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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT 

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

  Lou DiBella 

Thanks, everybody for joining us for Premier Boxing Champions on NBC press call. The card is Saturday, May 23rd. That’s the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend at Boston’s Agganis Arena. The start time on NBC is 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is being promoted in associated with Murphys Boxing are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, and they’re available at ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Again, the NBC broadcast goes on at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

We’re going to start the call by talking to our co-main event fighters, the guys are going to open the telecast. That’s light-heavyweight contender Edwin Rodriguez taking on undefeated light-heavyweight contender Craig Baker. Craig is 10-0 with 12 KO. He’s coming off a KO of highly regarded Umberto Savigne in his last fight and he’s looking to upset the apple cart and derail the career of Edwin Rodriguez who’s looking for another shot at a world title; this time at 175 pounds.

 

Craig is promoted by Sampson Boxing. Craig, if you’d like to say a few words.

 

Craig Baker

Well, I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to fight on such a grand field again. It clearly is what I dream about. It’s one of those things I’ve always looked forward to since I was little bity kid.

 

L. DiBella

Thank you. Edwin Rodriguez, the pride of Worchester, Massachusetts and is fighting in his home state. This is his second fight at light heavyweight. His only loss is to Andre Ward, one of the pound-for-pound fighters in the world and Edwin believes at light heavyweight he’s stronger, better and that he can win the title. So, Edwin, would you like to say a few words?

 

Edwin Rodriguez

Yes. First of all, I’d like to thank you, Lou, for bringing me back on NBC and giving me such a great opportunity and also to Al Haymon and the NBC crew. I’m ready to show the world that I’m one of the best or the best 175 pound fighter in the world. I just got to prove it and this is one of the steps to do it, fighting an undefeated fighter, Craig Baker, who’s hungry and I’m excited because I know that he’s hungry; I’m hungry to get at that elite level. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans.

 

Q

Yes, I have a question for each of you if you don’t mind. Craig, how do you feel about fighting Edwin so close to his hometown?

 

C. Baker      

At the end of the day that doesn’t really matter to me because everyone is out to pretty much beat the crap out of you. So, it doesn’t matter where you fight. It’s the competition, and that’s how I take it.

 

Q

Edwin, what will it mean to you to fight so close to Worcester?

 

E. Rodriguez           

It means a lot because I haven’t fought at home for about four years now. So, I’m excited to come back and fight close to home with family and friends supporting me. It’s something that helps me and pushes me to take it to the next level.

 

Q

Edwin, first question; how do you feel at light-heavyweight? Are you more comfortable now than you were at super middleweight? Do you feel stronger, and is your stamina a little better?

 

E. Rodriguez

I feel great now. I feel like 175 is the weight that I belong at. I feel like I’m strong and I’m fast and I feel like I’m the best light heavyweight. I just need the opportunity to prove it, and this is one of them and I’m excited.

 

Q

You’re with Al Haymon. Adonis Stevenson is with Al Haymon. Is that what boxing and fans can assume, that this is all building towards a fight with Adonis Stevenson for the title?

 

E. Rodriguez

Right now, I’m focused on Baker. He’s an undefeated hungry fighter, but that’s the goal. I want to fight the best guy so I can prove that I’m the best. Adonis Stevenson is a good fighter. He has proved he’s the world champion and that’s who I want in the future. So, I’m just setting myself up and I’m working hard to look impressive against Baker and to get my opportunity to show the world that I’m on the best.

 

Q

Craig, just what is it about Edwin that impresses you and what will you have to do to beat him?

 

C. Baker

Well, I’m really impressed with the improvements that he’s made. I see him pushing forward, pushing issues and always in your face. That’s good. I like that. At the end of the day, I just have to show up and fight. That’s the way I take the game. I have to bring my A game at all times and that’s what I do.

 

Q

I was looking at the records of a lot of your opponents. You fought a lot of guys with pretty poor records. Why is that and why did you make the step up a couple of fights ago?

 

C. Baker

I just felt like it was time, man.

 

Q

Edwin, what impresses you about Craig Baker?

 

E. Rodriguez

He’s a hungry fighter and it doesn’t matter who he’s fought. He’s undefeated and you can’t take an undefeated fighter lightly, especially one that defeated a guy that had over 400 amateur fights and was a big prospect in the pros, like Savigne. You can’t take a guy like Craig Baker lightly.

 

Q

You’ve defeated undefeated fighters in the past. So, how is your confidence level going in when you fight somebody who hasn’t lost?

 

E. Rodriguez

I believe a lot of my skills and I’m very confident, but I’m not stupid. I know that a fighter who’s undefeated comes in with a very strong mentality and I’m ready. I’ve been working hard for this fight knowing that this guy is undefeated and I have to take that away from him. But at the same time, we’ve got to respect everyone because we’re all competitors and it’s all about looking good and winning and he’s just in my way right now.

 

L. DiBella

Thank you. The main event of the evening is a super middleweight world title fight and it features two guys that have been engrained into boxing since they were amateurs. James DeGale is an Olympic gold medalist. He’ll be facing Andre Dirrell. James is from England; Andre from the US. Andre was a bronze medalist in the Olympics. This is a match of two of the very best super middleweights in the world and figures to be a terrific fight.

 

James is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn is on the call. When you go to Q&A, if anyone has a question for Eddie, Eddie is available. We’re going to start with James DeGale. James, would you like to say a few words? James is 21-1, with 14 KOs.

 

James DeGale

Yeah, my time is here. My time is here, next Saturday. I’ve trained extremely hard and you’re in for a treat because you’re going to watch two very talented hungry fighters next Saturday fight it out for a world title. I honestly think it’s going to be a hell of a fight, one I’m confident of winning. So, fasten your seatbelts, man. It should be good.

 

L. DiBella

Thank you, James. Andre Dirrell, please say a few words.

 

Andre Dirrell          

I agree with James. This is going to be a very good fight. I’ve trained my butt off as well. Everything went very smoothly this camp. He’s a hungry fighter. I’m a hungry fighter. We are both in desperate need or desperate want of a world title and I myself feel very confident and I’m excited about this match, man. He feels like he’s an undefeated fighter. I feel like I’m an undefeated fighter, but we both have a lot to prove, man. So, we’re going to come to the full effect and I believe it’s going to be a great show.

 

L. DiBella

Thank you, Andre. We’re going to open it up to questions now. One more time, it’s PBC on NBC broadcast. It will be on May 23rd, Saturday afternoon of Memorial Day Weekend, 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, 1-800-745-3000 and we’re going to open it up for questions now.

 

Q

This is for James. This is your first fight in the United States and also, this is the first time a lot of people are going to get to see you because you’re going to be on national television. What are you expecting in terms of the energy and what it’s going to be like performing in a completely new audience?

 

J. DeGale

Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. I’m used to it as well because obviously back in England I’m promoted by Matchroom, a well-known commercial company. So, I box on big shows in front of 10,000-20,000 people. It should be good. They have a lot of Irish and English over there. So, I should have some good support and I’m looking forward to it.

 

Q

Let me follow-up with another question. There was a time that you considered retiring from the sport and becoming a personal trainer. Can you talk about that a little bit and looking back, are you glad you made the right decision to continue to do boxing?

 

J. DeGale

Yeah. It’s pretty simple. I was going through a hard time with my promoter at the time and I was a bit depressed because I wasn’t getting my chances and I wasn’t getting the right fights and I boxed on small shows. I basically was a bit depressed and I couldn’t motivate myself properly. So, yeah, that was the way it was and then I made the change to Matchroom and things have just gone from pretty bad to really great.

 

Obviously, my last two performances speak for themself. I boxed Brandon Gonzales, an undefeated American, a confident American. He come over to America and I boxed him front of 80,000 people and knocked him out in four rounds.

 

Then four months later, I boxed Periban. If you don’t know Marco Antonio Periban, he boxed Sakio Bika for the world title and lost on a split decision and I knocked him out in three rounds. So, I’m confident. I’m feeling good, and I’m motivated very well at the minute.

 

Q       

Andre, when you brother lost, he lost a close decision .What was your conversation with Anthony like because you lost a close fight you thought you’d won. So, how have you been able to converse with him about getting through that loss?

 

A. Dirrell

Well, I didn’t have to say much because he was confident after the fight, but I pretty much had him realize that you’ve had a bad night after he had a terrific camp, but I believe that’s where he left it. He left it in that. When it came to fight time, he had a few setbacks leading up to the fight and unfortunately, he lost, but we saw a lot of things that he needs to correct. I told him to watch the fight over and over again because that’s what I used to do in my fight, any fight that I feel bad about. So, I just told him keep his confidence up, man and stay on that run, man. Don’t lay off at all. That’s all we can do, man. I’ve learned a lot from past experience and one thing’s for certain; you can’t take anything from the past and bring it to the future. Only confidence.

 

So, I’m feeling good, man. He’s excited for me and I’m going to keep that name alive and keep the Dirrell name going.

 

Q

Everybody talks about the super middleweights, they talk about Andre Ward. But it seems like some people forget how good of a boxer that you are because you had to take this time off. With this being on NBC and getting in front of a large audience, are you looking at this as an opportunity to put your name back in that conversation for people who may have forgotten how good Andre Dirrell is?

 

A. Dirrell

People know and in the end, it’s my job to keep my name lean. I haven’t had the opportunity to do that as well. I had a major setback as well, but with that I stayed in the game, stayed sharp. I was sharp in my last couple of performances. I’m looking forward to the future and this is the breakout fight like I said. James is one hell of a fighter. He has a lot of heart, a lot of spunk, a lot of energy, man, and he wants to win.

 

If you want to put me in front of a fighter for a world championship fight, then James DeGale is bar none one of the best to do it in front of. So, I’m excited about this fight. I think this is probably one of the biggest fights from Premier Boxing Champion that they’ve had and I’m excited to be on that big stage. So, I want a breakout performance and I did everything in camp to make sure I can do so.

 

Q

How does it feel to be the first Brit on the verge of making some boxing history?

 

J. DeGale

It feels great, but I need to stay focused and keep my eye out on the prize. That’s what I have to do. But, you know what? A lot of people say I’m obsessed about making history, about becoming the first Olympic gold medalist from Great Britain to win a genuine world title. But you know what? I am. I am because that’s what drives me and that’s what makes me train hard every day. So, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.

 

Q

Okay, and you touched on a little bit there. I mean not so long ago you were boxing in front of a couple of hundred people at the shopping center in Blue Water and now you’re making noise on TV in America. How does that feel, the difference?

 

J. DeGale

Well, it’s fantastic. Sure a lot of credit has to go to Eddie Hearn. I’m a buzz fire. I like the big audience. I like the big lights. I’m just feeling real relaxed, chilled and ready to perform next Saturday. I’m buzzing. I really can’t wait; just being in America and knowing that I’m going to make my debut next Saturday in front of millions of Americans and back in the UK as well. It’s going to be fantastic.

 

Q

Andre, this fight seems to be your highest profile fight since five years ago when you had the Abraham fight, when he got DQ’ed. You were leading at that time. Can you tell us at this point, where are you physically and mentally compared to where you were when you were obviously at the top of the division five years ago?

 

A. Dirrell

Well, I look at it all from a mental aspect. As of now, man, I’m grown tremendously in my mind. I’ve realized how important boxing is to me and what it takes to become world champion, the work you have to put in and I just follow those guidelines every day. I’m a very motivated fighter, very self-motivated. A lot of fighters run with music, have to listen to music.

 

If I can hear my punches while I’m hitting the bag, I’m motivated. So, nothing motivates me more than hard work and that’s all I look for. The fight is won in the gym, not on fight night. It’s what you do in the gym, not how hard you put up a fight.

 

I’ve done all of that and more. I feel very relaxed. I’m very energetic and I’m feeling the vibe already and I really can’t wait to make Saturday myself. I feel I have a lot to prove and I have a different Andre Dirrell to show, one that’s just as sharp, just as fast, just as brave, but just has a bigger mental capacity. I’m excited about next week.

 

Q

What do you think your advantages are over James DeGale in this fight?

 

A. Dirrell

We’re pretty much evenly matched and I actually like that scenario because I know I’m faster. I know I’m smarter and I know I’m a better boxer. It’s just as simple as that. But, none of that can come into play without hard work, and I know he’s worked his ass off, man. He has to come over to America just like I went over there to England to try to fight for a world championship.

 

I know what kind of guy I’m going to face come the 23rd. I’ve worked my butt off like I said, , and with those advantages, I’ve put the hard work in so I can display that. I just feel like I’ll be the better man that night.

 

Q

James, tell us why you think you’re confident that you’re going to be able to win this fight?

 

J. DeGale

Momentum is a big thing. Look at my last two performances against good, quality opponents and look his last three. Listen, I come from good pedigree and so does Andre. We’re good, quality, young fighters. But I just think overall, I’m better. I think he struggles. He doesn’t like it when it gets hard in there. He’s a competent fighter, but he likes it when he’s dictating the pace and he’s on the front foot.

 

Well listen, I’m not going to let him rest. He thinks this is going to be a boxing match. Well, this ain’t. I’m telling him now. This ain’t going to be a boxing match. I’m going in there and I’m taking the title. I’m taking it. I’m ripping it away from him.

 

Q

Do you think you’re a really improved fighter? I know that the loss that you had to Groves was very controversial, but how much do you think you’ve improved since that fight with Groves?

 

J. DeGale

It’s like night and day. Listen, and another thing, I was in this for two years as well. I had two operations on my groin. So, I couldn’t throw my shots with any power. I couldn’t run the ring properly. Even in the fight at Wembley in front of 80,000 I wasn’t 100% right. Even against Periban I wasn’t 100% right. Now I’m 100% right, fully healthy, fully focused and mentally right. So, you’re going to see me step up again next Saturday.

 

Q

James, you mentioned about being a buzz fighter and this is the biggest stage, the biggest pressure you’ve ever been under. So, does this mean we’re going to see your best ever performance?

 

J. DeGale

I honestly do. The way I’ve been in the gym training, sparring, running, I honestly think you’re going to see the performance of my career so far. My last couple of fights after my injuries have been sorted and I just got better and better and I think this one is going to top it and winning my world title as well and making history.

 

Q

But, do you deal with the pressure and does that inspire you more?

JamesI thrive on it. You know me. I thrive in it. I’m just looking forward to it. As I say, it’s my debut as a professional in America. So, I’m buzzing right now. You don’t understand. I’m just really looking forward to it.

 

Q

Andre. You’ve obviously fought Carl Froch and you’ve watched video of James I imagine. How do they compare as fighters and who do you rate as a better fighter?

 

A. Dirrell

As far as skill, I can give it to James DeGale, but as far as toughness, mental toughness, physical toughness, that’s Carl Froch. We all know how mentally strong he is. So, I have to give the edge to Carl Froch in that aspect, but as I said before, I know DeGale is coming to fight and no one gets in that ring and fights me as they want to fight. You know what I’m saying? Just like he thinks it’s going to be an easy fight. I feel like I have a lot more to prove as well.

 

So, I’m looking to bring the fight as well and I’m working hard in the gym. I made it tough on myself. The more pressure you actually put on me, the more dangerous I become.

 

I’m really excited as well, man. I have a lot to prove. He has a lot to prove. This is going to be the best fight yet on Premier Boxing Champions.

 

Q

Basically for Andre, there was a chance obviously this fight could end up going to Britain. You’ve been to Britain before and you were very unlucky against Carl Froch. Was that something you were against, to face another title fight in Britain?

 

A. Dirrell

I’m not going to say that because I enjoyed my time over there. I believe I won the fight like I said and it just didn’t go my way unfortunately. I don’t like to judge my future fights based on past. I look forward to fighting in Britain again, in England again, the UK again whenever that day may come. I had a lot of fans over there; I have a lot of fans over there and I enjoy my time over there. I’ve been going over there since the amateurs. I enjoy it very much and I’m a world-class fighter. So, I want to be displayed on a world-class level.

 

I’m definitely looking forward to it. If it was over there, if it had to be over there, so be it. I would have came over there to fight James. We are world competitors, world-class. We fight for world titles. Why should it be in America all the time? This is a world-class sport and we should treat it like one.

 

Q       

Arthur Abraham kind of robbed you of your great win when he hit you on the floor. That was looking like such a great performance that night. In the sort of layup after that, how close did you come to actually having to retire? Was there ever a time you thought you might not box again?

 

A. Dirrell

I was going through some stuff with my family. I actually wanted to. I knew in my heart that I’d get my time again. I knew my time would come. I knew I had a chance of getting out of my contract. So, I kept training. Of course, there were times that I would hit slumps and feel like I’m doing it for nothing, but it was quite a stressful time for me. I think I always knew that I would be able to get back in that ring. So, I stayed busy and it didn’t really totally veer me away from the sport, but I do know the feeling.

 

I did feel like any moment could come up to where that it could be over just like that and I had to deal with it and I could easily retire. If it happened again, I just might. I knew that my time was coming again. There’s always hope there. I just kept pushing forward and here I am now.

 

Q

One for you, James, quickly. You’re in Florida now. Can you tell us where you are and how’s it going?

 

J. DeGale

Yeah, no, I’m in Miami. I’ve been training here for the past week. So, we climatized and we adjusted and we’re ready to go.

 

L. DiBella    

Just a couple of final words. Thank you, Edwin, Craig, Andre and James. This is a great undercard that features a lot of New England talent and I want to acknowledge Murphys Boxing, our friend Ken Casey who’s with the legendary Irish band, the Dropkick Murphys, and is helping us with local promotion. We’re going to have a lot of announcements coming about some great fight week activities.

 

Premier Boxing Champions on NBC, PBC on NBC Saturday, May 23rd at Boston’s Agganis Area,4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT for the beginning of the broadcast. Tickets for the live event are available at Ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Tune into NBC on Saturday, May 23rd, but if you can be with us in Boston, join us at the Agganis Arena. Thank you, everybody, for joining us.

 

*           *           *

 

Tickets for the return of big-time boxing to Boston, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.AgganisArena.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC
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SUPERSTARS ADRIEN BRONER AND SHAWN PORTER MEET IN ACTION-PACKED SHOWDOWN AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS RETURNS TO NBC PRIMETIME SATURDAY, JUNE 20 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

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Also featuring 2012 U.S. Olympian and rising star Errol Spence Jr.

Taking On Roberto Garcia

 

PBC on NBC Coverage Starts at 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

 

LAS VEGAS (May 15, 2015) – A highly anticipated showdown between former world champions Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) and “Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) headlines the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC primetime event Saturday, June 20 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

Also on the card, the undefeated Errol Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) puts his record on the line against hard-hitting veteran Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 23 KOs) in the biggest challenge of his young career.  The PBC on NBC action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

 

“It’s time for AB on NBC and I can’t wait for the opportunity,” said Broner. “This is a great fight that the fans wanted and I wanted. I’m going to come prepared and I’m going to put on a show. I’ve never lost at MGM Grand and I don’t plan on starting now. Porter is a strong guy but he’s never been in the ring with someone like me.”

 

“I feel like this fight is what the PBC is all about – bringing big fights to network TV and this is one of the biggest so far,” said Porter. “I am excited to be the headliner against Adrien Broner. I’m always ready for a fight and facing Adrien is definitely going to be a challenge, but I’ve watched his career, even in the amateurs and I know he can be beat. I’m also looking forward to fighting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. We moved to Las Vegas for opportunities like this and I would love to make MGM Grand my home.”

 

“I’m excited to have the chance to fight Roberto Garcia,” said Spence Jr. “He is a great fighter and I’m happy to have an opportunity to fight on this huge card. It is definitely the biggest opportunity of my career so far and I won’t disappoint.”

 

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and showcase my skills on the biggest stage,” said Garcia. “Spence Jr. is a strong up and coming fighter but I have experience on my side and I’m going to show it on June 20th.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes go on sale Monday, May 18. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

“Mayweather Promotions is looking forward to promoting this major event on NBC, and taking part in furthering the effort to bring boxing back to larger mainstream audiences” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “The fights set for the June 20th card showcase some of the best talent in the sport and we expect nothing less than an entertaining night of boxing that you won’t want to miss.”

 

“We are looking forward to presenting another exciting primetime PBC show on NBC,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC and NBCSN. “With Adrien Broner returning to the big stage against Shawn Porter plus Errol Spence facing Roberto Garcia, we are expecting some pre-Fourth of July fireworks.”

 

One of boxing’s biggest stars, Broner, the 25-year old phenom who has collected world titles at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, is looking to add another win to his impressive resume. The Cincinnati-born star scored a dominant victory over John Molina Jr. on March 7 at MGM Grand and will look to return to the same big stage and take down his fellow Ohio-native Porter. Broner has prevailed over the likes of Paulie Malignaggi, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Antonio Demarco on the way to becoming a three-division champion.

 

An athletic marvel, the 27-year-old Porter is eager to keep his momentum going after scoring a fifth-round knockout over Erick Bone on the inaugural March 13 PBC on Spike fight. The Akron-native dominated Devon Alexander in December 2013 to win his previously held world title. He followed that up by overpowering former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi with a fourth round stoppage in April 2014.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who had a highly decorated amateur career, the 25-year-oldSpence Jr. will look to remain undefeated when he steps into the ring for the biggest challenge of his career. The Desoto, Texas born fighter was dominant in his PBC debut onApril 11 as he defeated Samuel Vargas by fifth-round knockout.

 

A veteran of the sport for nearly 15 years, the 35-year-old Garcia has racked up nine straight victories and will look to extend that streak to 10 when he faces Spence Jr. onJune 20. The Weslaco, Texas native has most recently put together wins over Victor Manuel Cayo, Breidis Prescott and a unanimous decision victory over James Stevenson on the April 24 PBC card.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @AmenazaGarcia, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
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BOSTON MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Local Favorites Ryan Kielczweski, Javier Fortuna & Jonathan Guzman

Prepare For Undercard Bouts on Saturday, May 23 at Agganis Arena

 

Danny O’Connor Faces Paulie Malignaggi On Premier Boxing Champions

on May 29 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Click HERE For Photos From Emily Harney/Premier Boxing Champions

 

BOSTON (May 14, 2015) – Some of Boston’s most popular local fighters participated in media workouts yesterday at Peter Welch’s Gym in South Boston as they prepare for respective Premier Boxing Champions fights taking place in the coming weeks.

 

Exciting local favorites Ryan Kielczweski (22-1, 6 KOs), Javier Fortuna (27-0, 20 KOs)and Jonathan Guzman (18-0, 18 KOs) all worked out in anticipation of their bouts taking place Saturday, May 23 at Agganis Arena. Also in attendance was President and CEO of Murphys Boxing, Ken Casey.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Also participating is local welterweight contender Danny O’Connor (25-2, 9 KOs), who is preparing for his May 29 fight against Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6 7 KOs) at Barclays Center.

 

Here are what the participants had to say at yesterday’s workout:

 

Danny O’Connor, Framingham, MA:

“I think the show is big but, for me, it’s just another fight with Paul. I’m excited about the challenge in front of me, matching my skills against somebody like Paul with his resume.  I’m extremely focused.  All the work is done here (in gym).”

 

Ryan Kielczweski, Quincy, MA:

“It’s really cool fighting close to home on such a big card with double world title fights.  Someday, hopefully, I’ll be there. I’m focusing on my fight and when that’s over I’ll watch Edwin (Rodriguez) fight.”

 

Javier Fortuna, La Romana, Dominican Republic

“I feel super good and super confident.  I’ve been training here (Boston) but haven’t seen much of the city. I expect a lot of fans there for me.  I’ve been doing a lot of Spanish interviews.  I await their approval of my performance.”

 

Jonathan Guzman, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

“I feel very, very good.  I’m ready to fight, 19 for 19 (19 wins, 19 KOs).  I have a lot of family living in Lawrence (suburb) of Boston) and I’ve been staying here (S. Boston).”

 

Ken Casey, President & CEO of Murphys Boxing

“Boston is a sports-crazed city with a lot of good local fighters.  It’s a shame a show like this hasn’t happened here in a long time.  Sometimes it just takes good fighters and the right promoter to help them. It’s the perfect combination now.”

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC

 
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SUPERSTAR ROBERT GUERRERO TO BATTLE LOS ANGELES’ OWN ARON MARTINEZ  ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, JUNE 6 AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC COMES TO STUBHUB CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF. STARTING AT 3 P.M. ET/NOON PT

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Plus! Chris Arreola & Alfredo Angulo

To Compete In Separate Bouts

 

And a Featherweight Showdown Between Jesus Cuellar & Vic Darchinyan

 

CARSON, CALIF (May 11, 2015) –Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs) returns to the ring as he squares off against Aron Martinez (19-3-1, 4 KOs) on Saturday afternoon, June 6 as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC comes to StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.   The broadcast begins at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT.

 

Also featured on the card are perennial stars Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) and Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (22-5, 18 KOs) who will compete in separate bouts. Rounding out action is a sure to be action packed featherweight showdown as Jesus Cuellar (26-1, 20 KOs) battles Vic Darchinyan (40-7-1, 29 KOs).

 

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

 

“I’m very happy to be making a quick return to the ring, especially on NBC.”  said Guerrero. “It’s an honor to be fighting at StubHub Center once again as the main event. I’m going to bring it like always and give the fans an exciting fight. I can’t wait for the bell to ring!”

 

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to fight Robert Guerrero on network television,” said Martinez. “Since my last fight, I’ve been in the gym working extremely hard. I want to shock the world and beat ‘The Ghost.’ Make no mistake about it, I’m coming to win.”

 

“I am so happy to be getting back in the ring so soon after my last fight [March 13],” said Arreola. “The opportunity to stay busy and fight at StubHub Center is great and I plan on showcasing my skills.”

 

“I am grateful for the chance to fight on such a great card in Southern California where I have fought several times before,” said Angulo. “I see this as an important fight for me and I know that the fans won’t be disappointed.”

 

“We’re very excited to return to StubHub Center and work with the

NBC team on an action-packed card” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Robert Guerrero and Aron Martinez will provide fireworks from the opening bell in

the main event and we’ll be adding a full card of terrific undercard fights

for a complete afternoon of entertainment for Southern California fight fans.”

 

The 32-year-old Guerrero out of Gilroy, California owns victories over Andre Berto, Selcuk Aydin and Michael Katsidis. He most recently electrified fans with an exciting performance against Keith Thurman on the inaugural PBC card on March 7 of this year. A former world champion in four weight classes, Guerrero looks to put on another outstanding performance on June 6 at StubHub Center.

 

Born in Uruapan, Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico, but fighting out of East Los Angeles, Martinez makes his StubHub Center debut on June 6. The 33-year-old turned pro in 2005 and won his first seven starts before a technical draw in 2007 against Vito Gaspayran. A tough fighter Martinez strung together 10 straight victories between 2009 and 2012..

 

The 34-year-old Arreola defeated Curtis Harper in a thrilling heavyweight showdown on March 13 in Ontario, Calif. Born in Escondido, Calif. but fighting out of Los Angeles, Arreola has long been one of the most feared punchers in the heavyweight division. Having challenged the best in the division, Arreola knows what it takes to succeed at this level and looks to entertain his hometown fans on June 6.

 

A hard fighting Mexican warrior born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico but fighting out of Coachella, Calif.,Angulo is looking for a big victory in front of his adopted hometown fans. Always ready to challenge the best in the sport, the 32-year-old has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best fighters in the world and holds knockout victories over Gabriel Rosado, Joachim Alcine and Joel Julio.

 

A fast-rising star out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cuellar looks to make it 10 victories in a row when he battles Darchinyan on June 6. His power in both hands has led him to six knockouts of his last nine victories including a second round destruction of Puerto Rican icon Juan Manuel Lopez in Sept. 2014. The 28-year-old will make his first career start in California when he enters the ring at StubHub Center.

 

Looking to put himself back into the discussion of top featherweights, the 39-year-old Darchinyan comes in with the kind of experience to topple the explosive Cuellar. A former world champion, the fighter from Armenia who fights out of Glendale, California is coming off of a ninth-round TKO over Juan Jimenez in February of this year. Having fought against top contenders such as Abner Mares, Nonito Donaire and Nicholas Walters, Darchinyan also owns victories over Yonnhy Perez, Jorge Arce and Cristian Mijares.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @NightmareBoxing, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
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EDWIN RODRIGUEZ AND CRAIG BAKER TO SQUARE OFF IN BOSTON AS PART OF PBC ON NBC CARD TAKING PLACE

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SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 23

 

Plus Undefeated Javier Fortuna Battles Bryan Vazquez

In Undercard Action

 

Undercard Bouts To Support Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale

Super Middleweight Showdown

 

BOSTON (May 8, 2015) – Exciting light heavyweights Edwin Rodriguez (26-1, 17 KOs)and Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) enter the ring on Saturday, May 23 in Boston as part of a special Memorial Day weekend edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC.

 

The live PBC on NBC event starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

Further undercard action pits a pair of dangerous junior lightweights as Javier Fortuna(27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vazquez (34-1, 18 KOs)do battle at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. These undercard bouts will support the super middleweight contest between Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) and James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs).

 

“I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to be on this great card,” said Rodriguez. “I will show the world and all the top light heavyweights, especially Kovalev, Stevenson and Fonfara, that I am a force to be reckoned with by taking Craig Baker’s undefeated record in an entertaining fashion.”

 

“I’m well prepared to seize the opportunity that this fight presents,” said Baker. “A win on May 23 puts me closer to a world title fight and I’ve only dreamed of actually accomplishing something that big. I’ve seen Rodriguez in action before and he’s a good fighter, but I’m working to be in great condition so that I can put on a show for the fight fans in Boston. We’re having a great camp and making major accomplishments, things should be pretty interesting.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

An accomplished amateur who won a 2006 National Golden Gloves gold medal and a 2005 U.S. National Championship gold medal, the 29-year-old Rodriguez enters this fight as the winner of his last two bouts. Born in the Dominican Republic but fighting out of nearby Worcester, Mass., Rodriguez’s lone loss came to undefeated star Andre Ward in 2013 and he owns victories over previously undefeated fighters Will Rosinsky, Jason Escalera and Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna.

 

An undefeated fighter who turned pro in 2008, Baker enters this fight having stopped his last four opponents inside the distance. The 31-year-old took home victories over Anthony Greeley and Sergio Cordoba in 2014 and kicked off 2015 by knocking out Umberto Savigne. Fighting out of his hometown of Baytown, Texas, Baker will look for a big victory as he takes a step up in competition.

 

Undefeated and owner of a 4-0 record in 2014, the 25-year-old Fortuna is a prospect on the rise looking to make an impression on May 23. After a split draw decision against Luis Franco in 2013, he has bounced back to win five straight fights. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Roman and Patrick Hyland.

 

A former world title challenger whose only loss came to Takashi Uchiyama in 2012,Vazquez comes into this fight on an impressive five fight-winning streak. The 27-year-old began his career with 29 wins and has recently added victories over Sergio Thompson, Jose Feliz Jr. and Rene Gonzalez. Fighting out of Costa Rica, Vazquez has a big chance for a signature victory on May 23.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys andwww.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC
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DANNY GARCIA REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH MAJORITY DECISION OVER LAMONT PETERSON DURING SATURDAY’S EDITION OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

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ANDY LEE AND PETER QUILLIN BATTLE TO DRAW

IN EXPLOSIVE BOUT

 

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Photo Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

BROOKLYN (April 12, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions on NBC returned with two exciting bouts Saturday night as Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) defeated Lamont Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KOs) by majority decision and “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) fought to a split draw at Barclays Center.

 

The evening’s second main event saw the undefeated Garcia stalk the lightning quick Peterson around the ring while consistently attacking Peterson’s body. Peterson moved well in the first half of the fight, but did not begin engaging offensively until the later rounds.

 

The two exchanged blows throughout a raucous twelfth round that stirred the crowd of 12,300 at Barclays Center into a frenzy. The judges tallies ended at 115-113 for Garcia twice and one score of 114-114.

 

“I feel great. I prepared for a war. He was moving a lot. I thought it was close, not going to lie,” said Garcia. “It was definitely close the whole way through. I did enough to win and I’m happy with my performance.

 

[On going up in weight]  “I feel like I have to go up. It’s affecting my performance, but I feel like I did a great job.”

 

“I did my part. I’m not calling it a robbery but it was a good fight,” said Peterson. “I don’t expect an easy journey for me to get where I’m going. I feel great. That’s probably the least contact I’ve ever had in a fight.”

 

In the first main event, Quillin scored a huge knockdown in the first round and followed it up by putting Lee on the canvas in round three. Lee made adjustments as the fight went on and began to box Quillin effectively, even putting him down in the seventh round.

 

Lee and Quillin landed almost the same percentage of punches with Lee connecting on 38 percent and Quillin on 39 percent. One judge scored the bout 113-112 for Lee with another scoring the bout 113-112 for Quillin and the final had a score of 113-113.

 

“There’s a reason why judges are judges. They see it their way. I respect the decision,” said Quillin.

 

[On being knocked down] “There’s a first time for everything. I’m very thankful that I was able to get back up and keep fighting. I took a year off and I was able to go 12-rounds and I could have kept going.”

 

“It was a tough fight. He dropped me early because I was being lazy. I got my momentum late in the fight and I boxed consistently. I understand why with two knockdowns people felt he won the decision. I could have done better tonight. If my next fight is Peter Quillin.”

 

Premier Boxing Champions on NBC was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.
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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (April 9, 2015) – As Saturday’s fight night rapidly approaches, fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC night of fights held a final press conference Thursday at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

 

PBC on NBC main event bouts at Barclays Center feature undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) facing Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) and the middleweight championship bout between “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) and undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs). The second installment of PBC on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.comand at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Here are what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“I’ve been working on fighting hard, but also smart. I’m going to go in there and dictate the pace and I’m always looking for the knockout. If I can’t knock him out then I’ll be ready to go 12 rounds.

 

“It’s always hard making weight, but I’m on weight now. Right now I’m growing into my prime and my body is getting bigger and it’ll be time soon for me to go up in weight.

 

“I’m looking at this as a very big fight. So I’m going in there mentally and physically ready. He’s coming to fight and I’m coming to fight. Saturday is going to be about who can make the right adjustments.

 

“I love Brooklyn. This is my fourth fight here and I’ve heard that the tickets for this fight are selling faster than any other fight they’ve held here. So I must be doing something right in Brooklyn. The atmosphere is great at Barclays Center.

 

“I’ve always felt that I’m one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I’ve won a lot of big fights with a lot of great fighters, and my goal is just continue winning one fight at a time.”

 

LAMONT PETERSON

 

“Danny’s talk makes no difference to me. I think I’m even more confident than him and I’ll get the victory Saturday night and that will be that.

 

“The stakes are high. This can definitely push me to the next level in this boxing game. I’ve been at the top for a while but there’s a difference between being at the top and being an elite fighter. I think this will solidify me as an elite fighter.

 

“I looked at a few of Danny’s fights but nothing really stood out to me. I know Danny is a counterpuncher, that’s what he does. We’ve come up with a game plan to stop that.

 

“I’m a different person than the other guys Danny has fought. I’m a different person with a different style. I trust myself to make adjustments in the ring.

 

“This fight will be different than either of our fights with Matthysse. It’s two different fights and styles make fights. There will be different results. I had to prepare for Danny Garcia and Danny Garcia had to prepare for me.

 

“There’s no pressure fighting on this big card, but I know what it brings. This brings more exposure and I want to use that exposure in the right way. I know I’m looked up to as a role model and I just want to use this exposure.

 

“This will put a big spotlight on boxing and I’m happy to be a part of it.

 

“I’m ready to fight, I’ve prepared well and I’m ready to put on a show.”

 

ANDY LEE

 

“I’m eager to fight and ready to go. I’m feeling very dangerous right now.

 

“My ring generalship is one thing, but overall I feel like I have a good idea of what I want to do in the ring. Peter has an idea too, but it’s more moment to moment for him, which can be good as well, when you improvise. I’m more of a guy who will set you up and work to a plan.

 

“Coming back and winning a fight really strengthens your resolve. You know in your mind that at any time, you have a chance of winning. I never plan to be behind but it happens. This time I plan to lead from the front.

 

“Peter is offensive, which leaves openings. He might be cautious for a while because both of us know that we might pay the price of being offensive. Eventually we’ll exchange and it will be explosive one way of the other.

 

“I’m a southpaw puncher who can box and I’ve never been in a dull fight. I have a ‘never say die’ attitude and I’m not someone who is just going to go out there and play it safe. I’ll risk it all to win.

 

“My confidence is very high. I’m the champion of the world and there’s no higher station than that in boxing. I’m the champion and he’ll have to come and take my title.”

 

PETER QUILLIN

 

“Everyone tune in on April 11 because we’re going to do more than just try to take that belt, we’re going to take that belt because that’s what we do.

 

“Andy is the champion of the world but this is the second time I’ve been the challenger to a world champion. I’ve been here before. I know he’s a newly crowned champion so I have nothing bad to say about him.

 

“Andy’s greatest strength is that he lost twice and was able to come back and make himself look very good.

 

“This is a totally different caliber fight than either of us has had. I’m not any of those fighters that he’s faced. I can’t go in there and try to fight like a Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

“I’m only concerned about working hard, which I’ve done every day leading up to this fight. So I have no concerns at all.

 

“I’m motivated period. My heart is built on motivation in all things. Talking to media, being on NBC, fighting for the belt and being a positive person. I’m thankful that every day I can put out a positive story about myself.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

“We have a great night of boxing from beginning to end, you will be hearing a lot more from these young fighters.

 

“If you want to see everything, get there to Barclays Center at 5 p.m.

 

“We’re very thrilled that this is going to be televised in primetime on NBC. PBC on NBC. It has a nice ring to it.

 

“The first main event of the evening features Andy Lee, middleweight champion and the fighting pride of Limerick. He is a warrior, he’s at the most confident point of his career and he’s going to need to be because he’s fighting an undefeated champion.

 

“Peter Quillin makes Brooklyn his home. It’s his third fight at Barclays Center and he has a perfect record of 31-0. He’s going to try to take Andy’s belt, but it won’t be easy.

 

“The bout that will close the show is one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts in all of boxing. Lamont Peterson is noted for being one of the most technically sound boxers in the game and he has an outstanding record to a back it up.

 

“Danny Garcia really embodies what it means to be a Philadelphia fighter. He’s a tough guy with an undefeated record. He’s going to look to keep that record perfect against Lamont Peterson.”

 

JON MILLER, President, Programming, NBC Sports & NBCSN

 

“On behalf of NBC Sports we’re thrilled to be a part of this and to be in our own backyard. We couldn’t pick a better venue than Barclays Center. The card put together is spectacular. There are great fights once again and we’re excited about the progress that this new property has taken for us.

 

“I think one of the most unique things about this Saturday night is that it’s going to make history in television because three of the most venerable and outstanding sports television personalities will be working together for the first time as Al Michaels will be our host, Marv Albert will be doing play-by-play and for the first time ever they will be joined by Bob Costas.

 

“These three iconic figures have worked Olympics and Super Bowls but it’s the first time they’ve ever worked together on one event and that is a tribute to what the entire has put together in delivering this great card.”

 

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Barclays Center

 

“This Saturday marks a historic moment for Barclays Center as we host our 11thprofessional boxing event and our first Premier Boxing Champions event.

 

“When you combine the talent in the ring, the production of the show and the iconic broadcasting team of Al Michael, Bob Costas and Marv Albert plus boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard this will be one of the best fight nights that New York has hosted in decades.

 

“Signifying the magnitude of the event, tickets have sold faster than at any other boxing show Barclays Center has hosted.

 

“At Barclays Center, we have not only served as a launch pad for many local boxers’ careers, but have relished in the role of becoming the home for Champions.”
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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Photo Credit: Angela Cranford/Barclays Center

 

BROOKLYN (April 7, 2015) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC night of fights participated in a media workout today at Barclays Center in anticipation of their upcoming bouts.

 

PBC on NBC main event bouts at Barclays Center feature undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) facing Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) and the middleweight championship bout between “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) and undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs). The second installment of PBC on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.comand at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Here are what the fighters had to say at Tuesday’s workout:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“I just want to give the fans a great fight. I want them to see the best Danny Garcia. At the end of the day, this is the fight the fans want to see. My main focus is putting on a great show for the fans.

 

“I’ve faced a lot of skillful boxers in my career and I’m still undefeated. That should tell the fans around the world who has more skill. Come April 11 when he’s feeling these two bombs on his face he’s going to forget about his skill.

 

“I just want to give fans a great fight. I’m not too worried about the ‘0’ on my record. I fight hard to protect it but my main focus is to go in there and get the job done one fight at a time.

 

“Everything I’ve done in my career is for a reason. Now I’m here on NBC fighting on this big playing field. This is great for boxing and a breath of fresh air for the sport.

 

“I just want to be confident and humble at the same time. I want the fans to love me because I’m being myself. It’s very important for a young champion.

 

“I’m going to try to dictate the pace, be smart, move my head, use my feet and land good punches. I can’t try to chase him down.

 

“I used to love other great Puerto Rican boxers like Felix Trinidad, Miguel Cotto and Hector Camacho. I feel like I’m definitely working my way up into the ranks with them and following their footsteps.

 

“I have to be smart in the ring. I have to go in there and be Danny Garcia. I’m here because I’m a smart fighter. Everyone knows that. I have power. I’m going to find my opening and capitalize on his mistakes.”

 

 

LAMONT PETERSON

 

“This is just another fight for me. I’m not worried about being the main event. I just love to fight. As long as I’m fighting I’m happy.

 

“A lot of people see us fight and see us take punches, but that’s just the easy part. The sacrifice in the gym and putting my body through punishment is the rough part.

 

“I’m not trying to prove anyone wrong, but this fight is important to me and I want to win it. I want to be the top guy and that means beating the top guy.

 

“People talk about him beating Matthysse and Matthysse beating me, but anyone who knows about boxing knows that doesn’t mean anything. Come Saturday night I will prove to everyone that I’m a better fighter than Danny Garcia.

 

“Angel Garcia has his opinion on this fight, and I respect it. He can go on record and say anything he wants, but if he says Danny Garcia is stronger than me, I’ll tell you that’s a lie.

 

“We’re not worried about Danny’s power. A lot of people have asked me about that but I’m not worried. Danny Garcia had a split decision with Kendall Holt, who I knocked out. No one seems to mention that.

 

“I’m comfortable with whatever way this fight goes. I’m almost guaranteeing the win.

 

“I don’t think they’re taking me lightly. At the end of the day, Garcia knows this is a fight and he knows he hasn’t fought anyone like me. I’m expecting a big victory Saturday night.

 

“You never know what you’re going to see with me. Whatever I feel like I need to do to win, that’s what I’ll do. I’m prepared 100 percent. I’m in shape for 30 rounds and I’ll be ready for anything. ”

 

ANDY LEE

 

“We’ve made unbelievable progress in the last year on my skills and everything has really just clicked for me and my team and now we’re seeing the results in the ring.

 

“I’m very proud to be an Irishman from Limerick defending his world championship in New York, it doesn’t get much better than that.

 

“There’s been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders since winning the world-title. It’s what I always wanted to do and I’ve been touted as a champion for years and if I never got it I would have been disappointed. Now the monkey is off my back and I can just box and show people who I am.

 

“We’ve made physical and tactical improvements in the gym since the last fight and hopefully they’ll show up in the ring on Saturday.

 

“I think this could be a technical fight or it could be a bit of a fire fight. It’s going to be a little of both at times. There will be moments where we’re looking at each other, figuring each other out, but once we exchange it could be explosive.

 

“Quillin is sure of himself, but he has to be, I have the same mentality. You have to be to compete in this sport.

 

“Fighting at home like Quillin is on Saturday, brings a different kind of pressure to the table, it’s the pressure of expectations and people you know coming to the fights. That’s also pressure and I know all about that.

 

“I haven’t needed to build up my confidence for this fight. It’s not time to think. It’s time to do what I’ve been doing every day in the gym.”

 

PETER QUILLIN

 

“I never trailed in a fight and came back and won like Lee. I’ve just won all the time right out of the gate. Those other guys aren’t ‘Kid Chocolate’ so I think that’s why this fight was made.

 

“It’s a big fight for him and a big fight for me. He’s a smart fighter when he’s in trouble so I have to watch out for that. Most importantly I just need to be true to myself.

 

“A lot of people had Lee as the underdog in his last fight but he came out and did great. That’s the thing about boxing; one punch can change the fight.

 

“I’m getting paid for 12 rounds so I’m preparing for 12 rounds but if I can get him out of there early I will.

 

“My whole life has been struggles and I’ve had to overcome every single one of those struggles. This is going to be no different from that.

 

“Being a father of course made me more inspired and watching my uncle pass has made me more motivated than ever to accomplish everything I want.

 

“When I gave up the belt I learned that I can be a bigger man and make tough decisions like that all of the time. People think losing is easy, but winning all the time is a different kind of pressure.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“I am the best young prospect in the game. I’m on the borderline of contender status and I believe I’m one fight away from being a contender.

 

“I’m a little bit of a mix style-wise. I’m a boxer, I can punch and I can fight if I have to.

 

“The fight I learned the most from was with Emanuel Lartey, he was undefeated along with me and it was my first real fight and first time going the distance.

 

“I see myself fighting all the top guys in the welterweight division. I see myself with Keith Thurman, Amir Khan and any top welterweight.

 

“I’m going to look good as always on Saturday night, It’s going to be fantastic and I’m going to come out with the victory.”

 

MARCUS BROWNE

 

“I’m just blessed to have this opportunity to fight at Barclays Center for the eighth time in front of my hometown fans.

 

“I love performing in in Brooklyn. The fans here are fantastic and they know when I get in the ring they’re going to see something special.

 

“I have a tough opponent in front of me. He’s experienced, very lanky fighter but we’ve trained very hard and I’m ready for anything he’s got.

 

“Saturday is going to be a great night for Team Browne, Staten Island and all of my fans. Don’t blink cause you might miss it!”

 

LUIS COLLAZO

 

“I’ve spent some time with the family, regrouping and making sure I still have the same passion for this sport. I’m excited to be back and I jumped at the opportunity to be on this card.

 

“This is what I live for. Boxing is my life.

 

“After the Khan fight I took about a month off and then I went straight to the gym. I couldn’t go out like I did against Khan. No excuses, but it was time to go back to the drawing board and stay motivated throughout the whole year.

 

“The fans can expect the same excitement I always bring. I’m more motivated now and hopefully after this fight I can get a big fight and give the fans what they want.”

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

“I have the same mindset going into every fight. I train to fight my fight and make adjustments when get in there.

 

“I feel strong and I feel capable of whatever needs to be done.

 

“I’ve only been boxing for four years so I’m still learning a lot of boxing technique in camp plus working three or four days a week with my strength and conditioning coach.

 

“Fans can expect a good show and a big win out me on Saturday.”
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FIGHTERS ANDY LEE, PETER QUILLIN, MARCUS BROWNE & HEATHER HARDY RING NYSE CLOSING BELL®

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Photo Credit: NYSE/Valerie Caviness

Click HERE for Replay Of The Ceremony

 

BROOKLYN (April 6, 2015) – Fighters Andy Lee, Peter Quillin, Marcus Browne and Heather Hardy, who are fighting on Saturday night on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, participated in the ringing of the NYSE Closing Bell® today. Fighters were joined by Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark, DiBella Entertainment President Lou DiBella, Swanson Communications President Kelly Swanson, Barclays Center Chief Communications Officer Barry Baum, and Haymon Boxing Vice President of Communications Tim Smith for the ceremony.

 

Click to see photos and a replay from today’s ceremony at NYSE.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,

www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and

www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.
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DANNY GARCIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco

 

PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2015) – As fight week nears for the second installment of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC (8:30 pm ET/5:30 p.m. PT), undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia held a media workout in his hometown of Philadelphia in preparation for his showdown with fellow world champion Lamont Peterson on Saturday, April 11 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Check out what Garcia and his father and trainer Angel had to say on Wednesday.

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“Training is going well, I’ve done everything I have to do and I’m still focused. It’s a week and a half until the fight and I’m ready to go. If the fight were tomorrow I’d be ready.

 

“It’s a big fight and it’s the fight that the fans wanted. We’re going to give the fans a great night of boxing on NBC and it’s time the show the world that Danny Garcia is the star of NBC.

 

“We have common opponents like Khan and Matthysse and we’ve had different results.  They say styles make fights so those results don’t matter. Well, my style is to kick his butt.

 

“I know that this second PBC on NBC show is going to be even bigger and I just feel blessed to be a part of it and I can’t wait to go out there and showcase my skills.

 

“I’m ready for whatever Peterson brings. If he tries to box then I’m going to go with that and if he wants to fight, I’ll be ready. I’m not going to go in and just try to knock his head off, I’m going to be Danny Garcia.

 

“I’d love to be fighting on the biggest stage in boxing against the Mayweather and Pacquiaos, but for now it’s just about taking it one fight at a time, this is history in the making.

 

“A lot of things have changed for me in the last few years, everybody knows me now. A lot of people look at you different now but it doesn’t make my head bigger, it just motivates me to work hard.

 

“I love Brooklyn, it’s my fourth fight at Barclays Center and I’m looking to make it 4-0 on April 11.

 

“This is a blessing for the sport of boxing. Millions of fans haven’t had the opportunity to watch boxing on primetime in years and this is great for the sport.”

 

ANGEL GARCIA

 

“I’ll give Peterson credit for putting the gloves on. He thinks it’s going to be an easy night for him. He sees himself already on top of the mountain. It’s not going to happen like that, we’re going to ruin his party.

 

“I want Peterson to act confident and come forward. They’re talking like Danny isn’t special but he lost to the guys we beat.

 

“It doesn’t matter what anyone says as long as Danny is in here putting in 100 percent every day. It’s all about April 11.

 

“We’re not going to train for eight weeks to go in there and worry about what Peterson is going to do, we’re going to do what we have to do. We train to go in there and win on April 11.”

 

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.