC

 

“Keith Thurman won the fight, Robert Guerrero won the fans.” – Marv Albert


 “This is what makes stars, this is what makes champs, coming back.” – “Sugar” Ray Leonard on Robert Guerrero


“His speed, his reflexes, his athleticism. Adrien Broner is a problem.” – B.J. Flores on Adrien Broner


PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11, Live 

at 8:30 PM ET on NBC


LAS VEGAS – Mar. 7, 2015 – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC made its primetime debut tonight from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert and analyst “Sugar” Ray Leonard called the action, with Al Michaels as host, corner analysts Laila Ali and B.J. Flores, and reporter Kenny Rice.

 

The debut of PBC on NBC featured a pair of 12-round bouts – Keith Thurman‘s unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero, and Adrien Broner‘s unanimous decision over John Molina Jr. 


Following are notes and quotes from tonight’s debut telecast:

 

PBC ON NBC DEBUT


Al Michaels: “Tonight, boxing returns to primetime…in the debut of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC. This is a brand new boxing series that will showcase many of the top fighters in the sport on network television, making boxing far more accessible to fans, with less of an emphasis on jockeying for belts and more of a focus on competitive fights.”

 

“Sugar” Ray Leonard: “It doesn’t get any better than this – boxing is back on primetime TV. My career, amateur and professional, began on network television. These boxers know the power of the networks. Yesterday, they said they want to be champions and also famous. It all begins right here, right now.”

 

Michaels introducing blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert: “And yes Marv is here, and it counts.”

 

Marv Albert on calling NBC’s last major primetime bout (Larry Holmes vs. Carl “The Truth” Williams, May 20, 1985): “Yes, I do recall very well that night in Reno, Nevada some 30 years ago….30 years ago, I was 12 at the time.”

 

Albert: “Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger is with us [at ringside], should there be some issues, controversies, or bizarre occurrences… But that never happens in boxing.”

 

ON THURMAN-GUERRERO


Leonard on Thurman (pre-fight): “Thurman, he’s so analytical, he breaks down his opponents, he has knockout power in both hands, he puts his punches together well, and if he gets you in trouble, he’s coming after you.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero (pre-fight): “Guerrero, he went the distance with Floyd Mayweather, his defense is his offense. He’s aggressive, relentless, durable, and has never been knocked out.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 1: “Most fighters have a problem with southpaws…but Thurman looks pretty good here.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 1: “Guerrero needs to use his jab to work his way inside.”

 

Albert on Thurman in Round 2: “It has been all Keith Thurman on the attack… he’s a power puncher, looks for the early knockout…he’s off to a terrific start.”

 

Steve Smoger on Thurman’s injury after an unintentional head-butt in Round 3: “If Thurman cannot continue after the 4th Round, they’ll go to the cards. That’s the situation and that’s pursuant to Nevada rule.”

 

Leonard on Thurman’s Round 4 right hand to Guerrero’s head: “Most guys would have gone down from that shot.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 7: “He’s in such control.”

 

Leonard on Round 7: “Thurman can’t fall asleep on Guerrero, who still has power in both hands.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 8: “Guerrero needs to be more aggressive and cut the ring off.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 8: “Thurman has taken full control of this fight.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 8: “When Guerrero lands a punch he should stay there and throw more punches, more combinations.”

 

Albert on Guerrero at the end of Round 9: “Saved by the bell.”

 

Albert on Round 10: “How about Guerrero coming back!”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 10: “This is what makes stars, this is what makes champs, coming back.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 11: “The heart of Guerrero is just impressive.”

 

Albert on Round 12: “12th and final round and they continue to go at it.”

 

Albert: “Keith Thurman won the fight, Robert Guerrero won the fans.”

 

ON ADRIEN BRONER- JOHN MOLINA JR.


Leonard on Adrien Broner: “I had a little showmanship in me in my years, but Broner definitely is a showman. I knew when not to cross the line…Broner is a gifted fighter, but sometimes gets a little vulgar in his antics. I just don’t want that to overshadow his talent.”

 

Albert on Broner: “At times he has been off-the-wall outrageous.”

 

B.J. Flores on Broner (pre-fight): “His speed, his reflexes, his athleticism. Adrien Broner is a problem, and a mismatch for anybody he faces because of those natural gifts. Now, whenever he gets in the ring, he likes to stand and use those reflexes and that speed for offense, combination punching and defense.”

 

Leonard on Molina Jr. in Round 1: “He needs to make this an ugly fight.”

 

Leonard in Round 1: “Broner has the best eyes…he sees and anticipates everything coming and is able to counter those punches.”

 

Laila Ali on Round 1: “Molina’s corner is not happy with his inactivity.”

 

Ali on Molina Jr.’s inactivity after Round 6: “So far Molina has not been listening to his corner.”

Leonard in Round 8: “Molina waited too long to become an aggressor.”

 

Albert on Broner talking as fighters clinch in Round 8: “There are sweet nothings being whispered into the ear of John Molina.”

 

Albert on the fighters’ continual chatter in Round 10: “I get the idea that there is a talk show going on up there and the guests are Adrien Broner and John Molina.”

 

Smoger on the officiating in Broner-Molina Jr. in Round 10: “I just think we’ve had a bit of over-officiating. Once the referee goes in and starts to lecture, it breaks the flow of the fight and it takes the fighters out of their game plan. He’s trying to control the fight, but I think he’s over-officiating.”

 

Albert on exchange by fighters at end of the Round 10: “What a finish!”

 

Ali on Molina in the Round 11: “Joe Goossen has been pleading with John Molina to listen to him.”

 

Leonard on Molina in the Round 12: “When Molina watches the tape of this fight he’s going to be very disappointed in himself, because he has more.  He’s a warrior.”

 

Albert on Broner: “It will be a convincing victory for ‘The Problem,’ who was a problem for John Molina.”

PBC on NBC returns on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, as  undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) faces Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight world champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) takes on the undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

 

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live PBC on NBC boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, on select devices within Google Play, and on windows phones and tablets.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Naoki Fukuda

 

LAS VEGAS (Thursday, March 5) – The final press conference for the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC show took place today at MGM Grand as fighters, announcers and executives spoke to the media ahead of their primetime network television debut on Saturday, March 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

This card is promoted by Goossen Promotions and features Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero and Adrien Broner vs. John Molina, Jr. in fights that will air live on NBC (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT).

 

The Abner Mares vs. Arturo Santos Reyes bout will be televised live on Saturday, March 7, on the NBC show (8:30 – 11 p.m. ET) or on the NBCSN telecast (11 p.m. ET).

 

See below for what the participants had to say about the huge night of fights.

 

KEITH THURMAN

 

“This is such a beautiful card and such a beautiful fight. We’ve wanted this for a while and we’ve been waiting patiently.

 

“Robert is a great fighter, a multiple world champion and I’m a current world champion. I know the fans wanted me to step up in class and this is my chance to do that. You know what I’m about, it’s ‘KOs for life’.

 

“I’m just really excited and happy. I can’t wait to step on the scale tomorrow, re-hydrate and go to work.

 

“If my fight goes two, six or eight rounds – I’m looking for the knockout. I’m waiting for him to slip up and for me to deliver that one time blow.

“I am going to open up my mouth and say that I am coming to knock him out. I want to be the first fighter to ever knock out Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero. I appreciate him for taking this fight and for all that he has done. I know he’s coming to fight and get this victory, and it’s my job to not let that happen.”

“My brain can’t compute how big of an opportunity this is for me. It’s a blessing and an honor to be on this big of a stage. There are many world champions that could have opened up this show. This is a beautiful card and I am honored to be the main event.

“This is what boxing needs. This stage is what is going to propel my career. We’re trying to bring back the golden generation.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

 

“This truly is a blessing. Being on this stage is incredible. I’m coming to fight. On Saturdaynight I’m ready to go.

 

“It’s a great day because you don’t need cable TV to watch boxing anymore.

 

“My last opponent was tough and I was dealing with some injuries but you have to be able to overcome and make adjustments. I got a little wild and just started slugging it out with him.

 

“There were doubters when I went to 147, people thought I was nuts. Every time people don’t think I can do something, I prove them wrong.

 

“If you live the lifestyle of a fighter; you should be able to fight regularly.

 

“I’m ready to go. I had a great training camp and worked very hard. It’s time to take care of business Saturday night. We did a lot of different work in training camp to prepare for this fight.

 

“Keith Thurman is talking about coming out and becoming the first person to knock me out. I like that type of challenge.

 

“[Keith] Thurman is very strong and has great lateral movement. He can box, fight on the inside. There are also a lot of flaws with his game and we are going to take advantage of his flaws.

 

“This fight card is incredible. The exposure that we are going to get is unprecedented. Not just the fight story but my back story as well, with what kind of men we are outside of the ring.

 

“Being out there talking to everybody and showing off, that’s just not me. So sometimes I’m not always in the public eye, because I’m more of a private man who takes care of his family. But I’m glad this stage will get my story and my wife’s story to the general public.

 

“Mentally the whole experience of what my wife went through makes me tougher. Watching her fight for her life, it makes me realize that I step into the ring because I love this sport.”

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“I’ve been through a lo,t but I’m still here and my name has only gotten bigger, even through the bad times.

 

“Now we have ‘AB on NBC.’ I’m Mr. NBC, everybody is coming to see the AB Show.

 

“I’ll takeover whatever television channel I’m on, I don’t care if its Cartoon Network, I’m going to bring it.

 

“John Molina is a tough world class fighter, he wouldn’t be in this position if he wasn’t. He always beats the odds and comes out on the right side of the stick, but this is the time where he’s going to be on the bad end of the stick.

 

“We’re ready for a dog fight, it doesn’t matter how big the ring is. We’re not running from John Molina. I’m not scared of power.

 

“We’ll see Saturday night, I’m stopping John Molina and I’m putting my word on that.

 

“The preparation during this camp was great, I feel strong and ready. It’s going to be a great fight.

 

“At the end of the day if people say I haven’t looked my best because I haven’t stopped my opponents, but when you look at those fights I outclassed every opponent in front of me. As long as I keep winning, that’s what matters.

 

“John Molina is going to come to fight, but they all come to fight, he’s not going to beat me.

 

“The sky is the limit for me, I’m still young and I’ve done so much at a young age. I’m going to mature in the sport but at the end of the day I’m still me.”

 

JOHN MOLINA JR.

 

“It’s an honor to be part of this show that will bring boxing back to the forefront. We’re well prepared and excited to be on this platform.

 

“It’s a great card with a can’t miss show and PBC and NBC is doing it right. I can’t wait to be a part of it and for that bell to ring March 7.

 

“Camp went well and we’re 110 percent ready to bring it. It’s a great card with a can’t miss show and PBC and NBC are doing it right. I can’t wait to be a part of it and for that bell to ring March 7.

 

‘This is going to be dogfight on Saturday night.

 

‘He’s the same Broner, he can say whatever he wants. He’s made his own bed with his comments and now he has to fight. His mind games that’s he trying to play won’t work.

 

“Once we get in the ring, the talking stops, two hands just like me.

 

“I’ve got the power and the skills to win this fight.

 

“Enjoy the show and I promise you guys fireworks.”

 

ABNER MARES

 

“I’ve been a three-time world champion and I have Arturo Reyes in front of me. It’s with honor and please and excitement to be fighting on NBC.

 

“No disrespect to the other guys up here, but I plan to steal the show. I want to look good. I’ve stolen the show before and it’s going to happen again on Saturday night.

 

“I hope everyone tunes in Saturday night, everybody better watch out because Abner Mares is going to impress.

 

“Any of these fights could be main events, no matter the order, so I’m just happy to be a part of it. A lot of people are going to be tuning in so you have to fight to grab the attention of the viewers.

 

“It takes two to dance and it takes two to fight. When you have a fighter who is going to give you his all, it brings the best out of you. I’m fighting someone who’s never been knocked out and he’s going to bring the best Abner Mares out.

 

“I’m going to make it a spectacular fight and I’m definitely going for the knockout.”

 

ARTURO SANTOS REYES

 

“I’m happy to be on the card and I’m excited to be here around such great fighters.

 

“It’s going to be a great show and I’m looking forward to giving the fans their money’s worth.

 

“Abner Mares is a great fighter, but I don’t fear anybody. He better come to fight.

 

“We’re both Mexican warriors and Mexican Olympians, so you know there’s going to be fireworks in the ring and I just hope everyone in the arena and on TV enjoys.”

 

SUGAR RAY LEONARD, PBC on NBC Analyst and Legendary Boxer

 

“I’m just as excited as everyone else, because this is long overdue. Getting boxing back on primetime. These incredibly talented boxers know that this Saturday night is like a major audition and the fans will be the judges.

 

“I remember being in this position and It’s more than physical, it’s mental. These boxers have what it takes to be superstars. Saturday will be a great day for boxing.”

 

JON MILLER, President, Programming NBC Sports & NBCSN

 

“On behalf of NBC sports we’re exited to be here, we’re fortunate to have 22-time Emmy-award winner Sam Flood overseeing the event and an A-list group of on-air talent.

 

“I think America is ready to see boxing in primetime and Saturday you will see and hear an unbelievable event.

 

“We’re thrilled that these fighters and their great teams are part of the NBC family and we can’t wait to get going.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.goossenpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @GhostBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JohnMolinaJr135, @abnermares, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE TAKES STEP UP IN COMPETITION

Las Vegas, Nevada (March 4, 2015) This Saturday evening marks a historic night as the sweet science returns to prime time network television on NBC after over thirty years.  Al Haymon’s “Premier Boxing Champions” series will make its debut in millions of homes across the country and is sure to reach casual fight fans and boxing aficionados. This is great for the sport as it presents a platform for viewers of all ages to become familiar with the sport of boxing and its future stars.

 

It is also a platform for professional fighters to become household names and have the public familiar with whom they are and their background. One such fighter is top U.S. heavyweight prospect, Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (13-0, 12 KO’s).  Breazeale, now 29, was introduced to boxing at a relatively late age.  After playing quarterback for the University of Northern Colorado, Breazeale made a decision to leave the grid iron and enter the boxing ring in 2008.

 

Within three and a half years, Breazeale won numerous tournaments in the amateur ranks eventually landing him a spot on the 2012 United States Olympic Team competing in the Super Heavyweight division.  Several months later, Breazeale would sign with influential advisor Al Haymon and turn pro under the tutelage of former amateur star and professional heavyweight John Bray.

 

Photo C/O bStunt.com

In his first nine bouts, Breazeale plowed through his opposition in four rounds or less including the dismantling of heavyweight veteran Lenroy Thomas.  In his tenth professional bout, Breazeale would go the distancefor the first time in his career against a tough veteran in Nagy Aguilera.  Although the bout would last all eight scheduled rounds, Breazeale showed he could box effectively peppering Aguilera at will with combinations of jabs, straight rights, left hooks and uppercuts. 

His next three bouts ended in familiar fashion with his opponents being stopped in three rounds or less.  It has been a great start to Breazeale’s career and he is learning everyday with trainer John Bray.  “I’m satisfied where I am right now in my career, but I know I still have a lot to improve on in order to be ready to become the heavyweight champion of the world.  I trust and believe in John’s ability to take me to that level.  John has been in camps with the likes of Tyson, Lewis and Holyfield and has been trained by legendary trainers as well.”

 

Breazeale returns to the ring this Saturday evening against his toughest opponent to date, Victor Bisbal (21-2, 15 KO’s), a 2004 Olympian from Puerto Rico.  The opportunity to fight in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena on NBC is a dream come true and the 2012 Olympian is ready for this

Photo C/O Adrian Jimenez

challenge.  “I am truly excited to be fighting this weekend on such a huge platform and I am looking forward to this challenge and making my name a household name.  I know Victor is coming prepared and I am definitely prepared as well. It’s going to be a great night of boxing for the fans”, said Breazeale.

 

Trainer John Bray is also excited for this opportunity as he knows this fight can take his pupil from prospect to contender.  “Victor Bisbal is a veteran and a very accomplished fighter as an Olympian with a record of 21-2 with 15 knockouts.  Dominic will have to be on his “A” game to shine and as his trainer I can tell you that he will be that and more.  By out-boxing and beating Bisbal in an impressive fashion, this will make the boxing world take notice that Dominic Breazeale is real and ready for bigger and better things.”

 

PBC on NBC is promoted by Goossen Promotions and tickets for this amazing night of boxing can purchased at www.mgmgrand.com and are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50.

“Here Comes Trouble!

 

#