Tag Archives: Iago Kiladze

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

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

TONY HARRISON VS. JERMELL CHARLO II FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison & Former Champion Jermell Charlo Continue Heated Rivalry Before Rematch This Saturday, December 21 Headlining FOX PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes From Toyota Arena in Ontario, California

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

ONTARIO, Calif. (December 19, 2019) – WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison and former world champion Jermell Charlo continued their war of words Thursday at the final press conference before they rematch this Saturday, December 21 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.
 
The press conference also featured heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba and Georgia’sIago Kiladze, who meet in the 10-round co-feature, plus 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas and Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron, who battle in an eight-round lightweight fight that opens the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Toyota Arena box office and Ticketmaster.com.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Toyota Arena:
 
TONY HARRISON
 
“I’m hungrier now because of the layoff since the first fight. It hasn’t affected my mindset for one moment. Sparring has been intense for me. That’s where I got the rust off. I was pushed every day with guys trying to knock me out, just like he’s going to try to do.
 
“Nothing about me is fake. Everything I say, I do it. It comes from my heart. The beef between us is real when it comes to my eyes. I don’t like anything about him. The tables turned after what he did right after the first fight. I’m a humble beast and he woke me up.
 
“I trained in Florida because I needed to be hungry again. I made the changes for me. I was out a year and I had to get mentally correct. He woke me up. I didn’t need to be in Detroit, they know I’m the champ. Now I’m ready to beat you again on Saturday.
 
“I had three judges who said I won, so I don’t think I have to change anything in my game plan. I’m happy. I don’t care about what him and his team is telling him. I don’t have to do anything different.
 
“He had 12 rounds and never rocked me, never stumbled me. He gave me everything he has. The same Jermell that you have seen in every fight is the same you’ll see Saturday.
 
“We’re here once again and once again I’m going to exactly what I have to do. This is what needs to be done to him. I love everything about this. I love everything about the talking, the back and forth, and all the noise.
 
“Jermell knocked out Jorge Cota, so he’s back on top right? I’m going to humble him again, that’s my job. I’m going to ease him of his pain. He acts like he’s the strongest guy in the world, but he’s up against an animal.
 
“I just have to be myself and win again. He can’t handle someone who’s himself. I’m rattling him every five seconds. I just have to throw the 1-2 off of that and we’re good.”
 
JERMELL CHARLO
 
“He talks a lot but he has to see me Saturday night. You’re going to get the same thing I gave to Jorge Cota. He just gave me more time getting out of the fight in June. I’m much stronger, much better and much faster now.
 
“I’m a fighter who lives and learns. I know how to progress. It’s okay for me, because I understand how to go down and come back up. When I come back, I come back way harder. They made the true champ come out of me.
 
“They know he’s not on my level. They know what I possess and what I do. Him not liking me has nothing to do with what I’m going to do Saturday.
 
“Nothing he’s said has gotten under my skin. It’s unbelievable to think that you could get inside another man’s head who gets in the ring and puts it all on the line for this.
 
“He will get what he deserves. I’m a man of my word and everyone knows what I do. I’m ‘Mr. Keep Running Your Mouth.’ This is what I do.
 
“I want to knock him out and I’m going to knock him out. I’m going to set up the right shots. I’m going to set up what he’s not going to see. I’m going to show you how to take the belt.
 
“All I know is that I’m ready to fight. He’s all hype. The only thing fake about him is that injury he put up to get out of the rematch, but we’re here now so its whatever. I’m going to crush him.”
 
EFE AJAGBA
 
“I know he has experience and he’s lost to a few good fighters. I’m going to stick to my game plan and I look forward to showing it to everyone on Saturday night
 
“I have to test him with my jab and see how he reacts. He has movement and has good experience. I’m going to let him get tired and find my spots. I can’t wait to get in there.
 
“We worked really hard in training camp and I know that I’m getting better every day. This is a good test for me and a good opponent who will make me use what we’ve worked on in training.”
 
IAGO KILADZE
 
“I know that’s he’s a strong young fighter, but he doesn’t have experience like me. I have more fights and more tough fights. I think that he’s going to try to come forward, but I’ve worked really hard to stop him.
 
“I’ve worked on my power and I will show it on Saturday night. I believe in myself and I’m going to show everything I’ve worked on in training camp.
 
“We’re going to take what we’ve been working on in training and bring it into the fight. We know what he’s uncomfortable with and we’re going to take advantage of it.”
 
KARLOS BALDERAS
 
“I’m an Olympian for a reason. I’ve faced the best since I was 15. This is a great opportunity for me and I’m going to make the most of it. He knows what’s coming Saturday night.
 
“I’ve been here before and I’m ready to make a splash. 2020 is my year to shine. I’m ready or the big names. I know what I’m here to do.
 
“He’s a rugged fighter who comes forward and brings the fight. I’m too experienced for him though. In the end, my talent is going to speak for itself. We can say what we want up here, but my talent will speak for itself.”
 
RENE TELLEZ GIRON
 
“The only loss I had was a fight I believe I won, but you always learn from a fight. Balderas is a good fighter and I respect him, but he’s in for a war.
 
“I’ve been in tough fights everywhere so I know what it will be like Saturday. He’s quick in the ring and I’ve watched video on him, but it’s nothing that I won’t be able to overcome.
 
“I know what he can do and I know that I have everything I need to get this victory. I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity and I know that we’re going to steal the show Saturday.”
 

Top Prospect & 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas Takes on Rene Tellez Giron in Televised Opener of FOX PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes in Primetime Saturday, December 21 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET

Preceding FOX PBC Fight Night is FS1 PBC Fight Night Featuring Unbeaten Featherweight Jhack Tepora Battling Former Title Challenger Oscar Escandon in Co-Feature of Telecast Beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. ET

ONTARIO, Calif. (December 17, 2019) – Sensational 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron in an eight-round lightweight match as the opener of FOX PBC Fight Night live in primetime and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, December 21 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET.

Former champion Guillermo Rigondeaux was scheduled to take on Liborio Solis in the co-feature of the FOX PBC Fight Night card, but that match has been postponed until a later date.

Balderas vs. Giron will serve as the opening attraction to the show that is headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison and former champion Jermell Charlo that also features Efe Ajagba taking on Iago Kiladze in a 10-round heavyweight showdown in the co-feature.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Toyota Arena box office and Ticketmaster.com.

One of the most highly regarded prospects from the 2016 U.S. Olympic team, Balderas (9-0, 8 KOs) returns for an eight-round lightweight affair to close out 2019. The 23-year-old from Santa Maria, California has won his last five fights by stoppage, including three already in 2019. His most recent outing saw him stop Robert Frankel in July. He will be opposed by the 20-year-old Giron (13-1, 7 KOs), who fights out of Queretaro, Mexico and is looking to rebound from a decision loss to unbeaten Michel Rivera in June.

Preceding FOX PBC Fight Night, undefeated Filipino featherweight contender Jhack Tepora will battle rugged former title challenger Oscar Escandon in a 10-round bout in the co-feature of FS1 PBC Fight Night at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. ET. Hugo Centeno, Jr.will take on Juan Macias Montiel in a 10-round middleweight main event of the telecast that also features super welterweight prospect Raymond Guajardo facing Donnis Reed in a four-rounder in the televised opener.

Fighting out of Cebu City, Philippines, Tepora (23-0, 17 KOs) will enter the ring for the second time in the U.S. on December 21, after making a successful U.S. debut against Jose Luis Gallegos in June. The 24-year-old will take on Colombia’s Escandon (25-5, 17 KOs), who fights for the first time since a loss to Brandon Figueroa last year at the same arena in Ontario. Escandon is a former interim titlist at featherweight and challenged Gary Russell Jr. for the featherweight championship in 2017.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. { 8�^x��us

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

VICTOR ORTIZ

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

JOHN MOLINA JR.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

KARLOS BALDERAS

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

JOSE BALDERAS

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

VICTOR ORTIZ, Former Welterweight World Champion

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

JOHN MOLINA JR., Former World Title Challenger

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

JOE JOYCE, Unbeaten Heavyweight Prospect

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

IAGO KILADZE, Heavyweight fighting out of Los Angeles

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

KARLOS BALDERAS, Unbeaten Super Lightweight Prospect

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

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

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