Tag Archives: FS1

Former World Champions Collide as Peter Quillin Takes on Minnesota-Native Caleb Truax in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday, April 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis

Top Contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko Battles Jack Culcay in Middleweight Title Eliminator & Rising Prospect Chris Colbert Steps Into the Ring in Action Beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Saturday, February 23!

MINNEAPOLIS (February 21, 2019) – Former world champions will go toe-to-toe as Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin faces Minnesota-native Caleb “Golden” Truax in a 12-round IBF super middleweight title eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko taking on Jack Culcay in a 12-round IBF title eliminator, plus unbeaten rising prospect Chris Colbert will compete in an undercard attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, go on sale Saturday, February 23, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“Quillin vs. Truax is a true 50-50 matchup of former world champions looking to put themselves in position to grab another world title,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Truax will have the hometown crowd in Minnesota behind him, but Quillin has fought at the highest level against top competition for years. It has all the makings of a dramatic fight, and combined with the Derevyanchenko vs. Culcay middleweight eliminator, it’s going to make for an action packed night at the Armory and on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

“Both of these are fantastic matchups because there are championship implications on the line,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “That adds to the motivation for each of the guys stepping into the ring. For Qullin and Truax, they both know what it means to be a world champion and this is their opportunity to return to that status. There is always a lot of energy in the Armory for these types of matches and that really carries over to the FS1 and FOX Deportes broadcast for those watching at home. It promises to be a very entertaining evening for all boxing fans.” 

A former middleweight champion, Quillin (34-1-1, 23 KOs) delivered in his second bout at super middleweight, defeating J’Leon Love last August by unanimous decision. Born in Chicago and raised Michigan, Quillin has called Brooklyn, N.Y. home throughout a pro career that saw him win a world title against Hassan N’Dam in 2012 and defend it three times. His only loss came to Daniel Jacobs in 2015 after battling former champion Andy Lee to a draw earlier that year.

“I’m approaching this fight very seriously because I know Truax is a durable guy who knows how to fight,” said Quillin. “He comes from a background where people don’t give him credit for what he’s done, and those are the most dangerous guys. I’m no stranger to fighting in my opponent’s backyard. My job is to go into the ring and go home with the win. I’m looking to walk away with some of his fans on my side by winning the fight and putting on a great performance.”

Fighting out of Osseo, Minnesota, Truax (30-4-2, 19 KOs) pulled off one of 2017’s biggest upsets when he traveled to London to defeat James DeGale and become a 168-pound world champion. The 35-year-old lost a hard-fought rematch to DeGale in 2018 and most recently scored a third-round stoppage of Fabiano Soares at the Armory in August.

“Peter Quillin is someone I’ve wanted to fight since I first sparred with him in 2012,” said Truax. “I walked away from that experience confident that I could get the job done if we were ever matched together. The fact that it’s taking place at home in Minnesota is even better because my fans are going to give me a huge advantage. My goal is to get back into title contention and win my second world title.”

A 2008 Olympian for his native Ukraine, Derevyanchenko (12-1, 10 KOs) has made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. since turning pro in July 2014. The 33-year-old was unbeaten in his first 12 fights, earning a world title fight with a final-round stoppage of Tureano Johnson in 2017. He most recently dropped a narrow split-decision to Daniel Jacobs in a middleweight title fight in October.

Culcay (25-3, 13 KOs) is originally from Ecuador, spent much of his career fighting out of Germany, and now lives in Florida. He enters this bout on a three-fight winning streak after picking up a trio of wins in 2018. He had previously held an interim 154-pound titles before losing close decisions against Demetrius Andrade and Maciej Sulecki.

Representing his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (10-0, 3 KOs) has begun to make a name for himself showing off tremendous skills across his first 10 pro victories. The 22-year-old most recently dominated Josh Hernandez on FS1 in January and he will return to fight at The Armory for the second time after defeating then unbeaten Austin Dulay on FS1 last April.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://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/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. p

MARCOS HERNANDEZ TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS


Once-Beaten Contender Hernandez Battles Jeison Rosario in Rematch Saturday, February 23 in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota Beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Click HERE for Photos from Team Hernandez
 
RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (February 15, 2019) – Once-beaten contender “Mad Man” Marcos Hernandez will look to continue his winning streak from “The Contender Season Five”, when he rematches Jeison Rosario live on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 23 from the Armory in Minneapolis and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 
Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins live at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT and is headlined by former WBC super-middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell facing Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Championship.
 
The 25-year-old from Fresno, California is looking to continue his journey to a world title as he has beaten four well-regarded prospects in only fifteen fights. Hernandez is currently training with Henry Ramirez in Riverside, California, and looking forward to his rematch with Rosario, who he fought to a draw last February in Texas.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/and through Ticketmaster.
 
Here is what Hernandez had to say about his upcoming matchup and more:
 
On his rematch against Jeison Rosario:
“I fought Jeison Rosario almost one year ago exactly. I have a lot of respect for him because we fought to a draw, but that being said, I felt I got the better of him. This not a six-round bout like our first match, this is a ten-round fight, and I know what needs to be done to further my career with my performance in this fight.”
 
On his recent training camp:
“I really like training with Henry Ramirez in Riverside, California. Henry is a cool guy who’s trained a lot of top fighters and knows what it takes to get the job done. In Fresno there were many distractions, so moving away from my family, my wife and kids, it is a sacrifice that I make to go to the next level. This is a job and I treat it like a job. I am doing everything possible to be a contender.”
 
On fighting on this PBC event on FS1 and FOX Deportes:
“I’m very excited as this is my fourth time on FS1. I love what Premier Boxing Champions is doing for the sport of boxing, bringing fights to network television. FS1 has been good to me and I am excited that one of my biggest wins will be on FS1 so everyone can watch it.”
 
On his goals for 2019:
“I want to stay active, but my focus is solely on Rosario and getting that win. My hopes are to get in with a fighter with a big name. I’ve fought a lot of tough fighters, but not a lot of big-name fighters yet. I am hoping that by the end of this year I can fight one of those fighters’ people have seen on television for years.”
 
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Former Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Dirrell Battles Top Contender Avni Yildirim for the Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes

Saturday, February 23 From The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Plus! Minnesota-Native Undefeated Welterweight Jamal James Clashes with Janer Gonzalez in a Special Hometown Attraction

Tickets on Sale Now!

MINNEAPOLIS (January 16, 2019) – Former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell gets an opportunity to rejoin the championship ranks when he battles top contender Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 23 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight championship contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown for a third straight time against Janer González in a special 10-round attraction in the co-feature.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/and through Ticketmaster.

“Fight fans in Minneapolis and watching on FS1 and FOX Deportes are in for a treat with this high stakes world title showdown between Anthony Dirrell and Avni Yildirim,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Dirrell has been a champion and amongst the division’s elite for years, while Yildirim always comes to fight and will be determined to make the most of this opportunity. With the addition of local fan-favorite Jamal James in welterweight action, this is shaping up to be a can’t miss night at The Armory.”

“Anthony Dirrell took a long, difficult road to get to the super middleweight championship and he has worked hard to get into position to reclaim the title,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Avni Yildirim has been one of the most active contenders in the division and he has gained significant experience since his last opportunity to win a championship. He will need all that and more to get past Dirrell. And it’s going to be a special night watching Jamal James fighting for his hometown fans again.”

Dirrell (32-1-1, 24 KOs) won the WBC Super Middleweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Sakio Bika in 2014. It was the culmination of a long, hard road for Dirrell of Flint, Michigan after he successfully battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was cleared to return to boxing after completing chemotherapy in 2008. His reign as world champion was cut short when the 34-year-old Dirrell lost the title by majority decision to Badou Jack in 2015. He has won five straight since that loss to climb back into contention for a chance to become a two-time world champion.

“This is just like every other fight where we’re going to work on a game plan and execute that game plan in the ring,” said Dirrell. “I saw him fight Chris Eubank and it showed me some things. He’s a come forward fighter. That’s the kind of guy I like to fight. He’s tailor-made for me. I’m going to do what I do best and that’s fight. I’ve been keeping my mind, body and soul together and staying focused to know what I have to do to become two-time WBC champion.”

Yildirim (21-1, 12 KOs) is one of the most active contenders in the super middleweight division. The 27-year-old from Istanbul, Turkey has fought at least four times a year since 2014. The fight against Dirrell will be only the second time that he has fought in the United States after defeating Glen Johnson in Miami in 2015. Yildirim suffered the only loss of his professional career by stoppage against Chris Eubank, Jr. in 2017. In his last fight he won a majority decision against Lolenga Mock and he enters this fight on a five-fight winning streak.

“I’m very thankful to everyone who helped me get this opportunity and I know that I have all the tools to beat Anthony Dirrell,” said Yildirim. “Dirrell is a good fighter, but I believe I bring more to the table than him. I’m coming to win and bring the belt home to Turkey. I waited all my boxing life for this stage and I am ready to give him a war.”

James (24-1, 11 KOs) has become a local favorite and will be fighting in front of his hometown crowd in Minneapolis for the third straight time. The 30-year-old James has rolled off four consecutive victories since suffering the first loss of his career – a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in 2016. In his last fight James stopped Mahonry Montes by knockout on August 24 on FS1. Gonzalez (19-1-1, 15 KOs) is a power-puncher from Cartagena, Colombia and is coming off the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision to Radzhad Butaev in 2017.

“I’m hungry to make 2019 the year that I get that world title,” said James. “I’m focused on my opponent, but in this fight I’m going to keep showing off the skills and speed that makes me the next champion. I’m extremely grateful to be fighting again at home and to keep bringing PBC to Minneapolis. I’m going to be the next champion from here and the journey starts fresh for 2019 when I step into that ring on February 23.”

“I’m excited for this opportunity to fight Jamal James in his backyard and leave all his hometown fans disappointed,” said Gonzalez. “I’m training harder than ever to bounce back from my loss and show everyone what I’ve learned. This victory is going to put me back on the path to becoming word champion.”

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. CCCC��U��,

CALEB PLANT IMPRESSES WITH IBF SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP WIN OVER JOSE UZCATEGUI IN MAIN EVENT OF PBC ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES FROM THE MICROSOFT THEATER AT L.A. LIVE IN LOS ANGELES

Undefeated Brandon Figueroa Defeats Moises Flores in Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator; Rising Star Joey Spencer Continues Knockout Streak 

Premier Boxing Champions Prelims Showcase Early Knockout Victories by Guillermo Rigondeaux, Ahmed Elbiali and Lindolfo Delgado

Click HERE for PhotosPhoto Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE for PhotosPhoto Credit: Luis Mejia/TGB Promotions

LOS ANGELES (January 13) – The challenger proved to be the aggressor as Caleb Plant became the IBF Super Middleweight World Champion, defeating Jose Uzcategui in the main event of the first Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes event of 2019, which took place at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Plant dominated the whole fight as he maintained a fast and aggressive pace from the opening bell.

With scores of 116-110 twice and 115-111 in favor of Plant, the freshly crowned champion, Plant fell to his knees overcome with emotion when he heard “and the new!”.

“I’ve worked my whole entire life for this,” said Plant. “I buried my daughter in the process of trying to get this belt. I promised I would bring her this title and that is what I am going to do.”

The super middleweight barnburner started out strong with both combatants throwing exchanges, but Plant did everything in his power to never back down. Uzcategui threw hard right hands to start the second round, but Plant quickly turned the round in his favor as he knocked Uzcategui to the canvas with a flurry of punches, only the third time Uzcategui had been knocked down in his career. A small cut opened under the left eye of Uzcategui to start the third, but he fought through it and fended off Plant’s aggression. One minute into the fourth round, a cut opened up under Plant’s right eye causing blood to stream. That did not stop the Nashville native as threw a hard left hook that once again sent Uzcategui to the canvas.

As the fight progressed, the Venezuelan was unable to utilize his distance, thus allowing Plant to fight on the inside. Despite good exchanges in the seventh and eighth, it became increasingly clear that Uzcategui would need a knockout to hold onto his belt. Uzcategui flipped a switch in the championship rounds and came forward, throwing hard blows to the body and head of Plant. But it was too little too late for Uzcategui as Plant’s ring generalship controlled the pace of the fight, ultimately ending in a unanimous decision.

“I knew I caught him clean [when I knocked down Uzcategui], but I knew he wasn’t all the way out so I took my time,” continued Plant. “I stayed relaxed. I stuck to the game plan and got it done just like I said I would. 

“This is overwhelming. I am a kid who came from nothing. I believed in myself and now I’ve been crowned king. Right now, I am not thinking ahead. I just want to embrace this moment and soak it in.” 

“I did feel that I had the advantage heading into the fight,” said Uzcategui. “I went down because I was off balance, but I wasn’t hurt. He started to get tired around the sixth round, which was the plan. Caleb knew how to clench and hold. He was smart. He knew how to stay away from the punches.

“I expected more movement and more boxing out of him,” continued Uzcategui. “I would love the rematch. I think everyone saw a great fight tonight. I gave him the chance at the title and I would hope he would give me the chance to win it back.”

Unbeaten Brandon Figueroa (18-0, 13 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas faced former world title challenger Moises Flores (25-2, 17 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mex. in a WBA Super Bantamweight title eliminator. Figueroa wasted no time attacking Flores in round one as he came forward and threw several hard lefts followed by a body shot that seemed to surprise Flores. With 30 seconds left in the round, Figueroa went for the body and worked Flores on the inside. While Flores seemed to find his footing at the start of round three, Figueroa unleashed a flurry of punches that sent Flores to the canvas once and then a second time that ended the fight at 1:35 of the third round.

“Break him down and finish him,” said Figueroa “This is exactly how I expected it to go. I knew that he wasn’t going to handle those body shots. My message to Daniel Roman is that I am going to go home and prepare.

“I used that body work,” continued Figueroa. “I am really strong. I came in at 110 percent and did my job. I could have done better. I am really hard on myself. I know there are things I can continue to work on and will do that as soon as I get home. I am most definitely ready for a title shot.”

Fast-rising undefeated star and PBC Prospect of 2018 Joey Spencer (6-0, 6 KOs) of Linden, Mich., continued his impressive knockout streak as he defeated Brandon Harder (2-2, 1 KO) of Southaven, Miss., in a super welterweight contest that saw Spencer knocking down Harder three times in less than two rounds. The 18-year-old Spencer, who fought 100 fights as an amateur, established his jab early and landed at will. He threw and landed a straight right at the end of round one that sent Harder to his knees. Forty-five seconds into round two, Spencer sent Harder to the canvas again followed by a swarm of punches that ended the fight at 1:27 of the round.

“Fans are going to see that I give it my all when I get in the ring and I’m going to put on a show,” said Spencer. “You’re going to get more and more tests in my career and I believe I will rise to the level of my competition. Sometimes you’re in there with an awkward guy, he proves to be a test. I’ll move to six rounds for my next fight. I want to fight four times this year and I’m looking forward to it.”

The Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1 featured three bouts that all ended in exciting knockout victories, kicking off a great night of fights.

The Prelim telecast featured the long-awaited ring return of Guillermo Rigondeux (18-1, 12 KOs) who hadn’t fought since December 2017. The Cuban fan-favorite faced Giovanni Delgado of Tacubaya, Mex. (16-9, 9 KOs) and knocked him out in the last second of round one with an overhand left. Delgado could not be saved by the 10 count and the fight was called in favor of Rigondeux.

“This is my division. This is my time,” said Rigondeaux. “I am the king of 122 pounds. I felt 100 percent. Delgado is a good fighter. I take my hat off to him and his team. I came prepared and I am ready to face people that are undefeated. Whoever has a belt, I am taking it. You can expect me back in less than two months.”

“I fought my idol tonight,” said Delgado. “I knew he hit hard, but I didn’t know he hit that hard. I have been cleared by the doctor and am fine. Just a little bit in shock.”

A scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout featuring Egypt’s Ahmed Elbiali (18-1, 15 KOs) against 16-year veteran Allan Green (33-6, 22 KOs) of Tulsa, OK saw Elbiali knock Green down in every round. However, Green did showcase his experience choosing to go toe-to-toe despite Elbiali’s aggression. Ultimately, it was a right uppercut followed by an overhand right that sent Green to the canvas as Elbiali scored a knockout at 1:16 of round three.

“I was easier than I thought it was going to be,” said Elbiali. “Losing to Pascal the way I did, it messes with you mentally. I was trying to stay on my A-game. Stay focused and thankfully it showed. My game plan clicked really well. I have been sparring with Caleb (Plant) and other great guys. That keeps you sharp and alert. I would love to win a world title and be the first Egyptian win a world championship.”

In the opening bout of the Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1, Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (8-0, 8 KOs) of Linares, Mex. continued his professional knockout streak as he defeated Sergio Lopez (22-13-1, 15 KOs) of West Covina, CA via knockout at 2:48 of the third round. Delgado has yet to fight 30 rounds in his eight fights as a professional. He was clearly the aggressor throughout the fight and landed almost 50 percent of his power punches.

All PBC on FOX Sports events and programming is streamed live on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. In addition, FOX Sports Digital will have a dedicated FOXSports.com and FOX Sports App page for PBC coverage, in addition to dedicated YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.

The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Sports. Please visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and follow Premier Boxing Champions on Facebook and Twitter. For more information on FOX Sports, visit FOX Sports Press Pass.

About FOX Sports

FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.  

About Premier Boxing Champions

The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.


BRANDON FIGUEROA KNOCKS OUT OSCAR ESCANDON IN FINAL ROUND IN PBC ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES MAIN EVENT FROM CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO

  Joe Joyce Makes Impression Against Iago Kiladze in U.S. Debut; Both Joey Spencer and

Efe Ajagba Knock Out Opponents in First Rounds of Respective Fights;
Stephen Fulton Dominates German Meraz in TV Opener
 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Luis Meija/Ringstar Sports

Ontario, Calif. (Sept. 30) – In a marathon night of fights, Southern California fans were treated to performances in a variety of weight classes headlined by Brandon Figueroa (17-0-0, 12 KOs) of Weslaco, TX against Columbian Oscar Escandon (25-5-0, 17 KOs) in an action-packed 10-round super bantamweight bout that ended with a knockout by the young prospect Figueroa in the final round live on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Citizens Business Bank Arena.

 

 

 

Both Figueroa and Escandon picked up the pace early as they went toe-to-toe battling in an entertaining fight from the first bell. Figueroa, who typically fights at a distance, wanted to make a statement that he isn’t afraid to fight on the inside. An accidental head butt caused a large cut over the left eye of Figueroa, as blood poured the remainder of the fight. The combatants continued to throw high volumes of punches throughout the bout, but Figueroa remained more accurate and active as Escandon did his best to stay strong. In the tenth and final round, Figueroa sealed the win with a powerful combination that ended in a right upper cut to Escandon’s chin, sending him to the canvas rendering him unable to stand at minute 1:42.

 

 

 

“Escandon is tough. He is short and it was hard to get to the body,” said Figueroa. “I can fight both inside and outside, but his size did matter. I had to get in there and he wasn’t backing up. I was ready for this fight. Opportunities like this don’t come often so I had to take it and run with it. I have been training all summer and I am ready to take a few days off and get right back to it.”

 

 

 

“I knew Figueroa was good, but I was surprised at how tough he was,” said Escandon. “Everyone can get caught with a punch. I wasn’t tired. I just got caught. I am okay. I am going to keep going.”

 

 

 

The co-main event saw British Silver Medalist Joe Joyce (6-0, 6 KOs) make his U.S. debut in a heavyweight fight domnation against Iago Kiladze (26-4-0, 18 KOs) of Georgia. Thirty seconds into the second round, Joyce sent Kiladze through the ropes with a flurry of right hands. Kiladze recovered and fought back, surviving the remainder of the round. He entered the third throwing everything he could, but Joyce hit him with a hard hook to the body forcing him to the canvas again. The fight ended in the with 41 seconds to go in the fifth round as Joyce landed a hard left hook to Kiladze’s body knocking him out.

 

 

 

“It is great to be here,” said Joyce. “I started training in the United States because it was the best way to start my career here,” said Joyce. “It is great to have my sixth win here and I look forward to getting in the ring again soon. I think I made a great impression here tonight and I just want to continue that streak.”

 

 

 

Also featured on the card was fast-rising star Joey Spencer (5-0, 5 KOs) of Union City, Calif. Against Cory Macon (0-3-0) of Durham, NC in a four-round middleweight bout. The 18-year-old Spencer, with dreams to become the youngest American with a world title, went to work immediately, going to the body of Macon. He continued to attack the body, but with a hard left hook, he sent Macon to the canvas, ending the fight just inside round number one at minute 2:36.

 

 

 

“I stay active and stay in the gym. It keeps me focused and ready,” said Spencer. “My goal is to become a world champion by age 20. Fans need to keep an eye on me and my career because I am here to stay.”

 

 

 

Efe Ajagba (7-0-0, 6 KOs) faced Nick Jones (7-1-0, 5 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a six-round heavyweight fight that didn’t even last one round. With a hard right hand, Ajagba sent Jones to the canvas with a devastating knockout in 2:25 of the first.

 

 

 

“Now we know why my last opponent walked out of the ring. He was afraid that was going to happen to him,” said Ajagba. “I watched tape of Jones and I knew he was slow. I was ready to attack the minute I got into the ring. I want anyone that my management will put in front of me. I am ready. I prepared for six rounds and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

 

 

 

In a televised swing bout, young prospect Jose Balderas (5-0-0) of Santa Maria, Calif. was tested by Mexican Ivan Martino (3-3-0, 3 KOs) in a bantamweight, but was able to get his shots off, connected with several left hooks to Martino’s body.

 

 

 

“He is a strong guy and he kept coming, but we were ready for it,” said Balderas. “I think I got the rounds he needed. I have been improving since my first fight. I am going to keep learning and keep growing.”

 

 

 

Stephen Fulton (14-0-0, 6 KOs) of the fighting city of Philadelphia faced German Meraz (61-50-2, 38 KOs) of Mexico opened the telecast in a scheduled eight-round featherweight fight. Fulton, who took this fight with 72 hours’ notice, used his jab throughout the and dominated every round. In the first minute of the eighth and final round, Fulton knocked Meraz down, setting up the win. In the end, the judges ruled the bout a unanimous decision.

 

 

 

“I wasn’t worried about taking the fight on such short notice,” said Fulton. “I knew I was going to dominate. I might have prepared for someone else, but that didn’t matter. I have the experience to be able to adjust. He could have had 100 fights or five fights and I would have bene ready. I want Brandon Figueroa next.”

 

 

 

To kick off the night, FS1 and FOX Deportes broadcasted a slate of preliminary fights. Below please find the results of those exciting match-up:

 

 

 

Jesse Rodriguez of Los Angeles (7-0-0, 4 KOs) won via unanimous decision against Edwin Reyes of Las Vegas (8-4-3, 5 KOs) in an eight-round light flyweight bout.

 

 

 

British light heavyweight Kody Davies (7-0-0, 6 KOs) defeated Jerhed Fenderson (4-7-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas via unanimous decision.

 

 

 

In his professional debut, Oscar Juarez of Brownsville TX, defeated Matt Gaver (0-2-0) of Bakersfield, Calif. via unanimous decision in a six-round super lightweight bout.

 

 

 

Arnold Alejandro of Dallas (8-0-0, 7 KOs) defeated Francisco Camacho (7-9-1, 3 KOs) of Matamoros, Mexico via fifth round knockout in a featherweight fight scheduled for six rounds.

 

 

 

To open the night of fights at Citizens Business Bank Arena, former world champion James DeGale (25-2-1, 15 KOs) defeated Fidel Moterrosa (39-19-1, 31 KOs) via third round KO.

 

 

 

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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 at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Premier Boxing Champions Prelims Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes Feature Undefeated Rising Prospects in Action This Sunday, September 30 from Citizens Business Bank Arena in  Ontario, California Beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT

 
Jesse Rodriguez vs. Edwin Reyes – Flyweights
Arnold Alejandro vs. Francisco Camacho – Featherweights
Kody Davies vs. Quinton Rankin – Light Heavyweights
& the Pro Debut of Amateur Standout Omar Juarez!

ONTARIO, CA. (September 28, 2018) – Premier Boxing Champions action will begin with Prelims live on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 30 as undefeated prospects look to show off their skills in exciting matchups beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

The lineup of fights leading up to the main card, also on FS1 and FOX Deportes, will see Jesse Rodriguez take on Edwin Reyes in an eight-round flyweight showdown while Arnold Alejandro battles Francisco Camacho in a six-round featherweight attraction. Prelims also features Kody Davies squaring-off against Quinton Rankin in eight rounds of light heavyweight action and the pro debut of amateur standout Omar Juarez as he faces Matt Gaver in a four-round super lightweight contest.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

The event is headlined by unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa battling rugged veteran Oscar Escandon plus 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce facing Iago Kiladze in a heavyweight attraction. Coverage begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and includes a trio of rising prospects in separate showdowns as Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba steps in for a heavyweight bout, sensational prospect Joey Spencer competes in a super welterweight match and Stephen Fulton looks to remain unbeaten in a featherweight fight.

 

 

 

The 18-year-old Rodriguez (6-0, 4 KOs) turned pro last year with four victories before adding two more triumphs in 2018. The Los Angeles-native will be opposed by the 31-year-old Reyes (8-3-3, 5 KOs) out of Las Vegas Nevada who most recently fought to a draw against once-beaten Jesus Soler in July.

 

 

 

Alejandro (7-0, 6 KOs) enters this fight on a six-fight knockout streak after winning a decision in his pro debut back in 2016. The 22-year-old Dallas-native looks for his third victory of the year when he goes up against 25-year-old Francisco Camacho (7-8-1, 3 KOs) out of Tamaulipas, Mexico.

 

 

 

Representing his native Wales in the United Kingdom, Davies (7-0, 3 KOs) has been busy in 2018, racking up five wins including his first six-round victory. The 24-year-old will make his U.S. debut on Sunday as he faces the 31-year-old Rankin (12-5-2, 9 KOs) who fights out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

 

 

After a stellar amateur career, the 19-year-old Juarez will step into the ring for the first time as a pro on September 30. He fights out of the Brownsville-area of Texas and is a motivational speaker for kids in the area while also attending the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. He will be opposed by the 20-year-old Gaver (0-1) out of Bakersfield, California.

 

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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.

Undefeated Featherweight Contender Brandon Figueroa Takes on Former Title Challenger Oscar Escandon in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions Action This Sunday, September 30 Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes

 
Stacked Night to Feature 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce Battling Iago Kiladze from Citizens Business Bank Arena in
 Ontario, California
 
Plus! Undefeated Prospects Efe Ajagba, Joey Spencer &
Stephen Fulton Enter the Ring in Separate Attractions
Beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

ONTARIO, CA. (September 26, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa takes on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 30 from Citizen’s Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

John Molina, Jr., who was scheduled to be in the main event, will be rescheduled to return to the ring soon. And former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, who was slated to face Molina, will no longer be on the card.

 

 

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce facing Iago Kiladze in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

 

 

 

The exciting night of fights will also see rising unbeaten prospects enter the ring as 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs) steps in for a six-round heavyweight bout, sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (4-0, 4 KOs) competes in a four-round match and featherweight prospect Stephen Fulton(13-0, 6 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round match.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Figueroa (16-0, 11 KOs), the brother of former lightweight world champion Omar Figueroa, Jr., continues to climb the ladder in the featherweight division with a step up match against the tough former title challenger Escandon. The 21-year-old out of Weslaco, Texas was busy last year as he won all four of his matches and he has logged two knockout victories this year, beating Giovanni Delgado in March and Luis Roy Suarez Cruz in his last fight on August 4, with three of those six wins coming on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

 

 

 

The 34-year-old Escandon (25-4, 17 KOs), who fought in the 2004 Olympian for Colombia, is a hardnosed veteran from Ibague, Colombia looking to rebound from two tough losses to Tugstsogt Nyambayar on May 26 on FS1 and WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. in 2017.

 

 

 

A 6-foot-6 heavyweight, Joyce (5-0, 5 KOs) won the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as a super heavyweight from Great Britain and now trains in Big Bear, California with Abel Sanchez. The 32-year-old from London turned pro in 2017 and has been on a knockout roll since. Joyce, whose nickname is ‘Juggernaut,’ has ended four of his five fights inside of two rounds. He scored a first-round KO victory over Ivica Bacurin in his last fight on June 15.

 

 

 

Kiladze (26-3, 18 KOs) is an experienced veteran who will test Joyce early in his young career. The 32-year-old out of Ukraine who now lives in Los Angeles and will be looking to rebound from back-to-back losses to Michael Hunter and Adam Kownacki. Before those losses he had put together a six-match win streak.

 

 

 

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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.

Victor Ortiz vs. John Molina Jr. Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos  

Ortiz vs. Molina Jr. Headlines Premier Boxing Champions Action
Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, September 30 from
Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Luis Mejia/Ringstar Sports

LOS ANGELES (September 20, 2018) – Former welterweight world championVictor Ortiz and hard-hitting John Molina Jr. showed off their skills at a media workout Thursday as they prepare to face off Sunday, September 30 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes live from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, who was in attendance at Thursday’s workout and faces New Mexico’s Jose Salinas, along with his brother Jose Balderas, who competes on the non-televised portion of the card.

 

 

 

The stacked night of PBC action on FS1 and FOX Deportes will also see unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa taking on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon in a 10-round bout, 2016 British Olympian Joe Joyce battling Iago Kiladze in an eight-round heavyweight attraction and rising unbeaten prospects Efe Ajagba and Joey Spencer in separate showdowns.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Here is what the participants at the media event had to say Thursday from Fortune Gym in Los Angeles:

 

 

 

VICTOR ORTIZ

 

 

 

“John Molina Jr. is a warrior, and it’s going to be two warriors on fight night. This is another chance for me to do what I love to do and what I have the most passion in the world for.

 

 

 

“You have to keep that fire burning inside you to keep competing in this sport. You have to go in there 100 miles per hour. This is a sport and I’m going in there to destroy him, then we can go have lunch after.

 

 

 

“I have lots of respect for Molina, but this is still boxing. He’s in my way right now and I’m going to knock him out of the way.

 

 

 

“I have one big task ahead of me and that’s John Molina Jr. on September 30. I can’t focus on anyone else out there, as much as I may want to fight them. I have a tremendous challenge in front of me.

 

 

 

“I don’t feel that I have the size advantage. Molina is a big guy. I’m not too small or anything, but at the end of the day we’re going to have a good dance in that ring and there’s going to be no excuses.

 

 

 

“I’m working hard each day in camp to be ready for September 30. Whatever the coaches have been asking of me, I’ve been there and delivered.”

 

 

 

JOHN MOLINA JR.

 

 

 

“I know that Victor is going to be himself in there. We’re both veterans who have been been down this road before. He’s coming to win and that’s what excites me. I think everyone watching is going to get a treat on September 30.

 

 

 

“Victor is probably the physically bigger guy because he’s been at welterweight longer, but I think I carry the weight well. I’ve always been big for my weight classes so I think it will fit perfectly.

 

 

 

“Training is what I do. I’ve been down this road before so it’s really just built into my system to get in the gym and work hard. Everything has been going great. We’re on track with some hard work ahead to be ready for fight night.

 

 

 

“Victor deserves my undivided attention and he has it. Especially for this fight. He is a big strong guy who hits hard for 147-pounds. I never pick the easy guy when I move up in weight. My first fight at 140 was Lucas Matthysse and I expect fireworks for this fight as well.

 

 

 

“My ability to bounce back and deal with adversity in the ring is all about mindset. When I’m in that ring, I’m just 100 percent focused on doing what I have to do for my family. I’ve been blessed by boxing. I put it all on the line.

 

 

 

“I know I have to go through the fire every time I get into the ring. If I didn’t think that I’d be fooling myself. You can say what you want about Victor, but he’s always been in exciting fights and I’m going to have to deal with that style on September 30.”

 

 

 

KARLOS BALDERAS

 

 

 

“I envision myself going out there and breaking down my opponent little by little. I think we’ve kept the same kind of training going, but me and my brother are much more comfortable as pros now, so it’s gotten even more productive.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to keep working and getting my rounds in, while also having fun with this job I’m blessed to have. I’m not planning to let this fight go the distance and I’m going to take the opportunity to end it when I see it.

 

 

 

“Me and my brother both believe that the fight is really won in the gym. By the time you get up into the ring, it’s just sparring really. That helps me stay relaxed and focused on the work I’m there to do and not worried about anything going on around me.

 

 

 

JOSE BALDERAS

 

 

 

“I feel great going into this fight. I’ve learned a lot from each time I’ve gotten into the ring and I’m going to take that into this next fight to put on my best performance.

 

 

 

“My goal is always to go out there and be great. I’m ready to break my opponent down and do what I have to do.

 

 

 

“It’s exciting to be on the same card as my brother again. We definitely are still invested in each other’s fights. Hopefully we can each take care of business and be able to be there cheering each other on.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“It’s refreshing to see the level of respect from Ortiz and Molina. This is an extremely evenly matched fight with no clear favorite. These are fighters who can create a memorable night. It’s the perfect example of how styles make fights.

 

 

 

“Both of these men know how to entertain and are must-see television every time they step into the ring. Now they’re fighting each other and it’s got war written all over it. The fans watching on Sunday night and here in Ontario are in for a treat.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to see the continued development of Karlos Balderas on September 30. He is quickly making an impression throughout the sport and I believe he’s going to prove that he can live up to the promise in the not too distant future. Sunday will be another step toward what he can really accomplish.”

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

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 atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Victor Ortiz vs. John Molina Jr. Los Angeles Media Luncheon Quotes & Photos

 
Ortiz vs. Molina Jr. Headlines Premier Boxing Champions Action
Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, September 30 from
Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Luis Mejia/Ringstar Sports

 

LOS ANGELES (September 4, 2018) – Former welterweight world champion Victor Ortiz and hard-hitting former title challenger John Molina Jr. spoke with media in Los Angeles Tuesday at a luncheon to discuss their upcoming showdown headlining Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, September 30 from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

Joining them at the press conference and competing in televised action on FS1 and FOX Deportes were 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce and heavyweight Iago Kiladze, who meet in an eight-round showdown, plus rising unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas, who steps into the ring for a six-round attraction.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features Uubeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa taking on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba returning to the ring in a six-round heavyweight fight.

 

 

 

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday from the Palm Restaurant Downtown Los Angeles:

 

 

 

VICTOR ORTIZ, Former Welterweight World Champion

 

 

 

“John Molina Jr. is an amazing warrior just like myself. He’s got a huge heart and he’s not going to back down and neither will I. It’s going to be a great fight.

 

 

 

“John and I have known each other for many years. I’m not one to bad mouth anybody, but especially this guy. We’re in this to go to war on September 30. I fight violently and I can’t change that. I hope at the end of the day it gives people a fun showdown.

 

 

 

“I’m happy to be back in this position as the main event and for it to be in Southern California is even better. I’m humbled to have this opportunity.

 

 

 

“I still feel strong and powerful and I’m not going to waste this time I have to still compete at the highest level. I’m ready to go out there and put on another war for the fans.

 

 

 

“John Molina Jr. actually told me at the Mayweather vs. McGregor press conference that he was moving up to 147 and I better get out of the way, so it’s funny now that we’re facing-off. We have a lot of mutual respect for each other. It doesn’t change anything though, we’re going to go out there and give it our all.”

 

 

 

JOHN MOLINA JR., Former World Title Challenger

 

 

 

“I’m grateful to Victor Ortiz and his team for accepting this challenge. We have nothing but respect for each other. My only prediction is that September 30 is going to be two guys coming to win and two guys refusing to go home with a loss.

 

 

 

“I know that Victor is going to be up in my face and that’s exactly my style and how I like to fight. It’s got all the makings of an all-action brawl.

 

 

 

“In this business we have to fight people we know very well. This is how we feed our families so we take it extremely seriously. I know we’re both going to be prepared and the best man will win.

 

 

 

“Every time I get into the ring it’s a war. My way of boxing has always been to fight the toughest guys and Victor is certainly no slouch. He’s a tremendous fighter. He’s explosive and it’s going to make it a great fight.

 

 

 

“In a fight like this you’re going to have fireworks. Victor is a big, strong guy who’s coming to win. He wants to get back to the mountain top. But there’s no quit in me. That’s the intrigue for this fight. Can I out will him? We’ll find out on September 30.

 

 

 

“Every fight that I’ve had, has been my biggest fight. Everyone knows that I leave everything in the ring. Every fighter says that, but if you’ve ever watched my fights you know it’s the truth. It’s going be the same thing on September 30.”

 

 

 

JOE JOYCE, Unbeaten Heavyweight Prospect

 

 

 

“I have a plan, and a goal to get where I want to be to win a world title. I’ve settled into Big Bear to train and it’s like my second home. I’m looking forward to making my U.S. debut on September 30.

 

 

 

“I’m going to show the American fans my style and put on a really good show and a strong performance. Stay tuned and watch my progression here in the U.S., because I’m going to be heavyweight champion of the world.

 

 

 

“I’ve looked at Kiladze’s record and he has a good knockout percentage and he has a lot of good experience. He’s a strong guy but I’m just going to have to look a little more closely and work out his strengths and weaknesses and capitalize on that.

 

 

 

“I have a lot of really good sparring up in Big Bear for the next couple weeks and it’s going to get me ready for September 30. It’s a different structure and tempo in Big Bear than it was in the UK. It took a bit of time to adjust but now I feel comfortable and I feel like I fit into the group of boxers we have there. I see myself progressing and getting even stronger.”

 

 

 

IAGO KILADZE, Heavyweight fighting out of Los Angeles

 

 

 

“I have a very good and strong opponent but I am in great shape and I’ve had an incredible training camp. I’m ready to go and I know I’m going to come out with the victory.

 

 

 

“Los Angeles is my adopted home and I love being able to fight here with those close to me watching. It’s going to give me more motivation to win this fight and help once fight week comes.

 

 

 

“I don’t worry too much about what my opponent has accomplished but I am mostly preparing myself to be my best. My team will have a great plan to guide me to this win on September 30.”

 

 

 

KARLOS BALDERAS, Unbeaten Super Lightweight Prospect

 

 

 

“I’m really focused right now on finishing 2018 strong so I can pick it right back up in 2019. I’m going to continue to take my time and move forward, but I have my eye on a world title. My brother Jose Balderas will also be on the card, so we’re looking to both put on a show for everyone watching.

 

 

 

“I’ve been getting better at controlling my emotions in the ring. Me and my brother get mentally prepared in camp so that when we get to the fight, it’s really just another day.

 

 

 

“We’re just going to continue working and growing and building up our fan base step-by-step. We might start fighting on different cards down the road, but for now we enjoy fighting on the same night.

 

 

 

“I don’t think it will be too long until I start moving my up the cards until eventually I’m the main event. I want to close this year strong so that in 2019 I’m in a position to get even closer to a title shot.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“This fight between Victor Ortiz and John Molina Jr. is a great cherry on top to a great month for the sport of boxing. This is an all-action brawl that will be toe-to-toe. That’s what the fight fans want to see and that’s what we are going to get.

 

 

 

“This card is absolutely loaded. It is full of young talent and experienced fighters who are sure to put on a great night of action for the fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

 

 

 

“I know that Karlos Balderas and Joe Joyce are fired up to have this chance to perform on this platform and I believe the fans are going to be in for a real treat. For Joe it’s a debut in the U.S. that gives him a chance to make a big first impression. Both of these guys are absolutely ready to step into the spotlight.”

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

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 atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated Featherweight Contender Brandon Figueroa & 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce Enter the Ring in Separate Matches That Highlight Undercard Action Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 
Sunday, September 30 Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes from
Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California
 
Plus! 2016 Olympians Karlos Balderas and Efe Ajagba Continue Their Rise Along with Sensational Super Welterweight Prospect
Joey Spencer
 
Former Welterweight Champion Victor Ortiz Clashes with 
Hard-Hitting John Molina, Jr. in the Main Event

 

ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA (September 4, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa takes on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon in a 10-round bout and 2016 British Olympian Joe Joyce battles Iago Kiladze in an eight-round heavyweight attraction in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action Sunday, September 30 from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) continue his rise in the lightweight ranks in a six-round match and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs) returning to the ring in a six-round heavyweight fight. Sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (4-0, 4 KOs) steps in for his fifth fight this year in a four-round bout.

 

 

 

Former welterweight champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (36-6-3, 25 KOs) clashes with hard-hitting brawler John Molina, Jr. (30-7, 24 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight battle that promises plenty of action and fireworks in the main event.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Figueroa (16-0, 11 KOs), the brother of former lightweight world champion Omar Figueroa, Jr., continues to climb the ladder in the featherweight division with a step up match against the tough former title challenger Escandon. The 21-year-old out of Weslaco, Texas was busy last year as he won all four of his matches and he has logged two knockout victories this year, beating Giovanni Delgado in March and Luis Roy Suarez Cruz in his last fight on August 4.

 

 

 

The 34-year-old Escandon (25-4, 17 KOs), who fought in the 2004 Olympian for Colombia, is a hardnosed veteran from Ibague, Colombia looking to rebound from two tough losses to Tugstsogt Nyambayar on May 26 on FS1 and WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. in 2017.

 

 

 

A 6-foot-6 heavyweight, Joyce (5-0, 5 KOs) won the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as a super heavyweight from Great Britain. The 32-year-old from London turned pro in 2017 and has been on a knockout roll since. Joyce, whose nickname is ‘Juggernaut,’ has ended four of his five fights inside of two rounds. He scored a first-round KO victory over Ivica Bacurin in his last fight on June 15.

 

 

 

Kiladze (26-3, 18 KOs) is an experienced veteran who will test Joyce early in his young career. The 32-year-old out of Ukraine who now lives in Los Angeles and will be looking to rebound from back-to-back losses to Michael Hunter and Adam Kownacki. Before those losses he had put together a six-match win streak.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs), a first-generation Mexican-American, competed on the U.S. Olympic boxing team in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before turning pro in April 2017. Representing Santa Maria, Calif., Balderas scored knockout victories in his last two fights and will look to make it three in a row when he enters the ring on September 30.

 

 

 

The 24-year-old Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs), who represented Nigeria in the 2016 Olympics, will be stepping into the ring again a month after his last match ended in disqualification. His opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring without throwing a punch after touching gloves and the bell sounded to start the fight on Aug. 24 that was live on FS1.

 

 

 

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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 atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.