Category Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison Injures Ankle & is Forced to Withdraw from Rematch Against Former Champion Jermell Charlo

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Hard-Hitting & Dangerous Jorge Cota to Step In and Replace Harrison Sunday, June 23 in FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event at Mandalay Bay Events Center

in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (June 3, 2019) – Super welterweight world champion Tony Harrison injured his ankle in training last week and has withdrawn from his title defense against former world champion Jermell Charlo that was scheduled to headline FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Harrison has an inner and outer ankle sprain with torn ligaments in his right ankle and he will be out for 10 weeks before he can resume training. Harrison and Charlo plan to have their rematch later this year.

Stepping in to replace Harrison for a 12-round fight is the always dangerous Jorge Cota (28-3, 25 KOs), who most recently lost a disputed split-decision in April on FS1 against Jeison Rosario. The 31-year old from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico had scored three straight knockout victories before the defeat in April.

“Watching my Mexican brother Andy Ruiz fight last weekend, I am very motivated,” said Cota. “I saw how he got an unexpected chance to become a champion and surprise the world. He has inspired me to win this fight in the same way. I will shock the world on June 23 just like Andy did on Saturday, for Mexico, the country that I love. This is the most important fight of my career.”

“As we have seen from Andy Ruiz’s incredible upset of Anthony Joshua in the heavyweight championship fight on Saturday night, replacement fighters are not to be taken as a joke,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jorge Cota is a dangerous fighter. He has heavy hands and he’s looking for an opportunity to make a statement. Jermell Charlo realizes just how serious this is and he wants to get his title back. I know he’s going to be prepared to make his own statement.”

The 29-year-old Charlo will now have to wait for his opportunity to avenge the only loss of his career and regain his title against Harrison. Fighting out of Houston, Texas, Charlo won the vacant WBC title with a devastating knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. He made three successful defenses of the title with highlight-reel knockouts over Charles Hatley and Erickson Lubin, plus a majority decision win over former champion Austin Trout.

“It feels like a heartbreak,” said Charlo. “I was ready to destroy Tony Harrison and now I’m going to get in there and destroy Cota. I always pray for my opponent to have safe care and make it to the fight healthy. It’s unfortunate that Tony Harrison isn’t my next victim. I want the best Harrison so I want him healed up and ready to go, because that will only bring out the best in me.

“I feel my title was taken from me and being held hostage and I want it back. I will go through anything to get it back. The moment he’s cleared to fight I want the match and I will get my title back. I’m going in June 23 for a dominant victory with a ferocious attitude and a mindset to destroy, because I know I can’t leave it to the judges anymore.”

Harrison’s injury is the latest twist in the super welterweight division that started last December when Harrison and Charlo’s first encounter took place live on FOX. Harrison won the decision to upset Charlo and take away the title. The close nature of the bout helped warrant an immediate rematch that promises to be just as highly charged and dramatic. Julian “J-Rock” Williams scored a hard-fought unanimous decision over Jarrett Hurd as the IBF and WBA titles changed hands as well in May.

This setback for Harrison, who is from Detroit and was trained early in his career by the late Emanuel Steward, is another challenge for the 28-year-old champion. Harrison was on track for a title shot before suffering the first loss of his career in 2015 to Willie Nelson. After three-straight wins, he earned a shot at the vacant 154-pound title against Jarrett Hurd. Although Harrison had strong moments in the fight, he eventually lost to Hurd and was forced to again climb to the top. After another three victories, including a win over former champion Ishe Smith, Harrison took advantage of his second world title opportunity against Charlo.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Former Super Welterweight Champion Austin Trout Battles U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha to a Split Draw in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi

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Unbeaten Super Welterweight Contender Chordale Booker Defeats Wale Omotoso by Unanimous Decision in FS1 & FOX Deportes co-main event
 
Undefeated Prospect Efe Apochi Scores Knockout Win Over Earl Newman in Main Event of PBC Prelims on FS2 & FOX Deportes
 
Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Jamie Morton/Beau Rivage Resort Casino
 
BILOXI, MS. (May 25, 2019) – Former super welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (31-5-1, 17 KOs) battled former title challenger Terrell Gausha (21-1-1, 10 KOs) to a split draw (96-94 for Trout, 99-91 for Gausha, 95-95) in a 10-round super welterweight bout that headlined Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Saturday night from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
 
“We need to do that again. That wasn’t right,” said Trout of Las Cruces, N.M. “Let’s do it again. That was after a year layoff. Timing is going to be off. Now that I am a little more active. I need an immediate rematch. Immediate.
 
“You never know how the judges are seeing it, but I know 99-91 for (Gausha) wasn’t right. I was definitely in there more than one round,” continued Trout. “But I didn’t feel good in there tonight. I had to force a lot of things, and I had to close the gap in the later rounds.”
 
“I felt like I won the fight,” said Cleveland native Gausha. “That’s boxing sometimes. You don’t get the decision.
 
“I have been through a lot this camp. It is what it is,” continued Gausha. “I caught a bad cold the last week of training camp. My father passed away during this training camp.
 
“I don’t really care about a rematch with Trout,” concluded Gausha. “I just want bigger fights. I’d like to do something different. But if we have to go through (Trout) again we’ll do it and just make it more convincing next time.”
 
In the FS1 co-feature, unbeaten contender Chordale Booker (15-0, 7 KOs) defeated rugged veteran Wale Omotoso (27-4, 21 KOs) by unanimous decision (100-90 X 3) in a 10-round super welterweight contest. Booker, a southpaw from Stamford, Conn., dominated the action against the Nigerian Omotoso.
 
“I’m always emotional when I fight,” said Booker. “Today, I just let it all out. I feel like this was my time to shine after finally making it to this level. This was definitely a step-up fight for me, facing a guy that they told me nobody else wanted to fight.
 
“I feel like I’ve got nothing to lose,” continued Booker. “I just feel like I’m supposed to be here. I’ve put in a lot of work to get where I’m at, but I could have gone down a very different path. I got a second chance at life and now look where I’m at. I’d love to fight Trout or Gausha next, or any other title challenger that wants to fight, I’m ready. I pitched a shutout tonight and I’m prepared to be tested and prove I’m the best.”
 
The opening bout on FS1 featured Ahmed Elbiali (19-1, 16 KOs), an Egyptian-American who lives in Miami, Florida, scoring a technical knockout victory over Marlos Simões (13-2-2, 5 KOs) of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil who was unable to continue due to an injured jaw. Elbiali knocked Simões to the canvas and referee Keith Hughes stopped the contest 2:12 into the second frame.
 
“When he went down, I clipped him with a left hook,” said Elbiali. “I knew right away that I could hurt him, and that hook felt like it landed well. He was a tricky and really awkward opponent, but I just went for it and got the job done.
 
“I don’t really like calling out individual fighters, but I feel like I’m ready for a world title shot,” continued Elbiali. “We’re getting better with every fight and I’m ready.”
 
The swing bout on FS1 saw Chicago’s Shawn Simpson (10-0, 3 KOs) defeat Sergio Quiroz (6-2, 1 KO) of Los Angeles by unanimous decision (60-54 X 3).
 
The PBC Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes featured hard-hitting cruiserweight prospect Efe Apochi (8-0, 8 KOs) of Nigeria continuing his perfect knockout streak as he stopped Brooklyn’s Earl Newman (10-2-1, 7 KOs) 2:17 into round seven.
 
The FS2 co-main event showcased a welterweight attraction with top prospect Amon Rashidi (7-0, 5 KOs) of Dallas, Texas scoring a sensational knockout over Mexico’sJuan Jesus Garces (19-25, 13 KOs) 2:12 into the fourth round.
 
In the opening fight of the FS2 telecast, Ghanaian super middleweight Habib Ahmed(27-1-1, 18 KOs) defeated Colombia’s Juan De Angel (21-11-1, 19 KOs) by unanimous decision (80-72 X 3) in an eight-round contest.
 
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
 
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

AHMED ELBIALI TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Light Heavyweight Brawler Elbiali Duels Marlos Simões in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action This Saturday Night from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi

Click HERE for Photos from Team Elbiali

LAS VEGAS (May 22, 2019) – Light heavyweight brawler Ahmed Elbiali will return to the ring, and for the first time with new trainer Justin Gamber, when he faces Marlos Simões in a 10-round showdown as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action this Saturday night from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
 
PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by former super welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout returning to the ring to take on former title challenger Terrell Gausha in a 10-round super welterweight battle.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster.
 
Elbiali has recently began working with a new trainer in Gamber, who also trains super middleweight champion Caleb Plant, and will look to show his improvement in the ring this Saturday night. Here is what he had to say about his new trainer and more:
 
On training with new coach Justin Gamber:“I’ve been learning a lot since I started training with Justin Gamber, which was about six weeks ago. Nothing against my old trainers, I just felt I needed a new look. Justin and I work well together and I’ve improved tremendously. I’m learning how to relax more in the ring, which has helped me keep my power in the later rounds of sparring. Justin is a great coach and together we are going to make some noise in the light heavyweight division.”
 
On his recent training camp:
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work for this training camp and I can see the difference compared to other camps I’ve had in the past. I’m working on the fundamentals of boxing, using my jab more and setting up my combinations. I know I have the power to knock out my opponents, but now I’m learning more how to set it up. Living and training in Las Vegas has been a big boost to my career because the sparring out here is second to none. I’m having a great training camp.”

On his matchup with Marlos Simões:
“I know Simões is a durable opponent who’s only been stopped once in his career. I’m expecting him to be in great shape. He’s had a lot of success in the ring, so I’m preparing for a guy who can really fight. I’m just going to go in there and execute my game plan.”

On when he will be ready for a world title shot:
“I want to get as many fights as possible this year and make a world title run in 2020. Of course, everything is predicated fight to fight, but that is the goal.”
 
On making his televised return on FS1:
“Fighting on FS1 is always fun and exciting. FS1 is the platform where us fighters get the most exposure while we’re coming up. You can’t compare any other network to FOX, where the whole world can tune in. It’s truly a blessing for me to be fighting on FS1.”
 
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
 
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. KEITH THURMAN & CALEB PLANT VS. MIKE LEE NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Pacquiao vs. Thurman Saturday, July 20 in a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Plant vs. Lee Headlines FOX PBC Fight Night Preceding Pay-Per-View & Also from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at
7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

Click HERE for Photos from Darnell Ellerbe/Mayweather Promotions

NEW YORK (May 21, 2019) – Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, plus unbeaten super middleweight champion Caleb Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee went face-to-face Tuesday in New York at a press conference to preview their respective showdowns on Saturday July 20 and presented by Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
Pacquiao and Thurman will square-off in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Plant will make the first defense of his title against the unbeaten Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office. Plant vs. Lee is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from Gotham Hall in New York City:
 
MANNY PACQUIAO
 
“I’ve never been scared of a challenge. I’m so excited for this fight against an undefeated champion. He’s the kind of fighter that you can’t underestimate. His record and successe gives me more motivation to work hard.
 
“I will make sure that I’m 100 percent and ready for this fight. We’ll find out what happens on July 20, but it’s going to be exciting. I like being the underdog for this fight because that gives me more focus in training.
 
“I’ve been careless and over confident in some fights, but this time around it’s different. Keith Thurman is a good fighter and we’re going to make sure the fans are happy on July 20.
 
“It’s a great honor for me to be fighting back in Las Vegas and on the FOX Sports pay-per-view. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.
 
“I chose Keith Thurman because he’s undefeated and I want to prove that at age 40 I can still beat a great fighter like Keith.
 
“My time is not yet over. My journey is continuing. I’m going to prove that and more on July 20 against Keith Thurman.
 
“I’m the kind of fighter that I don’t talk too much. I do my talking in the ring. I can do a lot of things in that ring. He can prove his words in the ring. I’m going to be a warrior on July 20 and show Keith Thurman what it’s like to be in the ring with me.
 
“I will work hard for this fight. I haven’t felt this motivated and excited since the Oscar De La Hoya fight. I feel like I’m back against the best fighters in the world.
 
“Our focus in every fight is on the speed and footwork, because those are advantages for me. We’re going to work on avoiding Keith’s offense.
 
“Fans should watch this fight because it’s a once in a lifetime showdown. We’re going to bring action and I’m confident I will be victorious.”
 
KEITH THURMAN
 
“We’re ready. This is a blessing to be here and a dream come true. I started boxing at the age of seven. I worked hard to be a champion and I’ve always wanted to fight the greatest names in the sport.
 
“Pacquiao wants a challenge and I’m very grateful to be sharing a ring with a legend. If you understand boxing history, you know that times change. I believe boxing is in a new era. Come July 20, Pacquiao will disappear. He’ll always be remembered in the sport, but I’m doing to Manny Pacquiao, what he did to Oscar De La Hoya.
 
“This is a big fight. I’ve waited 22 months to get back in the game. We had our ups and downs, but Keith Thurman is back on the rise. I’m going to make a big statement.
 
“This training camp is going to start this Saturday. Once I get home, it’s grind time and on July 20, it’s going to be my time.
 
“July 20 is 23 years in the making. I’ve dedicated myself to this beautiful sport of boxing for so long and my first trainer Ben Getty told me that I had what it takes to be a great champion. I’m truly looking forward to having another chance to show it.
 
“We definitely had a stretch with a lack of activity. Not everyone knows who Keith Thurman is today. You could see that I wasn’t at my best in January. But on July 20, ‘One Time’ is back. I’m getting ready to have one of my best training camps for this fight.
 
“I had the knockdown in my last fight that was a reminder of what ‘One Time’ is all about. We brushed the dust off and we’re taking that momentum into this fight.
 
“I’m excited to be the guy who shows Manny Pacquiao where the exit is. He’s a legend who’s done great things. But I’ve never lost to a fighter who’s lost seven times. I have no intention of losing this fight and I don’t see him winning in any shape or form.
 
“Speed, power and overall ring IQ will be the difference. I’m one of the smartest fighters in the sport. I always find a way to win. I know Pacquiao comes in shape, but he’s going to fall short of that finish line.”
 
CALEB PLANT
 
“I’ve been boxing my whole life. They say it takes 10,000 hours of work to become a true success at something. Come July 20, I’ll have been doing this for 18-years straight. No breaks and no Plan B. I’ve just been boxing, day in and day out.
 
“Mike Lee may have a financial degree, but in boxing, I have a Ph.D. That’s something he doesn’t know anything about. I came from very rock bottom, where nobody makes it out. If he thinks I’m going to let him mess this up for me, he’s not half as educated as I thought he was.
 
“I have everything to lose. Every night from now until July 20, I hope Lee and his team are envisioning the worlds ‘and still’. Because that’s all anyone is going to hear on fight night.
 
“It’s exciting to be on this primetime card. Everyone who wants to take it to the top of the sport wants to be a main event at MGM Grand. At the same time, where we fight is not most important to me. We can fight in the parking lot, because it’s about legacy to me.
 
“Anytime that someone steps into the ring and wins their first world title in fashion, it’s going to be a confidence booster. But I did tell everyone what was going to happen. There’s a season for everything and right now is mine.
 
“He may come into the ring bigger and heavier than me, but boxing skills are what wins fights. Years of repetition with boxing teachers, are what wins fights. You’ll see all of that on July 20.
 
“I don’t look at myself as the favorite in any fight. I’m the one who’s not supposed to be here. Put everyone through what I’ve been through, and see if they would make it here.”
 
MIKE LEE
 
“This has been a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Most importantly, I’ve gotten somewhere no one thought I would get. I’m fine being the underdog. I have nothing to lose.
 
“I’m coming out with everything I have. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. I respect Caleb Plant, but on July 20, I plan on making it my moment.
 
“I’ve headlined cards in Chicago and at Notre Dame before so the bright lights are nothing new to me. I’m very excited and working hard. On July 20, I’m going to keep proving people wrong.
 
“The whole reason I got into this sport is to do it on big stages. Everyone wants to prove it on the biggest stage possible and there’s no bigger stage than at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It’s a dream come true and it’s the reason I’ve worked so hard.
 
“Moving down in weight is an advantage. I’ve got a great team working with me to make the weight easily and rehydrate the right way. I’m going to be the bigger and stronger guy in the ring.
 
“I’ve had people that never thought I’d get here and I love it. It takes a different kind of person to step into that ring in front of so many people. You have to be ready to go out there and risk it all. I fight who they put in front of me and keep winning. That’s what I plan to do on July 20.”
 
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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

EIGHT-DIVISION CHAMPION MANNY PACQUIAO MEETS UNBEATEN CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN IN WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CLASH LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

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Saturday, July 20 in the Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas – (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)

Blockbuster Night Presented by PBC & FOX Sports Features Primetime Show on FOX & FOX Deportes Headlined by Caleb Plant Defending His World Title Preceding Pay-Per-View Telecast

Tickets on Sale Now!

LAS VEGAS (May 21, 2019) – Boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Philippine Senator and regular WBA welterweight champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao returns to face undefeated Super WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown live on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
Preceding the pay-per-view is a FOX PBC Fight Night also taking place at MGM Grand that is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant making his first title defense against unbeaten contender Mike Lee.
 
Possessing speed, power and tremendous boxing skills, Thurman represents the most dangerous challenger that the future Hall of Famer Pacquiao has faced in his recent ring appearances. This high-stakes match will firmly give the winner a claim for the top spot in one of boxing’s deepest and most talented divisions.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.
 
“Senator Pacquiao is thrilled to be back in ‘Viva Las Vegas,’ fighting at the best venue for boxing — the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This is where the Pacquiao vs. Thurman world welterweight championship belongs,” said Sean Gibbons, President of MP Promotions.  “We’re excited to be working with our partners at PBC, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions. Manny is fighting in the biggest fights on a global scale and it doesn’t get any more global than FOX Sports Pay-Per-View. Fans have always enjoyed watching Pacquiao and Thurman compete in the ring and we are confident they will, once again, give boxing fans worldwide everything they’re expecting, and more. God bless Manny and Keith for stepping up to give us this fight!”
 
“We’re looking forward to working with our partners in bringing yet another blockbuster back home to MGM Grand here in Las Vegas,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This fight is a tremendous opportunity for both guys in terms of where they are in their respective careers. Pacquiao is currently the biggest name in the sport and Thurman is a young skilled undefeated fighter in the prime of his career, making for a compelling matchup. I know both fighters will be ready for the challenge that lies ahead of them come July 20, and I can’t wait to see this one go off.”
 
“This will be a sensational matchup between two great fighters and we’re looking forward to hosting this championship event at MGM Grand in July,” said Richard Sturm, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports. “Fans have always enjoyed watching Pacquiao and Thurman compete in the ring and we are confident they will, once again, give boxing fans worldwide everything they’re expecting, and more.”


“FOX Sports is thrilled to present our second Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View featuring one of boxing’s biggest stars, Pacquiao, facing the champion Thurman, who wowed nearly three-million viewers live on FOX in January with his latest title defense,” said Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Programming, Live Operations and Research. “This promises to be a can’t miss night of boxing with an unprecedented FOX Sports PBC doubleheader, as we open the evening with the FOX PBC Fight Night, headlined by newly crowned champion Plant defending his title against the undefeated Lee. Plant set the FS1 viewership record for a boxing show in January when he won his title, and we’re sure this match up will deliver even bigger audiences leading into the Pacquiao vs. Thurman Pay-Per-View.”
 
A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. After serving two terms as Congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016, capturing over 16 million votes nationally. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over at least seven current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.
 
In his last match on January 19, Pacquiao put on a vintage performance against four-division champion Adrien Broner, scoring a 12-round unanimous decision in the 70th match of his illustrious career. It was his first time fighting in the U.S. in two years. Before that, he scored an impressive knockout over Lucas Matthysse to win his version of the WBA welterweight championship in Malaysia last July 15.
 
“All my life I have confronted challenges — in life, in politics, and inside the ring,” said Pacquiao.  “Keith Thurman is the type of challenge I crave as a fighter. He is the biggest and best test. That is why I want to fight him. We are going to give boxing fans an exciting fight and a great night.”
 
The 30-year-old Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) is the longest reigning welterweight champion in boxing, having collected his WBA title with a stoppage victory over Diego Chaves in 2013. He has successfully defended that title eight times and became a unified welterweight champion when he defeated Danny Garcia by split decision to win the WBC title. Plagued by a litany of injuries, including bone chips in his right elbow that had to be surgically removed, Thurman was out of action for nearly two years before getting back into the ring with a hard fought victory against Josesito Lopez in January on FOX.
 
Having taken up the sport when he was in grade school, the Clearwater, Florida native blossomed under the tutelage of his first trainer, Ben Getty, to become an outstanding amateur. Though Getty has passed away, Thurman still carries those boxing and life lessons with him whenever he steps into the ring with his current longtime trainer Dan Birmingham. His power punching earned him the nickname “One Time.”
 
“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity to get a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Thurman. “The right circumstances have aligned for it to happen now and I’m grateful for that. Me and my team are looking forward to it. It’s going to be an honor to be in the ring with Manny Pacquiao. It’s going to be fun to go back to MGM Grand in my first pay-per-view with FOX Sports. I believe that Ben Getty would be very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. He said I’d be able to dominate the welterweight division and be a multi-million-dollar fighter and a star in the sport.
 
“Manny Pacquiao is beatable. He’s been beaten before in his career. He’s a fan favorite and a legend. For me his boxing tactics are predictable. He fights in spurts and you have to take advantage of that. You have to be respectful of his power. But I believe my movement, athleticism and ring knowledge will be able to present him something he’s not seen in all his years of boxing.”


Click HERE for Fighter Bios
 
# # #
 
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boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION CALEB PLANT MAKES FIRST TITLE DEFENSE IN PRIMETIME SHOWDOWN AGAINST UNBEATEN MIKE LEE

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Saturday, July 20 in the Main Event of FOX PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
(7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

FOX PBC Fight Night Precedes PBC on FOX Sports
Pay-Per-View Event Headlined by Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman Welterweight World Title Matchup

Tickets on Sale Now!

LAS VEGAS (May 21, 2019) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant will make the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will precede the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event that also takes place at MGM Grand and is headlined by eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao facing WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman.
 
“Caleb Plant put the boxing world on notice with his exciting title-winning performance in January and will look to build on that showing against an unbeaten contender in Mike Lee on July 20,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “His first defense of the title will put Plant in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes in Las Vegas and building up to the Pacquiao vs. Thurman pay-per-view event. With two undefeated fighters going toe-to-toe in this first main event of the evening, fans are in for a memorable night of action.”
 
Tickets for the event, which is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.
 
Plant vs. Lee will see two hungry unbeaten fighters square off, as Plant looks to defend his title and cement himself as the class of the 168-pound ranks, while Lee will look to join the super middleweight elite as a world champion for the first time.
 
To win the title, Plant (18-0, 10 KOs) turned the tables on the hard-hitting Venezuelan slugger Jose Uzcategui in their IBF championship fight in January on FS1. Going into the match the consensus was that Uzcategui was the harder puncher and that Plant would have to withstand his power to walk away with the belt. It was the 26-year-old Plant, however, who stunned Uzcategui by dropping him to the canvas twice on the way to a convincing unanimous decision. It was an emotional night for Plant, who is from Ashland City, Tenn. and now lives in Las Vegas. He had dedicated his career-best victory to the memory of his late daughter Alia, who suffered from a rare disorder that caused seizures.
 
“I’m more than ready to return to the ring on July 20 as the main event on FOX at MGM Grand in Las Vegas,” said Plant. “I’ll be defending my IBF world title in tremendous fashion and this is one fight you guys will not want to miss. I’m taking this fight just as seriously as my last opponent.  
 
“This guy is undefeated and looking to stay that way, but unfortunately for him, he took on the wrong challenge against the wrong guy. Come July 20, he’ll realize he’s in deeper water than he’s ever been in. My last fight was for Alia, but this fight I’m dedicating to my beautiful mother Beth Ann. May you Rest in Peace, Love you Momma.”
 
The 31-year-old Lee (21-0, 11 KOs) graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in business, but decided to pursue his boxing dreams rather than take a job on Wall Street. A native of Wheaton, Illinois who now lives in Chicago, Lee has made a steady climb up the ladder and has been campaigning at light heavyweight. He will be moving down to super middleweight to challenge for his first world championship. Lee is coming off an impressive unanimous decision victory over Jose Hernandez on last June 8.
 
“I’ve have dreamt of the opportunity to fight for a world title for years,” said Lee. “All the years of hard work, pain and sacrifice have led me to this moment. On July 20 I will be victorious and prove everyone wrong that didn’t believe I was good enough to even get here. 
 
“When I spent almost two years in and out of hospitals battling an autoimmune disease there were moments I never thought I could get back to this level and there were doctors who told me my fighting days were done. But I have won every fight since and I plan to prove that anything is possible if you want it bad enough. I could not have done this without my Dad, my advisor Mike Borao and my trainers Jamal Abdullah and Julian Chua.” 


Click HERE for fighter bios
 
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boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER THRILLS BARCLAYS CENTER CROWD WITH SCINTILLATING FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT OF DOMINIC BREAZEALE SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME® TO ENTER RARIFIED AIR OF HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPIONS

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Gary Russell Jr. Retains Featherweight Title with TKO Over Kiko Martinez        
 
Juan Heraldez and Argenis Mendez Fight to Majority Draw In Telecast Opener 
Live from Brooklyn
 
Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On
SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
& HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
(Photos added shortly)

Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions
 
BROOKLYN (May 19, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder delivered the 40th knockout of his career in devastating fashion Saturday night, sending mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazealeflat on his back with a trademark right hand in front of a raucous crowd at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Successfully defending his belt for the ninth time, Wilder joins illustrious company alongside Hall of Famers Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and more and becomes the 10th fighter in history to make nine or more consecutive successful heavyweight title defenses. Watch HERE: https://s.sho.com/2Hp0AEh
 
In the buildup to tonight’s world championship bout, Wilder (41-0-1, 40 KOs) repeatedly promised that the fight would not last long. The towering Tuscaloosa, Ala. native kept his word, scoring the 20th first round knockout of his career and his 15th knockdown as heavyweight world champion. Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) was able to withstand Wilder’s first early onslaught, but could not beat referee Harvey Dock’s 10-count when Wilder connected flush with the most dangerous right hand in boxing later in the opening round.
 
“Everything just came out of me tonight”, said Wilder. “I know it’s been a big buildup, there’s been a lot of animosity and a lot of words that were said and it just came out of me tonight.  That’s what makes boxing so great.
 
“I just told Breazeale I love him and of course I want to see him go home to his family.  I know we say some things, but when you can fight a man and then you can hug him and kiss him, I wish the world was like that.  We shake hands and we live to see another day and that’s what it’s all about.”
 
As the attention of the heavyweight division turns to what’s next, Wilder insists that a fight with Tyson Fury, the only man he has faced and not defeated, or Anthony Joshua remains on the table and in the works.
 
“I understand what Fury did,” said Wilder. “When you get dropped on the canvas like that I understand you have to get yourself back together. But the rematch will happen, like all these other fights will happen.  The great thing is all these fights rare in discussion.  The big fights will happen.  I just want you to have patience.”
 
Breazeale, whose only two defeats have now come against both Wilder and Joshua, was disappointed he wasn’t allowed to continue the fight.
 
“I think the ref stopped it a little early because I could hear him saying seven and eight, but that’s boxing,” said Breazeale. “He did his job and kept us safe for our next fight.
 
“I got on my feet and had my legs under me. It’s the heavyweight division so there’s going to big shots from guys with power. This was a situation where he landed the big right hand before I did. I thought I was going to come on in the later rounds. I’ll be back and go for the heavyweight title again.”
 
In the co-feature, WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. (30-1, 18 KOs) put on yet another professional display to defend his belt for the fourth time against a valiant Kiko Martinez (39-9-2, 28 KOs). Due to a gash that opened up over Martinez’s left eye, referee Ricky Gonzalez stopped the fight in the fifth round upon the advice of the ringside physician, resulting in a technical knockout.
 
Russell, who was fighting for the first time in a year, showed no signs of ring rust and displayed his full skillset including his trademark lightning quick hands. The 30-year-old Capitol Heights, Md. native was dominant from the opening bell and landed on a remarkable 40% of his power punches. In an all-action fight with little downtime, Martinez did more than enough to play his part. The Spaniard constantly came forward but Russell continued to target the cut that opened up over his eye after a right hook in the second round. The ringside official called for the stoppage of the fight at 2:52 of round number five.      
 
“I did pretty good,” said the 2008 U.S. Olympian Russell to SHOWTIME ringside reporter Jim Gray. “We stayed behind the jab and he couldn’t get past it.  We knew that intellect over athleticism would get it done.
 
“We want [WBA Featherweight Champion] Leo Santa Cruz,” Russell continued while wearing a shirt that read ‘Leo Next’. “We want to make this fight happen.  The fire is all the way hot on this side of the field.  You will get burned.  I would love for that fight to happen this year. Let’s make it happen.”
 
“It was a good stoppage for a very tough fight,” said the former world champion Martinez. “I’m definitely a visual fighter so the cut made it tough. Gary was in great physical condition and it was a very hard fight.
 
“I’m going to rest a little bit now, but I’ll be back. I thought I had some good moments and had a good division. I think I’ll drop back down to 122-pounds to win a world title there.”
 
In the telecast opener, undefeated prospect Juan Heraldez (16-0-1, 10 KOs) and former world champion Argenis Mendez (25-5-2, 12 KOs) fought to a highly competitive majority draw. Two judges scored the fight 95-95, while a third had Mendez winning 97-93.
 
Fighting in front of his mentor Floyd Mayweather, Las Vegas’ Heraldez controlled many of the early rounds by setting the pace and establishing his jab. Heraldez outlanded Mendez 126-108 in total punches and 70-30 in jabs throughout the 10 rounds. Falling behind early, Mendez, a seasoned veteran and 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian, used his experience to grow back into the fight. The tempo picked up in the fifth round, as both fighters landed several heavy blows but the momentum shifted towards Mendez. The 32-year-old Mendez, who has fought seven current or former champions, closed out the fight exceptionally strong, winning the final round on all three judges’ scorecards. Without doing so, Mendez would have lost the fight.


“I thought I won the fight,” said a disappointed Mendez. “He didn’t do anything to me. How did he win the fight? If I have to prove I beat him in a rematch, I’ll be ready. I won’t leave it up to the judges.


“My speed and my power made it difficult for him. I thought my counterpunching was really good. He tired toward the later rounds and that let me get a little closer to him to get my offense going.”
 
Similarly, Heraldez thought he did enough to win the fight which he viewed as a potential coming out party.
 
“I thought I won a close decision,” Heraldez said. “I didn’t think it was a draw. He didn’t do anything that hurt me at any point.
 
“He wasn’t really engaging with me. He was just trying to move around and pick his shots, but it wasn’t anything I wasn’t ready for. I’ll either take the rematch with Mendez or move forward toward my goal of a world title.”
 
Preceding the telecast, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN featured three undercard attractions streamed live on the SHOWTIME Sports social platforms. A battle between heavyweights Robert Alfonso (18-0-1, 8 KOs) and Iago Kiladze (26-4-1, 18 KOs) ended in a split-draw after eight rounds of action. While one judge scored the fight 77-75 for Alfonso, another had it 77-75 for Kiladze, with the third judge scoring it 76-76, resulting in the draw.
 
Also entering the ring was 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (9-0, 9 KOs), the younger brother of the featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr., who droppedMarcos Mojica (16-4-2, 12 KOs) twice to earn a stoppage 2:13 into the third round. Rounding out the action was Brooklyn-native and 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs), who scored a TKO of Alejandro Munera (4-2-3, 4 KOs) after Munera was knocked down in round three and unable to continue despite making it to the final bell of the round.



#          #          #
 
ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE
Wilder vs. Breazeale was a BombZquad event headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® began at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight was co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, 
follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER VS. DOMINIC BREAZEALE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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“The closest Breazeale is going to get to this belt, is in his dreams,” Wilder

“I’m going to beat Deontay so bad that he’s not going to ever want to lace up the gloves again,” Breazeale

Wilder vs. Breazeale Heavyweight World Championship Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Tripleheader This Saturday Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/
Mayweather Promotions

BROOKLYN (May 16, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and mandatory challenger  Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale continued their war of words and further escalated their longstanding feud at the final press conference Thursday ahead of their showdown this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Also featured at the final press conference were WBC Featherweight World ChampionGary Russell Jr. and former world champion Kiko Martinez, who meet in a 12-round bout for Russell’s world title, and unbeaten Juan Heraldez and former world champion Argenis Mendez, who compete in a 10-round super lightweight fight. Those two bouts will be part of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME, while three undercard fights will stream live on SHOWTIME Sports social platforms beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN.
 
Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.comandbarclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Barclays Center:
 
DEONTAY WILDER
 
“These fighters always get into great shape and think they have the game plan to beat me. They think they’re going to catch me. It’s not going to work. Nothing this guy has prepared for is going to work.
 
“I hope he brings the best he can bring. This is more than just a boxing match. I’m passionate about what I do. This has been a long time coming for me and Dominic. He asked for this, and he shall receive.
 
“It’s going to be an amazing night for me, and a sad night for him. Being heavyweight champion is a big responsibility. Not everyone is made to be a champion. It’s more than being glamorous or carrying around this prestigious belt.
 
“I’ve trained harder than I’ve ever trained. He’s got me inspired like I was against Bermane Stiverne. I want to hurt Breazeale so bad. I’m going to keep my composure until that time comes Saturday night.
 
“I don’t believe Breazeale when he speaks. I’ve been in this game for a very long time. Someone like him is not going to beat me. The closest he’s going to get to this belt is in his dreams.
 
“My whole team has been with me since day one. We started together and we’re going to go all the way together. It’s been an amazing run for me. I started my career at the very bottom and worked all the way to this point.
 
“We never rushed anything. Even in the Olympics, I was still learning on the job. We trained to be a long term champion, not a short term champion, and we accomplished that. I’m appreciative for how far I’ve come and for everything that’s come with it. Hard work pays off.
 
“My actions are going to speak louder than my words. I am the best. I am the chosen one. He can say what he wants. It’s going to be a great fight for as long as it lasts. I’m going to bring the pain. Saturday night, everyone is in for a treat.”
 
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
 
“I’m super excited for this fight. Virgil Hunter and myself had a great camp. It was truly one of the best of my life. I’m mentally focused and physically right.
 
“I’m excited to be back and get another knockout win. Getting that WBC belt is everything to me. This is my Super Bowl.
 
“Victory for me on Saturday is everything. Wilder doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into. He’s in for a fight. He better be confident in his abilities, because Saturday night, he’s going to be in the toughest fight of his life.
 
“I’m going to beat Deontay so bad that he’s not going to ever want to lace up the gloves again. Sports are 80% mental. When I’m done with him, the mental aspect is going to be beat out of him.
 
“I’m going to put on another explosive performance. I’ve been dreaming for the last year about hearing ‘and the new.’ It’s a beautiful thing and I can’t wait to make it come true and have my hand raised.
 
“Wilder hasn’t developed at all during his career. He looks the same as he did in the amateurs. He needs to talk himself up to make himself feel confident.
 
“I’m too mentally in-tune to be focused on what someone says. When I go into a fight I don’t worry about what my opponent can do, but about what I want to do and how I can execute.
 
“None of Deontay’s words affect me at all. He’s going to keep barking and I’m just going to keep waiting. I’m going to quiet him down on Saturday night.”
 
GARY RUSSELL JR.
 
“I’m hungry and ready. Anyone that I step in the ring with is standing in the way of my goals. Anyone trying to stop me, is in a dangerous position.
 
“We’re going to try to control the pace of the fight with my jab. I don’t think he’s going to get past the jab. He’s going to try to get rough and physical. My plan is to make the adjustments that I need to get this win.
 
“It’s always a family affair with the Russells. We move as a unit and we excel as a unit. My family is where I pull all my energy from. It’s never a distraction. They give me the fuel I need.
 
“In boxing you need to have full trust and belief in your coach. I couldn’t imagine a better fit than having my dad. Even if he gives instructions that might not be 100% right in my eyes, I know that it’s going to be the best thing for me.
 
“No one in this division wants to step in the ring with me. They know the speed and power and abilities that I bring every time I step into the ring.
 
“Deontay and I were on the same Olympic team, plus Dominic and my little brother Gary Antuanne Russell were also U.S. Olympians. It makes for an amazing card on Saturday night.”
 
KIKO MARTINEZ
 
“I come to fight and get that title. I had a very smooth training camp and feel 100 percent physically.
 
“I think my experience is superior. He thinks I’m only a pressure fighter, but he hasn’t seen me box the way I’m going to box him on Saturday.
 
“This is the biggest opportunity of my life. To be on this platform and be able to fight for the championship is very special. I’m going to make the most of it.
 
“I hope that Russell doesn’t take me lightly because I still have a lot of abilities left. It’s going to be a great fight for as long as it lasts.”
 
JUAN HERALDEZ
 
“Camp went great and I can’t wait to put on a show. I’m going to let everyone in this division know that I’m coming for them. I’m going to seize the moment and take full advantage of it.
 
“I feel strong and I’m ready to fight. I’m just counting down the minutes until I can step into the ring. It’s a lot of excitement and I’m going to let it all out Saturday.
 
“I plan to win in spectacular fashion on Saturday. I’m going to show everyone that I’m a player at 140-pounds and I’m ready for anyone they can put in front of me.
 
“I’m not planning to get hit. I’m going to out box him and stick and move. He’s not going to be able to touch me. If the opportunity for a knockout comes, I’ll take it.”
 
ARGENIS MENDEZ
 
“I’m very excited for this opportunity. I had a great training camp and on Saturday night you’re going to see a show at Barclays Center.
 
“I love boxing and I love this opportunity that I have on Saturday night. I’m going to show my passion for the sport during this fight. I feel great physically and just cannot wait to get into the ring.
 
“A win on Saturday night opens the door for me. People are going to start seeing me as one of the best fighters from the Dominican Republic.
 
“It’s going to be a good fight. I have the speed and skills to out box him. We’re both very smart fighters. I believe I’m the better fighter and it will show on Saturday night.”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
 
“The heavyweight division is exciting again and a lot of that has to do with Deontay Wilder. It’s also been helped by SHOWTIME and our commitment to the division. No other network has been more committed or invested more in the heavyweights than SHOWTIME has and we’re proud of that.
 
“We’re also proud that several of the fighters on this card have fought frequently on SHOWTIME. Deontay will make his 12th appearance and Gary will make his 11th. Wilder, Russell and Dominic all launched their careers on ShoBox, like so many other great fighters.
 
“When you get two guys together for a long-awaited grudge match, there’s not a lot that needs to be said. Deontay is the longest-reigning heavyweight champion in the sport. This would be the ninth defense for him, which is something that only nine other heavyweights have done in boxing history.
 
“Deonay had two of the most exciting heavyweight fights in recent history last year. As for Dominic, he’s a big strong experienced guy who’s been on the world stage before. He has fought for a world title and he’s coming off of three consecutive wins. He has plenty of power and we saw that in his last fight against Carlos Negron that he can change the fight in one punch.”
 
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global
 
“The heavyweight division has been the talk of the sports world for months, and it’s fitting that the world champion will defend his title right here in Brooklyn in one of the biggest fights in the sport this year.
 
“Deontay, I’ve said for a long time that this is your home away from home and we can’t wait to have you back. You have a big opponent this week in Dominic Breazeale. Dominic you’ve already made two appearances in our ring and we know the fans are looking forward to another great show.”



#          #          #
 
ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE
Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, 
follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
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Julian “J-Rock’’ Williams Scores Unanimous Decision Victory Over “Swift’’ Jarrett Hurd to Take Unified Super Welterweight Championship in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Va.

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Sensational Super Lightweight Mario Barrios Stuns Juan Jose Velasco with Second Round KO Victory in Co-Feature


Middleweights Matt Korobov and Immanuwel Aleem Fight to a Majority Draw


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Credit: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions


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Credit: Leo Wilson/PBC




FAIRFAX, VA. (May 11, 2019) – Julian “J-Rock’’ Williams knew he was walking into the lion’s den when he traveled from Philadelphia to Virginia to face undefeated unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd in his backyard. But Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) wasn’t afraid.


He came. He saw and he conquered Hurd (23-1, 16 KOs), scoring a 12-round unanimous decision, handing Hurd his first loss and taking the IBF, WBA and IBO championships before a hometown crowd at the EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University.


The crowd and the primetime audience, which tuned in to FOX and FOX Deportes, witnessed a valiant performance from both Williams and Hurd in what will certainly be a “Fight of the Year’’ candidate. The judges had Williams handily defeating Hurd with scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice.


Williams had come up short in his previous attempt at a world title when he was stopped on via TKO by Jermall Charlo in 2016. He was overwhelmed by emotions after his upset victory over Hurd, who was a presumptive favorite over the 29-year-old Williams.


“I am just overwhelmed. This is such a great feeling. I outclassed him. I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Williams. “Maybe I wasn’t ready for the title the first time I got the shot. I took the loss. I took it like a man and the whole world doubted me. I went into this fight a five to one underdog.’’


“This is a dream come true. I have been waiting for this for years. I never ditched the gym. I never got into girls or left the gym. I am from the streets, but I was never in the streets. I was in the gym practicing my craft. 


“The only people that believed in me were my team, but all I can say is ‘and the new’!”


Hurd is often a slow starter and Williams made him pay for that. He jumped on the defending champion right out of the gate, throwing crisp punches behind a pistol-like jab. Williams dropped Hurd in the second round with a shot to the temple.


“It didn’t really change my strategy. It was just a flash knockdown. It caught me by surprise. I wasn’t really hurt,’’ Hurd said.


Sensing he had stunned Hurd, Williams came out firing in the next round. He picked up the pace and Hurd decided to match the ferocity of the attack rather than wither under it. Midway through the third round, Hurd landed a blistering left uppercut that snapped Williams’ head upward and slowly started to regain his form.


Hurd and Williams went to the trenches in the middle rounds, closing the distance and fighting in tight quarters. Conventional wisdom would seem to favor Hurd in that space, because he is physically bigger than Williams. But Williams did more than hold his own.


By the seventh round, the fight had become a war of attrition and a test of wills. Hurd was cut over his left eye in the eighth round. By then, Williams was completely in control.


Williams said he was well prepared for everything that Hurd threw at him, but it was by no means a cakewalk.


“He wasn’t easier to hit than I thought. He was crafty and he had heavy hands. I just stayed poised. I listened to my coach and I just worked,’’ Williams said. “He couldn’t hurt me. I saw everything he was throwing. I knocked him down. The game plan was to win however I could. I adapted on the fly. We knew he had certain tendencies and worked on his tendencies. ‘’


Hurd said he didn’t feel like himself in the fight against Williams. Fighting in front of a raucous hometown crowd filled with family and friends as he hails from nearby Accokeek, Md.


“I wasn’t able to get off. I can’t really call it right now. I have to go back and watch. I was loading up on my shots instead of just letting my hands go,’’ Hurd said. “J-Rock was just the better man tonight. There’s definitely a rematch clause in our contract and I’m going to go for it. I’m going to come back better than I was tonight.’’


Super lightweight sensation Mario Barrios (24-0, 15 KOs) scored a devastating second round knockout victory over Juan Jose Velasco (20-2, 12 KOs) in the co-feature. Barrios of San Antonio, Texas kept his undefeated record intact when he landed a crushing body shot that sent Velasco to the canvas midway through the second round. Referee Hugo Spinola counted out Velasco at 1:16 of the second round as the Argentine was on his hands and knees trying to catch his breath.


Barrios said he was trying to be patient and use his jab to set up the perfect shot.


“I saw him opening up every time he would step in. I knew one of the body shots was going to do it and I found the sweet spot,’’ Barrios said. “We weren’t expecting it to end that quickly. I wasn’t predicting a knock out, but I knew I had the power to do it and stop him.”


“I was very confident. I had a great camp. I can’t thank Virgil Hunter and the team for the preparation for this fight. We knew he was vulnerable with body punches and that was something I work on regardless. It is one of my favorite shots. I have been working on it since the amateurs.”


Barrios said he would build on the victory over Velasco and continue to climb the ladder at 140 pounds.


“I want a world title shot. I am always in the gym. I am always ready. I want all the smoke at 140. I want any of the champions. And I’m ready to bring a big fight to all my hometown fans in San Antonio.’’


In the opening television bout middleweight contenders Matt Korobov of Orotukan, Russia and Immanuwel Aleem of East Meadow, N.Y. stalked each other for 10 rounds. They took turns pressing the action and playing the aggressor, dishing out and absorbing the best that each had to offer. In the end Korobov (29-2, 14 KOs) and Aleem (18-2-1, 11 KOs) had fought to a majority draw. One judge had Korobov winning 97-93 and two judges scored it 95-95.


In the sixth round Korobov landed a combination that rocked Aleem and had him in trouble momentarily. But Aleem weathered the storm. Aleem came out strong in the ninth round, practically running across the ring to meet Korobov, who had slowly raised his 36-year-old body off the corner stool at the last second. Sensing the close nature of the fight, both Korobov and Aleem unloaded and landed some heavy shots seeking to keep the outcome away from the judges’ scorecards.


Aleem said he thought he won the fight.


“I didn’t feel like he was doing enough. I was trying to use my range. He was just touching me. I realized when I started hitting him that he didnt have the gas.,’’ Aleem said. “I am faster than people think. I see open shots better than people expect. I made a statement tonight and I want to keep making statements.”


Korobov , who lost a unanimous decision to Jermall Charlo in his last fight, said he felt sluggish during the match against Aleem.


“I felt heavy and not totally sharp enough. It was hard to react and stop him from going inside. I have things to work on.,’’ Korobov said. “He was tougher than I expected. He wasn’t as strong as Charlo, but he is a really good fighter. He kept coming forward. He wasn’t afraid. He just kept throwing punches.”


# # #


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UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CALEB PLANT MAKES HIS FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST UNBEATEN MIKE LEE IN THE MAIN EVENT ON PBC ON FOX

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TWO AMAZING FIGHT CARDS, ONE INCREDIBLE NIGHT!


ON SATURDAY JULY 20, PBC AND FOX WILL PRESENT AN UNFORGETTABLE FEAST FOR SPORTS FANS




UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION CALEB PLANT MAKES HIS FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST UNBEATEN MIKE LEE IN THE MAIN EVENT ON PBC ON FOX


THEN…


PBC ON FOX SPORTS PAY-PER-VIEW WILL PRESENT THE YEAR’S MOST ANTICIPATED FIGHT AS EIGHT-DIVISION CHAMPION MANNY PACQUIAO TAKES ON UNDEFEATED WORLD CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN IN A BATTLE FOR WELTERWEIGHT SUPREMACY


In the biggest night of boxing this year, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquaio, will take on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, July 20 in a blockbuster showdown that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event.


Adding to the excitement of the evening, PBC will present 2-hours of boxing action with undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making his first title defense against unbeaten contender Mike Lee in the main event of PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show taking place in the same ring where Pacquiao and Thurman will later battle for welterweight supremacy.


Further details will be announced soon.