Tag Archives: McJoe Arroyo

Unbeaten Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. Battles Undefeated Four-Division World Champion Mikey Garcia In Historic Showdown On First Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event


Saturday, March 16 From AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

Tickets On Sale Now at SeatGeek.com

Blockbuster Event to Feature Unbeaten Former 168-Pound Champion David Benavidez, Undefeated Former Bantamweight Champion Luis Nery & Fan Favorite Chris Arreola In Separate Bouts on Four-Fight Pay-Per-View Card


 
ARLINGTON, TX. (February 14, 2019) – Unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. defends his title against undefeated four-division champion Mikey Garcia in a highly anticipated and historic showdown for pound-for-pound supremacy that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
 
The four-fight pay-per-view card will also see unbeaten former super middleweight world champion David Benavidez taking on veteran contender J’Leon Love in a 10-round showdown, undefeated former 118-pound champion Luis Nery battling former champion McJoe Arroyo in a 10-round attraction and fan-favorite Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola facing unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin for 10-rounds of action.
 
Tickets for this showdown, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.
 
Spence and Garcia will go face-to-face on Saturday, February 16 at a press conference in Los Angeles that will air live on FOX from the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. The press conference is open to ticket holders for the Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera featherweight championship fight.

On Tuesday, February 19, Spence and Garcia will square off at a press conference from 
AT&T Stadium where they will finally go toe-to-toe on March 16.
 
Garcia is stepping up two weight classes from his last fight to challenge Spence for the welterweight title in Spence’s backyard, not far from the Dallas suburb of DeSoto where Spence grew up a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. Garcia will be fighting in Texas for the ninth time as a pro and figures to be buoyed by the large contingent of Mexican and Mexican-American fans that will be in attendance.
 
His task has historical parallels to the paths taken by great fighters like Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao, who all moved up multiple weight classes to challenge all-time great welterweights. Mosley and Pacquiao were both successful in moving up from lightweight to defeat Oscar De La Hoya, while Marquez’s rise to welterweight was halted in a decision loss to Floyd Mayweather.
 
Spence is a power-punching welterweight who has stopped his last 11 opponents heading into this intriguing matchup against the brilliant tactician that Garcia has established himself as. With a clash of two superb boxers in the prime of their careers and squarely in the top-five of the mythical pound-for-pound rankings, the winner can stake a claim as the best boxer in the sport today.
 
“Errol Spence Jr. vs. Mikey Garcia is a matchup of two highly-skilled and accomplished fighters in a true blockbuster showdown,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Fans will get to see the hometown hero Spence against the Mexican-American superstar Garcia with huge contingents of fans uplifting them to put on a performance to match the moment. Combined with a jam-packed pay-per-view undercard of action fights, this has all the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime event.” 
 
“Spence vs. Garcia is an event that transcends boxing and is a coronation that will crown the new ‘King of Boxing,'” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “In addition to the main event, fight fans will be treated to a spectacular night of boxing featuring three of the most exciting Mexican fighters in the sport in David Benavidez, Luis Nery and Chris Arreola. This is exactly what a pay-per-view card is and should be all about: entertainment and non-stop action from the first bell to the last!”
 
“We are proud to host a boxing match of this magnitude with Errol Spence Jr. and Mikey Garcia,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “AT&T Stadium was built to house the greatest sporting events on the planet, and we feel we have another incredible boxing event on the horizon with this matchup in our building on March 16.”
 
Spence (24-0, 21 KOs) is no stranger to big stadium events as he won the IBF title by traveling to England to take on then-champion Kell Brook at Bramhall Lane soccer stadium on May 27, 2017. In front of a raucous crowd of over 27,000 loyal Brook supporters, the 28-year-old Spence stopped Brook in round 11 to wrest away the title.
 
This will be Spence’s third defense of the title. After beating Brook, he successfully defended it with an eighth-round stoppage of two-division champion Lamont Peterson and then knocked out mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in the first round in his last fight at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, near his hometown of Desoto, Texas on June 16. Spence turned pro shortly after representing the U.S. at the 2012 London Olympics with much promise and rose to the championship ranks with wins over former champion Chris Algieri and veteran contenders Leonard Bundu, Alejandro Barrera and Chris van Heerden.
 
“I can’t wait for March 16th. It doesn’t get bigger than this,” said Spence. “Fighting at AT&T Stadium in my hometown is a dream come true. If I beat Mikey Garcia the way I plan on beating him, I will be the guy in the sport. This is my year and Mikey isn’t going to stop me. I am training like this is the biggest fight of my life and I want to put on a great show for the fans and win convincingly.”
 
Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) is striving to put together a legendary career and is aggressively pursuing that goal. He has won world championships at featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight. He now eyes a welterweight title against the consensus class of the division in Spence. Fighting out of Moreno Valley, California, Garcia unified the IBF and WBC Lightweight World Championships in his last bout by scoring unanimous decision victory over Robert Easter, Jr. on July 28.
 
The 31-year-old first reached the championship ranks by blitzing through the featherweight and junior lightweight division, defeating Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez, Roman Martinez and Juan Carlos Burgos to establish himself as a star in the sport. Garcia has been on a fast track since ending a nearly 2-1/2-year hiatus with a knockout victory over Elios Rojas in 2016. After the victory over Rojas, Garcia scored a KO victory over Dejan Zlaticanin for the WBC lightweight championship in January 2017, before defeating four-division champion Adrien Broner in July and then captured a title at 140-pounds by dropping and defeating Sergey Lipinets last March.
 
“In my career I’ve always sought to fight the best in boxing and this fight against Errol Spence Jr. is just that,” said Garcia. “I want to be known as one of the all-time greats and what better way to do that than to win a welterweight title and become a five-division world champion. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Errol and what he’s accomplished, but I fully expect to leave the ring at AT&T Stadium with the welterweight world title. This is a match that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time and I plan on giving the fans a performance they’ll never forget.”
 
The 22-year-old Benavidez (20-0, 17 KOs) became the youngest fighter to ever win a super middleweight title in 2017 when he defeated Ronald Gavril at just 20-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez’s older brother Jose is also a pro fighter who challenged Terrence Crawford last year. Benavidez most recently won a rematch against Gavril last February, and as WBC “Champion in Recess” he will look to reclaim his belt against the winner of the Anthony Dirrell vs. Avni Yildirim bout for the vacant title on February 23.
 
Born in Detroit but fighting out of Las Vegas, Love (24-2-1, 13 KOs) has long been amongst the top contenders at super middleweight and most recently lost a decision to Peter Quillin in August. The 31-year-old had been previously unbeaten in seven bouts heading into the contest against Quillin.
 
Currently riding a nine-fight knockout streak, Nery (28-0, 24 KOs) will look to get one step closer to a fight to regain a bantamweight title when he steps into the ring March 16. The 24-year-old from Tijuana, Mexico twice traveled to Japan and stopped Shinsuke Yamanaka in WBC title fights. In 2018 he stopped Jason Canoy and Renson Robles heading into his U.S. debut against Arroyo.
 
A 2008 Olympian for his home country of Puerto Rico, Arroyo (18-2. 8 KOs) captured a 115-pound championship with a technical decision over Arthur Villanueva in their 2015 clash. After dropping decisions against Rau’shee Warren and Jerwin Ancajas, the 33-year-old most recently defeated Sander Diaz last June.
 
An exciting brawler inside the ring, Arreola (37-5-1, 32 KOs) is well-known for challenging the best heavyweights in the sport throughout his career, and for becoming a popular attraction in and around his native Los Angeles for his fighting style and persona. The 37-year-old faced the likes of Vitali Klitschko, Tomasz Adamek, and Bermane Stiverne, before challenging Deontay Wilder for his title in 2016. After a brief retirement, Arreola returned to stop Maurenzo Smith last December.
 
Unbeaten and fighting out of Louisville, Augustin (17-0-1, 12 KOs) will face his toughest and most experienced test to date in Arreola. Born in Haiti, Augustin turned pro in 2014 and has steadily climbed up the heavyweight rankings.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage
 and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
 
About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

MIKEY GARCIA OUTPOINTS ADRIEN BRONER BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MAIN EVENT SATURDAY  ON SHOWTIME®  FROM  BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

Jermall Charlo KO’s Jorge Sebastian Heiland in Four Rounds In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
Catch The Replay Monday At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT On 
SHOWTIME EXTREME® 
Click HERE for Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos: Credit Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
BROOKLYN (July 30, 2017) – Three-division world champion Mikey Garcia kept his undefeated record intact with a dominant 12-round performance against four-division world champion Adrien Broner in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Saturday on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
In what could be considered one of the best performances of his career, Garcia (37-0, 30 KO’s) won a unanimous decision by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.
“We trained for 10 weeks, we had a great training camp and great sparring, we knew it was going to be a tough fight,” Garcia said.
Garcia took the lead early on, showcasing fundamentally sound technique and backing Broner into the ropes midway through the second frame. A flurry of body shots put Broner in trouble in the second round. While Broner was able to stay on his feet, Garcia emerged with another round in his favor.
“I think I controlled the fight in the early rounds and I kept the activity up,” Garcia said. “Broner is a great fighter and he has great skills but I was the superior fighter tonight.”
Garcia showed a combination of jabs, power punches and body shots all night long. He cornered Broner on the ropes with a huge left hook halfway through the third frame, and backed him in to the ropes again with 39 seconds remaining in the round.  While Broner showed some movement in the fourth round and hit Garcia with a succession of 1-2 combinations, Garcia’s bodywork kept Broner at bay.
“It was part of the strategy to be a little busier in this fight than in the fights I have previously had,” Garcia said.
Broner (33-3, 24 KOs) looked to get back in the fight as he started the eighth round with a succession of sharp combinations, however his lack of consistency couldn’t withstand Garcia’s phenomenal body shots and overall punch output. Through eight rounds, Garcia had thrown a total of 500 punches, while Broner had just thrown 291.
“It was a good fight at the end of the day, I come to fight I come to win and I put my heart on the line,” Broner said. “But it was Tom & Jerry; I had to catch the mouse.”
Although Garcia had amassed an early lead from the first three-quarters of the fight, Broner continued to walk through heavy fire from Garcia in an attempt to connect with a big punch and change the tide of the fight. While he was able to ignite the crowd and land several big punches over the final three rounds, none of it proved to be enough to slow down Garcia.
“It was my timing, I’ve always said I have very good timing,” said Garcia. “It is underestimated when you are outside the ring but once you get inside the ring with me, I’m a step ahead.”
Undefeated Jermall Charlo (26-0, 20 KOs) made his debut at 160-pounds with a stoppage of Argentine contender Jorge Sebastian Heiland (29-5-2, 16 KOs) in the co-featured event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. The stoppage came at 2:13 of the fourth round after Charlo delivered a devastating left hook followed by a big right to end the fight.
Charlo, of Houston, Texas, dominated the pace from the beginning. He landed the sharper and more accurate punches throughout the fight, especially in the first round where he landed 50 percent of his power shots to Heiland’s 13 percent. Charlo’s straight right was his power weapon throughout the contest.
“I felt good at this weight. I was in good shape all camp,” said Charlo. “I just had to keep my composure in the ring. That’s always something I have to work on and I was able to do it.
“After I dropped him the first time they said he fell on top of his ankle. That’s just part of the boxing game. I had to just stay consistent and get the work done.”
Heiland, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, had issues with his left leg after injuring his knee in the first round. His discomfort was clear in his awkward footwork and lack of power behind his punches. Referee Benjy Esteves had the doctor examine him twice throughout the fight, once before the third round and then again before the fourth.
“I turned my left knee in the first round, but I did not want to give up,” said Heiland. “I tried to give it my all, but it was not my night. I had bad luck but I am going to work harder than ever to get back and get another opportunity to achieve my dream and win a world title.”
Charlo stayed focused on his game plan despite seeing his opponent injured. “Sometimes the injury can be a decoy, you never want to just jump in and think it’s part of his game plan,” Charlo said. “My coach told me to stay behind my jab like I did; continue to work and it’s going to come.”
With this win, Charlo becomes a mandatory challenger for the WBC Middleweight World Championship.
“I’m ready for anyone. I’m ready for whoever wants to fight me,” Charlo added. “Bring on the biggest names at 160. I’m the real Tommy Hearns. I feel it’s my turn and I’m going to go get it.”
Headlining the “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims,” heavyweight Jarrell Miller (19-0-1, 17 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., stopped former world title challenger Gerald Washington (18-2-1, 12 KOs) after eight-rounds.
Miller used his significant size advantage and effective power-punching to break down the former collegiate football player. Washington had some success early with his jab and body attack, but was not able to stay out of punching range of Miller
Washington surged in the sixth round with a series of power shots that staggered Miller, however the Brooklynite countered and further broke down Washington, who landed just 20% of his jabs overall.
Miller, who landed almost half of his power punches, continued the onslaught in the seventh and eight rounds, and while Washington was able to stay on his feet, he took enough punishment that his corner called the fight after the eighth round.
“I definitely felt the ring rust,” said Miller, who was making his third appearance on SHOWTIME. “Gerald was very tough. It was a very good fight that had me thinking. My power was there, but I couldn’t put it together the way I wanted to today.
“I took the hard way back coming in off of a layoff. Gerald definitely pushed me and motivated me. I had to rely on my brain and my power.
“I knew there would be a give and take in this fight. It’s one thing to fight when you have stamina, it’s another to fight when you’re tired. I was trying to outthink him.”
In the opening bout of “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims” on Facebook Live, Irish sensation Katie Taylor (6-0, 4 KOs) stopped Jasmine Clarkson (4-9) after three rounds of action in the latter fighter’s U.S. debut.
The Olympic Gold medalist was dominant from the outset, stalking her opponent around the ring and consistently trapping her in the corner. Taylor was effective with both hands and did most of her work to the head of Clarkson. After three rounds of damage, Clarkson’s corner stopped the bout and gave Taylor her first stateside win as a pro.
“It was a fantastic experience being my first time competing here in the U.S,” said Taylor. “There were definitely some nerves before the fight. It was great to go in there and get a stoppage.
“I hope that I made some fans tonight. I loved hearing the Irish fans in the crowd. I hope that there will be even more next time I fight here. The more fights I have here in the U.S. the better.
“I thought I performed pretty well. I definitely got caught with a few silly shots. I could have been cleaner but overall it was a good performance. I felt good and strong. I’ll be ready to get back in there as soon as possible.”
Additional action saw former world champion Rau’shee Warren (15-2, 4 KOs) earn a unanimous decision victory over former champion McJoe Arroyo (17-2, 8 KOs) and became the mandatory challenger for the IBF Junior Bantamweight World Title.
Warren attacked the body throughout the bout and landed the cleaner, more effective punches over the 12-round contest. The judges concurred and gave him the decision by scores of 118-10 and 117-111 twice.
“I would give myself a B+ for that performance,” said Warren. “I wanted to make sure to use my jab and I felt like it really helped me win the fight.
“I feel really good at this weight. Now it’s time for me to go get a strap. I haven’t been at this weight since the Olympics. I want to get these titles and then go down to 112 pounds for another title. First I want to take care of Jerwin Ancajas.”
Saturday’s fights will replay on Sunday, July 30 at 8:35 a.m. ET on SHOWTIME and on Monday, July 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.
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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®. PBC was sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and this event was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, , www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 

 

Premier Boxing Champions Event Saturday, July 29 from

 Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

 

BROOKLYN (July 27, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they headline a Premier Boxing Champions event Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlomeeting top contender Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator.

 

Undercard action on “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims” will stream live on Facebook and YouTube and will feature heavyweight contenders Gerald Washington and Jarrell Miller in a 10-round match, plus Irish sensation Katie Taylorin her U.S. debut.

 

Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Dream Hotel Downtown:

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“Just know that I’ll be ready on Saturday night. I’m not worried about how much he’ll weigh when we step into the ring. I’m ready for anything.

 

“Camp was tough, but it was great. I did a lot of things differently and made sure that I was doing everything right. I made sure not to cut any corners this camp.

 

“This is going to be a great fight for boxing. I’ve done my due diligence. I’m going to take care of business. I just know myself and know what I’m capable of.

 

“Every fight is a must-win in this sport. There’s no fight you go into with a loss on your mind. I’m going to put on a show on Saturday.

 

“I laugh when people write me off. I’m used to being the underdog coming from where I come from. People don’t know what I’ve been through to get to this point. I’m blessed to be where I’m at. Saturday night there will be a lot more room on the bandwagon.

 

“We’ll see who’s on the pound-for-pound list after Saturday night. We could have fought years ago but the time is now and I’m ready.

 

“I’m glad that the Garcia team took this fight as quickly as we did. I’ve been taking everything seriously in Colorado. I know Mikey will be ready too. Robert Garcia definitely has some confidence from beating me with Marcos Maidana. But Mikey is not Maidana.

 

“I just don’t feel like Mikey will be able to do anything to stop me from getting the victory. I’m sure he’s confident too. After I make it look easy, I want everyone to write about it and say something good.

 

“I can make anybody quit in the ring. Mikey is no different. If I execute and stay focused, don’t be surprised. I’m ready for this fight.

 

Saturday is going to be a special day for me. My birthday is tomorrow. I’m almost 30. I want to dedicate this victory to my twin brother Andre. Seeing his smile will make it even more special for me.”

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

“I’m prepared to go 12 hard rounds with Adrien Broner. This is a high profile fight. Probably more than my other fights. It’s created a lot of buzz amongst fans and media. Everyone is anticipating a great fight. This is a great matchup that can take me to the next level.

 

“I don’t think that he’s going to be desperate but he knows that I’m not an easy opponent. That’s why he’s taken camp so seriously. I expect him to be at his best and be ready. He knows that if he beats me he can launch his career back to where it was.

 

“He’s a four-division world champion so clearly he has the skills. I need someone who is hungry and motivated to bring out the best in me. My main focus is getting the win by any means necessary.

 

“I’m going to lo look to box effectively and show that I’m the better fighter. We’re both smart fighters but neither of us will run from the other. When you have styles like ourselves, with two guys who like to exchange punches, you’re in for a great battle.

 

“I think Adrien will be fine with the weight. He’s a pro and he knows that he really has to make weight. He’s learned from his mistakes. Sometimes he jokes around but that’s just part of his character. He takes things a lot more seriously because he’s facing me.

 

“If I can get this win, I just want to keep moving forward and fulfilling my dreams. I want to be in huge fights consistently. This is a crossroads fight for both of us to get to that level.

 

“I’m very excited to be here. Brooklyn was very kind to me when I fought here last year. I expect the fans to be here and show up like they always do on Saturday. There are incredible boxing fans in New York.

 

“I’m here to prove that I’m back and stronger than ever. This is another opportunity to show the kind of fighter that I am. I won’t let Adrien Broner stand in my way. This is my chance to show the best version of myself.”

 

JERMALL CHARLO

 

“I feel great and ready to make my debut at 160 pounds. Camp has gone smoothly. I’m ready to dominate this division like I did 154 pounds. My plan is to care of Heiland and then everything else will fall into line from there.

 

“This is a bigger, better and stronger version of Jermall Charlo. Everything has come together during camp. Ronnie Shields runs a great camp and I believe he’s continuing to bring the best out of me.

 

“I’m completely focused on this matchup. I know that I can’t get any of the big fights that I crave without taking care of Heiland. I’m going to break him down and if the knockout comes, I’ll make sure to take advantage.

 

“My hat is off to Adrien Broner and Mikey Garcia for bringing out all the fans and media for this great show. It’s a real thrill to be a part of this event.”

 

JORGE SEBASTIAN HEILAND

 

“I’m thankful to everyone who has welcomed me to New York. I’m happy to have this big opportunity and I’m 100 percent prepared for whatever Jermall Charlo brings. Jermall is a great fighter and I know that he is going to bring everything he has.

 

“I’ve had an amazing camp and I’ve never felt more prepared for an opportunity than this. I was very patient and I will take full advantage. My plan is to leave everything in the ring on Saturday.

 

“My team has been with me for a long time as I waited for this opportunity. Be ready because it’s going to be a battle and a great matchup on Saturday. You won’t want to miss it.”

 

GERALD WASHINGTON

 

“I came here to go to work. I’m going to shut that big mouth of his up. I hope someone is holding him accountable for all the words he’s been saying. You’re in there with a real one on Saturday night. I’m going to welcome you to this game for real.

 

“I’m sure he’ll try to bring some extra pressure. I’m going to introduce him to a new class of boxing. I’ve taken a lot from my experiences in training camp with Wladimir Klitschko and in the ring with Deontay Wilder. You’ll see the difference on Saturday.

 

“I’m still growing in this sport. I’ve been learning on the job this whole time and each experience just means so much to me. I wanted to take on a tough undefeated fighter because I knew that it would make it a great fight.

 

“This is most definitely ending inside of the distance. I’m coming after him. I’m going to wear him out. Then it’s time to take him out.”

 

JARRELL MILLER

 

“If you don’t know who “Big Baby” is, you soon will. I’ve never seen anyone get knocked out and get praised for it, but that’s what people are doing for Washington. I’ve never been hurt in my life in the ring and I’ll prove it on Saturday.

 

“This guy said he’s going to introduce me to big-time boxing. I’ve been in front of huge crowds and I’ve come through with knockout wins. I’ll be more than ready on Saturday night.

 

“I’ve got big plans in this sport and this is only the start. Brooklyn fans loved their hometown heavyweights Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe. I’m going to be next in that line and this city will love me.”

 

KATIE TAYLOR

 

“It’s incredible to be here in New York and to make my US debut on this incredible card. It’s truly a privilege.

 

“Training has gone so well and I’m so happy that SHOWTIME will stream the fight. It’s incredible for my fans overseas and all fans of women’s boxing.

 

“I hope to make a strong statement this weekend and I hope everyone enjoys the fight on Saturday night.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

“This is definitely a must-see event on Saturday night. Two great fighters, fighting at the right time, both in the prime of their careers. It’s going to be a great show.

 

“One of the main reasons why boxing is going to the next level is because the people at the top have a vision of seeing great fights. We have another great example of that this Saturday night at Barclays Center

 

“Anytime you have a great event, it’s going to start with the undercard. We have a lot of young fighters looking to show off their skills. We’re thrilled to have our very own Richardson Hitchins and Kenny Robles competing in exciting undercard action.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

“A month from now there will be a huge event in Las Vegas, but two days from now there is the best fight card of the summer, the best fight of the summer, and a great show from top to bottom at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

“This is a great summer of boxing for SHOWTIME and it’s great to be in this room and see all the great attention that this fight card is getting. This is one of the best representations that we can have of our sport. This is one of the most stacked cards I’ve ever been involved with.

 

“There are a lot of good reasons to get a ticket and come to Barclays Center on Saturday night. There will be a strong Irish presence on the card Saturday with both Katie Taylor and Noel Murphy entering the ring.”

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

 

Saturday is a testament to SHOWTIME’s commitment to boxing and boxing fans. We’ve worked hard to deliver the most important bouts from around the world. We have three separate telecasts, five fights, across two continents.

 

“We will also be streaming Katie Taylor’s U.S. debut. People know Katie from reputation alone, and we thought it was important to have her fight seen. The heavyweight fight between Gerald Washington and Jarrell Miller is another one that deserves to be seen and I think it could be the fight that steals the show.

 

“The main event has two of the brightest young stars in boxing. They both feel like they’ve been on this stage for a while. You know their resumes and you have to give them all of the credit in the world for taking this fight. Neither had to take this fight, but it will be one of the most exciting matchups of the summer.

 

“We have had 19 live presentations and 15 world title fights so far and we’re proud of what we’ve done accomplished so far. Boxing has had a great year and much of that has been carried by SHOWTIME boxing. That will continue this Saturday.”

 

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

 

“This card is our fourth major card this year. It’s been an incredible year for BROOKLYN BOXING. We’ve made a commitment to bring the best boxing to the borough. With all of our partners help, we have been able to accomplish that.

 

“We welcome both of these fighters back to Brooklyn. They’ve both built fan bases and we’re excited to see both of them back in the building and in the ring on Saturday.

 

“The whole night of boxing is going to be incredible. I welcome Jermall Charlo to Brooklyn, your brother had a great night in April and I’m sure you will follow in his footsteps.”

 

 

#          #          #

 

ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and this event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

VIDEO: ADRIEN BRONER FLUSHING OUT THE NEGATIVE AS HE PREPARES TO FACE MIKEY GARCIA THIS SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

“I feel like my back is against the wall.  Everybody is counting me out once again.” – Adrien Broner

 

SHOWTIME Sports® Video Feature: http://s.sho.com/2tKCUR0

 

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Four-division world champion Adrien Broner has taken a unique approach as he prepares to face undefeated three-division titlist Mikey Garcia this Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).  One of only 16 four-division champions in boxing history, the outspoken Broner is practicing yoga in his Colorado Springs-based camp as he attempts to minimize the distractions and focus on perhaps the biggest fight of his career. 

 

“I feel like my back is against the wall,” Broner says in this SHOWTIME Sports video feature.  “Everybody is counting me out once again.

 

“Don’t get me wrong, he can fight, he can box.  But, at the end of the day, I just don’t see him beating me.” 

 

Broner faces Garcia in a matchup of two of boxing’s biggest stars in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.  Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlo returns to face Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator.  The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  

 

# # #

 

ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and this event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO DELIVER THREE SEPARATE LIVE BOXING PRESENTATIONS ON SATURDAY, JULY 29  

 

 

Live Coverage of Broner vs. Garcia Undercard Plus Carl Frampton Homecoming Bout Available On Digital Platforms Preceding SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

 

NEW YORK (July 25, 2017) – SHOWTIME Sports will offer three separate boxing presentations on Saturday, July 29, delivering two digital live streams preceding the evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING televised doubleheader.  The digital-only offerings will be available on Facebook Live and YouTube prior to the live SHOWTIME® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, as the network continues its unrivaled commitment to boxing.

 

The full day of high-stakes boxing will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT with streaming coverage from Belfast, Ireland as 2016 Fighter of the Year Carl Frampton makes his long-awaited homecoming.  The former two-division titlist Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) will face once-beaten Andres Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs) in a 12-round featherweight bout, his first since splitting a par of slugfests with three-division world titlist Leo Santa Cruz.  Coverage of Frampton vs. Gutierrez will be provided by Channel 5, a television station in Northern Ireland.

 

SHOWTIME Sports will then deliver live coverage from Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT with “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims”.   The two-fight live stream will feature former world title challenger Gerald Washington (18-1-1, 12 KOs) against Brooklyn native Jarrell Miller (18-0-1, 16 KOs), plus the U.S. debut of female boxing star and Irish Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Taylor (5-0, 3 KOs).  Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the live streaming fights from Brooklyn alongside former world champion Daniel Jacobs.

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims and Frampton vs. Gutierrez will be available to U.S. audiences only.

 

The July 29 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a blockbuster matchup between two of boxing’s biggest stars as three-division world champion Mikey Garcia moves up to 140 pounds to face four-division champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner.  Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as unbeaten former world champion Jermall Charlo returns to face Jorge Sebastian Heiland in a middleweight world title eliminator.  The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims is an extension of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME, which is the first premium television series to offer live undercard coverage.  Both offerings provide bonus bouts to viewers at home, delivering an experience that was previously available only to fans in arena.  Via SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims, viewers are afforded the unique opportunity to interact with the boxing community during the event in real time.

 

SHOWTIME Sports also will live stream the Broner vs. Garcia final press conference on Thursday and the official weigh-in on Friday across digital platforms, including Facebook Live and YouTube.

 

Former Bantamweight Champion Rau’shee Warren Battles Former Champion McJoe Arroyo in Junior Bantamweight World Title Eliminator Saturday, July 29 from  Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 
Premier Boxing Champions Event Headlined by
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Showdown live on SHOWTIME
 
BROOKLYN (July 20, 2017) – Former world champion Rau’shee Warren will return to the ring in a junior bantamweight world title eliminator against former 115-pound champion McJoe Arroyo as part of undercard action on Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
The July 29 event is headlined by a super lightweight showdown between four-division world champion Adrien Broner and unbeaten three-division world champion Mikey Garcia, in a 12-round bout presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature unbeaten Jermall Charlo facing Argentina’s Jorge Sebastian Heiland plus highlights of the heavyweight matchup between former title challenger Gerald Washington and unbeaten Jarrell Miller.
Warren (14-2, 4 KOs) and Arroyo (17-1, 8 KOs) will meet in a 12-round battle to determine who will be the IBF’s mandatory challenger for the junior bantamweight belt currently held by Jerwin Ancajas.
“I’m hungry to get back in the ring and get myself back into world title contention with a win on July 29,” said Warren. “I know that I’m going to be a world champion again and that all starts with this fight. I’ve been working hard in the gym and getting comfortable at the smaller weight. I’m going to be ready to perform when fight night comes.”
“I’ve been training a long time for this matchup as we awaited the official fight date,” said Arroyo. “This is a good opportunity for me and I am going to be at my best to win this fight and get a world title opportunity. I know Warren is a good boxer, so I will be in great shape.”
Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“The fight taking place on July 29th between Adrien Broner and Mikey Garcia is already worth tuning in for,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Fight fans can expect pure entertainment all night, and the excitement leading up to the main event continues with the addition of the always exciting contender Rau’shee Warren vs. McJoe Arroyo who will meet in a title eliminator. Both fighters have a lot to prove and are extremely hungry, so it will be exciting to see who comes out on top come July 29th in front of thousands of fans at Barclays Center.”
“Both Rau’shee Warren and McJoe Arroyo are Olympians and former world champions. They are also all-action fighters,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a can’t-miss fight that makes a great boxing card even better. Working with PBC and Mayweather Promotions, we have put together one of the best off-TV undercards in memory. SHOWTIME has a great card, but people should be flocking to Ticketmaster to join us at Barclays Center for a night of incredible action.”
A three-time Olympian, Warren competed for the U.S. in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 games before turning pro. The 30-year-old picked up victories over veterans Jose Luis Araiza, Javier Gallo, German Meraz and Jhon Alberto Molina leading up to his first world title shot in 2015. After dropping a controversial split-decision in their first fight, Warren defeated Juan Carlos Payano by majority decision in the rematch in June 2016 and became the first member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team to win a world title. After dropping a split-decision to Zhanat Zhakiyanov in February, Warren will look to put himself right back in title contention against Arroyo.
A 2008 Olympian for his native Puerto Rico, Arroyo won bronze medals at the 2007 World Amateur Championships and the 2006 Central American Games. The 31-year-old was unbeaten in his first 17 professional bouts including a technical decision victory over Arthur Villanueva in 2015 that earned him a vacant super flyweight world title. After losing a decision to Ancajas last September, Arroyo seeks another world title fight and a rematch with Ancajas if he is able to defeat Warren on July 29.
#          #          #
ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and this event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, , www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment

Mexico’s Jose Alfredo Rodriguez Determined to Win Second World Championship on January 29 Against ‘Pretty Boy’ Ancajas

Mexico‘s Jose Alfredo “Torito” Rodriguez is promising fireworks in his upcoming world title challenge.
On Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the Studio City Casino in Macao, China, Rodriguez (32-4, 19 KOs), of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, will attempt to win his second world championship by challenging Cavite City, Philippines’ IBF World Super Flyweight Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (25-1-1, 16 KOs) over 12 rounds.
 
The former interim WBA Light Flyweight Champion Rodriguez says he’s determined to get back where he belongs in boxing.
 
“I took two years off of boxing and missed being a champion. I came back last year on a mission to win another title and that’s what I’m going to do,” said Rodriguez. “Nothing can stop me. When I am given the proper time to prepare, I am one of the world’s best. That is what I will show against Ancajas.”
 
The southpaw Ancajas won his title in September of last year with a unanimous decision over McJoe Arroyo. The fight against Rodriguez will be his first defense.
 
Rodriguez’s manager José A. Acevedo of Free Agent Boxing Management, says his fighter is getting top-level training for this showdown.
 
“Torito is working with his great trainer, Gil Gastelum, at Big Time Boxing in Port St. Lucie, Florida and Caicedo Sport Training Center in Miami,” said Acevedo. “And more importantly, he is sparring with some excellent fighters to get ready, including former world champ Juan Carlos Payano, WBA-NABA Bantamweight Champ Stephon Young and upcoming featherweight title challenger Claudio Marrero amongst others. This is the best I’ve ever seen him look. He is very determined to win this championship. Thanks to Manny Pacquiao and Sean Gibbons for this terrific opportunity.”
 
“Ancajas is a good fighter and I respect him, but there is nothing that can save his title from me,” continued Rodriguez. I thank him for this opportunity, it’s a dream come true, but he’s going home an ex-champ. I am going to be an unbeatable force that night.”

Sampson Boxing Wins Right to Promote McJoe Arroyo vs. Jerwin Ancajas IBF Super Flyweight Championship Fight

 

A purse bid procedure was held today in the IBF offices in New Jersey and promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing has won the right to promote the IBF Super Flyweight Champion McJoe Arroyo’s first mandatory defense, against Jerwin Ancajas
Sampson Boxing now has 15 days to submit the executed contracts (no later than February 17, 2016) and the fight must take place within 90 days or by May 2, 2016. Lewkowicz says Ancajas’ home country of the Philippines is the probable location for the fight.
Arroyo (17-0, 8 KOs), from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is a 30-year-old southpaw. He won the championship last July with a 10-round technical decision over Arthur Villanueva. Ancajas (24-1-1, 16 KOs), nicknamed “Pretty Boy” is a 24-year-old southpaw.

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. DEFEATS MARCOS REYESSATURDAY AT DON HASKINS CENTER IN EL PASO, TEXAS ON SHOWTIME®

McJoe Arroyo Wins IBF Junior Bantamweight World Championship & Amir Imam Earns Shot At 140-Pound Title On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

 

Watch The Replay Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

EL PASO, TEXAS (July 18, 2015) – Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. earned a unanimous decision (97-92, 98-91, 96-93) over Marcos Reyes in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday in front of 9,245 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

 

Reyes was the more active fighter – he doubled Chavez’s output – but simply couldn’t hurt his larger opponent.  Following a loss at light heavyweight last April, Chavez decided to attempt to campaign at super middleweight.

 

Chavez (49-2-1, 32 KOs), who was fighting for the first time with trainer Robert Garcia, seemed to be able to land his power shots at will, however he would pick his spots and had long bouts of inactivity.  Although he was working with a new trainer, Chavez continued to bulldoze forward and fought a very similar fight as he did against Andrezj Fonfara in April, this time against a smaller opponent.

 

“I won.  This is big for me and Robert,” Chavez said.  “I can do it better, but I won and that is the important thing.  I’m going to fight at 168 pounds.  Little by little, I’m going to get down in weight.  We know we’re doing much better work in the gym.

 

“In the third round I hurt my left hand.  I think it’s broken, I don’t know.  I’ll see the doctor.  With all respect to Reyes, if I hadn’t hurt my hand I would have knocked him out.

 

“I connected on the best punches to the chin and the body.  I hurt him, but I couldn’t finish him because I hurt my hand.  He threw a lot of punches but missed a lot.  He never hurt me.  I felt I hurt him every time I landed.”

 

After the fight, Reyes (33-3, 24 KOs) preached his case to SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray and pointed out the weight disparity.

 

“I feel I won the fight.   I showed him how I box,” Reyes said.  “I made the weight at 168 and he didn’t make weight.  He’s like a light heavyweight fighting a middleweight.

 

“I was against all odds – the referee, the weight, everything.  I think I won the fight.  It’s OK – I did my best.”

 

In the co-feature, McJoe Arroyo won a technical decision over Arthur Villanueva to win the vacant IBF Junior Bantamweight World Championship after the bout was stopped at 2:10 in the 10th round due to a deep gash over Villanueva’s right eye.  The fight went to the judges’ scorecards and Villanueva was ahead 97-92, 98-91 after the judges scored the 10th.

 

The Puerto Rican Arroyo (17-0, 8 KOs) became the third fighter from the island to win a 115-pound title.

 

The lefty-righty matchup was at times highly technical and foul-filled.  Referee Rafael Ramos deducted a point against Villanueva (27-1, 14 KOs) for leading with his head in the sixth.  In a different clash in the sixth, a deep gash opened up over the right eye of Villanueva that ultimately led to the stoppage.  Ramos ruled that the clash that opened the cut was unintentional.

 

Dr. Brian August inspected the cut midway through the seventh round and again after the eighth.  Ramos again signaled for August to inspect the cut in the 10th and ruled that it was too deep to continue.  In an interview with Jim Gray, August stated that he stopped the fight in the best interest of the fighter but that Villanueva claimed he was having no sight issues.

 

“When he was entering, he was entering low.  He was clashing heads a lot,” Arroyo said.  “Before the fight, I knew he was a tough fighter.  All Philippine fighters come to fight.  I knew I had to be ready for 12 rounds, boxing or brawling.  It was a competitive fight but we just worked harder every round.”

 

When asked by Gray if it was hard to find his rhythm, Arroyo responded, “That’s a normal thing when a southpaw fights a right hander.  We were both trying to be slick and smart.  That happens when two boxers with the same style fight.”

 

Villanueva disagreed with the stoppage and called for an immediate rematch.

 

“It was a rough fight and very tough for me after the headbutt,” Villanueva said.  “I thought I won the fight.  I didn’t want them to stop the fight because it was just getting into the flow.  I’m disappointed with the stoppage. I know I can beat him and I want an immediate rematch.”

 

In the opening bout of the evening, undefeated 140-pound contender knocked out Fernando Angulo with a thundering right to earn a mandatory shot at the winner of the scheduled fall showdown between Viktor Postol and Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Championship.

 

It appeared to be a difficult fight for Imam (18-0, 15 KOs), but he was always in control and supremely accurate, landing 54 percent of his power punches compared to just 17 for Angulo (28-10, 16 KOs).  Imam ended the bout in brilliant fashion with a powerful right to Angulo’s ear, forcing his opponent to fall face-forward to the canvas and the referee to instantly stop the contest at :56.

 

“I take my hat off.  He’s a good opponent,” Imam said.  “I just hit him with a big shot on his ear and he was done.

 

“These guys get the belts and just hold it.  I’m going to get the belt and hold it with pride.”

 

Said Imam promoter and Hall of Famer Don King, “It was an excellent performance – just what I expected and more. You should never underestimate but pontificate when it comes to the ‘Young Master.’  We will take the belts and anyone that comes in front of us.”

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS & SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Premier Boxing Champions on CBS: Saturday, July 18

at 4 p.m. ET/1p.m. PT

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Saturday, July 18

at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE For Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

EL PASO, Texas  (July 16, 2015) – Fighters competing on the huge Premier Boxing Champions on CBS and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING cards held an open to the public final press conference Thursday before they enter the ring this Saturday, July 18 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

 

The evening event on SHOWTIME® features Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-2-1, 32 KOs) returning to the ring to face Marco Reyes (33-2, 24 KOs). In the  co-main event, Puerto Rican Olympian McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Arthur Villanueva (27-0, 14 KOs) of the Philippines for the IBF Junior Bantamweight World Championship. Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with undefeated 140-pound contender Amir “Young Master” Imam (17-0, 14 KOs) meeting  former world title challenger Fernando “La Fiera” Angulo (29-9, 16 KOs) in a world title eliminator.

 

The afternoon’s PBC on CBS event is headlined by undefeated Irish superstar Carl Frampton (20-0, 14 KOs) taking on Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-1-2, 15 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with a heavyweight showdown between Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) and “Big” Fred Kassi, (18-3-0, 10 KOs).

 

Tickets for the evening event, which is promoted by Chavez Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 are on sale now. Tickets for the afternoon event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing and Cyclone Promotions, are priced at $50 or $25 for general admission and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the University Ticket Center at (915) 747-5234. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Fans purchasing tickets for the evening session will also be provided a ticket in the same section for the afternoon card.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

 

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.

“I know I have a tough opponent in front of me. I’m ready. I’ve prepared very well with Robert Garcia. He has a great trainer too in Nacho Beristain.

 

“I’ve recovered well from my last fight. I had too much time away from boxing before. On Saturday everyone will see me at my best.

 

“When two Mexican fighters take the ring, there’s going to be a lot of action. You don’t want to miss any of this one.”

 

MARCO REYES

“I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Julio Sr. and Julio Jr.

 

“There is something magical that happens when two Mexican fighters step in the ring. I am very determined and ready to put on amazing performance.

 

“I will leave my all in the ring against Chavez Jr.”


MCJOE ARROYO

‘”This is the biggest shot I’ve had and I’m going to give it my all. This fight is very important to me.

 

“This is going to be a great fight. I promise that I’m going to leave everything in the ring on Saturday night.”

 

ARTHUR VILLANUEVA

“This is my first time on this big stage. I’ve fought all over the world and I just want to thank everybody for this great opportunity.

 

“I promise that I will give the best I have and a great fight this Saturday night.”

 

AMIR IMAM

“When I get the belt, I will hold it with pride with the name of “Young Master.

 

“I’m coming to put on a show and do damage. This is my title shot right here. I am not thinking of anything past this fight.”


CARL FRAMPTON

“El Paso is a big boxing city and people here love their boxing.
“I know that Gonzalez Jr. has a height and reach advantage on me. I think he’s going to try to keep it long. He’s young, hungry and from a good pedigree, I’m expecting a good fight.

“If I can perform at my best I should be able to get rid of this guy. I want to be explosive and that’s not disrespect to my opponent.

“There really isn’t anything different I did to prepare for this fight. We must get close to him. I brought in sparring partners similar to the stature of my opponent.

“If you want to create a legacy in boxing you must come to the United States. It’s important for me to come here, the time was right.

“There’s a few names I would like to fight next, possibly Scott Quigg, Abner Mares and Gary Russell.

 

“I’m can go forward, move back, stay in the pocket and most importantly I just do whatever it takes to win.

 

“I have an exciting style and the Mexican-American fans will appreciate it. They love an all-action  style and I’m going to show them that I have a crowd-pleasing style.

 

“Everyone has been very friendly since I arrived in America. I’ve met many approachable and nice people. The weather is very different from back home so I’ve gotten to do some sunbathing in between training sessions, which is nice.”

 

ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ JR.

“I love being in the underdog role because every time I’ve been in the underdog role I’ve come out with the victory. I not only win, but I get the knockout. I love everything being against me.

 

“Having my dad as a former world champion can be hard. There can be a lot of pressure from my dad to be better than him. But he always has my back and is in my ear. I got a lot of experience from my dad.

 

“Frampton is a very intelligent fighter who hits hard. He’s too aggressive sometimes because in boxing you have to be more intelligent and try not to get hit. He’s a very good fighter;  there’s a reason he is a champion though.

 

“In every fight you have to give it everything you have, no matter who you’re in there against. You have to leave it all in the ring and that’s what I do.

 

“I can box, but I’m Mexican so I like aggression too. It’s going to be a war. I want that title and I know he’s not just going to give it to me. I have to go get it.”

 

CHRIS ARREOLA

“I’m honored to be fighting for the first time in El Paso in front of these terrific boxing fans.

“I love fighting and I’m thrilled that fans all over the country can watch this fight on CBS Saturday afternoon.

 

“Fred Kassi is coming to win, this is a big opportunity for him, but I plan on putting on a show and being victorious on Saturday.

 

“Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. was a hero to me when I started fighting and it’s a thrill to know that he will be watching my fight in person.

 

“I want the green belt, it’s the one I’ve always wanted. After Kassi I want to fight Deontay Wilder and become a champion.”


FRED KASSI

“I thank Chris for this opportunity; it’s great to be fighting on this big day of boxing in the presence of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

 

“Chris is a hard-hitting heavyweight and I have a lot of respect for him but come Saturday I will have my hand raised.”

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Chavez Jr. Trainer

“There’s not much left to say. We had a great training camp. Everyone on the team has done what they had to do.

 

“Julio followed the instructions all camp and we’re ready to give the fans a great fight.”

 

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ SR., Chavez Jr.’s Father

“I was ready to talk trash, but after Nacho was so kind I will follow in his footsteps.

 

“There is something special when two Mexicans step into the ring. I can promise my son is ready and I can promise a great fight.”

 

NACHO BERISTAIN, Reyes’ Trainer

“I have nothing but respect for Chavez and his team. I’ve known them for many years. I will not speak badly of them. I know on Saturday everyone is going to get a great fight on a massive platform on SHOWTIME with two Mexicans going toe-to-toe in the ring.”

 

BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager

“I didn’t even know Frampton was from Belfast when I signed him. Once I learned more about him I thought that this was meant to be, his background is so similar to mine.

 

“The more I saw from Frampton the more I saw that he could really compete at the highest level of this sport.

 

“I’ve invested six years into Carl and it’s  been the most enjoyable and gratifying experience of my life. Shane has developed into an incredible boxing coach and I’m hugely proud of him.”

 

SHANE MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Trainer

“I used to box with Carl as an amateur and when my dad (Barry) used to ask me who I thought would be the best pro on the Irish team I’d say, ‘it’s Carl Frampton, he’s got world class style.’

 

“Five years ago my dad asked me to hold the pads for Carl a couple of times and it just gelled. Here we are today. We work really well together and I feel I found my forte as a coach.

 

“Gonzalez is no pushover but I don’t think he’s on Carl’s level. I think Carl is going to knock him out in an exciting fight. This is about making a statement. Next thing you know we’ll have the massive super fights coming.”

 

ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ, Gonzalez’s Father & Former World Champion

“The words other people say about this fight, they are only words. The fight is going to be Saturday and everyone is going to see what happens.

 

“My son is very prepared and he’s going to win. We’ve done everything right in camp. It’s my son’s time and he’s coming to win.

 

“They got the wrong opponent for Frampton. My son is a very strong fighter and everyone will see on Saturday.

 

“I love Mexico and this fight is going to be for Mexico.”

 

 

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