Tag Archives: Caleb Plant

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Caleb Plant Wraps Up Final Days of Training Camp, Talks New Opponent

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Photo by Sean Michael Ham – Premier Boxing Champions
 
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LAS VEGAS, NV (September 5, 2017) – Unbeaten middleweight contender, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) is just a few days away from making his SHOWTIME debut this Friday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Plant will face late opponent, Andrew Hernandez (19-6-1, 9 KOs) in a ten-round bout.  Tune inthis Friday on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).
With just a few days away from the fight, Plant gives is thoughts on facing Hernandez, training, and more, as he wraps up the final days of camp.
On his matchup with late opponent Andrew Hernandez…
“To be honest, it doesn’t matter who they put in front of me, I’ll fight anyone.  I was originally supposed to fight Alan Campa, but he pulled out, like most of my opponents.  Hernandez recently fought so I know he’s in good shape.  I’m happy that he stepped up, but I’m going to put tips on him.  There’s no two ways about it, I’m coming out on top.”
On his recent training camp…
“Training camp has been unbelievable.  It’s no doubt, one of my best training camps ever.  My weight is perfect and I couldn’t be happier with the way I’ve been looking in the gym.  My trainer Justin Gamber is doing a phenomenal job, as well as my dad Richie.  Larry Wade, my strength and conditioning coach, has got me in tip top shape.  We are going to dictate our game plan on Hernandez, and try to get him out of there before the final bell.  If it goes the distance, I’ll be ready.”
 
On making his Showtime debut…
“I’m very excited to be making my debut on Showtime.  This is the first of many as I believe I can become a household name on their network.  Showtime is looking for their next star and I believe it’s me.  I’m going to put on a spectacular performance.  Everyone watching can expect to see a very skilled and determined fighter when they see me fight this Fridaynight.”
On fighting in his new hometown of Las Vegas…
“This will be my third time fighting in Las Vegas, the mecca of boxing, and I want to stamp my legacy here.  Since moving here from Nashville about a year ago, I’ve been getting some great work with some top-level fighters.  Nashville will always be home, but Vegas is where I’m at right now.  I have a lot of new fans out here and I can’t wait to put on a great show for them.”
On what a victory will do for his career…
“A win this Friday will get me one step closer to a world title shot.  I’m currently ranked WBA #7 and #11 by the IBF.  I’m right there knocking on the door.  David Benavidez is fighting for the WBC title in the main event, and he’s definitely someone I want to fight.  J’Leon Love, who’s world ranked, is also on the card.  Both are on my radar. I’m want all the champions in my division.  I’m going to be a world champion when I get my opportunity.”
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SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TRAINING CAMP NOTES

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Unbeaten Rising Contender David Benavidez & Former European Amateur Star Ronald Gavril Battle for Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Title

in Main Event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Friday, Sept. 8Live on SHOWTIME at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT

 

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 5, 2017) – Fight Week is here for the six boxers competing in this Friday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast, headlined by unbeaten rising star David Benavidez and contender Ronald Gavril who will battle for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME (10:05 p.m. ET/PT) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

 

The event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, will feature two additional showdowns in the super middleweight division. Once-beaten J’Leon Love (23-1, 13 KOs) will battle Texas-native Abraham Han (26-3, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout while unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) takes on 31-year-old Phoenix, Ariz., switch-hitter Andrew Hernandez (19-6-1, 9 KOs), who steps in for Alan Campa for the 10-round attraction.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are priced at $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Tuesday, Aug. 22. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

 

The following is a training camp update from each of the fighters on this Friday’s tripleheader.

 

David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez

  • He trains out of The Summit Gym in Big Bear, Calif.
  • His trainer is his father, Jose Benavidez Sr.
  • With a victory, Benavidez (age 20) would become the youngest Super Middleweight to ever win a world title and the youngest current world champion.
  • He’s very familiar with the gym because his brother Jose Benavidez Jr. (former WBA interim super lightweight champion) used to train there when he was active.

 

Benavidez on training camp:

“My training camps are always fairly long. I only take a week off after every fight and go back into training. For the first couple weeks, it’s just moving around, then we slowly work into the hard training. For this one, I probably had like a month and a half, two months.”

 

On his opponent:

“I feel like he [Ronald Gavril] has a really good style for me to showcase my skills, like how I did against Rogelio Medina. With our sparring partners, we have brawlers and we have boxers, as well. Whatever style he fights on that night, I’m going to be prepared for it.”

 

Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril

  • He trains at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
  • He is a former European amateur standout.
  • His trainer is Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (65 years old; former WBA light heavyweight world champion, retired in 1988 with a record of 50-8-1, 39 KOs).

 

Gavril on training camp:

“I feel really sharp and I’m really happy with how everything has gone during training. This is the opportunity that I’ve worked so hard to get to and I’m definitely not letting it slip by. I know that everything needs to be 100 percent on fight night so I’m pushing myself to be ready to do whatever it takes to leave with the belt.”

 

On his opponent:

“Benavidez is a strong guy who’s coming in with a lot of support behind him, but I’m not going to let any of that distract me from my preparation. Me and my trainer are going to have a great game plan for him. I know he wants to be active and smother me and we’re going to show him all of the parts of my game.”

 

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad:

“I got Ronald sparring with the IBF’s number-one super middleweight contender, Jose Uzcategui. He’s giving us good work, too—he can fight. We also sparred Badou Jack for a couple rounds. We’ve got an abundance of guys that we’re working with.

 

“The way they’re talking about Benavidez, it’s like he’s King Kong. But it’s good—perfect! Ronald is a boxer-puncher, he can adapt. That’s the whole key. He has a wealth of amateur experience. This is our opportunity. We’ve talked about this for a while now, and Ronald is at a point where he’s ready right now…It’s going to be a great fight.”

 

J’Leon Love

  • He trains at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.
  • His trainer is Theo Chambers.
  • He’s been in training camp for about five months

 

Love on training camp:

“My training camp—it’s been months! I started training in April. Being that we had fights fall out, I always stayed in the gym. That’s the hardest part, because I feel like I’ve had bad luck with fights falling out. But one thing I can say—we train our ass off! I just want to go on vacation after this.”

 

“We’ve had a lot of good sparring—Lionell Thompson and Denis Douglin have been in here working. We’ve had so many sparring partners throughout this camp, and we’ve just been working, working, working.

 

On his opponent:

“I remember Abie Han from the amateurs. He’s always been a tough fighter. You can’t look past anybody. Everybody comes in that ring to fight. Everybody comes in with a different mode or a different drive, so this may be the drive he has to really come out and explode on the scene and beat me. So, I’m taking him absolutely, positively serious, like he’s a world championship fighter and we’re fighting for the world title.”

 

Abraham “The Sun City Warrior” Han

  • Trains out of his father’s martial arts studio in El Paso, Texas (Han’s Martial Arts).
  • He is trained by Louie Burke — 56 years old; former pro junior lightweight, retired in 1985 with a record of 19-3, 12 KOs; won the “ESPN Junior Lightweight Title” on Apr. 14, 1983, with a 12-round unanimous decision against Freddie Roach; also won a 10-round decision against Roach in the rematch on Nov. 10, 1983.
  • He has sparred with former world champion Austin Trout.

 

Han on training camp:

“I train at my dad’s martial arts studio in El Paso – Han’s Martial Arts. I’m sparring mostly with local people from El Paso, and I also sparred with Austin Trout.

 

“I’ve been working hard and working with Austin (Trout) and that makes a big difference. Austin makes me so much better. He’s been a world champion and he will be a world champion again. His expertise and his knowledge is amazing. He’s been in those situations and he tells me little things along the way and I think that will make all the difference in this fight.”

 

Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant

  • Moved to Las Vegas from Nashville about a year ago to train
  • He is trained by Justin Gamber and his father Richie Plant.

 

Plant on training camp:

“I’ve been living in Las Vegas for more than a year now – since August 24th, 2016. I’ve been in the gym consistently this whole time since my last fight, but my ‘official’ training camp will be seven or eight weeks. We bounce around to a couple of different gyms for sparring. I’ve had good work this camp – great sparring, good strength and conditioning, good gym work, and I’ve had good rest. I have a good diet.

 

“I know every boxer says, ‘Oh, this is my best camp,’ and a lot of times they don’t mean it. But this has literally been my best camp. Things are very smooth.”

 

Andrew Hernandez

  • He is managed by his wife Jacquie Hernandez and trained by Alan Beirs.
  • Alfred Quintana serves as his cut man and strength and conditioning coach.
  • A late replacement, Hernandez got the call on Aug. 29 and accepted the fight; contract signed the next day.
  • Trains at Gents Gym in Arrowhead, Ariz.

 

What Hernandez has to say:

“I’ve known my trainer, Alan Beirs, for a while. He actually helped me with my last couple of fights – we’ve only been together maybe six months or so. He worked my corner in February, but we weren’t working completely together. Then when I got back in the gym in March, that’s when we really started working together.

 

“I train at a place called Gents Gym in Arrowhead, Ariz. I trained there with the Busted Knuckles Boxing crew – that’s Alan Beirs’ crew. We’re all pushing each other to get better and I know they’ll have me ready for fight night.”

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

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Caleb Plant Big Hit at Sunrise Children’s Hospital Visit

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Photos by Declan Bethley PBC and Team Plant
LAS VEGAS, NV (September 1, 2017) – Unbeaten super-middleweight contender (WBA #7 and IBF #11), Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (15-0, 10 KOs), was a big hit at theSunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas yesterday as he visited kids dealing with medical conditions.  The visit was in honor of his daughter Alia, who passed away from an unknown medical condition at 19-months old, back in January of 2015.  Shoe Palace,Ringside, World Boxing Council (WBC), Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), andShowtime all donated gifts that put smiles on all the kids faces.
“It was a great day for me to be visiting these kids in the hospital.” said Caleb Plant, “Seeing all the smiles on their faces made me feel good inside.  My daughter Alia and her spirit lives on and I know she’s up in heaven smiling down on me.  I’m going to be making this an annual event.  I want to thank the WBC, Shoe Palace, Ringside, Showtime and PBC for the gifts they donated.  I also want to thank the folks at Sunrise Children’s Hospital for giving me the opportunity to visit the kids.  I’m very thankful to everyone who was involved.”

Caleb Plant returns to the ring on Friday, Sept. 8 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

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Caleb Plant to Visit Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Honor of Daughter Alia

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LAS VEGAS, NV (August 29, 2017) – As he awaits his first televised bout on Showtime, taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on September 8, unbeaten super-middleweight contender (WBA #7 and IBF #11), Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (15-0, 10 KOs), is going to be giving back to the community of Las Vegas.  Plant will be visiting kids at the Sunrise Children’s Hospital, in Las Vegas, in honor of his daughter, Alia, who passed away in January 2015 from an unknown medical condition at 19-months-old.
The visit will take place on the pediatric units (Pediatrics and PICU) at Sunrise Children’s Hospital with 30-40 kids expected to be in attendance. Special thanks to sponsors Ringside, World Boxing Council (WBC), Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), and Showtime, for donating gifts to all the children.
WHO:       Undefeated contender, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and the children of Sunrise Children’s Hospital
WHAT:     Meet and greet with world ranked contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant
WHY:       To support the children and what they are going through while honoring Caleb’s daughter, Alia. In addition, bringing awareness to the Sunrise Children’s Hospital and their services.
WHERE:  Sunrise Children’s Hospital (Meet in Children’s Hospital Lobby)
                 3186 S. Maryland Pkwy
                 Las Vegas, NV 89109
                 Office: 702-731-8288
 
WHEN:     August 31, 2017
                 2:00 – 3:00 P.M.
PLEASE RSVP BY EMAILING BOXINGPUBLICIST@AOL.COM
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Unbeaten Rising Contender David Benavidez & Hard Hitting Ronald Gavril Battle for Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Title in Main Event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Friday, Sept. 8 Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT

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Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, from The Joint at
 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
 
Plus! Two 168-Pound Showdowns as J’Leon Love Meets Abraham Han While Unbeaten Caleb Plant Faces Alan Campa
 
Tickets on Sale Tuesday, Aug. 22!
 
LAS VEGAS (August 17, 2017) – Unbeaten rising star David Benavidez and powerful contender Ronald Gavril will battle for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship on Friday, Sept. 8 live on SHOWTIME in the headlining attraction of a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and will feature two additional showdowns in the super middleweight division. Once-beaten J’Leon Love (23-1, 13 KOs) will battle Texas-native Abraham Han (26-3, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout while unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Alan Campa (16-3, 11 KOs) in 10 rounds of action.
Benavidez (18-0, 17 KOs) has a chance to make history – at just 20-years-old he is aiming to become the youngest super middleweight champion in history and the youngest reigning world champion in the sport today. Gavril (18-1, 14 KOs) will seek to keep the WBC 168-pound title in the Mayweather Promotions family after it was vacated by his stablemate, Badou Jack.
“This opportunity means the world to me,” said Benavidez. “I’ve been working for his since I was a little kid. It’s all come down to this moment when I’m ready to take this belt and take over the 168-pound division. The time is almost here, and I can hardly wait for September 8. Winning the championship would be enough on its own. But the opportunity to be the youngest in the sport is a major accomplishment and the biggest of my life, so far. I have a tough competitor in front of me, and I know he’s treating it as seriously as I am. I’ve been working for two and a half months for this fight and I’m not overlooking him.”
“It’s been a great journey for me getting to this point of fighting for a world title,” said Gavril. “I have a great team behind me who pushes me every single day to perform my best, learn from my mistakes and perfect my technique. Those values have gotten me here and I am thankful for such an amazing opportunity. I will go out there and give it everything I have, I can’t leave the ring without the championship belt.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are priced at $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Tuesday, Aug. 22. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
“In November 2015, I said that I had new blood for our industry David Benavidez, who would be the best and youngest super middleweight champion in the history of our sport,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, Benavidez’ promoter. “We didn’t cherry pick this opponent. He was the next available contender when Anthony Dirrell pulled out. We expect fireworks. We expect to birth a new superstar. The most important thing is to determine in which round Gavril will be knocked out, because I believe that we’re talking about matching a jet plane against a helicopter. So I expect a spectacular performance from Benavidez, who will begin his run as the new blood in boxing and will keep it going until he retires.”
“To be in a position to announce another great card coming just weeks after the biggest event in sports history shows that Mayweather Promotions shows no signs of slowing down,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We are thrilled to present this fight card on September 9, filled with tremendous talent featuring top contenders in the Mayweather Promotions stable. Gavril has proven to be a tough competitor, he’s on a long win streak with his last four coming by way of TKO, Love making his return to the stage is sure to excite fans, and the always exciting Caleb Plant will definitely put on show. This is what boxing is about, bringing together some of the most exciting talents on one stage.”
After delivering a highlight reel knockout of Rogelio Medina in May, Benavidez has now racked up a perfect 18 wins in 18 starts at just 20-years-old. The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and continued with four more in 2016 including blasting out previously unbeaten Francy Ntetu in June and tough contender Denis Douglin in August. Most recently, Benavidez began his 2017 campaign with a second-round destruction of Sherali Mamajonov in January. The Phoenix-native will look to make history in the 168-pound division onSeptember 8.
Born in Romania, Gavril won a 165 amateur fights and trained with the National Team before turning pro in 2011 and eventually moving to Las Vegas to train at the Mayweather Boxing Club. The 31-year-old won his first 11 pro fights before dropping a narrow contest to veteran Elvin Ayala. Gavril bounced back emphatically with seven straight victories including then unbeaten Oscar Riojas and once-beaten Christopher Brooker. He scored a third-round stoppage of Decarlo Perez in April ahead of his first world title opportunity.
A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 29-year-old Love bounced back from his lone defeat with three victories 2015 before stopping Michael Gbenga and Dashon Johnson in 2016. The Inkster, Mich., native earned wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon on his way to contender status and will look for another victory to put him in world title contention.
Han is a former champion kickboxer and third degree black Blackbelt who hails from El Paso, Texas and enters this fight the winner of his last three contests, including a first round stoppage in March of this year. A winner of his first 19 pro bouts, the 32-year-old owns a victory over Marcos Reyes in addition to narrow losses to former champion Sergio Mora and former title challenger Fernando Guerrero.
A 2011 National Golden Gloves champion, Plant has begun to make his name in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2014. After picking up six victories in 2015, Plant continued his success with stoppages of Adasat Rodriguez and Carlos Galvan before going 10 rounds for the first time in a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel in August 2016. The 25-year-old from Nashville began training in Las Vegas this year and picked up a victory over Thomas Awimbono in February.
Fighting out of Sonora, Mexico, the 25-year-old Campa enters this contest the winner of three of his last four contests, including a victory over then once-beaten Paul Valenzuela Jr. last April. Campa has fought professionally since 2010 and won his first nine fights while also battling top contenders Sergey Derevyanchenko and Jesse Hart.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions
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CALEB PLANT MAKES IMPACT SPEECH TO AT-RISK YOUTHS AT SPRING MOUNTAIN IN LAS VEGAS

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Photo by Mario Serrano – Team Plant
LAS VEGAS, NV (April 17, 2017) – This past Saturday, undefeated super-middleweight contender, Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (15-0, 10 KOs), made an impact while doing a speaking engagement to at-risk teens at the Spring Mountain Youth Camp (SMYC) in Las Vegas.  Caleb spoke to the youth about a variety of subjects but mostly about staying focused on their goals.
“I really wanted to come talk with these kids instead of at them,” said Caleb Plant. “The kids were very well mannered and they asked a lot of questions.  I was honest with them and I believe I made a positive impact on the entire group.  They have a boxing program up there and I was able to give a few pointers to some of the kids.  It was a very uplifting experience for me and I’m grateful to the Spring Mountain youth leaders for inviting me.”
About Spring Mountain Youth Camp: (SMYC) is a staff-secure correctional facility, housing male youth between the ages of 12 and 18. This division provides for the therapeutic, educational, social, medical and recreational needs of approximately 240 young men each year.  SMYC is located at Angels Peak in the Mt. Charleston National Forest Area.  It sits at an elevation of 8,470 feet and has a capacity of 100 youth.
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Caleb Plant Wins Unanimous Decision Over Thomas Awimbono In Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 And FOX Deportes

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Tugstsogt Nyambayar Wins by 10th Round TKO Over Jhon Gemino
 
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(Photos Will Be Available Shortly)
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (February 25, 2017) – Undefeated rising prospect Caleb Plant (15-0, 10 KOs) scored a unanimous decision (100-89, 100-89, 99-90) victory over an experienced Thomas Awimbono (25-7-1, 21 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL.
In the televised opener, Tugstsogt Nyambayar (8-0, 7 KOs) emerged victorious with a hard-fought 10thround technical knockout over Jhon Gemino (15-8-1, 7 KOs).
Here is what the fighters had to say following their bouts:
CALEB PLANT
“Tonight was about staying controlled. I didn’t want to go out there and force anything. I just wanted to relax and settle in behind my jab, use my faints, and just take the shots that were there for me.
“I’m hoping that a win like this opens up some doors for me. The 168 lbs division is in my back pocket. I’m just taking it one fight at a time and we’ll reach our goal.
“Going the distance to get a win over an experienced fighter like Awimbono shows a lot about my potential. He’s been in there with some great fighters, but I fought my fight and got the win.
“I dropped him early with a flurry, but it’s hard against a guy who didn’t want to engage. You’ve got to take what they give you. Otherwise I risk going in too aggressive and getting caught off guard, which I can’t allow. I have to remain patient and find my spots.
“I’m hoping for bigger fights every time. We don’t want any soft touches. I’ve been trying to get fights with some top prospects, guys with some minor titles, but they won’t take the fight. I can’t let that bother me though, because I know I’m a high risk for these guys. It might be early in my career, but I can make the adjustments and do it all.”
TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR
“It meant a lot to get a win like that against a rugged fighter on short notice.
“We were looking for a knockout much earlier, but Gemino was really tough tonight. He showed a lot of heart, but thankfully we got the win.
“Even though this was a heavier weight than I’m used to fighting at, I had no problem handling his size.
“Fighting on a card like this on FS1 and FOX Deportes means the world to me. This was a big opportunity to showcase my skills.
“I want anyone they put in front of me next. I’ll face whoever.”
JHON GEMINO
“I’m not trying to make excuses, but we took this fight on very short notice. I’m very frustrated with my performance tonight.
“I’ll do everything I can to get another fight in the U.S. and I promise to always give it my all. I hope the fans enjoyed our fight tonight.
“I’m willing to fight anyone, I just wish I had more time to prepare for Nyambayar.”
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The card was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com, http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andfoxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.
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Deontay Wilder Scores Sensational Fifth Round KO Over Gerald Washington To Retain Heavyweight World Title

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Jarrett Hurd Defeats Tony Harrison By Ninth Round KO To
Secure IBF Junior Middleweight Title
 
Dominic Breazeale Stops Izuagbe Ugonoh In Action-Packed
Brawl To Win by Fifth Round KO
 
Click HERE for Photos from Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos Will Be Available Shortly)
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (February 25, 2017) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) knocked out Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (18-1-1, 12 KOs) in the fifth round of the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL.
In front of a crowd of 12,346 fans, Wilder was able to give his home state crowd another scintillating victory. Although Washington stole some of the early rounds, Wilder’s patience paid off as he was able to find his pace and finish Washington in the fifth frame.
In the blistering televised opener, Dominic Breazeale (18-1, 16 KOs) stopped previously unbeaten Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-1, 14 KOs). Ugonoh controlled the fight early landing heavy blows to both Breazeale’s body and head, but Breazeale was able to compose himself and stormed back to knock out Ugonoh in impressive fashion.
The co-main event featured Jarrett Hurd (20-0, 14 KOs) knocking out Tony Harrison (24-2, 20 KOs) in the ninth round of their contest.
Here is what the fighters had to say following their bouts:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I knew he was going to come in excited to fight for a world title. I just kept calm and found my rhythm. I really knew he was going to tire out, and when he did I took advantage.
“It was all about timing. I’m very smart when it comes to using different tactics in the ring.
“Fighting here in Alabama is a blessing. The people here show up to support me and I love them for it. I’m always going to support and be here for my Alabama family. To see the crowd’s response tonight meant a lot to me.
“As I’ve been saying, I’m looking to unify the division. I think it’s critical to have one fighter and one champion, and that’s Deontay Wilder. Let’s hope Joseph Parker is ready for me because I’m definitely ready for him.”
GERALD WASHINGTON
“I just got a little impatient. I was trying to go for it. It was an even boxing match. I could have kept it like that and kept it boring. I don’t know why I fell asleep there. I guess I lost a little focus.
“I caught him with one shot when he was coming in. But instead of me keeping that play going and keep pushing him back and keep him in control by keeping him in the center of the ring, I tried to get on him. I was trying to play a little counter punch role and catch him coming in. He just caught me.
“It’s just an experience. You have to follow the game plan and stay focused, stay patient. You may not get all the shots you want in the beginning, but you have to play the game all the way out and then things will start to happen.”
JARRETT HURD
“We wanted to take our time with him because Harrison can box and move. But every time he fights he wears down toward the end.
“During the sixth round, he caught me with a good shot inside my left eye. But I managed to fight through it and get the win.
“It feels great to be a champion. I’ve never had a feeling this great before. It’s pure Accokeek power. I can finally pull my pants up now. My pants were falling down, but I finally got my belt.”
 
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“It took a little time for me to find my pace, but eventually I found my Rhythm. Izu came in in great shape and with guns blazing. He came at me with some stuff that I wasn’t expecting. Him being the lighter guy I wasn’t really expecting the power he possessed.
“I was able to connect some big shots tonight, especially with my right hand. You see what happens when I put him down and he never really recovered.
“Coming off the loss to Joshua, this win puts me right back in there. This is what I’ve always asked for. My team does an incredible job of getting me any fight I ask for, and I wanted to fight an undefeated guy like Izu. He’s a big, strong, athletic guy.
“Tonight, the story was about me having the heart of a lion, getting knocked down, but getting right back up to finish this fight.”
IZUAGBE UGONOH
“I expected that I was going to knock him out. I believed I would accomplish that, but he didn’t surprise me with anything. I was landing some good shots to both his body and his face.
“Breazeale showed a lot of heart though, and I think that his experience really helped him. I think a fight like Anthony Joshua really helped him realize that he could take anything and win the fight. He did that tonight.
“Honestly, I just got tired. I gave him what I had and then I got tired. When he came back at me I wasn’t able to keep up and finish through on my game plan.
“The plan was to really use my double jab, and I’m not making any excuses. This is the fight game. This was a great opportunity for me, a big step up, and I was hoping to get it done. I didn’t, but that is part of sports. I’m not used to losing, but that time came today. I’m still a dangerous man to fight.”
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The card was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com, http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andfoxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Deontay Wilder vs. Gerald Washington PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Heavyweight World Title Showdown Headlines Action Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
 
Click HERE for Photos from Jennifer Hagler/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (February 23, 2017) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten Gerald Washington went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their primetime showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes thisSaturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
Also in attendance and featured in televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd, who battle for a vacant junior middleweight world title, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh, who meet in a 10-round heavyweight battle.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.
Additional action on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super middleweight Caleb Plant, who was in attendance at Thursday’s event.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“My time off has allowed me to get a better relationship with my left hand. There are so many different ways to throw a jab that I didn’t think I could do. Working with one arm allowed me to be exposed to a lot of new things. It’s going to be a different Deontay Wilder in the ring.
“It’s been a journey for me. I know there’s a purpose to all of it and there’s a reason why I’m here and why I’m the champ. Everything has manifested my way.
“This is a fantastic card on Saturday night and I know these other guys can’t wait to get into the ring.
“Saturday night is going to be an electric fight. I love my state and I love being able to come back to Alabama. Home is where my heart is. It feels good to continue to give back.
“I’m overwhelmed. I’m so ready for this fight. Everyone has a story to tell. Everything that has happened with my opponents is in the past. I’m in love with this sport. I have a goal to reach in this sport and I will reach it.
“I always put myself in the position of my opponents and think about if that was me. That’s why I have so much passion for this sport and I give it my all. I don’t want to end up like my opponents. I don’t want to see what those lights looks like from the bottom.
“I want people to look back on my legacy and see that it was a long journey. I’ve paved the way for my city and my state. I’ve laid the bread crumbs and now people can follow.
“When my first opponent dropped out, the first name that came to my mind was Gerald Washington. I appreciate the way he conducted himself. Every time I saw him, he always shook my hand and told me he was ready.
“I know Gerald is excited. I was too. I know what it’s like to be able to fight for one of the most prestigious belts in the world. But, it’s my belt. I’m still enjoying it. Even though I’m heavyweight champion of the world, I’m still humble. I keep the belt in its case, until it’s time for me to fight again. I’m not satisfied. There is still more to attain.”
GERALD WASHINGTON
“I’ve had an incredible run to get me hear. I’m thankful to Deontay for picking me for this fight. He could have chosen a lot of opponents, but he picked me and I’m grateful for that.
“This is a dream come true. I started boxing as a kid but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I’ve had a long road, but now I’m here fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world. This just means so much to me.
“My trainer John Pullman and I started working together and we’ve gotten through every obstacle. It’s hard work but we put in the work together and now we’re here. That’s what life is all about. You have to take risks and when it’s time, it’s time to handle your business. It’s my time and I’m ready.
“I’m so happy to be able to do what I love. I’m going up against Deontay Wilder, the Bronze Bomber, in his backyard. You can’t take away what he’s accomplished. But I’m here to handle my business.
“I try to live as a champion and now it’s my opportunity to be a champion. I’m going to grab this opportunity and take it.”
TONY HARRISON
“As a competitor, I was already excited about the fight when they called me about fighting Hurd. I said yes immediately. Jarett Hurd’s name is mentioned every time you mention the 154-pound division. I started this off wanting to be the best and to do that, I have to beat the best.
“It was a fight for me that I jumped on immediately. When I got the call that it was going to be a title fight, I knew that this was going to be a legacy fight.
“I think we have mutual respect heading into this fight. He respects me just as much as I respect him. But Saturday night, I’m looking to gain my respect as a fighter. For both of us, I think a lot of questions have been raised about who we’ve fought. These questions are answered on Saturday night.
“This is a fight where you have to respect both fighters. The city of Detroit is coming out to see me bring this world title home and I’m sure Maryland is expecting the same from Hurd. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.
“From the time that I started at six-years-old, this day has been the pot at the end of the rainbow. I’m fighting a great fighter for a great belt in a great weight class.
“I just have to go out there and take it one round at a time. I believe that I have too much in the arsenal. I can’t get too excited, even if I see an opening to stop the fight, I’m going to do it the smart way. I’m in shape to go 12 rounds but if I see my opportunity, I’m going to take it.
“I’m looking to continue the legacy. It’s going to be an amazing fight. I love Deontay, but I’m looking to steal the show. This is the best division in boxing. I’m coming out hard and I know my opponent is too. We’re both ready to lay it all on the line for this world title.”
JARRETT HURD
“We were excited when we first got the fight with Tony Harrison and we were even more excited when we found out it would be for a world title. This is every champion’s dream and I get a big opportunity on a big network. Everyone gets to see who Jarrett Hurd is.
“This means everything. Staying undefeated is something that opens a lot of doors for you. I’m in quality fights so I’m doing something well. I have another great opponent in front of me, but on February 25 I will be a world champion.
“We had a really good long training camp. I didn’t need to do anything too drastic to make weight. I’m a big fighter for this division but I’ve never had a problem with weight. I can’t wait to get in the ring.
“My father was born in Birmingham, Alabama so to be able to have my world title shot here is exciting for my whole family. This is a big fight for me. I’ve trained hard and I’m prepared for it.
“I want this fight to answer a lot of questions. Some people say I’m not the fastest or that I don’t have enough defense. I want to be an undefeated fighter but I also want to build a legacy. I want to be on the platform with the best. I think this fight will give me that credibility.
“The jab is going to be really important. Tony Harrison has a really nice jab and the winner of the jab battle is going to be victorious. My jab and taking away his jab is going to win the fight for me.”
 
“My time is here. There will be a new 154-pound champion on Saturday night. My pants are falling down and I need my belt!”
 
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“It’s great to be back on this stage. I’m ready to come back and show my boxing skills. Deontay and Gerald are going to put on a great show and I’m excited to be a part of it.
“My opponent is definitely an unknown character. We prepared for everything to get ready for a guy that will move a lot. It’s big for him to be fighting on a big card like this for his first U.S. fight. I’m glad he took the fight.
“I just need to be a pressure fighter. I’ve been down and gotten up. I’ve been in there with the best. I can’t let him get comfortable. I’m going to bring him a kind of fight he’s never seen before.
“I’ve been training hard with Manny Robles and we’ve done some phenomenal things over the last 10 weeks. I’ve been on the big stage and I’m ready to do it again. I feel good and I’m prepared put on a show.”
IZUAGBE UGONOH
“I’ve been training in Las Vegas for three years and I’m very excited to make my U.S. debut Saturdaynight. It’s a great opportunity and I’m glad to get a big fight straight away against a good former title challenger who is also an Olympian. I couldn’t have wished for anything better than this.
“I’ve watched a lot of Dominic’s fights, even before I knew I was going to fight him. We know what he’s good at and we know where he makes mistakes. All my training partners were taller than me, so I’m comfortable fighting against big guys.
“For me, this is everything. If you’re a fighter and you train hard to be a champion, then this is the stage you want to reach. When you get here, the question is, are you comfortable with it? I’ve always believed that this is where I belong and now I have the opportunity. Now I just want to have fun and do what I do best.
“I think this is going to be a very explosive fight. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. I prepared for a better Dominic Breazeale than who fought Joshua. I think it’s going to be a beautiful night.
“My road has been very rocky. I’ve fought all over the world, but everything happens for a reason and happens at the right time. The time is now for me.”
CALEB PLANT
“I’ve had a great camp. I know everyone says that, but this really has been my most productive camp. I’ve had great sparring since I moved to Las Vegas. It’s going to be fireworks on Saturday.
“I know my opponent has been in there with some tough guys. He’s never been stopped. That’s what we want. Soft touches won’t get me to where I’m headed. This is my closest fight to my hometown of Nashville since I turned pro so I’m expecting a lot of support.
“I’m not here to take the easy road. It’s my time now. This is a great opportunity and I think it’s going to be a great fight. I’m excited to get in the ring.
“Coming from where I came from, all of this is surreal. My hard work got me here. I’m blessed to be here and I feel like I deserve it.
“Everything went so smoothly during camp and now it’s time to put it together in the ring. I’ve always been able to show out when the pressure’s on.
“I’m looking to win and win in impressive fashion. I’m going to have a strong defense but I’ll have to put the heat on him. This is the kind of pressure I love.
“I want big fights. I’m focused on getting myself better every day. I have a great team around me and I feel like I can beat anybody.”
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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 fight is 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, the show will be simulcast on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andfoxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

FOUR-TIME WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP EVANDER HOLYFIELD JOINS FOX SPORTS BROADCAST TEAM FOR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT SATURDAY

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Featherweight World Champion Abner Mares Also Serves as Analyst with Holyfield, Brian Kenny and Virgil Hunter
 
FOX Sports and NextVR Broadcast PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: WILDER VS. WASHINGTON Live in Virtual Reality
Los Angeles – FOX Sports announces that four-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and current featherweight world champion Abner Mares join the FOX Sports broadcast team as analysts for PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: WILDER VS. WASHINGTON live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Feb. 25 (8:00 PM ET), from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Ala. In addition, FOX Sports and industry leader NextVR team to deliver the two-hour show in virtual reality.
Holyfield makes a special appearance as a guest analyst with the broadcast team of blow-by-blow announcer Brian Kenny, fellow analyst and long-time boxing trainer Virgil Hunter, Mares and reporter Kristine Leahy, during the exciting heavyweight bouts. The main event features the title fight between WBC world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) and unbeaten heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (18-0-1, 12 KOs), as well as the 10-round clash between hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale (17-1, 15 KOs) and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-0, 14 KOs).
Holyfield reigned as both the undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion in a career that spanned more than three decades from 1984 to 2011. He successfully defended the undisputed heavyweight championship three times.
Holyfield and Wilder share a connection. Both were born in Alabama – Holyfield in Atmore and Wilder in Tuscaloosa, where he still resides. Holyfield has followed Wilder’s career since the 31-year-old champion was a member of the U.S. boxing Olympic team and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.
There is another Olympic connection between Holyfield and Ugonoh’s trainer, Kevin Barry. Holyfield and Barry met in the semifinals of a light heavyweight bout at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The match was marred by controversy after Holyfield was disqualified in the second round for hitting Barry on the break. Because of the disqualification, Holyfield won the bronze medal for the U.S. team in the 1984 LA Games.
The fourth installment of PBC on FOX features the two heavyweight bouts, as well as a junior middleweight title fight. Once-beaten Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and undefeated Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs) battle in a 12-round affair for a vacant 154-pound world championship.
Working with NextVR, the two-hour PBC on FOX show is also broadcast live in virtual reality. For the second year in a row, multiple cameras set up around the ring capture the action in immersive, high-definition virtual reality, providing fans with the best seat in the house. The PBC on FOX boxing experience is available for free through the NextVR app. Fans with a Google Daydream or Samsung Gear VR headset, along with a compatible smartphone, can access the virtual reality experience by downloading the NextVR app from the Oculus or Google Play Stores.
Once the fights are done on FOX, the boxing continues for two more hours on FS1 & FOX Deportes, with Kenny calling the action with analysts Mares and Hunter. That show is headlined by unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (14-0, 10 KOs) against Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono (25-6-1, 21 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
On FOX Deportes, former featherweight world champion and 2000 Mexican Olympic team member Daniel Ponce de Leon joins blow-by-blow announcer Ricardo Celis to call the action in Spanish.
FOX Sports also presents PBC’s exciting Tuesday night series TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes. Follow on twitter at: @holyfield, @MrBrianKenny, @virgilhunter7, @abnermares, @KristineLeahy, @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is 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, fights are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
-FOX SPORTS –