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Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording

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Leonard Ellerbe
Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining our call today. We’re very excited. What a great card we have come April the 7th from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In the main event, we have Erislandy Lara versus Jarrett Hurd in an outstanding unification fight which will determine supremacy at the 154-weight class.
In the co-main event, we have a great rematch of a fight that saw Caleb Truax wrestle the IBF Super Middleweight Championship away from James DeGale. That’s going to be a terrific fight also.
In the opening bout, we have Julian Williams taking on Nathaniel Gallimore in what will be a very, very entertaining fight as an IBF Junior Middleweight Elimination Bout.
Our card is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions. Tickets are still on sale at AXS.com and it starts as cheap as $50. Again, this will be a terrific card led by none other than – I’m going to introduce the man who’s totally responsible for putting all this together, none other than Stephen Espinoza.
Stephen Espinoza
Thanks, Leonard. Well, the hits keep coming here at SHOWTIME, coming off of a huge March schedule highlighted by the two big time heavyweight title fights. April on SHOWTIME will feature two stellar cards from Mayweather Promotions.
The first on April 7 is a high-quality tripleheader, three competitively matched fights with world title implications and our main event, Lara versus Hurd, a unification fight, featuring two of the top three consensus in the world at 154 pounds. Sort of the natural evolution of what has been an unofficial super welterweight tournament over the last year, year and a half on SHOWTIME.
In 2017, SHOWTIME televised eight matchups featuring all of the top five ranked super welterweight champions and challengers in that unofficial tournament. Now we get the natural results of that, a unification fight which happens to be only the sixth unification fight in the history of the 154-pound division.
Erislandy Lara, he’s the WBA champ, the longest reigning champion at 154 pounds. He won the WBA title on SHOWTIME in 2014 and he’s now making his sixth defense. With a record of 25-2-2, he could easily make the case that he could be undefeated certainly. The loss to Paul Williams was very controversial and a very close split decision loss to Canelo. So we very well could have an undefeated fighter.
Jarrett Hurd is the IBF champion. He made the first defense of his title on SHOWTIME in October. He has scored seven consecutive KOs as his level of bout position has dramatically increased and, in fact, he really has burst on the scene lately. His first televised fight was on SHOBOX in 2015, a KO of Frank Galarza, and he’s been on a roll ever since.
This fight, this main event, Lara versus Hurd, is one of five matchups of top five contenders, top five ranked fighters, on the SHOWTIME schedule just in the first half of this year. So we look forward to a great fight, a great card on April 7th.
L. Ellerbe
Thank you, Stephen. I would like to introduce the IBF world champion. What an outstanding young fighter. He’s from my hometown. He lives and trains out of Accokeek, Maryland. Always in exciting fights and we expect nothing different come April the 7th. He’s undefeated with a record of 21-0, with 15 KOs. He’s coming off of career-defining TKO victory over Austin Trout. Ladies and gentlemen, the IBF Junior Middleweight Champion, “Swift” Jarrett Hurd.
Jarrett Hurd
Training is going well. We’re getting prepared. This is a fight that I wanted just as bad as any and I’m glad we can make it happen. I just can’t wait to put on a show.
L. Ellerbe
Great. Okay. Next up, we have Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara with a record of 25 and 2 with 14 KOs. And again, as Stephen mentioned earlier, Lara is the longest reigning champion at 154. A tremendous boxer, real slick, real smooth. He’s been in there with all the top guys in the weight class and again, he’ll be looking to put on another great performance come April the 7th. So, ladies and gentlemen, Erislandy Lara.
Erislandy Lara
First I want to thank everyone on the call. Most importantly, I’d like to thank SHOWTIME for putting on a great fight, thank Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and my whole team. Come April 7, I’ll be ready to fight and ready to put on a show.
Q
For Stephen, I’m just wondering if you could give your thought process as to what made you decide to make a matchup between Erislandy Lara and Hurd as opposed to either of those guys against Charlo.
S. Espinoza
I think it was really the style matchup. When we sat down and looked at them, they’re three exciting fighters, three great champions, but the matchup that was really intriguing because of the styles was Lara versus Hurd.
Erislandy has never shied away from any challenge. Jarrett was very vocal about wanting to unify. And the combination of their styles, where they are in their careers, it seemed like an intriguing matchup.
Q
Do you believe that the winner of the fight would then look to fight Charlo?
S. Espinoza
Absolutely. And Jermell is game. He’s on board. He’s on board for it. He was recently on SHOWTIME and he indicated he wants the winner. He wants the winner next.
Q
Jarrett, what was it about this matchup that made you want it more?
J. Hurd
Well, I knew both fights will eventually happen. But I feel like the fight with Erislandy Lara will give me more credibility and will put me in position at number one. I wanted to be top guy in my division and now I feel like I am the top guy in my division.
This fight, I want it over the fight with Jermell Charlo, even though the fight with Jermell Charlo is more anticipated and people want – maybe because of our styles, but I wanted this fight because I feel like it will put me to better position in the 154 division.
Q
Do you feel like at 27 years old you’re now in your prime and that basically whether it’s Erislandy Lara, or anybody else in the weight class that Jarrett Hurd’s punching power can take care of them?
J. Hurd
I feel like my power – I have the power that’s deceptive and it doesn’t look as hard on TV or while you’re in there until you feel it. It’s a total different story.
I feel like my power can stop anyone, put anyone down. But on April 7th, the knockout streak, I’ll stop another guy and I plan on continuing to keep doing.
Q
Are you ready for a much different kind of style in an experienced fighter like Lara? How do you deal with that kind of skill?
J. Hurd
Lara, he’s been the longest reigning champion at 154. I’ve been fighting at 154 all my life, so we’ve been watching him since I turned professional and the style Lara presents we’ve been training for this long before this training camp. He’s a great champion but Lara has always been on top and we always study and the game plan we got is perfect and this is why we wanted the fight. It’s no secret how badly I wanted this fight.
Of course, I’m not going to stay in there and try to box with Lara because Lara is an expert on what he does. Lara is not going to stand there toe-to-toe with me because of my size, inside game and my power. So it’s going to be a cat and mouse game and I just can’t wait to show you guys that outcome.
Q
I wonder if Lara could give me his perspective on where he thinks Jarrett Hurd falls in the weight class and whether or not he feels like he is going to have to outbox him or maybe he can mix it up with him a bit.
E. Lara
I’m ready to go for April 7th. Jarrett Hurd, as everyone knows, he’s a big, strong fighter, but pretty basic. He can try to fight, kind of like a Mexican strong style and those are styles that I’d like to fight.
So come April 7th, we hope he’s prepared. I’m prepared and want to put on a great fight for the fans and for the writers and for everyone else.
Q
Was this a fight that Erislandy wanted or would he have preferred a Charlo unification?
E. Lara
As everyone knows, I was the one who wanted this fight. He won his title in February, I wanted to fight him in October and his team said he wasn’t ready to fight me in October. They wanted him to be prepared to fight another southpaw and prepare for me.
So, as the pressure mounted, Jarrett Hurd decided just to fight. So I’m happy he stepped up to the plate but as everyone knows, I want his belt and I want the other belts in this division as well.
Q
Jarrett, how do you feel Erislandy compares to Trout in the sense of how much better he might be and how much of a step-up in competition it is for you?
J. Hurd
I feel like Lara has a little bit better foot movement than Trout. And one thing about Trout, he took chances in my fight. He stayed there with me. I don’t think Lara is going to take that many chances. He’s a very disciplined fighter.
So whatever works for him, he’s going to stick to exactly what he’s working for. He’s never going to change it no matter how hot on the scorecard he is or not, he’s going to stick to his game plan and I think he’s much more disciplined and a little sharper than Trout.
Q
How much do you feel that it helped you to fight Trout to get ready for this fight?
J. Hurd
It definitely helped me, not only to fight Trout, but just going to two training camps with southpaws. I only fought three southpaws in my career before Trout. So now I have a lot of experience with them. So going into this fight I wanted to kind of go into two or three camps before I face Lara and I think it helped me.
Q
Erislandy said that you fight like a Mexican. How much of a compliment do you take that as?
J. Hurd
Mexicans are fighters, man. I take it as a compliment. When you describe a Mexican fighter, you stay toe-to-toe and that’s what the fans like to see. Of course, that’s not my only style. Everyone sees I can switch it up with my fight with Frank Galarza back in Las Vegas and it all depends on what I have to bring out that night. I can do it all.
Q
Erislandy, what do you think of how Hurd fought in the Trout fight?
E. Lara
I watched the Trout fight in the locker room and as I was preparing for my fight, so I couldn’t watch that carefully but from what I saw in the fight, I thought Trout was winning the fight and as the fight wore on, obviously, Trout’s legs weren’t there and he hadn’t fought in 17 months and he’s also a fighter who’s on the back-end of his career, and had lost already several times.
But I thought Trout was actually doing a good job in the fight and, like I said, Hurd is a guy who likes to take it up a notch after six, seven rounds and I like to take it up a notch or two after six, seven rounds. So, this is going to be a great fight. And come April 7, I’m just ready to rumble.
Q
Based on what you just said, do you feel that maybe too much has been made of the Trout win?
E. Lara
People are going to have their take on the Trout fight but, there is no fighter at 154 or 160 or anywhere around this weight division that has my style and my boxing ability and my smarts, and that’s the reason I’ve made it this far.
Trout was out 17 months. He is an older guy. He’s been defeated several times and he is a former world champ but he’s also had a loser mentality.
It’s a lot different when you’re fighting a winner and you’re fighting the guy who also dominated Trout and put him on the deck and let him off the hook in the 12th. It’s an exciting fight and we’re excited to put on a great fight.
Q
How important is it for you, if you’re able to beat Jarrett Hurd, that you go and fight Jermell Charlo and you in effect clean out the 154-pound division?
E. Lara
I said it before and I’m going to say it again. I’m going to clean out the division and that has been my plan from the beginning and I’m going to stick to my plan. I don’t care who the champions are. I don’t care what their names are or where they’re from. I’m going to clean up the division and it starts April 7.
Q
Do you view Hurd as a tougher fight than Charlo or vice versa?
E. Lara
I don’t look at them any different. They’re both to me kind of the same fighter. They both come up to the ring with a purpose and they’re trying to win. But at the end of the day, I’m the best fighter in this division. It’s been proven over years. So whether it was Hurd first, Charlo first, it didn’t matter. I’m just ready to rumble.
L. Ellerbe
I would also like to touch on that. With all due respect to Trout, Jarrett Hurd ain’t Austin Trout. I mean, this kid is the real deal. I try to look back in the history of this particular division and I can’t think of a fighter who was as big and physical and applies the kind of pressure — especially mental pressure — that he puts on guys in a very, very long time. This is going to be a tremendous fight, an excellent matchup, contrasting styles and I’m really, really excited to see this bout.
Q
You said before in the past that you start off slow in your fights on purpose even to the point of taking a blow or two from your opponent. What’s your thinking behind strategy like that?
J. Hurd
I’m just feeling my opponent out. You don’t want to go out there and not know what he’s capable of. So you just don’t want to go out there and take that many chances without seeing what the guy’s got. So, I just use the first round to see what he has and take it from there, make the adjustments.
Q
Do you think people recognize your size and your power? Do they underestimate your ability to fight inside?
J. Hurd
A hundred percent. I don’t think now, but I think they did before. Me being a taller, longer, rangier guy they expect me to be on the outside and I know I surprised a lot of people when I start to fight inside, that close. I watched a lot of James Toney. So that’s where I kind of get it from.
Q
Stephen, you said this fight was chosen and put together based on the styles of these fighters. Is it that you recognized the last four opponents that Hurd’s faced were two orthodox fighters and also two southpaw fighters that he put on a great performance against?
S. Espinoza
Well, it was more looking for an entertaining fight. It’s sort of the classic matador-and-bull type of fight. You’ve got a really aggressive hard-punching, young, strong champion and you’ve got, another champion who’s known as one of the most skilled fighters in any division. So it’s sort of the unstoppable force immovable object coming together; which style is going to win out?
So it really wasn’t as much looking at past opponents as it was, what might be the most exciting fight. And not to say that Jermell isn’t an exciting fighter, too, because, that is definitely something that’s very, very possible in the near future.
So it was just, which one could come first, which one would come next, and I think the clash of styles is what attracted us to this matchup first.
L. Ellerbe
Sometimes when people referred to Lara, they just mostly speak about his boxing skill. But Lara can also crack, too. So those out there who sleep on Lara’s power are sadly mistaken. I’ve sat ringside, first row a couple of his fights and especially the Canelo fight and I’ve seen firsthand what his power looks like. And if anybody’s sleeping on his power, they are sadly mistaken.
Q
Jarrett do you think those recent fights are the fights that prepared you going into this fight against Lara?
J. Hurd
Yes, I feel more though that my career period has prepared me for this fight. I didn’t come up the easy route. So I didn’t have a big amateur career. A lot of people didn’t want to give me a chance. I had to go out there and take them. My performances I put on when I got the opportunity each and every time on TV, I went out there and did what I was supposed to.
So, I feel like just my career, period, and all I’ve been through prepared me for this fight, not just those fights on TV, but those little fights.
Q
You say that you want to go ahead and walk opponents down and try to get rid of them, put the more pressure on. Is that the case?
Jarrett Hurd:
It depends. Like during the Austin Trout fight. He did lack a little power, so I was willing to take some to get some in. I was willing to take some chances but, it all depends on, like you said, if they all lack a little power. Are you willing to take those chances?
Like my fight with Oscar Molina, he can crack a little more than Tony Harrison, so I was kind of a little more head movement and little less willing to go into there without being cautious.
It all depends. But like I said man it’s crazy because people define me by my last two fights as that’s my style. I was the guy that always was the kind of puncher and fought from his back foot until guys started to compare me and look at my size. I didn’t even realize I was that big of a fighter until I got on the stage with some of these guys. So my last two fights are the only fights that I have fought that way in my career, coming forward and then pressure, because I knew eventually I would have to come into a fight with a guy like Lara. We’ve been working on it, but I could switch it up. I can do whatever. It all depends on my opponent that night and y’all just going to have to wait and see.
Q
Erislandy, are there any concerns about him getting stronger as the fight goes on and also how he’s able to take punches from people and actually take their power?
E. Lara
I keep seeing people refer to his height or how big he is, but Williams was taller and bigger than him. Canelo was and is stronger than him, and they couldn’t deal with me.
So I’m not worried about what he has to bring today. I’m worried about what I have to do in that ring. I’m focused. I’m ready, and there’s no question in my mind I know I can knock him out. If he gets reckless, he’s going to get knocked down. And if not, then he’s going to get beat up.
He’s going to have to make that decision on April 7 whether he’s willing to go through the fire or if he’s just willing just to lose a decision. It’s up to him. He’s going to have to decide that on April 7.
Q
Do you think that those past fights have given you any kind of preparation or anything for this fight coming? Or do you feel that you’re totally different from when you fought Paul Williams and when you fought Canelo, physically?
E. Lara
I don’t look for one specific fight. I don’t look at last fight or the last four fights because my whole life, I’ve been preparing for this, since Cuba.
I didn’t have shoes until I was 5 years old. I was preparing for this. I was born to be a fighter. It was during my whole amateur career, 350 plus amateur fights, several world championships across the amateurs. Now my whole pro-career, I fought the top guys, I’ve beat the top guys, and that’s what’s prepared me for this fight and prepared me to fight whoever is available in the division.
So I’m ready to go and I’m ready to fight.
Q
Leonard, with Mayweather Promotions, are you guys planning to put more and more fights together, not just with your own fighters but working with SHOWTIME to put on just top-quality fights, period?
L. Ellerbe
We’re very excited to promote all these big events, working along with SHOWTIME and expect to see more of it in the next couple of months.
We’ve outlined our next few big events that we have and expect more of that in the fall of this year. All we’re looking to do is put on the biggest and best events and make them for the fans.
Q
What is Erislandy’s take on sometimes people not appreciating the sweet science and his boxing ability?
E. Lara
This is a sport. Boxing is hit and don’t get hit. That’s the way it was taught from the beginning of time. It’s a sweet science and all fights are different. Styles are different. Styles obviously make fights.
Some guys are willing to take more risk than others and that sometimes dictates the action in a fight. My main focus is to win every fight and win clearly. That’s my job.
Q
Erislandy are you the only fighter in the division that could put Jermell Charlo in his place?
E. Lara
One hundred percent yes. And from my experiences of hundreds of rounds of sparring, Jermell Charlo won’t fight Erislandy Lara next when we get done with Hurd. Only time will tell.
Q
Jarrett, do you see any weakness in Erislandy Lara?
J. Hurd
Well you all will have to see that on fight night. Not to give away too much of the game plan, but, like I said, Lara’s toughest fights are when guys put pressure on him. And that’s what we’re going to do.
Q
Leonard, you talked about Jarrett’s versatility and how you’ve done some research on this weight class and his size. But in your time, have you seen a guy with his relative inexperience to someone like Lara expressing the confidence that he has done and also just rising so quickly against quality opposition like this?
L. Ellerbe
No, I think it’s a tremendous asset. Confidence is everything in this sport. He has a strong belief in his skill set and his ability to go out there and get it done.
Obviously, this is the biggest and toughest challenge to date with Lara being a great champion who has fought on the big stage and has fought a number of great fighters. But again, those contrasting styles and Jarrett having the ability and the confidence to bring that to the table I think is going to make a big, big difference.
Because it’s one thing with sitting on the outside and watching guys fight on TV, but it’s a whole different ballgame when you got a light heavyweight walking you down and putting that kind of mental pressure on you. But Lara’s built for this kind of thing because he’s seen any and every kind of style out there.
So these are the reasons why I think it’s a great, great matchup because again, I think that Jarrett is going to bring out the best in Lara and I think vice-versa, Lara is going to bring the best out in Jarrett. Period.
When it comes to Lara, we’ve seen him on the big stage before. He’s a tremendous boxer. He’s actually, in my eyes, the best boxer that’s out there. Tremendous foot movement, head movement, coming from that great Cuban school of boxing, he’s a real deal.
But again, you got this young, tough, hungry lion that had the mindset that he doesn’t care what Lara has done in the past because Lara has never fought nobody like Jarrett Hurd, and vice-versa.
That’s what makes this an intriguing matchup. Come April 7, I expect this fight probably might end in a knockout.
Q
What is your assessment of Jarrett Hurd compared to the guys you faced in your career?
E. Lara
I don’t compare fighters. I look at him as a young, hungry kid who’s got desire. He wants to be great. He’s going to come forward and he’s going to come ready to fight. If he doesn’t come forward, then I’ll be ready to fight, too, however it plays out. But I’m ready for everything he brings to the table.
Q
When was the last time, Erislandy, that someone outright predicted that they were going to knock you out as he has done?
E. Lara
Every fighter wants to knock you out when you get in that ring. Paul Williams wanted to knock me out. Canelo, Vanes, plus he keeps mentioning how it’s going to be Angulo and this and that.
Well, Angulo connected on me twice, but don’t forget how that fight finished. I ended Angulo’s career. I ruined his career and I put him out of the top level of boxing.
If Jarrett Hurd thinks he’s going to come like that, I’m going to end his career too, at 27 years old. So come April 7, I’m hoping he puts that pressure so I could ruin his career for all the talking that he’s been doing.
Q
Jarrett? What did you think of what he just said?
J. Hurd
I mean, here’s the thing, we all know that Lara has the experience. He’s seen every style from right-handed to the southpaw. Anything you give him, he’s seen it all. But he has not experienced what I’m about to give him.
It’s not about the styles that you’ve seen; it’s about what you’re about to experience. So this is a whole different ballgame. You get in there to fight with Jarrett Hurd and you’ll see how that all ends.
I speak from the heart and I say what I feel. I’m not just out here talking just to talk. I’m putting in the work. Where my chance is going and where I see this fight playing out, there’s no way that Lara is going to come out of top.
Q
What makes you different from Angulo? And also, does it give you a little bit of an edge that he is a little bit older now than he was then?
J. Hurd
No, we never play that old card. You’ve seen Lara’s performances. He’s still in great shape. Age is not factor. I hate guys saying the same thing with Austin Trout. They say age is starting to show.
We’re not going to play the age card. We see that Lara is still a great fighter. He’s the longest reigning champion for a reason and age shouldn’t play a part.
As far as the past Angulo thing, nothing to take away from Angulo. He’s a great fighter, he’s done great things, but I’m much faster than Angulo, much sharp than Angulo, hit harder than Angulo and I’m a much bigger guy.
So physically, when I’m in there, on him in the ring, he’s going to feel it. He couldn’t take the pressure and the style from Angulo. He’s going to be in long night when he fights me.
L. Ellerbe
Okay. Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve heard from both fighters. Again, we have a tremendous lineup, great tripleheader live on SHOWTIME, April the 7th, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Lara versus Hurd, Truax versus DeGale, Julian Williams versus Nathaniel Gallimore. What a tremendous tripleheader, live on SHOWTIME.
We want to thank everyone for joining us on the call. Have a wonderful day.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Top Contenders Julian Williams & Nathaniel Gallimore Clash in 154-Pound Title Eliminator Saturday, April 7 Live on SHOWTIME® from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

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Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd 154-Pound Title Unification Headlines Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Caleb Truax & James DeGale Square-Off in 168-Pound World Title Rematch in Co-Main Event Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
 
 
LAS VEGAS (March 20, 2018) – Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore, two young, skilled contenders in the stacked 154-pound division, will clash in a 12-round world title eliminator on Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event will see Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, clash with undefeated champion Jarrett Hurd in a highly anticipated 154-pound world title unification bout. The three-fight telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features Caleb Truax making the first defense of his 168-pound title against James DeGale in a rematch of their exciting first bout in December.
Williams and Gallimore will look to put themselves into the mandatory position for the IBF Junior Middleweight World Title currently held by Hurd.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
The epitome of a Philadelphia fighter, Williams (24-1-1, 15 KOs) has won his last two fights after suffering the first loss of his career to Jermall Charlo in his first world title fight in 2016 on SHOWTIME. The 27-year-old Williams rebounded by stopping Joshua Conley last June before picking up a victory over former champion Ishe Smith in his most recent fight in November.
“This is going to be a really good fight on April 7,” said Williams “Gallimore has been talking a big game, but I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder, and I’ve been training like it. I think he’s going to bring out something different in me. He’s going to find out that there are different levels to this game. He’s a bit of a stalker in the ring and he’s been knocking people out. He thinks he’s a puncher, but he hasn’t really fought the level of competition that I have. I don’t care if he’s training with Buddy McGirt now, because no one can save him when he’s in that ring.”
The 29-year-old Gallimore (20-1-1, 17 KOs) has stayed active while rising up the ranks at 154-pounds and picking up four knockout victories in 2017. The Jamaican fighter, who now trains in California with Buddy McGirt, impressively stopped previously unbeaten Jeison Rosario and then once-beaten Justin DeLoach in two performances that announced his arrival as 154-pound contender.
“This is going to be my coming out year,” said Gallimore. “This is a huge opportunity to present my skills and my abilities to the world. There’s no mistaking why I’m here, and I’ll make a statement starting with ‘J-Pebbles’ Williams. I call him ‘J-Pebbles’ because he’s not a ‘J-Rock.’ He’s an average fighter. There’s nothing special about him. The best way he can prepare is to do chin pushups, because I’m going to test his chin and that’s the only thing that can protect him. I’m going to dismantle him piece-by-piece, round-by-round, and when that time comes to seek and destroy, I’m going to take him out. I’m the one they should be worried about.”
 
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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ERISLANDY LARA AND JARRETT HURD TO CLASH IN  154-POUND TITLE UNIFICATION LIVE ON SHOWTIME ONSATURDAY, APRIL 7 FROM THE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

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Caleb Truax and James DeGale To Battle in a 168-Pound World Title Rematch in the Co-Main Event of the
Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
Tickets on Sale Friday, March 16
LAS VEGAS (March 9, 2018) – Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, will clash with IBF champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd in a highly-anticipated super welterweight title unification live on SHOWTIME (10 pm ET/7 pm PT) as part of an exciting card presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, April 7 from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
In the co-main event, Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb Truax will make the first defense of his IBF title against James DeGale in a rematch of one of the biggest upsets of 2017 that saw Truax wrestle the belt from DeGale on his home turf in London last December.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, will go on sale Friday, March 16 and be available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
“This is an action-packed card from top to bottom. The televised card features boxers who all have something significant to gain with a victory,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The winner of Lara-Hurd will be one step closer to becoming the undisputed 154-pound world champion. In a rematch, Truax gets to re-affirm his position as champion and DeGale has a chance to regain his world championship status. This is the kind of show that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.”
“We take pride in promoting quality events that our audiences always want to see,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This card is going to be another line-up that the fans won’t want to miss. With Lara and Hurd looking to unify their titles and guys going head-to-head in rematches on the undercard, this is sure to be a night of non-stop action.
Lara vs. Hurd is a classic contrast in styles that could force each fighter to raise their game to another level. Lara is a crafty southpaw who relies on his superior boxing skills to confound opponents, while Hurd is a pure pressure boxer-puncher that stalks his opponents and isn’t easily frustrated.
Lara, a Cuban whose nickname is “The American Dream”, is coming off a unanimous decision victory on SHOWTIME over Terrell Gausha in October. Hurd was on the same card and defeated former champion Austin Trout when Trout’s corner stopped the fight in the 10th round. That paved the way for this unification showdown.
The 34-year-old Lara (25-2-2, 14 KOs), who lives and trains in Houston, Texas, won his world title with a TKO victory over Alfredo Angulo in 2013 and has successfully defended it seven times, which includes wins over Trout, Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan.
“I’m very excited and motivated for this fight and to once again be headlining on the best network in boxing on SHOWTIME, is truly a pleasure,” said Lara. “I look forward to adding another belt to my collection on April 7 and to proving that I’m the best 154-pound fighter out there. Everyone tune-in because you don’t want to miss this unification. It’s going to be a legendary night and one for the history books.”
The undefeated Hurd (21-0, 15 KOs) is coming off a career-defining TKO victory over the former champion Trout in his last fight on Oct. 14. It was the first defense of the title for the 27-year Hurd of Accokeek, Maryland, who won the championship with a TKO victory over Tony Harrison on Feb. 25, 2017.
“I plan on being the aggressor for the entire fight, so I’ve been doing some exercises and working on techniques to improve my foot work so that I can stay on top of Erislandy Lara,” said Hurd. “We are not trying to go to the scorecards, so hopefully, I can be the first man to stop him, which I hope to do in the later rounds.
“I called him out, and now, it has come to pass that I get to become a unified champion against the man everyone considers to be the best and most feared in the division, and that’s Erislandy Lara.”
They call 34-year-old Truax “Golden”, and he punched his ticket to world title gold while on a trip to London in December, when he defeated DeGale by majority decision. Truax (29-3-2, 18 KOs) of Osseo, Minnesota was on a two-fight win streak heading into the match against DeGale. Before that his only losses came against former champions Anthony Dirrell, Daniel Jacobs and Jermain Taylor.
“They made the right call on the decision in England, and I expect to be even more dominant this time around,” Truax said. “I am planning to really just beat up James Gale and get the job done in more efficient fashion this time.’
“Fighting in Las Vegas for the first time will be a very cool experience and I expect it to be friendlier than it was in London. There is a lot of pride on the line for me, being that I’m the first boxing world champion from Minnesota in a long time. So there is a lot on the line for me and I plan to keep that going, especially as a means for supporting my family.”
The 32-year-old DeGale (23-2-1, 14 KOs) was the first British boxer to win a Gold Medal in the Olympics (2008 Beijing Games) and a world championship as a professional. He won his world title with a unanimous decision over Andre Dirrell in 2015 and made two successful defenses before fighting to a draw against Badou Jack on Jan. 14, 2017. It was a brutal standoff between two world champions, but neither man had his hand raised in victory. DeGale, who was coming off of an injury, had his home town crowd behind him but couldn’t deliver a win as Truax scored a stunning upset with the majority decision victory.
‘I’m happy to have the opportunity to rematch Truax and regain my IBF title,” said DeGale. “I am not going to make excuses for my poor performance, actions speak louder than words. I am excited to be boxing in Vegas and on SHOWTIME again. The real JD will be back on fight night!”
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** SHOWTIME SPORTS® LIVE STREAM ALERT **

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James DeGale & Lee Selby World Championship Bouts To Be Streamed Live Exclusively To U.S. Audience This Saturday From London Via SHOWTIME Sports YouTube & Facebook

 

YouTube Link & Embed Code Below – Live Stream Begins At Approximately 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 p.m. PT

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports will live stream two world championship bouts as part of a four-bout card free to the U.S. audience on social media platforms this Saturday, December 9.  YouTube links and embed codes are below for media via the SHO Sports YouTube channel. 

 

Live coverage from Copper Box Arena in London, provided by BoxNation and BT Sport, will begin at approximately 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling and Richie Woodhall calling all the action.

 

IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (23-1-1, 14 KOs) will headline as he defends his title against former world title challenger Caleb Truax (28-3-2, 18 KOs) in DeGale’s first fight since a thrilling bout with Badou Jack in a 168-pound world championship unification match last January on SHOWTIME. 

 

In the streaming co-feature, IBF Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby (20-1, 9 KOs) will take on undefeated contender Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-3, 7 KOs), while undefeated light heavyweight Anthony Yarde (13-0, 12 KOs) will face former world title challenger Nikola Sjekloca (32-4-1, 11 KOs).  The opening fight of the live stream will feature the U.S. introduction to 20-year-old undefeated heavyweight Daniel Dubois (5-0, 5 KOs) as he takes on former Anthony Joshua foe Dorian Darch (12-5-1, 1 KOs).

 

YOUTUBE LINK

 SATURDAY’S FOUR-FIGHT CARD: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT (note: start time is approximate)

YouTube Link: http://s.sho.com/2AgHUVi

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SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO LIVE STREAM JAMES DEGALE & LEE SELBY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS SATURDAY DECEMBER 9 LIVE ON YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK EXCLUSIVELY TO THE U.S. AUDIENCE

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SHOWTIME Remains The Only Network To Offer Live Boxing On Social Platforms In The U.S.

 

Live Coverage From London Includes DeGale vs. Caleb Truax And Selby vs. Eduardo Ramirez, Plus 175-Pound Prospect Anthony Yarde And The U.S. Introduction To Unbeaten Heavyweight Daniel Dubois

 

NEW YORK – November 29, 2017 – SHOWTIME Sports will live stream a world-class boxing event – including two world championship bouts – free to the U.S. audience on social media platforms Saturday, December 9 to close out the network’s industry-leading 2017 boxing schedule.  The digital-only offering will be exclusive in the U.S. on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. 

 

IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (23-1-1, 14 KOs) will headline as he defends his title against former world title challenger Caleb Truax (28-3-2, 18 KOs) in DeGale’s first fight since a thrilling bout with Badou Jack in a 168-pound world championship unification match last January on SHOWTIME. 

 

In the streaming co-feature, IBF Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby (20-1, 9 KOs) will take on undefeated contender Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-3, 7 KOs), while undefeated light heavyweight Anthony Yarde (13-0, 12 KOs) will face former world title challenger Nikola Sjekloca (32-4-1, 11 KOs).  The opening fight of the live stream will feature the U.S. introduction to 20-year-old undefeated heavyweight Daniel Dubois (5-0, 5 KOs) as he takes on former Anthony Joshua foe Dorian Darch (12-5-1, 1 KOs).

 

Live coverage, provided by BoxNation and BT Sport, will begin at approximately 2:50 p.m. ET/11:50 a.m. PT with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling and Richie Woodhall calling all the action.

 

SHOWTIME is the only network to offer live streaming coverage of boxing on social media platforms in the U.S., having first done so in 2016 with the presentation of two heavyweight world championship bouts live on YouTube. 

 

In 2017, SHOWTIME was the first network to offer live boxing on Twitter with Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados (February 18).  SHOWTIME also live streamed two other boxing events in 2017: super middleweights George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov on May 27 and heavyweights Jarrell Miller vs. Gerald Washington on July 29. 

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google, Xbox One and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Sony PlayStation™ Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

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Andre Dirrell Wins Unanimous Decision over Blake Caparello in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Live from the Taj Mahal Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City

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Anthony Dirrell Scores First Round Knockout Over Caleb Truax
 
Jonathan Guzman Stops Daniel Rosas in Title Eliminator
 
Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 30, 2016) – Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) defeated Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-2-1, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-91 X 3) in a 10-round super middleweight attraction in the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike main event from the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
In a bout that started off with a lot of back and forth action, Caparello struck first with a left in the second round that sent Dirrell to the canvas.
“The knockdown I got in the second round felt good,” said Caparello. “I knew I had him hurt, but I wasn’t able to capitalize on it.”
Caparello again got Dirrell against the ropes and seemingly into a bit of trouble with a similar left in round three, but eventually Dirrell settled in and managed to gain control of the fight.
Dirrell said, “My focus, determination and my drive got me the win tonight. I know I’ve got more work to do, but I never stopped grinding in there tonight.”
Caparello continued to go to work and battle, but it was clear who the ring general was from the close of the third round and until the final bell rang.
Dirrell exclaimed, “I wanted to send the boxing world and this whole division a message. I’m coming for anyone with a belt. I’ll take on anyone who’s a champion. I know I’ll be a world champion. I have to be a champion. I don’t slow down for anyone. I’m going to keep pushing to get where I’m going.”
On his struggles in the later rounds, Caparello said, “I continued to look for the same left hand all night, it just didn’t come again. Andre has a lot of tricks, he is both good and fast. I am not happy with my performance.”
Dirrell concluded, “Tonight my brother and I were both able to display our talents in front of a national audience on Spike. Anthony is strong as an ox and got the win quickly tonight. I got the win on determination and heart. I had to use my toughness in this fight, and I pushed myself as hard as I could to get the win.”
In the second televised bout of the evening, former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (29-1-1, 23 KOs) met former world title challenger Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-3-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight affair.
The former 168-pound titleholder Dirrell got off to a quick start, scoring two knockdowns in the first round, causing referee Harvey Dock to stop the fight at just 1:49 into the first round.
Dirrell said of the dominating performance, “What helped me tonight was landing my shots early. I was right on top of him with combinations and controlling my jab and that set the tone. I showed tonight that I work hard in the gym, and it paid off. If I work like I did this time leading up to the fight, then I know nobody can beat me.”
A stunned Truax said, “Everything was great leading up to the fight. I don’t know what happened tonight. He just caught me early. I think it was an overhand right.”
Reflecting on what the victory means for his struggling hometown of Flint, MI, Dirrell said, “My work tonight inside the ring made a big statement for what my brother and I are doing outside of the ring. A lot of people were watching tonight, and now they know a little bit more about what’s going on with the Flint Water Crisis back home.”
The opening televised bout featured undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Guzman (21-0, 21 KOs) continuing his hot streak in a 12-round super bantamweight title eliminator against Mexico’s Daniel Rosas (20-3, 12 KOs).
Guzman, an unbeaten fighter out of the Dominican Republic and now training in Massachusetts, stabilized early and easily controlled the action in the second half of the fight.
Guzman said, “I used a lot of concentration early and let him make errors so I could see what he was planning to do. Once I saw the mistakes he was making I let my hands go.”
Rosas was stunned in the third round, but Guzman was unable to close on the wobbled fighter. In the fifth round, Guzman landed a left that knocked Rosas back and followed it with another, dropping Rosas just before the bell.
“I wanted to let him throw some punches early. It helped me gain confidence and learn his tendencies,” said Guzman. “I saw him dropping that right hand, and I knew it would open up the opportunity for me to land my left.”
Rounds six and seven saw Rosas take a pummeling, but miraculously stay on his feet. At the end of the eighth frame, Guzman dropped Rosas for a second time, and again Rosas was saved by the bell.
However, referee Benjy Esteves had seen enough and stopped the fight following the close of round eight.
When asked about the stoppage, Rosas said, “The ref stopped the fight. I thought the fight should have continued, but he decided to stop it.” Rosas continued, “(Guzman) knocked me down, but I kept on fighting. I was never hurt. Guzman is a strong fighter, but I felt I could have continued and come back in the rest of the rounds.”
 
# # #
 
The fight card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Andre Dirrell, Blake Caparello, Anthony Dirrell, Caleb Truax, Jonathan Guzman & Daniel Rosas Media Roundtable Quotes

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PBC on Spike Friday, April 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
From Taj Mahaj Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 28, 2016) – With just two days until they enter the ring, Premier Boxing Champions on Spike fighters participated in media roundtables Wednesday in Atlantic City and discussed their respective Friday, April 29showdowns taking place at Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City.

The card is headlined by the return of the Dirrell brothers as Olympic Bronze medalist Andre “The Resurrected” Dirrell battles Australia’s Blake Caparello and former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell takes on Minnesota’s Caleb “Golden” Truax. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT with knockout artist Jonathan Guzman against Mexico’s Daniel Rosas in a 122-pound eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and are on sale now.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

ANDRE DIRRELL

“I can tell that Caparello is coming from Australia to prove a point. He’s hungry for a victory and It’s my job to make sure he doesn’t get that. I take this as a championship fight.

“The blessing in having a layoff is that my body is in great shape. I feel 25-years-old not 32.

“I don’t see myself as the smaller man. I suppose he can take a few shots but I am going to display my skill and show that it will lead to a world championship.

“I feel I am at the championship level. I’ll have an eye on the 168-pound title fightsSaturday. I’m looking to get that championship as soon as I can. I am ready and I want DeGale. I don’t care if it’s in his hometown, backyard, basement, living room or kitchen. I want to make sure that fight happens.

“I worked really hard and I can’t wait to get in the ring on Friday night.”

BLAKE CAPARELLO

“It’s good to be back in Atlantic City. I took a lot from my fight against Sergey Kovalev. Being in the ring with him taught me a lot about ring composure. This is my Atlantic City redemption.

“Dirrell is a very difference fighter. Andre is very quick and slick. I can’t afford to make minor mistakes. I didn’t make the 20-hour flight for a loss. I was small for 175 pounds which made the move to 168 very comfortable.

“The plan is to win and fight one of the champions but fighting Andre is a world title for me.

“People don’t think that I can punch, but I’m coming to win and put on a show. I’m looking to bring a victory back to Australia.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“It means a lot to share this card with my brother. We share everything. He is my big brother and this is a great moment for both of us.

“I will be watching the super middleweight title fights Saturday night, but I am not looking past Caleb Truax.

“I know Truax has fought some good competition in Daniel Jacobs and Jermain Taylor. I have my hands full but I prepared to have my hand lifted in Victory.

“I think the loss made me a better fighter because I know what it takes to get there. I am just looking for the next shot. When I get it, I’m going to capitalize and not let the title go.

“I’m going to stick to my game plan and try to get Truax out of there. Then I can start thinking about Badou Jack. I definitely want a rematch.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I have to make the most of this opportunity. This is a huge fight for me. I can get another shot at a world title with a win.

“Dirrell is a good fighter. I’ve seen a lot of his fights and we’ve fought on the same card before. You have to respect that he is a former world champion.

“I have to draw from all the experiences I’ve had in my career. I have to use my experience and be on top of my game.

“Most of my fights have been around super middleweight. I don’t have to struggle to make weight as much and I couldn’t turn down this opportunity.”

JONATHAN GUZMAN

“Rosas is a typical Mexican fighter who will come forward and be in great condition. I’m ready for him and I feel I know him well.

“I want a world title and we’re happy that if we get this win we can compete for a belt next time out.

“We are excited to put on a great show Friday night. I will break him in half.”

DANIEL ROSAS

“We know our opponent is very good, but we trained 100 percent to get the victory.

“We’ve been waiting and putting in the work. If the knockout comes, it comes.

“I know this is an elimination bout. We came to win and we’re prepared for anything that comes. I’m ready to be a world champion.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Unbeaten Knockout Artist Jonathan Guzman Takes On Mexican Brawler Daniel Rosas in Title Eliminator Friday, April 29 On Premier Boxing Champions On Spike Live from the Taj Mahal Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City

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Plus! Top Prospects Eddie Ramirez, Titus Williams & Local Favorites Featured On Loaded Undercard
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 25, 2016) – Undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Guzman(20-0, 20 KOs) will battle Mexico’s Daniel Rosas (20-2, 12 KOs) in a 12-round super bantamweight title eliminator in the opening bout of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike on Friday, April 29 from the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features the return of the Dirrell brothers as Andre “The Resurrected” Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) takes on Minnesota’s Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-2-2, 6 KOs) while Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) battles Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-1-1, 6 KOs) in a pair of 10-round super middleweight bouts. Guzman and Rosas will fight for the number two contender spot for the world title currently held by Carl Frampton.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and are on sale now.
A trio of exciting prospects highlight the undercard action as unbeaten New York Golden Gloves champion Titus Williams takes on Indiana’s DeWayne Wisdom in a six-round featherweight bout, unbeaten 23-year-old Eddie Ramirez enters the ring in an eight-round super lightweight contest and Brooklyn’s Chordale Booker battles Virginia’s Rogue Zapata in a four-round super welterweight fight.
Addition bouts features New Jersey talent including welterweight Anthony Young of Atlantic City against Juan Rodriguez in a six-round battle, Little Egg Harbor’s Brendan Barrett in a four-round heavyweight bout against Alando Pugh, Toms River’s Hafiz Montgomery against fellow unbeaten Darnell Pierce in a four-round cruiserweight affair and Atlantic City’s Chris Thomas taking on Jessie Singletary in a four-round middleweight fight.
Rounding out the action is unbeaten heavyweight Luther Smith in a four-round battle withSolomon Maye, Antonio Magruder in a six-round super lightweight contest againstVictor Vasquez and the pro debut of Abraham Nova as he faces Weusi Johnson in a four-round super lightweight bout.
An unbeaten fighter out of the Dominican Republic and now training in Massachusetts, Guzman is nearing a world title fight thanks to his extreme power and ability to stop opponents. The 26-year-old has won all of his fight by knockout and since making his U.S. debut in 2014 he has stopped Ernesto Guerrero, Juan Guzman, Christian Esquivel and most recently Danny Aquino.
An experienced 26-year-old who has fought professionally since 2007, Rosas came up just short in his last title opportunity, when he dropped a decision to Alejandro Hernandez in 2014. Rosas has won his last three fights in a row since then and the Mexico City-native will look to make a splash in his U.S. debut on April 29.
 
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Dirrell Brothers Return As Premier Boxing Champions On Spike Hits Atlantic City

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Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell Battles Australia’s Blake Caparello & 
Former World Champion Anthony Dirrell Takes On Veteran Caleb Truax
At The Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 22, 2016) – Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) takes on Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight attraction as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) returns to Spike on Friday, April 29 from Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Also on the same card, Dirrell’s brother, former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) will meet former world title challenger Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-2-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight affair as part of an exciting night of PBC on Spike action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
The former 168-pound titleholder Anthony and two-time title challenger Andre are both prime for another run at championship gold, but will have stiff competition from opponents who have recently had their own title opportunities.
“April 29 is going to be a fun night of boxing,” said Andre. “Caparello is hungry just like me and he’s fighting for his career so I know he’s a very dangerous man. Everything in camp has been perfect so far. I’m excited that both Anthony and I will get to showcase our skills and spread our family name even more on the same Spike show.”
“It’s an honor to be fighting on the same card as my brother,” said Anthony. “It’s going to be a great night of boxing. Truax is a good, rugged fighter who will bring out the best in me. I need someone to push me to the max. My prediction is always a knockout.”
Caparello scored a first round knockdown in his 2014 world title bout before losing to Sergey Kovalev, while Caleb Truax battled middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a PBC on Spike co-feature in 2015, failing to Jacobs in the final stanza.
“This is a huge opportunity for me to show the world that I am one of the best 168-pounders in all of boxing,” said Caparello. “This is the weight class where I belong. Dirrell is a former Olympian and, like myself, a world title challenger. I expect a very tough fight on October 17, but I know that I will be victorious.”
“This is a fight that I have to take advantage of and win,” said Truax. “It’s another great opportunity for me and I’m putting everything into training. Dirrell is a good, athletic fighter with skills. It’s a tough task but I’m up for it. I’m bringing my A-game so he better do the same.”
“April 29 will be an outstanding night,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Having the Dirrell brothers on the same card will be a great and unique night of boxing. Both are exceptional talents and they are in with two guys who are looking for breakthrough wins in Blake Caparello and Caleb Truax.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and are on sale now.
An amateur standout that won two U.S. World Championships in addition to his Olympic Bronze medal, the 32-year-old Andre Dirrell is ready to return to the ring after an illness delayed his previously scheduled bout against Caparello. The fighter out of Flint, Michigan holds victories over Arthur Abraham and Curtis Stevens and only has two narrow losses on his resume.
A crafty fighter out of Victoria, Australia, Caparello won his first 20 professional fights primarily fighting out of his home country. He owns victories over Michael Bolling, Jorge Olivera, Allan Green and previously unbeaten Robert Berridge. The 29-year-old most recently scored a unanimous decision over Affif Belghecham in June and after his scheduled bout with Dirrell was delayed, he defeated Luke Sharp by decision.
Anthony Dirrell has seen more adversity than most throughout his career as his time in boxing has been seriously jeopardized twice, first in December 2006 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and was sidelined for 20 months and again in May 2012 when he broke his lower left leg and left wrist in a motorcycle accident. The Flint, Michigan-native never let that hold him down as he kept winning fights and working his way up the professional ranks. In 2014 he won his first championship when he defeated defending champion Sakio Bika. His road back to a 168-pound title began in September when he dominated the action against Marco Antonio Rubio on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
Born in Osseo, Minnesota, Truax is an experienced veteran who has fought professionally since 2007. Fighting mostly in his home state, the 31-year-old won his first 14 fights. He dropped a 2012 showdown to Jermain Taylor but went undefeated in his next eight fights to earn the fight against Jacobs. Most recently, Truax stopped veteran Melvin Betancourt in the fourth round in February.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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JAMAL JAMES GETS UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER JUAN CARLOS ABREU ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS – THE NEXT ROUND ON BOUNCE TV FROM FULL SAIL LIVE AT FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY IN WINTER PARK, FLORIDA

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Erickson Lubin Scores Sixth Round Knockout Over Orlando Lora
 
Wilky Campfort Gets Knockout Win Over Ronaldo Montes
 
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Credit: Suzanne Teresa/PBC
 
WINTER PARK, FLA (September 18, 2015) – The main event of Premier Boxing Champions – The Next Round onBounce TV delivered a crowd-pleasing unanimous decision win (96 – 92, 97 – 91, 96 – 92) by Jamal James (18-0, 9 KOs) as he outmatched Juan Carlos Abreu (18-2-1, 17 KOs) to stay undefeated. James went down in the fourth round, but battled back to take over the bout, knocking Abreu down in the sixth round and never looking back.
The co-main event showcased an action-packed brawl as Erickson Lubin (12-0, 9 KOs) stopped Orlando Lora (31-6-2, 19 KOs) at one minute fifty-eight seconds into the sixth round. Lubin knocked Lora into the ropes in the second round for what was ruled a knockdown.
The televised opener saw Wilky Campfort (21-1, 12 KOs) stop Ronaldo Montes (16-3, 14 KOs) with only one second remaining in the second round. Campfort was knocked down in the opening round, but fought back to knock down Montes three times in the second round. Montes’ corner intervened to stop the fight as the second round came to a close.
Here is what the televised fighters had to say about their performances:
JAMAL JAMES
“I adapted my style and started boxing more as the fight went on. Eventually I was able to time it right for when he came at me so I could strike first.
“He caught me with a right in the fourth that dropped me, but I didn’t feel too buzzed.
“Hopefully a win like this pushes me even further. I wanted to show my skills, but he was a formidable fighter. This was a great step-up fight for me to show people I’m not just a paper fighter.
“I’m looking for more opportunities with PBC. This was an honor to get to fight in the main event on Bounce TV.
“I’ll fight whoever my manager Al Haymon wants me to fight next. I can’t wait to get back in the gym and continue refining my skills.”
JUAN CARLOS ABREU
“I’m very disappointed in my performance. He’s a good fighter. I knew that, but I was surprised he was able to hurt me with his punches.
“I didn’t fight the way I wanted to. In the first round, I got head-butted and I never really recovered. I was buzzed the whole fight after that and when he hit me, it hurt me more than it normally would.”
ERICKSON LUBIN
“My corner helped me all fight. Every time I went to my corner they were helping me make the right adjustments.
“I kept telling myself that if (Lora) throws two punches then I’m going to throw four. If he threw four, I’d throw eight. I wanted to double his effort and show that I have more will than him. I didn’t want this fight to go this distance.
“Fighting on PBC on Bounce TV is going to help my career take off. I wanted to make a statement on TV so I could start stepping up my competition. I’m working towards a title shot.”
ORLANDO LORA
“I was not surprised at his power. I took his punches to my head very well, but my legs were shot. So I couldn’t move and had to stay in the pocket with him.
“He caught me in the beginning of the fight in the solar plexus and that took my legs away from me for the rest of the fight. He hit me so hard to the body I couldn’t breathe and my legs went numb.
“The stoppage was right. I would have loved to finish the ten rounds, but my corner knew I wasn’t going to go much longer.”
WILKY CAMPFORT
“I’ve always been a slow starter. At the start of the first round I wasn’t listening to my corner and (Montes) caught me off guard. But I got up and showed people what I came here to do.
“(Montes) is a knockout artist in his own right, but I’m a throwback fighter. I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me no matter how tough the other guy is.
“Fighting on this PBC card on Bounce TV is huge. These are the fights I need to be in, fighting a tough opponent and on TV. I showed the fans my heart and that I can punch.
“I want whoever they tell me to fight next. This is a business and I’m in it to win.”
RONALDO MONTES
“When I hurt him with that jab I thought I had him, but Campfort is a very strong guy.
“I got overconfident.  My plan was to box him but when I dropped him, I went in for the kill and got caught up in a brawl. That was not my plan. I was going to outbox him. It’s my fault.”
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