Tag Archives: Erik Ruiz

boxing, CBS Boxing

Stephon Young wins WBA NABA title with decision over Tony Lopez Jr. 

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Nutley, NJ (October 3, 2016)–This past Friday night, newly signed GH3 Promotions fighter Stephon Young turned in a terrific performance as he won the WBA NABA Bantamweight title with a ten-round majority decision over Tony Lopez Jr.
The bout, which was held at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, was televised live on CBS Sports Network.

Young controlled the final three-quarters of the bout as he used his speed and aggressiveness to win by scores 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95.

Young, 28 years old of St. Louis, raised his undefeated mark to 15-0-3 with six-knockouts.
“It was a great fight.  I have to give credit to Tony Lopez .  It was an exciting fight, but I think he must have thought something different of me as I don’t think that they knew what they were getting themselves into,” said Young.
“I was in tremendous shape.  the fight was close in the first four rounds, and then I took over the bout.”
When asked what is next, Young knows that he will be ranked by the WBA and is looking for a world title opportunity.
“I am going to go back to the drawing board see what my manager (Henry Rivalta) and my promoter (GH3 Promotions), and keep busy.  I am going to the top.  This is only just the beginning, and it will get any better.”
“I am not going to say he is next, but I want to fight (WBA Bantamweight champion) Rau’she Warren.  He beat me in the 2012 Olympic trials and we have some unfinished business.”
“Stephon boxed a beautiful fight on Friday,” said GH3 Promotions Vito Milenicki.  “He was very impressive, and now he as the NABA title.  Now between me and Henry Rivalta, we will move him the right way and get him the title shot he deserves.”
GH3 Promotions features Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Ronald Ellis, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Kenneth Sims Jr., Jerrell Harris, Arturo Trujillo & Keenan Smith, Heavyweight Ray Edwards,  Lightweight’s O’Shaquie Foster & Logan Yoon, Jr. Lightweight Antonio Williams, Bantamweight’s Brent Venagas, LeRoy Davilla & Stephon Young to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing, CBS Boxing

Late replacement Erik “El Trump” Ruiz upsets Hanzel Martinez for WBC International super bantamweight title

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Young decisions Lopes, Vera stops Zizic
OFFICIAL RESULTS
-all pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions-

Erik Ruiz celebrates his upset victory

LAS VEGAS (September 30, 2016) — Late replacement Erik “El Trumpo” Ruiz upset Hanzel Martinez  in tonight’s “Knockout Night at the D” main event in front of another sold-out crowd at the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.

The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.  Hall Of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein called the action from ringside with Sean Wheelock on CBS Sports Network in North America and internationally via ESPN.

Ruiz (16-5-1, 6 KOs) replaced Emmanuel Quartey, who was unable to secure a visa, and he was rewarded with a 10-round majority decision victory over fellow Mexican fighter Hanzel Martinez (23-3, 19 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) International super bantamweight title.

“El Trumpo,” fighting out of Oxnard, California, put on a clinic, avoiding the lunging Martinez, who was frustrated throughout the fight by Ruiz’ slickness.  Martiniz lunged, Ruiz countered and then he slightly moved to the side, avoiding any potential.  Defensively, Ruiz was far superior, keeping Martinez off balance through out the majority of rounds.

Ruiz (R) controlled most of the action in the main event

“I feel great,” Ruiz exclaimed.  “I took this last minute fight but I was ready for it.  Hanzel is a tough fighter.  He has guts.  I didn’t think he’d to the full 10 rounds.  This is an opportunity that will open a lot of doors for me.  He knew he was coming to fight and I as ready for him.” 

In a good technical fight with a lot of give-and-take action from start to finish, unbeatenStephon “Showstopper” Young (15-0-3, 6 KOs) defeated Tony Lopez, Jr. (11-2, 4 KOs) in a battle of gritty southpaws. Fighting out of St. Louis, Young’s quickness prevailed over Lopes’ toughness, as both fighters put on a show for the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) bantamweight title in the co-feature.  Young won a 10-round majority decision.

(L) Young’s quickness was the difference

“It was a hard fight,” Young commented. “My coach said, if you wan it, go get him.  And I did.  I knew what I was coming to get.  People want to see me fight in this division.” 

In the television opener, NABA USA super welterweight champion John “The Phenom” Vera (15-0, 10 KOs) made another strong statement under the neon lights, stopping challenger Milorad “Micko” Zizic (12-2, 7 KOs) in the second round.  Making his second title defense, Vera, a southpaw, served notice to all super welterweights, dropping Zizic twice and then staggering him again before referee Kenny Baylesscalled an end to the fight.

Vera 

Vera decked Zizic twice

“I came out here to put on a show,” Vera said after the fight.  “I dropped him (first) with a left-right.  The second knockdown I feinted and hit him with a hard right jab.  I then turned right-handed because I knew my right was working.  I knew I had him.”

Las Vegas junior lightweight Randy Moreno cruised to his fifth win without a loss, unloading an unanswered barrage of punches on Fabian “El Suavecito” Alanez (1-1) until referee Jay Nady halted the fight in the second round.

Moreno is a rising young star to watch

Popular Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols improved to 7-0 with a totally  in control 4-round decision over Marquis “The Hawk” Hawthorn (4-5, 1 KO).

Nichols kept rollin’

Las Vegas’ 18-year-old bantamweight Max “The Baby Faced Assassin” Ornelas (5-0, 2 KOs) remained unbeaten, winning a a 4-round unanimous technical decision overMulapi Enjani (2-3-2, 1 KO).   Ornelas hurt Enjani near the end of the fourth round.  Enajani hurt his knee and he was unable to continue, resulting in a technical decision

18-year-old Max Ornelas (L) improved to 5-0

Las Vegas junior lightweight Sal Lopez (4-0, 0 KOs) pitched a shutout, winning all four rounds on the judges’ scorecards, over previously undefeated Kenneth “Scrappy” Taylor (2-1, 2 KOs).

(R) Lopez pitched a shutout

OFFICIAL RESULTS

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS
John Vera (15-0, 10 KOs), Champion, Fort Worth, TX
WTKO2 (2:15)
Milorad Zizic (12-2, 6 KOs), Challenger, Las Vegas, NV
(Vera retained WBA-NABA super welterweight title)

WELTERWEIGHTS
Jeremy Nichols (7-0, KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Marquis Hawthorn (4-5, 1 KO), Waco, TX.

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Randy Moreno (5-0, 4 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WTKO2 (0:21)
Fabian Alaniz (1-1, 0 KOs), Laredo, TX

Sal Lopez (4-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WDEC (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Kenneth Taylor (2-1, 2 KOs), Tyler, TX

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS
Erik Ruiz (16-5-1, 6 KOs), Oxnard, CA
WDEC10 (98-92, 97-93, 95-95)
Hanzel Martinez (23-3, 19 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico.
(Ruiz won WBC International bantamweight title)

BANTAMWEIGHTS
Stephon Young (15-0-3, 6 KOs), Saint Louis, MO
WDEC (97-93, 96-94, 95-95)
Tony Lopez, Jr. (11-2, 4 KOs), Fort Worth, TX
(Young won WBA-NABA Bantamweight title)

Max Ornelas (5-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WTDEC4 (40-36, 40-36 40-36)
Mulapi Enjani (2-3-2, 1 KO), San Diego, CA

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing 

Follow these fighters on Twitter: @teamtonylopez, @hanzel2111, @stephonyoung, @johnverajr, @mickozizic, @jflashgang, @_RandyMoreno

Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
boxing, CBS Boxing

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PICTURES For “Knockout Night at the D”

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Promoter Roy Jones Jr.
-all pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions
(fighter on right is listed first each fight, promoter Roy Jones Jr. in the middle)
 
 
VACANT WBA INTERNATIONAL SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)
Hanzel Martinez (23-2, 19 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico 122 lbs.
Erik Ruiz (15-5-1, 6 KOs), Oxnard, CA 121 lbs.
VACANT WBA-NABA BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)
Tony Lopez, Jr. (11-1, 4 KOs), Fort Worth, TX 118 lbs.
Stephon Young (14-0-3, 6 KOs), Saint Louis, MO 117 bs.
WBA-NABA USA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMIONSHIP (8)
John Vera (14-0, 9 KOs), Champion, Fort Worth, TX 154 lbs.
Milorad Zizic (12-1, 6 KOs), Challenger, Las Vegas, NV 153 ½ lb.
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Randy Moreno (4-0, 3 KOs), Las Vegas, NV 134 lbs.
Fabian Alaniz (1-0, 0 KOs), Laredo, TX 134 ½ lbs.
WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Jeremy Nichols (6-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV 147 ½ lbs.
Marquis Hawthorn (4-4, 1 KO), Waco, TX 146 lbs.
BANTAMWEIGHTS (4)
Max Ornelas (4-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV 118 lbs.
Mulapi Enjani (2-2-2, 1 KO), San Diego, CA 116 ½ lbs.
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Sal Lopez (3-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, NV 131 lbs.
Kenneth Taylor (2-0, 2 KOs), Tyler, TX 129 lbs.
WHAT:  “Knockout Night at the D” professional boxing
 
WHEN:  Friday, September 30, 2016
WHERE:  Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC)
PROMOTER:  Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions
TELEVISION:  Live on CBS Sports Network, internationally via ESPN (digital delay check local listings)
BROADCASTERS:  Jim “J.R.” Ross, Al Bernstein & Sean Wheelock
RING ANNOUNCER:  Jeff Huston
DOORS OPEN:  5:00 p.m. PT
FIRST BOUT:  6:00 p.m. PT
FIRST TV BOUT:  8:00 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET
OTHER: “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
boxing, CBS Boxing

Erik Ruiz replaces Emmanuel Quartey vs Hanzel Martinez in Friday Night’s “Knockout Night at the D” main event

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LIMITED TICKETS STILL ON SALE
LAS VEGAS (September 27, 2016) – Veteran super bantamweight Erik Ruiz has replaced Ghanaian boxer Emmanuel Quartey, who was unable to secure a visa to enter the United States, in this Friday night’s 10-round main event versus Hanzel “Rude Boy” Martinez, headlining a strong “Knockout Night at the D” card, for the vacant World Boxing Association International super bantamweight title.
Airing live (11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network and internationally viaESPN (digital delay check local listings), “Knockout Night at the D” will be held outdoors under the neon lights at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Hall of Fame announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein will call all of the action from ringside with Sean Wheelock handling fighter interviews on CBS Sports Network and in English for ESPN internationally.
Martinez (23-2, 19 KOs), a former WBC United States bantamweight champion, fights out of Tijuana, Mexico.  Ruiz (15-5-1, 6 KOs) is coming off an impressive 10-round draw with 30-1 Horacio Garcia this past May in as Vegas.  He has a notable win over previously unbeaten (11-0-2) Roy Tapia also extended top prospects such as Jessie Magdaleno,Alexis Santiago and Manuel Avila the distance.
“We knew there were some issues with Quartey’s visa situation,” promoter Keith Veltresaid, “so we had Erik Ruiz on hold. It’s unfortunate but things like this happen in boxing and we’re fortunate to have such a quality opponent like Erik as a late replacement.  In fact, he’s fought much tougher opponents than Quartey. Hanzel has 18 knockouts in his 23 wins, but Ruiz has never been stopped as a professional.  We’re confident that the main event will be equally competitive and that fans will enjoy another great night of ‘Knockout Night at the D” boxing.”
In the 10-round co-feature event, Tony Lopez, Jr. (11-1, 4 KOs) takes on Stephon “Showstopper” Young (14-0-3, 6 KOs) for the vacant WBA North American Boxing Association (NABA) bantamweight title.
In the third title fight of the night, undefeated WBA-NABA USA super welterweight champion John “The Phenom” Vera (14-0, 9 KOs) makes his second title defense against Milorad “Micko” Zizic (12-1, 6 KOs) in an 8-round bout opening the televised segment of the card.
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Las Vegas  welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Marquis Hawthorn (4-4, 1 KO), Las Vegas’ 18-year-old bantamweight Max “Baby Face” Ornelas (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Mulapi “The African Mexican” Enjani (2-2-2, 1 KO), Las Vegas junior lightweight Sal Lopez (3-0) vs.Kenneth Taylor (2-0, 2 KOs), and Las Vegas junior lightweight Randy Moreno (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Fabian Alaniz (1-0, 0 KOs).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated), are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and Neon Star Media.
 
This “Knockout Night at the D” event licensed to ESPN will be available to watch in 61 additional countries and territories in Latin America (South America, Central America, Mexico & Brazil) Caribbean, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands),United Kingdom, Canada and India
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @teamtonylopez, @hanzel2111, @stephonyoung, @johnverajr, @mickozizic, @jflashgang, @_RandyMoreno
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

ALEXIS SANTIAGO DEFEATS ERIK RUIZ IN ACTION-PACKED BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT IN MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

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LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT LIONELL THOMPSON LOSES CLOSE DECISION TO PAUL PARKER & SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT LANELL BELLOWS KNOCKS OUT PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN ANTOWYAN AIKENS
 
Click HERE To Download Photos
Photo Credit: Al Powers/Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 16) – The fight capital of the world played host to this year’s fourth installment of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes which lived up to its name with a fast-paced all out main event between bantamweights Alexis Santiago (21-3-1, 8 KOs) of Phoenix and Erik Ruiz (15-5, 6 KOs) of Oxnard, CA. Both fighters exchanged back and forth punches throughout the bout, keeping fans at Sam’s Town Live entertained until the final bell. The bout, which went the full 10 rounds, resulted in a unanimous decision victory in favor of Santiago as the judges saw it 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92.
Santiago entered the ring very confident as he was riding a nine-fight winning streak, but Ruiz relished his underdog role as he stood in the middle of the ring going toe-to-toe with Santiago from the first bell. Both fighters used their full arsenals, throwing jabs, upper cuts and significant body shots from start to finish. Santiago applied pressure with his jab, but Ruiz did not look phased as he did his best to counter and throw hard and fast combinations. The lightning quick speed of the two pugilists saw over 1,500 punches thrown combined throughout the fight with Santiago throwing 941 and Ruiz throwing 624.
“I think it was a good fight. Working with Ismael Salas has been great and made a huge difference in my performance,” said Santiago. “I definitely feel better with a better corner behind me.
“Everything went as planned, the game plan was to come out and box, we thought he was going to stay in the pocket and come forward and we wanted to use the ring and trade punches.
“Being the main event on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 does a lot for me, gives me a lot more exposure, gives me a big opportunity. I really feel like I’m working towards hopefully getting a chance to go for a world title soon.”
Fresh off his two-week European Victory Tour, president of Mayweather Promotions Floyd Mayweather was seen ringside as he rooted for his fighters featured on the card. The fight was called by PBC on FS1 fixture Brian Custer who was joined by former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter and his father Kenny. Porter provided his expert first-hand knowledge of the sweet science as he and his trainer/father took a break from preparing for his March 12 SHOWTIME Championship Boxing on CBS presented by PBC mega-fight against welterweight champion Keith Thurman.
Light heavyweight Lionell Thompson (16-4, 10 KOs) of Buffalo, NY made his Mayweather Promotions debut in a tight eight-round bout against Paul Parker (8-1, 4 KOs) of Toledo, OH. Following a close first round, Parker began to outwork Thompson, throwing more punches as he utilized his significant height and reach advantage. The action picked up in the third round when Parker threw a hard right hand that caused Thompson to touch the canvas with his glove that was ruled a knockdown by referee Jay Nady. As the fight progressed, Thompson picked up his pace, forcing Parker to step in and exchange. While the fight went the distance, the third-round knockdown was the difference on the judges’ scorecards, awarding Parker a close split decision with scores of 76-75 twice and 76-75 for Thompson.
“I knew he was a good boxer. I’ve seen him box forward and back so I had to plan my game plan accordingly,” said Parker. “I drained myself in my last fight and figured he’d box me and pressure me so I get tired. I was working on throwing combinations since he likes to jab.
“My biggest advantage was my straight punches and my pressure coming forward,” continued Parker. “I was throwing more power punches I believe. Trying to block the jab. I knew I had him with my reach advantage. Knew his jab was coming from up top and bottom so I was looking for it.
“Fighting on a PBC card on FS1 and FOX Deportes feels great. It allows me to secure more fights and become better known.”
“I think it was a bad decision because I landed more, worked him, was busier, pressed the pace and made him fight how I wanted him to fight,” said Thompson. “If you want to give him the earlier rounds, that’s cool, but not the rest. He even thought I won. He said to me, ‘I thought you outclassed me and thought you had it but I’m not a judge.’
“I want to just get back in and train again, move forward,” continued Thompson. “I have faced adversity all my life, so every negative I turn into a positive.”
 Lanell Bellows (15-1-1, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles made his national television debut to kick off the telecast in an eight-round super middleweight showdown against Antowyan Aikens (10-1-1, 1 KO) of Atlantic City. A proud member of the Mayweather Promotions’ stable of fighters, Bellows worked his jab effectively from the beginning of the bout. Bellows started to really show the power behind his punches in round three as he aggressively stalked Aikens around the ring, continuing to throw his jab. In round five, Bellows threw a powerful right hand that sent Aikens to the canvas which caused referee Tony Weeks to wave off the bout at 2:08 of the round.
“My game plan was to win,” said Bellows. “I was expecting to get the knockout, but as we went to fourth round noticed he wasn’t punching as much, he was playing it safe so I knew I had to press to get some action.
“I trained hard and really prepared for this fight. I was getting frustrated because his lack of activity was starting to frustrate me because he was running too much.
“I’m ready for whatever Mayweather Promotions puts in front of me. Any fight that keeps me moving and brings positive progression to my career.”
This installment of PBC’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona.
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com, www.samstownlv.com/entertain andwww.mayweatherpromotions.com . Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LonnieBtheGreat, @LanellBellows  @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER ALEXIS SANTIAGO READY FOR HEADLINING DEBUT AGAINST ERIK RUIZ ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

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Phoenix-Born Rising Star Talks Training Camp, His Opponent, Family and More Before 
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS On FS1 &
BOXEO DE CAMPEONES On FOX Deportes
 

Click HERE For Photos From Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions & Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (February 12, 2016) – Rising bantamweight contender Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (20-3-1, 8 KOs) is nearing his first headlining event as he takes on Erik Ruiz(15-4, 6 KOs) Tuesday, February 16 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS  on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES  on FOX Deportes.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a light heavyweight battle between Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson and Paul Parker plus a super middleweight showdown that pits Lanell “KO” Bellows against unbeaten Antowyan “Iceman” Aikens.
Santiago has promised that his first shot at a main event will not disappoint.
“Everybody watching can expect a real exciting fight,” said Santiago. “I like to go out there and perform and give everyone a great show. I can box and make it easy if I want, but I want to give everyone something to remember. I know Ruiz is coming to fight, and I know I’m going to give it my all.”
The road to this fight has been a long one for Santiago. The 25-year-old grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and was frequently in and out of trouble as a youth, eventually leading to his interest in boxing.
“Before I got into boxing, I got into street fights and was getting kicked out of school and all that,” said Santiago. “I was always the troublemaker. My parents wanted to keep me on the right path. I had friends who were training in a boxing gym. I wanted to join them but my parents wouldn’t let me.
“I kept getting into trouble and by the time I was 14, my brother and sister just started taking me to the gym without telling my parents. They were really mad at first, but eventually they saw how good it was for me and I just fell in love with the sport.”
After turning pro in 2009, Santiago managed his own career and eventually decided to move to Las Vegas four years ago. He made signing with Mayweather Promotions one of his goals, a mark he achieved last year before his September fight.
“One of my goals when I moved to Las Vegas was to sign with Mayweather Promotions, and now I’m the first Mexican fighter from Mayweather Promotions to headline a PBC show,” said Santiago. “I felt like it was time to take control of my career and take the next step and get the bigger and better fights. I wanted to be taken care of.”
Before his last fight, Santiago began working with respected trainer Ismael Salas and the two have been preparing a game plan for the tough Ruiz.
“Training with Ismael has been going really well and we’re getting great sparring,” said Santiago. “We’re working on little things we need to fix, like sitting down on punches and other things. Ismael isn’t changing anything, but he’s just polishing everything and helping me out.
“We’ve seen video of our opponent so we know what we need to do and we’ve worked on it already. Ismael is a really smart trainer and I’m looking forward to improving with him each time out.”
Now, Santiago is ready to step into the ring and show the skills he has worked so hard to hone. With a win, Santiago has big goals for this year and beyond.
“I’m very motivated and excited to be the main event,” said Santiago. “It’s going to be an exciting fight and we’re focused on making everything go well on February 16. I want a world title shot this year. I’m ranked by everybody, so hopefully with this fight we will get a step closer.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at: http://www.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com, www.samstownlv.com/entertain andwww.mayweatherpromotions.com . Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LonnieBtheGreat, @LanellBellows  @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox Sports 1

UNBEATEN PROSPECTS JUAN HERALDEZ, LADARIUS MILLER & MAURICE LEE HIGHLIGHT UNDERCARD ACTION ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS

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TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS On FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on
FOX Deportes Headlined By Bantamweight Showdown Between
Alexis Santiago & Erik Ruiz
 
LAS VEGAS (February 11, 2016) – Unbeaten prospects Juan Heraldez (9-0, 6 KOs),Ladarius “Memphis” Miller (9-0, 1 KO) and Maurice Lee (5-0, 3 KOs) will highlight a stacked undercard on Tuesday, February 16 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.
The February 16 event is headlined by a 10-round bantamweight contest between Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (20-3-1, 8 KOs) and Erik Ruiz (15-4, 6 KOs) on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two more exciting matchups as light heavyweight Lionell “The Great” Thompson (16-3, 10 KOs) battles Paul Parker (7-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round affair and hard-hitting Lanell “KO” Bellows (14-1-1, 7 KOs) faces Antowyan “Iceman” Aikens (10-0-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round super middleweight contest.
Heraldez will battle Adam Mate (17-7, 10 KOs) in welterweight action while Miller will enter the ring in a six-round lightweight contest against Rolando Chinea (11-1-1, 4 KOs) and Lee takes on Ronald Rivas (3-3-1, 1 KO) in a six-round welterweight affair.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at: http://www.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling (702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Additional undercard fights feature 29-year-old Latondria Jones (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, D.C. against Louisiana’s Latasha Burton (4-5) in a four-round middleweight contest and 24-year-old Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman (4-0-1, 1 KO) of Los Angeles in a six-round super middleweight contest against unbeaten Corey Dulaney (3-0-1, 1 KO) of Columbus, Ohio.
Rounding out the action is Las Vegas-native Charvis Holifield (4-1-1, 3 KOs) against San Antonio’s Azriel Paez (4-1-1, 1 KO) in a six-round welterweight bout and 20-year-oldTra-Kwon Pettis (2-0, 1 KO) in four-rounds of lightweight action.
Unbeaten at just 25-years-old, Heraldez hopes to pick up in 2016 where he left off after a very successful 2015. The Las Vegasnative picked up three victories in his hometown last year as he bested Tavorus Teague, Eric Bossler and most recently Joaquin Chavez in September. He will be opposed by the 25-year-old Mate out of Budapest, Hungary who picked up six victories in 2015.
Born in Memphis but fighting out of Las Vegas, Miller has shown excellent boxing skills as he remained unbeaten and fought his first six-round bouts in 2015. The 22-year-old faces a 24-year-old Chinea who fights out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Chinea most recently defeated Christian Steele in November 2015.
Fighting out of Van Nuys, California, Lee will be making his first pro start in Las Vegas when he enters the ring on February 16.  The 23-year-old most recently was victorious by way of knockout in September 2015 over Shaun Lee Henson. He will take on the 29-year-old Guatemalan Rivas who fights out of Louisiana.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com, www.samstownlv.com/entertain andwww.mayweatherpromotions.com . Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LonnieBtheGreat, @LanellBellows  @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT LANELL BELLOWS TALKS TRAINING CAMP, FLOYD MAYWEATHER & MORE BEFORE FIRST TELEVISED FIGHT

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Bellows Takes on Unbeaten Antowyan Aikens Tuesday, February 16
On TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES On
FOX Deportes From Sam’s Town Live In Las Vegas
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions & Premier Boxing Champions 
 
LAS VEGAS (February 10, 2016) – Rising super middleweight contender Lanell “KO” Bellows (14-1-1, 7 KOs) is deep into training camp as he prepares to take on unbeaten Antowyan Aikens (10-0-1, 1 KO) on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes on Tuesday, February 16 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.
The eight-round super middleweight contest is the first televised appearance for the fighter who lives in Las Vegas and trains out of Floyd Mayweather’s Mayweather Boxing Club. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by Alexis Santiago(20-3-1, 8 KOs) taking on Erik Ruiz (15-4, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at: http://www.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling(702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
Bellows is set for his most high-profile fight to date and shared his thoughts on training camp, his promoter Floyd Mayweather, his opponent and more:
How is training camp going?
Training camp is going beautifully. It’s going as planned. I’m training with Otis Pimpleton and Rafael Ramos at the Mayweather Boxing Club. I’m doing everything they are asking for and we’re more than prepared for this fight.
What do you know about your opponent?
I know he’s tall and that he likes to box a little bit. I know for sure that he’s going to lose onFebruary 16. He doesn’t have a chance of winning. He jabs and runs well so I’m preparing for that. I’m going to come into the ring and bring all I got.
You’ve fought in Las Vegas more than anywhere throughout your career. What does it mean to you to be a “Las Vegas Fighter”?
It’s definitely a beautiful thing. Las Vegas is the boxing capital of the world. I’m a resident of Las Vegas now so fighting in where I consider to be my home means a lot of fans, family, and team support.
What are the advantages you have in training at the Mayweather Boxing Club with the other Mayweather Promotions’ fighters? 
There’s a level of competition here that motivates me to strive harder and to do my best. When you look to your left and your right, everyone here is trying to do the exact same thing. We have the same goal in mind. It definitely keeps you focused and pushes you to keep going.
How influential has Floyd been in your career?
Floyd has been very influential in my career. He’s the reason for me even being a part of Mayweather Promotions. His work ethic is something I try to mimic and gives me the motivation to take my career to the next level. It’s a very positive and impactful influence. Floyd leads by example. He’s a very busy man so he can’t always be at the gym. But when he does come in, he advises me on things that I need to work on and how I can improve myself. He always brings that positive energy wherever he goes.
What are your thoughts on fighting on television for the first time?
It was bound to happen. At all the other fights I’ve participated in, there are always cameras rolling. The only difference now is that I’m going to be televised. I’m still going to go out there and take care of business. There’s always pressure whenever you enter the ring but for me being televised just adds to my motivation. I get to showcase my talent and the work I’ve put in to my training for everyone to see.  At the end of the day, whether I’m on television or not, I’m still a fighter and I’m here to win.
What are your goals for your career in 2016?
My goals for this year are to be a minor belt holder and a contender for a world championship belt. I just want to be able to build on to my legacy for my family, friends, and my fans. I want to be the best I can be, not just this year but for my entire career.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,
http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com, www.samstownlv.com/entertain and www.mayweatherpromotions.com . Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LonnieBtheGreat, @LanellBellows @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at
www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

ALEXIS SANTIAGO TAKES ON ERIK RUIZ IN MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 FROM SAM’S TOWN LIVE IN LAS VEGAS (11 P.M. ET/8 P.M. PT)

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PLUS! LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT LIONELL THOMPSON FACES
PAUL PARKER & HARD-HITTING SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT
 LANELL BELLOWS BATTLES UNBEATEN ANTOWYAN AIKENS
 
Tickets On Sale Tomorrow, February 2!
 
LAS VEGAS (February 1, 2016) – Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (20-3-1, 8 KOs) goes for his tenth straight win when he takes on California’s Erik Ruiz (15-4, 6 KOs) in the 10-round bantamweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, February 16 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features two more exciting matchups as light heavyweight Lionell “The Great” Thompson (16-3, 10 KOs) battles Paul Parker (7-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round affair and hard-hitting Lanell “KO” Bellows(14-1-1, 7 KOs) faces Antowyan “Iceman” Aikens (10-0-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round super middleweight contest.
“I’m real excited about this fight and to be headlining on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Santiago. “My opponent is a very solid fighter that I look forward to battling. I can go in there and box but I love to get in the middle of the ring and exchange if I have to. I’m sure it’s going to be a war on February 16.”
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m going to take full advantage,” said Ruiz. “I am going to be aggressive and not let my opponent get comfortable for one second. I’m coming for a knockout, so I hope he doesn’t underestimate me.”
“We’re very happy to be able to showcase some of Mayweather Promotions’ rising stars on FS1 and FOX Deportes, and we look forward to continuing to put on shows here in Las Vegas,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “It’s going to be a great night of fights at Sam’s Town Live and a perfect way kick off 2016 for Mayweather Promotions.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale Tuesday, February 2 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets may be purchased online at: http://www.samstownlv.com/entertain, by calling(702) 284-7777, or at any Boyd Gaming box office.
A pro since 2009, the 25-year-old Santiago is unbeaten in his last nine bouts and is coming off of a victory over Gustavo Molina in October 2015. The Phoenix-native also defeated Javier Gallo and Antonio Tostado Garcia in 2015 and has not taken a loss since 2012. His most impressive triumphs came over once-beaten fighters Alex Rangel and Hanzel Martinez, both of whom he beat in 10-round bouts.
Fighting out of Oxnard, California, Ruiz has fought professionally since 2011 and won the first nine bouts of his career. The 24-year-old is coming off of a November 2015 victory over previously unbeaten Roy Tapia in a hard fought fight that also took place in Las Vegas.
A five-time New York State Golden Gloves Champion representing Buffalo, Thompson comes in off of a stoppage victory over Thomas Hanshaw in October 2015. The 30-year-old also owns wins over previously unbeaten Yathomas Riley and once-beaten Ryan Coyne.
Representing Toledo, Ohio, Parker won the first seven pro fights of his career and looks to collect another victory on February 16. The 30-year-old has picked up stoppage wins over previously unbeaten Dwayne Williams and Brian Holstein.
Originally from Los Angeles but fighting and training out of Las Vegas, Bellows enters this fight on an eight-bout winning streak. The 30-year-old will look to continue to keep the momentum going as he builds on to his four wins from 2015 and earn world title contender status in 2016.
Unbeaten and fighting out of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Aikens is looking to get a big win to start 2016. The 26-year-old closed out his 2014 with a win over previously unbeaten Sherman Artis Jr. before defeating Edgar Perez in 2015.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com, www.samstownlv.com/entertain andwww.mayweatherpromotions.com . Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LonnieBtheGreat, @LanellBellows  @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes, and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.