Tag Archives: WBC

Sampson Boxing Signs Argentina’s Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo to a Promotional Agreement

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of Argentinean welterweight slugger Cesar Miguel “La Joya” Barrionuevo to an exclusive long-term promotional contract.
Barrionuevo (30-3-2, 20 KOs), from Salta, Argentina, first turned the heads of the boxing world in January of this year, when he scored a devastating one-punch KO of capable Panamanian contender Azael Cosio in the quarter finals of the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight tournament.
In a dominant performance, the southpaw Barrionuevo had Cosio down once each in the first, second and fourth rounds then down twice in the fifth, the last of which was a single left hook that put Cosio to sleep.
He was then scheduled to face Pennsylvania’s Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez in the semi-finals, however, Vasquez elected to give up his chance for a green WBC belt and instead take a fight and lose to 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz last July.
In his seven-year professional career, the 27-year-old southpaw Barrionuevo has already held the Argentina (FAB) Welterweight and WBC Latino Welterweight Championships. The Cosio KO was the only time he has ventured outside his native Argentina to fight.
“I am happy to be joining Sampson Lewkowicz and his company,” said Barrionuevo. “I am ready to fight anyone in the world at 147 lbs and with him, I can get the fights I want. I have always said I just need the opportunities and I will do the rest.”
Lewkowicz, an expert at finding hidden boxing talent in foreign markets, says Barrionuevo has what it takes to be a top contender.
“He is 27 years old and still getting better with every fight,” said Lewkowicz. “Cesar is a talent who is coming to the North American market to make trouble for a lot of fighters. I am working on finding him a big fight to showcase his skills, whether against Diaz, or any other top-15 welterweight contender. He won’t be unknown for long once that happens.”

GROUPE YVON MICHEL’S TOP FIGHTERS JOIN VADA/WBC CLEAN BOXING PROGRAM


MONTRÉAL (August 10, 2016) – Groupe Yvon Michel’s (GYM) world-ranked boxers have enrolled in the new VADA/WBC Clean Boxing Program (CBP), created by Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) and the World Boxing Council (WBC).
 
Adonis Stevenson, Lucian Bute, Eleider Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev will now participate in a serious new protocol in which they may be blood and/or urine tested anytime, 365 days per year. They must be available at all times for an unexpected test.
 
All of the WBC champions and WBC top 15-ranked fighters have until September 9 to conform to the new protocol or they will be removed from the WBC rankings and suspended from any activity in the WBC.
 
”This is a step in the right direction but what will really be important in the next few years is for this structure to always keep improving in order to properly regulate professional boxing,” trainer Marc Ramsay said.
 
Fortunately, boxing is rarely the target of doping cases, but tightening the rules can only be beneficial to prevent tempted athletes to follow the wrong path,” added GYM vice-president, operations and recruitment, Bernard Barré.
 
I am fully in favor of these new measures so all of us in the program will be playing on the same plain field,” remarked Stevenson, the WBC world light heavyweight champion.
 
“The WBC is proud to see the exemplary dedication of GYM for the welfare of the sport and we are grateful for their support to enroll Champion Adonis Stevenson and all of their WBC top 15-ranked fighters in the WBC – VADA Clean Boxing Program,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman commented. “The CBP is the first ever attempt in our sport to have a safety platform for our athletes and, more importantly, to share the much needed information on PED´s and illegal procedures which could harm our heroes of the ring.”

To learn more about ‘the ‘WBC Clean Boxing Program” watch the Webinar via this link: http://wbcboxing.com/WBCVADA/webinar/story_html5.html
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. GYM is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa Promotions.

July 23rd “Cancun Boxing” Chavez vs. Moreno women’s world title fight To air tonight at 10 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network

CANCUN, Mexico (August 4, 2016) – American boxing fans will have a rare opportunity to watch a women’s world title fight on national television as “Cancun Boxing,” presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Star Media, will air tonight (Thursday, Aug. 4), starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on CBS Sports Network.
The event, which took place July 23, 2016, is the second in the “Cancun Boxing” series that will air on CBS Sports Network in 2016. Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, will play host to all events in this ongoing series.

Hall-of-Famer announcers Jim “JR” Ross and Al Bernstein called the action live from ringside in Cancun, Mexico.

“We’re very happy to be in a new partnership with Neon Star Media, whose belief in the quality of Cancun Boxing has led to our product being shown throughout the United States on CBS Sports Network,” Cancun Boxing president Pepe Gomez said. “American boxing fans really appreciate Mexican boxers and they will love all of the action from the capital of boxing in Mexico, Cancun Quintana Roo.”
The main event was a scheduled 10-round World Boxing Council (WBC) female world flyweight title fight between Mexico City rivals, defending champion Jessica “Kika” Chavez (26-4-3, 4 KOs) and challenger Esmeralda “Joya” Moreno (33-8-1. 11 KOs), in a rematch of their February 19, 2011 fight, in which Moreno won a 10-round unanimous decision.
Chavez, 28, captured her WBC flyweight crown last September, taking a unanimous 10-round decision from Arely Mucino (21-2-2), followed by successful title defenses against Simona Galassi (WTDEC9) and, most recently, Vanesa Lorena (WDEC10) this past March.
During her outstanding 7-year professional career, Chavez has been International Boxing Federation (IBF) and Interim World Boxing Federation (WBF) light flyweight champion. She also has several other title belts in her collection, including WBC International female in addition to WBC Silver and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light flyweight.
WBC No. 5-rated Moreno, 28, defeated Eva Voraberger (20-4) by majority 10-round decision this past April in Austria for the International Boxing Organization (IBO), Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) and Global Boxing Union (GBU) world super flyweight titles.
In 2012, she won a 10-round decision over Naomi Togashi (10-0-1) for the WBC world light flyweight championship, followed by one title defense victory against Maricela Quintero (WDEC10). She has also been WBC Youth and WBC Silver light flyweight, Mexican bantamweight and light flyweight champion.
In their original match-up, Moreno won a convincing 10-round decision over Chavez, by scores of 98-92 by all three judges, for the vacant WBC Silver and Interim Mexico light flyweight titles.
In The 10-round co-feature, Mexican welterweights Jose “Piston” Lopez and Diego “Demoledor” Cruz went toe-to-toe with future title fight implications at stake.
The 25-year-old Lopez (25-5-2, 15 KOs) was a late replacement for injured Roberto “Massa” Ortiz.   A former World Boxing Federation (WBF) champion, upset-minded Cruz (15-3-1, 12 KOs) is a 22-year-old prospect from Mexico City who was riding a 10-fight win streak, dating back two years, going into his fight with Lopez.
The other televised bout was an intriguing match-up between former WBC World super bantamweight champion Victor “Vikingo” Terrazas (37-3-1, 21 KOs) and battle-tested Cristian “El Rudo” Arrazola (20-11-2, 15 KOs).
The 33-year-old Terrazas, who hadn’t fought since his losing his WBC title nearly three years ago to Leo Santa Cruz, captured the vacant WBC crown in 2013, taking a 12-round split decision from fellow Mexican great Cristian Mijares. Terrazas also holds a notable victory by way of a unanimous 12-round decision over another Mexican boxing icon, 5-time, 3-division world champion Fernando Montiel, for the vacant WBC Silver super bantamweight championship.
 
“US viewers will enjoy our Cancun Boxing fights, Mexican against Mexican,” Gomez concluded. “Our fights showcase some of the most recognized Mexican fighters, in addition to competitive, young Mexican warriors ready to advance from prospect to contender. We’re in a new era of Mexican boxing and this new generation of Mexican fighters will be fighting sometime soon in the United States and around the world.”
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com
 
INFORMATION
 
Twitter: @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @Neonstarmedia
Instagram: @pepegomez1

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui,www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/

Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Streaking Bantamweight Contender Elton Dharry to a Promotional Contract

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of IBF #14-rated bantamweight Elton Dharry to a promotional contract.
Dharry (20-5-1, 13 KOs) got off to a slow start in his career, losing five times and drawing once in his first nine. However, since then, he is undefeated in 17 consecutive fights, dating all the way back to 2010.
During that time, 30-year-old Dharry has picked up the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) and Guyanese Bantamweight Championships, as well as the IBF Inter-Continental Bantamweight title from then 12-1-1 Jose Rios.
“Early on in my career, I was not really with the right team and the judges never really got it right, so it made me look like a fighter I’m not,” explained Dharry of his slow start. “I know most people would quit and walk away, but I had the self-belief and determination to come back and become something. I changed my team to (trainers) Martin Gonzales and Don Saxby and stopped taking short notice fights.”
The streaking Dharry says he feels good about coming aboard the ever-expanding GCP stable of champions and contenders.
“I feel good about it. I’ve known Greg Cohen for a while now and I feel like he’s going to get me the right fights to get me where I need to be and get me the world title shot I want. I’m very excited because I know he’ll get things going soon.”
Of Indian descent, but born in Guyana, Dharry and his family moved to Brooklyn in 1999, where he started boxing at age 11 after getting into several fights at school. As an amateur, he fought in the US Nationals, the Metro finals, and the Olympic box-offs before turning pro in late 2004. He now fights out of the famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.
“I set a goal for myself many years ago,” continued Dharry. “My goal is to be world champion and I’m sticking to it. My belief is I can accomplish this, especially with my new promoter making it happen for me.”
Dharry says he’d particularly like to face WBA Champ Rau’shee Warren, or IBF boss Lee Haskins, but will take on anyone Cohen puts in front of him.
“I’m a counter puncher but I like to adapt to whoever I’m facing and whatever they bring. I box if I need to and fight if I need to. I’ll trade shots if I have to as well. I have the determination it takes to do anything.”

Australian Top Heavyweight and Uncrowned Champion Lucas Browne Volunteers for WBC Clean Boxing Program

Former WBA World Heavyweight Champion Lucas Big Daddy” Browne of Australia is upping the ante in his quest to clear his name and regain his championship by voluntarily enrolling in the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program.
The hard-punching Browne (24-0, 21 KOs) stopped Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Chagaev in round 10 last March in Grozny, Russia, to become Australia’s first-ever heavyweight champion. The dramatic victory, however, was nullified and Browne’s championship was stripped away and returned to Chagaev, post-fight, after he reportedly tested positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol.
Browne, who tested completely clean in a random drug test by VADA six days before the fight against Chagaev, staunchly maintains his innocence of purposefully taking any banned substance ever, and says he is taking steps to ensure he is never again accused of cheating.
“I’m proud to announce that I am now part of the Clean Boxing Program, which is being run by the WBC and VADA,” said Browne. “By voluntarily enrolling in this program I am able to be randomly tested at any time, 365 days of the year.”
Browne, who was the one who insisted that VADA perform drug testing before the Chagaev fight, says the decision to join the program was an easy one to make. “I have absolutely no issues with this, as I am a clean athlete and I believe boxing needs this kind of regulation. I welcome this aspect of safety for the sport of boxing. I despise all drugs, whether they be performance-enhancing or recreational.”
Browne’s manager, Matt Clark, says that by becoming Australia’s first fighter to volunteer for the program, his fighter will hopefully start a trend.
“Lucas is Australia’s premier boxer and resents drugs of any kind,” said Clark. “We hope that other fighters from around the world join Lucas and sign up for the program. Anything that makes boxing safer is a good thing.”
Browne and Clark say they are still fighting “tooth and nail” to clear his name and thank the public for the tremendous support they have received, worldwide.
“Having always been a clean athlete, I am totally opposed to any form of doping,” Browne concluded. “I’ve always felt that cheaters in professional boxing should be banned for life.  With 21 KOs in my 21 victories, I’m of the same opinion as (current WBC World Heavyweight Champion) Deontay Wilder: If I was ever to use PED drugs, I might end up killing someone!”

Undefeated Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Stops Challenger Chris Arreola at The End of Eighth Frame of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Primetime Main Event from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama

 
Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz Defeats Sammy Vasquez Jr. by Unanimous Decision
 
Undefeated Rising Star Erickson Lubin Wins Unanimous Decision Over Ivan Montero
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Ryan Hafey/Jordan Hardy/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 16, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) finished three-time world title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KOs) after the eighth round of the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportesfrom Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
In front of a hometown crowd of 11,974, Wilder controlled the fight from bell to bell, dropping Arreola in the fourth round, and dominating the battle tested challenger. Despite a broken right hand and a torn bicep muscle, Wilder managed to persevere and secure the stoppage.
Televised action opened with Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz Jr. (18-1, 8 KOs) defeating Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. (21-1, 15 KOs) by unanimous decision (96-93, 95-94, 95-94) in an exhilarating 10-round welterweight showdown.
The second televised bout featured unbeaten rising star Erickson “Hammer” Lubin(16-0, 11 KOs) scoring a unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 80-72) over Ivan Montero(20-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout.
Here is what the fighters had to say after their bouts:
LOU DIBELLA
“Wilder will be taken to a local hospital tonight, and will be seeing a specialist this week to assess the damage to his right hand and right bicep muscle.”
DEONTAY WILDER
What round did you hurt your hand:
“It was early – the third or the fourth round. It was from an (awkward) punch. I hurt the hand first, and then the bicep.
Was he tougher than you thought:
“He was just as tough as I thought he would be. I know he was scared of the right hand for sure. I think I would have gotten him out of there (in the fourth round) if he didn’t hold the ropes. On that last one he told me in my ear, I had to hold the ropes. I had to hold the ropes.
“I got one of the best jabs in the world, because I have super trainers. I got Mark Breland, who showed me all kinds of ways to throw my jab. I got Russ Ambers who shows me techniques. I have Jay my long-time trainer on everything, and of course I have Cuz Hill who gives me great work on the mitts.
“Look at my hand, this thing hurts.
What does it say about your toughness that you were able to fight for four rounds with a broken right hand and a torn right bicep:
“Man, it let’s me know I’m a force to be reckoned with. If I have one hand or two hands, you can’t deny that I’m the best in the world. I’m going to still give it to you whether I have one hand or two hands. I won’t stop. As a champion it’s my duty to keep going no matter what I’m going through. Pain ain’t nothing to me. I got a high tolerance on pain. When you’re dealing with fights, it’s not over until it’s over. Whoever fights me they have to be ready. They just can’t come in and think they’re going to bully me or think they’re going to out-tough me or think they’re going to out-punch me, because there ain’t no out-bullying, there ain’t no out-toughing, there ain’t no out-punching, because I’m the heavyweight champion of the world. That means a lot to me.
How satisfying was it to put on such a gutty performance before your home State fans:
“It was very satisfying to punish a guy like Chris Arreola. I straight punished him. I didn’t get my knockout like I want, but it was a knockout. I’ll take that on my record. I still advanced to 37-0 with 36 KOs.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“When he started taunting in the eighth round I knew it was all just part of boxing. No big deal.
“The fourth round knockdown was a situation where he just hit me with the perfect shot. Nothing I could do about it.
“(Deontay’s) movement was really tough. He moved perfectly behind his jab. It’s not that it’s even frustrating; it was just I had to catch up to him on runs like that, but it was a fun fight.
“He just kept me on the outside, I couldn’t figure him out — plain and simple. I have to give him all the respect in the world because he was just a much better fighter.
How did he make it out of Round 4?
“Let’s be honest, man. It takes a real fighter to be in the ring with someone like him. He’s a big man. We’re in the heavyweight division, man, this is the hurt business. You have to know how to deal with adversity. I get punched, I’m going to get back up.
“I have to give him credit for using his distance, using his jab and just keeping me at bay.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ
“I knew in my heart I lost that fight. I tried my hardest but there were things I should have done that I didn’t do. We can’t look in the past. He’s a hell of fighter. He’s an Olympic gold medalist for a reason. He had a tough decision loss to Lamont Peterson. To me he was an undefeated Olympic gold medalist.
“I take nothing away from the man. He’s a hell of a fighter. I’m a hell of a fighter. At the end of the day we put on a great show.
“We’ll huddle up and start back at the drawing board. I’ve got to start knocking those names down again.
Ever been in a situation where the scores were added wrong:
“I’ve never been in a situation where I had to wait for them to add up the scores again, because obviously I was undefeated. This is my first loss. Losses you learn from. Losses just mean you have room to grow. We’ll take this and come back strong the next time.
You hurt him in the 10th round:
“I know I had him hurt as soon as I hit him in the head twice. I saw him wobble and grab ahold of me. He was very slippery. As soon as I tried to push him away my hands would slip away. Hey, it was a hell of a fight. I take nothing away from the man.”
FELIX DIAZ
“When I first heard it was a split draw, I felt like I was the winner and I got robbed like in my fight against Lamont Peterson.
“I definitely feel like the scores should have been wider on the cards, but I understand. The first couple of rounds I was feeling him out, but after those first couple I feel like I won every round.
“Since Vasquez is taller than me and has longer reach, my plan of attack was to stay inside and fight him at a close distance.
“I took this fight on only 15 days notice, and before this I was preparing for a right handed fighter, so it was a bit of an adjustment. I only had two weeks to make the changes that I needed to. I’m thankful to my team for getting me ready for this fight.
“Fighting on a FOX and FOX Deportes primetime card and looking as good as I did makes me very happy. I’m ready for anyone at 140 or 147 lbs.”
ERICKSON LUBIN
“I’m definitely not upset with my performance. The referee was letting him get away with a lot of clinching and head butting. All in and all I’m happy with my performance. I’m still undefeated. I’m going to keep stepping up in these fights and upgrading my competition.
Anything you wanted to do that you didn’t get a chance to do:
“Hell, I wanted to knock him out. But the ref wasn’t really calling him for holding or even warning him for holding so that he wouldn’t hold as much and head butt as much. He was tough. I give it to him. He came to fight.
Some guys come in there to survive. That was definitely the type of fighter he was. He was in there to survive. He didn’t want to go home with a knockout loss.
Was this a big step up fight for you:
“Every fight was a step up fight for me. I take every fight seriously. There are always things I can learn and improve on. This was definitely one of those fights.”
IVAN MONTERO
“I was happy to go the distance tonight, and I agree with the decision. He definitely won, but I thought I put on a good fight. He didn’t do that much damage to me.
“I was honored to get this fight and the opportunity to fight on national television. I hope the fans enjoyed my style of fighting. I look forward to getting back in the ring soon.
“Right now, I’m just going to take some time and assess my options, but I’d like the rematch with him some time in the future.”
 # # #
The card was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Deontay Wilder vs. Chris Arreola PBC on FOX, FOX Deportes & FS1 Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Action Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on FOX & FOX Deportes Before Moving to FS1 Live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
 
Click HERE For Photos From Jordan Hardy/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (July 14, 2016) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and two-time title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
In attendance at the press conference and featured in televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were undefeated Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz, who square off in a 10-round welterweight bout, plus rising starErickson “Hammer” Lubin and Mexico’s Ivan Montero, who meet in a super welterweight attraction.
The televised action will switch over to FS1 and FOX Deportes immediately following the conclusion of the FOX telecast with action headlined by undefeated welterweight Jamal James battling exciting contender Wale Omotoso. Additional action on FS1 and FOX Deportes features former world champion Vic Darchinyan and undefeated heavyweight Gerald Washington in separate bouts.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Fighters spoke to media at the BJCC’s Arena Club inside the same venue that will host a stacked night of fights on Saturday night.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I’ve wanted to hit somebody since May. I got teased but now it’s time. And I get to do it at home. There’s no better place to do it.
“We’ve had a few guys that we could have chosen, but there were certain guys we didn’t want to give a short notice opportunity. We needed a certain type of fighter for this job.
“We need someone who will fight with their heart and take this opportunity and make the most of it. Does he deserve the title shot? No he doesn’t. He knows it. But is Chris Arreola the perfect guy for this fight? Of course he is.
“Chris is lucky to get a third chance at a title. There’s a lot of prospects who would love to fight him just to get a chance to fight for this belt. We needed a special person for this situation and I blessed Chris Arreola with the opportunity.
“It’s time to fight. He’s ‘The Nightmare’ and I’m a knockout artist. What makes me special is the way I knock people out. Go look at the people I’ve knocked out and see what I’ve given them.
“This is going to be another story for me to write in the history books. I can feel it. It’s going to be a great show. Don’t miss it.
“I appreciated everyone who comes out for me when I’m here fighting at home. I’m really excited about this show. You know the words at the end of the night will be ‘And still! Heavyweight champion of the world.'”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I’m ready for this fight. I’m more ready than I’ve ever been. I’m hungry. This isn’t a cakewalk. I respect Deontay, that’s why I trained for you. Come fight time, there’s no respect, it’s time to fight.
“One thing no one can question about me is my heart. I’m going to come at him but be smart. My goal is to take home that title and make history.
“I want to thank Deontay for giving me this opportunity. I am a sleeping giant. I’m being underestimated. Place your bets on me and make some money.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.
“Me and Felix Diaz are both coming to bring it. It’s going to be a tough fight for him and myself. People have to watch this fight. To me he’s undefeated and I’m coming in undefeated. We’re putting it all on the line in this fight.
“Felix and I have worked together and we’re friends, but this is business. He knows that I’m going to bring it like I do every fight. It’s a great opportunity to be showcased on this card.
“If you feel that you’re the best in your weight division, then it doesn’t matter who they put in front of you. My opponent doesn’t matter; we’re going to get the job done. I have to fight quality opponents to be able to step up to the next guy.
“Felix Diaz is a great competitor and he’s a very tough fighter. He has a tremendous amount of talent and he never stops coming, just like I do.
“I’m a pressure fighter. I like to show the crowd how I get down. I’m an undefeated fighter and I will remain that way Saturday night. I’m here to take care of business.
“I need wins like this to get fights with Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman and I need to do it decisively.
“If I can get this win I definitely want Danny Garcia. He’s a Philadelphia guy. I’m from Pittsburgh, it’d be a fun matchup. We’re both marketable guys and I think it’d be a huge fight.
“I just want to fight the best. That’s what I’m here for. I’ll fight anybody. I want to get a world title.”
FELIX DIAZ
“I want to thank everyone who is here today. Everything is ready to go. We’ve had a great training camp leading up to this fight.
“I know that Sammy is a very good fighter. We’ve been stablemates before, but this is business. I’m going to do what I have to do to be victorious on Saturday.
“I’m ready to get in the ring and do anything that I can on Saturday to get the victory.”
ERICKSON LUBIN
“This is a great opportunity on a big card. I’m here to showcase my talent and show why I’m one of the best 154-pound fighters in the world.
“This is a stepping stone for me. I know this is a tough Mexican who will be a great opponent. I just took care of business early a few weeks ago in Chicago and I’m looking to do the same thing Saturday. I’m here to steal the show.
“I want to thank my team for helping me in training camp and getting me to this moment. It’s ‘Hammer Time’ on Saturday.”
JAMAL JAMES
“We always stay ready in the gym. It’s always training camp. I’m at a point in my career where I have to be ready at all times. When the call comes, I’m ready.
“We’re working on some things that we wanted to tighten up from the last fight and I can’t wait to show everybody my improvements.
“Wale has been in there with some great competitors. We had to make sure everything is tightened up because he’s a strong guy. He has a good knockout ratio so you have to watch out for power punches.
“A lot of guys I fight are shorter than me. I’m one of the tallest welterweights in the game. A lot of guys have to fight me the same way, so we know what to expect. Our defense is tight and I’m sitting down on my punches more than ever.
“It’s a blessing to be on a card like this. I was very excited when I got the call. Deontay Wilder is a heavyweight champion and it’s a stacked card. It’s a great honor. I’m happy to keep stepping up in competition and in platform.
“I’m a class-act in the ring. I’m trying to bring the master skill back to boxing. But I’m ferocious at the same time. You won’t be mad because I always give you a great show.”
GERALD WASHINGTON
“I’m looking to go out there and take care of my business. We’ve worked hard in training camp and we’re prepared for anything.
“I’m going to use my speed and athleticism. The goal is to execute my game plan. Hopefully I can stay busy, land something big and get him out of there.
“My grandfather is actually from Alabama so I have roots here. It’s very exciting to be on an undercard for Deontay Wilder defending the heavyweight world title. I have to perform and be exciting so that I one day I can be fighting a great champ like Deontay Wilder.
“I’m different than I was before. This is going to be the best me stepping in there Saturday. I’m looking to get him out of there.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Deontay Wilder, Chris Arreola, Sammy Vasquez Jr. & Felix Diaz Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Begins Saturday, July 16 at 8 p.m. ET/
5 p.m. PT Live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
 
Click HERE for Photos from Jennifer Halger/DiBella Entertainment/
Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (July 13, 2016) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, two-time heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola, undefeated welterweight Sammy Vasquez Jr. and Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz participated in a media workoutWednesday as they near their respective Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes matchups taking placeSaturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.  
 
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising starErickson Lubin battling once beaten brawler Ivan Montero in addition to the Wilder vs. Arreola and Vasquez Jr. vs. Diaz bout. The televised action will switch over to FS1 and FOX Deportes immediately following the conclusion of the FOX telecast.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
The fighters worked out at Round 1 Boxing in Vestavia Hills, Alabama as they prepare for the card headlined by the hometown favorite, Wilder, making the fourth defense of his heavyweight title.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“When it comes to Deontay Wilder, people look for the knockouts and I deliver. What separates me from other heavyweights is the fashion in which I knock guys out. I don’t just knock you out, I really put you out.
“Arreola definitely has a style prone to a knockout. He’s a pressure fighter who will come forward all night. That plays to my style. I love pressure fighters who give me a challenge. They keep me moving and thinking. I love the sweet science and the art to it.
“I never look at films of opponents because I want to be surprised and I want to give myself a mental challenge in there. That’s what makes this sport so great.
“Birmingham has showed me love from day one. I don’t just represent my city; I represent the state. Everywhere is my home. Birmingham understands entertainment and excitement and that’s what I’m trying to bring to people here.
“I’m here to defend my title against a very hungry fighter. It’s a life-changing event for the man who holds the belt at the end of the night.
“I never look past anybody. But I can look through them. Before I became a champion, I said I wanted to be an active champion. Just like I was active coming up. This has been my longest time away from the ring, so if all goes well on Saturday, I want to be back in the next few months.
“I have an ability to get out of bed and fight. I can do things that regular fighters can’t do. I don’t do miles of roadwork. I’m blessed with stamina.
“This is my gift to give back to my state. Boxing is growing fast here. Me and Jay Deas have always wanted to do this. It warms my heart that we’re living our dreams.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“Deontay is a very tough opponent so I have to come hard this time. This is my third world title shot and I have to make it count. The first time I was too young, the second time I got caught with a shot, but this time I’ll be ready for anything.
“Fighting a guy like Wilder, I have to be ready for anything. But he has to be ready too. I’m no slouch. I have fire and he’s another person in my way. I’m here to get it.
“There’s no challenge to get ready for a fight. I’m a boxer. This is what I do and this is what I love to do. Boxing is the most gentlemanly sport there is. You beat each other up then you shake hands like nothing happened. I’ve been grinding every day in the gym for this.
“This is a big night for both of us. It’s a great opportunity to be on primetime television. People are going to be watching for free at sports bars and it puts us out there. They’re going to watch two big men on display going for it all.
“I took it one day at a time in camp. I had to grind and get better every single day. I fear no man. I respect the man, but I don’t fear him. Everybody knows that I fight coming forward. I have to be smart and I have to move in angles.
“I want to leave a legacy behind. When they talk about Chris Arreola, they’re going to say ‘he did it.’ I took the long road but here we are now.
“I expect him to have a lot of fans and he’s very deserving of that. He’s made things happen in this state and this state is lucky to have a fighter like him. But no one can get in there with him. The fans can’t fight for him. I love the fans, but they’re just there to watch. It’s just me and Wilder in there Saturday.
“Beating Bermane Stiverne and defending the title how he has, I definitely respect Deontay. The humility that Deontay has shown has been impressive. He was more brash coming up the rankings and flamboyant. Now he’s come into his own and he understands who he is.
“The biggest difference between now and earlier in my career is that I’m comfortable with myself. My main motivation is being a boxer. I’m a boxer first. It’s not about who has the better six-pack.
“Weaknesses are something that I have to bring out of Deontay. Someone different shows up every fight. We have a plan but we’ll have to expose him while I’m in the ring. You can see videos all day, but it might not be the same guy in the ring.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.
“I think this fight goes eight rounds at the most. It’s tough to predict and he’s a shifty guy but I’m confident. I’m going to key in on the body and try to wear him out. I’ll be smart about it, because I have to make a statement in this fight.
“My reach and my height will give me an advantage but he’s a slick fighter. All of these things can be advantages, but they can also work against you. I like to box and keep my opponent at range. I can’t let him smother me. We’re very prepared for his best shots.
“I think it’s going to be a great fight. He has a great amateur pedigree but I think I’ve made more impact as a pro. We’re equals and it’ll make for an explosive fight.
“Diaz is a slick southpaw, just like Luis Collazo. He’s had a couple decent names on his resume. I think Lamont Peterson fell into Diaz’s trap a little bit, which made that a close fight. He’s coming up to my weight, but he brings it and he’s dangerous.
“It feels good to be here. It’s been a long training camp leading up to an unbelievable card like this. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be here. My coach (Charles Leverette) is from Alabama and he represents the state hard, so I’ve been on the ‘Roll Tide’ bandwagon.
“When I was young I remember watching great heavyweight title fights and now to be on the undercard of one is incredible. There are kids out there looking at me and Deontay in the same way. It’s amazing. It’s a blessing that really boosts my career and lets people get to know me better.”
FELIX DIAZ
“Sammy is a very good opponent of course. He’s undefeated right now, but he won’t be after Saturday.
“Moving up to 147 is going to be great for me and allow me to be at my very best. I think I can do big things in this division and Saturday night will be the start.
“What you train for and what happens in the ring are two different things. I’m prepared for anything that could happen in the ring.
“I have a great team and training camp has gone very well. I’ve been ready to fight for a long time and I can’t wait to get in the ring.
“Everyone should come out, because it’s going to be a great fight. I’m very confident in my ability to pull off this victory.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated Rising Star Erickson Lubin Takes On Mexico’s Ivan Montero in Televised Bout on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama

 
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and Moves to FS1 & FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
FS1 Bouts to Feature Unbeaten Jamal James Against Welterweight Contender Wale Omotoso Plus Exciting Former Champion Vic Darchinyan Taking On Mexico’s Enrique Quevedo & Undefeated Heavyweight
Gerald Washington in Action
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 11, 2016) – Unbeaten rising star Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (15-0, 11 KOs) returns to the ring to battle once-beaten brawler Ivan Montero (20-1, 8 KOs) in a super welterweight bout featured on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes telecast onSaturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
FOX televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his belt against two-time title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola plus undefeated welterweight contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. battles Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz. The televised action will switch over to FS1 and FOX Deportes immediately following the conclusion of the FOX telecast.
Bouts to be featured on FS1 & FOX Deportes include a 10-round matchup between unbeaten welterweightJamal James (19-0, 9 KOs) and exciting contender Wale Omotoso (26-2, 21 KOs), former world championVic Darchinyan (42-8-1, 31 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout against Mexico’s Enrique Quevedo (16-7-1, 10 KOs) and undefeated heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (17-0-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round affair.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
A highly regarded prospect with an exciting style, the 20-year-old Lubin burst onto the scene looking to finish opponents early as he cements his status as an elite contender. Fighting out of Orlando, he has already taken down experienced veterans including Orlando Lora, Ayi Bruce, Michael Finney and Norberto Gonzalez. He was sensational in November 2015 when he knocked out Alexis Camacho and in January he headlined his first card and dominated Jose De Jesus Macias in his first 10-round bout. He kept the hot streak going in June when stopped veteran Daniel Sandoval in the third round.
A professional since 2011, Montero was unbeaten in his first 19 pro fights including victories in 2015 over Michel Rosales and Julio Cesar Avalos. Fighting out of Yucatan, Mexico, he began his 2016 campaign by defeating Roberto Valdez in April. Now he looks to make a mark in his U.S. debut on July 16.
A tall welterweight at 6-foot-2, James is undefeated as a pro and beat tough contender Javier Molina in an FS1 and FOX Deportes main event in January. The 27-year-old out of Minneapolis had a big 2015 that began with victories over Michael Balasi and Daniel Sostre and culminated with a hard fought decision over once-beaten Juan Carlos Abreu in September. He will look to keep that momentum going when he faces his most dangerous opponent to date on July 16.
Born in Nigeria, but fighting out of Oxnard, Omotoso earned a unanimous decision over Gilberto Sanchez Leon in his last bout. He was unbeaten in his first 18 pro bouts while fighting out of Australia. The 31-year-old won his first five bouts stateside and will look for back-to-back victories when he battles James in Birmingham.
The fighter from Armenia who now fights out of Glendale, California, Darchinyan is coming off of stoppage victories over Cris Paulino and Prayoot Yaijam. Having fought against top contenders and former champions such as Abner Mares, Jesus Cuellar, Nonito Donaire and Nicholas Walters, Darchinyan looks to work his way back into world title contention after picking up titles in multiple weight classes. He takes on Quevedo out of Los Algodones, Mexico who most recently stopped previously unbeaten Yoandris Salinas in the fifth-round of their 2014 bout.
A two-way player (tight end and defensive end) at the University of Southern California, Washington spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practice squads on his unconventional path that led him to boxing. The 34-year-old also worked in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic before going to USC and did not get his start in professional boxing until 2012. Fighting out of Vallejo, California, he is yet to lose in his latest endeavor and most recently he defeated former title challenger Eddie Chambers in April.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com www.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.comfollow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsportsand www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Banner Promotions re-signs former world title challenger and Boxcino 2014 champion Willie Monroe Jr.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA (July 12, 2016)–Banner Promotions is pleased to announce the re-signing of former world title challenger and Boxcino 2014 Middleweight champion, Willie Monroe Jr. to an exclusive promotional agreement.
Monroe of Rochester, New York has a record of 20-2 with 6 knockouts and is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over fellow former world title challenger and Boxcino champion, John Thompson on June 11th in Verona, New York.
The 29 year-old Monroe turned professional in 2008 and won his first 10 bouts.  Monroe won the 2014 Boxcino Middleweight tournament with wins over Donatas Bondorovas, Vitally Kopylenko, and Brandon Adams.
Those wins catapulted him into a bout with WBA/Interim WBC Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin.
Monroe performed admirably in the bout, which took place on May 16, 2015 at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
“I’m excited to re-sign with Banner Promotions. Artie has been nothing but great to me, and he’ll put me in position to fight against the Danny Jacobs and Canelos of the boxing world,” said Willie Monroe Jr.
“It feels good to have a fresh start over. I am coming off of a huge win on Showtime vs. John Thompson, and I now have a great team watching my back with my brother, Trent Monroe, TJ Nolan and Adrian Clark as my Strategic Partner.”
“Doing what was best for Willie was the focal point in negotiations. We put our heads together and structured a great deal for Willie with Banner Promotions. I am looking forward to working with Artie to map out things for Willie,” said Adrian Clark, Monroe’s Strategic Partner.
“We are excited to have Willie back in the fold,” said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.
“Willie has showed not only in the Boxcino tournament, but in his fight against Golovkin, that he is one of the top middleweights in the world.  He had a great performance against John Thompson, and now he is ready for any challenge in the division.  We will be actively pursuing all of those opportunities for Willie.”
Photo credit:  Emily Harney / Banner Promotions