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SHAWN PORTER DEFATS ADRIEN BRONER BY UNANIMOUS DECISION ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

Errol Spence Jr. Impresses With Third Round TKO Over Phil Lo Greco

 

Terrell Gausha Remains Undefeated With Victory Over Luis Grajeda

 

Robert Easter Jr. & Michael Hunter Remain Undefeated

With Knockout Victories on NBCSN

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (June 20, 2015) – “Showtime” Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs) outworked and out-landed Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2, 22 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision victory on Premier Boxing Champions on NBC in front of 8,138 fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday night.

 

In a fight dubbed “The Battle for Ohio”, the Akron-born Porter threw 590 punches compared to the 309 thrown by the Cincinnati-native Broner. Porter landed 149 punches compared to 88 from Broner.

 

Porter relentlessly attacked the defensive-minded Broner with jabs and power shots to the body. Broner tried to slow down Porter by pushing and holding and was eventually deducted a point by referee Tony Weeks in round 11.

 

Showing the great power and heart that made him a three-time world champion, Broner came out strong in the 12th round and sent Porter to the canvas with a powerful left hook. Porter was able to recover and stay on his feet despite losing the round.

 

Porter was rewarded for his efforts with a unanimous decision by scores of 114-112, 115-11 and 118-108.

 

2012 U.S. Olympian Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (17-0, 14 KOs) remained undefeated and justified the talk of him as a future superstar by stopping Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco (26-2, 14 KOs) in the third round. The official stoppage coming 1:50 into the round.

 

Lo Greco came out strong, winning the first round on all three judges’ scorecards. Spence Jr. rebounded with a dominating second round that saw him put together numerous combinations to the head and body.

 

In the third round Spence scored an early knockdown with a sharp right hook. “The Truth” saw his opportunity and put the fight away shortly after with a lighting fast flurry that forced judge Robert Byrd to stop the fight 1:50 into the third round with Lo Greco on his feet.

 

In the NBC swing bout, rising junior middleweight prospect Terrell Gausha (15-0, 8 KOs) kept his perfect record intact against tough Mexican brawler Luis Grajeda (18-5-2, 14 KOs) with a unanimous decision victory.

 

Gausha knocked down Grajeda in the third round with a huge right hand that nearly ended the fight. Grajeda was able to survive the round and had moments during the fight but was out-boxed by the much quicker Gausha. The finals judges’ scores were 78-73 and 79-72 twice.

 

In NBCSN action, undefeated prospect Robert Easter Jr. (14-0, 11 KOs) made quick work of Miguel Mendoza (21-6-2, 21 KOs), knocking him down twice en route to a TKO victory 2:13 into the second round while heavyweight Michael Hunter (8-0, 5 KOs) knocked down Deon Elam (14-3, 8 KOs) on his way to a fourth-round stoppage.

 

Here are what the fighters had to say Saturday:

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“”That’s how you beat a great fighter intelligently. We did everything we needed to do in preparation for this fight.

 

“Coming out we wanted to establish the jab and establish that we were the better boxer. I think we did that over the course of the fight, and tried to stick in some pressure, as well.

 

“I think I did a good job and accomplished what I wanted to do. There were no surprised out there, I knew he would be quick to counter.

 

“We established our dominance and that’s what got us those scores that we got and the win.

 

“Honestly my dad (trainer Kenny) wanted a quicker pace, a faster pace. And that’s why you have a corner. I think if I had listened to him better I would have fought a little bit better. There are things you can learn and things you can build upon.

 

“We’ll see what happens after this. I made a good statement tonight on NBC and showed what I’m capable of.”

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“”I’m okay. My kids are okay and I’m financially okay. It’s okay.

 

“Nothing surprised me. At the end of the day, great champions can take a good loss, just like they take a good win.

 

“I still will fight anybody. It don’t matter. I am a real animal. I came to fight today and I didn’t get the decision. But at the end of the day everyone here will take my autograph and my picture.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“I got hit with a couple of head butts in the first round, but I came back strong and got good experience out of this fight.

 

“I worked the body for a bit and got his hands to drop and then I was able to go to the head. That was the game plan; to go to the body, that’s always the game plan. To go to the body, and the head will follow.

 

“On short rest, I knew he’d tire and fade quickly.

 

“I hit him with a right hook to the body and then caught his chin. Then I started whaling on him and it was over. I had a wounded guy and took advantage.

 

“PBC is great. This was my first time on a huge card like this and I put on a good show. PBC is going to help bring in the casual fans and get more exposure for all of us. Tonight was my coming out party.

 

“The other 147-pounders will have to take notice. I want Keith Thurman next on September 12 for one of Floyd’s titles.”

 

 

PHIL LO GRECO

 

“”The short notice didn’t really affect me. Fighters fight no matter what. Nothing you can do but fight.

 

“There wasn’t really one big shot, it was more the barrage of punches that ended it. I’m fine though and I’ll come back stronger.

 

“I’d have liked to continue fighting because that’s what fighters do.

 

“Fighting on a PBC card was a great experience. I’ll be back shortly.

 

“I’m not sure what’s next right now. I don’t want to be impulsive, but I’ll be back soon.”

 

TERRELL GAUSHA

 

“I was catching him as he came in and trying to go to the body. He’s experienced though. I may have gotten a little anxious, but I got the win.

 

“His activity in the fourth round didn’t really surprise me. I’ve worked with him before. He’s been around the block and he’s a skilled fighter.

 

“I’m truly blessed to be in this position and to get this exposure on NBC. This gives me the motivation I need to get back in the gym and continue working hard.

 

“I’m going to let my manager figure out what’s next. I just want to keep improving with every fight.”

 

LUIS GRAJEDA

 

“He hit me in the third and I was dazed, but I recovered fast and did my best to even up the rounds.

 

“It was a straight right that caught me in the third and it surprised me a bit. From then on I was just trying to get back into it and get my shots off.

 

“I loved being a part of this PBC production. Everyone treated me incredible. This was like being part of a championship bout.

 

“I haven’t really fought an actual fight in a while before tonight. I want to get back in the ring some more and knock off the rest of the ring rust and get back to my true form.”

 

The card was promoted by promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.comfollow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @Phil_Lo_Greco, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

FIREWORKS BETWEEN ADRIEN BRONER & SHAWN PORTER AT PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

Photo – Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

Antonio DeMarco Vows To Defeat Rances Barthelemy For Cancer-Stricken Sister on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS

 

Promoter Floyd Mayweather & Premier Boxing Champions Fighters

Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (June 18, 2015) – An animated Adrien “The Problem” Broner held court for several minutes Thursday, as a calm “Showtime” Shawn Porter delivered his own strong message in advance of the exciting weekend of Premier Boxing Champions action at MGM Grand.

In a different role than his usual one as boxing’s pound-for-pound king, President of Mayweather Promotions Floyd “Money” Mayweather helped run the press conferences alongside Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe.

On the Saturday, June 20 PBC on NBC show, Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) will take on Porter(25-1-1, 16 KOs) after Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) battles Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco (26-1, 14 KOs). Televised coverage on NBC begins at8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

Also at Thursday’s press conference, main event participant on the Sunday, June 21 PBC on CBS card Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs) vowed to bring home a victory for his cancer-stricken sister in Sunday’s PBC on CBS main event showdown against former world champion Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs) .   Sunday’s co-feature showcases a welterweight matchup between Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) and Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs). Televised coverage begins on CBS Sports at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Also in attendance on Thursday were rising stars from Mayweather Promotions who will be competing on both Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets for Saturday’s event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50 and tickets for Sunday’s event are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card for tickets to both events, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets for both events are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The weekend of action is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“Mayweather Promotions has always done record-breaking numbers and our ultimate goal is to find the next Floyd Mayweather. With all of the talent out there, it will soon happen.

“I want all of the fighters out there to keep working hard, stay focused and know that there is no limit to what you can do.

“With all the media here talking to him, it’s obvious that Adrien is doing something right. He’s entertaining and people like it.

“There’s no limit to how far Adrien Broner can go in this sport. He can fight. I’m in the gym with him and he’s boxing top guys. He’s pushing himself.

“Shawn Porter is a really solid competitor. It’s not an easy task for Adrien, he’s going to have to fight.

“Mayweather Promotions wants to continue to work with all fighters and help build their careers so that they can get to that top level.”

ADRIEN BRONER

“This is the AB show. You’re all getting it first, live and personal.

“I’m fighting Shawn Porter and I’m fighting his dad. It’s like I’m fighting his dad because the check comes in his dad’s name, then he pays Shawn.

“Since both Shawn and his dad get a check, if I whoop both of them, will I get paid twice?

“I like Shawn as a person, but he gets so much negative energy from his dad. That’s just the truth.

“After I whoop you Shawn, come sign with About Billions and I’ll buy you a nicer car than your dad’s. I already wrote out the contract.

“This is going to be a great fight. I’m very excited because I love putting on a show for the fans. This boy will not beat me.

“I’m coming to deliver a beat down. Shawn Porter is a football player, I’m going to take him out. It’s going to be fun.”

SHAWN PORTER

“I feel great, it’s a good day. I’m just counting down until fight night.

“I’ve been working on everything in camp. I have a lot of speed, power, quickness and the whole nine. It’s going to take everything to win this fight.

“He’s got good speed, so we’re preparing for him to use a lot of that. We’ll make adjustments as we go along but the key is definitely taking care of his speed with our speed.

“It’s so sweet to be fighting at MGM Grand, this is what you want as a fighter. It’s my time now. I’m so excited about this opportunity.

“Number one, we have to take care of business. We know that if we take care of business it’ll be a great Father’s Day on Sunday.”

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I just have to stay focused and put on a spectacular performance on Saturday night. Hopefully next time I’ll be the main event. It’s a process but I’m getting there.

“I’m ready for anybody in the welterweight division, I’m ready for any kind of step up in competition period. I’m not the guy to shy away from anybody.

“Porter and Broner are a little more seasoned that me, but skill wise I think I’m right on par with them. Skill for skill I can match anybody in boxing.

“A lot of guys aren’t in the position that I’m in to get the opportunities that I have. This is my third year as a pro and it’s all been coming pretty fast. It’s all about timing. I’m enjoying the process.

“You’re going to be looking at the future of the sport come Saturday night.”

PHIL LO GRECO

“There’s no such thing as the right moment. The perfect fight is when you want it to be. I got the call and decided that this is the perfect timing.

“It took me about 30 seconds to decide to take this fight. When you know why you fight, it makes these decisions easy.

“A year ago there was no way I thought I’d be on this stage. Now I have real opportunities and we’re here now.

“Win, lose or draw, I’m going back to the gym next week.

“I’m a pressure fighter. I like to engage and give the fans what they want to see. This is a great opportunity. Saturday is going to be fun.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I’m feeling good moving up in weight. Everybody knows Antonio DeMarco is a very, very tough fighter. He’s one of the best I’ve ever fought. His record who he has faced proves that. He’s experienced, but so am I. 

“I want to be the best Cuban fighter of all-time and I’m on my way.

“I’m in tremendous shape and I’m ready to go. I want to showcase my skills on Sunday to show the world how I can fight.

“Who do I want to fight? I’ll fight anyone they put in my way. I’ll fight Godzilla if he’s there.

“I don’t do predictions but this is going to be an entertaining fight. Unlike past Cuban fighters, I have power and can knock people out. In the amateurs you don’t need power. But in the pros, that’s what it’s all about.” 

ANTONIO DEMARCO

“This is going to be a tough fight, a difficult fight, but I have a great responsibility. My 15-year-old sister told me that if I win, she will beat cancer. She was diagnosed with bone cancer last November – and it was life-threatening. But her last chemo treatment was yesterday.

“From a ring standpoint, I am really looking forward to Sunday. I am very prepared, I am relaxed and ready to go. Besides for my sister, my other main motivation is that this is a chance to get my career back on track. A victory and I can get back to where I was and in position to challenge the best.

“I am treating it like another fight, but of course it is much more. Exposure-wise, you can’t get better than network television.

“I know Rances is going to be a difficult opponent. He’s a great fighter. But I have the experience to come up with a game plan to win. From a career-standpoint, this is a very important fight and I’m ready for it.”

SAMMY VASQUEZ

It’s an honor to be here in this building among some of the greatest fighters in the world. Omotoso has never fought anyone like me before.

“I’m here to restore the greatness of Pittsburgh boxing. Everyone knows ‘The Pittsburgh Kid’, Paul Spadafora, but we all carry the torch differently. I respect him as a fighter and he’s done some great things. We were raised differently and I’m amazed at the great things he’s accomplished. But I’m here to bring a new look to Pittsburgh boxing.

“Omotoso is tough. His record speaks for itself at 25-1. His only loss was to Jessie Vargas who’s fighting for a world title. I don’t take anybody lightly. I’ve trained hard for this and I don’t think he’s fought anyone as fast as me or hits as hard as me with both hands.

“I’m going to throw a lot of punches and it should be fun to see. It will be an entertaining fight. The main goal is to win. If the opportunity presents itself to knock him out then I will. I’m not going to go in there trying to knock his head off or anything. I have to box smart.

“In this game it’s all about longevity and the less you get hit the longer you can fight so I don’t want to get hit. That’s my goal.”

WALE OMOTOSO

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to fight on such a big stage. Fighting on network TV provides all of us such a lift. Getting this kind of national exposure is what fighters like me need and what we work so hard to get.

“I’m totally ready to take advantage and I look forward to being able to showcase my talents on Sunday. All my friends and countrymen are going to be able to watch it, and I don’t want to let them down.

“I really don’t know much about Vasquez, other than he’s a southpaw whose quick, he is just another fighter who can fight. But we can all fight. It’s not like he has four hands and two heads.

“The best man will be victorious and I am confident that is me.

“I can’t wait for Sunday. I wish it was time to fight right now. This is going to be my Father’s Day present to my kids and wife.”

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.comfollow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @RealKidBlast, @De.Marco07, @SammyV2112, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions,www.facebook.com/NBCSportswww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing orhttp://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.

EXCITING WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER PHIL LO GRECO TO REPLACE ROBERTO GARCIA AND FACE ERROL SPENCE JR. ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SATURDAY, JUNE 20 AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

 

LAS VEGAS (June 18, 2015) – Exciting welterweight contender Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco (26-1, 14 KOs) will face Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) in the televised opener of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC on Saturday, June 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with coverage beginning on NBC at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

 

Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia has withdrawn from the fight due to personal reasons.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who had a highly decorated amateur career, the 25-year-old Spence Jr.will look to remain undefeated when he steps into the ring on Saturday night. The Desoto, Texas born fighter was dominant in his last performance on April 11 as he defeated Samuel Vargas by fifth-round knockout.

 

A four-time amateur national Canadian champion, the Toronto-born Lo Greco turned pro in 2006 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the top fighters from Canada. The 30-year-old also fought in Germany, Italy and Hungary before making his U.S. debut in 2012 by defeating Hector Orozco in Atlantic City. He racked up a 25-0 record to begin his career and most recently was dominant in defeating Rafael Cobos in March. Now he will look to make the most of this opportunity on Saturday night.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.comfollow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @Phil_Lo_Greco, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

PROMOTER FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS FIGHTER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2015) – With pound-for pound king and President of Mayweather Promotions Floyd “Money” Mayweather looking on, fighters competing on this weekend’s Premier Boxing Champions cards at MGM Grand, participated in a media workout Wednesday at Mayweather Boxing Club. Mayweather made the most of his time at the gym, staying for nearly two hours to talk with the media, give the fighters insight and advice and sign autographs for fans.

 

Fighters who worked out at the event that are featured on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card included Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs),“Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) and Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs). Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. Broner, who considers Mayweather a mentor and “big brother,” has trained at the Mayweather Boxing Club for weeks, per Mayweather’s suggestion.

 

Principle fighters who will be showcased on Sunday’s Premier Boxing Champions on CBS card were also in attendance as Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs), Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs), Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) and Wale Omotoso(25-1, 21 KOs) all worked out and signed autographs. Coverage begins on CBS Sports at4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the Saturday’s event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Tickets for Sunday’s event, which is also promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Here are what the workout participants had to say:

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

 

“You’ve got two guys this weekend in Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter who have the right teams around them. If they continue to win and we bring their personality out of them, we’ll see what happens.

 

“Shawn Porter has been a champion before. He only has one loss and Adrien only has one loss. So I think this is a good matchup.

 

“When I was getting ready for Robert Guerrero, who is a southpaw, the first guy I started looking to spar with was a southpaw and Errol (Spence Jr.) was giving me real good work.He pushed me and made me get in tip top condition, and once I was in tip top condition, I was ready and the best I could be. He’s a hell of a fighter.”

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“Porter can’t beat me, it’s not going to happen.

 

“I will not be the next Floyd Mayweather. I will be the first and only Adrien Broner.

 

“I don’t know why I would be terrified of Porter. I’m not terrified of anything. He can talk, it’s all okay.

 

“I’m going to give my dad a great Father’s Day present this weekend when I get that victory Saturday night.

 

“Everyone has to tune-in to see AB on NBC, it’s going to be a show just like every time I step into the ring.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“I feel great. My weight is great and that’s all that matters. That’s the first small battle and the next battle will come on Saturday night.

 

“I think Broner thought that if he gets me drained it would be a problem for me, but it’s not going to be. That’s not the Porter way. We’ve done everything right to this point.

 

“Broner keeps saying that he hopes I’m ready to bring it, but I don’t really understand what he means because everyone knows I’m ready and everyone knows I always bring it. You don’t have to ask that of Shawn Porter.

 

“He’s a talker, he likes to run his mouth but it’s all good. We’re just going to do our thing on Saturday night.

 

“This is going to be a good one. Certainly a crowd pleaser. Old or new to boxing, this is going to be good for you. Broner has skills, but I have skills too. It’s going to be a magnificent fight on Saturday night.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“It’s been training camp as usual for us. We didn’t really do anything different, it was a little more intense but all the same things we do.

 

“I’m just ready to fight. I want to weigh-in, get some food in my stomach and get in that ring. I’m on weight already, it’s been a long, eight-week training camp so we’re 100 percent ready.

 

“I’m a boxer-puncher. I can come forward or I can box. I’m always looking for the knockout and I’m always bringing exciting fights.

 

“Fighting on NBC, on my biggest card to date, it’s really big for me and I have to perform so that I can get back on NBC and be the main event next time.”

 

RANCES BARTHELEMY

 

“I know DeMarco will be prepared and he’ll put a lot of pressure like Mexican fighters do. That’s the only way that he has a chance. We have a plan for how we’re going to fight.

 

“Moving to Las Vegas has made me more relaxed and comfortable.  Now that I’m married and have my daughter, it’s been even more peaceful.  I’m ready to go.

 

“Being on CBS where everybody in the U.S. can see me, it gives me even more inspiration. People will know who I am after this fight.”

 

ANTONIO DEMARCO

 

“I’m coming in ready to box, brawl or whatever it will take to get the victory on Sunday.

 

“I know my opponent is undefeated but he has not fought the same guys I have. My experience is better and it will show in the ring.

 

“We had a great training camp, all the hard work is done. It’s about going out on Sundayand putting on a show for everyone to see.”

 

SAMMY VASQUEZ

 

“This was probably the best sparring camp I’ve ever had.  It was a little longer than I’m used to – about eight weeks – and we had some great sparring partners.  I’m more ready than ever.

 

“The guys that Omotoso’s faced, he’s knocked out, so he’s been doing his job.  He’s a power hitter so I know I can’t take him lightly.  He dropped Jessie Vargas, but he’s not as quick of a fighter as I am.

 

“He can say what he wants, but he’s not going to knock me out.  That’s what he’s supposed to say.  Everything changes when you step into the ring. He’s going to find out pretty quickly that he hasn’t faced anyone like me.

 

“My game plan is to beat him and if I see the opportunity to knock him out then I will take it.

 

“I’m fighting for all my fans back in Pittsburgh, all my brothers and sister in the Armed Forces.  I’ll be carrying them on my back as I enter the ring this Sunday.”

 

WALE OMOTOSO

 

“I’ve seen a few of Sammy’s fights.  I think he has speed, but that’s the only thing that I see.  I don’t think he has the power to knock me out.

 

“I’ve faced the tougher guys than him.  In my last fight I floored Jessie Vargas, and I think Jessie is quicker than him.

 

“It doesn’t matter how quick he is, he’ll bring out the best in me.

 

“When I see a challenge I like to face it.  I’m going to knock him out.”

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.comfollow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @RealKidBlast, @De.Marco07, @SammyV2112, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions,www.facebook.com/NBCSportswww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing orhttp://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND FIGHTS REPRESENT SPIRIT OF HOLIDAY

 

FIGHTERS FEATURED ON SATURDAY’S PBC ON NBC & SUNDAY’S PBC ON CBS CARDS REFLECT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FATHERHOOD

 

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2015) – Boxing’s storied history of close familial relationships will come to life this Father’s Day Weekend as Premier Boxing Champions returns to NBC onJune 20 and CBS on June 21 live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fighters featured on both of these stacked cards have close relationships with their own fathers, are fathers themselves or have found a father figure in the boxing gym.

 

Moreover, fans of the sweet science are often born into a longstanding love for the sport that is passed on from generation to generation as fathers share the tradition of watching boxing at home with their families. As Premier Boxing Champions continues to bring great action to network television, this Father’s Day Weekend of back-to-back fight cards is another opportunity for fathers to continue to pass this tradition along.

 

On Saturday, Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) and “Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) will face off in a fiercely competitive 12-round matchup. Also on the card, the undefeated Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) puts his record on the line against hard-hitting veteran Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 23 KOs) in the biggest challenge of his young career.  The PBC on NBC action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

 

Former world champions Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs) and Antonio DeMarco(31-4-1, 23 KOs) headline the Premier Boxing Champions on CBS card on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21 live beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. Also featured in a televised bout is an explosive welterweight matchup that pits the undefeated Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) against Nigerian knockout artist Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs).

 

From the legendary duo of Floyd Mayweather, co-promoter of this weekend’s PBC fight cards, and his father Floyd Mayweather Sr. to other famed father-son teams such asJulio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Julio Jr. and Don and Felix “Tito” Trinidad, the importance of fatherhood is as prevalent in the sweet science now as it has always been, as evidenced by the thoughts and comments stated below from this weekend’s featured fighters.

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“My dad ‘Pops’ was the first person to take me to the boxing gym and that is where we met Coach Mike [Stafford]. My dad just knew that he wanted me to box and he took me to the right place.

 

“Everyone calls my dad ‘Pops’ because he’s like a dad to everyone around me – my friends, fighters in the gym…everyone.  He’s always been there 100 percent of the time.

 

“Me and my dad are both a little crazy. We are similar people. We are both cut from a different cloth, we like to have fun and work hard. We mesh.

 

“My dad usually comes to camp the last two weeks, so he is at the gym everyday leading up to the fights. When he’s not with me in the gym, he is working on cars as a mechanic in Cincinnati.

 

“[On being a father] I love being with my kids. I like to do fun things with them and give them more than I had as a kid. I love when they come to the gym and come to my fights.

 

“When my youngest Adrieon was born, I was there every step of the way and now this Father’s Day is going to be even better when I win.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“My dad has always been there from sports to school and has helped me through all of it. He is an anomaly because he was always there as a single father. You don’t really find that too much in the African American community – a single dad that wants to be there for his children the way my dad has been there for me and my brother.

 

“Every day is kind of like Father’s Day for us. I want to make this one very memorable and it is the first of many to come. But obviously Sunday will be much better if I win.

 

“I feel like I make his day everyday. It’s him and I. Its what we do. You have your good days and bad days. For me being a son and an athlete team, it makes me want to perform on a different level.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“My dad got me started in boxing. He was a truck driver, so he used to drive overnight, and then he’ll get home 12:00 p.m. or later then take me to the gym.  Then after that he’d come from the gym, it was like 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., and he would rest for one or two hours and go straight to work.

 

“At the time, I didn’t really think about it, but as I got older and a little bit wiser, realizing all the sacrifices that he sacrificed for me to be able to box and go to all these national tournaments and all these tournaments out of state and stuff.  He had to pay for the hotel, pay for food and stuff like that out of pocket.  We didn’t have any sponsors and stuff like that.

“I am proud to be named after my dad and I thank him for believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be.

 

“He plays a big part of my boxing career.  He’s my supporter.  That’s my mentor.  That’s like my best friend.  For Father’s Day, I’m going to get him a win, and it’s going to be an impressive win that he’ll be proud of and he’ll love.  He played a big part in my career.  Without him, I know I wouldn’t be boxing. My dad will be in my corner Saturday night.”

 

 

RANCES BARTHELEMY

 

“Father’s Day is very special to me because my wife and daughter, who are my world, treat me like a king for the day. Being a father is very important, and in today’s society, not enough fathers are there for their children. It’s great that there is a day to honor the good fathers that take care of their families.

 

“My father, Emilio Barthelemy, was always there for me and my brothers. He got us into the sport of boxing. When I left Cuba it was very difficult for me because me and my dad were very close. I love him very much and I want to wish him a happy Father’s Day as well.

 

“I remember when we were little, me and my brothers would take my father out to breakfast on Father’s Day. It was a very special time and we all enjoyed the moment. My wife and daughter love to spoil me on Father’s Day. Last year they took me to my favorite Cuban restaurant and I enjoyed a wonderful meal with both of them.”

 

SAMMY VASQUEZ

 

“Being a father of three girls and having such a strong relationship with my Dad makes

Father’s Day one of the biggest holidays for me.”

 

“My father has been with me every step of the way supporting my career from

selling tickets in Pittsburgh, to being with me at every fight and serving as one of my

managers. It’s great to have him alongside me, it would be special to win this fight

on Father’s Day for him.”

 

“It’s tough having to be away from my daughter’s on Sunday but we’ll celebrate on

Monday when I get back home and have our Father’s Day then.”

 

WALE OMOTOSO

 

“I am so proud to have two boys [ages 5 and 2] with my wife. We have lived in Los Angeles for four years and we have a very happy life together there.

 

“My wife’s parents came to LA from Australia so they can watch the kids this weekend when I fight and my wife can come and cheer me on.

 

“My father died right before I turned pro and moved to Australia from Nigeria. I got an opportunity to move away from Africa and I took it. He would be proud.

 

“My trainer Eric Brown is like a father to me now. He knows my wife and kids. We walk all the time. He tells me to keep my head on straight and focus.

 

“I’m going to win on Sunday. That is going to be my Father’s Day present for my kids too. I’m going to win this fight for them. It is the best Father’s Day present I can give – giving them a reason to be proud of their dad.”

 

# # #

 

Live coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with the 10-round welterweight battle between undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and tough brawler Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia. That bout is followed by the 12-round headlining attraction featuring Adrien “The Problem” Bronertaking on “Showtime” Shawn Porter.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

 

Coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on CBS begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with the welterweight clash between Sammy Vasquez and Wale Omotoso and is followed by the showdown between former world champions Rances Barthelemy and Wale Omotoso.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

 

Kelly Swanson

Thanks everyone for calling in.  We have an exciting conference call today to talk about an unbelievable boxing weekend coming up in Las Vegas.  We’re going to hear more about that from Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, who will run the call.

 

First on the call we’re going to talk to Errol Spence, Jr., and his opponent, Roberto Garcia, was also supposed to join the call but, unfortunately, he had a last minute medical appointment that he had to get in before he departed for Las Vegas, so he won’t be able to join us.

 

This other young gentleman is a fantastic fighter, and I’m certainly looking forward to seeing him fight.  I’m going to go ahead and turn it over to Leonard Ellerbe, who will make the introductions and open it up.

 

Leonard Ellerbe

Thank you, Kelly.  I’d like to thank everyone for joining us on this afternoon’s call.  PBC on NBC returns to primetime network television this Saturday, June 20th.  The telecast begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.  We’ll be coming to you live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  This event will be sponsored by Corona, and I’d like to thank them for their support.

 

Our main event will feature a 12-round showdown between former world champions Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter.  The co-main event features hot prospect Errol Spence, Jr. and veteran Roberto Garcia in a 10-round welterweight fight.  Following the fights on NBC, we will switch over to NBCSN for more great action.

 

The tickets for the live events, which will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are on sale now.  The tickets are available through Ticketmaster and mgmgrand.com.  With the purchase of a ticket to the June 20th fight this Saturday, fans will also have access to the PBC on CBS card taking place on Sunday at the MGM Grand.  That bout will feature, in the main event, Rances Barthelemy versus Antontio DeMarco, and Sammy Vasquez will fight Wale Omotoso, which begins at 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT on CBS.

 

I’d like to start out introducing the co-main event, and I’d like to start out with Errol Spence.  Errol Spence is coming to us from Desoto, Texas.  He is a 2012 US Olympian.  He most recently dominated Samuel Vargas on the April 11 on PBC on NBC card.  I’m very familiar with this young, exciting prospect.  He’s a very talented fighter and he will be a force to be reckoned with for quite some time.  He’s a future world champion.  He’s coming to us at 16-0 with 13 KOs.  Errol?

 

Errol Spence Jr.

Hi, I’m glad to be here.  It’s a big opportunity for me on a huge stage.  I’m going to go in and do like I always do, put on a great show and a great performance and raise my stock.  Hopefully, after this fight, after this great performance, I can be the main event on NBC.

 

Q

Do you feel like you’re moving the way you want to be moving?  Faster?  Slower?  Where you’re supposed to be?  Then, how soon do you think, that if you can take care of your opponent, Roberto Garcia, this weekend, that you can get into an even more significant fight, perhaps for a title at some point?

 

E. Spence Jr.

I feel like I’m moving the way I want to move.  I’m fighting when I want to and I’m fighting on the regular, so everything’s been consistent and how I want it to go.  I’m stepping up the competition, and I’m fighting on the big stage that I wanted to fight on.  After I get rid of Roberto Garcia, I think it will be another step up fight.  Hopefully, I can get a more name-known opponent, hopefully a former world champion in there, and then by sometime early next year, I can fight for a title.

 

Q

According to most people, you were the most talented fighter on the United States Olympic Team in 2012 and the guy with the most potential as a professional. Is that a distraction for you?  Does it motivate you?  Do you believe your clippings?  How do you stay focused?  Because it seems like you are a pretty focused guy, the way you’ve been going about your business.

 

E. Spence Jr.

For one thing, staying focused is just something I naturally do, but I also want to live up to the hype and to the high standards that a lot of boxing writers and a lot of people have of me.  I’ve just got to go out there and perform and look great, and I want to look great, so I have to stay focused and work hard.  That’s the only way that I’m going to get where I want to be and get to the top and get to fighting these name-known opponents. I just have to stay focused and just stay dedicated, and I’ll be definitely fighting more known opponents, like Robert Guerrero or Keith Thurman or Amir Khan or somebody like that.

 

 

Q

What then does victory against Garcia do in terms of getting you there?

 

E. Spence Jr.

Roberto Garcia, he’s tough, he a veteran, and I think me being a prospect and on the verge of being a contender, I had to face a guy like that, a guy with a lot of experience and a really good record, so I can go into that contender level and contender status where I can start fighting more name-known guys.  I think it’s just a process I have to go through so I can get to where I want to be.  Roberto Garcia is a tough fighter.  He’s not as known as the guys I would like to fight, but I have to fight him to get to those guys.

 

Q

With the emergence of a lot of the Eastern European fighters, who fight for a title in their second or third professional fight, do you feel pressure to sort of step up your own process and take tougher fights and develop a little bit quicker than we’ve normally seen American fighters in the past?

 

E. Spence Jr.

No. I don’t necessarily feel pressured.  Everybody has their own path that they have to take.  What those guys did was great, and that’s extraordinary and really unheard of, but everybody has their own path, and everybody grows differently.

 

Q

Errol, since PBC has started broadcasting fights, in 2015, you’ve had, the one fight on the Garcia-Peterson undercard, but your fighter commercial or your bio, that’s been getting a lot of exposure. Can you tell me what that’s been like to see yourself on TV and what the reaction has been to that exposure?

 

E. Spence, Jr.

It’s been great.  I’m excited.  It shows that my hard work’s been paying off, and it shows how my manager believes in me.  I’ve only been a pro fighter for three years and some change and I’m already being broadcast in with guys that have been pro eight, ten years, eleven years, and I’m head-to-head with these guys.  It just shows a lot of people believe in me and I’ve got a lot of people behind me who support me.

 

Q

You mentioned Robert Guerrero, Keith Thurman, and Amir Khan as potential opponents that you’re looking at.  Do you see them as stepping stones to something bigger, or are those the fights you want?  It sounded like you might have been alluding to a different fight. What I’m wondering is if you see those guys as in your way to fight Mayweather?

 

E. Spence Jr.

Not necessarily.  These are the guys that are in the top ten, that are in the top five.  These are the guys that are supposed to be there after Floyd retires in September, these are the guys that are going to be supposedly running the division, so these are the guys I’m looking at.  I’m nowhere near close to fighting Mayweather, because I haven’t even gotten in the top ten yet.  These are the guys thatI’m looking at that are in the top ten that are supposedly running the weight class after Floyd’s gone and retired.

 

Q

I want to ask you about what you know of your opponent, Roberto Garcia? Do you consider, as a pro, Garcia to be the toughest fighter that you’ve faced?

 

E. Spence, Jr.

I see him as the most experienced fighter.  It could be the toughest.  It all depends.  One of my tough fights was against Emmanuel Lartey.  He was 15-0, and I was 8-0 at the time.  But I mean it could be.  He’s tough, he’s experienced, and he’s gritty.  I know he’s going to come to fight, so this will be one of my toughest fights to date.

 

Q

Now, you’ve gone back and forth in the last year or so between welterweight and super welterweight.  Is there one of those weight classes you particularly want to focus upon?

 

E. Spence Jr.

I’m staying at 147, and welterweight is my weight class.  A lot of times I might fight at 148 or something like that, but 147 is the weight class that I’m fighting at.

 

K. Swanson

Okay, that was your last question, Errol, but I have one for you that I’d like to add here.  The weekend is Father’s Day weekend, and from what I’ve read about you, your dad was pretty instrumental in making sure you had a boxing career. I’m wondering if you could share with us a little bit about your relationship with your dad, how important he was to the development of your boxing abilities, and if he’ll be with you this weekend in Las Vegas.

 

E. Spence Jr.

My dad, he got me started in boxing.  He was a truck driver, so he used to drive overnight, and then he’ll get home 12:00 p.m. or later then take me to the gym.  Then after that he’d come from the gym, it was like 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., and he would rest for one or two hours and go straight to work.  At the time, I didn’t really think about it, but as I got older and a little bit wiser, realizing all the sacrifices that he sacrificed for me to be able to box and go to all these national tournaments and all these tournaments out of state and stuff.  He had to pay for the hotel, pay for food and stuff like that out of pocket.  We didn’t have any sponsors and stuff like that.

 

He plays a big part of my boxing career.  He’s my supporter.  That’s my mentor.  That’s like my best friend.  For Father’s Day, I’m going to get him a win, and it’s going to be an impressive win that he’ll be proud of and he’ll love.  He played a big part in my career.  Without him, I know I wouldn’t be boxing.

 

K. Swanson

Great.  Thanks for sharing that.  I know he was an important part of your story.  So, Leonard, that is it on the side for Errol.  We appreciate you taking the time out of your training. Best of luck to you, and we look forward to watching you on PBC on NBC.

 

L. Ellerbe

The fans are going to be in for a great treat with this fight.  Garcia comes with a lot of experience, and Errol is the new guy on the block.  He’s making a name for himself.  Big things are expected out of Errol, and he’ll be looking to come through on Saturday night with a great performance.

 

E. Spence Jr.

Thank you.  I’d like to thank everybody for their questions and stuff and everybody tuning in and listening.  Just make sure you tune in Saturday.  I’m going to put on a great performance and a great show.

 

L. Ellerbe

In the main event, we have a very exciting fight.  We have two gentlemen who are very familiar with each other.  They both come out of the state of Ohio.  They both have extensive amateur backgrounds.  I think it’s going to be an excellent fight.

 

We have Shawn Porter.  Like I said, he’s coming to us from out of Akron, Ohio.  He’s now fighting out of Las Vegas.  His most recent win was on Spike in March when he fought Eric Bone.  He has fought a number of good fighters, including big wins over former world champions Devon Alexander and Paulie Malignaggi.  He comes to us with a record of 25-1-1, with 16 KOs, none other than the former welterweight world champion, “Showtime” Shawn Porter.

 

Shawn Porter

What’s up, everybody?  Thanks for having me on.

 

Ken Porter

Thank you guys for the wonderful introduction, Leonard.  We really appreciate you guys having us on today.  As far as our training camp, Shawn has been preparing for this fight and the previous fight and the previous fight before that ever since he turned professional.  We never really go into a camp, per se.  We just continue with what we were already doing.  I have been blessed with an athlete who understands that this is his lifestyle, it’s year-round, and he just works like that.  So when it was time to turn up the heat a little bit, we were already ready to go.  When it was time to bring down the weight a little bit, that wasn’t a problem either.

 

He’s strong.  He’s happy.  He’s feeling really good.  Today we did a little bit of track work.  We headed to the gym, and then we were reminded that we had this conference call with you guys, so it was absolutely no problem for us to go back home and sit down for a little bit and take this call because all of our hard work has already been done, not just in this fight or this camp, but in previous fights and previous camps that we’ve had before this.  Everything is on point.  Everything is exactly where we want it to be, and we’re looking forward to a great fight on Saturday night against a great fighter.

 

Q

What have you done differently in this training camp to prepare yourself for this fight and the speed of Adrien Broner?

 

S. Porter

You know what, I’ll let you know.  Yes, he is skillful and fast.  We haven’t really done much different to try to offset that or anything.  The reason being is because we know that I’m just as fast and just as quick as he is.  There haven’t been any special workouts that we’ve incorporated this camp or anything like that to do anything differently to offset his speed.  We’ve just really focused more so on my skills and also the different techniques that are required to cut off and slow down a fast fighter like him.  So, it’s what we’ve been doing, just at a higher level. We’re not overlooking his speed.  We’ve just done more of what we need to do to prepare for it, which is what we’ve always done.

 

K. Porter

Just to give you guys a little info, I think Devon Alexander is one of the fastest boxers in boxing, period.  I know that Manny Pacquiao is one of the fastest boxers in boxing.  I know that Andre Dirrell is one of the fastest boxers in this sport.  Shawn has been able to compete against those type of guys in professional fights, in sessions, in camps.  We don’t have a problem with anyone’s speed.  He’s just as fast as anybody that comes in the ring with him, so when you talk about a guy’s speed, that’s not something we’re concerned with.

 

The problem that that guy will have to deal with is we’re fast, and we’ve got power to come along with that.  So, we’re prepared for that.  Just like Shawn said, we just continue doing what we’ve already done.  At this point in time, that is not a concern at all, so we’re ready for that.

 

Q

Have you in any way prepared yourself for maybe the antics that come along in the ring with an Adrien Broner?

 

S. Porter

You know what, I haven’t.  I understand that could arise during the fight.  My whole thing is this, and it’s something that my dad has always pressed upon me, is being professional at all times.  Being professional means maintaining your composure and staying poised and sticking to the game plan no matter what.  So, no matter what he may do or say during the fight, more than likely that means I’m doing something right, and I’ll just continue to do what I’m doing and what my corner’s asking me to do.  I’m not worried about it at all. I am who I am, and I get the job done.

 

K. Porter

Shawn’s coming to knock Adrien’s head off.  He’s in a real fight, and this is a big fight.  I think it’s going to be a very entertaining fight.  They both have contrasting styles.  Both have certain strengths that they do certain things very well.  It’s going to be a very competitive and exciting fight.

 

Q

You’re an Akron guy.  Broner’s a Cincinnati guy.  They’re saying it’s the battle of Ohio, and we’re going to Las Vegas, a great place for big fights all the time, a tremendous place to have fights, but did you think maybe that you guys would be duking it out in Ohio to settle the bragging rights for the state?

 

S. Porter

I’m a northeast Ohio guy, not just Akron, not just Cleveland.  It’s a blessing to be able to represent northeast Ohio, and I’ve done that for a very long time with pride.  I’ve made everyone proud back home along the way.  Again, everything I’ve learned, I learned from my dad.  He told me a long time ago, he says if you want to improve, if you want to get better and do things at the highest level, you’ve got to move on and sometimes leave home alone and take care of your business.

 

With that being said, Las Vegas is the Mecca of boxing.  It’s where we all want to be.  I’ve been blessed enough to move out here two years ago, and this is where I always wanted my career to go.  A fight of this magnitude is happening where it’s supposed to happen at.  The bragging rights will come after the fight.

 

Q

How hard is it going to be for you to get down to 144?  What was the reason that you guys made the fight for significantly under the welterweight limit when both of you guys have been welterweight champions and not had any issues with 147?

 

S. Porter

I’ll answer the first question first.  Right now, we’re Cadillacing, and what I mean by that is we’re taking it one day at a time.  We’re moving slow so everybody can see us, and we’re feeling good doing it.  It’s coming along exactly the way we wanted it to, and it’s been a blessing.  We were called and told that we were asked to be 144 pounds by Adrien Broner.  That was not our decision.  As soon as it was announced to me from my dad, I told him, whatever we need to do to make the fight.

 

I guess there’s a little kid from Cincinnati who’s afraid of fighting at 147, even though that’s a weight that he’s even fought for a championship at.  That’s neither here nor there.  The weigh-in is Friday.  We’ll be there.  We’ll be on weight, and we’ll be excited to get on that scale and look him in the eyes at that weight and let him know that we’re feeling good.  Whatever advantage he thought could come from that, he’s not getting any.

 

The good thing about it is I’m blessed that I have a great body, and somehow we can get my body to do what it needs to do.  At the end of the day, all I can do is give it up to God.  It’s been great along the way and, like you said, I fought as high as 165 in the amateurs and even 154 upon turning pro, and now 147 for the last about four or five years.  It’s been great, and going down a few more pounds won’t be a problem.

 

K. Porter

I call it addition by subtraction.  As he loses weight, he increases his opportunity for big fights.  So, we came from 154 to 147, and there’s big fights there and big fight names there. Here we’ve been asked to come down a few more pounds, and it just so happens he’s living this way year round so he didn’t have to go into some crazy I’ve got to get this weight off type thing.  This morning, he was very light.  He’s eaten twice this morning already.  He’s feeling really good.  We’re able to do this, and we’re confident that it’ll continue throughout the week to come off like it is.  We’re looking forward to this big fight at a lighter weight.  So, that’s why I call it addition by subtraction.  We get more out of coming down in a lower weight than we did being in the higher weight class.

 

Q

Shawn, both of you and Adrien have been in some exciting fights, but you’re also both very good boxers also.  What is your take on how this is going to play out?

 

S. Porter

I think this fight’s going to go everywhere.  You’ve seen me fight. You know that I want to dictate everything.  I want to dictate the pace.  I want to be the commander in the ring.  With that being said, we’re versatile, which is great, and we can box from the outside.  There will also be points where we look to move in and get really physical.  We’re just going to play it one round at a time and we’ll look to box and also look to punch and put it all together.  That’s what you want in a big fight, when you can do so many things and this fight requires you doing so many things.  We look to put it all together on Saturday night-the boxing, the punching, the pressure, the countering, all of it.

 

Q

When you look at Adrien Broner’s record, you see he had that loss to Marcos Maidana.  Is there anything you’ve learned from that fight with Maidana that you can apply for yourself in your fight with Adrien?

 

S. Porter

Yes.  We’ve taken a look at a number of his fights, not just the bad, but also the good.  I’m steadily reminding myself not to underestimate him, not to think that I’m going to come in there and do everything that Maidana did to him, and that’s it and I’ll get the win.  We look to do so much more than what Maidana did, but the pressure that Maidana applied that entire fight was great and was what he needed.

 

We will look to do some of that.  I’ve also taken a look at his earlier fights when he looked really sharp and superb, just to remind myself of what he can do.  There were lot of things he didn’t do against Maidana, but there were a lot of things he did do well against some of his other competitors earlier in his career.  We look to do a lot of different things this fight.  It’s going to take a lot to win this one, and we’re ready for it.

 

Q

Have there been specific things that you’ve learned or changed in your approach since your fight last year with Kell Brook?

 

S. Porter

Yes and no.  I think with that fight, the things that we’ve changed and worked on more have become more, number one, mental and then number two, the basics. I’ll say, number one, the mental because there were a lot of things that were asked of me in the corner that I didn’t incorporate during the match. At the end of the day, I can only look at myself, and that’s the reason those things didn’t show up.  We worked on a lot of mental preparation since that fight, being able to not only listen to the corner and implement those instructions during the fight and then the basics.

 

There were a lot of things I didn’t do in that fight.  I got a little wild at points. After the fight, once we got back training, we went back all the way to the basics like we always do, but we put a little more emphasis on the mental aspect along with the basics.

 

Q

This fight’s going to be Saturday night, main event, prime time, on NBC in virtually every home in the country, and it’s going to be televised internationally.  Tell us about how that affects you, being in such a marquis fight.

 

S. Porter

You know what, I can promise you this, this is something that I’ve always envisioned and I’ve always looked forward to.  My fight with Julio Diaz, when I first found out it was at MGM Grand, I was really excited.  Then I was told it was going to be in one of the conference rooms.  The whole entire bubble didn’t bust, but a little bit of the air came out.  I’ve just always marveled at the crowd, how loud it gets, the lights, the whole nine.  I love every part of the ambiance of a big MGM Grand fight.  I’m taking it with a lot of excitement and obviously not over enthused, but I do understand the moment that I’m about to have.  The great part about it is it’s a moment that I’ve always wanted, and I’m  looking forward to it, so I’ll take it with no problem at all.

Q

Is there any legit animosity between you and Adrien?

 

S. Porter

You know what, there was no animosity about the weight up until the press conference that we had last week.  We had the press conference.  We’ve known for weeks now that the contracted weight is supposed to be 144.  Here we are doing everything that we need to do as professionals to be on weight, be on point, be 100%, and the kid who chose to make the contract, the weight 144, wishes not to talk about the contracted weight, wishes not to talk about any rehydration clause, wants to avoid any conversation involving weight limits or anything like that.

 

The more and more we talk about it, the more and more the animosity starts to set in because I’m a professional doing what I do.  I’ve done it at this high level for so long, and my weight class is 147 for so long.  You want to move up into my weight, then move up.  Don’t be scared.  Don’t be worried.  Don’t be afraid.  Put your skill on the line along with your record.  Put everything on the line.  Put it all on the line at 147.  Don’t put it at 144 and then not want to talk about it.

 

I’m not going to worry about it.  We still maintain our professionalism and come into this fight and this weigh-in the way we’re supposed to.  No personal animosity towards Adrien Broner.  I know him, but I know him from a distance.

 

With that being said, it’s always been more of a, “Hey, how are you doing?” type of a relationship, not a “Let’s go to the club tonight” type of relationship and also, not a “Why are you talking to me you? I could be fighting you sometime,” relationship.  So, we’re cool.  The night of the fight, we will be foes for 12 rounds, or however many rounds it lasts.  After that, I will be who I am and be professional and let the boxing take care of itself.

 

Q

Does this weight feel good, or do you see yourself moving right back up to welterweight after this?

 

S. Porter

Obviously we made this move for a reason, and that was to fight the kid.  After that, I don’t think there’ll be any other reason for me to move any lower than 147.  It’s not going to be a problem this fight, but it’s not something that I want to entertain in the future.  I’m a 147-pound fighter, simple as that.  Anyone I fight will be a strong 147-pound fighter, not a blown-up 140-pound fighter and not a took-down 154-pounder.  We look to fight everyone at their best, and my best is going to be 144 on Saturday.

 

K. Swanson

Okay.  That actually was your last media question, but I’m going to ask you a question myself, something that I actually shared with Errol Spence too.  It’s Father’s Day weekend for the big boxing weekend in Las Vegas. I think everybody in boxing knows about the close, intimate relationship that the Porters have.  I’d like, Shawn, for you to share with us what your dad means to you and what you are planning for Father’s Day after Saturday night.

 

S. Porter

Honestly, I’m happy that this fight has come at this time.  My dad and I have worked extremely hard together for a very long time doing this sport.  What better way to celebrate or wake up and just be proud of what we’ve done the night before, as a family, as a team? I’m excited about having this fight be the night before Father’s Day, and I’m looking forward to being able to wake up and go over into the next room and wake up my dad and just marvel at what we’ve done, obviously, not only in the ring but what we have now as a family and as a team.

 

He means the world to me, and he knows that.  I definitely know I mean the world to him.  I’ve said this before, the love that we have, that we share, we carry that to the ring with each other, and it’s unparalleled.  You can’t match it.  That means a lot.  That makes a difference during the fight.

 

K. Swanson

Leonard, I’d like to turn it over to you for last comments.

 

L. Ellerbe

Okay.  I just want to clear up this whole weight issue.  It seems that there’s a lot of back and forth about the weight.  Both fighters have agreed to fight this fight Saturday at 144 pounds max.  I want to be clear with that, 144 pounds max.  Both fighters agree upon that.  The fans are expecting a great fight, and I think that both fighters will be at their best come Saturday night.  Both fighters have had an excellent camp and have prepared to fight at the weight, and both fighters know what to expect from each other.  They know each other very well.  They both have great strengths, and I think it’s going to be a very exciting fight come Saturday night.

 

I’m very impressed with Shawn Porter, with what he’s been able to do as a professional.  What I like the most about Shawn is his confidence.  As a young veteran, he’s willing to get in there with anybody and those are the things that are a rare attribute when what you see with young fighters.  A lot of fighters talk the talk, but they’re not willing to step up.  Like I said, one of the most impressive things that I personally admire about Shawn is that he’s willing to get in there with anybody.  He’s even called out Floyd Mayweather.  He’s willing to get in there with Floyd, and that’s what I like.  The guy’s willing to put it on the line, lay it on the line, do what it takes to feed their family and to give the fans what they want.

 

We look forward to Saturday night, a great fight for the fans. Thank you all for tuning in.

 

K. Porter

You guy’s had a great session there, good questions.  We’re feeling good, so we’re looking forward to seeing you guys on Saturday.  Thanks for having us.

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UNDEFEATED PROSPECT TERRELL GAUSHA TAKES ON  POWERFUL MEXICAN LUIS GRAJEDA IN PRIMETIME SATURDAY, JUNE 20 ON NBC/NBCSN AS PART OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC

 

Coverage on NBCSN Begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT

 

Undefeated Prospect Robert Easter Jr. Takes On

Miguel Mendoza on NBCSN

 

Plus! Full Slate Of Undefeated Prospects In Action

 

LAS VEGAS (June 15, 2015) – The popular and undefeated Terrell Gausha (14-0, 8 KOs) will take on Mexican brawler Luis Grajeda (18-4-2, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight bout to headline Premier Boxing Champions coverage on NBCSN beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on Saturday, June 20, following the PBC on NBC telecast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

Also in action on NBCSN is undefeated Robert Easter Jr. (13-0, 10 KOs) who will faceMiguel Mendoza (21-5-2, 21 KOs) in a lightweight bout. Depending on timing, the Gausha vs. Grajeda bout could begin on NBC before switching over to NBCSN.

 

Live coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with the 10-round welterweight battle between undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and tough brawler Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia. That bout will be followed by the 12-round headlining attraction featuring Adrien “The Problem” Broner taking on “Showtime” Shawn Porter.

 

A full slate of unbeaten prospects round out the remainder of the card as Michael Hunter(7-0, 4 KOs) battles Deon Elam (14-2, 8 KOs) in a six round heavyweight bout whileLadarius “Memphis” Miller (7-0, 1 KO), Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman (2-0-1, 1 KO) and Sanjarbek Rakhmmanov will all be featured in separate bouts.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012. The 27-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. Most recently he scored a knockout victory in March over Norberto Gonzalez to kick off his 2015 campaign and will look to build on that success when he takes on the 28-year-old Grajeda from Chihuahua, Mexico.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who won U.S. Amateur Championships in 2009 and 2007, the 26-year-old Hunter has begun to make a name for himself in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2013. After winning four times in 2014, the Van Nuys, California-native won a unanimous decision over Avery Gibson in February to start 2015. Hunter takes on a fellow Van Nuys-native in the 35-year-old Elam.

 

An accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate, the 24-year-old Easter Jr. will be making his second straight start at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Unbeaten since turning pro in 2012, the Toldeo, Ohio born fighter delivered a second round knockout over Alejandro Rodriguez in March. Easter Jr. faces a tough challenge in the 31-year-old Mendoza from Aguascalientes, Mexico.

 

Born in Memphis but now fighting out of Las Vegas, Miller is looking for his third victory in 2015 having already beaten Ryan Picou and Marquis Taylor so far this year. The 21-year-old is unbeaten in seven fights since turning pro early in 2014.

 

After picking up his first pro victory on March 6 at MGM Grand, 23-year-old Newman followed it up with his first knockout in April when he stopped Richard Urquizo in the first round. Born in Los Angeles but fighting out of Las Vegas, Newman returns to the ring looking to build off of his last performance.

 

A former amateur Asian champion, Rakhmanov will make his pro debut to kick-off the exciting night of fights on June 20 as the fighter from Uzbekistan takes on an opponent to be determined in four rounds of junior welterweight action.