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Category Archives: boxing
Plus Steve Upsher Chambers, Farah Ennis, Raynell Williams, Miguel Cruz, Samuel Figueroa, Christopher Brooker and Leo Hall
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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE & MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS
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UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT DOMINIC WADE TAKES ON TOUGHEST CHALLENGE OF HIS CAREER IN FORMER WORLD CHAMP SAM SOLIMAN FRIDAY, JUNE 26 ON SHOWTIME®
ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader
Live At 10:35 p.m. ET/PT From Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Wash.
“My time has arrived…I’m ready for the next level.” – Dominic Wade
“My road to regaining the world title begins on June 26 against Dominic Wade.” – Sam Soliman
NEW YORK (May 27, 2015) – Young undefeated middleweight prospectDominic “Lights Out” Wade will take on the toughest opponent of his career when he faces former world champion Sam “King” Soliman in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, June 26, live on SHOWTIME from Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Wash.
Wade (17-0, 12 KOs), of Washington, D.C., and Soliman (44-12, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, will clash in the 10-round middleweight main event of the TGB Promotions tripleheader. In other televised bouts, former Marine and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Captain Jamel“Semper Fi” Herring (11-0, 7 KOs), of Rockville Centre, N.Y., and 19-year-old former amateur standout and unbeaten super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (10-0, 7 KOs), of Orlando Fla., will be featured against opponents to be determined in separate bouts.
If triumphant, Wade will begin to transition from promising prospect to legitimate contender in his quest to become the next ShoBox graduate to win a world championship. To date, 61 ShoBox alums have captured world titles.
While Wade is unbeaten, Soliman is vastly more experienced, having competed in four world championship fights. He held the IBF Middleweight World Championship before suffering a debilitating knee injury and losing via unanimous decision to Jermain Taylor in his first title defense last October. Soliman, who was leading on the judges’ scorecards at the time of the injury, will make his first start since losing the 160-pound title.
“This is a great opportunity for me to face a former world champion,” Wade said. “While he’s more experienced I truly believe my time has arrived and I plan to show the boxing world that I’m ready for the next level.”
“I know what it takes to be a world champion, the sacrifices needed to endure, the battles that need to be won. My road to regaining the world title begins on June 26 against Dominic Wade,” said Soliman.
“We’re very excited to work once again with the terrific SHOWTIME and Little Creek Casino Resort teams on this exciting fight card,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Wade vs. Soliman is an excellent cross-roads bout. Additionally, Lubin and Herring are two of the best prospects in boxing.”
Wade, 25, will be making his 2015 debut and third appearance on the network. In his first ShoBox fight – and first 10-rounder — he stepped up in class and won a close but clear decision over Nick Brinson in June 2014. The aggressive-minded 5-foot-11½-inch Wade, a top amateur before going pro in March 2009, is 6-0 with four knockouts since returning to the ring in February 2013 after a two-year layoff due to promotional problems.
A well-conditioned, power puncher who is steadily ascending in the world rankings, Wade’s four stoppages have come inside two rounds (one in the first, three in the second). Wade, who had over 160 amateur fights, is coming off a second-round TKO over Eddie Hunter last Dec. 20, in Shelton.
The 5-foot-8½-inch Soliman keeps a relentless, almost non-stop pace and delivers punches from odd angles. Tough and durable, Soliman can be very awkward and he is always well-conditioned. This combination makes Soliman a very difficult fighter to face. He went 0-2 in WBA 168-pound world title fights before dropping a notch in weight to capture the IBF Middleweight World Championship with a decisive 12-round decision over Felix Sturm in a rematch on May 31, 2014.
The 41-year-old Soliman, who lost the title in his first injury-marred defense against Taylor, is 9-1-1 with one No Contest since May 2008. A former kickboxing world champion, Soliman has been knocked out just once – in 2007 by then WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony Mundine. The veteran has had a successful yet unusual 18-year career that began with a four-round fight but then followed with three straight 12-rounders (all went the distance) in three different weight divisions over a period of five months.
The 5-foot-10-inch Herring was the 2012 United States National Champion at 141 pounds and captained the 2012 U.S. Olympic Games boxing team. The 29-year-old turned pro in December 2012 and has remained active since with five fights in 2013 and four in 2014. Herring, who will be making his ShoBox debut, is making his second start of this year, coming off a lopsided eight-round decision over Hector Marengo in March.
Herring served nine years in the Marine Corps including two tours of duty in Iraq. The Long Island native enlisted about a year after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Herring considered giving up the sport multiple times, particularly after the death of his infant daughter, Ariyanah, due to sudden infant death syndrome in 2009 – three years to the day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony in London. But he was persuaded by coaches and teammates to stick with it.
At 19 years of age, Lubin is one of the youngest boxers to appear onShoBox (Francisco “Panchito” Bojado, at 18, was the youngest.). Lubin is a heralded blue-chip prospect who will be making his ShoBox debut and 11th start since turning pro in November 2013. A southpaw with good punching power, skills and movement, Lubin will be making his third start this year and his fourth scheduled eight-round bout.
Lubin had a remarkable amateur career. He was the 2013 National Golden Gloves champion at 152 pounds, the 2012 National PAL Champion at 141, the 2012 Junior Olympic National Champion at 138 pounds and the 2011 National Junior Olympic Champion at 132 pounds.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox blow by blow with expert analyst Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as ringside analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Tickets for “Little Creek Brawl VII” from Skookum Creek Event Center start at $20 and are available online at www.little-creek.com or by calling1.800.667.7711. Doors will open at 5 p.m. PT, with the first fight tentatively set to begin at 6 p.m. Live coverage will begin at approximately 7:35 p.m. local time (PT).
Previously hosting boxing events broadcast on SHOWTIME, the 22,500-square-foot Skookum Creek Event Center provides unrivaled sightlines and acoustics for a televised fight. Boxing fans staying the weekend at the resort’s well-appointed rooms and suites may also complete their experience with a round of golf at world-renowned Salish Cliffs Golf Club, a treatment at Seven Inlets Spa or Vegas-style gaming on the casino floor.
For more information about Little Creek Casino Resort and its full line-up of upcoming acts that includes Paul Rodgers, Trace Adkins, Dwight Yoakam, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, YES and Toto, please call 800-667-7711 or visit online at www.little-creek.com
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About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 61 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
MIGUEL COTTO LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS
WBC MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO TO FACE
FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION DANIEL GEALE
ON JUNE 6, 2015 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN LIVE ON HBO®
PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS + MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS
Los Angeles (May 26, 2015) – Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO’s), the reigning WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, will defend his titles against former Two-Time World Champion Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KO’s) of Australia on June 6, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a 12-round fight that will be televised live on HBO. Cotto hosted a Los Angeles media workout Tuesdayafternoon at Wild Card Boxing Club in preparation for his title defense against Geale.
PHOTOS:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fqjvnl11t2q1xbb/AAAOImxUmohGdl5fC1fp2Fnka?dl=0
PHOTO CREDIT: Miguel Cotto Promotions/Roc Nation Sports
VIDEO:
VIDEO CREDIT: Miguel Cotto Promotions/Roc Nation Sports
Here’s what Cotto and his trainer, Freddie Roach, had to say:
Miguel Cotto – WBC & Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion
“I feel good and in the best shape possible. I just feel ready. I know Geale is a tough opponent and he is going to bring his best on June 6, but I trust in the work we have done here in Los Angeles and I’m going to bring my best too.”
“After 14 years in boxing, the best decision I could have made was to take the last year off. My mind was not in boxing, but since I got here with Freddie, everything is working perfectly again. Boxing is all I know. Boxing is my life. Through boxing, I raised my family and I work to provide the best future for them. They are the reason I love boxing.”
“Boxing at this point in my career is a battle with myself. Everyday I need to bring my best in the gym from morning to evening. Next week has to be better than last week. I need to ask myself to be better every day. I know that if I bring my best to the gym every day, I can bring my best the night ofJune 6 against Geale.”
“Freddie comes here every day with the best attitude and he knows how to get the best out of me.”
“It will have been 364 days to the day on June 6 since I have been in the ring. It’s not difficult to get back in after this long stretch. I’ve been focused on my work. I have gained more knowledge during my time off in order to get myself ready to fight again.”
“Daniel Geale is the next chapter in my career. After I get through him, I can talk about what comes next.”
Freddie Roach – Cotto’s Trainer
“Miguel’s sparring has been great. His movement has been very good. It’s hard on me in the ring! His body shots are very effective and the head shots come with it. I think we are going to get a late round knockout. Geale is tough enough to go some rounds, but a knockout in a late round…that’s my call.”
“One of Miguel’s greatest strength against Geale will be his body shots, but Miguel’s knowledge in the ring will be Geale’s ultimate undoing.”
“He has found a new home here at Wild Card and I’m glad I provided that for him. He loves this gym. He loves the atmosphere. He’s thrived in this environment and when a fighter is in a good mood and happy, he performs at the highest level.”
Cotto vs. Geale, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be televised live on HBO. The fight, which is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, will be the official kick-off event of the 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Jaybird, TapouT, Tequila Cazadores and Venue Kings. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Roc Nation and Grammy nominated artist Big Sean taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee “The Voice of New York” Angie Martinez and will also feature hit master DJ Lobo who will serve alongside Martinez throughout the night. Tickets priced at $500, $350, $250, $200, $150, $100, $80, $50, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase 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. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first fight begins at 6:15 PM and the HBO telecast begins at 10:30 PM ET/PT.
For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.
For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.
Baltimore Boxing meets with Baltimore Police Officials!
L-R: Mindi Smith, Ally Smith, Jake Smith, Ganesha Martin (Chief of Staff Baltimore Police Department), Debbie Ramsey (Former Baltimore Police Detective and Founder of Unified Efforts) and Anthony Batts (Baltimore Police Commissioner)
For Immediate Release
Baltimore, MD (May 27, 2015) – Jake Smith, CEO of Baltimore Boxing Promotions, and his family recently met with Baltimore City Police officials.
Smith, a longtime promoter in the Charm City and former professional boxer, was personally impacted by the riots as his gym was temporarily shut down. Having spent his entire life in and around Baltimore, Smith called the riots the worst thing he’s ever seen and feared for the safety of those that had neighboring businesses. Within a few days, order was restored due to an outstanding effort by the Baltimore PD.
During the visit, which included time with Chief of Staff Ganesha Martin and Commissioner Anthony Batts, Smith personally thanked them for their heroic efforts. He also donated tickets for his May 29 “Blood, Sweat & Tears” fight card at Michael’s Eighth Avenue to the department and will honor them during the evening.
“The police are unsung heroes in almost every community,” said Smith. “It’s unfortunate that certain isolated incidents have many people feeling like law enforcement is bad. We all must remember the good that they’ve done in keeping us safe. They risk their lives to keep crime, drugs and guns off the streets. It’s also important for people in Baltimore to remember how scary it was living here during the riots. The men and women of the police department literally had to face violent protesters while significantly outnumbered. For all that they did to restore the city I love, the absolute least I can do is donate tickets and honor them on fight night. I believe that we all owe them a big thank you for protecting us.”
Tickets for “Blood, Sweat & Tears” can be purchased by calling 410-375-9175 or going to Baltimoreboxing.com. Individual tickets start at $25 and VIP tables of 10 are available for $500. All VIP ticketholders can enjoy free hors d’oeurves from 7-8 pm, the best seats in the house and a special meet and greet with five time world champion Vinny Paz.
In addition to honoring the policemen and women, Baltimore Boxing is proudly teaming up with Unified Efforts. Since their founding in 2012 by former Baltimore detective Debbie Ramsey, Unified Efforts is a full-service bullying prevention organization that has helped raise awareness throughout theCharm City. To assist with the program,
Baltimore Boxing will donate tickets and proceeds from a 50/50 raffle on fight night.
For more information on Baltimore Boxing Promotions, visit Baltimoreboxing.com
Steve Upsher Chambers to have homecoming bout this Friday night at Stadium Holiday Inn in Philadelphia
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AMIR KHAN & CHRIS ALGIERI FIGHT WEEK QUOTES PLUS! PHOTOS FROM BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
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TUREANO JOHNSON PROVIDING GREAT SPARRING FOR DANIEL GEALE
NEW JERSEY (May 26, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs), is now the chief sparring partner for Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KOs) as he prepares him for his upcoming WBC title clash with Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KOs). Johnson, who captured the WBA International and WBC Silver middleweight titles in his last bout, is currently ranked WBC #2, WBA #5, IBF #8 and WBO #13. He gives his thought on sparring with Geale.
“Daniel Geale is a special fighter who possesses a lot of boxing skills,” said Tuerano Johnson. “He’s looking real sharp in the gym and his power is there. I can feel the snap on his punches and I think Miguel Cotto is in for a big surprise. Everyone is counting Geale out but not me. Gary Shaw brought me in to test Geale’s skills and after a few days of sparring, I believe Daniel will be crowned champion.”
“I brought Tureano to the gym to spar with Geale because he’s a good look to emulate Cotto and he’s one of the top fighters in the middleweight division,” Gary Shaw said. “The feedback I got from Johnson about sparring Geale is very positive. I’m confident that Daniel will use everything in his playbook to come out victorious.”
Tureano Johnson is currently riding a 4-fight winning streak, three of which came by stoppage. Highly ranked across the board of all sanctioning organizations, Johnson is on the cusp of landing a big fight.
ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO TRAINING CAMP UPDATE
FORMER FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BATTLES
ARON MARTINEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC
SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT STUBHUB CENTER
Coverage on NBC Starts At 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT
GILROY, CA (May 26, 2015) – While entering the final days of training camp, four-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs), gives his thoughts on his upcoming PBC on NBC main-event attraction against Aron Martinez. The 10-round bout will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., June 6, 2015and will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.
On fighting in the PBC on NBC main-event…
“First I really want to thank Al Haymon for bringing boxing back to the fans. This is another wonderful opportunity where fans from all walks of life can see me fight on NBC for free. PBC on NBC has taken boxing back to its glory days and I’m honored to be headlining my second show. Everyone knows I come to fight and you can expect the same when I step in the ring with Martinez.
On staying active…
“When a fighter is constantly staying busy, it makes a world of difference. My timing is down, my body is used to the rigorous training. When I’m on the grind, I perform at a much higher level. This will be the first time I’ve had back to back fights in a very long time. Everyone watching this fight will see the difference in my fighting style.
On fighting at the StubHub Center…
“The StubHub Center is probably my favorite venue to fight in. The fans are incredible. Everyone has a great seat and you can feel the energy from the crowd while you’re fighting. It’s like there right on top of you. For some reason the StubHub Center brings out the warrior spirit in everyone. It’s a great place to fight!”
On training camp…
“Training camp has been going great. Like I mentioned before, when you stay active, everything flows a lot smoother. I’ve taken my sparring sessions to a new level. I’m quicker on my feet and my timing is spot on. My dad Ruben who trains me, is really happy with my progress. Everything has come together really nice. It’s time to go to war!”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing