Tag Archives: Frank Sanchez

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Top Heavyweight Luis Ortiz Battles Former World Champion Charles Martin Saturday, January 1 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Main Event from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida

Leave a comment
Headlined by Top Heavyweight Luis Ortiz Battling Former World Champion Charles Martin In IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator Saturday, January 1 from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida
 
Featuring Rising Star Frank Sanchez Dueling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in Co-Main Event
 
Stacked Five-Fight Lineup Also Includes:
Jonnie Rice vs. Michael Coffie 2
Gerald Washington vs. Ali Eren Demirezen
Viktor Faust vs. Iago Kiladze
 
Live on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at Special Price of $39.99
Tickets Go on Sale Monday, November 22 at 10 a.m. ET
 
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (November 17, 2021) – The new year will kick off with a heavyweight bang, as five exciting heavyweight matchups take center stage on a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on New Year’s Day live from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
 
The main event will see top heavyweight Luis “King Kong” Ortiz take on former world champion Charles Martin in a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator. In the co-main event, unbeaten rising heavyweight star Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez will square off against Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in a 10-round attraction.
 
The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see heavyweight contenders Jonnie Rice and Michael Coffie battle in a 10-round rematch, former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington in a 10-round showdown against Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen and unbeaten Viktor Faust facing Iago Kiladze in a 10-round attraction to open the pay-per-view.
 
“Heavyweight boxing is always must-see, and we’ll be kicking off the new year with nothing but titanic sluggers looking to impress in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View showdowns,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is a stacked lineup of fights available for fans at an affordable price of $39.99. Luis Ortiz and Charles Martin are both amongst the top of the heavyweight contender ladder and will be able to solidify their position for a world title shot with a win on January 1. One of the most active rising heavyweights, Frank Sanchez will return to action after a career-best victory in October for a tough duel against Carlos Negron. With five fights in all, New Year’s day will be non-stop action with gargantuan duels taking place live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.”
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Monday, November 22 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Pre-sale tickets go on sale this Friday, November 19 at 10 a.m. ET.   
 
With exceptional power and sublime technical skills, Ortiz (32-2, 27 KOs) has been a fixture atop heavyweight rankings for years, with his only defeats coming in memorable contests against former longtime heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Born in Camaguey, Cuba and trained by longtime coach Herman Caicedo in Miami, Ortiz won three bouts between Wilder contests, defeating Travis Kauffman, Christian Hammer and Razvan Cojanu. Prior to that run, Ortiz picked up victories over the likes of Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott to build up his heavyweight resume. Most recently, Ortiz blasted out Alexander Flores in the first round of their November 2020 bout.
 
“I can’t wait to give my fans in South Florida a great show on New Year’s Day and earn another shot at the heavyweight title,” said Ortiz. “Charles Martin is a good fighter, but he’s standing in my way. The only thing on my mind is getting in the ring and making a big statement in this fight to show again why I’m feared by the heavyweight division.” 
 
The 35-year-old Martin (28-2-1, 25 KOs) became heavyweight champion in January 2016 when he won by TKO against then unbeaten Vyacheslav Glazkov. After losing his title to Anthony Joshua, Martin has won five of his last six fights, with all of his wins coming inside the distance. Originally from St. Louis, now living in Las Vegas and currently training in Southern California with Manny Robles, Martin bounced back from a narrow decision defeat to Adam Kownacki in 2018 to earn three-straight victories, including most recently knocking out Gerald Washington in February 2020.
 
“Nobody wants to fight me and nobody wants to fight Ortiz, so we’ll fight each other,” said Martin. “I’m going to show the world on January 1 why I deserve a title shot. I’ve paid my dues and I want my belt back. Beating Ortiz is going to get me one step closer to that goal. In order to become two-time heavyweight champion, I have to get past Ortiz first, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
 
An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (19-0, 13 KOs) now trains in San Diego with top trainer Eddy Reynoso. The 29-year-old has stayed busy on his rise up the heavyweight rankings, scoring three victories in 2020 as he earned a unanimous decision over Joey Dawejko and stopped Brian Howard and Julian Fernandez. Sanchez most recently scored a career-best win in October, dropping previously unbeaten Efe Ajagba on his way to a unanimous decision victory.
 
“I’m happy to be back so soon after beating Agjaba, but the work is only beginning,” said Sanchez. “There’s much more to be done. I believe I will be the first heavyweight champion in Cuban history. Negron is a strong, dangerous opponent. I’ll have to be my best, but I’m confident that I will come out victorious. I believe in my team, and my team believes in me. We’ll start the New Year off getting to 20-0, remain busy and make a strong case for a world title by year’s end.”
 
The 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Negron (25-3, 20 KOs) rides a five-fight winning streak into January 1, including four wins by stoppage. The 34-year-old bounced back from defeats to Dominic Breazeale and Brian Howard to put together his win streak, which includes a March 2020 knockout over previously unbeaten Robert Alfonso. Negron has fought professionally since 2009 and now lives in Miami where he trains alongside Luis Ortiz.
 
“This is a great opportunity for me to get a win over a strong up-and-coming fighter and show everyone what I’m capable of,” said Negron. “I’m training hard and I’ve had great sparring in order to be ready for anything that Sanchez is going to bring. My experience and preparation are going to be the difference. I’m extremely motivated to give the fans a great fight and put myself in position to get a world title opportunity.”
 
Born in South Carolina and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Rice (14-6-1, 10 KOs) will look to repeat a career-best performance in the rematch against Coffie, after he stopped the previously unbeaten fighter in the fifth-round in July. Rice won six of seven fights from 2018 through 2019  before a pair of losses in 2020 against then unbeatens Efe Ajagba and Demsey McKean. In a pro career that dates back to 2014, the blemishes on Rice’s records have all come against previously unbeaten fighters.
 
“In my last fight against Coffie, I went in there to prove myself and do what I had been training to do,” said Rice. “It was sink or swim, and I came out on top. Now I have to go out there on January 1 and show that it wasn’t a fluke. This is a great stage for me to display my talents and prove that I’m capable of big things. I’m looking to give the fans a great performance and I know that Coffie is doing the same. Don’t miss this fight.” 
 
Coffie (12-1, 9 KOs) hopes to bounce back from his first career defeat after dropping the first matchup against Rice in July. A Marine Corps veteran who picked up boxing after returning from overseas, Coffie quickly impressed in amateur tournaments enough to earn sparring assignments with Deontay Wilder and Adam Kownacki. He was born in the Bronx, but now trains in Orlando, Florida and broke through in 2020 with three dominating stoppage victories, including knockouts over previously unbeaten opponents Darmani Rock and Luis Pena.
 
“I want to get it back and make it an actual fight this time against Jonny Rice,” said Coffie. “Last time, I was in a position where I faced some adversity, and I had to make a decision to go through with the fight. I know that I can fight through adversity, and on January 1, I will be ready for whatever way the fight goes. On January 1, there will be a fight.”
 
Washington (20-4-1, 13 KOs) is a six-foot-six heavyweight contender who was a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran. Born in San Jose, California, Washington most recently lost a contest against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin in February 2020. Prior to that fight, Washington had delivered a knockout of veteran contender Robert Helenius in July 2019. Washington was unbeaten in his first 19 pro fights before dropping his world title challenge to Deontay Wilder in February 2017.
 
“I’m looking forward to stepping back in the ring on January 1,” said Washington. “I’m ready to go to work and get myself back in position for some big time fights. My experience is going to be the difference in this fight. It’s going to be a great night of heavyweight action!” 
 
A 2016 Olympian for Turkey, Demirezen (14-1, 11 KOs) has fought out of Hamburg, Germany in the professional ranks since turning pro in late 2016. The 31-year-old won his first 11 pro fights, including a second round stoppage of Rad Rashid to capture a European heavyweight title in 2018. Demirezen made his only other U.S. start in 2019, when he became the first person to go the distance against Efe Ajagba, losing by decision. Since that defeat, Demirezen has scored three-straight victories, most recently stopping Nikola Milacic in March.
 
“I learned a lot from my loss to Ajagba and I’m looking forward to getting another chance to box in the U.S.,” said Demirezen. “I’m still angry about the Ajagba fight, because I know that I could have won. I want to show now that I belong on this stage. I’m proud to be in this position to show what I can do and I’m going to make the most of the opportunity.”
 
The 29-year-old Faust (8-0, 6 KOs) turned pro in February 2020 after an extensive amateur career fighting out of his native Svitlovodsk, Ukraine. Faust knocked out his first four opponents, before winning dominant six and eight round decisions. After a first round knockout over previously unbeaten Jacek Piatek in May, Faust made his U.S. debut in October, dropping Mike Marshall twice on his way to a third-round TKO victory.
 
“I’m really excited to be back fighting in the U.S. again on January 1,” said Faust. “I’ve been welcomed warmly and fighting stateside already feels like my living room. I love the atmosphere. This is a great chance to show myself on this pay-per-view show against a very high-quality opponent. I won’t disappoint fans when I step into the ring.”
 
Kiladze (27-5-1, 19 KOs) returned to the win column in September, with a knockout victory over Mathew McKinney. Since he began fighting stateside full time in 2017, Kiladze’s losses have come against top heavyweights Adam Kownacki, Michael Hunter, Efe Ajagba and Joe Joyce, who sported a combined 45-1 record heading into their matchups against Kiladze. Originally from Georgia and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Kiladze owns a 2019 draw against then unbeaten Robert Alfonso and won six straight fights between 2014 and 2018.
 
“I’ll be ready on fight night and I’ll be focused,” said Kiladze. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and training hard to put on a good performance and leave the ring with a victory.”
 
#         #         #
 
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

ROBERT HELENIUS SCORES FOURTH-ROUND STOPPAGE OF ADAM KOWNACKI IN FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT MAIN EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

Leave a comment
Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Delivers TKO Victory Over Razvan Cojanu in Co-Main Event & Rising Heavyweight Frank Sanchez Earns Unanimous Decision Over Joey Dawejko

Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/
Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions
(Photos to be added shortly)

BROOKLYN (March 7, 2020) – Robert Helenius (30-3, 19 KOs)scored an upset victory over previously unbeaten Adam Kownacki (20-1, 15 KOs) by stopping him in the fourth round of a WBA Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday night from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
“I want to thank everyone who gave me this opportunity,” said Helenius. “Kownacki is a tough fighter. I worked hard in training camp and it paid off.”
 
Brooklyn’s Kownacki was fighting for the 10th time at Barclays Center in front of his hometown crowd, but was unable to keep the taller Helenius off of him after being hurt early in the fourth. A clean Helenius right hook hurt Kownacki, before a left hook put Kownacki down.
 
“I knew that I hit him hard and I knew I just had to continue,” said Helenius. “I knew he was still hurt after that punch. 
 
“Kownacki just kept coming and coming. He’s a good fighter I have to give it to him. My strength is to punch back when people come at me. It was a good fight and a tremendous opportunity for me to be here.”
 
While Kownacki outpaced Helenius landing 84 punches to 49 according to CompuBox, it was Helenius’ 12 power punches landed in round four that made the difference. Helenius kept up the relentless attack, consistently hurting Kownacki and pushing him around the ring until referee David Fields waived off the fight 1:08 into the round.
 
“It wasn’t my night,” said Kownacki. “It’s boxing. It’s a tough sport and things just didn’t go my way tonight. It was a learning experience and I’m going to go back to the drawing board and get back to work.
 
“He hit me with a good shot. I knew what was going on, but I’m just upset with myself. It is what it is.”
 
Watch fight highlights here and here.
 
In the co-main event, heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba (13-0, 11 KOs) delivered a ninth-round stoppage of Razvan Cojanu (17-7, 9 KOs), knocking him down twice en route to the victory.
 
Ajagba showed the prolific power that has made him a highly-regarded heavyweight nearing a jump from prospect to contender. Cojanu came to fight and had success at various points in the action, landing hooks on Ajagba and slowing down his attack in the early rounds.
 
In round eight Ajagba’s offensive arsenal began to break through, as Cojanu’s left eye started to swell before eventually closing. Late in round eight, Ajagba connected on a powerful straight right hand that forced Cojanu to take a knee. Watch the knockdown here.
 
“Ronnie told me to attack the body behind the jab,” said Ajagba. “It was very effective and it started to slow him down. When he got close to me, I knew to throw more and punish him. 
 
“Cojanu has a lot of experience. When I threw my jab, he used his right hand to block my vision, so I couldn’t throw as many combinations as I wanted. It was a good challenge.”
 
While Cojanu was able to make it through the round, Ajagba continued to press forward in round nine, punishing Cojanu with power shots. On the night, Ajagba out landed Cojanu in power shots by a 176 to 81 margin. A flurry by Ajagba late in the round forced Cojanu down again, and prompted referee Ron Lipton to halt the bout 2:46 into the round. Watch the stoppage here. Additional highlights can be viewed here.
 
“It’s up to my team who we fight next, but I want hard fights,” said Ajagba. “My team has a plan and we’ll keep following it.”
 
In the televised opener, rising heavyweight Frank Sanchez (15-0, 11 KOs) scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Joey Dawejko (20-8-4, 11 KOs) to remain unbeaten.
 
“I was well prepared and I thought I fought very well tonight,” said Sanchez. “I dominated the fight. I showed good footwork and movement and did exactly what we worked on. I expected a lot of pressure, but with my boxing ability, there was no way he was going to catch me.”
 
The Cuban fighter dominated with his movement, rarely being flustered by Dawejko’s attack as he bounded around the ring and avoided the incoming Philadelphia native. Sanchez was also superior in punch output and accuracy, out throwing Dawejko 352 to 242 and out landing him by a 116 to 46 margin.
 
“I knew he was going to fight on the outside and he stayed on the outside,” said Dawejko. “Not much to say, he just did what he had to do. He was scared that’s why he was running around. He kept jumping back and staying away, so I guess he made it easy on the judges.”
 
Sanchez was able to punch open a cut on Dawejko’s right eye in round five, which he continued to batter throughout the remainder of the fight with jabs and right hands. After 10 rounds, all three judges saw the bout in favor of Sanchez, with scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92.
 
“I didn’t want to fight Dawejko’s fight, and he realized that and it frustrated him,” said Sanchez. “He might have thought he’s faced guys like me, but there’s no other heavyweight like me.”
 
Watch fight highlights here,  here and here.

#          #          #
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

ADAM KOWNACKI VS. ROBERT HELENIUS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment
Night of Heavyweights Headlined by Undefeated Polish Star & Brooklyn Native Adam Kownacki Taking on Robert Helenius in WBA Heavyweight Title Eliminator This Saturday, March 7 in FOX PBC Fight Night Action & On FOX Deportes from Barclays Center
 in Brooklyn

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

BROOKLYN (March 5, 2020) – Undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki and Robert Helenius went face to face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in a WBA Heavyweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, March 7 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
Also squaring off at the press conference were heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba andRazvan Cojanu, who battle in the co-main event, plus rising heavyweight Frank Sanchezand Joey Dawejko, who open the night of heavyweight action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase now at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Tillary Hotel in Brooklyn:
 
ADAM KOWNACKI
 
“I love fighting here in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. It’s almost half my career that I’ve fought in that ring, so it’s definitely my second home.
 
“Fighting for a shot at the title is truly motivating. I know this is a big fight for Robert as well and he’s trained hard, but my title opportunity is right around the corner. I could have waited, but I decided to take on this big test. I’m going to show off why I’m ready to fight for the title soon.
 
“It’s truly amazing to see the Polish fans on fight night. I was an Andrew Golota fan and Tomasz Adamek after that. Now I’m trying to be the next motivation for young Polish kids. I want to show them that they can make it. I kept making the right decisions and now I’m right there so close to a title shot. Robert is in my way and I have to beat him to get where I want.
 
“I love hearing the fans yelling on fight night and that definitely gives me extra energy and motivation to fight in the later rounds.
 
“I’m looking for a spectacular knockout. I want to show why I’m one of the best heavyweights in the world. I have to take care of business.
 
“It’s truly amazing to have fans all over the world come to share this night with me. It’s an honor to have this following. It’s breathtaking really. I’d tell them to continue on this journey with toward becoming heavyweight world champion.
 
“This is a very friendly press conference, there’s a lot of respect between these fighters. I can tell that everyone is ready to put on a great show for the fans on Saturday.”
 
ROBERT HELENIUS
 
“I have an opportunity to make a great fight Saturday and that’s what I trained for. I’m ready and I had a great training camp. I can’t wait to get into the ring.
 
“This fight we came two weeks earlier to the U.S. My body has gotten used to the difference. Plus, the sparring in Alabama at Deontay Wilder’s gym really helped get me ready.
 
“We’re doing everything right and training has been great. We’ve sparred so many rounds, I feel very sharp and ready to get into the ring against Kownacki.
 
“I have a lot of fans in Europe and that support is why I can even do this and compete on this level. Everything has been so perfect coming into training camp. It makes me feel more confident than I have in many years.
 
“I trained for years with a broken hand and have had injuries in the past. But the last two years I’ve been healthy and with the same trainer and I feel physically as good as I ever have.”
 
EFE AJAGBA
 
“I’m excited to be on this great show full of heavyweights. I’m looking forward to Saturday night. I thank my opponent for taking this challenge. He’s a good fighter and we’re looking forward to give you a great fight.
 
“In the Iago Kiladze fight I had him hurt and tried to finish him, but I went too wild and left my guard down. That’s why he landed a shot and knocked me down. I felt okay when I got up and I came back and finished him off.
 
“It’s up to Cojanu how the fight goes. We’ll find out if he can take my punch or not on Saturday. We’ll see in the ring if he’s got a hard chin.
 
“Cojanu has a lot of good experience against good fighters. He’s going to try to box me, but if he can’t take my power, then I’ll be able to win the fight by knockout. If he can take it, I will be ready to win a decision.”

RAZVAN COJANU
 
“Efe is a fighter I respect a lot. He’s a great prospect. But I’m ready for him. I feel very confident in myself. I had a great six-week training camp. Everyone who supported me, I’m going to make them proud on Saturday.
 
“For this fight I got the chance to work with Henry Tillman and it’s made a huge difference in my game. I know the coach can’t fight for me, but I believe in his plan and his judgement. He knows how I can beat Efe Ajagba and Saturday night you’re going to see me shock the world.
 
“People think Efe has already won the fight, but I feel good. There’s no pressure on my shoulders. I have nothing to lose. I believe in karma and I believe it’s my time for my moment to come this Saturday.
 
“I’m very happy to be fighting on FOX for the first time. Best of luck to all of the fighters to come through healthy and give the fans a great performance all night.”
 
FRANK SANCHEZ
 
“I’m very excited for this great opportunity to fight on this big PBC card. Saturday is going to be a great fight and you can expect a great performance from me.
 
“I wish Joey luck on Saturday, but not too much luck. I’m going to demonstrate that I’m one of the best heavyweights in the world.
 
“He’s not knocking out anybody. With my defense and movement, he’s not going to be able to hurt me. I have everything I need to dominate this fight.
 
“No one he’s ever fought is like me. He’s going to be shocked when I deliver a tremendous knockout on Saturday night. I’ll see you in the ring on Saturday.”
 
JOEY DAWEJKO
 
“I want to thank everyone who helped me get this opportunity. I have an opportunity to be great again. I know a little about Frank Sanchez. I know they’re moving him fast, but I think they took the wrong fight. They should have waited a couple more fights for me and I’m going to prove it.
 
“I am in great shape and I had a great camp with my trainer Justin Fortune. I can’t wait to get in there and give everyone a great fight.
 
“Experience will play a big part in this fight. I had a great amateur career and I’ve fought all around the world. I’ve sparred with every champion right now and it’s all going to help.
 
“Frank is a good fighter, but he’s not ready for me. He’s going to try to box me, but I’m going to be too much. I’m predicting a knockout. He’s going to be in for a big shock. He doesn’t have anything I haven’t already seen before.”
 
KEITH SHELDON, EVP of Programming & Development for BSE Global

“As we all know, BROOKLYN BOXING is at its best when he we have heavyweights in the ring and this card has no shortage of them.
 
“Adam, you built your career at Barclays Center and we’re thrilled to see you headline for the second time. With nine wins there, it’s safe to say Barclays Center is your second home. We’re excited for you to put on a show for your hometown fans.
 
“Barclays Center continues to show to the world our steadfast commitment to the sport. This is our second PBC fight this year and the third in the last four months. This further demonstrates our commitment to our boxing program and the sport in general.
 
“Our partnership with PBC consistently brings great fights to our market and Saturday night is no exception. I’d also like to thank FOX. At Barclays Center we pride ourselves on being in the big event business, and there’s nothing bigger than a primetime heavyweight fight on FOX.”


#          #          #
 
ABOUT KOWNACKI VS. HELENIUS
Kownacki vs. Helenius will see undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki look to thrill his hometown crowd when he takes on Robert Heleniusin a 12-round WBA Heavyweight Title eliminator in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 7 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba facing former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in the 10-round co-main event and rising heavyweight Frank Sánchez stepping in to face Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko in the 10-round televised opener.
 
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. 
 
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

NIGHT OF HEAVYWEIGHTS HITS PRIMETIME!

Leave a comment
Unbeaten Polish Star Adam Kownacki Battles Robert Helenius in Heavyweight Title Eliminator in Front of Hometown Fans Saturday, March 7 Headlining FOX PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Plus! Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Enters the Ring in Co-Main Event & Rising Unbeaten Heavyweight Frank Sánchez Kicks Off Action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Now!

BROOKLYN (January 17, 2020) – Undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki will headline a night of heavyweight showdowns and look to thrill his hometown crowd when he takes on Robert Helenius in a 12-round WBA Heavyweight Title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 7 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
The heavyweight action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba in a 10-round fight in the co-main event, plus rising heavyweightFrank Sánchez steps in to face Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko in a 10-round attraction.
 
“Heavyweights always bring excitement and on March 7 fans are going to get non-stop hard-hitting action from these fighting giants,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki has established himself as a fan-favorite at Barclays Center and with each victory he puts himself closer and closer to becoming the first Polish heavyweight champion in history. He’ll be given all he can handle by the tough and experienced Robert Helenius. Highly regarded rising contenders Efe Ajagba and Frank Sánchez will share the stage with Kownacki and look to continue to show off their credentials as future heavyweight champions. You’re not going to want to blink when these heavyweights step into the ring in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes.”
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase now at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
 
Kownacki (20-0, 15 KOs) is noted for his tenacity and has been progressing towards a world title shot with knockouts in five of his last seven fights. The 30-year-old Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and moved to Brooklyn when he was seven, was an accomplished amateur in New York City before turning pro. He most recently bested veteran contender Chris Arreola in an action-packed fight on FOX in August. His previous two fights had seen him score an impressive unanimous decision victory over former world champion Charles Martin in 2018 and a devastating knockout victory against Gerald Washington in January 2019 on FOX. This will be his fifth straight and tenth overall fight at Barclays Center, where he has routinely brought out the area’s passionate Polish sports fans.
 
“It’s great to be fighting in Barclays Center for the tenth time,” said Kownacki. “The last nine bouts ended in victory for me, and March 7 won’t be any different. I’m happy that FOX is showcasing the fight on free television like it was back in the old days, and with the action my fights bring, it’s definitely must-watch TV. I know Helenius will be looking to pull an upset and take my place in the rankings, but I won’t let that happen. I’m already in camp with my trainers Keith Trimble and Chris Carlsen getting ready. After this fight, I want the winner of Wilder vs. Fury II.”
 
A winner in three of his last four fights, Helenius (29-3, 18 KOs) will fight in the U.S. for the second time on March 7, after establishing himself as one of Europe’s top heavyweights for several years. Born in Sweden and fighting out of Mariehamn, Finland, Helenius knocked out Erkan Teper in September 2018 to rise up the rankings before dropping his U.S. debut to Gerald Washington in July 2019. Prior to the Washington fight, the 36-year-old had won six of his last seven fights, with his lone blemish coming against Dillian Whyte. He most recently stopped Mateus Roberto Osorio in November 2019.
 
“This is the fight I have been waiting for,” said Helenius. “All of the years of training and fighting will pay off when we fight on March 7. Kownacki is about to feel the strength of Thor’s hammer. I respect him for taking this fight, but he chose the wrong opponent. This is not going to be a fight; it’s going to be a war. I will be the last man standing.”
 
Nigeria’s Ajagba (12-0, 10 KOs) has increased his opposition in his recent fights and passed those tests by getting off the canvas to stop Iago Kiladze in December and defeating fellow 2016 Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen by 10-round unanimous decision in July, both on FOX. The 25-year-old Ajagba gained widespread notoriety in August 2018 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. Ajagba won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified. Living in Stafford, Texas and training with Ronnie Shields, Ajagba will make his 2020 debut and third career appearance at Barclays Center on March 7, after four victories in 2019.
 
A former amateur standout from Cuba, Sánchez (14-0, 11 KOs) now lives in Miami, trains in San Diego with Eddy Reynoso and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2017. The 27-year-old scored knockouts in his first six pro fights, and picked up nine victories in 2018. In 2019 he added four more triumphs, including three stoppages and his first 10-round victory when he bested Jack Mulowayi in October to win by unanimous decision.
 
Dawejko (29-7-4, 11 KOs) has been tested against a slew of tough contenders in his career that dates back to 2009. Fighting out of Philadelphia, he has crossed paths with perennial contenders while establishing himself in the heavyweight division. The 29-year-old most recently defeated Rodney Hernandez in July.
 
#          #          #
 
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. 
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ERICKSON LUBIN WINS DOMINANT DECISION OVER NATHANIEL GALLIMORE SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME FROM SANTANDER ARENA IN READING, PA.

Leave a comment
Robert Easter Jr. Earns Decision Over Adrian Granados in Super Lightweight Debut & Rising Heavyweight Frank Sanchez Remains Unbeaten

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
READING, Pa. – October, 27, 2019 – Top super welterweight contender Erickson Lubin continued his resurgence with a dominant 10-round unanimous decision victory over Nathaniel Gallimore Saturday night on SHOWTIME from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.
 
Lubin (22-1, 16 KOs) won his fourth straight fight since a knockout loss to Jermell Charlo in a title challenge in 2017. The 24-year-old landed 42 percent of his power shots en route to the wide decision, scored 99-91 by all three judges.
 
The southpaw relied on a suburb left hook, attacking from a variety of angles against the durable Gallimore (21-4-1, 17 KOs) as he improved to 4-0 since beginning to train with southpaw specialist Kevin Cunningham.
 
“I had a tremendous training camp thanks to Kevin Cunningham,” Lubin said. “At first we had Terrell Gausha but he fell out due to his injury. I appreciate Gallimore for stepping up to the plate. He gave me a tough fight and I appreciate it. We gave the fans what they wanted. I measured him. I just timed him and I was able to land my power shots.
 
“Kevin is a real strict trainer and he’s a southpaw specialist. We’re just improving our game every camp. I definitely want Jermell Charlo again. My goal is to get revenge.”
 
Cunningham was pleased with his pupil, who was pushed past the fifth round for the first time in more than three years.
“He’s always been a hell of a fighter and I just wanted to fine tune and refine the skill set,” Cunningham said. “He can do everything that you can teach. He’s the total package. He’s got power, he’s got speed, he’s got footwork. He’s more than a brawler. He’s a skillful fighter with power.
 
“He’s ready for all the top guys in the division. The guys with belts are what he wants.”
 
Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter, Jr. was victorious in his debut at super lightweight, winning a unanimous decision over Adrian Granados in an all-action fight scored 97-93, 98-92, 100-90.
 
Easter (22-1-1 14 KOs), who lost his lightweight title in a unification with Mikey Garcia in 2018, was matched for his first fight a super lightweight against one of boxing’s most aggressive, come-forward fighters and the result did not disappoint. Granados charged forward from the opening bell, pressing on the inside against his rangy, 5-foot-11 opponent. In the first half of the fight, Easter pocketed rounds while fighting from a distance, leaning on his speed to win the first four rounds on all three judges’ scorecards. But the fight seemed to change tides at the midway point, with Granados able to force the bout to be contested at close range. Rounds seven through 10 featured tremendous, back-and-forth exchanges and the more active Granados seemed to get the better of the exchanges.
 
The fighters combined to throw 1,815 combined total punches and 1,379 combined power punches across 12 rounds.
 
“We knew he was going to be a hell of a warrior in there,” Easter said. “That’s what we train for. This was no ordinary opponent and we knew he was going to bring it. I wasn’t surprised because that’s what he does. You’ve seen him fight with the best of the best and he threw down. I knew he was going to throw punches in bunches.
 
“This was a hell of a test for me at 140 and I felt strong. I’m not calling out anybody specifically, but you know there are champions in this weight class and I’m coming for all the belts. Line ’em up.”
 
One of boxing’s most reliable action fighters, Granados (20-8-2, 13 KOs) threw more punches and connected more and was once again frustrated with a decision that did not go his way.
 
“I’m speechless. I felt like I won the fight,” Granados said. “That 100 to 90? Come on now.
 
“I’m tired of the same old story. It was clear that I controlled the fight. He never had me hurt. That was embarrassing.
 
“I can’t control the judging. It’s very frustrating. I have a dream to be a world champion and it just seems like it’s not cutting out for me. But I have the heart of a champion and I’m not giving up.”
 
In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchezpitched a shutout against Jack Mulowayi, winning a 10-round unanimous decision scored 100-90 by all three judges.
 
Sanchez (14-0, 11 KOs) was the more active fighter from the opening bell, targeting the body against the defensive-minded Mulowayi (7-2-1, 3 KOs). The 27-year-old Sanchez, who was taken the 10-round distance for the first time, threw over 250 more punches than his opponent.
 
“My opponent didn’t really want to fight, he just wanted to fight dirty,” Sanchez said. “So all I could do was give him some lateral movement. It’s difficult when someone doesn’t want to engage. We wanted to touch him down, touch him up high. But once he got touched, the guy just tried to tie up.
 
“There was no problem going 10 rounds. I’m in great shape and I’m ready to fight again as soon as possible. I showed my technical superiority tonight. All the heavyweights better watch out.”
 
Two-time super featherweight world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis was interviewed during Saturday’s telecast as he continues to train for his lightweight debut December 28 on SHOWTIME from State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The explosive Davis, who will fight Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight World Championship, continued to call out the top fighters when he spoke with host Brian Custer.
 
“I’ve heard all these guys calling me out, I don’t want to sound cocky, but I am the cash cow at this weight class,” Davis said. “Me and Leo Santa Cruz are going to fight in 2020.”
 
Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
 
An industry leading production team and announce crew delivered all the sights, sounds and drama from Santander Arena. Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer hosted the telecast, versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo called the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial ringside scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION was David Dinkins, Jr. and the Director was Bob Dunphy.
 
The telecast was available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programing (SAP) with Alejandro Luna and former world champion Raul Marquez calling the action.
 
#          #          #
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions,  and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing 
and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and King’s Promotions.
 
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Unbeaten Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez To Face Jack Mulowayi in Televised Opener of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® this Saturday, October 26 from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa. – Nigerian Heavyweight Efe Ajagba Withdraws with Back Injury

Leave a comment
Nigerian Heavyweight Efe Ajagba Withdraws with Back Injury

2016 Olympian Eimantas Stanionis & 17-Year-Old Sensation
Vito Mielnicki, Jr., Lightweight Omar Douglas & Welterweight
Jose Miguel Borrego Highlight Jam-Packed Undercard Lineup in Separate Fights as Part of Premier Boxing Champions Event

READING, Pa. (October 21, 2019) – Unbeaten Cuban slugger Frank Sanchez will face Jack Mulowayi in an eight-round heavyweight attraction to open SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION this Saturday, October 26 live on SHOWTIME® from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.
 
Sanchez (13-0, 11 KOs) steps in to replace Efe Ajagba, who withdrew from the fight against the once-beaten Mulowayi (7-1-1, 3 KOs). Ajagba injured his back in training last week.
 
The evening is headlined by top super welterweight contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin taking on hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in a 10-round showdown that headlines the Premier Boxing Champions event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter, Jr. will make his super lightweight debut against Adrian “El Tigre” Granados in a 10-round co-feature attraction.
 
Highlighting the action-packed non-televised portion of the card are fights featuring undefeated 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis squaring off against Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Evincii Dixon in a welterweight bout and 17-year-old welterweight prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. facing Durham, North Carolina’s Marklin Bailey in a four-round attraction.
 
The action continues with bouts featuring Mexico’s Jose Miguel Borrego (15-2, 13 KOs) taking on Colombia’s Likar Ramos (29-8, 22 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout and Wilmington, Delaware’s Omar Douglas (19-3, 13 KOs) facing Riverside, California’s Humberto Galindo (12-0-1, 9 KOs) for 10 rounds of lightweight action.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or at the Santander box office (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).
 
Also entering the ring is Colorado’s Ricky Lopez (20-4-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight contest against Texas-native Joe Perez (14-3-2, 10 KOs), Paterson, New Jersey’s Norman Neely (3-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round heavyweight fight withD’Angelo Swaby (1-0, 1 KO) of the Bahamas, plus Miami’s Jessy Cruz (17-7-1, 7 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Ernesto Guerrero (32-29, 22 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction, and Michigan-native Raeese Aleem (14-0, 8 KOs) competes in an eight-round super bantamweight fight against Colombia’s Marlon Olea (14-5, 12 KOs).
 
Rounding out the action is undefeated Puerto Rican bantamweight prospect Jonathon Torres in a six-round fight, super middleweight prospect Darrion Lawson from Flint, Michigan in a four-round fight against Nicaragua’s Jaime Meza and middleweight Zany Larry of Clearwater, Florida in a four-round bout against Kansas-native Antonio Hernandez.
 
A former amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sanchez now lives in Las Vegas and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2017. The 27-year-old scored knockouts in his first six pro fights, and picked up nine victories in 2018. Sanchez most recently scored a dominant stoppage of Puerto Rico’s Victor Bisbal in August.
 
Fighting out of Antwerpen, Belgium, by way of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mulowayi will make his U.S. debut on October 26 in a pro career that dates back to 2015. The 32-year-old was unbeaten in his first seven pro fights before losing a narrow majority decision to Herve Bubeaux in a bout for the Belgium heavyweight title in May. He rebounded to defeat Artur Kubiak in July heading into his fight against Sanchez.

#          #          #
 
ABOUT LUBIN VS. GALLIMORE
Lubin vs. Gallimore pits top super welterweight contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubinagainst hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, October 26, live on SHOWTIME from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The three-fight SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITIONbegins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. making his super lightweight debut against battle-tested veteran Adrian “El Tigre” Granadosin the 10-round co-featured attraction, plus unbeaten heavyweight sensation Frank Sanchez will enter the ring against once-beaten Jack Mulowayi in an eight-round bout.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions,  and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing 
and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.
 
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Rising Heavyweight Frank Sanchez Battles Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal in Heavyweight Attraction Saturday, August 31 on FOX PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis

Leave a comment
Former World Champion Caleb Truax Withdraws from Scheduled Bout Against Peter Quillin Due to Achilles Injury

Former World Champion Erislandy Lara Battles Ramon Alvarez for WBA Super Welterweight Title in Main Event, Plus Fast-Rising Super Welterweights Sebastian Fundora & Jamontay Clark Square Off In Co-Main Event of Broadcast Beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

MINNEAPOLIS (August 22, 2019) – Fast-rising Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez will face Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal in a 10-round heavyweight showdown as part of FOX PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

 
Sanchez vs. Bisbal replaces the previously scheduled bout between former champions Peter Quillin and Caleb Truax, after Truax was forced to withdraw due to an Achilles injury.
 
Coverage on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara battling Ramon Alvarez in a 12-round bout for the WBA Super Welterweight title. The co-main event will see a pair of sensational young super welterweights collide as Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in a 10-round attraction.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.
 
A former amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sanchez (12-0, 10 KOs) now lives in Las Vegas and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2017. The 27-year-old scored knockouts in his first six pro fights, and picked up nine victories in 2018. Sanchez most recently scored a dominant second round stoppage over Jason Bergman at The Armory in July.
 
After representing Puerto Rico at the 2004 Olympic games, Bisbal (23-3, 17 KOs) won 21 of his first 22 pro fights, including a 16-fight winning streak from late 2006 until 2013. He suffered defeats to Dominic Breazeale and Magomed Abdusalamov before winning his last two fights heading into August 31. His last outing saw him Edson Roberto Dos Santos Borges in December 2018.
 
#          #          #
 
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
boxing, Let’s Get It On Promotions

HEAVYWEIGHTS AND PROSPECTS ADDED TO ‘VASQUEZ VS SANDOVAL’ UNDERCARD MAY 4TH

Leave a comment

Image may contain: 2 people, text

 

April 30th, RENO — The card is set for May 4th’s world-class boxing event presented by Let’s Get It On Promotions and the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.  The evening’s feature attraction matches world-ranked Oscar “El Chapito” Vasquez (15-1) against Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (12-1) in an eight-round, super-flyweight battle. A spectacular undercard supplements the main event.

 

 

 

Undefeated heavyweight prospect and knockout machine, Frank “Freedom Fighter” Sanchez (5-0, 5 KOs), has been added to the May 4th card.  Sanchez was born and raised in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. In his native country, he competed in over two-hundred boxing matches as an amatuer.  He fled Cuba in 2016 and made his way to Las Vegas where he signed a managerial deal with retired Hall of Fame referee Richard Steele. Sanchez will be fighting veteran Lamont Capers (9-11) in a six-round battle.

 

 

 

Carson City lightweight Diego Elizondo (2-0) will be fighting the very tough Canton Miller (3-1) in a four-round match.

 

 

 

In a six-round cruiserweight bout, U.S. Army Veteran Blake “The Beast” McKernan (7-0, 5 KOs) of Sacramento will be facing Mexico’s Daniel Arambula (4-2).

 

 

 

In a classic Mexican vs. Puerto Rican fight, Santos “Titos” Vasquez (5-2-1), who is Oscar’s younger brother and an alternate for the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, will be fighting Puerto Rico’s Bryan Aquino (11-2) in a six round junior-flyweight bout.

 

 

 

Ricardo “The Dreamer” Lucio-Galvan (2-0, 2 KO) is scheduled to fight in a four-round featherweight bout.

 

Fight card subject to change.  First bell is at 7pm.

 

 

 

Tickets are available $35, $65, $100 (taxes and fees not included) and can be purchased at the Atlantis Gift Shop, by calling Atlantis Special Events 888.551.7007 or 775.824.4467, or via ticketmaster.com. https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/1700546DF068922D#efeat4212