Category Archives: boxing

boxing

RENO’S OSCAR VASQUEZ RETURNS TO THE RING SATURDAY

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MARCH 10th, RENO — Reno’s Jr. Flyweight prospect Oscar Vasquez (7-1, 1 KO) is scheduled to fight this Saturday in Las Vegas.

Presented by Pochiro Promotions and RHP, “Showdown at Sam’s Town 3” will once again feature a night of world class professional boxing at Sam’s Town resort.  In a Jr. Flyweight six-round scrap, Vasquez is set to face Cesar Sustaita (3-1, 3 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico.

 

Vasquez has put together quite the winning streak over the past two years.  A win on Saturday would further his campaign in the Jr. Flyweight division.  He held training camp in Los Angeles, CA with trainer Nico Robledo.

 

“I’m ready to make a statement in the Jr. Flyweight division come Saturday.”  Says Vasquez.  “I had an amazing camp.  We are ready.’

 

The always-exciting Vasquez will have his hands full against the aggressive and hard-hitting Sustaita, who has knocked out all of his opponents in his three wins.

 

Vasquez vs. Sustaita is one of seven bouts scheduled for the third installment of “Showdown at Sam’s Town” on March 14th.  Tickets start at $35.00 (plus taxes and fees).  To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit samstownlv.com.  All bouts subject to change.

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boxing, HBO Boxing

Thomas Dulorme responds to comments made by Terence Crawford’s co-manager/trainer Brian McIntyre at last Thursday’s press conference

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PUERTO RICO (March 10, 2015) – Last Thursday in Arlington, Texas a press conference was held to announce the world title bout between junior welterweight top contender, Thomas ‘French Boy’ Dulorme (22-1, 14 KOs), and 2014 ‘Boxer of the Year’ and former lightweight WBO world champion, Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford (25-0 , 17 KOs) for their upcoming clash on Saturday, April 18 at the College Park Center, located at the University of Texas, Arlington. Crawford-Dulorme will be for the vacant WBO junior welterweight world title. The world championship fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

During the press conference, Dulorme was emphatic in his fight dedication to the Latino community by mentioning, “On April 18, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Colombia and all the Latinos around the world will have a new champion”, stated a confident Dulorme.

In response, Terence Crawford’s co-manager and trainer, Brian McIntyre commented, “The Mexicans, the Puerto Ricans, the Colombians, the Dominicans, they can’t help you fight, bro. I am not trying to be disrespectful, but this is between you and Terence. Terence is a throwback fighter. He has hands of stone, can fight on the inside and outbox you. He is a winner in everything he does in life. May the best man win.”

“I consider the comments of this gentleman Brian McIntyre very disrespectful toward the Latinos and to myself. I dedicate this fight to all the Latinos, because I’m Latino, and I’m proud of it. In the ring, it’s only Crawford, the referee and I, but the support of the Latinos will be there as well and cannot be ignored”, said Thomas Dulorme, who is stationed at an undisclosed location in Puerto Rico for the biggest fight of his career.

“Day in and day out I represent Latinos around the world. In the great nation of the United States, you must take advantage of every opportunity. On April 18, I will work hard to become a world champion in Texas, and bring glory to my people”, concluded Thomas Dulorme.

boxing, Showtime Boxing, Uncategorized

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna: Undefeated yet looking for respect in ShoBox: The New Generation bout against Antoine Douglas

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Battle of undefeated Middleweights Highlights March 13 card in Westbury, N.Y
LIVE on SHOWTIME® This Friday, March 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

For Immediate Release

Millville, New Jersey (March 10, 2015)—On Friday night, March 13 at the Space in Westbury, N.Y.,  undefeated middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (16-0, 7 KO’s) will step up in class and try to silence any critics when he takes on fellow undefeated Middleweight Antoine “Action” Douglas (16-0-1, 10 KO’s). The quadrupleheader ShoBox: The New Generation will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The bout will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation card beginning at 10 PM ET

In an age where fighters don’t want to be tested until a premium network comes calling, LaManna gives Douglas credit for stepping for this major opportunity.
“I think whoever wins or loses, we should gain a lot of respect that two young and undefeated fighters are taking a risk.  In boxing, when an opportunity presents itself, you can’t say no,” said LaManna
The 23 year-old LaManna is ready for this fight as he knows that a big effort will make him more than just a local attraction.
“It’s now because I have been a professional for four years and sixteen fights and I just felt with my team to take this necessary risk to see where I am at.”
LaManna also feels that he doesn’t think that Douglas has been through a hard fight and on March 13 that will all change.
“I disagree with the notion that he has fought great competition and I haven’t.  The only time he has had to bite down and grind it out, he was only able to get a draw.  Not to take anything away from him, I have had to bite down and I have won fights.”
“I know it’s his promoter’s show but in no way do I look at myself as the B-side in the fight.”
LaManna continues on to discuss that if you look behind the number’s, Douglas strength of schedule is not all that it looks to be on paper.
“He has fought two undefeated guys.  One of them was from the Midwest and the other did not beat anybody of note.  On paper it may look better and maybe because of the way I look or my body type, people come in thinking that they will beat me.  I can’t say that for all of his opponents.  I also have not faced many guys on short notice.  Just about all my opponents have had full training camps to face me.”
“I am going to say this that the professional ranks are different then the amateurs.  I bring a lot more to the table then his other adversaries.  Just like him, I am undefeated and I do not know how to lose.  On March 13, I will do everything to keep it that way.  I am not in awe of anybody and I consider this another day at the office.”
“I would like to thank my dad who also is my manager as well as my co-promoters Russell Peltz and Peltz Boxing as well as Vincent Ponte and Gulfstream Promotions.”
 Vinny LaManna, Thomas’ Father and Manager  believes, “One thing about Thomas is that all of his opponents have had ample time to train.  They have all come to win. Come March 13, the hard work and the ring experience will pay off.”
Thomas LaManna 022115
Thomas LaManna 022115
 In the co-feature, unbeaten southpaw Ismael Barroso (16-0-2, 15 KOs), of El Tigre, Venezuela, will shoot for his 13th consecutive victory when he faces Issouf “Volcano” Kinda (17-2, 7 KOs), of Bronx, N.Y., in a ten-round scrap for the NABO Lightweight Title. In an eight-round featured bout, once-beaten Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (12-1, 1 NC, 11 KOs), of Washington D.C., will try and avenge his lone loss when he takes on undefeated Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (8-0-1, 1 ND, 1 KO) of Phoenix, Ariz., in a super middleweight rematch. In the opening bout, Adam Lopez (9-0, 4 KOs), of San Antonio, and Houston’s Pablo Cruz (11-0, 3 KOs) clash in an eight-round battle of Lone Star State super bantamweights.

Advance tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, are priced at $150, $125, and $60 for general admission. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, thespacewestbury.com, The Space at Westbury Box Office at 516.283.5566 or by calling the GCP Office at 212.851.6425.

The event is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino & Westbury Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram Dealership & Maxim Group.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DEBUT OF “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” ON NBC IS MOST-WATCHED BOXING BROADCAST SINCE 1998

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Viewership Peaked at 4.2 Million for Exciting Final Rounds of Keith Thurman-Robert Guerrero Bout


PBC Leads NBC to Victory in Adult 18-49 Demographic


More than 575,000 Minutes Live Streamed Via 

NBC Sports Live Extra

 

PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11, 

Live at 8:30 PM ET on NBC


STAMFORD, Conn. – Mar. 9, 2015 – Saturday night’s debut of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC was the most-watched professional boxing broadcast since 1998, according to Fast National Data from The Nielsen Company.

 

The PBC on NBC telecast averaged 3.4 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched professional boxing broadcast in 17 years (“Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Night” on FOX, 5.9 million, Mon., March 23, 1998).

 

Viewership increased every half hour through the telecast and peaked at 4.2 million from10:30-11 p.m. ET during the exciting Rounds 7-12 of Keith Thurman‘s unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero, which The Associated Press called “the kind of fight that had the crowd on its feet and gave a much needed boost to boxing.” With the victory on NBC’s first major primetime boxing broadcast in 30 years (Larry Holmes vs. Carl “The Truth” Williams, on May 20, 1985), Thurman improved to a perfect 25-0 (21 knockouts).

 

The PBC on NBC also led NBC to a Saturday primetime victory among Adults 18-49, with a 1.08 rating in the demographic.

 

“The return of primetime boxing to NBC for the first time in three decades got off to a strong start last weekend with Saturday’s PBC on NBC debut,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports and NBCSN. “With our next primetime telecast on Saturday, April 11, we look forward to building on the momentum that this first event clearly established. We are excited that high-quality boxing is back on NBC.”

 

Saturday night’s telecast (8:30-11 p.m. ET) posted a 2.11/4 fast national rating – up 174% from the average boxing telecast on NBC from 2012-14 (.77). It is also the highest-rated professional boxing broadcast since the ’98 De La Hoya show on FOX (4.29).

 

More than 575,000 minutes (576,435) of PBC on NBC coverage was live streamed via NBC Sports Live Extra to desktops, tablets and mobile devices – ranking as the third-best Saturday night this year behind the NFL Wild Card Playoff (Jan. 3, 2015) and the NHL Stadium Series game (Feb. 21, 2015). On social media, #NBCBoxing trended on Twitter worldwide throughout the telecast, along with #PBConNBC, boxers’ names and other key terms trending on the national level.

 

PBC on NBC returns on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, featuring four boxers with a combined 127-4-1 record and 80 KOs – undefeated superstarDanny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) vs. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

 

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live PBC on NBC boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, on select devices within Google Play, and on windows phones and tablets.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

 Q&A WITH TOP PROSPECT ANTOINE DOUGLAS AS HE PREPARES TO FACE FELLOW UNBEATEN THOMAS LAMANNA THIS FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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ShoBox: The New Generation LIVE on SHOWTIME
This Friday, March 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT From Westbury, N.Y.

Photo Credit:  Stephanie Trapp / SHOWTIME
For Immediate Release

WESTBURY, N.Y. (March 9, 2015) – Undefeated middleweight Antoine Douglas(16-0-1, 10 KOs) is one of boxing’s fastest-rising prospects. Just 23 years old, the aggressive and exciting Washington, D.C., native will make his 2015 debut thisFriday, March 13 against fellow unbeaten Thomas LaManna (16-0, 7 KOs) in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Douglas, who is 1-0-1 in two ShoBox appearances, is looking to prove that he’s earned the moniker “Action” when he faces an opponent who – like himself – has never lost or touched the canvas. More importantly, he’s aiming to continue to erase any doubt about his future as a contender at 160 pounds. Douglas has won two in a row since boxing a hard-fought 10-round majority draw with former world title challengerMichel Soro (23-1-1 going in) last July 25 on ShoBox.

Here’s what Douglas had to say as he prepares for a breakout 2015:

How would you say your career is going?
“My career is going great so far. I am very satisfied with the pace of my career. I’m right where we want to be and in position for a big year.”

Neither one of you has been knocked down as a professional. Do you expect that to change on March 13?
“I really don’t expect anything going into a fight. I just want to put on a great show and put on a great fight. Give it my all.”

You’ve faced the tougher opposition as a pro. How do you stay focused and not look past an opponent?
“This is the sport of boxing and one punch can change any fight. Any fighter has the capability of hurting me so I don’t overlook anyone. LaManna is undefeated. He’s never lost, so I can’t look past him. Anything can happen in there.”

What do you know about LaManna and what kind of fight do you expect?
“I know that he’s tall and has a long reach. I really don’t know what to expect. I know that he tends to lock up to try to stay in a defensive position. I need to take advantage of that by going on the offensive.”

After what you’ve overcome as a youngster, do you consider yourself a survivor? Did boxing save you?
“I wouldn’t consider myself just a survivor. I would consider myself a fighter. I had a lot to fight for in my youth. Boxing helped me get through my issues. It provided me with instruction and discipline. Around the age of 14 I really took control of my life and became a man. I felt like I needed to treat myself as a man.

“When I was in a foster home at 14, my two guardians split up and I was in a position where I needed to make a decision to choose which path to go down. I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today if I didn’t make the decision I made. There weren’t people around me to point me in the right direction, I was on my own. If there were people that were supportive of me, I wasn’t expecting it. I was in the position that I was making the decision solely for myself.”

Getting serious here – your mother was in and out of your life growing up. What keeps you so loyal to her after everything that you’ve been through?
“I understand the fact that everyone goes through things in their life. It’s easy to tell them what they should do. It takes a lot to put your pride aside to be considerate of what people are going through. Too many people put themselves first over others. I took a step back and realized that everything happens for a reason and look how I turned out today. My mother and I have a great relationship now because I was understanding of her situation and didn’t take anything she did intentionally or think that it was directed towards me.”

What did you learn from your last ShoBox fight versus Soro)?. Do you view it as a positive or negative?
“I view the fight with Soro as a positive. In that fight I got down in weight, the smallest I have been in a while. I was at 155 instead of my usual weight of 160. Shedding the pounds really had a big impact on the fight and I realized I am a middleweight and feel comfortable at 160.”

That the Soro fight was called a majority draw — was that a disappointment for you? How did you learn from that?
“It was a great disappointment for me to get a draw, but we know now not to go any smaller than 160. That’s the main thing we learned in that fight. There is such a thing as being too disciplined. People noticed how skinny I was for that fight, but being a disciplined fighter I was determined to make weight. A lot of opponents wouldn’t have taken that fight but it was an opportunity that I wanted to take advantage of. I thought it was a good decision at the time, but I learned a valuable lesson.”

You knocked a guy’s tooth out in your first ShoBox fight (Jan. 17, 2014, versus Marquis Davis) and your mom stole the show in your last appearance. What do you have in store for viewers on March 13?
“I mean, I’m just planning for a great fight. That’s all I can guarantee. I’m not one for superstitions [Friday The 13th]. I can just guarantee it will be a great fight.”

What is your biggest strength? Are you looking for the knockout or do you believe you can go 10 rounds and get the victory that way?
“I believe I can bang for 10 rounds, but that all depends on the opponent. Some guys are strong enough who can go the full 10 rounds. I go in and try to inflict the most amount of damage from the opening bell.

“My biggest strength is my will and determination. There’s never a moment where I want to give up. Even if I get hurt in the ring, I won’t succumb to the fighter. Those are the thoughts that go through my head.”

Jerry Odom is also on this card and you both are from the DC area. You have stated that you two are like roommates. What does it mean to have him on the card with you?
“It means a lot for me. We come from similar humble beginnings and for us to be on the same card is historic for us. We both carry the same common goal and we have a lot that we are fighting for. Being able to do this on such a big stage on SHOWTIME and prove all the naysayers wrong means the world to us. It makes it that much more worth it and fulfilling for us, especially if we both get the victory.”

Your prediction?
“I predict a victory. I have trained and worked very hard for this and am ready to put on a show.”

In the co-feature, unbeaten southpaw Ismael Barroso (16-0-2, 15 KOs), of El Tigre, Venezuela, will shoot for his 13th consecutive victory when he faces Issouf “Volcano” Kinda (17-2, 7 KOs), of Bronx, N.Y., in a 10-round scrap for the NABO Lightweight Title. In an eight-round featured bout, once-beaten Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (12-1, 1 NC, 11 KOs), of Washington D.C., will try and avenge his lone loss when he takes on undefeated Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (8-0-1, 1 ND, 1 KO) of Phoenix, Ariz., in a super middleweight rematch. In the opening bout, Adam Lopez (9-0, 4 KOs), of San Antonio, and Houston’s Pablo Cruz (11-0, 3 KOs) clash in an eight-round battle of Lone Star State super bantamweights.

Advance tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions,are priced at $150, $125, and $60 for general admission. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, thespacewestbury.com, The Space at Westbury Box Office at 516.283.5566 or by calling the GCP Office at 212.851.6425.

The event is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino & Westbury Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram Dealership & Maxim Group.
boxing

MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV MAKES 2015 DEBUT IN TEXAS THIS FRIDAY

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HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 12, 2015) – Co-promoters Gary Shaw Productions and Savarese Promotions are happy to announce the 2015 debut of Light-Heavyweight Russian power puncher, Medzhidm “B-52” Bektemirov (14-0, 11 KOs). The undefeated slugger will face James Johnson (28-44-4, 17 KOs) in a 6-round bout at the “Battle on the Mainland” card taking place at the Charles Doyle Convention Center in Texas City, TX on March 13, 2015.

 

Bektemiorov, who’s knocked out six of his last eight opponents, is looking to keep the momentum going with a spectacular performance.  His mindset is to come out guns blazing and go for the knockout early.

 

“My trainer Ronnie Shields has me working on a lot of different things, but he’s not trying to change my style,” said Bektemirov. “He wants me to stay aggressive without being reckless.  I’m ready to drop bombs, hence my name B-52. If the fight goes the distance, I’ll make sure that my opponent takes a lot of punishment.  I want to thank Gary and Lou for coming together to take my career to the next level. Everything starts this Friday in Texas City.”

 

“I’m very pleased from what I’m hearing about B-52’s sparring sessions,” said Gary Shaw. “He’s a tremendous puncher with good footwork. With a veteran trainer like Ronnie Shields guiding the corner, I see him developing into a great fighter.”

 

“This kid can go,” Lou Savarese stated. “I know we got something special Bektemirov.  His name “B-52” serves him well because he really does drop bombs.  I’ve seen him take out a lot of dudes in the gym.  I can’t wait to see him get to work this Friday.”

 

“Battle of the Mainland” tickets priced $35 (general admission), $75 (Table seats) and $100 (Ringside) are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (713) 658-0229 or online at www.SavaresePromotions.com.  The Charles Doyle Conventions Center is located at 2010 5th Ave N, Texas City, TX, 77590.

boxing

Rainone Tops Untelevised Undercard This Friday at The Space at Westbury in Westbury, New York

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Local favorite Tommy “Razor” Rainone will face Saint Paul, Minnesota, veteran Allen Litzau (14-8, 7 KOs) in a six-round welterweight battle to headline the undercard for this Friday, March 13‘s exciting night of televised boxing from The Space at Westbury in Westbury, New York.

Rainone vs. Litzau will be the featured untelevised undercard bout in support of the live four-fight broadcast of ShoBox: The New Generation (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) featuring a 10-round middleweight main event between Washington, D.C.’s Undefeated middleweight Antoine Douglas (16-0-1, 10 KOs) and fellow unbeaten Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (16-0, 7 KOs) of Millville, New Jersey, for the WBA-FEDELATIN Middleweight Championship, as well as The SHOWTIME debut of unbeaten southpaw Ismael Barroso (16-0-2, 15 KOs), of El Tigre, Venezuela, taking on Issouf “Volcano” Kinda (17-2, 7 KOs), of Bronx, N.Y., in a 10-round battle for the NABO Lightweight Championship.

In other televised action, Jerry “The King’s Son” Odom (12-1, 1 NC, 11 KOs), of Washington D.C., will attempt to avenge his only career loss when he takes on undefeated Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (8-0-1, 1 ND, 1 KO) of Phoenix, Arizona, in an eight-round super middleweight rematch. In the opening bout, Adam Lopez (9-0, 4 KOs), of San Antonio, and Houston’s Pablo Cruz (11-0, 3 KOs) clash in an eight-round battle of Lone Star State super bantamweights.

Tickets for the event, promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, are priced at $150, $125, and $60 for general admission and available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, thespacewestbury.com, The Space at Westbury Box Office at 516.283.5566 or by calling the GCP Office at 212.851.6425. The event is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino & Westbury Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram Dealership & Maxim Group.

In other undercard action, Patricia Alcivar (7-3, 3 KOs) of Queens, New York, will face British Columbia, Canada’s Peggy Maerz (2-6-1) in a women’s six-round flyweight battle; New York’s Rich Neves (8-1-1, 4 KOs) will battle San Diego, California’s Joshua Marks (8-5-1, 8 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight bout; and opening the action will be Dave Meloni (1-1, 1 KO) will face Richard Bonds (0-2) of Newburgh, New York, in a four-round super featherweight bout.
boxing

One Man Wrecking Crew; Lippe-Morrison Obliterates Dawson in Miami!

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Miami, OK (March 8, 2015) – Coming into yesterday’s bout before a standing room only crowd at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK, heavyweight Richard Dawson was confident he’d take out Trey Lippe-Morrison.

 

Dawson, who called all of Lippe-Morrison’s previous foes bums, owns a victory over Ty Cobb (16-3) and had never been knocked down or stopped. Against the hard-hitting Lippe-Morrison, Dawson was expected to provide rounds for his popular 25-year-old old foe, who knocked out five of his first six opponents in the opening stanza. Instead, he became another first round victim.

 

Headlining Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise” fight card, Lippe-Morrison demolished Dawson in two minutes and one second. Dawson got off to a good start and looked confident, taking the fight to Morrison while displaying good defensive movement. The Tulsa,OK native quickly turned the tides however, blastingDawson with a vicious right hand followed by a hard left hook that literally dropped him like a sack of potatoes. After sending Lippe-Morrison to the neutral corner, Referee Gerald Ritter stopped the fight as Dawson was out cold.

 

“This was a great victory for Trey,” said promoter Tony Holden. “In the first minute of the fight, Dawson looked like he was going to give Trey all kinds of problems and even landed some good punches. Trey showed great poise and landed two perfect punches to end the fight. I’m very proud of him and he’s a tremendous puncher that will only improve his boxing skills over time.”

 

The son of former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison, Lippe-Morrison is 7-0 with all of his wins coming by way of knockout. Dawson, an Okmulgee, OKnative, falls to 5-3-2 with three knockouts.

 

In the co-featured bout of the evening, heavyweight Kenzie Witt of Bartlesville, OK blitzed Kansas City,MO’s Brian Imes. From the opening bell, Witt overwhelmed Imes and scored two quick knockdowns, forcing Ritter to halt the contest at 1:32 of the first.

 

Witt, who is Lippe-Morrison’s half brother and Tommy’s son, improves to 4-0 with 4 KO’s.

 

Welterweight Patrick Boozer of Ann Arbor, MI scored his second consecutive upset, besting previously unbeaten Seneca, MO native Jesse Cook over eight rounds. Cook, a member of the “Four State Franchise” displayed great promise throughout his career but couldn’t overcome the experienced and confident Boozer. Scores were 79-73 and 78-74 twice.

 

Boozer, an upset specialist that has defeated three unbeaten foes in his last four fights, improves to 8-3 with 2 knockouts. Cook, who at 28 has time to rebound, drops to 14-1 (9 KO’s) following his first setback.

 

In other action, Jarrett Rouse upped his record to 5-0 after topping Steve Kollin over four rounds while Bryan Carroll won his pro debut by besting fellow debutant Juan Parra in a four rounder. Both bouts took place in the welterweight division.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

MEXICAN SUPERSTAR JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. RETURNS TO THE RING AGAINST EXCITING BRAWLER ANDRZEJ FONFARA AT STUBHUB CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF.

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Chavez Jr. Making SHOWTIME® Debut Saturday, April 18,

Live At 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT

 

Tickets Go On Sale Today At 12 P.M. PT!

 

CARSON, Calif. (March 9, 2015) – The return of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-1-1, 32 KOs) comes to StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., onSaturday April 18 as the Mexican superstar makes his SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® debut against exciting brawler Andrzej Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs) in a 12-round light heavyweight bout, live onSHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT).

 

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, go on sale today at 12 p.m. PT and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

 

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and remind everyone that I’m one of the best fighters in the world,” said Chavez Jr. “I have a tough test onApril 18, but I am going to pass with flying colors and I look forward to taking on any challengers after that.”

 

“This is another great opportunity for me and I’m very thankful to have it,” said Fonfara. “I’ve been in there with the best fighters in the world and as always I’m going to try to put on a show for the fans and walk out victorious.”

 

“Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andrzej Fonfara are two of the hardest punching boxers in the sport” said Tom Brown of Goossen Promotions. “This fight will be an epic battle of wills and will add another chapter to the long list of outstanding fights that have taken place at the StubHub Center.”

 

“As a fight fan, I love watching Julio fight.  As a network executive, I’m thrilled for him to make his SHOWTIME debut on April 18,” saidStephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “Julio is one of the most exciting and popular boxers in the sport today, and with a new team behind him, we expect big things from him in 2015.  But Andrzej Fonfara is a real test, and he’s proven he’s not intimidated by any opponent.”

 

The oldest son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, the 29-year-old is a former middleweight world champion looking to earn himself another world title shot. Born in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, Chavez Jr. turned pro in 2003 and won his first 23 fights. His first blemish came against Carlos Molina, who he fought to a draw in 2005, before coming back to beat him two months later. After running his record to 41-0-1, he earned a middleweight world title shot against Sebastian Zbik, which he won by majority decision. He would go on to successfully defend his belt against Peter Manfredo Jr., Marco Antonio Rubio and Andy Lee before losing a decision in 2012 to Sergio Martinez. Most recently Chavez Jr. defeated rugged contender Bryan Vera twice, first in 2013 and again in their 2014 rematch.

 

Born in Warsaw, Poland and fighting out of Chicago, Fonfara is a late-bloomer who has put together a string of impressive recent performances. Last year, the 27-year-old battled lineal light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson for 12 tough rounds and despite dropping a decision, he impressed a lot of fans with his grit and determination. Victorious over former world champions Byron Mitchell, Glen Johnson and Gabriel Campillo, Fonfara’s most recent win came in November 2014 when he dominated Doudou Ngumbu in his adopted home of Chicago, earning him this chance against Chavez Jr.

 

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 at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

NOTES & QUOTES FROM DEBUT OF “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” ON NBC

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“Keith Thurman won the fight, Robert Guerrero won the fans.” – Marv Albert


 “This is what makes stars, this is what makes champs, coming back.” – “Sugar” Ray Leonard on Robert Guerrero


“His speed, his reflexes, his athleticism. Adrien Broner is a problem.” – B.J. Flores on Adrien Broner


PBC on NBC Returns Saturday, April 11, Live 

at 8:30 PM ET on NBC


LAS VEGAS – Mar. 7, 2015 – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC made its primetime debut tonight from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert and analyst “Sugar” Ray Leonard called the action, with Al Michaels as host, corner analysts Laila Ali and B.J. Flores, and reporter Kenny Rice.

 

The debut of PBC on NBC featured a pair of 12-round bouts – Keith Thurman‘s unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero, and Adrien Broner‘s unanimous decision over John Molina Jr. 


Following are notes and quotes from tonight’s debut telecast:

 

PBC ON NBC DEBUT


Al Michaels: “Tonight, boxing returns to primetime…in the debut of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC. This is a brand new boxing series that will showcase many of the top fighters in the sport on network television, making boxing far more accessible to fans, with less of an emphasis on jockeying for belts and more of a focus on competitive fights.”

 

“Sugar” Ray Leonard: “It doesn’t get any better than this – boxing is back on primetime TV. My career, amateur and professional, began on network television. These boxers know the power of the networks. Yesterday, they said they want to be champions and also famous. It all begins right here, right now.”

 

Michaels introducing blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert: “And yes Marv is here, and it counts.”

 

Marv Albert on calling NBC’s last major primetime bout (Larry Holmes vs. Carl “The Truth” Williams, May 20, 1985): “Yes, I do recall very well that night in Reno, Nevada some 30 years ago….30 years ago, I was 12 at the time.”

 

Albert: “Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger is with us [at ringside], should there be some issues, controversies, or bizarre occurrences… But that never happens in boxing.”

 

ON THURMAN-GUERRERO


Leonard on Thurman (pre-fight): “Thurman, he’s so analytical, he breaks down his opponents, he has knockout power in both hands, he puts his punches together well, and if he gets you in trouble, he’s coming after you.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero (pre-fight): “Guerrero, he went the distance with Floyd Mayweather, his defense is his offense. He’s aggressive, relentless, durable, and has never been knocked out.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 1: “Most fighters have a problem with southpaws…but Thurman looks pretty good here.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 1: “Guerrero needs to use his jab to work his way inside.”

 

Albert on Thurman in Round 2: “It has been all Keith Thurman on the attack… he’s a power puncher, looks for the early knockout…he’s off to a terrific start.”

 

Steve Smoger on Thurman’s injury after an unintentional head-butt in Round 3: “If Thurman cannot continue after the 4th Round, they’ll go to the cards. That’s the situation and that’s pursuant to Nevada rule.”

 

Leonard on Thurman’s Round 4 right hand to Guerrero’s head: “Most guys would have gone down from that shot.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 7: “He’s in such control.”

 

Leonard on Round 7: “Thurman can’t fall asleep on Guerrero, who still has power in both hands.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 8: “Guerrero needs to be more aggressive and cut the ring off.”

 

Leonard on Thurman in Round 8: “Thurman has taken full control of this fight.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 8: “When Guerrero lands a punch he should stay there and throw more punches, more combinations.”

 

Albert on Guerrero at the end of Round 9: “Saved by the bell.”

 

Albert on Round 10: “How about Guerrero coming back!”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 10: “This is what makes stars, this is what makes champs, coming back.”

 

Leonard on Guerrero in Round 11: “The heart of Guerrero is just impressive.”

 

Albert on Round 12: “12th and final round and they continue to go at it.”

 

Albert: “Keith Thurman won the fight, Robert Guerrero won the fans.”

 

ON ADRIEN BRONER- JOHN MOLINA JR.


Leonard on Adrien Broner: “I had a little showmanship in me in my years, but Broner definitely is a showman. I knew when not to cross the line…Broner is a gifted fighter, but sometimes gets a little vulgar in his antics. I just don’t want that to overshadow his talent.”

 

Albert on Broner: “At times he has been off-the-wall outrageous.”

 

B.J. Flores on Broner (pre-fight): “His speed, his reflexes, his athleticism. Adrien Broner is a problem, and a mismatch for anybody he faces because of those natural gifts. Now, whenever he gets in the ring, he likes to stand and use those reflexes and that speed for offense, combination punching and defense.”

 

Leonard on Molina Jr. in Round 1: “He needs to make this an ugly fight.”

 

Leonard in Round 1: “Broner has the best eyes…he sees and anticipates everything coming and is able to counter those punches.”

 

Laila Ali on Round 1: “Molina’s corner is not happy with his inactivity.”

 

Ali on Molina Jr.’s inactivity after Round 6: “So far Molina has not been listening to his corner.”

Leonard in Round 8: “Molina waited too long to become an aggressor.”

 

Albert on Broner talking as fighters clinch in Round 8: “There are sweet nothings being whispered into the ear of John Molina.”

 

Albert on the fighters’ continual chatter in Round 10: “I get the idea that there is a talk show going on up there and the guests are Adrien Broner and John Molina.”

 

Smoger on the officiating in Broner-Molina Jr. in Round 10: “I just think we’ve had a bit of over-officiating. Once the referee goes in and starts to lecture, it breaks the flow of the fight and it takes the fighters out of their game plan. He’s trying to control the fight, but I think he’s over-officiating.”

 

Albert on exchange by fighters at end of the Round 10: “What a finish!”

 

Ali on Molina in the Round 11: “Joe Goossen has been pleading with John Molina to listen to him.”

 

Leonard on Molina in the Round 12: “When Molina watches the tape of this fight he’s going to be very disappointed in himself, because he has more.  He’s a warrior.”

 

Albert on Broner: “It will be a convincing victory for ‘The Problem,’ who was a problem for John Molina.”

PBC on NBC returns on Saturday, April 11 at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, as  undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) faces Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight world champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) takes on the undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

 

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live PBC on NBC boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing.  The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

 

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available at the App Store for iPad and iPod touch, on select devices within Google Play, and on windows phones and tablets.