Tag Archives: light heavyweight

boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD AND UNDEFEATED SULLIVAN BARRERA SET FOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN ON SATURDAY, MARCH 26 AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

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TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO®

 

NEW YORK, NY (February 9, 2016) – Roc Nation Sports is pleased to announce that Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, March 26, to begin his assault on the light heavyweight division when he takes on undefeated and number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round bout at Oracle Arena in Ward’s hometown of Oakland, California. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 5:00 PM PT and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

“I don’t really have much to say other than this. On March 26, it will be very simple. I’ll be in a new weight class against a tough opponent but I’m coming with the same approach,” said Ward. “I’ll be in great shape and ready for battle. Sullivan Barrera has had a lot to say lately and I love it. He’s going to have an opportunity to back up every word that he has spoken. These are the type of challenges I like and on March 26, it’s go time.”

 

“We as a team had a tough choice to make – crash the party by taking out Ward first or wait for the mandatory and take out Kovalev,” said Barrera. “We decided that the time is now. Ward will fall first and then we will go after the belts.”

 

“Having cleaned out the super middleweight division, Andre’s next challenge is to become the best light heavyweight in the world, and that challenge begins with the IBF’s number one rated contender in Sullivan Barrera,” said David Itskowitch, COO of Boxing Roc Nation Sports. “With both fighters having their sights set on an eventually showdown with Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey Kovalev, there’s a lot on the line in this fight, but only one man will move on. March 26 is a night of boxing that no fan should miss.”

 

“I’m excited to be on Team Ward as we enter the light heavyweight division. No weapons formed against us shall prosper,” said James Prince, Ward’s manager.

 

On March 26, before a hometown crowd, pound for pound star Andre Ward returns to HBO in his light heavyweight debut against undefeated Sullivan Barrera” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “With a perfect record dating back to the age of 12 years old, Andre has risen to every challenge as both an amateur and a professional, including world titles and an Olympic gold medal. Now, he takes on Barrera, one of the toughest challengers as Ward moves up the scale. Boxing fans won’t want to miss it.”

 

Known for his strong character and integrity outside the ring and his warrior’s instinct inside it, Ward’s skill and talent were apparent early in his outstanding amateur career. He racked up every title in the books, culminating with a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. As the only male American boxer to claim Olympic gold since 1996, Ward joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya. He turned professional on December 18, 2004, scoring a second round technical knockout victory over Chris Molina at Staples Center in a fight that was televised live on HBO. He has gone on to rack up 27 more victories since then, building an ever-growing legion of fans in the process. After becoming the Ring Magazine and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion, rising to the number two spot on the pound-for-pound list and winning the 2011 Fighter of the Year Award (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America), it was announced that Ward signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports in January 2015, opening a new chapter in his storied boxing career. The Bay Area product returned to the ring on June 20, 2015 at the Oracle Arena in front of his hometown fans in Oakland, California and scored a ninth-round knockout over Paul Smith, continuing his unbeaten streak which dates back to when he was a 13-year-old amateur. Ward recently stepped in front of the camera for a completely different role, a part in the New Line/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Warner Bros. feature “Creed.” Fellow Bay Area natives, director Ryan Coogler and the film’s star Michael B. Jordan, reached out to Ward so that he could provide his expertise for the film. In addition to working in front of the camera with Ward, Jordan spent time at Ward’s home gym in preparation for his role as Apollo Creed’s son. Now it’s time for Ward to get back to his day job when he faces the undefeated Barrera on March 26.

 

Born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Barrera had an impressive amateur run with a record of 285-27. As an amateur, he was able to earn World Amateur Championships in Germany, Cuba, Venezuela and Central America. During his amateur career he also defeated former Light Heavyweight World Champions Chad Dawson and Beibut Shumenov. Following his defection from Cuba, where he was a member of the country’s national team, Barrera made his professional debut in 2009 with a first round technical knockout win over Anthony Adorno in his adopted hometown of Miami, Florida. He would go on to knockout the first five opponents he faced in his professional career in either the first or second round. Barrera made his television debut in January of 2015 with his appearance on ESPN’sFriday Night Fights, when he scored a fourth round knockout win over former Super Middleweight World Champion Jeff Lacy. Barrera quietly rose through the ratings of the light heavyweight division until he was afforded the opportunity to fight former Light Heavyweight World Title Challenger Karo Murat to become the IBF’s number one rated light heavyweight contender. Barrera seized the opportunity, knocking out Murat in the fifth round on December 12, 2015 in his HBO Latino Boxing debut at the Civic Auditorium in Glendale, California. Sullivan is trained by legendary trainer, Abel Sanchez, who is best known for his work with middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. When he is not at The Summit in Big Bear Lake, California training with Sanchez, Barrera resides in Miami, Florida.

 

Ward vs. Barrera, a 12-round fight which is presented by Roc Nation Sports in association with Main Events, takes place Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.  Follow the conversation using #WardBarrera.

 

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ AND MICHAEL SEALS DELIVER “FIGHT OF THE YEAR” CANDIDATE IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE MAIN EVENT FROM BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO IN BILOXI, MISS.  

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Thomas Williams Jr. Scores 2nd Round TKO Over Humberto Savigne In Co-Main Event
 
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Photo Credit: Eli Baylis / Premier Boxing Champions
BILOXI, MISS. (November 13) – In a telecast showcasing four fights that lasted a total of 13 rounds with 11 knockdowns and four knockouts, boxing fans were treated to a night of sensational Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike action from the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss. The evening culminated with an unforgettable all out war between light heavyweights Edwin Rodriguez and Michael Seals.
Rodriguez came out swinging from the first bell, dropping Seals in the first 30 seconds of the bout with a hard left. Seals hit the canvas, got back on his feet and dropped Rodriguez not even 30 seconds later. With 10 seconds to go in the first round, Seals dropped Rodriguez again, putting round one in the running for “Round of the Year.”
Both combatants were slightly cautious coming out of their respective corners in the second round, but it was Rodriguez who dropped Seals with a right hand late in the round and continued to hurt him with punches heading into the end of round two. The fight was stopped 24 seconds into round three when Rodriguez pounded Seals with a right hand that sent him thundering to the canvas causing the crowd in Biloxi to go wild and putting the bout in the conversation for “Fight of the Year.”
Rodriguez said of his performance:
 “Seals was really tough. I knew he was tough going into it, but he proved it tonight. He threw hard punches, but I did what champions do. I got back up.  Anyone can go down in a fight, but its if you get back up and how you get back up that matters. Sh*t happens. You just have to keep on fighting. Just like in life – you have to be able to get back up.
“He caught me with some good shots, but in the end, I was able to finish him off.
“It was a great fight. It feels great. We were both in tremendous shape. My hat goes off to Michael Seals. We gave the fans a great show.”

Seals, who complained of dislocating his shoulder following the punch that first sent Rodriguez to the canvas, is hungry for a rematch saying:
“Every time I threw my jab it landed, but I dislocated my shoulder in the first round. I had him with my punches. If I had all my tools, there is no way he could have beat me.
“I had him beat in the second round. I know it. I felt like the ref was going to stop it. If he stopped it with me, why didn’t he stop it with him?
“It was a great fight. He is a tough guy. I want a rematch. Please give it to me.”
In the quick, yet action-packed televised opener that saw three knockdowns in less than two rounds, Thomas Williams Jr.scored an exciting second round TKO over Humberto Savigne in a light heavyweight showdown.
Williams Jr. asserted his excellence to begin the second round, knocking down Savigne with a series of punches. Savigne was able to make it to his feet only to be backed up against the ropes as Williams Jr. continued throwing flurries of punches that caused referee Keith Hughes to wave off the match in minute 1:48.
“I’m very happy with my performance,” said Williams Jr. “I haven’t been in the ring in 11 months and I was ready. It felt a little different. That played a small part into me getting knocked down. I came back and fought someone with a lot of power. For me to come back and fight a fighter like him shows a lot.
[On being knocked down in the first round] “I wasn’t paying attention. I wasn’t sticking to the game plan. I was trying to set something up and I got caught with a right.  I was very surprised. It woke me up. He caught me going the wrong way. Threw a shot. It didn’t hurt me. It woke me up. I said ‘It’s time to go to work now.’
“I knew he was going to get cocky after he knocked me down and of course I took advantage of it.”
After what he felt was a promising start, Savigne credited the quick ending on abandoning his game plan.
“In the first round I felt like I was controlling the pace of the fight. There was a flash knockdown and I got right back up and knocked him down. I just got a little bit desperate. I went to slug him and should have maintained my distance.
“The problem was, I got desperate. In my last couple of fights, I haven’t been able to focus.
“I ended up making weight, but we missed our flight coming here and my whole schedule was thrown off. Not an excuse, but it definitely played into my performance tonight.”
Unbeaten welterweight prospect Bryant Perrella got an opportunity to showcase his skills as part of the Spike telecast and did not waste a moment making an impression.  Seconds after the opening bell tolled, Perrella (12-0, 10 KOs) landed a crushing right to the body of Chaquib Fadli, sending him to the canvas, resulting in a first round TKO.
“I’m just happy I got the job done,” said Perrella. “We did what we had to do – adjust, adapt and take care of business. This is my time and my destiny. Nothing is going to stop me from achieving my dreams.”
In the fight immediately before the main event, powerful middleweight Fernando Guerrero scored an exciting 7th round TKO over Brazilian puncher Daniel Souza Santos in an action-packed fight that saw fists flying from the opening bell. But it was a quick barrage of punches that sent Souza Santos to the canvas. Despite being able to stand, the referee waved off the bout.
“For me, this fight was all about preparation,” said Guerrero. “When you go through trials and tribulations, you grow as a fighter and as a person. I have the best team around me now. I’ve been eating, breath and living boxing and it showed tonight.”
# # #
PBC on Spike headlined by Edwin Rodriguez vs. Michael Seals was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaBombaBoxing, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook
at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ & MICHAEL SEALS ARRIVE IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI AND DISCUSS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE SHOWDOWN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 FROM BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

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Televised Coverage Begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT
 
BILOXI, MISS. (November 11, 2015) – Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (27-1, 18 KOs)and Michael Seals (19-0, 14 KOs) are just days away from their light heavyweight showdown on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) onSpike taking placeFriday, November 13 from Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The night of action starts at 9 p.m. ET/PT with Thomas “Top Dog” Williams (18-1, 12 KOs) and Humberto Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs) in a light heavyweight clash.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $62.95, $48.95, $34.95 and $20.95, plus tax and service charges. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Rodriguez and Seals arrived to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Wednesday and had a lot to say about Fridaynight’s matchup.
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ
“This guy [Michael Seals] is undefeated. That’s one challenge. His mentality. He doesn’t know how to lose. I need to come out and convince him that he can. That’s the first battle. You need to convince them, it’s time for you to lose now, I’m better than you.
“He has a good jab and good power. I need to be aware that he can punch.
“I have a nutritionist that I see every three weeks. I couldn’t make weight when I was going to fight Andre Ward. Making weight takes a lot of dedication.
“Going into my fight with Andre Ward, my mentality was changed. You already lost to the scale before you even stepped in the ring. It’s your body telling you that you can’t make weight, you can’t do it anymore. It does bother you.
“I refuse to blame my loss on anything. I think he was a better fighter that night. I’m trying to make my mark at 175 and maybe down the road, I can get a rematch against him.”
MICHAEL SEALS
“Fighting so close to home means everything to me. This is the biggest fight of my career and I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity.
“My whole life, I feel like I’ve been destined for greatness and this is my chance.
“I remember coming to the Beau Rivage as a kid with my dad and I would look at this big building and tell him that I was going to stay in a room here when I grew up and now my name is on the marquee. Its a dream come true.
“Edwin is an experienced fighter. He’s fought some great opposition but he has a loss on his record. I do not and its going to stay that way on November 13.
“I train smart. I have a degree in physical education which has taught me some different training techniques that you can’t learn in a gym.
“A win on Friday means another step toward a world title shot. That is the goal. To fight for a world title and I have to beat Edwin Rodriguez to get it. He is standing in my way.
“I got my ring name ‘Cannonhandz’ as an amateur when I started boxing at a community center and there were a lot of little kids there. They would hear me hit the mitts or the bag and say ‘When you punch, it sounds like there are cannons shooting out of your gloves,’ and it has stuck ever since.
“I can’t wait for Friday night. This is my chance and to be able to keep my undefeated record and take down someone with a known name in the sport so close to my hometown of Mobile is a blessing.”
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaBombaBoxing, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

EXCITING LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS THOMAS WILLIAMS & HUMBERTO SAVIGNE MEET IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TELEVISED OPENER 9 P.M. ET

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 FROM THE BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO 
IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
 
BILOXI, MISS. (October 28, 2015) – Exciting light heavyweights Thomas “Top Dog” Williams (18-1, 12 KOs) and Humberto Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs) will meet in a 10-round clash to open up Premier Boxing Champions on Spike, Friday, November 13 from the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
The PBC on Spike main event pits light heavyweight contender Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (27-1, 18 KOs) against undefeated Michael Seals (19-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round affair.
“I feel completely rejuvenated heading into this fight,” said Williams. “I’ve been able to get back to the things I’ve done in camp since early in my career and I’m excited forNovember 13. I have seen my opponent and I’m planning on picking him apart. I will be victorious when I leave the ring.”
“I’m feeling one-hundred percent and have had a great training camp,” said Savigne.  “I’m working hard and come November 13, it’s going to be a dominant Humberto Savigne. I don’t want to make any predictions, but I’m coming for the victory.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $62.95, $48.95, $34.95 and $20.95, plus tax and service charges. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
At 28-years-old, Williams is looking to take out another tough contender on his road to title contention. The Fort Washington, Maryland-born fighter owns victories over Enrique Ornela, Cornelius White and Yusaf Mack throughout his career. He most recently dominated Michael Gbenga on his way to earning a unanimous decision in December 2014.
Born in Cuba but fighting now out of Miami, Savigne won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games and the 2000 Cuban National Championships. He has beaten Jeff Lacy, Maxell Taylor and previously unbeaten fighters Jackson Junior and Quinton Rankin since turning pro in 2009.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaBombaBoxing, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
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Artur Beterbiev injured in training

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MONTREAL (October 20, 2015) – Montreal’s adopted son and light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs) will not be fighting November 28 at the Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City. The Groupe Yvon Michel-promoted boxer injured his shoulder during training last week, forcing him to withdraw from his bout.
 
Beterbiev is currently world rated at No. 2 by both the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), as well as No. 3 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
 
The decision was made this morning (Tuesday) after the two-time Russian Olympian met GYM’s doctor, Francis Fontaine, and surgeon David Baillargeon determined Beterbiev needs minor but necessary surgery to his right shoulder.
 
“Under my supervision, Artur had a magnetic resonance examination Friday,” Dr. Fontaine explained. “After a meeting this morning, we have decided that Artur’s surgery would be performed in the next few days by specialist Dr. Baillargeon. We expect a complete recovery followed by a return to the ring at the beginning of 2016.”
 
“I am extremely frustrated and disappointed by the situation,” Beterbiev said.  “I was preparing myself hard to give another great show to the fans, November 28, but I will be back stronger in 2016.”.
 
The fighter will start his rehabilitation four days after his surgery, under the wing of physiotherapist Hugo Lettre, from Evolution Physio.
 
“We have absolute confidence in our medical staff, including the talented Dr. Baillargeon,” GYM president Yvon Michel added.  “This is the same doctor that saved the shoulder, which was in a really worst state, and the career of Jean Pascal, in January 2010. Seven months later, Jean defended his title belt, in spectacular fashion, against Chad Dawson.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANDRZEJ FONFARA WINS SLUGFEST AGAINST NATHAN CLEVERLY ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE IN FRONT OF ELECTRIC CROWD AT UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO

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KOHEI KONO USES RELENTLESS ATTACK TO DEFEAT KOKI KAMEDA & RETAIN SUPER FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
 Click HERE For Photos From David Earnisse/Premier Boxing Champions
 
For Fight Highlights Go To www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions
 
CHICAGO (October 16, 2015) – Hometown-favorite Andrzej Fonfara (28-3 16 KOs) outslugged former world champion Nathan Cleverly (29-3, 15 KOs) over 12 grueling rounds on his way to a unanimous decision on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Fonfara and Cleverly exchanged punches throughout the night with neither man yielding an inch of ground. Cleverly won rounds by throwing punches from awkward angles and by countering effectively. Fonfara never seemed phased by Cleverly’s power however, and was able to impose his will as the fight wore on.
Cleverly began bleeding from his nose in the middle of the fight as Fonfara launched uppercuts and straight right hands at the injured appendage. The injury slowed the pace of Cleverly’s attack and allowed Fonfara to pull ahead on the scorecards. The fight set a record for most punches landed (936) and thrown (2524) in the light heavyweight division in CompuBox history.
The final judges’ scores were 115-113 and 116-112 twice.
The evening’s co-main event featured thrilling back-and-forth action as super flyweight world champion Kohei Kono (31-8-1, 13 KOs) retained his title via unanimous decision over former world champion Koki Kameda (33-2, 18 KOs). The bout was the first world title fight between two Japanese fighters that was fought on U.S. soil.
The action started in round two when Kono fell to the canvas as a result of a low blow from Kameda. Kono bounced back and immediately put Kameda on the ground with a sharp straight left hand.
In the third round, Kameda was twice deducted points for low blows as Kono continued to punish him with blows to the head. One point would eventually be deducted from Kono in round nine for excessive holding.
While Kameda fought through a left eye that was swollen shut, Kono proved to be dominant from start to finish on his way to a decision victory by scores of 116-108, 115-109 and 113-111. The two fighters landed a combined 679 punches, the second highest total in CompuBox history in the super flyweight division. Kono finished the fight landing 362 punches to 317 by Kameda.
ANDRZEJ FONFARA
“Cleverly has a great chin. He’s a great fighter. He was taking a lot of punches and not breaking down. He still wanted to go forward and fight. He believed he could win until the very end.
“I thought I would knock him out before the fight, but during the fight I realized he has great defense. I had no idea he could take so many punches and still be in the fight. I realized it would be very hard to knock him out. I respect him very much.
“It was not the toughest fight of my career, but I’m happy because it was a hard 12 rounds.
“I got the feeling I broke his nose around the seventh or eighth round. After taking so many hard punches I felt he was wearing down.
“I was positive I won before they read the decision. The last couple rounds there was no question who was the better fighter. He was still throwing punches, but I was blocking them and hitting him very hard.
“What’s next for me? Hawaii. Vacation.”
NATHAN CLEVERLY
“It was a fantastic fight – I had a feeling that our styles were going to gel and that’s what happened. It was a war from the very first bell and I am not surprised that it broke the records for the most punches thrown because when we started we just didn’t stop.
“He can really bang – he’s not far off Sergey Kovalev for power. But I thought I had him until the nose went and I think that without that, I could’ve got the win. But in the end, I think the 115-113 was about right, and credit to him, he took some punches in there too and kept on coming.
“It has been a great experience over here in the U.S. – it’s a pretty hostile crowd but they all congratulated me after the fight. Would I do it again? Why not – it’s what we are here to do, put on entertaining fights for great fans, and I am sure there will be the demand for it.”
KOHEI KONO
“I’ve been training to win this title for years and I’m so happy that I have defended the title.
“I am so happy that I got to face Kameda and get this victory over him. It is a big win for my career.
“If we had fought using movement, he probably would have beaten me, but he decided to trade punches with me and that gave me a chance to win.
“My jab was superb tonight and my uppercut rarely missed. Early in the fight I wasn’t sure I could take his power. But after he hit me a few times and I was still there, I started getting confidence.
“I felt great all week and I knew my performance would be very strong. Even before I left for the U.S. I felt better than I ever had before a fight.”
KOKI KAMEDA
I trained very hard for this fight. I’m very disappointed.
“I was going to make a decision on whether to retire or not based on my performance. I feel it might be time for me to retire.
“My stamina wasn’t what it should be in the later rounds.
“I got caught in the second round because I made a mistake I shouldn’t have made. He fought very well and I was surprised by his power. I think it’s time for me to retire.”
#          #          #
PBC on Spike was promoted by Warriors Boxing.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @NathanClev, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
 
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

GERALD WASHINGTON AND AMIR MONSOUR BATTLE TO ENTERTAINING TO 10-ROUND SPLIT DRAW

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Ahmed Elbiali Wins Unanimous Decision Over Mariano Hilario In Co-Main Event
 
Michael Hunter Drops Jason Douglas Four Times En Route To Heavyweight Knockout
 
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Photo Credit: Jennifer Rutledge/Premier Boxing Champions
Shelton, Washington (October 14) – Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE Tuesdays on FS1 and FOX Deportes headed to the Pacific NorthwestTuesday night from Little Creek Casino Resort with three exciting bouts that culminated with a thrilling heavyweight match up that ended in a split draw.
Gerald Washington (now 16-0-1, 11 KOs) controlled the early action with his length and superior boxing ability but the smaller southpaw Amir Mansour’s (now 22-1-1, 16 KOs) relentless pressure began to break down Washington as he closed the gap by landing overhand lefts. With the fight up for grabs the two heavyweights traded hard shots in the 10th and final round that led the judges to rule the fight a 10-round split draw scoring the bout 97-93 Washington, 96-94 Mansour and 95-95.
“I think it’s a terrible decision,” said Washington. “I definitely won the fight. No doubt about it. I won the first four rounds for sure. I rested up a little bit in the middle. The last three or four, he wasn’t even touching me. He was chasing me around. He wasn’t landing any shots at all.
“My corner was telling me to just jab and throw straight punches. I was landing all the good shots. He didn’t land any good shots. Why would I do a rematch if they’re going to do me like that? Look at his face, look at his ear. Look at my face, I didn’t take any punishment. I boxed him smart. He was being aggressive, but I was landing all the shots.”
“Washington landed some good shots in there, but I landed most of the shots. I kept the fight active,” said Monsour. “I gave the crowd something that they wanted to see. I gave the crowd excitement. That’s why they’re cheering me and they’re booing him. I’m a boxing fan’s boxer.

“Washington was a bit awkward, I was just trying to gauge the height difference and after three rounds tops of gauging the distance between him and I, I felt like I started pressing him, forcing the action, landing the most shots, and tearing his body up. He couldn’t take the body punches, he was running out of gas. He didn’t give the crowd a fight. He didn’t give himself a fight and that’s just a poor way of winning the fight or even getting a draw.”

The eight-round co-main event saw Cairo, Egypt’s Ahmed Elbiali (now 11-0, 11 KOs) control the fight from start to finish as he faced Mariano Hilario(now 13-4, 5 KOs) in a light heavyweight showdown. Despite two-way action throughout the entirely of the bout, Elbiali remained more active, pressing forward while Hilario attempted to land counter punches unsuccessfully. Elbiali remains undefeated after the judges scored the match a unanimous decision in his favor.
In the opening bout of the evening, Michael Hunter (now 10-0, 7 KOs) outclassed fellow cruiserweight Jason Douglas (now 11-6, 4 KOs) dropping him in the second, third and fourth rounds. The first knockdown came at the end of the second round via a strong right hand. The third round saw a barrage of punches again at the end of the round that sent Douglas to the canvas. Finally, in the fourth round, Hunter battered Douglas until the bell, dropping him for the fourth time via a strong left hook. The ringside physician then called a halt to the contest, following the end of the fourth round.
# # #
Washington vs. Monsour was promoted by TGB Promotions live from Little Creek Casino Resort.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.TGBPromotions.com and http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @gwgallonegro, @hardcoremansour @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Little.Creek.Casino.Resort www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

FONFARA VS. CLEVERLY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Przemek Garczarczyk
 
CHICAGO (October 13, 2015) – “Chicago’s Polish Prince” and top light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara (27-3, 16 KOs) and his opponent, former world champion Nathan Cleverly (29-2, 15 KOs); along with reigning super flyweight world champion Kohei Kono (30-8-1, 13 KOs) and former world champion Koki Kameda (33-1, 18 KOs), worked out for the media today in advance of their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike showdowns this Friday, October 16 from UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
 
Fonfara vs. Cleverly will serve as the 12-round main event, while Kono vs. Kameda will be the 12-round televised opener. The Spike broadcast begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $151, $101, $51, $41 and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
 
Below is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
 
ANDRZEJ FONFARA
 
“I have won some big fights and I am proud of that, but I have to stay focused on the sport and continue to do my best. I’m just a normal guy. I’m a boxer and a warrior and I continue to improve with every fight. That’s more important to me than being called a rising star in boxing.
 
“Cleverly says he’s too slick for me, but we will see what happens in the ring on Friday. You never know what will happen in a fight. Maybe he is faster and slicker, but I’m stronger and I think I’m a better fighter right now.
 
“The plan is to beat him on Friday, but if I get the opportunity I will knock him out. This is the sport we are in: blood and sweat.
 
“Cleverly is a really big step for me. I know he’s an experienced guy. He’s a good technical guy. He’s fast and sneaky, but I want guys like him. I don’t want bums who show up to get paid and go down in the second or third round. I want a guy who tells me before a fight that he can beat me. That motivates me.”
 
NATHAN CLEVERLY
 
“It’s going to be an enjoyable experience fighting in his backyard of Chicago. It’s a bit of an adventure. The pressure is off in a way because he has the expectations of the home crowd. I’m just coming here to do my job and win the fight.
 
“I’m confident it’ll be a good fight and I’m ready.
 
“Fonfara is a good fighter. He’s tall and rangy. He’s a good puncher and strong. He’s fit. He throws correct, solid punches, but I believe I’ll win because I’ve simply got more tools and I’ve done more to my game. I’m sharper with more movement. My combination punching will be too much for him.”
 
KOEHEI KONO
 
“I have always had a dream to fight in the United States. I will do my best to perform up to the historic nature of this fight.
 
“Kameda says he is a ‘charismatic genius.’ I disagree and I’m here to prove him wrong. I will prove itFriday night that I am the true force.
 
“I am proud of my stamina and activity rate and my punching power. That is why I will win this fight.”
 
KOKI KAMEDA
 
“I am in the best shape of my entire boxing career right now. I spent five weeks in Las Vegas training with Ismael Salas and that was best thing I could have done. I didn’t do anything but prepare for this fight.
 
“Kono promised the Japanese press and his fans that he would knock me out… that’s about the last thing that is going to happen in this fight. I find that funny.
 
“This is the first time two Japanese have fought for a world title in the United States, but I don’t have any special feeling about the historic nature. This is just another fight for me because every single fight I’m in is equally important to me. Even a four-round fight is life or death for me.”
 
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @NathanClev, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing

Karo Murat accepts challenge to face Artur Beterbiev IBF light heavyweight title eliminator

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MONTREAL (October 9, 2015) -After the refusal of CubanYuniesky Gonzalez (IBF #11), Armenian light heavyweight Karo Murat (IBF #14, 27-2-1, 17 KOs) jumped at the opportunity to face Montreal adopted son Artur Beterbiev (IBF #2, 9-0, 9 KOs) for an IBF light heavyweight (175 pounds) elimination fight.
 
The promoters of the two fighters have until October 22 to sign a deal without it going to a purse bid.
 
The winner of this bout, which could logically take placeNovember 28 in Quebec City, will become the mandatory challenger for the IBF light heavyweight world title owned by Russian Sergey Kovalev.
 
Murat is the reigning IBF International light heavyweight champion. He won his last two fights after fighting hard for 12 rounds with legendary American Bernard Hopkins, Oct. 26, 2013 in Atlantic City, in a losing effort. He also has on his record wins over Gabriel Campillo and Tommy Karpency.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

“TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS” ELBIALI vs. ALBERT OCT 13 PBC ON FOX SPORTS

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Photo By Team Elbiali
MIAMI, FL (October 8, 2015) – Unbeaten light-heavyweight, Ahmed Elbiali (12-0, 11 KOs), has an opponent for his upcoming fight taking place October 13, 2015 at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington.  The heavy-handed puncher Elbiali, will square off against Hungary’s Ferenc Albert (20-7, 9 KOs).  Premier Boxing Champions “Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays” on Fox Sports will televise the 8-round beginning at 9PM ET / 6PM PT live on Fox Sports 1.
Ahmed Elbiali, who boosts a 92% knockout ratio, is a few days away from his nationally televised showdown with Ferenc Albert.  Hailing from Miami, Florida, Elbiali speaks on his training camp, boxing career and more.  Here’s what he had to say.
On facing his opponent Ferenc Albert…
“I don’t really know much about Ferenc Albert, except for the fact that he’s on a ten-fight winning streak.  I know he’s been extremely busy this year, fighting in twelve bouts so far this year.  I know he’s coming into this fight with a lot of confidence so this is no easy fight for me.  This will be a great fight for the fans because both of us are gunning for a victory.”
On having his fight televised live on Premier Boxing Champions “Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays” on Fox Sports…
“Fighting on the PBC on Fox Sports cards has been great for my career.  I’m constantly staying busy and I’m learning what it takes to fight on a regular basis.  The exposure I’m receiving is really getting the fans familiar with my fighting style. Since I’m an aggressive fighter, the “Toe-to-Tuesdays” title fits me well. I’m always going to be letting my hands go, throwing big bombs, trying to get my opponent out of there.  Fans in general want to see the knockout, and that’s what I try to deliver every time I step into the ring.”
On his relationship with longtime Trainer Carlos Albuerne…
“I’ve been with Carlos since my last fight as an amateur.  We have a great relationship and I respect him as a coach.  He’s got a lot of knowledge. Together we make a great team and he knows how to get the best out of me.  He’s always told me that I have the punching power to become a world champion.  I’m grateful to have him in my corner.”
On his progression as a professional fighter…
“With each fight I’m learning something new.  I know as my career moves along there will be times when I will have to go into deep waters, so I’m continuously working on my boxing skills.  Right now I’ve been fortunate to get some early knockouts, but I train to fight twelve rounds.  I’m evolving as a fighter and pretty soon I’ll be better-rounded with my boxing abilities.”
On working at the training facility “Fast Twitch” in Miami…
“Fast Twitch” is a state of the art facility with great strength and conditioning coaches.  I’ve gained a lot of endurance training there and my stamina is always peaking on fight night.  With the training I’m getting at “Fast Twitch”, I’m always on weight.  I love the fact that I’m getting top notch nutrition there as well.  It’s a great place to train if you’re a professional athlete.”
Tickets priced $20, $40, $30, $60 and $100 not including fees, are on sale in person at the Little Creek Casino Resort box office or online HERE.  Doors open at 5PM PT, with the first televised fights starting at 6PM PT.