Tag Archives: NBC

TOP RISING STARS MARCUS BROWNE AND HUGO CENTENO ADDED TO UPCOMING PBC ON NBC CARD

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
 
PETER QUILLIN TAKES ON MICHAEL ZERAFA
IN FEATURE BOUT LIVE ON NBC
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT
AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT
MASHANTUCKET, CT (August 21, 2015) – Undefeated light heavyweight rising star “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs) will take on former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs) while undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno(22-0, 12 KOs) battles Poland’s Lukas Maciec (22-2-1, 5 KOs) as part of the featured undercard bouts on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC event on Saturday, September 12 from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
The September 12 card is headlined by undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) taking on Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight matchup, while super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) defends against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) in the co-main event. Live coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on NBC.
The undercard, which is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET, will feature two of the brightest young up-and-coming stars in all of boxing putting their undefeated records on the line as Browne and Centeno compete in their separate 10-round matchups.
A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Browne has been very impressive since making his pro debut in November 2011.The 24-year-old Staten Island-native is coming off his two most impressive victories to date this year. In May, Browne dominated Cornelius White (21-3) over 10 rounds at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Prior to that, in April, Browne scored an impressive sixth-round TKO over perennial contender Aaron Pryor Jr. Browne is looking to throw his name into the mix of the top fighters in the 175lb. division, and an impressive showing against the former world champion Campillo would do just that.
Campillo is 3-1 in his last four bouts, including a huge upset stoppage victory over previously undefeated Thomas Williams Jr. (17-0) in August of last year. The 36-year-old owns victories over Beibut Shumenov, Hugo Hernan Garay and Mirzet Bajrektarevic over a career that dates back to 2002. The fighter out of Madrid, Spain knows that if he is going to make another run at a light heavyweight title, he cannot afford another loss.
Oxnard, California’s Centeno has long been one of boxing’s top prospects with victories over Ayi Bruce, Keandre Leatherwood, Angel Osuna and Gerardo Ibarra. In his most recent fight, he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Ready to make his move on the middleweight elite, Centeno will take on the 26-year-old Maciec out of Lubin, Poland. Maciec enters the bout on a five-fight win streak, including victories over Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten fighters Jussi Koivula and Sasu Karapetyan. Maciec is 15-1-1 in his last 17 bouts and is ready to show the world that he belongs at the top of the 160lb. division when he makes his U.S. debut.
The Browne or Centeno fight could end up as a swing bout for the NBC broadcast pending the outcome of the two scheduled televised bouts.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingcghampions.com, www.dbe1.com andwww.nbcnbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate, @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing Champions,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports.

Middleweight Prospect Caleb Plant Remains Undefeated With 1st Round KO

Photos Provided by Primer Boxing Championships
MONTREAL, QUEBEC (August 17, 2015) – This past Saturday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (9-0, 8 KOs), remained undefeated with a first round knockout over late sub, Zoltan Sera (20-6, 12 KOs).  The bout served as the swing bout for the PBC on NBC broadcast, headlined by Lucian Bute (32-2, 23 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-3, 13 KOs).
Plant sent Sera to the canvas twice before ending the bout with a left hook to the jaw at the 2:19 mark of the opening round.  Plant set everything up with a nice jab that helped him time all his power punches.  Once Plant saw that Sera was hurt, he went for the knockout.
“I wanted to make a statement with an impressive win and I was fortunate to land a couple of hard shots in the early part of round one that hurt my opponent,” said Caleb Plant. “After seeing him on wobbly legs I went for the kill.  I want to thank Al Haymon for this tremendous opportunity to showcase my skills on NBC.  I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring.  I’m ready to move forward and continue marching up the rankings.”

CALEB “SWEET HANDS” PLANT ANNOUNCES OPPONENT IN CHRIS HERRMANN

Caleb Plant (Right) lands an overhand right to the face of his opponent.
Caleb Plant (Right) lands an overhand right to the face of his opponent.
NASHVILLE, TN (August 13, 2015) – Unbeaten super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (8-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent for his upcoming bout this Saturday Aug 15, 2015, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.  Plant will face Chris Herrmann (16-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, which will serve as the swing bout for the PBC on NBC broadcast, headlined by Lucian Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs).
“I’m excited that the fight is on,” said Plant, I’m going to fight smart and pick my windows where I can let my hands go with hard punches. If I see him hurt, you can bet on it that I’ll be gunning for the knockout.  My goal is to make a statement with an impressive performance, preferably a knockout.”
Fighting out of Nashville, Tennessee, Caleb Plant is looking to become a household name and the first middleweight champion to come out of the music city.

MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR PETER QUILLIN HEADLINES ACTION PACKED PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC CARD AS HE FACES AUSTRALIAN MICHAEL ZERAFA

 
PLUS CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE TAKES ON JERMALL CHARLO
IN A SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT
AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (August 10, 2015) – Undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) will headline in a 12-round middleweight bout against Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) while super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) defends against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) on an action-packed edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Saturday, September 12 live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut starting at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
“I’m ready and excited to return to the ring on NBC on September 12,” said Quillin. “I’m already deep into training camp and preparing to be in the best shape of my career. I know my opponent is dangerous and he’s coming to make a name for himself.  I’m at the top of my game and I plan to stay there.”
“I’m excited for this fight. This sport is all about fighting the best and giving the fans what they want to see,” said Zerafa. “This is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to coming over there and putting on a show.”
“It’s a blessing to be the junior middleweight world champion,” said Bundrage. “I want to thank my entire team for making this fight happen. I’m looking forward to my debut on PBC and successfully defending my second world title. Detroit is where the title is at, it’s not going anywhere. I will be ready to give my supporters all around the world a great performance, in victory.”
For Charlo this is a long-awaited title shot. He and his brother, Jermell, are both top prospects in the 154-pound division.
“This is my time, I’ve never been more ready for a fight,” said Charlo. “I’ve dreamed about a fight like this for a long time and it’s here in front of me. I will be spectacular and I will finish Cornelius Bundrage.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
“Peter Quillin is coming off the toughest fight of his career. We are looking forward to him getting back in the ring, in anticipation of the long-awaited showdown with Daniel Jacobs later this year,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Young, hungry Michael Zerafa is looking to upset the apple cart. With no pressure and nothing to lose, he will try to throw a wrench into Kid Chocolate’s lofty plans. Young Jermall Charlo looks to put his name on the 154-pound map by taking a world title from veteran champion and puncher Cornelius ‘K9’ Bundrage. We are thrilled to bring this PBC event to DiBella Entertainment’s New England home, Foxwoods.”
“For 23 years, Foxwoods has been the East Coast capital for the best in entertainment and sports, especially boxing, where we have been privileged to host hundreds of fights featuring the best fighters in the world,” said Felix Rappaport, President and CEO Foxwoods Resort Casino. “On September 12, continuing in that rich tradition, The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods will be honored to work with the best in the business, Lou DiBella and Premier Boxing Champions series, as they present a nationally televised afternoon of championship boxing live coast-to-coast on NBC.”
Quillin returns to action on September 12 fresh off of a hard-fought draw against middleweight world champion Andy Lee looking to keep his undefeated record intact. He won a middleweight belt in 2012 with his star-making, six-knockdown performance against Hassan N’Dam in the first boxing card hosted at Barclays Center. Born in Chicago but fighting out of New York City, the 31-year-old went on to defend that title against strong contenders Fernando Guerrero, Gabriel Rosado and Lukas Konecny. Now, “Kid Chocolate” looks to show off his superstar skills on network television for the second time.
After turning pro at 18-years-old, Zerafa won the first 15 starts of his career while fighting out of his native Australia. At 23-years-old Zerafa will make his U.S. debut on September 12 when he comes to Connecticut to take on Quillin. He owns wins over previously unbeaten fighters Bruno Carvalho and Luke Sharp and is coming off of a fourth round TKO over Yodmongkol Singmanasak in March.
Bundrage’s career has skyrocketed in recent years since a world title winning performance in 2010 over Cory Spinks. The Detroit-native went on defend the title against Sechew Powell and Spinks. He would lose the title in 2013 but quickly earned another shot against Carlos Molina, who he would defeat by unanimous decision to become a two-time world champion. He defends against the very hungry Charlo on September 12.
Highly regarded and undefeated,the 24-year-old Charlois primed for his first world title opportunity. He remained undefeated in 2014 with dominant victories over Hector Munoz, Norberto Gonzalez and Lenny Bottai and started 2015 by shutting out Michael Finney in March. Fighting out of Houston, Charlo will no doubt look to be impressive in his first PBC opportunity.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.dbe1.comand www.nbcsports.com/boxing,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm,

CALEB “SWEET HANDS” PLANT RETURNS TO THE RING SATURDAY AUG 15 IN QUEBEC

Photo By Team Plant

 

 

NASHVILLE, TN (August 4, 2015) – Undefeated super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (8-0, 7 KOs), will be making his way back to the ring next Saturday August, 15, 2015on the PBC on NBC event, headlined by Lucian Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs).  The fight takes place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.  Plant, who’s scheduled to fight in a 6-round bout, will face an opponent TBA.

 

Managed by Al Haymon, Plant feels his career is taking off.  Plant’s fight will serve as the swing bout for the PBC broadcast.  Fighting in Canada for the first time, Plant wants to make a sound statement.

 

“I’m very satisfied with everything happening in my career,” said Caleb Plant, Nashville Tennessee’s rising star. “This will be my fourth bout of the year and I’m very happy to be staying busy.  Fighting for Al Haymon and the PBC is a dream come true for my team and me.  This will be my first time fighting in Canada so I want to give the fans a great night of action while making a statement.”

 

Known for having heavy hands, Caleb Plant is looking to extend on his 6-fight knockout streak, four of which came by first round KO.

 

“I never go into a fight looking for the knockout but I’ve been hurting my opponents in the early rounds,” continued Caleb Plant. “If I see my opponent is hurt, then I go for the knockout.  I love to pound the body in those situations.  I know with a lot of hard work I can become a world champion.  I’m going to take it one fight at a time and give the fans exciting fights.  On August 15th, I’ll be letting my hands fly!”

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS SERIES HEATS UP SUMMER

 

 

 

Multi-Network Lineup of Elite Fighter Matchups Provides #FreeBoxing4All

 

 

Las Vegas, July 10, 2015Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series has released the summer schedule, showcasing the world’s best boxing matchups, as elite fighters collide on the sport’s newest stage. In the coming months, the PBC Series will air on ESPN (July 11th, Aug 1st and 29th), NBC (Sep 12th and Sep 26th), CBS (July 18th and Sep 6th), NBCSN  (July 25th and August 15th), Spike (Aug 14th and Sep 11th) and Bounce TV (August 2nd).

 

The PBC series, launched on March 7, 2015, has:

  • Brought quality fights to more than 22 million viewers on free TV, including the PBC debut matchup between Robert Guerrero and Keith Thurman (which boxing pundits have called one of the best fights of 2015)
  • Teamed up with NBC, CBS, ESPN, SPIKE, Bounce TV, and more to come…. Taking boxing back to the fans!
  • Rallied fan support for PBC’s mission through the promotion of #FreeBoxing4All in social media channels – reaching more than four million fans and mobilizing hundreds of thousands of boxing enthusiasts to share messages about the importance of accessible, quality fights

Please visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and follow Premier Boxing Champions onFacebook and Twitter.  Follow #FreeBoxing4All to monitor fan conversation.

 

For additional information, please contact Mike Donahue:  Michael@haymonboxing.com

#FreeBoxing4All

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO DEFEATS ARON MARTINEZ VIA SPLIT DECISION IN MAIN EVENT OF SPECIAL AFTERNOON EDITION OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM STUBHUB CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF.

 

HARD-HITTING HEAVYWEIGHT DOMINIC BREAZEALE REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH THIRD ROUND KO OVER YASMANY CONSUEGRA

 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

Carson, Calif. (June 6) – Southern California boxing fans were treated to an afternoon of hard punches and quick action as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC took to the ring at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The Saturday afternoon fight card, part of a jam-packed day of sports action on NBC, showcased a heavyweight brawl between Dominic Breazeale and Yasmany Consuegra and a fast and furious welterweight bout between Robert Guerrero and Aron Martinez.

 

In the PBC on NBC main event, Guerrero and Martinez let their fists fly from the opening bell to the closing bell in a showdown that saw over 1,000 punches thrown between the two welterweights over 10 rounds. It was clear from the beginning of the fight that Martinez was not intimidated by Guerrero’s skills or resume as he dominated the first several rounds, even dropping Guerrero in the fourth. But Guerrero was able to turn the table in his favor as the fight progressed and dominate the second half of the 10 round brawl. The judges scored the bout 97-95 and 95-94 for Guerrero and 95-94 for Martinez in a split decision victory that brought the crowd to its feet.

 

Breazeale, a 2012 U.S. Olympian and Southern California-native, needed less than three rounds to defeat previously unbeaten heavyweight Conguegra. The referee called off the fight at 1:49 of the third round after Consuegra hit the canvas three times as Breazeale extended his professional record to 15-0 with 14 KOs.

 

The featured fight on NBC SportsNet saw a featherweight battle between the once-beaten Argentinean Jesus Cuellar and former world champion Vic Darchinyan that came to a half when Cuellar knocked out Darchinyan at 1:04 of the seventh round.

 

NBCSN also featured the return of Alfredo Angulo, who scored a fifth-round knockout victory over Delray Raines in a middleweight contest that saw  “El Perro” raise his hand in victory for the first time since 2012.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say about Saturday afternoon’s fights:

 

ROBERT GUERRERO

 

“Aron Martinez came to fight and the fans got to see two warriors go at it.

“I can’t explain why I go to war so much. I just love to get in there and mix it up.

“When I got up off the canvas, I told myself…get up and win this fight.

“Once I started boxing I felt I started dominating the fight.

“We got the victory and now it’s time to move on to some big fights and give the fans the warrior type fights they deserve. I’m an action fighter and I’ll continue to be so.

 

“There is something about this arena that makes you want to stand there and trade.

 

“I just suffered the loss of my cousin. She passed away last week and this fight was for her.”

 

 

ARON MARTINEZ

 

“I’m very happy with my performance. I thought I won the fight.

 

“I thought the third scorecard was way out of line.

 

“It was a great experience fighting on NBC. I wanted to put on a great fight for the fans and me and Robert did that.

 

“I look forward to being more active and fighting again as soon as possible.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

 

“Its always a little different to fight in the afternoon. The fans came out to support me. I put on a big show and got the win.

 

“He was putting his hand on his right side and I was hitting him with the upper cut.

 

“I couldn’t ask for anything better.

 

“I’d love to be back in the ring as soon as possible.  Everybody did a great job putting this together. This was only three rounds right here and lets do it again in a couple months.”

 

JESUS CUELLAR

 

“I wasn’t hurt. It was more of a slip. Darchinyan is a very tough warrior and I’m glad I came out on top.

 

“I want to fight again as soon as possible. I saw Abner Mares sitting in the first row and I want to fight him next.”

 

ALFREDO ANGULO

 

“I have so many fans and I want to thank them. They are here cheering for me – cheering for the dog. I always say it’s for the fans and I want to thank them for the support.

 

“This is my first fight coming back to my old trainer [Clemente Medina] and it was great.

 

“A lot of people say ‘the dog is dead,’ but if you ask the people that saw my performance, they will all tell you the dog is alive and well.”

 

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC MEDIA WORKOUT & FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Workout Photos From Tom Hogan/TGB Promotions

 



 

LOS ANGELES (June 4, 2015) – Fight week continued today for the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC event taking place Saturday, June 6 at StubHub Center as fighters held a final press conference for media and fans at historic Olvera Street in Los Angeles.

 

Yesterday, fight week activities kicked off with media workouts at Wild Card West Boxing Gym in Santa Monica.

 

The Saturday afternoon telecast starts at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on NBC featuring the heavyweight showdown between Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (14-0, 13 KOs) andYasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KOs). Following that bout is the headlining event that pits former four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs) against Aron Martinez (19-3-1, 4 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say yesterday and today:

 

ROBERT GUERRERO

 

“I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’ve trained very hard and my focus is fully on this fight.Saturday afternoon you’re going to see a great fight.

 

“It’s a unique event starting so early. I’ll get up, eat and go fight but I’m ready for it.

 

“I want to fight often, inactivity is the worst thing for a fighter. I want to fight three-four times per year, every year.

 

“I never take another fighter lightly. This is a huge opportunity for Aron Martinez and I’m sure he’ll be ready for a real fight.

 

“Fighting on NBC puts all the eyes on me. I know how big of a platform this is.

 

“StubHub Center is a terrific venue, fans are right on top of you. I love fighting there and I’m not going to leave the fans disappointed.”

 

ARON MARTINEZ

 

“Come Saturday, expect a great fight. It’s going to be a war. I want to go in there and show everybody who I am.

 

“I know how tough of a fighter Robert is, he’s fought at the top level for a long time.

 

“I’m a brawler and I’m ready to test whatever skills he has. I need to close the distance, stay on top of him and get to him early. My power will surprise him.

 

“I love StubHub Center. I’ve been there many times to watch fights and can’t wait to fight there myself.

 

“This is a big opportunity for me, fighting on such a big card. We know Robert is a former world champion but I’m focused and ready. I’ve trained extra hard for this fight.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

 

“Everything starts off the jab, I need to put pressure on him early. I’ve seen a couple of YouTube clips of him fighting but the key is to focus on what I do best.

 

“This is a huge opportunity for me to fight on NBC at StubHub Center and I plan to take full advantage of it.

 

“This camp has been great, my whole team has done a phenomenal job getting me ready for this fight.

 

“I have to thank my opponent for coming out and putting his record on the line. When I’m done with him, he’ll be 17-1. I’m looking for an early round knockout and I want to keep the fans on the edge of their seats.”

 

YASMANY CONSUEGRA

 

“I’m very prepared for this fight. I’m thankful to Dominic for taking this fight and I can’t wait to put on a show this Saturday afternoon.

 

“I feel strong and ready for this challenge. My team has done everything they need to help me come out victorious.

 

“I was part of the national team in Cuba which is very difficult to do. I’m not worried about any hype leading into this fight.”

 

JESUS CUELLAR

 

“First Darchinyan, Then Leo Santa Cruz or Abner Mares, those are the fighters

I’m targeting.

 

“He can talk as much as he wants but we’re going to fight and find out who is better on Saturday.

 

“I’m very prepared and ready to represent Argentina. I trained hard and I’m ready to get in the ring. I’ve put in the hard work and I’m going to step inside the ring and showcase my talent for all of Argentina.”

 

VIC DARCHINYAN

 

“I will demolish this kid on Saturday, I have much more experience.

 

“He has no idea what’s going to happen.

 

“I was a champion for many years and want to win another title. I will show everyone that I’m still capable on Saturday.

 

“We’re going to see great fights and great action on Saturday. I’m ready to go and I hope everyone enjoys the fights.”

 

ALFREDO ANGULO

 

“I’m so happy to be here in Los Angeles and fighting so close to home. ‘The Dog’ is coming back and you’ll see that on Saturday.

 

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring. It’s been a bit of a layoff but I want to be as active and busy as possible.

 

“I’m back now with Clemente Medina. I work best with him and I’m happy to be back training in Los Angeles again.

 

“I recently got married. I’m much more settled and much more focused on my career. I look forward to becoming a champion again.”

 

OSCAR MOLINA

 

“My left shoulder is completely healed, the recovery took a while which was frustrating but now all systems are go.

 

“I’ve prepared well for this fight and I’m excited to go out and perform. It’s an honor for me to be on the same card as all these great fighters. I’m going to give a great show on Saturday.

 

“I don’t know much about my opponent but I’ve been very busy in the gym learning everyday and I look forward to setting the pace and fighting my fight on Saturday.

 

“I’ve been going to fights at StubHub Center for years and it’s great to be fighting there for the first time.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.

CINCINNATI’S ADRIEN BRONER & AKRON’S SHAWN PORTER DISCUSS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN OHIO CHAMPION

 

Broner & Porter Square Off On Saturday, June 20 On Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Live From MGM Grand Garden Arena

At 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

 

LAS VEGAS (June 4, 2015) – While the eyes of the sports world are fixated on game 1 of the NBA Finals between LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers and Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors tonight, two other great Ohio athletes will look to bring the glory of victory home with them when Adrien “The Problem” Broner and “Showtime” Shawn Porter meet in the ring on Premier Boxing Champions on NBC on Saturday, June 20 (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT).

 

Both of these fighters have joined the list of Ohio-born world champions that include boxing greats such as Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Aaron Pryor, Buster Douglas and Kelly Pavlik.

 

The all-Ohio battle comes in the midst of an exciting time for Ohio sports. In addition to the Ohio State University football team’s national championship winning performance in January, Akron’s own LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers are attempting bring the city of Cleveland its first professional sports championship since 1964.

 

Here is what Broner and Porter had to say about Ohio sports, LeBron and more:

 

Did you root for Ohio-sports teams growing up? Which ones were your favorite and who were your favorite players? What’s your favorite memory of watching Ohio sports teams?

 

Adrien Broner: “I grew up watching the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Cavaliers. I didn’t start watching basketball until I was playing more of it in elementary and high school. That’s when LeBron first came into the league. I remember LeBron’s very first game in Cleveland. It was huge. Most players freeze under that kind of hype, but not him.”

 

 

Shawn Porter: “I’ve always been a huge Browns fan. I’ve tried to watch every draft and every preseason and regular season game. I got into the Cavaliers a little more when I was in high school. I’m an all around Ohio sports fan though.”

 

How would you describe Ohio-sports fans? How badly do you want to win for them?

 

AB: “Ohio fans are very supportive. Some other states don’t like us because we come out strong. I would love to win for the fans in Ohio because bringing a championship back there means a lot to me. I’ve done it three times already and I’m looking for a fourth. You always want that rush again.”

 

SP: “We’re crazy! Cleveland fans root for their teams with a love and respect that’s admirable. Whether it’s good days or bad days we’re faithful and trying to stay positive. It would be huge for me to win for the fans here and represent Ohio. I’m doing this for everyone in Northeast Ohio. This is a statement about a great kid from Ohio representing the people there and winning another big fight.”

 

How important was LeBron James returning to Cleveland for the psyche of Ohio sports?

 

AB: “LeBron coming home was very important because he’s made the Cavs so much better. With him in Cleveland we’re back in the championship series.”

 

SP: “LeBron coming home was huge. If he didn’t return I don’t know what we’d have done. There probably would have been more riots. But him coming back brought joy to all of us in Ohio. That’s part of our job as professional athletes to bring joy and positivity to family, friends and the fans. That’s exactly what he did by returning to Cleveland.”

 

Will you be watching the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals? Do you have a prediction for the series?

 

AB: “I’ll definitely be watching the games. No training until after the game tonight. I think Cleveland wins it all in six games.”

 

SP: “I don’t make predictions. I’m praying for the Cavs to do this for the city and for themselves. Hopefully they can pull it together and get what they deserve. It would be a great to get a win for the team and for NE Ohio. I’ll be watching every game on my projection screen.”

 

Describe what it’s like to fight in front of a hometown crowd in Ohio?

 

AB: “It’s always fun fighting at home in front of a lot of people who know you. Even when your back is against the wall they cheer and help push me on.”

 

 

SP: “Honestly, all the crowds are the same when I’m in the ring. I’m actually looking forward to fighting in the big arena at MGM Grand though. I kind of like having a mix of people in the crowd with some for and some against me.”

 

 

Is there more pressure and emphasis on performing well on June 20 to walk away with bragging rights in Ohio?

 

AB: “I think I already have the bragging rights in Ohio.”

 

SP: “There’s no added pressure, it honestly doesn’t matter to me like that. This is first and foremost about my team. We’re successful as a team and as a family.”

 

If you could meet one athlete from or who played in the state of Ohio who would it be?

 

AB: “I’d have to say myself.”

 

SP: “I met my all-time favorite Cris Carter already. Cris is from Ohio and went to Ohio State. I haven’t met Charles Woodson or LeBron though. Charles is from here, but he went to Michigan for college. But I’d really love to meet LeBron because he’s still doing his thing and he has that burning desire to win. I need to have that same desire and I’m learning that from watching him play.”

# # #

 

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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT & MP3 WITH ROBERT GUERRERO, ARON MARTINEZ, DOMINIC BREAZEALE & YASMANY CONSUEGRA

 

 

Click HERE For MP3

 

Lisa Milner

Thank you, everybody, for joining us today.  We have a very exciting call.  All four of the fighters participating on the televised portion of this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC telecast will be with us.  We are going to start with the heavyweights, and before we head to those fighters, I’m going to turn it over to Tom Brown, head of TGB Promotions to tell you a little more about the event and introduce our first set of fighters.

 

Tom Brown

Well, thank you and thank you very much to the media for joining us on this call.  TGB Promotions is very happy working again with PBC on this excellent card to be telecast on NBC this Saturday afternoon from the famed StubHub Center in Carson.  The doors openon Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with the first bell at 11:15 a.m.  We go on live TV starting at12:00 p.m. PT.  It’s a huge sports day for NBC.  They’re also telecasting the French Open, the Belmont Stakes, and game two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

 

The main event is former world champion, Robert Guerrero (32-3-1 18 KOs) out of Gilroy, California.  Robert’s no stranger to the southern California boxing fans, having posted two huge wins in recent years: the sensational 12-round decision over Andre Berto in November 2012 down in Ontario, and his epic fight-of-the-year win over Yoshihiro Kamegai on June 21, 2014 at the StubHub Center.

 

Aaron Martinez, West Covina, California has a record of (19-3-1, 4 KOs).  He made his bones on the southern California boxing circuit, and knows how valuable this opportunity to face Guerrero is on such a big platform.  Martinez never takes a backward step, never tires, and that’s his primary weapon:  incredible stamina.  With the styles of Guerrero-Martinez, this main event has all the makings of another action-packed StubHub Center war to add to the venue’s history.

 

In the televised co-main, the opening fight, we’ve got two outstanding, undefeated young heavyweight prospects:  U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale (14-0, 13 KOs).  He competed in the 2012 London games, and Yasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KOs) outstanding Cuban amateur with a perfect pro record.

 

Again, the doors will open at 11:00 a.m.  Tickets start at $25 and we’re looking forward to seeing the great boxing fans of southern California attend this great event.

 

L. Milner

We’re going to do the heavyweights now.  Dominic, could you make an opening statement before we turn it over to the media?

 

Dominic Breazeale

This is Dominic Breazeale.  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  I’m excited to be part of this fantastic card this Saturday, June 6th.  Can’t wait to get in the ring and show off my skills.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  And Luis DeCubas Jr. is on the line to translate for Yasmany.  Luis, could you ask him to make just a quick opening statement and then translate that for us?

 

Yasmany Consuegra

I want to thank everybody on the call.  I want to thank NBC, the PBC, Al Haymon for this opportunity and all the people involved.  I look forward to a great fight.  On Saturday, I want to show everyone who I am.

 

Q

Hey, Dominic, it seems to me it’s safe to say that this is going to be your toughest opponent to date.  Would you agree with that, and if so, how excited are you to get this opportunity to move up in competition and show what you’ve been able to learn?

 

D. Breazeale

Definitely toughest competition to date thus far.  Definitely, Yasmany is 17-0, 14 KOs.  One of those guys that steps in the ring with a ton of confidence.  We’re both undefeated fighters and I was extremely excited when I got the call.  Thanks to Al and the team.  Thanks to NBC, we’ll be able to perform in front of the whole world, nationwide, and I couldn’t ask for more.  It’s a great setting, a great way to have a stepping-stone to the next level.  I want to be considered the top heavyweight and I guess you’ve got to fight top guys to get there.

 

Q

What do you know about Consuegra?

 

D. Breazeale

I know he’s got a great amateur record.  I know he did real well in Cuba, the Cuba National team.  He had some great fights here in the States.  He fought a lot in Florida.I know he’s got a boxing style.  I know he’s going to come out tough.  Cuban fighters always do.

 

Q

Dominic, you’ve had a lot of knockouts in your early career in the pros, but this is going to be your biggest fight yet with another undefeated fighter.  Can you talk about your transition from the amateur style, which obviously you had to do in the Olympics, to the professional style?

 

D. Breazeale:

Like you said, it’s going to be a big fight with a guy that’s undefeated.  I’m sure he’s coming in looking to knock me out.  I’m coming in to knock him out, for sure.  But, amateur transition into the pros, I would say was a little bit easier for myself than it was for most amateurs.  The amateurs, a lot of my wins came by way of knockouts, so I’ve been knocking guys out since day one.

 

It’s one of those things that I transitioned from putting punches in bunches to putting punches in bunches with power.  I’m throwing a lot more punches now.  I’m putting a lot more punches together with power.  Every punch I throw has got devastating power.  I not only punch with the right hand, but I can punch with the left.  So long as I make contact, somebody’s going down for sure.

 

Q

Can you talk about the experience factor?  You both fought a number of guys who have a lot of fights under their belt.  His last fight, he defeated Taurus Sykes, who’s been around for a long time, a guy with a winning record.  Tell us where you think you’re at.  Because eventually, everybody wants to become a world champion, but what level do you think you’re at and how does that compare to Yasmany?

 

D. Breazeale

I think I’m right up there, if not, definitely above him.  I’ve fought some very experienced guys and guys that have been former Olympians, as well.  Guys like Matt Galer, who have been in heavyweight ranks and considered top contenders at one point.  Me and Matt put on a great fight.

 

My last fight with Victor Bisbal, that was March 7th of this year.  He’s a Puerto Rican Olympian.  He came out with a great amateur background, very good professional background.  When I finally beat him he had fought some experienced guys as well, so I definitely have the experience there.  Not only as an amateur, but definitely as a pro, too.

 

 

Q

And a similar question for Yasmany.  To me, it looks like this is going to be your biggest fight as a pro.  Where do you think you are as a professional at this point?  Where do you think you rank overall in the professional ranks?

 

Y. Consuegra

It’s definitely my toughest fight.  Breazeale’s a real good fighter out of the pros, but I’ve also had a great amateur background.  I fought the best of the best, obviously.  The Cuban heavyweight program is much more difficult than the American heavyweight program, and he was an Olympian, but I won a lot of world amateur tournaments.  I look forward to just getting in the ring with Breazeale and showing what I’ve got, because I think I could beat Breazeale, and I think I’m ready for Breazeale.  The top guys in the division, I’m going to show them.

 

Q

Yasmany, how influenced are you by some of the great Cuban fighters and heavyweights of the past year:  Teofilo Stevenson, Felix Savon, and many others?  How much of a role have they played in influencing your style?

 

Y. Consuegra

Obviously, Cuba has a great history of Cuban amateur heavyweights.  I like to put my style more toward Savon, who is a power puncher, as looking for the knockout at all times.  And Stevenson’s a great fighter, but he’s more of a boxer, so was Roberto Balado, but that’s definitely a great point.

 

Q

How does it feel to be fighting on NBC in front of such a big network audience, especially on a day when you’re going to be right in between French Open final and Stanley Cup game.  Dominic, could you answer that first?

 

D. Breazeale

I am definitely excited.  I’ve got to thank NBC for giving me the opportunity to fight on this card.  It’s a wonderful date.  Can’t ask for anything better:  southern California, noon.  Sun’s going to be out.  The weather is going to be great.  Great venue at the StubHub Center there.  It’s definitely exciting.  Whenever I get a chance to perform in front of a hometown crowd, family and friends, and things like that, it brings out the best in me, so I’m definitely looking forward to it and, like I said, I’ve got to thank NBC, Al Haymon, Goossen Promotions for putting this all together.  My team, all of you guys, I definitely, truly appreciate it.

 

Q

And Louis, could you ask Yasmany the same question?

 

Y. Consuegra

Yeah, it’s definitely the biggest fight of my life, the biggest fight of my career.  At this moment, I’d also like to thank Dominic Breazeale for taking this type of risk.  Not too many guys are willing to take these risks to fight an undefeated heavyweight and fight the best.  So, it’s a big day for both of us, and come Saturday, I’m going to show everybody that I’m one of the top guys in the division.

 

L. Milner

Okay, great.  Thank you, both, so much.  We will see you this week for a great event.  We have the main event on the line now, so I’m going to turn it back over to Tom Brown to introduce Robert Guerrero and Aaron Martinez.  Tom, take it away.
T. Brown

Okay, great.  Thank you.  First, I’d like to introduce former world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, again, with a record of 32-3-1 and 18 KOs, making a quick return to the PBC on NBC.

 

Robert Guerrero

I just want to thank everybody for being on and I’m ready to go.

 

T. Brown

Okay, we’ve got Aron Martinez here also, with a record of 19-3-1, and he understands how valuable this opportunity is to face Guerrero on such a big platform.

 

Aron Martinez

Yeah, of course, I’m here.  It’s a great opportunity for me; I’m ready for battle.  We’re at weight and everything went pretty good at this camp, and what can I say, man?  Just excited to fight Saturday.

 

Q

Robert, you’re a guy that has fought a lot of big name fighters over a really nice career, an illustrious career.  Does it become a little more difficult to get up for a fighter like Aron Martinez who is, kind of unknown, at least as compared to the other guys that you’ve fought?

 

R. Guerrero

No, not at all.  Coming off the last fight with a loss at the short end of the stick, it drives you to be hungry.  So, that’s why I wanted to get right back into the ring, stay active.  That’s one of the biggest problems with being inactive and not having enough action throughout the year.  The year layoffs, a nine-, eight-month layoff, it really kills you, especially at that championship elite level.  It’s hard to come back and be 100 percent sharp, so the plan is to just stay sharp all year and get back on it.

 

Q

What do you know about him?  Do you watch any tapes of your opponents or anything like that?

 

R. Guerrero

Yeah, I’ve watched some tape on him.  I watched a few of his fights that I found on YouTube and he’s a crafty little guy.  He’s in there and he can fight on the inside.  He’s got some good counter shots and he mixes it up.  So, you’ve just got to be ready for everything all around, because you never know what’s going to come your way, especially when this is such a big opportunity for him, fighting on NBC.  You know he’s going to come 100 percent ready and that seems to happen all the time when I fight somebody.  They come 10 percent better than they were in their last couple of fights, so it’s about being prepared and being ready for whatever comes.

 

Q

Is there any concern about coming back to the ring so soon after a brutal fight like you just had three months ago?

 

R. Guerrero

Oh, no, not at all.  To me, the fight wasn’t even that brutal.  It may have been brutal for Thurman, but I was just getting started toward the end.  It actually feels good to get right back in.  I got right back into the gym three weeks after that and stayed on it.  So, after I left that ring, I still felt good.  My body felt good.  I just had that cut, got that taken care of, but other than that, I feel great.  That’s why I’m jumping right back in the ring so quick.

 

Q

I know you’re a well-known fighter throughout your career, but was there any difference after fighting on that show.  That was the most viewed fight in quite a long time, being that it was on free TV on a primetime Saturday night.  So, I just want to know if anything changed on your end, like more notoriety.

 

R. Guerrero

Definitely.  When you have a 96-year-old woman come up to you in the parking lot and say, “Man, what a great fight; that reminds me of the olden days of boxing,” it’s nice to see that.  And you see all the fans coming around and just the average person that’s at the grocery store recognizing you, it’s huge.  It’s not just huge for my career, but it’s huge for boxing.

 

Q

Did that factor into your wanting to come back so soon?  I know you said you want to stay sharp, but, obviously, staying in the public eye helps as well.

 

Robert Guerrero: Oh, definitely.  Out of sight, out of mind. So you want to stay active, you want to stay busy; you want to stay sharp.  You want to stay in the public eye to make that big run before time passes.

 

Q

Aron, I just have one question for you. You’ve been out of the ring for over a year since your fight with Josesito.  Was there any reason for that delay?  Could you just not get fights or did you just want to take the time off to clear your head?
A. Martinez

It was just with my promoter, little here and there, they were not giving me the right fights. Anybody that knows me, I stayed in the gym, because that’s what makes it easy for me, making weight.  I never have trouble making weight and that goes to show that I stay active.  I stay active in the gym and that’s what it is.

 

Q

My question is for Robert Guerrero.  I was a little disappointed to see that it took you quite a while to get into the fight with Keith Thurman.  Do you feel like that’s going to be something you’re going to change for this fight with Aron, is taking off right off the bat, first round?

 

R. Guerrero

Yeah, it goes back to being active in the ring. Everybody says, well, I feel great, there’s no ring rust, and this and that, but you truly don’t know until you get into that ring.  Then, those long layoffs really kill me.  You develop bad habits.  You lay back a little bit too much, and you end up getting started a little bit late like I did in the Thurman fight.  But when I did get started, there was no stopping me.

 

So, that’s why I want to stay active and stay in the ring.  Like I said before, it’s being inactive, not being in the ring fighting.  You develop habits where you do start off slowly and I felt like after the fight, when I looked back on it, it felt like I was starting off like I was sparring and just working into it, warming up, and then getting started.  Glad to get that fight out of the way and shake off that ring rust, and it’s time to make that push.

 

Q

First question for Robert.  Can you talk about getting up for this fight, because you fought such top level opponents and championship fights, Thurman and Mayweather and higher profile fights, and I think in this fight, you’re going to come in as a favorite.  Can you talk about making sure that you don’t overlook Aron Martinez and staying sharp and getting up mentally.

 

R. Guerrero

You never want to overlook anybody.  I don’t care who it is.  You’ve got two hands, you can throw a punch.  Anything can happen in the ring.  So, you never want to overlook anybody.  I found that out earlier in my career with a loss against Gamaliel Diaz.  I was overlooking him, thought I was going to take him out and he ended up out-boxing me.  He beat me by one point.

 

So, it’s one of those things where you live and learn.  You learn your lesson throughout the years and at this level of boxing and competition, you’ve got to just be able to get up and do your job and be prepared for everything.  So, it’s not a problem.  It’s like second nature to me.  I wake up every day.  I run.  I do my gym work.  If I don’t do it, it feels like I’m cheating, because I’ve been doing it since I was a kid.  So, it’s just being well-prepared and I’m always well-prepared for every fight, as you’ve seen through my previous fights.  I come to fight no matter what.

 

Q

What do you think your advantages are over him coming into this fight?
R. Guerrero

Maybe the arm reach, the hand speed, the height.  It’s a matter of not just having the advantages, but putting them to work and using them, and sticking to your game plan and being well prepared and being able to execute.  So, it’s time to react when you get in that ring and what you’re going to do with everything to make it happen.

 

Q

Aron, I think Robert’s going to be the one coming in as the favorite in this fight, but I just noticed on a lot of the PBC cards, there have been a lot of upsets and unexpected outcomes coming in.  Tell us why you’re going in expecting to win and what the effect is being on the PBC card on NBC.  Does that add something special to this?
A. Martinez

Yes of course.  It’s on national TV at StubHub Center, this is where I grew up.  It’s my home base.  I’ve got 23 fights.  Out of these 23 fights, I’ve never been the favorite; I’ve always been the underdog.  I’m not even supposed to be at this stage. That’s what I’m looking forward to.  I’ve never been the favorite in any of my fights, so I come out for every fight.  I know Rob, he’s an excellent champion; he’s been in with the best.  He knows I train hard for this fight because I really want it and it and I’m going to lay it all on the line. This is what I’m talking about.  I’m on to show everybody.

 

Q

You’re coming off a little over a year layoff as you explained earlier, and he’s coming off just a three-month layoff after a 12-round fight.  Do you think that’s going to factor into this fight, especially if it goes the distance?

 

A. Martinez

No.  It’s like what Robert said.  You don’t really know until you get in the ring.  We could say a bunch of things now, but you never know until you get in the ring and you actually feel it, because once you’re in the ring, it’s a whole different story, how it’s going to be.  We train really, really hard for this fight, and we’re ready.  It’s whatever I’ve got to do, I’ve got to do.  We fight inside we box, whatever.  We’re ready for whatever comes our way.
Q

Aron obviously, I know you’re up for this fight, and Robert’s already expressed that he’s trained for this fight and he’s expecting the very best from you, it’s been asked twice on this call if Robert is overlooking you.  Do you find that disrespectful that nobody is giving you a shot in this fight?  Or do you just use it as extra motivation?

 

A. Martinez

No.  I don’t find it that way.  It’s what it is.  Robert has been up there with the best.  And I don’t find it disrespectful; it’s just what it is, and it makes me train harder and just to make a point that who I am and they’re going to see Aron Martinez in there on Saturday and they’re going to see who I am.

 

L. Milner

Okay, that was our last question.  Robert, do you want to make a closing comment?

 

R. Guerrero

Yes.  I just want to thank everybody.  Thank Al Haymon and thank my team and thank everybody who’s been putting in the work to get this together, and I’m coming to fightSaturday night.  I’m ready to go.  I’m excited and going on right before the Belmont Stakes and it’s a big event leading into another big event.  So, I’m excited and I just can’t wait to fight.

 

The thing is staying active all year and doing my job and giving the fans what they love to see and giving them a great fight.  So, thank all the fans and thank everybody that’s on the conference call.  I really appreciate it and God bless everybody.

 

L. Milner

Okay, thanks.  Aaron, do you want to make a closing comment?

 

A. Martinez

Yes, I want to thank NBC, PBC and all.  Goossen for giving me this chance to show what I’ve got on Saturday, and I thank Robert, and just give a good show to everybody on Saturday, and I’m ready to push off and I’m ready to go. Thanks, everybody.
Lisa Milner: Thank you. Fight week events start tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at the Wild Card West Boxing Gym with a media workout and I hope to see everybody there.  Thank you so much.  Thanks to the fighters.  Thanks, Tom Brown, and thanks to the media.

 

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