Tag Archives: Tony Harrison

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JULIAN WILLIAMS KNOCKS OUT MARCELLO MATANO,  CALLS OUT WORLD CHAMPION JERMALL CHARLO SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME®

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Avantil Khurtsidze Shocks Previously Unbeaten Antoine Douglas,
Tony Harrison Dominates Fernando Guerrero In Action-Packed Tripleheader
 
Catch The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Replay
This Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHO EXTREME®
 
Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 6, 2016) – Julian Williams secured the IBF’s No. 1 position at 154 pounds and called out Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo after an impressive seventh-round TKO of Italian Marcello Matano Saturday on SHOWTIME from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.  VIDEO OF WILLIAMS CALLING OUT CHARLO:http://s.sho.com/1UJo5bp
The undefeated Philadelphia native put on a clinic, breaking down his opponent from the opening bell until referee Gary Rosato stepped in to protect a defenseless Matano (16-2, 5 KOs) at 2:24 of the seventh.  Williams (23-0-1, 14 KOs) utilized a steady diet of combos, jabs and body shots in the middle rounds to weaken Matano and set up the big shots to close the show in the seventh.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/1QzbBBb
Williams landed 59 percent of his power shots, including a staggering 76 percent in the deciding seventh.
“Maybe people will think they saw a chink in the armor tonight,” Williams said.  “Maybe guys will come out from under the rock and get some of this West Philly work.
“Jermall has been watching my performances.  Him and his brother know exactly who I am.  He needs to fight or vacate now.  He needs to step up, but he’s already laying his groundwork and making excuses.
“Step up and fight me.  It’s two of the best junior middleweights in the world.  It’s about greatness.  I want to be great.  All of you turkeys at 154 pounds, let’s fight.”
After the fight, Matano took issue with the stoppage.
“He was pretty fast with his jab, but I felt like I was just getting into the fight,” Matano said.  “I felt the punch, but I felt like I could have kept going. I have a warrior heart and I never want to quit.
“I’m going to go back to Italy and take a little rest, then I’ll be right back in the gym.  It was a wonderful experience coming here to America. I got to fight a top-echelon fighter and I feel like I belong.”
Avtandil Khurtsidze, a human brick wall barreling forward, upset previously unbeaten middleweight contender Antoine Douglas with a thoroughly dominating 10th-round TKO.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:http://s.sho.com/21er63g
The 35-year-old “mini-Mike Tyson” plowed forward from the opening bell until the TKO at 0:33 of the 10th.  The 6-foot Douglas had no answer for his 5-foot-4 opponent, a Brooklyn-based native of Georgia who is looking to become the first world champion from the former Soviet nation.
Khurtsidze (32-2-2, 21 KOs) hurt Douglas (19-1-1, 13 KOs) with a big left in the opening seconds of the third round, sending the 23-year-old face forward through the ropes.  Somehow, Douglas recovered from the first knockdown of his career and fought himself back into the fight.  The Washington, D.C., native rallied to win the fourth and the fifth rounds, and the all-action sixth could have gone either way.
Khurtsidze opened the seventh with a monstrous one-punch left to floor Douglas, who again somehow survived the round on failing legs as Khurtsidze threw over 100 total punches.  Khurtsidze, who showed unbelievable stamina to push the pressure throughout, started the 10th with a relentless attack, forcing referee Benjy Esteves to stop the fight at 0:33 of the with Douglas defenseless against the ropes.
“I knew he was going to get tired,” said Khurtsidze, who took the fight on less than three weeks notice.  “I felt like I was going to catch him. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not strong.
“I knew he was going to be hungry. But I also knew that I was going to beat him.  It was short notice but I did everything I could in the time we had. I stayed in the gym and stayed sharp.
“Whoever they put in front me, I’m ready for them. I love fighting. I’ll fight anybody.”
Douglas had entered the fight as a fast-rising 160-pounder on the cusp of a title shot.
“I feel OK,” Douglas told SHOWTME Sports analyst Steve Farhood after the fight.  “He definitely dictated.  He definitely had a better day today.  It’s not discouraging, we just weren’t able to execute.  Naturally, I’m crushed.  It’s back to the drawing board.”
In the opening bout of the telecast, middleweight contender Tony Harrison looked impressive in a sixth round TKO over former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero.
Harrison (23-1, 19 KOs) was the aggressor from the outset, jabbing at range to set up his favorite weapon – a powerful right.  The Detroit native floored Guerrero with a big right with 15 seconds to go in the second round.  The southpaw got up, but looked hurt and was saved by the bell.
Guerrero (28-4, 20 KOs) had his moments in the fourth and fifth rounds after some heedful advice from his corner, but he couldn’t get inside to escape Harrison’s powerful right. It was a clean left hook midway through the sixth that ultimately finished Guerrero.  After Harrison dropped Guerrero with the left, the Dominican Republic native beat the count but had no legs and went back to the canvas after four more consecutive shots from Harrison, forcing referee Gary Rosato to stop the bout at 1:56 of the sixth.
“I threw punches back and I finished the rounds stronger than him,” said Harrison, who landed 57 percent of his power shots.  “I dominated the fight.  My dad kept telling me to put the hook behind the right hand and if I had listened to him better I could have gotten the knockout much quicker.
“I was backing him up.  My game plan was to take advantage of the fact that southpaws don’t fight well going backwards.  I tried to just keep putting him back and discouraging him. I told everyone I was taking the fight to him. What’s not to like about me? I’m exciting.
“I want big fights, I want to go back to Detroit and I want the Willie Nelson rematch.”
Said Guerrero: “I wasn’t on today.  He wasn’t faster than me, stronger than me or more skilled. I just locked up. I wasn’t listening to my corner, I didn’t do anything tonight.
“It just happens. Sometimes you have a bad day. Today was as bad as I could ever imagine.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board.  I didn’t do what I was supposed to do. We trained so hard. He wasn’t as fast or strong as we thought he’d be. Today was a bad day for me to have a bad day.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
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JULIAN WILLIAMS OPENS UP IN ADVANCE OF HIS SATURDAY, MARCH 5 FIGHT AGAINST MARCELLO MATANO LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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“Each fight, I just want to be better than the last fight … I want to go down as the best junior middleweight to ever lace up a pair of gloves.”

 

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I AM A FIGHTER: JULIAN WILLIAMS

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From a single parent household in West Philadelphia, life has always been tough for Julian Williams. At a young age, he was constantly getting into fights with his brothers and at school, until he set foot in the gym at age 12 and unveiled his love for boxing. Williams has set his goals high and is determined to set records and break barriers while giving his all on each on of his fights.

 

“Each fight, I just want to be better than the last fight and I’m on the cusp of being a contender and getting the title shot. When I win the title, I want to break the title defense record which is held by Terry Norris. I want to go down as the best junior middleweight to ever lace up a pair of gloves.”

 

Check out this I AM A FIGHTER feature on Julian Williams, the undefeated super welterweight who is up against Marcello Matano in an IBF Super Welterweight Eliminator bout tomorrow night in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

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JULIAN WILLIAMS VS. MARCELLO MATANO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 3, 2016) – Undefeated top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Italy’sMarcello Matano went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at the final press conference before they meet with the IBF’s No. 1 spot at 154-pounds on the line this Saturday, March 5 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® tripleheader features middleweight matchups between rising contender Antoine Douglas and Avtandil Khurtsidze and exciting Detroit prospect Tony Harrison against former title challenger Fernando Guerrero.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HEREat www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
JULIAN WILLIAMS
“I want to thank Matano and his team for coming all the way over here. We’ve had a difficult time getting opponents for different reasons, but I’m excited to headline this stacked card.
“When I win this fight I’ll be able to accomplish my dream of being a world champion. It’s one step closer.
“I’m going to attack the head and body as much as I can. I’ve got enough film on him to see what he’s got. He’s pretty solid. He got better each time out. But those guys in Italy don’t have the skills that I have. I think he’s going to bring it for as long as he can handle it.
“He’s an awkward fighter. He’s definitely a boxer and he can be a little skittish in the ring. I know I’ve fought the better competition and I’ve trained my hardest for this.
“I’m ready to make a statement. I’m not worried about a knockout. However the win comes, it’s great. I’m just looking to win and beat him down.
“I’m expecting a good Philadelphia crowd to be out here supporting me. Ninety percent of my career I’ve been on the West Coast and other places. But now fighting in front of my hometown fans, there’s nothing better. It’s perfect.”
MARCELLO MATANO
“I feel very good. I’ve been here since Friday so I have gotten used to the time zone difference and I’m ready to fight. My American experience is just starting and I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s been a hard two months of training for this fight. This is by far the most important fight of my career so I’ve trained even harder than I usually do.
“I know that Julian Williams is a top-notch athlete and that he is coming to give his best, just like I am. It’s going to be an exciting fight because we both want to get to the top.
“I can adapt myself to any opponent. I can be a boxer or I can be a brawler. But in my heart, I am a warrior and I will come forward all fight. I am coming to leave that ring victorious.
“This is a dream come true to come here to the United States. I’ve always worked hard and it’s gotten me here. I will put all of my heart into the ring on Saturday night.”
ANTOINE DOUGLAS
“You can always look forward to an action-packed fight when I step into the ring. I have an admirable opponent who I know is coming to fight.
“I’ve grown into this role and into who I am. If you asked me earlier in my career, I would have never thought I’d be here. This is great and it comes from all the hard work I’ve put in over the years.
“You will see my growth Saturday night in the ring. I plan on being victorious. The work I put in won’t let me be any less than that. I’m looking forward to the action.
“I have a very strong opponent and I think it will make for a more exciting fight than Sam Soliman.
“I just always have to be prepared for whatever is thrown at me.  This is boxing – there are no guarantees.  We just have to be prepared for everything and do our best.
“The styles of Soliman and Khurtsidze are completely different, but we always base our offense and defense off a fighting at range and working the jab.  I’m not going in blind – I’ve faced opponents who come forward.  We’ll be ready for him and ready to make the adjustments in the ring.
“A win on Saturday will definitely put me in a position for a title shot.  We just take it day-by-day.  It’s not about looking at future opponents. We take each step successfully and see where it puts us.”
AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE
“I’m very happy to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m fighting a very strong fighter. Once I step into the ring I’m expecting a good challenge and I can’t wait for Saturday night.
“Everything in training went well. We’ve trained really hard and we’re ready for Saturday night.
“Douglas is a good fighter. He’s a good boxer and he has a good left hook. But none of that means anything until you get in the ring.
“Once I step into the ring, I will bring 100 percent. I am not going to stop swinging until Douglas goes down.”
FERNANDO GUERRERO
“We’re ready to fight. We had a great training camp and there’s not too much to say. It’s warrior time.
“I’ve been through my ups and downs, but I’m still here and I’m not going anywhere. This is for my whole nation, everyone in the Dominican Republic who is watching. You have to step in that ring for something.
“This isn’t a game. This is the only sport that you cannot play. I’m going to make this one of those fights that will be one of the best of the year. It will either be the best knockout or the best fight of the year. This is going to be memorable.
“This is the kind of opponent who will bring out the best of me. Everybody has to watch out for me. I’m coming to make a statement on Saturday.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
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JULIAN WILLIAMS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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WILLIAMS FACES MARCELLO MATANO IN SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENTS CENTER
IN BETHLEHEM, PA.
 
Click HERE For Photos: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For A Short Video Feature On Julian Williams: http://s.sho.com/21HzF8I
 
Philadelphia, Pa. (March 2, 2016) – Julian “J-Rock” Williams (21-0-1, 13 KOs) held a media workout on Tuesday in Philadelphia at James Shuler Boxing Gym as he prepares to put his undefeated record on the line in a 154-pound world title eliminator this Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® main event pits Williams against Italy’s Marcello Matano(16-1, 5 KOs) as part of a tripleheader live from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Also featured on the telecast will be middleweight contender Antoine Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) facing off against Avtandil Khurtsidze (31-2, 20 KOs)in a 10-round middleweight bout and exciting Detroit prospect Tony Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) battling former title challenger Fernando Guerrero (28-3, 20 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight matchup.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HEREat www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Here is what Julian and his trainer, Stephen Edwards, had to say Tuesday:
 
JULIAN WILLIAMS
“I am extremely focused.  There is a lot at stake this Saturday.  I am finally in the position I wanted to be in since turning pro.
“I have come to a conclusion that if people don’t have to fight Julian Williams then they won’t.  It hasn’t been that frustrating though because I always have a fight on the books.  I can’t worry about the people who won’t fight me. I just have to stay ready and put myself in the mandatory spot. That’s what I am going to do on Saturday night.
“It’s never any challenge fighting at home.  I know exactly what I have to do. I don’t cut any corners in camp.  The biggest challenge is the waiting because I am so anxious to get in there and get a win, especially in front of my home crowd.
“I always knew I wanted to pursue a boxing career, so I treat it like I want it. I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time and my opportunity is finally here.
“I’ve been a student of the game since I started watching boxing. I want to learn and I want to know everything about boxing.
“It means everything to have my biggest fight to date in my backyard. I know my fans cheer loud and it feels great to have their support in my corner.
“I know everything about my opponent. I probably know what kind of toothpaste he used this morning. I searched high and low for videos of Matano. I am ready because I know he is ready.
“He is a little bit awkward. He seems to have a really good gas tank.  He said he wants to take me the distance, so we’ll see.
“The last fight solidified the things that I already knew about myself. I know I am fundamentally sound and I know I am the hungriest fighter in the world.
“I always want to put on an explosive performance. It’s always about a win.
“In about nine months, Philadelphia will have it’s fourth IBF super welterweight champion after David Reid, Robert Hines and Buster Drayton.”
STEPHEN EDWARDS, Williams’ trainer
“We are ready. It’s been a long four-month camp. We thought were going to fight in January, so we’ve been grinding through this rough weather early in the morning.  Julian is chomping at the bit and ready to rock ‘n roll.
“We thought we were going to fight Austin Trout in December, and he saw that Julian gave his opponent a concussion and said I don’t want to fight him. It’s just that simple.  We have to get past Matano and then we can talk about (super welterweight champion Jermall) Charlo.
“Anybody with two hands and a heartbeat can fight. Matano is ranked and just because he isn’t well known, it doesn’t mean he can’t fight. He is 16-1 and they didn’t have a hard time convincing him to take the fight. The best soldiers are volunteers. Any time someone willingly comes to someone else’s country, you have to take him seriously.
“I don’t want to make a prediction, but Julian will hurt this guy very bad.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
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UNBEATEN MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT IEVGEN KHYTROV TAKES ON KENNETH MCNEIL IN UNDERCARD ACTION THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 5 FROM  SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENTS CENTER IN BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA

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Plus! Heavyweight Battle Between Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko and
Ecuadorian Olympian Ytalo Perea
 
Exciting Night Of Fights Features SHOWTIME® Tripleheader Headlined
By Unbeaten Rising Star Julian Williams Taking On Marcello Matano
In IBF Super Welterweight Eliminator
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 1, 2016) – Unbeaten middleweight prospect Ievgen Khytrov (12-0, 11 KOs) takes on Alabama’s Kenneth McNeil (9-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout that highlights an exciting undercard taking place this Saturday, March 5 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
The card features an exciting tripleheader of action live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by undefeated rising star Julian “J-Rock” Williams in an IBF eliminator for the top ranking at 154 pounds against Italy’s Marcello Matano. Also featured on the telecast is fast-rising middleweight contender Antoine Douglas against Avtandil Khurtsidze and exciting prospect Tony Harrison battling former title challenger Fernando Guerrero.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HEREat www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
In other action, Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko (16-4-2, 9 KOs) will compete in an eight-round heavyweight showdown against 2012 Ecuadorian Olympian Ytalo Perea (6-2-1, 4 KOs).
Also in a non-televised bout is unbeaten Terrance Williams (4-0, 1 KO), who faces Anthony Miller (2-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round middleweight contest and the pro debut of Brooklyn’s Chordale Booker against Patrick Kehoe (1-2) in a four-round heavyweight fight.
Rounding out the night of fights is super welterweight prospect Oshaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round bout against Brazil’s Claudinei Lacerda (17-14-1, 12 KOs) and Philadelphia’s Amir Shabazz (2-0) against Atlanta’s Hakeem Atkinson (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-round light heavyweight contest.
An Olympian for his native Ukraine, Khytrov also won an Amatuer World Championship before turning pro in 2013. Since then, the 27-year-old has dominated on his way to stopping contenders Josh Luteran and Nick Brinson in addition to previously unbeaten fighters Maurice Louishomme and Aaron Coley. Now training out of Brooklyn, he will be opposed by the 25-year-old McNeil out of Birmingham, Alabama who enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak.
An exciting brawler out of the great fighting city of Philadelphia, Dawejko looks to make it three in a row after delivering stoppages of Natu Visinia and Robert Dunton his last two times out. The 25-year-old has shared the ring with heavyweight world champion Charles Martin and contender Amir Mansour. He faces a stiff test in the 22-year-old Perea. The Ecuadorian Olympian trains out of Howard Beach, New York and picked up his last win via knockout over Oswaldo Sanchez.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
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ANTOINE DOUGLAS TO FACE AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE IN MARCH 5 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® CO-FEATURE

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Khurtsidze Replaces The Injured Sam Soliman

 

Julian Williams Takes On Marcello Matano In 154-Pound Eliminator In Main Event Of Tripleheader Live On SHOWTIME® From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 23, 2016) – Undefeated middleweight contenderAntoine Douglas will face hard-hitting Avtandil Khurtsidze in the co-feature of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 

Khurtsidze (30-2-2, 20 KOs) steps in to face GH3 Promotions’ Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout for the WBO International title after Sam Soliman pulled out of the fight last week with a knee injury.

 

Khurtsidze, of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kutaisi, Georgia, has won eight straight – including six by knockout – since dropping a controversial decision to then-unbeaten Hassan N’Dam in a bout for the vacant interim WBA World Middleweight Title in Paris in 2010.

 

Khurtsidze was scheduled to face N’Dam in a rematch last November 21 in Paris, but the event was cancelled following the tragic November 13 terror attacks in France.  The rematch with the former world champion was to be contested for the IBF No. 2 spot at 160 pounds.

 

A pressure fighter, Khurtsidze was also slated to fight last week on a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing event and has been training since the fight with N’Dam was called off.  The 36-year-old, who has also campaigned at super middleweight, is coming off a knockout victory over Melvin Betancourt last August.

 

“Avtandil is a world class guy, a former silver titlist and has been at the top of the division for years,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a great opportunity for him and a huge step up for Douglas.  Avtandil had been on his way to France to fight for the No. 2 ranking against N’Dam when the tragic terrorist attacks hit Paris, which was a terribly unfortunate situation for all.  Now, he looks to impress in this fight against the highly regarded Douglas.  The winner of this bout moves up significantly in the middleweight world rankings and will be in line for a major fight in the 160-pound division later this year.”

 

In the main event of the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader, Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154 pounds. In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HEREat www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

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UNDEFEATED JULIAN WILLIAMS TO FACE MARCELLO MATANO IN IBF SUPER WELTERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR SATURDAY, MARCH 5, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Tripleheader Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
 
Unbeaten Middleweight Contender Antoine Douglas Meets Former Champ Sam Soliman; Super Welterweight Tony Harrison Battles Fernando Guerrero
 
NEW YORK (Feb. 10, 2016) – Undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154-pounds in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
In the co-feature, fast-rising middleweight contender Antoine Douglas will take on former world champion Sam Soliman in a 10-round middleweight bout.  In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.
“This upcoming fight will be the biggest fight of my career,” Williams said. “I’m chomping at the bit to get back out there. I am taking my opponent very seriously and I refuse to let Marcello Matano stop me from being a world champion.”
“This is a dream come true,” said Matano. “I’ve been working for my whole life for a real opportunity to make to the top level and I will not let Julian Williams take it away. What will happen when Williams has to go to the championship rounds? Will he be ready? I know for sure that I will. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I will do all I can to grab it.”
“Facing a former world champion like Sam Soliman is a great opportunity for me,” Douglas said. “The plan has always been to keep moving forward, and to do it successfully.  This is that next step, and I’m ready for it.  I’ve grown and learned so much fighting on ShoBox and it’s a beautiful thing to continue to progress and move to the next level.”
“This is an important fight for me,” said Soliman. “I had three opportunities on the table and I chose Douglas believing it to be a better fight for ranking, and it’s a challenge I’m excited to take on. From what I have seen, Douglas is a very talented fighter, which will make for a good fight. I am in great shape and looking forward to fight night.”
“I’m excited and eager to showcase my abilities to the world again,” said Harrison. “I’d advise fans to arrive early because I don’t plan to be in the ring long. I’m knocking this guy out. I know Guerrero is coming in with a chip on his shoulder and I can’t overlook him. I brought my uncle into camp and I think that’s going to give me the edge that I’ve needed to get over the hump. I’m putting the whole division on notice!”
“It’s warrior time,” said Guerrero. “We are going to have a war. This is going to be non-stop action. This fight will lead to big things for me. I’m used to fighting guys that are bigger than I am. I’m at my more natural weight and I’m looking to do great things in this division.”
“I’m thrilled to promote this great show on March 5,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “This is a great card from top to bottom with some future champions looking to show the world that they are ready for the next level. I am honored to have Julian Williams headline this card. He put on an explosive performance in his last bout at the Sands and I am sure he will be looking to do the same on March 5.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HEREat www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
One of the most promising and highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams (21-0-1, 1 ND, 13 KOs) will headline for the first time on SHOWTIME. He’s stepping up after honing his skills and steadily ascending the ranks after five fights on SHO EXTREME.  The 25-year-old shut out longtime contender Joey Hernandez last April, followed that with a sixth-round stoppage of Arman Ovsepyan in June and closed the year by stopping Orlando Lora in the first round in September. The Philadelphian has also picked up victories over Joachim Alcine, Eliezer Gonzalez and Freddy Hernandez in his young career and looks to earn his first title shot with a win on March 5.
Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) is a former Italian super welterweight titlist.  He’s registered four consecutive wins since the only loss of his career, including victories in three scheduled 12-round fights.  The 29-year-old is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over fellow-Italian Nick Klappert in October 2015.  Like Williams, he fought three bouts in 2015, although he logged 31 total rounds compared to just 17 for Williams.
Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has been impressive in five consecutive victories since he boxed to a draw when he was just 21 years old with former world title challenger Michel Soro in July 2014.  The former top amateur has won his last three fights by knockout, including a sixth-round KO of previously undefeated Thomas LaManna and a fourth-round TKO of veteran Les Sherrington last November in his fifth appearance on ShoBox: The New Generation. On the prospect developmental series, the 23-year-old Douglas has graduated from unproven prospect to undefeated contender and is now ranked No. 4 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBA. Douglas is promoted by GH3 promotions.
Soliman (44-13, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, is vastly more experienced than Douglas, having competed in four world championship fights.  The 42-year-old held the IBF Middleweight World title before suffering a debilitating knee injury and losing via decision to Jermain Taylor in his first title defense in October 2014.  Soliman, who is 9-2-1 since 2008, won the IBF crown with a decisive 12-round decision over Felix Sturm in 2014.  The Australian, who fights at a relentless pace and can be awkward at times, will look to bounce back from a close, 10-round split decision loss to Dominic Wade last June on ShoBox.
At just 25-years-old, Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) has showed tremendous promise as he recorded a 10-fight knockout streak from 2013 to 2015 and proved he could recover from a loss when he dominated Cecil McCalla for 10-rounds in October. The Detroit-native will look to make it back-to-back victories as he continues his ascent towards championship contender status. He has picked up knockout victories over Antwone Smith, Tyrone Brunson, Bronco McKart and Pablo Munguia in the last two years.
A former world title challenger, Guerrero (28-3, 20 KOs) returned to his winning ways in 2015 with victories over Abraham Han and Daniel Souza Santos. The 29-year-old lives and trains out of Los Angeles but grew up in Maryland after being born in the Dominican Republic. The veteran owns victories over Ishe Smith, Derrick Findley and Gabriel Rosado in a pro career that dates back to 2007.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBECand @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

JERMELL CHARLO SCORES SIXTH ROUND KNOCKOUT  OVER JOACHIM ALCINE

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Tony Harrison Secures Unanimous Decision Victory Against Cecil McCalla
 
Caleb Plant Decisions Tyrone Brunson
 
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Credit: Josh Jordan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
HOUSTON (November 1, 2015) – The Halloween night broadcast of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN took Houston’s NRG Arena by storm as undefeated rising starJermell “Iron Man” Charlo (27-0, 12 KOs) dominated former world champion Joachim Alcine (35-8-2, 21 KOs) in the main event by sixth round knockout.
Televised coverage kicked off with a thrilling showdown as Tony Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) got the unanimous decision over Cecil McCalla (20-3, 7 KOs).
The final televised fight of the evening saw undefeated middleweight prospect Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (12-0, 8 KOs) capture a unanimous decision over Tyrone Bruson (22-6-1, 21 KOs).
Here is what the televised fighters had to say about their performances tonight:
JERMELL CHARLO
“I established my jab early, and once I was comfortable with my jab the right hand started landing.
“I wanted to load up and show that I have power. I knew I was getting to him and wearing him down. It felt great to get the knockout.
“I knew after the knockdown in the sixth round it was over, but he was a strong fighter.
“Fighting in front of my hometown crowd fueled me. It gave me energy.
“I’m a completely different fighter now with my new trainer. My brother noticed it too and told me the same thing.
“I’m getting older, better, wiser and improving with every fight. Everything people saw tonight is a product of hard work in training.
“Hopefully I can fight again in December, and I want John Jackson next.”
JOACHIM ALCINE
“My right hand was working well for me, but I stopped throwing it and started focusing too much on my jab.
“I didn’t fight for a year and a half, and then I jumped right into the ring with a hungry, young lion. I wanted the fight, but sometimes pride takes its’ toll.
“Fighting on a PBC card gave me a big opportunity to show the world what I can do. But (Charlo) was stronger than I thought he’d be.
“I don’t know what’s next. I’ll talk with my wife first. I still have a strong desire to get in the ring, but I’m 39 now. My health is very important to me. I want to be there for my family and my daughter. So we’ll have to wait and see.”
TONY HARRISON
“I wanted to stay focused and get in my rhythm. The whole point is to hit and not get hit, and I thought I did a great job of that through eight rounds. I just need to stay focused for the whole fight.
“I got kind of careless in the ninth round and the same thing happened tonight that happened against Willie Nelson, but thankfully I had the experience this time to pull it out.
“I wanted to show the fans that I can take a punch, and I definitely showed that tonight.
“I’m back! Next time I want to fight someone that’s a little more offensive. (McCalla) was throwing so few punches that it was actually hard to get down the timing against him.
“I’d love to fight back home in Detroit next, and I’d like to face the winner of tonight’s main event. I’m ready. I also want Willie Nelson again though. If he can do it twice he’ll make me a believer.”
CECIL MCCALLA
“I kept looking for the right moment. I came into the fight trying to outwork him, but I just couldn’t pull it off.
“When I caught him with the overhand right I wanted the knockout, but it didn’t come.
“Harrison’s jab played the biggest part in him getting the win tonight.
“I want another opportunity as soon as possible and I’ll make sure to make the most of it.
“I want to fight Ishe (Smith) again.”
CALEB PLANT
“The plan tonight was to stay composed and relaxed. I was doubling up my jab and landing combinations up and down his body all fight.
“I saw him start to break down after the second and third rounds, but I didn’t want to push too hard. Instead I wanted to stay in control, take him into deep waters, and dominate the fight. That’s what I did.
“I’d love to fight again this year, maybe in late December. I’m not taking any punishment, and we’re always staying in shape and ready. So as long as I’m healthy I’ll fight as often as I can against whoever they put in front of me.”
TYRONE BRUNSON
“I thought my power was working well for me tonight. My corner was telling me to throw the left to the body and it was landing.
“Caleb caught me once in my left eye in the third round and he had me seeing double for a little while, but it didn’t last beyond that round.
“I’m naturally a junior middleweight. That’s where I’m most comfortable. I can compete against anyone at 154 lbs.”
# # #
The card was promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxingand www.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS IN ADVANCE OF JERMELL CHARLO VS. JOACHIM ALCINE AT NRG ARENA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS ON OCTOBER 31

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Coverage On NBCSN Begins At 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
 
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Credit: Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
HOUSTON (October 29, 2015) – Before the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN fight card this Saturday, some of the fighters hosted a media workout at Charlo Brothers Boxing Academy. The card will feature a main event showcasing undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (26-0, 11 KOs) out of Houston, Texas taking on former world champion Joachim Alcine (35-7-2, 21 KOs).
Televised coverage will begin at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with the hard-hitting Tony Harrison (21-1, 18 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-2, 7 KOs).
Here is what Jermell Charlo had to say before stepping in the ring on Saturday:
JERMELL CHARLO
“Fighting here in Houston in front of my hometown crowd with all of my family and friends to support me is huge. This is my first opportunity to fight as a main event in my city, and I’m excited to put on a great show for the fans.
“Joachim Alcine does certain things in the ring that I’ve seen and taken note of. There are some things I believe I can take advantage of. Hopefully he makes those mistakes and I can make him pay. But he puts in hard work. I know I’m not just going to go in there and beat him up. I’m going to have to be smart, but it should be a very entertaining fight.
“Sometimes too much experience can be a bad thing. Alcine is going to come in there on Saturday and try to use his experience to beat me, but I’m confident he’s going to run into some problems with me.
“My plan is to come in strong and powerful, be the faster man, move a lot and try to make him commit to the things he’s used to seeing me do in previous fights. And that’s how we’re going to open him up.
“I don’t necessarily have a prediction, but I’m going to knock him out. I don’t know what round it will be, but he’s going down.”
# # #
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $163, $109, $49 and $22, plus applicable fees. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210.979.3302 or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800.745.3000, via the Internet at www.ticketmaster.com and at the NRG Stadium South Ticket Windows.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED PROSPECT CALEB PLANT RETURNS TO THE RING ON  SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 FROM NRG ARENA IN HOUSTON

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Plus! Full Night Of Undercard Action Stacked With Local Prospects
 
Tickets Still Available For PBC On NBCSN Headlined By Houston’s Own Jermell Charlo Taking on Joachim Alcine
 
HOUSTON (October 27, 2015) – Undefeated middleweight prospect Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (10-0, 8 KOs) returns to the ring in an eight-round bout as part of a stacked undercard on Saturday, October 31 from NRG Arena in Houston.
The October 31 event is headlined by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSNfeaturing undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (26-0, 11 KOs) out of Houston taking on former world champion Joachim Alcine (35-7-2, 21 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with power-punching prospect Tony Harrison(21-1, 18 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-2, 7 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $163, $109, $49 and $22, plus applicable fees. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210.979.3302 or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800.745.3000, via the internet at www.ticketmaster.com and at the NRG Stadium South Ticket Windows.
Undefeated with all but two victories coming by knockout, the 23-year-old Plant returns to the ring fresh off of a victory in September over Jamar Freeman. The Ashland, Tennessee-born fighter will be fighting in Texas for the first time as a pro, looking to display the knockout power that has helped him accumulate his undefeated record. A victory onOctober 31 would make him 6-0 in a busy 2015.
The local talent on the undercard includes a trio of Houston-natives as 22-year-old Devonte Williams (8-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rick Graham (3-9-2, 1 KO) out of Detroit in a six-round super welterweight bout, 28-year-old Pablo Cruz (11-1, 3 KOs) facing Mexico’s Andres Lara (5-3, 1 KO) and Jesse Gonzalez (4-1, 2 KOs) battling Kenneth Williams (3-2-1, 1 KO) of Palm Springs, California in a four-round welterweight contest.
The Houston-flavor continues with Uzbekistan-born Bahodir Mamadjonov (17-2, 11 KOs), who fights out of Houston, in an eight-round super lightweight bout, 22-year-old Christon Edwards (4-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round super welterweight bout.
Further action features 30-year-old Levan Ghvamichava (15-1-1, 12 KOs) of Poti, Georgia in an eight-round lightweight showdown against Honolulu’s Cameron Kreal (8-7-2, 1 KO), 25-year-old Jonathan Morales of Channel View, Texas against Patrick Simea (1-3) from Houston in a four-round super middleweight contest and the pro debuts of Allison Edwards of Spring, Texas and California’s Kathryn Talley as they compete in a four-round lightweight contest.
Rounding out the night of fights is 21-year-old Marshall Sanchez (1-0) of Humble, Texas in a four-round flyweight bout against Elio Ruiz (1-6) of Austin, Texas, Lucia Osegueda(5-1) of Baytown, Texas facing Dallas-native Jasmine Clarkson (2-4) in a four-round lightweight bout and 26-year-old David Limerick Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) of Katy, Texas squaring-off against Guatemala’s Rolando Rivas (3-2-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight bout.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxingand www.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.