Tag Archives: heavyweight

boxing, Fox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Undefeated Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Stops Challenger Chris Arreola at The End of Eighth Frame of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Primetime Main Event from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama

Leave a comment
 
Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz Defeats Sammy Vasquez Jr. by Unanimous Decision
 
Undefeated Rising Star Erickson Lubin Wins Unanimous Decision Over Ivan Montero
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Ryan Hafey/Jordan Hardy/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 16, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) finished three-time world title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KOs) after the eighth round of the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportesfrom Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
In front of a hometown crowd of 11,974, Wilder controlled the fight from bell to bell, dropping Arreola in the fourth round, and dominating the battle tested challenger. Despite a broken right hand and a torn bicep muscle, Wilder managed to persevere and secure the stoppage.
Televised action opened with Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz Jr. (18-1, 8 KOs) defeating Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. (21-1, 15 KOs) by unanimous decision (96-93, 95-94, 95-94) in an exhilarating 10-round welterweight showdown.
The second televised bout featured unbeaten rising star Erickson “Hammer” Lubin(16-0, 11 KOs) scoring a unanimous decision (80-72, 80-72, 80-72) over Ivan Montero(20-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout.
Here is what the fighters had to say after their bouts:
LOU DIBELLA
“Wilder will be taken to a local hospital tonight, and will be seeing a specialist this week to assess the damage to his right hand and right bicep muscle.”
DEONTAY WILDER
What round did you hurt your hand:
“It was early – the third or the fourth round. It was from an (awkward) punch. I hurt the hand first, and then the bicep.
Was he tougher than you thought:
“He was just as tough as I thought he would be. I know he was scared of the right hand for sure. I think I would have gotten him out of there (in the fourth round) if he didn’t hold the ropes. On that last one he told me in my ear, I had to hold the ropes. I had to hold the ropes.
“I got one of the best jabs in the world, because I have super trainers. I got Mark Breland, who showed me all kinds of ways to throw my jab. I got Russ Ambers who shows me techniques. I have Jay my long-time trainer on everything, and of course I have Cuz Hill who gives me great work on the mitts.
“Look at my hand, this thing hurts.
What does it say about your toughness that you were able to fight for four rounds with a broken right hand and a torn right bicep:
“Man, it let’s me know I’m a force to be reckoned with. If I have one hand or two hands, you can’t deny that I’m the best in the world. I’m going to still give it to you whether I have one hand or two hands. I won’t stop. As a champion it’s my duty to keep going no matter what I’m going through. Pain ain’t nothing to me. I got a high tolerance on pain. When you’re dealing with fights, it’s not over until it’s over. Whoever fights me they have to be ready. They just can’t come in and think they’re going to bully me or think they’re going to out-tough me or think they’re going to out-punch me, because there ain’t no out-bullying, there ain’t no out-toughing, there ain’t no out-punching, because I’m the heavyweight champion of the world. That means a lot to me.
How satisfying was it to put on such a gutty performance before your home State fans:
“It was very satisfying to punish a guy like Chris Arreola. I straight punished him. I didn’t get my knockout like I want, but it was a knockout. I’ll take that on my record. I still advanced to 37-0 with 36 KOs.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“When he started taunting in the eighth round I knew it was all just part of boxing. No big deal.
“The fourth round knockdown was a situation where he just hit me with the perfect shot. Nothing I could do about it.
“(Deontay’s) movement was really tough. He moved perfectly behind his jab. It’s not that it’s even frustrating; it was just I had to catch up to him on runs like that, but it was a fun fight.
“He just kept me on the outside, I couldn’t figure him out — plain and simple. I have to give him all the respect in the world because he was just a much better fighter.
How did he make it out of Round 4?
“Let’s be honest, man. It takes a real fighter to be in the ring with someone like him. He’s a big man. We’re in the heavyweight division, man, this is the hurt business. You have to know how to deal with adversity. I get punched, I’m going to get back up.
“I have to give him credit for using his distance, using his jab and just keeping me at bay.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ
“I knew in my heart I lost that fight. I tried my hardest but there were things I should have done that I didn’t do. We can’t look in the past. He’s a hell of fighter. He’s an Olympic gold medalist for a reason. He had a tough decision loss to Lamont Peterson. To me he was an undefeated Olympic gold medalist.
“I take nothing away from the man. He’s a hell of a fighter. I’m a hell of a fighter. At the end of the day we put on a great show.
“We’ll huddle up and start back at the drawing board. I’ve got to start knocking those names down again.
Ever been in a situation where the scores were added wrong:
“I’ve never been in a situation where I had to wait for them to add up the scores again, because obviously I was undefeated. This is my first loss. Losses you learn from. Losses just mean you have room to grow. We’ll take this and come back strong the next time.
You hurt him in the 10th round:
“I know I had him hurt as soon as I hit him in the head twice. I saw him wobble and grab ahold of me. He was very slippery. As soon as I tried to push him away my hands would slip away. Hey, it was a hell of a fight. I take nothing away from the man.”
FELIX DIAZ
“When I first heard it was a split draw, I felt like I was the winner and I got robbed like in my fight against Lamont Peterson.
“I definitely feel like the scores should have been wider on the cards, but I understand. The first couple of rounds I was feeling him out, but after those first couple I feel like I won every round.
“Since Vasquez is taller than me and has longer reach, my plan of attack was to stay inside and fight him at a close distance.
“I took this fight on only 15 days notice, and before this I was preparing for a right handed fighter, so it was a bit of an adjustment. I only had two weeks to make the changes that I needed to. I’m thankful to my team for getting me ready for this fight.
“Fighting on a FOX and FOX Deportes primetime card and looking as good as I did makes me very happy. I’m ready for anyone at 140 or 147 lbs.”
ERICKSON LUBIN
“I’m definitely not upset with my performance. The referee was letting him get away with a lot of clinching and head butting. All in and all I’m happy with my performance. I’m still undefeated. I’m going to keep stepping up in these fights and upgrading my competition.
Anything you wanted to do that you didn’t get a chance to do:
“Hell, I wanted to knock him out. But the ref wasn’t really calling him for holding or even warning him for holding so that he wouldn’t hold as much and head butt as much. He was tough. I give it to him. He came to fight.
Some guys come in there to survive. That was definitely the type of fighter he was. He was in there to survive. He didn’t want to go home with a knockout loss.
Was this a big step up fight for you:
“Every fight was a step up fight for me. I take every fight seriously. There are always things I can learn and improve on. This was definitely one of those fights.”
IVAN MONTERO
“I was happy to go the distance tonight, and I agree with the decision. He definitely won, but I thought I put on a good fight. He didn’t do that much damage to me.
“I was honored to get this fight and the opportunity to fight on national television. I hope the fans enjoyed my style of fighting. I look forward to getting back in the ring soon.
“Right now, I’m just going to take some time and assess my options, but I’d like the rematch with him some time in the future.”
 # # #
The card was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Deontay Wilder vs. Chris Arreola PBC on FOX, FOX Deportes & FS1 Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Leave a comment
 
Action Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on FOX & FOX Deportes Before Moving to FS1 Live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
 
Click HERE For Photos From Jordan Hardy/Premier Boxing Champions
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (July 14, 2016) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and two-time title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
In attendance at the press conference and featured in televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were undefeated Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz, who square off in a 10-round welterweight bout, plus rising starErickson “Hammer” Lubin and Mexico’s Ivan Montero, who meet in a super welterweight attraction.
The televised action will switch over to FS1 and FOX Deportes immediately following the conclusion of the FOX telecast with action headlined by undefeated welterweight Jamal James battling exciting contender Wale Omotoso. Additional action on FS1 and FOX Deportes features former world champion Vic Darchinyan and undefeated heavyweight Gerald Washington in separate bouts.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Fighters spoke to media at the BJCC’s Arena Club inside the same venue that will host a stacked night of fights on Saturday night.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I’ve wanted to hit somebody since May. I got teased but now it’s time. And I get to do it at home. There’s no better place to do it.
“We’ve had a few guys that we could have chosen, but there were certain guys we didn’t want to give a short notice opportunity. We needed a certain type of fighter for this job.
“We need someone who will fight with their heart and take this opportunity and make the most of it. Does he deserve the title shot? No he doesn’t. He knows it. But is Chris Arreola the perfect guy for this fight? Of course he is.
“Chris is lucky to get a third chance at a title. There’s a lot of prospects who would love to fight him just to get a chance to fight for this belt. We needed a special person for this situation and I blessed Chris Arreola with the opportunity.
“It’s time to fight. He’s ‘The Nightmare’ and I’m a knockout artist. What makes me special is the way I knock people out. Go look at the people I’ve knocked out and see what I’ve given them.
“This is going to be another story for me to write in the history books. I can feel it. It’s going to be a great show. Don’t miss it.
“I appreciated everyone who comes out for me when I’m here fighting at home. I’m really excited about this show. You know the words at the end of the night will be ‘And still! Heavyweight champion of the world.'”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I’m ready for this fight. I’m more ready than I’ve ever been. I’m hungry. This isn’t a cakewalk. I respect Deontay, that’s why I trained for you. Come fight time, there’s no respect, it’s time to fight.
“One thing no one can question about me is my heart. I’m going to come at him but be smart. My goal is to take home that title and make history.
“I want to thank Deontay for giving me this opportunity. I am a sleeping giant. I’m being underestimated. Place your bets on me and make some money.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.
“Me and Felix Diaz are both coming to bring it. It’s going to be a tough fight for him and myself. People have to watch this fight. To me he’s undefeated and I’m coming in undefeated. We’re putting it all on the line in this fight.
“Felix and I have worked together and we’re friends, but this is business. He knows that I’m going to bring it like I do every fight. It’s a great opportunity to be showcased on this card.
“If you feel that you’re the best in your weight division, then it doesn’t matter who they put in front of you. My opponent doesn’t matter; we’re going to get the job done. I have to fight quality opponents to be able to step up to the next guy.
“Felix Diaz is a great competitor and he’s a very tough fighter. He has a tremendous amount of talent and he never stops coming, just like I do.
“I’m a pressure fighter. I like to show the crowd how I get down. I’m an undefeated fighter and I will remain that way Saturday night. I’m here to take care of business.
“I need wins like this to get fights with Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman and I need to do it decisively.
“If I can get this win I definitely want Danny Garcia. He’s a Philadelphia guy. I’m from Pittsburgh, it’d be a fun matchup. We’re both marketable guys and I think it’d be a huge fight.
“I just want to fight the best. That’s what I’m here for. I’ll fight anybody. I want to get a world title.”
FELIX DIAZ
“I want to thank everyone who is here today. Everything is ready to go. We’ve had a great training camp leading up to this fight.
“I know that Sammy is a very good fighter. We’ve been stablemates before, but this is business. I’m going to do what I have to do to be victorious on Saturday.
“I’m ready to get in the ring and do anything that I can on Saturday to get the victory.”
ERICKSON LUBIN
“This is a great opportunity on a big card. I’m here to showcase my talent and show why I’m one of the best 154-pound fighters in the world.
“This is a stepping stone for me. I know this is a tough Mexican who will be a great opponent. I just took care of business early a few weeks ago in Chicago and I’m looking to do the same thing Saturday. I’m here to steal the show.
“I want to thank my team for helping me in training camp and getting me to this moment. It’s ‘Hammer Time’ on Saturday.”
JAMAL JAMES
“We always stay ready in the gym. It’s always training camp. I’m at a point in my career where I have to be ready at all times. When the call comes, I’m ready.
“We’re working on some things that we wanted to tighten up from the last fight and I can’t wait to show everybody my improvements.
“Wale has been in there with some great competitors. We had to make sure everything is tightened up because he’s a strong guy. He has a good knockout ratio so you have to watch out for power punches.
“A lot of guys I fight are shorter than me. I’m one of the tallest welterweights in the game. A lot of guys have to fight me the same way, so we know what to expect. Our defense is tight and I’m sitting down on my punches more than ever.
“It’s a blessing to be on a card like this. I was very excited when I got the call. Deontay Wilder is a heavyweight champion and it’s a stacked card. It’s a great honor. I’m happy to keep stepping up in competition and in platform.
“I’m a class-act in the ring. I’m trying to bring the master skill back to boxing. But I’m ferocious at the same time. You won’t be mad because I always give you a great show.”
GERALD WASHINGTON
“I’m looking to go out there and take care of my business. We’ve worked hard in training camp and we’re prepared for anything.
“I’m going to use my speed and athleticism. The goal is to execute my game plan. Hopefully I can stay busy, land something big and get him out of there.
“My grandfather is actually from Alabama so I have roots here. It’s very exciting to be on an undercard for Deontay Wilder defending the heavyweight world title. I have to perform and be exciting so that I one day I can be fighting a great champ like Deontay Wilder.
“I’m different than I was before. This is going to be the best me stepping in there Saturday. I’m looking to get him out of there.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Deontay Wilder, Chris Arreola, Sammy Vasquez Jr. & Felix Diaz Media Workout Quotes & Photos

Leave a comment
 
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Begins Saturday, July 16 at 8 p.m. ET/
5 p.m. PT Live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
 
Click HERE for Photos from Jennifer Halger/DiBella Entertainment/
Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (July 13, 2016) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, two-time heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola, undefeated welterweight Sammy Vasquez Jr. and Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz participated in a media workoutWednesday as they near their respective Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes matchups taking placeSaturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.  
 
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising starErickson Lubin battling once beaten brawler Ivan Montero in addition to the Wilder vs. Arreola and Vasquez Jr. vs. Diaz bout. The televised action will switch over to FS1 and FOX Deportes immediately following the conclusion of the FOX telecast.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
The fighters worked out at Round 1 Boxing in Vestavia Hills, Alabama as they prepare for the card headlined by the hometown favorite, Wilder, making the fourth defense of his heavyweight title.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“When it comes to Deontay Wilder, people look for the knockouts and I deliver. What separates me from other heavyweights is the fashion in which I knock guys out. I don’t just knock you out, I really put you out.
“Arreola definitely has a style prone to a knockout. He’s a pressure fighter who will come forward all night. That plays to my style. I love pressure fighters who give me a challenge. They keep me moving and thinking. I love the sweet science and the art to it.
“I never look at films of opponents because I want to be surprised and I want to give myself a mental challenge in there. That’s what makes this sport so great.
“Birmingham has showed me love from day one. I don’t just represent my city; I represent the state. Everywhere is my home. Birmingham understands entertainment and excitement and that’s what I’m trying to bring to people here.
“I’m here to defend my title against a very hungry fighter. It’s a life-changing event for the man who holds the belt at the end of the night.
“I never look past anybody. But I can look through them. Before I became a champion, I said I wanted to be an active champion. Just like I was active coming up. This has been my longest time away from the ring, so if all goes well on Saturday, I want to be back in the next few months.
“I have an ability to get out of bed and fight. I can do things that regular fighters can’t do. I don’t do miles of roadwork. I’m blessed with stamina.
“This is my gift to give back to my state. Boxing is growing fast here. Me and Jay Deas have always wanted to do this. It warms my heart that we’re living our dreams.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“Deontay is a very tough opponent so I have to come hard this time. This is my third world title shot and I have to make it count. The first time I was too young, the second time I got caught with a shot, but this time I’ll be ready for anything.
“Fighting a guy like Wilder, I have to be ready for anything. But he has to be ready too. I’m no slouch. I have fire and he’s another person in my way. I’m here to get it.
“There’s no challenge to get ready for a fight. I’m a boxer. This is what I do and this is what I love to do. Boxing is the most gentlemanly sport there is. You beat each other up then you shake hands like nothing happened. I’ve been grinding every day in the gym for this.
“This is a big night for both of us. It’s a great opportunity to be on primetime television. People are going to be watching for free at sports bars and it puts us out there. They’re going to watch two big men on display going for it all.
“I took it one day at a time in camp. I had to grind and get better every single day. I fear no man. I respect the man, but I don’t fear him. Everybody knows that I fight coming forward. I have to be smart and I have to move in angles.
“I want to leave a legacy behind. When they talk about Chris Arreola, they’re going to say ‘he did it.’ I took the long road but here we are now.
“I expect him to have a lot of fans and he’s very deserving of that. He’s made things happen in this state and this state is lucky to have a fighter like him. But no one can get in there with him. The fans can’t fight for him. I love the fans, but they’re just there to watch. It’s just me and Wilder in there Saturday.
“Beating Bermane Stiverne and defending the title how he has, I definitely respect Deontay. The humility that Deontay has shown has been impressive. He was more brash coming up the rankings and flamboyant. Now he’s come into his own and he understands who he is.
“The biggest difference between now and earlier in my career is that I’m comfortable with myself. My main motivation is being a boxer. I’m a boxer first. It’s not about who has the better six-pack.
“Weaknesses are something that I have to bring out of Deontay. Someone different shows up every fight. We have a plan but we’ll have to expose him while I’m in the ring. You can see videos all day, but it might not be the same guy in the ring.”
SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.
“I think this fight goes eight rounds at the most. It’s tough to predict and he’s a shifty guy but I’m confident. I’m going to key in on the body and try to wear him out. I’ll be smart about it, because I have to make a statement in this fight.
“My reach and my height will give me an advantage but he’s a slick fighter. All of these things can be advantages, but they can also work against you. I like to box and keep my opponent at range. I can’t let him smother me. We’re very prepared for his best shots.
“I think it’s going to be a great fight. He has a great amateur pedigree but I think I’ve made more impact as a pro. We’re equals and it’ll make for an explosive fight.
“Diaz is a slick southpaw, just like Luis Collazo. He’s had a couple decent names on his resume. I think Lamont Peterson fell into Diaz’s trap a little bit, which made that a close fight. He’s coming up to my weight, but he brings it and he’s dangerous.
“It feels good to be here. It’s been a long training camp leading up to an unbelievable card like this. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be here. My coach (Charles Leverette) is from Alabama and he represents the state hard, so I’ve been on the ‘Roll Tide’ bandwagon.
“When I was young I remember watching great heavyweight title fights and now to be on the undercard of one is incredible. There are kids out there looking at me and Deontay in the same way. It’s amazing. It’s a blessing that really boosts my career and lets people get to know me better.”
FELIX DIAZ
“Sammy is a very good opponent of course. He’s undefeated right now, but he won’t be after Saturday.
“Moving up to 147 is going to be great for me and allow me to be at my very best. I think I can do big things in this division and Saturday night will be the start.
“What you train for and what happens in the ring are two different things. I’m prepared for anything that could happen in the ring.
“I have a great team and training camp has gone very well. I’ve been ready to fight for a long time and I can’t wait to get in the ring.
“Everyone should come out, because it’s going to be a great fight. I’m very confident in my ability to pull off this victory.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rising Star Erickson Lubin Takes On Mexico’s Ivan Montero in Televised Bout on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama

Leave a comment
 
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and Moves to FS1 & FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
FS1 Bouts to Feature Unbeaten Jamal James Against Welterweight Contender Wale Omotoso Plus Exciting Former Champion Vic Darchinyan Taking On Mexico’s Enrique Quevedo & Undefeated Heavyweight
Gerald Washington in Action
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 11, 2016) – Unbeaten rising star Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (15-0, 11 KOs) returns to the ring to battle once-beaten brawler Ivan Montero (20-1, 8 KOs) in a super welterweight bout featured on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes telecast onSaturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
FOX televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his belt against two-time title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola plus undefeated welterweight contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. battles Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz. The televised action will switch over to FS1 and FOX Deportes immediately following the conclusion of the FOX telecast.
Bouts to be featured on FS1 & FOX Deportes include a 10-round matchup between unbeaten welterweightJamal James (19-0, 9 KOs) and exciting contender Wale Omotoso (26-2, 21 KOs), former world championVic Darchinyan (42-8-1, 31 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout against Mexico’s Enrique Quevedo (16-7-1, 10 KOs) and undefeated heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (17-0-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round affair.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
A highly regarded prospect with an exciting style, the 20-year-old Lubin burst onto the scene looking to finish opponents early as he cements his status as an elite contender. Fighting out of Orlando, he has already taken down experienced veterans including Orlando Lora, Ayi Bruce, Michael Finney and Norberto Gonzalez. He was sensational in November 2015 when he knocked out Alexis Camacho and in January he headlined his first card and dominated Jose De Jesus Macias in his first 10-round bout. He kept the hot streak going in June when stopped veteran Daniel Sandoval in the third round.
A professional since 2011, Montero was unbeaten in his first 19 pro fights including victories in 2015 over Michel Rosales and Julio Cesar Avalos. Fighting out of Yucatan, Mexico, he began his 2016 campaign by defeating Roberto Valdez in April. Now he looks to make a mark in his U.S. debut on July 16.
A tall welterweight at 6-foot-2, James is undefeated as a pro and beat tough contender Javier Molina in an FS1 and FOX Deportes main event in January. The 27-year-old out of Minneapolis had a big 2015 that began with victories over Michael Balasi and Daniel Sostre and culminated with a hard fought decision over once-beaten Juan Carlos Abreu in September. He will look to keep that momentum going when he faces his most dangerous opponent to date on July 16.
Born in Nigeria, but fighting out of Oxnard, Omotoso earned a unanimous decision over Gilberto Sanchez Leon in his last bout. He was unbeaten in his first 18 pro bouts while fighting out of Australia. The 31-year-old won his first five bouts stateside and will look for back-to-back victories when he battles James in Birmingham.
The fighter from Armenia who now fights out of Glendale, California, Darchinyan is coming off of stoppage victories over Cris Paulino and Prayoot Yaijam. Having fought against top contenders and former champions such as Abner Mares, Jesus Cuellar, Nonito Donaire and Nicholas Walters, Darchinyan looks to work his way back into world title contention after picking up titles in multiple weight classes. He takes on Quevedo out of Los Algodones, Mexico who most recently stopped previously unbeaten Yoandris Salinas in the fifth-round of their 2014 bout.
A two-way player (tight end and defensive end) at the University of Southern California, Washington spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills practice squads on his unconventional path that led him to boxing. The 34-year-old also worked in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic before going to USC and did not get his start in professional boxing until 2012. Fighting out of Vallejo, California, he is yet to lose in his latest endeavor and most recently he defeated former title challenger Eddie Chambers in April.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com www.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.comfollow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsportsand www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Sammy Vasquez Jr. & Felix Diaz Training Camp Quotes & Photos

Leave a comment
 
Welterweight Contenders Discuss Their PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Showdown Saturday, July 16 in Birmingham, Alabama
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene & Team Diaz/
Premier Boxing Champions
BIRMINGHAM, AL (July 7, 2016) – Undefeated contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. and Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz are deep into training camp for their pivotal welterweight showdown on Saturday, July 16 as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes live from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his belt against two-time title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visitwww.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Vasquez and Diaz both have world title aspirations but will have to navigate difficult southpaw opponents in the hopes of reaching the top levels of the welterweight division. Here is what both fighters had to say about each other, training camp, the 147-pound division and more:
SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.
On his opponent change from Luis Collazo to Felix Diaz …
“It’s unfortunate that Collazo got hurt, but Diaz is a very good fighter and I know he’s going to bring it. I’ve been sparring with nothing but lefties, and since both Diaz and Collazo are southpaws, it’s business as usual.  Diaz is coming off a close majority decision loss…his first defeat, so I know he’s hungry to get back in that win column. This is a dangerous fight and I’m not taking it lightly. Like always, I’m willing and ready to fight anyone they put in front of me.”
On his recent training camp at the Triple Threat Boxing Gym in Colorado Springs…
“It’s been a grueling camp with a lot of hard work being put out. Sparring has been fantastic and I’m feeling really sharp right now. My weight is good and I’m feeling strong. We have a few more days left and then it’s on to fight week.”
On fighting on FOX with a global audience expected to be tuning in…
“This is what it’s all about, fighting on the big stage with millions of fans looking to see a great fight. FOX is an incredible network to be showcased on and I want to let the world know I’m here to take over the welterweight division. The fans can expect to see a lot of power punches.  Hopefully I can score the knockout.”
On his relationship with his team members…
“I have an unbelievable team behind me.  First off my dad Sammy Sr. is there watching my every move, so I’m very comfortable with him by my side.  Charles Leverette is the head coach, with Ryan Rimsek working the mitts.  Jason Barber is my strength and conditioning coach.  Everyone is doing a great job.  We have a great game plan that we feel we can execute against Diaz.  I’m very happy with my team.”
On when he thinks he’ll be ready to challenge for a world title…
“I feel I’m ready now.  I’m ranked in the top ten in three of the major sanctioning organizations, so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I know a victory against Diaz will get me closer to a title shot.   I have to keep winning to fulfil the goal I set for myself when I first started boxing, and that’s to become a world champion.”
On the current landscape of the welterweight division….
“The division is loaded with great fighters.  With the exception of Jesse Vargas, all the champions are undefeated.  The road to get to the top is very tough because everyone in the top ten is an exceptional fighter.  I think it’s the toughest division in boxing.”
FELIX DIAZ
On fighting Sammy Vasquez on short notice…
“I stay ready in the gym.  I had a fight scheduled with Miguel Vasquez that fell through so now it’s on to another Vasquez.  I had to switch to southpaw sparring but that is nothing new to me.  I fought a lot of southpaws on short notice in the amateurs.  I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m going to make the best of it.”
 
On his current training camp …
“I’m having a great camp.  Everything is coming together for me.  My punches are accurate and my timing is better than ever.  I’m looking very good in sparring and I know I’ll be at my best on fight night.”
On the opportunity to get into world title contention…
“This is a big fight for me.  Sammy Vasquez is a highly rated fighter.  A win against him will put me right up there with all the other contenders.  I live for these occasions.”
On what he thinks of Sammy Vasquez as a fighter…
“He’s a very smart fighter with good power.  Although he does a lot of things right in the ring, I see some flaws in his style that I know I can expose.  I believe my style will give him a lot of trouble.  I know he wants to keep his undefeated record intact, but my hunger to start another winning streak is greater.”
On bouncing back from his first defeat in his last bout…
“In my last bout I suffered my first loss against Lamont Peterson, a majority decision.  It was a very close fight and I really felt I came out on top.  When you’re undefeated and loss for the first time, you want nothing more than to get back in the ring and prove to everyone that you belong with the elite fighters in the division. I’ve been training in the gym like an animal, waiting for an opportunity like this to come my way.  Now that it’s here, I’m going to take full advantage of the situation.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Deontay Wilder & Chris Arreola Enlist VADA Program Leading Up to Heavyweight World Title Showdown Saturday, July 16

Leave a comment
 
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT From
Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL. (June 30, 2016) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and two-time title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola have both enrolled with the world-renowned Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (“VADA”) to conduct the anti-doping program leading up to their Saturday, July 16 showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
“Despite the short lead time to Wilder vs. Arreola, I am happy to report that VADA is in place as the anti-doping agency in accordance with the WBC Clean Boxing Program,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “VADA is a preeminent and reliable service and its relationship with the WBC evidences a commitment to a cleaner sport.”
 
This marks the second straight training camp in which Wilder has enrolled with VADA.  VADA testing, in accordance with the WBC Clean Boxing Program, was in place for Wilder’s scheduled May 21 defense versus Alexander Povetkin, which was canceled following Povetkin’s positive test for Meldonium.  In addition, Wilder has submitted paperwork to VADA and the WBC to participate in year-round anti-doping testing that is expected to commence later this summer.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with TGB Promotions and Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT JARRELL MILLER TO FACE TOUGH VETERAN FRED KASSI ON FRIDAY, AUG. 19 IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

Leave a comment

 

Tripleheader from Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.  Airs Live at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE For Archive Images; Credit SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (June 30, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight Jarrell Miller claims he’s America’s top heavyweight prospect.  “Big Baby” will get a chance to back up his boast when he faces his toughest test to date in veteran Fred Kassi in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Aug. 19.

 

The confident and hard-hitting Miller (17-0-1, 15 KOs) and the durable and vastly experienced Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs) will headline a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from the outdoor soccer venue Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

Two undefeated young bantamweight prospects will square off in theShoBox co-feature as world-ranked Nikolay Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs) and Antonio Nieves (16-0-1, 8 KOs) meet in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs) will face battle-tested veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round match.

 

Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions go on sale this Friday at Noon ET and are available at http://www.rhinossoccer.com/and http://www.etix.com

 

“This is an amazing opportunity. I’m in the main event going against a tough opponent, and he’s definitely game to fight,” Miller said.  “I’m ready to put his lights out like I do everybody else.  I know he’s durable and a little older than me.  He’s a tough guy and he can take a beating.  So far, he’s only been stopped once. I’ll be the second.

 

“I’m going back to basics in this camp.  I’m an advanced fighter, but there are a couple of things I’ve wanted to work on.  It’s easy for heavyweights to rely on power and forget about technique. You see what happened to Dominic Breazeale against Anthony Joshua?  His power didn’t mean jack because there was no technique behind it.  I want to be the kind of fighter who puts his technique first and power last.”

 

“I approach Jarrell like all young fighters,” Kassi said.  “I’m a seasoned pro that has fought top-tier opponents.  Jarrell will have to bring his ‘A game’ against me.  He’s got size and power, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen.  I’m tired of getting robbed by judges like in El Paso (against Chris Arreola), and in Alabama (against Dominic Breazeale).  That should have been me fighting Anthony Joshua in The O2.  Against (Hughie) Fury, the cut saved him.  Another round or two and he would have been done.  Then we heard what we always hear, ‘oh, Fury had a bad night, so did Breazeale, so did Arreola.’  They all seem to have ‘bad’ nights when I’m in the other corner.  I’m hoping to actually get some credit when Miller has a ‘bad’ night too.  I’m a heavyweight boxer, that’s boxer underlined.  I move my feet, I use angles, I hit and don’t get hit.  That’s boxing and it’s my art.  Boxing fans are going to have a great time watching me dismantle a giant.”

 

“I am very happy to be back on SHOWTIME fighting the best opponent of my career,” Eyubov said. “I know this will be my hardest fight to date and that’s what motivates me.  I am grateful that I am getting an opportunity to prove myself and I want to show that I am ready for the best fighters in the world.  I am ready for the boxing world to know my name.  August 19, Karim Mayfield, here I come.”

 

“This will be a special event at Rochester Rhinos soccer stadium.  We have America’s brightest heavyweight contender in Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller and a knockout sensation out of Brooklyn by way of Kazakhstan in Bakhtiyar ‘Bakha’ Eyubov,” promoter Dmitriy Salita said.  “This show has all the ingredients to be one of the most talked about boxing events of the summer, and we think Miller has all the skills and charisma to break through in the heavyweight division.   I am grateful to SHOWTIME and Rhinos Stadium that boxing fans will witness talented fighters in their toughest fights to date.  I look forward to an explosive night of boxing.”

 

“Wendy and I are so excited to be hosting both SHOWTIME and the fighting debut of Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller at Rhinos Stadium,” said Wendy and David Dworkin, owners of the Rochester Rhinos soccer stadium.  “August 19 will be a great opportunity to showcase our stadium and the City of Rochester to a nationwide audience.”

 

The menacing Miller, a 6-foot-4 Brooklyn, N.Y. native, is a consensus top 15 heavyweight – he’s ranked No. 8 in the WBO, No. 9 in the WBA and No. 14 in the IBF.  The 27-year-old former professional kickboxer has knocked out six consecutive opponents as he’s risen through the rankings as one of America’s top heavyweight hopes.  Prior to Miller’s knockout of Nick Guivas on May 27, his previous two fights were onShoBox – a third round destruction of Akhror Muralimov last October and a knockout of Donovan Dennis in January in which he was pushed to the seventh round for the first time.

 

Kassi has been in with some of the most recognizable names in the heavyweight division, including Amir Mansour, Dominic Breazeale and Hughie Fury.  The 36-year-old fought to a disputed majority draw with three-time world title challenger Chris Arreola last July on PBC on CBS in which most ringside observers, including ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood, had Kassi winning by a wide margin.  The New Orleans resident has been stopped just once – in 2014 by Mansour – and stands as an excellent barometer for Miller’s progression as a legitimate contender.

 

The fast-rising Potapov, of Potolsk, Russia, is ranked in the top 15 in three of the four sanctioning bodies (No. 7 WBO, No. 13 IBF, No. 14 WBA) after just 15 professional fights.  A former amateur standout with over 200 fights, the 25-year-old Potapov has already gone at least 10 rounds seven times since turning professional in 2010.  The only blemish on his record is a draw with undefeated prospect Stephon Young in his last fight on April 15 on ShoBox.

 

Coincidently, the only blemish on Antonio Nieves’ record is a 2015 draw with Stephon Young.  The 29-year-old is coming off his first 10-round performance, a unanimous decision over then once-beaten Oscar Mojica on June 18.  The Cleveland, Ohio native will face his toughest opponent to date in fellow unbeaten Potapov in the matchup of unbeaten bantamweights.

 

The Brooklyn-based Eyubov has passed every test he’s faced, and knocked out all of his opponents in the process.  The 29-year-old native of Kazakhstan is coming off an impressive third-round stoppage of veteran Jared Robinson last January on ShoBox.  Eyubov will step up his level of opposition when he faces Karim Mayfield, a 35-year-old veteran who owns wins over Mauricio Herrera and Steve Forbes and has never been stopped in 23 fights.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez will serve as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

KEITH THURMAN OUTPOINTS SHAWN PORTER IN FIGHT OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE SATURDAY IN PRIMETIME ON CBS

Leave a comment

Jarrett Hurd Knocks Out Oscar Molina In Opening Bout Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

 

Click HERE for Photos From Esther Lin/Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (June 26, 2016) – Prizefighting returned to CBS on Saturday with a Fight of the Year candidate as undefeated welterweight world champion Keith Thurman edged former world champion Shawn Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges.

 

The 12,718 fans in attendance at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the viewers across the U.S. watching the first primetime boxing event on CBS since Muhammed Ali-Leon Spinks in 1978 were treated to a slugfest between two of the brightest stars in boxing’s glamour division.

 

Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) and Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) combined to throw over 1200 punches in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.  The marquee showdown was a story of accuracy vs. activity, as Thurman landed 50 percent of his power shots, compared to 38 percent for Porter, and 44 percent of his total punches compared to just 36 percent for the challenger.  While Thurman landed at a higher percentage, Porter was the busier fighter, throwing over 100 more punches across 12 rounds.

 

“One Time” and “Showtime” delivered as advertised, with the powerful sharpshooter buckling Porter multiple times, while the swarming and smothering Porter barreled forward to bully Thurman into the ropes.  And while there were no knockdowns, the back-and-forth blockbuster never lacked action and culminated in a standing ovation in the second-highest attended boxing event in Barclays Center history.

 

“I want to thank Shawn Porter for a tremendous fight.  He’s a great warrior,” said Thurman.  “Defense is the key to victory.  He smothers his punches a lot and makes it difficult for the judges to score.  I was able to rock him with clear, effective blows and I believe that was the difference today.

 

“I would give him a rematch. It was great fight.  He was a great opponent.  Everyone was saying would he be my toughest opponent to date.  I wasn’t able to drop him but I did buckle him a few times.”

The former world champion Porter, a perennial underdog but consummate gentleman, didn’t complain about being on the losing end of his second close decision in a title bout.

 

“We worked hard, Keith is a great champion,” Porter said. “My dad says to keep your head up.  I think I won the fight, but I’m satisfied because the competitor came out tonight.

 

“We need that rematch.  I know the fans want that rematch.  If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard in the ring and leave with his title.”

 

The opening bout of the CBS telecast featured a matchup of undefeated super welterweights as Jarrett Hurd graduated from prospect to legitimate contender in the stacked 154-pound class with a dominating 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina.

 

Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) got to work early, flooring Molina for the first time in his career in the opening round with a powerful counter right uppercut.  The bigger and taller Hurd was the more active fighter from the outset, dismantling the previously unbeaten Mexican Olympian with a supremely effective inside game.  Hurd threw nearly 750 punches over 10 rounds, compared to just 376 for Molina, connecting on 220 power shots at a nearly 40 percent clip.

 

Hurd put a stamp on his performance in the final round, closing the show by out landing Molina 33-7 in the final round.  With Molina taking a brutal beating and seemingly defenseless in the final minute of the final round, Ricky Gonzalez stepped in to halt the contest at 2:02.

 

“This is definitely a big win for my career,” Hurd said.  “He was taking a lot of shots, but he knew how to survive.  It was a big uppercut that knocked him down in round one. People know from my last fight that I have a great right uppercut.  He was hurt a couple of times. I don’t think it was a bad stoppage. Molina is a very tough guy who just kept coming through.

 

“This fight here puts me up with the top contenders in the division. I felt like I could have gone three or four more rounds. I was getting stronger as the fight went on.  We’re going right back to the gym so we can get in there again.”

 

Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) protested, but barring a stunning knockout he was just seconds away from suffering the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision.

 

“I felt like Hurd was throwing a lot of punches in the tenth round but they weren’t really hurting me,” Molina said. “He was staying busy but he was never really hurting me.

 

“I went low and I had my head down and he caught me with that uppercut in the first round. He got me with a shot I wasn’t expecting but it was definitely a flash knockdown. I wasn’t hurt.

 

“I was supposed to use my footwork a lot more but I ended up smothering my shots. He had an awkward defense with a lot of bending down and I couldn’t get into a rhythm.

 

“This was a big opportunity for me and I felt like I fought a good fight. I’m going to come back stronger. We’re going to work on a lot of things and get back in there.”

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

 

Earlier in the evening on SHOWTIME, undefeated heavyweight sensation Anthony Joshua successfully defended his IBF Heavyweight World Championship for the first time with a seventh round knockout of previously unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale at The O2 in London.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/28VGgsa

 

Below are quotes from Joshua after Saturday’s win on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL:

 

Many thought that Dominic Breazeale wouldn’t be able to stand up to your power and speed, but were you grateful for the opportunity to work a little bit more of your boxing skills?

“Well, it’s hard because you can see they’re hurt with every shot – well not every shot – but when you start catching them flush, they can feel the shots with these ten ounce gloves on. So, it’s just a matter of time, but in the process I didn’t want to be receiving any haymakers on the way back.

 

“It’s been tough I had two weeks off after my last fight, and got straight back in the gym so it was tough. I get a nice little break for once and then I can come back with recharged batteries.”

 

We know Deontay Wilder was watching the fight. Have you got a message for him, the WBC Champion? 

“Unbelievable inspirational person. He was patient, 30-odd fights [and] got his hands on the WBC [belt]. I’m following suit. I’m making my way into the U.S. with SHOWTIME backing me as well. So, he watched that.

 

“He can pick up whatever he wants to pick up from that, but it’s so different when you’re in the ring with each other. So one day we’ll get to experience what each other’s about.”

 

Who do you want to fight next? 

“Well I think it’s gonna have to be the likes of [Joseph] Parker. I was really looking at Fury… I hope he gets better soon. He hurt his ankle unfortunately, which has postponed it because  I was hoping to get that some time in the winter if everything went well July 9th like it didtonight, but we’re gonna have to reschedule that and in the meantime, we can look at other opponents like Parker, if he’s vacant, or anyone else that the people want.”

 

What do you think that you still need to work on?

“Rest. I need to rest. I’m tired, I’m working hard and as I said, now i can get

 

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

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. DOMINIC BREAZEALE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPTHIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

“You’re in my jungle now” – Anthony Joshua

 

“I came across the pond to get my belt and take it back home with me” – Dominic Breazeale

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Sport

 

LONDON (June 23, 2016) – Undefeated IBF Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua (16-0, 16 KOs) and fellow unbeaten American challenger Dominic Breazeale (17-0, 15 KOs), participated in the final press conference on Thursday at Sky Sports Studios in London, just two days before their showdown this Saturday.

 

The British sensation and 2012 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, Joshua will make the first defense of his title against Breazeale, a 2012 U.S. Olympian from Upland, Calif., this Saturday, June 25 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® from a sold-out The O2 in London, live onSHOWTIME® on at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

 

Fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder, the undefeated WBC titleholder, will join the SHOWTIME announce team as an in-studio guest analyst for coverage of Joshua-Breazeale from New York.

 

A few hours later Saturday, in primetime on CBS (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), Keith “One Time” Thurman will defend his WBA Welterweight World Title against former champ Shawn “Showtime” Porter in a welterweight blockbuster that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say at the final press conference, followed by some recent fight week quotes.  (Courtesy Sky Sports and Matchroom Sport)

 

ANTHONYJOSHUA:

 

“You’re in my jungle now.  There’s no pressure on me.

 

“Once that bell goes, you can’t hide the instinct, the instinct that you want to get someone out of there.  I hope I can go in there, stay relaxed and do what I planned to do.  But once that bell rings something just comes over you and you want to get him out of there ASAP.

 

“There will always be pressure. But look, it’s always been the same concept: Train hard – it’s the same ring. It hasn’t changed.

 

“I’ve got nothing to lose. I’ve always explained let’s get rid of the belts, the atmosphere, because when the bell goes it’s just me and him in the ring.  Two gladiators, two respectful warriors coming together. We’re going to slug it out and put our 0s on the line.”

 

“I’m prepared, Dominic is prepared well, and one of us has to take a loss.

 

“Each fight is a stepping stone to the big tests. I want to look like the real deal.”

 

“I think we’re in the golden era of boxing again.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE:

“I respect you as a fighter, but I’m going to beat you. I’ve got to beat the best of the best.”

 

“I can’t wait, it’s been an opportunity I’ve been waiting eight years for this. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m ready for this.

 

“Expect fireworks. We’ll be going round for round, punch for punch and I expect to knock out Joshua.”

 

“I got a big right hand, I have a big left hook.  I stand 6-foot-7, 255 pounds.  I’m unorthodox – I’m a guy that can fight on the inside, I’m a guy that can take a punch, I’m a guy that can give a punch.  So if any one of those given things show up on Saturday night I’m getting a knockout, for sure.

 

“It’s a major advantage just for me to have Anthony Joshua the whole time.  I don’t want him at any given point for him to feel like he’s in his comfort zone, his own backyard or his own little lion’s den.

 

“That’s what I came across the pond to do. I came across the pond to get my belt and take it back home with me.

 

“It’s my Super Bowl.  Being a former football player, this is my Super Bowl.”

 

“Everybody keeps comparing me to Charles Martin, the only thing that we have in common is that we’re both American. We have a completely different fight style, different goals in life.

 

“I’m a big puncher, so is Anthony Joshua. He has the belt and I intend to have it on Saturday night.

 

ADDITIONAL FIGHT WEEK QUOTES:

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA

 

“I’m 16 fights, 16 wins, Dominic is 17 fights, 17 wins.  We’ve been pro for the same amount of time, amateurs for the same time so we’re at a similar level on paper.

 

“People think this will end in two rounds?  Brilliant. I am winning fights early because of my talent and hard work.  Where I am in my career, it’s a perfect fight.

 

“I don’t overlook anyone. People talk and talk, that’s irrelevant.  It’s all about whether he can fight. I think he believes in himself, but he knows what’s in store here, he needs to know I’m serious about this boxing.  He thinks he’s going to KO me, he’s dismissed Charles Martin — sometimes you just have to humble somebody and show levels, let them know it’s not that easy.

 

“The second I stepped in to the pros it was ‘Boom!’ — Anthony Joshua – headlining.  That’s not down to me, its media channels and people wanting to get to know the guy behind the gloves. So it’s been hard to build a career at the right pace without criticism because people want to see me in massive fights right now.

 

“You can’t jump from hero to zero, there are people guiding us over a long and a dangerous career.  People have to understand that it’s a development of a career, and if I ever train a fighter, I’ll tell them the same thing.”

 

On fellow heavyweight world champions Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury:

“This won’t be my only defense, I want there to be lots and lots, and at the right time I will fight David Haye, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and the rest. We’re in an era now where we have to fight each other. There’s never been an era when the best don’t fight the best at heavyweight — but they have to happen at the right time, and they will.

 

“We are all world champions as we hold all the belts that are available. We’re all talented. Deontay has defended his title multiple times so you have to give him credit for that. Tyson and I haven’t defended yet, so I put Deontay at the top.  But Tyson beat Wladimir Klitschko who reigned for such a long time.

 

“I am happy because I became a world champion in my 16th fight and they won theirs later in their careers.  But Tyson beat the main man in the division, and Deontay has defended his belt lots of times, so I am in third right now, but I am building my way up.

 

“Put the belts to one side, they don’t give you magical powers.  A lot of fighters lose their belt in their first defense.  It’s about developing your raw talent and making sure you keep on an upward curve because there’s hungry young challengers snapping at your heels all the time, ready to expose you – and I refuse that to happen to me.”

 

On Charles Martin:

“Before the fight, no one criticized (Charles) Martin.  He was undefeated, knocking guys out, tall southpaw, dangerous. Bookies were taking a lot of bets on him knocking me out.  Tyson Fury backed him to do just that and a lot of people thought it would be tricky.  Up until I beat him, he was seen as a worthy fighter.  I figured him out quickly and I made him look bad.  He didn’t look like the champion people thought he was, but you have to respect him.”

 

On thinking about losing:

“I think about losing all the time, I’m scared of it.  That keeps me humble and working hard.  I don’t think people are going to beat me or anything, but I don’t want to lose, and I know that if I work hard and keep improving, I won’t lose.

 

“I get enough attention from this job.  There are 20,000 fans at the fights, millions watching on TV around the world.  I don’t need to seek attention.  I’m not a trash talker because the fists do the talking.’’

 

On being a role model:

“I know that there are a lot of kids watching me now and their parents say ‘my son loves you’ and that’s in my mind.

 

“I’ll be myself all the time, but that sense of being a role model and having kid’s look up to you, that checks the emotions that could come out if you get wound up. You have to conduct yourself.’’

 

On Tyson Fury:

“Tyson talks a lot.  I hear so many different things, if he was consistent with what he says then maybe I’d think he was digging a bit, but it’s just water off a duck’s back.  I don’t know him, but as long as people are saying ‘when are you going to fight him?’ then I like him because he is relevant.

 

“It would be such a huge fight and one that would be part of my legacy.  I think because he’s beaten Wladimir once he can do it again.  I didn’t think he’d win the first fight, but he pulled it off.

 

“I’d love to fight Tyson – it’s a match-up that needs to happen. There have been talks, whether they are a quick chat or serious negotiations, but you can’t click your fingers and come up with a mega fight.  It takes time, but they are in the pipeline and we’re building towards them, and in the meantime I want to test myself and learn my craft.  I need to perform well to prove that I can handle the massive fights.’’

 

On fellow British heavyweight David Haye:

“David is running the show and people know it, so when he goes in against soft opponents, he’s putting his neck on the line to get the stick.  Fans expect more from him and he’s not meeting those levels, and that’s where the backlash comes from.  The people he’s calling out versus the two guys he has fought, they just don’t add up, and that’s what people are frustrated about.

 

“I don’t think you can knock the Shannon Briggs fight.  He’s made a lot of noise, he’s old school and it’s a good fight for David to take, win and move upwards.  Shannon had made noise and he’s got his moment and who knows? Maybe he can shock the world.  He’s old, but he trains hard and he’s in great condition, and that’s why people love the heavyweights because it’s that one shot.

 

“A fight with Fury and I is the biggest fight in British boxing in my opinion. The Haye fight is big too; there’s enough media interest for it to be big.  It’s already big and we’re not even fighting yet, so imagine how big it would be once we get in there.  It’d be unbelievable and that’s why I am so interested in the fights.”

 

DOMINIC BREAZEALE:

“I plan on putting on some extreme pressure and taking Joshua to places he’s never been.  We’ll find out if he can handle it.

 

“Do I want to see him go into uncharted territory?  Of course, without a doubt.

 

“I’ve been there, I know what it feels like and I’ve done it several times now.  At the same time, I’m not going to let an opportunity pass me.  If I see something I can take in the first or second round, I’m definitely going to get him out of there.

 

“I’ve sparred guys that are bigger than me, I’ve sparred some guys smaller than me. I’ve been the tallest thus far (of his professional opponents), but I don’t think the difference in a matter of inches is going to make that big of a difference. The guys I’ve sparred with are 10 times better than Anthony Joshua.

 

“I think that it’s going to be one of those situations that it is not going to be a difference of size or weight.  It’s going to be the difference of skill and experience.

 

“When you think of a heavyweight champion you want to make sure he’s fought the best, and I think that’s why Joshua has chosen me as his opponent to defend against. That’s what he plans on getting out of the situation if he can make it through the 12 rounds.

 

“I think Joshua’s thinking of me as a stepping stone and he’s going to be sorry about that.  He’s just wrong.  He’s fighting a guy at 6-foot-7, 255 pounds that brings the pressure and a great pace from round-to-round.

 

“I’m one of those guys that I might take a shot, I might work some defense or I might work a strong jab.  Either way, I’m going to make it a fight.  All of my opponents have been down on the canvas and I don’t think Joshua is going to come shy of that as well.

 

“I’ve been picked as the smaller guy in the ring, by the IBF as a stepping stone and I feel like my back is against the wall.  I’m going to come out fighting.

 

“To come here and win the IBF title in London is a major thing for me that I plan to achieve.  Then I want to continuing to go after all the titles.

 

“My mind set has definitely changed.  The situation that I’m in mentally is just different compared to some of my fights in the past.  My confidence level is through the roof and physically I feel great.

 

“I think the heavyweight division is getting ready to change. With individuals like myself, Deontay and Tyson, we have guys who are characters who bring a lot of charisma to the division.  That’s something that we need.  Yes, we are athletes but in the end we are entertainers and we want to see a show.  I’m the type of guy that brings a show every single time I fight.  It’s action-packed from the opening bell to the end, and fight fans are looking for that.  That’s what is going to resurrect the heavyweight division.’’

 

On his win over Amir Mansour:

“That was another confidence booster for me.  It’s one thing to finish a guy in the first round with three punches or something like that.  It’s another thing to finish a guy in the sixth, seventh round with a combination of shots.

 

“Amir put me down on the canvas in the second, I battled back and ended up breaking the man’s jaw.

 

“It gives me something to work on.  I know I was able to come back and be very successful from it.  Anytime you get a win of that matter where you get a guy, break him down, break him down where he quits on the stool, it’s a huge confidence booster.  It makes you understand as an athlete or as a professional boxer that you’ve got punching power, you just broke another man’s jaw.’’

 

On returning to London after the 2012 Olympics:

“I think it’s going to beautiful.  It’s going to be great to go back to where my amateur career ended and beat the guy who won the gold medal.  That’s going to be great.  And then, on top of that, take away more hardware with the IBF Heavyweight title. You couldn’t ask for anything better.

 

“Then again I do understand and believe I’m a completely different fighter — not only am I a professional but I no longer fight an amateur style. I would consider myself a knockout artist with some pretty good punching power and that’s what I plan on showing the UK fans and my U.S. following.  It’s a chapter that needs to be closed and I plan on doing that.’’

 

On the state of the heavyweight division:

“I believe that we’ve got a lot of heavyweights who are doing real well and are real successful in their situations, some being titleholders, some not.  But I think it’s going to be a revolving circle. Me fighting Anthony Joshua, then going on to Deontay and Fury, Wladimir Klitschko might even hang around for a while.  Will it ever be compared to the Ali days or Riddick Bowe and the Evander Holyfield days?  I don’t know.  Bowe and Holyfield had one great trilogy and I study it all the time. So it all depends on how much each fighter has left in him.’’

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing and @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/ShoSports

 

Also follow Dominic Breazeale on Twitter @TroubleBoxing, Anthony Joshua @AnthonyJoshua and use hashtag #JoshuaBreazeale to join the conversation.

 

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Deontay Wilder vs. Chris Arreola Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos 

Leave a comment
(Photo Credit: Chris Farina/TGB Promotions)
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions & Chris Farina/TGB Promotions
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (June 21, 2016) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola went face-to-face for the first time Tuesday at a Los Angeles press conference for their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX & FOX Deportes showdownSaturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated welterweight contender Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. taking on former world champion Luis Collazo. Two more hours of boxing on FS1 and FOX Deportes will immediately follow at 10 p.m. ET after the Wilder vs. Arreola fight on FOX. Further details will be announced shortly.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
The fighters were together at the Conga Room at L.A. Live after Wilder had hosted a press conference in Birmingham the week before, that Arreola joined via skype.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“This is going to be an exciting fight for everyone. It’s two dangerous heavyweights. Two guys who fight with their hearts. It’s going to be an action-packed fight from beginning to end.
“People said Arreola doesn’t deserve the shot, but who are they to say things about a man who every time he gets in the ring, fights with his heart.
“I feel like this is a special occasion. It’s a short notice fight. A lot of guys said they would take it, but used the short notice as an excuse. It takes a lot to put together a fight. But when you can get someone who can make the best of this and put on a great show, it’s a job well done.
“There’s only one name who can make this be what it is. Every time he steps in the ring, he comes to fight. I think we chose the right person.
“This is going to be a great fight for boxing fans. I chose to go back home because of all the travel I did preparing for the Povetkin fight. I’m excited to be in my backyard and have the great support behind me. I won’t crack under the pressure.
“The fans will get their money’s worth. It’s two tough and determined fighters who are trying to knock each other’s head off.
“This was my longest layoff. I’ve wanted to be an active champion since I won the belt. When one door closes, another one opens.
“It’s up to Chris to take advantage of this opportunity. He has his own history that he can make and it will mean a lot to him.
“My mentality is to go all out. Everything I say, I really believe. I don’t need anyone to believe in me, because I believe in myself.
“I have a guy in front of me who’s trying to stop me from getting to the next level. I promise this is going to be an outstanding fight.”
CHRIS ARREOLA
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. A lot of people say that I don’t deserve this title fight. A lot of people said Deontay didn’t deserve his title shot. I said that. But when he got it, he made the most out of it. He beat the guy who beat me.
“He’s defended his title and done everything you’re supposed to do as a champion. I respect him a lot. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“I’m going to his backyard. I’m fine with people not recognizing me out there. He’s going to be dealing with ticket requests and I’m just going to be focused on beating Deontay Wilder.
“I’m not fighting the fans, at the end of the day it’s me and Deontay Wilder in that ring. That’s what I know about this sport, there’s a lot of talk, but at the end of the day, it’s mano a mano.
“I’m blessed to have this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com www.dbe1.com, www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.