Tag Archives: FOX SPORTS 1

Former Welterweight Champion Victor Ortiz Clashes with Hard-Hitting Brawler John Molina Jr. in Premier Boxing Champions Main Event Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, September 30 from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California

 
 
Tickets on Sale Tomorrow at 12 p.m. PT!

ONTARIO, CA. (August 23, 2018) – Expect fireworks when former welterweight champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz meets hard-hitting former title challenger John Molina Jr. on Sunday, September 30 in the 12-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes live from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a stacked lineup of undercard attractions leading up to the action-packed main event.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, go on sale tomorrow, August 24 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs) is an all-action boxer-puncher who comes to fight and is always in exciting battles. The 31-year-old southpaw has one of the best resumes of anyone in the welterweight division having been in against Floyd Mayweather, Andre Berto twice, Lamont Peterson, Luis Collazo and Marcos Maidana. Ortiz, who was born in Garden City, Kansas and now lives in Ventura, California, is coming off a majority draw against Devon Alexander in February.

 

 

 

“We’ve known each other a long time and we’re both always in exciting battles, so fans should expect nothing less on September 30,” said Ortiz. “I had a broken eye socket from an injury in the second round of the Alexander fight, but I’m feeling 100 percent now. I’m ready to take what is rightfully mine, and that’s another world title down the road. It’s going to be a way from round one and I can’t wait.”

 

 

 

Molina (30-7, 24 KOs) has never backed down from a challenge and has been in the ring with some of the best boxers from lightweight to welterweight during his career. The 35-year-old from Covina, California beat a fierce Ruslan Provodnikov by unanimous decision in 2016. Another standout battle from Molina’s career saw him drop former welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse twice before losing on an 11th round knockout. In his last fight he scored a fourth round TKO victory over Ivan Redkach in a back-and-forth bout from December on FS1.

 

 

 

“I respect Victor and everything he’s accomplished in this game, but I know that I have the tools to overcome everything he does,” said Molina. “Everyone knows that I’m in it to win it. We’re both going to be ready to mix it up and throw bombs. There is no way that I see this fight going the distance. It’s going to come down to heart and I’m going to be there until final bell.”

 

 

 

“Victor Ortiz vs. John Molina Jr. has war written all over it and should be another in a long line of memorable battles featuring these Southern California fan-favorites,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “These two men are known for leaving it all in the ring and giving the fans incredible action from the opening bell. I have no doubt that this will be another outstanding showdown, with the winner setting themselves up for even bigger things in the star-studded welterweight division. We’re excited to bring this matchup, plus a jam-packed undercard, to the fans in Ontario and watching live on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

 

 

 

“This is a true crossroads battle between two hardnosed veterans who have fought almost every welterweight of note in the last decade,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The one thing you can be certain of when you get Victor Ortiz and John Molina Jr. in the ring is that a fight will break out. This match should be highly entertaining for the fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena and those who tune in on FS1 and FOX Deportes on September 30.”

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are 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, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Showdown Between Unbeaten Super Welterweights Sebastian Fundora & Veshawn Owens Highlights Undercard Action Friday, April 13 from the Armory in Minneapolis

 Exciting Night of Action Features Veteran Contender Haskell Rhodes Plus, a Lineup of Rising Local Talent

 

 

 

MINNEAPOLIS (April 5, 2018) – A showdown between unbeaten super welterweights highlights undercard action on Friday, April 13 as Sebastian Fundora (8-0, 4 KOs) meets Minnesota’s Veshawn Owens (9-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bout from the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

 

 

The event is headlined by welterweight contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown against Abel Ramos in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes. The telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and will see rugged veteran Edner Cherry battling rising lightweight Dennis Galarza in a 10-round bout and Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert clashing in an eight-round match between unbeaten super featherweight prospects. Also appearing on the card is sensational 17-year-old 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer (1-0, 1 KO), a former No. 1 ranked amateur and nine-time national champion.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com.

 

 

 

The action continues with veteran contender Haskell Rhodes returning to action to take on Wisconsin’s Mikey Fowler in a six-round lightweight showdown.

 

 

 

Also entering the ring on April 13 are a trio of unbeaten Minneapolis-natives as Marlin Sims faces Trevor Marmon in a four-round lightweight bout, Celso Ramirez battles Brandon Baue in a four-round super welterweight contest and Giezwa Pierre Hobbs takes on Raymond Chaco for a four-round super featherweight duel. The action concludes with Coon Rapids, Minnesota’s Uriel Lara in a four-round super welterweight fight against Thomas Amaro.

 

 

 

The 6-foot-6 Fundora, known as “The Towering Inferno”, is unbeaten since turning pro in 2016 and picked up seven victories during a busy 2017 campaign. The 20-year-old fights out of Coachella, California and will make his 2018 debut against the Minneapolis-native Owens. The 26-year-old Owens picked up four victories by stoppage in 2018.

 

 

 

A multi-sport athlete who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes (25-2-1, 12 KOs) bounced back from decision losses to former champion Sergey Lipinets and Edner Cherry to defeat Lenwood Dozier and most recently stop Jonathan Nelson. The 30-year-old Rhodes was unbeaten in his first 23 pro fights and will look to make it three in a row when he faces the 25-year-old Fowler out of Milwaukee.

 

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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 fights are 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, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @WarriorsBoxProm, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Unbeaten Prospect Miguel Cruz Drops Alex Martin Twice On His Way to Unanimous Decision in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday Night From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 
Clarence Booth Scores Fourth Round TKO Over Anthony Mercado
in Welterweight Battle
 
Click HERE for Photos Kenyon Sessoms/
Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 28, 2017) – Miguel Cruz (16-0, 11 KOs) earned a unanimous decision to defeat Alex Martin (13-2, 5 KOs) and remained unbeaten in a welterweight rematch that headlined Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 andBOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday night from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
After winning a split-decision against Martin in their January showdown, Cruz kept his perfect record intact by scoring two knockdowns before getting the decision in their 10-round matchup.
“I honestly didn’t feel great in our first fight and when I re-watched it, I thought Martin won,” said Cruz. “That made me train ever harder than ever to prove that I have the skills and power to compete at the world class level, and I think I did that tonight.”
Cruz got off to a fast start by landing a huge left hook that caught Martin and dropped him late in the first round. Martin was able to get to his feet and recover just before the bell sounded to end the round.
Martin kept trying to work on the inside but Cruz was determined to push back and consistently landed with big power shots. Another left hook in round four sent Martin to the mat again, although he appeared less effected than during the first knockdown.
“I was fighting his fight tonight,” said Martin. “I just didn’t put on my best performance. The first knockdown was a real knockdown but the second knockdown he hit me in the back of the head.”
Round five saw Martin begin to box more effectively, landing several right hands before a left hook landed low, sending Cruz to the canvas and causing referee Gary Rosato to halt the bout while Cruz recovered.
When the action resumed Martin continued to turn the tide of the fight. His movement was very effective and his success with the left hand was consistent throughout rounds five through eight.
“Martin was super tough,” said Cruz. “I didn’t think he would make it out of the second round but he definitely gave me problems. I was trying to stop him.”
Down on the scorecards because of the early knockdowns, Martin’s comeback effort came up short as Cruz was able to hold Martin off in the final two rounds on his way to earning the decision in the eyes of all three judges by the score of 96-92.
“I knew I was getting back into the fight but I’m not making any excuses tonight,” said Martin. “He won the fight fair and square, congratulations to him.”
“I trained for Martin like he was the champion of the world and that’s how I’m going to train for every fight of my career,” said Cruz. “It was a tremendous fight, I’m glad I got the victory. I just want to go back to Puerto Rico and celebrate my birthday tomorrow.”
Additional televised action saw Clarence Booth (15-3, 8 KOs) stop Puerto Rico’s Anthony Mercado (10-3, 9 KOs) in the fourth round of their welterweight contest.
The taller Mercado had success early in the fight while Booth tried to work his way inside and attack the body. Mercado landed a pair of clean right hands in each of the first two rounds that appeared to daze Booth.
“He was a tough fighter,” said Booth. “I needed to get loose for the first couple rounds. I was tense in the beginning.”
Fighting out of St. Petersburg, Florida, Booth was able to weather the storm in the first two rounds and began to turn the tide in round three with a clean right hand that staggered Mercado.
Booth kept the momentum going and quickly put Mercado on the canvas with a pair of right hands in the fourth round. Mercado was able to get to his feet but eventually Booth broke through again and stunned Mercado with more right hands. The final flurry prompted referee Eric Dali to call a halt to the bout 1:30 into the fourth frame.
“I had a couple of tough losses, but now I am on a major comeback,” said Booth. “I’m so happy to have this opportunity on television and I made the best of it. My promoter Marshall Kauffman and King’s Promotions will get me great opportunities in the future.”
“He hit me with a good shot,” said Mercado. “He jabbed and came with a right hand that I didn’t see coming. I will be back even better.”
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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 fights are 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, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by King’s Promotions.

Undefeated Isaelin Florian meets Avery Sparrow plus Clarence Booth takes on Anthony Mercado this Tuesdaynight at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA

Plus undefeated Jesus Perez battles fellow Allentown native Christian Molina
 Dylan Price in action
Locals Nicholas Hernandez battles Grayson Blake and more.
Rematch Between Welterweight Prospects Miguel Cruz & Alex Martin Headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes
Click  HERE to Watch the Full First Fight Via the PBC on YouTube
Plus! Showdown Between Once-Beaten Welterweights
Jamal James & Sammy Figueroa Featured in Televised Action
Tickets on Sale Now!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 26, 2017) – A packed undercard that will feature Isaelin Florian taking on Avery Sparrow in a six-round featherweight bout plus super lightweights Clarance Booth battling Anthony Mercado will take place this Tuesday, June 27th at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Unbeaten Miguel Cruz (15-0, 11 KOs) and once-beaten Alex Martin (13-1, 5 KOs) will meet in a 10-round welterweight rematch of their January clash in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a pair of once-beaten welterweights battling it out as Jamal James (20-1, 9 KOs) meets Samuel Figueroa (11-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round matchup.
Florian (6-0, 3 KO’s) of the Reading, PA will be making his United States debut against the battle tested Sparrow (6-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia.
Sparrow, 23 years-old is coming off a eight-round split decision over Anthony Burgin (10-2) on March 10th in Philadelphia.
Booth of St. Petersburg, Florida has a record of 14-3 with seven knockouts.  The 29 year-old Booth is an eight year professional and has racked up wins over Marcus Powell (1-0), Jonathan Perez (5-0) & Osenohan Vazquez (8-2-1).  Booth is coming off a defeat to number-1 ranked Sergey Lipinets on March 4 in Brooklyn, NY.
Mercado of Arecibo, Puerto Rico is 10-2 with nine knockouts.  The 22 year-old is a five year pro who is looking to get back in the win column after suffering his 2nd consecutive defeat, which was a split decision to Ryan Pino on July 16, 2016 in Puerto Rico.
In six-round bouts:
Nicholas Hernandez (6-2,1 KO) of Lebanon, PA will take on Grayson Blake (6-4-1, 2 KO’s) of State College, PA in a junior middleweight bout.
In four-round bouts:
Jesus Perez (2-0, 1 KO) will tangle with Christian Molina (4-2, 3 KO’s) in a battle of Allentown based super lightweight’s.
Isamel Serrano (4-1, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA will fight Jesus Lule (10-22-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, FL in a lightweight fight.
Devin McMaster (1-1) of Allentown, PA will fight debuting Rick Pyle of Harrisburg, PA in a junior middleweight fight.
Dyaln Price (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Sicklerville, PA will fight Manuel Guerra of Renosa, Mexico in a super flyweight bout.

Lewkowicz Congratulates ‘Pilon’ Lara for Smashing KO of Briones

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to congratulate undefeated featherweight, Jorge “Pilon” Lara of Mexico, for his sensational stoppage of Mario Briones last Saturday night.
Fighting in the nationally televised semi-final bout in support of David Benavidez’s eighth-round KO over Rogelio “Porky” Medina at the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas, Lara (29-0-2, 21 KOs) returned in impressive fashion from a 13-month layoff to TKO his countryman Briones (28-6-2, 21 KOs) in the third round.
Fast, powerful and relentless, Lara, a 26-year-old southpaw from Guadalajara, dropped Briones twice in round two and then finished the job at 2:03.
The performance was particularly remarkable, considering Lara was coming off an extended layoff due to a hand injury suffered in his previous fight, a career-changing KO over multiple-time world champion Fernando Montiel, as well as a gunshot wound suffered in a botched robbery attempt in Mexico.
Lewkowicz says Lara will now be chasing the big game in his weight class, especially WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr.
“Russell Jr. has talked about moving up in weight,” said Lewkowicz, “Pilon Lara would love to get him in the ring first and send him on his way. He is too strong and powerful for anyone at the weight. This was the most-watched broadcast of PBC on FSN and the world now knows he is a star on the rise.”
According to Lewkowicz, Lara was shaking off some ring rust while dominating the respectable Briones.

“As good as he looked, he is even more frightening at this weight,” said Lewkowicz. “Jorge Lara will destroy any champion or top contender he fights. We are now working on getting one of them in the ring, starting with Gary Russell Jr. Congratulations to my latest new star in boxing for his sensational performance.”

Unbeaten David Benavidez Knocks Out Porky Medina in 168-Pound World Title Eliminator Headlining Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas

Unbeaten Featherweight Jorge Lara Stops
Mario Briones by Third Round Knockout
Click HERE for Photos from Edgar Ramos/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos will be available shortly)
LAREDO, TX (May 21, 2017) – Unbeaten rising contender David Benavidez (18-0, 17 KOs) of Phoenix, Ariz. knocked out exciting former title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-8, 31 KOs) from San Luis Rio, Mexico in a super middleweight world title eliminator that headlined a special Saturday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.
The action-packed main event opened with several crowd-pleasing exchanges in the first pair of rounds. Round three offered more of the same as the rugged pair of pugilists went toe-to-toe giving and receiving each other’s best.
In the fourth round, Benavidez caught Medina with a left uppercut and then followed with a flurry that backed Medina up, but amazingly Medina stayed upright. Medina fought back and engaged Benavidez, but Benavidez landed a sensational seven-punch combination to close out the round.
At the end of round six, Benavidez damaged Medina with an onslaught of offense that buckled Medina into the ropes with referee Jon Shorle ruling it a knockdown. Medina survived the round, but only to eat another bombardment of punches and get dropped for a second time at the end of the seventh round due to a right uppercut to his solar plexus.
Round eight brought a close as Benavidez landed one final eight-punch combo that dropped Medina for a third time and caused Shorle to stop the action at 1:01 into the eighth round.
Benavidez said, “This is just a glimpse of what I can do. I’ve never fought a fighter that pushed me to the full extent like this. Porky Medina is a tremendous fighter. It took everything for me to knock him out, but it was an amazing fight.”
Benavidez continued, “My biggest advantage tonight was my jab. I didn’t throw it as much as I would have liked, but just enough to set him up. I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym and coming back even stronger.”
A disappointed Medina said, “I did my best tonight. The plan was to win, work him from beginning to end, but he moved a little bit more than I anticipated. (Benavidez) did his job and hit me with a few good shots. But I’m going to keep training for my shot at a title and hopefully it will come.”
The win elevates Benavidez into the mandatory position to challenge for the vacant super middleweight world title that will go to the winner of the agreed to Anthony Dirrell vs. Callum Smith clash.
Benavidez concluded, “This makes me more humble and gives me more motivation to work harder. There has never been a super middleweight champion at 20-years old, but I’m going to be the first to do that.”
Televised coverage kicked off with unbeaten featherweight contender Jorge Lara (29-0-2, 21 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico defeating Mario Briones (28-6-2, 22 KOs) from Aguascalientes, Mexico by third round knockout in their scheduled 10-round contest.
In the first round, Lara worked to establish an aggressive pace and punished Briones. The second round began with more of the same, Lara hitting Briones with punches in bunches. Briones was able to hold his ground initially, but a straight left with a little less than one minute remaining in the second frame sent Briones to the canvas. Lara then knocked Briones down for a second time with a wild right hand at the close of the round, but Briones quickly regained himself after time expired and was allowed to continue.
The third round opened with Lara mixing it up to the body before landing an overhand right that further dazed Briones. Lara, smelling blood in the water, swarmed Briones with a barrage of punches and forced referee Lee Rogers to stop the bout at :58 into the third.
Not resting on the win, Lara said, “I felt great to get back in the ring tonight. This was a fantastic win for me, but there are four champions out there in my division. I’m ready to fight whoever asks me out of those four belt holders.”
The swing bout featured Austin Dulay (10-0, 7 KOs) of Hermitage, Tenn. winning a unanimous decision (59-52, 59-52, 59-52) in a six-round junior lightweight fight against Jose Esquivel (10-6, 2 KOs) from Laredo, Texas.
The final televised fight of the evening showcased Adam Lopez (7-0, 3 KOs) of Glendale, Calif. defeating Jordan White (4-1, 3 KOs) of Landover, Md. by unanimous decision (59-55,59-55, 60-54) in a six-round bantamweight bout.
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The card was promoted by TGB Promotions.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Lightweight Contender Argenis Mendez Wins Split Decision Over Ivan Redkach in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Live From Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, CA

Premier Boxing Champions Rolls Into May With An Exciting Slate Of Shows

 
Featherweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz
Puts On Promoter’s Hat For FS1 & FOX Deportes
Toe-to-Toe Tuesday Show On May 2
 
Unbeaten Rising Star David Benavidez Tests
His Mettle Against Porky Medina In 168-Pound
World Title Eliminator On FS1 & FOX Deportes
On Saturday, May 20
 
Undefeated Welterweight Star Errol Spence
Challenges Kell Brook For 147-pound Championship
In Sheffield, England in Premier Boxing Champions Action
On SHOWTIME, May 27
LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2017) – The Premier Boxing Champions series will follow a very busy April with an extremely exciting month of May. The slate of shows will run the weight spectrum from featherweight to super middleweight.
“The Premier Boxing Champions series schedule for May has a slate of shows where several boxers get an opportunity to step up to world title matches,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Sports. “With so much on the line those kinds of challenges typically lead to action-packed, fan-friendly matches.”
Kicking off the month is a thrilling 10-round lightweight clash between Ivan Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs) and former world champion Argenis Mendez (23-5-1, 12 KOs) on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California on May 2. Televised coverage begins at9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The show will be staged by featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz’s Last Round Promotions, and will include an 8-round junior featherweight match between Brandon Figueroa and Luis Saavedra and a 6-round bantamweight match between Antonio Santa Cruz and Arturo Torres. The show will be a family affair as Brandon Figueroa is the younger brother of Omar Figueroa and Antonio is the cousin of Leo Santa Cruz.
David Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), an ascending star, will meet former world title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-7, 31 KOs) in a super middleweight title elimination match from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas on May 20. Benavidez will face the toughest test of his career against Medina, a veteran who has already fought for a world title. The winner will get a shot at the 168-pound world champion.
Televised coverage will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with unbeaten 126-pound contender Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) taking on hard-hitting brawler Mario Briones (28-5-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight match.
Unbeaten top welterweight star Errol Spence, Jr. (21-0, 19 KOs) will travel from his home in Desoto, Texas to take on Kell Brook (36-1, 25 KOs) in his hometown at Bramall Lane Football Ground in Sheffield, England in a Premier Boxing Championship match on SHOWTIME.
In other non-PBC matches of interest to boxing fans in the month of May, Gervonta Davis (17-0, 18 KOs) will defend his 130-pound world title against No. 1 contender Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) from Copper Box Arena in London, England on SHOWTIME on May 20.
On the same night Gary Russell, Jr. (21-1, 16 KOs) will defend his 126-pound world title against Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) at MGM National Harbor outside Washington D.C. on SHOWTIME. In the co-feature Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) will meet Jose Uzcategui(26-1, 22 KOs) for the vacant 168-pound championship. Additionally,Rances Barthelemy (25-0, 13 KOs) faces Kiryl Relikh (21-1, 19 KOs) in a lightweight world title eliminator.

Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Undefeated Rising Contender Battles Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYSon FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 25
From Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TrappFotos
 
OAKLAND (April 21, 2017) – Undefeated rising contender Mario Barrios has wrapped up training camp and is set for a main event showdown against Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 25 from the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a 10-round matchup of exciting welterweights as once-beaten Oscar Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) takes on Georgia’sLevan Ghvamichava (17-3-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through the Fitz Gift Shop or Ticketmaster atwww.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Here is what Barrios had to say from training camp:
 
On fighting in his first main event on FS1:
“Fighting in the main event on FS1, on national television, is going to be an incredible blessing.  I know it’ll be a tremendous boost to my career.  I want to set the pace from the opening bell, and give the fans a night to remember.  These are the type of fights I’ve always dreamed of.”
On his recent training camp with Virgil Hunter in the Bay Area:
“Training with Virgil Hunter has been great.  This will be my third fight with him as the lead in my corner.  We are working tremendously well as a team and I’m happy where my career is at.  We got a lot of good sparring in, with a lot of different looks.  I feel my punches are sharp and my timing is on point.  I’m going to shine in this fight.”
On his matchup with Nelson Lara…
“I really don’t know much about Nelson Lara, except for the fact that he’s coming off a couple of wins.  I’m sure his confidence is high, so I’m expecting a tough fight.  Also, I know he’s fought at lightweight or super-lightweight for most of his career, so he’s got more experience fighting at this weight. One thing for sure is…I’ll be ready for anything he brings to the ring.”
On moving up two weight classes…
“It’s hard to believe, but I started off my career at super-bantamweight while standing six feet plus.  It was getting to make those smaller weights.  I was killing myself to make super featherweight, so my team and I felt it was best to skip lightweight, and move to super-lightweight.  It’s a big jump, but I feel real strong at this weight.  This is where I want to make my run toward a world title, at super lightweight.  You’ll see a stronger Mario Barrios.”
On fighting in Mississippi…
“I actually fought out here early in my career but at a different venue.  The fans are great and they get loud.  A lively crowd is always fun to fight in front of.  I plan on giving the Mississippi fans a great night of boxing.”
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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 fights are 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, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Unbeaten Rising Star David Benavidez Meets Former Title Challenger Porky Medina in 168-Pound World Title Eliminator That Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Saturday, May 20 from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas  

Plus! Unbeaten Featherweight Jorge Lara Takes on
Hard-Hitting Mario Briones in Televised Action
 
Tickets on Sale Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m. CT!
 
LAREDO, TX (April 19, 2017) – Unbeaten rising contender David Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs) will meet exciting former title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-7, 31 KOs) in a super middleweight world title eliminator that headlines a special Saturday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes May 20 from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features unbeaten featherweight contender Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) taking on hard-hitting brawler Mario Briones (28-5-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight fight.
Benavidez and Medina will battle for the mandatory position to challenge for the vacant super middleweight world title that will go to the winner of the agreed to Anthony Dirrell vs. Callum Smith clash.
“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Benavidez. “I have been working very hard and I am not going to let this chance pass by me. I’m going to go in there and win this fight. I don’t feel pressure with this being an eliminator. I’m training extremely hard just like every other fight. I’m ready to go in there and do what I always do.”
“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring against David Benavidez,” said Medina. “Benavidez has never faced a fighter as good or experienced as me. I have fought many world champions and for a world title and that is going to give me an advantage in this fight.May 20 will be my first step toward getting another title shot.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $53, $20 and $10, and are on sale Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets can be purchased at the LEA Box Office or through Ticketmaster by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000.
“We’re very excited to bring this action packed card to the great boxing fans in Laredo, Texas and the Rio Grande on May 20 at the Laredo Energy Center and live on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “David Benavidez and Porky Medina are two of the hardest punching and most exciting fighters in the super middleweight division and this fight promises fireworks from the opening bell.”
“The LEA is excited to host for the first time, Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Xavier Villalon, General Manager of the SMG – Managed Laredo Energy Arena. “This televised event promises to bring exciting professional talent to the next level that Laredo’s boxing fans have been asking for.”
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 17 wins in 17 starts at just 20-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and continued with four more in 2016 including blasting out previously unbeaten Francy Ntetu in June and tough contender Denis Douglin in August. Most recently, Benavidez began his 2017 campaign with a second-round destruction of Sherali Mamajonov in January.
Medina is a hard-hitting veteran with 31 knockouts in his 37 career wins.  His biggest win to date was a shocking third round knockout of then unbeaten J’Leon Love in 2014 and last year he exceeded expectations by giving world champion James DeGale all he could handle in a 12-round matchup before ultimately dropping a decision. Prior to DeGale, the 28-year-old had suffered six losses in 42 fights, although those defeats came against opponents with a combined record of 187-16-3, including four previously undefeated fighters.
An unbeaten fighter out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Lara is undefeated since turning pro in 2010 and winning his first four fights by knockout. The 26-year-old made his U.S. debut in 2015 with a first round stoppage of veteran Mario Macias. His last outing saw Lara step up in competition against former multiple division world champion Fernando Montiel, who Lara knocked down four times before stopping in the first round.
Briones enters this fight coming off of a first round stoppage of Jose Emanuel Vargas last year, which followed up a durable performance against then unbeaten Miguel Flores that saw the fighter out of Aguascalientes, Mexico drop a 10-round decision. That bout served as the U.S. debut for the veteran fighter who turned pro in 2009 and was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights. The 31-year-old has fought in five countries throughout his pro career.
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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 fights are 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, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.