Tag Archives: Jean Pascal

Undefeated Polish Star Adam Kownacki Battles Chris Arreola in Heavyweight Showdown in Front of Hometown Fans Saturday, August 3 Headlining FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX & FOX Deportes from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Plus! Former World Champion Andre Berto Meets Miguel Cruz in Welterweight Clash & Unbeaten Light Heavyweight Marcus Browne Duels Former World Champion Jean Pascal – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET!

BROOKLYN (June 6, 2019) – Undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn-native Adam Kownacki will look to thrill in front of a hometown crowd when he steps into the ring against veteran former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola for a 12-round heavyweight showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, August 3 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The broadcast starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world champion Andre Berto taking on Miguel Cruz in a 10-round welterweight clash and unbeaten interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion “Sir” Marcus Browne battling former world champion Jean Pascal in a 12-round bout

The heavyweight division is red hot and Kownacki is a top rising challenger who will look to continue his ascent up the rankings with a win over the all-action veteran Arreola. This will be Kownacki’s ninth fight at Barclays Center, and his first as the headlining attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale on Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Saturday, June 8 at noon.

“This action-packed tripleheader is full of high stakes, toe-to-toe matchups with fighters highly-motivated to make a statement on the big stage,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Brooklyn’s Polish star Adam Kownacki has become a fan-favorite in his hometown and is surely in for a challenge from the always exciting Chris Arreola, as he looks to make a heavyweight statement. Andre Berto is always in action fights and he’ll be looking to hold off the young challenger Miguel Cruz, while Marcus Browne returns off his career-best victory to face battle-tested former champion Jean Pascal.”

“All eyes are on boxing’s heavyweight division, and I am thrilled to welcome Brooklyn’s own contender Adam Kownacki back to our ring for his first time as the headliner,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “Adam has built an enthusiastic fan base in the borough, and I am confident they will be out in full force to support him as he takes on veteran Chris Arreola to earn a title shot in the near future. It will be yet another heavyweight night to remember in Brooklyn.”

Kownacki (19-0, 15 KOs) is noted for his tenacity and has been progressing towards a world title shot with knockouts in five of his last six fights. The 30-year-old, who was born in Lomza, Poland and moved to Brooklyn when he was seven, was an accomplished amateur in New York City before turning pro. He scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over former world champion Charles Martin last year and is coming off of a devastating knockout victory against Gerald Washington in January on FOX. His last three fights and six of his last seven have taken place at Barclays Center, where he has routinely brought out the area’s passionate Polish sports fans.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring and back at home in Barclays Center, live on FOX and FOX Deportes,” said Kownacki. “Fighting Chris Arreola will be another step on my journey to become a world champion. It will be a Polish-Mexican War that will bring fireworks to Brooklyn. Make sure you’re there in Brooklyn or watching in primetime!”

Arreola (38-5-1, 33 KOs), a veteran of the heavyweight division, has contended for the world title three times, most recently against WBC champion Deontay Wilder in 2016. Since losing to Wilder, the 38-year-old Arreola from Los Angeles, California has put together back-to-back victories, including a stoppage of then unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin on a PBC on FOX Sports pay-per-view undercard in March.

“I can’t wait to step into the ring on August 3 and show everyone I’m still one of the best heavyweights in the world,” said Arreola. “I feel rejuvenated and ready to upset Adam Kownacki in front of his fans. He better be ready, because I’m going to bring it to him like he’s never seen before. This is going to be a war and I will leave with my hand raised.” 

Berto (32-5, 24 KOs) has fought some of the top welterweight champions of this generation, including Floyd Mayweather. The 35-year-old won a welterweight world title with TKO victory over Miguel Angel Rodriguez in 2008 and successfully defended it five times before losing it to Victor Ortiz in 2011. He later avenged that loss to Ortiz with a knockout victory in 2016 on FOX. A native of Winter Haven Florida, Berto is coming off a split decision victory over former welterweight champion Devon Alexander in his last fight in August on FOX.

“I’m looking forward to this fight on August 3,” said Berto. “My focus is different, my motivation is different and my hunger is different. I’ve had a lot happen in my life in a short period of time with the loss of my father and the birth of my new baby girl, Legaci. It’s definitely turned me in to a whole different type of animal.  August 3 is going to be cinematic.  Barclays Center – see you soon. I’ve got some payback.”

Cruz (18-1, 12 KOs) is among a group of promising welterweights prepared to burst onto the scene in one of the most talent-rich division in boxing. The 28-year-old from Lake Mary, Florida will be stepping up a level with his bout against Berto. He scored a TKO victory over Luis Eduardo Florez in his last fight in January to bounce back from a decision loss to Josesito Lopez on FOX in April 2018.

“I’m excited for all my Boricuas and NYC fight fans to come out and show love in August 3,” Cruz said. “I want to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible, and I’m definitely going to make the most if it. This is a different era in boxing and I’m here to prove it to the world and to Andre Berto. Don’t miss this night of boxing.”

The 28-year-old Browne (23-0, 16 KOs) won the interim title with a rousing unanimous decision victory over former two-division champion Badou Jack in January. A 2012 U.S. Olympian from Staten Island, Browne has fought at Barclays Center 12 times in his career as he made his steady climb up the light heavyweight ranks. Pascal will be the second straight former world champion that he has faced.

“I’m honored and grateful to be able to display my skills on this huge platform on FOX and at Barclays Center, which is a second home for me and my boxing career,” said Browne, who will be fighting at Barclays Center for the 13th time. “I anticipate Pascal bringing everything that he has into this fight because this is make or break for him. Unfortunately for him, he will break, as I plan to win this fight decisively and continue my quest for a long and successful championship reign. I expect him to come in as prepared as a championship-caliber fighter and I’m staying motivated to get the win on August 3.”

Pascal (33-6-1, 20 KOs) has been in the ring with the top fighters of his era during his brilliant career, including Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev, Carl Froch, Lucian Bute and Chad Dawson. The 36-year-old, who was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and now lives in Laval, Quebec, Canada, won the light heavyweight world title with a unanimous decision over Adrian Diaconu in 2009. He is coming off a loss to Dmitry Bivol in his last fight after putting together back-to-back TKO victories over Ahmed Elbiali and Steve Bosse.

“Marcus Browne is one of the most talented fighters in the world and I will have to be at my best to beat him,” said Pascal. “I’ve been training and I will be ready. I’ve got some veteran tricks he’s never seen before. I plan on out boxing him just like every other southpaw I’ve ever fought. I’ve never lost to a lefty and it’s going to stay that way come August 3.”

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

JEAN PASCAL TO FACE GARY KOPAS

‘‘THE MATCH!’’
November 9 in Sydney, Nova Scotia

SIDNEY, Nova Scotia (September 25, 2018) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) has reached an agreement with MG Ring Productions last Friday to hold a fight between former WBC and The Ring light heavyweight world champion Jean Pascal (33- 5-1, 20 KOs) and Canadian cruiserweight champion Gary Kopas (10-11-2, 5 KOs). The 12-round cruiserweight (200 lbs) fight will be held November 9 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.

 

 

It will be a second consecutive cruiserweight fight for Pascal, the Laval, Quebec fighter, and this time he will try to get his hands on the CPBC Canadian cruiserweight belt.

 

 

 

APOLLO (PASCAL) vs ROCKY (KOPAS)

 

 

 

The Jean Pascal vs Gary Kopas fight is like a real-life remake of the original Rocky movie. In one corner there is a blue-collar road warrior, Kopas, who has fought in everybody’s hometown and not always given a fair shake, yet, he still pulled himself up to be the CPBC Canadian cruiserweight champion.

 

 

 

Now, he’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime to fight one of Canada’s best and most notable fighters of his generation, Pascal. In the other corner is the former undisputed lineal WBC and The Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion, Pascal, who has fought some of the all-time bests.

 

 

 

This fight gives a local blue collar worker a chance to prove his worth in a battle called: ‘‘The Match!’’

 

 

 

The President of MG Ring Productions, George Reynolds, and the President of Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Yvon Michel, negotiated for a little more than a month to come to an agreement. GYM represented Jean Pascal and his advisor, Greg Leon, for this fight.

 

 

The clash, entitled “The Match of The Year”, will be featured on pay-per-view in Canada. A press conference will be held soon to reveal more details.

 

 

 

“Kopas has not lost in a few years and I will not take him lightly,” Pascal said. “I know he will come to surprise the world and try to ruin my career, but everyone who knows me knows that his career will end on November 9.”

 

 

 

‘‘My last fight was a bout in my hometown (Saskatoon) against a guy from Mexico,” Kopas noted. “Besides that, I’ve been staying in the gym, learning new skills and enjoying life. When I first heard I was fighting Jean, I was shocked… happy, but shocked. Getting the opportunity to make history and show the world the best me is an insane feeling.

 

 

 

“This is a huge fight for me. Pascal has done great things and I’m really looking forward to showing my best against a former world champion. This fight will change my life, but I want Pascal to understand that his life is going to change too, after his defeat. I hope he stands toe-to-toe with me like he did his last fight. He will not last long.

 

 

 

‘‘I want to thank all my family, friends, and fans for all the crazy support already and thank my management, MG Ring Productions, for this opportunity. It’s going to be a hard eight weeks of intense training, but knowing I have the support of such awesome people really helps.’’

 

 

 

“Jean Pascal is a man of challenges and when he realized the seriousness of Kopas and his organization, he decided as usual to take it,” Michel commented.

 

 

 

“At this point in my career,” Pascal added, “it’s very important for me to stay active. We had other plans that, unfortunately, fell at the last minute but, fortunately, the fight with Kopas came.”

 

 

 

In the co-Main Event, undefeated Cody “The Crippler” Crowley, who is the current CPBC International Jr. middleweight champion and current CPBC Canadian middleweight champion, will defend his titles. On the undercard, Quebecker Eric Barrak (8-4-0, 7 KOs) will fight for the North American CPBC heavyweight title, while Mario Perez (19-7-5, 11 KOs) of Toronto, will do the same for the CPBC International super featherweight (130 lbs) belt. Five championship fights will be presented on this spectacular boxing card. Others to be named

 

 

 

JEAN PASCAL

 

 

The former light heavyweight world champion will be looking his third straight win, second triumph in the cruiserweight division, and his fourth win in five fights under trainer Stephan Larouche.

 

 

 

In his last ring appearance, this past July 20th at Place Bell in Laval, Pascal knocked out Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran and former hockey enforcer, Steve “The Boss” Bosse, in the eighth round of an intense and captivating battle.

 

 

 

GARY KOPAS

 

 

 

Gary Kopas is the current CPBC Canadian cruiserweight champion and CPBC International cruiserweight title holder.

.

 

 

Don’t let his record fool you: Kopas is known as a real bulldozer in the ring. Stopped in his pro bout in 2000, he has never been stopped again, and he came back with a vengeance. Determined to prove his value in the boxing world, he has won his last six bouts.

 

 

 

Kopas won his Canadian title after a fierce fight with the late Quebec pugilist, David Whittom.

The Saskatoon boxer, a gentleman and shaken by tragedy, has since created a “Go Fund Me” page to raise money for David’s son.

 

 

 

Here is the link of the page: https://www.gofundme.com/zzq9z-rip-david

Former World Champion Jean Pascal Stops Previously Unbeaten Ahmed Elbiali in Round Six of the Main Event of a Special Friday Night Edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida

 
Top Heavyweight Contender Luis Ortiz Scores Second Round Knockout of Daniel Martz with Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Ringside
 
Bryant Perrella Earns Unanimous Decision Over Alex Martin &
Stephen Fulton Defeats Adam Lopez in Battle of 
Unbeaten Prospects
 
Click HERE for Photos from Douglas DeFelice/
Premier Boxing Champions – Photos to be added shortly
 
MIAMI (December 9, 2017) – Former light heavyweight world champion Jean Pascal(32-5-1, 19 KOs) scored an impressive stoppage of previously unbeaten Ahmed Elbiali (16-1, 13 KOs) in the sixth round of the main event of a special Friday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes at Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida.
Having already stated that this bout would be the final of his 12-year career, Pascal was able to wear down his younger opponent in a fight that featured power punches throughout. Elibali appeared to have Pascal stunned and hurt in the opening moments of the first round, but was unable to capitalize as Pascal began to time his powerful counters.
“It was a beautiful fight,” said Pascal. “I knew it would be my last one and I wanted to make a statement against a young, unbeaten fighter. It went basically as I expected, a couple of difficult moments but I was able to do everything I wanted.”
Elbiali stuck to his strategy of walking down Pascal with power shots, but exhausted too much energy in doing so while not being able to seriously hurt his opponent. Pascal’s counters grew stronger as the fight went on and Elbiali lost steam on his punches as he entered the sixth round for only the fourth time in his pro career.
After an impressive round five, Pascal poured on the attack in round six, landing numerous unanswered hooks before Elbiali’s corner called for a stop to the fight at 2:06into the round.
“I fought his fight, I should have boxed more and taken him into the later rounds,” said Elbiali. “It wasn’t my day. He is a world class fighter. I felt like I hurt him in the first round, but I felt drained after that. I’m not sure why, it might have been the nerves. But I’ll learn from this.”
The co-main event of the telecast saw top heavyweight contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs) deliver a second round knockout of Daniel Martz (16-6-1, 13 KOs) and swiftly call out heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, who had joined the FS1 broadcast ringside.
The towering heavyweights exchanged words in the ring after the fight, with both men looking forward to a possible matchup in 2018.
“I’ve wanted you and I’m going to bless you again with another opportunity,” said Wilder. “I was ready the first time. This is a new day for you. I think you’re one of the best heavyweights in the world and I want to prove that I am the best. We must fight each other. You will have your fight.”
“Anthony Joshua doesn’t want to fight either of us, let’s give the world this fight,” said Ortiz. “There will be no excuses. I will be ready to do this for Cuba!”
Ortiz made quick work of his opponent, knocking him down with body shots in round one before delivering a counter left hand that put Martz down and prompted referee Samuel Burgos to stop the fight 43 seconds into round two.
Additional televised action featured welterweight prospect Bryant Perrella (15-1, 13 KOs) return to the ring to drop Alex Martin (13-3, 5 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
“I felt pretty good about the fight,” said Perrella. “There are some things I’d like to have done different, but considering I was out for 15 months and injured for a long time, I’m pleased with what I was able to accomplish. I didn’t get the knockout after hurting him, but I was able to handle him better than anyone else before me.”
Perrella got off to a fast start when he landed a thudding lead right hook from the southpaw stance that put Martin on the canvas. Martin was able to recover enough to survive the round and rebounded to put together several good rounds while showing off impressive boxing ability.
The Florida-native Perrella was able to stabilize his lead and ride the momentum from the early knockdown to victory as he picked up his jab and overall aggressiveness in the second half of the fight. After 10 rounds the judges saw the fight in favor of Perrella by scores of 79-72 twice and 77-74.
The opening bout of the telecast saw a battle of unbeaten featherweight prospects as Philadelphia’s Stephen Fulton (12-0, 5 KOs) earned a majority decision victory overAdam Lopez (8-1, 3 KOs).
“I worked hard to get the win,” said Fulton. “I had to adjust after the first two rounds but I took the fight to him and controlled the pace. He thought he had me hurt in round two, but it wasn’t anything. He landed a good shot but that was it. I never stressed about how the fight would turn out as long as I stuck to the game plan.”
Lopez had his best moment of the fight late in round two when he staggered and appeared to hurt Fulton, who took a series of right hands before hearing the bell. Fulton was able to adjust and use his jab effectively while countering and rarely allowing Lopez to cut off the ring. Lopez was successful when he was able to get Fulton pinned against the ropes, but after eight rounds the judges ruled in favor of Fulton by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fin and promoted by Warriors Boxing.

Top Heavyweight Contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Clashes With Daniel Martz in a Featured Attraction on a Special Friday Night Edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Dec. 8, From Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida

 
PLUS! Welterweight Prospects Bryant Perrella & Alex Martin
Square-Off and Unbeaten Featherweight Prospects Stephen Fulton and Adam Lopez Meet in Undercard Matchup
MIAMI (December 4, 2017) – Top-rated heavyweight title contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz will take on Daniel “The Mountain” Martz in an added 10-round featured bout on a special Friday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes at Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida on Dec. 8.
The main event of the card features Ahmed Elbiali taking on former world champion Jean Pascal in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. Televised coverage of the 2-1/2 hour show begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a battle between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (11-0, 5 KOs) and Adam Lopez (8-0, 3 KOs) and also features welterweight prospects Bryant Perrella (14-1, 13 KOs) and Alex Martin(13-2, 5 KOs) in undercard action.
Ortiz is returning to the ring one week after the World Boxing Council lifted a sanction that it had imposed against the Cuban heavyweight contender in October. Ortiz was pulled from a match against world champion Deontay Wilder scheduled for Nov. 4, after Ortiz failed a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association drug test. Last week the WBC ruled that Ortiz had failed to disclose two medications that he was taking, which triggered his positive test. He was fined $25,000 for failing to make the disclosure, and re-instated into the organization’s rankings.
That cleared the way for Ortiz to return to the ring, and he will waste no time doing so with a match that he hopes will help propel him toward another world title shot in 2018.
“I’m just thankful to be back in the sport I love so much. I can’t wait to get some action and feel that ring and those gloves tight on my wrist,” Ortiz said. “I’d like to thank everyone, especially my loyal fans, who stood by me and supported me through this rough time. I don’t think it would have been possible without you guys. I’d like to thank the WBC and Mr. Sulaiman for being humane enough to take time for their investigation, and my entire team who never lost faith in me. But most of all I need to thank God because without him there wouldn’t be anything worth living for.”
The 38-year-old Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), of Camaguey, Cuba now resides in Miami, Fla., and will be fighting Martz in a 10-round bout in front of his adopted hometown crowd. The hard-hitting southpaw turned pro seven years ago after defecting from Cuba and has since been steadily climbing the heavyweight ladder. He cemented his standing in the division with victories over veteran contenders Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott and is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBC. Ortiz hasn’t fought in almost a year, having scored a technical knockout victory over David Allen at Manchester Arena in England on Dec. 10, 2016 in his last fight.
Ortiz-Martz replaces the Chad Dawson-Edwin Rodriguez light heavyweight bout on the card. The match was cancelled after Dawson suffered an injury in training camp.
The 27-year-old Martz (16-5-1, 13 KOs), a 6-foot-7 heavyweight from Clarksburg, West Virginia, has taken on world champion Joseph Parker and contender Bryant Jennings during his five-year professional career.  He is coming off a second round technical knockout victory over Tim Washington on Nov. 17.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Ahmed Elbiali Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Unbeaten Contender Clashes with Former World Champion Jean Pascal in 175-Pound Showdown on A Special Friday Night Edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS
On FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes
From Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida, Dec. 8
 
Click HERE for Photos from Team Elbiali
 
MIAMI (November 30, 2017) – Unbeaten light heavyweight Ahmed Elbiali will look to stamp his contender status when he faces former champion Jean Pascal in the 10-round main event of a special Friday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes,December 8 from Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, begin at $30 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at www.TicketForce.com or calling (877) 840-0457, and are also available at the casino cage.
Here is what Elbiali had to say about training camp and more as he prepares for his toughest opponent to date:
On fighting in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes:
“It’s a dream come true to be headlining my first main event, especially on FS1 and FOX Deportes, where the world will be watching. I’ve worked very hard to get to this point in my career and I’m grateful for the opportunity.  I’m looking to bring excitement to the audience.  Those tuning in will get to see a hungry undefeated fighter who will be looking to end the fight early.”
 
On his current training camp:
“For the first time during a training camp, I’ve really secluded myself from society. I’m living at my trainer Carlos Albuerne’s house.  It’s like I’m in prison. I don’t see any of my close friends or family.  It’s hard, but I know it’s a necessary sacrifice if I want to get to the top.  I’m working on all aspects of my game, especially using my jab to set up my power shots.  My body is healthy and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years.  All the hard work is paying off.  I feel great going into this fight.”
 
On facing former world champion Jean Pascal:
“Pascal is a very experienced fighter who knows what it’s like to win a world title.  He’s a former world champion who’s fought at the elite level.  He’s a dangerous puncher with a lot of skill.  I’m taking this fight seriously and I feel this will be a defining fight in my career.  I’m happy to have this opportunity and may the best man win.”
 
On fighting in his hometown of Miami:
“Fighting in my hometown is always a great experience.  This is my big coming out party and I’m pleased that all my family and friends will be there to watch me fight. I’m hoping to be the first big star boxer to come out of the ‘305.’  Miami has many boxing fans and the time is now to put Miami boxers on the map.”
On what a win will do for his career:
“A victory against Pascal will catapult my career to heights I’ve never seen.  A win will lead to a higher ranking and one step closer to a world title shot.  Everything is riding on this fight.  Victory is a must!
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Unbeaten Contender Ahmed Elbiali Clashes With Former World Champion Jean Pascal in 175-Pound Showdown on a Special Friday Night Edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS On FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes From Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida, Dec. 8

 
Plus! Former 175-Pound World Champion Chad Dawson Clashes With Hard-Hitting Veteran Edwin Rodriguez
In the Co-Main Event
 
Also in Action! Austin Dulay and Raynell Williams Meet
In a Battle of Unbeaten Lightweight Prospects
MIAMI – (October 30, 2017) – Unbeaten contender Ahmed Elbiali will take on former world champion Jean Pascal in the 10-round light heavyweight main event of a special Friday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes, December 8 from Hialeah Park in Miami, Florida.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former two-time world champion Chad Dawson against hard-hitting contender Edwin Rodriguez in a 10-round bout plus a showdown between unbeaten prospects Austin Dulay (11-0, 8 KOs) and Raynell Williams (12-0, 6 KOs) in eight rounds of lightweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, begin at $30 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at www.TicketForce.com or calling (877) 840-0457, and are also available at the casino cage.
“The historic Hialeah Park Racetrack & Casino is a beautiful venue for an old-school crossroads fights like Ahmed Elbiali vs. Jean Pascal and Chad Dawson vs. Edwin Rodriguez,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “In the main event, the world will be watching to see if the young contender Elbiali will have his day or if the older champion Jean Pascal still has what it takes. With Dawson vs. Rodriguez, it is ‘do or die’ time for both these guys. The winner of this fight will go on to another big opportunity. The loser will have some thinking to do. It’s going to be an outstanding night of fights from top to bottom, at one of the nicest venues for boxing in North America.”
The 27-year-old Elbiali (16-0, 13 KOs) is a powerful 175-pound contender looking to prove he stacks up with the other big punchers in the division. Born in Cairo, Egypt and now living in Miami, he will be fighting before a hometown crowd in a major step up bout against the former 175-pound champion Pascal. Elbiali is coming off a TKO victory against Christopher Brooker in his last fight on July 18 after previously stopping Jackson Junior in March.
“I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me get here and believe in my skills enough to give this opportunity,” said Elbiali. “This is my golden ticket. I’m excited, ready and blessed for this opportunity. Come December 8, it will be fireworks in Miami!”
Pascal (31-5-1, 18 KOs) was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti but now lives in Laval, Quebec, Canada, and won the light heavyweight title with a decision victory over Adrian Diaconu. He went on to make three defenses, including a victory over Chad Dawson, before losing the title to Bernard Hopkins in 2011. The 34-year-old is looking to bounce back from losing a majority decision to Eleider Alvarez in his last fight onJune 3.
“This is not only a comeback fight, but I’m ready to battle for my career on December 8,” said Pascal. “They’re trying to give this young guy a test against a former champion and he’s going to try to use me as a ladder to the next level in this sport. I have a dangerous opponent and I’m going to be ready for him. When I fought Bernard Hopkins I was the young lion, now it’s the other way around and I’m going to be ready to show him something he’s never seen before.”
The 35-year-old Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs) is a two-time light heavyweight champion who has been in the ring against some of the best boxers in the division throughout this era. He won the light heavyweight world championship with a unanimous decision victory over Tomasz Adamek in 2007 and lost the title via a technical decision to Jean Pascal in 2010. He regained the belt with a majority decision victory over Bernard Hopkins in 2012 before losing to Andre Ward later that year. Fighting out of New Haven, Connecticut, Dawson is coming off a technical knockout loss to Andrzej Fonfara in his last fight on March 4.
“I know Edwin Rodriguez very well from sparring together in the past,” said Dawson. “We’re both in a position where we really need this win, and that’s going to make this an exciting fight. I’m motivated to do it one more time, and this time, I’m doing it right. I know that he’s strong and aggressive, but I’ve been in fights like this. I’m prepared for that type of intensity level, and I’m ready to go out and enjoy myself. I think my boxing will be the difference in the fight, and that will get me back to where I’ve been in the past.”
Rodriguez (29-2, 20 KOs) has the kind one-punch knockout power that makes him a dangerous opponent against anyone in the division. Rodriguez was born in Moca, Dominican Republic and now lives in Worchester, Mass. while training out of Houston. The 32-year-old lost a unanimous decision to Andre Ward in his biggest bout to date and he most recently scored a technical knockout victory over Melvin Russell on July 18.
“Chad Dawson is a former champion and a great fighter who at one point was looked at as close to being one of the best fighters, pound-for-pound,” said Rodriguez. “He’s had had his share of losses, but he was beating Fonfara in his last fight before being caught and knocked out. It was very important for me to come back and win my last fight by knockout, but an impressive win over a guy of Chad’s caliber will revitalize my career. This is going to be a great fight and I believe I can win by knockout or decision.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. ANDRZEJ FONFARA II FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live From Bell Centre In Montreal At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MONTREAL (June 2, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara had a tense faceoff during Friday’s weigh-in for their 175-pound rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre.

 

Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) weighed-in at 174 ¼ pounds while Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) measured a ready 173 ½ pounds for their rematch of an all-action 2014 showdown in which both fighters scored knockdowns.

 

“I’m as strong as ever,” said the southpaw Stevenson.  “I know he’s dangerous, I know he’s tough.  He has a new trainer and he’s going to do everything he can to take my title.  But I’m going to go for the knockout.  I’m going to show him I don’t only have the left, I have the right, too.”

 

Fonfara promised he’s improved since their first meeting both physically and mentally under new trainer Virgil Hunter.

 

“I’m the smarter guy now, and I have more experience,” Fonfara said.  “I’m ready mentally and physically to take his belt.  I’m here to put Stevenson down and become the new light heavyweight champion.”

 

WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez and former 175-pound champ Jean Pascal both measured 174 ½ pounds for their co-featured bout that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Both Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs), the mandatory challenger for Stevenson’s WBC belt, and Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs) are aiming for a shot at the winner of Saturday’s main event.

 

Final Weights & Commission Officials:

 

WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Adonis Stevenson: 173 ½ pounds

Andrzej Fonfara: 174 ¼ pounds

Referee: Michael Griffin; Judges: Nicolas Esnault (Canada), Omar Mintun (Mexico), Humberto Olivares (Mexico)

 

Light Heavyweight Bout – 12 Rounds for WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Championship

Eleider Alvarez: 174 ½ pounds

Jean Pascal: 174 ½ pounds

Referee: Alain Villeneuve; Judges: Richard DeCarufel (Canada), Rodolfo Ramirez (Mexico), Jack Woodburn (Canada)

 

Premier Boxing Champions Presents A Sizzling Slate Of Shows In June

 
World Championship Bouts In The 175-pound
And 135-Pound Divisions Among
Five Thrilling Shows In The Month
LAS VEGAS (May 31, 2017) – Errol Spence, Jr. brought an exhilarating conclusion to the month of May with a resounding 11th round knockout victory over Kell Brook to win a 147-pound world championship on Brook’s home turf of Sheffield, England. Spence’s exciting victory was presented live by Premier Boxing Champions on SHOWTIME this past Saturday night.
“Errol Spence, Jr. scored one of the most impressive knockout victories in boxing this year to win a world championship. There is no better way for Premier Boxing Champions to spring board into June,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “From top to bottom the schedule of shows in June is loaded with exciting matches featuring a pair of world championship bouts in two of the hottest divisions in boxing, boxers on the comeback trail and young prospects and contenders climbing the ladder to a championship.”
Kicking off June will be a highly charged rematch between 175-pound champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada in Premier Boxing Champions action on SHOWTIME on June 3. Stevenson, one of the hardest punchers in boxing, won the first match by decision after 12 exciting rounds. Jean Pascal will take on Eleider Alvarez in the co-feature. Televised start time is set for 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
In a special Sunday night edition of PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes, Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios returns to the ring after an 18-month layoff to take on Mexican brawler Aaron Herrera in a 10-round welterweight match at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California on June 11. Televised coverage begins on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT after the Mexico vs. USA World Cup qualifier on FS1 and will feature unbeaten Mario Barrios in a 10-round super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez and undefeated prospect Jose Miguel Borrego squaring-off against once-beaten Kevin Watts in an eight round super lightweight bout.
Eddie Ramirez will be featured in a 10-round junior welterweight match on the PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS” as he takes on Erik Bone from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas on June 20. Also in action is tough veteran Lionell Thompson who will try to derail promising prospect Earl Newman in a 10-round light heavyweight match.
Unbeaten Miguel Cruz and once-beaten Alex Martin will meet in a 10-round welterweight rematch on Tuesday, June 27 in the main event of PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportesfrom Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa. In the first match in January, Cruz walked away with a split decision victory. Martin will be looking to even the score. In the co-feature Jamal James and Samuel Figueroa square off in welterweight showdown. Televised start time is 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The month will come to a thrilling conclusion when unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter, Jr. defends his title in his hometown against mandatory challenger Denis Shafikov in the main event of PBC on Bounce live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio on Friday, June 30. Julian Williams will take on Joshua Conley in a 154-pound battle in the co-feature with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Easter successfully defended his title in the same venue in February by knocking down Luis Cruz three times on the way to a unanimous decision.

STEVENSON-FONFARA I FULL FIGHT AVAILABLE ON SHOWTIME SPORTS®YOUTUBE CHANNEL IN ADVANCE OF SATURDAY’S LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE REMATCH LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Watch Stevenson-Fonfara I: http://s.sho.com/2pD0U7c

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Stevenson vs. Fonfara II

Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT From Bell Centre In Montreal

 

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME Sports has released the 2014 matchup between Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara in its entirety in advance of their rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre in Montreal. YouTube Link: http://s.sho.com/2pD0U7c

 

In their first meeting Stevenson edged Fonfara in an all-action matchup in which both fighters scored knockdowns.  It remains the only time the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion has touched the canvas in his eight world title fights. 

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Stevenson vs. Fonfara II airs live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.  In the opening bout of the telecast, WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez, Stevenson’s mandatory challenger, will face former 175-pound champion Jean Pascal. 

 

Note: Geo-Blocked For U.S. & Canada Viewers Only

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. To become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. ANDRZEJ FONFARA II FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

“I expect a knockout.” – Adonis Stevenson

 

“I’m ready to take the title.  My time has come.” – Andrzej Fonfara

 

WBC No. 1 Contender Eleider Alvarez Faces Former Champ Jean Pascal In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MONTREAL (May 30, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara sounded off at the final press conference on Tuesday at Montreal Casino for their 175-pound rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre.

 

WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez and former 175-pound champ Jean Pascal also faced off for their co-featured bout that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Both Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) and Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) scored knockdowns in their all-action meeting in 2014, the only time Stevenson has been down in his eight world title fights since winning the WBC belt in 2013.  While the local Montreal favorite was pushed the distance in his first bout with Fonfara, he has scored knockouts in five of his seven title defenses and stated on Tuesday that he expects a knockout in the rematch.

 

Since the close loss to Stevenson in 2014, Fonfara has picked up wins against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Nathan Cleverly and Chad Dawson, and enters the rematch with a new trainer, the renowned Virgil Hunter.

 

Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs) is undefeated and the mandatory challenger for Stevenson’s WBC belt, but he’ll face the toughest test of his career in Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs), a former WBC 175-pound champion who has faced some of the world’s best light heavyweights over the past decade.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:

 

ADONIS STEVENSON

“I’m ready because I know Fonfara is dangerous.  We’re not underestimating him.  I’ve prepared for everything, everything he brings in the ring I’ll be ready for it.

 

“I’m training for the knockout.  Emanuel Steward always told me ‘knockouts sell.’  When I get in the ring I’m going for a knockout.  It’s not an option for me to go 12 rounds.

 

“I train for 12 rounds, and if it goes 12 rounds he’s going to get punishment the whole time, but I definitely am going for the knockout.

 

“I see some things I can exploit in the ring.

 

“I won the first fight, and I know him very well.  I know what he can do.  I know he changed trainers.  Virgil Hunter brings a lot of experience, I know he trains Andre Ward, and I know he’s very intelligent.

 

“I know Andrzej Fonfara from 12 rounds in the ring.  He can’t change his style right now.   He may show some improved defense, but after a couple of rounds it will be the old Fonfara.

 

“This fight will be different.  I expect a knockout.  I hurt my hand in our first fight, but now I’m fully healthy and I expect to knock him out.

 

“I know Fonfara is training hard to take my belt.  I know he’s a tough fighter, and I know it’s not going to be easy for me.

 

“My goal is to unify the titles with the winner of (Sergey) Kovalev and (Andre) Ward.  I want the unification, but if not I’ll make my mandatory.  If Ward wins I want to fight him, if Kovalev wins I want to fight him.  I’m ready.”

 

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

“I’m a much smarter fighter now.  Mentally, I’m much strong and smarter.

 

“I bettered myself.  Virgil (Hunter) has taught me a lot of new stuff.  Some things worked in my last fight with Chad Dawson, some things didn’t.  But that was our first fight together.  Now I’m ready to show everything in this fight.

 

“I’ve had a lot of success against southpaws.  I like fighting them.  Chad Dawson was a southpaw, so the last two fights, the last four months, we prepared only for southpaws.

 

“I’m ready for the best Stevenson.

 

“My camp went well.  Sparring was great.  It’s my second full camp with Virgil Hunter and we’ve improved a lot since the first fight.

 

“I can’t make the same mistakes I did in our first fight.  I must fight much smarter.

 

“Stevenson only has a good left hand.  He’s the champ and he’s a good fighter, but his boxing isn’t amazing.  He’s not easy, but he only has basic boxing skills.  We must cut his left hand and be ready to throw my right.  We need to control him.

 

“I must start good in the first round and let him know that I’m here to win the fight.  And I’ll be the new champion.

 

“I’m always a fighter that goes forward and pushes guys back, but I am now ready to fight backwards if I need to.  I’ll show the best Andrzej Fonfara this time.

 

“I’m going to win the fight.  A world title is the only thing I’ve never had.  I’ve imagined raising my hand after the fight and becoming the new WBC champion.”

 

“I’m ready to take the title.  My time has come.

 

“I’m ready to be the new world champion and I’ll do that Saturday night.  He wants the KO, and I want the KO, too.

 

“I respect him because he’s the champ.  I came here to show that, this time, I’m the better fighter.”

 

ELEIDER ALVAREZ

“He has a lot of experience, but experience can be negative sometimes.  He’s experienced, but he has negative experiences and losses, too. I don’t think it will be a factor Saturday night.

 

“My style will be an advantage.  I’m taller, I have a longer reach, and a better jab.  My footwork is better, too.  So I think my style is my advantage.

 

“I’m fully ready for my title shot.  I’ve been ready for 18 months, but for some reason it didn’t happen.  I’m ready to face everybody.  I’m probably in the toughest division in boxing right now, but once Stevenson comes I’ll be ready.

 

“I didn’t wait 18 months to become a world champion for nothing.  I won’t give a victory to Pascal.  I’ve waited for 18 months for my chance and I won’t give it to Pascal.

 

“Sparring with him (Pascal) is an advantage, but it was a long time ago and now he’s changed teams.  So I don’t know what he’s done in his training camp this time.

 

“Marc (Ramsay) taught me some tricks, but I already know Jean Pascal because I trained with him and sparred with him for a while.  It’s an advantage to have Marc, but it can be different and you never know what he’ll bring to the ring this time around.”

 

JEAN PASCAL

“Winning is the only option for me.

 

“I’ve been in some battles, but my tank is still full.

 

“I’ve faced way better opposition than him.  I’ve been there, done that on the big stage.  This is a big, big fight, and I’ve been here before.  That’s the thing with experience – you can’t buy experience.  You have to live it, and I’ve lived it many times.  I’m ready to be on the big stage once again.

 

“Training camp went really well.  I was with Roy Jones Jr. and Stephane Larouche and we stayed in Montreal for the whole camp.  We had no injuries and we’re ready to go on Saturday.

 

“Sparring with Alvarez isn’t really an advantage for me.  The last time we sparred was like two or three years ago.  I know him, but he knows me also.  I actually have two strikes against me – he knows me well, but his coach knows me by heart because he’s my former coach.  But none of that matters.  I’ve done my homework and I know what to do in the ring.

 

“Right now my focus is on Alvarez.  After the referee raises my hand and we’ll see what’s next.”

 

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