Tag Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

MARIO BARRIOS SCORES SPECTACULAR KNOCKOUT

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SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 12, 2015) – Rising star and super-featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KOs), remained undefeated with a spectacular sixth round knockout over Manuel Vides (18-5, 11 KOs).  The bout, which was televised as part of the PBC on NBCSN took place at the AT&T Center in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas.
From the opening round, Barrios established his presence in the ring as he landed numerous power shots, mostly to the body and head.  A powerful right uppercut followed by a monstrous left hook sent Vides crashing to the canvas head first, ending the bout at the 2:29 mark of round six.
“I felt strong going into the ring tonight,” said Mario Barrios. “We had a great training camp and I got a lot of good sparring to get me prepared for this fight.  I got into a good rhythm early and kept my foot on the pedal.  I had him hurt early but he was a very tough opponent and pushed me to the later rounds.  By coach Bob Santos told me to start throwing more uppercuts and that’s when I landed that big shot in the sixth round.  I followed the right uppercut with a left hook and got him out of there.”
With the win, Barrios, who’s been on fast track, recorded his seventh victory of 2015.  He’s very pleased to be staying active as he ascends to the top of the super-featherweight division.”
“I want to thank PBC and NBC for this opportunity.” Barrios continued. “To be part of the PBC series is a dream come true.  My goal is to continue winning and become a PBC superstar.  I also want to thank my team for all their hard work.  I’m very happy with my performance and I couldn’t have done it without them.  I’m looking forward to another busy year in 2016.”
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM DANNY GARCIA AND ROBERT GUERRERO  PRESS CONFERENCE IN ADVANCE OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES SHOWDOWN ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 AT STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

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CO-MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS SAMMY VASQUEZ AND ARON MARTINEZ ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
 
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Credit: Idris Erba/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LOS ANGELES (December 9, 2015) – Before undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs) face-off in a 12-round welterweight showdown on Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles they met Wednesday for a press conference at the Conga Room at L.A. Live to formally announce their primetime battle.
Garcia and Guerrero will headline the televised action on the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes fight card beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Undefeated rising star Sergeant Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez (20-0, 14 KOs) and Los Angeles-native Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs), who will meet onJanuary 23 in the FOX co-main event, were also on-hand at Wednesday’s press conference.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
Here is what the participants had to say at today’s press conference:
 
DANNY GARCIA
“I want to thank California for accepting me and giving me the chance to showcase my skills at STAPLES Center.
“Training camp has been going well. We already started sparring. I feel a lot stronger at 147-pounds. The world hasn’t seen the best of Danny Garcia yet, but they’ll see a fresher, faster, stronger and smarter fighter on January 23.
“I’m from Philadelphia, but I feel like California is my home because they say this is where the stars come. And I’m a star.
“I’m going to go out there and set the tempo. I’m going to back him up. If I have to move around and use angles I will. I’m going to stick to the game plan.
“I’m looking to fight anybody at 147. I believe I will be a champion in this new weight class.This is another step for me towards taking over the welterweight division.
“There are always going to be critics. It’s not a source of motivation. My motivation is to go out there, train hard and win the fight. I want to make my family proud and be the best person I can be.
“Anything can happen on any day. I have to prepare myself for all of the outcomes. The way I prepare myself, I feel like nobody can beat me.
“I represent all Latinos. In order to be a star you have to come here and do it. No matter where you come from, great fights are what you want.
” Come January 23 I’m going to go out there and give the fans a great fight.”
 
ROBERT GUERRERO
“It’s a blessing to be in the position that I’m in. This is going to be a great fight. We know that Danny comes into every fight ready to win.
“A lot of people are writing me off, but I’ll come in 100% prepared to take the win onJanuary 23.
“This isn’t do or die for me, but it is a big fight. The fans love fighters and that’s what I am. As you saw in my fight with (Keith) Thurman, I come to fight.
“I’ve got to take advantage of this opportunity. If I want to get back on top then this is step one. This is a pivotal point in my career.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Danny and Angel, but on fight night I’m coming ready to do business. We can be friends after. I’m excited to fight on FOX.”
 
SAMMY VASQUEZ
 
“This is because of everything I’ve been through in my life. Now I’m standing here living a dream.
“I know come January 23 this is going to be a tough fight. Aron has faced many world champions. He had a close split decision with Robert Guerrero as well.
“Honestly, it’s easier to be fighting outside of my hometown of Pittsburgh. I’m so busy when I’m there and I try to give everyone attention. I appreciate having that fan base though. They’ve been with me from the beginning.
“The fans are who builds you up. Having those fans has allowed me to get to where I am today.
“I’m looking for fireworks. He’s definitely the type of fighter that’s a step-up for me, and that’s what I’ve been wanting. I’ve been saying I’ll fight anyone the put in front of me. Now he’s in front of me, and it’s my time to shine.
“I’m coming into his back yard, but this isn’t my first time doing that. I’ve done this before and come out victorious.”
 
ARON MARTINEZ
“I’m happy to be fighting in my hometown. I grew up here. I can’t wait to fight in front of my people.
“Friends are asking me what it’s like to be the underdog. I tell them I’m always the underdog. That’s what makes me work harder.
“I cannot let this man come here and beat me in my hometown. It’s a dream come true to be fighting at STAPLES Center, and I’m going to take full advantage of the opportunity to add this win to my legacy.
“Hopefully Sammy Vasquez is ready because I’ve trained very hard to get here. I plan to train even harder now, have a great camp right here in the capital of boxing, and finish preparing myself.
“I think this fight is going to steal the show. It’ll be fireworks!”
ANGEL GARCIA, DANNY GARCIA’S FATHER AND TRAINER
“We’ve got to take Robert Guerrero very seriously because we know he’s coming to win against Danny.
“Danny is 31-0 and I’m going to make sure nobody takes that zero away from him.
“The Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry will heat up. Danny is the best Puerto Rican fighter out there and we’re excited for the chance to prove it January 23 at STAPLES Center.”
RUBEN GUERRERO, ROBERT GUERRERO’S FATHER AND TRAINER
“We’re having a strong camp. This is going to be a war.
“Danny Garcia is a good fighter. He can punch. So we’ve got to be ready for all of the things that he’ll bring to the table.
“We have a good game plan and are looking forward to facing Danny at STAPLES Center. We just want to put on a great show on FOX and prove to the world what we’re capable of.”
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage,www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PBC ON NBC & NBCSN FIGHTERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Francisco Perez/Premier Boxing Champions
 
SAN ANTONIO (December 9, 2015) -Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC and NBCSN cards hosted a media workout before they enter the ring on December 12 in San Antonio at the newly renovated AT&T Center.
 
Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Antonio DeMarco, Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale, Chris “Nightmare” Arreola, “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, Mario Barrios and Brandon Figueroa were all on hand to workout and speak to the media at Jesse James’s Leija’s Champion Fit Gym.
Figueroa and DeMarco square off in the evening’s main event on NBC while Breazeale and Arreola will compete in separate heavyweight bouts. Ortiz, Barrios and Figueroa are slated to appear on the NBCSN portion of the telecast.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com  or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailingm@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
OMAR FIGUEROA
“Training camp has been phenomenal. I don’t think it could have gone any better. Considering everything I’ve been through this year, it’s such a breath of fresh air to be able to actually train and train to my fullest.
“I think I’m definitely getting better. We never stop improving and if we do, that’s when our careers end. We always try to learn and see what we can do better and where we can progress. It’s a journey that we’re not even halfway through.
“I don’t think I had the best performance against Ricky Burns in May. Considering I had a fractured hand through camp, I couldn’t really train in camp. I beat a former world champion and I did it without training as much as I’d like.
“To me, a fight is a fight. I enjoy fighting. I love being in the ring. I’m excited for it. I can’t wait. I just want to perform and see how I feel.
“I think Antonio DeMarco is a perfect fit for my style. He’s really tough but he has flaws. He leaves the body open and that’s something I think we can exploit. If all goes to plan, we’ll come out victorious.”
ANTONIO DEMARCO
“I’m coming back for the love of the sport. I want to show everybody that has wrote me off, that I’m still here and dangerous. They’re going to eat their words Sunday morning.
“I had previously retired due to personal reasons, but boxing is such a big part of my life. It brought me out of the streets and given my family a good life. I’ve been able to help my sister who has battled cancer but is now healthy. I couldn’t leave a sport that has helped so many people.
“I’m back with my old trainer, who has helped me reach the best moments of my career. Romulo Quirarte and I are working hard to get back to that level.
“I have a lot of respect for Omar. He’s undefeated and he’s done some really good things in this sport. It’s a hard fight, but it’s a hard fight for both of us. It’s not going to be easy for Omar.
“I want the fans to see a great fight. It’s going to be a war. Two Mexicans, with Mexican blood is always a great fight. I’ve trained for a war and I’ll show everyone that I’m ready when I step into that ring.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“Training camp went great. We had a good nine or 10 weeks of camp with a diverse group of sparring partners. I actually dropped about 10 pounds so I feel strong and healthy.
“It’s huge to finish up the year on NBC at the AT&T Center. I couldn’t ask for much more.
“I’m looking forward to fighting for belts. Line them up. I want to fight top 10, top 5 guys consistently. Let’s get it done.
“I’ve worked really hard on correcting flaws and improving at my craft. As a fighter you that’s what you want to do. I always ask to be tested and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I know I have a tough test in front of me. My opponent has a lot of amateur experience and he’s been a good pro. I have to make this one count. You never know when it’s going to be your last chance.
“I looked bad in my last two fights and you’re only as good as your last fight. I think my opponent sees me as a fighter on his way down and that fires me up. He’s going to wish he never fought me.
“I’ve always thought of myself as an elite fighter. My main concern is Travis Kauffman. I have to beat him convincingly. I need to beat him to the point where everyone wants me to fight for a title. I want to earn my title shot.
“This is the beginning to a title run. I want to cement myself as a top heavyweight in the world. I’m a heavyweight to be reckoned with and I’m going to prove that to everyone. I need this fight for my career.”
VICTOR ORTIZ
“I’ve had my ups and my downs, but I just want to out there and entertain the fans again. I don’t think fans have ever been disappointed in how much action there is when I fight.
“My prime is still here. I’m going to take full advantage of it. The Hollywood scene is cool, it doesn’t hurt as bad, but I prefer being a world champion. I want to get back to that level.
“I’ve been pushing myself the whole camp. I’m just here to put in the work. We’re ready to go put on a show. I know my opponent is going to come hungry and I’m ready.
“I’ve made big changes to my career and I think it’ll be for the better. I hope everyone tunes in. I’m ready to go to war.”
MARIO BARRIOS
“Finishing up the year with a fight like this in my hometown, it’s the best thing I could ask for. I’m excited to be back home fighting in front of family and friends.
“I’ve improved greatly as a fighter this year. I’ve learned a lot about how to maintain composure in the ring. These are things that I’ve been able to gain with experience. I want to stay active and keep getting better.
“Training camp has been great. We went out to Houston for a week of our training to work with Miguel Flores and came back last week to finish up in San Antonio. I feel strong and ready to put on a great show Saturday.
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I feel really good. My team and I have been doing things rights and I’m ready to get in the ring December 12.
“My first fight was also on a big show with my brother headlining. I’m not saying I’m used to it. But I’m not really an emotional person so I won’t get fazed by the stage.
“I’m happy to be part of this show. There are so many great fighters and it’s a blessing to be part of this event.
“My brother and I both like to brawl and give fans a show, but I’d say I’m a more technical fighter. I like to keep my distance. When it comes down to throwing punches and trading, that’s what we like to do.
“My opponent is taller than my past opponents and he has some amateur experience. I’m going to try to box him, stay on the outside and hurt him with body shots.”
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

RANCES BARTHELEMY GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN AGAINST DENIS SHAFIKOV THAT HEADLINES PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

Click HERE For Photos From Team Barthelemy
 
LAS VEGAS (December 9, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) will look to win a world title in a second weight division when he headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike against Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) on Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
PBC on Spike coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
As Barthelemy and his team put the finishing touches on their Las Vegas training camp, see what the exciting Cuban had to say about training, his opponent and more:
On training camp in Las Vegas:
“It’s been a smooth camp so far.  I’ve sparred 12 rounds with multiple sparring partners on a few different occasions.  I’m very sharp right now and my timing is right where I want it to be.  My weight is good and I’m ready to go the distance if I have too.”
On his relationship with Coach Ismael Salas:
“Salas and I have a great relationship and together we are on the same page.  He knows what I like to do and he can see flaws in my opponents from the corner.  We have plan ‘A, B and C’ for this fight.   Salas is a great trainer.  We’ll be prepared for anything Shafikov brings to the ring.”
On his matchup with Denis Shafikov:
“This is a very difficult fight, one that I am fully prepared to win.  We are both southpaws so it will be very interesting to see how the fight plays out.  I’m going to fight my style and dictate the pace.  He throws a lot of punches in combinations, something I’ll have to be ready for.  This will not be a boring fight.  The fans can expect to see me throw a lot of big shots.”
On fighting for the lightweight world title:
“Capturing a world title at lightweight will be a great accomplishment for my career.  When an opportunity like this comes your way, you have to seize the moment to be great.  That’s what I plan to do against Shafikov.  The ultimate goal is to win as many world championships as possible in multiple weight classes.”
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV,@SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

YENIFEL VICENTE KNOCKS OUT JUAN DOMINGUEZ IN THIRD ROUND OF THE PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FS1 AND FOX DEPORTES FIGHT CARD FROM SUN NATIONAL BANK CENTER IN TRENTON, NJ

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Keith Tapia Wins Thrilling Unanimous Decision Over Garrett Wilson
 
Immanuel Aleem Scores Split Decision Victory Against Carlos Galvan
 
Chad Dawson Returns With Unanimous Decision Defeat Of Shujaa El Amin
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
TRENTON, NJ (December 9, 2015) – Yenifel “Lightning” Vicente (28-3-2, 20 KOs) defeated Juan Dominguez (19-1, 13 KOs) by knockout just :20 into the third round ofPremier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes main event from Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.
Vicente opened up the bout landing big shots that rocked Dominguez early. Vicente continued applying pressure throughout the first frame, but Dominguez came back strong.
The early portion of the second round featured repeated left hooks from Vicente. A frustrated Dominguez landed a low blow in the middle of the second round, forcing Vicente to take a knee. Dominguez went low again and referee Earl Brown deducted a point from Dominguez for repeated low blows. The second round came to a close with Dominguez throwing booming lefts, but finding little luck landing.
Vicente started off the third round with a huge right uppercut to the body, followed by an overhand right to the head of Dominguez and ended the bout just :20 seconds into round three.
Dominguez exited the ring on a stretcher, but was responsive to medical staff and moved his extremities while being carried to the ambulance. Dominguez was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for further precautionary evaluation over night.
The opening televised fight of the evening featured unbeaten cruiserweight Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (17-0, 11 KOs) getting a unanimous decision (97-93, 99-91, 99-91) victory over Garrett Wilson (16-10-1, 9 KOs) in 10 rounds of hard-hitting action.
After an evenly contested opening round, the second and third rounds saw exchanges that had each fighter stunned and retreating at times. Overhand rights from both pugilists became a factor in the third.
Wilson threw a big right hook followed by uppercut in fourth that seemingly stunned Tapia again. The two bruisers spent the second half of the fourth exchanging in the center of ring with repeated uppercuts landed by both.
Following the tireless work from both fighting on the inside to close out the fourth, Wilson got off two big left hooks in the fifth, and appeared to take control of the fight, even if only for a moment.
It was Tapia’s night though, regaining himself and fighting back with repeated lefts of his own and delivering an overhand right down the middle.
By the middle of the sixth, Tapia was landing huge lefts and combinations that seemed to help grow his confidence by the moment.
Rounds seven, eight and nine saw Tapia distance himself, coolly slipping Wilson’s biggest shots, while consistently landing enough of his own and tiring Wilson out.
Tapia and Wilson closed out the fight with a flurry, but it was too little too late for Wilson as Tapia cruised to the unanimous decision.
The second televised bout showcased undefeated rising middleweight prospectImmanuel Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) earning a split decision (78-74,75-77, 77-75) overCarlos Galvan (11-4-1, 10 KOs) in an eight round bout.
Both Aleem and Galvan came out aggressive in round one with crowd-pleasing exchanges, but Galvan appeared to have gotten the better of the action, landing an uppercut at the bell.
Following an action-packed second round, Aleem landed a big right hook in the third that stunned and almost dropped Galvan to the canvas, but Aleem wasn’t able to close.
Aleem came out fast in rounds four and five, looking to finish what he couldn’t in the third, but the knockout didn’t come. Eventually Aleem setted in and started setting up behind his jab as the technical side of his game took over.
Aleem, who knocked out each of his last seven opponents entering Tuesday, started looking to do the same again in round seven. Galvan fought back, but Aleem’s triple combinations proved too much as Aleem landed another flurry to close out the round.
The second minute of the final round saw exchanges that had the crowd in awe, but Aleem landed several big rights to close out the win.
In untelevised undercard action, former world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (33-4, 18 KOs) returned to the ring after a 14-month layoff to defeat Shujaa El Amin (12-9, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 100-90) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout.
Here is what the televised fighters had to say regarding their performances:
YENIFEL VICENTE
“The punches that ended it were part of a combination that we’d been working on in camp, a lower shot to the body followed by an overhand right.
“I was elated initially when I got the knockdown, but then I immediately felt sorrow when I saw that my fellow countryman was actually seriously hurt.
“I’m trying to stay positive. I hope that this fight shows that I can’t be beaten at 122 lbs. I’m just ready for bigger and better fights.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Juan and his family.”
IMMANUEL ALEEM
“I went in there tonight to break him down and then lay him down. If I had one more round I would have ended it.
“He wasn’t any tougher than I thought he’d be, we just didn’t execute everything the way I wanted to.
“I’m grateful to have gotten this experience tonight fighting on PBC on FS1. It was a great experience and now it’s on to whatever’s next. Thanks to all the fans for watching!”
 
CARLOS GALVAN
“I feel good right now. I felt victorious. (Aleem) hits hard, but I thought I fought a superior fight.
“My corner and my trainer were coaching me along and we felt we got the win. I feel like the victor.”
 
KEITH TAPIA
 
“I feel good. This was my first 10-round fight, and I can’t complain. Wilson was one tough son of a gun, but I knew I had it under control.
“I never think about knockouts, I just make it a priority to take care of business. I just wanted to box him and if the knockout comes then great.
“He rocked me, but I took it. I’m still standing. It was exciting to fight 10 hard rounds.”
GARRETT WILSON
 
“This was a tough fight. I took it on short notice, and we both fought like a couple of warriors in there tonight.
“I thought for sure I was going to be able to land something on his chin or to his body and get him out of there, but he was tough.”
CHAD DAWSON
 
“This was my first fight in 14 months and I got 10 rounds in the bag. There are some things I want to go back to the drawing board and work on, but I feel good after tonight.
“I thought I fought a good fight tonight, but not great. I’d give myself a B minus. I’ll take two or three months and then I hope to be back.”
# # #
The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

VICTOR ORTIZ TAKES ON GILBERTO SANCHEZ LEON TERRELL GAUSHA SET TO FACE SAID EL HARRAK HUGO CENTENO SQUARES OFF AGAINST JOSUE OBANDO MARIO BARRIOS BATTLES MANUEL VIDES & BRANDON FIGUEROA FIGHTS FRANCISCO MURO ON PBC ON NBCSN  SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

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Full Night Of Action Comes To The AT&T Center In San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO (December 8, 2015) – Opponents for the previously announced Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN card are set for their Saturday, December 12 showdowns at the newly renovated AT&T Center in San Antonio.
PBC on NBCSN action will see the return of “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (30-5-2, 23 KOs) as he faces Mexican veteran Gilberto Sanchez Leon (33-13-2) in a 10-round welterweight affair, 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (16-0, 8 KOs) take on Said El Harrak (12-3-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight bout, unbeaten Hugo “The Boss” Centeno  (23-0, 12 KOs) against Josue Obando (12-7-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight contest, undefeated local prospect Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs) stepping into the ring against Panama’s Manuel Vides (18-4, 11 KOs) in an eight round lightweight contest and Brandon Figueroa (3-0, 2 KOs) against Francisco Muro (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bantamweight battle.
The NBCSN coverage will bookend the PBC on NBC event headlined by undefeated starOmar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, taking on former world champion Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs). Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will also feature a pair of heavyweight showdowns as undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KOs) faces“Prince” Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) and hard-hitting Mexican-American Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) battles Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-1, 22 KOs).
NBCSN coverage will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and go until 7:30 pm. ET/4:30 pm PT. NBCSN coverage will resume at 11 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT following the NBC broadcast and run to midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com  or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailingm@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.
Also featured in exciting undercard fights are undefeated prospects Semajay Thomas(6-0, 4 KOs) out of Chicago in a six-round welterweight affair against Florida’s Farkhad Sharipov (4-5, 1 KO), 25-year-old New Jersey-product Rickey Edwards (9-0, 3 KOs) in a six round lightweight bout against undefeated Ariel Paez (4-0, 1 KO), Lanell “KO” Bellows (13-1-1, 7 KOs) out of Las Vegas taking on Nigeria’s Michael Gbenga (16-23, 16 KOs) in eight-rounds of super middleweight action and 21-year-old Justin DeLoach(11-1, 6 KOs) of Georgia, Louisiana in a six-round super welterweight contest.
Rounding out the night of action will be undefeated San Antonio-product Adam Lopezagainst former world champion Eric Aiken in a super bantamweight bout, 21-year-oldJavier Rodriguez battling Alejandro Moreno in a four-round super bantamweight showdown, San Antonio’s Steve Hall as he squares off against Adam Ealons in a four-round super lightweight fight and Austin’s Brandon Chalker in a four round super featherweight contest against San Antonio’s Rudy Zamora.
An exciting fighter who never shies away from action, Ortiz returns to the ring one year after injuring his hand in his last bout, a third round stoppage of Manuel Perez. The 28-year-old was a 147-pound world champion when he defeated Andre Berto in 2011 to set up a showdown with Floyd Mayweather. The Kansas-native has spent time in recent years to film roles in movies such as “Southpaw” and “The Expendables 3” but will returnDecember 12 healthy and ready to fight his way back to the pinnacle of the sport. First, he will have to get past the durable Leon out of Mexicali, Mexico who owns victories over Dario Cervantes, Carlos Yanez and Rene Ruiz.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gausha was a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he has scored a knockout victory over Norberto Gonzalez and defeated Luis Grajeda and Eliezer Gonzalez by decision. Now he will take on the 28-year-old El Harrak who fights out of Las Vegas by way London.
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 December 2014 he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Most recently, the 24-year-old took down Lukasz Maciec in September and looks to finish the year with another strong performance against Guadalajara, Mexico’s Obando.
Fighting in his hometown of San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his seventh victory of 2015 onDecember 12. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum after winning his first eight-round bout over Enrique Tinoco on November 10. He will face the 25-year-old Panamian Vides who owns victories in 2015 over Ivan Trejos and Samuel Moreno.
The brother of main event participant and former world champion Omar, the 18-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May by defeating Hector Gutierrez and has followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena and Ramiro Ruiz. The Weslaco, Texas-product looks to make it a perfect 2015 when he takes on the 19-year-old Muro out of Tucson, Arizona.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION CHAD DAWSON TAKES ON SHUJAA EL AMIN IN UNDERCARD ACTION TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT SUN NATIONAL BANK CENTER IN TRENTON, NEW JERSEY

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Plus! Undefeated Prospect Alex Martin &
Battle Of Super Middleweights Denis Doughlin & Elvin Ayala
 
TRENTON, NJ (December 7, 2015) – Former world champion champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (32-4, 18 KOs) return to the ring to take on Shujaa El Amin (12-8) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout as part of an exciting undercard on Tuesday, December 8 at Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.
The event is headlined by a featherweight showdown between Juan Dominguez (19-0, 13 KOs) and Yenifel “Lightning” Vicente (27-3-2, 19 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Additional televised action features unbeaten cruiserweight Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (16-0, 11 KOs) battling Garrett Wilson (16-9-1, 9 KOs) and undefeated rising middleweight prospect Immanuwel Aleem (14-0, 9 KOs) facing Carlos Galvan (11-3-1, 10 KOs) in an eight round bout.
Additional undercard fights feature undefeated welterweight prospect Alex Martin (10-0, 5 KOs) as he faces Juan Rodriguez (6-4-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout, plus a pair of super middleweight sluggers as Dennis Doughlin (19-4, 12 KOs) meets Elvin Ayala(28-7-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round battle.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $70, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchasedHERE, at the Sun National Bank Center box office or by calling 800-298-4200.
Rounding out the night of fights is the pro debut of Baltimore’s Jordan White in a four-round super bantamweight bout against Puerto Rico’s Jose Roman (0-3), 30-year-oldDaniel Pasciolla (5-1) out of Brick, New Jersey against Philadelphia’s Corey Morely(0-0-1) in a four-round heavyweight affair and Philadelphia’s Christopher Brooker (4-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight contest.
A former world champion at light heavyweight, Dawson returns to the ring looking for the 33rd victory of his successful career. The 33-year-old owns victories over former world champions Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver and Tomasz Ademek. Fighting out of New Haven, Connecticut, he will take on the 28-year-old El Amin out of Flint, Michigan.
An accomplished amateur out of Chicago, Martin was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate and 2012 National Golden Gloves champion. The 26-year-old turned pro in 2013 and is undefeated in his first 10 pro fights. In 2015 he’s taking home victories over Jeremiah Wiggins, Jonathan Garcia and Kevin Womack Jr. He will be opposed by the 25-year-old Rodriguez out of Haymarket, Virginia.
Fighting out of nearby Marlboro, New Jersey, Doughlin enters his December 8 fight looking for three-straight victories after defeating Cameron Allen and Marcos Primera in 2015. The 27-year-old owns victories over Steve Martinez and Phillip McCants and has shared the ring with top fighters such as Jermell Charlo and George Groves. He takes on the 34-year-old Ayala. Representing New Haven, Connecticut, Ayala owns victories over Ronald Gavril and Derrick Findley and fought to a draw with former world champion Sergio Mora.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BOXING COMES TO THE AT&T CENTER

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Click HERE To Read Online
 
By: Lorne Chan Spurs.com
Blood spilled from Omar Figueroa’s nose the last time he was at the AT&T Center, his hands injured from throwing a thousand punches. Figueroa was exhausted, and it was all worth it when the championship belt was placed on his shoulder.
That was on July 27, 2013. Figueroa fought Nihito Arakawa and claimed the WBC Lightweight Title in a bout that topped many Fight of the Year lists.
Two years later, Omar “Panterita” Figueroa is coming back to the AT&T Center. Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs) is headlining a Premier Boxing Champions card on Dec. 12, where he’ll fight Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs).
Tickets starting at $31 are available at www.attcenter.com for the fights, which also includes Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale against “Prince” Charles Martin in a heavyweight bout and the return to the ring of former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz.
For Figueroa, his return to the AT&T Center ring means a return to the setting of one of the greatest nights of his life, when he defeated Arakawa in a decision.
“Going toe-to-toe, 12 rounds, it was like something in the Rocky movies,” Figueroa said. “It’s about having the courage and heart to stay in there and perform that way. To go in there, blood and broken hands, it was amazing. I was glad to be able to do that here at the AT&T Center.”
Figueroa, 25, is the pride of the Rio Grande Valley. He’s a native of Weslaco, about 250 miles south of the AT&T Center. He trains there with his father, Omar Sr., who first put gloves on his son when Jr. was 6.
Nicknamed “Panterita,” Figueroa developed his style in the ring through an estimated 200 amateur fights in Mexico and another 50 in the United States as a junior.
He’s a relentless puncher. He doesn’t mind taking a few hits if it means getting a few shots in himself. Fights with Figueroa become less about the “sweet science” and more about sheer willpower. That style led the greatest fight the AT&T Center had ever seen.
Figueroa and Arakawa traded punches for every second of their 12-round fight, with the AT&T Center crowd chanting “Omar! Omar!” throughout. Although Figueroa, an orthodox fighter, injured his hands punching Arakawa’s face and body, Arakawa would not go down. Both fighters persevered for 36 minutes, giving each other nods of respect at the end of each round.
When the fight was over and Figueroa was crowned the first world champion from the Rio Grande Valley, his courage through the fight earned him much more than a belt in boxing circles. According to CompuBox, which tallies punches thrown and landed, Figueroa connected on 450 power punches in the fight, the fourth-most all-time in any weight class in CompuBox’s 30 years of recording fights.
“In a sport that has produced many memorable chapters,” announcer Mauro Ranallo said during the fight, “here in San Antonio you can add another chapter to boxing’s beautiful and brutal legacy.”
Having moved up to the 140-pound weight class, Figueroa said this is the first time he’s felt fully healthy since the Arakawa fight. As Figueroa’s star continues to rise, DeMarco, a former WBC Lightweight champion himself from Sinaloa, Mexico, is standing in his way.
“This will be a very tough fight and will most likely be a war because of our fighting styles,” DeMarco said.
The Dec. 12 card is filled with big matchups, another main event bout feature sDominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KOs) against “Prince” Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) and Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) against Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-1, 22 KOs).
Breazeale, a former quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado, took up boxing after his college career ended and became a 2012 Olympian. He has recorded a knockout in all but two professional fights, but faces his toughest test against Martin, who has gone more than four rounds just once in his last eight fights.
Victor Ortiz makes his return to the ring in the AT&T Center as well, as his career has taken a fascinating path since he fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2011. Ortiz appeared on “Dancing With The Stars” in 2013, and has acting roles in “The Expendables 3” and “Southpaw.” His San Antonio fight will be his first in 364 days, and Ortiz will be a fan favorite.
Leija/Battah Promotions have brought the fight card to San Antonio, as hometown son Jesse James Leija said he hopes to bring bigger and bigger fights to the AT&T Center.
“San Antonio’s probably the best city for boxing in the United States,” Leija said. “We want to keep giving the fans their money’s worth with some of the best fighters in Texas and elsewhere.”
The fights at the AT&T Center are also an opportunity for some local fighters to get in the ring on a broadcast that will be televised on NBC and NBCSN beginning at 5 p.m. CST.
Mario Barrios, a 20-year-old who attended Southwest High School in San Antonio, has already fought six times in 2015 and won all six fights. For Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs), walking into the AT&T Center is something he said his whole career has been building toward.
“I’ve fought in so many places where nobody knew me,” Barrios said. “To fight at home, in front of my family, it might be a little overwhelming. It’s going to feel for me like that point in your career that you’re really doing something.”
Twitter:@lornechan
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

OMAR FIGUEROA TALKS TRAINING & FAMILY BEFORE PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC PRIMETIME SHOWDOWN AGAINST ANTONIO DEMARCO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 FROM THE AT&T CENTER 

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Click HERE For Photos From Team Figueroa
WESLACO, TX (December 1, 2015) – Undefeated boxer Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 16 KOs) is going to close out his year with a ring return that will send him into 2016 as both a star in the sport, but also a new threat in the 140-pound division.
Figueroa headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC in primetime onSaturday, December 12. PBC on NBC will air live at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT from San Antonio’s AT&T Center when Figueroa battles former world champion Antonio DeMarco(31-5-1, 23 KOs).
South Texas’s “El Panterita” (little Panther) had a strong super lightweight debut in May against former titlist Ricky Burns and after being delayed by injuries, he is back, healthy and firing on all cylinders.
“I’m ready,” said Figueroa. “Since I’ve moved up to 140 I’ve felt stronger than ever. This week in camp, after my sparring sessions, I’ve felt that I was connecting more and that my velocity and power has increased. My May fight was a good indication of what I can do and this fight against DeMarco will be another one. This weight division feels natural to me.”
Having moved up a weight class in 2015, this year also finds Figueroa back training with his father, Omar Sr., in his hometown of Weslaco, TX.
“Boxing is in my family’s blood,” he said. “My father, sister, brother and mother are all involved with either training or fighting. Being able to train at home, surrounded by my family is important to me. Everything I do is for my family and my community.”
Growing up in both the U.S. and Mexico, Figueroa fought in over 200 amateur fights in Mexico and 100 in the U.S. before turning pro. A proud Mexican-American and Texan, the 25-year-old Figueroa is diversifying training this camp including sparring with a number of fighters from Texas as well as surrounding states.
“I’m sticking to the plan of training and conditioning this camp – cardio, sparring – but the big difference for me is really strengthening and taking care of my body through different preventative therapies. I’m icing, stretching and utilizing the Theraband in workouts. I’m also working with more recovery exercises – warm up and cool down, stimulation, ultrasound, I can tell my body and camp performance that it’s changing my body.”
Not one to sit still, the natural-born athlete takes note of some of the training regimens from past coaches in an attempt to “train smarter” and avoid overtraining.
The December 12 PBC on NBC fight will also be a family affair with his younger brother Brandon appearing on the NBCSN broadcast.
“I’m really grateful for my whole team and promoters Jesse Leija and Mike Battah. They’re giving a lot of talented Texas fighters a shot on a strong national card. Boxing needs to support and bring up talent from across all divisions, and it’s great to see some of my team as well as other top prospects getting a shot on a bill like this one. It’s helping to grow boxing.”
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE PROVIDES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE

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Upland, California (December 1, 2015) – In less than two weeks, undefeated top U.S. heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KO’s)returns to the ring against “Prince” Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KO’s) in a battle of undefeated American heavyweights.  The 2012 Olympian’s bout will be televised on prime-time NBC on the Premier Boxing Champions live telecast which is scheduled to take place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Heading into his last full week of training camp in preparation for his upcoming bout against Martin, Breazeale shared his thoughts on his camp so far, fighting on NBC for the third time this year, his relationship with new trainer Manny Robles and his expectations for the bout with Martin.
Breazeale’s thoughts on how training camp is going:
Photo c/o Team Breazeale
“Training camp is going great so
far.  It’s definitely the best training camp Ihave had thus far in my career. I continue to learn a lot from my trainer Manny Robles and working on fundamentals and technique has been a plus in this camp.  My strength and conditioning coach Sean Martinez has also introduced new training techniques that work on my core and help with my explosiveness.

I have had quality sparring here in California and have flown in a southpaw sparring partner to prepare me for my bout with Charles.  This past weekend I traveled to San Francisco to work with a southpaw and it was great work.”

 

Breazeale’s feelings on fighting on NBC for the third time this year:
“It’s great to fight on television, but to fight on a prime-time network that reaches millions of viewers and attracts new boxing fans is a blessing.  I have to thank my adviser Al Haymon for the opportunities he has provided me and I intend to make the best of them.  I think what stands out to me is the fact that my grandmother who doesn’t have cable can watch me for free.

What the Premier Boxing Champions series has done for the sport of boxing is awesome.  I hope to gain quite a bit of new fans come December 12th.”

Breazeale’s relationship with new trainer Manny Robles:
“A lot of people don’t know this, but I trained with Manny throughout my entire amateur career leading up to and during the Olympics.  Although I haven’t trained with Manny in three years, I feel as if we had never missed a beat.  I feel very comfortable training with Manny and he has a great amount of knowledge about the sport.

I truly feel that he is the trainer that possesses the knowledge and skills that can get me to that next level.”

Breazeale’s expectations on his bout with Martin:
“I know this is the toughest bout of my career thus far and I’m definitely ready.  I expect to win and win convincingly.  With Klitchko being knocked off by Fury this past weekend, the heavyweight division is open for the taking.  Beating Martin is the next step on the path to the world heavyweight championship.  I am always looking for a knockout, but if it doesn’t come I can guarantee that this will be one hell of a fight.”
 
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