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boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

FOUR WEEKS OUT AND WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION KEITH THURMAN COMES IN ON HISTORICAL HIGH WITH MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF BOXING IN HIS CORNER FOR THE FIRST PRIMETIME FIGHT ON CBS IN NEARLY 40 YEARS

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Thurman’s Training Camp In Full Swing In Florida;
June 25 Title Defense Against Shawn Porter
On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® On CBS,
Presented By Premier Boxing Champions
 
 ‘I can’t help but think about this being my 20th year in boxing. For this fight I’m just going to be me,
 just going to be Keith Thurman.’ – Thurman

Click here for photos
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 2, 2016) – Keith Thurman, the reigning WBA Welterweight World Champion, is four weeks out from his June 25 title defense against Shawn Porter and has his 20-year career in boxing on his mind heading into the crucial showdown.
Thurman will be headlining on CBS live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn with televised coverage starting at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST.  Tickets can be purchased online by visiting
www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“It’s been an amazing journey and no one predicted this better than my first coach Ben Getty,” said 27-year-old Thurman. “It puts me in a state of gratitude for Ben. He told everyone I’d be world champ, and here I am, defending my title against Shawn Porter. I am just starting to see what Ben Getty saw in me and the mark that I can make in boxing.”
Thurman isn’t the only one celebrating a boxing anniversary – his trainer of 13 years and Florida Hall of Fame elected boxing trainer Dan Birmingham, who trained former champion Winky Wright, has been in the sport for 50 years, and assistant trainer Chris Getty has grown up with Thurman in the sport through his father Ben Getty.  The fight also is the first primetime fight on CBS in almost 40 years since the Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks from Las Vegas.
Now, 20 years after Ben Getty introduced Thurman to boxing as part of an after school program, he is one of the strongest power punchers in the division, with an excellent knockout rate of 80%. His focus, however, is on making boxing history.
“My goal is to be known as the hardest hitting welterweight in the division,” said Thurman. “This camp, if anything, I feel more comfortable. I’m fully recovered, sparring, training.  I’ve been throwing power punches for what seems like forever and it’s a little weird. I can’t help but think about how this is my 20th year in boxing and knowing the longevity I’ve had. It’s given me a new confidence. “
For Birmingham, this training camp has been a re-commitment to the strategic and conditioning process the team has gone through for each fight for the past 13 years.
“Training is going real well,” said Birmingham. “We know Porter is a come-forward fighter – he is going to try to be on Keith’s chest. I want Keith to box, use his power, use his jab, and use his feints to work the body from the inside. All the things Keith knows how to do. Porter is not a real technical fighter so we’re working on using that to our advantage.”
Birmingham on sparring:
“We’ve been doing great sparring work – we have some tough, tough kids in camp. We’ve been boosting aerobic capacity, and those kids are keeping on Keith.  He’s going to be in great shape for this fight. We’re excited for this fight. “
What does Team “One Time” anticipate?
Birmingham:  “We know that Porter is going to bring it so we’re working extra hard on aerobics and being fit for this fight. Keith’s doing a lot of running, cardio, endurance; we expect a tough fight and we’ll be prepared for this fight. We expect a victory”
What can fans expect on June 25?
Thurman: “Hopefully a knock out! I’m coming to bring it. Shawn is coming to bring it. It’ll be a great fight. We are two of the top welterweights in the division. Two of the youngest and strongest welterweights in the sport going toe-to- toe.”
What is your goal for this fight?
Thurman: “My goal is to be known as the hardest hitting welterweight in the division. My lifelong goal is to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world – and I have a ways to go in unifying the titles. Once I move past Shawn I look forward to the challenge of making my dreams come true. I’m blessed to be where I am today.”
 
The Welterweight division is one of the hottest divisions in boxing, what do you think of a Super 6 tournament in the division?
Thurman: “I’m for it. In the 147-pound division it’s time to unify a title. Someone at 147 should have more than one belt and that’s my goal that before end of the year to have more than one belt.”
One of the sports more enigmatic athletes, Thurman is known for having a varied list of interests and hobbies setting him apart from other fighters, including playing the flute, piano and guitar, books (The Secret Life of Plants to Bhagavad Gita the Little Buddhist Handbook) and music (Ziggy Marley to Tupac). It is his uniqueness that helps him be an easy fan-favorite.
“Greatest advice I’ve been given is just to be Keith Thurman – just be me,” said Thurman. “I’m looking forward to stepping on this scale, not over talking and just going in and getting the knock out.”
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Stacked Undercard Comes to Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 25

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Exciting Matchups Feature Unbeaten Fighters as Jarrett Hurd Faces Oscar Molina & 
David Benavidez Takes On Francy Ntetu
&
Brooklyn Fan Favorites Heather Hardy & Adam Kownacki Return
 
Plus! Undefeated Prospect Regis Prograis, 2012 Spanish Olympian
Jonathan Alonso & Unbeaten Josue Vargas
As Part of Exciting Night of Action
BROOKLYN (May 19, 2016) – A stacked undercard featuring top rising talent and local favorites will light up the ring at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as part of an extraordinary night of action on Saturday, June 25.
The June 25 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight showdown between world champion Keith Thurman and former champion Shawn Porter. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with an exciting battle between featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
In undercard action, undefeated super welterweights, Maryland’s Jarrett Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs), and California’s Oscar Molina (13-0, 10 KOs), will collide in a 10-round bout while undefeated light heavyweights, Arizona’s David Benavidez (14-0, 13 KOs) and Francy Ntetu (16-0, 3 KOs), will mix it up in an eight-round fight.
Two staples of Brooklyn boxing will also enter the ring on June 25 as Heather “The Heat” Hardy (16-0, 4 KOs) competes in an eight-round super bantamweight attraction while Polish bruiser Adam Kownacki (13-0, 10 KOs) competes in a heavyweight bout.
Also in action on June 25 is hard-hitting, highly regarded 140-pound prospect Regis Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round fight, 2012 Spanish Olympian Jonathan Alonso(8-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight scrap and Mayweather Promotions prospectJosue Vargas (4-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round fight.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Fighting out of Accokeek, Md., Hurd has an unblemished professional record since turning pro in 2012. The 25-year-old opened up 2015 with a third-round stoppage of veteran Eric Mitchell and followed with a seventh-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Jeff Lentz in August. He stepped up in competition last November when he faced Frank Galarza in Las Vegas and was able to show off his considerable skill by stopping the previously unbeaten fighter in the sixth round of perhaps a career-best performance.
Representing Mexico, the 2012 Olympian Molina fights out of Norwalk, Calif., and is unbeaten in his brief professional career. The 26-year-old turned pro in 2013 and after winning a decision in his first bout, he went on to knock out six opponents in a row. His last bout came against fellow unbeaten Domonique Dolton and featured exciting back-and-forth action before the fight was ruled a majority draw.
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 14 wins in 14 starts at just 19-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and kicked off his 2016 with a knockout of Kevin Cobbs in January. Most recently, he scored a second round knockout of Phillip Jackson Benson in April. The next challenge for Benavidez is the 33-year-old Ntetu, who won three times in 2015. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he fights out of Montreal and will be making his fifth appearance in the U.S. on June 25.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena since. On June 25, she will be making her seventh appearance at Barclays Center. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014. In 2015, she defeated Noemi Bosques and Renata Domsodi twice. In her lone 2016 fight, she stopped Anna Donatella Hultin in the fourth round.
A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Kownacki had a big 2015, notching four victories including knockouts of Maurenzo Smith and Randy Easton. Born in Lomza, Poland, the 26-year-old now calls Brooklyn home. His 2016 campaign began in January at Barclays Center when he defeated Danny Kelly in front of a raucous Polish crowd.
Originally from New Orleans but fighting out of Houston, Prograis continues to work his way up the 140-pound rankings as he takes down veteran contenders. The 27-year-old looked sensational in his last outing as he scored a first round knockout over Mexico’s Aaron Herrera. Already named on of ESPN’s top prospects in 2015, he will look to cement his contender status in 2016.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Alonso moved to Spain at seven-years-old and would eventually represent the country at the 2012 Olympics. Now training in Brooklyn, the 25-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2014 while splitting time fighting in New York and Spain.  He is coming off a victory over Ricardo Maldonado in February.
Vargas began boxing at age eight and by by age 13 the New York Daily News dubbed him a “prodigy.” Fighting out of New York, the 17-year-old Vargas recently signed to the Mayweather Promotions stable and will make his debut with his new promoter on June 25.
 
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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rising Star Errol Spence Jr. Makes A Statement In The Welterweight Division With Dominating Fifth-Round Stoppage Of Former World Champion Chris Algieri In Primetime On Premier Boxing Champions On NBC Live From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

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Krzysztof Glowacki Drops Steve Cunningham Four Times On His Way To Retaining Cruiserweight World Title
&
2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne Remains Undefeated With Split-Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Radivoje Kalajdzic
Click HERE For Photos From Leo Wilson/Ryan Greene
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Fight Highlights from Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (April 17, 2016) – Undefeated rising welterweight star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (20-0, 17 KOs) went emphatically from prospect to contender with a fifth-round stoppage of former world champion Chris Algieri (21-3, 8 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday night from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“It meant a lot to get the stoppage,” said Spence Jr. “I did something Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan couldn’t do. That shows where I’m at in the welterweight division.”
Spence Jr. was superior in every regard as he took control of the fight from the beginning with world-class bodywork and blazing speed. Algieri was expected to be a major step-up for the 2012 U.S. Olympian, but was unable to bother his opponent despite landing 31 percent of his punches to Spence Jr.’s 30 percent per CompuBox stats.
“I can’t take anything away from this young hungry lion,” said Algieri. “He did a great job. I trained really hard for this fight. I hope that people appreciate me and how hard I worked and what I brought to the fight.”
“The Truth” dominated by landing 41 percent of his power punches over the five rounds and only lost one round on the three judges’ scorecards. Spence Jr. sent Algieri down for the first time in the fourth round with a combination finished off by a straight left hand.
Algieri survived the round, but Spence Jr. was determined to get a stoppage and he connected with another straight left that put Algieri on the canvas early in round five.
“It was pretty one-sided, I felt,” said Spence Jr. “I started slowly. He said he was going to take me to deep waters so I wanted to pace myself.”
“I just wasn’t sticking to the style and the strategy like I should have,” said Algieri. “We had a couple of different styles that we were going to show him and I never stayed in one style long enough to be effective.”
Spence Jr. saw his opportunity and launched a vicious attack in an attempt to end the fight. A massive left hook connected clean with Algieri’s jaw and put him on the canvas for the third and final time, as referee Benjy Esteves waved off the bout at :48 seconds into the fifth round.
“Everyone wanted to see what I could do against a proven fighter and I blew him out of the water,” added Spence Jr.
In the opening bout of the telecast, Polish star Krzysztof Glowacki (26-0, 16 KOs) sent former world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-8-1, 13 KOs) to the canvas four times on his way to a unanimous decision to retain his cruiserweight world title in front of a raucous Polish-heavy crowd.
“Power and precision is my trademark,” said Glowacki. “That’s always been my game. I was a little bit reluctant because of the surgery, but I got more comfortable as the fight went on.”
Glowacki got the action going early as he scored his first knockdown with a left hand that he would use to control the fight and knocked down Cunningham a second time shortly after the former champion rose to his feet.
“I’m just disappointed,” said Cunningham. “I knew I just had to work. The corner kept telling me to go to the body more in the later rounds. I’ve been down before. I knew I had to go at this guy.”
The southpaw from Walcz, Poland and the orthodox veteran from Philadelphia combined for several exciting exchanges as Cunningham was able to land his share of power right hands but was more often than not met with Glowacki’s thudding left.
“The plan from the beginning was to hit him with the left hand and you could tell I was hitting with full power,” said Glowacki. “I couldn’t hit that hard against Marco Huck because of my injury and now I’m hoping to keep that power up in my next fight.”
Cunningham went down again in the 10th round from a short right hand but was able to rally and stun Glowacki with a big right hand. The champion recovered quickly, but Cunningham did arguably his best work of the fight in the 11th round as he aggressively attacked Glowacki with combinations to the head and body.
The fireworks continued in the final round as a strong combination put Cunningham down for the fourth time in the fight. The challenger rose to his feet and attacked effectively at times, but the left hand proved to be too much.
“He punched with me and caught me coming in,” said Cunningham. “I knew after the second round knockdowns that I had to get rounds back and go get him. He’s a smart fighter.”
Cunningham was actually able to land a higher percentage of punches than Glowacki as he connected on 34 percent versus just 25 percent from Glowacki. However the knockdowns and Glowacki’s output advantage of 462 to 366 was enough for him to retain his title by scores of 116-108 and 115-109 twice.
“The fans were my motivation throughout the fight,” said Glowacki. “I just wanted to give them more and more. I want to thank everyone who came and watched me.”
The televised swing bout saw 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (18-0, 13 KOs) remained undefeated with a narrow split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight contest.
“Establishing my jab was the key,” said Browne. “Once I did that, he couldn’t get past it. He got me with a couple of good shots.”
Kalajdzic was emphatic that the judges were wrong in their decision.
“I don’t see how I lost,” said Kalajdzic. “I was the aggressor. I showed my heart. If he feels like he beat me, give me the rematch.”
The southpaw Browne was able to jab his way into control of the fight by landing 52 jabs to the 54 thrown by Kalajdzic the whole fight. Browne was able to bruise and eventually open up a cut over Kalajdzic’s left eye late in the fight.
In the first round, Browne was credited with a controversial knockdown as it appeared via replay that a slip had occurred and Browne had hit Kaladjzic after he was down.
Kalajdzic was effective with his power punches throughout the fight as he landed 36 percent of his power punches to 29 percent from Browne. His most effective moment came in round six when he sent Browne to the mat with a right hand.
“He caught me with something that grazed me,” said Browne. “I didn’t even know what it was. I walked into the punch but I was able to get up from it and get back in rhythm.”
“He didn’t do anything that bothered me,” said Kalajdzic. “I was doing my thing. I should have listened to my coaches more and I would have stopped him.”
Browne was able to recover for the final two rounds and earn the split-decision by scores of 76-74 for Kalajdzic, 76-74 for Browne and 76-75 again for the still unbeaten Staten Island-native.
“I love fighting in front of my fans and family. We gutted this one out and it’s on to the next one,” added Browne.
PBC on NBC was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform was presented by AARP. PBC on NBC was sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Errol Spence Jr., Chris Algieri, Krzysztof Glowacki, Steve Cunningham, Marcus Browne & Radivoje Kalajdzic Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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PBC on NBC Live From Barclays Center On Saturday, April 16
(8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKYLN (April 13, 2016) – Undefeated rising welterweight star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and former world champion Chris Algieri went face-to-face Wednesday to kick-off fight week activities with the final press conference before they meet in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC this Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Also in attendance at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan were cruiserweight championKrzysztof Glowacki and former champion Steven “U.S.S” Cunningham plus undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne and unbeaten light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic who round out a stacked tripleheader on Saturday night.  In addition, popular Brooklyn undefeated fighter Heather “The Heat” Hardy was in attendance as she nears her undercard bout against Sweden’s Anna Hultin.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:
ERROL SPENCE JR.
“This is a great card with great fighters and its a fantastic opportunity. A lot of people think I’m a prospect on the verge of being a contender. Saturday night is going to be a great performance.
“I never thought fight week would come. I’m just so excited to put on a show. It’s going to be the best Errol Spence you’ve ever seen.
“I just need to stick with my game plan. The game plan that my coach laid out for me and do what I do and get the win.
“Whatever happens, happens. I’m going to have to feel it out in the first round.  I just need to fight smart.
“I’ve always felt like I was ready for this level. Saturday night, I’m looking for a coming out party. My focus is 100 percent on this fight.
“I was ready two fights ago to fight for a title. After this fight we can talk about what’s next, but right now, Chris Algieri is in front of me.
“Chris has been in a lot of hard fights. At the end of the day he’s a boxer and so am I. It’s going to be a war.”
CHRIS ALGIERI
“Brooklyn has treated me very well. I’ve had some of my best performances here at Barclays Center and I look forward to another.
“It’s always an honor to share the stage with such illustrious guys in our sport. A lot of these guys really bring honor and respect to the business that we do.
“I don’t think I’ve gotten as much respect as I deserve throughout my career. I don’t know why, but it doesn’t really matter. At the end of the day I go out there and perform. More often then not I’m victorious.
“I think everyone knows that I’ll fight anybody. Spence is a guy people don’t want to fight, so they brought him to me.
“The best thing about working with John David Jackson is the confidence he gives me. He let’s me be who I am. He gives me the faith to trust in my abilities. I’m looking forward to putting on another great display with him in my corner.
“The hard work is done. Training camp was long, hard and grueling. Not much more to be said. It’s time to fight. It’s going to be a great night of fights. “
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“I’m so happy to be back in the United States and I’d like to thank my team for preparing me so well.

“I’m very happy to be healthy. Training camp went the way I wanted to and I feel 100 percent ready to get in the ring
“I have to win. That’s the most important thing. It’s nice to be fighting on such a great card, but all that matters is keeping my belt.
“Fans can expect to see beautiful boxing. It will be a war inside of the ring. Most importantly, I will win.
“A lot of things have changed since I won my world title. Nobody used to know me and now everyone knows me. I’m happy with my career so far. I don’t like to talk about the future of my career until after the fight.
“Steve Cunningham is not only a great fighter but a great human being, so I expect a tough fight. He wants to take the belt from me but it’s not going to be easy. I want everyone to come out for a great show on Saturday.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“This is my first time fighting at Barclays Center and I’m very excited about that. I’m ready to fight. Training camp is over. You know it’s grueling and hard work.
“I know I have a great opponent. He took the belt from the champion. He got up off the canvas so I can’t look at him lightly at all. But I’m here to do a job.
“I’m was sick of getting cheated and robbed of opportunities at the heavyweight division. I decided to come back down. It’s no problem. Three pounds or four pounds, no big deal. Here we are.
“We are coming to steal the show. I’d like to steal the show without me getting hit too much. A fight is a fight. You know I come to win, so we’re going to have some fun.
“There are some adjustments you have to make when you fight a southpaw. A guy throwing two gloves at you and you have to throw gloves back at him. Doesn’t matter if he fights me upside down, I have to fight smart and beat him regardless.
“There’s always something special with Naazim Richardson. He’s a great mind. One of the great trainers out there. We’ve always got something special prepared. We have to do what we have to do and that’s win.
“When you beat a guy like Marco Huck who was about to make history and you beat him like Glowacki beat him, you have to think he’s good and realize you can’t take Glowacki lightly. He’s a warrior. He’s a problem, something I’m going to have to deal with.
“I’m not 40-years-old yet. Give me a few more months! I don’t feel 39 or 40. I feel great. I just want to go in there and perform and do what I do.
“I’m not one of those predicting guys. I know things happen in the ring. But come Saturday night, I want things to go my way. If not, we’re able to evolve. Let’s go, it’s work time.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“We’ve done a lot of talking leading up into this fight. I want to talk with my hands. He said he’s ready to fight. We’ll see on Saturday night.
“I feel great. Training camp has gone great. Right now the focus is to win and look good. Whatever happens after that is going to happen.
“I’m going to do what I do best and that’s take care of business no matter what.
“I’m ready for whatever he brings to the table. We will know that after the first minute of the first round.
“It’s an incredible honor to be representing my hometown. Fighting in front my home fans is always very motivating and I can’t wait to put on another show for them.
“People have said a lot about how this will be my toughest fight. I can’t listen to anything on the outside. I’m prepared to my fullest and we’ll see what he has on Saturday night.”
 
RADIVOJE KALAJDZIC
“I’m ready. I don’t have too much to say. I’m just ready to fight.
“Training camp went great. We got a full eight weeks in. Roadwork, conditioning, everything. I’m just ready to fight.
“I want to introduce myself to the fans by knocking out Marcus Browne. If that doesn’t come, I want to put on a great performance. Being on the big stage doesn’t bother me, once the bell rings its just another day.
“I know Marcus is fast and has pop to him. I don’t want to give too much away.
“I’m a boxer puncher. I’ve got the power to knock a fighter out. Most of my knockouts have come in the first round.
“I feel like I came up the right way. I didn’t have that much amateur experience, but I stepped up to this big opportunity at the right time.”
HEATHER HARDY
“I’m expecting to face a good strong boxer on Saturday night. She’s coming down in weight to fight me, so don’t miss it.
“We changed a little bit during this training camp. I added another conditioning coach. A guy that has been putting me through torture three times a week.
“My opponent is strong, she has a good record, she’s from overseas. I know I have my hands full.
“It’s a real honor to fight at Barclays Center. I couldn’t ask for a better place. There’s nowhere in the world I’d rather fight than right here at home. As far as my career progressing, I’d like to be up there on stage and be on TV.
“I can’t wait to fight (unbeaten contender) Shelly Vincent. I think that will be the big breakthrough fight that let’s me establish who I am in this game and who I am for the bigger competition.  That’s a perfect fight for TV. Fingers crossed.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“This great card features a fighter who is believed to be the top prospect in boxing, in Errol Spence Jr. versus New York’s own, a former world champion in Chris Algieri in what promises to be an exciting primetime main event.
“Marcus Browne has fought more times at Barclays Center than any other professional fighter. He has the chance to make the jump towards a world title by taking out another young undefeated fighter. ‘Hot Rod’ is not planning on letting that happen without serious resistance.
“Glowacki’s fight with Huck was one of the best of last year and he can expect the Polish fans in Brooklyn to be behind him on Saturday night.
“Steve Cunningham is one of the most respected fighters by his peers. Not just for his quality in the ring, but his quality as a family man and as a human being. He knows he’s fighting a great champion and I know he’s got a great game plan.”
JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing
“It’s a pleasure to be back in Brooklyn and to have Chris Algieri fighting at Barclays Center again. It’s very rewarding that he will be in the main event on national television on NBC. It’s a real testament to this fight.
“Chris has had some great performances at Barclays Center. He’s going to have another one in front of him on Saturday. Spence Jr. is a challenge that Chris is looking forward to and one he has faced before.
“Everyone wrote him off when he faces Ruslan Provodnikov. We’re looking forward to Chris Algieri pulling off a surprise just like that on Saturday night.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“Barclays Center is thrilled to have Chris Algieri back for his fourth fight and we expect a great turnout from the Long Island fans who are looking forward to Saturday as well. We’re also looking forward to a new name to headline Brooklyn and we welcome Errol Spence Jr.
“We welcome Marcus Browne back for your 11th fight and we thank you for calling Barclays Center home. Heather Hardy is also back at Barclays Center for the sixth time and we are thrilled to have all of them fighting in our building.
“It’s fitting that Saturday nights card features Chris Colbert and Earl Newman who got their start at Golden Gloves.
“I think 2016 will be our biggest year yet and we look forward to welcoming everybody back in the coming months.”
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

RISING UNDEFEATED PROSPECT MARIO BARRIOS & TOP 140-POUND CONTENDER LUCA GIACON HIGHLIGHT UNDERCARD ACTION ON SATURDAY, APRIL 16 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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Stacked Card Features Local Talent Including
Heather Hardy, Chris Colbert & Earl Newman & International Stars Lukasz Maciec & Dardan Zenunaj
 
BROOKLYN (March 29, 2016) – Undefeated prospect Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KOs) and top super lightweight contenderLuca “Black Mamba” Giacon (27-1, 23 KOs) compete in separate bouts that highlight undercard action on Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The April 16 event features a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC tripleheader headlined by undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking on former world champion Chris Algieri. Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will see cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Glowacki defending his title against former cruiserweight champion Steve “U.S.S. Cunningham and undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne battling fellow unbeaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic.
Barrios makes his east coast debut in an eight-round super featherweight bout while Giacon looks to put the 140-pound division on notice when he competes in an eight-round affair.
A trio of exciting fighters representing Brooklyn will enter the ring as undefeated star Heather “The Heat” Hardy (15-0, 3 KOs) competes in an eight-round junior featherweight bout while Golden Gloves champions Chris Colbert (4-0, 2 KOs) and Earl Newman (8-0, 6 KOs) compete in a four-round featherweight bout and an eight-round cruiserweight bout respectively.
International action will heat up the ring at Barclays Center as 26-year-old Polish contender Lukasz Maciec (22-3-1, 5 KOs) fights in an eight-round super welterweight bout, 28-year-old Belgian Dardan Zenunaj (11-1, 9 KOs) fights in an eight-round junior lightweight affair and 22-year-old Russian Radzhab Butaev (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Brooklyn, in a six-round super welterweight fight against South Carolina’s TyKeem Sadler (6-1, 4 KOs)
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
A tall featherweight at more than six feet, the 20-year-old Barrios picked up seven victories in a jam-packed 2015 in which he stopped five opponents inside the distance, including an uppercut left hook combo that ended the night of Manuel Vides in December. The San Antonio-native turned pro in 2013 and is on the fast track towards a world title shot as he makes his 2016 debut.
A winner of six-straight fights, Giacon is coming off of a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Steve Jamoye in October 2015 that put him in the top contender status in the division. The 27-year-old has fought in Spain, Panama and Italy throughout a pro career that dates back to 2007 and will be making his U.S. debut on April 16.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena since. On April 16, she will be making her sixth appearance at Barclays Center. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014 and followed it up in 2015 with a victory over Renata Domsodi and two over Noemi Bosques.
Fighting out of Lublin, Poland, Maciec will be making his second start in the U.S. and his first in the Polish-heavy borough of Brooklyn. The 26-year-old owns victories over veteran contenders Lanardo Tyner, Laszlo Fazekas and previously unbeaten Sasun Karapetyan.
Originally from Kosovo but fighting out of Belgium, Zenunaj made his U.S. debut in December 2015 and stopped Bryant Cruz in the seventh round to announce his presence stateside. The 28-year-old has won 10 fights in a row including eight in a row by knockout.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Ring 8

Timothy Bradley, Melvina Lathan & Sadam Ali Leading 2015 award winners honored at  29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony 

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(L-R) — 2015 Ring 8 Award Winners: New York Fighter of the Year Sadam Ali, Woman of the Decade Melvina Lathan and Fighter of the Year Timothy Bradley
(photo by Peter Frutkoff)
NEW YORK, NY (December 21, 2015) – A capacity crowd enjoyed the recent 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Five-time, two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley received the Ring 8 Fighter of the Year Award.  Other 2015 Ring 8 award winners (see complete list below) included former New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Lathan(Woman of the Decade), undefeated No. 1 world welterweight contender Sadam “World Kid” Ali (NY Fighter of the Year), Heather Hardy (NY Female Fighter of the Year), “Ireland’s” John Duddy (Uncrowned Champion), Andre Rozier (Trainer of the Year) and Joe DeGuardia (Promoter of the Year). Randy Gordon served as the Master of Ceremonies.
“We had 340 people and everybody enjoyed themselves,” reported Ring 8 president Bob Duffy.  “Things went very well.  There were a few emotional acceptance speeches and some tears shed.
“We donated a table to Wounded Warriors and also presented Keith Sullivan with a special trophy for all the legal work and support he gives Ring 8, New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, Atlas Foundation, Boxing Writers Association of America, and boxing in New York.”
2015 Ring 8 Award Winners
(Photo by Peter Frutkoff)
2015 RING 8 Award Winners
Fighter of the Year:  Timothy Bradley
Woman of the Decade:  Hon. Melvina Lathan
NY Fighter of the Year:  Sadam Ali
NY Female Fighter of the Year:  Heather Hardy
Uncrowned Champion: John Duddy
Co-Cutmen of the Year:  George Mitchell & Mike Rella
Board Member of the Year:  Billy Strigaro
Trainer of the Year:  Andre Rozier
Community Service Award: Kevin Collins & Gerard Wilson
Promoter of the Year:  Joe DeGuardia
Sponsor of the Year: George O’Neill
Official of the Year:  Carlos Ortiz, Jr.
Amateur Official of the Year:  Christina Vila
Long & Meritorious Service Award:  Jack Hirsch
Profiles of Courage Award: Paddy Dolan
Prospects of the Year:  Wesley Ferrer & Danny Gonzales
Ring Announcer of the Year:  David Diamante
Patriotism Award: Corporal Ron McNair, Jr.
boxing, Ring 8

Fighter of the Year Timothy Bradley to attend 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony Dec. 13 in New York; Melvina Lathan, Sadam Ali, Heather Hardy & John Duddy among 2015 award winners

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Timothy Bradley (R) vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
(pictures courtesy of Chris Farina / Top Rank)
NEW YORK, NY (November 30, 2015) – Five-time, two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley will attend the 29th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), December 13, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.  Bradley will receive his award as the 2015 Ring 8 Fighter of the Year.
Randy Gordon will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.  Other 2015 Ring 8 award winners (see complete list below) include former New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Lathan (Woman of the Decade), undefeated No. 1 world welterweight contender Sadam “World Kid” Ali (NY Fighter of the Year), Heather Hardy(BY Female Fighter of the Year), “Ireland’s” John Duddy (Uncrowned Champion), Andre Rozier (Trainer of the Year) and Joe DeGuardia (Promoter of the Year).
The 32-year-old Bradley, fighting out of Palm Springs, California, is a two-time and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO welterweight champion, in addition to being a three-time world light welterweight titlist.
His list of victims reads like a Who’s Who of boxing in the 140 to 147 pound divisions:  Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ruslan Provodnikov, Joel Casamayor, Devon Alexander, Jessie Vargas, Luis Carlos Abregu, Lamont Peterson, Kendall Holt,Junior Witter and Brandon Rios.
“Timothy Bradley earned his award with an outstanding performance against Brandon Rios (WTKO9),” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “Working with his new trainer, Teddy Atlas (pictured to below to right with Bradley) , the sky is the limit for Bradley. We’re very fortunate to have Timothy traveling cross country to attend our Holiday Event to receive his Fighter of the Year award.
“Because this is such a great group we’re honoring this year, we expect a sold out crowd of 400.  Our members look forward to this event every year.  We truly appreciate them lending their support as Ring 8 proudly continues its record for lending a helping hand to  those in the boxing community who are less fortunate. Each year our Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony celebrates our great sport of boxing, insuring much-needed funding is raised so we may continue our mission for our needy brothers and sisters in boxing. We will never waver from their corners.”
2015 RING 8 AWARD WINNERS
Fighter of the Year:  Timothy Bradley
Woman of the Decade:  Hon. Melvina Lathan
NY Fighter of the Year:  Sadam Ali
NY Female Fighter of the Year:  Heather Hardy
Uncrowned Champion: John Duddy
Co-Cutmen of the Year:  George Mitchell & Mike Rella
Board Member of the Year:  Billy Strigaro
Trainer of the Year:  Andre Rozier
Community Service Award: Kevin Collins & Gerard Wilson
Promoter of the Year:  Joe DeGuardia
Sponsor of the Year: George O’Neill
Official of the Year:  Carlos Ortiz, Jr.
Amateur Official of the Year:  Christina Vila
Long & Meritorious Service Award:  Jack Hirsch
Profiles of Courage Award: Paddy Dolan
Prospects of the Year:  Wesley Ferrer & Danny Gonzales
Ring Announcer of the Year:  David Diamante
Patriotism Award: Corporal Ron McNair, Jr.
Limited tickets, priced at $125.00 per person, are still available to purchase by contacting Bob Duffy by phone (516.313.2304), email DepComish@aol.com, or mail checks (payable to Ring 8) to him (164 Lindbergh Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11762). Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.
Tickets include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to secure favorable seating.
The deadline for program ads is approaching for full Page ($150.00), Half-Page ($80.00), and Quarter-Page ($50.00). All ads must be emailed (DepComish@aol.com) or mailed to Duffy (516.313.2304) at the address listed above.
Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony.
Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach(718.843.5055).
Ring 8 News:  Jack Hirsch, who will be receiving the 2015 Ring 8 Long & Meritorious Service Award, was recently elected as Vice President of Ring 8.
Attending Ring 8 Holiday and Awards Ceremony celebrity guests include former world champions Mark Breland, Luis Collazo, Iran Barkley and Vito Antuofermo, as well Sean Monahan, Bobby Cassidy, Harold Lederman and Frankie Galarza
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

BROOKLYN’S PAULIE MALIGNAGGI INTERVIEWED ON ESPN BROADCAST OF NATHAN’S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST ON JULY 4th IN CONEY ISLAND

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Malignaggi Faces Undefeated Danny Garcia On Saturday, August 1 Edition Of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN Live From Barclays Center

 

Click HERE For Full Interview Video

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (July 6, 2015) – Former two-division world champion and Brooklynite Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi was interviewed by Melanie Collins on ESPN’s broadcast of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday, July 4th on Coney Island.

 

He appeared in front of the raucous Brooklyn crowd and signed autographs and took photos with fans.

 

Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) takes on undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) in the evening’s main event on Saturday, August 1 at Barclays Center. Televised action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with Middleweight World Champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) taking on former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, DANIEL JACOBS, HEATHER HARDY & TRAVIS PETERKIN CELEBRATE NATIONAL CREATIVE ICE CREAM FLAVOR DAY AT BLUE MARBLE ICE CREAM IN BROOKLYN WITH ICE CREAM FLAVORS NAMED AFTER THEM

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Malignaggi Faces Danny Garcia & Jacobs Takes On Sergio Mora On 

Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN

Saturday, August 1 at Barclays Center

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (July 1, 2015) – To celebrate National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day, fighters competing on the August 1 Premier Boxing Champions card at Barclays Center visited Blue Marble Ice Cream in Brooklyn today where they sampled and served ice cream named after themselves.

 

Below were the fighters in attendance along with their ice cream flavor:

 

Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi – “Magic Peanut Butter Paulie” – Peanut Butter Ice Cream laced with Dark Chocolate Confetti

 

Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs – “The Miracle Midnight Cookie Man” – Chocolate Mint Ice Cream with Organic Cookie

 

Heather “The Heat” Hardy – “Feel The Heat” – Dark Chocolate Ice Cream with Organic Spices and Dark Chocolate Chips

 

Travis “The Notorious” Peterkin – “The Nutorious Butterpeterkin” -Butter-n-Salt Ice Cream with Organic Missouri Pecans

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) will face undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) in the headlining event on ESPN.

 

“Any ice cream in the summer time is great ice cream, so no complaints there. The ‘Magic Peanut Butter Paulie’ was delicious,” said Malignaggi. “I live for big moments in my career, like August 1. I love the packed arena and a high adrenaline atmosphere in my hometown. We’re going to be fighting in the second PBC on ESPN card and back at Barclays Center, which always draws a great crowd for these PBC cards. Garcia and I always attract a huge crowd when we’ve fought so it makes all the sense in the world for us to make this fight. I look forward to the challenge.”

 

Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) will defend his title against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs) in the televised opener on ESPN beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

“The ‘Miracle Midnight Cookie Man’ was very good. My family and I love ice cream, so I was glad that I got to bring them out as well. My flavor was my top choice out of all the creative flavors though, so I’m very happy,” said Jacobs. “I’ve very excited about August 1 and to be back home. I’ve had an opportunity to fight at Barclays Center several times before, and each time is getting bigger and bigger. I’m excited to be back in that good energy, fighting a seasoned veteran in Sergio Mora who will give me a stern test, but I’m looking to capitalize on my experience and defend my belt again successfully.”

 

Hardy (13-0, 2 KOs) and Peterkin (15-0, 7 KOs) will compete in separate undercard bouts on August 1 at Barclays Center.

 

“‘Feel The Heat’ was so good. They put cinnamon in it for me, and I put cinnamon on everything, so it was great,” said Hardy. “I’m so excited to be back at Barclays Center again on another PBC card. When I saw on my news feed that Barclays Center was getting this fight I called Lou’s (DiBella) office and said, ‘I want on that card!’ And I didn’t stop. Every day I was asking to be added. So I’m very happy to be back in Brooklyn and fighting at Barclays Center again.”

 

“‘The Notorious Butterpeterkin’ was definitely my favorite creative flavor. It tastes great, and because of this I’ll be sparring about 10 rounds today and doing some extra running later tonight,” said Peterkin. “Being on this card is a huge deal for me. I was born and raised in Brooklyn. I remember before Barclays Center was even built. I watched everything go up, and then I actually worked at Barclays Center too.  So this will be great being part of such a big PBC event.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.
Boxcino, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DANNY GARCIA REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH MAJORITY DECISION OVER LAMONT PETERSON DURING SATURDAY’S EDITION OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

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ANDY LEE AND PETER QUILLIN BATTLE TO DRAW

IN EXPLOSIVE BOUT

 

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

BROOKLYN (April 12, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions on NBC returned with two exciting bouts Saturday night as Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) defeated Lamont Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KOs) by majority decision and “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) fought to a split draw at Barclays Center.

 

The evening’s second main event saw the undefeated Garcia stalk the lightning quick Peterson around the ring while consistently attacking Peterson’s body. Peterson moved well in the first half of the fight, but did not begin engaging offensively until the later rounds.

 

The two exchanged blows throughout a raucous twelfth round that stirred the crowd of 12,300 at Barclays Center into a frenzy. The judges tallies ended at 115-113 for Garcia twice and one score of 114-114.

 

“I feel great. I prepared for a war. He was moving a lot. I thought it was close, not going to lie,” said Garcia. “It was definitely close the whole way through. I did enough to win and I’m happy with my performance.

 

[On going up in weight]  “I feel like I have to go up. It’s affecting my performance, but I feel like I did a great job.”

 

“I did my part. I’m not calling it a robbery but it was a good fight,” said Peterson. “I don’t expect an easy journey for me to get where I’m going. I feel great. That’s probably the least contact I’ve ever had in a fight.”

 

In the first main event, Quillin scored a huge knockdown in the first round and followed it up by putting Lee on the canvas in round three. Lee made adjustments as the fight went on and began to box Quillin effectively, even putting him down in the seventh round.

 

Lee and Quillin landed almost the same percentage of punches with Lee connecting on 38 percent and Quillin on 39 percent. One judge scored the bout 113-112 for Lee with another scoring the bout 113-112 for Quillin and the final had a score of 113-113.

 

“There’s a reason why judges are judges. They see it their way. I respect the decision,” said Quillin.

 

[On being knocked down] “There’s a first time for everything. I’m very thankful that I was able to get back up and keep fighting. I took a year off and I was able to go 12-rounds and I could have kept going.”

 

“It was a tough fight. He dropped me early because I was being lazy. I got my momentum late in the fight and I boxed consistently. I understand why with two knockdowns people felt he won the decision. I could have done better tonight. If my next fight is Peter Quillin.”

 

Premier Boxing Champions on NBC was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.