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boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DANNY O’CONNOR VS. GABRIEL BRACERO II, RYAN KIELCZWESKI VS. RAFAEL VAZQUEZ CONTINUES BOSTON VS. NYC RING RIVALRY

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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 FROM THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS
8 P.M. ET/5 P.M. PT
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
 
LOWELL, Mass. (October 6, 2015) – The great Boston vs. New York City sports rivalry continues Saturday, October 10 in the ring on national television with northeast bragging rights on the line as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN comes to historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The Boston home team sends out welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs) and featherweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs), respectively, against Brooklyn invaders Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs) and Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are on sale and priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes.  Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets, visit www.lowellauditorium.com.
O’Connorwill be seeking revenge for 2011 loss to Braceroin the 10-round main event, while Kielczweski faces the toughest test of his career versus Vasquez in their 10-round bout to open the NBCSN broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
In the other scheduled televised fight, undefeated Dominican super bantamweight KO artistJonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs), fighting out of nearby Lawrence (MA), takes on Connecticut’s upset-minded Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.
Boston vs. New York is a classic matchup that has dominated sports headlines in the northeast for years as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox waged countless wars while the New England Patriots faced the New York Giants in two Super Bowls and continued their longtime rivalry with the New York Jets. The rich tradition of this rivalry has also spilled into the ring as many top fighters from each region have faced-off over the years.
The first significant Boston vs. NYC fight goes back to 1927 at Yankee Stadium, when Jack Dempsey stopped Jack “The Boston Gob” Sharkey in the seventh round of their heavyweight title eliminator to challenge world champion Gene Tunney.  Controversy surrounded this fight as Sharkey, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, fought his boxing idol, Dempsey, who along with Babe Ruth ruled Manhattan during America’s Golden Age of Sports in the 1920s.  Sharkey out-boxed Dempsey for six rounds until, complaining to the referee about Dempsey’s low punches, he was knocked out cold with a picture-perfect left hook.
Another legendary heavyweight champion from the Boston area, Rocky Marciano, wouldn’t have retired with his famous 49-0 record if one round or another were scored differently against Bronx favorite Roland LaStarza in 1950.  Marciano took a questionable 10-round decision from LaStarza at Madison Square Garden. Three years later at the Polo Grounds, Marciano successfully defended his world title, knocking out LaStarza in the 11thround of their 1953 Fight of the Year.
A pair of Hall of Fame heavyweights from Brooklyn, Floyd Patterson and “Iron” Mike Tyson, respectively, knocked out Boston’s Tom McNeeley and his son, Peter McNeeley.  McNeeley dropped Patterson once but he hit the deck 11 times before finally succumbing in the fourth round of their 1961 title fight in Toronto.  His son, Peter, lost by first-round disqualification to Tyson who was fighting for the first since being released from prison.
A fireman from Boston with brittle hands, Paul Pender, twice defeated arguably the consensus Greatest of All-time, Harlem’s “Sugar” Ray Robinson, not once but twice by 15-round split decisions in 1960 world middleweight title fights at the Boston Garden.
“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, a transplanted New Jersey fighter who lived in Marciano’s hometown of Brockton, Mass., felt ripped off when he was given a draw in his first world title fight against Brooklyn’s defending champion Vito Antuofermo in Las Vegas. Two years later in 1981, Hagler captured the coveted crown at the Boston Garden as Antuofermo retired after four rounds.
Even Lowell’s “Irish” Micky Ward had a New York City rival in Brooklyn’s Zab Judah, who he dropped a hard-fought 12-round decision to in 1998.  For many years Judah said Ward was the toughest opponent he ever fought.
More recently, Irish Olympian Kevin McBride, fighting out of the Dorchester section of Boston, ended Tyson’s career in 2005 with a sixth-round TKO victory that left the boxing world in shock, and Boston heavyweight John Ruiz – the only Latino heavyweight champion of the world – won a 2008 fight in Mexico against Harlem’s Jameel McCline by 12-round decision in a world title eliminator.
On October 10, O’Connor, Bracero, Kielczweski and Vazquez will have their opportunity to not only represent their hometowns, but to etch themselves into the annals of the rivalry.
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

SUGAR RAY LEONARD RETURNS TO LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM 42 YEARS AFTER WINNING NATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES TITLE THERE

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DANNY O’CONNOR VS. GABRIEL BRACERO REMATCH HEADLINES
PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN
SATURDAY, OCT. 10 FROM IN LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
(Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions)
 
LOWELL, Mass. (October 1, 2015) – Forty-two years after he captured his first National Golden Gloves Tournament title at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Hall-of-Famer Sugar Ray Leonard returns Saturday, October 10 to the same historic building as a television analyst for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, airing live from Lowell, Massachusetts.
PBC on NBCSN is headlined by a 10-round rematch between Framingham (MA) welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs), who is fighting to avenge his 2011 loss to Brooklyn welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs). O’Connor and Leonard are two of only four people to ever win the National Golden Gloves and National Amateur Championship in the same year. O’Connor collected both accolades in 2008.
Leonard captured top honors in the lightweight division (132 pounds) of the 1973 National Golden Gloves Tournament, outpointing Hilmer Kenty in the championship final at Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Leonard won the National Golden Gloves Tournament at light welterweight title the following year, while seven years later Kenty became the first professional world champion from Emanuel Steward‘s soon-to-become legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit.
“One of the most precious moments of my career happened in Lowell, Massachusetts,” Leonard recently said about his aforementioned experience.  “It was priceless.”
In addition to Leonard and Kenty, five other future world champions – Marvin Hagler,Aaron Pryor, Art Frias, Leon and Michael Spinks – competed in the 1973 National Golden Gloves Tournament.  Leonard, Hagler, Pryor and Michael Spinks are International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees.
Leonard has another tie to Lowell, the fourth-largest city in Massachusetts.  In 1978, he won a 10-round decision over Dicky Eklund at Hynes Auditorium in Boston. Eklund was the head trainer of his half-brother, “The Pride of Lowell” and three-time “Fight of the Year” participant “Irish” Micky Ward, who celebrates his 50th birthday this coming October 4.
Also featured on the PBC on NBCSN telecast is undefeated super bantamweight rising star Jonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs), a Dominican Republic native who now lives in nearby Lawrence (MA), takes on upset specialist Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs), of Meriden (CT), in the 10-round co-feature.
The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will showcase Quincy, Mass. featherweight prospect Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs) against Brooklyn’s Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
Lowell Memorial Auditorium, which also hosted the 1995 National Golden Gloves Tournament, represents a homecoming for O’Connor and Kielczweski, who both won New England Golden Gloves Tournament titles there.
Tickets are on sale and priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes.  Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets visit www.lowellauditorium.com.
# # #
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

IRISH INVASION COMING TO LOWELL! GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN, STEPHEN ORMOND & PATRICK HYLAND FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION, SATURDAY OCTOBER 10 FROM THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

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DANNY O’CONNOR FACES GABRIEL BRACERO IN REMATCH
HEADLINING PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN
8 P.M. ET/5 P.M. PT
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
 
LOWELL, Mass. (September 25, 2015) – An Irish invasion is coming to Lowell, MA onSaturday, October 10 as Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (21-1, 14 KOs), Stephen “The Rock” Ormond (18-2, 9 KOs) and Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland enter the ring and provide colorful support for the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN card, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, from historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
At the same venue in which he became a New England Golden Gloves amateur champion, wildly popular welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs), will be out to avenge his 2011 loss to Brooklyn welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
The 10-round co-feature showcases undefeated super bantamweight knockout specialist Jonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs), a Dominican Republic native now living in nearby Lawrence MA, facing New England upset specialist Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs), of Meriden, CT.
Opening the NBCSN broadcast, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, will be Quincy, Mass. rising prospect Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs), who twice captured a New England Golden Gloves title at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, against Brooklyn’s Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout.
Tickets are on sale and priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes.  Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets, visit www.lowellauditorium.com.
Irish middleweight champion O’Sullivan returns to the United States once again, where he has a perfect 5-0 (3 KOs) record.  The charismatic, top 10 world rated brawler, in the truest Irish sense, has a growing fan-base throughout New England, as well as back home in Cork, Ireland.  O’Sullivan, whose only pro loss was two years ago by controversial 12-round decision to current world title challenger
Billy Joe Saunders, takes on 29-year-old Colombian invader Francisco “Volcan” Cordero(31-4, 22 KOs) in a potentially explosive 10-round match.
A Former European champion, Ormond, from Dublin, will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time in nearly six years, against local favorite Agustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3KOs), from Lawrence, MA, in a lightweight showdown.
The former world title challenger” Hyland (30-1, 14 KOs), also fighting out of Dublin, is slated for an eight-round lightweight bout.
Also competing on the undercard is unbeaten 26-year-old Polish heavyweight prospectAdam Kownacki (11-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, in an eight-round bout. The 6′ 3″, 250-pound Kownacki is a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion.
Super featherweight prospect Titus Williams (2-0, 1 KO) will enter the ring in a four round bout. The 26-year-old won a gold medal at the 2013 New York Golden Gloves tournament.
 
Argentine veteran Fernando “El Vasco” Saucedo (56-6-3, 9 KOs), a former South American champion, will compete in an eight-round bout. The 33-year-old is a former world title challenger who will be looking for his fourth victory of 2015.
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DANNY O’CONNOR FACES GABRIEL BRACERO IN REMATCH ON  PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 FROM THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS 8 P.M. ET/5 P.M. PT

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Plus! Unbeaten Jonathan Guzman Takes On The Exciting Danny Aquino & Featherweights Ryan Kielczweski & Rafael Vasquez Collide
 
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LOWELL, MA. (September 11, 2015) – Popular Massachusetts’ welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs) takes on Brooklyn’s Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs), in a 10-round rematch of their 2011 bout won by Bracero, as the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN Saturday, October 10 from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The evening’s co-main event will feature undefeated super featherweight knockout artist Jonathan Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs) battling exciting brawler Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round bout and rising local prospect Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs) takes on the exciting Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight bout.
“I’m excited to be fighting at a building with great boxing history such as the Lowell Memorial Auditorium,” said O’Connor. “I won the Golden Gloves there and I can’t wait to fight there again. I’m also excited to avenge my first loss against Gabriel Bracero. I’m so ready for this!”
“This is a huge fight for me and my career,” said Bracero. “I only have one thought in my mind and that’s victory. Danny is a tough opponent and on a winning streak right now. The best ‘Tito’ Bracero will be there October 10. I beat Danny before and I plan to do so again, in his backyard, even more convincingly. My best days are still ahead of me and you will see that come October 10.”
“I’m excited for the October 10th PBC on NBC Sports Net from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “All three TV fights are super competitive matchups with the outcomes in doubt. In the main event, Boston’s Danny O’Connor will rematch with Brooklyn’s Gabriel Bracero in an attempt to avenge a close decision loss. Undefeated junior featherweight puncher Jonathan Guzman will try to keep his record perfect against dangerous contender Danny Aquino. The opening bout features another 50/50-type matchup as Quincy’s Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski faces hard-punching, world-ranked Rafael Vazquez from Brooklyn.”
The city of Lowell is one rich in boxing history and is the hometown of Massachusetts legend and three-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward. “It is an honor to have this fight happen in my hometown,” said Ward. “Danny O’Connor is so ready for this opportunity. He is focused like I’ve never seen him before.”
Part of Lowell’s deep boxing history are the future Hall of Famers who have fought in the city as amateurs, including Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson &Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
“Bringing a big fight to Lowell is incredible,” said Ken Casey, Founder of Murphys Boxing, “Lowell is such a great fight town and it is Micky Ward’s hometown. For Danny O’Connor to have the chance to avenge his first loss in his own backyard with all his fans cheering him on is going to be a site to see.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets visit www.lowellauditorium.com
A National Golden Gloves champion who has fought as a pro since 2008, O’Connorgets a chance to avenge his defeat to Bracero when they square off October 10. The 30-year-old is coming off of three straight knockout victories over Michael Clark, Andrew Farmer and Chris Gilbert. Fighting out of Framingham, Massachusetts, O’Connor is looking to impress in a fight on his home turf.
Bracero has won nine of his 11 fights since defeating O’Connor in 2011 and hopes to see a repeat of that performance on October 10. Fighting out of Brooklyn, the 34-year-old owns victories over Dmitry Salita, Pavel Miranda and Jermaine White. He will be going into unfriendly territory for his first pro fight in Massachusetts.
Owner of a perfect knockout percentage, Guzman looks to build off of his last three fights, all knockouts coming in the New England region. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the 26-year-old fighting out of Lawrence, Massachusetts faces the toughest challenge of his career and will look to make his mark as a 122-pound contender.
The 25-year-old Aquino made his mark with a hard fought victory over the previously undefeated Kielczweski in April and returns to New England in hopes of taking down another unbeaten prospect. Born in Mexico, Aquino fights out of Meriden Connecticut and owns victories over Jhon Alberto Molina and Coy Evans and will hope to make it three wins in a row on October 10.
A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 25-year-old Kielczweski has become a staple fighting in his home state of Massachusetts. Born and raised in Quincy, he bounced back from his first defeat to deliver a first round knockout over Anthony Napunyi in May. Another tough challenge awaits “The Polish Prince” as he looks to prove his world title worth.
Brooklyn’s Vazquez has kept a busy schedule in 2015 and will return for his fifth fight this year when he challenges Kielczweski. While the 37-year-old Vazquez is ranked highly in the world rankings at number seven and is seeking a world title opportunity, fame and glory are not his top priorities. With an autistic daughter and a wife diagnosed with cervical cancer, Vazquez fights for his family. Getting a late start to boxing, Vazquez, who lost both of his parents at an early age and endured a stint in prison as a wayward youth, turned pro in September 2010. He has since donated portions of his purses to autism research, while also holding fundraisers to help raise awareness.
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @DiBellaEnt, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Robert Guerrero, Spike TV

AMIR KHAN SECURES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER CHRIS ALGIERI   JAVIER FORTUNA WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER BRYAN VASQUEZ

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

BROOKLYN (May 30, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spikereturned to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Friday night with another explosive night of bouts for fight fans. In the main event, Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) scored a crafty and hard fought unanimous decision over Chris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) and Javier Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs) won a crowd-pleasing unanimous decision victory over Bryan Vasquez (34-2, 18 KOs) in the televised opener.

 

Below are comments made by the televised fighters after their performances tonight:

 

AMIR KHAN

 

“I thought I worked well inside. I’ve never done a lot of work in the pocket like that and I plan to do more of that in the future.

 

“I give Chris a lot of credit. He came forward a lot more than we thought he would and he had a big chin tonight.

 

“Chris gave it his all tonight. This is the best Algieri we’ve seen in a long time, and if he’d have fought Manny (Pacquiao) that way he might have won.

 

“Everyone knows I want Floyd (Mayweather) next after all the talk about it, but when you wait and hope for something for this long it can set you back. I don’t want to overlook any other fighters, including Chris.

 

“My first show with PBC has been great. The New York crowd was awesome and really got into it. The promotion was excellent and I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

 

CHRIS ALGIERI

 

“I thought I pressured Khan well and got my touches. He definitely didn’t like it when I got into his body.

 

“I thought I hurt him several times, but Khan’s a cagey fighter and he spins off. I guess the judges liked that tonight. I would think the cleaner, harder shots would get a little more respect.

 

“I think PBC is fantastic. The focus is on the fighters, not the politics or the promoters. This is helping bring the sport back to boxing’s glory days of primetime events for the fans.

 

“I haven’t thought much about after this fight. I’m disappointed, but I’ll watch the film from this fight and we’ll go from there.”

 

JAVIER FORTUNA

 

“I’m very surprised that the fight went the distance. Vasquez is a strong fighter. After the fifth round, I was boxing to score points.

 

“I was never really hurt by Vasquez, but I hurt my own hand on his head.

 

“Vasquez didn’t really affect me throughout the fight. The swelling on my eye is from a headbutt.

 

“The biggest key to my success tonight was my training. Before this I didn’t have the stamina that I needed. However, after my work with Hector Bermudez leading up to this fight I was more than ready.

 

“Becoming a champion here in New York is huge for me. I’m very proud of my performance tonight.”

 

BRYAN VASQUEZ

 

“My style is to box and then move. Fortuna fought a smart fight tonight. He wouldn’t engage me and fight.

 

“Fortuna used his head and elbows a lot tonight, but I don’t want to use that as an excuse. I tried telling the referee, but nothing was done.

 

“I worked very hard for three months of training to get to this fight. I hope I won over some fans today because I fight to please them.

 

“Hopefully I get a rematch because this is not the end of my career, and I’d love the chance to take that belt from Fortuna.

 

“I want to thank PBC for this opportunity. It was great being a part of this show and I hope they’ll think of me again in the future.”

 

# # #

The card was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingand www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE & MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

Click HERE For Barclays Center TV Interview With Amir Khan

 

BROOKLYN (May 27, 2015) – Fight week activities for Premier Boxing Championson Spike continued Wednesday as fighters participated in the final press conference and media workouts at Barclays Center before they enter the ring on Friday, May 29.

 

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

 

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

AMIR KHAN

 

“I really believe that I have the movement, the skills and the technique to beat Chris Algieri and look spectacular doing it.

 

“Algieri has been in the ring with big names before so we know that’s not going to scare him and he won’t get nervous. I’m going to be ready for anything he brings to the table.

 

“This is going to be an entertaining fight because of our styles. We both like to throw a lot of punches and there will be a lot of movement. This will be a more skillful fight and I think the fans will enjoy what they see.

 

“I’ve always wanted to fight here at Barclays Center and I really am excited to put on a great performance for all the New Yorkers.

 

“Virgil Hunter has been great for me as a fighter and he’s helped me really understand the sport of boxing. I’ve worked on my technique and my defense and really just everything.

 

“Training camp for me has been really good. I’m focused on my opponent and I’m not going to make any mistakes. It’s going to be a great performance from me on Friday.”

 

CHRIS ALGIERI

 

“This is going to be a great fight with two fast-paced boxers. It’s going to be very exciting for everyone watching.

 

“Working down in Florida with John David Jackson really refreshed a lot of things in boxing for me. I got to see new things and try new things. I learned a lot.

 

“The only thing that matters is proving something to myself and I do feel like I have to prove something. I wasn’t happy with my last performance at all. I know I belong here at the elite level and it’s time for me to prove it.

 

“I like to challenge myself and this is a great opportunity. I’m ready for this, I will challenge anybody in the welterweight division.

 

“I feel very comfortable being here in New York and I’m happy to be back at Barclays Center.

 

JAVIER FORTUNA

 

“For me it is an honor to be here in Brooklyn. This will be a great night for all of my fans.

 

“I hope my opponent doesn’t have any excuses on Friday, because I’m going to knock him out.

 

“Everyone here is going to see a great performance and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

 

“I’m a strong fighter and I am looking forward to showing everyone what I am capable of.”

 

BRYAN VASQUEZ

 

“I’m very thankful to be here and I look forward to a great fight. I promise it’s going to be a war.

 

“I’m an exciting fighter who always comes to fight. This is my time and I will not disappoint.

 

“Fighting in New York is a great opportunity. I want people to see that Costa Rica has great fighters.

 

“I know I have a tough opponent, but he has never faced anyone like me. I’m going to give it my all and I hope he does the same.”

 

MARCUS BROWNE

 

“I feel like having a daughter has given me the kick in the rear that really has me focused on what I want to do, which is becoming a world champion. I want to give her a better life than I ever had.

 

“My intensity and focus has never been higher. The fun part of boxing is back again.

 

“I told my daughter that ‘daddy is going to give you the world.’ So I guess I need to become a world champion to give her the world. Her first word might be ‘champ.'”

 

“I’m so thankful to all the people at Barclays Center that allow me to continue to show off my talent and skills in this beautiful building.

 

“Fighting on this Premier Boxing Champions card is really special and amazing. When I went to the Olympics in 2012 we stayed in Bolton and worked out at Amir Khan’s gym, now it comes full circle.

 

“Fans can expect to see ‘spizazz’ from me. That’s a word I came up with back in my amateur days. I’m here to bring that ‘spizazz’ back, if you want to know what that is you have to buy a ticket for Friday night.”

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

“I don’t look past what is in front of me. I have a really tough challenge in front of me on Friday. I know she has an incredible desire to win and I’m ready for that.

 

“I’m a pretty aggressive fighter but I’ve been known to box. I go in there and make adjustments but I’m not afraid to throw punches.

 

“There was a really unfinished feeling after my last fight, I was disappointed. I expected more from my opponent. I wanted to put on a show for fans to remember.

 

“I definitely want to make up for my last fight this time and I feel like my opponent is on the same page with me about where we need to go to take this sport further.”

 

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com andwww.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage,www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

JAVIER FORTUNA TAKES ON BRYAN VASQUEZ IN TELEVISED OPENER FOR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE ON FRIDAY, MAY 29

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LIVE FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

BEGINNING AT 9:00 P.M. ET/6:00 P.M. PT

 

Plus, Undercard Action Featuring

Staten Island’s 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne Battling Cornelius White

& Brooklyn’s Heather Hardy Facing Noemi Bosques

 

BROOKLYN (May 21, 2015) – An electric showdown between Javier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs) will open up the Premier Boxing Champions on Spike telecast taking place Friday, May 29 at Barclays Center.

 

The 12-round junior lightweight bout between Fortuna and Vasquez will lead into the highly anticipated contest between former world champions Amir Khan and Chris Algieri. The Spike telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Undercard action will also feature a slew of exciting local prospects competing in tough fights. 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (14-0, 11 KOs) of Staten Island will take on the experienced Cornelius White (21-2, 16 KOs) in a 10 round light heavyweight bout while Heather “The Heat” Hardy (12-0, 2 KOs) faces Noemi Bosques (8-2-2) in eight rounds of featherweight action.

 

Also on the card are  Wesley Ferrer (8-0, 5 KOs) taking on Jose Miguel Castro (4-2, 2 KOs) in a six round lightweight attraction, Noel Murphy (1-0) battling Michael Black(0-1) in four rounds of welterweight action, Adam Kownacki (9-0, 9 KOs) squaring off against Ytalo Perea (5-1-1, 3 KOs) in an eight round heavyweight fight and the eight round cruiserweight battle between Keith Tapia (14-0, 9 KOs) and Leo Pla (5-4-2, 2 KOs).

 

Rounding out the action is the professional debut of Chris Colbert as he battles Marquis Pierce (1-5) in a four round featherweight bout and Luis Franco (12-1-1, 8 KOs) taking on Guillermo Sanchez (15-15-1, 6 KOs).

 

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

 

An amateur standout who participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 25-year-old Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. The undefeated rising star out of La Romana, Dominican Republic holds four knockouts over his last six fights as he looks to put on another great show on May 29.

 

The 27-year-old Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs) is quickly becoming known as the preeminent pugilist from Costa Rica. The San Jose-native is the winner of his last five fights, including a stoppage of Sergio Thompson in Dec. 2014. Vasquez does not shy from any competition and will not back down when he faces his toughest test to date in Javier Fortuna on Spike TV.

 

As he approaches his record ninth appearance at Barclays Center, the 2012 U.S. Olympian Browne (13-0, 10 KOs) is becoming synonymous with boxing’s newest Mecca. Unbeaten as a professional, with six knockouts at Barclays Center, the Staten Island native has shown how much he loves fighting in his backyard, most recently scoring a sixth round stoppage over Aaron Pryor Jr. at Barclays Center in April. The 24-year-old faces the 34-year-old White (21-3, 16 KOs) from Houston.

 

Already the winner of the first-ever professional female boxing match at Barclays Center,Hardy (12-0, 2 KOs) returns on May 29 looking to bounce back from a frustrating no contest on April 11. Her previous victory at Barclays Center came in June 2014 when she won a split decision over Jackie Trivilino. Her most recent victory was a dominant unanimous decision against Elizabeth Anderson in December 2014. She looks to keep that momentum going on May 29 when she faces the 32-year-old Bosques out of Saint Petersburg, Florida.

 

An accomplished amateur out of Brooklyn, Ferrer owns a 2012 New York Amateur Boxing Championship and a 2013 New York Daily News Golden Gloves Championship. The 22-year-old has already won twice in 2015, scoring a second round TKO over Bryan Timmons in April. He prepares to face the 27-year-old Castro out of Carolina, Puerto Rico.

 

A 20-year-old prospect out of Woodlawn, New York, Murphy turned pro in November of last year with a unanimous decision over Anthony Smith. He returns to the ring on May 29to fight Black out of Las Vegas.

 

Originally from Lomza, Poland, but fighting out of Brooklyn, Kownacki is a 2006 and 2009 New York Daily News Golden Gloves Champion. The 26-year-old delivered a first round knockout in April over Randy Easton and returns to the ring in his adopted hometown looking for his 10th professional victory. He faces the 21-year-old 2012 Olympian Pereafrom Ecuador.

 

An undefeated prospect from Santurce, Puerto Rico, Tapia aims to build on his previous two outings, which both ended in first round knockouts.  The 24-year-old will battle with the 33-year-old Pla out of Wichita, Kansas.

 

Making his professional debut on May 29, Brooklyn’s own Colbert will face off against the 25-year-old Pierce out of Newark, New Jersey.

 

An accomplished amateur who represented Cuba in the 2004 Olympics, Franco won a Junior World Championship in 2003. The 33-year-old, who now fights out of Miami, will take on the 26-year-old Sanchez out of Buffalo, New York.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com andwww.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage,www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FIGHTER MEDIA WORKOUTS QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Carly Gillis Photography

 

BOSTON (May 20, 2015) – Fighters took part in a media workout at The Ring Boxing Club in Boston Wednesday to kick off fight week for this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card at Agganis Arena that is headlined byAndre Dirrell vs. James DeGale with coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

See here what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

ANDRE DIRRELL

 

“I always knew my day would come. I put in the work, I love this sport so I give it what I owe.

 

“I’m happy to get a shot at another title. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to put in my work and perform to the best of my ability and that will make me a world champion.

 

“I’m glad to be getting in there with somebody who believes he can win. I want someone who will test me like I’ll test them. That’s a real championship fight.

 

“I’m much hungrier than I was early in my career and I’m more focused mentally. With age comes wisdom. Everything I went through is all a blessing.

 

“My goals are set and I’m going to accomplish every one.”

 

JAMES DEGALE

 

“Dirrell’s team is trying to get in my head. They must be scared. I’m wound up and I’m ready.

 

“I’m obsessed with making history. It’s what drives me to work so hard in the gym and succeed in the ring.

 

“It’s been a 16-week camp come fight night, so it’s been a long time. My body and mind feel ready to fight, I am so sharp and in a very good place.

 

“He’s a tricky, talented, confident fighter – he believes in his ability. He said that he would not get beaten again in his career, and I am sure he believes that 100 percent. So you have two very confident fighters going into the ring on Saturday.

 

“I’m going to show everybody who I am. I’m driven to become the first Olympic gold medalist from the U.K. to win a world title and I’m doing it for my country.”

 

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ

 

“It’s an extremely important fight because it’s so close to my home.

 

“I’m excited to be fighting on NBC. This is a great opportunity for me to be back at the elite level.

 

“It’s important for me to get this win and get into a big fight against the best. I know I have to look impressive and that’s what I plan on.”

 

DANNY O’CONNOR

 

“I was disappointed in my fight with Paulie Malignaggi dropping out but there are always positives and one of them is that I’m now fighting in my hometown of Boston.

 

“I do a lot of work in and out of the ring to prepare for a fight. I’m full focused now on fighting Chris Gilbert.

 

“I want to thank all the people who helped get me onto this card, including Murphys Boxing, I promise I’m going to put on a show come Saturday.”

 

CHRIS GILBERT

 

“This is a huge opportunity for me. I’ve known about Danny since I started boxing and I’ve even been on a few cards with him.

 

“Danny has been the top New England fighter in my division and you always want to compare your skills with somebody like him.

 

“I was in Vermont and I’m always in top shape prepared to get a call to fight and this here is that big opportunity.”

 

GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN

 

“This is absolutely awesome fighting here and it’s a very important fight for me to go win.

 

“When I knock out my opponent on Saturday, I want to be the number one contender in the division and fight all the big names.”

 

RYAN KIELCZWESKI

 

“It’s awesome fighting in Boston in front of my home crowd with all of my friends, family and friends in attendance.

 

“Fighting on the undercard of this huge event with so many great fights makes the experience even better and one I’ll never forget.”

 

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The Saturday, May 23 edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC features Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) andJames DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round super middleweight showdown and Edwin Rodriguez (26-1, 17 KOs) vs.Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) in 10-round light heavyweight match up. Live coverage of this special Memorial Day weekend afternoon edition of PBC on NBC starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on NBC and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

JAVIER FORTUNA VS. BRYAN VASQUEZ NOW TELEVISED OPENER FORMAY 29 PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TV CARD

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LIVE FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

 

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI FORCED TO WITHDRAW

DUE TO INJURY

 

BROOKLYN (May 15, 2015) – An exciting junior lightweight battle between Javier Fortuna and Bryan Vasquez will now open the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike telecast on Friday, May 29 live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn beginning at9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Fortuna vs. Vasquez, which was originally scheduled to take place May 23, replaces the bout between Paulie Malignaggi and Danny O’Connor as Malignaggi suffered a severe cut above his eye in training camp. The 12-round brawl will lead into the highly anticipated contest between former world champions Amir Khan and Chris Algieri.

 

An amateur standout who participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 25-year-old Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. The undefeated rising star out of La Romana, Dominican Republic holds four knockouts over his last six fights as he looks to put on another great show on May 29.

 

The 27-year-old Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs) is quickly becoming known as the preeminent pugilist from the island of Costa Rica. The San Juan-native is the winner of his last five fights, including a stoppage of Sergio Thompson in Dec. 2014. Vasquez does not shy from any competition and will not back down when he faces his toughest test to date in Javier Fortuna on Spike TV.

 

O’Connor will now fight in his hometown of Boston on Saturday, May 23 on the undercard of the PBC on NBC event from Boston University’s Agganis Arena.

 

 

# # #

 

Tickets for the live event on May 29 at Barclays Center, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.  Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BOSTON MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Local Favorites Ryan Kielczweski, Javier Fortuna & Jonathan Guzman

Prepare For Undercard Bouts on Saturday, May 23 at Agganis Arena

 

Danny O’Connor Faces Paulie Malignaggi On Premier Boxing Champions

on May 29 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Click HERE For Photos From Emily Harney/Premier Boxing Champions

 

BOSTON (May 14, 2015) – Some of Boston’s most popular local fighters participated in media workouts yesterday at Peter Welch’s Gym in South Boston as they prepare for respective Premier Boxing Champions fights taking place in the coming weeks.

 

Exciting local favorites Ryan Kielczweski (22-1, 6 KOs), Javier Fortuna (27-0, 20 KOs)and Jonathan Guzman (18-0, 18 KOs) all worked out in anticipation of their bouts taking place Saturday, May 23 at Agganis Arena. Also in attendance was President and CEO of Murphys Boxing, Ken Casey.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Also participating is local welterweight contender Danny O’Connor (25-2, 9 KOs), who is preparing for his May 29 fight against Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6 7 KOs) at Barclays Center.

 

Here are what the participants had to say at yesterday’s workout:

 

Danny O’Connor, Framingham, MA:

“I think the show is big but, for me, it’s just another fight with Paul. I’m excited about the challenge in front of me, matching my skills against somebody like Paul with his resume.  I’m extremely focused.  All the work is done here (in gym).”

 

Ryan Kielczweski, Quincy, MA:

“It’s really cool fighting close to home on such a big card with double world title fights.  Someday, hopefully, I’ll be there. I’m focusing on my fight and when that’s over I’ll watch Edwin (Rodriguez) fight.”

 

Javier Fortuna, La Romana, Dominican Republic

“I feel super good and super confident.  I’ve been training here (Boston) but haven’t seen much of the city. I expect a lot of fans there for me.  I’ve been doing a lot of Spanish interviews.  I await their approval of my performance.”

 

Jonathan Guzman, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

“I feel very, very good.  I’m ready to fight, 19 for 19 (19 wins, 19 KOs).  I have a lot of family living in Lawrence (suburb) of Boston) and I’ve been staying here (S. Boston).”

 

Ken Casey, President & CEO of Murphys Boxing

“Boston is a sports-crazed city with a lot of good local fighters.  It’s a shame a show like this hasn’t happened here in a long time.  Sometimes it just takes good fighters and the right promoter to help them. It’s the perfect combination now.”

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC