Category Archives: Las Vegas

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A Look Back At The First Carl Frampton & Leo Santa Cruz Fight, And A Look Ahead To TheirJan. 28 Rematch

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“Forever Linked”

 

Watch, Share & Embed Via YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2iX3NAn

Download Link: https://we.tl/l4LVVWqVcZ

 

Carl Frampton-Leo Santa Cruz II Fight Week is officially here and SHOWTIME Sports® kicks it off with this video as both fighters reflect on their thrilling firefight last July and their plans for the eagerly anticipated rematch this Saturday, Jan. 28, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

Frampton, the consensus 2016 Fighter of the Year, narrowly outpointed Santa Cruz to become a two-division titleholder last July on SHOWTIME.

 

“You always need a dance partner, and Leo Santa Cruz could be mine,” Frampton said.

 

“Hopefully, that night it goes my way and we get the third fight and we make it a trilogy,” Santa Cruz said.

boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

CARL FRAMPTON & LEO SANTA CRUZ REVEAL THEIR MOTIVATION FOR JAN. 28 REMATCH IN INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS WITH MARK KRIEGEL

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The Reveal with Mark Kriegel: Carl Frampton: http://s.sho.com/2iLpy1b

The Reveal with Mark Kriegel: Leo Santa Cruz: http://s.sho.com/2k1ZoZ0

 

Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz sat down with SHOWTIME Sports® reporter Mark Kriegel as they prepare for their eagerly anticipated rematch next Saturday, Jan. 28, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  The interviews are the latest in a reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel, featuring exclusive and in-depth interviews with boxing’s emerging stars.

 

Frampton, the consensus 2016 Fighter of the Year who narrowly outpointed Santa Cruz to become a two-division titleholder last July on SHOWTIME, opens up about growing up during “The Troubles” in Belfast, his unique bond with Hall of Fame mentor Barry McGuigan, and how his legacy could forever be connected to Leo Santa Cruz.

 

A three-division world champion, Santa Cruz discusses the pain of his first defeat, the affect his father’s battle with cancer had on his training, his plans for the rematch and hope for a legendary rivalry.

 

Below are bites from the separate interviews:

 

KRIEGEL: “You make good on your father’s dream, and now you’re scared of him dying.  The cancer – how did you train?”

 

SANTA CRUZ:  “It was hard, it was hard to train, to concentrate.  I still went to the gym and trained, (but) I didn’t train as hard.  I didn’t train as the other fights because my dad wasn’t there.  My dad was going to chemo, he was going to radiation…I thought to myself, maybe tomorrow he won’t wake up.”

 

KRIEGEL: “What did you tell your father after you lost?”

 

SANTA CRUZ: “I told my dad, sorry.  I’m sorry we didn’t get the win and that I disappointed you.  My dad told me, ‘that’s alright.  You didn’t disappoint anybody.  We’re going to get him in the rematch.’ ”

 

FRAMPTON INTERVIEW:

KRIEGEL:  “Ali and Frazier had each other, Leonard and Duran had each other.  In order to be recognized as a great fighter you need an epic antagonist.  And for all the talk, you might actually have one in Leo.”

 

FRAMPTON: “I would like that – I would like a rivalry where in 20, 30 years from now people remember it.  You always need a dance partner, and Leo Santa Cruz could be mine.”

 

KRIEGEL: Barry says you could end up as the greatest of all the Irish fighters.  Aren’t you almost beyond that already?  Aren’t the stakes already higher?

 

FRAMPTON:  “No, potentially I could be.  After Santa Cruz I want to continue to fight big names and be involved in big fights.  There’s never been a Northern Irishman, apart from myself, to win a world title in two weight divisions.  If I set my sights sometime in the future for the 130-pound division and become a three-weight world champion, I may feel comfortable calling myself the best Irish fighter of all time.”

 

KRIEGEL: “Barry represented a symbol of peace during one of the darkest times in Northern Ireland.  What does Carl Frampton represent?”

 

FRAMPTON: “People want to look at me as a new figure for Northern Ireland. I’m a Protestant, married to a Catholic.  This is a new age thing.”

 

boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Carl Frampton Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Irish Star & Undefeated Prospect Josh Taylor 
Prepare for Saturday, January 28 Showdowns at 
MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (January 17, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Carl Frampton hosted media at his training camp in Las Vegas Tuesday ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz onSaturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and live on SHOWTIME.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin battling former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia.
Frampton was joined by undefeated prospect Josh Taylor; who’s 10-round super lightweight contest is set to be featured as part of bonus coverage on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday from Porter Hy-Performance Center in Las Vegas:
CARL FRAMPTON
“This camp has been even better than the last one. I had a few problems with my hand during the last training camp but this camp has been brilliant. I’ve been able to put a lot of effort into every session.
“I’m hungry to prove that this wasn’t a fluke. I see some people talking on the internet that I got lucky last time or that Leo would have won with his father in camp the whole time. But I believe there is a lot more to come for me. I’ve been performing better this camp than ever before. I think I win this fight more convincingly.
“I think Leo is a confidence fighter. I think his pride has made him go straight back to the deep end again. He’s always been bigger than his opponents. At both bantamweight and super bantamweight he was bigger. Even though Leo is taller than me, I’m the bigger man. On fight night I’ll be heavier and stronger than him. He’s been able to bully opponents and wear them out, but he can’t do that to me. I think he’s making a big mistake jumping right back in.
“I got drawn in to Leo’s type of fight last time, which made it very exciting. Because of our styles, it’s always going to be a good fight. If it’s two wins to nil for me, I’d rather move on and fight someone like Lee Selby. I just want to be involved in big fights.
“Obviously, being from where I’m from, fighting in New York was a major appeal, and a lot of guys on the East Coast are attracted to an Irish fighter they haven’t seen before. So I got a lot of new support from the East Coast. We brought a lot of people across with us, as well. But now, to be fighting, topping the bill at the MGM in the fight capital of the world, it’s something I never really thought about when I was a kid or when I turned professional. I never really believed I could get to this. But it’s here, and I’m hoping that it can continue for a long time.
“We’re staying at Robert Guerrero’s training camp house, which is a big thing for me in itself. We drove past the MGM Grand and saw my face on the side. That was pretty surreal in itself. I just can’t wait to soak it up.
“This was a big fight enough in New York, now I think it’s going to be like New York on steroids. I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere on fight week, can’t wait for all of my fans to get here, I think it’s going to be a real carnival atmosphere and people are going to enjoy it.”
“Fighting Leo Santa Cruz in the United States, a 3-weight world champion who a lot of people thought was going to beat me and beat me comfortably, that was a big deal. That was the real turning point of my career. And I think there’s more to come. I’m 30 in February, but I don’t feel any signs of slowing up.
“I genuinely feel like I’m getting better and I think Leo’s going to be in for a tough night here. If I can do what I’ve been doing here in the gym, perform like I’ve been performing in sparring, I’m hurting sparring partners, knocking sparring partners out. I feel like I’m developing, developing into a proper featherweight and I feel like he’s going to be in for a tough night.
“We’ve got a chef in the house that we’re staying at, cooking and preparing our food. We’re training at Shawn Porter’s gym here. It’s a great facility and they’re looking after us, Shawn and (Kenny) Porter. It’s nothing really to deal with apart from the time difference. I reckon it takes a day for every hour of time difference.”
JOSH TAYLOR
“This is the first time I’ve been in Las Vegas and I’m definitely a little star struck by the strip and the big buildings. I’m really have a great time though and it’s a good experience.
“This is a great setup we have here at the gym and I’m getting a lot of good work here. I’ve been sparring with former world champion Shawn Porter and Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas. I couldn’t ask for better work.
“I feel very confident. I’m getting great preparation. It’s not every day you get to spar with guys like this, especially with only seven fights under my belt. I’m feeling really good.”
SHANE MCGUIGAN, Frampton and Taylor’s Trainer
“Training camp has been going really great. Santa Cruz feels like he didn’t have his best performance last time but I don’t think Carl was at his best either. I think we’ll see the same victory this time.
“Carl’s confidence is through the roof. He never lacks in that department. He always rises to the occasion. He performs his best when he’s out there in front of a huge crowd. Leo Santa Cruz is going to bring out the best of Carl Frampton.
“Fighting in Las Vegas is amazing. This is what Carl has been dreaming about since he was a kid. I’ve been dreaming about it too. My father was an amazing fighter but this is a new era of massive crowds coming across the globe. It all starts on January 28 and it’s going to be a great time.”
BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Manager, Former World Champion and Hall of Famer
“It was definitely Carl’s toughest fight but I think Carl is still getting better. I think Carl will win even more convincingly this time, but it’s going to be a great fight every time they meet because of the clash of styles.
“Carl has knocked out at least two of his sparring partners in preparation for this. He’s looking very strong and he’s working very hard.
“Santa Cruz is talking about using his range, but I think that’s all smokescreens. Once that bell rings he’s going to come straight at Carl and we’ll be in for another great fight.
“We had the option to squeeze in a mandatory defense before the end of last year. But we thought it was best to rest and get this big fight in by the end of January.”
ABOUT FRAMPTON vs. SANTA CRUZ 2
Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 is a world championship rematch of the 2016 Fight of the Year candidate featherweight showdown. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Featherweight world champion Lee Selby will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros in action on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Leo Santa Cruz, Dejan Zlaticanin & Mikey Garcia Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos  

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Fighters Enter the Ring Saturday, January 28 from
the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Live on SHOWTIME®
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ricky Horne/TGB Promotions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 
LOS ANGELES (January 10, 2017) — Former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz continued to prepare for his featherweight world title rematch against Carl Frampton and hosted a Los Angeles media workout Tuesday before he headlines action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and live on SHOWTIME®.
 
Also working out for the media at Fortune Gym Tuesday were lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin and former two-division champion Mikey Garcia, who meet in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“My dad is my trainer full-time. He’s always been the one who knows how to point out and correct the mistakes I make in training. I think having him full-time will be a big difference. He will push me more.
“I think I have to land more clean punches this time. I’m going to work the body more and break him down. I’m going to sit on my punches a lot better. I couldn’t land my punches clearly and with enough power.
“I’m excited because Las Vegas is like my second hometown. I’ve fought there throughout my career. They give me great support. I know that when I’m tired and hear them scream, it will give me the energy to go the distance.
“I don’t think I had trouble adjusting to fighting on the East Coast. But there aren’t as many Mexican fans over there; so hopefully I will have some more support this time. None of that really matters once we get into the ring though. It’s just me and Carl in there.
“I have the loss in my head. I don’t just want to do it for myself. I want to do it for everyone who has doubted me. Once I prove them wrong and win this fight, then I’ll be proud of myself.
“I’m going to fight like this is for my first world title. I’m going up there as a nobody and I’m going to go make a name for myself. I’m coming with that kind of hunger.
“I’m going to show everyone what I’ve been working on. I want to prove that I’m better than Carl Frampton. If everything works out, we’ll get the victory.
“My fans have kept me motivated and given me the hunger to go out there and reclaim my title. That’s what I want to do. I hope it’s another Fight of the Year, but this time I will get the victory.
“I feel stronger since the last fight and I’ve been preparing for everything. We’re sparring some bigger guys just to keep me prepared. We have strong, fast and heavy opponents. Carl Frampton won’t have anything we aren’t ready for.”
DEJAN ZLATICANIN
“If Garcia tries to go toe-to-toe or stay in the center of the ring, I will knock him out. If he tries to jab and move, then I will have to find my way to his head and break him down.
“Training camp has been going great. I feel very good. I can’t wait to get in the ring and perform. I’m proud to be on a show like this against a star like Mikey Garcia.
“It is a big deal to be the first boxing champion from Montenegro. I’ve lived the dream that I’ve had since I was a child and first stepped into a boxing gym.
“I’m not worried about Garcia’s layoff. That is something he has to worry about. I just have to focus on January 28. I believe that I will be victorious.
“All of the fans are going to enjoy this fight and they will see me successfully defend my world title.
“I feel great training out here in Los Angeles. It’s totally different from in Europe and this style of working and training has really helped me.
“I change my style for every fighter. Each fighter is totally different and you can’t fight any two guys the same way. You have to adjust.
“A champion needs to fight everyone. That’s what I believe. There are some champions right now who do not want to face me.
“Mikey Garcia is already talking about fights with Manny Pacquiao and Vasyl Lomachenko, but he hasn’t gotten past me. He has a big test in the ring and I am going to stop him.
“I am very motivated by Garcia talking about future fights. I will show everybody that the talk means nothing. They will see everything in the ring.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“I’m picking up right where I left off. My second fight back and I get to fight against an undefeated world champion. The quality of Zlaticanin means a lot more to me than picking up a world title. I’m super motivated for this win and to make this a great year.
“This is a big opportunity for me. It’s a very dangerous fight. That’s why I took it. These are the kind of challenges that I want. I’m ready to prove to everybody that I’m back right where I belong.
“I’m not overlooking Zlaticanin, but everybody else seems to be. People ask me about what I’d want for future fights, but I know how dangerous this guy is. Anything could happen. But I know that I have what it takes to beat him. He has power, but I also have power. The best man is going to win that night.
“Becoming an undefeated world champion like my opponent doesn’t come easy. It happens for a reason. He may be not as known to the casual fan, but anybody can tell you how dangerous he is. Some people think it’s a little too much for me right now. But I’m ready to prove everybody wrong and take on this challenge.
“I have to prepare for anything. I’m not there to dictate pace or anything, I’m there to make sure I win at all costs. I’m ready to fight any style and beat Dejan on January 28. This is a great way to get back in the position I want to be in.
“I expect him to come in and try to knock my head off. He’s a power puncher and that’s what he does. If he wants to pressure me, I’ll be ready for that.
“I never felt like I left. I was inactive from fighting but I never stopped training. The intensity is fully picked up right now. This is my job and this is what I need to do to win this fight.
“I’m ready to turn up the notch and focus in on having a great training camp. I have a great team and we’ve had quality sparring. It’s been a fantastic camp.
“You have all of the elements here for a great fight. My opponent is hungry, he’s ready and undefeated. I’m more motivated than ever. So you know it’s going to be a great fight.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“The first fight between Santa Cruz and Frampton was, in my opinion, the Fight of the Year. We have two other world title fights on this card and top to bottom it’s one of the best cards I can remember. I’m going to make sure I’m in my seat early.
“Mikey Garcia has the potential to become the biggest superstar in the sport. He has a great personality and can really fight. All the ingredients are there. Here he has a very tough fight though. Zlaticanin is the ‘King Kong’ of Montenegro. He’s a dangerous puncher and it’s going to be a great fight.
“It’s a great card but if I had to pick one fight to steal the show, it would Zlaticanin vs. Garcia. That is going to be a spectacular knockout, one way or the other.
“The main event is as good as it gets. It’s going to pick up in round 13. Leo knows that he has to make adjustments. He knows he wasn’t at his best the first time. He was out of his comfort zone and had distractions. If Leo is properly prepared physically and mentally, then he should come out victorious.
“Leo knew as soon as the results were read that he wanted the rematch. That’s the kind of mindset he has. He knows that he’s a better fighter than he showed in July. He knows what he needs to do.
“By becoming Fighter of the Year, and everything that comes with it, Frampton is flying high. This is a guy who is now a pound-for-pound great fighter. He worked all his life for that spot and he doesn’t want to give it up. For the UK fighters, fighting in Las Vegas is the pinnacle of the sport. I think there will be a lot of Irish people there and I just can’t wait for the first bell to ring.”
JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father & Trainer
“I feel really good. My cancer is dormant right now and I feel like I’m recuperating and getting back to my normal self. I’m making sure that everything is fine and I’m doing well with the doctors. Right now everything on the health forefront is good.
“I am happy to be part of Leo’s training camp again. I think that was the major difference in his last fight. I’m back pressuring him again and making sure he keeps the pressure on his opponent. I think my presence in the gym reminds him of the work he needs to do.
“Leo wasn’t defending the way that he should have in the last fight, he kept throwing punches without blocking. He was throwing sluggish, slow punches.  I’m getting him back on point and making sure that he doesn’t let up.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“Dejan Zlaticanin is a very strong fighter, not only physically, but mentally. We’re training like never before. We’ve been training hard for two months and preparing for a really tough fight. This fight is a big fight and it brings even bigger ones after.
“Mikey wants these big challenges. Zlaticanin is a polished champion with tremendous power. The challenge is ahead of him. There are so many big names at lightweight and other weight classes. His goals are to get there, and it starts with this fight.
“It’s been a few years since Mikey’s last fight in Las Vegas so it’s really exciting to be on the card headlined by Frampton-Santa Cruz 2. We know it’s going to be a huge crowd and they’ll be supporting Mikey. Plus, with all the Frampton fans that will be there, we know that it’s going to be an incredible atmosphere. Mikey knows this is the beginning of huge things. After this, Mikey will be the one headlining.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby Defends Title Against Former World Champion Jonathan Victor Barros Live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT)

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Unbeaten Rising Star David Benavidez Faces Once-Beaten
Sherali Mamajoniv & Bonus Coverage of Undefeated Prospect
Josh Taylor’s 10-Round Super Lightweight Bout
In Additional SHOWTIME EXTREME Action
 
Saturday, January 28 from the
 MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
LAS VEGAS (January 9, 2017) – A winner of 19 in a row, featherweight world champion Lee Selby (23-1, 8 KOs) will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros (41-4-1, 22 KOs) live on SHOWTIME EXTREME Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage on SHOWTIME EXTREME begins at 8 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast, and features unbeaten rising star David Benavidez (16-0, 15 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight showdown against once-beaten Sherali Mamajonov(14-1, 7 KOs). The telecast will also include bonus coverage, time permitting, of undefeated prospect Josh Taylor (7-0, 7 KOs), who will enter the ring in a 10-round super lightweight contest.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a young kid to box in a world title fight in Las Vegas, the mecca of boxing,” said Selby, who is making his Las Vegas debut. “I’ve seen U.K. fighters like Lennox Lewis, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan box in Las Vegas and I always knew that’s where I wanted to fight. My mandatory challenger is experienced, dangerous and I will not take him lightly. I’ve had a strong training camp and I am 100 percent focused on putting on a show for the American fans and the travelling fans from the U.K. My number one objective is to bring my world title back to Wales.”
“I’m very excited for this opportunity to compete for another world title in Las Vegas,” said Barros. “I have worked hard to put myself in this position and I am going to make the most of it. Selby has never faced anyone as dangerous as me and I plan on making it a long night for him. I am going to become another Argentine world champion and bring the title back to my country.”
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is headlined by the highly anticipated world title rematch between Ireland’s Carl Frampton and former three division world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with unbeaten lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin defending against undefeated former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.
Representing Wales, Selby has been referred to as the “Welsh Floyd Mayweather” because of the elusive style and ring generalship that led to him winning his featherweight world championship via a technical decision over Evgeny Gradovich in May 2015. Since then, the 29-year-old has defended his belt successfully against former champion Fernando Montiel and top challenger Eric Hunter.
A pro since 2004, Barros was unbeaten in his first 29 fights in Argentina before losing in a world title fight to Yuriokis Gamboa. Barros won a world title in his second opportunity by stopping Irving Berry in the seventh round of their 2010 showdown. Barros went on to defend his title with victories over Miguel Roman and Celestino Caballero. He has won seven fights in a row to earn another world title opportunity after most recently beating Satoshi Hosono in Japan.
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 16 wins in 16 starts at just 20-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and continued with four more in 2016 including blasting out previously unbeaten Francy Ntetu in June and tough contender Denis Douglin in August. Benavidez will look for his ninth straight victory inside of the distance on January 28.
Fighting out of Namangan, Uzbekistan, Mamajonov will be making his United States debut and enters this fight the winner of his last four bouts. He won three times in 2016 including his most recent victory, a decision over his most experienced opponent to date in Mikheil Khutsishvili. The 29-year-old turned pro in October 2009 and was victorious in his first 10 starts.
A 2012 Olympian for Great Britain and an amateur standout from Edinburgh, Scotland, Taylor will fight in the U.S. for the third time in his young career on January 28. The 26-year-old stopped Archie Weah in his pro debut in Texas in 2015 and made quick work of Evincii Dixon in July 2016 in Brooklyn. He continued to impress in his last outing, knocking out his most experienced opponent to date, Dave Ryan, in the fifth round of a October 2016 bout.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, CBS Sports Network, Las Vegas

Palicte split decisions Cantu in classic Gallimore stops Baez in 1st round

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OFFICIAL RESULTS
All pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions
Aston Palicte (R) won a 10-round split decision over “Lil”” Oscar Cantu
LAS VEGAS (December 17, 2016) – Tonight’s final round of the 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” series ended in typical style as “Mighty” Aston Palicte won a 10-round split decision over previously undefeated “Lil'” Oscar Cantu in a terrific super flyweight match from start to finish inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center indoor facility.
 
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Down town Las Vegas Events Center, was promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions. This evening’s seventh and final “Knockout at the D” event in 2016 aired live on CBS Sports Network and streamed worldwide on FloBoxing.tv
 
The Palicte vs. Cantu main event, as expected, was a classic match-up of contrasting styles between a dangerous puncher (Palicte) and consummate boxer (Cantu).  There was surprising non-stop action from the opening bell.  Power punching Palicte (22-2, 18 KOs) pressed the action as the clear aggressor, but Cantu stood in the pocket, too, as the technician used his defensive skills to make things difficult for his world rated Filipino opponent.
 
Ultimately, it all came down to the 10th round, which Palicte swept on all three judges’ scorecards for a hard-fought split decision victory by scores of 98-92, 96-94, 94-96.  Palicte, rated No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), took Cantu’s North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title belt in addition to capturing the vacant WBO Inter-Continental strap.
 
Cantu, who is rated No. 4 as a flyweight by the World Boxing Council (WBC), showed tremendous heart, granite chin and the ability to move extremely well, throwing punches from every conceivable angle.  The difference, however, proved to be Palicte’s slugging ability in this classic confrontation in which the puncher barely prevailed against the boxer.
 
In the co-feature, Jamaican junior middleweight Nathaniel “No Problem” Gallimore(16-1-1, 13 KOs) scored a spectacular first-round knockout of previously unbeaten Angelo “Bombardero” Baez (15-1-1, 11 KOs), the Chilean junior middleweight champion.
 
Gallimore hurt Baez midway through the opening round and then closed the show with vicious left to the liver that dropped Baez to his knees.  In obvious pain, he was unable to get to his feet before the 10 count.
Galiimore (pictured above in green), who fights out of Chicago, dedicated the fight to his stablemate, the late Ed Brown (20-0), who was murdered earlier this month.  “I saw a tape of him (Baez) and knew he backed up to the ropes,” Gallimore explained the finish.  “I practiced that shot in the gym and I’m very happy with the outcome.  I told all my teammates back in Chicago that I was dedicating this fight to Ed Brown.”
 
Los Angeles junior middleweight Flavio Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact against previously unbeaten Mexican fighter Dilan “El Tremendo” Loza(5-1, 3 KOs) in the television opener.   Rodriguez, who one point during his 4 1/2-year hiatus from the ring weighed 90 pounds more than he entered the ring tonight, won by way of a third-round technical knockout. Loza was hurt by an accidental shot to the base of his head in the third and he was later dropped in the same round by the heavy-handed Rodriguez.  Referee Jay Nady halted the bout after the third round.
 Rodriguez (L) paralyzed Dilan Loza with a liver shot
“For the most part,” Rodriguez said, “he didn’t do anything different.  I thought I controlled the fight with my jab.  My boy, Leo (Santa Cruz, friends from LA), was a world champion and I want to get to his level.”
 
In a battle of unbeaten welterweight prospects, hometown favorite Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (7-0-1, 2 KOs) and San Diego’s Kevin “KO” Ottley (3-0-1) fought to a 6-round draw.
 Kevin Otttley (L) & Jeremy Nichols fought to a draw
RJJ-promoted fighters, junior lightweight Randy “El Matador” Moreno (8-0, 7 KOs) and bantamweight Max “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Ornelas (7-0, 3 KOs), were both successfully showcased on the undercard.
 
Fast moving Moreno won his eighth fight in nine months, stopping “Money” Mike Fowler (5-4, 2 KOs) in the fourth round.  Moreno improves each fight, showing incredible poise for a 21-year old boxer, and he legitimately rates as a national prospect to watch.
 Moreno (L) kept rolling
Ornelas dropped Jorge Perez (6-5-1, 3 KOs) in the second round on his way to a shutout decision over four rounds.  The 18-year-old Ornelas recorded the seventh win of his 6-month pro career.
 Ornelas (L) is now 7-0 and only 18 years old
Also fighting on the undercard, Texas junior featherweight Jessie “The One” Hernandez improved to 8-1 (6 KOs) with a 6-round unanimous decision over Sharone “Smoke” Carter (6-2, 2 KOs).
 Jessie Hernandez (R) took out his frustrations on Sharone Carter
Complete results below:
 
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(winner listed first each fight)
 
MAIN EVENT  – SUPER FLYWEIGHTS
Aston Palicte (22-2, 18 KOs), Challenger, Bago City, Philippines by way of Los Angeles, CA
WDEC10 (98-92, 96-94, 94-96)
Oscar Cantu (14-1, 1 KO), Champion, Kingsville, TX
(Palicte won the  NABF & vacant WBO Inter-Continental super flyweights titles)
 
CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Nathaniel Gallimore (16-1-1, 12 KOs), Chicago, IL
WKO1 (2:31)
Angelo Baez (15-1-1, 11 KOs), Osorno, Chile
 
WELTERWEIGHTS
Flavio Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs), Los Angeles, CA
WTKO3 (3:00)
Dilan Loza (5-1, 3 KOs), Mexicali, Mexico
 
Jeremy Nichols (7-0-1, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
D6 (57-57, 57-57, 57-57)
Kevin Ottey (3-0-1, 2 KOs), San Diego, CA
 
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Randy Moreno (8-0, 7 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WTKO4 (1:03)
Mike Fowler (5-4, 2 KOs), Milwaukee, WI
 
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Jessie Hernandez (8-1, 6 KOs), Ft. Worth, TX
WDEC6 (59-54, 58-55, 57-56)
Sharone Carter (6-2, 2 KOs), St. Louis, MO
 
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Max Ornelas (7-0, 3 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Jorge Perez (654-1, 3 KOs), Riverside, CA
 
 
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and Neon Star Media.
 
INFORMATION:
 
 
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
 
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
 
 
RIVAL BOXING GEAR & EQUIPMENT is the official gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.  www.rivalboxing.com, @rivalboxinggear
About the D Las Vegas:  the D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino featuring modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar.  the D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter.

About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center:  Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @dlveventscenter.
About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions:  Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing.  Based in Las Vegas, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable such as undefeated super welterweight John Vera and former 3-time world super bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko, along with Tony Lopez and Hanzel Martinez, lightweight Demond Brock, super featherweight Randy Moreno, cruiserweight Irsael Duffus, bantamweight Max Ornelas, super lightweight Emanuel Robles, middleweight Rolando Garza and light heavyweight Adrian Taylor.

About Neon Star Media LLC:  Neon Star Media is a marketing and content company that creates highly effective brand-integration experiences for our clients, executed through a unique “story-telling” approach that empowers client’s product messaging to soar while delivering results.  At Neon Star Media, we maximize client media spends by leveraging our relationships with various sporting events, cable channels, digital platforms and other social media outlets.  We work with our clients to engage, endorse and advance their message with audiences on all platforms 24/7.  Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
boxing, Las Vegas

“BATTLE BORN BOXING” Amateur series returns to    Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

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This Friday night, Dec. 16
LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2016) – The sixth and final 2016 edition of the “Battle Born Boxing” amateur boxing series returns this Friday evening (Dec. 16), starting at 7 p.m. PT, at Downtown Las Vegas Events Centerindoor facility.
“Battle Born Boxing” is an amateur boxing series created by Neon Star Media on behalf of its client, the D Las Vegas, to support amateur boxing in Nevada, as well as provide a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
Las Vegas-based boxing clubs represented at “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising VI” include Barry’s Boxing, Richard Steel Boxing Club and Johnny Tocco’s Ringside Boxing.
“Battle Born Boxing” was successfully launched April 15, 2016, and it serves as a prelude the night before for the “Knockout Night at the D” professional boxing series events, which have aired throughout 2016 on CBS Sports Network, live from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising VI” 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 VI” will entitle ticketholders to receive $10.00 off any tickets purchased for the following evening’s (Dec. 17) “Knockout Night at the D” pro event.  Those tickets, priced at $1,000.00 VIP booth (includes 15 admissions), $50.00 VIP ringside, $25.00 and $15.00 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors for Saturday night’s “Knockout Night at the D” open at 4:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 5:00 p.m. PT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Follow these fighters on Twitter:  @AstonPalicte, @_RandyMoreno, @JFlashGang, @Ornelas_Max
boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

Strongest overall card of “Knockout Night at the D” series Set for this Saturday night in Las Vegas

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Live on CBS Sports Network & FloBoxing.tv
From the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

LAS VEGAS (December 13, 2016) – The strongest overall card of the highly acclaimed “Knockout Night at the D” series is set for this Saturday night (Dec. 17), airing live (7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network from inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center indoor facility. FloBoxing.tv will live stream the undercard worldwide, starting at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET), in addition to three main card TV bouts – excluding North America – beginning at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET).

The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

Jim “J.R.” Ross and Joey Varner will call all the action live from ringside, while Jeff Huston will be the ring announcer and fight-week master of ceremonies.

The 10-round main event is a classic match-up of contrasting styles between undefeated Oscar Cantu (14-0, 1 KO) and Aston Palcite (21-2, 18 KOs) for Cantu’s North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super flyweight belt, as well as the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental super flyweight championship. Cantu is rated No. 4 (as a flyweight) by the World Boxing Council (WBC), while International Boxing Federation (IBF) Pan American super flyweight champion Palicte is ranked No. 11 by the IBF and No. 15 by the WBO.

LINK TO ENGLISH PROMO VIDEO:: https://vimeo.com/194858462
LINK TO SPANISH PROMO VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/194868107

Unbeaten Chilean junior middleweight champion Angelo Baez (15-0-1, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Jamaica-native Nathaniel Gallimore (15-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, in the eight-round co-feature.

Promising Los Angeles welterweight prospect Flavio Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KOs) faces Mexican foe invader Dilan “El Terrible” Loza (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout that will open the televised segment of the evening.

Las Vegas’ new Big 3 – welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (7-0, 2 KOs) and RJJ-promoted junior lightweight Randy “El Matador” Moreno (7-0, 6 KOs), and bantamweight Max “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Ornelas (6-0, 3 KOs) – will all be showcased this Saturday night.

In a pair of scheduled six-round fights, flashy 26-year-old Nichols meets another undefeated opponent, San Diego’s Kevin “KO” Ottley (3-0, 2 KOs), in an interesting match of unbeaten prospects that should propel the winner to the next level of the welterweight division, and constantly improving 21-year-old Moreno takes on Milwaukee’s Mike Fowler (5-3, 2 KOs) in the former’s eighth fight since turning pro March 20th. Fan favorite Ornelas, 18, will square off in his seventh the eighth fight of his six-month pro career against California bantamweight Jorge Perez (6-4-1, 3 KOs) in a four-rounder.

Ft. Worth, Texas junior featherweight Jessie Hernandez (7-1, 6 KOs) is also fighting on the undercard against Sharone Carter (6-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round match.

Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $1,000.00 VIP booth (includes 15 admissions), $50.00 VIP ringside, $25.00 and $15.00 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.

Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 5:00 p.m. PT.

The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and Neon Star Media.

Las Vegas, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, UFC

Breaking Down the UFC 207 Main Card: Preview and Predictions

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By: Rich Bergeron

UFC 207 marks the long-awaited return of “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey (12-1) to an Octagon she once dominated as the women’s bantamweight champion. The title taken from Rousey in dramatic fashion by Holly Holm is now around the capable waist of Amanda Nunes (13-4). Rousey will have a chance to rip it off and put it back around her own hips on December 30th.

Rousey’s been out of the cage for over a year, and she already confirmed recently that her career in mixed martial arts is coming to a close. Nunes is young, hungry and intimidating as the underdog (+150) looking to hold on to her belt against the legendary Judoka and MMA juggernaut. Rousey comes in as the favorite at -185.

For more odds and betting information visit 12BET.

There are more questions than answers going into this blockbuster event. Will Rousey shake off the ring rust and return to glory? Is she already one step toward retirement? Can Nunes quiet her doubters and continue to degrade the legacy of the first ever UFC women’s bantamweight champion? Whatever happens, the first round will be crucial. Both women will be looking to make it a quick night.

Prediction: Rousey comes back with a vengeance and displays much improved striking and kick defense. Nunes battles hard and represents the best Brazil has to offer, but Ronda has too much to lose. She may not have a perfect record to protect anymore, but she does have a perfect reason to win this fight. She also needs to establish her alpha status to shut her own critics up and prove she is back to reclaim her title. Rousey wins by knockout early in the second round.

Another UFC bantamweight title is on the line in the co-main event. Dominic Cruz (22-1) gives Cody Garbrandt (10-0) a crack at the belt in what could be a true slugfest. Though Cody never lost a fight and knocked out nine of his ten career opponents at the professional level, Dominic Cruz (-225) is rolling along on a 13-fight win streak that dates back to March of 2008. Garbrandt (+175) does represent a proverbial “puncher’s chance” here, though. He’s won his last three bouts by TKO or knockout. All of them ended thank’s to Cody’s lighting fast punching power.

Prediction: Considering that Cruz is a tactical, defensive fighter, he will thrive as the fight gets into the deeper rounds. Garbrandt cannot win without a first round knockout as the experience and raw talent Cruz brings to the cage is unique and dynamic. He makes adjustments like no other fighter and uses body and head movement that seems to confound every opponent he’s faced in recent years. Cody will have to catch “The Dominator” to connect with him, and he’ll have just one round to do it. Cruz wins by late round TKO or Unanimous Decision.

A heavyweight clash between Fabricio Werdum  (21-6-1) and Cain Velasquez (14-2) is also featured at UFC 207. The fight is a rematch of a UFC 188 war between the two goliaths, which ended with Werdum winning the championship bout by third-round submission (Guillotine choke).

This time around, Velasquez is the favored fighter (-210) while Werdum is a +170 underdog. This is another brawler vs. tactician match-up, and it could go either way. Werdum showed a weak chin against Stipe Miocic, and Cain will be looking for every opportunity to check it.

Prediction: Velasquez dispatches Werdum inside of two rounds. Cain’s striking is superior to Werdum, and he will not make the mistake of letting Werdum take the fight to the ground this time. Velasquez by KO.

Neil Magny (18-5) and Johny Hendricks (17-5)  come into the cage for UFC 207 as two of the best welterweights in the league. Both are experiencing some ups and downs in sport lately, though. Magny had a three fight win streak stopped by Lorenz Larkin in his last bout while Hendricks lost three out of his last four fights. Hendricks is a far cry from his former self and a long way from his championship days. Stephen Thompson wiped the mat with Hendricks en route to a brutal TKO before Kelvin Gastelum stepped into the cage across from the former champ and took home a unanimous decision after three hard fought rounds.

Prediction: Magny is the more durable and dynamic fighter, and Hendricks can’t get close enough to land his best power shots. Magny will stop Hendricks’ advances, deny his takedown attempts and submit or stop the former champ before the final bell. Magny by third-round TKO.

Leading off the main card is another fight involving a former champion. T.J. Dillashaw (13-3) battles journeyman John “Hands of Stone” Lineker (29-7) in a bantamweight fight bound to be a future classic. Lineker brings an intensity, power and accuracy that is simply astonishing to witness. Dillashaw moves around the cage like an Irish stepdancer, dodging attacks like a Mexican bullfighter. Lineker showed in his last bout with John Dodson that he can be a crafty, technical fighter as well.

Prediction: What T.J. lacks is Lineker’s strength: POWER. Lineker will learn to find his range in the second round and start to penetrate Dillashaw’s unorthodox defense. Midway through the third round he will catch T.J. backing up and end the fight on the feet with a brutal series of punches, kicks, knees and elbows against the cage. Lineker by third-round TKO.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

Classic Boxer-Puncher match-up Oscar Cantu vs. Aston Palicte 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAS VEGAS (December 8, 2016) – The 10-round main event December 17 of the final 2016 installment of the popular “Knockout Night at the D” series, featuring undefeated Oscar Cantu and Aston Palcite, is a classic match-up of styles between a boxer and puncher.
“Knockout Night at the D” will air live (7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network from inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center indoor facility, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world-famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.), and FloBoxing.tv will live stream the Dec. 17th undercard worldwide, starting at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET), in addition to three main card TV bouts – excluding North America – beginning at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET).
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Jim “J.R.” Ross and Joey Varner will call all the action live from ringside, while Jeff Huston will be the ring announcer and fight-week master of ceremonies.
Cantu vs. Palicte will be contested for two belts as Cantu defends his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super flyweight championship, in addition to the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental super flyweight title.
Rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) as a flyweight, the 25-year-old Cantu (14-0, 1 KO) will face the toughest test of his 4+-years professional career in the heavy-handed Palcite, but he’s excited to be headlining this nationally televised show from Las Vegas.
“I feel honored to be headlining a card in Las Vegas,” the Texan said.  “The opportunity is what every boxer wants because Vegas is the biggest boxing hum in the United States and it has produced great champions in the past.  I want to thank Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions for this opportunity.
“A victory can help me open doors to the world title and allow me the show everybody what I stand for, which is being God’s humble champion.   The outcome of this fight will come down to who wants to win more.  I’m sure that adjustments will need to be made throughout the fight.  Either way, I am well prepared to get this victory.”
Palicte (21-2, 18 KOs) is a dangerous Filipino fighter who is world rated at No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the WBO.  Now training in Los Angeles, Palicte is looking forward to making his American debut Dec. 17.
“I’m really excited,” he remarked.  “I’ve been training o hard, pushing myself to the limit, because I also want to excel as much as the other Filipino fighters. I am grateful for this opportunity to fight in the main event.  Knowing he is undefeated, this is going to be an exciting, challenging fight.
“I’ve always dreamed of fighting for the world title and I’m taking things one step at a time.  Through my promoter, RJJ, it was mentioned that there’s a big possibility for a world title challenge in 2017 if I win this fight.  I’ve fought some quality fighters and I think I can do what I want in the ring, though I won’t say it’s going to be easy to control the fight.”
Styles made fights and a classic match-up between a consummate boxer (Cantu) and powerful puncher (Palicte) guarantees an intriguing fight that should be highly entertaining and incredibly competitive.  Both fighters also respect each other.
“Palicte brings an impressive record and a lot of experience,” Cantu noted.  “The road to a world title is a tough one, which means no easy opponents.  I am really excited about this challenge.  This is a classic fight because of our styles and I am sure we won’t let the viewing public down.  I am ready to become the next great American champion in this weight class.”
“Cantu is a smart boxer,” Palicte added.  “I’d compare him to Ismael Garnica, who I fought in our Showdown at Sands in Macau. (Palicte won by way of a seventh-round TKO.)  He (Cantu) is kind of a runner, too, always moving around the ring, but we can never tell one’s ability until we’ve fought.
“This is going to be an exciting fight.  I’m really looking forward to getting a hold of those belts.  Cantu is also a good boxer but with my experience and power, I think I have much more advantages than him.  I know he’s also doing his best training, so, it’s going to be a really good fight come December 17th.”
Unbeaten Chilean junior middleweight champion Angelo Baez (15-0-1, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Jamaica-native Nathaniel Gallimore (15-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, in the eight-round co-feature.
Los Angeles’ Flavio Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KOs) meets Mexican invader Dilan “El Terrible” Loza (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round battle of undefeated welterweight prospects to open the televised segment of the evening.
The Las Vegas Big 3 – 21-year-old junior lightweight Randy “El Matador” Moreno (7-0, 6 KOs), 26-year-old welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (7-0, 2 KOs) and 18-year-old bantamweight Max “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Ornelas (6-0, 3 KOs) – will be showcased Dec. 17th.
Additional fights will soon be announced.  All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $1,000.00 VIP booth (includes 15 admissions), $50.00 VIP ringside, $25.00 and $15.00 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 5:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and Neon Star Media.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Follow these fighters on Twitter:  @AstonPalicte, @_RandyMoreno, @JFlashGang, @Ornelas_Max
RIVAL BOXING GEAR & EQUIPMENT is the official gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.  www.rivalboxing.com, @rivalboxinggear
Live Dec. 17 on CBS Sports Network & FloBoxing.tv
From the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center