Таг Арцхивес: Мицхаел Хунтер
Travis Kauffman Scores Majority Decision Victory Over Scott Alexander as Both Fighters Score Knockdowns in Night of Heavyweight Action on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday Night from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, Калиф.
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Trio of Heavyweight Showdowns Highlight Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action Sunday, Јун 10
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LANCASTER, Цалиф. (Мај 31, 2018) – Rugged veteran heavyweight Травис Кауффман ће преузети Сцотт Алекандер in a 10-round bout that headlines Премиер Бокс шампиона о FS1 and FOX Deportes action that features three heavyweight showdowns on Sunday, Јун 10 from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, Калифорнија.
Телевизијској емисији почиње у 8:30 п.м. И / 5:30 п.м. PT and will see former world title challenger Џералд “Црна Петао” Вашингтон take on once-beaten Вес Нофире in a 10-round attraction plus 2012 У.С. Олимпијски Мицхаел Хунтер изазован Јаго Киладзе in a 10-round fight. Also featured on the card is sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (2-0, 2 КОс) in a four-round special attraction.
Улазнице за догађају уживо, која промовише ТГБ Промоције, су у продаји сада. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website: www.uavpec.com.
“Travis Kauffman doesn’t back down from anyone and there’s no doubt he’ll be looking to make a statement against Scott Alexander on Sunday, June 10,” said Tom Brown, Председник ТГБ Промоције. “It’s an interesting time in the heavyweight division and all the winners on this card will figure into the picture in a prominent way in the future.”
Кауфман (31-2, 23 КОс) will look to boost his own contender credentials with a win after most recently dropping a close majority decision to Amir Mansour last March in Kauffman’s hometown of Reading, Пенсилванија. Kauffman had entered that bout with a 14 борити пораза низ, including dropping Chris Arreola in a fight that resulted in a no contest and a knockout of former title challenger Epifanio Mendoza.
“I am excited to get back in the ring,” рекао Кауффман. “I have not been in the ring in a year and a half and I can’t wait to go in there and show that I still have a lot left. I am not going in there to win by decision. I am going in there looking to knock him out, because I am tired of leaving it up to the judges.”
The 29-year-old Alexander (14-2-2, 8 КОс) has put together two straight victories since losing to LaRon Mitchell by unanimous decision in 2016. Фигхтинг из Лос Анђелеса, Alexander is noted for his fast hands, and scored a TKO victory over Pedro Julio Rodriguez in his last fight on March 3.
“I’ve been working hard preparing for a fight at the end of June so I jumped at this opportunity,” Alexander said. “I’m always ready to step into the ring and take on any and all challenges. I’m ready to make my mark. Ми тиме ис нов!”
A U.S. Navy veteran who also played tight end and defensive end at the University of Southern California, Вашингтон (18-2-1, 12 КОс) will step into the ring looking to score a bounce back victory on June 10. Washington was stopped in his world title challenge last February against Deontay Wilder on FOX, although he was nearly even on the scorecards at the time, before losing a bout to unbeaten Jarrell Miller in July. Prior to those fights, Washington had been unbeaten in 19 pro fights with victories over a slew of veteran contenders.
Цхерокее држављанин рођен у Оклахоми и обуку из Мајамија, Nofire (20-1, 16 КОс) most recently scored a second round stoppage of Stacy Frazier last September. The 32-year-old was riding a four-fight knockout streak that includes stoppages of Yasmany Consuegra and Ty Cobb before losing his first pro fight to Joey Abell in 2016 на ФС1 и Фок Депортес.
After representing the U.S. у 2012 Олимпијске игре, Ловац (13-1, 8 КОс) turned pro and began rising up the cruiserweight rankings until losing his first world title fight to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk last April. The 29-year-old returned to action this April with a decision victory and will set his sights on a world title shot at heavyweight.
Kiladze (26-2, 18 КОс) was riding a six-bout winning streak into his January matchup with unbeaten Adam Kownacki that ended with Kiladze losing in six rounds. Representing the country of Georgia and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Kiladze will be in his fifth fight as a full time heavyweight on June 10.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. Додатно, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
За више информација посетите ввв.премиербокингцхампионс.цом хттп://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage иввв.фокдепортес.цом.
Фоллов он Твиттер@ПремиерБокинг, @ ФС1, @ФОКСДепортес И@Свансон_Цомм и постати фан на Фацебоок у ввв.Фацебоок.цом/ПремиерБокингЦхампионс, и ввв.фацебоок.цом/фокдепортес. Издвајамо доступни на www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, финест pivo.
FOUR UNBEATEN, U.S.-BORN CRUISERWEIGHTS LOOKING TO MAKE NAME FOR THEMSELVES, ADD LIFE TO DIVISION
CRUISIN' FOR A BRUISIN: КАМП НАПОМЕНЕ
ПЕТАК, МАЈ 13 НА СХОБОКС: НОВА ГЕНЕРАЦИЈА ЛИВЕ
О СХОВТИМЕ® FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS
Quadrupleheader Highlighted By 10-Round Fights Between
Andrew Tabiti vs. Кит Тапиа, Michael Hunter vs. Исиах Тхомас
Улазнице у продаји!
ЛАС ВЕГАС (Мај 10, 2016) – Four young, undefeated cruiserweights from the United States will look to make a name for themselves when they meet in the featured bouts on СхоБок: Нова генерација ово Петак, Мај 13, ливе он СХОВТИМЕ (10 п.м. И/ПТ) од Sam’s Town Live.
The cruiserweight division has traditionally been dominated by Europeans boxers. Петак U.S.-born СхоБок fighters will be seeking to change that perception.
У главном догађају, talented Mayweather star Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (12-0, 11 КОс), Лас Вегас, takes on power-puncher Keith “Митраљез” Tapia (17-0, 11 КОс), од Бронк. НИ. 2012 У.С. Олимпијски, Мицхаел Хунтер (11-0, 8 КОс), Лас Вегас, лица Исиах Тхомас (15-0, 6 КОс), Детроита, у ко-функције.
Other televised fights of a quadrupleheader: TMT’s Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (15-1, 11 КОс), Лас Вегас, will meet hard-punching Colombian Juan Camilo “La Boa” Novoa (26-6-1, 24 КОс) in a 10-round super middleweight bout and his TMT stablemate Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov (4-0, 3 КОс), of Las Vegas by way of Uzbekistan, ће се супротставити Алфонсо Олвера (7-2, 3 КОс), од Туцсон, Аризона, is a six-round welterweight bout that will open the telecast. All but Gavril will be making their СхоБок дебитује.
Tickets for the event promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $25 и $50, не укључујући накнаде примењиве, и су на продају. Карте се могу купити онлине наwww.samstownlv.com/entertain, позивом (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Here’s what the fighters said about their fights Петак, training camp, their respective opponents and more:
АНДРЕЈА Табити
“It’s great that four undefeated cruiserweights are fighting each other. I want us to get the ball back into U.S. territory, since it is a historically European-dominated division. I definitely think the emergence of young cruiserweights like myself is changing that.
“I don’t compare myself to other cruiserweights in the division, I know I’m the best. I’m always looking to win impressively, and I look to put on a great performance for the fansПетак ноћ.
“Everything has been perfect. Тренинг камп траје велика. I started camp in February so I feel strong and comfortable. What’s interesting is that I’m not nervous at all despite this being my first headlining debut. I see it as any other fight where I know what I am coming in to do. I think that lets me know that I am maturing as a fighter and feel a lot more confident in my skills and abilities.
“I’ve been waiting for the right date and this is it. I believe my career moving is great, what I dreamed of. Now it’s time to take the next step.
“Personally I’ve never seen Tapia fight, but I’ve watched videos. He is unbeaten, a solid opponent. Styles make fights and this is a good one for me. I’m looking forward to continuing to step up and give everybody a good performance and get close to a title fight.
“I can’t wait. I’m going in confident. The key is to get the victory, it’s the main thing. Winning is everything.
“I feel blessed to be training out of Floyd’s gym and be able to fight under Mayweather Promotions. He’s someone I look up to so being where I am is a dream coming to reality. I love training at Mayweather Boxing Club. It keeps me focused and hungry.”
Кеитх ТАПИА
“Fighting Tabiti is a great, real challenge. I like the way he fights. Ја га поштујем, but I’m going to be bad weather for him. I’m going to take control right away; it will be a Tapia fight, not a Tabiti fight. That’s a fact.
“Tabiti is a talented boxer. His style is a Mayweather style. I love Floyd Mayweather as a fan, but Tabiti’s not Floyd Mayweather. Ја? Долазим да се борим, hands up, moving forward as I go. I want to run over you.
“I’m definitely going to change the perception about me in this fight and the division because I’m a machine. I’m really confident and can’t wait to fight.
"Za mene, this is the right time. I am here and definitely ready to fight. I feel I’m the best in my weight class except no one has seen me yet. Tabiti may have the fame, but I’m not just going to talk the talk, I’m going to walk the walk.
“I think this is a big step up for me when I beat him. Once the bell rings, that’s when we know what is going to really happen.
“I’m going to become the cruiserweight champion, defend it a couple of times and then move up. I already feel like a champion both mentally and spiritually.
“All of my fights are equally important. I’m really satisfied with the way my career is going. If it wasn’t for boxing I wouldn’t be here right now. God and boxing saved me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be alive.”
MICHAEL HUNTER
“This is a step up as far as competition compared to the past, with him being an undefeated cruiserweight. He’s a good, long-ranging southpaw. We are actually around the same age; we were in the amateurs at the same time, but never fought each other.Петак, I aim to win impressively. I don’t want to say I’m going for the knockout, if it happens it happens, but hopefully we can get it.
“Although I’ve fought on TV quite a few times before, this is going to be a good show with Mayweather Promotions. I’m thankful to be fighting on the undercard of my good friend Andrew Tabiti. That’s an honor, to be honest. It’s going to be great that my family and friends outside of Las Vegas will be able to tune in to watch me, so that’s a blessing.
“I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with the way my career is going. I can’t complain because I have no losses, I just wish it would go at a little faster pace. I’m a two-time Olympian and in the amateurs we’re used to fighting 4-5 times out of the week, so adjusting to fighting once every few months or so feels a little stagnant to me. I really try not to think too far into the future, I try to live in the moment, but I hope to get a title shot relatively soon.
“I went into training camp right after my last fight, so it’s been about eight weeks. There’s always ups and downs in training, but as long as you keep a positive spirit, everything will end up going perfectly well. So it’s been going good I can’t complain. I usually train out of the Mayweather Boxing Club, but there’s been some construction going on so we have moved it to Fight Capitol and a few other places.
“I have been changing my training just to better myself, not necessarily for my opponent or for this fight.
“You have to be a little more focused in the Mayweather Gym. There’s a lot of stuff that doesn’t really happen in a normal gym simply because he is Floyd so it will bring it out of you or it won’t. Only the strongest survive.”
Исиах Тхомас
"Петак is a good thing for up-and-coming, American cruiserweights. There are a lot of us in the division looking to make our mark. Not just myself. This is our chance to show that America has good fighters in the cruiserweight division. It’s the perfect showcase.
“I’m very excited about being part of Петак картица. I am just taking it all in and looking to perform to the top of my ability and showcase my talents.
“Hunter is young and hungry just like me, but I haven’t really seen or watched him. I’ve heard about him and I’m sure he’s going to bring his “A” game.
"Знам шта могу да урадим, there’s no need for a lot of strategizing. I’m not just showing up.
“I feel my career is going good to this point. I keep rising. I’m on television. I like the pace I’m going but there is only way to really go, and that’s to the top. I don’t consider myself the best cruiserweight, just one of the top comers. Konačno, and in due time, мада.
"Петак, I’m just going to do what I do best. Наравно, you want to win impressively but the most important thing is to win. I’ve got to get that W.
“I live in Detroit but train in Miami, which is like a second home to me. Training camp has been going for about two months and it has been great. I get great sparring in Miami.”
Роналд Гаврил
“I’m looking forward to having this big opportunity. Many people don’t know who I am so fighting on SHOWTIME will start giving me the exposure and recognition I need.
“Training camp has been going great, I feel strong and prepared. I’m happy and have no complaints. I feel blessed to be a part of this great card full of fighters with tremendous talent. It’s exciting to be able to share this with my stablemates here in our town.
“I’m looking forward to what this will bring not only for my future but for all of ours.”
JUAN NOVOA
“Training camp has been going great, I have been training for seven weeks now. I’m currently training in Miami, Фла.
“I have seen videos of his fights and can tell he is a strong fighter who is not afraid to mix it up. Considering that I have more professional fights and over 180 аматеур туче, it is tough to say whether Gavril is a step up for me, until I step into the ring ово петак.
“I would be more satisfied with my career if I had already won a world title, but unfortunately the circumstances from my last world championship challenge didn’t turn out in my favor. I know that by winning this fight I would immediately launch myself into world title contention and potentially another world title opportunity. I see myself either challenging for, or defending a world title a year from now.”
SANJARBEK RAKHMANOV
“I’ve watched Olvera enough to feel I know him. He’s a taller, Mexican guy. Радујем се борби против њега.
“I train at Mayweather Boxing Club with Dewey Cooper; he’s been my coach since I turned pro. I had about 150 amateur fights and I got a lot of international experience.
“I consider myself a puncher. Once the bell rings, Долазим да се борим.
“I’m happy with the way things are going. I train hard every day. I’m coming to take all the titles. This is my weight, around 143 фунти. I don’t plan to go up much or down
“In this fight I want to win and look good and then come right back. I think after about a year I will be ready to take on all the top guys.’’
ALFONSO OLVERA
“Training camp has been great; we’ve been in training for about a month. Road work is good, the sparring is good with different boxers. The weight is not an issue. I train at Scrapyard Boxing Gym in Tucson, Ариз.
“Our opponent is formidable and to be taken serious. We know he is aggressive and expects to win so we have to bring our “A” game to the ring. We also expect to win.
“At this point in my career I am very happy with my progress. This card is definitely for the world to see, and is also a big step forward for us.
“We are welcoming the opportunity and grateful for it. We hope this fight elevates us to more opportunities and gets us closer to someday challenging for a world title.”
За више информација посетите ввв.спортс.схо.цом и ввв.маивеатхерпромотионс.цом, follow on Twitter: @FloydMayweather, @MayweatherPromo @SHOSports, @andrewtabiti89, @machine_gun_tapia_, follow on Instagram at: @floydmayweather, @Mayweatherpromotions, @shosports, бецоме а фан на Фацебоок у: ввв.фацебоок.цом/ФлоидМаивеатхер, ввв.фацебоок.цом/МаивеатхерПромотионс, ввв.Фацебоок.цом/СХОБокинг.
UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHTS ANDREW TABITI, KEITH TAPIA TO DEFEND THEIR PERFECT RECORDS ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION LIVE ON SHOWTIME FRIDAY, МАЈ 13 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS
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LEO SANTA CRUZ RETAINS WBA FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE WITH FIFTH-ROUND TKO WIN OVER KIKO MARTINEZ
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Лео Санта Цруз вс. KIKO MARTINEZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FOR THEIR FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY AT THE HONDA CENTER
Ливе На СХОВТИМЕ® У 10 п.м. И/7 п.м. ПТ
Кликните ОВДЕ За Фотографије
Кредит: Стефани Трапп / Сховтиме
ANAHEIM, Цалиф. (Фебруар 25, 2016) - Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruzи Kiko “Sensacion” Martinez went face-to-face Четвртак at the final press conference before their featherweight world title showdown on Saturday, Јан. 27 ливе он СХОВТИМЕ® (10 п.м. И/7 п.м. ПТ) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Калиф.
Присуствовао Четвртак су Јули Цеја и Хуго Руиз, who will enter the ring in a super bantamweight world title rematch as part of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast beginning at 10 п.м. И/7 п.м. ПТ.
The previously announced opening bout between undefeated heavyweights Gerald Washington (16-0-1, 11 КОс) and Oscar Rivas (18-0, 13 КОс) has been cancelled due to Rivas being unable to pass a mandatory eye-exam.
Улазнице за догађају уживо, which is promoted by TGB promotions, се по цени од $27, $54, $104 и $199 and are on sale now via тицкетмастер.цом, Ticketmaster retail locations, позивом 800-745-3000 of by stopping by the Honda Center Box Office.
All of the televised fighters in the now doubleheader have promised to live up to their all-action styles and will provide great drama for fans у суботу night at Honda Center. Santa Cruz will be making the first defense of his featherweight world title while Ceja puts his 122-pound title on the line after earning the vacant belt with a fifth round stoppage of Ruiz in an exciting back-and-forth fight in August.
Ево шта су борци су имали да кажу Четвртак:
ЛЕО САНТА ЦРУЗ
“Headlining a televised card has been my childhood dream. I could have never imagined I was going to get this far. And Here I am, on my second main event, defending my title on a premium network. I’m so psyched. I cannot believe it.
“The first time I put the gloves on, I knew that I had found my craft, and I also knew that it was not going to be an easy road. I knew that I had to work hard to become a champion. Тако, I trained the hardest and I fought the hardest, and with my father by my side I got here, where I’m at today. I owe him everything.
“I remember watching all the great Mexican Champions and day dreaming about being like them one day. It felt unreachable. I thought it was impossible to get where they were. But I worked hard, really hard from the beginning.
“The most important thing is that the fans leave happy and get their money’s worth. I’m glad that Kiko has come prepared because we’re ready for a great fight.
“People are saying that I should walk through Kiko Martinez, but I don’t listen to that. I look at Kiko the same way I look at any other opponent. When we step inside the ring, we are equals.
“At the end of the day, the winner will be the fighter who has prepared more and who has imposed his will on the other man.
KIKO MARTINEZ
“I have faced much stronger boxers than Leo and come Субота, all of those who did bet on me for this fight, I am going to make you a lot of money.
“I am excited and proud to know that Sergio Martinez will be present у суботу supporting me. His guidance and presence
“My trainer could not be here, but we have not taken one day off in training camp and I have been pushed to my limit to prepare me for this fight. I’m thankful to Robert Garcia for being in my corner у суботу.
“I know this is a great opportunity to fight Leo Santa Cruz and I will make the most of it. I’m going to leave everything inside the ring so that the fight fans enjoy a great championship matchup.
“I feel that Leo Santa Cruz is a great fighter, he has beat some incredible fighters. He’s a great athlete and boxer. Sometimes people will try to make him out to be more than he actually is but they are mistaken with what they see in me. I am not to be mistaken as the underdog here.
JULIO CEJA
“As Hugo mentioned, we have both trained even harder than last time and we’re more prepared physically and mentally.
“I’m going to give everybody a great fight just like last time. I’m walking into the ring knowing my opponent very well. We’ve been to war. I know what to expect from him. I know about his punch and I know how to counter it.
“I’m going to be alert and ready. I’ll be a little more intelligent, because I know that he’s coming well prepared and he’s coming for the world title, but he’s not going to get it.
“There are going to be no surprises in this fight. Hugo Ruiz said that he was training harder this time. But I am too. I’ve trained very hard.
“The key for me to win this fight is to keep my hands up and to not give him one inch. I cannot be careless. I’ll be strategic and use my wisdom. I cannot come in with my hands down because I know I’ll pay for it. But nothing to worry about, we have rectified those issues in training camp. Спреман сам. He’s not taking my belt away from me.
“I’m glad that he says he is better prepared this time because I am better than ever. My team has been instrumental in preparing me for this matchup.
“The winner will be the man who is more prepared physically and mentally. But the real winner will be the fans at Honda Center because this is an amazing card and we’re going to put on an amazing fight.”
Хуго РУИЗ
“If you liked the first fight between us, then you are going to love this one.
“I’m excited to be fighting once again in Southern California. I’ve trained very hard and I have prepared myself for this world title opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a grand show for all my fans у суботу ноћ. "
ЈОСЕ САНТА ЦРУЗ, Santa Cruz’ Father & Тренер
“I hear Kiko has a great trainer on his corner. Robert Garcia is really good, but I have news for Kiko, his trainer is not going to fight for him.
“Once a fighter steps into the ring, he’s alone in there. There are no trainers and no great promoters that can fight for him.”
“Kiko speaks about this prestigious trainer and thinks that by mentioning him, he is going to intimidate us. He has something else coming. The trainer won’t fight for Kiko. Roberto Garcia has trained my son and knows Leo very well but that does not give Kiko the upper hand.”
Том Бровн, Head of TGB Promotions
“Southern California favorite Leo Santa Cruz returns to bring his action style to the ring. He will be opposed by a tough former world champion in Kiko Martinez who is sure to make this a tremendous fight.
“The first fight between Ceja and Ruiz was a true back and forth war. Should this pick up right where it left off, we will have a great fight to start the telecast.
“I’m looking forward to a great night у суботу night in front of the fantastic Southern California boxing fans.”
TIM RYAN, Direktor & President of Honda Center
“I’m so thankful to everyone for helping to bring boxing back to Orange County. It’s hard to believe that Julio Cesar Chavez fought here in 1996, because it seems like yesterday.
“We have a great arena and a great fan base that loves boxing here in Orange County. Картица у суботу is wonderful. I know these guys will be ready and I’m looking forward to an action-packed night on the 27тх.
CHRIS DEBLASIO, Потпредседник, Sports Communication Showtime Networks
“This is a fight fan’s fight card and we are looking forward to some explosive action. I think everyone knows that the lighter weight classes, especially at the championship level, produce exciting fights. My favorite examples include the epic series between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez, which are available on SHOWTIME platforms and should wet your appetite for what we will see у суботу ноћ. "
За више информација посетите ввв.СХО.цом/Спортс Фоллов он Твиттер@СХОСпортс, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @ТГБПромотионс, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at ввв.Фацебоок.цом/СХОСпортс
KIKO MARTINEZ, JULIO CEJA & GERALD WASHINGTON MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR THIS SATURDAY’S SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® TRIPLEHEADER Live On SHOWTIME® At 10 п.м. ЕТ / 7 п.м. ПТ “
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ЛЕО САНТА ЦРУЗ МЕДИЈИ ВОРКОУТ ЦИТАТИ & ФОТОГРАФИЈЕ
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CONFIDENT, POWER-PUNCHING KIKO MARTINEZ PREDICTS UPSET VICTORY, SAYS WRITING HIM OFF AGAINST CHAMP LEO SANTA CRUZ IS “MAJOR MISTAKE”
Challenger Vows To Take Advantage Of Unexpected Opportunity, Ceja-Ruiz II In Co-Main Субота, Јан. 27, Ливе На СХОВТИМЕ® From Honda Center In Anaheim, Калиф.
СХОВТИМЕ Цхампионсхип Бокинг® Tripleheader Begins With
Unbeaten Heavyweights Gerald Washington vs. Оскар Ривас
Улазнице у продаји НОВ!
Кликните ОВДЕ For Martinez Training Photos From Sampson Boxing Promotions
ANAHEIM, Калиф. (Јан. 16, 2016) – Spain’s Kiko “Sensación” Martinez is a soft-spoken, hard-hitting former IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion and a three-time European champion at 122 фунти. He’s a come-forward, comes-to-win, aggressive-minded slugger who makes for exciting fights and has been in with excellent opposition.
The ultimate road warrior, the 5-foot-5, 29-year-old Martinez has fought more than one-third of his fights outside his native Spain, where he has tussled 26 пута. He’s also fought four times in Ireland, three times in England, three times in Northern Ireland and one time each in Japan, Аргентина, France and South Africa.
So don’t expect Martinez (35-6, 26 КОс) to be in awe of the surroundings in his second start in the United States when he challenges unbeaten, defending featherweight world champion Лео Санта Круз (31-0-1, 17 КОс) о Субота, Јан. 27, у главном случају СХОВТИМЕ Цхампионсхип Бокинг триплехеадер ливе он СХОВТИМЕ (10 п.м. И/7 п.м. ПТ) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Калиф.
Martinez won his U.S. debut and the IBF 122-pound crown with a sixth-round TKO overJhonatan Romero Авг. 17, 2013. “That was a great night for me,’’ Martinez said. “I’m confident of another great performance on Feb. 27.''
A winner of three in a row in his homeland, including a fourth-round TKO over Miguel Gonzalez последњи Нов. 12, Martinez aims to make amends after losing three high-profile fights in recent years to super bantamweight world champions – twice to Карл Фрамптон(ИБФ) and once to Скот КУИГГ (ВБА).
Martinez gets an opportunity against Santa Cruz in a fight he never saw coming.
“I’m thrilled to be fighting Leo Santa Cruz, but getting this fight was a total surprise because I already had a fight scheduled,’’ said Martinez, who trains at his friend and manager, former world super middleweight champion Сергио Мартинез’ gym in Spain. “I had been scheduled to fight for the European title. When this opportunity came up, I decided to give up the European title to come to America.
“I was very happy and very emotional when I heard about this fight. It was one of the best days of my life when I agreed to fight Santa Cruz. Сада, more boxing fans will get to see me. I will not take one step back. I will come forward the whole fight.
“I’m thankful to SHOWTIME and I’m excited for the challenge. It’s a huge fight in the United States and a great opportunity. Some people don’t think I can fight because I lost to those guys [Frampton and Quigg], but they are wrong. I am as determined as ever. I’m going to fight a great fight and come out with a victory.’’
While respectful of the champion, Martinez is no stranger to fighting on foreign soil and is poised to pull off a stunner.
“I will surprise many people who don’t believe in me,'' Рекао је. “I’m working so hard for this fight. People doubting me has me even more motivated. They will see on Feb. 27 and everyone will change their minds.
“I love fighting in my opponent’s backyard. That is not a problem for me at all. People who know boxing know I will give everything to this sport. I want to give great shows and entertain people. I’m coming forward and throwing punches and I don’t give up.
“I’m going to give 100 percent and it’s going to be a tremendous fight. I have a ton of respect for Leo Santa Cruz. He’s a world champion and a great fighter who’s clearly one of the very best featherweights in the world and a Top 10 фунта-фор-фунту фигхтер. I am very conscious of that point.
“Leo and I are true warriors so this will be a brutal war. But I have what it takes. I’ve been working very hard with my longtime trainer, Gaby Sarmiento, and I will be victorious.’’
A lifelong resident of Spain, Martinez was born in Granada, Шпанија, and resides in Alicante. He has two sisters and two brothers but is the only one in the family who boxes professionally. He turned to boxing as a young teenager.
“I started in boxing because when I was about 13 I was smaller and other kids bullied me all the time. So I began looking for a way to learn to defend myself,'' Рекао је. “Once I decided to start boxing and dedicated myself to it I fell in love with the sport.’’
Као аматер, Martinez went 47-2 and won a Spanish national amateur championship, but he had no international amateur experience. “I had a good amateur career but never thought about the Olympics,'' Рекао је. “My mind was always on being a pro fighter.’’
A dangerous puncher who’s at his best when he pressures his opponents and wears them down, Martinez turned pro in June 2004. He was victorious in his initial 17 туче, winning all but three by knockout.
Martinez met Сергио Мартинез [no relation] about nine years ago. “I met Sergio in the gym in Spain that he used to train himself in and we became good friends. When I started boxing I looked up to Јулио Цесар Цхавез and I am now a big fan of Маркос Маидана. I like to fight like him.
“But I’ve always had a special relationship with Sergio, who inspired me because he came from poverty like me. He has taught me so much. It’s like looking into a mirror because he knows where I came from. He’s taught me so much inside and outside the ring. We were very poor growing up and my father worked very hard.’’
Ако тријумфални, Kiko Martinez says “I would like to stay at this weight because I feel much stronger. But I would definitely love a rematch with Frampton or Quigg.’’
Regarding the Frampton-Quigg 122-pound world title unification that also takes place onЈан. 27 (у Манчестеру, Енглеска, ливе он Сховтиме Ектреме®), Martinez didn’t hesitate when picking a winner.
“Frampton will win against Quigg,’’ Martinez said. “He’s the more complete boxer. He is stronger as well.”
У Јан. 27 co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, hard-hitting Mexican warriors Јули Цеја (30-1, 27 КОс) и Хуго Руиз (35-3, 31 КОс) will box in a rematch of an exciting, two-way slugfest for the WBC 122-pound world title that Ceja won from Ruiz on a fifth-round knockout last August
Rounding out the televised tripleheader is a 10-round fight between undefeated heavyweights Џералд Вашингтон (16-0-1, 11 КОс) of Vallejo, Цалиф., and Montreal-based Colombian Оскар Ривас (18-0, 13 КОс).
Улазнице за догађају уживо, која промовише ТГБ Промоције, се по цени од $27, $54, $104 и $199 and are on sale now via тицкетмастер.цом, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.
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