Tag Archives: Francisco Santana

DANNY GARCIA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

Two-Division World Champion Garcia Prepares for WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator Against Hard-Hitting Ivan Redkach Saturday, January 25 Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

PHILADELPHIA (January 15, 2020) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia is eager for another crack at returning to the championship ranks, but knows that he can’t look past the hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach when they face off in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator Saturday, January 25 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
“I’m just taking it one fight at a time,” said Garcia. “I’ve been that way my whole career. I know that you can’t overlook anyone. I’m totally locked in on Ivan, and that’s it.
 
“We’re just working hard and working smart. We’re making the necessary adjustments for Redkach specifically, but this is just another fighter in front of us. I noticed that he’s really hungry. He obviously wants to win, and he’s coming off of three solid victories. He has his confidence back now. I just have to be ready for whatever he brings to the table on January 25.”
 
Redkach is coming off a career-best victory in June, when he knocked out former two-division champion Devon Alexander in his first fight campaigning at welterweight. It was Redkach’s third straight victory since losing to John Molina Jr. in a memorable 2017 firefight that saw both men hit the canvas.
 
“I caught some highlights of his fight against Devon, but not the whole fight,” said Garcia. “I saw the full Molina fight though, and I know what I’m up against. Molina caught him, but before that, Ivan was doing well. He just got careless. So I just have to be on my A-game and make no mistakes.”
 
Garcia’s last outing was a victory in April over veteran contender Adrian Granados that was notable in that Garcia flashed impressive power in becoming the first person to ever knock out the durable Granados.
 
“I feel like my new conditioning coach has really been able to help me with different kinds of strength training,” said Garcia. “We’re hitting different muscle groups and it definitely showed against Granados.”
 
With his return to Barclays Center on January 25, Garcia makes his eighth headlining appearance at the venue, the most of any fighter. Garcia also holds the arena’s single event boxing attendance record, for his 2017 welterweight title unification showdown against Keith Thurman. The Philadelphia-native has made a boxing home just a couple of hours up I-95 from his hometown, starting with headlining the venue’s first boxing event in 2012.
 
“It’s just a great atmosphere in Brooklyn and at Barclays Center,” said Garcia. “The fans there have gotten to know me really well, and all my fans in Philly can make the quick drive up. They love to watch me fight there and they know when Danny Garcia comes to New York, it’s going to be a great night of boxing.”
 
With a win in this title eliminator, Garcia would put himself in line for the WBC welterweight title held by unified champion Errol Spence Jr. Garcia has also been rumored as a possible next opponent for WBA Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao. If one of those two opponents are next for Garcia, he is confident in his abilities to become world champion again.
 
“I feel like my style is dangerous for both Spence and Pacquiao,” said Garcia. “For Errol, I see he likes to stand in front of his opponents and he isn’t the hardest guy to hit. With Manny, I feel like my counter punching and style would also be hard for him. So, I like my chances against both of them.”
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
 
#          #          #
 
ABOUT GARCIA VS. REDKACH
Garcia vs. Redkach will see two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia take on hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 25 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured unified champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd battling Francisco “Chia” Santana in the 10-round co-feature, and unbeaten sensation Stephen Fulton facing fellow unbeaten Arnold Khegai in a WBC Super Bantamweight Title eliminator. The Fulton vs. Khegai bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing
 

Two-Division World Champion Danny García Takes on Hard-Hitting Ivan Redkach in WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, January 25 in Premier Boxing Champions Event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Former Super Welterweight Unified Champion Jarrett Hurd Returns to the Ring in Co-Feature

Undefeated Sensation Stephen Fulton Battles Arnold Khegai in Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Action Beginning at

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Now!

BROOKLYN (December 16, 2019) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift’’ García returns to the ring to take on hard-hitting slugger Ivan “El Terrible’’ Redkach in a 12-round WBC welterweight title eliminator Saturday, January 25 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the co-feature, former unified 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd will return to battle all-action Francisco “Chia” Santana in a 10-round super welterweight contest, plus sensational super bantamweight Stephen “Cool Boy Steph’’ Fulton will face undefeatedArnold Khegai in a 12-round WBO Super Bantamweight title eliminator to open SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

García’s blend of power and sublime boxing skills has made him one of the most popular boxers of the last decade and secured him as a box-office fixture at Barclays Center, where he holds the record for the largest crowd for a boxing event. He set the benchmark when 16,533 attended his welterweight title unification match against Keith Thurman on March 4, 2017 in a bout that aired in primetime on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS.  The fight against Redkach will be Garcia’s eighth appearance at Barclays Center.

“Barclays Center fan-favorite Danny García is back in Brooklyn as he continues his quest for the top spot in the welterweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Danny has been in the biggest fights at Barclays Center and on January 25 there are sure to be fireworks when hard-hitting Ivan Redkach looks for a career-defining win. Redkach has upset the odds before and there’s no doubt he’ll leave it all in the ring with this opportunity to move closer to a world title fight. Combined with a former unified champion known for action fights in Jarrett Hurd, plus a rising star in Stephen Fulton, this card is loaded with intrigue from top to bottom.”

“Danny García and Jarrett Hurd are two of the biggest stars in the sport because they have consistently taken on the toughest challenges and they are always in all-action, exciting fights,” said Stephen Espinoza, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “On January 25, both men are fighting to maintain their place at the top of two of boxing’s deepest divisions in important, must-win fights. Add in two undefeated, promising contenders in the opener and we have the recipe for an explosive night of fights on SHOWTIME.”  

“We’re thrilled to host our first boxing event of 2020 by welcoming Danny García back for his eighth fight at Barclays Center and have Jarrett Hurd return to the arena where he’s had some memorable victories,” said Keith Sheldon, EVP of Programming and Development for BSE Global. “Danny specifically has built an enthusiastic fan base in the borough, becoming one of the most popular fighters in our arena, and we can’t wait to see his supporters out in full force as he steps back into our ring against Ivan Redkach.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased atticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Fulton vs. Khegai bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

García (35-2, 21 KOs) is the latest in a long line of great boxers from Philadelphia who have made their mark on the sport. His run through the super lightweight division and two-year reign as a unified champion is one of the most impressive in modern history as he defeated a string of champions, including Nate Campbell, Kendall Holt, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Zab Judah and Lucas Matthysse.

After dominating the super lightweight division, the 31-year-old García moved up to welterweight where he won the vacant WBC title with a unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero in 2016. He lost a split decision to Thurman in a unification match in 2017 and dropped a narrow unanimous decision to Shawn Porter for the WBC title in 2018.  García and many pundits thought he won both those matches. In his last fight, García scored a spectacular knockout victory over Adrian Granados on April 20 to get back into position to regain the welterweight crown.

“I’m very excited to be headlining another SHOWTIME card and to go back to Barclays Center, my home away from home,” said García. “I can’t wait to step in the ring in Brooklyn and give fans the Danny García show. I watched a few of Redkach’s recent fights and he had a great knockout win over two-time champion Devon Alexander. So, I know he’s a tough fighter and competitor who I expect to bring the best out of me, and he’s someone who deserves this opportunity. But January 25 is tax season, so I’m going to have to tax him and pay him with a reality check.”

Redkach (23-4-1, 18 KOs) has his sights set on winning a welterweight title and will face the toughest challenge of his career when he steps in against Garcia. The 33-year-old Redkach, who was born in Shostka, Ukraine and now lives in Los Angeles, is accustomed to stern tests. He started boxing as an amateur in Ukraine where he had over 300 fights. When he turned professional he traveled to Mexico to train and develop the “Mexican Style’’ – a style that emphasis standing in the pocket and throwing hard shots to the body.

Things started out slowly for Redkach, but soon he began to hold his own in Mexico and prevailed, earning the nickname “El Terrible’’ from his training partners. Redkach won 14 of his first 18 professional fights by stoppage and has won three in a row, including most recently knocking out former world champion Devon Alexander in June.

“I’m very motivated to take a massive step in my career and get closer to becoming world champion against a strong and accomplished fighter like Danny García,” said Redkach. “I have been to a lot of Danny’s fights and now I get the chance to test myself against him. I am training very hard so that I am the best that I have ever been on January 25. I’m going to shock the boxing world just like I did against Devon Alexander. I’ve never been this hungry before and I’m confident I will win this fight.”

The former WBA and IBF champion at 154-pounds, Hurd (23-1, 16 KOs) returns to action for the first time since losing his belts via decision against Julian Williams in one of 2019’s best fights. The 29-year-old from Accokeek, Maryland captured his first title by stopping current WBC titlist Tony Harrison in 2017 and then added the WBA belt by defeating Erislandy Lara in 2018’s consensus Fight of the Year. Hurd earned his title opportunity by going on a run of knocking off unbeaten fighters including Frank Galarza and Oscar Molina, and also owns a successful title defense against Austin Trout at Barclays Center in 2017.

“Just because I fell back, doesn’t mean I fell off,” said Hurd. “I’m back and excited to fight at Barclays Center for the third time. I’m bringing the storm back on January and I’m going to make a statement everyone is going to see. You’re not going to want to miss this fight and the best Jarrett Hurd anyone’s seen.”

Santana (25-7-1, 12 KOs) has taken on the toughest challenges at 154 and 147 pounds and has made his name with an all-action action style throughout a long career as a contender. The 33-year-old will look to bounce back from a close decision loss to Abel Ramos in March, in a fight where Santana dropped Ramos in the second round. Prior to the setback against Ramos, the Santa Barbara, California native was coming off of a victory over Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz in April 2018. Santana has faced former champions Jermell Charlo and Sadam Ali while also owning a six-round draw against Julian Williams in 2011.

“This is a great opportunity for me against a fighter like Jarrett Hurd,” said Santana. “When you get an opportunity like this, it’s hard to turn it down. My job is to rise to the occasion and have the best moment of my career on fight night. This is my Super Bowl. When I last fought at 154-pounds, I was basically self-trained. Now I have my coach Joseph Janik training me and I really think he’s the missing piece of the puzzle for me. I’m going to go in there and leave it all in the ring January 25.”

The 25-year-old Fulton (17-0, 8 KOs) has made a rapid rise through the super bantamweight ranks with superb boxing skills, befitting a slick fighter from Philadelphia. Lately Fulton has shown flashes of power that have caught his opponents off guard. In his last fight he stopped Isaac Avelar with a body shot to end their fight in the fifth round on August 24.

Fighting out of Odessa, Ukraine and training for this fight in Los Angeles, Khegai (16-0-1, 10 KOs) will make his third start in the U.S. on January 25, after a successful U.S. debut in in May 2018 when he defeated Adam Lopez on the prospect developmental series ShoBox: The New Generation. The 27-year-old has already been victorious twice in 2019, stopping Haidari Mchanjo in March and most recently winning a unanimous decision over Vladimir Tikhonov in August on ShoBox.

#          #          #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

Multiple-Division World Champion Robert Guerrero & Former Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar Enter the Ring In Separate Matches to Lead a Packed Undercard on Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California


WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter Makes First Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger Yordenis Ugas in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event
 
CARSON, Calif. (March 4, 2019) – Multiple-division world champion Robert Guerrero returns to the ring to battle Colombia’s Hevinson Herrera in a 10-round welterweight bout, while former featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar duels Colombia’s Carlos Padilla in an eight-round lightweight bout to lead a packed undercard on Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

 
The event is headlined by PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show that will see WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter making his first title defense in primetime against mandatory challenger Yordenis Ugas in the main event of the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Televised prelims on FS1 feature undefeated bantamweight prospect Damien Vazquez battles former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in an eight or 10-round attraction, while unbeaten welterweight prospect and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis will face once-beaten Sammy Figueroa in an eight round showdown on the telecast beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
 
In other undercard action, undefeated lightweight Rolando Romero (7-0, 6 KOs) meets Nicolas A. Velazquez (10-4, 3 KOs) in a four or six-round match that will be the TV swing bout on the FOX telecast and unbeaten featherweight Isaac Avelar(15-0, 10 KOs) clashes with Juan Antonio Lopez (12-5, 4 KOs) in a six or eight-round match that will be the TV swing bout on the FS1 prelims broadcast.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com.
 
The 35-year-old Guerrero (34-6-1, 19 KOs) has a rich career filled with intriguing matches against some of the best boxers of this generation – Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia – and has won titles at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and welterweight. Fighting out of Gilroy, California, he will be taking on Herrera (24-16-1, 18 KOs) following a knockout victory over Adam Mates in December.
 
Cuellar (28-3, 21 KOs), who is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, won an interim featherweight title by defeating Claudio Marrero in 2013 that was eventually made the regular title as he made five successful defenses. He dropped the title the next year with a split decision loss to Abner Mares and followed that up with a TKO loss in a junior lightweight championship match against Gervonta Davis last April. The 33-year-old Cuellar is seeking to get back into the world title picture but first will have to get past Padilla (16-9-1, 10 KOs).
 
In other undercard bouts unbeaten super featherweight Viktor Slavinskyi (7-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Angel Morrell (11-11-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round match, super featherweight prospect Jose Perez (6-1, 2 KOs) battles Carlos Trevino (6-13-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout, unbeaten super lightweight prospect Ruben Rodriguez (4-0, 2 KOs) meets Jeremiah De Los Santos of Brownsville, Texas, who will be making his pro debut in the four-round bout.
 
Rounding out the action is unbeaten super lightweight prospect Justin Cardonadueling Phillip Bounds in a four-round affair, plus a pair of lightweights will be making their pro debuts as David Gomez of Huntington Park, California battles George Carranza in a four-round fight and Gabriel Muratalla of Fontana, California steps in for a four-round lightweight fight against Bryann Perez.
 
#          #          #

Unbeaten Bantamweight Damien Vazquez Takes on Former Champion Juan Carlos Payano & Rising Welterweight Prospect & 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis Battles Once-Beaten Sammy Figueroa Saturday, March 9 in Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1


Beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT From
Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter Makes First
Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger Yordenis Ugas in
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event

CARSON, Calif. (February 19, 2019) – Undefeated bantamweight prospect Damien Vazquez battles former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in an eight or 10-round attraction while unbeaten welterweight prospect and 2016 Lithuanian OlympianEimantas Stanionis will face once-beaten Sammy Figueroa in an eight-round fight on Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1 Saturday, March 9 live from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.
 
Prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and lead into a PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show that’s headlined by WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter making his first title defense in primetime against mandatory challengerYordenis Ugas.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com.
 
Born in Colorado and training in Las Vegas, Vazquez (14-0, 7 KOs) is the younger brother of former three-time champion Israel Vazquez. The 21-year-old has fought professionally since 2013 and picked up two wins in 2018. He most recently won his first 10-round fight with a unanimous decision over then unbeaten Luis Gollindano last April.
 
Payano (20-2, 9 KOs) became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Anselmo Moreno by technical decision before defending and then losing the title in a pair of exciting fights against Rau’shee Warren. Originally from the Dominican Republic, but training in Miami, Payano put together three-straight victories before losing a title challenge to unbeaten Naoya Inoue last October.
 
After representing his native Lithuania at the 2016 Olympics, Stanionis (7-0, 5 KOs) relocated to Southern California where he has trained while compiling his unbeaten record. The 24-year-old took a step up in competition last time out and dominated tough veteran Levan Ghvamichava to earn an eight-round unanimous decision last August on FS1.
 
The 28-year-old Figueroa (11-1, 4 KOs) returns to action for the first time since defeating Ismay Eynullayev in March 2017. The Puerto Rican fighter had picked up wins over previously unbeaten foes Javontae Starks and Fernando Paliza before suffering his only defeat to Miguel Cruz in May 2016.
 
#          #          #
 

FRANCISCO ‘CHIA’ SANTANA TO MAKE PBC DEBUT


WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER ADDED TO THE TELEVISED UNDERCARD OF PORTER VS. UGAS – LIVE ON FOX – MARCH 9TH



Ventura, California: February 18, 2019


Francisco ‘Chia’ Santana (25-6-1, 12 KOs) will make his PBC debut on the televised undercard of the WBC Welterweight World Championship Fight between Shawn Porter and Yordenis Ugas live on Fox on March 9th at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.


Santana will face Arizona’s Abel Ramos (23-3-2, 18 KOs) in what promises to be an action packed battle between two aggressive fighters both coming off victories, with the winner in line to face an opponent from PBC’s deep welterweight stable later this year.


Santana, who is coming off one of the biggest upsets of 2018 when he defeated Olympic Gold Medalist and world title challenger, Felix Diaz, is currently ranked #14 in the WBC.


“It’s crazy how much can change in a year.” explains, Santana.


“Last year at this time I was coming off back to back controversial losses that I felt I had won. My promoter had dropped me. I couldn’t find a fight. I had been out of the ring for a year. It looked like my career was over. I actually landed the Diaz fight because a friend entered me in an online contest to be an alternate fighter for a WBC tournament. The fans voted me in and when a fighter was injured, I was bumped up into the main tournament. I knew no one was giving me a chance to beat Diaz who was the favorite to win the whole tournament but when I’m overlooked that’s when I’m the most dangerous. The win landed me in the WBC’s Top 15 rankings allowing me to now be able to fight for their world title. I believe I am only one or two fights away from that opportunity and no one is going to stand in my way.”


Having worked with several promoters throughout his 14 year professional career, Santana is happy to be featured on a major Premier Boxing Champions event.


“The amount of world class welterweights that PBC has is unreal, including 4 of the 5 current world champions. It’s literally a who’s who of the division. I’m beyond excited to be able to make my PBC debut on Fox in primetime on the undercard of the WBC welterweight title fight. I have nothing but respect for a fellow hard working fighter like Ramos and I expect a war but I intend to make a statement on March 9th and come out victorious.”


Santana, a Santa Barbara native who lives and trains in Ventura, California atKnuckleHeadz Boxing Gym with trainer, Joseph “Hoss” Janik, is a favorite amongst hardcore boxing fans for his relentless in ring style and his fight anyone, anywhere, anytime attitude that has seen him give multiple future world champions all they could handle. In addition, he’s widely considered one of the friendliest fighters in the entire sport.


“I follow the golden rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. I’m a boxer but I’m a also massive boxing fan. Nothing is better than going to the fights and talking boxing with other fans. I’m no different than them. I wake up and run. I go to work all day with an hour commute back and forth. I hit the gym at night. I spend what little time I have left with my family. Then I go to sleep exhausted. I haven’t caught many breaks in this sport but I still haven’t given up on my dream of being a world champion. In life or in boxing, my motto is train, fight, win. I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”
FRANCISCO ‘CHIA’ SANTANA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS


Former WBA International Champion
Has wins over 4 former world champions and challengers
Has a draw against world title challenger, Julian Williams
Has gone the distance with world champions like Jermell Charlo
Has taken the “O” from 3 different prospects including Eddie Gomez
His 1st round KO of undefeated Kendal Mena was ESPN’s #2 Play of the Day

Veteran Contender Andrzej Fonfara Withdraws from Fight Against Edwin Rodriguez Slated for Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

Hard-Hitting Abel Ramos and Battle-Tested Francisco Santana Step In for All-Action Welterweight Showdown In Co-Feature

WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter Makes First

Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger Yordenis Ugas In

Main Event – Coverage Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

CARSON, CALIF. (February 14, 2019) – Veteran contender and two-time title challenger Andrzej Fonfara has withdrawn from his match against Edwin Rodriguez that was scheduled to be part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, March 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Stepping in as the replacement co-feature is a 10-round, all-action welterweight showdown between hard-hitting Abel Ramos and battle-tested Francisco “Chia” Santana. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter making his first title defense in primetime against mandatory challenger Yordenis Ugas.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com.

The 31-year-old Fonfara announced that he is retiring from boxing, prompting him to withdraw from the fight against Rodriguez on Wednesday.

“There is no more enthusiasm and above all no more of the motivation and adrenaline that gave me the desire to go into the ring and compete,” Fonfara said. “I am healthy. Everything is okay. But I no longer have the heart for boxing.”

Ramos (23-3-2, 18 KOs) has put together four technical knockout victories since losing a hard-fought majority decision to welterweight contender Jamal James in front of James’ hometown crowd in Minneapolis on April 13, 2018. The 27-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona proved against James that he’s a formidable opponent for anyone in the 147-pound division.

Santana (25-6-1, 12 KOs) needs an impressive victory over Ramos to remain a force in the welterweight division. The 31-year-old Santana of Santa Barbara, California is coming off a majority decision over the always-tough Felix Diaz and owns victories over then unbeaten fighters Eddie Gomez and Kendal Mena.

#          #          #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

JENNINGS & SANTANA GAIN RESPECT WITH FANS

 

NEW JERSEY (May 5, 2015) – After HBO World Championship Boxing had one of their highest rated shows since 2012 with the Klitschko vs. Jennings championship bout on April 25th, Gary Shaw feels his fighters, Bryant Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) and Francisco Santana (22-4-1, 11 KOs), can make quick comebacks to the big stage.

 

“There is no doubt in my mind that Bryant Jennings and Francisco Santana are fighters the fans want see,” said Gary Shaw. “The viewership that HBO had on April 25th was fantastic and I believe Jennings and Santana had a lot to do with those high ratings.  Jennings because of his activity on social media.  Santana because he has a tremendous amount of Latin fans that support him.  With that being said, I believe both fighters, will be back on the big stage in the future.”

 

Bryant Jennings gained a ton of respect for his gallant effort against Klitschko, in which he went the distance, giving Wladimir his toughest fight in recent years, proving he was deserving of a title shot.  Francisco Santana, who also went the distance with Sadam Ali, showed remarkable heart as he fought hard in every round, giving the fans their money’s worth.

 

“Bryant Jennings proved he’s an elite heavyweight contender with his performance against Klitschko,” Gary Shaw continued. “Santana is a Mexican warrior and both fighters gained a lot of fans that night.  Both fighters pressed the action, taking the fight to their opponents, bringing excitement to the bout.  Many in attendance felt the scores for both Jennings and Santana were not reflective of their fights.  It was a lot closer then what the judges scorecards read.  Jennings and Santana both love being HBO fighters.  I have plans to bring them back to HBO.”

Camp Notes/Photos: Bryant Jennings Looking To End Klitschko’s Reign

Photo Credit, Edward Jackson / Team Jennings

 

HOUSTON, TX (April 9, 2015)Gary Shaw Productions undefeated heavyweight contender, Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs), is entering the final weeks of training camp in preparation for his upcoming battle with Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 53 KOs).  Jennings, who hails from Philadelphia, is looking to end Klitschko’s reign on the heavyweight division.

 

Klitschko vs. Jennings, a 12-round bout for Wladimir’s WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO World heavyweight titles, will take place at “The World’s Most Famous Arena”, Madison Square Garden, on April 25, 2015.  The event will be televised Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT in the United States and RTL in Germany.

 

On training in Houston, Texas…

“It’s really nice to get away from home and all the distractions that come with training in Philly.  I’m able to focus on nothing but boxing out here in Houston.  I got my whole team out here and were grinding away.”

 

On his upcoming matchup with Wladimir Klitschko…

“This is the top of the mountain when it comes to heavyweight boxing.  You can’t get any higher then fighting Klitschko.  With that being said, I’m ready to end Klitschko’s reign as heavyweight champion.  He’s been defeated before and he can be defeated again.  I’m confident I have the athleticism and skills to come out on top and bring those belts back home to America.”

 

On fighting at Madison Square Garden….

“Everyone knows The Garden is filled with deep roots in boxing history.  I’m looking to make my own history with a victory on April 25th.  This will be my third consecutive fight there and I feel my fan base has grown with each outing.  I’m know Philly will be representing and I’m excited about that.  I’m counting down the days and I’m very grateful to my promoters, Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard, as well as my managerJames Prince for making this fight a reality.”

 

On the possibility of becoming the next great American heavyweight champion…

“A victory against Klitschko will certainly bring back glory to the American heavyweight.  Klitschko has reigned supreme for so many years, so it will be a huge accomplishment to bring home the titles.  Dethroning Klitschko will open up many doors for my career and I see myself relishing in the moment.”

Presented by K2 Promotions and Klitschko Management Group in association with Gary Shaw Productions, tickets priced at $1000, $600, $300, $200 and $100 can be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office, www.TheGarden.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.

FRANCISCO SANTANA PROMISES BRUTAL WAR WITH SADAM ALI

 

 

SANTA BARBARA, CA (April 7, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions rising star, welterweight Francisco “Chia” Santana (22-3-1, 10 KOs), is riding a 10-fight winning streak going into his highly anticipated clash with undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (21-0, 13 KOs).  Santana gives his thoughts on this match-up, his training camp and fighting at Madison Square Garden on the undercard of Klitschko vs. Jennings. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Training camp update…

“Training camp is going as planned.  I’ve added a few new things that will be on display April 25th.  Right now it’s about sharpening up the tools that got me here.  There is nothing that needs to be changed.  I’ve been active so I know I’ll be ready to showcase my talents on HBO come fight night.”

 

Reflects on his journey to Madison Square Garden…

“It’s been a hard fought journey to get where I’m at today.  After suffering a few losses I decided I was going to dedicate my life to this sport and give it my all.  With a lot of hard work and support from my promoter Gary Shaw, I’m now fighting on the biggest stage at the most prestigious venue in boxing.  Madison Square Garden is where every fighter dreams they can fight.  It’s my time to show the world I’m on the championship level.”

 

Relationship with Trainer Joseph “Hoss” Janik…

“When you have the right trainer in your corner, it’s truly a blessing.  Hoss is the man and he always tells me like it is.  If I’m not doing something right he’ll let me know right away, he doesn’t beat around the bush.  I’m on a ten fight winning streak and he has a lot to do with it.  You couldn’t ask for a better man in the corner.”

 

Sparring at Wild Card Boxing Gym…

“When you walk into the Wild Card gym you know going in its going to be a rugged day of sparring.  The gym is filled with world champions and top prospects.  You can’t replicate the work you get there.”

 

On his matchup with Sadam Ali…

“Sadam Ali is a world class fighter with elite boxing skills, but I feel my style will give him problems.  He puts his punches together well and he made a strong statement in his last fight against Abregu.  A win against Ali will propel me into a world title fight.  Believe me when I say I’m going to bring it on April 25th, it’s going to be a brutal war!”

 

Sadam Ali vs. Francisco Santana is a 10-round welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings is presented by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions in association with Madison Square Garden.

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com, and www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing and @HBOBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, Gary Shaw Productions Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HBOboxing.

SADAM ALI FACES FRANCISCO SANTANA AS THE CO-MAIN EVENT ON THE WLADMIR KLITSCHKO VS. BRYANT JENNINGS CARD ON APRIL 25

 FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK

TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

 

NEW YORK CITY (March 25, 2015) – The undefeated Sadam “World Kid” Ali and fast -punching Francisco “Chia” Santana will face off at “The World’s Most Famous Arena”, Madison Square Garden on Sat. April 25 as the co-feature to “The Champion Returns”, the World Heavyweight Championship between undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and top-rated challenger Bryant Jennings. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, the 10-round welterweight showdown between two of the sport’s rising stars will give fans an exciting night of boxing as they open up the telecast before the highly anticipated heavyweight main event.

 

Advance tickets to “The Champion Returns” may be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office at www.TheGarden.com and through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, phone 1-800-435-5000.)

 

“I’m excited to fight in my home state of New York and at Madison Square Garden,” said Brooklyn, New York’s Sadam Ali.  “Some of the greatest fighters in the sport have made their mark at this venue; Muhummad Ali, Joe Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and I’m ready to be part of that history.  Francisco is a tough fighter and I’m ready to take him on and with the help of my promoter Golden Boy Promotions move forward to becoming a world champion.”

 

“I’ve earned my way to the position I’m in because I’ve fought and beat fighters who were undefeated,” said Francisco Santana of Santa Barbara, California.  “Nothing has come easy to me on the way up.  Fighting stiff opposition is what prepares a fighter for the next level and I’ll be ready for anything Sadam Ali brings.  My promoter Gary Shaw told me if I kept winning he would get me a big fight, and here we are getting ready to fight one of the best young contenders in the world.  A win against Ali will sky rocket my career and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”

 

“Coming off of an exciting match that saw him knockout a previously undefeated fighter, Sadam is now looking to take a next, crucial step up the welterweight ladder,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions.  “With lightning-quick hands, true knockout power and a hunger to be the best in the division, the ‘World Kid’ is a must-see for all fans.”

 

“Francisco Santana is a warrior who grinded his way up the rankings and earned this fight against Ali on HBO,” stated Gary Shaw.  “This is a feel good story about a kid who fought his way to the big stage and bright lights of Broadway.  Those bright lights are now shining on his career.  I’ve always said, a fighter who is hungry is very dangerous, and Santana is famished.  He wants to win this fight and show the world he’s worthy of a world title shot.  I believe Santana is the underdog in the public’s eye, but he will once again fool the public with a great win on April 25.”

 

“We’re happy to add this exciting co-feature to this extraordinary event headlined by the World Heavyweight Championship between Wladimir Klitschko and Bryant Jennings,” said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “The matchup of these two rising stars should provide for a very strong opening fight to the HBO telecast.”

 

Former 2008 U.S. Olympian, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (21-0, 13 KOs) has been on the fast track to success in boxing since his professional debut in 2009.  The undefeated fighter impressed critics and fans early on, dominating all his opponents, including Michael Clark whom he beat via knockout in the first round on April 2014 to gain the WBO NABO Welterweight Title.  In August of the same year, Ali defeated Jeremy Bryan via split decision to gain the WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Title.  In his most recent bout and the most notable to date of Ali’s career, he faced Juan Carlos Abregu knocking him down in the sixth and ninth round winning by technical knockout in the ninth round to give Abregu his second career loss.

 

Undefeated since 2012, Francisco “Chia” Santana (22-3-1, 1 KO) has solidified himself as one of the brightest and most dangerous stars in the welterweight division.  His victories against former undefeated prospect Eddie Gomez and veteran Joachim Alcine, have propelled him to the top of the weight class.  Santana’s most recent wins came by way of knockout.  In August of 2014, Francisco stopped Luis Alfredo Lugo in the fifth round, followed by a spectacular first round knockout of another undefeated prospect in Kendal Mena, a bout that took place in January of 2015.  Santana is ready to add another win to his record when he faces Sadam Ali on April 25.

 

Sadam Ali vs. Francisco Santana is a 10-round welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings is presented by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions in association with Madison Square Garden.

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com, andwww.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing and @HBOBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, Gray Shaw Productions Facebook Page, orwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HBOboxing.