All posts by FNU47

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha Battles Joey Hernandez & Two-Division Champion Rances Barthelemy & Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Enter Ring as Part of Stacked Undercard Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, December 22 from  Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Leave a comment
Plus! Rising Prospects Gary Antuanne & Gary Antonio Russell
 Both in Action
 

BROOKLYN (November 27, 2018) – U.S. Olympian and super welterweight contender Terrell Gausha clashes with battle-tough veteran Joey Hernandez in a 10-round bout and former two-division world champion and Cuban star Rances  Barthelemy competes in a 10-round super lightweight fight, while heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba, who is shaking up the division as a fearsome puncher, enters the ring in a six-round attraction all as part of an action-packed undercard on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The stacked undercard leads into a blockbuster PBC on FOX show that features the Charlo Twins defending their world titles, and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron in primetime. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother to determine their fight order, will headline the show in a 12-round WBC interim middleweight championship bout against Willie Monroe, Jr., while Jermell Charlo will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Tony Harrison.

 

 

 

Also featured on the jam-packed undercard is middleweight contender Matt Korobov(28-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round fight and a 10-round super welterweight showdown between Brandon Quarles (20-4-1, 10 KOs) and Todd Manuel (17-16-1, 5 KOs).

 

 

 

The action continues with rising unbeaten prospects and younger brothers of featherweight world champion Gary Russell Jr., as 2012 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (7-0, 7 KOs) fights in an eight-round super lightweight bout and unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell (12-0, 10 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round bantamweight tilt.

 

 

 

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

 

 

The 31-year-old Gausha (20-1, 9 KOs) lost for the first time of his career when he dropped a unanimous decision to Erislandy Lara in a super welterweight title match in 2017 at Barclays Center. A member of the U.S. boxing team at the 2012 London Games, Cleveland’s Gausha is looking to rebound against Hernandez.

 

 

 

Hernandez (27-4-1, 17 KOs) has strung together three straight knockout victories since losing to Austin Trout in 2015 on FS1. A 34-year-old southpaw from Miami, Hernandez is coming off a TKO victory over Jose Antonio Rodriguez on August 8.

 

 

 

A prolific amateur in his native Cuba, Barthelemy (26-1, 13 KOs) returns to the ring after the first defeat of his career, in a super lightweight world title fight against Kiryl Relikh in March. The 32-year-old became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Argenis Mendez to capture a 130-pound title, and became a two-division champion when he bested Denis Shafikov for a vacant lightweight belt.

 

 

 

Ajagba (7-0, 6 KOs) grabbed attention this summer when his opponent walked out of the ring after touching gloves and the bell sounded to start the opening round live on FS1. He is the lone opponent to leave the ring unscathed against the 24-year-old Ajagba, who was a member of the Nigerian boxing team in the 2016 Rio Olympics and will step into the ring for the fifth time this year and for the second time at Barclays Center as a pro.

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

 

 

 

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @BrooklynBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing National Championships return to Salt Lake City Next Week

Leave a comment
More than 700 of the top amateur boxers in the United States will box for National Titles
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November. 27, 2018) — USA Boxing’s Elite and Youth National Championships & Junior and Prep Open returns to the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah for the second consecutive year, Dec. 1-8.

 

 

 

More than 700 of the nation’s best boxers, aged 8 to 40, will step into the ring beginning Dec. 4 looking for their chance to win a national title. This year’s tournament will also serve as the first qualifier to the 2020 Olympic Trials for Boxing for those boxers in the elite division (19-40).

 

 

 

Winners in the junior (15-16), youth (17-18) and elite division will earn spots on USA Boxing’s High Performance Squad, which will give them the opportunity to attend training camps at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., as well as represent Team USA in international competition in 2019. Boxers in the prep divisions (8-14) will earn valuable ranking points for the next year.

 

 

 

“We are looking forward to returning to Salt Lake City for another year of amazing boxing,” stated USA Boxing Executive Director Mike McAtee. “These championships are an important step towards qualifying to Team USA and their chance to try and qualify to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as earn a place on our high-performance squad for our younger boxers.”

 

 

 

USA Boxing will kick off the week-long tournament with a press conference on Monday, Dec. 3 in Room 155 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Local Utah boxers, World Championship medalists, as well as alumni of USA Boxing are expected to speak. A list of speakers will be announced closer to the day of the press conference.

 

 

 

Boxing will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 4 with two sessions, noon and 6:00 p.m., and will be free to the public until finals. Two sessions will continue through Thursday, Dec. 6, with Friday, Dec. 7 having just one noon session. The championships will conclude with the junior and youth finals beginning at 3:00 p.m., followed by the elite championship bouts starting at 6:00 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase throughout the week at the venue or at the door prior to the start of the finals.

 

 

 

USA Boxing and the USA Boxing Alumni Association will also host its second annual Alumni Association Hall of Fame Reception at the Radisson Hotel (215 S. Temple St.) on Friday, December 7. Visit teamusa.org/usa-boxing/alumni for more information.

 

      INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing

Undefeated prospect Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera takes his act South

Leave a comment
     

HARTFORD, Conn. (November 26, 2018) – Undefeated prospect Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera will take his act South this Friday night, when he fights Joshua Robertson in a “stay busy” fight on the “Boxing Bash” card, presented by Christy Martin Promotions, at Centerstage@Noda in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

 

 

Rivera vs. Robertson, contested at a 185-pounds catchweight, will be co-promoted by Rivera’s promoter, Hartford Boxing Promotions.

 

 

 

Rivera (8-0, 7 KOs), the reigning Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All America light heavyweight champion, is part of a trio that formed Hartford Boxing Promotions earlier this year, including Rivera’s manager/head trainer Tony Blanco and their partner, Michael Tran.

 

 

Fighting out of Hartford (CT), Rivera has rejuvenated that market, whose rich boxing history dates back nearly a full century, headlined by International Hall of Famers Willie “Will o’ the Wisp” Pep and Christopher “Battling” Battalino. Other top-area boxers include world champion Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, world title challengers Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega, and Israel “Pito” Cardona, and 1996 USA Olympic Boxing Team captain Lawrence Clay-Bey.

 

 

 

Now, though, it’s Rivera’s time to shine. Arguably the hardest-hitting, most popular fighter in New England, Rivera hit Randy Campbell so hard this past April in New Hampshire that the force of his powerful right broke his opponent’s ankle only seconds into the contest.

 

 

Rivera has developed a strong fan-base throughout New England and now he’s bringing his “Popeye” persona to the South for the first time. “This is a good opportunity to expand my ‘Popeye’ brand,” Rivera said. “My last fight was in Mexico and this fight is in North Carolina. We’re on our way to going worldwide. I have a lot of family in North Carolina, Fayetteville and Raleigh, so I won’t be alone down there.

 

 

 

“I believe 2019 won’t be much different that my first year as a pro. I’ll be getting a lot of fights and I think that, by the end of next year, I’ll be fighting for something big. I stay in top shape in case a good opportunity comes around. I’m confident and I’ve really benefitted from being Joe Smith‘s sparring partner. This fight is about staying sharp because I don’t like having too much time off. The plan is to fight in a different part of the country, get a victory, and then remain in top shape.”

 

 

 

The wildly popular Rivera originally got his nickname because, when he was younger, his forearms were considerably larger than his biceps. Fighters in the gym jokingly teased Rivera about his enlarged forearms, calling him “Popeye,” and the nickname has stuck. Now, Rivera showcases his Popeye persona in full, which has added many females and children to his growing fanbase, and he attributes his wins to eating his spinach to be good to the finish.

 

 

 

“Fighters today need to be more than talented,” added promoter Christy “The Coal Minder’s Daughter” Martin, the two-division world champion who was a women’s boxing pioneer. I haven’t seen him (Rivera) fight yet, but I’ve been impressed by what I’ve heard about him. He’s a great addition to our card. Rivera is a big guy with power and everybody wants to see big guys. But he’s also smart, marketing wise, by capitalizing on ‘Popeye.’ He gets it.”

 

 

 

Blanco connected with Martin through social media and, as he explained, things went smoothly from there to place Rivera on that card. “We want to keep Richard busy and then have a breakout year in 2019,” Blanco noted. “The beauty of Richard is that he stays busy and works hard, sometimes when he’s training by himself. Boxing is his job and I believe he’s destined for greatness.”

 

 

 

Robertson (7-11, 2 KOs), of Lynchburg, Virginia, has fought the likes of unified world junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd, former USBA middleweight title holder Luis Arias, and ex- WBC FECARBOX welterweight titlist Thomas LaManna.

 

 

 

Tickets are priced at $70.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission and available to purchase at the venue.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Boxing’s Best Heavyweights Past and Present Give Their Thoughts and Predictions On Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Blockbuster as Fight Week Begins in  Los Angeles

Leave a comment
 
Saturday, December 1 Live on SHOWTIME PPV® from 
STAPLES Center & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

LOS ANGELES (November 27, 2018) – As fight week in Los Angles kicks off, heavyweights of the past and present have spoken, and the majority believe Deontay Wilder’s pure punching power will be enough to defeat the highly-skilled Tyson Fury on Saturday, December 1 on SHOWTIME PPV®.

 

 

 

Some of the greatest heavyweight names in the history of boxing weighed-in on what will be the biggest heavyweight title fight in the U.S. since Mike Tyson took on Lennox Lewis in 2002. The SHOWTIME PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from STAPLES Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

 

 

 

Here is what the current and former heavyweight greats had to say about the Wilder vs. Fury matchup:

 

 

 

MIKE TYSON:

 

 

“Although Wilder’s punch is strong, nothing can compare to the mental strength Fury has shown both in and out of the ring. It’ll be a close call, but I think Fury’s got a true fighting chance.”

 

 

 

EVANDER HOLYFIELD:

 

 

“It’s a great fight. Fury’s got a lot of skills, he’s awkward and he has long arms. He has good reflexes and is a strong counter-puncher. Deontay needs to be first and he can’t wait on Tyson. Tyson’s always been the bigger fighter. In fighting Deontay it’s the same case. If things get difficult, he’s (Fury) got more experience and a lot of tricks. I think with Deontay’s power, he might be able to end it early, but if Tyson can frustrate him and it goes the distance, then it could go his way.”

 

 

 

LENNOX LEWIS:

 

 

“If it goes the distance then it belongs to Tyson Fury. If it’s a short fight it will belong to Deontay Wilder. This is an epic and most-unpredictable showdown. I can’t wait for this fight.”

 

 

 

GEORGE FOREMAN:

 

 

“I am a big fan of Deontay Wilder and I was impressed with Tyson Fury and how he avoided the big shots against Wladimir Klitschko. I can see him going 12 rounds with Wilder because of his height and reach.

 

 

 

“The great thing about this fight is that we’re all talking about it. I think Wilder wins a close decision.”

 

 

 

RIDDICK BOWE:

 

 

“If Wilder comes out and means business then he should beat Fury with ease. My prediction is Wilder by knockout!”

 

 

 

GERRY COONEY:

 

 

“Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury is a very interesting fight. I love Tyson Fury. I think he’s a remarkable self-promoter, and he did a great job with Wladimir Klitschko, using his feints and throwing Klitschko off his game plan. Deontay is a different kind of fighter, though. Fury fights at 30 miles per hour. Deontay fights at 100 miles per hour. So, when Deontay catches Fury and gets ahold of him I think it’s going to be over. I admire Fury, but I think he’s barking up the wrong tree with this fight. I think the bottom line is that Deontay is a whole different type of beast. He comes in aggressive and finishes his opponents. I hate to pick, but somebody has to lose. I’m picking Deontay by knockout and I think it ends inside of four or five rounds.”

 

 

 

LUIS ORTIZ

 

 

“If Fury decides he wants to dip and dive and move, then he can extend the fight. But it’s all up to Wilder. If Fury decides he wants to come to the middle of the ring and fight, then it’s going to be over quick. Wilder is going to catch him. Prediction: Wilder by KO.”

 

 

 

CHRIS ARREOLA:

 

 

“I think Wilder fighting Ortiz and now Fury back-to-back gives the fans exciting fights. I like both Wilder and Fury, but for this fight I am leaning slightly toward Wilder to win.”

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

ABOUT WILDER vs. FURY

 

 

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury pits the WBC Heavyweight World Champion Wilder against the lineal heavyweight champion Fury on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES CENTER in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will featureunbeaten unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurdreturning to take onJason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortizfacing-off against Travis Kauffmanand rising undefeated heavyweight Joe Joycebattling Joe Hanks.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES  “COPA COMBATE” TOURNAMENT ALTERNATE BOUTS FOR ONE-NIGHT, EIGHT-MAN $100,000 GRAND PRIZE SHOWDOWN AT SAVE MART CENTER IN FRESNO, CALIF. ON FRIDAY, DEC. 7

Leave a comment

COMBATE AMERICAS’ BIGGEST MMA EVENT OF 2018   
“COPA COMBATE”
MARKS FIRST ONE-NIGHT, EIGHT-MAN TOURNAMENT IN CALIFORNIA, AIRS LIVE ON DAZN, UNIVISION AND UNIVISION DEPORTES NETWORK

ALSO:
FEATURED WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHT CONTEST PITS
MARIA BUZAGLO VS. CORINA HERRERA  

TICKETS FOR “COPA COMBATE” ON SALE NOW

NEW YORK  – November 27, 2018 – Combate Americas today announced a pair of “alternate” bouts for its much-anticipated, biggest event of the year – the “COPA COMBATE” one-night, eight-man Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament that will award its featherweight (145 pounds) winner of three consecutive bouts a $100,000 grand prize at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. on Friday, Dec. 7.

 

The second annual “COPA COMBATE” tournament airs live in English in the U.S. and Canada on DAZN (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), and live on television in Spanish in the U.S. on both Univision (12 a.m. ET/PT) and Univision Deportes Network (UDN) (12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT), and marks the first time in history that California State will sanction a one-night, eight-man MMA tournament.

 

In one of two tournament alternate bouts announced today, Michael Irizarry (9-2) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will take on Pablo “El Gallo Negro” Sabori (8-5) of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, and in the second alternate bout, Joey “El Cazador” Ruquet (6-1) of Las Vegas, Nev., USA will face off with” Ruthless” Rudy Morales (5-6) of Las Vegas via Guatemala City, Guatemala.

 

Should any of the winners of the four quarterfinal stage tournament bouts be unable to re-enter La Jaula, the Combate Americas competition cage, for his semifinal stage bout due to injury sustained in quarterfinal stage action, one of the two tournament alternate bout winners will replace the injured competitor in the semifinal stage of the tournament.

 

Also announced today was a featured women’s strawweight (115 pounds) contest between unbeaten Maria Buzaglo (1-0) of Lima, Peru and relentless battler Corina Herrera (3-4-1) of Porterville, Calif., USA.

 

The “COPA COMBATE” tournament field features eight previously announced fighters, representing eight different countries: Andres “The Bullet” Quintana(15-2) of Roswell, N.M., USA; Alejandro “Gallito” Flores (13-1) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Gaston “Tonga” Reyno (8-2, 2 NC) of Montevideo, Uruguay; and Zebenzui “El Niño Roca” Ruiz (7-2) of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain; Bruno “Aquiles” Cannetti (7-5) of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Latin American MMA pioneer Pablo “El Gallo” Villaseca (13-4) of Santiago, Chile; undefeated John “Ronin” Bedoya (6-0) of Bogota, Colombia; and powerhouse Marlon “Deriko Siete”  Gonzales (13-3-2, 1 NC) of Lima, Peru.

 

The tournament brackets and quarterfinal stage tournament matchups will be announced this week.

 

In “COPA COMBATE” preliminary bout action announced today, local police officer Evan “Pitbull” Solorio (3-2) of Fresno will face off with Jimmy “Mamba” Molina (0-0) of Spokane, Wash., USA in a welterweight (170 pounds) contest.

 

In a battle of two professional debut competitors, Albert Gonzales (0-0) of Fresno will collide with James Porter (0-0) of Fresno.

 

Priced from $30, tickets for “COPA COMBATE” are on sale online at CombateAmericas.com/Tickets and at Ticketmaster.com, as well as at the Save Mart Center box office.

 

Doors at Save Mart Center will open for the event at 5 p.m. PT on December 7, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m.

 

 

# # #

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER VS. TYSON FURY FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment

 

 

WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder & Lineal Champion Tyson Fury Erupt at Heated Press Conference for Blockbuster Heavyweight Showdown

 

 

Saturday, December 1 Live on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles

 

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LOS ANGELES (November 28, 2018) – Undefeated heavyweight giants Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury erupted in Los Angeles on Wednesday at the final press conference for their WBC Heavyweight World Championship this Saturday, December 1 on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The 6-foot-7 Wilder and the 6-foot-9 Fury went back-and-forth with verbal haymakers before nearly coming to blows while posing for photos onstage. The unbeaten heavyweights will meet in just three days in the most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. in more than 15 years.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

 

 

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites Los Angeles:

 

 

 

DEONTAY WILDER

 

 

 

“This is going to be an amazing event. I’ve been so happy in my camp and in my life. Everything has come together. I’m just so happy to be here fighting at STAPLES Center and ready to bring the stars out for this special fight.

 

 

 

“I cannot wait for this fight. The time is coming. Only three days now. Can you feel the energy? The two best heavyweights in the world are right here. This is a moment that I’ve waited for my entire career. This is my time. Tyson Fury had his time.

 

 

 

“What I care about is showing people what I’m all about it. I’m showing you each and every time and I’m giving you a knockout.  America has a mighty man in me. America has the baddest man on the planet.

 

 

 

“I put in the hard work to make it here. I’ve grinded and worked. There’s no way I’m going to let a man come from another country and take what I’ve been building.

 

 

 

“I don’t believe Fury has the confidence to come and beat me. His last opponent hit Fury with any shot he wanted. If he’s going to knock me out, why didn’t he knock out his last opponent? He doesn’t believe he can knock me out. When I say it, I believe it. My numbers don’t lie. I’m going to prove it again.

 

 

 

“It’s so beautiful to have two great giants in the ring. Two great guys with great stories. We will determine who is the best. You will get to see who is the best heavyweight in the world. One champion, one face and one name. That is what I’m seeking.

 

 

 

“I’m grateful for all the opponents I’ve faced. Every fighter has brought something to the table and made me bigger and bigger. I had to prove myself over and over again. I have to show everyone with my actions.

 

 

 

“This means everything to me. There are so many emotions running through my body. I’ve been ready for two weeks. We went through the process of camp so that we stayed sharp, but I’ve been ready. I’m a different breed in this sport.

 

 

 

“I’m going to show you domination. I’m going to show you my boxing skill. I’m going to beat him, then knock him out. He’s going to have to back up everything he’s said to promote this fight.”

 

 

 

TYSON FURY

 

 

 

“It is my anniversary today. It’s been three years since I went to Germany and beat Wladimir Klitschko all over Dusseldorf to becoming heavyweight champion. I’m only three days away from doing the same to the ‘Bronze Bomber’.

 

 

 

“We’ve had a fantastic training camp. We’ve put nine weeks in. I can’t remember a better training camp. We’ve had no injuries and fantastic sparring. I’m here to do a job and enjoy myself.

 

 

 

“I hope the boxing fans around the world are going to enjoy this as much as I will. I’ve looked forward to this fight since 2011. On Saturday night, I’m going to finally get my chance to punch him in the face. Deontay Wilder is getting knocked out.

 

 

 

“It’s been a long, hard road. I had many obstacles in the way. My absence from the ring has been well documented, but it’s made me stronger and more determined. I’ve never been as happy during a training camp as I was in this one.

 

 

 

“Having Freddie Roach on the team is fantastic. He’s helped us out a lot in the gym and I’m glad we have him on our side. I’m thrilled to have him.

 

 

 

“The fire in me has been lit again. Nothing in life was given to me. I’ve worked for everything I earned. I am the people’s champion and I am the man who gives the people hope. I’m not just fighting for myself. I’m fighting for the millions of people around the world who look to me for inspiration.

 

 

 

“I don’t need to beat Deontay Wilder to prove I’m the best. I’m the lineal champion. If Deontay wins, he will be the best, but he’s not going to beat me. I’m the best heavyweight alive, and there’s only one way to get that title. You have to come take it from me. There’s never been a man who could better me in a fight.

 

 

 

“Once I knew that I was going to box again, I knew that I would be heavyweight champion of the world again. I know that it’s destiny. I’m showing up on Saturday night, beating Wilder up and becoming WBC champion.”

 

 

 

JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer

 

 

 

“These are two very big tall guys, who are also very athletic, and that’s not something you get to see very often. These aren’t bulky guys who are going to hug all night. These guys are coming to fight. It’s going to make it a very exciting night.

 

 

 

“Typically Deontay doesn’t fight people as tall as he is, but he always fights people heavier than himself. That’s never been an issue. As far as preparation, we felt that because of Fury’s athleticism, we were better off bringing guys who maybe weren’t as tall, but were very athletic. His prevailing attribute is the athleticism, more so than his height.

 

 

 

“It’s been great to see Deontay’s growth over the years. His boxing IQ and maturity level has come so far. He realizes he needs to do what is best for his body each and every day while still getting all of the work done. He’s so much healthier going through the progressions of camp than he ever used to be. He’s really on point with his health, nutrition and workouts. He knows himself so well.

 

 

 

“Deontay and I have been together since his very first day in a boxing gym. We’ve gone through this road together. We had to look up on the internet what someone has to do to make the Olympics. We just had no experience. We’ve been through it all. The ups and the downs. We’re proud to be here and in this position.”

 

 

 

BEN DAVISON, Fury’s Trainer

 

 

 

“These men are both so confident and have such high levels of self-belief, that they’re never willing to give an inch. If it was a race to tie their shoelaces, neither one would want to lose. When they get together, it’s just exciting.

 

 

 

“I knew that Tyson Fury was elite in every department, but he’s even stronger mentally than I imagined. He’s so confident and relaxed. Deontay will have to convince himself of things that are not true to build confidence. That’s the big difference.

 

 

 

“Freddie Roach is a genuinely great person who’s been very accommodating and helpful while we’ve trained in Southern California. You couldn’t have a better person in the corner than Freddie. He’s a legend in the game and we’re blessed to have him in the corner.”

 

 

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DIBella Entertainment

 

 

 

“There’s nothing like a great heavyweight title fight. As goes the division, so goes boxing. There aren’t truer words. I’ll put a great heavyweight fight against any sporting event you can go to in the world. Saturday night at STAPLES Center, we have a great one.

 

 

 

“We know that Tyson Fury deserves to be here and that he presents a threat. He’s a great champion who can box. He’s a champion for people who have had to overcome struggles. He’s back to looking better than I’ve ever seen him and he’s an inspiration to a lot of people.

 

 

 

“The man I’m lucky to be able to introduce is the best heavyweight in the world. This fight is happening because his team has worked tirelessly for years to get him this kind of opportunity. Finally, on Saturday night, there is a champion brave enough to get in the ring with Deontay Wilder and allow him to realize his dream.

 

 

 

“For years Deontay has been speaking to try to get this opportunity. He didn’t have an easy road growing up or getting into this sport. But he’s always believed in himself. He believes he has the strength to overcome all of those obstacles. On Saturday he’s going to receive his just reward.”

 

 

 

FRANK WARREN, President of Queensbury Promotions

 

 

 

“We’ve got a great fight coming up on Saturday. Team Fury has done a fantastic job getting Tyson Fury into tremendous shape. What’s so significant about this fight is that today is three years to the day when he became heavyweight champion by beating Wladimir Klitschko. He went into his opponent’s backyard and took the title and he intends to do the same on Saturday.

 

 

 

“To see where Tyson Fury is at today is a testament to his character. He’s here as the lineal champion, undefeated in the ring and back to win his title on Saturday.

 

 

 

“He’s been a consummate professional in training and he has a formidable opponent with tremendous power. But if boxing was about who was the biggest puncher, you wouldn’t need judges. Styles will make this fight. Tyson has answered a lot of questions already and I know he’s in a great place mentally to finish the job.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

 

 

 

“Heavyweight boxing is back. SHOWTIME has done 13 heavyweight title fights in the last four years, including three this year. I can’t think of two guys I’d rather do a big heavyweight fight like this with than Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

 

 

 

“Both of these men have beaten the odds to make it here. Tyson Fury’s obstacles have been well-documented and he will again beat the odds on Saturday night just by making it into the ring.

 

 

 

“Who would have thought that when Deontay Wilder picked up gloves at 18-years-old, that he’d be the WBC Heavyweight Champion and headlining a pay-per-view at STAPLES Center, not bad for a kid from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We’re excited about this fight and we’ll see you on Saturday night.”

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

ABOUT WILDER vs. FURY

 

 

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury pits the WBC Heavyweight World Champion Wilder against the lineal heavyweight champion Fury on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV undercard begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. 

 

boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE TO CELEBRATE 25TH SHOW THIS SATURDAY, DEC. 1, WITH ROY JONES JR. PROMOTIONS IN SAN ANTONIO

Leave a comment
Fan-friendly, interactive FREE platform to make Texas debut, marking tenth state appearance for the series.

NEW YORK (Nov. 27, 2018) – Now approaching four million series views, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is set to hit a few more milestones on Saturday, Dec. 1, in San Antonio, Texas. Partnering once again with the legendary Roy Jones Jr. and Keith Veltre of RJJ Promotions, the interactive, fan-friendly series will hold its 25th show – live from its tenth state of origin – showcasing a pair of undefeated warriors with hardware on the line. Local flair will also be on display on any device wherever Facebook is available beginning at 6:30 p.m. E.T. (5:30 p.m. C.T.).

 

 

 

“Roy and I have always felt that live streaming would take the place of the old platforms of delivering fights,” stated Keith Veltre, CEO and Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions. “This gives us the ability to reach millions of boxing fans around the world and enable us to deliver our sponsors a great deal of exposure we would normally get from traditional TV. This series is giving fighters the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world and gain a fan base. We are thrilled that this vision lines up exactly where Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions wants to be.”

 

 

 

This Saturday, Dec. 1, from the fabled Scottish Rite Theatre in San Antonio features a 10-round main event between undefeated super lightweights Kendo Castaneda (14-0, 7 KOs) and Gilbert Venegas Jr. (10-0, 6 KOs), who will battle for the vacant WBA-NABA title. Locally-promoted favorites Ricky Medina (1-0, 1 KO), Luis Villarreal (3-0-1, 1 KO), Xavier Wilson (8-0-1, 1 KO) and others will put their undefeated records on the line as part of a stacked undercard.

 

 

 

“Roy Jones Jr. and Keith Veltre have believed in our FIGHTNIGHT LIVE platform from the beginning and we’re thrilled to partner with them once again on what will be our 25th show in the series,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “We’re also excited to make our series debut in the Lone Star State, the tenth State in the Union for our FIGHTNIGHT LIVE shows. It’ll be a hot one in Texas to open our December schedule.”

 

 

 

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly series that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 425 fighters and 13 promotions during 24 live event broadcasts from 16 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

 

 

 

  • Since May 2017, the numbers on the 24-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 151,269 views per eventand more than 3.6 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, Season II shows have averaged more than 315,000 views.

 

 

  • The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871), the Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Oct. 2018 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (196,656), the Sept. 2018 “Card Fit For Kings” from Philadelphia (195,620), the Sept. 2017 CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (151,253) all logged 150,000 or more views, and collectively the 24-show series has seen a total of more than 3,630,448 views across all devices.

 

 

  • In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 320,000 collective live post engagements (more than 13,000 per show), including more than 250,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 43,000 comments and almost 15,000 shares.

 

 

  • The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 viewsand the Sept. 2017 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

 

 

  • The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 84,000 fans and more than90,000 followers.

 

 

 

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

 

 

 

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

boxing

KYE “MR. VEGAS” BROOKS FACES TOUGHEST TEST OF HIS CAREER

Leave a comment

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 21, 2018) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s unbeaten heavyweight prospect, Kye Brooks (4-0, 3 KOs) returns to the ring, December 1, 2018, at The Scottish Rite Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, as part of a stacked undercard for Kendo Castaneda (14-0, 7 KOs) vs. Gilbert Venegas Jr. (10-0, 6 KOs), co-promoted by TMB & PRB Entertainment and Roy Jones Jr. Promotions.

Brooks will be stepping up in competition to face Vaughn Parham (3-1 3KOs), who has won every bout in his professional career via knockout.

“I wanted a challenge, so I made sure I faced the toughest opponent possible,” said Kye Brooks, who resides in Las Vegas, and is trained by former two-time world champion Bones Adams. “Vaughn Parham is a kill or be killed type of fighter. He has tremendous power and it’s a dangerous fight. I took this challenge so that I can make a statement.”

“Brooks is a great fighter with good power in both hands.” said Greg Hannely, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “He’s eager to face the best in his division. I am very excited for what the future holds for him.

This is Brooks’ toughest test to date as the New York native Parham is a heavy-handed slugger looking to pull off the upset.

“I am ready!” Brooks continued. “I didn’t turn pro for anything, I am giving people good fights and entertaining bouts, December 1st is just another one.”

The entire card will be streamed via Facebook’s FIGHTNIGHT LIVE channel, which has already served more than three million fight fans since May 2017.

Tickets priced $35 General Admission $40 at the door, and $100 Ringside, are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Scottish Rite Theatre is located at 308 Ave E, San Antonio, TX 78205. Doors open at 4:00 PM, first bell at 5:30 PM.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. ADRIEN BRONER LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Leave a comment

 

 

Saturday, January 19 From MGM Grand Garden Arena

Live On SHOWTIME PPV®

 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Watch the Full Press Conference HERE

 

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – November 20, 2018 – Boxing’s only eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and former four-division champ Adrien “The Problem” Broner were all business on Tuesday as they concluded their two-city press tour in Los Angeles announcing their Saturday, January 19 showdown for Pacquiao’s WBA Welterweight World Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, tickets to the Pacquiao vs. Broner welterweight world championship event will go on sale on Saturday, November 24. Tickets are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Here are what the fighters and executives had to say on Tuesday.

MANNY PACQUIAO:

“This fight is going to be a good fight. I have to pass through him before fighting Floyd Mayweather. I want to prove to the boxing fans that Manny Pacquiao is still in the pack. You will see more fights with Manny Pacquiao here in the United States.

“He’s young and he’s fast – and he’s fast with his mouth. There will be more action in the ring – we know what the people want. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a fight you will never forget.

“I continue my career as a boxer because boxing is my passion. When I hung up my gloves once, I felt sad not being in the ring and giving inspiration to people in the Philippines and boxing fans.”

On potentially fighting Floyd Mayweather again:

“I don’t think Adrien will agree with that, because I need to pass through him. This is not an easy fight.”

On working with Al Haymon:

“I have only good things to say about Top Rank – they helped me a lot. But I’m really thankful to be partnered with Al Haymon and have a chance to work with him.”

“[Broner’s] a funny guy. I think after his boxing career, he could have another career as a comedian. I don’t get upset about the jokes. I can’t help but laugh when I look at his face.”

Will the Mayweather rematch be next?

“I can’t give you an answer, but if you ask me, it would be good for me to have that fight.”

ADRIEN BRONER:

“January 19, I am coming to win. Screw the money, I’m going to be victorious. They keep talking about a Pacquiao-Mayweather 2, but I’m going to mess those plans up. I just don’t see Manny Pacquiao beating me.

“He’s still in great condition. He’s trained his ass off. I have to keep my composure and stay focused on my game plan. But I’m not going to tell you what that plan is.

“Hope isn’t my strategy – there will be no luck. I feel like he can’t beat me. Look at my resume – what do I do to southpaws? I stop them. Going into this fight, I’m very confident. I’m going to do what I always do to southpaws and dismantle him.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“These two fighters have resumes that you’re all familiar with. On the surface they seem very different, but they’re more similar than you’d think.

“They’re two of the most entertaining and popular fighters in the sport. They are also two fighters who are all heart. We’ve seen them in tough fights, and there’s one thing you know you’re going to get out of Manny Pacquiao and AB, and that’s 100 percent effort throughout the fight.

“When Adrien Broner and Manny Pacquiao fight, it’s a huge event. Add in Mayweather Promotions and MGM Grand and Las Vegas, and it’s one of the biggest fights of the year. There’s a lot at stake – this will be an all action fight. It will be a special weekend, and we can’t wait.”

JOE RAMOS, Head of MP Promotions

“We all know Adrien is hungry, but he’s fighting boxing’s only eight-division champion. Manny will show the world that he’s the best fighter on the planet come January 19. Don’t miss a chance to be part of history.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We know we have a great fight come Jan. 19. You’ll see a future Hall of Famer in Manny Pacquiao, and a guy in Adrien Broner who has never backed down from a challenge. He knows he has to be at his best to beat Manny Pacquiao. The style matchup with these two guys is very intriguing. I promise you this will be a great fight.”

RAVONE LITTLEJOHN, Co-Head of About Billions Promotions

“It’s going to be a great fight. If my man AB hits the right shot, it could be a short night. We’ve never been down for the count, and we’re not going to start now. We know the position we’re in. It’s a pleasure to fight a legend like Manny Pacquiao.”

RICHARD STRUM, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports

“This fight kicks off another tremendous year of entertainment for MGM. I’d like to welcome Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner, two of the sport’s most iconic fighters, back to MGM Grand and Las Vegas.”

Tickets Go On Sale Saturday, November 24