Tag Archives: Mario Barrios

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION VICTOR ORTIZ PLUS RISING STARS TERRELL GAUSHA, HUGO CENTENO JR., MARIO BARRIOS & BRANDON FIGUEROA FEATURED IN SEPARATE BOUTS ON ACTION PACKED NIGHT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ACTION ON NBCSN

 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 FROM THE AT&T CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO
 
ACTION ON NBCSN BOOKENDS PBC ON NBC PRIMETIME EVENT 
WITH COVERAGE FROM 6 P.M. ET – 7:30 P.M. ET &
FROM 11 P.M. ET – MIDNIGHT ET
 
SAN ANTONIO (November 18, 2015) – Former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz(30-5-2, 23 KOs), 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (16-0, 8 KOs), undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. (23-0, 12 KOs), undefeated San Antonio-born prospect Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs) and undefeated bantamweight prospect Brandon Figueroa (3-0, 2 KOs) will compete in separate undercard bouts as part of a full night of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)on NBC and NBCSN action on Saturday, December 12 from the newly renovated AT&T Center in San Antonio.
The NBCSN coverage will bookend the PBC on NBC event headlined by undefeated star Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, taking on former world champion Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs). Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will also feature a pair of heavyweight showdowns as undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KOs) faces“Prince” Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) and hard-hitting Mexican-American Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) battles Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-1, 22 KOs).
NBCSN coverage will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and go until 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT.   NBCSN coverage will resume at 11 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT following the NBC broadcast and run to midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com  or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailingm@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.
An exciting fighter who never shies away from action, Ortiz returns to the ring one year after injuring his hand in his last bout, a third round stoppage of Manuel Perez. The 28-year-old was a 147-pound world champion when he defeated Andre Berto in 2011 to set up a showdown with Floyd Mayweather. The Kansas-native has spent time in recent years to film roles in movies such as “Southpaw” and “The Expendables 3” but will returnDecember 12 healthy and ready to fight his way back to the pinnacle of his sport.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he has scored a knockout victory over Norberto Gonzalez and defeated Luis Grajeda and Eliezer Gonzalez by decision.
Oxnard, California’s Centeno has long been one of boxing’s top prospects with victories over Ayi Bruce, Keandre Leatherwood, Angel Osuna and Gerardo Ibarra. In December 2014 he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Most recently, the 24-year-old took down Lukasz Maciec in September and looks to finish the year with another strong performance.
Fighting in his hometown of San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his seventh victory of 2015 onDecember 12. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum after winning his first eight-round bout over Enrique Tinoco on November 10.
The brother of main event participant and former world champion Omar, the 18-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May by defeating Hector Gutierrez and has followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena and Ramiro Ruiz. The Weslaco, Texas-product looks to make it a perfect 2015 when he enters the ring on December 12.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

MARIO BARRIOS PASSES STIFF  TEST; IMPROVES TO 13-0, 7 KOs


Photo by Premier Boxing Champions
SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 12, 2015) – On Tuesday at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas, super-featherweight sensation Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs) remained undefeated after stepping up in class to face his toughest opponent to date in Enrique Tinoco (15-2-2, 11 KOs), winning by unanimous decision.  Tinoco, who had previously beaten three undefeated fighters, two of which were 14-0, was coming off a 4-fight knockout streak.  That streak was ended by Barrios.
Making his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Fox Sports 1 debut, 20-year old Barrios showed tremendous heart and skill while beating Tinoco after suffering a bloody nose in round two.  Having difficulty breathing, Barrios had to bite down and make the proper adjustments to finish the fight on top.  Barrios did so in spectacular fashion.
Barrios, who used his height and reach to his advantage while landing powerful punches throughout the fight, hurt Tinoco on multiple occasions.  Although Tinoco used every veteran trick in the book against Barrios, he was no match for the young San Antonio native Barrios, who swept the middle and later rounds.  Scorecards read 78-74 all in favor of Barrios
“I knew going into this fight that Tinoco was going to be my toughest test, because he had confidence upsetting other fighters in the past,” said Mario Barrios. “In addition he was getting top sparring in Mexico during training camp.  But my entire team and I never had any doubts about my ability to be victorious.  My head trainer Bob Santoshas a lot of experience dealing with adversity and he did an excellent job keeping me calm in the corner when I suffered a bloody nose early in the fight.  My cutman Todd Harlib also did a great job stopping the blood from gushing out.  This was a great learning experience and I want to thank my entire team, especially my dad Martin, for all their hard work.”

UNDEFEATED PROSPECT MIGUEL FLORES LOOKS TO REMAIN UNBEATEN AGAINST GHANAIN OLYMPIAN ALFRED TETTEH ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES

 
Tuesday, November 10 From The Austin Music Hall In Austin, Texas
 
Featuring Full Undercard Of Exciting Local Talent!
 
AUSTIN, TX (November 9, 2015) – Undefeated rising prospect Miguel Flores (17-0, 8 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line against Ghanaian Olympian Alfred “The Stinging Bee” Tetteh (23-4-1, 20 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight attraction on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, November 10 from the Austin Music Hall in Austin, Texas.
The November 10 main event features a bantamweight battle between Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) and Karim Guerfi (22-3, 6 KOs), with televised coverage beginning on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $125, $85, $75, $45 and $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302.
Also featured on the card is 20-year-old junior lightweight prospect Mario Barrios (12-0, 7 KOs) out of San Antonio in an eight-round bout, undefeated 22-year-old Argentine Alan Castano (9-0, 6 KOs) against 26-year-old Mexican Christopher Degollado (13-5, 11 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight affair and contender Javier Maciel (30-3, 21 KOs) from Argentina against Mexican veteran Norberto Gonzalez (22-8, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight contest.
Additional fights will see 23-year-old Mexican Rolando Garza (4-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight battle, Austin’s Albert Romero (2-3-1) taking on Brazil’s Raphael Montini in a four-round lightweight fight and Austin-native Daniel Henry (2-4-3) in a four-round super middleweight contest against Edward Tigs (1-6-3).
Rounding out the action is 22-year-old Austin-native Prisco Marquez (3-0) against San Antonio’s Daniel Arriaga (0-2-1) in four-rounds of super featherweight action and Mexico’s Gregorio Herrera (0-2) in a four-round lightweight bout with San Antonio’s Joe Reyes (0-9).
An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17-years-old. The 23-year-old made his 2015 debut in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed that up by defeating Juan Ruiz in July and Carlos Padilla in September. He goes for a fourth victory of 2015 on November 10 when he battles the experienced Tetteh who represented Ghana at the 1996 Olympics and now fights out of Washington, D.C.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

Opponent Named: Mario Barrios To Face Stiff Test in Enrique Tinoco Nov 10 Live on Fox Sports (PBC)

Photo by Premier Boxing Champions
AUSTIN, TX (November 8, 2015) – Undefeated super-featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (12-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent named for his upcoming bout thisTuesday November 10, 2015 at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas.  Barrios, who’ll be making his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Fox Sports 1 debut, steps in the ring with Enrique Tinoco (15-2-2, 11 KOs), his toughest test as a professional fighter.
Riding a 4-fight winning streak, all coming by way of knockout, Tinoco is a major step up in class for Barrios.  Tinoco has victories over three undefeated fighters, two of which had 14-0 records.  With a tough test ahead of him, Barrios give his thoughts on his matchup with Tinoco.
“I’ve had a great camp and I’m well prepared for this difficult challenge,” said Mario Barrios who resides in San Antonio, Texas. “I’m ready to fight the best possible opponents out there.  I know Tinoco is dangerous, but so am I.  These are the type of fights that I must win to take my career to the next level and I can’t wait to let my hands go.  I love the fact that I’m fighting this tough of an opponent this early in my career.  It’s only going to make me better.”
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Fox Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes will air the event live beginning at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT.  In the main-event, Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) will meet Karim Guerfi (22-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round Bantamweight bout.
Tickets priced at $125$85$75$45 and $25, not including applicable fees, for this live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302.  Tickets can also be purchased at the Austin City Music Hall box office.

MARIO BARRIOS RETURNS NOV 10 IN AUSTIN, TX

Photo By Team Barrios
SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 28, 2015) – Rising star, undefeated super-featherweight Mario Barrios (12-0, 7 KOs), is scheduled to make his way back to the ring on November 10, 2015 at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas. Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Fox Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes will air the event live beginning at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT.  In the main-event, Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) will meet Karim Guerfi (22-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round Bantamweight bout.  Barrios, who’s 8-round will be part of the telecast, with face an opponent TBA.
While waiting for an opponent to be announced, Barrios, headed to the San Francisco Bay Area to get some work in with lead cornerman, Bob Santos.
“Since I’ve been out here I’ve learned a lot working with Bob Santos,” said Mario Barrios. “Santos has a lot of experience working with top level fighters and he’s showing me new things to help me get better.  There’s a lot of little things that we’ve been working on that make a tremendous amount of difference when I’m in the ring.  I’m using different footwork while improving on my defense, things like that.”
Back in San Antonio, Barrios trains with his father Martin, who’s been with him since the amateurs when he started boxing at age 9.  They’ve come along way together and have a special bond.
“My dad has always been there for me,” Barrios continued. “In addition to teaching me how to be a man, he taught me how to box and stay out of trouble.  It’s tough finding sparring sometimes, but he’s always there to make the necessary sacrifices to get someone. He understands what it’s going to take for me to take my career to the next level, and I appreciate him for that.  Together we make a very strong team.”
Barrios, who lives in nearby San Antonio, Texas, knows how important it will be to shine on national television.  With a huge crowd expected to show support, Barrios is ready to his mark in the super-featherweight division.
“With this fight being shown on Fox Sports, I know it’s my time to show everyone in my division, including those who will be watching on television, why I’ve worked so hard to get to this position.” Mario Barrios concluded. “A lot of close friends and family will be there is show support, so I’m coming with everything I got.  I don’t care who the opponent is, I’ll be ready to impress.”
Tickets priced at $125$85$75$45 and $25, not including applicable fees, for this live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302.  Tickets can also be purchased at the Austin City Music Hall box office.

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE READY FOR PRIME TIME

Birmingham, Alabama (September 25, 2015) –  World heavyweight championship boxing returns to prime-time television tomorrow evening on NBCafter over thirty-years.  Two bouts will be televised and featured in the co-main event of the live Premier Boxing Champions telecast is undefeated heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (15-0, 14 KO’s).

Breazeale, who will be opening up the live telecast is truly excited and thankful for the opportunity to show that he is ready to take on the top fighters of the heavyweight division.  Speaking at the press conference yesterday, Breazeale stated the following, “I want to thank Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions for this opportunity.  This is a dream come true for me and I intend to make the best of it.  I respect my opponent Fred Kassi, but this is business and I am coming out looking for the early knockout.”

“I need to make a statement and what better statement than to impose my will on this man and take him out in the early rounds in front of a nationally televised audience.  Deontay Wilder is fighting in the main-event after my bout so I am sure he will be watching.  Everyone is going to know who I am after this fight and know that I am coming for those world heavyweight titles.  I want to bring that fear and respect back to American heavyweight boxing,” said Breazeale.

The Premier Boxing Champions live telecast kicks off at 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST on NBC.

“Here Comes Trouble
 
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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC DEONTAY WILDER VS. JOHANN DUHAUPAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 
Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Stephonia Mclinn
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 24, 2015) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and French heavyweight Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas faced-off for the first time Thursday before they enter the ring for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday, September 26 from the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference was 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale who battles “Big” Fred Kassi in a 10-round heavyweight bout and undefeated prospect Charles “Missouri” Martinwho takes on Vicente “Bufalo” Sandez in 10-rounds of heavyweight action.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I’m so happy to have the opportunity to defend my title in my home state. I just defended my title a few months ago and I can’t wait to do it again.
“I’m always looking to have my face on new networks and NBC is where a lot of the greats that came before me started. I can’t wait to display my talent on the network. I can’t wait for Saturday night.
“This is my happiest point. Words can’t even express the feeling that I have. I love what I do. I’m so passionate about boxing. If she was a woman, I’d put a ring on her.
“I’d like to thank Duhaupas for accepting the challenge. If anyone is looking past him, they’re a fool. He’s a tall guy, with a good record who’s never been knocked out. I have friends all over the world who have told me not to look past him.
“Any man that steps in the ring, definitely gets my full attention in respect. The heavyweights are the hard-hitters. When people get dressed up to see a heavyweight fight, there’s one thing they want to see – knockouts.
“Right now, there are two tall guys with power that are determined and dedicated. There is one challenger, trying to become the first heavyweight champion from his country. There is a difference between being here for the opportunity or for the money. Guys here for the opportunity, they come to fight.
“I’ve been training extremely hard for this opportunity. I have a great team behind me. I’ve worked so hard to get that belt and I have to work even harder to keep it. I have a target on my back now. I love that feeling of the world wanting what I have.
“I’m excited to be back home once more. I’m excited about all the fans that will be tuning in on NBC. It’s going to be a packed crowd full of my people.
“I’m taking this very seriously. This is one of the biggest fights of my career. I’m ready to defend this title. Now is the time.”
JOHANN DUHAUPAS
“I’m very thankful to be here and I’m so glad I accepted this fight. I’m someone who has worked very hard to be here.
“It’s because of all my hard work that I am here today, ready to fight for a world title. I’ve traveled a lot to train with the best boxers in the world. I am here for a reason, and that is to win the title on Saturday.
“It’s an immense pleasure to be boxing here in the United States. It’s been a magical country to me ever since I was little. When I walk around in the streets here, I feel like I’m in the movies.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s an honor to be on a stage like this with Deontay Wilder. I got some fireworks coming as well. I’m planning to stop the show early.”
CHARLES MARTIN
“I’m coming to bring fireworks on Saturday night and to let you know what a superstar looks like. Thank you for coming out and I’m looking forward to putting on a show.”
JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer
“It’s great to be here. I’m looking around the room and I see a lot of phenomenal fighters who are going to be on this undercard. You don’t want to be late because you want to see all of these guys.
“This is going to be a great heavyweight title fight. Scouting a guy like Johann Duhaupas is not easy. He’s big and strong with a great record. He’s never been stopped. He’s tough, determined and ready for the challenge.
“If anyone is looking past Duhaupas, it’s not us. We’ve been focused on him since day one. This is the biggest challenge of Deontay Wilder’s career. Deontay knows what a challenge this is.
“We had 12 sparring partners come into camp, which is more than we’ve ever had. That’s because we know what a big event and challenge this is. We’re not looking past anybody.
“This is one of the best camps we’ve ever had. We’re in the gym day in and day out. That’s where the real work is done. You’ll see it all pay-off on Saturday night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“It’s amazing to see how much excitement there is here for Deontay. He is the finest young athlete that we have in the sport. On Saturday night you’ll be able to see him in action for the third time this year, which is an amazing thing.
“Deontay fighting this often proves that he is dedicated to his craft and to improving. He’s already one of the best heavyweights in the world today and he’s still a work in progress.
“To put on gloves for the first time at 21 and to win a Bronze a couple of years later and win a world title while still in his twenties, it’s tremendous. What he can do between now and 39, will be truly special.
“Having Deontay fighting on free television is a big deal. NBC primetime is a big deal. The heavyweight division has suffered some decline. I’ve watched Muhammad Ali fight on free television. Some of the greatest of all time developed on free television.
“I’m so excited about a lot of people getting the chance to see this young, charismatic champion fight on free television.”
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For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC DEONTAY WILDER VS. JOHANN DUHAUPAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Natalie Mussafer
Birmingham, AL (September 24) – Just days away from the heavyweight main event showdown between Deontay Wilder and Johann Duhaupas, fighters featured on this Saturday’s fight card from Legacy Arena in Birmingham participated in a media workout Wednesday to officially kickoff fight week. The NBC telecast begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
 
In the co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale will enter the ring against the crafty “Big” Fred Kassi in a 10-round heavyweight showdown in the co-main event.
Below please find what the fighters had to say:
 
Deontay Wilder:
“I’m just ready to fight. Anybody can be knocked out. It just takes the right amount of time and patience. You have to set up for it. Some guys can take punches better than others, but I don’t think he’s faced any guy with the charisma that I bring to the ring.
“I don’t look at video or any of that stuff. I like to adjust when I get into the ring. It get’s me involved mentally and I can show off my IQ in the ring. I can’t wait for that bell to ring.
“When you talk about the heavyweight division, all of the guys and big and strong. You have to respect each fighter. At the end of the day, the records don’t matter. It’s about who’s the toughest, who’s the smartest and whose the most motivated in the ring.
“For all of my fights I’ve been gaining more experience. I knew I could go rounds and take punches even though people didn’t think I could. With this fight, it’s a new style and a new opponent, so I might have to bring out something I haven’t had to in my career.
“Each and every time I fight it’s a learning experience. Inside the ring and outside. I’m a busy champion. I want to be the biggest name around. I’m the right man for the job.
“I love this sport. I’m married to this sport and I’m not going anywhere. My hand is stronger than it was before my last fight and I look forward to putting it to the test.”
 
 
Johann Duhaupas:
“I’m very confident in myself and solid in my training. I have great confidence in all of the work that I have put in.
“Deontay’s a great fighter that hits very hard. I know that we’re in his neighborhood and that puts extra pressure on the fight. Either way, it’s a world title fight. Doesn’t make a difference if it’s in his backyard or mine.
“I’m not the first guy he asked to fight. Several refused before me but I’m the one who accepted the fight.
“We’ve got a great strategy in place. I have 15 years of experience. He’s a wonderful adversary, but like us all, he has weaknesses that I can expose.
“It’s been an honor to come to the United States. I feel like I’m in the movies that I used to watch as a child. I really appreciate this country.
“Height is always an issue when facing a taller guy, but it will be up to me to take care of that. I’ve fought several guys taller than me and I’ll be ready.
“I’m confident in myself and I’ll be equally as confident in the ring. I’m ready to deliver the knockout.”
Dominic Breazeale:
“A win in a small town is great. A win in a huge town is great. A win on national television is amazing. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m looking for the knockout on Saturday night.
“This is a great experience for me. I’m trying to design my own road map to the world title. Deontay and I have taken different paths, but I know eventually we will be fighting for the same belt.
“PBC is doing some great things and it’s great to be back in this position. It’s phenomenal. These are the things you dream about when you’re a kid. I’m glad to be on this huge stage.
“I’m an aggressive, boxer-slugger type of fighter. I’m always looking for that big punch. When I land it, the lights go out.
“Last fight I got hit with some shots I shouldn’t have taken. This time I want to be more sound defensively. I’ve worked on my jab a lot and I want to establish that.
“Slugging is the only way I know how [to fight]. I never want to go the distance. Fans want to see someone get hurt. I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Fred Kassi
“I don’t know too much about Breazeale. After the fight, I can rank how good he is right now.
“I just have to be smart in there. I have to let him make a mistake and counter those mistakes.
“It’s going to be a great fight because I always come to fight. I’ve come up short a couple of times but I am coming here to win!”
 Jay Deas, Wilder’s Trainer:
“We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing. Deontay is fighting at a pace that has never been done before. No heavyweight champion has ever fought as frequently as Deontay Wilder is fighting. He’s fought three times in nine months.
“The possible fights with Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin take time to get done. While those are coming together, we’re fighting different guys. These guys here come to win. This guy can be an instant millionaire in one night.
“We work day in and day out. I’ve been there with Deontay since his first day in the gym in 2005. We had a plan, we stuck to the plan and it turned out to be the right plan.
“Deontay is the hardest worker in the game today. American has been wanting a heavyweight that is charismatic, energetic, wants to fight often, has a knockout punch, has the looks and everything that the heavyweight champ should have. He’s the man for the job.
“Deontay is never out of shape. We put a heart monitor on him and that thing does not lie. It will show you that Deontay is in shape and that’s why we are always ready to fight.
“Without Duhaupas there is no Klitschko, there is no Fury and there is no Povetkin, period. We’re gunning for the biggest opportunities possible but it starts on Saturday night.
“In the heavyweight division, anybody on the right night can be champion. That’s why it’s our job to make sure Deontay is ready mentally and physically. We know he’s ready.”
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Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 and are on sale now. For Tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. For video clips go to www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

MARIO BARRIOS TO FACE EDUARDO RIVERA THIS SATURDAY IN ALABAMA


Photo By Lucas Noonan – PBC
SAN ANTONIO, TX (September 23, 2015) – Unbeaten super-featherweight phenom, Mario Barrios (11-0, 6 KOs), has an opponent for his upcoming fight taking place this Saturday at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.  Barrios will face Mexico’s Eduardo Rivera (9-2-2, 3 KOs) in an 8-roiund bout.
“I’m happy they found an opponent for me,” said San Antonio Texas native Mario Barrios. “This will be my first time fighting in Alabama, so I’m excited to put on a great performance for the fans the will be in attendance.  Like every Mexican fighter, I know Rivera is coming to fight.  I’m expecting rough fight and I’m prepared to go the distance if I have to.”
PBC on NBC is headlined by heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) vs. Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs) with televised coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.  The broadcast will switch over to NBCSN at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

Mario Barrios Exicted About Making Rapid Return To The Ring 9/6 in Alabama


Photo By Lucas Noonan – PBC
SAN ANTONIO, TX (September 17, 2015) – Undefeated super-featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (11-0, 6 KOs), makes a rapid return to the ring as he will fight an opponent TBA on the Wilder vs. Duhaupas card, taking place at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, Saturday, September 26.
This will be the third 8-round bout for the San Antonio, Texas native.  In his last bout which took place on September 6th in Corpus, Christi, TX, Barrios scored an impressive fourth round TKO over Jose Cen Torres.  A body shot to the liver ended the bout at the 2:10 mark of the round.  Looking to stay active, Barrios is relishing at the opportunity to fight on another high profile card.
“This will be my second fight in September and I’m very pleased with the way my career is going.” said Mario Barrios. “I love staying active and I’m getting more comfortable in the ring with each fight.  Fighting in Alabama for the first time, on a big card featuring the heavyweight campion of the world, will be a great experience.  You can expect me to impose my game plan on my opponent, whoever that might be.”
PBC on NBC is headlined by heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) vs. Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs) with televised coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.  The broadcast will switch over to NBCSN at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.