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Brooklyn Brawl Series Featured in The Wall Street Journal

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Once on the Ropes, Boxing Thrives in New York Thanks to Local Fighters

The lifeblood of the city’s boxing scene is strong in gyms and small venues throughout the city, even if you can’t find it at Madison Square Garden

By
Alex Raskin
Will Rosinsky is a 30-year-old Queens native who works as a firefighter in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. A longtime acquaintance of his, Joe Smith Jr., is a 26-year-old construction worker from Long Island and a member of the Local 66 Laborers Union.
On Saturday night, the two are going to Barclays Center in Brooklyn for a night of boxing matches headlined by a middleweight championship bout. But they won’t be sitting in the stands. Rosinsky and Smith will be there to fight each other on an undercard to the title match between Brooklynites Peter Quillin (32-0-1) and WBA middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs (30-1).
“We know each other,” Rosinsky (19-2) said of Smith, his former sparring partner. “There’s nothing different that he’s gonna do that I haven’t seen him do already.”
For his part, Smith (19-1) even took some vacation time from his day job in order to prepare for Saturday’s light-heavyweight bout. “I’m sure a lot of people can’t do that,” he said, “but I’m lucky and I was able to take off and still pay my bills on time.”

Mixed martial arts may be on the rise, but the boxing scene in New York City has never been stronger-as shown by a recent night of mid-level fights in Marine Park, Brooklyn.

Don’t be fooled by their “real” jobs, respectable as they may be. Rosinsky and Smith, both Golden Gloves champions, were boxing long before they entered the traditional workforce. They are part of New York’s growing pugilistic middle class, walking symbols of the sport’s renaissance in the city.
There was a time when New York was synonymous with boxing. Madison Square Garden averaged 28 fight cards a year between 1940 and 1950, when the arena was located on Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets. The current Garden hosted only two cards in 2015, including Gennady Golovkin’s sold-out title defense against David Lemieux on Oct. 17. It appeared that boxing was disappearing from the city’s sports scene.
“We didn’t have a whole lot going on in the first part of the new century,” explained Bruce Silverglade, owner of Brooklyn’s famous Gleason’s Gym.
“The fights left New York,” he said. “Taxes are a big part of that, but just the cost of doing a show… New York is an expensive town. You have to house the fighters. You have to give them a per diem. If you take the same big fight and put it in Las Vegas, or a place where there’s a casino that supports boxing, they will give you a site fee for coming.”
‘As far as the popularity of boxing in the city of New York, it couldn’t be better, as far as I’m concerned.’ -Bruce Silverglade, owner of Gleason’s Gym
The taxes and costs remain, but thanks to newer venues, midlevel purses, and localized fight cards, they aren’t as prohibitive. Now local boxers have a hometown advantage in a city that is, once again, nurturing the sport at all levels.
As Silverglade put it, “[boxing is] starting to come back.”
The Barclays Center card on Saturday reads like a local white pages. Heather Hardy, who works as a trainer at Gleason’s and boasts a 14-0 professional record, is making her fifth appearance at the arena. “I sell tickets to my clients, co-workers, their clients. I’m like everybody’s kid sister,” said the 33-year-old mother and Brooklyn native.
Also appearing are rising light-heavyweight contender and Staten Island native Marcus Browne (16-0) and Huntington, N.Y., native Chris Algieri (20-2), a welterweight. As for the main event, Jacobs is a product of East New York’s Starrett City Boxing Club, and Quillin also lives in the borough.
It will be the 28th and final fight card of the year in New York, which matches last year’s total, according to the New York State Athletic Commission. As recently as 2009, only 14 boxing cards were commissioned within the city limits.
Now the events are reflective of the city itself.
“The great thing about New York is that no matter where in the world you hail from, you will always find a ‘home crowd’ in New York due to its inherent diversity,” explained Tom Hoover, chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission.
Such is the case for rising prospects and recent immigrants Bakhtiyar Eyubov (9-0) and three-time Georgian national champion Giorgi Gelashvili (3-0), both of whom won fights at the Oct. 29 “Brooklyn Brawl” showcase at the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Marine Park.
Thanks in large part to the Ukrainian-born, Brooklyn-raised boxer and promoter Dmitriy Salita, the two have found a home gym, Brooklyn’s Fight Factory, and an opportunity to box in front of their growing number of fans, many of whom also hail from former Soviet Republics.
Another Starrett City product, Salita (35-2-1) climbed the ranks as a welterweight before losing to Amir Khan in 2013. He continued boxing, but after reading a book about Israel’s economy called “Start-Up Nation,” Salita decided to try his hand at promoting.
“I looked around the boxing world in New York City,” said Salita, an Orthodox Jew with an orthodox fighting stance. “I made a couple of phone calls. It all came together rather quickly. Six, maybe seven weeks later, I had my first show on Sept. 1, 2010. Several good fighters fought.”
Salita’s Star of David Promotions eventually launched the Brooklyn Brawl series, which stages fights at midsize venues like Coney Island’s MCU Park, the Paramount Theatre, and the Aviator Center.
Since the fights are typically shown on the MSG Network or online at ESPN3, Salita’s fighters are gaining needed exposure. Another of his fighters, lifelong friend and heavyweight contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, delivered an impressive performance on Showtime in October, dropping Akhror Muralimov in three rounds to improve to 16-0-1.
“I think there’s a bigger middle class in boxing than there was before,” said Salita.
 “There’s more people now that make $50,000 to $100,000 a year.”
That middle class might not exist were it not for the sport’s accessibility. Nowadays, everyone is stepping into the ring.
“Today I am around 80% business people-men, women, children,” said Silverglade, whose customers range in age from 6 to 87. He noted that when Gleason’s was located in Manhattan, “it was 100% boxers-amateurs and pros. We actually had two businessmen. No kids, no women.”
Now, as in many gyms in the area, women and children make up a large portion of Silverglade’s business. “As far as the popularity of boxing in the city of New York, it couldn’t be better, as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “I could not be in business today, I could not afford the insurance or the rent otherwise.”
boxing, Showtime Boxing

DANIEL JACOBS KNOCKS OUT PETER QUILLIN IN ALL-BROOKLYN MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

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Jesus Cuellar Defends Featherweight Championship With Unanimous Decision Over Jonathan Oquendo in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Co-Feature
Catch The Replay This Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME
Click HERE To Download Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Edward Diller/DiBella Entertainment
BROOKLYN (Dec. 6, 2015) – WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs shocked undefeated challenger Peter Quillin with a first round TKO in the all-Brooklyn main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday in front of 8,443 fans at Barclays Center.
Brooklyn’s Jacobs (31-1, 28 KOs) won the “Battle For Brooklyn,” a matchup of top middleweights facing off in the prime of their career in their hometown.
One minute into the fight, Jacobs landed a straight right to Quillin’s temple and pounced with an onslaught of punches while his opponent was against the ropes. Quillin stumbled forward and referee Harvey Dock looked in Quillin’s eyes and halted the fight without the challenger ever touching the canvas.
After the fight, Dock told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray that Quillin (32-1-1, 23 KOs) could not comprehend where he was and “was not able to continue.”
“I hope he’s okay,” Jacobs said.  “I was patient and when I came with an uppercut I knew I hurt him and that’s when I went for the kill.
“I told him I love him. Me and Peter go back to the Golden Glove days. I respect him to death, but I knew this fight would be my night.  There are no lucky shots in boxing. Obviously I caught him with a shot. Once I knew I had him hurt I kept going.
“I saw his eyes and it looked like his equilibrium was off. I’m not a referee, but if I was I probably would have still gave him another opportunity.”
The fight, which only lasted 1:25, begged the question of a potential rematch.
“I definitely would give him a rematch,” Jacobs continued. “I’m willing to fight him next if that’s what the fans want.”
Quillin seemed to disagree with the stoppage until watching the replay during his SHOWTIME post-fight interview.
“That’s right on the temple,” Quillin said.  “In the moment you don’t know what happens until you see it in the replay.
“This is a time you sit with your family and figure out what you have to do.  I have a lot of options, maybe a rematch is the best option.
“I can’t think of a better person to lose to than Danny Jacobs.”
Jesus Cuellar defended his WBA Featherweight World Championship with a unanimous decision over Jonathan Oquendo in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature.
Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) was the busier fighter from the outset, throwing nearly 1,000 punches in the 12-round championship fight, compared to just 637 for the challenger.  Cuellar initiated the action and pressed forward, but his Puerto Rican opponent would not engage for most of the bout.
“We knew the fight would be difficult but we accomplished everything we wanted to during training camp,” Cuellar said.  “The only thing that was left was the knockout, but because of the movement of his head it was impossible.
Oquendo (26-5, 16 KOs), who was cut over his left eye from an accidental clash of heads in the fifth, was knocked down midway through the fourth.  Replays showed that Oquendo tangled his feet with his southpaw opponent.
The win, which was scored 116-111 twice, 120-107, likely sets up a major fight at 126 pounds for the Argentine Cuellar in 2016.
“First we’re going to rest and then we’re going to determine what’s next,” Cuellar said.
“We’ll have two more fights at featherweight and then move up in weight.  Hopefully we get Leo Santa Cruz next.”
After the fight, Oquendo acknowledged that he didn’t properly implement his game plan.
“I have to give credit to Cuellar.  I never got to use my game plan and he fought a good fight and he’s a good champion,” Oquendo said. “I needed to start more aggressive but I started boxing. That was my mistake. The head butt made it hard for me to see as well.
“I have time to come back and get another world title opportunity. I am disappointed, but I will be back in the gym ready to get back to work soon.”
Long Island’s Chris Algieri defeated Erick Bone via 10-round unanimous decision (95-94, 97-92 twice) in a fast-paced, all-action fight the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME.
The back-and-forth fight featured plenty of in-fighting in the center of the ring.  Algieri (21-2, 8 KOs), who landed 49 percent of his power shots, floored Bone (16-3, 8 KOs) with 20 seconds left in the eighth round.  However, upon replay, the knockdown looked more like Bone’s foot became tangled with Algieri.  The ninth-round featured non-stop action, with each fighter throwing over 100 punches, but it was clear that the Ecuadorian Bone was gassed and had little left in his punches as the fight neared the end.
“Erick said that he was going to have surprises, but I had a few of my own in there,” Algieri said.  “I boxed a little bit and slugged more than I should have, but I was just having fun.  He’s got a good punch, he’s an underestimated fighter and you could tell he was in great shape.
“This is big.  Bone is a real tough guy and I felt in control.  I thought the fight was mine the whole way.  I wanted to get the knockout, but he was in great shape.  I’m looking forward to big fights in 2016.”
In the opening bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME, Marcus Browne scored a fourth-round TKO over Francisco Sierra.
Browne (17-0, 13 KOs) thoroughly dominated the fight from the outset, landing an astronomical 64 percent of his power punches.  The bout was halted after the third round upon request of ringside physician Dr. Barry Jordan due to significant swelling around Sierra’s (27-10-1, 24 KOs) left eye.
“I saw I cut him early, but I had to stay persistent and consistent,” said Browne, of Staten Island.  “I had to work the jab and keep working it.  I felt like I seized this opportunity to put my name out there.
“It is an honor to fight at Barclays Center for the 10th time.  It was a nice stoppage – not necessarily the kind of stoppage that you want, but a stoppage is a stoppage.”
In non-televised undercard action, Long Island’s Joe Smith Jr. (20-1, 16 KOs) earned a hard fought unanimous decision over Brooklyn firefighter Will Rosinsky (19-3, 10 KOs) in their 10-round light heavyweight bout. Both men exchanged power punches throughout the fight, but it was Smith’s reach advantage that allowed him to control the action. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Smith by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94.
Popular Brooklyn fighter Heather Hardy (15-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated with an action-packed unanimous decision victory over Noemi Bosques (10-4-2, 2 KOs) in a rematch of their May fight won by Hardy. The judges’ totals for the eight-round super featherweight bout was 80-72 twice and 79-73.
Former super welterweight world champion Yuri Foreman (33-2, 9 KOs) had a successful return to the ring in his hometown as he defeated Lenwood Dozier (9-9-1, 4 KOs) 77-75 in the eyes of all three judges.
John Hernandez (6-1, 1 KO) shutout Jack Grady (0-2-1) over four rounds to win 40-36 on all three judges’ cards in their welterweight attraction. Cruiserweight Luis Garcia (13-0, 10 KOs) remained undefeated by knocking out Willie Williams (14-11-2, 4 KOs) 1:03 into the first round.
In a fight that saw both men hit the canvas in round one, Titus Williams (4-0, 2 KOs) recovered and cruised to a victory Emmanuel Castro (2-2, 2 KOs) by scores of 60-53, 60-54 and 59-54.
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on Monday, Dec. 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME while the SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME will re-air onWednesday, Dec. 9 at 11 p.m. ET/PT.  Both telecasts will be available On Demand beginning this Sunday.
 
Mauro Ranallo called the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action with Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. In Spanish, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow with former world champion Raul Marquez serving as color commentator. Barry Tompkins called the SHOWTIME EXTREME action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood serving as expert analyst.
The fight was promoted by DiBella Entertainment. The Algieri vs. Bone and Rosnisky vs. Smith Jr. fights were promoted in association with Star Boxing. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

DANIEL JACOBS VS. PETER QUILLIN BROOKLYN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“He’s going to have to hit me to test my chin.” – Jacobs
 
“My prediction for Saturday? A new champion of the world.” – Quillin
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
BROOKLYN (December 2, 2015) – Before they enter the ring at Barclays Center, fighters competing on Saturday’s card headlined by the middleweight title showdown live on SHOWTIME® between Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin held a media workout Wednesday at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.
In attendance at the workout were both main event fighters, co-main event participants Jesus Cuellar and Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo along with Chris Algieri, Erick Bone and “Sir” Marcus Browne, who will have their fights aired on SHO EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT).
Competing in separate undercard fights and also in attendance at Gleason’s Wednesday were Heather “The Heat” Hardy,Yuri Foreman, Will Rosinsky and Joe Smith Jr.
 
Tickets for the live event start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona. The Algieri vs. Bone and Rosinksy vs. Smith Jr. fights are promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
DANIEL JACOBS
“Not only are we fighting for the bragging rights in Brooklyn, but we both want to be at the top of the middleweight division. All the top middleweights are fighting each other and we’re right in that realm.
“I believe my speed is my greatest advantage. My skill, my ring generalship … I could go on and on. Ultimately it’s about going in there and proving it.
“I think taking a loss before benefits me. I know exactly how to prepare and how to prepare to make sure I never have that feeling again.
“He’s gonna have to hit me to test my chin. This sport is about hitting and not getting hit. Anybody can be knocked down, but you have to land shots. Every time I’ve gotten knocked down, I’ve gotten up.
“My prediction is that I’m going to have my hand raised in victory. Whether it’s by knockout or decision, we’ll have to see.
“This camp has been different because I’ve had a pre-camp. We had three weeks of just strength and conditioning. I got in shape to get ready for camp. When it’s all done, it’s going to be a 10-week camp.
“Mentally I feel like I’m strong and I like where I’m at physically. My weight is good and I feel healthy. We’re going to give the best of everything.
“A lot of people are excited about the fights. I’m just excited it is finally here and I’m hoping to come out with a victory in impressive fashion.
“This is a boxer vs. a boxer-puncher. If I get a guy hurt. I can get a guy out of there as well. My punching power is there. I have more knockouts than Quillin and I’m going to be at my best on Saturday.
“I’m thankful for all my fans. I want everyone to know that I’m coming to represent Brooklyn and this show will not disappointon Saturday night.”
PETER QUILLIN
“Distractions are in your head, but they can be a bit more here in New York. It’s nice to get away to Miami and be able to concentrate on training and have everything right there.

“The buzz around Brooklyn is I am the new champ. I came to New York with a small city mindset but big city dreams and now they are all coming true.

On chatting with Floyd Mayweather Tuesday night at Barclays Center:  “It’s funny because I was speaking to a school today, but when I first met Floyd Mayweather, it was at my school and I was like ‘man I could be like that too one day’ and I told him about it. He didn’t understand why I said that, ‘it all started because of you’ and he said ‘what do you mean’ and I told him what happened. We laughed about it and that’s all I needed right there. I didn’t need him to do anything for me just to know that it all started back with him coming to my school and speaking to kids like me and look where I am now. I was only 14-years-old.
“You can expect fireworks in the month of December. We’re going to be throwing everything we can possibly throw.
“Being in Miami with all the Cuban history there was great. Boxing was like a fighter lifestyle. I was around many people who were inspirational beyond words.
“When I went to the (Erislandy) Lara fight we were looking for parking and I went up to a guy and I asked if we could park there. He goes ‘tu eres chocolate?’ (you are chocolate) and I said yes, and he said ‘do you know how much Cuban people love you?’ I had never realized that before and it made me more inspired, to speak more Spanish, to understand my people. Cuban people are my people, I never would deny that and I am very blessed. I am also a black American as well so I want to set a good example, especially where the time in the world is in right now for black people. I want to be an inspiration for both.
“We’ve got a plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D, plan E, plan F. We are going to go to beyond, but most importantly I am very happy. I am spiritually happy and thankful. You fall out of fear and fall into faith and you can never deny yourself, so that’s where I am right now.
“By being Cuban automatically you fight from a different point of perspective of the globe when it comes to fighting. For me, I’m thankful and more inspired to work even harder because I do have fans that I would never expect would be my fans.
“I haven’t seen ‘Creed’ yet; I am only focused on this fight. I want to create my own ‘Creed’ moments in this fight.
“Altogether I think it’s probably about an equally matched fight. You have two determined guys fighting for their own personal reasons; he’s fighting with a cancer story, I’m also fighting with that. My uncle passed away of cancer so I fight with a piece of him as well.
“I’m just Peter Quillin. All I know is just go in that ring, train against whoever it is, no matter who it is and do my best.
“My mom always said, ‘sometimes it takes getting put on your ass to know where you’re at’ so it could be helpful to him that he’s tasted defeat. He’s been there before, you fight with the reason that you don’t ever want to be there again or he could’ve even gotten better after that sitting on his butt, now he wants to fight harder.
“My prediction for Saturday? A new champion of the world.
“I’ve never been in this kind of moment before where I had to fight one of my friends. You never want to hurt your friend, but in this fight, I want to hurt Danny so what does that tell you about our friendship right there? Sometimes you don’t want to be friends with the guy that beat you up.
 “It’s going to be sort of like July 4th but on Dec. 5th. You are going to expect fireworks, two determined guys throwing punches trying to win for two different reasons and you’re going to get an entertaining fight.
“I just have to let my hands go and not have a worry in the world because when you’re in there, you’re in there and there’s no way you can leave unless you leave in a stretcher, hand up or with a draw like we did in that fight.”
JESUS CUELLAR
“I’m coming here very prepared. I know Oquendo is a tough fighter and we are not taking him lightly. We’re ready for a 12-round championship fight.

“We know there will be a lot of Puerto Ricans supporting him, but they won’t change anything. They can’t get in the ring.

“You’re going to see a great fight on Saturday and you’re going to see Jesus Cuellar walk out of the ring a world champion.

“I want to fight the best in the division. There are many good fighters and I want all of them. I have no fear and I am extremely confident in my abilities.”
JONATHAN OQUENDO
“I come ready to fight. I didn’t want to take off a lot of time after I beat Jhonny Gonzalez. The opportunity for a world title shot came and I had to take it.

“I know he is a very strong fighter, but we are coming to win. I’m happy to be here in New York with the Puerto Rican fan base behind me. I never thought I’d be fighting for a world title here in New York on the biggest stage.

“It’s going to be a war. I like to stay there in the pocket. It’s going to be blood in the ring and you can expect that on Saturday.

“I had a great training camp up in Palm Beach, Florida for the first time leaving Puerto Rico, my hometown for training but on Saturday you’ll see a great Jonathan Oquendo and I’ll come out victorious.
“I have been training since after the fight with Jhonny Gonzalez. I went to Mexico to visit the virgin of Guadalupe and thatMonday I was training and for me it was excellent.
“My last victory gave me a lot more energy, a lot more hunger and I know on Saturday we’ll come through victorious.
“Cuellar is a very strong boxer who exerts lots of pressure and we’re ready for that. We know of his record and the great success that he’s had. He’s the current champion and will be until the 5th.
“I’ve always wanted to fight here in New York and I never thought that it would be for a world title.
“It doesn’t matter which way, whether it’s a KO or decision, on Saturday I’m going to win.”
CHRIS ALGIERI
“I feel a lot more comfortable now with (trainer) John David Jackson and having a second camp. We got more weeks with him and haven’t really stopped training. Now I think we can settle in a little more, make some adjustments that were not able to make prior but now I feel a lot more comfortable.
“Being a favorite or not doesn’t change how I prepare for a fight but absolutely, this is the fight of his life. I’ve been here before fighting bigger names than myself but that’s just kind of the life cycle of boxing.
“Barclays Center is my favorite place to fight. I’ve had my best performances here and the fan support has always been fantastic. So I am looking forward to putting on another great show.
 “Barclays Center is a premiere venue and it’s great and easy for my Long Island friends to come out and get right in there.
“I’ve learned and gotten more comfortable in the ring now but this is going to be a tough fight to fight. Everybody at this level is good so I’ve got to go out there and perform.
“I feel fantastic, I feel stronger, everybody says I look better. My power has definitely increased now that I am in a higher class and I am making weight very easy.”
ERICK BONE
“Camp has been strong, it’s been great, it has been one of the best camps that I’ve had so far.
“I feel good because Algieri has a big name. It’s going to be a challenge but in boxing once you get in the ring it doesn’t matter who comes in first or who comes in last in these fights. There’s no A and B, they’re so close.
“It has been very positive being here in Brooklyn to do my camp and training here. Being able to spar with the many great boxers who are here, it’s all a positive experience.
“For the fans that will see me on Saturday, I believe that I am a great boxer and they will see a great fight. They should keep an eye out for me because they will remember my name.
“We’re going to box and I trained to win and we are prepared for just that.”
MARCUS BROWNE
“You can expect fireworks, speed, good boxing ability, but, most importantly, a W. I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to put on a good show

“Staten Island will come out to support, but I’m a New York fighter through and through. The whole city will be there supporting me.

“He’s tall, throws a lot of punches. We’re going to be ready for whatever he brings. He can get right-hand happy and we’ll be ready to counter that.

“Everyone who fights me, they’re all coming for my 0.
“In boxing at the end of the day, when you’re a young undefeated fighter, everybody wants to take that ‘0’ so that’s what makes guys hungry but for me personally I’m not worried about that. I’m just worried about what I’m going to do and what we’ve been working on in the gym to apply that on fight night come Saturday.”
HEATHER HARDY
“I had no break during Thanksgiving, we went straight through; matter of fact my mom is having our whole family over on Sunday for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s going to be a celebration and I’m going to eat my mashed potatoes like a good Irish girl is supposed to.”
“One thing I can say about my opponent is that she fights like a champion fights. There’s a different caliber of fighter that you go in there with and she’s not a quitter, she doesn’t give up. I couldn’t intimidate her, I couldn’t push her around and that’s something I’ve prepared for. She knows what I have and she’s not afraid to stand toe to toe with me so it’s going to be a battle.
“Her talent does motivate me. It brings something out of me and it puts on a better show for the fans and it gives a better show for female boxing. Holly Holm did not prove that Ronda Rousey couldn’t fight, it proved that more than one woman could fight at the same time. So, when two women can go in there and really go at it and give the people a show, it’s not just one girl doing a great job, it’s two women.
“I’m looking to prove that I am the champion, that I am the “First Lady” of Barclays Center.
“I’ve kept on this winning streak and I think I’m ready for the more elite fighters. I consider myself to really be a contender at this point so I’m looking forward to this. I’d like to start matching up for the world titles and all the girls who’ve got them.
“My trainer always says that there are only four punches in boxing, you better learn how to do them perfect every time you throw them and they’re getting there. So, I feel good, experienced, just being around certain things, not being surprised by anything because I’ve seen it before. All of those things play in to it.
“It’s surreal to be in this position. I still can’t believe sometimes people say ‘hey champ’ and I say ‘what? yea that is me.’ Just to be associated with this and how people think of me, to see me, to be mentioned on this card is an honor.”
YURI FOREMAN
“I don’t do predictions but I can predict that I am going to win.
“I feel good, with this comeback I am feeling these little butterflies here and there. I am happy that it is right here. The training is all done.
“The preparation has been great, I love the routine, I like to challenge myself and push myself to the limit extra hard but it’s a new feeling. I’m also trying to maintain my cool and not get into my head.
“There is extra motivation because there are so many great fighters on this card and everyone wants to showcase their talent, including me.
“My goal is to go up the ladder, be successful and challenge the world champion, whoever it may be at the time.”
WILL ROSINSKY
“I know him because we sparred a lot. I know the adjustments I had to make we’re ready for because we were in front of each other but sometimes you just keep the same game plan.”
 “On a week to week basis, I train in the day and work night or work in the day and train at night, depends. On a night tour I train in the morning then work the night tour, get off and go back to training. So, I might not be home for about a day and half. My commitment is 100 percent, it’s no problems at all.
“My goal is to fight for a world title. It’s a common goal in boxing. I want to make money and enjoy the fruits of my labor.
“This is an easy week, my weight is good. Being at 174 is not too heavy for me so I’m not really sucking to make weight last minute. I weighed out in the gym at 173½ yesterday so I am rehydrating up to 175/176 pretty easily.
“There are actually some similarities between fighting and being a firefighter because it’s a controlled chaos as they say. Same idea with the fight, you’re going crazy in your head but you’ve got to stay controlled and stay on your game plan. If your corner tells you something you’ve got to take that in and use it for the next round.”
JOE SMITH JR.
“Training camp has been going real great, done a lot of sparring and a lot of running. I feel great going into the fight, I feel in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to put on a good show.
“I don’t think there’s problems really that my opponent is going to present me with but I’m in the best shape of my life, so as long as I let my hands go there’s nothing that he can do.
“I’m a big puncher and I’m looking to throw a lot of hard punches and put on a good show.
“It’s a great opportunity, it feels good to be a part of something like this.
“I predict that there’s going to be a lot of punches thrown and most likely at some point in the fight I’m probably going to hurt Will and get him out of there.”
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

MEDIA & TOP FIGHTERS GIVE THEIR PREDICTIONS ON DANIEL JACOBS VS. PETER QUILLIN WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT AT BARCLAYS CENTER

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HOW THEY PICK ‘EM: IT’S A SPLIT-DECISION
MEDIA FAVORS QUILLIN WHILE FIGHTERS CHOOSE JACOBS 

This Saturday, Dec. 5, Live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®; Middleweight World Title Championship Fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

NEW YORK (Dec. 2 2015) – In an excellent matchup between fighters in the prime of their careers, middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) will take on undefeated former 160-pound world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs) thisSaturday, Dec, 5 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
So who will win the can’t miss, sure to be intense 12-round argument no one expects to be a blowout?
The result of the 28 media who participated in a SHOWTIME Prediction Poll favored Quillin by a 3-to-1 margin. Quillin, a former WBO Middleweight World Champion, was the selection of 21 experts, Jacobs, a winner of 10 straight by knockout and the current WBA Middleweight World Champion, the pick on 7.
Nineteen boxers, five of whom are world champions, gave their predictions and came up with a different conclusion than the writers. While some saw it as too close to call, those that did make predictions saw it for Jacobs, 8-5-2.
How the media and fighters see “JACOBS VS. QUILLIN“:
Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press, (Jacobs): “I like Jacobs in a tough fight, winning by a close decision. With Quillin’s power he might go down at some point in the fight, but I like Jacobs’ boxing IQ and skills to pull him to a close win.”
 
Kevin Iole, Yahoo Sports, (Quillin): “Peter Quillin by decision: This is one of those fights I literally just flipped a coin to pick. I like Jacobs’ range and I think he has faced better competition from top to bottom, but Quillin is an accurate puncher with good power and I think he will win a dogfight.”
 
Bob Velin, USA Today, (Jacobs):”While Quillin is bigger and a bigger puncher, Jacobs will outbox him. I just feel with all that Jacobs has been through in his life, he wants this more than Quillin. That will be the difference. Jacobs wins unanimous decision.”
Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times, (Quillin) “Peter Quillin has been working toward a victory like this for years. It’s time to put up or shut up and this test against a cerebral Daniel Jacobs will let us know once and for all if Quillin is elite or is entitled. Quillin by unanimous decision.”
Mark Jacobsen, New York Magazine, (Quillin): “Quillin will win. Jacobs has good name (minus two letters) but he is light in the resume. Quillin beat Andy Lee (note: split draw) and is gritty.”
Robert Morales, Los Angeles News Group, (Quillin): “I’m taking Peter Quillin to take Daniel Jacobs’ title via decision. Simply, I think Quillin is a better fighter and that his superior skills will bring him his second world title in this division. My only concern is Quillin making weight. But if he hasn’t struggled so much to do so, he’ll win.”
Brian Campbell, ESPN, (Quillin): “What makes this middleweight title fight so intriguing is both fighters still have questions to answer regarding whether they are truly elite. Both are athletic and powerful, and each has shown a certain level of vulnerability. Ultimately, I think Quillin has the stronger chin and that will be the difference. Quillin by KO.”
Damian Calhoun, Orange County (Calif.) Register, (Jacobs): “They’ve been calling each other out for years and now they’re finally going to meet in the ring. I expect this fight to be close. I can see both fighters getting tested and touching the canvas in this fight. In the end, I think Jacobs, with his overall boxing skills, will be able to do enough to edge Quillin for a unanimous decision victory. Should be a great fight.”
Lyle Fitzsimmons, CBSSports.com, (Quillin): “A hard fight not to like, between two fighters whose styles are appealing. There’s admittedly little to separate between the two, so in a close one I’ll go with the guy who’s had more big-stage opportunities — Quillin. He can hold his own in a technical match, and he’s got enough dog in him to grind through a tough one, too. Quillin by close decision.”
Kelsey McCarson, BleacherReport.com, (Quillin): “Kid Chocolate proved his ability as a boxer in his draw with Andy Lee, and there’s never been any question about his power. The combination of those two things, alongside his experience, will lead him to victory in a close and entertaining bout. Quillin by decision.”
 
Ricardo Lopez, La Opinion, (Jacobs): “I think Jacobs wins this one to extend his impressive 10-fight KO streak. He’s proven to be really strong, but it will be a close one.”
 
Andreas Hale, Ring Magazine, (Jacobs): “Danny Jacobs has been primed for greatness the moment he started his pro career. Never mind his loss to Dmitry Pirog, he wasn’t mentally in the game. Aside from that hiccup, he’s showcased remarkable skill and a knack for the finish. Quillin has been sharp, but hasn’t quite passed the eye test for me. His fight with Andy Lee was perhaps indicative of what happens when Quillin steps up in competition. With Jacobs being the more skilled of the two and on a mission to keep the judges out of the decision, I see him taking over late in a competitive fight where Jacobs slowly wears down Quillin en route to a late stoppage.”
 
Jake Donovan, BoxingScene.com, (Quillin):”Quillin can crack, but his finishing skills leave a lot to be desired. That said, Jacobs has yet to prove he can overcome in-ring adversity. Conquering cancer is braver than any battle he’ll ever experience in the ring … but as far as this fight goes, depending on him to box that cleanly for 12 rounds without getting caught clean is asking a lot. The ultimate wild card is whether or not Quillin can effectively make weight. Providing that he doesn’t struggle in that regard, my hunch is that he ends the fight at some point with one big punch to become a two-time middleweight titlist. Quillin wins by KO.”
 
Doug Fischer, RingTV.com/The Ring magazine, (Quillin), “I think Daniel Jacobs, the more polished boxer of the two middleweights, will outclass Peter Quillin over the first half of an intense boxing match. I believe Jacobs will use his sharper technique to catch Quillin between wide power volleys. He might drop Kid Chocolate early. But I think Quillin will gradually impose his greater size and strength on Jacobs. I think Quillin will catch and overwhelm Jacobs late in the fight to win by TKO”.
 
Mike Sloan, Sherdog.com, (Quillin): “This is such a terrific fight, one that can go either way. With so many variables being taken into account, with both Quillin’s and Jacobs’ skill sets, it’s actually a toss-up. Both men have terrific power, they both have great hand speed and they have taken on quality opposition. My gut initially told me that Quillin would come out on top but I’ve been flip-flopping ever since this fight was announced. With that said, I have to stick with my gut and go with Kid Chocolate via majority decision.”
Anson Wainwright, RingTV.com/RING magazine, (Quillin):“An excellent matchup for the middleweight championship of Brooklyn. I see this as 50-50. Both guys have very good power and are capable of hurting the other. I can see both on the canvas with Quillin doing enough to win a very good fight on points, with talks of a rematch afterwards.”
 
Joe Santoliquito, RingTV.com/Sherdog, (Quillin): “I like Quillin’s hand speed and punching power. I also feel he’s recently been in with better opposition, preparing him for fights like this. Quillin wins a decision.”
Miguel Maravilla, FightNews.com, (Quillin): “It will be a close fight but I give the edge to Quillin to win a decision.”
Percy Crawford, FightHype.com, (Quillin): “Quillin showed a lot of growth suffering his first blemish (draw against Andy Lee). He also handled being floored for the first time very well against a very dangerous Lee during that fight. I just don’t see Daniel Jacobs being able to put him in situations he can’t handle. Quillin comes on in the mid rounds and stops Jacobs by eighth-round TKO!”
Diego M. Morilla (XN Sports, RingTV.com), (Quillin): “It is a very close fight on paper, and it will live up to the expectations. Both fighters are equally skilled and both are proven at this weight, but in terms of resilience and power, the advantage goes to Quillin by a small but meaningful margin. Kid Chocolate is the one who has faced the strongest, most powerful opponents so far, and his results have been impressive for the most part. If Jacobs can establish his distance and his speed, he has a chance. But if Quillin is able to turn this into a fight he’ll score a decisive win by decision or late stoppage.”
Steve Lillis, Box Nation, (Quillin): “Great match and local bragging rights make it even sexier. I am edging towards Quillin who is more battle-hardened. Quillin by TKO 8.”
Eric Raskin, Boxing Writer/PBC Ringside Scorer (Quillin): “Jacobs has been one of the best feel-good stories in boxing over the last few years, but feel-good stories don’t win you tough fights. Quillin is the highest caliber opponent he’s faced since his upset loss to Dmitry Pirog, and I expect Kid Chocolate’s length and strength to separate him from Jacobs. Look for a fan-friendly, competitive fight, with Quillin winning by decision, roughly eight rounds to four.”
Brad Berkwitt, RingsiderReport.com, (Jacobs): “On paper, this is a great matchup and New York City, which has some of the greatest boxing fans in the world will love it! It’s really a tough fight in my book to call, but I’m going with Danny Jacobs by a tough close decision in the 115-113 range.”
John J. Raspanti, MaxBoxing.com, (Quillin); “I’m going with Quillin for two reasons: Talent and whiskers. Quillin has also been in with the better fighters during his time in the ring. He showed a strong chin against Andy Lee seven months ago. Cancer survivor Jacobs is a great guy, but looked vulnerable against Sergio Mora in his last fight. If the feather-fisted ‘Latin Snake’ can knock him down, Quillin, with 23 career KOs, can stop him. Quillin by TKO 9.”
James Slater, FightNews.com, (Quillin): “I like Quillin in a great fight. Jacobs is a class act, as is Quillin; I just think Quillin wants it more. Both can be hit, hurt and knocked down, and we will very possibly see a couple of knockdowns. I take Quillin to either get a points or a late stoppage win.”
Jason Gonzalez, Examiner.com, (Quillin): “I think Jacobs will eventually succumb to the pressure that Quillin will apply. Jacobs was knocked down early by and very light-hitting Sergio Mora. You would be remiss to not question the sturdiness of Jacob’s chin. Expect Quillin to test the chin of Jacobs early and win by TKO 7.”
Erika Fernandez, BlackSportsOnline.com, (Jacobs): “I think this will be a very close fight, but I feel that Jacobs has the better skill set and is hungrier for the victory. When you combine skill with hunger that is a deadly combination. I think it could go either way, but I am predicting Jacobs by eighth-round KO.”
Phil D. Jay, WorldBoxingNews.com, (Quillin): “I believe Jacobs v Quillin is a well-matched fight. Both can punch or box as and when needed so I see the fight being a close run thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a split decision, but saying that, either fighter could also end the contest at a moment’s notice. Pushed on it, I’d have to give a slight edge to Quillin – but not without a scare or two. Quillin wins by split decision.”
 
(Boxers)
 
Chris Algieri, Former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, (Quillin): “Tough fight to call. I believe whoever can assert their fight will ultimately take the victory. Danny needs to set a fast pace and box smart. Quillin will look to be explosive and bring the pressure. Too close to predict for me but will go with the more experienced man in Quillin to take it.”
 
Chris Arreola, Former Heavyweight Title Challenger, (Jacobs): “I think it’s a very good fight. I’m taking Jacobs in a very close fight. I just think Jacobs has more to prove and has had to overcome so much. I can’t wait to watch this fight!”
 
Andre Berto, Former WBC Welterweight World Champion, (No Pick): “Tough fight, it’s really a toss up. If it goes the distance I have Jacobs winning. If it doesn’t I have Quillin by knockout.”
 
Gabriel Bracero, Welterweight Contender from Brooklyn (Jacobs) – “I think they’re both good fighters and both strong. I think it’s going to come down to who’s smarter and whose sharper the night of the fight almost like an aggressive chess match the first person to make a mistake is going to pay.. I doubt that the fight goes the distance and they’re both going in there like they both have something to prove. I think Jacobs has more of an arsenal and will pull it off.”
 
Dominic Breazeale, 2012 U.S. Olympian & Undefeated Heavyweight, (Jacobs) – “My prediction is Danny Jacobs wins by way of KO in the 6 round. He’s a very humble, hard working man that deserves a great victory.”
 
Jermall Charlo, IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion, (Draw): “I hope the fight ends in a draw. I think it’s going to be a draw. Both guys are real strong and they both have good days and they both have bad days. But if someone wins, it will be whoever is in better shape.”
Anthony Dirrell, Former WBC Super Middleweight World Champion (Draw): “I hope it’s a draw, and I think it may be. Both fighters are my guys. Daniel and I went through similar health concerns that brought us closer, but Peter grew up in Grand Rapids. So I really just want to see a great fight and may the best man win. I know both guys respect each other and I hope that’ll always be the case.”
 
B.J. Flores, Cruiserweight Contender & NBC Boxing Analyst (No Pick): “This is a rough one. I really like Danny Jacobs’ boxing ability and his offensive tools and weapons. He has speed and power. The question is, if Danny is going to be able to stand there and take the hits from Pete when he lands. Whenever he does land, it will be interesting to see if Danny will come in with a game plan to neutralize Peter or if there is really going to be a battle of brooklyn head to head and fight   thats the right fight for peter quillin not for danny jacobs. danny needs to take his opponent’s attributes and pete’s main thing he can do is punch, so the question is will Danny be able to take that away from Pete. It is a great opportunity for both and there can only be one king of the city.”
 
Tony Harrison, Super Welterweight Contender, (Jacobs): “I’m up in the air on this one, but I’m leaning towards Jacobs because he knows what adversity is and how to overcome it. He’s got nothing to los and he’s fighting in his hometown. He should have a chip on his shoulder.”
Amir Khan, Former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion, (Quillin): “I think Peter Quillin wins the fight. It’s a really exciting matchup between two guys fighting in their own backyard in Brooklyn. There is very little to choose between both fighters but if I had to opt for one guy it would be Quillin. I really respect Danny Jacob’s background and the way he has fought to become champion. He’s shown that he has the resilience, skill and punching power to go in and beat the best middleweights around but I think that Quillin is going to look to outwork him and use his movement to win a close points decision. Jacobs has the advantage in reach and height so that could cause Quillin problems especially if he gets his jab going and boxes from the outside. Nevertheless, it’s a really hard fight to call and there are arguments either way but there’s no doubt it’s going to be a great fight because neither guy will want to take a back step in their hometown.”
Erislandy Lara, WBA 154-Pound World Champion, (Quillin): “This is a great matchup between two young hungry fighters and I think it’s going to be a very close fight. With that being said, I’m picking ‘Kid Chocolate’ to win. He’s got Cuban blood running through his veins and has fought better competition. I’ll also be watching very closely because the winner could be one of my future opponents.”
Andy Lee, WBO Middleweight World Champion (No Pick): “I think it’s a close fight. Danny probably has the better boxing fundamentals and will look to outbox Peter. But Peter is certainly the bigger puncher and will look to land heavy punches while boxing with Danny. It’s an exciting fight hard and a hard one to call.”
Aron Martinez, Welterweight Contender, (Jacobs) – “I’ll go with Jacobs by decision. It will be a great fight though I could really see it going either way.”
 
Sergio Mora, Former WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, (Quillin) – “Both Jacobs & Quillin are big punchers with flawed technique.  In the battle of power punching, Quillin’s size & better chin will hold up better, but If Jacobs decides to box & move I can see him outpointing Quillin. It’ll be a close fight either way. I’m picking Quillin by late stoppage.”
Victor Ortiz, Former WBC Welterweight World Champion, (No Pick): “May the best man win. It’s a great fight. Blue corner and red corner. My prediction is that one of those corners is going to win.”
Edwin Rodriguez, IBF No. 10 Light Heavyweight Contender, (Jacobs): “”Jacobs is a better boxer and just as good of a puncher as Quillin with sharper technical skills. It should be an entertaining fight but Jacobs will win by unanimous decision.”
Leo Santa Cruz, WBA Super World Featherweight Champion, (Quillin): “It’s going to be a hard fight for both of them, but Peter Quillin is stronger and he’s never been hurt, so I think he might take it. Quillin by seventh-round KO.”
 
Keith Thurman, WBA Welterweight World Champion, (Jacobs): “Knowing Jacobs and his amateur background I believe that he has the skills and the knowledge to pull away the victory, but Quillin is no slouch. He has tremendous strength and the ability to stop or hurt Danny at any moment. I’m truly looking forward to this fight. This is another great matchup for the fight fans this year.”
Sammy Vasquez, Undefeated Welterweight Contender, (Jacobs) – “This can go either way. Both have power and are good fighters with two different styles as Peter just comes forward but yet stays mid range and is good at it, Danny moves a lot and has good angles, I would give Danny the edge for his movement but he needs to stay busy and hopefully he doesn’t run into any punches but it’s a toss up to me.”
# # #
The first live fight is at 4:30 p.m. ET. Tickets start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
In a top undercard, non-televised match, undefeated Brooklyn female star and boxing sensation,Heather “The First Lady” Hardy (14-0) meets Noemi Bosques (10-3-2, 2 KO’s) in an eight-round super bantamweight rematch.
Preceding the Jacobs-Quillin all-Brooklyn battle on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, exciting, hard-hitting WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, will defend against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs) in the 12-round semi-main.
On SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT), popular former world champion and Long Island-nativeChris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) will be opposed by Ecuador’s Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout, and promising undefeated Staten Island light heavyweight Marcus Browne faces Francisco Sierra (27-9-1, 24 KOs) of Tepic, Mexico, in an eight-rounder.
Daniel Jacobs vs. Peter Quillin is a 12-round middleweight championship fight taking place Saturday, December 5 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® co-feature, WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar will face exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan Oquendo. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona. The Algieri vs. Bone and Rosinksy vs. Smith Jr. fights are promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

DANIEL JACOBS & PETER QUILLIN CONDUCT PREGAME PLAYER INTRODUCTIONS AT TUESDAY’S BROOKLYN NETS GAME AT BARCLAYS CENTER

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Quillin & Floyd Mayweather Pose Court Side
 

 

 
Click HERE To Watch Video Of Player Intros
 
Click HERE To Download Photos of Jacobs & Quillin
Photo Credit: Barclays Center
 
Click HERE To Download Photos of Mayweather & Quillin
Photo Credit: Anthony Causi
 
BROOKLYN (December 2, 2015) – Before they enter the ring at Barclays Center, Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin took center stage at the arena in Brooklyn as they conducted the pregame player introductions of the Brooklyn Nets before their win Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns.
In addition, recently retired pound-for-pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather was in attendance and posed with his fellow Grand Rapids born fighter in Quillin.
The two charismatic young fighters will square off for Jacobs’ WBA Middleweight World Title this Saturday, December 5 as the headlining attraction live on SHOWTIME. Preceding the Jacobs-Quillin all-Brooklyn battle is exciting, hard-hitting WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) as he defends against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs) in the 12-round semi-main.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

PETER QUILLIN, JESUS CUELLAR, JONATHAN OQUENDO  & CHRIS ALGIERI MEDIA WORKOUTS QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Quillin, Oquendo & Algieri Host Media In Miami While Cuellar Talks To Media

At Gym In Marina del Rey, Calif., Leading Up To Saturday, December 5 Showdowns From Barclays Center, Live On SHOWTIME®
 
Click HERE For Quillin, Oquendo & Algieri Photos From
Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Cuellar Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
BROOKLYN (Nov. 25, 2015) – After hosting separate Coast-to-Coast media workouts in Miami and Marina del Rey, Calif., Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Jesus Cuellar, Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo and Chris Algierispoke to the media about their respective showdowns next Saturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, live on SHOWTIME.
Quillin, Oquendo and Algieri held their media workout at the 5th Street Gym in Miami while Cuellar hosted media at CMC Pro Boxing Gym in Marina del Rey.
Quillin headlines the Dec. 5 show when he takes on WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs.  Cuellar and Oquendo square-off in a battle for Cuellar’s WBA Featherweight World Title while Algieri anchors SHOWTIME EXTREME coverage when he takes on Erick Bone. Coverage on SHOWTIME starts at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT while SHOWTIME EXTREME begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50, not
including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
The Algieri fight is promoted in association with Star Boxing.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
PETER QUILLIN, Undefeated Former Middleweight World Champion
“This has been one of the most inspirational camps that I’ve had in my career. I’m around great people. I’m in the best shape of my life and as humble as possible. We’re going into this fight with nothing but confidence.
“I’m mentally and spiritually strong. I’ve been in 33 of these fights in my career. Every one of those guys has said they’re going to beat ‘Kid Chocolate’ but no one has beaten me. I’ve been in with a lot of different guys and I’m yet to be beat.
“I’m humble and blessed to be on this platform. I hope that I can inspire those who want to get to where I’m at. I’ve been in this place before. I’ve been at the top for a while and I’m going to stay here. My view of myself has never changed and that’s why I continue to win.
“It’s important for my journey and my team to get this win. We’ve put a lot of blood and sweat into this and it would mean everything for it to pay off with a victory. All this hard work has to go towards something.
“I don’t have a prediction for fight night. It’s up to Daniel Jacobs to determine that —  because I’m here to win.”
JESUS CUELLAR, WBA Featherweight World Champion
 
“Training camp has been going great. I spent my first four weeks of camp in Argentina and then the past seven weeks I have been training in Los Angeles. My mindset in this camp hasn’t changed at all now that I am defending my title for the first time.
“Jonathan Oquendo comes from a lower division and has fought great competition. As long as I come in prepared for this fight, Oquendo is just another opponent and doesn’t bother me. I know what I am capable of accomplishing in this fight.
“I am blessed to be on such a prestigious card and I am honored to be a part of it. That’s why training camp has been so long, I must be completely prepared.
“There is no difference to me in winning the interim belt versus the title. When I first won the interim belt I considered myself a champion. To me, I’ve always been a champion.
“I didn’t expect to be fighting Jonathan Oquendo, but they mentioned my name and I want to fight the best fighters out there. I will fight any of the best fighters in the division.
“I know that there are five great champions in this division, and I will fight any of them.
“After the Oquendo fight I hope to fight one more time at 126 against a big-name fighter and then I will move up to 130 pounds. I will fight anyone in the featherweight division.
“The fact that I am the only current champion from Argentina doesn’t affect me. I knew that I would be a world champion since a young age and that’s why I train so hard.
“Growing up in Argentina was very difficult. I am one of eight siblings and the only one who is a boxer. My dad first introduced me to boxing because he was a professional fighter in Argentina. I have been in the gym since I was six years old.
“Since I won the title people have definitely begun to recognize me more in Argentina. I have been known since I was on the Argentinean National Team, but winning the title helped my recognition in the country.
“My nickname is ‘El Forastero’ because that is the name of my horse in Argentina. Besides boxing, I have always been interested in riding horses.”
JONATHAN OQUENDO, Featherweight Contender
“Cuellar is a very strong fighter. He’s a warrior in the ring, so I’m preparing myself for a very tough fight.  I’m getting ready for his aggressive style.
“This is a great opportunity for me. Fighting in New York, with the great Puerto Rican fan base is wonderful and I am not going to disappoint them.
“I’ve been here in Florida for a month training and I’ll be heading up to New York on December 1. My plan is to go back to Puerto Rico after I win this fight and become a world champion.
“I’m very relaxed. I believe I am going to win this fight. I want to follow in the footsteps of the other great world champions from Puerto Rico.”
CHRIS ALGIERI, Former Super Lightweight World Champion
 
“Training camp has been fantastic. It’s been a productive five weeks with John David Jackson and we’re ready to roll into this fight. We’ve been working non-stop since the Amir Khan fight and I’m in great shape.
“Bone is a scrappy guy who will come in shape. This is his world title fight. He’s going to come as prepared as possible. I have to go out there and control the fight with my skill level and intelligence.
“I love fighting at Barclays Center. I’ve had some of my best performances there and I plan to do it again and keep it rolling into 2016.
“I’m going to go out there and show winning form. I’m going to use my experience to dominate the fight.”
# # #
 Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

DEC. 5 SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME® TO FEATURE CHRIS ALGIERI vs. ERICK BONE & UNDEFEATED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MARCUS BROWNE

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SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT)

Chris Algieri vs. Erick Bone – 10 Round Welterweight Bout

Marcus Browne vs. Francisco Sierra – Eight Round Light Heavyweight Bout

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® LIVE ON SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)

Daniel Jacobs vs. Peter Quillin – WBA Middleweight World Championship

Jesus Cuellar vs. Jonathan Oquendo – WBA Featherweight World Championship

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 23, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® will televise the 10-round welterweight matchup between former world champion and Long Island-native Chris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) and Ecuador’s Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs) on SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME, Saturday, Dec. 5, live at 7 p.m. ET/PT from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

In the opening bout on SHO EXTREME, undefeated rising star and 2012 U.S. OlympianMarcus Browne (16-0, 12 KOs), of Staten Island, will take on experienced veteranFrancisco Sierra (27-9-1, 24 KOs).

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME with WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) defending his belt against exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan Oquendo(26-4, 16 KOs).

 

It all leads to the #BattleForBrooklyn when WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) defends his belt against undefeated former champion Peter Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs).  Winner takes the belt and Brooklyn.

 

Tickets for the live event start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona. The Algieri vs. Bone and Rosinksy vs. Smith Jr. fights are promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @JesusCuellarBOX , @jonathanoquen; @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

boxing, Showtime Boxing

FIREFIGHTER WILL ROSINSKY SET TO REPRESENT FDNY  IN SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 SHOWDOWN AGAINST JOE SMITH JR. AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (November 18, 2015) – New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Engine Company 234 in Brooklyn firefighter Will Rosinsky (19-2, 10 KOs) is ready to represent the FDNY when he takes on Joe Smith Jr. (19-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight clash on Saturday, December 5 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Rosinsky will face one of the toughest challenges of his career in the undefeated Smith Jr., but he will be spurred on by the brave men he works with outside the ring on a daily basis, “I feel like I have the whole fire department to represent and that’s what is going to drive me in the fight,” said Rosinsky.
“Fighting in New York, especially Brooklyn, where my training first started, gives me a sense of comfort as well as motivation. Being a local kid and working in that borough, I feel like the FDNY will be at Barclays in full force to support me alongside my day-one fans.”
A 2005 U.S. amateur champion, Rosinsky won the New York Golden Gloves tournament an astonishing four times before turning pro in 2008. Throughout his pro career, he was also working fulltime as an EMT specialist.
However, after a victory in December 2012, Rosinsky was forced to step away from the sport while transitioning to become a fulltime member of the FDNY. At the conclusion of his probationary period from the FDNY, Rosinsky was finally able to resume his boxing career in the spring of this year. Now, he spends time on both of his professional passions.
“I have to have equal dedication to both crafts and the preparation can be very similar,” said Rosinsky, who began his career 14-0. “You have to prepare for the worst case scenario in a fight and worst case scenario with a fire. Those fires are much more dangerous though.”
Tickets for the Rosinsky-Smith bout, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,  www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
The December 5 event is headlined by the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event that pits middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) against former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs) with televised coverage beginning live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

DANIEL JACOBS, YURI FOREMAN & HEATHER HARDY BROOKLYN MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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(Photo Credit Rosie Cohe/SHO)
 
“ALL ACCESS: Jacobs vs. Quillin” Premieres Tonight On SHOWTIME®
Click HERE To Watch Jacobs Rehearse His Ring Walk With Marching Band
At Brownsville Recreational Center: http://s.sho.com/1H7jcVC
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
Click HERE For Photos From Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME
BROOKLYN (Nov. 17, 2015) – WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs, former world champion Yuri Foreman and undefeated super bantamweight contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy hosted a media workout Tuesday at Gleason’s Gym in their hometown of Brooklyn as they prepare for their respective battles on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Barclays Center.  
Jacobs will defend his title against undefeated former champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT. In the co-feature, WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) will face exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs).
“ALL ACCESS: Jacobs vs. Quillin,” which chronicles the buildup to the all-Brooklyn showdown, premieres TONIGHT at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.  This clip features Jacobs as he watches The Approaching Storm marching band rehearse his ring walk music at the Brownsville Recreational Center:  http://s.sho.com/1H7jcVC
As part of an undercard stacked with top NYC talent, Hardy will take on Noemi Bosques in an eight-round super bantamweight rematch of Hardy’s split decision victory over Bosques in May. Foreman returns to the ring after taking time off from boxing to become an ordained rabbi and will compete in an eight-round super welterweight contest.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
DANIEL JACOBS
“I think my skills are an advantage. Skills pay the bills. At the end of the day I have a lot of skills over ‘Kid Chocolate.’ Speed is one. He’s probably a bigger puncher and naturally heavier. With all that power, he has to get to me. He has to be able to land those shots.
“I’m going to adjust. I love knockouts. If I can end it with a knockout that’s what I’ll do. But I have to use my skills and my advantages.
“Quillin made weight in his last fight and he has a new strength coach so hopefully he makes weight for this one. I want him to be 110 percent so there are no excuses and we can give the fans a great fight.
“I’m at about 170 pounds right now, so I have 10 pounds to go. It’s mostly water so it’ll go quickly and we’ll be good by fight night.
“Time is the biggest experience you can have. It was almost all taken away from me. Mentally, I’m there. Physically, I’m there. It’s my time and I just have to be ready Dec. 5.
“I’ve been based out in Long Island and Brooklyn for training camp. I get to see Brooklyn every day. I’m in the streets and in-tuned with the people. Being from here means even more to me.
“It’s going to be an excellent, fan-friendly fight. I’ve heard lots of different opinions about who is going to win, and I like that. At the end of the day, it’s about us proving who will be the victor.
“I’ve been campaigning for this fight for a long time. I haven’t thought about who I want to go after if I win but I’m going to fight the best and work my way to being the best in the division.”
YURI FOREMAN
“Boxing is a very spiritual sport. We all have different paths. My faith keeps me centered and focused. You can be anyone. You can be a rabbi and still be fighting on the big stage at Barclays Center.
“It’s the same routine, (I’ve been) working hard since June and putting in a lot of hours in the gym. In terms of preparation, I’m always trying to push myself. When I get tired, I want to push myself even harder.
“As soon as you take it easy on yourself, that’s when you have a problem. Especially in boxing. I’ve never taken any shortcuts. If you take shortcuts in this sport you’re going to get hurt.
“Every single boxer is different as they progress, so I don’t focus on one look that a guy could give me. I focus on myself and work to be the best Yuri Foreman I can be.
“It’s very special to be fighting at Barclays Center because this is my home and I actually live just blocks away from the arena. I’m honored to be around so many great fighters who are on this card. Everyone can come together under one roof to watch a great sport.
“I’m staying positive about Dec. 5. I can’t predict because it’s boxing and anything can happen. It only takes one shot. I’m envisioning a successful night and an impressive victory for myself.”
HEATHER HARDY
“Holly Holm didn’t prove that Ronda Rousey couldn’t fight, because Ronda is a good fighter. She just proved that there are lots of good female fighters. There are good female fighters everywhere and hopefully we’ll get the recognition that there is a large pool of female athletes that are not recognized.
“It was a great fight last time. We have fan friendly styles and we gave them a show. She has a great presence in the ring so I’m happy to give her a rematch.
“I feel like I have to make a statement every time I go out there just to prove that women belong in the ring. It’s always a fight to prove that we belong. There are so many good female fighters out there.
“Brooklyn boxing has been so good to me and I’m so honored to be able to fight at Barclays Center. As soon as Quillin won that fight in December I started asking Lou DiBella to put me on the card and now we’re here.
“I think the main event is going to be a great fight. I can’t pick a winner. You can never count out a champion. A champion has a great heart and the fight can turn at any moment.”
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, women's boxing

HEATHER HARDY FEATURED IN VISA/UNDER ARMOUR COMMERCIAL & “BREAK IT” CAMPAIGN

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“THE HEAT” RETURNS TO BARCLAYS CENTER
ON JACOBS-QUILLIN UNDERCARD SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
 
NEW YORK (November 10, 2015) – Earlier this summer, Visa announced its partnership with sports apparel company Under Armour for its online payment program and a new ad campaign, “Break It.” Commercials for the partnership have now started to roll out and none other than DiBella Entertainment’s “First Lady,” undefeated Brooklyn female super bantamweight Heather “The Heat” Hardy (14-0, 3KO’s) is being featured in the campaign ads.
Hardy, who returns to the ring on Saturday, December 5th, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on the undercard of the eagerly anticipated world middleweight championship showdown between Daniel Jacobs and Peter Quillin, is in talks with the sportswear company to officially become part of the Under Armour Women’s team that includes such superstar athletes and female figures as Gisele Bundchen, Lindsey Vonn, Misty Copeland, Brianna Cope and Kelley O’Hara.
“It is an honor to be included in the “Break It” campaign alongside the likes of Billie Jean King and so many other great and inspirational female athletes,” said Hardy. “Like her, I am still a part of this fight, working to break the barrier that women in my sport fight both inside and outside of the ring, day after day. Even today, as an undefeated 14-0 champion, ranked #1 in the world, I am still fighting to get the recognition that I so long for and deserve. I will continue to fight this fight until I see my dreams come true and challenge for a world title in a nationally televised appearance on a major TV network.”
Hardy is quickly closing in on her first world title opportunity, but first she must take care of business against a familiar foe, Noemi Bosques (10-3-2, 2KO’s) when the undefeated female star steps into the ring on December 5, in what will be her fourth consecutive performance at Barclays Center. Hardy and Bosques fought at the Brooklyn arena in May, with Hardy winning an entertaining eight-round split decision. Hardy felt there was no question that she won the fight, and is out to prove there is no doubt who is the better fighter when the two meet again on the 5th.
“I hate doing rematches because it’s so redundant and I already beat you. It was a split decision though, so in her mind she feels like she can come back and beat me. I didn’t want to deny her that, because we put on a great show for the fans. People at the fight knew I won the fight and that it was a clear decisive win, but when people see ‘split decision’ there are always questions that arise because she is such a good legitimate fighter. I’m giving her another chance.”
Below are the mission statements for both Under Armour Women and the “Break It” campaign. A link to the “Break It” commercial is below.
Under Armour Women
IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT OTHERS THINK.
IT’S WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
We’re not a campaign; not a season or snapshot.
Our story isn’t told through a press release or social post.
It’s dripping down our backs-each drop a declaration to prove
that the space between woman and athlete is no space at all.
We’re UA Women. And we WILL what we want.
Break It
“Break It” is no ordinary campaign. It will be an epic, high-octane tribute to female athletes over the past 80 years who broke expectations to achieve excellence. Created in partnership with Visa and Under Armour, our message aims to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Commercial Link
Tickets for the live event on December 5th, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.