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JERMELL CHARLO VS. BRIAN CASTAÑO VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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“My experience inside and outside of the ring has all led up to this. Now is the time for me to put it all on the line,” – Charlo
 
“This is the fight of my life…The chance to become undisputed is just 10 days away and I can’t wait,” – Castaño
 
Unified WBC, WBA and IBF Champion Charlo Battles WBO World Champion Castaño In Undisputed 154-Pound Title Showdown Saturday, July 17 Live on SHOWTIME from AT&T Center in San Antonio in Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
SAN ANTONIO (July 7, 2021) – Unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño took part in a virtual press conference Wednesday to preview their battle for the undisputed 154-pound championship which headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 17 from AT&T Center in San Antonio in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.attcenter.com.
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see the hard-hitting unified champion Charlo and the exciting Argentine Castaño go toe-to-toe as all of the super welterweight championship belts are on the line for the first time in the four-belt era.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
 
JERMELL CHARLO
 
“We have 10 days to go and I’m excited. This is the most important time of my life. I love this. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. My experience inside and outside of the ring has all led up to this. Now is the time for me to put it all on the line.
 
“Castaño is going to leave everything in the ring. So we’re not playing any games. I’ve been training really hard. I’ve added things that have made me better because I know for a fact that this is going to be a great fight.
 
“I love my home state of Texas and I love fighting there. We’re bred differently. We’re a state that’s fought our own wars. This is huge. It’s a legacy fight for me and I’m ready for it.
 
“I know what I possess in the ring. When it’s time to fight, I instantly become the best warrior that there is out there.
 
“I’ve suffered my whole life, so there’s nothing in this world that can make me suffer more than what I went through growing up. Castaño is a great fighter who puts on a lot of pressure. But I know my abilities and I know my power. Every punch I throw is dominant and every shot I throw is painful for my opponent. I have a lot of unique abilities in me and I’m going to bring some tricks into this fight.
 
“I haven’t punched Castaño yet so I don’t know what his chin will do when I hit him. I know he’s got a big heart. I’m just going to do what I do, which is what everyone knows that I do. Everyone sees what I can do each time I get into the ring.
 
“I’ve been feeling really good in training camp. Better than I’ve ever felt. I’m in my prime right now and I feel stronger fight by fight. I’ve been developing every camp.
 
“I’ve got belts on belts and he’s got one belt. I’m ready to take that strap too. I’ve been paying attention to what he’s been doing. I haven’t just been sitting around since I fought Jeison Rosario. I’ve been working.
 
“Right now I’m not worried about what’s happening after this fight. I can only focus on what’s in front of me. I’m tunnel-visioned right now. This is what I want and I can’t see anything outside of victory on July 17.
 
“You’re going to see a more developed Jermell Charlo on July 17. I guarantee you’re going to see a top pound-for-pound fighter. At any point, this fight could be over with.
 
“This is a major fight because it’s history for me and my family. It’s huge for everyone that I represent and that’s been supporting me for all these years. It was due time to get in there for this fight. The belts and the money are not on my mind. What’s on my mind is the legacy.
 
“Not a lot of people get these opportunities. This fight is going to solidify a lot of different things in people’s minds about the Charlos.”
 
BRIAN CASTAÑO
 
“This is my opportunity. This is the fight of my life. I’m a world champion and Charlo is a world champion. The chance to become undisputed is just 10 days away and I can’t wait. This is my time. This fight is so important for my life. I hope to become undisputed on July 17 for my country and for my Latin supporters.
 
“This is one of the most important fights in Argentina’s history. It’s for four belts, undisputed at 154 pounds. It’s a great opportunity for my team, my manager, my family and most importantly, for me. This will be the hardest fight of my career.
 
“Charlo is a great fighter, there’s no doubt about it. But I came here to do my job and I’m going to come forward. I’m the type of fighter that is always going after you. I’m always there to pressure you. Even though Charlo said that I don’t have anything he hasn’t seen before, he has never seen anybody with my fighting style.
 
“I’ve seen Charlo knock down a lot of fighters with just one punch. That’s something to look out for. However, I have more of a variety in my arsenal than anybody he has fought before. If I have to be more aggressive and go for more power instead of finesse, rest assured that I can knock him down as well.
 
“Ring rust will not be an issue at all. I train every day. I spar three times a week. I’ve been training twice a day lately. I am in rhythm and in shape. I am coming for the four belts.
 
“On July 17, I can guarantee that I will bare my soul, I will leave my heart in the ring and do everything in my power to become the undisputed, unified champion of the world.
 
“I think that Charlo is in the prime of his career as well. That’s why I looked for this fight. This is the fight I’ve been looking for because we are both in the best moment of our career, and I want to take advantage of it.
 
“I am out for glory. I want to be the first in history to be undisputed champion at 154 pounds in the four-belt era and also be one of the best Argentinian and Latin American boxers that ever lived. I’m going for it all. I’m going to leave it all out there on Saturday night and there’s no reason why I can’t be both one of the best pound-for-pound fighters and also one of the best Argentinian boxers ever.
 
“If I win, the glory would be equal to a potential Argentina World Cup title next year. However, soccer is different because you have 10 other people that you can rely on. Messi has 10 teammates that he can pass the ball to when things get tough, but when I’m in the ring I’m on my own. Boxing is more of an individual challenge. When I’m up against the ropes, I have to get out of it on my own. The glory and the excitement of a win would be the same as an Argentina World Cup for my country.
 
“This opportunity to make history for my country and for Latin American people brings out very strong emotions in me. I don’t want to let down my Latin American people from all over the world. I feel an immense amount of pride in that and I am up to the challenge.
 
“I have not had the opportunity to meet Manu Ginobili, but he is an icon in Argentinian sports. He is one of the best ever and what he represents is iconic both as an athlete and as a person. He has both my admiration and my respect.
 
“I am aware that people may not know me, but I’m here to create my own path and pave my own way. I know that I haven’t fought that much lately and maybe that’s part of the reason why people don’t know me, but I turned down fights against opponents that weren’t of the caliber that I wanted to face. My goal has always been to go up against the best of the best and the elite of my division. I have that chance now and I’m going to prove why I deserve this chance and why I’m worth following.”
 
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ERISLANDY LARA & BRIAN CASTAÑO FIGHT TO HIGHLY COMPETITIVE SPLIT-DRAW IN TITLE FIGHT SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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Heavyweight Slugger Luis Ortiz Earns Unanimous Decision
Over Christian Hammer
 
Eduardo Ramirez Scores Ninth-Round TKO of Bryan De Gracia
In Telecast Opener
 
 Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On
SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
& HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
 
BROOKLYN (March 3, 2019) – Former 154-pound world champion Erislandy Lara and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castaño fought to a highly competitive split-draw Saturday at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. With the draw, Castaño retains the WBA belt in what was the toughest test of his career against the longtime top 154-pounder in Lara. The judges scored the fight 115-113 (Castaño), 115-113 (Lara) and 114-114.
 
Castaño (15-0-1, 11 KOs), who was fighting in his first U.S. main event, held a large advantage in power connects (181-103) while Lara (25-3-3, 14 KOs) found success landing his left hand down the middle on his way to a 34 percent to 27 percent advantage in power accuracy.
 
In the close, difficult-to-score fight, five of the rounds were separated by three or fewer connects and three of those rounds favored Lara. In the final two rounds, Castaño ramped up the pressure and connected on 44 punches, while Lara landed only 24 punches across the championship rounds. Castaño won the final three rounds on all three judges’ scorecards. Without doing so, the Argentine would have lost his belt.
 
After the hotly contested fight, both fighters have options, including a rematch, in the talent-rich super welterweight division.
 
“I know I won the fight. I feel I was robbed,” a disappointed Castaño told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray. “If he wants the rematch, I’ll give him the rematch. I waited for him this time so I can wait for him again if he wants the rematch. I would give him the rematch if he wants. I can also go ahead and fight any other champion that wants to fight me. I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me. Hurd or anyone else.”
 
Lara, on the other hand, felt he did enough to claim the belt: “I thought I won the fight by landing the more accurate and effective punches. Castaño came to fight but he never hurt me and I hurt him.  All I can do is give the fans great fights and that’s what I’ll continue to do.  I have a lot of fight left in me and I’m not going anywhere.
 
“If we have to fight him again, I’ll fight him. Hurd or Castaño.  Anybody, I’ll have the rematch with both.”
 
In the co-feature, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs) earned a unanimous decision victory over a game Christian Hammer (24-6, 14 KOs). Although the judges scored the fight 100-90 and 99-91 twice, both men fought through bloody noses at different points in the fight and both were stunned in a back-and-forth second round.
 
Ortiz, who earned his third consecutive victory since dropping a thrilling slugfest with WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder one year ago, is now looking for another world title shot.
 
“The fight wasn’t what I was expecting,” said Ortiz. “It was a hard fight and my corner really had to work with me. After I got the rhythm, I heated up a little bit. Every heavyweight out there should know that I still have it at 40-years-old. Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, I’m ready.”
 
Although Hammer fought with more energy and with more resolve than in previous fights with other top-tier heavyweights Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin, Ortiz used his superior technique and skills to eventually cruise to the lopsided decision. Ortiz averaged 45 jabs thrown per round and landed 61 jabs to just 20 for Hammer, while also connecting on 49 percent of his power punches. Ortiz made a conscious effort to attack Hammer’s body with 33.6% of his total connects (45 of 140) coming via body shots. 
 
“I fought a fight that I hadn’t for years, which is box and work,” said Ortiz. “So I’m not disappointed I didn’t knock him out because I showed some of my boxing skills tonight.”
 
“Ortiz is a very good and experienced fighter,” said the 31-year-old Hammer, who was making his American debut. “He’s technical and smart but he’s not as intimidating as people say he is. I respect Ortiz but I don’t think he’s the best fighter I’ve ever faced.
 
“I’m very confident going forward. I know that I can go the distance with anyone and I’m willing to fight anyone. People thought I’d get knocked out but I proved them wrong.”
 
In the telecast opener, Eduardo Ramirez (22-1-3, 9 KOs) caught Bryan De Gracia (24-2-1, 20 KOs) with a vicious right uppercut in the ninth, stunning his opponent and suddenly breaking open a close fight. Ramirez pounced on the dazed De Gracia and unleashed a wave of punches which forced referee Benjy Esteves to call the fight at 2:10 of round nine.
 
The southpaw Ramirez, of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, was trailing on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage according to two out of three judges (the third had it even). Ramirez, known to grow stronger in the later rounds, connected on 36 punches in round number nine, by far his highest connect total on the night. Although De Gracia was the more aggressive fighter, the Panamanian failed to consistently land punches. De Gracia was accurate on just 27 percent of his power punches, while Ramirez landed 38 percent of his. 
 
“I definitely knew it was close but my corner kept telling me to keep going and going, and that’s when I caught him,” said Ramirez, who was fighting with a heavy heart following the passing of his grandfather. “I didn’t just come here to fight.  I came here to do something and I did it.”
 
With the win, Ramirez is now in line to face WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Champion Can Xu and will be looking to challenge for a world title fight in the deep featherweight division.
 
In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN action that streamed live on theSHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page, Edwin Rodriguez (31-2, 20 KOs) won a 10-round cruiserweight fight via unanimous decision overMitch Williams (16-7-3, 11 KOs) by scores of 96-94 twice and 98-92. Coverage on social media also saw Antonio Russell (13-0, 11 KOs), younger brother of WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr., stop Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13 KOs) 22 seconds into the sixth round of their bantamweight fight. In the opening bout of the digital presentation, Leduan Barthelemy (14-0-1, 7 KOs) remained unbeaten with a unanimous decision over Miguel Angel Aispuro (11-7-2, 7 KOs) by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 in their eight-round super featherweight attraction.
 
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports
,
 www.PremierBoxingChampions.com
,
 follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing
. The event was promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment.
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SHOWTIME Sports® To Live Stream Undercard Bouts Featuring Veteran Contender Edwin Rodriguez and Unbeaten Prospects Antonio Russell & Leduan Barthelemy in Separate Bouts On Social Media Platforms TONIGHT FRom Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN Begins Live at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

BROOKLYN (February 27, 2019) – SHOWTIME Sports will provide live streaming coverage of three undercard fights on the network’s social media platforms as part of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 2 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Streaming action will see hard-hitting contender Edwin Rodriguez battle Mitch Williams in a 10-round cruiserweight fight, unbeaten prospect Antonio Russell square off against Mexico’s Jose Maria Cardenas in an eight-round bantamweight showdown and Leduan Barthelemy step in for an eight-round super featherweight matchup with Mexico’s Miguel Angel Aispuro,
 
The social media presentation will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page leading up to the evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event. The three-fight SHOWTIME telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Erislandy Lara challenging undefeated WBA Super Welterweight Champion BrianCastaño.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
 
Rodriguez (30-2, 20 KOs) has demonstrated his power-punching ability throughout numerous memorable contests in his career. The 33-year-old was born in Moca, Dominican Republic before moving to Worcester, Massachusetts. In his last fight he scored a unanimous decision over Lionell Thompson last February. He will battle Jackson, Michigan’s Williams (16-6-3, 11 KOs) who most recently scored a stoppage victory over Michael Sunkett in December.
 
Antonio Russell (12-0, 10 KOs) sits between Antuanne and WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell in the lineage of the Russell family dynasty, and will look to remain unbeaten when he steps into the ring March 2. The 26-year-old scored two knockout victories in 2018 and has stopped his last five opponents from lasting the distance. He will be opposed by the 22-year-old Cardenas (16-3, 13 KOs) from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
 
The younger brother of two-division champion Rances and Olympic gold medalist Yan, Barthelemy (13-0-1, 7 KOs) most recently fought to a split draw against then-unbeaten Eduardo Ramirez in September 2017. The 29-year-old from Cuba now lives and trains in Las Vegas and adds another top Cuban fighter to a card already including Lara and heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz. He prepares to take on the 28-year-old Aispuro (11-6-2, 7 KOs), who enters this contest with a three-fight winning streak.
 
Non-televised action will feature 2016 Haitian Olympian and Brooklyn-nativeRichardson Hitchins (7-0, 3 KOs) taking on Nicaragua’s David Morales (13-9, 13 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight showdown, undefeated super lightweightTyrek Irby (6-0, 2 KOs) facing Kenya’s Dennis Okoth (2-1-1) for six rounds of action and unbeaten Aaron Anderson (3-0, 3 KOs)in a four-round middleweight fight against Atlanta’s Chukka Willis (4-9, 2 KOs).
 
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ABOUT LARA VS. CASTAÑO
Erislandy Lara vs. Brian Castaño pits former super welterweight world champion Lara against the WBA Super Welterweight Champion Castaño on Saturday, March 2 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
SHOWTIME coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz take on Christian Hammer in a 10-round heavyweight attraction, plus hard-hitting Bryan De Graciabattling rugged veteran Eduardo Ramirez in a 12-round featherweight clash that opens the telecast.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
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Bryan De Gracia to Face Eduardo Ramirez in 12-Round Featherweight Showdown on Saturday, March 2 Live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn – Edner Cherry Forced to Withdraw from Fight Against Ricardo Núñez Due to Medical Issue

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Former World Champion Erislandy Lara Battles WBA Super Welterweight Titlist Brian Castaño in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Main Event

BROOKLYN (February 25, 2019) – Hard-hitting Bryan De Gracia will face once-beaten contender Eduardo Ramirez in a 12-round featherweight match live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 2 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Bryan DeGracia, Eduardo Ramirez, Edner Cherry, Ricardo Nunez,

De Gracia vs. Ramirez replaces the previously scheduled Ricardo Núñez vs. Edner Cherry match after Cherry was forced to withdraw due to a medical issue. The winner of De Garcia vs. Ramirez will capture the WBA Gold Featherweight Championship and be in line to face WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Champion Can Xu.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Erislandy Lara challenging undefeated WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castaño and also features Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz battling Christian Hammer.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
 
The Panamanian De Gracia (24-1-1, 20 KOs) will be fighting for the first time in the United States on March 2. The 25-year-old has knocked out seven of his last eight opponents and scored four straight stoppage victories since his one loss to Jorge Sanchez in 2017. De Gracia, who is ranked No. 2 by the WBA at 126 pounds, picked up two victories in 2018, including most recently stopping previously unbeaten Edinso Torres Jr. in August.
 
Ramirez (21-1-3, 8 KOs) suffered the only loss of his career when he dropped a unanimous decision to then-featherweight champion Lee Selby in December 2017. The 26-year-old southpaw from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico had fought unbeaten Leduan Barthelemy to a draw prior to the Selby fight and most recently bounced back from that loss with a TKO victory over Carlos Jacobo in November.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
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ERISLANDY LARA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

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World Champion Lara Talks Title Showdown, Sparring Top Prospects, 2018 Fight of the Year Against Jarrett Hurd & More Before Taking on WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castaño Saturday, March 2 Live on SHOWTIME®from
Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Click HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull/Team Lara



HOUSTON (February 20, 2019) – Former super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will look to reclaim a piece of the 154-pound crown when he challenges WBA champion Brian Castaño on Saturday, March 2 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
“Brian Castaño is coming into this fight with an undefeated record, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” said Lara. “This will be my third fight in a row versus an undefeated fighter. I’m taking this very seriously. Stylistically, I feel I’m the superior fighter, but he’s a very strong champion. I will be prepared to take back a title in this great division, then look to the biggest fights that are out there.”
 
One of the big fights that could be out there for Lara is a rematch with unified 154-pound champion Jarrett Hurd. Lara dropped a split-decision to Hurd in a unification showdown on SHOWTIME that was the consensus 2018 “Fight of the Year”, having been recognized by the BWAA, ESPN and Sporting News, amongst others.
 
“The fight against Hurd was a great fight for the fans, but I felt I won seven or eight rounds that night,” said Lara. “To be on the wrong end of another close decision left a bad taste in my mouth. That fight being recognized as ‘Fight of the Year’ shows my versatility as a fighter. I was on the ballot before with Alfredo Angulo, so it was good to get recognized for being a warrior, not only a craftsman. I will always give the fans my all and come March 2, it will be no different.”
 
Lara is continuing to to work with longtime trainer Ronnie Shields in Houston, where Lara has prepared for his matchup with sparring that includes going up against top prospects in 18-year-old Joey Spencer and 24-year-old Eimantas Stanionis.
 
“Ronnie and I are working great together, and we have an excellent game plan in place.,” said Lara. “This is one of the better camps I’ve had the last few years. Having young fighters like Spencer and Stanionis in camp with me is refreshing because I know they are hungry.  When we spar, I feed off their energy, because I know they are trying to take take their game to the next level, which makes me better. This is a demanding sport and they are definitely pushing me.”
 
March 2 also gives Lara a chance to share the stage with another one of Cuba’s best fighters, as Luis Ortiz is set to take on Christian Hammer in the co-main event, making the night a celebration of Cuban boxing.
 
“Luis Ortiz and I go way back and I’m happy that my brother is fighting on the same card as me,” said Lara. “We’ve gone through a lot since leaving Cuba to pursue our dreams of becoming world champions here in the U.S. Like myself, I know he’s going to be ready to entertain the fans on fight night and make this a memorable night for Cuban boxing!”
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.


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BRIAN CASTAÑO TALKS TRAINING CAMP, ERISLANDY LARA, ARGENTINE LEGENDS & MORE AHEAD OF MAIN EVENT TITLE DEFENSE LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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WBA Super Welterweight Champion Takes on Former World Champion Lara Saturday, March 2 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

BROOKLYN (February 7, 2019) – WBA super welterweight titlist Brian Castaño is nearing his first U.S. main event and talked about how training camp has gone so far as he prepares to face former world champion Erislandy Lara on Saturday, March 2 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Castaño is trained by his former pro boxer father Carlos in the bustling city of Isidro Casanova in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After a long and successful amateur career leading into his pro debut in 2012, Castaño has a chance on March 2 to make a lasting impact with an impressive performance against Lara.

“I’ve been boxing since I was a small child and now this is my opportunity to prove myself on the biggest stage,” said Castaño. “This fight is the moment I’ve been waiting for and the kind of tough challenge that I love. I want to make a statement to the American audience against one of the best fighters in the world.”

In recent years, Argentine fighters such as Marcos Maidana, Jesus Cuellar and Lucas Matthysse have become champions and stars in the U.S. with their relentless styles they bring into the ring fight after fight. Castaño specifically has spoken to another Argentine great in Sergio Martinez for inspiration as he continues his journey.

“I have a great admiration for the Argentine champions that have made statements and become big names in the U.S. in recent years and I know how difficult that is to achieve,” said Castaño. “I’ve sat and had great conversations with Sergio Martinez not long ago and I was able to learn a lot from a fighter like that.”

The 29-year-old first won an interim title with a knockout of Emmanuel de Jesus in 2016, before winning tough 12-round battles against Michel Soro, and most recently a final round stoppage win over Cedric Vitu to capture the belt he will defend on March 2. These were the first two times Castaño fought into the 12th round as a pro.

“I learn new things each time I fight,” said Castaño. “When you are a world champion, there are no easy foes. The opponents come stronger and stronger each time. I’ve learned that I have to double my effort every time I get into the ring.”

In Lara, Castaño faces a challenging former amateur world champion who was the longest-reigning titleholder in the 154-pound division before he lost to fellow champion Jarrett Hurd last April on SHOWTIME in 2018’s Fight of the Year. Castaño is aware of what Lara brings to the fight and is preparing to negate it.

“On paper we know that Lara is a slick fighter that can be difficult to catch, while I’m more like a demolisher that goes after you all fight,” said Castaño. “Lara moves around the ring very wisely and has great timing on the counterpunch. In the ring, you never know how it can play out though. I probably haven’t faced someone like him before, so I have to cut off the ring in an even smarter manner.”

On March 2, Castaño will be looking to take his career to the next level with his performance, knowing that chances at the highest level are hard to come by.

“I’ve taken my career quietly to this point, but I know that I have to make myself known by putting up a great performance in this tough fight,” said Castaño. “I’m prepared to do just that. This is the opportunity that I’ve dreamed of ever since I was a little kid and I have to be ready to rise to the occasion.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

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ABOUT LARA VS. CASTANO

Erislandy Lara vs. Brian Castaño pits former super welterweight world champion Lara against the WBA Super Welterweight Champion Castaño on Saturday, March 2 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz take on Christian Hammer in a 10-round heavyweight attraction, plus hard-hitting Ricardo Núñez battling rugged veteran Edner Cherry in a 12-round super featherweight clash that opens the telecast.

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  RANCES BARTHELEMY WINS LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN TOE-TO-TOE BATTLE AGAINST DENIS SHAFIKOV IN HEADLINING BOUT OF FINAL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE CARD OF 2015 FROM THE PEARL AT THE PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

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Photo Credit: Jann Hendry/Premier Boxing Champions
 
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Photo Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Las Vegas (December 18) – The “force” was with Cuban star and newly crowned lightweight world champion Rances Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs) as he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Russian southpaw Denis Shafikov (36-2-1, 19 KOs) in the headlining bout of the final Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike fight card of 2015. The four-fight telecast, which was supported by non-televised fights featuring some of Mayweather Promotions’ rising stars, took place at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Coming off of a luxury world tour, Floyd Mayweather returned stateside and sat ringside as promoter of tonight’s fights. The recently retired five-division world champion, who also learned today he was selected asSports Illustrated Fighter of the Year, was animated and engaged through the final bell of the evening.
The main event, which started off as a close toe-to-toe battle, ended in the Barthelemy’s favor as he swept the latter quarter of the bout. Shafikov controlled the beginning of the fight, staying in the pocket and throwing more powerful punches than Barthelemy as the Cuban had a difficult time adjusting to the significantly shorter, yet stronger, style of Shafikov.
The turning point of the fight occurred when a cut caused by a punch by Barthelemy opened up above Shafikov’s right eye in the eighth round. The blood began to poor furiously and referee Vic Drakulich called the ringside doctor over to inspect the cut. When the fight resumed, Barthelemy attacked the Russian’s eye and never let up for the remainder of the fight. He took advantage of the cut and coupled it with his height and reach advantage which led to a recipe for success as he is now a two-division world champion. The judges saw the bout 119-109 and 116-112 twice.
“There were moments where I was trapped into my style of fighting. It took me a minute to adjust to Shafikov’s style and exchange punches with him,” said Barthelemy. “I’m really happy with the number of punches I was able to get off.
“I was really impressed with Shafiov’s warrior style. He never gave up even after getting hurt with punches that were affecting his fight. That really caught me by surprise and also that he was able to last the whole fight. The fact that he continued really says something about him as a fighter.”
“I’m not sure if I won the fight,” said Shafikov. “I’m very disappointed and I want a rematch.”
The co-main event saw a bizarre ending to what was to be a cruiserweight elimination bout. Detroit southpawIsiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) was winning the fight on all three judges’ scorecards through round three when Russian power-puncher Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) threw accidental late blows to Thomas’ head after the bell. The punches forced referee Jay Nady to make the tough call that the punches “diminished the value” of Thomas’ ability to continue. As the fight had not yet gone four rounds, unified rules state that the fight does not go to the scorecards, thus ruling it a no contest.
Chris Pearson (16-1 11 KOs), a promising super welterweight from Dayton, Ohio put his previously undefeated record on the line against fellow unbeaten Eric Walker (12-0, 6 KOs) of Plaquemine, Louisiana in the second televised bout. Walker came out strong, dominating the early rounds against Pearson, another member of the stable of rising stars from Mayweather Promotions. A wobbled Pearson persevered and attempted to turn the tide in an action-packed fifth round with a series of head shots.

The seventh round saw both fighters exchanging a brutal barrage of punches culminating with a fast-paced eighth and final round drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. The underdog Walker, who spent 13 years in Dixon Correctional Institute in Louisiana, scored a unanimous decision victory (79-71, 78-74, 80-72) winning the biggest fight of his life in front of a captivated national TV audience.

“If you believe in God and work hard at what you’re doing, you’re going to succeed,” said Walker. “Look at me now.
“I had watched his previous fights and knew that my right hand would be too much for him and that I could land it anytime,” continued Walker. “My conditioning was really the difference tonight. I was in great shape and I was able to rely on that when the going got tough.”

Pearson was disappointed in the decision and was left wanting a rematch.

“I take my hat off to him,” said Pearson. “His punches were crisp and hard. I just couldn’t get going on anything consistently. I thought it was closer than the judges’ scorecards and I definitely want a rematch as soon as possible.”

In the opening bout of the evening, one of boxing’s fast rising stars, Gervonta “The One” Davis (14-0, 13 KOs) out of Baltimore put his undefeated record on the line against Mexico’s Luis Sanchez (17-5-1, 5 KOs) in a lightweight clash.

Davis, a 21-year-old protégé of Mayweather, lived up to his reputation as a budding superstar scoring a hard-fought ninth round knockout victory. Sanchez showed his toughness and resiliency as he forced Davis to fight three rounds longer than any fight of his career.Davis showed his speed and power in the eighth round as he landed an uppercut to knock down his determined opponent. In the ninth round, he threw a massive left hand to finish Sanchez, sending Mayweather to his feet in celebration.

“It felt great to fight all of these rounds and get the work in,” said Davis. “He’s a tough fighter and I learned a great deal tonight. It was a very good experience for me.
“I just listened to my corner and Floyd, took my time and broke him down. I want to fight again as soon as possible for a world title.”
Mayweather, who was very pleased with Davis’ performance, sees the young undefeated fighter’s future as bright.
“It’s always good to go out there and get the W,” said Mayweather. “He’s young. He’s still learning. We’re looking forward to him being a world champion some day.”
Mayweather relished in the opportunity to promote one of the final fights of the year in his hometown of Las Vegas saying, “I’m so happy we were able to showcase on national television some of the talented fighters we have at Mayweather Promotions. Win or lose, I am proud of all of them.
“More importantly I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and thank for them supporting me, Mayweather Promotions and The Money Team throughout all of these years. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”
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PBC on Spike was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @Beibut_Shumenov, @_ChrisPearson, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
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SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHRIS PEARSON MEETS FELLOW UNBEATEN ERIC WALKER & RISING STAR GERVONTA DAVIS TAKES ON LUIS SANCHEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

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PLUS! FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS ISHE SMITH & MICKEY BEY FEATURED ON STACKED UNDERCARD
 
LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2015) – Undefeated contender Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) will meet fellow unbeaten Eric Walker (11-0, 6 KOs) in a super welterweight battle while rising star Gervonta “The One” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) takes on Luis Sanchez (17-4-1, 5 KOs) in a lightweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) on Spike Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino resort in Las Vegas.
PBC on Spike is headlined by undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) and Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) in a lightweight world title fight. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas(15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a battle of unbeaten cruiserweights.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Part of the stacked undercard of exciting fights will see former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (27-8, 12 KOs) against Tommy “The Razor” Rainone (24-6-1, 5 KOs) in a super welterweight showdown and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a lightweight contest against unbeaten Naim Nelson(12-0, 1 KO).
Rounding out the action is 29-year-old Romanian Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (14-1, 10 KOs) against the Dominican Republic’s Mariano Hilario (12-4, 5 KOs) in super middleweight action, 26-year-old Brian Castano (13-0,9 KOs) againstMexico’s Aaron Garcia (12-4-1, 7 KOs) in a super welterweight tussle and Fabian “TNT” Maidana (8-0, 6 KOs), brother of former world champion Marcos, in a welterweight bout against Washington’s Virgil Green (11-3, 4 KOs).
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in four fights before he defeated Janks Trotter in September. The 24-year-old looks to continue to rise within the junior middleweight division and cement his contender status with a victory over the 22-year-old Walker out of Plaquemine, Louisiana who is yet to lose since turning pro in 2013.
A highly regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 21-year-old Davis has already recorded four stoppage victories in 2015. Most recently, the Baltimore-native stopped former world champion Cristobal Cruz with a vicious combination in their October fight. Now he is challenged by the 23-year-old Sanchez out of Cancun, Mexico who owns victories over Miguel Beltran and Adan Mares.
After a long career that saw him go from the world of reality television as a star on “The Contender” to competing at the top level at 154 and 160 pounds, Smith finally put it all together in 2010, beginning a four-fight winning streak that culminated in a decision win over Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight world title in 2013, becoming the first native Las Vegan to ever win a world title. He continues to challenge the best and recorded his most recent victory in April by defeating Cecil McCalla. He takes on a dangerous veteran contender in New York’s Rainone who enters this fight having beaten Francisco Reza and Allen Litzau.
Bey returns to the ring on December 18 for the first time since winning a world title in September 2014 with a victory over Miguel Vazquez. He has won three fights in a row including victories over Alan Herrera and Carlos Cardenas. Representing Cleveland, Ohio, Bey looks to work his way back to title-contention beginning with the 25-year-old Philadelphia-native Nelson.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm,@PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
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Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN’s Santa Cruz vs. Mares Delivers Largest Boxing Audience on ESPN Since February 1998

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Highest-Rated and Most-Watched Boxing Telecast Ever on ESPN Deportes
ESPN Classic to Air Instant Classic Tonight
 
The third edition of ESPN’s Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN presented by Corona Extra (PBC on ESPN) series-headlined by Leo Santa Cruz’s majority decision win over Abner Mares-on Saturday, Aug. 29, delivered the largest boxing audience on ESPN since February 1998 (02/22/98 Mark Johnson vs. Arthur Johnson).
The telecast was seen by an average of 1,217,000 viewers (P2+)-up 30 percent from the average of the previous two PBC telecasts on ESPN. The telecast peaked from 12:00-12:15am with 1,641,000 viewers (P2+) according to Nielsen.
ESPN’s Spanish-language telecast of the event on ESPN Deportes averaged a 1.3 Hispanic HH US Rtg and 355,000 Hispanic viewers-making it the highest-rated and most-watched boxing telecast to ever air on ESPN Deportes. The telecast peaked from 11:15-11:30 p.m. with 453,000 viewers.

ESPN Classic will reair the fight tonight at 7 p.m. ET as an Instant Classic. In addition, ESPN Deportes will re-air the entire card on Saturday, September 5, at 7 p.m.
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LEO SANTA CRUZ WINS BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES OVER ABNER MARES IN MEMORABLE SHOWDOWN ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FROM STAPLES CENTER 

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In Co-Main Event Julio Ceja Stops Hugo Ruiz In Super Bantamweight Bout
 
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Credit: Suzanne Teresa, Premier Boxing Champions
 
Los Angeles, CA (August 29, 2015) – In a battle of Southern California featherweights, Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz, (31-0-1, 17 KOs) defeated Abner Mares, (29-2-1, 15 KOs) by majority decision in a fight reminiscent of Mexican wars between boxing legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales on Saturday night. Scores tallied 117-111 twice and 114-114 in front of a raucous crowd of 13,109 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN main event.
With savage uppercuts and brutal power shots from the opening bell, the combatants threw more than 2,000 punches combined with Santa Cruz connecting 35 percent of his total 1,050 punches and Mares connecting 23 percent of his 980 total punches.
In the third round, Mares was cut from an accidental head-butt, with blood sporadically continuing to pour throughout the fight. Santa Cruz took advantage of the distracted Mares in the fourth drilling him with body shots. During the fifth stanza a second accidental head-butt opened an additional cut on the forehead of Mares.
Mares fought his way back into the fight in the sixth and seventh rounds, but Santa Cruz caught a much needed second win starting in the eighth and swept the championship rounds. The fight’s brutal ebbs and flows culminated in a epic 12th round with Santa Cruz and Mares throwing non-stop power shots to close the fight.
Opening the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN telecast Julio Ceja, (30-1, 27 KOs), of Tianepantia, Mexico won with a sensational fifth round stoppage of Hugo Ruiz, (35-2, 30 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico. Ceja suffered a third round knockdown but came back to floor Ruiz in round five and earned the victory after swarming the staggered Ruiz. Time of the stoppage was 2:34.
Undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro Luna, (19-0, 14KOs), of Bellflower, California, dominated and stopped veteran Sergio Lopez, (18-9-1,12 KOs) in the fourth round. A barrage of punches resulted in the onslaught being stopped at the
:34 mark.

To the roar of the huge crowd at STAPLES Center, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, 24-5 (19KO’s), of Mexicali, Mexico, battered Hector Munoz, (22-16-1 (14KO’s) over five rounds of their scheduled ten round clash. With power punches from all angles, Angulo bloodied Munoz and dropped him in the fifth. Following that stanza, Munoz did not come out for round six with Angulo being awarded the well-deserved victory.

Local fan favorite Jessie Roman (20-2, 9 KOs) continued to impress with a dominant eight round unanimous decision over Huntington Beach, California’s Hector Serrano, 17-5 (5KO’s). Dropping Serrano in the seventh, Roman went on to win a unanimous decision by scores of 79-72 on all three scorecards.
Fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Brian Castano, 13-0 (9KO’s) was awarded a victory by disqualification over Jonathan Batista, 14-7, (7KO’s) at the 1:15 mark of the fifth round. After being dropped in the second round, Batista continuously resorted to low blows over the balance of the bout. Points were deducted from Batista three times over the third and fourth rounds before another low blow in the fifth resulted in the stoppage.
Middleweight prospect Alan Castano of Buenos Aires, Argentina making his U.S. debut improved to 9-0, (6KO’s) with a fourth round knockout of the valiant Thomas Howard, 8-5 (4KO’s) of Trenton, Michigan. Although not knocked down, Howard absorbed the full array of punches from Castano prior to the bout being stopped at the 2:11 mark of the fourth stanza.
Welterweights were featured in a six round bout as welterweight Anthony Flores, (9-0, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, California won a majority decision over Curtis Morton, (3-5-3) of Harlem, NY. The battle featuring excellent two-way action throughout was scored 58-56 twice for Flores and 57-57.
In a scheduled ten round super middleweight bout, contender Paul Mendez, (20-2-2, 10 KOs) dropped Andrik Saralegui (19-3, 15 KOs), of Los Mochis, New Mexcio, twice in the second round. The Delano, California native earned the stoppage, as Saralegui did not answer the bell for round three.
Bantamweights were featured in the second bout as Isaiah Najera (1-1), of Yakima, Washington upset the pro debuting Antonio Santa Cruz (0-1), of Los Angeles, California via majority decision. Scores were 39-37 twice for Najera and 38-38. Antonio is the younger cousin of headliner Leo Santa Cruz.
 
In theopening bout of the afternoon, a four round lightweight clash, Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, CA improved to 3-0 with a spirited unanimous decision over ManualRubalcava (2-14), of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Scores were 40-36 on all scorecards.
Here is what the fighters had to say:

Leo Santa Cruz:
“I was surprised Abner came out so strong. He came right at me but we figured him out and we got the win.
“I stayed outside with the jab. We were able to take control.
“My dad told me that we could beat him by boxing. We want to be aggressive but tonightwe had to box him too and that’s how we got it done.
“If he wants the rematch I’ll give him the rematch. I want to fight the best. I want the big fights.
“I’m very happy. This is a dream come true. I’m happy and excited and thankful to all of my fans who supported me.”
Abner Mares:
“It was a close fight, but I thought I won the fight. I thought I pulled it off.
“My plan was to box him, but I started out really fast. I felt good but my corner told me to box more, so I did that. It was a good fight.
“Leo is good. He’s a great fighter. I knew it was going to be a tough fight.
“I’m more than willing to have a rematch. It was a close fight. I knew he had never faced a fighter like me and he proved today he’s a great fighter.
“The fans were the winners tonight. It was a great fight for the fans. I think I deserve a rematch and I think the fans deserve another show.
“It was my mistake. I started really good, but along the way I changed my plan for some weird reason and I don’t know why I did it.”
Julio Ceja:
“I was well prepared, but I was surprised I got dropped. I felt mentally and physically good after that and I knew I was going to come back.
“At first it was difficult because Ruiz was moving too much, however I knew I was going to win.
“I hope Leo Santa Cruz goes back up to super bantamweight so I can fight him next.”
Alfredo Angulo:
“I feel really good. I worked and used my jab. I’ve never used my jab too much and tonight I tried to use it more and more and more.”
“When I fought in June, it had been a long time since I fought and I was fighting in a new weight class. To be honest, I was nervous and today I was more comfortable.”
“I could tell the the fans were behind me tonight and they motivate me to work even harder in each fight.”
Santa Cruz vs. Mares, a 12-round featherweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN on Saturday, August 29 aired live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and was promoted by TGB Promotions.