Tag Archives: Errol Spence Jr.

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rising Star & 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. Battles Once-Beaten Contender Leonard Bundu in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn Televised Fights Begin at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on NBC

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BROOKLYN (July 19, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (20-0, 17 KOs) is set to take on once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu (33-1-2, 12 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight world title eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
The action on NBC begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT following coverage of the Olympic Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Game. The 2012 U.S. Olympian Spence Jr. will look to move one step closer to becoming the second member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team to win a world title after Rau’shee Warren won a bantamweight championship in June.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35. Presale tickets are available now with public on-sale beginning tomorrow at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
“This is another great opportunity for me to gain exposure on NBC,” said Spence Jr. “A lot of people will be watching because of the Olympics that may not have known my name before. As an Olympian, headlining a major event four years after my Olympic run is exciting. Bundu is an older fighter, but he’s tough and has a lot of experience. He fought well against Keith Thurman. Thurman outboxed him but couldn’t knock him out. I think I can make a big statement in the division if I can stop him, as I did with Chris Algieri.”
“I am going to use my experience to my advantage on August 21,” said Bundu. “When I fought Thurman I ended up being overcautious, but that will not be the case this time. I know it’s now or never for me and I won’t let this chance slip away. Spence will come forward but that will work to my advantage because I love fighting on the inside. I’m going to show Spence a few things that he hasn’t seen before.”
The brand new Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk builds on the rich history of the sweet science in the Brooklyn neighborhood. Several heavyweight title fights took place on Coney Island at the turn of the 20th century, including James J. Jeffries’ heavyweight world title knock out of Bob Fitzsimmons in the 11th round on June 9, 1899. Jeffries would then defend the title two more times on Coney Island with a points victory over Tom Sharkey and a knockout in the 23rd round against James J. Corbett. Lightweight great Joe Gans and former middleweight champion “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey also boxed in Coney Island.
“It is exciting to have rising star Errol Spence headlining the inaugural boxing event held on August 21 at the new Ford Amphitheater at the historic Coney Island Boardwalk,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Spence is one of the most gifted young fighters in all of boxing and is on track to be a world champion. He will face off against Leonard Bundu, in a final elimination bout, to become the mandatory for the IBF welterweight title, currently held by Kell Brook.”
An Olympian who boasted a highly decorated amateur career, the 26-year-old Spence Jr.is coming off a dominating performance in which he stopped former world champion Chris Algieri in the fifth-round in a PBC on NBC main event.  Spence Jr. is widely regarded as a future star in the sport and was dominant in his previous NBC appearances when he stopped Phil Lo Greco in the third round in June. His impressive 2015 also included TKO victories over Chris van Heerden, Samuel Vargas and Alejandro Barrera, culminating with him being named ESPN’s Prospect of the Year. Now, he looks to secure himself a world title shot.
Originally from Sierra Leone but fighting out of Toscana, Italy, Bundu represented Italy at the 2000 Olympic games where he defeated eventual world champion Daniel Geale. A former European welterweight champion, he owns victories over Frankie Gavin, Lee Purdy and Ismael El Massoudi in addition to going the distance in defeat against Keith Thurman. Bundu comes into this bout with victories over Pablo Munguia and Jussi Koivula in his last two bouts.
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

MARIO BARRIOS DOMINATES IN 2016 DEBUT

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Photo by Leo Wilson / Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN, NY (April 16, 2016) – IBF #15 super-featherweight ranked contender,Mario Barrios, remained undefeated with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Edgar Gabejan (26-33-6, 9 KOs) a veteran of over 500 ronds, improving his record to (15-0, 8 KOs).
Barrios, who hails from San Antonio, TX, came out guns blazing, dropping Gabejan in round one.  Towering over his opponent, Barrios, who stands over six feet tall, used his height and reach to perfection as he landed precise punches throughout the remainder of the fight.  Gabejan made it to the final bell but was severely beaten up.  Scorecards read 80-71 across the board, all in favor of Barrios.
This marks the first fight for Barrios in 2016.  With the win, Barrios hope to get back in the ring as soon as possible.  A world title fight by the end of the year is what Barrios has is mind set on.
“I’m happy with my performance tonight,” said Mario Barrios. “My opponent showed a lot of heart making it to the final bell.  Going the full eight rounds was great experience for me.  I feel I’m improving with each fight and I’m hoping by the end of the year I’ll be ready to challenge any of the champions in my division.”
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rising Star Errol Spence Jr. Makes A Statement In The Welterweight Division With Dominating Fifth-Round Stoppage Of Former World Champion Chris Algieri In Primetime On Premier Boxing Champions On NBC Live From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

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Krzysztof Glowacki Drops Steve Cunningham Four Times On His Way To Retaining Cruiserweight World Title
&
2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne Remains Undefeated With Split-Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Radivoje Kalajdzic
Click HERE For Photos From Leo Wilson/Ryan Greene
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Fight Highlights from Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (April 17, 2016) – Undefeated rising welterweight star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (20-0, 17 KOs) went emphatically from prospect to contender with a fifth-round stoppage of former world champion Chris Algieri (21-3, 8 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday night from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“It meant a lot to get the stoppage,” said Spence Jr. “I did something Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan couldn’t do. That shows where I’m at in the welterweight division.”
Spence Jr. was superior in every regard as he took control of the fight from the beginning with world-class bodywork and blazing speed. Algieri was expected to be a major step-up for the 2012 U.S. Olympian, but was unable to bother his opponent despite landing 31 percent of his punches to Spence Jr.’s 30 percent per CompuBox stats.
“I can’t take anything away from this young hungry lion,” said Algieri. “He did a great job. I trained really hard for this fight. I hope that people appreciate me and how hard I worked and what I brought to the fight.”
“The Truth” dominated by landing 41 percent of his power punches over the five rounds and only lost one round on the three judges’ scorecards. Spence Jr. sent Algieri down for the first time in the fourth round with a combination finished off by a straight left hand.
Algieri survived the round, but Spence Jr. was determined to get a stoppage and he connected with another straight left that put Algieri on the canvas early in round five.
“It was pretty one-sided, I felt,” said Spence Jr. “I started slowly. He said he was going to take me to deep waters so I wanted to pace myself.”
“I just wasn’t sticking to the style and the strategy like I should have,” said Algieri. “We had a couple of different styles that we were going to show him and I never stayed in one style long enough to be effective.”
Spence Jr. saw his opportunity and launched a vicious attack in an attempt to end the fight. A massive left hook connected clean with Algieri’s jaw and put him on the canvas for the third and final time, as referee Benjy Esteves waved off the bout at :48 seconds into the fifth round.
“Everyone wanted to see what I could do against a proven fighter and I blew him out of the water,” added Spence Jr.
In the opening bout of the telecast, Polish star Krzysztof Glowacki (26-0, 16 KOs) sent former world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-8-1, 13 KOs) to the canvas four times on his way to a unanimous decision to retain his cruiserweight world title in front of a raucous Polish-heavy crowd.
“Power and precision is my trademark,” said Glowacki. “That’s always been my game. I was a little bit reluctant because of the surgery, but I got more comfortable as the fight went on.”
Glowacki got the action going early as he scored his first knockdown with a left hand that he would use to control the fight and knocked down Cunningham a second time shortly after the former champion rose to his feet.
“I’m just disappointed,” said Cunningham. “I knew I just had to work. The corner kept telling me to go to the body more in the later rounds. I’ve been down before. I knew I had to go at this guy.”
The southpaw from Walcz, Poland and the orthodox veteran from Philadelphia combined for several exciting exchanges as Cunningham was able to land his share of power right hands but was more often than not met with Glowacki’s thudding left.
“The plan from the beginning was to hit him with the left hand and you could tell I was hitting with full power,” said Glowacki. “I couldn’t hit that hard against Marco Huck because of my injury and now I’m hoping to keep that power up in my next fight.”
Cunningham went down again in the 10th round from a short right hand but was able to rally and stun Glowacki with a big right hand. The champion recovered quickly, but Cunningham did arguably his best work of the fight in the 11th round as he aggressively attacked Glowacki with combinations to the head and body.
The fireworks continued in the final round as a strong combination put Cunningham down for the fourth time in the fight. The challenger rose to his feet and attacked effectively at times, but the left hand proved to be too much.
“He punched with me and caught me coming in,” said Cunningham. “I knew after the second round knockdowns that I had to get rounds back and go get him. He’s a smart fighter.”
Cunningham was actually able to land a higher percentage of punches than Glowacki as he connected on 34 percent versus just 25 percent from Glowacki. However the knockdowns and Glowacki’s output advantage of 462 to 366 was enough for him to retain his title by scores of 116-108 and 115-109 twice.
“The fans were my motivation throughout the fight,” said Glowacki. “I just wanted to give them more and more. I want to thank everyone who came and watched me.”
The televised swing bout saw 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (18-0, 13 KOs) remained undefeated with a narrow split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight contest.
“Establishing my jab was the key,” said Browne. “Once I did that, he couldn’t get past it. He got me with a couple of good shots.”
Kalajdzic was emphatic that the judges were wrong in their decision.
“I don’t see how I lost,” said Kalajdzic. “I was the aggressor. I showed my heart. If he feels like he beat me, give me the rematch.”
The southpaw Browne was able to jab his way into control of the fight by landing 52 jabs to the 54 thrown by Kalajdzic the whole fight. Browne was able to bruise and eventually open up a cut over Kalajdzic’s left eye late in the fight.
In the first round, Browne was credited with a controversial knockdown as it appeared via replay that a slip had occurred and Browne had hit Kaladjzic after he was down.
Kalajdzic was effective with his power punches throughout the fight as he landed 36 percent of his power punches to 29 percent from Browne. His most effective moment came in round six when he sent Browne to the mat with a right hand.
“He caught me with something that grazed me,” said Browne. “I didn’t even know what it was. I walked into the punch but I was able to get up from it and get back in rhythm.”
“He didn’t do anything that bothered me,” said Kalajdzic. “I was doing my thing. I should have listened to my coaches more and I would have stopped him.”
Browne was able to recover for the final two rounds and earn the split-decision by scores of 76-74 for Kalajdzic, 76-74 for Browne and 76-75 again for the still unbeaten Staten Island-native.
“I love fighting in front of my fans and family. We gutted this one out and it’s on to the next one,” added Browne.
PBC on NBC was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform was presented by AARP. PBC on NBC was sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@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

Errol Spence Jr., Chris Algieri, Krzysztof Glowacki, Steve Cunningham, Marcus Browne & Radivoje Kalajdzic Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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PBC on NBC Live From Barclays Center On Saturday, April 16
(8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKYLN (April 13, 2016) – Undefeated rising welterweight star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and former world champion Chris Algieri went face-to-face Wednesday to kick-off fight week activities with the final press conference before they meet in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC this Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Also in attendance at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan were cruiserweight championKrzysztof Glowacki and former champion Steven “U.S.S” Cunningham plus undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne and unbeaten light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic who round out a stacked tripleheader on Saturday night.  In addition, popular Brooklyn undefeated fighter Heather “The Heat” Hardy was in attendance as she nears her undercard bout against Sweden’s Anna Hultin.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“This is a great card with great fighters and its a fantastic opportunity. A lot of people think I’m a prospect on the verge of being a contender. Saturday night is going to be a great performance.
“I never thought fight week would come. I’m just so excited to put on a show. It’s going to be the best Errol Spence you’ve ever seen.
“I just need to stick with my game plan. The game plan that my coach laid out for me and do what I do and get the win.
“Whatever happens, happens. I’m going to have to feel it out in the first round.  I just need to fight smart.
“I’ve always felt like I was ready for this level. Saturday night, I’m looking for a coming out party. My focus is 100 percent on this fight.
“I was ready two fights ago to fight for a title. After this fight we can talk about what’s next, but right now, Chris Algieri is in front of me.
“Chris has been in a lot of hard fights. At the end of the day he’s a boxer and so am I. It’s going to be a war.”
CHRIS ALGIERI
“Brooklyn has treated me very well. I’ve had some of my best performances here at Barclays Center and I look forward to another.
“It’s always an honor to share the stage with such illustrious guys in our sport. A lot of these guys really bring honor and respect to the business that we do.
“I don’t think I’ve gotten as much respect as I deserve throughout my career. I don’t know why, but it doesn’t really matter. At the end of the day I go out there and perform. More often then not I’m victorious.
“I think everyone knows that I’ll fight anybody. Spence is a guy people don’t want to fight, so they brought him to me.
“The best thing about working with John David Jackson is the confidence he gives me. He let’s me be who I am. He gives me the faith to trust in my abilities. I’m looking forward to putting on another great display with him in my corner.
“The hard work is done. Training camp was long, hard and grueling. Not much more to be said. It’s time to fight. It’s going to be a great night of fights. “
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“I’m so happy to be back in the United States and I’d like to thank my team for preparing me so well.

“I’m very happy to be healthy. Training camp went the way I wanted to and I feel 100 percent ready to get in the ring
“I have to win. That’s the most important thing. It’s nice to be fighting on such a great card, but all that matters is keeping my belt.
“Fans can expect to see beautiful boxing. It will be a war inside of the ring. Most importantly, I will win.
“A lot of things have changed since I won my world title. Nobody used to know me and now everyone knows me. I’m happy with my career so far. I don’t like to talk about the future of my career until after the fight.
“Steve Cunningham is not only a great fighter but a great human being, so I expect a tough fight. He wants to take the belt from me but it’s not going to be easy. I want everyone to come out for a great show on Saturday.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“This is my first time fighting at Barclays Center and I’m very excited about that. I’m ready to fight. Training camp is over. You know it’s grueling and hard work.
“I know I have a great opponent. He took the belt from the champion. He got up off the canvas so I can’t look at him lightly at all. But I’m here to do a job.
“I’m was sick of getting cheated and robbed of opportunities at the heavyweight division. I decided to come back down. It’s no problem. Three pounds or four pounds, no big deal. Here we are.
“We are coming to steal the show. I’d like to steal the show without me getting hit too much. A fight is a fight. You know I come to win, so we’re going to have some fun.
“There are some adjustments you have to make when you fight a southpaw. A guy throwing two gloves at you and you have to throw gloves back at him. Doesn’t matter if he fights me upside down, I have to fight smart and beat him regardless.
“There’s always something special with Naazim Richardson. He’s a great mind. One of the great trainers out there. We’ve always got something special prepared. We have to do what we have to do and that’s win.
“When you beat a guy like Marco Huck who was about to make history and you beat him like Glowacki beat him, you have to think he’s good and realize you can’t take Glowacki lightly. He’s a warrior. He’s a problem, something I’m going to have to deal with.
“I’m not 40-years-old yet. Give me a few more months! I don’t feel 39 or 40. I feel great. I just want to go in there and perform and do what I do.
“I’m not one of those predicting guys. I know things happen in the ring. But come Saturday night, I want things to go my way. If not, we’re able to evolve. Let’s go, it’s work time.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“We’ve done a lot of talking leading up into this fight. I want to talk with my hands. He said he’s ready to fight. We’ll see on Saturday night.
“I feel great. Training camp has gone great. Right now the focus is to win and look good. Whatever happens after that is going to happen.
“I’m going to do what I do best and that’s take care of business no matter what.
“I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table. We will know that after the first minute of the first round.
“It’s an incredible honor to be representing my hometown. Fighting in front my home fans is always very motivating and I can’t wait to put on another show for them.
“People have said a lot about how this will be my toughest fight. I can’t listen to anything on the outside. I’m prepared to my fullest and we’ll see what he has on Saturday night.”
 
RADIVOJE KALAJDZIC
“I’m ready. I don’t have too much to say. I’m just ready to fight.
“Training camp went great. We got a full eight weeks in. Roadwork, conditioning, everything. I’m just ready to fight.
“I want to introduce myself to the fans by knocking out Marcus Browne. If that doesn’t come, I want to put on a great performance. Being on the big stage doesn’t bother me, once the bell rings its just another day.
“I know Marcus is fast and has pop to him. I don’t want to give too much away.
“I’m a boxer puncher. I’ve got the power to knock a fighter out. Most of my knockouts have come in the first round.
“I feel like I came up the right way. I didn’t have that much amateur experience, but I stepped up to this big opportunity at the right time.”
HEATHER HARDY
“I’m expecting to face a good strong boxer on Saturday night. She’s coming down in weight to fight me, so don’t miss it.
“We changed a little bit during this training camp. I added another conditioning coach. A guy that has been putting me through torture three times a week.
“My opponent is strong, she has a good record, she’s from overseas. I know I have my hands full.
“It’s a real honor to fight at Barclays Center. I couldn’t ask for a better place. There’s nowhere in the world I’d rather fight than right here at home. As far as my career progressing, I’d like to be up there on stage and be on TV.
“I can’t wait to fight (unbeaten contender) Shelly Vincent. I think that will be the big breakthrough fight that let’s me establish who I am in this game and who I am for the bigger competition.  That’s a perfect fight for TV. Fingers crossed.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This great card features a fighter who is believed to be the top prospect in boxing, in Errol Spence Jr. versus New York’s own, a former world champion in Chris Algieri in what promises to be an exciting primetime main event.
“Marcus Browne has fought more times at Barclays Center than any other professional fighter. He has the chance to make the jump towards a world title by taking out another young undefeated fighter. ‘Hot Rod’ is not planning on letting that happen without serious resistance.
“Glowacki’s fight with Huck was one of the best of last year and he can expect the Polish fans in Brooklyn to be behind him on Saturday night.
“Steve Cunningham is one of the most respected fighters by his peers. Not just for his quality in the ring, but his quality as a family man and as a human being. He knows he’s fighting a great champion and I know he’s got a great game plan.”
JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing
“It’s a pleasure to be back in Brooklyn and to have Chris Algieri fighting at Barclays Center again. It’s very rewarding that he will be in the main event on national television on NBC. It’s a real testament to this fight.
“Chris has had some great performances at Barclays Center. He’s going to have another one in front of him on Saturday. Spence Jr. is a challenge that Chris is looking forward to and one he has faced before.
“Everyone wrote him off when he faces Ruslan Provodnikov. We’re looking forward to Chris Algieri pulling off a surprise just like that on Saturday night.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“Barclays Center is thrilled to have Chris Algieri back for his fourth fight and we expect a great turnout from the Long Island fans who are looking forward to Saturday as well. We’re also looking forward to a new name to headline Brooklyn and we welcome Errol Spence Jr.
“We welcome Marcus Browne back for your 11th fight and we thank you for calling Barclays Center home. Heather Hardy is also back at Barclays Center for the sixth time and we are thrilled to have all of them fighting in our building.
“It’s fitting that Saturday nights card features Chris Colbert and Earl Newman who got their start at Golden Gloves.
“I think 2016 will be our biggest year yet and we look forward to welcoming everybody back in the coming months.”
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, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@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

MARIO BARRIOS TO FACE 500 ROUND VETERAN IN EDGAR GABEJAN

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Photo by Team Barrios
 
SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 13, 2016) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender, Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KO), has an opponent named for his upcoming bout scheduled for this Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  Barrios will face Edgar Gabejan (27-32-6, 9 KOs), his most experienced foe to date, a veteran with over 500 battle tested rounds.  The non-televised 8-round bout will take place on the undercard of a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC tripleheader headlined by undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking on former world champion Chris Algieri.  Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Standing over six feet tall, the towering Barrios will look to carry the momentum from a fabulous 2015, where he went 7-0 with 5 knockouts.  Fighting in New York for the first time in his professional career, Barrios wants to send a messages to the 130-pound division with a dominating performance.
“I’m eager to get back in the ring and start the year off with a bang,” said Mario Barrios, the rising star who hails from San Antonio, TX. “I’ve been in the gym since my last fight in mid-December and I’m ready to make statement in this fight.  I want let everyone in the super-featherweight division know I’m gunning for them, especially the all the champions.  My 2016 march toward a world title starts this Saturday. I can’t wait to let my hands go and give the east coast fans a great night of action.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

2012 U.S. Olympians Errol Spence Jr. & Marcus Browne Reflect On Olympic Experience Heading Into Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Showdowns Taking Place Saturday, April 16 From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

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(Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME)
 
Click HERE For Photos of Spence Jr. & Browne From the Olympics
 
“The Olympic stage prepares you for anything.” – Spence Jr.
 
“We always thought about nights like these where
we’re both center stage.” – Browne
 
BROOKLYN (April 12, 2016) – Undefeated rising stars Errol “The Truth” Spence  Jr. and “Sir” Marcus Brownestarted out as teammates on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team and will face the toughest tests of their careers when they enter the ring in primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The rising welterweight Spence Jr. will take on former world champion Chris Algieri in the main event while Browne kicks-off televised coverage at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT when he takes on unbeaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
With the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio nearing the opening ceremonies, it is poetic that both Spence Jr. and Browne will have the opportunity to launch themselves into the upper echelon of the sport as a new generation of rising stars get set to test themselves against the best in the world at the Olympics.
Here is what the fighters had to say about their Olympic experiences, fighting on the same card, advice to the 2016 team and more:
On fighting in televised fights on the same card:
 
Errol Spence Jr.: “My pro debut was on the ‘Night of the Olympians’ and it had me, Terrell Gausha, Marcus Browne, and Rau’Shee Warren. These are the kind of nights we envisioned. It’s so great to see my friends and Olympic brothers doing as well as me.
 
Marcus Browne: “We always thought about nights like these where we’re both center stage. This couldn’t have happened if we didn’t keep our records clean and fought hard. To have gotten to this point alongside an Olympic teammate is an amazing thing. I look forward to both of us being propelled to the next level.”
On their favorite Olympic memories:
ES: “My favorite memory is competing and being around all of the great athletes. I got to meet Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Serena Williams and Michael Phelps. All of these athletes that I had seen on TV. Being in that atmosphere helped me realize that I am a great athlete amongst other great athletes.
MB: “It sounds materialistic, but all the free gear we got was amazing. Coming where I come from, I had never been given anything like that before. I was surprised at the adoration I was getting from people. Everyone just wanted to make us feel a part of this unbelievable event.
On how the Olympics prepared them for the pros:
ES: “The Olympic stage prepares you for anything. It’s the biggest tournament in the world. Having media day and talking to all of those outlets and then having to train, it prepares you for the professional ranks. When you get to the top, you’re going to have to do those exact same things.
MB: “Fighting in front of 10,000 people that are cheering against you will prepare you for anything in this sports. A lot of people don’t get that until they’re at the highest level. The atmosphere is just so intense and the Olympic fans are so passionate.
 
On the bond they share with their Olympic teammates:
ES: “All of us on the team have a great bond. Anytime you spend four months in camp with the same group of guys and you’re training and losing weight together, you become very close. It automatically creates a natural bond and connection. They are like brothers to me.
MB: “There is always going to be that bond of brotherhood regardless if you talk everyday or every three years. Spending every waking moment with these guys and singing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ every morning, we build up a group bond and individual friendships that are so important to us.
On their impressions of the other:
ES: “Marcus was always the loud one in the Olympic training center. Marcus was always encouraging everyone to work hard and train harder. I want to be like Evander Holyfield. He and his Olympic teammates like Pernell Whitaker all held belts at the same time.
MB: “Errol and I are kind of opposites. Errol is more of a quiet and reserved guy. He works hard and runs like a gazelle. He fights hard and at the end of the day he is just a good dude. The plan is for all of us to be world champions and do great things.
On their advice to the 2016 U.S. Olympic team:
ES: “I would tell the 2016 team to just keep doing what they’re doing. Stay focused. Don’t get too big headed. Listen to your coaches and do everything you’ve been doing. The Olympics are right around the corner and we want to see medals in the men’s division this year.”
MB: “I just want to tell the team to make sure you get all the international experience you can get and fight hard for your country.”
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, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@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

RISING UNDEFEATED PROSPECT MARIO BARRIOS & TOP 140-POUND CONTENDER LUCA GIACON HIGHLIGHT UNDERCARD ACTION ON SATURDAY, APRIL 16 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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Stacked Card Features Local Talent Including
Heather Hardy, Chris Colbert & Earl Newman & International Stars Lukasz Maciec & Dardan Zenunaj
 
BROOKLYN (March 29, 2016) – Undefeated prospect Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KOs) and top super lightweight contenderLuca “Black Mamba” Giacon (27-1, 23 KOs) compete in separate bouts that highlight undercard action on Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The April 16 event features a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC tripleheader headlined by undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking on former world champion Chris Algieri. Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will see cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Glowacki defending his title against former cruiserweight champion Steve “U.S.S. Cunningham and undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne battling fellow unbeaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic.
Barrios makes his east coast debut in an eight-round super featherweight bout while Giacon looks to put the 140-pound division on notice when he competes in an eight-round affair.
A trio of exciting fighters representing Brooklyn will enter the ring as undefeated star Heather “The Heat” Hardy (15-0, 3 KOs) competes in an eight-round junior featherweight bout while Golden Gloves champions Chris Colbert (4-0, 2 KOs) and Earl Newman (8-0, 6 KOs) compete in a four-round featherweight bout and an eight-round cruiserweight bout respectively.
International action will heat up the ring at Barclays Center as 26-year-old Polish contender Lukasz Maciec (22-3-1, 5 KOs) fights in an eight-round super welterweight bout, 28-year-old Belgian Dardan Zenunaj (11-1, 9 KOs) fights in an eight-round junior lightweight affair and 22-year-old Russian Radzhab Butaev (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Brooklyn, in a six-round super welterweight fight against South Carolina’s TyKeem Sadler (6-1, 4 KOs)
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
A tall featherweight at more than six feet, the 20-year-old Barrios picked up seven victories in a jam-packed 2015 in which he stopped five opponents inside the distance, including an uppercut left hook combo that ended the night of Manuel Vides in December. The San Antonio-native turned pro in 2013 and is on the fast track towards a world title shot as he makes his 2016 debut.
A winner of six-straight fights, Giacon is coming off of a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Steve Jamoye in October 2015 that put him in the top contender status in the division. The 27-year-old has fought in Spain, Panama and Italy throughout a pro career that dates back to 2007 and will be making his U.S. debut on April 16.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena since. On April 16, she will be making her sixth appearance at Barclays Center. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014 and followed it up in 2015 with a victory over Renata Domsodi and two over Noemi Bosques.
Fighting out of Lublin, Poland, Maciec will be making his second start in the U.S. and his first in the Polish-heavy borough of Brooklyn. The 26-year-old owns victories over veteran contenders Lanardo Tyner, Laszlo Fazekas and previously unbeaten Sasun Karapetyan.
Originally from Kosovo but fighting out of Belgium, Zenunaj made his U.S. debut in December 2015 and stopped Bryant Cruz in the seventh round to announce his presence stateside. The 28-year-old has won 10 fights in a row including eight in a row by knockout.
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, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@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

Errol Spence Jr., Chris Algieri, Krzysztof Glowacki, Steve Cunningham, Marcus Browne & Radivoje Kalajdzic Media Conference Call Highlight Quotes

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(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)
 
“I believe I’m one of the top talents in the sport, but I have to prove myself in this fight.” – Spence Jr.
 
“It’s a very difficult task to go from prospect to contender. I believe that this is a huge leap for Errol.” – Algieri
 
BROOKLYN (March 24, 2016) – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC fighters held a media conference call today to discuss their Saturday, April 16 matchups at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr., former world champion Chris Algieri, cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Glowacki, former cruiserweight champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham, unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne and undefeated light heavyweight Radivoje Kalajdzic spoke to media in advance of their primetime showdowns on NBC, with televised coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“This is a great opportunity for me. It’s another step in my career to get to where I want to be, which is a world title fight.
“Camp is going great. I’m on weight and I’m looking forward to a putting on a great, one-sided performance on April 16.
“I have something to prove. I believe I’m one of the top talents in the sport but I have to prove myself in this fight. There are a lot of questions that need answering. April 16 I have to prove myself and I’m ready for it.
“Going from prospect to contender is a leap, but you have to go through it. There’s a lot expected from me. This is what I have to do to get into that top-five level.
“Chris has a lot of heart. He’s gritty. I know he’s going to come to fight and make it a real entertaining fight.
“I don’t put any pressure on myself. I’m training harder than ever but I’ll come in like it’s any other fight. I’m ready to put on a great show.
“I want to fight at least three times this year. As long as I’m healthy and everything is going well, I want to stay active. I don’t want to wait around for an opponent. I want to get in the ring and stay winning.”
CHRIS ALGIERI
“We’re looking forward to putting on another great performance. I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays and this is going to be another.
“I’m getting more and more excited as we get to fight night. I’m really looking forward to April 16.
“This kid wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t a good fighter. There’s a lot of pressure on him. It’s a very difficult task to go from prospect to contender. It’s not easy to make that jump. You have to be careful taking big leaps. I believe that this is a huge leap.
“I’ve been in the ring with big guys and hard-hitters. Styles make fights but it’s all about matchups. Boxing is a rhythm sport. You have to be in with a guy and see how the styles mesh.
“I fought at 147 and 154 when I kick-boxed so I’ve been in the ring with those bigger guys. I’ve never had a problem with size.”
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
 
“I’m so happy to be able to fight again in the United States and I’m going to deliver another great fight. I hope both the Polish and American fans are going to be there for this explosive fight.
“I’m absolutely ready to come to the United States and defend my title.
“It was very frustrating to have the injuries that I had. I couldn’t do anything. The silver lining is that I’m so unbelievably hungry to return. I’m even hungrier than usual.
“My reception back home after the Huck fight was unbelievable. When I arrived from the airport there were people with flowers and I got a police escort to my hometown. It’s an unbelievable feeling to be a world champion. I want to have this feeling again when I return. I was relatively unknown but now people approach me on the streets and it’s a great feeling to have.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“I’m excited to have another opportunity at a world title in the cruiserweight division. I’m always ready, I’m always prepared and in the gym.
“Glowacki is a formidable foe. He made a big splash in his U.S. debut and people will want to see if he can live up to that. We’re going to get together and make some fireworks.
“This isn’t new territory for me just a new opponent. We don’t look past anybody and we’re ready for this one. It’s war time.
“I know he’s driven, but I’m driven also. I’ve fought all over the world. It’s new fighting close to home, but it’s still going to feel like Poland in Barclays Center. Well I’ve fought in Poland before, so we’re just going to take everything from camp and bring it to the fight.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“This is just another step for me on the road to becoming world champion. Everyone wants to make it seem like he is the best fighter I’ve ever faced. April 16 we will see.
“I see what I see from ‘Hot Rod’. He’s young, he’s undefeated and he doesn’t want to lose his 0. I’m going to take care of it in the ring.
“These kind of fights are essential for both of us and that will cause fireworks. He wasn’t on my radar before but come April 16 we’ll both be on each other’s radar for sure.
“Is he the best opponent I’ve faced in a professional fight? Yes. But this isn’t the best guy I’ve been in the ring with. April 16I’m going to take care of my business in the ring. That’s how we converse in boxing.
“You can’t go in there thinking that what you did in the amateurs makes you a great pro. It’s two totally different games. I’ve been in there with a lot of good guys from a young age.”
RADIVOJE KALAJDZIC
“I’m happy to be fighting at Barclays Center on a great show. I’m just ready to fight and I hope Marcus Browne is too.
“I’ve worked with Keith Thurman before and gotten in the ring with him since we both train down in St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s real good work. He’s a great fighter.
“Marcus obviously has speed and power. I won’t tell you his weaknesses but if you watch on fight night, I’ll show you.
“We’re mostly focused on what I’m going to do. We’re working on our game plan and we’ll get in there and exploit his weaknesses.
“I’m excited to be fighting in Brooklyn. I’ve fought in my hometown and I’m excited to have the crowd against me. It’s only going to be him and me in the ring.”
*           *           *
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @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. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Chris Algieri Supporting Alma Mater Stony Brook University Ahead Of First NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Game in School History

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“It’s an inspiration to see their hard work and determination. They can be the latest ‘Cinderella’ 
story to come out of the tournament.” – Algieri
 

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/Star Boxing)
 
Algieri takes on rising star Errol Spence Jr. in primetime as
Premier Boxing Champions on NBC returns to
Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Saturday, April 16 (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)
BROOKLYN (March 17, 2016) – Former world champion Chris Algieri is excited to cheer on his alma mater, the Stony Brook University Seawolves, as they hit the court for the first men’s basketball NCAA Tournament game in the school’s history.
“The older I get, the less I believe in luck, but I want to wish good luck to my alma mater, the Stony Brook Seawolves, in the opening game of the NCAA tournament later tonight,” said Algieri.
The Long Island-native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Sciences and is currently on the advisory board of the Seawolves United Athletic Department. In 2015, he established the “Chris Algieri Champion Lifestyle Scholarship Fund” in 2015.
“The program has come such a long way over the past few years,” Algieri continued. “It is an inspiration to see what hard work and determination can do. This is their first ever trip to March Madness and I think they can be the latest ‘Cinderella’ story to come out of the tournament.”
The 13th-seeded Seawolves will take on the fourth-seed Kentucky Wildcats in Des Moines, Iowa tonight in the first round of the East Regional, with tip-off scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET.
“I know what it’s like to be the underdog,” said Algieri. “I’ve been the underdog numerous times in my life and career and it’s all about digging deep and having the heart of a champion. I know those guys on the Stony Brook team have that championship mettle.”
Algieri takes on Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCtripleheaderon Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn with televised coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @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. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Errol Spence Jr., Chris Algieri, Steve Cunningham & Marcus Browne PBC on NBC Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
NEW YORK (March 9. 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and former world champion Chris Algieri went face-to-face for the first time Wednesday at a press conference at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan as they discussed their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC showdown taking place Saturday, April 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Also in attendance Wednesday was former world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham, who takes on cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Glowacki, and undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne, who faces undefeated Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“A lot of people have been asking me when I was going to fight top competition. When you look good in the ring, nobody wants to fight you. Established guys don’t want to fight you, so I want to thank Chris Algieri for taking this fight.
“It would be a major statement if I could stop Chris Algieri. He’s been in there with hard-punchers so I’m looking to make a statement about my power. Especially for me being a young contender, it would just show everything I have in my arsenal and where I’m going in my career.
“I’ve never envisioned it this way, but my team always told me to be patient and everything will come on time. Now I’m here in the NBC main event.
“This is a very important fight. Chris Algieri is a tough fighter. All of his fights have been exciting and we’re looking to make it exciting and one-sided. I’m looking to dominate the whole fight.
“From watching Algieri, I know he has good footwork and likes to box. Recently it seems like he’s become more aggressive and standing his ground a bit more. I’m ready for either style.
“I don’t really care if I get tested. I want to perform and show my skill set. I’m going to answers a lot of questions people have in the ring.
“I know I’ll be the next big star in boxing. I just have to stay grounded, do what I’ve been doing and listen to my team. The sky is the limit.
“I want a world title this year. I want the winner of the Kell Brook vs. Kevin Bizier fight. I would definitely go to the UK. I’d fight any of the champions, but I can’t look past Chris Algieri. I’m 100 percent focused on him.
“My career is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. For me, fighting on this platform and getting my story out is a good start. It’s about what I do in the ring, I have to look spectacular and get the knockouts.
“Everybody should tune-in or get your tickets. This is going to be a fight for the history books.”
CHRIS ALGIERI
“It’s exciting to be back in the main event on the world stage. I take every fight very seriously and I prepare my best each time. It’s just another day at the office.
“I’m looking forward to working extremely hard and being as prepared as possible. I’ve never picked who I step in the ring with. My job is to prepare, fight and win. On April 16 that is exactly what I’m going to do.
“I’m honored to be on a card of this magnitude. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody come out for a great night of fights.
“Every fight going forward is about winning and moving towards a welterweight title. Every fight is one step closer to getting my opportunity. This win over Errol Spence Jr. will propel me into fights with the biggest names.
“I have to beat everybody who is in front of me. That’s what this fight is. Spence is just another guy in the welterweight division. I’ve always said I’m willing to fight the top guys in my weight class and whether he’s the top guy now or will be one day, it doesn’t matter.
“I’m looked at as the veteran here, but I’m a young veteran. I have a ton of experience and I think that will propel me for the rest of my career.
“Spence hasn’t fought anyone. I don’t think he’s fought a guy who’s tried to win. To label me as a gatekeeper against someone who hasn’t made real fights isn’t really a fair distinction.
“He’s done all his work against guys who were tailor made for him to beat up. He hasn’t fought a guy with footwork or a guy who can box. He hasn’t fought many guys who were in there to win. It will be a really eye-opening experience for him and a lot of people on April 16.
“I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and it’s an honor to be back. I feel that arena brings the best out of me.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“I won both of my world titles overseas. Guys like Glowacki grew up watching me fight in their home countries. He’s frothing at the mouth to get at me. Sometimes the meal that you want isn’t a good one for you. I’m going to upset his stomach really good.
“It’s going to be a good fight. I come intelligent and I come to fight. I’m going to make other 40-year-olds jealous when everyone sees the work that I do. I’m going to be prepared mentally, spiritually and physically.
“I’m prepared to fight in any environment. My first title defense was in Marco Huck’s hometown. I went into the lion’s den. It’s all experience. I have a great range of experience and knowledge that helps me in the ring.
“It’s great to be on a card with guys like Errol Spence Jr. and Chris Algieri. I’ve seen these guys grind. I watched Errol in the Olympics and I’ve fought on the same undercards as Algieri. It’s awesome to be a part of this.
“A fight is a fight. Age doesn’t matter to me. Only thing that really means something is the opponent. When you get in there with your plan, the opponent matters less as you break him down.
“When I first started, my motivation was to make money for my family. My motivation is always changing though. I believe I was born to do this. I love working out and pushing my mind and body to the brink. Most of all, I just love challenges.
“I’m is a cruiserweight. My camps are always like seven or eight weeks, but I’m always in the gym. My team is great at making sure I’m ready and peaking at fight week.
“I’m training in Philadelphia and living in Pittsburgh. There’s great work in Philadelphia and that’s why we’re staying there this time. It’s the perfect place to train for this fight.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“There’s never been a champion from Staten Island and that is the goal. I want to become the first from Staten Island.
“I’m always happy to be back at Barclays Center. I’m on a great card and I’m ready to breakout and move beyond the prospect label. I’m ready to display my talents against an undefeated guy.
“Come April 16 I’m going to do what I do best. I really want my hands to do the talking on fight night.
“I’m motivated because I came from nothing. I’m hungry to be a world champion, but not just a world champion. I want to be a legend.
“We’re mostly training in Staten Island but we’ll go to California to train at The Rock Gym in Carson, California. We’re going to get some really good work out there.
“It’s very important to look good, but I’m not putting any extra pressure on myself. We will look good on April 16 though.
“This is boxing. This is what it takes. You have to beat guys like this to get to the next level. This has been a long time coming.
“I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in. I haven’t made it yet and I won’t tell myself that I did. I can’t let myself get comfortable.
“I’m not worried about what my opponent is bringing. I’m just worried about what I bring into the ring.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is a great show and I’m really proud to be promoting it. These are three real fights with their own terrific storylines.
“Rising super star Errol Spence Jr. is as talented of a kid as I’ve seen come on the scene in 10 years or so. That’s how much talent I believe he has. That being said, he hasn’t faced a guy like Chris Algieri.  Who is a guy who can do anything in the ring and is a former world champion.
“The fact that Errol is stepping up and that Chris is willing to face Errol says a lot about both guys. These are two confident champions. The winner of this fight will make big money very quickly.
“Glowacki is coming off a Fight of the Year candidate bout and now he’s going to have to face a man who was a cruiserweight champion himself, in Steve Cunningham.
“Marcus Browne, an undefeated Olympian at light heavyweight, will face a strong undefeated fighter in ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic. Marcus is confident in his road to superstardom and hot rod will try to derail that train.
“These are three good competitive fights for the fans.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“On the heels of a spectacular night in January, we return for another great night at Barclays Center. This will make our 17th boxing show. We are the home of professional boxing now.
“It’s our second PBC on NBC event and I’m thrilled to have Errol and Chris in our ring. We expect a lot of Long Islanders to take the LIRR to Barclays Center.
“Marcus Browne has the most fights at Barclays Center. Even though he’s from Staten Island, we consider him an honorary Brooklynite.”
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @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. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.