Category Archives: boxing

boxing, Roc Nation

WBC MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO VS. DANIEL GEALE ON JUNE 6, 2015 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN NAMED OFFICIAL KICK-OFF EVENT OF NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE WEEK 2015

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Cotto Receives Honorary Title of “Athlete of the Year”

NEW YORK (May 26, 2015) – The National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) today announced that its 2015 Parade, scheduled for Sunday, June 14 on New York’s Fifth Avenue, will officially kick off a week of festivities with the WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship fight between Miguel Cotto and Daniel Geale on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It was also announced that Miguel Cotto, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions will be making a contribution to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Fund.

“Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are thrilled to be aligned with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and to kick off their week of festivities with our event on June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said David Itskowitch, COO of Boxing for Roc Nation Sports. “New York’s Puerto Rican community has supported Miguel throughout his career and we look forward to mirroring that support through our scholarship fund contribution and association with the Parade’s mission to promote education and empowerment.”

In addition, to honor Cotto’s impressive athletic accomplishments spanning over a decade which include him becoming Puerto Rico’s first and only Four Division World Champion, the NPRDP has bestowed upon him the honorary title of “Athlete of the Year.”

“It’s a privilege for my June 6 fight against Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn to be named the official kick-off event of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and I want to express my deepest gratitude for being honored me as Athlete of the Year,” said Cotto. “New York is truly my second home because I have been embraced by its Puerto Rican community. I’m looking forward to seeing my New York fans at Barclays Center on June 6.”

The NPRDP established the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Awards Program to help promote the pursuit of higher education within the community. In 2015, the organization will double the total dollar figure and number of scholarships awarded from the previous year to 30 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each. In celebration of the 2015 class of scholarship winners, Miguel Cotto, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions will be contributing $5,000 to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Fund in support of helping other high school and college students pay for their educations.

“The mission of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is to create an awareness and appreciation of Puerto Rican contributions to the United States by holding an annual parade that displays the culture and diverse achievements of the Puerto Rican community and by supporting the higher education of our youth through our scholarship program,” said Ululy Rafael Martinez, Vice-Chair of NPRDP. “We are proud to honor Miguel Cotto as Athlete of the Year and express our deepest gratitude to Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Productions for contributing to our scholarship fund.”

The 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, June 14, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on New York’s Fifth Avenue. The Parade’s overall theme will be a continuation of “Un Pueblo Muchas Voces” (One Community, Many Voices) with a special commemorative theme “Celebrating Afro-Boricua Heritage,” meant to coincide with the designation of the next decade as the “International Decade for People of African Descent” by the United Nations. Spectators can watch the Parade from any designated areas between E. 44th and E. 79th Streets. NPRDP 2015 official events include the following:

May 27 – Education Leadership Awards
May 30 – 152nd Street Festival in the Bronx
June 6 – Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
June 6 – Rising Stars Challenge
June 7 – Annual Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
June 12 – Annual Gala of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
June 14 – 58th National Puerto Rican Day Parade

For more information please visit www.nprdpinc.org. Follow NPRDP on Twitter: @PRparadeNYC, Instagram: NPRDP, #PRparade, and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/NationalPuertoRicanParade.

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, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase atwww.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 atwww.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Andrey Fedosov & John Thompson crowned Boxcino champions with stoppage wins

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For Immediate Release

Corona, California (May 26, 2015)--Memorial Day weekend started out with a bang as Andrey Fedosov and John Thompson were crowned Boxcino 2015 champions in the Heavyweight and Jr. Middleweight divisions with stoppage wins over Donovan Dennis and Brandon Adams this past Friday night at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.

The Boxcino Tournament was promoted by Banner Promotions, while Friday’s card was promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.
The event also served as the series finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Fedosov scored an 8th round stoppage, while Thompson got off the canvas in round 1 to score a 2nd round stoppage.

Fedosov landed some hard power shots in round 2 that Dennis was able to withstand. Fedosov dropped Dennis in round 3 from a left hook to the head. Dennis started being effective the jab in round 4, and he started mixing the straight left behind it.

In round 6, Fedosov hurt Dennis again as he ripped two hard rights off the face of the southpaw. In round 7, it was more power shots that hurt Dennis and made him take a knee.

In round 8, Fedosov landed a perfectly timed right hand that sent Dennis hard to the canvas. Dennis got to his feet but the fight was waved off 54 seconds into round 8.

Fedosov, 220 1/2 lbs of Hollywood, California via Russia is now 28-3 with 23 knockouts.  Dennis, 219 lbs of Davenport, Iowa is now 14-3.
“I was being patient and waiting for a counter, and I was able to hit him with it,” said Fedosov of the knockout blow.  “Now I will look for a big fight.”

John Thompson got off the deck in round 1 to come back and score an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Brandon Adams to win the Boxcino Jr. Middleweight title.

Adams dropped Thompson in the opening seconds from a left hook. In round 2, Thompson landed a huge shot that sent Adams to the canvas. Thompson then pounded on Adams and a right hand wobbled Adams into the ropes and a knockdown was ruled. Thompson finished off a visibly hurt Adams with a heavy combination and the fight was stopped at 2:18 of round 2.

Thompson, 153.2 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 17-1 with six knockouts. Adams, 154.8 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 17-2.

“This is a new beginning for me,” Thompson said. “We’re in a whole different ball game now. This is where I’m suppose to be.”

Said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo, “It was a great night, and John and Andrey earned these titles.  We expect to have them in big fights very soon.  On another note, I am glad that these two thrilling fights were part of the last ESPN Friday Night Fights show.”

Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

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

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Coverage on NBC Starts At 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos From Team Guerrero

 

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, 2015 and 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 and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, CBS Boxing

Lightweight Contender Tony Luis to Serve on Broadcast Commentary Team on CBS Sports Network, this Friday, May 29 in Memphis

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Lightweight contender Tony “Lightning” Luis says it’ll be the realization of a childhood dream when he serves as guest analyst on the broadcast team this Friday, May 29.

Luis will join Ron Kruck, Steve Kim and Patrick Ortiz for the live call of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network,” will air live on CBS Sports Network (10:00 PM, ET) from the WC Handy Pavilion on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions, in association with GH3 Promotions, Prize Fight Promotion and Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Productions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network will be headlined by a 10-round cruiserweight battle between Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) and “Slick” Nick Kisner (14-1-1, 5 KOs).

In the co-main event, promising WBO #10 lightweight Josh King of Australia will make his US television debut against Batesville, Arkansas’ Rogelio Casarez (9-3, 4 KOs). Also featured in televised action that night will be women’s superstar Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (23-1-1, 18 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight showcase against Nairobi, Kenya’s Fatuma Zarika (24-10-2, 14 KOs), as well as super middleweight Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster (18-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line in a six-rounder against Mississippi’s William Johnson.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing” are priced at $20 General Admission and $30 VIP and are available by calling 901.900.2236. On fight night, doors open @ 6:00 pm. The live television telecast will run from 10 pm to 12 am EST on CBS Sports Network. For more information, visit www.gcpboxing.com.

 

“It’s another childhood dream come true,” said Luis of doing commentary. “My mom was a stickler with me over reading when I was little, but once I got the hang of it and discovered boxing, look out! I drove her crazy reading my dad’s boxing collection to her all the time. And she would always say I had what it took to do what the guys on HBO were doing. I can hear the ‘I told you so,’ from heaven.”

Luis will be joining a solid broadcast team of veterans. Blow-by-blow man Ron Kruck is an MMA correspondent for the longest-running Mixed Martial Arts news show on television, Inside MMA, on Mark Cuban’s AXS TV. Long-time boxing journalist Steve Kim is internationally recognized for his commentary and opinion preceding major pay-per-view boxing bouts. Patrick Ortiz is the President of Ringside Ticket Inc and Lords of the Cage, which specializes in providing Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing events for Tribal Casinos.

“Max Kellerman motivated me when i was younger,” said Luis of his influences. “I saw a young guy with a passion for boxing. Max is a very good commentator and has developed a good eye for the sport, but I feel I have an edge because I actually live it and know what it is like to be in that ring.”

Luis (19-3, 7 KOs), who lost a controversial decision in a world-title fight in England against England’s Derry Matthews in April, will next be seen, in ring, on June 25 in Niagara Falls, New York against an opponent that is TBA.
boxing

Seconds Out Promotions Signs Light Heavyweight Powerhouse Marcus Oliveira to a Promotional Agreement

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Tony Grygelko of Minneapolis-based Seconds Out Promotions proudly announces the signing of hard-punching former world-title challenger Marcus Oliveira to a promotional contract.

 

From Menominee, Wisconsin, and of Menominee Nation, native, heritage, 36-year-old Oliveira (25-1-1, 20 KOs) is also a former NABF and WBA Fedebol Light Heavyweight Champion.

The promotional agreement is a reunion of sorts, as Grygelko was Oliveira’s promoter for much of his early professional career.

 

“I used to promote Marcus, prior to him signing with Don King, and it’s truly an honor to be able to promote him again and help position him for another world title shot,” said Tony Grygelko. “It seems that with his previous promoter not actively seeking fights, and his loss to Jurgen Brähmer, that Marcus has been written off, but the truth is he is extremely focused and has a burning desire to show all his fans that he has the talent to win a World Championship! He plans to shake off some ring rust off with a couple fights and then he’ll be looking to go after some of the big names in the division, such as Andrezj Fonfara, Sergey Kovalev, Bernard Hopkins, and a rematch with Brähmer.”

 

Oliveira, who was a heavily decorated amateur boxer before turning pro in 2006, said he feels his career had been stalled by an agreement he signed with another promoter. He says he happy to now be free of that contract and back to working with someone he trusts.

 

“I was looking for someone who could get me to the next level in my career and Tony has already done that for quite a few guys, so it was an easy decision,” said Oliveira. “He’s always straight-up with me and treats me well. I have a great relationship with him. I’m very happy about this new direction.”

 

“We’re very excited to be back working with Tony,” said Oliveira’s Manager, Douglas Ward from the Underground Boxing Company. “It’s good to be working with a promoter that has our same set of goals.”

 

Oliveira joins a Seconds Out stable that also includes Carson Jones and recent world-title challenger Caleb Truax.
boxing, Gleason's Gym, women's boxing

Support Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells in her Next Title Championship Fight.

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New Legend Boxing and DiBella Entertainment continue their support of Women’s Boxing at Resorts World Casino onSaturday, May 30, 2015. 

Gleason’s very own World Champion Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells will be featured in a title bout for the vacant NYS Title super flyweight title.

 

Fire has a professional boxing record of 7 wins and 2 losses.

 

The address is 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, 43rd Ave. Jamaica, NY 11420.

 

The doors open at 6:00 pm and the first bout starts at 7:00 pmsharp.

 

Ticket prices are $50 (General Admission), $75 (Reserved Seating), $125 (Ringside) and $150 (VIP Ringside)

 

The event will be a sell out so order your tickets early.

 

Buy the tickets through Gleason’s Gym and you will be supporting Fire.

 

Call 718 797 2872 or Email info@gleasonsgym.net

 

 

 

Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

John Thompson ready to win Boxcino title tonight

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For Immediate Release

Corona, California (May 22, 2015)-–Tonight at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena, John Thompson (16-1, 5 KO’s) looks  to win the Boxcino Jr. Middlweight championship when he takes on Brandon Adams in the finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Thompson weighed in at a ready 153.2 at Thursday’s weigh in and he looks in prime shape to not only win the title but enter the world rankings.
“John has been really working hard in Virginia.  This is his 2nd training camp down there and after his layoff we have really seen the improvement and his confidence,”said Thompson’s promoter Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions.
Thompson, who literally entered the tournament at the last second when Cleotis Pendarvis failed to make weight for his opening round bout with Ricardo Pinnel.  Thompson went out and boxed very soundly to win the unanimous decision.
In his semifinal bout with previously undefeated Stanyslav Skorokhod, Thompson peppered the undefeated Ukrainian fr.om the outside and mixed it up on the iniside en route to winning the split decision on April 10 in Bethlehem, PA.
Now Thompson will take on the Boxcino veteran Adams with the eye on becoming a major player in the crowded Jr. Middleweight division
“I have believed in John since day one.  A lot of people jumped off the bandwagon since his loss to Frank Galarza.  But I always knew he had the ability to compete at the highest level and tonight he will prove that I am excited for not only tonight but the future of John.  He is just 26 and is best boxing is ahead of him,” finished Mielnicki
Photo By Emily Harney / Banner Promotions
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla, Heavyweight Natu Visinia and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

AMIR KHAN VS. CHRIS ALGIERI LIP SYNC BATTLE AHEAD OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FIGHT FRIDAY, MAY 29 AT BARCLAYS CENTER

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Before they battle it out in Brooklyn, click here or below to watch Amir Khan and Chris Algieri face off on the Lip Sync Battle stage featuring host LL COOL J and Colorful Commentator Chrissy Teigen.

The highly anticipated Amir Khan vs. Chris Algieri fight takes place Friday, May 29th at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT LIVE on Spike.

Amir Khan vs. Chris Algieri – “Mama Said Knock You Out”

Friday, May 29th – 9 ET/ 6PT

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

at Barclays Center LIVE ON SPIKE

Amir Khan vs. Chris Algieri

Javier Fortuna vs. Bryan Vasquez
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Boxcino 2015 finals weigh in Photos

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ORANGE, Calif. (May 21, 2015) – ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” final broadcast features two outstanding fights in the heavyweight and junior middleweight divisions that will decide the 2015 Boxcino Champions.
Below are photos from Thursday’s weigh in from the Boxcino Finals that will take place on Friday at the Omega Products International Outdoor Arena in Corona, California.  The show begins at 10:00 ET on ESPN 2 as the finale of ESPN FridayNight Fights.

 

The Boxcino 2015 tournament is promoted by Banner Promotions.  Friday’s show is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.

 
Heavyweight finals–Andrey Fedosov (l) and Donovan Dennis

Jr. Middleweight finals. John Thompson (l) and Brandon Adams

Andrey Fedosov

Donovan Dennis

John Thompson

Brandon Adams

Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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(From left to right: Murphys Boxing Ken Casey, Andre Dirrell, DiBella Entertainment’s Lou DiBella, James Degale, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn & Murphys Boxing Sean Sullivan)

(From left to right: Murphys Boxing Ken Casey, Chris Gilbert, Logan McGuinness, Gary O’Sullivan, Edwin Rodriguez, Andre Dirrell, James DeGale, Craig Baker, Danny O’Connor & Murphys Boxing Sean Sullivan)

 

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Carly Gillis Photography

 

BOSTON (May 21, 2015) – Fighters participating on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card took part in the final press conference today at historic Fenway Park in Boston before their respective fights at Agganis Arena, with televised coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.

 

Here are what the press conference participants had to say:

 

ANDRE DIRRELL

 

“A title means everything. It completes you as a fighter. That’s the top of the food chain in this sport, and that’s the pedestal we’re all trying to reach – world champion. Everybody wants to be a world champion. The greats had it and now we want it. It would mean more for my city, my family and my friends, and it’s something I’ll always be able to look back it. It would put me in the record books for life.

 

“DeGale is not quiet. Today he’s chilling, maybe because he’s a little out of his comfort zone. But there’s a lot of tension when you’re standing right there next to your opponent. He might just be a little cranky today.

 

“I like to lighten the mood and stay comfortable. This is all a part of the game. Let’s have fun now. It’s ass-kicking time when we get in that ring, but outside it’s all love.

 

“There was a time when I didn’t want to do interviews. I didn’t want to go to fights. I didn’t want to hear fans online and on social media. I closed all them down because I didn’t want to hear people ask, ‘When are you fighting again? Talking about talent wasted, or saying I’m glad he’s gone.’ It hurt because there was nothing I could do. I was powerless even with all the power in the world.”

 

JAMES DEGALE

 

“Andre says the belt doesn’t mean anything to him in the fight – well, the belt means everything to me and more. I am here to make history and it doesn’t happen without that title.

 

“I could win on Saturday night and retire a happy man – that’s how much I want to beat Andre Dirrell. But when I do win that title, I am going for the rest of the belts, creating a lasting legacy for my country, my fans and myself.

 

“Andre is a classy fighter and he showed in the press conference that he is a classy guy too – when two fighters who believe in their ability 100 percent and know they are going to win a fight, it is going to be explosive.

 

“There’s nothing but respect between us, but ultimately, we’re going to take each other to dark territory on Saturday night, it’s going to be a brutal battle – and one that I am going to win.”

 

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ

 

“This is home for me and I’m thrilled. I know I have a good undefeated fighter in front me, so I’m looking forward to a competitive matchup. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans.

 

“This is an exciting day for me. I saw Pedro Martinez pitch so many times here at Fenway and he’s going into the Hall of Fame. Also, my fellow countrymen Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz have made so much history here.

 

“Being here today and then having the weigh-in at Faneuil Hall tomorrow and fighting on Saturday, it’s just an amazing experience.

 

CRAIG BAKER

 

“This is a great opportunity for me. I’ve dreamed of fighting on a grand scale like this since I first started boxing.

 

“The entire experience has been awesome. It’s going to be an interesting fight. I’m going to keep coming forward. I’m going to keep boxing all night.

 

“Everyone should look forward to an action packed night, I know it’s going to be an interesting matchup.”

 

DANNY O’CONNOR

 

“A couple of years ago Ken Casey and I talked about bringing boxing back to the city of Boston. Fast-forward to today and we’re doing it.

 

“I’m excited to be part of it and to see boxing in Boston blossom. It’s good for the city and all the young boxers in this area.

 

“I know I have a tough opponent in front of me and I won’t take him lightly. I’m planning on putting on a show for the fans come Saturday night.”

 

CHRIS GILBERT

 

“I’m an aggressive come forward, in your face boxer from the first bell to the last.

 

“I was full steam ahead when I got the call for this fight. I train all the time, I don’t take breaks and I’m always looking for an opportunity. I couldn’t be happier.

 

“Danny O’Connor is one of the best in my weight division in New England. Everything he does, he does well.

 

“I just need to keep my head and continue to come forward, I can’t get frustrated. I’m going 100 percent the full way through. If I’m busy and I fight smart I get good outcomes.

 

# # #

 

The Saturday, May 23 edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC featuresAndre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) and James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round super middleweight showdown and Edwin Rodriguez (26-1, 17 KOs) vs. Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) in 10-round light heavyweight match up. . Live coverage of this special Memorial Day weekend afternoon edition of PBC on NBC starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on NBC and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys andwww.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC