Tag Archives: Peter Quillin

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (April 9, 2015) – As Saturday’s fight night rapidly approaches, fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC night of fights held a final press conference Thursday at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

 

PBC on NBC main event bouts at Barclays Center feature undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) facing Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) and the middleweight championship bout between “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) and undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs). The second installment of PBC on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.comand at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Here are what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“I’ve been working on fighting hard, but also smart. I’m going to go in there and dictate the pace and I’m always looking for the knockout. If I can’t knock him out then I’ll be ready to go 12 rounds.

 

“It’s always hard making weight, but I’m on weight now. Right now I’m growing into my prime and my body is getting bigger and it’ll be time soon for me to go up in weight.

 

“I’m looking at this as a very big fight. So I’m going in there mentally and physically ready. He’s coming to fight and I’m coming to fight. Saturday is going to be about who can make the right adjustments.

 

“I love Brooklyn. This is my fourth fight here and I’ve heard that the tickets for this fight are selling faster than any other fight they’ve held here. So I must be doing something right in Brooklyn. The atmosphere is great at Barclays Center.

 

“I’ve always felt that I’m one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I’ve won a lot of big fights with a lot of great fighters, and my goal is just continue winning one fight at a time.”

 

LAMONT PETERSON

 

“Danny’s talk makes no difference to me. I think I’m even more confident than him and I’ll get the victory Saturday night and that will be that.

 

“The stakes are high. This can definitely push me to the next level in this boxing game. I’ve been at the top for a while but there’s a difference between being at the top and being an elite fighter. I think this will solidify me as an elite fighter.

 

“I looked at a few of Danny’s fights but nothing really stood out to me. I know Danny is a counterpuncher, that’s what he does. We’ve come up with a game plan to stop that.

 

“I’m a different person than the other guys Danny has fought. I’m a different person with a different style. I trust myself to make adjustments in the ring.

 

“This fight will be different than either of our fights with Matthysse. It’s two different fights and styles make fights. There will be different results. I had to prepare for Danny Garcia and Danny Garcia had to prepare for me.

 

“There’s no pressure fighting on this big card, but I know what it brings. This brings more exposure and I want to use that exposure in the right way. I know I’m looked up to as a role model and I just want to use this exposure.

 

“This will put a big spotlight on boxing and I’m happy to be a part of it.

 

“I’m ready to fight, I’ve prepared well and I’m ready to put on a show.”

 

ANDY LEE

 

“I’m eager to fight and ready to go. I’m feeling very dangerous right now.

 

“My ring generalship is one thing, but overall I feel like I have a good idea of what I want to do in the ring. Peter has an idea too, but it’s more moment to moment for him, which can be good as well, when you improvise. I’m more of a guy who will set you up and work to a plan.

 

“Coming back and winning a fight really strengthens your resolve. You know in your mind that at any time, you have a chance of winning. I never plan to be behind but it happens. This time I plan to lead from the front.

 

“Peter is offensive, which leaves openings. He might be cautious for a while because both of us know that we might pay the price of being offensive. Eventually we’ll exchange and it will be explosive one way of the other.

 

“I’m a southpaw puncher who can box and I’ve never been in a dull fight. I have a ‘never say die’ attitude and I’m not someone who is just going to go out there and play it safe. I’ll risk it all to win.

 

“My confidence is very high. I’m the champion of the world and there’s no higher station than that in boxing. I’m the champion and he’ll have to come and take my title.”

 

PETER QUILLIN

 

“Everyone tune in on April 11 because we’re going to do more than just try to take that belt, we’re going to take that belt because that’s what we do.

 

“Andy is the champion of the world but this is the second time I’ve been the challenger to a world champion. I’ve been here before. I know he’s a newly crowned champion so I have nothing bad to say about him.

 

“Andy’s greatest strength is that he lost twice and was able to come back and make himself look very good.

 

“This is a totally different caliber fight than either of us has had. I’m not any of those fighters that he’s faced. I can’t go in there and try to fight like a Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

“I’m only concerned about working hard, which I’ve done every day leading up to this fight. So I have no concerns at all.

 

“I’m motivated period. My heart is built on motivation in all things. Talking to media, being on NBC, fighting for the belt and being a positive person. I’m thankful that every day I can put out a positive story about myself.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

“We have a great night of boxing from beginning to end, you will be hearing a lot more from these young fighters.

 

“If you want to see everything, get there to Barclays Center at 5 p.m.

 

“We’re very thrilled that this is going to be televised in primetime on NBC. PBC on NBC. It has a nice ring to it.

 

“The first main event of the evening features Andy Lee, middleweight champion and the fighting pride of Limerick. He is a warrior, he’s at the most confident point of his career and he’s going to need to be because he’s fighting an undefeated champion.

 

“Peter Quillin makes Brooklyn his home. It’s his third fight at Barclays Center and he has a perfect record of 31-0. He’s going to try to take Andy’s belt, but it won’t be easy.

 

“The bout that will close the show is one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts in all of boxing. Lamont Peterson is noted for being one of the most technically sound boxers in the game and he has an outstanding record to a back it up.

 

“Danny Garcia really embodies what it means to be a Philadelphia fighter. He’s a tough guy with an undefeated record. He’s going to look to keep that record perfect against Lamont Peterson.”

 

JON MILLER, President, Programming, NBC Sports & NBCSN

 

“On behalf of NBC Sports we’re thrilled to be a part of this and to be in our own backyard. We couldn’t pick a better venue than Barclays Center. The card put together is spectacular. There are great fights once again and we’re excited about the progress that this new property has taken for us.

 

“I think one of the most unique things about this Saturday night is that it’s going to make history in television because three of the most venerable and outstanding sports television personalities will be working together for the first time as Al Michaels will be our host, Marv Albert will be doing play-by-play and for the first time ever they will be joined by Bob Costas.

 

“These three iconic figures have worked Olympics and Super Bowls but it’s the first time they’ve ever worked together on one event and that is a tribute to what the entire has put together in delivering this great card.”

 

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Barclays Center

 

This Saturday marks a historic moment for Barclays Center as we host our 11thprofessional boxing event and our first Premier Boxing Champions event.

 

“When you combine the talent in the ring, the production of the show and the iconic broadcasting team of Al Michael, Bob Costas and Marv Albert plus boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard this will be one of the best fight nights that New York has hosted in decades.

 

“Signifying the magnitude of the event, tickets have sold faster than at any other boxing show Barclays Center has hosted.

 

“At Barclays Center, we have not only served as a launch pad for many local boxers’ careers, but have relished in the role of becoming the home for Champions.”

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Photo Credit: Angela Cranford/Barclays Center

 

BROOKLYN (April 7, 2015) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC night of fights participated in a media workout today at Barclays Center in anticipation of their upcoming bouts.

 

PBC on NBC main event bouts at Barclays Center feature undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) facing Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) and the middleweight championship bout between “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) and undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs). The second installment of PBC on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.comand at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Here are what the fighters had to say at Tuesday’s workout:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“I just want to give the fans a great fight. I want them to see the best Danny Garcia. At the end of the day, this is the fight the fans want to see. My main focus is putting on a great show for the fans.

 

“I’ve faced a lot of skillful boxers in my career and I’m still undefeated. That should tell the fans around the world who has more skill. Come April 11 when he’s feeling these two bombs on his face he’s going to forget about his skill.

 

“I just want to give fans a great fight. I’m not too worried about the ‘0’ on my record. I fight hard to protect it but my main focus is to go in there and get the job done one fight at a time.

 

“Everything I’ve done in my career is for a reason. Now I’m here on NBC fighting on this big playing field. This is great for boxing and a breath of fresh air for the sport.

 

“I just want to be confident and humble at the same time. I want the fans to love me because I’m being myself. It’s very important for a young champion.

 

“I’m going to try to dictate the pace, be smart, move my head, use my feet and land good punches. I can’t try to chase him down.

 

“I used to love other great Puerto Rican boxers like Felix Trinidad, Miguel Cotto and Hector Camacho. I feel like I’m definitely working my way up into the ranks with them and following their footsteps.

 

“I have to be smart in the ring. I have to go in there and be Danny Garcia. I’m here because I’m a smart fighter. Everyone knows that. I have power. I’m going to find my opening and capitalize on his mistakes.”

 

 

LAMONT PETERSON

 

“This is just another fight for me. I’m not worried about being the main event. I just love to fight. As long as I’m fighting I’m happy.

 

“A lot of people see us fight and see us take punches, but that’s just the easy part. The sacrifice in the gym and putting my body through punishment is the rough part.

 

“I’m not trying to prove anyone wrong, but this fight is important to me and I want to win it. I want to be the top guy and that means beating the top guy.

 

“People talk about him beating Matthysse and Matthysse beating me, but anyone who knows about boxing knows that doesn’t mean anything. Come Saturday night I will prove to everyone that I’m a better fighter than Danny Garcia.

 

“Angel Garcia has his opinion on this fight, and I respect it. He can go on record and say anything he wants, but if he says Danny Garcia is stronger than me, I’ll tell you that’s a lie.

 

“We’re not worried about Danny’s power. A lot of people have asked me about that but I’m not worried. Danny Garcia had a split decision with Kendall Holt, who I knocked out. No one seems to mention that.

 

“I’m comfortable with whatever way this fight goes. I’m almost guaranteeing the win.

 

“I don’t think they’re taking me lightly. At the end of the day, Garcia knows this is a fight and he knows he hasn’t fought anyone like me. I’m expecting a big victory Saturday night.

 

“You never know what you’re going to see with me. Whatever I feel like I need to do to win, that’s what I’ll do. I’m prepared 100 percent. I’m in shape for 30 rounds and I’ll be ready for anything. ”

 

ANDY LEE

 

“We’ve made unbelievable progress in the last year on my skills and everything has really just clicked for me and my team and now we’re seeing the results in the ring.

 

“I’m very proud to be an Irishman from Limerick defending his world championship in New York, it doesn’t get much better than that.

 

“There’s been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders since winning the world-title. It’s what I always wanted to do and I’ve been touted as a champion for years and if I never got it I would have been disappointed. Now the monkey is off my back and I can just box and show people who I am.

 

“We’ve made physical and tactical improvements in the gym since the last fight and hopefully they’ll show up in the ring on Saturday.

 

“I think this could be a technical fight or it could be a bit of a fire fight. It’s going to be a little of both at times. There will be moments where we’re looking at each other, figuring each other out, but once we exchange it could be explosive.

 

“Quillin is sure of himself, but he has to be, I have the same mentality. You have to be to compete in this sport.

 

“Fighting at home like Quillin is on Saturday, brings a different kind of pressure to the table, it’s the pressure of expectations and people you know coming to the fights. That’s also pressure and I know all about that.

 

“I haven’t needed to build up my confidence for this fight. It’s not time to think. It’s time to do what I’ve been doing every day in the gym.”

 

PETER QUILLIN

 

“I never trailed in a fight and came back and won like Lee. I’ve just won all the time right out of the gate. Those other guys aren’t ‘Kid Chocolate’ so I think that’s why this fight was made.

 

“It’s a big fight for him and a big fight for me. He’s a smart fighter when he’s in trouble so I have to watch out for that. Most importantly I just need to be true to myself.

 

“A lot of people had Lee as the underdog in his last fight but he came out and did great. That’s the thing about boxing; one punch can change the fight.

 

“I’m getting paid for 12 rounds so I’m preparing for 12 rounds but if I can get him out of there early I will.

 

“My whole life has been struggles and I’ve had to overcome every single one of those struggles. This is going to be no different from that.

 

“Being a father of course made me more inspired and watching my uncle pass has made me more motivated than ever to accomplish everything I want.

 

“When I gave up the belt I learned that I can be a bigger man and make tough decisions like that all of the time. People think losing is easy, but winning all the time is a different kind of pressure.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“I am the best young prospect in the game. I’m on the borderline of contender status and I believe I’m one fight away from being a contender.

 

“I’m a little bit of a mix style-wise. I’m a boxer, I can punch and I can fight if I have to.

 

“The fight I learned the most from was with Emanuel Lartey, he was undefeated along with me and it was my first real fight and first time going the distance.

 

“I see myself fighting all the top guys in the welterweight division. I see myself with Keith Thurman, Amir Khan and any top welterweight.

 

“I’m going to look good as always on Saturday night, It’s going to be fantastic and I’m going to come out with the victory.”

 

MARCUS BROWNE

 

“I’m just blessed to have this opportunity to fight at Barclays Center for the eighth time in front of my hometown fans.

 

“I love performing in in Brooklyn. The fans here are fantastic and they know when I get in the ring they’re going to see something special.

 

“I have a tough opponent in front of me. He’s experienced, very lanky fighter but we’ve trained very hard and I’m ready for anything he’s got.

 

Saturday is going to be a great night for Team Browne, Staten Island and all of my fans. Don’t blink cause you might miss it!”

 

LUIS COLLAZO

 

“I’ve spent some time with the family, regrouping and making sure I still have the same passion for this sport. I’m excited to be back and I jumped at the opportunity to be on this card.

 

“This is what I live for. Boxing is my life.

 

“After the Khan fight I took about a month off and then I went straight to the gym. I couldn’t go out like I did against Khan. No excuses, but it was time to go back to the drawing board and stay motivated throughout the whole year.

 

“The fans can expect the same excitement I always bring. I’m more motivated now and hopefully after this fight I can get a big fight and give the fans what they want.”

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

“I have the same mindset going into every fight. I train to fight my fight and make adjustments when get in there.

 

“I feel strong and I feel capable of whatever needs to be done.

 

“I’ve only been boxing for four years so I’m still learning a lot of boxing technique in camp plus working three or four days a week with my strength and conditioning coach.

 

“Fans can expect a good show and a big win out me on Saturday.”

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FIGHTERS ANDY LEE, PETER QUILLIN, MARCUS BROWNE & HEATHER HARDY RING NYSE CLOSING BELL®

 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: NYSE/Valerie Caviness

Click HERE for Replay Of The Ceremony

 

BROOKLYN (April 6, 2015) – Fighters Andy Lee, Peter Quillin, Marcus Browne and Heather Hardy, who are fighting on Saturday night on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, participated in the ringing of the NYSE Closing Bell® today. Fighters were joined by Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark, DiBella Entertainment President Lou DiBella, Swanson Communications President Kelly Swanson, Barclays Center Chief Communications Officer Barry Baum, and Haymon Boxing Vice President of Communications Tim Smith for the ceremony.

 

Click to see photos and a replay from today’s ceremony at NYSE.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.comwww.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,

www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and

www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.

Manager John Seip signs Italian super middleweight prospect Daniele Marco Scardina

(L-R) – Daniele Marco Scardina and John Seip

 

MIAMI (April 6, 2015) – Veteran boxing manager John Seip has signed highly decorated Italian amateur boxer Daniele Marco Scardina to an exclusive managerial contract.

 

Seip is best known for guiding Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world middleweight title. The native New Yorker also manages rising British super middleweight Steed “The Stallion” Woodall (7-0-1, 5 KOs).

 

The 21-year-old Scardina hails from Rozzano, a town of less than 40,000 people in the Province of Milan. He started boxing in 2008 at the age of 16, following in his uncle’s footsteps who was a boxer at that time, as well as Daniele’s role model.

 

Scardina, who had 56 amateur bouts, captured top honors in numerous Italian tournaments including the Rovereto National, National Silver Glove, and two National Golden Gloves. He also won a bronze medal at an International event.

 

In 2013, he boxed for the Italia Thunder Boxing Team in the World Series of Boxing, winning his only match against a German opponent.

 

Scardina first caught Seip’s attention at the world famous 5th St. Gym in Miami Beach, originally opened in 1950 by Chris Dundee, and the home of countless world champions have trained there including Muhammad Ali, Carmen Basilio, Willie Pastrano, Emile Griffith, Archie Moore, Roberto Duran, Sonny Liston and Willie Pep. The rich tradition continues at the new 5th St. Gym, located nearby at 1434 Alton Street, where top fighters from around the world such as Bernard Hopkins still train.

 

“I first saw him training at the 5th St. Gym and he looked like a typical amateur,” Seip explained. “He threw wide punches and didn’t know how to throw a good jab. Trainers Guy Laieta and Dino Spencer started working with him and now he’s using his reach, fighting at a distance, and throwing combinations of jabs and hooks. He’s passionate about boxing, listening and learning every day. Daniele has good hand speed and power. He’s a handsome kid, too. I saw something in him, intangibles, and decided to sign him.

 

“Dino is an owner who has created a top-notch gym with great sparring opportunities in an atmosphere featuring so many talented fighters who really push each other. It’s already apparent that Danielle has improved his skills training there. He’s long, fast and powerful. His work ethic is incredible; he’s the first in the gym, last to leave. You can’t hurt this kid, either. We all believe that he has a very bright future.”

 

Scardina hits heavy-bag at 5th St. Gym in Miami Beach

Unlike fighters from Russia and former Soviet-bloc nations, as well as those from Latin America who come to the United States to establish their professional boxing careers, Italian-born fighters rarely have followed the same route as Scardina, who moved to Miami last year and sleeps on the floor of his brother’s apartment.

 

The lone Italian-born world champion who fought professionally in America is Vito Antuofermo (50-7-2, 21 KOs), who was the WBC/WBA middleweight champion in 1979-1980. Antuofermo, though, moved with his family to Brooklyn from Puglia, Italy when he was 17 and he learned how to box in America.

 

“I have always wanted to be a champion in America,” Scardina said. “That’s the American dream for me. I think I’ll have a great opportunity in this country to be the greatest boxer I can be with the right help. John Seip is the right manager for me because he believes we can the world championship together as a team.”

 

Scardina’s favorite boxers are Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Miguel Cotto. “I’m working on perfection as an outside fighter and to main my arms closer,” Scardina added. I’m fighting to become world champion.”

 

Scardina is expected to make his pro debut this May or June.

 

Follow Scardina on Instagram @danieletoretto.

 

DANNY GARCIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS


 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco

 

PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2015) – As fight week nears for the second installment of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC (8:30 pm ET/5:30 p.m. PT), undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia held a media workout in his hometown of Philadelphia in preparation for his showdown with fellow world champion Lamont Peterson on Saturday, April 11 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Check out what Garcia and his father and trainer Angel had to say on Wednesday.

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“Training is going well, I’ve done everything I have to do and I’m still focused. It’s a week and a half until the fight and I’m ready to go. If the fight were tomorrow I’d be ready.

 

“It’s a big fight and it’s the fight that the fans wanted. We’re going to give the fans a great night of boxing on NBC and it’s time the show the world that Danny Garcia is the star of NBC.

 

“We have common opponents like Khan and Matthysse and we’ve had different results.  They say styles make fights so those results don’t matter. Well, my style is to kick his butt.

 

“I know that this second PBC on NBC show is going to be even bigger and I just feel blessed to be a part of it and I can’t wait to go out there and showcase my skills.

 

“I’m ready for whatever Peterson brings. If he tries to box then I’m going to go with that and if he wants to fight, I’ll be ready. I’m not going to go in and just try to knock his head off, I’m going to be Danny Garcia.

 

“I’d love to be fighting on the biggest stage in boxing against the Mayweather and Pacquiaos, but for now it’s just about taking it one fight at a time, this is history in the making.

 

“A lot of things have changed for me in the last few years, everybody knows me now. A lot of people look at you different now but it doesn’t make my head bigger, it just motivates me to work hard.

 

“I love Brooklyn, it’s my fourth fight at Barclays Center and I’m looking to make it 4-0 on April 11.

 

“This is a blessing for the sport of boxing. Millions of fans haven’t had the opportunity to watch boxing on primetime in years and this is great for the sport.”

 

ANGEL GARCIA

 

“I’ll give Peterson credit for putting the gloves on. He thinks it’s going to be an easy night for him. He sees himself already on top of the mountain. It’s not going to happen like that, we’re going to ruin his party.

 

“I want Peterson to act confident and come forward. They’re talking like Danny isn’t special but he lost to the guys we beat.

 

“It doesn’t matter what anyone says as long as Danny is in here putting in 100 percent every day. It’s all about April 11.

 

“We’re not going to train for eight weeks to go in there and worry about what Peterson is going to do, we’re going to do what we have to do. We train to go in there and win on April 11.”

 

 

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BOB COSTAS, AL MICHAELS & MARV ALBERT TO WORK TOGETHER FOR FIRST TIME EVER ON  APRIL 11 “PBC ON NBC”  PRIMETIME SHOW  LIVE FROM BROOKLYN

Legendary Announce Trio Has Combined to Work 

25 Super Bowls, 25 NBA Finals, 

23 Olympics & 19 World Series

 

Costas to Present Feature on History of Boxing in New York

 

PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11Live at 

8:30 PM ET on NBC, Featuring 

Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1) & 

“Irish” Andy Lee (34-2) vs. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0)

 

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 31, 2015 – One of America’s iconic big-event broadcast voices, Bob Costas, will serve as a special contributor for NBC’s Saturday, April 11 primetime telecast of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC, it was announced today.

 

Costas, host Al Michaels, and blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert will work together on a broadcast for the first time ever on the PBC on NBC show Saturday, April 11 live at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Costas will present a feature on the long and storied history of boxing in New York.

 

Returning to their native New York for the telecast (Albert and Michaels are from Brooklyn, Costas from Commack, Long Island), the trio is synonymous with the biggest events in sports – combining to work 25 Super Bowls, 25 NBA Finals, 23 Olympics, 19 World Series, and numerous championship boxing events on television and radio.

 

“We are thrilled to have three of sports’ all-time broadcasting heavyweights – in prominence, not weight – working together on TV for the first time,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBCSN.  “Appropriately, these three are teammates on a primetime NBC boxing telecast.”

 

“While I have done many broadcasts with Al and with Marv, this is a one-time opportunity to work on the same broadcast with two of the all-time greats, plus it’s a chance for me and Al to renew our ongoing debate with Marv as to which was the greater cinematic achievement – BASEketball or The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh,” said Costas, who at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games became U.S. television’s first 10-time Olympic primetime host (Jim McKay hosted eight times for ABC).

 

“I never could have imagined this,” said Michaels, who in 2015 on Sunday Night Football begins his record 30th consecutive season as the play-by-play voice of the NFL’s premier primetime broadcast package. “And to have it all happen close to where we all grew up makes it that much more special. Very, very cool.”

 

“It is an honor to be a part of this group,” said Albert, who has been the most recognizable national voice of the NBA since 1990 in addition to his 37 years as the radio and TV voice of the New York Knicks. “I’ve always had great admiration for the work that Al and Bob have done through the years, and I’m proud to call them friends.”

 

Michaels, Albert, and Costas will be joined on the telecast by analyst and six-time world champion “Sugar” Ray Leonard, corner analyst B.J. Flores, and reporter Kenny Rice.

 

The Saturday, April 11 PBC on NBC primetime show features four boxers with a combined 127-4-1 record and 80 KOs – undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) vs. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

 

Following is an additional look at the legendary sports broadcasting trio working its first event together.

 

TALE OF THE TAPE

 

As play-by-play announcer or host, on television or radio, Costas, Michaels and Albert have each worked the Super Bowl, Olympics, NBA Finals and World Series on multiple occasions. Following is a breakdown

 

Announcer Events worked
Bob Costas 11 Olympics, 11 NBA Finals, 7 Super Bowls, 7 World Series
Al Michaels 10 Super Bowls, 8 Olympics, 8 World Series, 2 NBA Finals
Marv Albert 12 NBA Finals, 8 Super Bowls, 4 Olympics, 4 World Series

 

MEMORABLE CALL

 

AL MICHAELS — “Do you believe in Miracles? Yes!” – 1980 Winter Olympics, U.S. Hockey team defeats Soviet Union in semifinal

 

MARV ALBERT – “Yes, and it counts!” – Numerous NBA telecasts

 

BOB COSTAS – “The New York Yankees…World Champions….Team of the Decade…most successful franchise of the century.” – Final out as Yankees sweep Braves in 1999 World Series

 

GREAT TRIOS

 

While we will resist the temptation to compare the Costas-Michaels-Albert broadcasting trio to the equally esteemed Three Tenors (José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti), following is a sampling of great sports trios that at least one of the three has covered:

 

LeBron James-Dwayne Wade-Chris Bosh – Led by the All-Star trio, the Miami Heat  advanced to four consecutive NBA Finals, winning two (2012 and 2013).

 

Greg Maddux-John Smoltz-Tom Glavine – From 1993-2002, the pitching trio led the Atlanta Braves to the playoffs every season, won three National League pennants and captured the 1995 World Series title.

 

Troy Aikman-Emmitt Smith-Michael Irvin — Nicknamed “The Triplets,” the Hall of Fame quarterback-running back-wide receiver combination led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in four seasons (1992-95).

 

Magic Johnson-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar-James Worthy – The Hall of Fame Los Angeles Lakers trio advanced to six of seven NBA Finals from 1983-89, winning three titles with each earning NBA Finals MVP honors once.

 

Wayne Gretzky-Mark Messier-Jari Kurri – The Hall of Fame Edmonton Oilers front line trio won four Stanley Cups in five years between 1984-88.

 

“Sugar” Ray Leonard-Thomas “Hitman” Hearns-“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler – Hall of Fame welterweight/middleweight trio captured 15 boxing titles in late 1970s and 1980s.

 

Larry Bird-Kevin McHale-Robert Parish – The Hall of Fame front court led the Boston Celtics to three NBA titles and two additional trips to the NBA Finals in the 1980s.

 

Pete Rose-Joe Morgan-Johnny Bench – Stalwarts of the “The Big Red Machine,” led Cincinnati Reds to three consecutive National League pennants, winning the World Series in 1975 and 1976.

 

Willis Reed-Walt Frazier-Dave DeBusschere – Trio led the New York Knicks to the franchise’s only two NBA titles in a four-year span (1970 and 1973).

 

The debut PBC on NBC telecast on Saturday, March 7 averaged 3.4 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched professional boxing broadcast in 17 years (“Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Night” on FOX, 5.9 million, Mon., March 23, 1998). The PBC on NBC debut also led NBC to a Saturday primetime victory among Adults 18-49, with a 1.08 rating in the demographic.

 

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live “PBC on NBC” boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play and Windows Store.

 

–NBC SPORTS GROUP–

LAMONT PETERSON WORKS OUT FOR WASHINGTON D.C. MEDIA AHEAD OF  HIS APRIL 11 PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC BOUT AT BARCLAYS CENTER


 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Rouse Photography Group

 

Washington D.C. (March 26, 2015) – A little more than two weeks in advance of his highly anticipated bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) hosted media at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Washington, D.C. Lamont, his brother Anthony and Lamont’s trainer, Barry Hunter, took some time out of their training schedule to discuss Lamont’s Premier Boxing Champions showdown against Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) on April 11.

 

Below please find notable quotes from the event, which was attended by print, broadcast and online media outlets from around the region:

 

Lamont Peterson, Super Lightweight World Champion

 

“The plan might be to just go out there and fight him. Regardless of how I choose to fight, I feel like I can win. I do have quicker feet, but I can use them to do other things too. I can go forward. I don’t always have to be going backwards. I will stick to the game plan, but we don’t know what the game plan is right now.

 

“My mentality always shows in the ring, especially in the late rounds. You ask a lot of your body in that ring and a lot of times it goes to what it knows. So your personality definitely comes out, and I think that’s where I shine more than other fighters. The later rounds are when I normally take over the fight. A lot of the time I wish we could go more rounds.

 

“The fans wanted to see this fight so I wanted to make sure that it happened. I never really call out names or talk about who I want next. I leave it up to the fans and to the media because there are lots of fights that the fans want to see that never happen. At the end of the day, I’m fighting for the fans and the media so why not fight who they want me to fight?

 

“I’m just looking to take the things I do well and execute, and then I’m looking to take away the things Garcia does well and force him to do the things he doesn’t do well more often. I don’t look at any one previous fight of his and think ours is going to go that way.

 

“I’m a better fighter. He’s definitely a counter-puncher and we’re looking to make sure that we don’t get countered the way some others have been.

 

“There have been ups and downs in the camp. Sometimes it’s time to pull back and relax, but sometimes it’s time to work hard. Overall I feel great. A lot of people say this, but this has been my best training camp ever and I’m happy where I’m at right now. I’m ready to fight.

 

“This is the biggest fight for me. After this there’s nothing left to do in the weight class. I’d like to move up after this next fight.”

 

Barry Hunter, Peterson’s Trainer

 

“Lamont is a very versatile fighter. He’s been in the ring hundreds of times. He can box. He can fight both inside and outside. He can strategize, but he can also be very aggressive.

 

“Danny is a solid fighter. He doesn’t do one or two things great, but he does a lot of things well. There are some things though that we’ve seen in him that we think we can exploit and we’re going to go out there with the intent to do so. Overall I think Lamont is a better fighter.

 

“There’s only a few big names left at 140, everyone else has moved up to 147. So Lamont’s way of thinking was that the only way this fight made sense at 140 was if he could face Danny Garcia. This was more about giving the fans what they want to see. This is going to give fans a great free fight again on national TV.

 

“NBC is a true sports network. They have NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and the only sport that was missing was boxing. Boxing used to be on every network and they had legendary fights with legendary fighters. It wasn’t always about a belt either. Then things changed, but this gives us a chance to bring boxing back to the true fans.”

 

Anthony Peterson

 

“I’m not nervous about watching this fight. I’m just going to sit back and watch. Lamont’s so ready.

 

“Danny is an extraordinary fighter. It’s in his DNA, but Lamont is so focused I’m confident he’s going to win.

 

“Lamont learned to fight protecting me on the streets.”

 

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.comwww.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.

STACKED UNDERCARD COMES TO BARCLAYS CENTER ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11 AS PART OF SUPER NIGHT OF FIGHTS

 

DOMINICAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST FELIX DIAZ TAKES ON BROOKLYN’S GABRIEL BRACERO

 

BROOKLYN’S LUIS COLLAZO RETURNS TO THE RING

 

U.S. OLYMPIANS MARCUS BROWNE AND ERROL SPENCE JR.

ALSO IN ACTION

 

PLUS! THE EXCITING VIKTOR POSTOL AND UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS PRICHARD COLON AND HEATHER HARDY TO ENTER THE RING

 

BROOKLYN (March 26, 2015) – Superstars of the present and future will be well represented on Saturday, April 11 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as a full undercard of Olympians, prospects and future stars hit the ring looking to impress the Brooklyn crowd.

 

The exciting undercard features Olympic Gold Medalist for the Dominican Republic Felix Diaz battling Brooklyn-born Gabriel “Tito” Bracero in a 10-round super lightweight contest. Plus, the return of Brooklyn’s own Luis Collazo, who will compete in welterweight action.

 

Also fighting at Barclays Center are a pair of 2012 U.S. Olympians, as undefeated prospect “Sir” Marcus Browne takes on the experienced Aaron Pryor Jr. and Browne’s Olympic teammate Errol Spence Jr. makes his Brooklyn debut against once-beaten Samuel Vargas.

 

Additionally on the stacked undercard is the highly regarded Viktor Postol, plus undefeated prospect Prichard “Digget” Colon battles Jonathan Batista and undefeated prospect Heather “The Heat” Hardy” takes on Renata Domsodi in a super bantamweight bout.

 

“It’s an honor for me to be fighting in New York for the first time and at Barclays Center. I know the Dominican fans are going to come out in full force to support me,” said Diaz. “Bracero is a tough fighter, but I have world championship dreams and he is standing in my way.”

 

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Bracero. “I live in Sunset Park, right down the block from Barclays Center and I am grateful for this opportunity to fight in front of my hometown fans. I’ve been through hell in life, but I’ve never given up on my dream. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. This is my destiny and I am ready.”

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting at Barclays Center again. I’ve experienced some of the most incredible moments of my career there,” said Collazo. “This will be my fourth fight at Barclays Center and I plan on giving my hometown fans a lot to be excited about on April 11.”

 

“I’m happy and excited to fight at Barclays Center for the eighth time,” said Browne. “My friends and family are going to come out and support me like they always do, but I am even more excited to be on a card with so many guys I consider great fighters and my friends like Kid Chocolate and Lamont Peterson.”

 

“Fighting at Barclays Center for the first time is a great opportunity and I plan on making the most of it,” said Spence Jr. “I’m going to work hard in camp to put on a great show for the fans in Brooklyn.”

 

“I was born and raised in Brooklyn and it is an honor to be invited back to fight in my hometown at Barclays Center,” said Hardy. “I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans on April 11.”

 

“I’m very excited about this card and all the locals on the undercard. Collazo is a great fighter and one that the fans love to watch,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, promoter of the event. “Felix Diaz versus Gabriel Bracero is a New York showdown, with a Dominican Olympic gold medalist from the Bronx facing a “Nuyorican” from Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Also, the first Brooklyn appearance of 2012 Olympian Errol Spence will be a real treat for the fans. Add rising stars like Staten Island’s Marcus Browne and Brooklyn’s own Heather Hardy, the first lady of DBE and you have the makings of an electric, nonstop night of action.”

“The heart of boxing at Barclays Center is the great local boxers that fight in our ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. “Our April 11 card not only delivers major primetime matchups, but gives many of my favorite fighters, including Luis Collazo and Marcus Browne, the opportunity to showcase their skills in their hometown. This is going to be an exciting night for Brooklyn Boxing.”

 

This exciting roster of undercard bouts will complement the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC primetime main event bouts featuring undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) facing Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) and the middleweight championship bout between “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) and undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs). The second installment of PBC on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

A two-time Olympian representing the Dominican Republic, Diaz (16-0, 8 KOs) won a gold medal at his second Olympic games in 2008 in Beijing. Now fighting out of the Bronx, the 31-year-old looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Bracero on April 11. This fight will mark his first time fighting in New York and he no doubt wants to impress the fans in his adopted home city.

 

The Brooklyn-born Bracero (23-1, 4 KOs) has worked his way to becoming a contender in the junior welterweight division. His only loss came in 2012 to DeMarcus Corley, but he has rebounded to win his last five fights, including his most recent victory over former title contender Dmitriy Salita. Now, he prepares to make another statement against Felix Diaz in his Barclays Center debut.

 

One of Brooklyn’s most respected fighters today, Collazo (35-6, 18 KOs) will be aiming to get back on track when he enters the ring on April 11. In May of 2015 Collazo faced Amir Khan in a hard fought 12-round unanimous decision loss, snapping a four-fight win streak. Never having suffered consecutive losses, the gritty Collazo believes that his hometown crowd will give him the boost he needs to get a win.

 

As he approaches his record eighth appearance at Barclays Center, the 2012 U.S. OlympianBrowne (13-0, 10 KOs) is becoming synonymous with boxing’s newest Mecca. Unbeaten as a professional, with five knockouts in Barclays Center ring, the Staten Island native has shown how much he loves fighting in his backyard. Browne faces the 36-year-old Pryor Jr.(19-7, 12 KOs) from Cincinnati in a light heavyweight bout.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who had a highly decorated amateur career, Spence Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs) from Desoto, Texas, is looking to remain undefeated and continue to make a name for himself in the sport. The 25-year-old will battle Columbian-born Vargas (20-1, 10 KOs) fighting out of Ontario, Canada.

 

A 31-year-old out of Kiev, Ukraine Postol (26-0, 11 KOs) has made a name for himself as one of the most feared men in the super lightweight division. Having only fought twice in the USA before, April 11 is a great opportunity for Postol to make a statement on American soil. After a thrilling victory over Selcuk Aydin in May 2014, Postol is primed for a big 2015.

 

Fighting out of Puerto Rico, the fast-rising Colon (13-0, 10 KOs) makes his second appearance at Barclays Center on April 11 after dominating Lenwood Dozier in Brooklyn en route to a six-round decision in August 2014. The 22-year-old will face the 30-year-oldBatista (14-5, 7 KOs) out of the Dominican Republic in super welterweight action.

 

Already the winner of the first-ever professional female boxing match at Barclays Center,Hardy (12-0, 2 KOs) returns on April 11 looking to keep her perfect record intact. Her previous victory at Barclays Center came in June 2014 when she won a split decision over Jackie Trivilino. Most recently, she won a dominant unanimous decision against Elizabeth Anderson in December 2014. She looks to keep that momentum going on April 11 when she faces the Renata Domsodi (12-6, 5 KO’s) out of Budapest, Hungary in a super bantamweight contest.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.

SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY TRAINING CAMP NOTES FROM MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION “IRISH” ANDY LEE

LEE SET TO DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST PETER QUILLINAPRIL 11 ON THE EAGERLY ANTICIPATED

PBC ON NBC CARD AT

BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN, NY

 

  

New York, NY (March 17, 2015) – While we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today, perhaps enjoying a beer or two, middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) is hard at work at his training camp in Monte Carlo with trainer Adam Booth as he prepares to defend his world title against former champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, NY, on Saturday, April 11. Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Lee vs. Quillin will air live on NBC at 8:30 p.m. ET, along with the eagerly anticipated contest between Danny “Swift” Garcia and Lamont Peterson, as part of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series.

 

Below are a few quotes from Andy and promoter Lou DiBella:

 

ANDY LEE:

 

“I love St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a day for all Irish men and women to be proud and celebrate our history and culture. Unfortunately, for me this year there’ll be no Guinness as I’ll be in the gym, but I look forward to celebrating with all the Irish people after I win on April 11!

 

“Training is all going according to plan. My coach Adam Booth is putting me through my paces and we’re working hard together to ensure that I beat Quillin and retain my title. I’m feeling very strong and sharp. I’ve been sparring with three undefeated fighters, Miles Shinkwin, Rocky Fielding and Deion Jumah. I’m looking forward to coming to Brooklyn and defending my title in front of everyone in attendance and those watching on NBC.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment:

 

“Andy Lee has always been the pride of Limerick. His success has made him one of Ireland’s great champions. The quality of person that he is makes him one of the most liked and respected athletes in boxing. As he prepares to defend his title against Peter Quillin on April 11, he’s getting ready for the biggest fight of his career on the biggest stage possible as part of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC at Barclays Center. As they train and prepare to travel to Brooklyn, New York, both Andy and trainer Adam Booth know how high the stakes are and will be ready for primetime. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone; today we’re all Irish. Andy plans on making it feel like St. Patrick’s Day again on April 11.”

 

Tickets are currently on sale for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, and are priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available atwww.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live “PBC on NBC” boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extrais available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, on select devices within Google Play, and on windows phones and tablets.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com   www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDibella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSportsand www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.

DANNY GARCIA VS. LAMONT PETERSON AND ANDY LEE VS. PETER QUILLIN IN BROOKLYN BOXING SHOWDOWNS LIVE IN PRIMETIME ON NBC ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11

Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Comes to Barclays Center with Two Sensational Main Events

 

– Televised Fights on NBC Start at 8:30 P.M. ET

 

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow!

 

BROOKLYN (February 12, 2015) – The eagerly awaited showdown between undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) and Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) will become a reality as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC returns to primetime onSaturday, April 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

In the first main event of the evening, middleweight world champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) takes on the undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs) in a 12-round world title fight.

 

Marv Albert will call the fights in primetime on NBC alongside analyst “Sugar” Ray Leonard, the six-time world champion and 1976 Olympic gold medalist. Al Michaels will host.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale tomorrow,Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.comwww.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting onSaturday, Feb. 14 at noon. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

“It’s an honor to be fighting back in Brooklyn where I’ve experienced some of the best moments of my career,” said Garcia. “Fans have been asking for this fight for so long and on April 11 I’m planning on giving them the show they’ve been waiting for.  Doing it live on NBC will make it even sweeter.”

 

“This is an amazing opportunity for me fighting in Brooklyn and on national TV in front of millions of people,” said Peterson. “I’m going to go out there and give the performance of a lifetime. Danny Garcia better not underestimate me, because my time is now.”

 

“I’m looking forward to returning to New York and defending my title against Quillin,” said Lee. “I’m at the peak of my powers now. I cannot see myself losing to anyone. I want to be recognized as the best middleweight in the world and beating Quillin will go some way to proving that.”

 

“To be able to fight at home in Brooklyn and win a title on such a big stage is a dream come true,” said Quillin. “I’m honored and excited to be a part of something that is great for my career, but also for the sport of boxing as a whole. I know that I’m going to win on April 11, become champion once again, and then I’m going after anyone and everyone at 160 pounds.”

 

“I am thrilled to be promoting this PBC mega event at Barclays Center in my hometown of Brooklyn,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Danny Garcia vs. Lamont Peterson and Andy Lee defending his middleweight title against Peter Quillin are two of the very best bouts that can be made in boxing. On April 11, the fans are going to be the biggest winners and DBE is proud to be part of it.”

 

Quality championship fights are only in Brooklyn in April,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. “Danny Garcia always brings excitement to our ring and we are delighted once again to have Brooklyn’s own Peter Quillin fighting in Barclays Center. Fans want drama and unpredictable fights, and we are confident our card will deliver that on primetime television.”

 

Now in his fourth year as a world champion, Philadelphia’s Garcia will return to headline at Barclays Center for a record fourth time. Garcia also fought in the main event in October 2012, the first ever-boxing card at Barclays Center. The 26-year-old has taken down some of the biggest names in boxing on his way to an undefeated record, including Amir Khan, Erik Morales, Zab Judah and Lucas Matthysse. He will once again have a chance to prove himself against the best, this time in the long anticipated clash with Peterson.

 

Washington, D.C.’s Peterson is a gifted boxer-puncher with as much heart as talent. Like Garcia, the 31-year-old Peterson is another longtime champion.  Peterson has always faced the best and defeated Amir Khan in 2011.  The only blemishes on his perfect record came against Timothy Bradley and Lucas Matthysse.  He is coming off of two impressive victories in 2014 and now he gets the bout he and the public have clamored for as he takes a shot at beating Garcia in Brooklyn.

 

An accomplished amateur who was Ireland’s sole boxing representative at the 2004 Olympic Games, Leegot his first taste of world championship gold in December 2014 when he defeated Matt Korobov for the vacant middleweight world title with a sensational sixth round technical knockout. The 30-year-old has fought in his home country of Ireland, the UK, Germany and most often in the U.S. throughout his career. His only career losses came against Bryan Vera, which he would later avenge and Julio Cesar Chavez in his first world title fight. On April 11, Lee will fight for the fifth time in New York City, looking to give the primetime national television audience a memorable night.

 

A former world champion looking to reclaim the belt he vacated last year, Quillin will return to the same arena where he won the middleweight belt in 2012 with his star-making, six-knockdown performance against Hassan N’Dam in the first boxing card hosted by 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 to a primetime audience.

 

Beginning with the first show, Saturday, March 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC, NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live “PBC on NBC” boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, on select devices within Google Play, and on windows phones and tablets.

 

 

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