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SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION CELEBRATES 2017 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND WITH SPECIAL DOUBLEHEADER FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, N.Y.

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 Unbeatens Regis Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr., Collide In Main Event On Friday, June 9 Live On SHOWTIME® at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

 

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood To Be Joined By Fellow Hall of Famers Al Bernstein & Jimmy Lennon Jr.

 

NEW YORK (May 23, 2017) – ShoBox: The New Generation will celebrate the 2017 Hall of Fame weekend with a special doubleheader on Friday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino, just minutes from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, N.Y.

 

Longtime ShoBox analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood will call the actionon Friday before their induction in the “Observer” category on Sunday as part of a 2017 class headlined by boxing greats Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapia.

 

Fellow Hall of Famers Al Bernstein and Jimmy Lennon Jr. will join Farhood and Tompkins on-air during the special Hall of Fame edition of the prospect oriented series.  Lennon Jr. returns to Canasota for the posthumous induction of his father, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Sr.

 

In the 10-round main event, undefeated super lightweights Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (19-0, 16 KOs) and Joel Diaz Jr. (23-0, 19 KOs) will meet in a quintessential ShoBox matchup that could thrust the winner from prospect to legitimate title contender.  Viewers have seen both fighters develop on the series – this will be Prograis’ fourth start and Diaz’ third on ShoBox.

 

In the co-feature, unbeaten Canadian super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 KOs) makes his second start on ShoBox when he faces the dangerous Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round match.

 

“I think I can speak on behalf of all of us here at SHOWTIME about how happy and proud we are to see both Steve and Barry’s careers validated with their induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Gordon Hall, ShoBox Executive Producer and SVP Production, SHOWTIME Sports.  “And when you add four fighters with only one loss between them in a quintessentialShoBox card, it just doesn’t get much better than that.”

 

Tompkins and Farhood are the one-two punch behind ShoBox: The NewGeneration.  Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow and Farhood offers his wealth of boxing knowledge and expert analysis. The series announce team also includes former world champion Raul Marquez, who also serves as expert analyst.

 

This will be the fifth ShoBox visit to Turning Stone Resort Casino, which hosted its first ShoBox telecast during the 2013 Hall of Fame weekend.

 

Tickets for the event, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, are priced at $65 for ringside, $50, $40 and $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

 

REGIS PROGRAIS VS. JOEL DIAZ JR. – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT – 10 ROUNDS

 

Ranked No. 4 by the WBC, the 28-year-old Prograis has scored knockouts in 12 of his last 13 fights.  Originally from New Orleans but currently fighting out of Main Street Gym in Houston, the 5-foot-9 Prograis is an aggressive-minded southpaw with stunning accuracy on his power shots.

 

Prograis has beaten two previously undefeated fighters on ShoBox – an eight round stoppage of Abel Ramos and an eight-round decision over Amos Cowart – in addition to his most recent performance, a first round KO of veteran Aaron Herrera.  The former amateur standout is coming off a first round knockout of Wilfrido Buelvas on Feb. 11.

 

“It’s ‘Rougarou Time’,” said Prograis, whose nickname originates in Louisiana folklore and is defined as a werewolf-like creature. “This is a crossroads fight for me.  I am ranked No. 4 by the WBC and fifth by The Ring at 140 pounds.  I have worked hard to get here, and I am on a hunt for the title belts.

 

“Diaz is standing in the way of my ultimate objective and I know that I must defeat him to get where I want to be. He needs to get past me to move onto the next level himself, so I am sure he is equally motivated.  That is what makes for great fights.”

 

Joel Diaz Jr., of Palmdale, Calif., will return to ShoBox for the third time.  He debuted on the SHOWTIME series in just his sixth pro bout, stopping unbeaten prospect Guy Robb in seven rounds in 2012.  Diaz Jr. returned to headline aShoBox event on May 16, 2014, dominating Canadian Tyler Asselstine over 10 rounds en route to a unanimous decision.

 

The 25-year-old won all of his starts by stoppage in 2016.

 

“I am honored to be back on SHOWTIME and am thankful to my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Jean Pascal Promotions for the opportunity,” said Diaz Jr.  “OnJune 9, I will be more than ready to hand Regis Prograis his first defeat.  ShoBoxfans are in for a treat as this will be a thriller while it lasts.  When the smoke clears, I know that I will be the one left standing.”

 

STEVE ROLLS VS. DEMOND NICHOLSON – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT – 8 ROUNDS

 

Steve Rolls, of Toronto, Canada, earned his biggest victory in his ShoBox debut in December 2015, stopping then undefeated prospect and amateur standout Steed Woodall inside four rounds.  He has since earned two impressive knockout wins in 2016.

 

Rolls had a successful amateur career, competing on both the 2009 and 2010 Canadian National boxing teams and finishing with an 83-14 record overall.  In 2009, he went to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Men’s Boxing Championship in Milan, Italy, where he lost in the Round of 16 to 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Vijender Singh.

 

“It feels great to be back on ShoBox and I’m looking forward to putting on another spectacular performance,” Rolls said.  “I know that Nicholson can fight and I expect him to come prepared.  Training camp has been going very well and on June 9, I will be more than ready.”

 

Demond “D’Bestatit” Nicholson is a super middleweight from Laurel, Md. with devastating power, scoring all but one of his wins by knockout, including 10 in the first round.  The 24-year-old has won seven fights with one draw since his only defeat in 2014.

 

Nicholson, who owns an impressive victory over former world title challenger Milton Nunez, is coming off of a questionable draw against Immanuwel Aleem –who recently stopped Ievgen Khytrov in a back-and-forth brawl that aired on SHOWTIME.   As an amateur, Nicholson accumulated a record of 110-15, before turning pro in July 2013.

 

“My time is now,” said Nicholson. “Any time that I am able to showcase my talent in front of a national audience means a lot.  I am very humbled and thankful to be a part of this card.  I’ve had great sparring, making adjustments every session.  I saw Rolls’ fight against Steed Woodall – I think he has a lot to learn, and I will teach him a lesson.  I look forward to victory and continuing to move up the world rankings.”

 

# # #

 

Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, @loudibella and @DiBellaEnt or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, andwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series,ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. TheShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU COMBAT SPORTS SHOW: Lou Duva Tribute Show, Psychic Tom Padgett absolutely crushes UFC 209 Predictions, Garcia vs. Thurman Recap and Analysis

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Tony Penecale (left) and Lou Duva (right) at the Brockton, Massachusetts dedication of the Rocky Marciano statue.

Our show this week was dedicated to Lou Duva (above right with our co-host Tony Penecale). Lou died earlier this week at the ripe old age of 1994. He was a great friend to Rocky Marciano, a promoter of 19 world champions, and a man who had all his irons in the one fire that lit his life: boxing. The promoter/trainer/manager/legend appeared on the FNU Combat Sports show years back, but unfortunately the audio is grainy and spotty. If you listen closely the gems our talk contains outweigh the difficult spots to hear.

The full Lou Duva interview is here:

http://hosts.blogtalkradio.com/fightnewsunlimited/2009/07/03/joey-giambra-the-uncrowned-champion

I’m also posting a couple specific remastered clips here:

 

 

 

 

 

Tom, Tony and Rich also recap Garcia vs. Thurman, The latest on Mayweather vs. McGregor, UFC 209 and the many controversies attached, GSP’s dark warning about weight cutting, and Tony Bellew’s shocking upset of David Haye.

 

Here’s the tape:  (THE TAPE DOESN’T LIE)

 

Boxcino, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Caleb Plant Wins Unanimous Decision Over Thomas Awimbono In Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 And FOX Deportes

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

Deontay Wilder Scores Sensational Fifth Round KO Over Gerald Washington To Retain Heavyweight World Title

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

FNU Combat Sports Show Featuring Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk

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Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (15-0, 10 KOs) joins the broadcast tonight to talk about his recent war on ShoBox with Abel Ramos (17-2-2, 12 KOs). Baranchyk launched an incredible effort in the later rounds to hand Ramos his second professional loss and establish himself as a spirited, tough-as-nails brawler. Some experts claimed the fight was one of the most entertaining bouts in the 17-year history of the ShoBox series. Tom, Tony and Rich discuss the fight, other highlights of Ivan’s career, and get Baranchyk to explain how his early start in Jiu Jitsu eventually led him to the Sweet Science. The 24-year-old is already solidifying his legend, which explains why he points to “Iron” Mike Tyson as one of his role models in the sport of boxing.

 

Tom, Tony and Rich also discuss the latest Mayweather/MacGregor news, an odd suspension of an MMA fighter for going after his opponent’s corner man, the calling off of Chris Brown vs. Soulja Boy, and Roy Jones Jr. re-establishing his goal of fighting Anderson Silva in a boxing match (he now wants it to be on the Mayweather/MacGregor undercard).

 

We also recap last week’s combat sports events and preview Bellator 173 and this week’s upcoming boxing matches.

Part One: Interview starts around 30 minutes in…

 

Part Two:

 

boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

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

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

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

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

NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE FIFTH CLASS OF INDUCTEES ON FEB. 15 IN LAS VEGAS

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CEO/President Michelle Corrales-Lewis to welcome “exceptional” new class
 
LAS VEGAS (February 13, 2017) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will announce its fifth class of inductees on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. PST, Hall CEO/ president Michelle Corrales-Lewis announced. The 2017 class of nine boxers and five contributors will be revealed at Real Boxing, 5137 W. Oquendo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89118.  Lunch will be provide by TC’s Rib Crib.
The honorees will be formally inducted at the popular gala dinner on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Caesars Palace. Ticket information will be released shortly.
“We have elected yet another exceptional class of inductees and I can’t wait to introduce them,” said Corrales-Lewis, whose late husband, Diego Corrales, was a member of the NVBHOF’s inaugural class in 2013. “We have some of the best boxers ever in this group and I know fans are going to be excited to have the opportunity to meet them.
“Our class of contributors is very strong as well and all have made a significant imprint upon boxing in Nevada.”
Past inductees include some of the greatest fighters who have ever lived, including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and more.
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501 (c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible. The Hall’s charitable contributions over the five years since its formation have helped boxers in need and boxing-related charities. Donations are welcome.

The Hall was founded in 2013 by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta.   For more information, phone 702-3NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.
For Media Credentials Contact:                    For Information And Sponsorship Opportunities Contact:
Media Coordinator Jon Hait                             Chief Executive Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis
Email: jhshark@aol.com                                  Email: michelle@nvbhof.com
Phone: (702) 277-1020                                    Phone: 702-3-NVBHOF (702-368-2463)
boxing, Ring 8

Edwin Viruet Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday night

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Edwin Viruet
Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday night
NEW YORK (May 16, 2016) – New York State Boxing Hall-of-Famer Edwin Viruet will be Ring 8’s guest speaker at Tuesday night’s (May 17) monthly meeting, starting at 7 p.m. ET, at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive in Maspeth, New York.
“Edwin was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2016,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “He was unable to attend the induction ceremony, so we will present him with his Hall of Fame belt at our meeting.  Edwin embodies what the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) is all about in terms of his overall achievements and accomplishments as a New York State fighter.  We’re very happy that Edwin will have this opportunity to be honored and we’re all interested in hearing him speak about his boxing career.”
Viruet (32-6-2) was a standout amateur boxer, albeit brief, registering a perfect 18-0 record, highlighted by his winning two New York Golden Gloves Championship in 1968 as a 118-pound sub-novice and the following year in the 126-pound division, Edwin and his brother,Adolpho Viruet, were declared co-champions.
In 1969, Viruet turned pro and two years later, he fought a draw with future world championSaoul Mamby and he won a decision over another future world champion, Alfredo Escalara.  Three years later, Viruet scored a decision victory against fellow 2016 NYSBHOF inductee Vilomar Fernandez at Madison Square Garden.
Viruet went the distance twice with world lightweight champion Roberto Duran, losing a decision both times, the first in a non-title fight in 1975 and the second as a world title challenger in Philadelphia two years later.
In 1983, Viruet retired as a boxer after having fought in all of the top New York venues – MSG, The Felt Forum, Sunnyside Garden, Nassau Coliseum, Singer Bowl and Audobon Ballroom.
Viruet also enjoyed a successful career as a trainer with heavyweight Alex Steward, a Golden Gloves champion who, as a professional, fought Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfieldand George Foreman.  Viruet also trained actor Wesley Snipes.
Several Vinny Maddalone fights, courtesy of Charley Norkus, Jr., will be shown on six television screens during Tuesday night’s buffet.
 
Ring 8 Summer Picnic
Ring 8’s annual summer picnic will be held Sunday afternoon, August 28, at Brady Park in Massapequa Reserve, Nassau on Long Island, New York.  Complete details coming soon.
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CONTACT:  Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com @fightpublicist
ABOUT RING 8:  Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2015 officially announced

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Lou DiBella, Shelly Finkel, Arnie Bayer, Carey Mace, George Russo, Peter Timothy & Mort Sharnik
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (September 15, 2015) – Promoter Lou DiBella and manager/promoter Shelly Finkel lead a seven-member Class of 2015 into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF).  New members will be inducted at the 11THannual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Friday night,November 13 in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The new CBHOF inductees also includes former boxing commissioner Peter Timothy and, posthumously, boxers Carey Mace and George Russo, boxing writer Mort Sharnik and boxing advocate Arnie Bayer.
“We at the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame are very excited to announce this year’s class of inductees,” new CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We have a great mix of internationally recognized boxing legends and a wonderful and most deserving group of Connecticut’s boxing royalty. Personally, I am so pleased to introduce this class in my first year as president of this incredible organization. I look forward to seeing all our Connecticut boxing fans at Mohegan Sun on November 13th.”
Based in New York City, DiBella (pictured to left) is the former Head of Boxing for HBO, creating the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series. His promotional company, DiBella Entertainment, has promoted countless boxing events at Mohegan Sun Arena and Foxwoods Resort Casino during the past two decades.  DiBella also owned the Connecticut Defenders minor league baseball team that was based in Norwich.  His top fighters have included Sergio Martinez,Bernard Hopkins, Paulie Malignaggi, Jermain Taylor, CBHOF inductee “Irish” Micky Ward, and Andre Berto among the more notables. A Harvard Law School graduate, DiBella is also a successful movie producer.
Finkel (pictured to right with the late Emanuel Steward), also from New York City, is an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee who was a fixture at Connecticut fights for many years as either a promoter or manager.  He is also a successful manager in the music industry.  In the early 1990s, Finkel was arguably the most powerful manager in boxing.  His most celebrated clients included Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor and Wladimir Klitschko.
Timothy (pictured to left with Sugar Ray Leonard) was boxing commissioner of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal National Commission at Foxwoods from 1995 to 2009.  He was mentored by the late John Burns, who was the founder of the CBHOF of which he is also an inductee.  During his tenure at Foxwoods, Timothy regulated hundreds of pro events, including 90 title fight.  Highlights of his reign included CBHOF inductee John Ruiz–Evander Holyfield III for the WBA world heavyweight championship and, perhaps, the greatest fight in Foxwoods history, the IBF world cruiserweight title fight between James Toney and Vassily Jirov.  Other stars who fought at Foxwoods when Timothy was in charge include Roy Jones, Jr., Diego Corrales, Shane Mosely and Acelino Freitas, along with CBHOF inductees Dana Rosenblatt, Peter Manfredo, Jr. and U.S. Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey.
Mace (72-18-2), born in Hartford, started fighting professionally in the late 1940s.  His most notable victory came in 1950, stopping former world champion Joe Giardello.  Mace was a member of CBHOF charter member Willie Pep‘s stable and was ranked at one point as high as No. 8 welterweight in the world.  Mace, whose last bout was a loss to CBHOF memberGaspar Ortega in 1962, lived in Manchester when he passed away at the age of 73 in 2003.
Russo had 85 pro fights between 1922 and 1934.  He moved to Bridgeport when he was six and he eventually became a local legend in boxing, operating gyms like Red Man’s Hall, Acorn Club and East Washington Avenue.  In 1992, he brought boxing back after a decade-long absence to the Old PAL building in Bridgeport. Russo also was recognized as the “Johnny Duke of Southern Connecticut.”
Born in New Haven, the late Sharnick lived nearly all his life in Norwalk, before returning to Florida, where he was elected to the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012, largely for founding the Smart Boxer Institute.  Sharnik was a boxing writer for 23 years at Sports Illustrated, highlighted by his coverage of Cassius Clay–Sonny Liston I, quoted wildly for saying, “Liston has fists like cannonballs.”  He moved on to become the chief for consultant at CBS for nine years and was chief advisor and the lone true believer in George Foreman‘s comeback bid eventually leading to another world heavyweight title.  Sharnick also was an advisor for CBHOF member and two-time world champion Marlon Starling, persuading the future world champion to add Eddie Futch as his head trainer.  Futch’s assistant, CBHOF member Freddie Roach, would eventually train Starling when he became world welterweight champion.
Bayer was widely respected as a true advocate of boxing, always quick to lend a helping hand, as well as opening wallet to help support boxing gyms in cities like CBHOF inductee Johnny Duke’s Boys Club Gym in Bellevue Square, Hartford.
Tickets for the CBHOF 11th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale now by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails at 6 p.m. ET, followed by dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 11th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, bobtfcp@hotmail.com,978.590.0470, @fightpublicist
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Link to CBHOF Website