Category Archives: CBS Boxing

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing

Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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“My friend is about to become my enemy….
June 25 I’m doing my best to put you to sleep.” – Keith Thurman
 
“He thinks he’s going to knock me out, I say he’s not…I’m going to do everything it takes to beat him and make it look easy.” – Shawn Porter 
 
“This is the best that boxing has to offer.” – Lou DiBella

Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
NEW YORK (April 26, 2016) – Welterweight world champion Keith Thurman and former champion Shawn Porter went face-to-faceTuesday afternoon in Manhattan as they hosted a press conference to discuss their highly anticipated Saturday, June 25 showdown on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar defending his title against former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $42, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Thurman and Porter went eye-to-eye and talked about their eagerly awaited 147-pound world title clash that takes place in primetime on June 25.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
KEITH THURMAN
“I made you wait. But it’s worth it. This is a tremendous fight. Arguably the best matchup of the year. We’re going to work our butts off to make it the Fight of the Year.
“Our two teams go way back. This is the most beautiful moment of my professional career and I’m about to compete with somebody I grew up with. I’m happy for my success and I’m happy for Shawn’s success. We come from the same boat. When you’re a young kid in the gym training and then you’re here today, that takes a special kind of person. Shawn and I are both that kind of person.
“We took six weeks off after my accident, with three days a week of physical therapy. I was relaxing at home. I didn’t like it. As a fighter, I wanted this fight as bad as the fans wanted this fight.
“This isn’t just the biggest fight of my career. But it’s the most anticipated fight of my career. Sometimes it pays to add some drama to the game. It wasn’t our intention, but I think it worked out.
“Barclays Center makes this a big fight. We get to promote here in New York City. New York is a fight town. My favorite fighter of all time, Mike Tyson, is from Brooklyn. This just happened to work out for the best.
“I anticipate most of the welterweight division being in attendance on June 25. The situation that division is in right now is that we’re all in a frenzy. Everyone wants the spotlight and everyone wants to be the top dog. We all have that opportunity.
“I want to have two titles by the end of this year. People talk about replacing Floyd Mayweather, but you can’t become the man without beating all the people in front of you. One fight at a time. I want to stay at the top by grabbing another belt. I’m going to show that I’m the big dog at 147 pounds.
“June 25, my friend is about to become my enemy. I’m going to treat him like any other enemy.
“Get your tickets. Get your seats. Get your popcorn. Whatever you need to do. This is going to be a fight you don’t want to miss. This is going to be a knockout you don’t want to miss. I love you Shawn, but I’m doing my best to put you to sleep.”
SHAWN PORTER
“I’m very excited about this fight. I’m blessed to have this opportunity. Not only to go for this title but to be a part of a record-breaking show at Barclays Center. This night is going to be memorable.
“Keith Thurman is bringing out the competitiveness in me to a level I’ve always wanted. It’s a level I expect. I have a guy next to me who is challenging me more than ever. Me and Keith Thurman are going to put on a show. Everything you talked about, you’re going to get it.
“It is amazing to be a part of something great like this. I’ve always considered myself to be a very good fighter and a very good athlete, but I’ve always wanted something like this and to have it is very humbling.
“I wasn’t surprised that Keith said he would knock me out. He has to pump himself up and be confident. When he looked at me I think he was trying to convince me that he was being real and I was looking at him to find out if he was convinced. He thinks he’s going to knock me out, I say he’s not. I’m going to do everything it takes to beat him and make it look easy.
“This is forming to be a big fight, one of those fights that we’ve looked forward to since we were kids.
“This is my second time fighting at Barclays Center. I’m 1-0 with a championship so now I’m looking for another one. I’ve been to some of the other fights at Barclays too and it is really an electric atmosphere. People are coming out to see something great and that’s what I’m going to give them.
“I’m not changing anything in camp because of how familiar Keith and I are with each other. I have to do it at the right time in the ring. We’re going to do everything we do to prepare for a world championship fight.
“Thurman is a little unorthodox at times so we’re prepared for that. It’s about going 12 rounds or less and looking good doing it. We’ve done a little sparring as pros but nothing as competitive as I’m expecting on June 25.
“I have a feeling Keith is going to say he’s knocking me out a lot. I want to know if he believes that. He’s a cutthroat kind of fighter. I know that. The hands will be up, the defense will be taken care of, and we’re taking care of business.”
DAN BIRMINGHAM, Thurman’s Trainer
“We’re looking forward to this fight. Me, Keith and the Porters go way back, but sometimes you have to fight your friends.
“These two guys are both at the top of their games and the best man is going to win.”
KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer
“Dan Birmingham is actually one of my mentors and I’ve been watching Keith since he was 14-years-old. We’re all friends but to have the opportunity on this stage, I don’t think we can have better competitors as fighter and trainer. I don’t think it can reach a higher level.
“I fully expect the immovable object versus the irresistible force meeting in the ring for an explosion on June 25.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This is the best that boxing has to offer.
“Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter could very well be the Fight of the Year. It’s a fan fight that everybody has anticipated for many years. These are the two most established welterweights in the world battling to see who the successor to Floyd Mayweather’s domination of the division is.
“This is so far the fastest-selling boxing event at Barclays Center and the biggest presale we’ve ever had for a fight at Barclays Center. This is one to start buying your tickets early.
“Aside from being two of the very best at their weight class, these are two of the more interesting guys in boxing. These are two of the smartest and most cerebral fighters.
“This is why I’m in boxing. This is why we’re all in boxing. This is on national, free, over-the-air television and I think it’s great. WE want as many people as possible to watch this fight. We want to expose people to the best our sport has to offer.
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“We’re in the midst of perhaps the strongest run of boxing this network has ever had. While other networks cut back on programming, we are reinvesting in the sport and giving it as big of a platform as there ever has been.
“We have the strongest lineup of any network this year. These are two of the strongest fighters in the most popular division in the sport.
“The last primetime boxing match on CBS was 1987, Ali-Spinks 1. Those are big shoes to fill. When I pitched a fight for CBS I knew I had to bring something that was incredibly strong. That is what we have on June 25. This card has come together as perfectly as anyone could have imagined.
“Two of the top five welterweights of their career battling for the top of the division. This is an event that speaks for itself. I’m proud to be involved with this event.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“It’s been a special time at Barclays Center the last couple of weeks. I think Barclays Center is defined by dramatic moments. When I think of this particular event, it’s going to be a dramatic moment in Brooklyn and I’m thrilled about it.
“I’m a huge boxing fan and this is one of those nights that you circle on the calendar. You need to be there. We’re off to the best pre-sale and on sale since we opened Barclays Center. We have a bit of a history already and this will be the biggest one yet.”
#          #          #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

  Chris Van Heerden brings “The Heat” & slays “The Dragon” To win 10-round majority decision over Steve Claggett

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For Immediate Release
 
“Knockout Night at the D” Results
(L-R) — Steve Claggett & Chris Van Heerden
(All pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions)
LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2016) – Former IBO World welterweight champion Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden put himself back into title contention position, winning a 10-round majority decision over Steve “The Dragon” Claggett in this evening’s main event, under the neon lights at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC) outdoor venue.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, which airs live on CBS Sports Network, is presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC), promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and returns Saturday evening, May 21.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica, California by way of South Africa, used his 3-inch height advantage against Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), the Canadian champion from Calgary, Alberta.
Neither fighter was hurt during the fight, in which there were continual back-and-forth exchanges of stinging combinations.  Claggett battled to apply pressure in order to fight on the inside, while Van Heerden fought effectively from the outside.
The two evenly-matched welterweights patiently waited for the official announcement:  95-95 and 97-93 twice for Van Heerden.
“I knew I won this fight, 120-percent, but I knew it was close,” Van Heerden commented.  “We’re both winners tonight because of it was so close and we entertained the crowd.  Me and Claggett entertained the crowd…..we delivered.  I’ve been through so much and the lord helped me get this win.  I look forward to a rematch, but I want to move forward.”
Undefeated California junior middleweight Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (12-0, 6 KOs) had a lot to crow about in the 8-round co-feature against Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce, Jr.(10-3, 8 KOs).  Macias thoroughly dominated the action, firing non-stop shots from every conceivable angle.  His unrelenting pressure enabled Macias, whose come-forward approach made him an instant fan favorite, to control the fight from start to finish for a unanimous decision.
“I knew he was going to be the toughest fighter I’ve fought,” Macias said.  “I give Ponce much respect.   We wanted to give fans a good show.”
Baltimore welterweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (7-0, 6 KOs) gave Errol “Spyda” Sidney (6-2-2, 2 KOs) a beating, fully displaying his arsenal of punches, hurting his gutsy opponent on several occasions. Hawkins’ aggressive style early in the fight broke-down Sidney, who was nearly finished at the end of the fourth and fifth rounds.  Hawkins trapped Sidney a neutral corner at the start of the sixth round and a powerful uppercut sent Sidney down to a knee.  Sidney beat referee Jay Nady‘s count but the veteran official had seen enough and he halted the bout 1:02 into the sixth.
“We’re back,” Hawkins proclaimed after the bout.  I’d give myself an 8 ½ this fight.”
Las Vegas’ promising prospect Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO) outclassed Oregon junior lightweight Derek Barthemay (0-3) from the opening bell for a 4-round unanimous decision.
Flashy Las Vegas welterweight prospect Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs) constantly pounded the body of his tough Mexican opponent, Jason “Gibbor” Gavino (3-2, 2 KOs), for a 4-round shutout victory,
Las Vegas’ Sal Lopez (2-0) dropped a game Matt “The KO Kid” Murphy (0-2), a junior lightweight from St. Louis, in the opening round on his way to an impressive one-sided win by way of a unanimous 4-round decision.
Complete results and more pictures of main event below:
 
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neeco Macias (12-0, 4 KOs), Palm Desert, California.
WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 79-73)
Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-3, 8 KOs), Rock Island, Illinois
WELTERWEIGHTS
Chris Van Heerden (24-2-1, 12 KOs), Santa Monica, California
WDEC10 (97-93, 97-93, 95-95)
Steve Claggett (23-4, 16 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Malik Hawkins (7-0, 6 KOs), Baltimore, Maryland
WTKO6 (1:02)
Errol Sidney, Jr. (6-2-2, 2 KOs), New Orleans, Louisiana
Jeremy Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-35)
Jason Gavino (3-2, 2 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Derek Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oregon
Sal Lopez (3-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Derick Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oreon
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)
For More Information:
“Knockout Night at the D”: Bob Trieger, (978) 590-0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, @FightPublicist
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and the D Las Vegas:  Kara Rutkin / Alaina Curry, Kirvin Doak Communications, (702) 737-3100, krutkin@kirvindoak.com /acurry@kirvindoak.com
Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Lisa Veltre, (702) 522-1636,lisa@royjonesjrboxing.com
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing

KEITH THURMAN TO DEFEND WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST SHAWN PORTER ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION JESUS CUELLAR BATTLES FORMER THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION 
ABNER MARES IN CO-MAIN EVENT
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS
Presented By Premier Boxing Champions Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Tickets On Sale Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m.!
 
BROOKLYN (April 16, 2016) – An action-packed primetime doubleheader of world title fights, headlined by the explosive, eagerly-awaited clash between welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and former champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter,will come to Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 25.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) broadcast will begin with a co-main event featherweight battle between current champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs), of Clearwater, Fla., and Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Akron, Ohio, are both coming off superb 2015 campaigns that solidified the fresh faces among the elite of arguably boxing’s most exciting division.  With perennial pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather now retired, the 27-year-old Thurman and the 28-year-old Porter are hungry to stake their claim as the future of boxing.
Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, will make the second defense of his WBA 126-pound title against Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs), a popular brawler from Southern California who has compiled a staggering resume over the past five years while earning titles at 118, 122 and 126 pounds.  Cuellar vs. Mares joins a stacked lineup of featherweight bouts that showcases many of the world’s best 126-pounders aiming to unifying one of boxing’s deepest divisions.
“Keith Thurman against Shawn Porter is one of the best matchups that can be made in the welterweight division right now,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Fans in attendance at Barclays Center and those watching on CBS will witness a passing of the torch as the hard-punching world titleholder Thurman and the highly skilled former champion Porter vie to prove who will be the next heir to the throne in the post-Mayweather era of the 147-pound division. The explosive co-main event between Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares will give fans a fight to remember.”
“Barclays Center has featured many memorable welterweight fights and the long-awaited Thurman vs. Porter matchup promises to become the best one yet,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

“Knockout Night at the D” Undercard Announced  

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This Saturday night live on
CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 
.
LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2016) – An solid undercard showcasing promising prospects has been announced for this Saturday night’s “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) and former IBO champion Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs),, fighting out of his native South Africa by way of Santa Monica, California, square off in 12-round main event.
Saturday’s “Knockout Night at the D” event will air (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Undefeated California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) faces former Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.
A Baltimore welterweight, undefeated Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), is in the first televised bout in a six-rounder versus New Orleans’ Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs). Jones signed Hawkins to a promotional contract after watching the youngster spar impressively, displaying tremendous power.
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round fights are flashy Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Mexican invaderJason Gavino (3-1, 2 KOs), slick Las Vegas featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) vs. TBA, dangerous Las Vegas junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Derek Barthemay (0-2), of Eugene, Oregon, and Los Angeles heavyweight Jonathan “Johnnie” Rice (3-1-1, 3 KOs) vs. Antonio Robertson (4-5-1, 2 KOs), of Alexandria, Virginia.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
“BATTLE BORN BOXING: THE UPRISING” – Friday, April 15, 2016
The inaugural event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising”, will take place this Friday night (Apr. 15), outdoors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
The “Battle Born Boxing” series will present amateur boxing events the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional events.
Created to support amateur boxing in Nevada, “Battle Born Boxing” also provides a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)
amateur boxing, boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

“BATTLE BORN BOXING” New amateur series coming to Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

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Inaugural event, Friday night, Apr. 15
LAS VEGAS (April 8, 2016) -Neon Star Media, on behalf of its client, the D Las Vegas,  today announced the formation of a new amateur boxing series, “Battle Born Boxing.”
The “Battle Born Boxing” series will present amateur boxing events the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional events, airing live on CBS Sports Network from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
Created to support amateur boxing in Nevada, “Battle Born Boxing” also provides a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
The inaugural event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising”, will take place Friday night, April 15 (starting at 7 p.m. PT), outdoors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
“We are thrilled to add this new component to our ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of the D and DLVEC. “We are always seeking new ways to support Las Vegas businesses, and this event will truly give local boxing amateurs, programs and gyms a moment in the spotlight.”
“On behalf of Neon Star Media,” commented John Andersen, SVP Integrated Sales, “First and foremost, I would like to thank Derek Stevens, who is working very hard to help instill boxing in downtown Las Vegas.  I think that by supporting ‘Battle Born Boxing,’ clubs and the gyms in LasVegas, he is willing to do whatever it takes to not only support professional boxing, but also support kids in local amateur programs. We at Neon Star Media simply thought this was a vision that we had to do and who better to make it happen than the DLVEC and Derek?”
“This is blowing up big,” added event coordinator Dawn Berry.  “Derek Stevens is one of the nicest, most honest people I’ve met in this business.  He loves boxing and really wants to do this series.  I’ve worked with Derek before and he’s so easy to deal with.  Derek has always supported amateur boxing and we’re so grateful because it really helps the community.  We’ve had a huge turnout of so many people who want to be involved that I’ve had to cutback the number of matches to 15 or 20.  We have some boxers coming from New Mexico and California. The next date is May 20th and we have boxers coming here from Arizona for that show. It’s a great venue for boxing, too.”
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” tickets, priced at $15.00 for ringside (rows 1 and 2) and $10.00 for general admission, are on sale at www.DLVEC.com.  All tickets purchased for “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will entitle ticketholders to receive $10.00 off any tickets purchased for the following evening’s (Apr. 16) “Knockout Night at the D” pro event.  Those tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will be streamed live atwww.knockoutnightboxing.com.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

“The Heat” is on! Chris Van Heeden vs. Steve Claggett    Apr. 16 live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

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For Immediate Release

 
LAS VEGAS (April 7, 2016) – South African welterweight Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden is on a mission to torch his Canadian opponent  Steve “The Dragon” Claggett, in their 12-round main event, headlining “Knockout Night at the D”.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturdaynight, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
During his 10-year professional career, Van Heerden has defeated quality opponents such as Ramon Avila, Cecil McCalla, Ray Narh, Cosme Rivera,Mathew Hilton, and Sebastian Andres Lujan.
“A win over Claggett will put my career right back to where we need it to be,” Van Heerden said.  “Winning this fight is my only option!  I’m predicting a win, nothing less.  Fans watching me fight for the first time can expect to watch a fighter with speed and footwork.  I’m a winner who is going to win this fight no matter what.”
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion.  “Claggett’s strength is his comin’ forward aggression and that’s how he’s got most of his opponents to give up,” Van Heerden noted.  “I know I’ve faced guys with more power.  I’m expecting a hard fight, nothing easy, and it will be entertaining.”
The 28-year-old Van Heerden moved to Santa Monica two years ago after he wiped out the top South African fighters in his weight class.  He has the strong support of actor Frank Grillo, who has appeared in numerous movies, includingWarrior, The Grey, End of Watch, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Purge: Anarchy.
“Frank Grillo is like a father/brother figure to me and he has been since I met him,” Van Heerden explained their relationship.  He motivates me on a daily basis.  I’m blessed to be around him.”
Unbeaten California welterweight prospect Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Lancaster, CA, takes on Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Undefeated welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), of Baltimore, meets Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)
boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

“The Dragon” to be unleashed April 16th    Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

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LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2016) – The April 16th10-round main event between Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett and South Africa-native Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden embodies the “Knockout Night at the D” philosophy in terms of featuring  action fighters in evenly matched, entertaining bouts.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas andDowntown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday night, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
The broadcast team includes Jim “JR” Ross, Sean Wheelock and former world champion Kevin “The Flushing Flash” Kelley. Joe Martinez is the ring announcer.
Claggett vs. Van Heerden is a crossroads fight for both boxers with critical consequences, especially for the winner who will use it as an invaluable springboard for his boxing career.
The 26-year-old Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), who is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion, is thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time.  “It’s a dream come true,” he explained.  “I’ve trained in Las Vegas often but now it’s time to show what I can do there in a fight.  A win will open many doors for me and could potentially lead to a path that will set up the rest of my boxing life.  Needless to say, I am focused and prepared for the opportunity.”
VIDEO PROMO LINK:
Claggett, as well as Van Heerden, are known as high-action fighters, throwing punches in bunches, and something eventually has to give.  Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
“Van Heerden is a rangy, quick and active fighter,” Claggett said.  “I have an action style but, for many years, I was strictly a pressure fighter with a good body shot.  Nowadays, though, I have a couple of more tricks up my sleeve.  His heart and durability have been shown and is to be respected.  This match-up is sure to produce some good exchanges.  I expect this to be a high-action fight between two hungry fighters with him coming off a loss (to unbeaten rising star Errol Spence Jr. last September) and me coming off more than one fight falling through.  This is a great match up.  He is similar to the style of (Konstantin)Ponomarev (who Claggett lost an 8-round decision to last year) with range and movement.  And that motivates me!”
Undefeated Lancaster, California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) meets Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins(6-0, 5 KOs) faces Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins)
boxing, CBS Boxing

Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions Brings “The Dragon” & “The Heat” to April 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event

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 Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 
LAS VEGAS (March 28, 2016) – the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), along with Neon Star Media, announced today that Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is the licensed promoter of record for the 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” boxing series to be held at the DLVEC.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday night, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from the DLVEC outdoor venue in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas.
RJJ promises fans in attendance and those watching live on CBS Sports Network will feel the heat of the 10-round main event as “The Dragon,” Steve Claggett, battles “The Heat,” Chris Van Heerden, in a fan-friendly welterweight showdown.
“We are truly passionate about bringing outdoor boxing back to Las Vegas and are excited to work with Roy Jones Jr. to showcase local fighters and give them an amazing platform at ,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC. “We feel this fight series will become a major event in the city’s boxing scene, as it will bring together world-class athletes, local businesses and fans from near and far.”
“Anytime I have the opportunity to showcase my fighters in Las Vegas and put on a show is a win-win for me and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions,” commented Roy Jones Jr., Co-Founder of RJJ.  “Las Vegas has helped make my career what it is today; it feels like home to me. ‘Knockout Night at the D’ is going to be a spectacular night for boxing and the fans. Downtown Las Vegas Event Center is an outstanding venue for boxing fans… there isn’t a bad seat in the house!”
“I’m honored to work with such a reputable venue such as the Downtown Las Vegas Center,” remarked Keith Veltre, CEO / Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Promotions. “This venue is exactly what the boxing community needs to spark the excitement of boxing that ‘Knockout Night at the D’ will deliver. The team has been very accommodating to RJJ and it is a pleasure to work with a class act. We are happy to call the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center home to RJJ.”
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), 26, is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion.  As an amateur in Calgary, he captured four Alberta Championships and three Golden Gloves titles, all prior to his 18th birthday.
South African-native Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.  (Van Heerden is pictured to the left.)
The 8-round co-feature matches undefeated Lancaster, California Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) against Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois.  Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in a 4-round bout.
The remainder of the undercard features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), junior featherweight Sal Perez (2-0) and bantamweight Sergio Lopez (2-3, 1 KO).  Nichols (pictured to the left) gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for his mega-fight versus Manny Pacquiao.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce)
boxing, CBS Boxing

Claggett vs. Bryan tops “Knockout Night at the D” Undercard

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For Immediate Release
 
 Judah vs. Torres headlines this Saturday night
Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 
LAS VEGAS (March 7, 2016) – Canadian welterweight champion Steve “The Dragon” Claggett takes on veteran Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan in an 8-round Special Attraction, providing chief undercard support this Saturday for the inaugural event kicking-off “Knockout Night at the D”, airing (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) live on CBS Sports Network from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
Presented by the D Las Vegas and promoted Englebrecht Promotions, the “Knockout Night at the D” series’ inaugural event Mar. 12 will take place inside the DLVEC’s tent, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.).
Five-time, two division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) faces upset-minded Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event of the “Knockout Night at D” new monthly pro boxing series,
Rising star lightweight star Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) faces Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature.
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), 26, is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight titles.  As an amateur in Calgary, he captured four Alberta Championships and three Golden Gloves titles, all prior to his 18th birthday.
At the famous Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles, Claggett gained invaluable experience working with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. He also benefitted from working out at Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas, where he learned from trainer Roger Mayweather, and sparred there with two-division world champion Jesse Vargas.  During his 7 ½ year career, Claggett has also sparred with great fighters such as Judah and Alfonso Gomez, as well as Urbano Antillon during training camp in preparation for his world title fight against Humberto Soto.
An outstanding U.S. amateur boxer, Bryan (17-6, 7 KOs), of Patterson, NJ, has been a gatekeeper of the welterweight division the past few years.  He was a 2004 and 2005 National Golden Gloves light welterweight champion, as well as the 2004 Under-19 and 2005 National PAL 139-pound class gold medalist.  At the 2008 US Olympic Trials, he was eliminated by future professional world champion Danny Garcia, who Bryan had defeated in the opening round.
During his pro career, Bryan has pulled off several upsets, including an eighth-round decisions in 2013 to Yuri Ramananau (22-2) in Miami and Issouf Kinda (16-1) in New York City.  Bryan has also taken top contenders and promising prospects the full distance, albeit in losing efforts, such as Amir Imam, Sadam Ali, Mikael Zewski and Raymond Serrano.
The remainder of the undercard showcases promising prospects in four-round bouts: Las Vegas junior featherweight Salvador Perez (2-0) vs. Fabian Naranjo (3-2-1, 1 KO), of Mexico, Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Jason Gavino (3-1, 2 KOs), of Mexico, and New Jersey heavyweight Dakota Walker (1-0, 1 KO) vs.Cashton Young (1-0, 1 KO), of Los Angeles.  Nichols (pictured to the left) gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for his mega-fight versus Manny Pacquiao.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Limited tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, remain on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D”
series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII, @SDragonClaggett, @RealTeamBryan
boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

Title Boxing The official apparel & glove partner for “Knockout Night at the D” boxing series

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March 12th main event fighters Zab Judah (L) & Josh Torres (R)
LAS VEGAS (February 26, 2016) – the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, have announced an agreement in which Title Boxing will be the official apparel and gloves partner of the “Knockout Night at the D” professional boxing series.
Eight “Knockout Night at the D” events are planned in 2016, starting March 12, will are live from the DLVEC open air venue located adjacent to the D Las Vegas.  The inaugural event, however, will take place inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent.
“We’re excited to have Title Boxing in our corner for the ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” said John Anderson, Neon Star Media, SVP of integrated sales.  “Title Boxing is one of the top brands in combat sports in terms of apparel and equipment.  Partnering with Title Boxing is a KO win for us.”
“It’s exciting to be associated and working with people who are interested in progressing the sport, not just profiting from it,” added Douglas Ward, Title Boxing Director of Marketing.  “That’s a philosophy that ‘Knockout Night at The D’ and TITLE Boxing both have in common and is part of what will set the stage for what will be a highly successful boxing series.”
From EQUIPMENT design, to real INVOLVEMENT in the sport, to having INTEGRITY in business, TITLE continually delivers the best boxing gear in the industry.  Since 1998 TITLE Boxing has been dedicated to making everyone’s pursuit of the sweet science a positive experience by being the industry leader in safety, innovation and setting the standard of what great gear really means.  Every piece of equipment that bears the TITLE logo, is a demonstration of their deeper passion for prizefighting and support of your journey towards greatness.
To celebrate this partnership, Title Boxing (www.titleboxing.,com) is offering any fighter, fan or follower to enter promo code KND20 to receive 20-percent off entire Title Boxing orders (some exclusions apply) through Mar. 15, 2016.
Five-time, two-division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) takes on upset-minded junior welterweight Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the Mar. 12thinaugural event’s 10-round main event.
Popular Las Vegas Las Vegas light weight Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) meets Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or the D Las Vegas box office (702.288-2111). Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout at the D” series was developed in partnership with the DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
(L-R) – Main event fighter Josh Torres speaks at the recent “Knockout Night at the D” press conference in Las Vegas.
 
 
Co-feature fighters Chuy Gutierrez (L) and Leon Spinks III ®
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII