Category Archives: boxing

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Said El Harrak to face Chris Pearson on Mayweather-Pacquiao Undercard!

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Los Angeles, CA (March 23, 2015) – Said “The Messenger” El Harrak will have a career changing opportunity when he faces unbeaten and highly regarded Chris Pearson Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

 

The ten round junior middleweight bout will take place on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao superfight.

 

Born in London, El Harrak relocated to California as a young teenager and had an impressive amateur career. He turned pro in 2008 and won his first eight fights, leading to a ShoBox bout against fellow unbeaten Lanard Lane. The 5’11 El Harrak, who scaled in at 157 pounds for a bout two months prior to meeting Lane, took extreme measures to make 144 pounds for the opportunity. Unfortunately, he was unable to rehydrate and suffered a second round stoppage.

 

After a three fight unbeaten streak, he lost a controversial split decision to contender Jesus Soto Karass on AztecaAmerica. Following the debatable setback, El Harrak scored two straight third round stoppages and battled to a draw against 17-2 Luis Grajeda. His record currently stands at 12-2-2 with seven victories by knockout.

 

Pearson, 11-0 (9 KO’s), is regarded amongst the top young talents in America. The 24-year-old Ohio native is a member of the Mayweather Promotions stable and has been very impressive thus far. In December 2013, Pearson wowed the boxing world by demolishing previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in the first round on ShoBox. In his most recent match, Pearson earned a clear-cut unanimous decision over respected prospect Steve Martinez.

 

“This is an honor and a privilege,” said El Harrak. “I always envisioned fighting on a big card like this. The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is one that people will talk about until the end of time and the fact that I have the opportunity to fight on it is truly an honor. I’ve seen Pearson a few times and he’s a good fighter with a lot of natural talent. I know he’s Mayweather’s fighter and I have to take the fight to him in order to leave no doubt in the judges’ hands. This is a life changing opportunity that I’ve been training for since I first put on a pair of gloves.”

 

The El Harrak-Pearson match will be televised on various networks throughout the world. More information will follow.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

WORLD CHAMPION JHONNY GONZALEZ & WORLD RANKED CONTENDER VANES MARTIROSYAN ARE POISED TO MAKE THEIR MARKS IN A BIG WAY ON SATURDAY, MARCH 28 AT THE PALMS CASINO RESORT LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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 MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS,

MAIN EVENT SPORTS CLUB, GLENDALE, CALIF.

 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

“Once he feels my power in the ring, he’s not going to be able to think in there.” – Jhonny Gonzalez

 

“I feel like this fight is more of a test for him [Charlo], and I have to make sure he fails the test.” – Vanes Martirosyan

 

Tickets Still Available!

 

GLENDALE, Calif. (March 28, 2015) – Current world champion Jhonny Gonzalez and once-beaten world ranked welterweight contender Vanes Martirosyan participated in a media workouton Monday at the Main Event Sports Club in Glendale, Calif., six days prior to their respective upcoming fights on Saturday, March 28, at the The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

 

In the 12-round main event on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader, the hard-hitting, current WBC Featherweight World Champion Gonzalez (57-8, 48 KOs), of Mexico City, will defend his 126-pound title against talented once-beaten former world title challenger Gary Russell Jr. (25-1, 14 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md.

 

In the 10-round co-feature, battle-tested, world-ranked contender Martirosyan (35-1-1, 21 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., will take on undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (25-0, 11 KOs), of Houston, in an important super welterweight showdown.

 

Here’s what the boxers as well as trainers, Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain (Gonzalez) and Dean Campos (Martirosyan), had to say Monday at the Los Angeles-area gym:

 

JHONNY GONZALEZ, WBC Featherweight World Champion

“First off, I would like to apologize for not participating in the media conference call that took place this morning. I have never missed a conference call before, and I take full responsibility for missing the call. I know how important these calls are and I promise that I will not miss another one.

 

“I have been very focused for the past three months during my training camp. I have been training in the high altitude in Toluca, Mexico.

 

“I have had two title defenses since beating Abner Mares and I am excited and ready for my fighton Saturday.

 

“Ever since beating Mares, I feel like I am finally getting the respect and support from the fans and media that I deserve. I get recognized all of the time now. The recognition motivates me to work harder than ever before and not let my fans down.

 

“I feel like I am in my boxing prime. There is still so much to prove and show to the world that I am still at the top of my game and capable of fighting with the best.

 

“In my fight on Saturday I am going to bring the same energy and intensity that I brought in my fight against Mares.

 

“I know that Gary Russell Jr. has fast and powerful hands. He is a quick and strong southpaw. I know he’s an excellent boxer.

 

“I am going to attack him with my power and speed. Once he feels my power in the ring, he’s not going to be able to think in there. He’s going to run, but if he decides to brawl with us, then we will have something for him.

 

“At this point in my career, he [Russell] is the fastest opponent I have ever faced. He has very fast hands and puts together good combinations.

 

“To prepare for Russell, I am constantly keeping my hands up at all times during my training. I am training that if he throws punches at me, I know how to immediately react and throw shots back at him.

 

“A lot of people are doubting me going into this fight because of the speed of Russell. It’s a great challenge for me and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

 

“I am absolutely looking for the knockout and I believe I will get it. I don’t expect this fight to go the distance. I am going to pressure him from the opening bell, my conditioning and confidence is at an all-time high. I am very anxious for this title fight, I want to fight right now.”

 

 

VANES MARTIROSYAN, World-Ranked Contender

“I am in great shape, training camp has gone great. I am just as excited for this fight as I was when I fought for the U.S. team in the Olympics.

 

“I feel like this fight is more of a test for him [Charlo], and I have to make sure he fails the test.

 

“I used to work with Ronnie Shields [Charlo’s Trainer] for about three years. I am pretty sure they have a game plan for me, but I am a totally different Vanes than the one who used to train with Shields. I hope they are getting prepared for that Vanes because I have changed a lot since then.

 

“Jermell [Charlo] is a good boxer, but he’s a basic boxer. He’s done well with guys that he’s supposed to look good against. There are some guys that he should’ve knocked out that he didn’t. If he hits me I will hit him right back and we’ll see how he handles that.

 

“If I stick to my game plan and everything goes as planned, I will say that it will be an easy fight. We have a B and a C plan if the fight doesn’t go exactly as planned.

 

“All I can do is prepare and go out there and win the fight. After I lost my fight to Demetrius Andrade I felt like a loser. I can’t lose this fight, I’d rather die than go out there and lose again.”

 

 

IGNACIO “NACHO” BERISTAIN, Gonzalez’ Trainer

“Gary Russell’s speed and quickness could be a factor for us in this fight. We must find a way to eliminate it.

 

“We need to find a solution to his quickness and do everything we can to win. We feel like we’ve prepared enough and are in a great position to come out on top.

 

“Russell has fast hands and he recovers quickly. He has had knockouts at different weight levels. But we’re working really hard, and on Saturday you guys are going to see a different Jhonny Gonzalez.

 

“Jhonny Gonzalez is a very strong fighter. I think the strength and power of his punch beats Russell’s. I think that will be one of the keys– Jhonny Gonzalez knows how to punch, hard.

 

“I don’t just believe in Jhonny because he’s my fighter, but because he’s fought and trained immensely hard — he knows what he wants.”

 

 

DEAN CAMPOS, Martirosyan’s Trainer

“Vanes is such a quick learner. He is able to pick up everything that I am trying to teach him to accomplish everything that we want to do to win this fight.

 

“We must exploit Charlo’s weaknesses. Charlo is a good fighter, but everyone has weaknesses. My job is to prepare him as best as I can so that he can get in the ring with the best opportunity to win this fight.

 

“I want to supply him with ideas to unlock that final last edge to come out on top. If he is able to do some of the things that we go over in camp, then he will be in a good position for a victory comeSaturday.”

 

# # #

“Gonzalez vs. Russell Jr.”, a 12-round world championship bout for Gonzalez’s WBC Featherweight World Title, is promoted by DiBella Entertainment. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo takes on Vanes Martirosyan in super welterweight action. The event will take place at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, and $25, plus applicable fees are on sale. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by clicking HERE. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com.

 

For more information, visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jhonnygbox, @mrgaryrusselljr, @TwinCharlo, @LouDiBella and @PearlAtPalms, follow the conversation using #GonzalezRussell, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

amateur boxing, boxing, Gleason's Gym

JOIN GLEASON’S GYM IN SPONSORING A NIGHT OF FIGHTS

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JOIN GLEASON’S GYM IN SPONSORING A NIGHT OF FIGHTS ON 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 AT

B.B. KING BLUES CLUB & GRILL IN MANHATTAN

PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE GYM‘S FOUNDATION,

 “GIVE A KID A DREAM”

 

NEW YORK, NY (March 23, 2015) – A great night of boxing for a great cause comes to B.B. King Blues Club and Grill on Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. “Give A Kid A Dream”, in association with Gleason’s Gym, presents a full night of fights to raise money for the non-profit foundation, GAKAD. And you can be a part of supporting our fighters!

 

Since 1991, GAKAD has provided children from disadvantaged backgrounds mentorship and a place to come and develop themselves both physically and mentally through the sport of boxing. Youth between the ages of 8 and 18 are eligible, and are typically referred through a school councilor, parole officer or religious leader in their community. Through the gym and the relationships these children develop with their trainers and other GAKAD mentors and councilors, GAKAD participants develop the self-confidence and discipline to help them make better decisions in their lives, have hope in their futures, and above all, to stay in school. Help these kids help themselves!!!

 

Tickets for the event are priced at $800 for Platinum Tables (seats four), $500 for Gold Tables (seats four), $250 for platform seating, $100 for floor seating and $50 for standing room.

 

Learn more about the non-profit, GAKAD, at our website, Gleason’s Give A Kid A Dream: http://www.gleasonsgiveakidadream.com.

 

Or visit our event website to donate, and to support our amateur fighters who are training and working so hard to raise money for the kids. May At BB King’s: http://www.mayatbbkings.com/home.html.

 

Please be generous and please do come out for what will be a great evening at B.B. King’s!!!

 

For more information email Bruce at bruce@gleasonsgym.net or Perry at perry@dalecpa.com.
amateur boxing, boxing

GH3 Promotions signs undefeated Lightweight Oscar Bonilla

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Nutley, NJ(March 23, 2015)-Vito Milenicki’s GH3 Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of Oscar Bonilla to an exclusive promotional contract.
Bonilla of New Haven, Connecticut is a lightweight who has a record of 3-0-2.
The twenty-five year old had an amateur record of 67-6 which included winning the 2008 Connecticut Golden Gloves.
“Signing with GH3 Promotions will help me move forward in my career.  I am happy and my family is happy,”said Bonilla.
“I am excited that I signed with GH3.  Signing with Vito is a great opportunity and I know he has my interest to make things happen in my career.  My Havoc Management team knows Vito and I know Vito liked what he saw when he witnessed my fight onFebruary 13th at Mohegan Sun.”
That was a fight where he fought a spirited draw with Angel Martinez
“I am always focused and in the gym.  I am ready to fight.  I am focused on what I need to do.  I am a fighter and I have much respect for any fighter who steps in the ring.”
Bonilla is dedicated in more than just being a boxer as he is a forklift operator.
“I have a full time job where I work 9 to 5.  I am doing this all for my family as I have a six year-old daughter and three-year old son.  My goal is to live comfortable and for people to know who Oscar Bonilla is.”
“We are very happy to have Oscar in the fold,” said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki.  “I was very impressed by his fight in February and he will fit in nicely to the GH3 Promotions stable.  We look forward to moving Oscar into big fights”
Bonilla’s first fight with GH3 Promotions will be announced shortly.
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 and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing, UK Boxing

Khan Marches On – TKO Win Over Miko Leads To May 2nd Title Shot In London

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On Friday evening Bradford’s Tasif Khan scored another sensational first round stoppage win, this time over Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.

 

From the opening bell it was Miko that was the more aggressive, taking the fight to Khan, however in doing so the Czech fighter played straight into the Bradford man’s hands.

 

Khan had expected Miko to start fast and as such when the Czech fighter advanced rapidly, Khan simply danced to the side and let rip with a shot to the body.

 

Miko’s body language made it quite clear that he had been hurt, so no surprise that when he came in hard and fast again that the savvy Khan utilized a similar tactic, this time slipping to the right and letting rip with another body shot, followed up by a scintillatingly fast double handed salvo to both body and head.

 

On around the forty five second mark, Miko, who clearly hadn’t learned to be a little cautious, made yet another forceful attack, this time though Khan threw out a solid jab, followed by an uppercut and then just planted his feet and put full power into a lightning fast left hook, to send the Czech lad to the canvas.

 

Miko managed to make the count, but seconds later walked straight into another big left to the body. This time Miko really struggled to make the count, just managing to do so but was very unsteady on his feet, leaving referee Jimmy Byrne no option but to wave the bout off on the one minute and fifteen second mark of the first round.

 

Immediately after receiving the victor’s laurels Khan was informed by his team that he would get to challenge for his first Championship accolade, the International Masters Bantamweight title, on his next planned outing, which will be on the Billy James-Elliott and Mark Lyons promoted LORD OF THE RINGS event at York Hall in London on May 2nd.

 

Following receiving this news Khan spoke briefly about the fight as well as his upcoming title fight.

 

“Yeah brilliant, it was just brilliant.

 

I can’t complain that he didn’t last a round, I would have preferred it had gone on a bit longer, I mean it was a six rounder and I really would have liked to get some rounds under my belt, but as I’ve said before you don’t get paid overtime in this game.

 

We knew that he would start fast and rush in and the plan was to work off my jab to slow him down, basically to try and get the six rounds under my belt.

 

It didn’t quite happen that way as he really came at me much quicker than expected, instead I adapted and caught him with a good shot, I see his legs buckle a bit but he stayed on his feet.

 

He’s a game fighter, most people would have backed off to give themselves time to recover, not him he came back at me hard again, which gave me the opportunity to box him a little bit more and catch him as he came back in.

 

I caught him good with the uppercut and then the body shot, which he went down with.

 

Then I did more or less the same after the restart, although didn’t think I had caught him quite as well as the first time, but when he got up I don’t think he wanted to know anymore, even if the ref had let it carry on.

 

Hopefully onwards and upwards now, I’ve been talking with my team and been told we’ve got a title fight organized for May 2nd in York Hall, same night as Mayweather-Pacquaio fight, so hopefully I’ll pick up my first title, the International Masters, and bring it back to Bradford.

 

As you can see my fans turned out in force and make a lot of noise, they’re all ringside, they love their boxing, it’s a boxing city Bradford, they just need to get more shows there.

 

My fans are great, they travel to watch me, last time it was London, this time Liverpool and obviously it’s back to London again on May 2nd.

 

At the moment I haven’t got the opportunity to pick where I fight, hopefully if I win the title maybe we can get a promoter to put on a show in Bradford so even more of my fans will get a chance to watch me again.

 

I’m grateful for my team, the training went really well, I feel strong, I feel good and the fans coming out in force to support me is adding to that.

 

My sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, have been absolutely great.

 

These guys have been backing me up, which takes away a lot of the pressure so I can concentrate on my boxing.

 

Again I’ve got to thank my fans, they really are the best, they’ve followed me down to London and of course here in Liverpool, even though traffic was bad they all made it here tonight and really got behind me, making loads of noise, which is a bit like football fans being the twelfth man on the football pitch, it really inspires you, it lifts you hearing all the fans cheering you on, brilliant, just brilliant.”

 

boxing

Phillip Jackson Benson takes on perennial spoiler Darnell Boone on Saturday, April 18 at Valley Forge Casino Resort

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Plus undefeated Jamal James, Milton Santiago Jr., Immanuwel Aleem, David Grayon, Jarrett Hurd, Ivan Golub and Dauren Yeleussinov
For Immediate Release

Valley Forge, PA (March 23, 2015)–On Saturday night, April 18, at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, King’s Promotions will present an outstanding night of boxing that will be headlined by an intriguing 8-round super middleweight bout between Phillip Jackson Benson and Darnell Boone.
Benson of Brooklyn, New York has a record of 15-1 with 14 knockouts and has won twelve straight fights with eleven of those coming via the stoppage route.
The 30 year-old turned professional in 2008 and he has wins over Julio Sanchez (3-0) & Alexander Santana (6-0).  He won the WBC FECARBOX Super Middleweight title with seventh round stoppage over Maxell Taylor (18-4-1).  He added the WBC US NBC Super Middleweight title with sixth round stoppage over Scott Sigmon (23-4).
Benson is coming off a seventh round stoppage over Michael Gbenga on October 8, 2014 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Boone of Atlanta, Georgia is known as one of the”toughest outs” in the sport and may have most deceiving record in boxing that reads 20-21-4 with nine knockouts.
Boone has wins over Chris Archer (4-0), Ronald Johnson (6-0), Willie Lee (14-3), James Countryman (8-0), Rasheem Brown (17-2), James Johnson (7-0), Louis Turner (12-2), Calvin Green (20-3-1), future Light Heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson (13-0) and Future world title challenger Willie Monroe Jr. (10-0).
His four draws are with Walid Smichit (8-1-1), Lajuan Simon (13-0-1), Lennox Allen (12-0) and Morgan Fitch (11-0).  Boone is also known as the man who dropped super middleweight champion Andre Ward for the only time in his career.
Boone is coming off a third round stoppage over Dionisio Miranda (22-9-2) on October 11, 2014 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In the ten-round co-feature, undefeated welterweight Jamal James (15-0, 8 KO’s) of Minneapolis, Minnesota will see action against an opponent to be named.
James turned professional in 2010 and has some quality wins on his ledger such as a six-round unanimous decision over Patrick Boozer (5-1).  He won the Minnesota State Welterweight title with an eight round unanimous decision over Mohammed Kayongo (17-2). James also has stoppage wins over Colby Courter (4-1) and Wayne Martell (25-4-1).  James is coming off an eighth round stoppage over Cameron Kreal on November 1, 2014 in Chicago.
In eight-round bouts:
Immanuwel Aleem (11-0, 7 KO;s) of Richmond, VA. will take on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.
David Grayton (10-0, 8 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Grayson Blake (6-3, 2 Ko’s) of State College, PA. in a welterweight bout.
Jarrett Hurd (14-0, 8 KO’s) of Accokeek, MD. will battle tough veteran Eric Mitchell(23-11-2, 11 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.
In six-round bouts:
Milton Santiago (9-0, 3 Ko’s) of Philadelphia will take on Ray Velez (3-6-1, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY. in a jr. welterweight bout.
Ivan Golub (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will box Brad Austin (10-16, 7 KO’s) of Johnson City, TN. in a midddleweight bout.
Dauren Yeleussinov (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY. will fight an opponent to be named in a super middleweight bout.
In four-round bouts:
Sammy Berman (1-0, 1 KO) of Collegeville, PA. will tangle with Courtney Knox (1-4) of North Carolina in a welterweight bout.
Kevin Garcia (0-1) of Philadelphia will take on Curtis Morton (2-4-2) OF Harlem, NY. in a jr. welterweight bout.
Tickets for this great night of boxing are $100 for VIP (Includes 2 drinks and food), $75 for ringside and $50 for General Admission and be purchased by clickingwww.vfboxing.eventbrite.com or calling King’s Promotions at 610-587-5950
amateur boxing, boxing

Sampson Boxing, WBC, CUBAP to hold Important South American Boxing Tournament

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The WBC Amateur Boxing Committee, CUBAP and Sampson Boxing are proud to announce MERCOSUR “Rumbo a Mexico”, an elite boxing tournament featuring competitors from the South American “Mercosur” bloc of countries, Argentina, Brazil, as well as the host country, Uruguay.

 

The opening event of the Tournament will take place Friday, April 10, at Estadio 8 de Junio in Paysandu, Uruguay, and will continue from there with monthly shows from different locations in Uruguay.

 

Although this competition will be held with the hopes of discovering new South American boxing talent, because it is being held under the auspices of the WBC Amateur Committee and by CUBAP, safety and fighter wellbeing will be top priorities.

 

MERCOSUR “Rumbo a Mexico” will be broadcast live via VTV and Notifight.

 

“This is the first time in history that an elite tournament under the umbrella of the WBC is being held in my home country of Uruguay,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “I want to deliver to my homeland the first Uruguayan world champion and this is a great start. I want to personally thank WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman for all his help in putting this together.”
ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion Petr Petrov battles former world champion Gamaliel Diaz on Friday, April 3 at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, California and Live on ESPN Friday Night Fights

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2012 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Taras Shelestyuk to battle Juan Rodriguez Jr. in televised co-feature 
For Immediate Release

Corona, CA (March 20, 2015)–On Friday night, April 3, Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion Petr Petrov will take on former world champion Gamaliel Diaz in a 10-round fight that will headline an ESPN Friday Night Fight’s card at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, California.
The show is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions and the telecast will begin at 9 PM ET. on ESPN 2
That card is a prelude to the following week’s Boxcino 2015 heavyweight and jr. middleweight semifinals that will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on April 10 at 9 PM ET. on ESPN 2
In the 8-round co-feature, 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner Taras Shelestyuk will make his national television debut against Juan Rodriguez Jr.
Petrov of Madrid, Spain has a record of 35-4-2 with 17 knockouts.  He is the Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion as he won fights over Fedor Papzov (14-0), Chris Rudd (13-1) and a title winning 8th round stoppage over Fernando Carcamo in the finals that took place on May 23, 2014 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Diaz of Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico has a record of 38-11-3 with 17 knockouts and is the formwe WBC Super Featherweight world champion.

Diaz won the WBC Super Featherweight world title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Takahiro Ao on October 27, 2012 in Ao’s home country of Japan.

He holds wins over three-divison world champion Robert Guerrero, future world champion Elio Rojas & former world champion Cesar Soto.

Diaz is coming off a three round technical draw with Anthony Crolla on September 13, 2014 in Manchester, England.  The bout was stopped due to an accidental headbutt that caused a bad cut over Diaz’ left eye.

Shelestyuk of Sumy, Ukraine was a 2012 Olympic Bronze Medal winner.  The twenty-nine year old has a record of 11-0 with eight knockouts and has a big win over previously undefeated Travis Hanshaw on June 28, 2013 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Shelestyuk moved to Los Angeles and trains at the Wild Card Gym and is trained by Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach.

Shelestyuk has stopped his last two opponents,which most recently includes a third-round stoppage over Francisco Reza on February 20 in Ontario, California.

Rodriguez of Union City, New Jersey has a record of 12-1 with five knockouts.

The twenty-eight year old won his first eleven fights and is coming off a four-round technical decision over previously undefeated Greg Jackson on October 25, 2014 in North Bergen, New Jersey.

“We expect tremendous performances from both Petr Petrov and Taras Shelestyuk,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager for Thompson Boxing. “They have crowd pleasing styles that make for exciting fights, which the fans in attendance and those watching on ESPN will absolutely love. Plus, the outdoor setting at Omega Products Arena is among the finest in boxing.”

 

Said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo, “We look forward to a great night of boxing.  We expect Petr to come through with a great performance against a former world champion in Gamaliel Diaz which will catapult himself to a world title opportunity.  We are also pleased to give Taras his national television debut and we know based on his style and personality that he will quickly become a fan favorite and major player in the 147 pound division.”

 

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 an opponent to be named later (6-rounds).

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 face an opponent to be named later (4-rounds).

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.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.-ANDRZEJ FONFARA MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Kelly Swanson

 

Thanks, everybody, for joining us today for this great call to officially announce a very exciting match up.  And without further ado, to talk a little bit about that match up, I’m going to introduce Chris DeBlasio, Vice President of Sports Communications for SHOWTIME.

 

Chris DeBlasio

 

Thanks, Kelly.  I’m going to keep this brief.  I know we want to talk to the fighters on this card.  But I think I’d be remiss if I didn’t represent for Stephen Espinoza, who couldn’t be on the call  today, how very excited we are for the debut of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on our network on Saturday, April 18, for our SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader. It’s going to be a great night.  On the call with us and in the ring across from Julio Chavez Jr. on that night is Andrzej Fonfara, a man that we know that really comes to fight.  He brought it on his first fight on SHOWTIME last year when he fought Adonis Stevenson. And that was a thrilling affair.  And we’re looking forward to a real test and a great challenge for Chavez Jr.  And we’re excited to have him on behalf of all of us at SHOWTIME.  We welcome both of you guys and, of course, thanks to all the press for being on the call.  Thank you, Kelly.

 

K. Swanson

 

Thank you, everybody.  Okay. We’re going to go ahead and introduce the fighters and their trainers for you.  First we have Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., former middleweight world champion, Andrzej Fonfara, the former world title challenger, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. — we all know who he is, and certainly out of respect to the great legend that he is, we welcome him to the call — Joe Goossen, who is Julio’s trainer, and Sam Colonna, who is Fonfara’s trainer.

 

So, at this time, what I’d like to do is ask Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to make opening remarks about this fight and a little bit about what he’s doing now in training camp and just how he feels about the fight.

 

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

I’m training very well.  I’m training (at a higher) level than the best.  I’m doing more physical training (and I’m getting closer to the) weight of 172 pounds.  And I think I’m in great shape, you know?  I have a lot of time and don’t stay in this kind of shape.

 

K. Swanson

 

Okay.  Now let’s hear from Andrzej Fonfara.  Andrzej, could you talk a little bit and tell us how you feel about fighting Jr.?

 

Andrzej Fonfara

 

I’m feeling great.  I think Chavez Jr. is a great fighter, world champion.  And you know, it’s good fight for me.  I trained hard for the fight.  We got very good camp.  Now, we start a sparring session.  You know, my weight is good.  My training’s–all trainings are good.  I spent two weeks in Houston.  I’m trained there, too.  Then I’m back to Chicago.  We finished camp here.  And I’m–you know, I’m ready for meet Chavez in the ring April 18and show him I’m better boxer.

 

K. Swanson

 

Okay.  Excellent.  Thank you so much.  Next we’ll have the trainers say something very brief before we turn it over to the media for call.  So, Joe Goossen, he is Julio Cesar Chavez’s trainer at this point.  Joe, would you like to make a couple comments?

 

Joe Goossen

 

Thank you.  Number one, I want to thank SHOWTIME because we’re very excited about performing for SHOWTIME on Julio’s debut fight with SHOWTIME.  And that being said, you know, Julio is very, very serious about this fight.  Like Fonfara, he trained for a few weeks in Los Angeles.  And now, we’re up in Lake Tahoe, up in the high altitude in the mountains here.  It’s very secluded.  It’s very concentrated work.  Julio is — I can just tell you this — is very dedicated to this fight, mentally, physically, and spiritually.  He’s shown me that he’s willing to work very hard for this fight, which always works out well when a fighter cooperates in training.  And he’s doing that 110 percent.  And I can’t tell you how happy I am, number one, to be working with Julio Jr. It’s been something that I’ve always wanted to do.  And of course, I know his father very well.  And I’m very honored to be a part of the team.  And I can’t wait ’til April 18 to display all of Julio’s talents and to go there.  And we’ve got one objective.  And that’s to win the fight.  With the way Julio’s training, I’m very confident in what we’re doing right now.  So, I’m very happy with that.  And I’m sure Andrzej’s doing the same thing, training very hard.  With that being said, thank you.

 

K. Swanson

 

Thank you. Now, Sam Colonna, if you could give us a comment, and then we’ll open it up for questions.

 

Sam Colonna

 

Well, first, I’d like to thank everybody for getting this together.  It’s an honor to be part of it.  But, you know, before they picked Julio Cesar Chavez to fight, they were throwing names at us.  And I would say no.  And another name came.  I would say no.  As soon as they said, ‘What about Julio Cesar Chavez,’ I said, ‘That’s the fight we want.’  The style is perfect for us.  He comes right at us.  And it’s going to be a great fight for Andrzej to show what the power and the dedication he has towards it.  He knows that this fight here is going to bring him to the top.  And it’s an honor to fight Julio Cesar Chavez.  It’s somebody I wanted him to fight for years.  But the weight was never the same.  Andrzej moved up.  And then now, it’s perfect.  So, it’s going to be a great fight.  I think we’re going to bring a lot of action to this fight.  And it’s going to be a jammed action fight.  I’m glad that this fight happened.  And I can’t wait for April 18.

 

K. Swanson

 

Okay.  Thank you.  And now, last but not least, I’d like to get a couple comments from Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. about his son fighting Fonfara and what he anticipates that will be like.  Julio?

 

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

 

I didn’t want this fight.  I know that, for my son, I know it’s a hard fight.  It’s a difficult fight.  And I didn’t want it.  Fonfara is very strong.  But my son wanted this fight.  He wanted fighters that have a high category.  He wanted a hard fight.  And he believed that winning this fight will give him more credibility.  And that’s why he chose Fonfara.

 

Q

This is for Chavez Jr.  Julio, how do you feel coming off a year layoff?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

I feel good. I know it’s difficult when you’re off. It’s difficult to regain your timing. But I’ve been training, working at my skills.  And I think, you know, I’m very confident because I have spent all my life in boxing. I’m in the 13th year of my professional career. So I don’t think this is a problem because this fight is at 172 pounds. I don’t need to have a problem with weight.  And at 172, I feel good in sparring.  I feel good in training.  And I think I’m ready for this fight and ready to win another world title.

 

Q

Speaking of that world title, how do you feel about guys like Adonis Stevenson and Sergey Kovalev?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

Oh, these guys very strong.  But I think, after this fight, I’m going down to 168 and stay in this weight class. One or two years ago I moved to 175 but that was too much for my body. Now, I’m 168.  But, for the one year off, this fight is at 172.

 

Q

Andrzej, how do you feel physically coming off the Adonis Stevenson battle?

 

A. Fonfara

 

I think I showed againstStevenson that I was a fighter. Physically, I feel good now. Since that fight, I’ve been training much harder.  I think, because of that fight, I’m a better boxer because, you know, I learn a lot in fights.  I’m ready for Chavez, I’ve trained hard for this fight, like, you know, Chavez says.  He’s trained hard for this fight. But I always train hard.  It doesn’t matter if it’s Chavez or whoever else, I’m always training hard.

 

Q

This is for both Julio Jr. and Sr.  For Jr., obviously, there’s a benefit and maybe a drawback, too, to having such a famous name.  Benefit is that everybody knows your father and what he accomplished.  And that brings you attention early in your career as it has.  The possible drawback is that you’re always going to be compared to him, which some would say was almost an impossible, impossibly high standard to try to live up to.  From your perspective and also from your father’s, what about that, the burden and the benefit of having such a famous name?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

I think I’m well respected because I’m world champion.  But, you know, I think this is an advantage. But this doesn’t help me in the ring. I’m proven in the ring. I beat the champions.  I beat the number one, number two, number three and number four at 168 pounds. And I’ve showed everybody, the people, that I can fight, too. I am a good fighter and (I put on good fights). And people like see my fights. My style is a good style for the people.  And I think this fight, too, the style of Fonfara is to come to fight, he’s a fighter with a great heart and great chin.  And both of us will make a great fight.

 

J. Cesar Chavez Sr.

 

The name has helped.  Obviously, it’s helped get attention, but we are very different.  He — my son fights at a higher weight than I fought.  And so, there’s a lot of difference.  Physically, he’s a lot bigger than I was.  So, there’s good and bad, and we understand that.  But, he’s his own fighter just like I was.

 

Q

Sam, you mentioned earlier that you had a lot of names mentioned for Andrzej before you finally settled on Chavez.  Are you willing to reveal some of those names?

 

 

S. Colonna

You know what?  I really don’t have them right in front of me.  But, there were at least three, four different guys they were throwing at us.  And as soon as they said Chavez, I go, ‘That’s the guy we want,’ because, like I said earlier, the style is perfect for us.  And we don’t have to look for him too much, you know?  He’s going to be right there for us.  So, the style is really, really mixed good.

 

Q

Andrzej, you’ve fought at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight.  How does it feel fighting at 172?  And do you see yourself moving possibly down in weight in the near future, or do you feel you’re a true light heavyweight?

 

A. Fonfara

I’m a light heavyweight fighter. That’s because I’m fighting with Chavez.  That’s why we have a catch-weight.  And that’s why I go down. I usually fight at 175, at least for maybe two years.  And this my weight.  It’s not impossible for me to go, like, two, three pounds down because, you know, when I fought Stevenson last year in May, I was 173 then.  And I felt good then.  Two pounds down is not problem for me.  Should be good, you know?  Just more diet, more work in the last week.  And I should be good.

 

Q

Julio Jr., how much of a relief is it for you to finally fight after a year?  I know it’s been trying for you with the whole lawsuit and everything.  So, how does it feel for you to know you finally have a fight up ahead?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

I feel good. I feel great, you know, because this problem offended me a lot mentally more than physically.  But I’m really happy that this problem is better now. I have a fight in front of me.  And you know, I’m not remembering anything about that.  I’m just focusing on the fight April 18 for Fonfara. I feel good, I feel great.  You know I can’t tell you with words how I feel because I’m better to the ring. (But I’m very excited to be returning) to the ring.

 

Q

Joe Goossen, which of the skills of Julio Cesar are translating the best for the light heavyweight division? 

 

J. Goossen

 

Well, first off, Julio is a well-rounded fighter.  I mean, we’ve seen him box before.  And we’ve seen him pressure before.  I don’t want to tip my hand on what we’re going to do but we have studied the films.  We’ve talked about the films of Andrzej.  And of course, we’re developing a game plan.  I think the weight — basically, 172 is very close to 68.  It’s a weight he’s fought at before. So I don’t think the weight is going to be a problem at all.  The way he’s working right now and the weight he’s at right now, I think we’re going to be able to hit the 172 mark quite easily.  But, again, as far as what skills he has that we’re going to bring to the table is something that I think is private to us.  But Julio Jr. is a multi-talented fighter.  Just watching him spar yesterday, when we needed a box, he did it beautifully.  And when we needed pressure in a few rounds, he pulled it off exactly how I like it.  So I’m very confident that whatever style we bring and game plan we bring, we’re going to be successful with it.

 

Q

Can you make the weight?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

Yes.  Sure.  I’ll make 172 because I pay $100,000 per a pound (if I don’t). I can’t pay that kind of money. I’ve never weighed more than 172 in a fight. The only fight I made 172 is with Brian Vera, the first fight.  But in all the rest of my career of boxing, in all my championship bouts (I never didn’t make weight). I don’t know why you ask me that. Okay.  Maybe, I’m a bigger fighter, you know?  I know I am a bigger fighter.  But, I don’t have problems. And (if he does) not make the weight, maybe I’ll win $100,000 more.

 

Q

So, Julio, you’re hoping for $100,000 from Andrzej Fonfara, but you’re saying that he should not hope for $100,000 from you?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

No, no.  I think that the fight’s in the right way.  And he’s not going to take advantage of anybody, you know, because (I come in lighter). You know, the weight is pretty good I think for both fighters.

 

Q

Can you talk about your decision to have Joe Goossen in your corner, you feel, as a result of the Vera fight, that you owe the fans a performance?

 

J. Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

Well, I’ve known Joe Goossen for a long time.  He’s a great trainer.  He’s a great person.  He’s somebody that motivates fighters.  And we have a true connection.  We’ve connected again.  And I like him a lot.  I like that he’s a hard worker, just like me.  And I think, together, we’re going to do really well.  With regards to the performance, I can tell you that, this show is for the people.  It’s going to be a great fight.  It’s going to be a better fight.  And now, with my new promotion company and with knowing who my opponent is going to be in advance, I think it’s going to be a great night.

 

 K. Swanson

 

That was our last question.  So, again, we really appreciate the fighters taking time to join us.  We look forward to this fantastic matchup between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andrzej Fonfara on Saturday, April 18, from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., live on SHOWTIME at 10:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m. PT.  Thank you so much for joining us.

 

*          *          *

 

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

 

Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara, is a 12-round bout that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @andrzej_fonfara, @StubHubCenter and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezFonfara, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog athttp://theboxingblog.sho.com.
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Campillo Next for Beterbiev 

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QUEBEC CITY (March 19, 2015) – After dominating the amateur ranks during two entire Olympic cycles, Russian prospect Artur Beterbiev is now ready for pro boxing’s elite, even though he has only fought seven times as a professional. The Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) jewel will continue his journey April 4 in Quebec City, airing live on CBS and TVA Sports, against former world champion Gabriel Campillo, of Spain.

“The journalists won’t be happy since I did not KO anybody today,” laughed Beterbiev after a public training session today in Quebec City, He demonstrated his skills with his sparring partners, Englishman Bob Ajisafe and Australian Blake Caparello.

“I really think it will be a short night for Campillo,” Caparello said after sparring Beterbiev. “This guy has some incredible brute force. He could even chase and hunt down a strong Sergey Kovalev in the ring,”

Beterbiev (7-0, 7 KOa) will face former WBA light heavyweight world champion Campillo (25-6-1, 11 KOa), a slick 6’2” southpaw who has fought 211 rounds as a professional, in a preliminary bout before the WBC andThe Ring light heavyweight world title fight between defending champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and Sakio Bika.

Beterbiev-Campillo is for the IBF world second ranking in the light heavyweight division. 

“It is a good fight against an excellent opponent; a resistant, experienced guy,” Beterbiev trainer Marc Ramsay analyzed. “Campillo will bring a lot of ring experience to Artur. My boxer continues to improve every day but, in fact, he is already ready for the best.”

“I will put on a good show and fight April 4th,” Beterbiev continued. “When I step in the ring, I don’t have a friend. I want to continue to get better until I face Sergey Kovalev again. And I will beat him again!”

Kevin Bizier vs. Stanislav Salmon

Canadian welterweight Kevin Bizier (23-2, 16 KOs) will have his chance to write history in the old Québec Coliseum, since he will fight the last boxing bout ever produced in the former Nordiques arena. April 4th, he will face former French and WBC Mediterranean welterweight champion Stanislav Salmon (24-3-2, 10 KOs). 

In order to realize that dream, the Quebec City’s pride had to refuse an offer to appear in the semi-final bout of the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Andrzej Fonfara fight, April 18th in Carson, California.

“Kevin would have received a bigger purse than the one he had for his last fight against Jo Jo Dan, but he wanted to stay on the Quebec card,” promoter Yvon Michel added. “He did a great job in a really close brawl against Dan and Dan will fight in an IBF world welterweight fight, March 28 in England. Everything is still possible for Kevin and we believe in him.”

“To be the one that will close the Colisée is really something,” Bizier commented. “It is also a good preparation fight and I must do great. I would have liked to fight in California, but I will have another opportunity in June. And of course, I would have loved to be in Jo Jo Dan’s shoes to fight in a world championship…but one day, it will be my turn.” 

Sébastien Bouchard vs. Denis Farias

Also on the card, Canadian fovorie Sébastien Bouchard (9-1, 3 KOs) will step up to face French tough guy Denis Farias (19-6-2, 1 KOs).

“Sébastien made us proud in his last fight when he stopped the last boxer to defeat icon Stéphane Ouellet, Belgian Cedric Spera,” GYM vice-president Bernard Barré mentioned. “He will be facing a durable fighter, who has only lost one time by K.O.”
Tickets are on sale at the Pepsi Coliseum box office in Quebec, by calling (418) 691-7211 or 1 (800) 900-7469, online at www.billetech.com, at GYM (514) 383-0666 and Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.