Category Archives: Boxcino

Petrov scores decisive decision over Diaz Shlestyuk outpoints Rodriguez in national television debut  PLUS POST FIGHT VIDEO INTERVIEWS 

For Immediate Release

Corona, Calif. (April 6, 2015) – Lightweight standout and Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion, Petr Petrov (36-4-2, 16 KOs) made a strong case for a future world title shot with his one-sided, unanimous decision win against former world champion Gamaliel Diaz (39-12-3, 18 KOs) in the main event of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif. Scores were 98-89, 97-90 twice.

The event was promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.
Throughout the ten round fight, Petrov used superior hand speed to tag the slower Diaz. He scored a knockdown in the seventh round, and from that point forward, Petrov controlled the fight with his accurate jab and stingy defense.
“Diaz was a good opponent,” said the 32-year-old Petrov. “He was experienced and knew how to get out of danger. He knows how to hold and slow down a fight, but after a ten-month lay off, I can say that we’re back. I’m ready for a world title shot. That’s my goal.”

In the co-main event, 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk (12-0, 8 KOs) remained undefeated against Juan Rodriguez (12-2, 5 KOs). Shelestyuk battled through a nasty cut over his right eye caused by an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round. 

“Rodriguez is a tough southpaw,” said Shelestyuk, who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions. “It was the second time in my career that I’ve been cut. It was tough to see with all the blood, but the cut made me focus more because I thought the doctor might stop the fight, and I didn’t want that. I wanted to show my ability and I did by winning by a wide margin.”

The opening bout between junior welterweights Emanuel Robles (13-0-1, 3 KOs) of San Diego and Wilberth Lopez (5-5, 1 KO) of Tucson, Ariz. was an entertaining, back-and-forth affair. Robles jumped out to an early lead, but Lopez came on strong toward the end. Robles scored a unanimous decision win with scores 58-56, 59-55, twice.

“It was a great fight,” Robles said. “He came ready to fight. I’m glad I was able to put on a good show. I got tired toward the end, but I’ll get back in the gym and get better.”

In other bouts, welterweight Darius Ervin (1-0) of Indio, Calif. notched his first professional win against Isaac Freeman (1-1, 1 KO) of Los Angeles. The majority decision scores read: 39-37, 40-36, and 38-38.

Junior lightweight Michael Norato (1-0, 1 KO) started his professional career in electrifying fashion by knocking out Sopuan Rin (1-2-1) at the 2:14 mark of the second round. Norato put Rin on his back three times in the second round, which stirred the crowd into a frenzy.

“It’s a great way to start my career,” Norato said. “I can’t wait for my next fight.”

Super bantamweight Humberto Rubalcava (1-0, 1 KO) of nearby Riverside, had a memorable pro debut by knocking out Christian Lorenzo (2-3, 1 KO) of Los Angeles in the second round with a powerful right hook that nearly sent Lorenzo through the ropes.

“This is what boxing is all about,” Rubalcava said. “I gave the fans what they wanted to see.”
Taras Shelestyuk Post Fight 040315
Taras Shelestyuk Post Fight 040315
Petr Petrov Post fight interview 040315
Petr Petrov Post fight interview 040315
PHOTO CREDIT: CARLOS BAEZA / THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS
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DANNY GARCIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS


 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco

 

PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2015) – As fight week nears for the second installment of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC (8:30 pm ET/5:30 p.m. PT), undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia held a media workout in his hometown of Philadelphia in preparation for his showdown with fellow world champion Lamont Peterson on Saturday, April 11 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

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

 

Check out what Garcia and his father and trainer Angel had to say on Wednesday.

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“Training is going well, I’ve done everything I have to do and I’m still focused. It’s a week and a half until the fight and I’m ready to go. If the fight were tomorrow I’d be ready.

 

“It’s a big fight and it’s the fight that the fans wanted. We’re going to give the fans a great night of boxing on NBC and it’s time the show the world that Danny Garcia is the star of NBC.

 

“We have common opponents like Khan and Matthysse and we’ve had different results.  They say styles make fights so those results don’t matter. Well, my style is to kick his butt.

 

“I know that this second PBC on NBC show is going to be even bigger and I just feel blessed to be a part of it and I can’t wait to go out there and showcase my skills.

 

“I’m ready for whatever Peterson brings. If he tries to box then I’m going to go with that and if he wants to fight, I’ll be ready. I’m not going to go in and just try to knock his head off, I’m going to be Danny Garcia.

 

“I’d love to be fighting on the biggest stage in boxing against the Mayweather and Pacquiaos, but for now it’s just about taking it one fight at a time, this is history in the making.

 

“A lot of things have changed for me in the last few years, everybody knows me now. A lot of people look at you different now but it doesn’t make my head bigger, it just motivates me to work hard.

 

“I love Brooklyn, it’s my fourth fight at Barclays Center and I’m looking to make it 4-0 on April 11.

 

“This is a blessing for the sport of boxing. Millions of fans haven’t had the opportunity to watch boxing on primetime in years and this is great for the sport.”

 

ANGEL GARCIA

 

“I’ll give Peterson credit for putting the gloves on. He thinks it’s going to be an easy night for him. He sees himself already on top of the mountain. It’s not going to happen like that, we’re going to ruin his party.

 

“I want Peterson to act confident and come forward. They’re talking like Danny isn’t special but he lost to the guys we beat.

 

“It doesn’t matter what anyone says as long as Danny is in here putting in 100 percent every day. It’s all about April 11.

 

“We’re not going to train for eight weeks to go in there and worry about what Peterson is going to do, we’re going to do what we have to do. We train to go in there and win on April 11.”

 

 

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

Undefeated welterweight Taras Shelestyuk comments on ESPN Friday Night Fights debut against Juan Rodriguez Jr.

Petr Petrov to battle former world champion Gamaliel Diaz in NABA/NABO lightweight title fight
For Immediate Release

Los Angeles, CA (March 31, 2015)– Undefeated welterweight Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (11-0, 8 KO’s) is getting ready for his April 3rd national television debut when he takes on Juan Rodriguez Jr. in the co-feature of an ESPN Friday Night Fights card in Corona, California.

The card is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.
In the main event, Petr Petrov will defend his NABA & NABO lightweight title when he takes on former world champion Gamaliel Diaz.
Shelestyuk, who was a 2012 Bronze Medal winner in the London Olympic games, has been training at the Wild Card Gym with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and Marvin Somodio and is looking forward to this great opportunity to display his talents in front of a nationwide audience.

“Juan Rodriguez is a good fighter, But I will show what I am made of on April 3rd,” said Shelestyuk.
“I can fight and adjust to any opponent during the fight and will do anything to win.  I have been waiting a very long time to fight on national television and now it’s here” continued the versatile Shelestyuk.

 

Also on the card, undefeated welterweight prospect Sukhrab Shidaev(12-0, 7 KOs) of Hollywood, Calif. will fight an opponent to be named later (6-rounds).

Former Colombian Olympian and undefeated lightweight Cesar Villarraga(6-0, 4 KOs) will look to stay unbeaten against Victor Serrano (3-8-1, 1 KO) in a 6-round lightweight bout.

Making his professional debut is junior lightweight Michael Norato facing fellow novice Sopuan Rin (1-1-1) of Pomona, Calif. in a fight scheduled for 4-rounds.

Humberto Rubalcava will also step inside the squared circle for the first time as a professional. Rubalcava, a super bantamweight from Riverside, Calif., will faceChristian Lorenzo (2-2, 1 KO).

Opening the event are junior welterweights Emanuel Robles (12-0-1, 3 KOs) of San Diego and Wilberth Lopez (5-4, 1 KO) of Tucson, Ariz. (6-rounds).

Tickets are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at www.ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

The 1st bout is at 5:15 PT, Doors at 4:30 PT and 1st TV bout at 6 PM PT./ 9 pm ET

 

Photos by Peter Politanoff

Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight and Heavyweight semifinals to be held on Friday, April 10 at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA

Philadelphia (March 31, 2015)–It is less than two weeks away from the semifinals of the Boxcino 2015 heavyweight and jr. middleweight tournaments that will take place on Friday night, April 10th and will be held at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA.

 

The show will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights with the Boxcino semifinal fights beginning at 9 PM ET.

 

All semifinal bouts are scheduled for eight rounds.

 

In the heavyweight division, Andrey Fedosov (26-3, 21 KO’s) will take on Lenroy Thomas (19-3, 8 KO’s).  Fedosov is coming off a first round pounding of Nate Heaven while Thomas won a 7-round drawbreaker over former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada.

 

In the second semifinal, Razvan Cojanu (13-1, 7 KO’s) will take on Donovan Dennis (11-1, 9 KO’s).

 

Cojanu is coming off a 7-round drawbreaker win over Ed Fountain while Dennis stopped Steve Vukosa in 4-rounds.

 

In the jr. middleweight division, Stanyslav Skorokhod (9-0, 7 KO’s) battles John Thompson (15-1, 5 KO’s).

 

Skorokhod was very impressive in taking out Michael Moore in four rounds. Thompson took a six round unanimous decision over Ricardo Pinnel.

 

Brandon Adams (16-1, 11KO’s) battles Vito Gasparyan (15-3-5, 8 KO’s).

 

Adams stopped Alex Perez in five rounds while Gasparyan won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Simeon Hardy.

 

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

 

This event starts at 7pm.  Ticket prices are $100, $75, $50.  Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com1-800-745-3000 and at the box office at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

For credentials, contact:  Marc Abrams at marc@banner-promotions.com

 

Follow Banner Promotions on social media for all the latest Banner and #Boxcino2015 updates:

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Boxcino 2014 Middleweight champion Willie Monroe Jr. comments on title opportunity against Gennady Golovkin

Philadelphia, PA (March 16, 2015)–This past Friday it was announced that Boxcino 2014 Middleweight champion Willie Monroe Jr. has accepted the challenge and will fight WBA/IBO and WBC Interim Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin on May 16 at the Forum in Inglewood,California.
The event will be televised Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Monroe of Rochester, New York earned the opportunity on the strength of his three wins in the 2014 Boxcino Middleweight tournament and a ten-round unanimous decision victory over Bryan Vera on January 16.
“On May 16, I will shock the world,”  said Monroe.
“I think this is an awesome fight. We have two contrasting styles and that will make for some spontaneous combustion. We will see which style comes out on top on May 16.”
“I want to thank Banner Promotions for standing by me. I also want to thank GGG for accepting the fight. This is a risky fight for him because people have not given me the credit for who I am.” continued Monroe. “I want to also thank Brian Kweder and John Campagna of ESPN for the platform of the Boxcino tournament. I know that it was those three fights that really spingboarded me into this position.”
Said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo, “We are extremely happy for Willie. He has worked very hard, and he got this opportunity the old-fashioned way.  He earned it. To win the 2014 Boxcino tournament shows that when fighters take risks in their career, and they are willing to fight quality fighters, great things come from it. For that I have to really give a lot of credit to Brian Kweder and John Campagna of ESPN for help facilitating this great run that Willie has been on and which led to this opportunity.”
“When ESPN signed on with Banner Promotions to bring back the Boxcino Championship last year, Artie Pelullo promised that the tournament would produce a world champion just as it did back in the 1990’s,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN  senior director of programming and acquisitions. “I’m happy to see Willie Monroe, Jr. get the first shot at delivering on that promise. This fight on May 16th  is exactly the reason fight fans should tune in to this year’s crop of talent appearing in the Boxcino semifinals on April 10th on Friday Night Fights.”
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Fast-Rising Lightweight Contender Tony ‘Lightning’ Luis Welcomes Newborn Son Miguel

An amazing 2015 continued on February 20 for fast-rising Canadian lightweight contender Tony “Lightning” Luis (19-2, 7 KOs), as he and fiance Manon Latulippe welcomed the birth of their first child, a son named Miguel, on February 20.

Born at 6 lbs 14 oz, Luis says baby Miguel is healthy and beautiful.

“I named him after Miguel Cotto, always loved the name for a boy,” explained Luis. “When we told the family we were going with the name Miguel, my sister got emotional. I said ‘what’s wrong?’ She said ‘You didn’t know? The last couple years before mom passed, she said she wished she would have had another boy and named him Miguel. I thought for sure that’s why you picked it?’ I said ‘No. My favorite fighter is Miguel Cotto.’ So, it was like my mom had a hand in this.”

Baby Miguel is the latest in a hot string of victories this year for Luis, who also picked up the WBC Continental Americas lightweight title and ruined the undefeated record of IBF #15 rated Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (17-1, 9 KOs), in January, by way of an upset 10-round unanimous decision. A huge underdog, Luis surprised everyone but himself by dominating Dargan.

27-year-old Luis, from Cornwall, Ontario, says that so far fatherhood has been wonderful.

“I have no complaints. There are late nights and he’s crying and stuff, but I’m very lucky because I’ve been on midnights all week, so I’m gone all night and I’m with him during the day. Manon has been great about it. She lets me sleep to train twice a day and work all night. I’m very lucky and blessed to have a partner like her.”


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About Greg Cohen Promotions

 

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen made headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (50-8-2, 41 KOs); and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney (74-7-3, 45 KOs).

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; cruiserweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight and Heavyweight semifinals to be held on Friday, April 10 at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem, PA (February 26, 2015)–On Friday night, April 10th, a special night of boxing will commence from the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA, as the Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight & Heavyweight semifinals will take place on the same evening.
The show is promoted by Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions and will be broadcasted live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Over the past two weeks, the quarterfinals took place in both divisions, and the match-ups on April 10 are as follows:
In the Jr. Middleweight division:
Brandon Adams (16-1, 11 KO’s) will fight Vito Gasparyan (15-3-5, 8 KO’s) whileStanyslav Skorokhod (9-0, 7 KO’s) battles John Thompson (15-1, 5 KO’s).
In the Heavyweight division:
Andrey Fedosov (26-3, 21 KO’s) will take on Lenroy Thomas (19-3, 9 KO’s) andRazvan Cojanu (13-1, 7 KO’s) squares off with Donovan Dennis (13-2, 10 KO’s).
All four Boxcino semifinal bouts are scheduled for eight rounds.
“We are very excited to be bringing the Boxcino semifinals to the Sands in Bethlehem,” said Banner Promotions President Arthur Pelullo.
“It should be a great night of boxing to determine who the finalists will be in the Jr. Middleweight and Heavyweight divisions.”

This event starts at 7pm.  Ticket prices are $100, $75, $50.  Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com1-800-745-3000 and at the box office at the Sands Event Center.

 

Follow Banner Promotions on social media for all the latest Banner and #Boxcino2015 updates:

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Fedosov, Dennis, Thomas and Cojanu advance in Boxcino Heavyweight tournament

Fedosov, Cojanu, Dennis and Thomas
 
Verona, NY (February 22, 2015)Andrey Fedosov, Donovan Dennis, Lenroy Thomas and Razvan Cojanu all scored victories in their quarterfinal bouts in the Boxcino Heavyweight tournament at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.
The show was promoted by Banner Promotions and was broadcasted live on ESPN’sFriday Night Fights.
All Boxcino bouts were scheduled for 6 rounds.
Dennis took out previously undefeated Steve Vukosa in round four.

Dennis dominating Vukosa
Dennis was the much quicker fighter from the outset and landed hard shots on Vukosa from early on.  In round three, Dennis dropped Vukosa from a hard combination.  Vukosa was never the same as he was staggered a few more times and even looked like he had no defense as he tried to turn his back several times on Dennis until he was dropped again in the fourth round and the fight was stopped at2:52.
Dennis, 222 lbs of Davenport, Iowa is now 13-2 with 10 knockouts.  Vukosa, 218 lbs of Quincy, Massachusetts is now 10-1.
“He was a patient fighter and early on, I took what I could get,” said Dennis.  “I was working off my jab and started to connect.  I trained very hard and I had a lot more in the tank.  I was a little mad that it was stopped early.  I can’t wait to get back in the gym and work on getting better.”
Andrey Fedosov scored an emphatic 1st round stoppage over Nate Heaven
In round one, Fedosov dropped Heaven with a thudding left hook.  He sent him to the canvas for a 2nd time with a devastating three punch combination that sent Heaven to the deck for a second time and the fight was stopped at 2:53.

Fedosov knocking Heaven Down
Fedosov of Los Angeles via Russia is now 24-3 with 21 knockouts.  Heaven, 227 lbs of Ocla, FL. is now 9-2.
“Everything went as planned,” said Fedosov.  “My plan was to shorten the distance and use my power and you see what happened.”
Razvan Cojanu won a drawbreaker decision over Ed Fountain.
Fountain did his best to get inside and force that action under the ineffective jab of Cojanu.  Both guys had success on the inside during the grueling fight and the bout was even after six.
Fountain started the 7th with a nice left that split open the right eyelid of of Cojanu.  Cojanu was able to fight back and land a hard combination on the ropes and that proved to be the difference in the fight.
Cojanu, 265 lbs of Las Vegas via Romania is now 13-1.  Fountain, 236 1/2 lbs of Furguson, MO is now 10-1.

Cojanu and Fountain
“I could not see anything and I won the fight with one eye,” said Cojanu.
“Buddy McGirt told me to jab more and that could have made it easier.”
Said Fountain, “I fought hard.  The referee did not help me but I will see Razvan again after the tournament.
Lenroy Thomas opened up the Boxcino quarterfinals with a drawbreaker decision over former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada.
Each guy traded some good shots over the first two-plus rounds.  Thomas landed a solid three punch combination in round three.  Estrada was effective when he was able to get in the straight right.
In round four, the two clashed heads and it caused a small cut on the forehead of Estrada.  The bout was competitive with each guy taking turns being the boss in short spurts.  After the sixth round, the bout was a even on the scorecards and they went to the seventh and deciding drawbreaker round.
In that extra frame, Thomas boxed well by landing quick combinations to a visibly tired Estrada and he was declared the winner by unanimous decision.
Thomas, 237 lbs of St. Petersburg, Florida is now 19-3.  Estrada, 261 lbs of Providence, Rhode Island is now 20-6.

Lenroy Thomas
“I showed that hard work pays off,” said Thomas.
“In the extra round, I had to dig deep and show my boxing skills.”
Thomas will meet Fedosov in one semifinal while Dennis will battle Cojanu.
Both semifinals will take place on Friday, April 10 at the Sands in Bethlehem, PA
Greg Jackson registered two knockdowns en route to a four round unanimous decision over Paulo Souza in a Jr, Middleweight bout.

Jackson lands a hard jab
Jackson dropped Souza in round two and then again in round four with a wicked left hook to the head.
Jackson, 150 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-34 on all cards and is now 5-1-1.  Souza, 149 lbs of Woburn, MA is now 0-6.
Guillermo Sanchez scored a 1st round stoppage over Pablo Batres in a scheduled 6-round Jr.Welterweight bout.
Sanchez landed a right hook that sent Batres down for the count at 1:44 of round one.
Sanchez, 132 lbs of Buffalo, New York is 15-14-1 with 6 knockouts.  Batres, 137 lbs of Tuscon, Arizona is 6-12-1.
Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez opened the night with a 4th-round stoppage over Bryan Abraham in a scheduled 8-round Welterweight bout.

Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez
Rodriguez scored two knockdowns in the 2nd round and seemingly hurt Abraham with every punch after.  In round four, Rodriguez landed a hard flurry in the corner and the bout was stopped at 2:48 of round four.
Rodriguez, 145 lbs of Los Mochis, Mexico is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts.  Abraham, 144 lbs of Schenectady, New York is 6-21.

Photos by Shane Sims of Banner Promotions

 

The entire Boxcino tournament is promoted by Arttie Pelullo’s Banner Promotions.
About Turning Stone Resort Casino A premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. Turning Stone was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the web site at www.TurningStone.com..

“MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO”: STEPHEN ESPINOZA AND KEN HERSHMAN MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

“We believed this day would come, we worked hard to make it happen and we’re thrilled that it is here.”

– Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager SHOWTIME Sports®

 

“This is the biggest boxing event of all time, we’re confident of that. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it and help craft it.”

– Ken Hershman, President HBO SPORTS®

 

Live on Pay-Per-View Saturday, May 2

 

Live Audio Stream

http://www.conferenceplayback.com/stream/55574793/BEYR0220.mp3

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2015) — It’s a done deal! Undefeated Floyd Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) will fight longtime rival Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) in a Welterweight World Championship Unification Bout live on Pay-Per-View on Saturday, May 2.

 

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, and Ken Hershman, President of HBO SPORTS, were made available to the media just minutes after the fight was officially announced by Mayweather via his Shotsaccount.

 

Here are highlights from what Hershman and Espinoza had to sayFriday:

 

KEN HERSHMAN, President HBO SPORTS

 

“This is the biggest boxing event of all time, we’re confident of that. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it and help craft it.

“We look forward to May 2. It’s going to be a spectacular night for this sport and for HBO and SHOWTIME as well.

“The Mike TysonLennox Lewis joint pay-per-view fight was a great roadmap for this fight. It showed that this can be done successfully. There’s a lot of mechanics that go into this when two networks are working together, and those mechanics carry forward in terms of how things operate behind the scenes.

“The fight will be held on traditional pay-per-view, nothing out of the ordinary on that front. We’re looking forward to getting going, there’s a lot of hard work ahead of us.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager SHOWTIME Sports

 

“We’re thrilled to be a part of what we expect to be a record-breaking event. This deal is a product of a lot of hard work with some blood, sweat and tears along the way.

“I took this job approximately three years ago; the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight has been a topic of conversation and a goal of not only ours, but of Floyd Mayweather’s since he came over to SHOWTIME a little less than three years ago.

“I believe that the direct line of communication between Floyd and Manny cleared up a lot of doubts on both of their minds and renewed their commitment to getting this fight done.

“We have had significant discussions as to who will make up the broadcast team; it will be an all-star team with a combination of talent from both networks.

“The meeting between Floyd and Manny at the Miami Heat game certainly greased the wheels in getting through the final stages of the process.

“One of the main reasons why this deal got done, as opposed to deals in the past, was because Leslie Moonves [President and CEO, CBS Corporation] was a part of the process. He was deeply committed to making this deal and was someone that all parties in this negotiation really respect. He was really the catalyst for seeing this through and refused to take no for an answer from any side.

“We believed this day would come, we worked hard to make it happen and we’re thrilled that it is here.”

Boxcino Heavyweight quarterfinal weights from Verona, NY

Verona, NY (February 19, 2015)–Weights from Friday night’s Boxcino Heavyweight quarterfinal fights at the Turning Stone Resort Casino

Donovan Dennis 222 – Steve Vukosa 218

Andrey Fedosov 220 1/2 – Nate Heaven 227

Razvan Cojanu 265 – Ed Fountain 236 1/2

Jason Estrada 261 – Lenroy Thomas 237

Greg Jackson 150 – Paulo Souza 149
Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez 145 – Bryan Abraham 144
Guillermo Sanchez 132 – TBA

Promoter: Banner Promotions
Venue: Turning Stone Resort Casino
1st Bell:  7 PM (Boxcino quarterfinals begin at 9 PM ET on ESPN 2)
Photos by Shane Sims / Banner Promotions
The entire Boxcino tournament is promoted by Banner Promotions. This Friday’sfights will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night fights beginning at 9 PM ET.
There will be a post fight press conference immediately following the completion of the last bout in the Cypress Room.

Tickets for the February 20th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling 315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees.

Host of the February 20th bouts, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for professional sporting events, including nationally-televised boxing matches and PGA-level golf. February 20th fight will mark Turning Stone’s 14th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, helping establish the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year and Turning Stone has hosted televised boxing events on ESPN, Showtime, HBO, and NBC in the last two years. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, prestigious restaurants, luxury spa facilities, and award-winning accommodations.Tickets for the February 20th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The live ESPN telecast starts at 9pm.

Professional media requesting credentials for the February 20 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Public Relations Manager at 315.366.9291 orkelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

About Turning Stone Resort Casino A premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. Turning Stone was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the web site at www.TurningStone.com..