Tag Archives: Alejandro Luna

‘Premier Boxing Champions’ Series Springs Forward With Loaded Slate of Telecasts

 
Schedule Includes Five Shows In April
Showcasing Champions, Contenders &
Top Prospects in Competitive Matches
LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2017) – The Premier Boxing Champions series rolled into April with a hotly contested match between Edner Cherry and Omar Douglas on FS1 “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS” last night and will continue with an outstanding slate of shows, featuring matches in some of the deepest divisions in boxing.
“Premier Boxing Champions will present a busy schedule in April, involving prospects, rising stars and established champions,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Premier Boxing Champions. “It’s the kind of schedule that contains matches for every type of boxing fan.”
The impressive run started with Cherry besting Douglas in a close and competitive super featherweight clash from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa., on “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS “on FS1 and FOX Deportes last night.
Next up, former title challenger Josesito Lopez will meet Mexico’s Saul Corral in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Novo at L.A. Live in Los Angeles at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, April 9. Unbeaten lightweight contender Alejandro Luna will battle former title contender Andrey Klimov in a 10-round bout in the co-feature. Also, 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas will make his pro debut in a six round super featherweight match.
A welterweight world title eliminator between former champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter will highlight an action-packed PBC card on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 22. Undefeated 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo will defend his title against top contender Charles Hatley in the co-feature. Also in action is heavyweight title contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz taking on rugged veteran Derric Rossy.
Exciting contenders Oscar Molina and Levan Ghvamichava will square-off in the main event, while rising star Brandon Figueroa also enters the ring, in an action-packed “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS” show on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on April 25.
Beibut Shumenov defends his cruiserweight title against Yunier Dorticos while Carlos Zambrano will battle Claudio Marrero in a featherweight showdown on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 29.
The PBC schedule for May promises to be just as jam-packed with exciting matches. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements.
About Premier Boxing Champions
Premier Boxing Champions is a live boxing series created for TV and cable by Haymon Sports, LLC. The series features the greatest array of international boxing talent in all weight divisions, with fighters representing over 10 countries including the United States and Mexico. From former Olympians to Champions of all nationalities, the series can be seen on over 10 networks in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the U.K.

Ringstar Sports Rising Stars Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Karlos Balderas, Misael Rodriguez, Eimantas Stanionis & Lindolfo Delgado Host Media Workout in Advance of the Special Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Event Sunday, April 9 From
The Novo at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ricky Horne Jr./Ringstar Sports
 
LOS ANGELES (March 28, 2017) – A group of newly-signed Ringstar Sports talent was on display at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood Tuesday, as the young fighters participated in a media workout in advance of their respective pro debuts taking placeSunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.
Participating in Tuesday’s workout was 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas of Santa Maria, Calif., who will make his pro debut in a six-round super featherweight contest featured on the Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes telecast.
Also working out for the media was 2016 Team Mexico Olympic Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez, who is trained by Robert Garcia and managed by Abner Mares, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis, who is trained by Freddie Roach and 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado.
Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez battling Mexico’s Saul Corral in a 10-round showdown, plus unbeaten lightweight Alejandro “El Charro” Luna facing former title challenger Andrey Klimov.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com HERE.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
KARLOS BALDERAS
“I’ve improved a lot working in the gym. I’m doing a lot of good sparring and strength and conditioning work. We’re training harder but also a lot smarter than ever.
“I’m really looking forward to this fight. I’ve prepared well. I’m taking this as seriously as a championship fight. You’re going to see a new Karlos Balderas on April 9.
“I definitely want to make Los Angeles my home for as many fights as possible. That’s where everything is happening. I want to make Los Angeles mine.
“I want to be in exciting fights as a professional. I’m proud of what I did in the amateurs and the Olympics, but I know this is an entirely different game. I’m looking to do even bigger and better things.
“I’m going to take it one fight at a time. I want to build a perfect record and build my fan base. I hope to be fighting for a world title in a few years. I know that I have the right team to get me there.
“I’m going to try to stay busy and get a fight every two months or so. My last fight was at the Olympics in Rio, but after this one I’ll be ready to stay in training throughout the year.
“I’ve known a lot of these other fighters here for a long time from all of the amateur tournaments. It’s nice to see us all coming together now as professionals. In the amateurs people pretty much stay with their own team, but this is the time for us to come together and learn from each other. It’s a great feeling to be a part this.
“Everyone knows a Carlos with a ‘C,’ so I wanted to stand out. As a professional and from here on out, I am going to be known as Karlos with a ‘K’.”
MISAEL RODRIGUEZ
“I feel very strong and I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’m hungry to fight and prove myself in this sport.
“I’m looking forward to being in big fights. I know that it takes time. I will get there eventually and become a world champion.
“I’ve known Abner Mares for a long time because he was a Mexican Olympian as well and it was an easy decision to have him help me with my career.
“I knew after the Olympics that it was time to turn pro. Growing up as a Mexican child, all I wanted was to be a world champion. I want to be a fan-favorite for Mexicans.
“Los Angeles is like a second Mexico. It will feel like Mexico to me. I know that I will have a lot of fans coming from my hometown [Chihuahua, Mexico] to support me. I’m excited to work with Richard and put on more great fights.”
EIMANTAS STANIONIS
“I was very excited and eager when I first heard about the opportunity to train with Freddie Roach. I came out to California as soon as I could to start training.
“I’m working very hard. I give it my all in training and I leave everything in the gym every single day. I’m just going to keep doing my best.
“The Olympics were a very good experience for me. I won a lot of tournaments to get there and that road has led me to this moment.
“I met Richard Schaefer at the Olympics and that’s what led to me signing with Ringstar. I’m very happy to be with Richard and I’m excited for this first step.
“I want to start making my mark in the welterweight division. This is a division with big stars that I’d love to face one day.
“I never thought I would live in Hollywood, but here I am and I love Los Angeles.”
LINDOLFO DELGADO
“I had an awesome experience in the Olympics and it gave me a lot of confidence heading into my pro career. I’m excited to finally be able to enter the ring and I hope all of us Olympians give spectacular performances.
“It’s an honor to be turning pro on this same card with my Mexican teammate, Misael Rodriguez. I’m very happy for Karlos and Eimantas too and I look forward to being on more shows with them.
“I can’t wait to compete and show off my talent to all the fans. I’m going to keep improving my skills and I believe one day I’ll be able to become another Mexican world champion.
“Signing with Ringstar was the best choice that I could have made and I think there will be a lot of success for Ringstar and for me. This will be a great first step.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“With Karlos Balderas you have someone with the skills in the ring, the personality and the character outside of the ring as well. The combination of all of this will ultimately, make him the new face of the sport.
“There always has to be somebody who carries the Southern California boxing scene. Right now there is a void. I see Karlos very quickly becoming the King of L.A. and become a star in the sport.
“This will be a big night for Mexican boxing. Both Misael and Lindolfo have a lot of discipline and worked very hard to earn the opportunity to represent their country and they will bring that work ethic into the pros.
“Lindolfo Delgado is the ‘Pretty Boy’ and I expect him to bring a lot of female fans, while Misael is the first Mexican boxer in 16 years to bring a medal back from the Olympics, which I think is very significant.
“Freddie told me that the only other time he saw someone walk through the door with as much natural talent as Stanionis, is when Manny Pacquiao came through that door.
“I’m excited for opening night on April 9. It’s the beginning of the next generation of stars. To see them all in one night is going to be very special.”
FREDDIE ROACH, Stanionis’ Trainer
“This is a great show for the future of boxing. You have four talented Olympians on this show. I can’t wait for Stanionis to show his skills to the world.
“Stanionis sparred with five of Miguel Cotto’s sparring partners and he knocked down three of them if that tells you anything about his power.
“I just want him to go out there and have some fun and do his job. We’re not going to go out there looking for a first round knockout, but if it comes, that’s a bonus. We’re going to show our skills and win every minute of every round.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Rodriguez’s Trainer
“I’ve been working with Misael for about three months after Abner brought him to me. With Mexico behind him and winning a bronze medal, that’s huge already. We have a game plan with this kid that we’re going to execute.
“Misael was only on the Mexican team for two years. He was the least experienced member of the team. He’s going to get a lot of experience while fighting as a pro.
“We’re going to keep him busy and definitely want him fighting in Mexico. He’s going to keep gaining more confidence each time he enters the ring.”
ABNER MARES, Rodriguez’s Manager
“I just wanted to help out Misael on the business side of the sport and that’s why I got involved in his career. I brought him to Robert’s gym to spar and everyone saw that he has a lot of skills.
“Being a bronze medalist from Mexico is a big thing to bring into the pros and I think it’s something the Mexican fans can get behind. Misael has room to grow but I believe the skills are there to be a world champion.
“I’m hoping to use my experience and my relationships to get him the right fights and put him in a position to reach his full potential.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Ringstar Sports Rising Stars Make Their Professional Debuts Sunday, April 9 From The Novo at L.A. Live in Downtown  Los Angeles

 
2016 Mexican Olympian & Bronze Medalist Misael Rodriguez
 Amateur Star Money Powell IV, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian
Eimantas Stanionis & 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado
Enter The Ring in Undercard Action
LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2017) – A host of newly-signed Ringstar Sports talent will take the stage and make their professional debuts in separate bouts that make up a stacked undercard on Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.
The decorated amateurs who will turn pro in separate four-round bouts are 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez, who enters the ring in a middleweight clash, top-rated U.S. amateur Money Powell IV, whowill compete in a super welterweight bout, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis, whofights in a welterweight attraction and 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado, whowill battle in lightweight action.
“This is going to be a tremendous night from top to bottom as the top talent from Ringstar Sports will begin their quests for superstardom,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of RIngstar Sports. “From 2016 Olympians like Misael Rodriguez, Lindolfo Delgado and Eimantas Stanionis to an accomplished amateur like Money Powell IV, fans at The Novo will be treated to outstanding bouts featuring top talent from start to finish.”
Additional action will see former world title challenger and Los Angeles-native Maricela Cornejo (6-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight bout. The 29-year-old lost a narrow split decision in a middleweight world title fight against Kali Reis last April in New Zealand. Cornejo picked up two wins in the last three months of 2016 and will return seeking another world title opportunity on April 9.
Rounding out the night of fights will be former world title challenger Roberto Marroquin(25-4-1, 18 KOs) in a super featherweight bout, plus exciting prospect Alejandro Guerrero(2-0, 1 KO) in a six-round bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com HERE.
The April 9 event is headlined by former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez battling Mexico’s Saul Corral in a 10-round showdown. Premier Boxing Championson FS1 and FOX Deportes coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight Alejandro “El Charro” Luna battling Andrey Klimov and the pro debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in a six-round super featherweight fight.
At last year’s Rio games, the 22-year-old Rodriguez overcame incredible odds to win the first Olympic boxing medal for Mexico since Christian Bejerano in 2000. The Chihuahua native and his teammates had to resort to begging on public buses and streets in Mexico to raise money to compete in international boxing tournaments. He completed his road to the medal stand by defeating Egypt’s Hosam Bakr Abdin to clinch a medal in the middleweight division.
Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military, Powell IVdedicated himself to boxing for good when his family moved back to the U.S. in 2011. The 19-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since then, winning the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing. Fighting out of Fort Mitchell, on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, Powell will campaign at super welterweight as a professional.
An accomplished amateur representing Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis is looking to become the next Eastern European fighter to make a splash in the U.S. The 22-year-old had a 141-19 record as an amateur and earned four senior national championships before winning gold at the European Olympic Qualifier to earn his trip to the 2016 Games. A gold medalist at welterweight at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, Stanionis hopes to build his way up to contention in one of the premiere division in boxing.
A teammate of Rodriguez on the 2016 Mexican Olympic team, Delgado will now look to accomplish the professional dreams he’s sought since he started boxing at 10 years old. The 22-year-old would eventually capture gold at the 2016 American Olympic Qualification and earn his trip to Rio. Born in Linares but training in Tijuana, Delgado compiled a 139-15 amateur record that included a victory over former world champion Amnat Ruenroeng.
The 27-year-old Marroquin won his first 19 pro fights after a stellar amateur career that culminated in a runner-up performance in the 2007 U.S. Olympic trials. The Dallas-native challenged unbeaten Guillermo Rigondeaux for a 122-pound title in 2012 and has picked up victories over Antonio Escalante, Kiun Evans and Miguel Soto since.
Representing Irving, Texas, Guerrero made his pro debut on June 25, 2016 in Dallas. The 19-year-old stopped Luis Caballero in his first start and followed it up with a decision over Manuel David Lopez Macias in October.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Exciting Welterweight Josesito Lopez Battles Mexico’s Saul Corral in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, April 9 From The Novo at L.A. Live in  Downtown Los Angeles

 
Lightweight Contenders Collide as Undefeated Alejandro Luna Takes on Former Title Challenger Andrey Klimov
Plus The Pro Debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in Televised Action
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2017) – Former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez (34-7, 19 KOs) will face Mexico’s Saul “Navajo” Corral (22-8, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.
Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight contender Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (21-0, 15 KOs) battling former title challenger Andrey Klimov (19-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout plus the pro debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in a six-round super featherweight fight.
“I’m excited to get back in the ring as the main event and put on a show for the fans in Los Angeles,” said Lopez. “I’m looking for a world title shot and I believe I have the skills to beat any welterweight out there. This is going to be a great night of fights from start to finish. I’ve been training like never before and I can’t wait to show everybody.”
“I can’t wait to get in the ring and make the most of this opportunity to make a name for myself,” said Corral. “I’ve been training hard to be ready for anything Josesito brings. It’s going to be an exciting fight but I’m prepared to leave everything in the ring and get the victory.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com HERE.
“I’m thrilled to be able to promote a great night of California-based PBC action here in Los Angeles headlined by the return of a local fan favorite, Josesito Lopez,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of RIngstar Sports. “Also we have Alejandro Luna, who is in a tough fight with his sights set on a world title and I can’t wait for U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas to make his pro debut in what will be the start to a great career. This is a night at The Novo that you don’t want to miss.”
Always in action-packed fights and known for his exciting style and ability to triumph against the odds, Lopez is coming off of a dominant decision victory over Todd Manuel in December 2016. Proudly representing Riverside, California, Lopez has fought at the highest level of competition for years including challenges of Andre Berto, Canelo Alvarez and Marcos Maidana plus triumphs over Victor Ortiz, Mike Arnaoutis and Mike Dallas.
Representing Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, Corral is the winner of 10 of his last twelve bouts entering April 9. The 30-year-old has fought professionally since 2006 and most recently went the distance in a 10-round decision loss to U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali. He won a Mexican title in July 2016 with a fifth-round stoppage of Francisco Medel and also challenged former champion Mike Alvarado amongst his 30 career bouts.
At just 25-years old, Luna has already put together an impressive 21 professional wins since turning pro in 2010. Fighting out of Bellflower, California he began his 2016 campaign by stopping veteran Alan Herrera before dominating previously once-beaten Naim Nelson on his way to a 10-round decision in August. He had previously defeated former world champion Cristobal Cruz and veteran Sergio Lopez on the way to amassing his perfect record.
Originally from Russia but now living and training in Beverly Hills, Klimov was unbeaten in his first 16 pro fights as he climbed up the world rankings. After dropping a decision to Terrence Crawford in 2013, he won three straight fights to earn his world title opportunity against Jose Pedraza. Klimov owns victories over John Molina Jr., Gabino Cota and Guillermo Avila.
Fighting out of Santa Maria, California, the 20-year-old Balderas is the son of Mexican parents who immigrated to the United States to give their children a better life. Balderas had an impressive amateur career that included a 2014 Youth National Championship, four National PAL championships and an impressive run in the World Series of Boxing. His amateur career culminated in a trip to the 2016 Olympic Games where he represented the U.S. and defeated fighters from Kazakhstan and Japan before a decision loss in the quarterfinals.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated Rising Star David Benavidez Knocks Out Denis Douglin in Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Main Event from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena

 
Undefeated Lightweight Alejandro Luna Bests
Naim Nelson by Unanimous Decision
 
Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Premier Boxing Champions/Ryan Hafey
 
Click HERE for Benavidez vs. Douglin Highlights
 
Click HERE for Luna vs. Nelson Highlights
 
PHILADELPHIA (August 6, 2016) – Undefeated rising contender David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez (16-0, 15 KOs) knocked out Denis Douglin (20-5, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Douglin, who is trained by his mother Saphya, opened the fight very aggressive, stealing the first round on all three judges’ scorecards. Douglin continued to press the action, also winning the second round battle with two of the three judges, but Benavidez would soon settle in and take control of the war.
“I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I knew Douglin wasn’t going to go out without a fight,” said Benavidez. “So I came in here and started slower than I usually do, just using my jab a little bit more.”
The 19-year-old Benavidez made the necessary corrections in round three and never looked back, chipping away throughout the fourth and fifth rounds. In the sixth, Benavidez teed off on Douglin with damaging punches to both Douglin’s body and head.
In the seventh round, Benavidez was still having his way when one of the top turnbuckles gave out, causing the ropes on one side of the ring to collapse, and stopping the fight momentarily. When the action resumed, Douglin came forward with a flurry, but that burst of energy was short-lived.
Benavidez regained control in the eighth round, and in the ninth he scored the only knockdown of the fight. In the tenth and final frame, Benavidez threw a barrage of punches, several of which buckled Douglin, causing referee Gary Rosato to intervene and stop the fight at :35 into the round.
When asked about Douglin’s resilience, Benavidez said, “I hurt him a lot of times, but I kept my cool. I knew I was going to get him out of there sooner or later and that’s exactly what I did tonight. This is a good victory for me. Douglin is a tough veteran. He started fast and swinging wildly, and his offense probably looked better on-camera than it was, but he did what he had to do to survive until the final round.”
Benavidez continued, “It was important to me to get the stoppage and show everybody that I am just as strong in the late rounds as I am early on. I love this. This is what I signed up for. I want tough fights.”
A disappointed Douglin said, “I was in this fight, I just got winded. I was in great shape and everything, but I got winded there towards the end. Benavidez is a tough, young fighter. He was able to make me stay in there longer than I wanted to, but I feel good and I’ll be back.”
Benavidez concluded, “Right now, I would like to say that I don’t think about who’s next. I’m just trying to progress in my career and I’m not trying to call anybody out. But if I do dream about fighting anybody, it would be whoever is the champion at my weight. I’m going to work hard to get to that spot.”
Televised coverage began with exciting undefeated contender Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (21-0, 15 KOs) defeating Philadelphia prospect Naim Nelson (13-2, 1 KO) by unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 97-93) in a ten-round bout fought at a catch weight of 144 lbs.
Nelson, who stepped up to face Luna on only 24-hours notice, tried to bring the fight to Luna in the early rounds and make it a physical contest on the inside.
Despite Luna landing a couple of blistering uppercuts in the second and third rounds, Nelson still came forward. Luna later said, “Nelson was a tough guy and could bang a little bit.”
By the close of the third round, Luna’s left eye appeared to be swelling badly, but luckily for Luna Nelson’s gas tank appeared to drain just in time. Although Nelson was all aggression and wanted to fight in a phone booth early on, he found himself landing fewer punches and looking to create distance in the middle rounds.
Luna soon took over the action, and in the seventh round a cut opened on Nelson’s forward, but was quickly controlled by his corner. Nevertheless, Luna had done enough damage in the middle stages of the scrap and was able coast to a unanimous victory on the scorecards.
“Obviously we prepared for another opponent, but I felt I had a solid performance against him,” said Luna. “Nelson came to fight and was in shape, and I thought I handled him pretty well, but I know I can still do better.”
When asked about taking the fight on short notice Nelson said, “I make no excuses, but we took this fight at 9 p.m. last night and I knew I was stepping up to face a tough opponent. I didn’t get the decision, but I felt good in there tonight, and I proved I can compete with a world class fighter.
Nelson added, “Luna is a good puncher and he’s strong. I won’t take anything away from him. We fought a hell of a fight, and I look forward to being back soon.”
Luna summed up the night adding, “I’m looking to build on what I did here tonight and get back in the ring soon for another good fight.”
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The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions.  Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

David Benavidez Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Undefeated Rising Star Takes On Denis Douglin in Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Main Event
Friday, August 5 Live from Philadelphia
 
Click HERE for Photos from Valentin Romero From
Team Benavidez/Premier Boxing Champions
 
PHILADELPHIA (August 1, 2016) – Undefeated rising contender David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez is on the fast track to a world title opportunity and he will look to make another statement when he battles contender Denis Douglin in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Friday, August 5 live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with exciting lightweight contender Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (20-0, 15 KOs) taking on Ireland’s Stephen “The Rock” Ormond (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets click HERE.
Here is what Benavidez had to say about his opponent, training camp and more:
 
On his recent training camp in Southern California…
“We had another great training camp out here in Long Beach, California.  We put the final touches and wrapped up camp and I’m ready to go.  There was plenty of good sparring and we worked on some things we know will help us in this fight. I’m in great shape and I feel sharp.”
On fighting in his first main event on ESPN…
“Fighting on ESPN is great exposure for me and my team, especially in the main event.  We all worked so hard to get in this position and now it’s time to capitalize on this great opportunity. I know a lot of family and friends back home in Phoenix will be tuning in. I just want to shine out and perform to my best ability.”
On facing his opponent Denis Douglin…
“This is going to be a tough fight.  I know Douglin is hungry to give me my first loss.  He’s coming off three wins in a row, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. Being that he’s a southpaw, I’ll have to do some things a little different.  We worked on all that stuff in camp so I know I’m going to be ready for anything he brings to the ring.”
On training with his father and head coach Jose Benavidez…
“My dad Jose has been guiding my corner from the first day I started boxing around three years old.  Together we have a strong bond and I respect him very much.  He’s come up with a great game plan tailor made for Douglin.  He’s made a lot of sacrifices to help me get to this point and I’m very thankful to him for all that he’s done for me and my brother. I want nothing more than to bring him another great victory.”
On fighting on the East Coast for the second time in his career…
“The East Coast fans are very passionate about their boxing.  Douglin, being that he’s from New Jersey, will have a lot of fans rooting against me.  But I’m not going to let anything distract me from the task at hand and that’s coming back home with a win.”
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions.  Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated Rising Star David Benavidez Takes On Hard-Hitting Denis Douglin in Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Main Event Friday, August 5 Live from Philadelphia

 
Plus! Undefeated Lightweight Alejandro Luna Meets Irish Contender Stephen Ormond with Televised Coverage Beginning
at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
PHILADELPHIA (July 18, 2016) – Undefeated rising contender David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez (15-0, 14 KOs) is set to face super middleweight contender Denis Douglin (20-4, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Friday, August 5 live from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with exciting lightweight contender Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (20-0, 15 KOs) taking on Ireland’s Stephen “The Rock” Ormond (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round attraction.
“We never stopped training after my last fight,” said Benavidez. “We went right back into camp and I’m already in fighting shape. Douglin is a tough southpaw. We’ll start looking at tape and see what kind of holes he has. I’ll start with the jab and break him down. We’re working hard towards bigger and bigger fights. This is going to be a great night of action.”
“I plan on applying pressure and making Benavidez adjust to my style,” said Douglin. “He’s a tall, strong fighter, but he doesn’t use his height. He’s one-dimensional, but he’s very good at what he does. He doesn’t have the experience to deal with my style. I am stepping in with an undefeated fighter but he will leave the ring with a loss.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets click HERE.
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 15 wins in 15 starts at just 19-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and kicked off his 2016 with a knockout of Kevin Cobbs in January. He scored a second round knockout of Phillip Jackson Benson in April and followed that up by stopping previously unbeaten Francy Ntetu in the seventh round in June.
Representing Marlboro, New Jersey, Douglin was a 2008 National Golden Gloves champion at middleweight who won his first 12 fights after turning pro in 2009. The 28-year-old has battled top fighters Jermell Charlo and George Groves, in addition to owning victories over previously unbeaten Steve Martinez and veteran Charles Whitaker. He looks for his third straight victory after stopping Marcus Upshaw in the eighth round of his last bout.
At just 24-years old, Lunahas already put together an impressive 20 professional wins since turning pro in 2010. Fighting out of Bellflower, California, he defeated former world champion Cristobal Cruz over eight rounds in June and knocked out Sergio Lopez in August to close his 2015. He began his 2016 campaign by stopping veteran Alan Herrera in the eighth round of their January showdown.
Fighting out of Dublin, Ormond is undefeated in his seven starts in the U.S. including his last three outings, which all came in Massachusetts. The former European lightweight champion owns victories over Derry Mathews, previously unbeaten Adam Dingsdale and most recently tough contender Marcos Jimenez.
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

PBC’S DEBUT ON FOX DELIVERS RATINGS KO

 
Boxing’s Return after Almost 20 Years Overwhelming Success
Los Angeles – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) brought championship boxing back to FOX in prime timeSaturday night after an almost 20-year absence and delivered a resounding ratings knockout. The PBC on FOX, headlined by an intense 12-round battle for the vacant welterweight title between victor Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero, delivered PBC’s best audience since April 2015.
Fueled by three exciting bouts, the PBC on FOX averaged a 1.5/3 household rating/share with 2.5 million viewers from 8:00 – 10:37 PM ET, according to Nielsen, +36% in rating and +39% in audience compared to PBC’s last primetime telecast (1.1/2, 1.8 million viewers on NBC, 12/12/15).
Ratings and viewership built throughout the evening’s broadcast. FOX’s first bout featuring a hard-hitting heavyweight bout between Dominic Breazeale and Amir Mansour delivered a 1.3/2 with 2.2 million viewers, while ratings increased slightly for Sammy Vasquez’s TKO win over Aron Martinez with a 1.4/2, with 2.2 million viewers. Ratings then jumped for Danny Garcia’s spirited win vs. Robert Guerrero by unanimous decision that averaged a 1.8/3 with 3.0 million viewers.
                                                                                          
Additional Highlights
 
              ·        The PBC on FOX ranks as the most-watched PBC event on any network since
          April 11, 2015 on NBC (2.9 million).
     ·        Ties as PBC’s highest-rated event among Adults 18-49 since its broadcast premiere           on March 7, 2015.
·        The fight card peaked at the end of the main-event between Garcia and Guerrero         with 3.5 million viewers from 10:15-10:30pm, to tie as the second-best peak                   audience for a PBC event since its broadcast premiere.
·        An estimated 6.2 million viewers watched all or part of Saturday night’s fight card.
– FOX SPORTS –

DANNY GARCIA SCORES 12-ROUND UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER ROBERT GUERRERO IN FIRST PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX EVENT FROM STAPLES CENTER

 
 
SAMMY VASQUEZ AND DOMINIC BREAZEALE EARN STOPPAGE VICTORIES IN CO-FEATURED BOUTS
 
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions/Suzanne Teresa
 
Los Angeles, CA (January 23, 2016) Before a crowd of 12,052 at STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles, Danny “Swift” Garcia, (32-0, 18 KOs) of Philadelphia won a unanimous 12-round decision over Gilroy, Calif.’s Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, (33-4, 18 KOs). Scores were 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecard.
Fighting for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Title in the first Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX event, Guerrero came out aggressively in the first four rounds using a solid jab and strong over hand left hands to control the action.
Garcia acclimated well to the pressure in the fifth round, finding his range and using potshotting right hands to halt the oncoming Guerrero. The theme would play itself out during the second half of the fight as well with Garcia dominating the action. Sensing the fight slipping away, Guerrero came on strongly in the final round with both combatants fighting to the bitter end as the crowd stood and roared with approval.
Said Garcia following the victory, “It was what I expected. I knew I would win at least eight or nine rounds. I knew there would be some head butts in there. He head butted me so much on my forehead.
“I was throwing my combinations, using my legs like my dad told me to do. I knew he was going to come to fight. He’s a rugged warrior. I’m back where I belong. I am now a two-division world champion.
“Guerrero is tough. No one has ever stopped him. He came to fight; he was in shape. I’m taking nothing away from him. I am glad it went the way it went. I just want to take some time off, let my body heal and take one day at a time.”
Father/trainer Angel Garcia said, “I thought it was a good fight. There were a lot of head butts. He is a dirty fighter. At the end of the day, Danny pulled it off, it doesn’t matter what people say.
“I knew Robert was going to be at 100. It was a world title fight. Anytime it is a world title fight, no one is going to slouch. When you come to fight a former champion or champion, it’s going to be a battle. These are elite fighters and there is always going to be a great fight.”
Stated a disappointed Guerrero, “I want a rematch and that’s it. Not one person out there thought Danny won, but his team. I pressured him, I nailed him, busted his body up. I
out-jabbed him.
“I thought I won the fight. The crowd thought I won the fight. It was a great fight. I am happy I’m healthy. I will be back.
“It’s all for the fans. That’s why they bring me back. They love it and they enjoy it. They were entertained tonight. They thought I won the fight.”
Continued Robert’s father and trainer Ruben Guerrero, “”I know we won it. He kept running and holding, running and holding. How are you going to win a fight when you run and hold every time?
“We wanted to win every round and I think we won every round. I want a rematch. That wasn’t fair. I want a rematch as soon as possible.”
Punch stats showed Garcia with a wide margin of power shots landed, 33 percent to Guerrero’s 24 percent.
In a 10-round welterweight battle, “Sergeant” Sammy Vasquez of Monessen, Pennsylvania improved to (21-0, 15 KOs) with a sixth round stoppage of Aron Martinez, (20-5, 4 KOs) of Michoacan, Mexico.
Peppering Martinez with a piston like jab, Vasquez controlled the action using his full skillset to
score points at will against the slower Martinez. Staying the aggressor through round four and five, Vasquez continued to beat Martinez to the punch using a battering right hook.
The bout ended abruptly as Martinez was not able to continue following the sixth round due
to a left elbow injury.
Said Vasquez, “Of course I won the fight, but Martinez is a tough competitor, a tough Mexican fighter. I tried to mix it up with him a little bit, but there was no sense in me trying to do that. I could have easily outboxed him, which I started to do, but I wanted more. I was just starting to warm up.
“A victory feels good of course, but I wanted more. I wanted to go 12 rounds, if it would have lasted that long. I wanted a very decisive win. Unfortunately, he got hurt, but every fight is a learning experience for me.
“It’s on to the next chapter and I’m ready for all of the guys at the top. Eventually, I’m going to get them.”
A disappointed Martinez stated, “I hurt my elbow. I couldn’t throw my jab. I started to feel it in the third round. The doctor stopped it.
“I was doing okay. Not my best. I tried, but once I hurt my elbow, I knew it was going to be tough to continue.”
Opening the telecast was an outstanding heavyweight back and forth brawl between
2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale, (17-0, 15 KOs) of Glendale, California and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour, (22-2-1, 16 KOs), of Philadelphia.
From the first bell it was readily apparent that both big men would throw bombs throughout
with Mansour in particular throwing caution to the wind.
Swinging wildly Mansour dropped Breazeale early in the third stanza, badly shaking the former
college football quarterback.
However, Breazeale confidently kept his composure, fighting his way back in the fourth. With Mansour apparently running out of gas in the fifth round Breazeale went to work, drilling the
muscular southpaw with battering uppercuts and hooks on the inside.
Following the fifth round, Mansour bit through his tongue and cited a jaw injury (which was not broken) and could not continue as the valiant Breazeale was awarded the well-earned victory.
Said a happy Breazeale, “I didn’t know what happened. Usually when they wave off a fight, it’s over.  Shows I have punching power after all.
“I’ve been on the canvas before. I just had my hand in the wrong place. I knew I could get back up. I’m in great shape. It happens to the best of us.
“I’m a fighter at heart and I wanted to just get in there and brawl, but I new I had to stick to the game plan and box him.”
The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and sponsored by Corona.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com andwww.TGBPromotions.com. http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 
Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
LOS ANGELES (January 21, 2016) – “Fight Week on FOX in L.A.” heated up Thursday afternoon as fighters hosted a final press conference before Saturday’sPremier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes showdowns taking place at STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The press conference culminated with choice words between the main event fighters’ fathers Ruben Guerrero and Angel Garcia. Both fathers, known to be more outspoken than their sons, did not back down and caused quite the scene and security was forced to break up the scuffle.
Televised fights begin at 4 p.m. PT inside of the arena with the FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast beginning at 5 p.m. PT. The main event of the evening pits undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia against former world champion Robert “The Ghost’ Guerrero in a welterweight world title battle. Also featured in televised action is a welterweight showdown between Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez and Aron Martinez plus a heavyweight match-up between Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced
at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
 
Here is what the participants had to say at Thursday’s press conference at the Conga Room:
DANNY GARCIA
“I want to thank Ruben Guerrero because he’s awakened the devil. I can’t wait forSaturday night to show the world what Danny Garcia is all about. I feel fast, I feel strong and I’ll see everyone Saturday.
“My dad and I are chilling right now, we’re business men. They set it off and they woke us up. That’s the last thing you want to do to us. I’m going to bring the heat. He never faced a guy like me. I’m sending a message.
“I haven’t felt this way in a long time. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’re going to put on a great performance.
“I feel great. I’m keeping my composure and staying focused. Saturday night will be another night of work for me.
“I’m the type of fighter where I can be cool, but certain things bring out the anger in me. I don’t feel any pressure. I’m going to go in there and be Danny Garcia.
“I’m going to make adjustments. I know he wants to get dirty but we have an answer for everything he has.”
ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer
“Danny had a great camp. It was a beautiful camp. He looked great sparring. This is a new beginning in his life. There’s a new man in town.
“There’s no doubt Robert’s coming to fight. This is boxing. He’s supposed to come to fight. I know he’s not going to come in here and play with Danny. We’re ready for anything he brings to the table.
“We’re not going to let Robert take away what Danny has worked his whole life to get. I worked hard to make Danny the man he is today.
“Danny is going to be the new champion of the world Saturday night. After that we’re going after the other belts. Fight night is going to be about Danny and Robert.”
ROBERT GUERRERO
“We’re really ready to go. We trained hard and did everything we had to do. There’s nothing left now but to do it.
“I have to go out there and show my heart. Everything I put into this, I want to get even more out. I’m a hard worker and it will translate into the ring.
“I’m excited to get to the fight and take care of business. As my dad says, ‘we’re ‘letting the roosters go.’ It’s time to fight.
“I’m very grateful to be fighting on this show as the return of boxing is back on FOX. I’m ready to settle our business in the ring.
“All the talking is done. He said he’s going to knock me out…well we’re going to see. I’m ready to represent the Mexican people and bring the fans a great, action-packed fight.
“A title is on the line and I’m extremely motivated to silence the critics who are doubting me.  I’m ready to become a champion once again”
RUBEN GUERRERO, Robert’s Father & Trainer
“I wish the fight was today, because we’re ready. Danny Garcia better be ready. It’s over. It’s time to fight. It’s going to be a bloody and rough fight. We’re bringing everything.
“Same thing that happened to Andre Berto is going to happen to Danny. His dad better be ready to throw the towel in.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ
“This is going to be my first time fighting in L.A., and so far it’s been a blessing. Everyone has accepted me with open arms.
“Training camp has gone amazingly well. I know Aron is going to bring it. He’s that type of fighter. He’s got a lot of heart, a lot of grit and he’s going to come at me. It’s going to be an incredible fight.
“To me, I’m supposed to be at the top with the top guys. I’m not like the guys that Aron Martinez has beat. I know he’s on a high right now and it’s my job to knock him off of it.
“This is probably the biggest stage I’ve been on. Fighting in primetime is huge. The city has accepted me and I’m going to take that feeling into the ring Saturday night.
“Somebody is going to get stopped and I’m pretty confident in myself. We’re ready. I’m excited and I feel like I’m going to win. We’re going to do it.”
ARON MARTINEZ
“I’m just really happy to be here. I’m thankful for everyone who got me here. Everything has run smoothly and we’re feeling ready.
“My team is calm and ready to go. This is where I grew up. What else can I ask for? I have a lot of people coming to support me and I’m excited.
“It feels like I’ve been training for a whole year. I have no problem with the southpaws, I’ve been preparing for that in camp. We’re so focused and ready for this opportunity.
“We respect each other. We’re here to do a job. I respect Sammy. He’s a veteran. But once you get in the ring, it’s a different story. Everything goes out the window. He’s a boxer and a good counter puncher. But we have a plan and there won’t be any excuses.
“I’ve never been more ready than I am for this fight. I had a good training camp. My whole team has really gone above and beyond. It’s going to be a war. There’s nothing else to say.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“I’ve been waiting to get into the ring for a long time. I’m chomping at the bit. I’m anxious to get in there.
“This has been one of those camps. We had a fight in December. Charles Martin got away from me, but we’re going to get him back.
“They say you can’t go from the football field to the boxing ring, but I’m doing it. Undefeated and going for another knockout.
“That’s the first time I’ve seen him in person. He’s a midget compared to me. I don’t think he has any chance at all on Saturday night. I’m looking for a great knockout.
“Anytime you get a chance to fight on primetime TV is amazing. I fought on primetime during the Olympics and I’m looking forward to doing it here in front of my fans. If you’re not a fan of mine yet, you will be after Saturday.
“I hope Amir Mansour had a great camp as well because I’m going to bring it. It’s going to be fireworks.”
AMIR MANSOUR
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped me get this opportunity. PBC is doing a great thing with boxing and this is going to be another great fight.
“I’ve been winning fights, knocking guys out. We’ve all had trials and tribulations, I certainly have. But I’m a real fighter and a true fighter. I love the sport of boxing and I dedicate myself to the things that have gotten me here.
Saturday I’m going to go in there and do my thing. You can’t come from a football field into the ring with me. It’s not going to work for you. I’m not going to allow it. I have a history of putting everything on the line in that ring and Saturday will be no different.”
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
“This fight is about finding out who the best is. All great fighters want the opportunity to be in a fight like this.
“The show is headlined by one of the most exciting undefeated boxers, Danny Garcia, against a former world champion in Robert Guerrero. We know for sure that this is going to be a battle of two great warriors. Both men are going to bring everything they’ve got to this fight.”
DAVID NATHANSON, Head of Business Operations for FOX Sports
“This will be first of many events we will be doing with PBC on the FOX Network this year. It’s the first of some great things to come. Thanks to PBC for being such great partners and we’re thrilled to bring this fight into every home in America.”
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage,www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.