Lossis Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Ntsia hlau loj TV

ANDRZEJ FONFARA & NATHAN CLEVERLY COLLIDE IN LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE RETURNS TO UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

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Tickets on Sale Now!
CHICAGO (Lub yim hli ntuj 26, 2015) – Bruising Polish star Andrzej Fonfara (27-3, 16 KOs) and former world champion Nathan Cleverly (29-2, 15 KOs) will meet in a 12-round light heavyweight battle as Premier Boxing Champions rau Spike returns to UIC Pavilion in Chicago on Hnub vas Xuv, October 16, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. LI/PT.
Fonfara, a fan-favorite in Chicago, will be fighting at UIC Pavilion for the 14th time in his career and is fresh off a stunning performance against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in April of this year. He steps up again to fight a top light heavyweight in former world champion Cleverly and if he can get by this stiff test, he will be in a position to face all of the other top light heavyweights in this talent rich division.
“I’m excited to return to my hometown of Chicago on this big fight night against a world class fighter like Nathan Cleverly,” said Fonfara. “This will be a tough fight for both of us. Cleverly is a solid fighter and it’s no fluke that he was a world champion and that he defended his belt so many times. Our fighting styles guarantee that everyone can expect fireworks on October 16th. I want this fight to be a quick stop on my way to a rematch with Adonis Stevenson.”
“This is a major platform for me to prove that I am more than capable of becoming world champion again,” said Cleverly. “If I beat Fonfara it’s a doorway fight to the world title and establishing myself as one of the best light heavyweights once again. Fonfara is a good fighter. He’s tall, has power and has moved up through the levels in his career. I am looking forward to coming over to Chicago and I am very confident that our styles will blend well for a really exciting fight.
“Spike has been the home to some of boxing’s most exciting bouts of 2015 including Marco Huck vs. Krzysztof Glowacki and Andre Berto vs. Josesito Lopez,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Cov kev ua si, Spike. “We feel this trend will continue as Andrzej Fonfara vs. Nathan Cleverly is an equally matched fight that will bring a ton of action.”
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim nyob, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Matchroom Boxing, luv nqi tom $151, $101, $51, $41 thiab $31, not including applicable service charges, thiab muaj rau ntawm kev muag khoom tam sim no. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Hnub plaub los sis Hnub vas Xuv 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
Born in Warsaw, Poland, but fighting now out of Chicago, Fonfara will look to take advantage of a supportive atmosphere on October 16 as he returns to UIC Pavilion. After racking up victories over Tommy Karpency, Gabriel Campillo and Doudou Ngumbu, the 27-year-old took down his biggest name when he stopped Chavez Jr. in the ninth-round on April 18. Nrog 13 of his last 15 wins coming by way of knockout, Fonfara will no doubt deliver a great fight for fans on October 16.
A former world champion with a strong resume that includes victories over Tony Bellew, Karo Murat, Tommy Karpency and Nadjib Mohammedi, the Welsh Cleverly hopes to make an impact in his third career fight in the U.S. The 28-year-old made five defenses of his light heavyweight crown and is coming off of an early stoppage of Tomas Man in May.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @NathanClev, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromothiab www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

DAIKI KAMEDA & VICTOR RUIZ SQUARE-OFF IN BANTAMWEIGHT ACTION WHILE RISING STARS MIGUEL FLORES, MARIO BARRIOS & RYAN KARL PUT THEIR UNDEFEATED RECORDS ON THE LINE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 FROM THE AMERICAN BANK CENTER IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

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Premier Boxing Champions on CBS is Headlined By Super Middleweights
Anthony Dirrell and Marco Antonio Rubio With The Co-Main Event Featuring
Jamie McDonnell vs. Tomoki Kameda 2
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (Lub yim hli ntuj 25, 2015) – Former two-time world champion Daiki Kameda (29-4, 18 KOs) takes on Mexican slugger Victor Ruiz (19-5, 14 KOs) in bantamweight action in a stacked lineup of undercard attractions as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) rau CBS airs live from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas Hnub xya, September 6. The telecast kicks off at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT.
The event is headlined by former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-1-1, 22 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Marco Antonio “El Veneno” Rubio (59-7-1, 51 KOs) and features the rematch between bantamweight world champion Jamie McDonnell (26-2-1, 12 KOs) and exciting brawler Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-1, 19 KOs).
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim nyob, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and Warriors Boxing, luv nqi tom $109, $93, $49, $38 thiab $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office or by calling Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
The action inside the arena will feature top undefeated prospects putting their unblemished records on the line as Miguel Flores (16-0, 7 KOs) faces John “Bam Bam” Johnson(31-10, 23 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout, Mario “Golden Boy” Barrios (10-0, 5 KOs) battles Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (33-12, 27 KOs) in eight rounds of super featherweight action and Ryan “Cowboy” Karl (8-0, 6 KOs) competes in a six-round welterweight affair.
Additional early action will also see 25-year-old New Jersey-born Rickey Edwards (7-0, 2 KOs) against 19-year-old Marco Solis (3-1, 1 KO) of Round Rock, Texas in a six-round lightweight attraction, 23-year-old Corpus Christi-born Jeremy Longoria (7-5, 1 KO) squaring off against 28-year-old Alberto Espinoza of San Antonio in six rounds in the super featherweight division and Corpus Christi’s own Robert Vela in a six-round super featherweight contest.
Kicking-off the undercard will be 23-year-old Kingsville native Omar Rojas (3-3, 1 KO) as he takes on 30-year-old Alberto Espinoza (3-7) of Laredo, Texas in six rounds of super welterweight action and Rickie Gutierrez (1-0) of Robstown, Texas in a four-round super featherweight bout against San Antonio’s Theo Johnson (1-8).
The middle brother of the fighting Kameda brothers, the only group of brothers to simultaneously hold world titles, 26-year-old Daiki will make his U.S. debut on September 6 in Corpus Christi. Fighting out of Tokyo, he won world titles with victories over Denkaosan Kaovichit and Rodrigo Guerrero. He will return to the ring for the first time since 2013, looking to make another run at a world title beginning with the 24-year-old Ruiz out of Tijuana, Mexico who most recently delivered a first round knockout over Felix Rubio.
An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17 years old. The 23-year-old made his 2015 debut in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed that up by defeating Juan Ruiz in July. He will take on Johnson who fights out of San Antonio.
Fighting in his home state and representing San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his fourth victory of 2015 rau September 6. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum and continue to grow his fan base in his home state when he takes on the 28-year-old Colombian Perez.
An undefeated prospect representing Houston, Karl had an excellent amateur career that ended with him ranked third in the nation in the 141-pound division. The 23-year-old has already won three times in 2015 and most recently stopped Rigoberto Flores in July.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com thiabwww.americanbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing @AnthonyDirrell, @MAVenenoRubio, @JamieMcDonnell1, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @LeijaBattahPR, @AmericanBankCtr and @Swanson_Comm,
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC nyob ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

TOP MEDIA MEMBERS, FIGHTERS AND TRAINERS AT ODDS OVER WHO WINS LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. ABNER MARES PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN SHOWDOWN

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Live From STAPLES Center Hnub vas xaum, Lub yim hli ntuj 29
10 p.m. LI/7 p.m. PT
LOS ANGELES (Lub yim hli ntuj 24, 2015) – With fight week officially underway, top media members, fighters and trainers offered up their fight night predictions for the highly anticipated featherweight match-up between Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz thiab Abner Mares headlining Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) rau ESPN Hnub vas xaum, Lub yim hli ntuj 29 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
The long-awaited battle is considered to be one of the most evenly matched fights in the sport and fans can look forward to the best that boxing has to offer on basic cable as Premier Boxing Champions returns to ESPN for its third installment on the network.
Fitting in with the prevailing notion that this bout is a true 50-50 fight, the prognosticators were almost evenly split on their fight night predictions, with Santa Cruz slightly edging out Mares by a count of just 19 mus 18 with two undecided.
The predictions were razor thin in every regard as current and former fighters favored Mares by a count of seven to five while trainers favored Santa Cruz by a margin of five to two with journalists split evenly having nine select each man.
Overall more experts believed Santa Cruz would win by knockout with a five to three advantage while Mares was picked more times to win by decision with a narrow 15 mus 14 edge.
Here’s an explanation from each of the experts on how they see the action playing out Lub yim hli ntuj 29:
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Mexican Legend: Abner Mares W 12 – It’s a good fight that will end in a very close decision. If Abner Mares has the proper strategy, then he can make it. But Mares has to be in good condition, physically, thiab, mentally. If he is not, then Leo Santa Cruz can win.
Juan Manuel Marquez, Mexican great and four-division champion: Abner Mares UD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – I think Abner Mares will win because he is a more technical fighter and more experienced.

Leo Santa Cruz has the virtue of throwing good combinations, but has the defect sometimes in that he is very mechanical. Abner’s virtue is very technical and he also throws good combinations. His defect is he cannot stand many punches.

Teddy Atlas, ESPN: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – This stands to be the most substantial fight that Leo Santa Cruz has had. He’s had a terrific career so far, but this is the most significant step up in class of competition he will have faced.

There’s not doubt in my mind that Abner Mares has fought the much better competition throughout his career and he’s a better puncher and a slightly bigger guy. But I’m going to say that Santa Cruz wins a decision.

The way that Mares beats Santa Cruz is to have to hurt him, which is possible. But I also qualify it by saying that has to happen within the first five or six rounds, slow him down and take him out of that rhythm before Santa Cruz has gathered to much momentum and put rounds under his belt.

Santa Cruz comes forward and dominates you with truckloads of punches and eventually wears you down by keeping you so busy defensively that he has the upper hand. At the end of the day, I have to hang my hat on Santa Cruz to win a decision. Santa Cruz understands that this is the biggest fight of his career and he hasn’t learned how to lose, yet.

Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz: I’m looking for Abner Mares to show flashes of greatness once again in a fight that really is a crossroads bout for both men.

This should be about as entertaining as it gets among the little guys, and will be a close competitive fight. I like Mares by decision in a tough scrap, handing Leo Santa Cruz his first loss.

Peter Quillin, former world champion, fights Michael Zerafa Sept. 12 on NBC: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares – I honestly like them both. I like Leo Santa Cruz because he’s relentless with pressure and lots of punching. Mares is very strong and a good boxer. I think Santa Cruz wins by a split-decision in a really good fight
Paulie Malignaggi, former two-time champion: Abner Mares UD 12 Leo Santa Cruz- In a good fight, I’m picking Abner Mares. He seems a bit more versatile than Leo Santa Cruz and has been in with better opposition. That experience can help a lot when your opponent doesn’t have it.
Ronnie Shields, trainer of Erislandy Lara: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – It’s a good fight, but I like Leo Santa Cruz because he’s more of a boxer. Abner Mares is the bigger puncher, but Santa Cruz, the kid just fights to the level of his competition. I really like Santa Cruz and I think that he’s going to win a good fight by a close, unanimous decision.
Virgil Hunter, trainer of Andre Berto, Amir Khan: Abner Mares SD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – If Abner Mares boxes and uses his legs, he can present some problems to Santa Cruz, who sacrifices his height a lot. Being as tall as he is, he often squares up and fights too close.

That can play into Abner’s hands because he doesn’t have to worry about the reach. I would have to say this is a pick-em fight where it’s hard to give one fighter the edge. Abner can win, but he’s going to have to box. Leo can win with his volume punching. It’s just hard to pick a sure winner, but maybe Abner by a close split-decision.

Nigel Collins, ESPN: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz – Abner Mares has never looked quite the same since he was knocked out by Jhonny Gonzalez, but I think he still has superior skills compared to Leo Santa Cruz.

But it’s not going to be easy. Santa Cruz is a volume puncher and is going to be winging shots at Mares all night in a fast-paced, fan-friendly fight. However, I think Santa Cruz’s aggression will give Mares the opportunity to catch him with counters and box his way to a narrow decision victory.

Brian Campbell, ESPN: Abner Mares TKO 9 Leo Santa Cruz – In this long-anticipated battle between Mexican-born action stars, don’t expect either man to take a step backward. Abner Mares, the shorter yet naturally bigger man, will need to dial back to his freewheeling and borderline reckless style of old in order to be most effective.

Mares will have advantages in power and is the more proven fighter at this weight class than Leo Santa Cruz. The jury is still out regarding just how good Santa Cruz really is. But if he ends up trapped in a firefight from start to finish, look for Mares to be the last man standing.

Deontay Wilder, heavyweight world champion, fights Johann Duhaupas Sept. 26 on NBC: Leo Santa Cruz TKO 11 Abner Mares – I’m going with my gut feeling and picking Leo Santa Cruz over Abner Mares. I see an 11th-round stoppage for Santa Cruz. I’m just going with a gut feeling on this one.
Keith Thurman, welterweight world champion: No pick – To be honest, I don’t have a pick. I’m just anticipating a good fight and a great performance between two great fighters.

I’ve seen both fighters fight but I can’t really break that one down. I like to be as accurate as I can be, and I don’t feel comfortable picking one over the other. It’s a great matchup this year, when boxing’s doing its thing.

Claudia Trejos, ESPN: Abner Mares MD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – Either one has real KO power. But the fight is at 126 pounds, where Abner Mares is most comfortable. This is a jump for Leo Santa Cruz.

Mares’ experience against top level opponents is an important element as well. If we the same Mares that showed up versus Anselmo Moreno, this would be new territory for Santa Cruz due to his limited experience against top quality fighters.

Nonetheless, I respect the high volume, high-octane fighter we find in Santa Cruz. It is always a crowd-pleasing style that can tantalize the eyes of the judges.

Bob Velin, USA TODAY Sports/Boxing Junkie: Abner Mares UD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – Leo Santa Cruz is one of the best pure boxers in the sport today. But Santa Cruz has not faced the quality of competition Abner Mares has faced.

Since his stunning first-round KO loss to Jhonny Gonzalez two years ago, Mares has taken his game to another level. He is a better boxer and now says Santa Cruz, a former sparring partner, is not at his level. I wouldn’t go that far, but I believe Mares’ combination of boxing skills and punching power will be an edge against Santa Cruz.

Steve Farhood, Boxing Historian for Showtime & Premier Boxing Champions: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz – I think that it’s going to be a great fight, but I have the slight edge to Abner Mares. He’s naturally the bigger guy.

Leo Santa Cruz will be putting on the pressure, but Mares punches a little bit harder and Santa Cruz can be hit, and I just think that that power edge might give a slight advantage to Mares in a long very exciting fight.

Mitch Abramson, New York Daily News: Leo Santa Cruz KO 10 Abner Mares – I’ll take Leo Santa Cruz by 10th-round knockout over Abner Mares. I think that he’ll get stronger as the fight goes on and eventually overpower Mares. I think that his power will carry up into the 126-pound division.
Joe Santoliquito, BWAA President, RingTV.com: Abner Mares KO 9 Leo Santa Cruz- I’m going to with Abner Mares over Leo Santa Cruz. I just think that Abner still has a hunger about him that makes him a special fighter. I’m going to go with Abner by a knockout in the ninth-round.
Omar Figueroa ❏ Jr ❏., former junior welterweight champion, fights Antonio DeMarco Sept. 26 on NBC: Abner Mares MD 12 Leo Santa Cruz- I think that unless Leo Santa Cruz is really, really smart, then he’s going to lose. I think that Abner Mares is stronger and obviously naturally bigger fighter, and it depends on Santa Cruz and whether he’s able to keep the distance.

Santa Cruz is going to have to keep Mares outside, because if Mares manages to get inside and he’s able to use his strength, then Santa Cruz will be in trouble. I think that it will be Mares by decision.

Fernando Guerrero, middleweight title contender, fights Caleb Truax Sept. 18 on Bounce TV: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares – Leo Santa Cruz has been in a great position with his momentum, and I’ve seen Abner Mares fight and he’s a really good fighter also.

But I think that if I have to pick, I would go with Leo because his momentum has just been awesome and he doesn’t know what defeat is. They’re two strong fighters, even though Mares has that upset loss to Jhonny Gonzalez.

So they’re both really good fighters who are Mexican and when you have that, you’re always going to have a war. I don’t see a knockout, but I do see Santa Cruz winning by a split-decision.

Jake Donovan, BoxingScene.com: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz – Leo Santa Cruz was once among the hottest stars on the rise, but I believe missed his chance at becoming something special by failing to maximize his talents in the 122-pound division.

Abner Mares may not be the same fighter he once was when he was among the best in the world as an unbeaten champion over three weight classes, but I believe a reincarnation of sorts will take place.

A boxing match early becomes a slugfest late (despite the perception that Mares is more reserved these days), with Mares edging it in a fight that can go either way.

Ryan Songalia, RingTV.com: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – I like this fight a lot. It’s an all-action fight between two guys who won’t have to look for each other. I think that Abner Mares is a bit more versatile and has more options.

But Leo Santa Cruz is going to have to go out and do what he does and keep the punch volume up. I don’t think that Mares is a big enough puncher, so unless he can outwork Santa Cruz, I think that Santa Cruz wins a unanimous decision, maybe 8-4 in rounds.

Bernard Fernandez, Philly.com: Abner Mares TKO 8 Leo Santa Cruz- I presume that this is one of the fights that does not go to the scorecards. I’m sitting on the fence a little bit, but I’ll tip one way to Abner Mares over Leo Santa Cruz in the eighth round by a technical knockout.
Shawn Porter, former welterweight world champion: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – I give that fight to Leo Santa Cruz. I’ve known Leo for a very long time. We fought in the amateurs together and made some national trips together, so obviously that’s where my heart lies.

But I think that overall, he’s got the work output and all of the intangibles to go with it to beat Abner Mares. I think that most likely the edge in the punching power will most likely go with Mares. But Mares seems to step back and admire his work where Leo just continues to work.

Mares is a very sharp fighter, but I think that in overall boxing ability, that I would go with Leo. Leo has a very high boxing pace and I think that he’s very smart in the ring and sees what he wants to see and throws what he wants to throw, accordingly.

Gary Russell Jr., 126-pound world champion: No pick – Between Abner Mares and Leo Santa Cruz, I honestly just can’t pick a winner. I believe that Abner brings more to the table and that he’s more of a well-rounded fighter than Leo is, but I don’t know how Abner’s going to deal with Leo’s overwhelming pressure.

It’s going to be really interesting to see how Abner tries to offset that. Thaum kawg, it’s going to be a really exciting fight but it’s a coin-toss for me.

I would love for Abner to win, because he’s got a bigger fan base and I would love to fight him. Either way, I’d love to get the winner God-willing we get through our next fight.

If I had to choose between who I’d rather fight between Leo and Abner, it would be Abner based upon his fan base. But it’s too difficult to pick a winner.

Thomas Gerbasi, Senior Editor for BoxingScene.com, Editorial Director for Zuffa (UFC / Strikeforce):Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – While I love this long overdue matchup, Abner Mares doesn’t seem to be the same fighter he was before the Jhonny Gonzalez fight.

Maybe this is the fight for him to get his mojo back, but Leo Santa Cruz’s volume attack should allow him to take over in the middle and late rounds and earn him the decision.

Matt Richardson, Fightnews.com: Leo Santa Cruz W 12 Abner Mares- I think it’s a really great fight and a hard fight to pick, but I’d probably lean toward Leo Santa Cruz. I think that Abner Mares has lost a little confidence in his abilities after being brutally knocked out by Jhonny Gonzalez.

Then, to see Gonzalez get knocked out the way he did by Gary Russell, that has to affect Mares in some way, mentally. It’s a pick-em fight and an action fight that Santa Cruz wins by a close decision.

Ruben Guerrero, trainer & father of Robert Guerrero: Leo Santa Cruz KO Abner Mares – I’m going with Leo Santa Cruz. He’s a bad-ass fighter. Abner Mares is good too, but Leo is a bigger man and has a longer reach.

I think Leo will be too strong and powerful for Mares. I’m picking Leo to win by knockout in the later rounds.

Kenny Porter, trainer & father of Shawn Porter: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares- Right now I’m going to say Leo Santa Cruz. I look forward to that fight. Leo’s going to beat Abner Mares by a unanimous decision. I think that he will out-work him and out hustle him and out-box him.

Leo’s a combination guy and he’s boxing and he’s punching and he’s got pressure and he’s got the volume and he’s nonstop with his energy. He’s a hustler who is constantly moving and working.

Norm Frauenheim, The Ring magazine/www.15rounds.com: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares: A rematch is probably the best pick. Abner Mares and Santa Cruz have been destined for this showdown. They know each other, as old friends and wary rivals.

In the here and now, however, it’s what they won’t know until opening bell. Has soft opposition softened Santa Cruz? Is Mares still the tentative fighter he has been since getting KO’d by Jhonny Gonzalez?

The answers might determine the winner. But the guess here is that both will move beyond what the questions suggest, meaning a tough, edgy Santa Cruz and Mares at his aggressive, clever best.

That leads to the later rounds, when Santa Cruz will score with an advantage that isn’t a question. Despite going up in weight, Santa Cruz is longer. His three-inch advantage in reach will trouble Mares, forcing him to back pedal into a narrow scorecard loss that sets up the sequel.

Gary “Digital” Hmong/Williams, Fightnews.com: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares: I am leaning towards Leo Santa Cruz by unanimous decision. Santa Cruz was very accurate and dominant in his last outing and I just think he will be too fast and accurate for Abner Mares. It should be a great fight.
Jermall Charlo, undefeated title contender, fights Cornelius Bundrage Sept. 12 on NBC: Abner Mares UD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – I’m going with Abner Mares. He’s a motivated fighter who wants to make up for his one loss. I’m thinking that he’ll win a 12-round decision.

Mares will try to load up, but that’s only going to be to push Leo Santa Cruz backward.
Santa Cruz is going to try to set the pace, but Mares is going to be the more dominant fighter in the end.

Jhonny Gonzalez, former champion: Leo Santa Cruz KO 8 Abner Mares – I believe that Leo Santa Cruz will win by a knockout in the later rounds. Abner Mares is not the same since I knocked him out. Santa Cruz will waste himand then knock him out in the eighth round.
Jack Obermayer, Fight Fax Inc.: Leo Santa Cruz W 12 Abner Mares- I will take Leo Santa Cruz by decision based on his work rate. I think that Abner Mares is a little bit over the other side of the hill and that Santa Cruz will outwork him.
John J. Raspanti, Maxboxing.com/Doghouseboxing.com/Ringside Boxing Show: Abner Mares SD12 Leo Santa Cruz- Leo Santa Cruz versus Abner Mares is a classic 50-50 fight. Santa Cruz is a current junior bantamweight champion.

Mares is a former two-division champion. Santa Cruz, 27, is the younger man by two years.

Mares has fought stiffer competition–having battled the likes of former world champions Vic Darchinyan, Joseph Agbeko, Anselmo Moreno, and Jhonny Gonzalez.

I have a feeling the more experienced Mares will win the fight by a razor-thin 12-round split decision.

Robert Guerrero, former welterweight world champion: Abner Mares SD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – This is a very tough fight to pick because both guys, when they are on top of their game, can beat anyone in their division.

With that being said, I’m leaning toward Abner Mares because I believe he’s got the better boxing skills. Leo Santa Cruz brings a lot of pressure and that could be troublesome for Abner. I’m picking Mares to win a close split decision.

Chris Algieri, former junior welterweight champion: Abner Mares SD 12 Leo Santa Cruz- I’m going with Abner Mares by a split-decision based on experience and better competition.

This is a big fight for both men. Leo Santa Cruz is going to fight tooth and nail to keep that “0,” and Mares always brings it and will scrap till the finish. Should be a fun fight to watch.

Mikey Garcia, former champion: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares – I actually think this fight is a toss-up. It all depends on which fighter can make the fight go their way. What I mean by that is Abner Mares is probably a more technical fighter and has more skills. He can box and he can punch and he can brawl if has to.

But for this fight, Mares has to use his skills and stay on the outside, use his jab and his right hand. That way, he can pull of a decision. On the other hand, Leo Santa Cruz is a come-forward volume puncher. If he can get that game plan going and keep Mares on the ropes and in the corners, he’s going to be scoring points and get the victory that way.

I think that I’m going to have to side a little more with Santa Cruz, because I think that his pressure is very difficult for a fighter. I think that Santa Cruz, by a small edge, might be able to pull it off. I think that it will be Santa Cruz by a split-decision.

Gary Russell Sr., father and trainer of champion Gary Russell Jr.: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares – Leo Santa Cruz is going to come straight forward and constantly apply pressure. Abner Mares is going to try to box, but I think that he’ll be taken out of his comfort zone because of Leo’s pressure. I think it will come down to a split-decision win for Leo Santa Cruz.
Miguel Diaz, trainer, cut man: Leo Santa Cruz KO 8 Abner Mares – I worked about six or seven fights as the cut man in the corner of Abner Mares, and I worked the corner of an opponent against Leo Santa Cruz. Based on that, I would go in favor of Santa Cruz, 60-40, los sis, 55-45.

I think that Santa Cruz has shown a great chin and what you need to be a champion, and the other guy, Mares was knocked out by Jhonny Gonzalez, who is a good puncher. I think it will be a knockout in the seventh or eighth round.

Bob Santos, assistant trainer, Robert Guerrero: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz- Wow this is a tough one. Abner Mares is the better boxer and Leo Santa Cruz is the better puncher. Santa Cruz has never tasted defeat and that will be a very difficult task to overcome for Abner. I always go with the better boxer in these situations so I’m picking Mares to win by decision, but it won’t be easy.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com thiabwww.TGBPromotions.com. Ua raws li ntawm Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter thiab www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

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

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
PETER QUILLIN TAKES ON MICHAEL ZERAFA
IN FEATURE BOUT LIVE ON NBC
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 4 P.M. LI/1 P.M. PT
AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT
MASHANTUCKET, I (Lub yim hli ntuj 21, 2015) – Undefeated light heavyweight rising star “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs) will take on former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs) while undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno(22-0, 12 KOs) battles Poland’s Lukas Maciec (22-2-1, 5 KOs) as part of the featured undercard bouts on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) rau NBC event on Hnub vas xaum, September 12 from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, I.
Tus September 12 card is headlined by undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) noj Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight matchup, while super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) defends against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) in the co-main event. Live coverage begins at 4 p.m. LI/1 p.m. PT on NBC.
The undercard, which is set to kick off at 1 p.m. LI, will feature two of the brightest young up-and-coming stars in all of boxing putting their undefeated records on the line as Browne and Centeno compete in their separate 10-round matchups.
A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Browne has been very impressive since making his pro debut in November 2011.The 24-year-old Staten Island-native is coming off his two most impressive victories to date this year. In May, Browne dominated Cornelius White (21-3) over 10 rounds at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Prior to that, in April, Browne scored an impressive sixth-round TKO over perennial contender Aaron Pryor Jr. Browne is looking to throw his name into the mix of the top fighters in the 175lb. division, and an impressive showing against the former world champion Campillo would do just that.
Campillo is 3-1 in his last four bouts, including a huge upset stoppage victory over previously undefeated Thomas Williams Jr. (17-0) in August of last year. The 36-year-old owns victories over Beibut Shumenov, Hugo Hernan Garay and Mirzet Bajrektarevic over a career that dates back to 2002. The fighter out of Madrid, Spain knows that if he is going to make another run at a light heavyweight title, he cannot afford another loss.
Oxnard, California’s Centeno has long been one of boxing’s top prospects with victories over Ayi Bruce, Keandre Leatherwood, Angel Osuna and Gerardo Ibarra. In his most recent fight, he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Ready to make his move on the middleweight elite, Centeno will take on the 26-year-old Maciec out of Lubin, Poland. Maciec enters the bout on a five-fight win streak, including victories over Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten fighters Jussi Koivula and Sasu Karapetyan. Maciec is 15-1-1 in his last 17 bouts and is ready to show the world that he belongs at the top of the 160lb. division when he makes his U.S. debut.
The Browne or Centeno fight could end up as a swing bout for the NBC broadcast pending the outcome of the two scheduled televised bouts.
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim nyob, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, luv nqi tom $150, $85 thiab $45, thiab tsis muaj kev tsub thiab se, thiab muaj rau ntawm kev muag khoom tam sim no. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com thiab www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingcghampions.com, www.dbe1.com thiabwww.nbcnbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate, @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing Champions,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment thiab www.Facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

PBC – The Next Round Returns To Bounce TV and BounceTV.com Fri. Sept. 18 tom 9 p.m. ET From Full Sail Live At Full Sail University In Winter Park, Fla.

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Main Event Features Middleweight Brawlers
Fernando Guerrero and Caleb Truax
Co-Main is Exciting Welterweights
James jamal & Juan Carlos Abreu
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Undefeated Rising Star Erickson Lubin Takes On
Mexico’s Orlando Lora
Fred Hickman (CNN Sports, ESPN) Hosts Live Telecast,
Fran Charles (MLB Network, NFL Network) Calls Blow-by-Blow,
Austin Trout Provides Analysis
ATLANTA (Lub yim hli ntuj 21, 2015) – Exciting middleweights Fernando Guerrero (27-3, 19 KOs) thiab Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-2-2,15 KOs) collide in a 10-round main evet as Premier Boxing Champions – The Next Round returns to Thaws TV, with live streaming on BounceTV.com, rau Hnub vas Xuv, Sept. 18 tom 9:00 p.m. (LI).
In the co-main event, undefeated welterweight prospect James jamal (17- 0, 9 KOs) takes on the powerful Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (18-1, 17 KOs). The opening fight pits undefeated rising star Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (11-0, 8 KOs) against Mexico’s Orlando Lora (31-5-3, 19 KOs).
Fred Hickman (CNN Sports, ESPN) will again serve as host of Bounce TV’s PBC – The Next Round, thaum lub Fran Charles (MLB Network, NFL Network) calls the blow-by-blow action, and former Super Welterweight World Champion Austin “Tsis doubt tsis ntseeg” zaub ntug hauv paus to provide insight and analysis.
PBC – The Next Round, promoted by Warriors Boxing, will take place at Full Sail Live, the state-of-the-art performance venue on the campus of Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. The series showcases the sport’s future stars and champions. The series premiere on August 2 was a knockout success, setting a Bounce TV viewership record for a single telecast.
Daim pib for the live event are on sale now and are priced at $50 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission and can be purchased by calling Warriors Boxing at(954) 985-1155 or by visiting www.warriorsboxing.com. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticket Force by calling (877) 840-0457.
In the main event of this PBC – The Next Round, the former world title challenger, Guerrero is looking to build off of a victory over Abraham Han in April and towards another title fight. Dominican Republic born Guerrero currently fights out of Los Angeles, CA.
Born in Osseo, Minnesota, Truax is an experienced veteran who has fought professionally since 2007. Fighting mostly in his home state of Minnesota, he was undefeated in his first 19 pro fights, which earned him a 2012 fight with Jermain Taylor. Truax dropped a tough decision to Taylor, and has since put together a 7-1-1 record. Truax’s only losses have come from world champions and he looks to get back in world title contention with an impressive performance on the PBC – The Next Round.
In the co-main event, a tall welterweight at 6′ 2″, James is undefeated as a professional. Fighting out of Minneapolis, he has already been victorious twice in 2015, but faces the biggest test of his career when he faces Abreu on September 18th.
Abreu has developed a reputation as a knockout artist, having finished ten of his last 12 opponents inside the distance. The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native has taken down previously unbeaten fighters Miguel Taveras, Abraham Peralta and Puro Pairol in his five-year career.
As the opening battle of the PBC – The Next Round, a highly-regarded prospect with an exciting style, the 19-year-old Lubin has burst onto the scene looking to engage and finish opponents early. Since November 2014, he had 2 first-round knockouts and outclassed 2 experienced veterans. He will be fighting just outside of his hometown of Orlando, Florida when he takes on Lora on September 18.
Fighting out of Sinaloa, Mexico, Lora looks to make it three straight victories in 2015 when he takes on Lubin. Having faced world champions such as Keith Thurman and Paulie Malignaggi, the well-tested Lora will hope to take Lubin into deep waters when they square-off.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @FernandoDomini, @GoldenCalebT, @EricksonHammerL @WarriorsBoxingProm @Fullsail and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/BounceTVwww.Facebook.com/fullsailuniversitythiab www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.
Bounce TV is carried on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 85 million homes across 90 markets and 90% of African American television homes — including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Ambassador Andrew Young and Martin Luther King III. For local channel location, sib ntsib BounceTV.com.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER AND JOHANN DUHAUPAS FORMALLY ANNOUNCE THEIR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SHOWDOWN AT BIRMINGHAM PRESS CONFERENCE

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Fighters to Square Off September 26 Live From Legacy Arena in BirminghamOn NBC At 8:30 P.M. LI/5:30 P.M. PT
Nyem qhov OS For Photos
Credit: Heather Durham
BIRMINGHAM, AL (Lub yim hli ntuj 21, 2015) – Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) hosted a press conference yesterday to formally announce his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC bout taking place Hnub vas xaum, September 26 against Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs) at Legacy Arena in Birmingham.
Wilder will defend his title for the second time in his home state. Duhaupas, who has never been stopped, hopes to defy the odds and do what no previous opponent has accomplished against Wilder – emerge victorious.
This fight will signify the return of heavyweight world championship boxing in primetime to NBC. This is the first heavyweight title bout in primetime on NBC since May 20, 1985, when another undefeated American heavyweight world champion, Larry Holmes, defended his title against Carl Williams in Reno, Nevada with legendary broadcaster Marv Albert on the call, just as he will be on September 26. Now, Wilder looks to pick up where Holmes left off and deliver world-class heavyweight action right into sports fans’ living rooms.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at just $25 thiab muaj rau ntawm kev muag khoom tam sim no. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
Quotes From Thursday’s Press Conference:
DEONTAY WILDER
“He’s never been knocked out until now. That’s always the ultimate goal when I’m in there with my opponent, to take them down. That’s how my name has gotten out there, through knockouts, and I want to keep that legacy going.
“It was big for me to knock my last opponent out and now I’m on a knockout spree.
“My hometown fans give me the momentum and the energy to continue to be great at what I do.
“This is a different ballgame when you’re dealing with the heavyweights. Everybody’s coming to get what I have. I like it. I love it actually. I like being the world’s most wanted, in a positive way.
“At the last fight, the energy was electrifying in there. It was so loud. People were so hyped and you could feel the wind from people’s voices traveling around when they shouted my name. And that’s one of the things when you have a fighter fighting at home. You have so much love and support.”
JOHANN DUHAUPAS
“I’m excited to be making my US debut and fighting for a heavyweight world title in the same night. This is the biggest opportunity of my career and I’m going to take advantage of it.
“Deontay is a huge competitor, but I’m coming into this fight prepared to make things very difficult for him.
“I plan on brining the title back home to France.”
JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer
“It’s a day-by-day, brick-by-brick existence to be a world champion.
“It’s going to be a tough fight. He’s never been stopped before. He’s coming off the biggest win of his career against Manuel Charr. This is a huge, huge fight and it’s going to be right here in Birmingham.
“This is my challenge straight to the fans: This is where we want to be. We want to be in Alabama. We want Deontay to have his home turf in Alabama. We want to show the world what Alabama can do on international TV. We want to show them the young undercard guys coming up, and we want it all right here. That can only happen if this place is full.”
MAYOR WILLIAM BELL, Mayor of the City of Birmingham
“People from all over the country are already calling for hotel rooms. Can they get in early? This is exciting for our city.
“People were talking about the first fight, and not just around the country. They were talking about it around the world.”
# # #
PBC on NBC returns with a 12-round heavyweight world title clash between Deontay Wilder and Johann Duhaupas. In the evening’s co-main event, undefeated star Omar Figueroa takes on former world champion Antonio DeMarco in 12-rounds of super lightweight action. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team. The telecast begins at 8:30 p.m. LI/5:30 p.m. PT live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Xav paub ntau ntxiv, sib ntsib www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.alabamatitlefight.com thiab www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports thiab www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER COMES TO PRIMETIME NBC AS HE FACES FRENCHMAN JOHANN DUHAUPAS AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS COMES TO LEGACY ARENA IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH LIVE AT 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

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PLUS! UNDEFEATED STAR OMAR FIGUEROA TAKES ON FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ANTONIO DEMARCO IN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT ACTION!
Tickets On Sale Now!
BIRMINGHAM, AL (Lub yim hli ntuj 20, 2015) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (34-0, 33 KOs) will make the second defense of his title when he faces France’s Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas (32-2, 20 KOs) in primetime on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) rau NBC Hnub vas xaum, September 26 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. LI/5:30 p.m. PT with exciting undefeated brawler Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs) returning to the ring to battle former world champion Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs) nyob rau hauv 12 rounds of super lightweight action.
This fight will signify the return of heavyweight world championship boxing in primetime on NBC. This is the first heavyweight title bout in primetime on NBC since May 20, 1985, when another undefeated American heavyweight world champion, Larry Holmes, defended his title against Carl Williams in Reno, Nevada with legendary broadcaster Marv Albert on the call, just as he will be on September 26. Now, Wilder looks to pick up where Holmes left off and deliver world-class heavyweight action right into sports fans’ living rooms.
Wilder returns to his home state to defend his title for the second time this year after knocking out Eric Molina in the ninth round of their June bout. Wilder won his world title with a dominating performance against former champion Bermane Stiverne in January and became the first undefeated American to win a heavyweight title since Michael Moorer in 1994 and the first U.S. born heavyweight champion since Shannon Briggs in 2006.
“Fighting at home last time exceeded my expectations and coming back again is a blessing upon my life,” said Wilder. “I’m looking forward to bringing more boxing to Alabama and introducing the entire state to this great sport.”
“I know my opponent has great size and that’s what we’re looking for in opponents. He has a great record and he’s never been knocked out…until he faces me,” added Wilder. I know Duhaupas is tough and he comes to fight and that’s exactly what we need.”
“I am very happy to be challenging Deontay Wilder for the heavyweight world title,” said Duhaupas. “This is a huge opportunity and I will make the most of it on September 26. Deontay is a good boxer, but I have the heart of a lion and the mental fortitude to handle anything in the ring.”
“Deontay Wilder is one of the brightest stars in boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “September 26 will mark his third heavyweight championship fight of 2015 and the second defense of his title. It’s great for boxing to have an American heavyweight champion make a defense in his hometown, on free television, in primetime. In heavyweight years, Deontay is a young champion and it’s great to see him fighting so often and continuing to grow and improve as a champion.”
“The first heavyweight championship fight in Alabama this summer was a huge success and we expect nothing less this time around,” said Gene Hallman, president and CEO of Bruno Event Team. “When the heavyweight champ says he wants to fight in Birmingham, you make it happen. We are looking forward to another incredible display of support for Deontay by the people of Alabama.”
“From Holmes in ’85 to Wilder in ’15, NBC Sports continues its rich boxing heritage with a heavyweight championship fight in primetime,” said Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports and NBCSN. “This broadcast will introduce Deontay to a whole new group of sports fans, which is what we set out to do when we first partnered with PBC.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 thiab muaj rau ntawm kev muag khoom tam sim no. For Tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Wilder is the fighting pride of Alabama having fought four times in his hometown, once in Mobile and now twice in Birmingham. The 29-year-old began boxing at the age of 21 after his daughter Naieya was born with spina bifida. Despite the late start in this sport, Wilder would go on to represent the U.S. in the 2008 Olympic Games, where he won a bronze medal. He is the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics.
Before winning his title via a 12-round decision, Wilder had not allowed an opponent to get past the fourth round in any of his pro fights. Over that time Wilder racked up victories over Audley Harrison, Siarhei Liakhovich, Jason Gavern and Malik Scott.
An experienced fighter standing 6’5″ nrog 20 knockouts to his name, Duhaupas makes his U.S. debut on September 26 looking to realize his heavyweight championship dreams. After turning pro in 2004, the 34-year-old won his first 17 professional fights and has picked up French, South American and the Mediterranean heavyweight titles over his 11-year career. Having fought in 10 different countries throughout his career, the fighter out of Abbeville, Somme, France has been in every kind of sporting environment and will not be phased by the bright lights of primetime when he enters the ring onSeptember 26.
Figueroa made his PBC and 140-pound debut on Tej zaum 9 when he took down former world champion Ricky Burns in an exciting battle that featured great two-way action throughout. The 25-year-old won a 135-pound world title in 2013 when he outslugged Nihito Arakawa in a brutal “Fight of the Year” battle before defending his title against Jerry Belmontes and Daniel Estrada. Born in Weslaco, Texas, he is looking to be a dominant force in 140 lb. weight division.
A former world champion in the lightweight division, the 29-year-old DeMarcosteps back into the ring in Birmingham on September 26. Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, he owns victories over John Molina Jr. and Jorge Linares. He looks for another shot at one of the best in the game as he takes on the undefeated Figueroa.
Xav paub ntau ntxiv, sib ntsib www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.alabamatitlefight.com thiab www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports thiab www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, Hma liab Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

EXCITING WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER SAMMY VASQUEZ RETURNS TO HIS HOMETOWN TO TAKE ON JOSE LOPEZ AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONSON FOX SPORTS 1 COMES TO THE CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA CONVOCATION CENTER IN CALIFORNIA, PAJ. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

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Plus Thomas Williams & Umberto Savigne Square-Off
In Light Heavyweight Rumble
Tickets Are On Sale Now!
PITTSBURGH, PAJ (Lub yim hli ntuj 19, 2015) – Undefeated hometown favorite Sergeant Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez (19-0, 13 KOs) will enter the ring in his own backyard as he battles it out with Jose “Piston” Lopez (25-3, 15 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight match-up on the September 15 edition of FS1’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS.
The event will air live from the California University of Pennsylvania Convocation Center in California, PAJ. with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. LI/6 p.m. PT.
This fight is the second installment of Premier Boxing Champions’ FOX Sports 1 series and is set to bring another exciting world-class fight to weekday television. The co-main event on September 15 will see a 10-round light heavyweight clash between Thomas Williams (18-1, 12 KOs) thiab Umberto Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs).
“The best feeling in boxing is fighting back in your hometown,” said Vasquez. “To be on FOX Sports 1 and to be headlining in my hometown, there isn’t anything better. I’m truly blessed to have this opportunity.”
“I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Lopez. “I know I will be the underdog and the fans will start out rooting for Vasquez, but I will show them I have the heart of a champion. It will be a great fight for all the fans watching.”
Vasquez is coming off of a victory over Nigerian knockout artist Wale Omotoso in June in a bloody brawl that Vasquez won by unanimous decision. His toughest challenge to date, Vasquez showed that he has the skills to box on the outside and bang inside when necessary. With another victory over the tough “Piston”, he hopes to prove that he is ready for top welterweights such as Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia.
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim nyob, which is promoted by Team Vasquez Promotions, luv nqi tom $200, $100, $60 thiab $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com. To charge by phone call Team Vasquez at (724) 797-8694.
The 29-year-old Vasquez has fought professionally since 2012, after serving two tours of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard. He made it to the semifinals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials and won gold at the 2010 thiab 2011 Armed Forces Boxing Championships. The fighter out of Monessen, Penn., has not lost as a professional and looks to further improve his stock in the welterweight division.
A slugger who always competes in action-packed fights, Lopez will make his U.S. debut on September 15. Fighting out of Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, the 24-year-old has racked up wins over Jorge Paez Jr., Jhonny Navarrete, Jose Emilio Perea and Mahonri Montes over his five-year career. He hopes to make a strong impression on American audiences when he tries to upset the hometown fighter Vasquez.
At 27-years-old, Williams is looking to take out another tough contender on his road to title contention. The Fort Washington, Maryland-born fighter owns victories over Enrique Ornela, Cornelius White and Yusaf Mack throughout his career. He most recently dominated Michael Gbenga on his way to earning a unanimous decision in December 2014.
Born in Cuba but fighting now out of Miami, Savigne won a gold medal at the 1999 Pan American Games and the 2000 Cuban National Championships. He has beaten Jeff Lacy, Maxell Taylor and previously unbeaten fighters Jackson Junior and Quinton Rankin since turning pro in 2009. The 36-year-old fights for the second time in Pittsburgh on September 15.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com thiabhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage thiab www.TGBPromotions.com. Ua raws li ntawm Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SammyV2112, @TopDoggJr, @FoxSports1, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC nyob ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

HUGO RUIZ BATTLES JULIO CESAR CEJA IN SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN SATURDAY, AUG. 29 FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES 10 P.M. ET/7 P.M. PT

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Full Night Of Undercard Action Features Mexican Star Alfredo Angulo & Local Favorites Alejandro Luna, Jessie Roman & Paul Mendez
LOS ANGELES (Lub yim hli ntuj 20, 2015) – Mexican power-punchers Hugo Ruiz (35-2, 30 KOs) thiab Julio Cesar Ceja (28-1, 26 KOs) square off in a super bantamweight world title match as the televised opener for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) rau ESPN thiab ESPN Deportes rau Hnub vas xaum, Lub yim hli ntuj 29 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles beginning at 10 p.m. LI/7 p.m. PT.
The evening’s main event features the highly anticipated featherweight showdown between undefeated two-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) and former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs).
Also featured as part of this great night of boxing will be popular Mexican star Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (23-5, 19 KOs), who will compete in a middleweight bout against Hector Munoz (23-15-1, 14 KOs).
Additionally, a slew of top prospects will be featured including local favorites Alejandro Luna (18-0, 13 KOs) who battles Yakubu Amidu (19-7-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight attraction, Jessie Roman (19-2, 9 KOs) who takes on Hector Serrano (17-4, 5 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight battle and Paul Mendez (19-2-2, 9 KOs) who squares off against Andrik Saralegui (19-2, 15 KOs) in 10-rounds of super middleweight action.
Further action will see 25-year-old Argentine Brian Castano (12-0, 9 KOs) in middleweight action against the Domincan Republic’s Jonathan Batista (14-6, 7 KOs), plus his brother, 22-year-old Alan Castano (8-0, 5 KOs) taking on 23-year-old Michigan native Thomas Howard (8-4, 4 KOs) in a six-round middleweight bout. Rounding out the action will be fights featuring 25-year-old Anthony Flores (8-0, 5 KOs) out of Los Angeles taking on 32-year-old New Yorker Curtis Morton (3-4-3) in a welterweight battle, and the pro debut of Leo Santa Cruz’s cousin Antonio Santa Cruz who takes on Isaiah Najera(0-1)in a four round bantamweight bout.
A 28-year-old fighting out of Sinaloa Mexico, Ruiz enters this fight on a four-fight win streak and as winner of 26 of his last 27 fights. He owns victories over the likes of Jean Sampson, Yonfrez Parejo and Francisco Arce throughout a pro career that began in 2006. He most recently knocked out Carlos Medellin in November 2014 and will be making his U.S. debut on Lub yim hli ntuj 29.
The 22-year-old Ceja has won five-fights in a row and is looking to make the most of this world title opportunity. The fighter out of Atizapan de Zaragoza, Mexico will make his U.S. debut Lub yim hli ntuj 29 and is coming off of a victory over Oscar Blanquet in March of this year. He has taken down Jesus Acosta, Juan Jose Montes and Henry Maldonado as a pro.
A hard fighting Mexican warrior born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico but fighting out of Coachella, Calif., Angulois looking for another big victory in front of his Southern Californian fans. Always ready to challenge the best in the sport, the 33-year-old has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best fighters in the world and holds knockout victories over Gabriel Rosado, Joachim Alcine and Joel Julio while most recently earning a knockout victory over Delray Raines in June. He takes on the brawler Munoz out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
At just 23-years old, Lunahas already put together an impressive 18 professional wins since turning pro in 2010. Fighting out of Bellflower, California, he most recently defeated former world champion Cristobal Cruz over eight rounds in June. Before that he had put together victories over experienced fighters Daniel Attah and Sergio Rivera while knocking out six of his last nine opponents. He takes on the experienced 30-year-old Amidu who fights out of Los Angeles by way of his native Ghana.
A tall lightweight at 5″10″, the 24-year-old Roman looks for his third straight victory onLub yim hli ntuj 29. Fighting out of nearby Santa Ana, California, Roman has already won twice in Southern California this year, earning a pair of eight-round decisions over Donald Ward and Evincii Dixon. He takes on the 30-year-old Serrano out of Huntingon Beach, California who enters this fight on a five-fight win streak.
Another local prospect, fighting out of Delano, California, the 26-year-old Mendez looks for his sixth straight victory when he gets in the ring on Lub yim hli ntuj 29. He comes into this fight off of victories over David Alonso Lopez, Santiago Perez, Raul Casarez and Ernesto Berrospe twice. He will take on Saralegui out of Los Mochis, Mexico.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comthiab www.TGBPromotions.com. Ua raws li ntawm Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter thiabwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC nyob ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

ABNER MARES LOS ANGELES MEDIA DAY QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Three Division World Champion Mares Takes On Undefeated Leo Santa Cruz In Battle For Los Angeles On Premier Boxing Champions On ESPN Hnub vas xaum, Lub yim hli ntuj 29 Live From STAPLES Center In Los Angeles
10 p.m. LI/7 p.m. PT
Nyem qhov OS For Photos From Abel Madrid
LOS ANGELES (Lub yim hli ntuj 18, 2015) – Former three division world champion Abner Mares was joined by dozens of Los Angeles media members today during his open media workout at his Del Mares Gym. Mares is preparing for his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) rau ESPN showdown with Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz rauHnub vas xaum, Lub yim hli ntuj 29 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Mares went through a full training session as media members watched on and documented the event. tsis tas li ntawd, the Mexican band Banda Culiacansito performed a private concert as he went through his workout.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, luv nqi tom $25, $50, $75, $150 thiab $300, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
Here is what Mares had to say Hnub:
ABNER MARES
“All the work is done. I could go this whole week, not train and just recover because I’m that ready. I’ve done what I have to do.
“I feel really good. No injuries, no illness; I’m just really ready for Lub yim hli ntuj 29.
“I’m really excited. I know fans are excited but I’m also really excited to be fighting Leo Santa Cruz at STAPLES Center. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I cant think about the past because this fight is happening now. It’s finally here. Less than two weeks away.
“We’ll find out how our styles mesh on Lub yim hli ntuj 29. In my mind, I know I’m ready and I know his style. He is a high-volume puncher but we’ve prepared very well for that.
“It’s two well-prepared fighters in their prime. Expect fireworks. This is something fight fans have been asking for. I hope my fight can be considered one of the best once it’s done.
“It’s great to be here at my gym on my home turf. I started the hashtag #ThisIsMyTown because L.A. is my town. Leo can say whatever he wants but I’m at home and ready to put on a show.
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. I’m ready to fight anyone. I want Gary Russell Jr. and all the great fighters at this weight. It’s just a matter of taking care of business one by one.
“In my mind, after the loss, I left the top level of the game. I had to overcome some issues mentally, but now I’m back better than I ever have been. I’m going to go in there August 29ready to prove that. I’m going to make a statement that Abner Mares is back.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comthiab www.TGBPromotions.com. Ua raws li ntawm Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter thiabwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.