Tag Archives: Fernando Montiel

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

“Chasing Billions” – premieres on Spike Friday, March 25 at 11:00pm ET/PT

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In this Spike original special, “Chasing Billions” follows boxing superstar and super lightweight world champion Adrien Broner along with top contender and Floyd Mayweather protégé, Ashley Theophane, as they prepare for their highly anticipated showdown on Friday, April 1 from the D.C. Armory in Washington D.C. Spike’s coverage of the PBC will go on as planned next Friday night at 9:00pm ET/PT.
The special will delve into the escalating tension emanating from the rivalry between the outspoken and engaging Broner and the legendary boxing icon Mayweather.
Over the years, this complicated relationship has run the gamut from respectful to overtly contentious. While Mayweather may see this as a fight between mentee, Theophane, against Broner – the hard-hitting Broner emphatically has stated that “I’m not fighting Theophane, I’m fighting Floyd!”
The rivals and their respective entourages come face-to-face in a heated and colorful press conference that showcases the simmering tension between both camps. The storyline plays throughout the show as viewers see how Broner has emulated the legendary Mayweather in and out of the ring to become a world champion and his own successful brand.  With full access to both the Broner and Theophane camps and exclusive interviews, “Chasing Billions” will provide an inside look that is must-see TV for any boxing fan.

 

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

 Victor Ortiz, Andre Berto, Jorge Lara & Fernando Montiel Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, April 30
From StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Arnold Turner/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LOS ANGELES (March 23, 2016) – Former welterweight world champions“Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre “The Beast” Berto, along with undefeated featherweight contender Jorge Lara and former world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel, held a press conference in Los Angeles Wednesday to discuss their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX & FOX Deportes showdowns taking place Saturday, April 30 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
The tripleheader of primetime action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT also features an exciting light heavyweight showdown between Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53 and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, and are on sale now and available for purchase online at AXS.com.
The fighters held court at the Conga Room at L.A. Live and spoke about their respective matchups. Ortiz and Berto will tangle in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2011 battle, won by Ortiz, while the rising Lara and former champion Montiel meet in a crossroads fight that could launch the winner into title contention in a stacked featherweight division.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
VICTOR ORTIZ
“This is definitely the next chapter of my boxing career and I want to take full advantage of it. I’m healthy and I’m young and I’m still able to pull the trigger.
“Everyone said I was a ‘tomato can’ who had no business being in the ring with Berto the first time. I had to go to Connecticut to get my belt and my respect.
“I’ve fought a lot of wars. I’ve been in battles. I broke my jaw and my wrist, that’s three years right there. But my will to fight led me back. The more boxing I watched, the more upset it made me. I don’t think the other welterweights are on my level.
“Berto blames me for his downward spiral. He thinks he has a chance this time. Always a good dream to have.
“I’m not going the distance this time. I’m going in 100 miles per hour, full throttle.
“2011 was one heck of a year. The repeat is coming on April 30 because I want another world championship. Berto is a tremendous warrior; I’ll give him that. I’ll be ready and I know he will be too.”
ANDRE BERTO
“I’m excited about this one. April 30 is going to be a tremendous night. I promise you that.
“The fight back in 2011, he got me. He did what he had to do to win. But this time I’m going in extremely focused and ready to take everything that I felt he took from me that night.
“I went to school. I failed the test and now I have the chance to ace it.
“He said it wouldn’t go the distance last time, but I still did and I wasn’t training to my full capabilities.
“My power and speed are still there. I’m glad this fight came about because it’s going to be a great night for the fans.
“I’m not about running my mouth and saying stuff just for the media. I’m going to back it up in the ring.
“I’ve got to show Victor some respect because he beat me the first time. I’m big on being respectful. I respect Victor and the history of Mexican fighters, they put their blood, sweat and tears in there.
“This is what he asked for. So I want to make sure he knows what he’s getting himself into. This isn’t the same situation as last time. So we’ll see it in the ring. Come out on April 30 and see me handle this business.”
 
JORGE LARA
“It’s an honor to be able to fight on a card like this. I’m really excited about entering the ring on April 30.
“I know this isn’t going to be an easy fight. Montiel is a very accomplished fighter and that’s why we’re preparing ourselves very diligently for this fight. We’re looking forward to the challenge that he presents.
“I have all the respect in the world for Fernando Montiel. He was a great world champion who is very established in his career. I must be at my best to get the victory.
“If I’m able to win the fight then I would like to fight the winner of Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares in that title fight. But first and foremost, I have to get this big victory.
“Don’t miss this fight. We’re going to give it our all and it’s going to be a tremendous matchup. I’m going to give it my all to be victorious.”
FERNANDO MONTIEL
“It’s an honor and pleasure to be a part of this amazing card. My fight with Lara is going to get the ring hot for the rest of the card.
“Lara is going to come prepared just like myself. He’s a great fighter. He’s undefeated and I know he’s going to bring his best.
“I know that Jorge Lara is a very good fighter, he’s aggressive. I know if I make a mistake it could be a long night for me.
“I know I have to rely on my experience to come out victorious. I expect both of us to battle. There could be some knockdowns. It’s going to be a fun fight for the fans.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity and I hope everyone comes out because I’m planning on making this a terrific fight.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto,@LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Long-Awaited Victor Ortiz & Andre Berto Rematch Set for Primetime Saturday, April 30 As Premier Boxing Champions On FOX & FOX Deportes Comes To StubHub Center In Carson, Calif.

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Plus! Highly Anticipated Light Heavyweight Showdown Between 
Edwin Rodriguez & Thomas Williams Jr.
& Former Multiple Division Champion Fernando Montiel Takes On Unbeaten Jorge Lara In Featherweight Action
 
Televised Coverage Begins At 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
CARSON, CALIF. (March 17, 2016) – Former welterweight world champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (31-5-2, 24 KOs) and Andre “The Beast” Berto (30-4, 23 KOs) will meet again in a 12-round welterweight rematch in primetime on Saturday, April 30 as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes comes to StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features two exciting undercard attractions. Light heavyweight sluggers Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (28-1, 19 KOs)and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr. (19-1, 13 KOs)meet in a 10-round brawl plus former three-division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KOs) faces unbeaten Mexican brawler Jorge Lara (27-0-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight battle.
Ortiz and Berto first faced off in their 2011 welterweight world title barnburner that garnered significant Fight of the Year buzz. The bout saw both men hit the canvas twice, including a thrilling round six in which each fighter was knocked down.  In the end, Ortiz walked away with a unanimous decision.  A victory in the rematch will propel the winner to the forefront of the world title picture in this stacked with talent division.
“I know I’m in for another war,” said Ortiz. “I’ve always been open to a rematch because Berto has a big mouth and something to prove. After our fight, he went on a losing streak, because I gave his opponents a blueprint on how to beat him. My losses have been unfortunate, but I wouldn’t want to come up against me at this stage in the game. My name is Victor and that’s no coincidence.”
“This is the fight the people have been waiting for and it’s time to give it to them,” said Berto. “I am in a good place mentally, physically and spiritually. I’ve never wanted my story to be perfect, that’s boring. Life is filled with ups and downs and I’ve embraced them all in my career.  Everything I’ve been through has turned me into a savage. It’s time to close this chapter once and for all. I want his head!”
The undercard bouts are sure to feature exciting two-way action as the experienced veterans Rodriguez and Montiel look to hold-off rising contenders in Williams Jr. and Lara.
“This is a very big fight for the light heavyweight division,” said Rodriguez. “Thomas brings it, but so do I. You can expect fireworks from the opening bell as we are both looking to put on a sensational performance. That being said, the light heavyweight championship is right around the corner, and there is nothing that is going to stop me from getting there.”
“I’m thrilled to be fighting on this card,” Williams said. “When they called me about this fight, I said, ‘I love it, let’s make it happen.’ I think that it’s going to be a really exciting and fan-friendly matchup. Edwin is a strong fighter who I know is going to be prepared to bring it on fight night, and I’ll make sure I’m ready to do the same.”
“It’s a pleasure to be on this fight card and I promise an exciting night for the fans,” said Montiel. “I came up short in my last fight, but I am determined to become a world champion in a new weight class. I always come to fight and I will be throwing punches non-stop until I’m victorious on April 30.”
“I’m blessed to be back in the ring as part of this great night of fights,” said Lara. “My dream is to be a world champion, and to do that I have to beat fighters like Montiel. I respect my opponent, but right now he is on my way and nothing is going to stop me.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53, and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
PBC on FOX in primetime debuted on January 23 and featured a thrilling three-fight card that was topped by undefeated star Danny Garcia conquering former world champion Robert Guerrero to claim a welterweight world title in a back-and-forth brawl. Another exciting contest in the welterweight division is sure to thrill those watching at home and the Southern California boxing fans in attendance.
“We are proud to be bringing this long awaited rematch to the StubHub Center and the Los Angeles boxing fans,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto battled back in 2011, and their meeting on April 30 will take care of unfinished business.”
“After the overwhelming success of the return to boxing on FOX in January, after an almost 20 year absence, FOX Sports and FOX Deportes are thrilled to present the second Premier Boxing Champions fight on April 30,” said David Nathanson, FOX Sports Head of Business Operations.
“StubHub Center is excited to host this welterweight bout on Saturday, April 30,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of StubHub Center. “We look forward to an exciting rematch and an electric atmosphere at the premier outdoor boxing venue in the United States.”
An exciting fighter who never shies away from action, Ortiz returned to the ring in December 2015 one year after injuring his hand during a third round stoppage of Manuel Perez. The 29-year-old stopped Gilberto Sanchez Leon in his last bout for his second victory in a row. Ortiz was a 147-pound world champion when he defeated Berto in 2011 to set up a showdown with Floyd Mayweather. The Kansas-native has spent time in recent years to film roles in movies such as “Southpaw” and “The Expendables 3” but is now fully focused on a return to the pinnacle of the welterweight division.
Berto is a former amateur standout and Olympian for his native Haiti. He challenged now-retired pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather in September. The offensive-minded Berto always makes for sensational scraps as his 2012 slugfest with Robert Guerrero was another Fight of the Year candidate. The 32-year-old thrilled in his PBC debut last March when he stopped Josesito Lopez in the sixth round of their welterweight showdown.
An accomplished amateur who won a 2006 National Golden Gloves gold medal and a 2005 U.S. National Championship gold medal, the 30-year-old Rodriguez enters this fight a winner of his last four fights. Born in the Dominican Republic but fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, Rodriguez’s only loss came to the undefeated Andre Ward in 2013. He owns impressive victories over previously unbeaten fighters Will Rosinsky, Jason Escalera, Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna, Craig Baker and Michael Seals. Against Seals, in his most recent bout on November 13, Edwin rose from the canvas to score a devastating third-round TKO in what was a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate.
Williams Jr., a 28-year-old from Fort Washington, Maryland, was introduced to boxing by his father, a former pro fighter. A dynamite puncher, Williams Jr. has registered seven of his 13 knockouts in the first round. However, the southpaw has also proven his endurance with unanimous decision victories over warriors like Michael Gbenga, Yusaf Mack and Otis Griffin. Most recently he earned two victories, including a second-round TKO over world-ranked contender Umberto Savigne last November.
The veteran Montiel won his first world title in 2000 over Isidro Garcia and went on to have title winning performances over Pedro Alzacar, Ivan Hernandez, Z Gorres, Ciso Morales and Hozumi Hasegawa.  Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel rode an eight-fight win streak heading into his October world title shot against Lee Selby.  Montiel’s aggressive style frustrated Selby but it was not enough for him to grab a title in his fourth weight class.
Undefeated out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Lara made his U.S. debut on March 7, 2015 with a first round stoppage of Mario Macias in Las Vegas. The 25-year-old has ended seven of his last nine opponents early including experienced contenders Jovanny Soto, Jairo Hernandez and Oscar Ibarra. He looks to rebound from a technical draw in his last outing after the fight was stopped in six rounds due to numerous cuts Lara had received from accidental headbutts.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andfoxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto,@LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

MARCH 12 BOXING EVENT CANCELLATION NOTICE

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NEW YORK (Feb. 24, 2016)—After extensive discussions between DiBella Entertainment, Showtime Networks and Mohegan Sun, the March 12 boxing event has been canceled.

 

Following the injury to Keith Thurman and the postponement of the Thurman vs. Porter bout, we evaluated several options for salvaging the card, but various factors, including scheduling and programming issues, prevented the parties involved from doing so.

 

The featherweight bout between fellow three-division world champions Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel will remain paired with the Thurman vs. Porter welterweight world championship event, which is being rescheduled for a later date on CBS.  The other bouts on the card will be rescheduled on a date or dates to be announced.

 

“Every effort was made to move forward with the remainder of this excellent card, despite the tight time frame,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “However, scheduling conflicts and other factors forced us to make the unfortunate decision to cancel the entire event.  There are a number of attractive fights on the table and we look forward to presenting all of them to the fans as soon as possible.”

 

Tickets purchased for the March 12 event will be refunded at the point of purchase.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

KEITH THURMAN SUSTAINS INJURY FORCING POSTPONEMENT OF TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST SHAWN PORTER

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DiBella Entertainment, Mohegan Sun and Showtime Evaluating Options to Continue with the Remainder of the March 12 Fight Card
 
NEW YORK (Feb. 22, 2016)–Undefeated world champion Keith Thurman sustained an injury as a result of a car accident that has forced his March 12 welterweight title defense against Shawn Porter to be postponed.  The announcement was made today by promoter Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment.  According to his doctors, Thurman’s injuries are not considered serious and he is expected to be cleared to resume training in the coming weeks.  Thurman vs. Porter was the main event of a scheduled two-fight card to be broadcast in prime time on CBS.  This fight and the network broadcast will now be rescheduled for a later date.
DiBella Entertainment, Mohegan Sun and Showtime are evaluating the option of continuing with the remainder of the fight card on Saturday, March 12 with a transition of television coverage to SHOWTIME.  Complete details are forthcoming.
“While it’s unfortunate that we must temporarily postpone this marquee matchup, a main event of the magnitude of Thurman vs. Porter requires both fighters be healthy and at their best.” said DiBella.  “Keith is anxious to resume training as soon he is able and both he and Shawn are looking forward to a new fight date.”
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

SHAWN PORTER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Former Champion Porter Challenges Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman In Exciting Primetime Matchup Saturday, March 12

Live On CBS (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)

 

Click HERE For Photos From Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (February 19, 2016) – Welterweight star “Showtime” Shawn Porteropened up his training camp to media Thursday at Porter Hy-Performance Center in Las Vegas as he prepares for his primetime showdown with welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, March 12 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) from Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut.

 

Televised action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with an all-action showdown between former multiple division world champions Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel.

 

Porter worked out for media along with his father and trainer, Ken Porter as he looks to become a welterweight world champion for the second time. Porter defeated multiple-division champion Adrien Broner in a primetime PBC main event last year and is looking to again find success under the bright lights.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at

$300, $150, $75 and $35 (plus applicable fees) and are on sale now through

Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call (800) 745

3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available at the Mohegan Sun

Box Office.

 

Here is what Porter and his father had to say Thursday:

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

On training camp…

 

“Training camp is going great. It’s been hard work as always and nothing really different specifically for this fight.  Obviously it is always a different game plan for a different fighter but that’s about it.

 

“I’m not making too many adjustments from my previous fight, just taking what I learn from each fight and take those learning experiences with you. Going into this fight we will definitely have some of our past experiences show up.

 

“It is getting closer. I feel it every day. It’s approaching and the excitement is brewing. The closer it gets the more excited and more focused that I get.

 

On being perceived as the underdog…

 

“I do not feel like I am coming in as the underdog. In order to be the champion, you have to beat the champion. That is my outlook on this fight, not only to outpoint him but to make it very decisive and dominate the fight.

 

”My motivation is to prove the doubters wrong.

 

“I have faced a tougher opposition than Keith Thurman. I feel like that may work most to my advantage. I think that there will come points in this fight where I will put him up against things that he has never been up against. It is all about how he reacts to what I throw at him.

 

“My plan is to go in there and shake him up, make him uncomfortable and carry the fight just like that.

 

“I am ready and whatever Thurman has to bring. I’m ready for 12 rounds, I’m ready to knock him out.  I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win. I’m ready.

 

On sparring with Thurman…

 

“We expect what we saw in sparring with him to show up in the fight. He moved around a lot when we sparred. There weren’t very many clean shots landed by either of us, but I know from sparring with him that I have to be aggressive and that I have to cutoff the ring.

 

“I would say that for the majority of this fight it is probably going to be me as the aggressor. He likes to bully guys at the beginning of the fight to wear them down to feel himself out.. We’re expecting him to move a lot more against me.

 

“We’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to be smart, we’re looking beyond this fight.

“In my last fight I didn’t get hit very much and I am taking that same mindset and defense into this fight.

 

On being the next Floyd Mayweather Jr…

 

“I am expecting to beat Keith and be the guy that everyone looks at.

 

“When you go up against someone at a high level like this, you go up and you show out.

 

“As far as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, I think those faces are going away. The welterweight class is exciting and there’s going to be a new face on the top of that ranking.  I’d like that face to be me.

 

“I don’t make any predictions; I just know I am going to win.

 

“I have been waiting for this fight since 2013. I had just gotten my title then and I could see the way his career was moving that there was a collision course. We didn’t know how long this fight would take to happen or when it would happen, but we knew it was coming.

 

“When I was told this fight was happening all I could think was ‘Ok, let’s do it’ and it took some time to make the fight happen but when we finally did our faceoff, it felt great to look him in the eyes and let him know ‘I’m coming after you.’

 

“For me to fight Keith it has always been something that was a part of my career, all business not personal. It was just something that I needed to do to get to where I want to be.

 

“Keith Thurman is a good fighter. Nothing really sticks out to me as something I should worry about. He’s a good athlete and a good boxer, but he is very beatable, he just hasn’t been beat yet.

 

“You’re only as good as you’re last competition. If you look at the Kell Brook fight, I was not as good as I should’ve been. Since then I am very good, but still I feel that you are only as good as your last fight until you prove otherwise.

 

“It is and isn’t personal. For Keith to be considered one of the top dogs in this weight class, it is personal to me to beat him and reign over him. Other than that, it is all business.”

 

KEN PORTER

 

On being his son’s trainer…

 

“Because I have the history of working with a lot of top-level amateurs who have moved on to the professional level, I think that Shawn sees that in me as an edge.”

 

On his history with Keith Thurman…

 

“I know him very well. I’ve had opportunities to work with him in the amateurs. I’ve had opportunities to work with him in the pros. I’ve worked in his corner in an amateur fight before, I’ve worked in his corner in a pro fight.

 

“Keith knows Shawn, they’ve sparred about 30 rounds. He knows speed and won’t come in the ring trying to land a significant shot from the beginning.  If he’s throwing that punch, he’s probably running the other direction at the same time.

 

“I would challenge [Thurman] to come in the ring and fight, but I know he’s going to fight. I know he will try to outbox us and try to land a slick and unexpected punch. Anyone can land a shot on you, that happens, but it’s what you do after the punch that counts.

 

“We’re looking forward to trading punches, boxing with him, slugging with him. We’re looking for a fight.”

 

On what it will take to win this fight…

 

“At this point in time, there’s going to be a lot of adjustments that have to be made, and I can’t just determine what it’s going to take to do it, but I know it’s going to take everything – speed, quickness, power, aggressiveness, conditioning, making adjustments mentally –  it’s an intellectual fight.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Showtime Boxing

ABNER MARES AND FERNANDO MONTIEL TO MEET IN ALL-ACTION SHOWDOWN OF THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPIONS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 12, LIVE ON CBS®

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Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter Face Off in Welterweight Blockbuster
In Main Event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Live On CBS At 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT
NEW YORK (Feb. 3, 2016) – Former three-division world champions Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel will square off in all-action co-feature on Saturday, March 12, live on CBS at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT.
In the main event of the first primetime boxing presentation on CBS in nearly 40 years, welterweight knockout artist Keith Thurman will defend his WBA Welterweight World Championship against former titlist Shawn Porter in a matchup of two elite fighters in boxing’s glamour division.
The event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment from Mohegan Sun Casino Resortin Connecticut, is produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for the CBS Television Network, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.
Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) and Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KOs) are two of the most accomplished and entertaining Mexican boxers in the sport today.  Mares compiled a staggering resume over the past five years while earning titles at 118, 122 and 126 pounds.  Montiel is one of the most skilled boxers of his generation having won championships at 112, 115 and 118 pounds over a 17-year career.
“I’m ready to get back in the ring and have the boxing world see the monster that the Mares and Robert Garcia partnership is creating,” said Abner Mares. “I’m a tough fighter. I’ve made some adjustments and I will show my warrior spirit and skill on March 12. It’s time to go to work.”
“I have been wanting to fight Abner Mares for many years,” said Montiel. “They say that styles make fights and Abner Mares’ style is tailor made for me. My last fight was a close decision against one of the best featherweights in the world in Lee Selby. I need to make every fight count and on March 12 Abner Mares will be my next step to another world title!”
“Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel are both proud warriors,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Both are coming off tough, competitive fights and both must win to once again realize championship dreams. This will be a throw down, entertaining battle.”
Tickets for the live event are priced at $300, $150, $75 and $35 (plus applicable fees) and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call (800) 745-3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office.
Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Downey, Calif., Mares won his first title in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to win the bantamweight crown. He continued his rise up the pound-for-pound list with wins over Anselmo Moreno and Daniel Ponce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight.  The 30-year-old won three straight fights leading to a massive showdown with Leo Santa Cruz last August. Mares showed the same explosiveness that made him a multiple division world champion in a thrilling Fight of the Year candidate that he lost by decision. The always-exciting Mares will enter the ring for the first time under the tutelage of renowned trainer Robert Garcia and strength coach Luis Garcia as he looks to work his way towards another world title.
The veteran Montiel won his first world title in 2000 over Isidro Garcia and went on to have title-winning performances over Pedro Alzacar, Ivan Hernandez, Z Gorres, Ciso Morales and Hozumi Hasegawa.  Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel rode an eight-fight win streak heading into his October world title shot against Lee Selby.  Montiel’s aggressive style frustrated Selby but it was not enough for him to grab a title in his fourth weight class.  The 36-year-old has an opportunity to get back in the mix for a world title with a victory over Mares.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

ARON MARTINEZ SCORES UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER DEVON ALEXANDER IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FIGHT CARD FROM GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, AZ

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LEE SELBY WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION
AGAINST FERNANDO MONTIEL
 
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Credit: Lucas Noonan/PBC
 
Click HERE For Fight Highlights
 
GLENDALE, AZ. (October 14, 2015) -Tonight’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN fight card featured Mexican brawler Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs) capturing a unanimous decision (97-93, 97-93, 96-94) victory over former world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-4, 14 KOs). In a 10-round battle, spent mostly on the inside, Martinez managed to emerge victorious.
The televised opener showcased a 12-round, action-packed battle as Lee Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) made his U.S. debut and secured a unanimous decision (116-112, 118-110, 119-109) win over former three-division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KOs).
Here is what the fighters had to say about their performances tonight:
DEVON ALEXANDER
 
“I wanted to be smart and aggressive in there tonight, and that’s what I did.
“He was coming in fast like we knew he would. We knew he was going to come forward. I just couldn’t get my shots off like I wanted to.
“Consecutive losses are tough, but I’m not easily discouraged. I just need to regroup and then we’ll see what’s next. I’m still considered one of the best.”
ARON MARTINEZ
“I’m the heavier guy. I’ve always fought at 147 lbs. This is my natural weight and I sparred against much bigger guys during the last few weeks of training camp. I was facing fast 180 lbs fighters in camp to get ready for this.
“We followed our game plan tonight. I give (Alexander) props for standing in there with me.
“Fighting on a PBC card on ESPN is the best kind of opportunity for me. I’ll use this fight to get another great chance like I got tonight.
“I’ll fight whoever they put in front of me. I’m always the underdog, but I embrace it because that mentality has pushed me to work harder.”
LEE SELBY
“My jab, reach and speed were my biggest advantages tonight. That was how I got the win.
“All the cuts I’ve had in my career have come against shorter fighters like (Montiel). When I got cut tonight in the 6th round it was the same thing. I caught a head butt.
“I was honestly disappointed in my performance tonight. I got the win and it was a great feeling to get my first one on U.S. soil. But the fans didn’t see me at my best, and a big part of that was Montiel’s experience. He’s a great fighter.”
FERNANDO MONTIEL
“I thought it was a lot closer fight than the judges had it on the scorecard.
“I spent the first few rounds waiting for him to come at me so I could counterpunch. But he wasn’t engaging me so I became the aggressor and brought the fight to him.
“It was an honor to fight on this PBC card here in Arizona. I honestly think I deserve a rematch. I want to fight him again.”
# # #
The card was promoted by Ring Pros Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comandwww.gilariveraarena.com.Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TheRealDevonA, @LeeSelby126 @ESPNBoxing, @GilaRivArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  www.facebook.com/GilaRiverArena.com and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES IN ADVANCE OF DEVON ALEXANDER VS. ARON MARTINEZ AT GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, AZ ON OCTOBER 14

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Coverage On ESPN Begins At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT/PT
 
GLENDALE, AZ. (October 12, 2015) – Televised fighters on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN fight card taking place this Wednesday in Glendale, AZ took time out of their busy schedules to host a media workout at Central Street Boxing Gym.
Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-3, 14 KOs) will take on battle-tested Mexican Aron Martinez (19-4-1, 4 KOs) in the headlining bout at Gila River Arena. Televised coverage is slated to begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT/PT with the U.S. debut of featherweight world champion Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on former three-division world championFernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs).
Here is what the fighters had to say in anticipation of their bouts:
DEVON ALEXANDER
“This camp has been all about getting things right. I had to make sure my mentality was right. Losing is not an option anymore. In my loss to Amir (Khan), it wasn’t anything that he necessarily did to make me lose. All the losses that I’ve had I think I could have just as easily won those fights. This is a mental game, and I wasn’t there mentally for those fights.
“I had to get rid of the distractions around camp that were keeping me from fully focusing on the task at hand and how important boxing is to me. I had to focus and then re-focus on how much this means to me. Everybody needs to reprogram themselves once in a while to help you remember what’s important.
“I know Aron Martinez is going to come to fight. He knows my record and that I’ve beaten some of the best. So he knows it’s going to be tough for him, and I’m sure he’ll bring his best into the ring with him, but it’s not going to be enough. When I’m focused like this nobody can beat me.”
ARON MARTINEZ
“My style is to fight and hopefully he stands and exchanges with me, but if he doesn’t we have a good game plan to box him. We know he’s a boxer so I’m pretty sure that’s what we’ll see.
“I have to take care of Alexander. I want to give a good fight and then go on to bigger fights. I’m here to fight whoever they put in front of me. I’m ready to fight anybody.
“I haven’t met one single person who didn’t think I won the Robert Guerrero fight, but that’s the past. I believe I beat him, but it’s boxing and I’m ready to fight a way different type of fighter.
“It felt good to knock down Guerrero because everyone underestimates my power. I fought a lot of strong guys and they’ve felt my punches. We train to box or trade blows.”
LEE SELBY
“I’m really excited. This is my first world title defense and it’s against a tough challenge that most guys wouldn’t take. It’s not an easy win, especially with me having to come overseas.
“I’ve chosen a formidable foe and if I beat a guy like him and look good, it should raise my profile overnight.
“I don’t really study the fighters, I just like to know a little bit about their style. Montiel can do both, he doesn’t have a typical style.  I like to keep it simple because you don’t want to prepare for one thing and then have your opponent come out doing something different.
“Montiel is a big puncher but I’ve been with lots of good punchers. I’ve beaten several unbeaten guys and I have loads of experience for my young age.
“I’m used to coming out here for training camps and as far as not having the home crowd advantage, I’ve won titles in hostile crowds before so it won’t be a problem.
“I think I’m there with the best in the division. I want to fight the top guys and I think if I get a big win and look good here, I’ll be in the mix.
“With these fights being on free T.V., more people get to see me and my profile will change rapidly as long as I do what I’m capable of.”
FERNANDO MONTIEL
“I honestly believe that (Selby) chose the wrong guy to fight. I’ve had great preparation for this fight. All the work has been put in. He just chose the wrong guy to make his US debut against.
“I was very happy when I heard that we were going to fight in Arizona. There are lots of Mexicans here, so I know I’ll have a lot of people behind me on Wednesday. It’s going to be great to fight here.
“I certainly don’t feel like age has anything to do with this fight. Look at me. I’m ready to go.”
# # #
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ring Pros Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25 for general admission, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.gilariverarena.com.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.gilariveraarena.com.Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TheRealDevonA, @LeeSelby126 @ESPNBoxing, @GilaRivArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  www.facebook.com/GilaRiverArena.com and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

EXCITING UNDERCARD ACTION FEATURES IVAN REDKACH FACING ERICK MARTINEZ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 AT GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA

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Premier Boxing Champions On ESPN Headlined By
Welterweights Devon Alexander vs. Aron Martinez
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
GLENDALE, AZ. (October 7, 2015) – Exciting contender Ivan Redkach (18-1, 14 KOs) returns to battle Erick Martinez (11-2-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout onWednesday, October 14 from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
The October 14 Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN event is headlined by former world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-3, 14 KOs) taking on battle-tested Mexican Aron Martinez (19-4-1, 4 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with the U.S. debut of featherweight world champion Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on former three-division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs).
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ring Pros Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25 for general admission, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.gilariverarena.com.
Further undercard action pits 18-year-old undefeated flyweight Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (7-0, 3 KOs) out of Thornton, Colorado against Mexican Francisco Lapizco(7-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout, 2012 Olympic Silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar(3-0, 3 KOs) of Mongolia in a super bantamweight bout against Mexico’s Ricardo Proana (11-2, 9 KOs) and Phoenix’s Alexis Santiago (19-3-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on Mexican Gustavo Molina (10-8, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.
Rounding out the action is 30-year-old Lionell Thompson (15-3, 9 KOs) out of Buffalo as he takes on Kentucky-native Thomas Hanshaw (6-6, 4 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated super middleweight prospects Kevin Newman “The Second Coming” (3-0-1, 1 KO) fighting out of Las Vegas and David Benevidez (9-0, 8 KOs) of Phoenix in separate undercard bouts.
Born in Ukraine but fighting out of Los Angeles, Redkach began boxing at the age of six and has put together an impressive career since turning pro in 2009. The 29-year-old owns victories over Tony Luis, Sergey Gulyakevich and Yakubu Amidu. He will be opposed by the 24-year-old Zamudio out of Sinaloa, Mexico.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.gilariveraarena.com.Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TheRealDevonA, @LeeSelby126 @ESPNBoxing, @GilaRivArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  www.facebook.com/GilaRiverArena.com and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.