Tag Archives: Darwin Price

CHRIS COLBERT REMAINS UNBEATEN WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION VICTORY OVER TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR IN SHOWTIME MAIN EVENT

Rising Lightweight Contender Michel Rivera Scores Impressive
Knockout Victory in Co-Main Event
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
CARSON, CALIF. (July 4, 2021) – Unbeaten rising star Chris “Primetime” Colbert cruised to a unanimous decision victory over Tugststogt Nyambayar Saturday night to retain his Interim WBA Super Featherweight title in the main event of action live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
The 24-year-old Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs) rode a dominant jab to victory as he landed 112 across the 12 rounds according to CompuBox, buoying a 218 to 78 advantage in punches landed. The Brooklyn-native used the jab to set up a variety of effective power punches that he was able to land from orthodox and southpaw stances.
 
“We had a tremendous training camp,” said Colbert. “We sparred a lot with a bigger guy in Michel Rivera, so I had a lot of practice using my speed and jab in camp. The jab is always a key in this sport.”
 
Mongolia’s Nyambayar (12-2, 9 KOs), who now fights out of Los Angeles, stepped in to fight Colbert on less than two weeks’ notice, replacing former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa after he suffered a training camp injury. Nyambayar had successful moments in his 130-pound debut, with Colbert even noting the Olympic silver medalist’s power, but he was unable to keep up a sustained attack or keep the busier Colbert from controlling the tempo.
 
“He carried power for a 126-pounder,” said Colbert. “Boxing is about hitting and not getting hit. I had to use my Muhammad Ali tactics and float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. This was a great fight and ‘Tug’ did a great job coming in off only a week and a half of training for me. I take off my hat to him and wish him nothing but the best in his career.”
Colbert’s post-fight interview: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1411543856345145345
 
Colbert rode his versatile offensive arsenal to a big advantage on the scorecards and statistically, dominating Nyambayar in punches landed as he connected on 106 power punches to 78 total punches landed by Nyambayar. After 12 rounds, the judges’ scores confirmed Colbert’s dominance, as he won the decision with scores of 117-111 and 118-110 twice.
 
“I’m number one in the WBA,” said Colbert. “So you know what time it is. I’m going to follow the plan and see what happens next.”
 
In the co-main event, rising lightweight contender Michel Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) scored a highlight-reel knockout over Jon Fernandez (21-2, 18 KOs) in the eighth round of their WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator.
Watch the knockout here: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1411521691201724417
 
“I’m so excited and beyond happy to get this win,” said Rivera. “Fernández was a strong, experienced opponent that forced me to change the game plan I had going in.”
 
An unbeaten Dominican fighter who now trains in Miami, Rivera seemed to take control of the action in round four, as he began to find a home for the straight right hand that would eventually end the fight. The tables turned momentarily in round six however, as Fernandez connected with a clean right hand to the head that put Rivera on the canvas for the first time in his career.
 
“I knew since the first round that I would have to be careful with him,” said Rivera. “He had heavy hands and was taller than me, but I was faster and more skilled overall.”
 
The 23-year-old was able to weather the storm brought by the Spaniard Fernandez and made it through the round despite the knockdown. After regaining his momentum in the seventh round, Rivera broke through with a decisive right hand that crumpled Fernandez early in the eighth, prompting referee Jack Reiss to wave off the bout 44 seconds in the frame. Rivera held an 87 to 76 advantage in punches landed, and connected on 37% of his power punches, compared to 27% from Fernandez.
 
“I want the fight with Rolando Romero next,” said Rivera. “Once I do face him, I would like to go up against Gervonta Davis or Teofimo López.”
 
Before the night of fights, SHOWTIME host Brian Custer interviewed Bellator MMA No. 1-ranked Featherweight contender A.J. McKee, who will face current champion Patricio Pitbull in the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Grand Prix final on July 31 at The Forum in Los Angeles.
McKee interview: https://twitter.com/SHOsports/status/1411527740646465537
 
“I am going to go out there and dig into my bag of tricks and I am going to shock the world,” McKee said. “He’s done a lot for the sport and he has been my target for a long time, ever since I started to come up. I’ve been calling his name for 17 fights and it is time now to get it on.”
 
Asked if this fight was for the No. 1 spot on the Bellator pound-for-pound list, McKee said: “Definitely. Hands down. This fight is for the pound-for-pound best, I feel, in the world. At 145 pounds, there’s not too many guys that can stop myself or Pitbull.”
 
McKee added: “This is not going the distance.  Stylistically, it’s a bad match up for him. Nothing personal but my style is not a good match up for him…. I have to stay long, keep positioning and my feet. Distance is a big part of this fight. And catching him on the angle.”
 
Immediately following the SHOWTIME telecast, ALL ACCESS: Davis vs. Barrios Epilogue premiered on the network. It is also available now on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube page and can be watched HERE
 
Saturday’sSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast will replay Sunday, July 4 at 9 a.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME. On Monday, July 5, Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Mario Barrios will re-air and will include the exciting Erickson Lubin vs. Jeison Rosario WBC Super Welterweight title eliminator at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
 
Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The telecast was produced by Ray Smaltz III and was directed by Chuck McKean. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

CHRIS COLBERT VS. TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS – Unbeaten Rising Star Chris Colbert Faces Hard-Hitting Contender Tugstsogt Nyambayar This Saturday, July 3 Live on SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
CARSON, CALIF. (July 1, 2021) – Unbeaten Interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert and hard-hitting contender Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar faced off Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in the main event of action live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, July 3 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.
 
Also featured at Thursday’s press conference were unbeaten rising star Michel Rivera and lightweight contender Jon Fernández, who square off in the co-main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
To open the telecast, SHOWTIME will air a special replay of last Saturday night’s exciting pay-per-view main event fight between Gervonta Davis and Mario Barrios.
 
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
 
CHRIS COLBERT
 
“I was going to knock [Yuriorkis] Gamboa out cold, and now ‘King Tug’ has to take the knockout.
 
“My hard work is finally paying off. All I have to do is stay focused, dedicated, and disciplined, and then I’ll be the face of boxing in a couple of years.
 
“This venue is really known for wars. Come Saturday night I’m definitely going to bring the heat.
 
“I’m ready for this fight. Nyambayar knows he’s in for trouble on Saturday. Nobody out there can take a fight with me on a week-and-half notice and not be in for trouble.
 
“Me and Michel Rivera got a lot of rounds in together during training down in Miami. We did a great job all camp and I’m just ready and excited to get in the ring.
 
“I’ve been knocking out everyone they put in front me. They still don’t give me the respect I deserve yet. I just have to keep doing my thing on Saturday night and embarrass him.
 
“I can’t tell you if he’s my toughest opponent yet. I know that he’s not beating me, and that’s a promise. There’s no way a 126-pounder will come up in weight and beat me.
 
“He’s a fighter with only one loss, he can come back from that. But it’s not going to matter on Saturday night. He’s supposed to be confident in himself. He can’t say he’s going to get washed Saturday, but that’s what is going to happen.
 
“I appreciate ‘Tug’ for taking the fight, but Saturday night I’m going to get in there, dominate and beat him up. This is a Nissan vs. a Lamborghini, and I’m the Lambo.
 
“I agree that ‘King Tug’ might be better opposition than Yuriorkis Gamboa would have been. But it doesn’t matter if it was Gamboa, ‘King Tug’, or Arnold Schwarzenegger in there with me, it was always going to be the same outcome on Saturday night.
 
“My hair is orange this week as a dedication to the cause of fighting Multiple sclerosis. One of my friends, Dave, back in New Jersey has it and he told me his story of how he was paralyzed as a kid and also had MS. Then I saw him on the Stairmaster in the gym the next day for like an hour. I saw that and realized there’s no excuses I can make for not being in the gym. I do the different hair colors to make people feel special. I want them to know that I’m fighting for them.
 
“Nobody in the 130-pound division can beat me. I’m going to continue to prove that every time I step into the ring. I’m going to deliver a dominating performance. Don’t be surprised when I stop him.
 
“I don’t think this is going past 10 rounds. I’m going to keep proving that I have power on Saturday night. I’m not discrediting his skills, but I’m just different.”
 
TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR
 
“I’m really excited for this fight. It’s my first fight at 130 pounds and I want to show what I can do. I’m ready for this opportunity.
 
“Just know this, we are here to win. My team is here to win. I’m ready for Chris Colbert. That’s it.
 
“I don’t care that I’m fighting on short notice at a higher weight. I believe in myself. I can fight at 122, I can fight at 126 and I can fight at 130.
 
“Two weeks’ notice is enough for me. If I didn’t take the fight, Colbert wouldn’t have a fight. So he should be thankful. Let’s see what happens. I’m going to whoop his ass.
 
“I believe in my speed and I believe in my power. I believe in myself. I just want to test myself. This is a good opportunity versus a good fighter.”
 
“I don’t think that he can stop me. Watch me on Saturday night. I’m ready.
 
“I’m not worried about anything he says. I’m just focused on the sight. I really believe in myself and that I’m going to hurt him on Saturday night.
 
“Colbert has similar speed compared to Gary Russell Jr., so it’s not going to be anything I haven’t seen before. The adjustments from the Russell fight have been made in the gym over time.
 
“I’m very happy to be fighting at Dignity Health Sports Park because Los Angeles is my second home. It’s very exciting to be fighting here and with a crowd there watching. The Mongolian fans are going to show up on Saturday.”
 
MICHEL RIVERA
 
“I had a good camp and I have a good team, led by Herman Caicedo who is my coach along with Jukka Toivola. I know that this is a good opportunity and I worked so hard for this fight. I’m so excited for July 3 and I know that this is my chance to show I’m great and to shine.
 
“Jon Fernandez is a good boxer and he’s a good puncher. I don’t know much about him, but I know that he’s Spanish and he’s a tall guy. He hits hard but I’m in the type of condition to be great in this fight.
 
“I’m sure that on July 3 when people are watching the fight, they will see who the best boxer is. I’m ready for everything. If he wants to fight instead of box, I will fight too. I have the skills. I believe that I am faster than him. I don’t have problems with his height. You can see in my past fights where I was fighting at 144, and I looked good with big boxers too. I don’t have a problem with it. Everybody will have to tune in July 3 on SHOWTIME, and they will see Michel Rivera beating Jon Fernandez.
 
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I’m Dominican, and in the Dominican Republic you don’t get much opportunity. I came here and I am making my name. Everybody will know that I’m ready to fight the top names at 135 – the best boxers. I have the skills and the talent. I’m young and I’m pretty, too.
 
“It’s good that he sounds confident. I am confident too. That makes for a great war. He has a lot of knockouts, but they weren’t against any boxers like me. I’m focused. Like I said, he’s a good boxer, but I’m better. I’m trusting my talent and I’m trusting my condition.
 
“My perspective remains the same after this press conference. Fernandez is a proud fighter and I expect nothing less than what he said. I’m also a proud fighter and I’m convinced that I’m better than him. I consider myself better prepared and ready to be considered one of the top boxers in the 135-pound division.
  
“Training with Chris Colbert was a great experience, and the sparring sessions were awesome. He made me better, just like I made him better. He’s a great person. My fellow Dominican fighter Jeison Rosario wished me luck and told me he knows I’m going to be a world champion someday, and that he will be supporting me and watching the fight from the Dominican Republic.
 
“Of course I believe that I am the next world champion from the Dominican Republic. I can beat all of the top boxers, the top five, in the 135-pound division. I want to make my name at 135 because I know this is a strong division now. I want everybody to know me at this weight.
 
“I promise a good fight. Everybody will see the next superstar in the ring on July 3.”
 
JON FERNANDEZ
 
“I’m very excited to be here for this fight. Training camp in Madrid and Mexico have been great. We’ve had an outstanding preparation. I’m facing a great opponent in Michel Rivera, but this is the door I need to open to be in the big leagues of boxing. I don’t plan on missing out on this chance.
 
“I’m glad he’s confident in his abilities, but I think this is a 50-50 match. It’s going to be a great fight and we’re definitely on the same level. There’s no difference in skill levels. I’m going to use my height and show off my boxing ability on Saturday night.
 
“Rivera is a very good boxer, and has many skills, but I believe that I have equal skills and more power. If I get the opening, I can knock Rivera out.
 
“I promise that we’re going to put on a great show and deliver fireworks in the ring. My hand will be raised when the fight is over.
 
“There’s nothing like fighting in Los Angeles. I have already been here before, but nothing can compare to being in the big show.
 
“Everyone in Spain is supporting me. My city of Bilbao has sent me all its love and they believe in me 100%. Even some famous soccer players have reached out to me. Players from Athletic Bilbao and (former Spain national team striker) Fernando Torres.
 
“I would like to win in order to open the door for other Spaniard boxers who come behind me and relish this opportunity – like my brother Eker, who is about to make his professional debut. I want to make him proud and put Spain on the map as far as boxing is concerned.
 
“If I win, it’s not just because of my power. It’s going to be a close fight, but I’m going to give everything I have to come out with the victory.”
 
# # #
 
ABOUT COLBERT VS. NYAMBAYAR
Colbert vs. Nyambayar will undefeated Interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert face hard-hitting contender Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar on Saturday, July 3, headlining the live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a special replay of last Saturday night’s exciting pay-per-view main event fight between Gervonta Davis and Mario Barrios prior to the live co-main event from California featuring unbeaten rising star Michel Rivera battling lightweight contender Jon Fernández.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
  

CHRIS COLBERT TAKES ON HARD-HITTING CONTENDER TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR LIVE ON SHOWTIME JULY 3

Plus, Rising Unbeaten Michel Rivera Faces Lightweight Contender

Jon Fernández in WBA Title Eliminator on Saturday, July 3

At Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

CARSON, CALIF. (June 22, 2021) – Undefeated Interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert will face hard-hitting contender Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar on Saturday, July 3, headlining the live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Nyambayar replaces Yuriorkis Gamboa, who was originally scheduled to face Colbert before suffering an injury during training camp.

The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten rising star Michel Rivera battling lightweight contender Jon Fernández in a 135-pound WBA title eliminator in the co-main event.

The telecast will also feature highlights of undefeated super lightweight contender Richardson Hitchins squaring off against Darwin Price in a 10-round duel.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Hitchins vs. Price is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

“This lineup on July 3 features highly-touted rising stars in tough matchups against opponents looking to make statements of their own,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Chris Colbert has been impressive fight after fight, and he will have a big test against the always-tough Tugstsogt Nyambayar. Also facing perhaps the toughest test of his career, Michel Rivera will enter the ring in an exciting matchup against contender Jon Fernández. This is a card that is lined up to deliver drama all night long.”

Representing his native Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (15-0, 6 KOs) has quickly shot up the 130-pound rankings, taking on high-level competition in his first 15 pro fights. Already established as a fighter with dazzling boxing skills, Colbert showcased his ability to fight toe-to-toe in his last outing, as he stopped hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda in round 11 of their December 2020 clash. The 24-year-old turned pro in 2015 and beat three unbeaten fighters in his first eight contests. Prior to the Arboleda fight, Colbert scored a highlight-reel first round knockout against Miguel Beltran Jr. in September 2019 and a dominant 12-round decision victory over former champion Jezreel Corrales in January 2020.

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring on July 4 weekend,” said Colbert. “I get to set off my fireworks on SHOWTIME the night before. We’re taking this one to Dignity Health Sports Park in California, but I know I’ll have my New York family behind me. This is just another day, another dollar. I have a job to do, and that’s to get the win by any means necessary, but I’m looking to dominate. I expect Nyambayar to bring his A-game though because he knows he’ll be in there with a monster. I may not be the biggest puncher in the world, but I know how to finish a guy and get him out of there, and on July 3 that’s exactly what I’ll be looking to do.”

The 28-year-old Nyambayar (12-1, 9 KOs) won a silver medal representing his native Mongolia in the 2012 Olympics and now lives in Southern California, where he’s trained by John Pullman. Nyambayar ascended the featherweight rankings after his extensive amateur career with victories over then unbeaten Harmonito Dela Torre and former interim champion Oscar Escandon. He earned his first world title shot when he defeated former champion Claudio Marrero in January 2019, before dropping his championship bout against long-reigning WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. in February 2020. Ahead of his super featherweight debut on July 3, the WBC’s second-ranked featherweight Nyambayar most recently handed Cobia Breedy his first loss by scoring two knockdowns and eventually earning the decision in September 2020.

“When I got the call about this fight, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Nyambayar. “I can’t wait to compete. I was born for fights like this. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and give the fans a great show on July 3.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Rivera (20-0, 13 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019 making his U.S. debut with a victory over Juan Rene Tellez. The 23-year-old continued his ascent in 2020, adding a stoppage win against Fidel Maldonado Jr. and a unanimous decision triumph against lightweight contender LaDarius Miller. Most recently, Rivera stepped back into the ring to knock out Anthony Mercado in February of this year.

“I can’t wait to be showcasing my skills once again on July 3,” said Rivera. “Fernández will be bringing his A-game and that’s exactly what I want. My coach Herman Caicedo and I have been zeroing in on the best approach to this fight and I’m excited to execute it. Jon is a rough and tough fighter and probably the best fighter I’ve faced to this point and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I know that I will be fighting for a world title soon, so I’m just staying focused and disciplined until that time comes.”

The 25-year-old Fernández (21-1, 18 KOs) enters this bout on a five-fight winning streak following his only career blemish, a decision loss to O’Shaquie Foster in 2018 on ShoBox: The New Generation. A native of Bilbao, Spain, Fernández will fight in the U.S. for the fourth time on July 3. Fernández has been mentored by boxing great Sergio Martinez and will look to put himself back in position for a world title against Rivera. In his last fight, Fernández knocked out Aristides Perez in the first-round of their February 2020 clash.

“The fans are going to enjoy this fight with Rivera very much,” said Fernández. “Both of us are going to give our all in the ring for the opportunity to become a champion. This is the kind of fight that boxing is all about. Our division is full of great fighters, so you need to fight the best to be the best. My training is going very well and I believe that at this moment, I am in the prime of my career.”

A native of Brooklyn, Hitchins (12-0, 5 KOs) turned pro in 2017 after representing Haiti at the 2016 Olympics. The 23-year-old has flashed impressive skills as he’s amassed an unbeaten record in the pro ranks, which is the product of an extensive amateur career. In his last outing, Hitchins scored a career-best victory, as he earned a decision over former world champion Argenis Mendez. Hitchins has increased his competition in winning 10-round decisions in his last three fights.

“After my last fight in December, I got right back in the ring and have been training and tweaking things to help me really get to that star level,” said Hitchins. “I’ve always had the tools, but people are just now recognizing my talents. Each opponent has brought something different out of me, and I plan to keep rising to the occasion and putting on a show for the fans.” 

Price (17-1, 10 KOs) returned to the ring in April to knock out Saul Corral in the fifth round. His previous outing had come in December 2019 when he suffered a knee injury that forced him to take a TKO loss against Malik Hawkins in a fight Price led on the scorecards. Originally from St. Louis and now fighting out of Houston, Price was a standout track and field runner at Grambling State University before turning pro and winning his first 16 fights.

“Every dream has a process and a price tag,” said Price. “Those who embrace the process and pay the price, live the dream. Those who don’t, just dream. I can’t wait to get back in the ring on July 3 and put on a great performance.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Dat Nguyen camp quotes

Dat Nguyen vs Miguel Flores this Tuesday on PBC Toe-To-Toe Tuesdays on FS1 and Fox Deportes

Tickets on Sale Now!
Vero Beach, Florida (February 20, 2017)–This Tuesday night at the Silver Street Studios in Houston, Texas, super featherweight Dat Nguyen (19-3, 6 KO’s) will look to unseat undefeated Miguel Flores (21-0, 9 KO’s) in the main event of a PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & FOX Deportes.
Nguyen of Vero Beach has been working hard in training camp in effort to secure a career defining win
“Camp has been great. I’ve never had a better one,” said Nguyen.  “This time, I get to set the training camp the way I wanted to be trained so everything has been perfect. Getting good sparring was my main concern, and I had one of the best sparring partners for this fight. I’ve been sparring with a world class fighter Samuel Neequaye. He’s a super lightweight and a very strong fighter that threw punches in bunches and he didn’t take a step back. I think he’s the best fighter from Ghana fighter out there right now. To spar with a high caliber fighter like him has made me a sharper and stronger fighter. I have fought 10 rounds twice, but it was always short notice. I’ve been never was prepared for it, but this camp I have sparred 10 rounds multiple time against a world class sparring partner who said he’s already in fight shape when we started sparring.”
Because of that kind of camp, Nguyen feels he has the best opportunity for this win.
“I feel strong and mentally fresh and in good spirits. I know the hard work has already been done in the gym, sparring and the road work. God has a plan for me and it seems like everything is falling into place the last couple weeks of camp.. I feel blessed, and ready to give the fans a great show so please tune in.”
Nguyen, who has been a professional for 13 years, knows that a win over Flores will put him in position the major fight that he has been coveting for years,
” A win  would mean better things for me and my family. I’ve struggled all of my career to get to this point so I’m not going to lose focus now. I want to thank god for watching over me and blessing me everyday of good health. I want to thank all of my fans and countrymen for their love and support.”

Unbeaten Super Lightweight Darwin Price Battles Las Vegas’ Hylon Williams While Undefeated Prospect Brandon Figueroa Faces Miami’s Raul Chirino on Televised Undercard of  Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES om FOX Deportes  Tuesday, February 21 at Silver Street in Houston, Texas

 
Houston’s Miguel Flores Headlines Against Tough Contender Dat Nguyen In Televised Action Beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
HOUSTON (February 14, 2017) – Unbeaten super lightweight Darwin Price (11-0, 6 KOs) enters the ring against tough contender Hylon Williams (16-3-1, 3 KOs) while fast-rising prospect Brandon Figueroa (10-0, 7 KOs) meets Miami’s Raul Chirino (10-4, 5 KOs) as part of an exciting night of action on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYSon FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, February 21 from Silver Street in Houston, Texas.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated prospect Miguel Flores battling tough contender Dat Nguyen in a 10-round super featherweight attraction.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be  purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Price and Williams will meet in an eight-round super lightweight fight while Figueroa is set to battle Chirino in a six-round super bantamweight fight. Additional action will feature once-beaten unbeaten super flyweight Damien Vazquez (9-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout and Russia’s Medzhid Bektemirov (18-1, 12 KOs)in a four-round light heavyweight fight.
Rounding out the night is unbeaten welterweight prospect Eduardo Garcia in a four-round battle and once-beaten middleweight Junior Castillo in a six-round bout against Mexico’sJuan Carlos Rojas.
Originally from St. Louis, Price’s road has led him to Houston where he now trains with noted coach Ronnie Shields. An exceptional athlete who was highly regarded in track and field as a teenager, the 26-year-old turned pro in 2013. His activity ramped up in 2015 as he took home four victories before 2016 saw him earn impressive victories over previously unbeaten Semajay Thomas and once-beaten Javontae Starks. He will be opposed by the 26-year-old Williams who was an alternate on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team and has gone the distance in losses to world champions Rances Barthelemy and Yuriorkis Gamboa.
The brother of former world champion Omar, the 20-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May of 2015 by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016, picking up six victories, including five by way of stoppage. He takes on Miami’s Chirino, who enters this bout with wins in three of his last four contests.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated Prospect Miguel Flores Faces Top Contender Dat Nguyen in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES  on FOX Deportes Tuesday, February 21 at Silver Street in Houston, Texas

 
Plus! Undefeated Prospects Brandon Figueroa & Darwin Price Featured in Separate Televised Attractions
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
HOUSTON (January 26, 2017) – Undefeated rising prospect Miguel Flores (21-0, 9 KOs) headlines in his hometown as he battles Dat Nguyen (19-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round super featherweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, February 21 from Silver Street in Houston, Texas.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (10-0, 7 KOs) in a six-round attraction and undefeated Darwin Price(11-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight matchup.
“I’m very thrilled to be headlining another show on FS1 and FOX Deportes, especially in my home state of Texas,” said Flores. “Dat Nguyen is a very talented fighter who’s been in the ring with some good opponents. His only losses were against fighters who were undefeated at the time. I’m expecting a rough fight, which should make for good television. Everyone should tune in because this is going to be a great fight with a lot of action.”
“I’m excited to be back in the main event on a great network like FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Nguyen. “I know my career has had its ups and downs, but a win over Flores would bring me back to the top. Flores is young, hungry and undefeated. I once had that fear of losing, so I know what it will take to beat him. I would like to thank all of my fans and countrymen for their support and I will make them proud.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be  purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17-years-old. The 24-year-old had a big 2015 beginning in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed up by wins against Juan Ruiz, Carlos Padilla and Alfred Tetteh. He started 2016 with a headlining win over Mario Briones at The Dancehall in January before dominating Ruben Tamayo over 10 rounds in May and most recently scoring a decision over previously once-beaten Ryan Kielczweski in August.
Born in Bien Hoa, Vietnam as the son of a Vietnamese POW, Nguyen and his family moved to the United States when he was eight-years-old. Nguyen earned a full scholarship to Northern Michigan University as part of their Olympic boxing program and would go on to win a silver medal at the National Golden Gloves and a bronze medal at the U.S. World Championships. Fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida, Nguyen’s losses have all come from undefeated opponents and he enters this fight having won back-to-back contests.
The brother of former world champion Omar, the 20-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May of 2015 by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016, picking up six victories, including five by way of stoppage.
Originally from St. Louis, Price’s road has led him to Houston where he now trains with noted coach Ronnie Shields. An exceptional athlete who was highly regarded in track and field as a teenager, the 26-year-old turned pro in 2013. His activity ramped up in 2015 as he took home four victories before 2016 saw him earn impressive victories over previously unbeaten Semajay Thomas and once-beaten Javontae Starks.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Darwin Price works behind his jab to set up seventh-round TKO of Javontae Starks in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Main Event

NOTE: This piece is posted on the Premier Boxing Champions website and was written by Sean DeFrank. For more PBC news, go to www.premierboxingchampions.com

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Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions

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San Antonio (Sept. 3) – Darwin Price stayed true to his jab against Javontae Starks, and in return it stayed true to him.
Working consistently behind his piston-like left hand Saturday night, Price was able to follow up with power shots as he earned a seventh-round TKO in a 142-pound main event at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio.
Darwin Price (11-0, 6 KOs) frustrated Javontae Starks (13-2, 7 KOs) throughout the scheduled eight-round bout with his jab, which he doubled to set up combinations.
After a measured first two rounds in which both boxers threw almost nothing but jabs, Price loaded up a right hand behind a pair of jabs to knock Starks to the canvas in Round 3.
“I had to pick up the tempo, so I kept the jab going. I had to be smart,” Price said. “He’s a technical fighter, so I had to keep it tactical in the ring, so I kept using the jab, keeping him at bay, feigning and moving my feet because my speed was a lot faster than his.”
In the seventh, Price landed another crisp double jab followed by a straight right that had Starks hurt and trying to hold on. Price began throwing wildly with both hands in an attempt to finish off Starks, who was pinned against the ropes.
Price, 27, then connected on a straight right that stunned Starks and began to dial in with both hands as referee Mark Calo-Oy briefly separated the fighters before stepping right back in to stop the fight at 1:52 of the round.
“I kept on bringing the double jab with the right hand because he was open with the right hand, I just didn’t throw it in the beginning that much,” Price said. “But it brought that knockdown and it brought that knockout, so I’m thankful for that.”
Price, who was a star distance runner at Grambling State University for four years before starting his pro boxing career, had won his last two fights by eight-round unanimous decision.
It was the second straight defeat for Starks, who was fighting for the first time in more than 300 days since losing an eight-round decision to Samuel Figueroa last year in Orlando, Florida.
Despite fighting at the lowest weight of his pro career, the 27-year-old Minneapolis native made no excuses after the loss.
“He had a pretty good stiff, quick jab and it took me a second to come in and get heated up,” Starks said. “I’ve been off since last October; he just pretty much fought a couple of months ago, but he came in and did his job. He did what he was supposed to do, stuck to his game plan, and he made it difficult for me to get through the jab.”
In undercard action, Kent Cruz (11-0, 6 KOs) earned an eight-round unanimous decision over Rickey Edwards (11-1, 3 KOs) in a clash of unbeaten 140-pound prospects. Cruz floored Edwards in Round 2 with an overhand right to take early command of the bout.
David Perez (8-0, 4 KOs) delivered a lights-out right hand to gain a sixth-round KO of Gustavo Molina (12-13, 5 KOs) in a 122-pound bout. Perez put Molina down in Round 3 before finishing him off in the final round of the fight.
Dominican 2012 Olympian Junior Castillo (11-1, 9 KOs) gained a six-round unanimous decision over Josue Obando (12-11-1, 10 KOs) in a 162-pound bout.
Justin Pauldo (8-1, 4 KOs) defeated Eric Anton (4-4, 1 KO) by six-round unanimous decision in a 135-pound bout.

Undefeated Rickey Edwards Takes On Fellow Unbeaten Kent Cruz In Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Action Saturday, September 3 From The Dancehall in San Antonio  8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

 
Plus! Unbeaten Prospect David Perez Battles Mexico’s Gustavo Molina & Super Welterweight Contender Junior Castillo Featured
In Undercard Action
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 2, 2016) – Undefeated Rickey Edwards (11-0, 3 KOs) is set to take on unbeaten Kent Cruz (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight contest as part of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN this Saturday, September 3 from the Dancehall in San Antonio.
Edwards was originally scheduled to face unbeaten Cuban Yordan Frometa, who was forced to withdraw due to an injury.Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by super lightweight prospects Darwin Price and Javontae Starks in an eight-round bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $20, $85 and $100 and $1,000 and $850 for tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call (210) 988-8821visit https://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/sept32016/ or in person at Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave.
Additional action features undefeated prospect David Perez (7-0, 3 KOs) entering the ring for six-rounds of super bantamweight action against Gustavo Molina (23-12, 9 KOs), super welterweight contender Junior Castillo (10-1, 9 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in a six-round bout against Mexico’s Josue Ovando (12-10-1, 10 KOs) and Orlando’s Justin Paulido (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round lightweight fight against Eric Anton (4-3, 1 KO) of Plano, Texas.
Rounding out the night of action is the pro debut of San Antonio’s Selina Barrios in a four-round super lightweight showdown against Amanda Garza (1-0), San Angelo’s Brandon Soto taking on Waco’s Tanner Dodd (0-2) in a four-round super featherweight battle and San Antonio’s Xavier Wilson (1-0) against fellow San Antonio-native Frank Brown in a four-round lightweight fight.
A former New Jersey Golden Gloves champion from Paterson, Edwards fights out of Houston and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2013. The 26-year-old was busy in 2015 as he racked up five victories including a knockout over Marco Antonio Solis. Edwards has defeated previously unbeaten boxers John Delperdang and Azriel Paez in his last two fights. He takes on the unbeaten 23-year-old Cruz. A pro since 2013, Cruz picked up a victory over Jerome Rodriguez in April of this year.
A 20-year-old rising prospect fighting out of Houston, Perez turned pro in April of last year with a first round stoppage of Deseante Armstrong. Perez would pick up four more victories in 2015 and has already won three times in 2016. His last outing saw him defeat previously once-beaten Adan Ortiz in his first six round bout and he will now take on the 27-year-old Molina out of Tlaxcala, Mexico.
A 2012 Olympian for his native Dominican Republic, Castillo recorded a significant victory in April when he defeated previously unbeaten and highly regarded Kyrone Davis over eight rounds in April before dropping a decision to Justin DeLoach in June. Castillo turned pro in 2013 and made his U.S. debut in December 2015 with victories over Eduardo Flores and Roland Nagy before his triumph in April. Now he will battle the 26-year-old Ovando fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comTGBPromotions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing,. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @TGBPromotions, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsandwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated Prospect Darwin Price Meets Once-Beaten Javontae Starks In Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, September 3 From The Dancehall in San Antonio

 
Plus! Battle of Unbeaten Prospects 
Rickey Edwards & Yordan Frometa
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
SAN ANTONIO (August 23, 2016) – Super lightweight prospects Darwin Price (10-0, 5 KOs) and Javontae Starks (13-1, 7 KOs) will meet in an eight-round battle that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN action Saturday, September 3 from the Dancehall in San Antonio.
The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super lightweights Rickey Edwards (11-0, 3 KOs) and Yordan Frometa (10-0, 7 KOs) competing in an eight-round bout.
“This is another step for me after my win in June,” said Price. “I’ve prepared hard in training and I’m anxious to return to San Antonio to fight Javontae Starks. I’m planning on another impressive performance.”
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to return to the ring and fight Darwin Price,” said Starks. “This is a perfect time to show the boxing world that I’m recovered from my loss and that I still have what it takes to become a world champion.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $20, $85 and $100 and $1,000 and $850 for tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call (210) 988-8821visit https://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/sept32016/ or in person at Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave.
Originally from St. Louis, Price’s road has led him to Houston where he now trains with Ronnie Shields. An exceptional athlete who was highly regarded in track and field as a teenager, the 26-year-old turned pro in 2013. His activity ramped up in 2015 as he took home four victories including a win in his first eight-round bout against Alvaro Ortiz in November.
Fighting out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Starks racked up an impressive 98-16 amateur record before turning pro in 2009. At nearly six-foot, Starks used his length and skills to win the first 13 fights of his pro career including victories over Jeremiah Wiggins and Carlos Galvan. He suffered his first defeat to unbeaten Samuel Figueroa but will look to bounce back with a win on September 3.
A former New Jersey Golden Gloves champion from Paterson, Edwards fights out of Houston and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2013. The 26-year-old was busy in 2015 as he racked up five victories including a knockout over Marco Antonio Solis. Edwards has defeated previously unbeaten boxers John Delperdang and Azriel Paez in his last two fights.
After a successful career in the Cuban amateur program, Frometa turned pro in 2015 and has fought out of Quito, Ecuador. The 27-year-old is unbeaten having fought three times in the U.S. in addition to bouts in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Frometa has been busy with six wins in 2016 including a stoppage of Antonio Rodriguez in his last contest.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comTGBPromotions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing,. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @TGBPromotions, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsandwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Unbeaten Prospect Brandon Figueroa Takes On Cuba’s Oldier Landin in Featured Undercard Bout on Saturday, June 25 from The Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio

 
Plus! Full Card Featuring Local Prospect Kendo Castaneda, Justin Pauldo, Brandin Chaulker & More
 
PBC on NBCSN Tripleheader Begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
 
SAN ANTONIO (June 22, 2016) – Unbeaten local prospect Brandon Figueroa (7-0, 5 KOs) will battle Cuba’s Oldier Landin (4-1-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight showdown that highlights undercard action on Saturday, June 25 from the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
The June 25th event features a Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN tripleheader that is headlined by a clash of rising super welterweight prospects Justin DeLoach and Junior Castillo. Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features unbeaten Ryan “Cowboy” Karl against Mexico’s Luis “Muecas” Solis plus a battle of unbeaten prospects as Darwin Price takes on Semajay Thomas.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $85 and $20 plus $1000 and $850 for tables, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call 210-988-8821 or visit Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78216.
Further undercard bouts will see Orlando-born prospect Justin Pauldo (6-1, 4 KOs) take on Phoenix’s Jesus Aguinaga (4-3-1) in six-rounds of lightweight action, the pro debut of Houston’s Laurynas Arbaciauskas in a four-round super lightweight battle against Corpus Christi’s Omar Reyes (1-3) and England’s Steve Woodall (10-1-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout.
Rounding out an exciting night of fights are a slew of unbeaten San Antonio-prospects as Kendo Castaneda (9-0, 3 KOs) enters the ring in welterweight action, Brandon Soto (1-0, 1 KO) against Texas-native John Van Meter (0-1) in a four-round super featherweight clash, unbeaten super featherweight Brandin Chaulker (3-0, 1 KO) in a four-round bout against Daniel Arriaga (0-2-2) and a four-round super middleweight attraction between fighters making their pro debuts as Tommy Kamara battles Rynell Riley.
The brother of former world champion Omar, the 19-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May of last year by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016 picking up three more victories via stoppage over Harold Reyes, Jahaziel Vazquez and Jonell Nieves. He will be opposed by the 28-year-old Landin from Havana, Cuba who made his U.S. debut in February by knocking out Alex Roman in Florida.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSportsHighlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.  PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.