Tag Archives: Samuel Vargas

Undefeated Rising Star Jarrett Hurd Now Set to Face Former Title Challenger Jo Jo Dan in Super Welterweight Action Saturday, November 12 on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia

 
Jorge Cota Forced to Withdraw After Emergency Appendectomy
 
PHILADELPHIA (October 26, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) will now match up against former title challenger Jo Jo Dan (35-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-round showdown featured on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Saturday, Nov. 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.
Once-beaten contender Jorge Cota was originally scheduled to face Hurd, but was forced to withdraw after an emergency appendectomy.
The event is headlined by Philadelphia’s own undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, who takes on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas in a 10-round bout. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features a clash between former world champion Javier Fortuna and unbeaten prospect Omar Douglas.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200. Ten dollars from every ticket sold will go to Philabundance, feeding 20 people in need per ticket.
Hurd fights out of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C. and is perfect since entering the pro ranks in 2012. The 26-year-old has faced three straight undefeated fighters including a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Galarza in 2015 and a 10th-round TKO over Oscar Molina in the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter card in June. The exciting boxer-puncher will look to continue his climb to a world title on November 12.
Born in Romania, Dan fights out of Quebec, Canada and hopes to stay perfect in his U.S. outings, having already won twice stateside. A pro since 2004, Dan was unbeaten in his first 26 professional starts. He owns two impressive victories over Canadian rival Kevin Bizier and challenged Kell Brook for his welterweight title last year. Dan moved up to 154-pounds in his last fight, when he defeated veteran Rafal Jackiewicz by decision and he will look to announce his presence in the division when he faces Hurd on November 12.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Get to Know Jarrett Hurd

 
Undefeated Rising Star Takes on Once Beaten Super Welterweight Contender Jorge Cota Saturday, November 12 in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Temple University’s Liacouras Center
 
PHILADELPHIA (October 19, 2016) – In the last year, undefeated 154-pound contender “Swift” Jarrett Hurd has rocketed to the top of the stacked super welterweight division, putting himself squarely in the hunt for a world title. Saturday, November 12, Hurd continues his championship march as he takes on once-beaten Jorge Cota in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike action from Temple University’s Liacouras Center.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and is headlined by Philadelphia’s own undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia, who takes on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas in a 10-round bout. Garcia is teaming up with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive and raise money throughout the promotion. For more information on how to get involved, visit the event’s webpage HERE.
Hurd enters this fight coming off of two impressive victories over previously unbeaten fighters. In November 2015 he dominated Frank Galarza and stalked him around the ring before ending his night in the sixth round. Hurd followed that up in June of this year, when he stopped Carlos Molina in the final round on CBS as the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter showdown. Hurd’s blinding right uppercut in the first round sent Molina to the canvas and the highlight earned him a spot on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.
Get to know more about the rising star as he talks about his introduction to the sport and some of his personal favorites:
(On his team): I have the best team in the world. Ernesto Rodriguez is my head trainer and we do our work in Temple Hills, Maryland. Ernesto is great because he trains me for the style that fits my skills best.
There is no ego in my team. We’re all working toward the same goal and everyone plays their role perfectly. With each fight we’re getting closer to reaching the ultimate goal – becoming a world champion.
(On his start in boxing): My father first put me in the ring to learn how to defend myself. I was 15-years-old and didn’t really know how to fight. I took to it quickly though and it was obviously one of the best things that ever happened to me.
(On his nickname): I got my nickname from the gym. I looked calm and collective in the gym and people noticed. They said I looked swift in there. Now it’s “Swift” and “Swift” on the same card and it’s going to be electric.
(On his boxing idols): I tried to emulate a lot of defensive fighters. Roy Jones Jr. and Floyd Mayweather are my favorite fighters of all time. I liked James Toney because of his shoulder roll and the Philly shell style.
(Favorite sport/team): I watch football. I only the watch the Washington Redkins though. I’ve always been a huge fan.
(Favorite television show): Power on Starz
(Favorite movie): Deadpool
(Favorite junk food): Pizza
(Favorite health food): Kale
(Celebrity crush): Keri Hilson and Nia Long
(Perfect Vacation): Definitely a cruise to Puerto Rico. I’ve never been there but I want to experience it.
(On his homemade “All Access” videos): I just love to be out there and giving fans a chance to feel connected to me. My childhood friend, Christopher Walton, picked up a camera and just started recording me in the ring and outside of the ring one day. He started getting some better equipment so we decided to do these videos to help promote me. The fans are important to me and I want them to feel like they’re a part of my journey.  
For more information visit
www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200. Ten dollars from every ticket sold will go to Philabundance, feeding 20 people in need per ticket.

Danny Garcia vs. Samuel Vargas Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
PBC on Spike Tripleheader Saturday, November 12 From
Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia
 
 
Click HERE for Photos from Darryl Cobb/King’s Promotions/
Premier Boxing Champions

 

PHILADELPHIA (October 13, 2016) – Undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia hosted a Philadelphia press conference Thursday as he announced his hometown bout against Colombia’s Samuel Vargas Saturday, November 12 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.
Also in attendance and participating on the televised undercard are Jarrett Hurd, who takes on once-beaten contender Jorge Cota, and undefeated prospect Omar Douglas, who battles former world champion Javier Fortuna, with televised coverage starting at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.
 
Garcia also announced his partnership with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a food drive, collecting the most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables for people in the Philadelphia area. Fans are being encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold will be donated and provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
DANNY GARCIA
“Being able to partner with Philabundance is a tremendous thing. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. When you’re fortunate, your job is to give back and change someone else’s life. I’m looking forward to a great night and a great turnout.
“Everyone has gone through hard times. Everyone has gone through times where they need extra help. We’re going to make a big difference that night and it’ll be for a lot of people that really need it.
“I want to thank the City of Philadelphia. I’m just excited to fight at home. This card is going to allow a lot of great local fighters to be on a big stage.
“I can’t look past Samuel Vargas and I know his trainer has a couple tricks up his sleeve. I know they’re going to come to fight, but I will never underestimate anyone. I’ve learned my lessons to become the champion I am today.
“I know Vargas knows how to win. He’s won a lot in his career. I’m going to go out there and just fight. If it goes the distance, then it does. I can’t underestimate him. I’m going to put on a great show and dominate.
“People are acting like Keith Thurman has a cape like Superman and can fly. I want the other champions to think I’m vulnerable. Those are my easiest fights. I have to get past this fight to get to the next one.
“I feel like I owe this to my fans to fight in Philadelphia. The last time I fought at this venue was on a Bernard Hopkins undercard and I got a big knockout. I plan on doing the same November 12.
“I have a good team around me. There should be no distractions leading up to this fight. All the people who deserve to get tickets will be there and there won’t be anything distracting me. I’m 100 percent focused on this matchup.
“I’m at the point in my career where I’m working smarter and harder. Come November 12 we want to give the city of Philadelphia a night to remember. I can’t overlook this fight, but I guarantee that I’m going to unify titles at 147 pounds soon.”
SAMUEL VARGAS
“I’m very blessed to be here today. This fight could change my whole life. The lives of my family. Danny is a great fighter and I have to give it my all.
“I have to take advantage of this. I have the best trainer in the world with me and we’re going to take care of business November 12.
“Me and my trainer work on a lot of different styles. We like to switch it up and keep the opponents guessing. Sometimes we pressure and sometimes we stay outside. I’m learning every day and making adjustments.
“I’m an underdog and I have been my whole life. There are very few options for a Latin immigrant all the way up in Canada. I beat the odds to make it up there and have a life and a family.
“I’m a guy with just over 10 amateur fights and I’ve made it this far. Danny Garcia is my chance. I have to make the best of it and give it my all. This is everything for me.”
JARRETT HURD
“I’ve been to Philadelphia a couple times and the city has welcomed me. I just want to put on another show. This will get me one step closer to my dream of fighting for a title.
“We’ve looked at some of my opponent’s fights and he’s a veteran. He’s got a lot of power and a good knockout rate to go with it. He’s awkward and tall. If you don’t come in on top of your game, he can make you look bad. We’re looking to do what we always do.
“I learned a lot from my last fight. It opened a lot of doors for me, like fighting on the Danny Garcia undercard. I feel like I’m what the division is missing. I’m a tall, lanky fighter with a lot of power and good hand speed.
“My time is here. I feel like this is my opportunity to get closer to fighting for a world title. I can’t wait to become a world champion.
“I want to face all of the 154-pounders. We’re not ducking anyone. There are so many talented fighters in the division, but I believe that me and my team train so hard and prepare so well that we’re ready to face any of them. The time will come and we’re just waiting.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to be on the Danny Garcia undercard because we’re all trying to get to where he’s at. Make sure you’re watching my fights because I promise I’m going to do something memorable.”
OMAR DOUGLAS
“I just wanted to say this is the opportunity of a lifetime to fight in Philadelphia where my career started. I won Pennsylvania Golden Gloves several times.
“To be in with a former world champion is a terrific thing. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. I’ve been waiting for this a long time and this is my time.
“Fortuna is a very confident fighter. He likes to give it all the first few rounds. I’m going to come in and use my jab and invest in the body. I think we can have an early night.
“I believe I have the best jab in the business. I have to keep him off me with the jab and head movement. I’ve been fighting for a long time and there’s nothing I haven’t seen.
“I think I’ve improved a lot. Fighting guys with one loss and world ranked guys over my last couple fights has helped me. My confidence is definitely rising every day.
“You can look forward to a crowd pleasing performance and knockout.”
ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer
 
“Danny has been the underdog before. Lucas Matthysse or Amir Khan, you name it. We don’t underestimate Vargas. We don’t take him lightly. We are going to come ready to rumble.
“Vargas is the underdog today, but Danny has been the underdog his entire life.November 12 my son will still be undefeated.
“I came to Philadelphia at six years old. I had no food. Only you know you’re pain. I ate a lot of food from a can growing up, so if you guys donate anything or buy a ticket that donates money, you’ll be doing something great. We pray every day for the hungry kids, not just in America but the whole world.”
 
BILLY BRISCOE, Vargas’ Trainer
“This is a great opportunity for me and Samuel. In my opinion he’s an underrated fighter. He’s been under the radar for a while. We’ve been working together in Canada and starting a farm system.
“We’re fighting in my opinion the best welterweight in the world. This is no easy task and we’re not fooling ourselves. We won’t leave any stone unturned.
“We’ll find a way and we’ll make a way. That’s what we’re going to do and I look forward to this.”
MARSHALL KAUFFMAN, King’s Promotions
 
“It’s very exciting to be promoting this young man, Danny Garcia. I remember him as a young kid and it’s exciting to see where he’s come in the world of boxing. I’ve known a lot of these guys for a long time and I’m excited to see how they perform.
“This card is going to be stacked with local talent and I hope that everyone comes out and supports these fighters and this great cause.
“I’ve always wanted to bring Danny Garcia to Philadelphia and the commission is thrilled to bring him back to this great city and we’re going to make it worthwhile.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina. For more information on the food drive, go to www.philabundance.org/events.

Danny Garcia Fights for Philadelphia;  Undefeated World Champion Faces Colombia’s Samuel Vargas  Saturday, November 12 From Temple University’s  Liacouras Center In Philadelphia

 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Tripleheader Features Rising Star Jarrett Hurd Battling Once-Beaten Contender Jorge Cota & Former World Champion Javier Fortuna Taking On Unbeaten Super Featherweight Omar Douglas
9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
PHILADELPHIA (October 13, 2016) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) will make his first appearance in his native Philadelphia since 2010 as he takes on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas (25-2-1, 13 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Saturday, November 12from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. The bout will be Garcia’s final hurdle before a planned massive showdown with unbeaten champion Keith “One Time” Thurman scheduled for the first quarter of 2017.
In keeping with his desire to give back to the community, Garcia is teaming up withPhilabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive, collecting most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables. Fans are being encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold will be donated and provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need. More information on these efforts and how you can get involved will be announced shortly.
Garcia, a two-division world champion, will battle Vargas in a 10-round non-title bout in his first fight since his exciting win over Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in January. Garcia insisted on staging the fight in his hometown and using the event as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for the less fortunate in the area.
“My dad and I wanted to get one more fight in before the end of the year and there was no doubt in my mind it had to be in Philadelphia,” said Garcia. “My team got it done and it’s a great feeling to fight at home over the holidays. I’m excited to use this opportunity to give back to the community and put on a show on November 12. This city means everything to me. I hope everyone comes out, but shows up with cans of food too. I’m gearing up for a big fight with Keith Thurman next year that’s going to be a can’t miss event. First, I’m going to fight for my city on November 12.”
“Things happen when you work hard and I’m so excited about this opportunity,” said Vargas. “Garcia is a great fighter and he cleaned out the 140-pound division and now he is champion at 147. A win would change my life and everyone around me. This is my time. I can’t fail. This is going to be a Rocky story in Rocky’s town.”
Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round bout against once-beaten super welterweight contender Jorge Cota (25-1, 22 KOs) and former world champion Javier Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) battling undefeated Omar Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.
“This win will put me one step closer towards winning a world title,” said Hurd. “The win over Oscar Molina was a big opportunity that has opened a lot of doors and was a great experience. Cota is a tough veteran with a high knockout rate. He is a little wild and I have to look out for that. I’m going to go out there to land nice shots and stick to my game plan.”
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to fight a good undefeated fighter,” said Cota. “I know that I have the power and skills to beat anybody out there. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and get the victory on November 12.”
“I’m only thinking about winning heading into this fight,” said Fortuna. “Douglas is a good fighter who moves very well. I’m looking forward to this challenge on November 12. I will be a world champion once again.”
“This is the type of fight that I need if I am going to be a champion,” said Douglas. “I plan on putting on a crowd pleasing performance. Fortuna is a decent fighter and I’m going to have to break him down. He is good for four or five rounds but then he slows down. I’m going to set him up to take him out in the later rounds.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.
Garcia returns to headline in his hometown as a two-division world champion who has picked up major victories over top fighters including Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah on his way to 31 professional victories. The 28-year-old earned a vacant welterweight world title in his last bout when he won a toe-to-toe battle with former world champion Guerrero in Los Angeles taking his professional record to 32-0.
The 27-year-old Vargas enters this bout on a five-fight win streak including three stoppage victories including his most recent outing, a 10-round decision over Juan Armando Garcia in May. Born in Columbia, his family left to find a better life when he was 15 years old and after a brief stay in New York City, they moved to the Toronto suburb of Mississauga. Vargas enrolled at a boxing gym early on and learned discipline while adapting to his surroundings. He turned pro in 2010 after just 12 amateur bouts and was undefeated in his first 16 fights while fighting out of Canada.
Hurd fights out of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C. and is perfect since entering the pro ranks in 2012. The 26-year-old has faced three straight undefeated fighters including a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Galarza in 2015 and a 10th-round TKO over Oscar Molina in the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter card in June. The exciting boxer-puncher will look to continue his climb to a world title onNovember 12.
A powerful puncher sporting an 88 percent knockout rate, Cota made his U.S. debut in August of 2015 and upset Cuban Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson while knocking him down twice over the 10-round bout. The fighter out of Sinaloa, Mexico is entering this fight with nine straight wins, including six by way of knockout. The 27-year-old will be making his first ring appearance of 2016.
An amateur standout that participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 27-year-old Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Carlos Ivan Velasquez, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. He took down the highly regarded Bryan Vasquez to earn a super featherweight world title in May of last year. Representing La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna bounced back from a defeat to Jason Sosa to stop previously unbeaten Marlyn Cabrera in September.
An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in his last two outings when he defeated contender Frank De Alba in a step up fight last December and followed it up with a seventh-round knockout of Alexei Collado in June. The 25-year-old has picked up four victories since the beginning of 2015 and will face his toughest competition to date when he battles Fortuna.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly.  PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
About Philabundance
Philabundance is the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, serving more than 90,000 people each week in nine counties in PA and Southern NJ. Of those served, thirty percent are children, sixteen percent are seniors, and adults served include students, the working poor and single parents. In 2015, Philabundance rescued more than 10 million pounds of food and distributed 28 million pounds through its own distribution programs, and a network of 350 agencies. A one-dollar donation provides two meals – Give now or learn more at Philabundance.org.

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


 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Rouse Photography Group

 

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

 

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

 

Lamont Peterson, Super Lightweight World Champion

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Barry Hunter, Peterson’s Trainer

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Anthony Peterson

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

# # #

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

BROOKLYN’S LUIS COLLAZO RETURNS TO THE RING

 

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

ALSO IN ACTION

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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