Super Lightweight Jose Miguel Borrego, Middleweight Prospect Lorenzo Simpson & Super Welterweight Brandon Quarles Step In for Separate Bouts in PBC Prelims on FS1 Beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
Tickets on Sale Now!
NATIONAL HARBOR (March 11, 2019) – Exciting super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark joins the Peterson brothers on a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes show on Sunday, March 24 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Clarkwill take on Vernon Brown of Chicago in a 10-round super welterweight match that will open the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET. Two-division world champion Lamont Peterson takes on former junior welterweight world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round welterweight match that will headline the show. Anthony Peterson, Lamont’s brother, battles former junior lightweight world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round junior welterweight bout that serves as the co-main event.
The Peterson brothers are an inspirational duo that rose from poverty and homelessness in Washington D.C. as children to become professional boxers and reach an elite level in the sport. They will be fighting as the main and co-main event in these nationally televised bouts for the first time since 2006 and will look to put on a show for fans just outside of their hometown.
The 24-year-old Clark (13-1, 7 KOs) was on an impressive roll, having defeated Domonique Dolton and previously unbeaten Ivan Golub, before his match against Jeison Rosario last August. Fighting out of Cincinnati, he dropped a tough unanimous decision to Rosario in the first loss of his career. He will be looking to bounce back against the 29-year-old Brown (10-0-1, 7 KOs), who had a busy 2018 with three victories – two by way of knockout.
The FS1 prelims broadcast will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and feature Mexican slugger JoseMiguel Borrego (14-2, 13 KOs) clashing with California’s Jerry Thomas (14-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight match. It will also seeBrandon Quarles (21-4-1, 10 KOs) battling Kansas-native Aaron Coley (15-2-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout, plus Baltimore’s Lorenzo Simpson (2-0, 2 KOs) taking on Earl Henry (0-1-1) in a four-round super welterweight attraction.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and HeadBangers Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visitingwww.mgmnationalharbor.com/.
# # #
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
HOMETOWN FAVORITE JAMAL JAMES SCORES TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT WIN OVER JANER GONZALEZ
Click HERE for Photos from Andrew Dobin/Minneapolis Armory (Photos to be Uploaded Shortly)
MINNEAPOLIS (February 24, 2019) – Anthony Dirrell (33-1-1, 24 KOs) defeatedAvni Yildirim (21-2, 12 KOs)by technical split decision (96-94 X 2 for Dirrell, 98-92 for Yildirim) for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Armory in Minneapolis. Referee Mark Nelson stopped the contest in the tenth round due to an accidental clash of heads and a cut over Dirrell’s left eye with the decision going to the scorecards.
“I was upset with the stoppage because I wanted finish the fight like a champion,” said Dirrell. “It feels great getting my WBC belt back. We want to unify against Caleb Plant or any of the champions. I’m just going to go home, take some time, talk to my camp and then we’ll go from there. If the Benavidez fight comes calling then I’ll fight him.
“I thought I was winning this fight by more than what the judges had,” added Dirrell. “I was jabbing him and he was applying some pressure, but that’s just what he does. I won the fight though and that’s all that matters.”
Minneapolis-native Jamal James (25-1, 12 KOs) scored a crowd-pleasing technical knockout win over Janer Gonzalez (19-2-1, 15 KOs). Midway through the sixth stanza, James appeared to drop Gonzalez with a straight overhand right, but referee Gary Miezwa declared it a slippage. Near the end of the sixth round, James landed another knockdown and this time it counted and hurt Gonzalez. At the close of round six, Gonzalez went to his corner and never came out with the fight being declared a sixth-round stoppage as Gonzalez was unable to answer the bell for the seventh round.
“This is the best crowd I’ve ever fought in front of,” said James. “We packed this place out. Middle of winter, snow all around us and they still came out and showed a lot of support. I can’t even explain the feeling to come out here and stop (Gonzalez). The only question I have is where’s my belt? I’m ranked third in the WBA. Keith Thurman got the belt, Pacquiao got the belt. But in all honesty, whoever gives me that opportunity I’m stepping in there with them.
“He gave me a great fight, but at the end of the day I had too much to offer and he couldn’t get back up,” continued James. “I just kept my range and was able to counter on him. And when he was coming in he was coming in real wild and opening himself up for some big shots that I was able to take advantage of. The first time he went down I thought it was a legitimate knockdown, but the ref was a good ref. I definitely caught him with a good combination and a nasty body shot for the second knockdown. After that, I knew that took the rest of the fight out of him and all I had to do was finish the job.”
“I was thinking this was a very important fight for my career,” said Gonzalez. “I was so happy for this fight, it just didn’t go my way. I am going to fight again, though. Every fight is a learning experience for me.”
The FS1 and FOX Deportes opening bout featured a hard-fought rematch betweenJeison Rosario (18-1-1, 13 KOs) and Marcos Hernandez (13-2-1, 3 KOs). In February of 2018, the two fought to a draw. In the rematch, Rosario was able to secure a technical knockout with referee Celestino Ruiz halting the action 2:45 into the ninth frame. At the time of the stoppage, Hernandez was up on judge Kyle Shiely’s scorecard (77-75) with Rosario ahead on judges John Mariano’s and Tim Taggart’s scorecards (78-74, 77-75).
“He let his guard down and he kept making the same mistakes,” said Rosario. “When I saw the opportunity, I dropped him.
“The first time we fought I wasn’t ready,” added Rosario. “I was weak. But I learned from the first fight what to do in the second one. That’s how I took him out.”
“It was a close fight that could have went either way,” said Hernandez. “He hit me with a good shot. I got up and felt O.K. I was just trying to dodge some shots and he hit me with a left. He was firing and I just should have thrown back.
“I think the ref stopped the fight early, but that’s not my job,” continued Hernandez. “I’d definitely welcome a third fight with Rosario, though. I’ve never been afraid to fight anyone, so fighting him a third time wouldn’t be a problem at all.”
In the Premier Boxing Champions on FS2 prelims, Bryant Perrella (16-2, 13 KOs) won a unanimous decision (78-74, 79-73 X 2) over Breidis Prescott (31-16, 22 KOs).
“I’m very happy with my performance tonight,” said Perrella. “I felt great going the distance. My endurance was fantastic. I would have been much more aggressive and thrown harder shots, but I hurt my hand in the second round and it was hurting the rest of the fight. I just used my jab and ring generalship to control the fight and get the win.”
The FS2 co-feature saw Money Powell IV (9-0, 5 KOs) stop Javier Frazier (8-9-1, 4 KOs) by third-round technical knockout (2:03). Powell landed 86 punches in the bout, 36 of which were to Frazier’s body.
“This training camp we really worked on a lot of body shots,” said Powell. “I feel like body shots are neglected nowadays and body shots pay the bills, break you down real quick.”
In the FS2 swing bout, Austin Dulay (13-1, 10 KOs) scored a very quick first-round knockdown of Yardley Cruz (24-13, 14 KOs) before cruising to a third-round stoppage (:27).
“I just listened to my coaches and they told me to be a dog and come forward,” said Dulay. “I thought I had him stopped with that first knockdown after the opening bell, but I didn’t want to rush into anything because he has a ton of experience.
“I want a rematch with Chris Colbert right away on the April 13 card here at the Armory,” added Dulay. “I got back in camp after that loss, figured out what was wrong, got a nutritionist and moved up to 135 pounds. I feel better than ever, so I’m definitely ready for that rematch.”
In the opening televised bout on FS2, Justin Pauldo (12-1, 6 KOs) scored a first-round knockdown and stoppage (1:17) against Federico Malespina (16-11-2, 2 KOs) who was unable to continue.
“I landed a solid straight right hand,” said Pauldo. “I saw him fall back into the ropes and I knew I had him hurt. So, I touched the body and got him out of there quickly.”
Former World Champion Dirrell & 168-Pound Contender Yildirim Get Heated at Press Conference Before They Fight For Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship This Saturday
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event from the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota – 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Click HERE for Photos from Andrew Dobin/Minneapolis Armory
MINNEAPOLIS (February 21, 2019) – Former champion Anthony Dirrell and 168-pound contender Avni Yildirim exchanged words at a heated final press conference on Thursday before they battle this Saturday for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Armory in Minneapolis.
The press conference also featured Minneapolis-native Jamal James and Janer Gonzalez, who battle in a welterweight attraction as part of televised coverage beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/and through Ticketmaster.
Dirrell and Yildirim had to be separated during their portion of the press conference, as both fighters and their teams exchanged words ahead of Saturday’s showdown. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Armory:
ANTHONY DIRRELL
“At the end of the day, he’s getting knocked out. That’s it.
“He doesn’t have what it takes. I’m just a higher level fighter than him. I’m coming to take him out.
“I’m thankful to my team for helping me get another shot at the championship. I’ve already proven everything I have to in this sport. Saturday night, I’m taking back what’s mine.”
AVNI YILDIRIM
“I’m very happy to be here. Saturday, I’m ready to do my talking. I’m going to show everyone what happens in the ring.
“Everybody knows that I’m coming to win that world title. This is my time on Saturday night. I will leave the ring with that belt.”
JAMAL JAMES
“All the work has already been put in. Now it’s time to give everyone a show. We’ve had a great camp. I’ve been training hard with my guys, including some work down in Miami. Now we’re ready to show the action on Saturday night.
“At this point in my career, every fight is a championship fight, because I’m so close to that level. If you slip up once, then you fall back. We have to stay ready.
“We’ve been training hard. There’s been a lot of work on technique and work on being prepared for anything that comes in the ring. In my mind, I train for him like he’s the ultimate opponent.
“I’m a lot more comfortable in my hometown after fighting here a lot recently. Sometimes you want to perform so well in front of all your people that you press, but now I’m a lot more calm. I’m not overlooking this fight at all, but I’m gunning for that title fight.”
JANER GONZALEZ
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to be in this great fight. My team has me prepared for this fight and has given me great support throughout training camp.
“I’m 100 percent ready. I’m going to bring this fight and leave it all in the ring for my home country of Colombia.
“I had been preparing in Colombia with Breidis Prescott and it’s gotten me in top condition for the fight. I’m ready to do it in the ring.
“I know James is fighting at home but they can’t help him in the ring. It’s just me and him and I plan on breaking him down and getting the win.”
LEON MARGULES, President of Warriors Boxing
“It’s great to be back at the Armory in Minneapolis. This is our third PBC event here and it’s just a terrific venue with an enthusiastic and great crowd for boxing.
“This is a fantastic card headlined by a world championship fight. This is going to be a terrific fight to prove who is the best super middleweight. You don’t want to miss a high level fight like this one on Saturday night.
“Everybody in Minnesota knows Jamal James, as he’s become one of the stars of the boxing community here. I believe someday he’s going to be a world champion.”
# # #
ABOUT DIRRELL VS. YILDIRIM Dirrell vs. Yildirim will see former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell face top contender Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, February 23 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features welterweight championship contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown for a third straight time against Janer González in a special 10-round attraction in the co-feature.
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1, FS2 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
Top Contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko Battles Jack Culcay in
Middleweight Title Eliminator & Rising Prospect Chris Colbert Steps Into
the Ring in Action Beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Tickets on Sale Saturday, February 23!
MINNEAPOLIS (February 21, 2019) – Former world champions will go toe-to-toe as Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin faces Minnesota-native Caleb “Golden” Truax in a 12-round IBF super middleweight title eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis.
Televised
coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko taking on Jack Culcay in a 12-round IBF title
eliminator, plus unbeaten rising prospect Chris
Colbert will compete in an
undercard attraction.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing
and TGB Promotions, go on sale Saturday, February 23, and can be purchased at
the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.
“Quillin vs. Truax is a true 50-50 matchup of former
world champions looking to put themselves in position to grab another world
title,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Truax will
have the hometown crowd in Minnesota behind him, but Quillin has fought at the
highest level against top competition for years. It has all the makings of a
dramatic fight, and combined with the Derevyanchenko vs. Culcay middleweight
eliminator, it’s going to make for an action packed night at the Armory and on
FS1 and FOX Deportes.”
“Both of these are fantastic matchups because there are
championship implications on the line,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB
Promotions. “That adds to the motivation for each of the guys stepping
into the ring. For Qullin and Truax, they both know what it means to be a world
champion and this is their opportunity to return to that status. There is
always a lot of energy in the Armory for these types of matches and that really
carries over to the FS1 and FOX Deportes broadcast for those watching at home.
It promises to be a very entertaining evening for all boxing fans.”
A
former middleweight champion, Quillin (34-1-1, 23 KOs) delivered in his second
bout at super middleweight, defeating J’Leon Love last August by unanimous
decision. Born in Chicago and raised Michigan, Quillin has called Brooklyn,
N.Y. home throughout a pro career that saw him win a world title against Hassan
N’Dam in 2012 and defend it three times. His only loss came to Daniel Jacobs in
2015 after battling former champion Andy Lee to a draw earlier that year.
“I’m
approaching this fight very seriously because I know Truax is a durable guy who
knows how to fight,” said Quillin. “He comes from a background where
people don’t give him credit for what he’s done, and those are the most dangerous
guys. I’m no stranger to fighting in my opponent’s backyard. My job is to go
into the ring and go home with the win. I’m looking to walk away with some of
his fans on my side by winning the fight and putting on a great
performance.”
Fighting
out of Osseo, Minnesota, Truax (30-4-2, 19 KOs) pulled off one of 2017’s
biggest upsets when he traveled to London to defeat James DeGale and become a
168-pound world champion. The 35-year-old lost a hard-fought rematch to DeGale
in 2018 and most recently scored a third-round stoppage of Fabiano Soares at
the Armory in August.
“Peter
Quillin is someone I’ve wanted to fight since I first sparred with him in
2012,” said Truax. “I walked away from that experience confident that
I could get the job done if we were ever matched together. The fact that it’s
taking place at home in Minnesota is even better because my fans are going to
give me a huge advantage. My goal is to get back into title contention and win
my second world title.”
A
2008 Olympian for his native Ukraine, Derevyanchenko (12-1, 10 KOs) has made
his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. since turning pro in July 2014. The 33-year-old was
unbeaten in his first 12 fights, earning a world title fight with a final-round
stoppage of Tureano Johnson in 2017. He most recently dropped a narrow
split-decision to Daniel Jacobs in a middleweight title fight in October.
Culcay
(25-3, 13 KOs) is originally from Ecuador, spent much of his career fighting
out of Germany, and now lives in Florida. He enters this bout on a three-fight
winning streak after picking up a trio of wins in 2018. He had previously held
an interim 154-pound titles before losing close decisions against Demetrius
Andrade and Maciej Sulecki.
Representing
his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (10-0, 3 KOs) has begun to make a name
for himself showing off tremendous skills across his first 10 pro victories.
The 22-year-old most recently dominated Josh Hernandez on FS1 in January and he
will return to fight at The Armory for the second time after defeating then
unbeaten Austin Dulay on FS1 last April.
Fans
can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or
Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on
desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including
Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
Once-Beaten Contender Hernandez Battles Jeison Rosario in Rematch Saturday, February 23 in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota Beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (February 15, 2019) – Once-beaten contender “Mad Man” Marcos Hernandez will look to continue his winning streak from “The Contender Season Five”, when he rematches Jeison Rosario live on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 23 from the Armory in Minneapolis and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins live at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT and is headlined by former WBC super-middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell facing Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Championship.
The 25-year-old from Fresno, California is looking to continue his journey to a world title as he has beaten four well-regarded prospects in only fifteen fights. Hernandez is currently training with Henry Ramirez in Riverside, California, and looking forward to his rematch with Rosario, who he fought to a draw last February in Texas.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/and through Ticketmaster.
Here is what Hernandez had to say about his upcoming matchup and more:
On his rematch against Jeison Rosario: “I fought Jeison Rosario almost one year ago exactly. I have a lot of respect for him because we fought to a draw, but that being said, I felt I got the better of him. This not a six-round bout like our first match, this is a ten-round fight, and I know what needs to be done to further my career with my performance in this fight.”
On his recent training camp: “I really like training with Henry Ramirez in Riverside, California. Henry is a cool guy who’s trained a lot of top fighters and knows what it takes to get the job done. In Fresno there were many distractions, so moving away from my family, my wife and kids, it is a sacrifice that I make to go to the next level. This is a job and I treat it like a job. I am doing everything possible to be a contender.”
On fighting on this PBC event on FS1 and FOX Deportes: “I’m very excited as this is my fourth time on FS1. I love what Premier Boxing Champions is doing for the sport of boxing, bringing fights to network television. FS1 has been good to me and I am excited that one of my biggest wins will be on FS1 so everyone can watch it.”
On his goals for 2019: “I want to stay active, but my focus is solely on Rosario and getting that win. My hopes are to get in with a fighter with a big name. I’ve fought a lot of tough fighters, but not a lot of big-name fighters yet. I am hoping that by the end of this year I can fight one of those fighters’ people have seen on television for years.”
Saturday, February 23 From The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Plus! Minnesota-Native Undefeated Welterweight Jamal James Clashes
with Janer Gonzalez in a Special Hometown Attraction
Tickets on Sale Now!
MINNEAPOLIS (January 16, 2019) – Former super middleweight world champion Anthony
Dirrell gets an opportunity
to rejoin the championship ranks when he battles top contender Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight
Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX
Deportes Saturday, February 23 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight championship contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown for a third straight time against Janer González in a special 10-round attraction in the co-feature.
Tickets
for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on
sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/and through Ticketmaster.
“Fight
fans in Minneapolis and watching on FS1 and FOX Deportes are in for a treat
with this high stakes world title showdown between Anthony Dirrell and Avni
Yildirim,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Dirrell
has been a champion and amongst the division’s elite for years, while Yildirim
always comes to fight and will be determined to make the most of this
opportunity. With the addition of local fan-favorite Jamal James in
welterweight action, this is shaping up to be a can’t miss night at The
Armory.”
“Anthony Dirrell took a long, difficult road to get to
the super middleweight championship and he has worked hard to get into position
to reclaim the title,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Avni
Yildirim has been one of the most active contenders in the division and he has
gained significant experience since his last opportunity to win a championship.
He will need all that and more to get past Dirrell. And it’s going to be a
special night watching Jamal James fighting for his hometown fans again.”
Dirrell
(32-1-1, 24 KOs) won the WBC Super Middleweight Championship with a unanimous
decision victory over Sakio Bika in 2014. It was the culmination of a long,
hard road for Dirrell of Flint, Michigan after he successfully battled
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was cleared to return to boxing after completing
chemotherapy in 2008. His reign as world champion was cut short when the
34-year-old Dirrell lost the title by majority decision to Badou Jack in 2015. He
has won five straight since that loss to climb back into contention for a
chance to become a two-time world champion.
“This is just like every other fight where we’re going
to work on a game plan and execute that game plan in the ring,” said Dirrell.
“I saw him fight Chris Eubank and it showed me some things. He’s a come
forward fighter. That’s the kind of guy I like to fight. He’s tailor-made for
me. I’m going to do what I do best and that’s fight. I’ve been keeping my mind,
body and soul together and staying focused to know what I have to do to become
two-time WBC champion.”
Yildirim
(21-1, 12 KOs) is one of the most active contenders in the super middleweight
division. The 27-year-old from Istanbul, Turkey has fought at least four times
a year since 2014. The fight against Dirrell will be only the second time that
he has fought in the United States after defeating Glen Johnson in Miami in
2015. Yildirim suffered the only loss of his professional career by stoppage
against Chris Eubank, Jr. in 2017. In his last fight he won a majority decision
against Lolenga Mock and he enters this fight on a five-fight winning streak.
“I’m
very thankful to everyone who helped me get this opportunity and I know that I
have all the tools to beat Anthony Dirrell,” said Yildirim. “Dirrell
is a good fighter, but I believe I bring more to the table than him. I’m coming
to win and bring the belt home to Turkey. I waited all my boxing life for this
stage and I am ready to give him a war.”
James
(24-1, 11 KOs) has become a local favorite and will be fighting in front of his
hometown crowd in Minneapolis for the third straight time. The 30-year-old
James has rolled off four consecutive victories since suffering the first loss
of his career – a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás
in 2016. In his last fight James stopped Mahonry Montes by knockout on August
24 on FS1. Gonzalez (19-1-1, 15 KOs) is a power-puncher from Cartagena,
Colombia and is coming off the first loss of his career via a unanimous
decision to Radzhad Butaev in 2017.
“I’m
hungry to make 2019 the year that I get that world title,” said James.
“I’m focused on my opponent, but in this fight I’m going to keep showing
off the skills and speed that makes me the next champion. I’m extremely
grateful to be fighting again at home and to keep bringing PBC to Minneapolis.
I’m going to be the next champion from here and the journey starts fresh for
2019 when I step into that ring on February 23.”
“I’m excited for this opportunity to fight Jamal James
in his backyard and leave all his hometown fans disappointed,” said
Gonzalez. “I’m training harder than ever to bounce back from my loss and
show everyone what I’ve learned. This victory is going to put me back on the
path to becoming word champion.”
# # #
Fans
can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or
Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on
desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including
Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
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Undefeated Brandon Figueroa Defeats Moises Flores in Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator; Rising Star Joey Spencer Continues Knockout Streak
Premier Boxing Champions Prelims Showcase Early Knockout Victories by Guillermo Rigondeaux, Ahmed Elbiali and Lindolfo Delgado
Click HERE for PhotosPhoto Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for PhotosPhoto Credit: Luis Mejia/TGB Promotions
LOS ANGELES (January 13) – The challenger proved to be the aggressor as Caleb Plant became the IBF Super Middleweight World Champion, defeating Jose Uzcategui in the main event of the first Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes event of 2019, which took place at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Plant dominated the whole fight as he maintained a fast and aggressive pace from the opening bell.
With
scores of 116-110 twice and 115-111 in favor of Plant, the freshly crowned
champion, Plant fell to his knees overcome with emotion when he heard “and the
new!”.
“I’ve
worked my whole entire life for this,” said Plant. “I buried my daughter in the
process of trying to get this belt. I promised I would bring her this title and
that is what I am going to do.”
The
super middleweight barnburner started out strong with both combatants throwing
exchanges, but Plant did everything in his power to never back down. Uzcategui
threw hard right hands to start the second round, but Plant quickly turned the
round in his favor as he knocked Uzcategui to the canvas with a flurry of
punches, only the third time Uzcategui had been knocked down in his career. A
small cut opened under the left eye of Uzcategui to start the third, but he
fought through it and fended off Plant’s aggression. One minute into the fourth
round, a cut opened up under Plant’s right eye causing blood to stream. That
did not stop the Nashville native as threw a hard left hook that once again
sent Uzcategui to the canvas.
As
the fight progressed, the Venezuelan was unable to utilize his distance, thus
allowing Plant to fight on the inside. Despite good exchanges in the seventh
and eighth, it became increasingly clear that Uzcategui would need a knockout
to hold onto his belt. Uzcategui flipped a switch in the championship rounds
and came forward, throwing hard blows to the body and head of Plant. But it was
too little too late for Uzcategui as Plant’s ring generalship controlled the
pace of the fight, ultimately ending in a unanimous decision.
“I
knew I caught him clean [when I knocked down Uzcategui], but I knew he wasn’t
all the way out so I took my time,” continued Plant. “I stayed relaxed. I stuck
to the game plan and got it done just like I said I would.
“This
is overwhelming. I am a kid who came from nothing. I believed in myself and now
I’ve been crowned king. Right now, I am not thinking ahead. I just want to
embrace this moment and soak it in.”
“I
did feel that I had the advantage heading into the fight,” said Uzcategui. “I
went down because I was off balance, but I wasn’t hurt. He started to get tired
around the sixth round, which was the plan. Caleb knew how to clench and hold.
He was smart. He knew how to stay away from the punches.
“I
expected more movement and more boxing out of him,” continued Uzcategui. “I
would love the rematch. I think everyone saw a great fight tonight. I gave him
the chance at the title and I would hope he would give me the chance to win it
back.”
Unbeaten
Brandon Figueroa (18-0, 13 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas faced former world title
challenger Moises Flores (25-2, 17 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mex. in a WBA Super
Bantamweight title eliminator. Figueroa wasted no time attacking Flores in
round one as he came forward and threw several hard lefts followed by a body
shot that seemed to surprise Flores. With 30 seconds left in the round,
Figueroa went for the body and worked Flores on the inside. While Flores seemed
to find his footing at the start of round three, Figueroa unleashed a flurry of
punches that sent Flores to the canvas once and then a second time that ended
the fight at 1:35 of the third round.
“Break
him down and finish him,” said Figueroa “This is exactly how I expected it to
go. I knew that he wasn’t going to handle those body shots. My message to
Daniel Roman is that I am going to go home and prepare.
“I
used that body work,” continued Figueroa. “I am really strong. I came in at 110
percent and did my job. I could have done better. I am really hard on myself. I
know there are things I can continue to work on and will do that as soon as I
get home. I am most definitely ready for a title shot.”
Fast-rising
undefeated star and PBC Prospect of 2018 Joey Spencer (6-0, 6 KOs) of Linden,
Mich., continued his impressive knockout streak as he defeated Brandon Harder
(2-2, 1 KO) of Southaven, Miss., in a super welterweight contest that saw
Spencer knocking down Harder three times in less than two rounds. The
18-year-old Spencer, who fought 100 fights as an amateur, established his jab
early and landed at will. He threw and landed a straight right at the end of
round one that sent Harder to his knees. Forty-five seconds into round two,
Spencer sent Harder to the canvas again followed by a swarm of punches that
ended the fight at 1:27 of the round.
“Fans
are going to see that I give it my all when I get in the ring and I’m going to
put on a show,” said Spencer. “You’re going to get more and more tests in my
career and I believe I will rise to the level of my competition. Sometimes
you’re in there with an awkward guy, he proves to be a test. I’ll move to six
rounds for my next fight. I want to fight four times this year and I’m looking
forward to it.”
The
Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1 featured three bouts that all ended in
exciting knockout victories, kicking off a great night of fights.
The
Prelim telecast featured the long-awaited ring return of Guillermo Rigondeux
(18-1, 12 KOs) who hadn’t fought since December 2017. The Cuban fan-favorite
faced Giovanni Delgado of Tacubaya, Mex. (16-9, 9 KOs) and knocked him out in
the last second of round one with an overhand left. Delgado could not be saved
by the 10 count and the fight was called in favor of Rigondeux.
“This
is my division. This is my time,” said Rigondeaux. “I am the king of 122
pounds. I felt 100 percent. Delgado is a good fighter. I take my hat off to him
and his team. I came prepared and I am ready to face people that are
undefeated. Whoever has a belt, I am taking it. You can expect me back in less
than two months.”
“I
fought my idol tonight,” said Delgado. “I knew he hit hard, but I didn’t know
he hit that hard. I have been cleared by the doctor and am fine. Just a little
bit in shock.”
A
scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout featuring Egypt’s Ahmed Elbiali
(18-1, 15 KOs) against 16-year veteran Allan Green (33-6, 22 KOs) of Tulsa, OK
saw Elbiali knock Green down in every round. However, Green did showcase his
experience choosing to go toe-to-toe despite Elbiali’s aggression. Ultimately,
it was a right uppercut followed by an overhand right that sent Green to the
canvas as Elbiali scored a knockout at 1:16 of round three.
“I
was easier than I thought it was going to be,” said Elbiali. “Losing to Pascal
the way I did, it messes with you mentally. I was trying to stay on my A-game.
Stay focused and thankfully it showed. My game plan clicked really well. I have
been sparring with Caleb (Plant) and other great guys. That keeps you sharp and
alert. I would love to win a world title and be the first Egyptian win a world
championship.”
In
the opening bout of the Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1, Mexican
Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (8-0, 8 KOs) of Linares, Mex. continued his
professional knockout streak as he defeated Sergio Lopez (22-13-1, 15 KOs) of
West Covina, CA via knockout at 2:48 of the third round. Delgado has yet to
fight 30 rounds in his eight fights as a professional. He was clearly the
aggressor throughout the fight and landed almost 50 percent of his power
punches.
All
PBC on FOX Sports events and programming is streamed live on the FOX
Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX
Deportes feeds. In addition, FOX Sports Digital will have a dedicated
FOXSports.com and FOX Sports App page for PBC coverage, in addition to
dedicated YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.
FOX
Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of
multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching
more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes
ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile
programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses
and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television
arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their
affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX
Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX
Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Also included
in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network
and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports
Radio Network.
About Premier Boxing Champions
The
Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports,
LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international
professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.
IBF Super Middleweight Champion Jose Uzcategui Defends His Title Against Undefeated Caleb Plant in the Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Event
LOS
ANGELES (January 7, 2019) – Exciting
contender Fernando Garcia will take on Isao G.
Carranza in an eight-round super bantamweight clash as part of a
stacked undercard on Sunday, January 13 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in
Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The
30-year-old Garcia (10-0, 5 KOs) has moved up the ladder in the division with
three wins in 2018 and wants to make a statement against Mexico’s Carranza
(15-13-1, 9 KOs). Garcia was born in Mexico but now lives and trains in Dallas,
Texas.
Tickets
for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions,
start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.
Also
in action are two unbeaten prospects as Indio, California’s Ruben
Rodriguez(3-0, 1 KO) takes on Daniel Perales (10-14-2, 5
KOs) in a six-round super lightweight contest, while featherweight Victor
Slvansky (7-0, 4 KOs) clashes with Mexico’s Angel Monrreal (10-11-1,
3 KOs).
Plus,
Philippines’ Michael A. Plania (17-1, 10 KOs) will meet
Mexico’s Ramiro Robles (15-8-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super
bantamweight match. Rounding out the slate of non-televised fights is Desoto,
Texas-welterweight Amon Rashidi battling Evincii Dixon in
a four-round match.
The
jam-packed undercard is part of a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX
Deportes show that features IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose
Uzcategui taking on unbeaten Caleb Plant in the main event. Coverage begins at
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa
take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.
The
undercard will also see PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30
p.m. PT) featuring the return of former world champion and pound-for-pound
contender Guillermo Rigondeaux against Giovanni Delgado and
hard-hitting 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado in an
eight-round super lightweight fight.
Also
light heavyweight power-puncher Ahmed Elbiali battles Oklahoma’s Allan
Green on the Prelims telecast, if time allows. Plus, Ryan
“Cowboy” Karl and Kevin Watts meet in an
eight-round rematch after Watts stopped Karl in round five of their exciting
April bout that serves as an FS1 TV swing bout
Light Heavyweight Power-Puncher Faces Oklahoma’s Allan Green Sunday, January 13 from Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos from Team Elbiali/Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (January 4, 2019) – Having recently moved from Miami to Las Vegas, hard-hitting light heavyweight Ahmed Elbiali shared his thoughts on training camp as he prepares to face Oklahoma’s Allan Green Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. The fight will be featured on the Premier Boxing Champions Prelims live on FS1 and FOX Deportes telecast that begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, if time allows.
Prelims precede a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes show that features IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui taking on unbeaten Caleb Plant in the main event. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Here is what Elbiali had to say from training camp at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas:On training with new coach Chris Ben-Tchavtchavadze:“Chris is a great coach and he’s teaching me a lot. I’m learning how to parry punches and my defense is improving. On offense, I’m using my jab more to set up combinations. With Chris in my corner, I feel I have someone who can help me make the proper adjustments in a fight.”
On facing veteran Allan Green:
“I know I’m up against a fighter in Allan Green who’s been in the ring and went the distance with some very good fighters. He has a lot of experience, so I must fight wisely to be victorious. I’m going into this fight with a do or die mindset and I’m going to leave everything in the ring.”
On making the move from Miami to Las Vegas:
“It’s been a tremendous blessing since I moved here a few months ago from Miami. The quality of sparring I’m getting is just incredible. I’m getting better every day just from sparring top level guys. In Miami, there just isn’t the quality of guys to spar on a regular basis. The move has been great.”
On making his return to the ring:
“I only fought once last year so I’m hoping to get back on track fighting regularly in 2019. I think with a few more fights I’ll be ready to challenge anyone in my division. I just need to stay active.”
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
Unbeaten Super Middleweight Contender Talks World Title Showdown Against IBF Titleholder Jose Uzcategui that Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, January 13 from Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/Premier Boxing Champions & Mario Serrano/Team Plant
LAS VEGAS (December 19, 2018) – Unbeaten 168-pound contender Caleb
“Sweethands” Plant took time to talk about his current
training as he prepares to battle IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose
Uzcategui in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX
Deportes Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los
Angeles.
Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and
will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and
sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions
and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at
AXS.com.
Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) is originally from Nashville, Tennessee but
now lives and trains in Las Vegas. Here is what he said about his first world title
opportunity and more from training camp with trainer Justin Gamber at City
Boxing Las Vegas.
On his recent training camp:
“This training camp has been great. We took
everything to the next level as I do every camp. We stepped up everything
for this camp, the sparring partners, the strength and conditioning, all of the
training is on another level. I’ll be at my best come fight night and I
can’t wait.”
On his matchup with Jose Uzcategui:
“Everyone says Jose Uzcategui is the
bogeyman, but after January 13th, I don’t want no excuses. He is a top fighter
in the division, but I will take that spot after I take his title from him. All
I can tell him is be ready.”
On fighting for his first world title:
“This has been a lifelong dream of mine to
be fighting for a world title and now that time has finally come. I’ll be
fighting for my daughter Alia, may she rest in peace. The trials and
tribulations I’ve gone through to get to this point have been overwhelming at
times, but they’ve only made me stronger. I’ve worked hard for this defining
moment in my boxing career and I’m going to rise to the occasion, and everyone
will hear the words…And The New!”
On fighting on FS1 and FOX Deportes during the
NFL Playoffs on FOX:
“It’s going to be a big weekend for sports
with the NFC playoffs going down on FOX, but the night is going to be capped
off with a great world championship fight. You have two warriors who will be putting
everything on the line for super middleweight supremacy. Fans of all
sports who will be watching are going to see a man in myself who is hungry and
dangerous. I will be crowned champion!”
# # #
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available
in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are
available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including
Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
