Tag Archives: Jorge Linares

SHOWTIME® TO TELEVISE JORGE LINARES vs. ANTHONY CROLLA LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE REMATCH ON SATURDAY, MARCH 25

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Presentation of Immediate Rematch Airs Live From Manchester, England 

Click HERE For Images from Linares-Crolla I; Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing

 

NEW YORK (Jan. 24, 2017) – SHOWTIME will televise the eagerly anticipated rematch between WBA Lightweight World Champion Jorge Linares and former champ Anthony Crolla on Saturday, March 25 live on SHOWTIME from Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

 

Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) dethroned Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) in a thrilling battle last Sept. 24 in Manchester.  It was the first time the three-division titlist Linares was pushed the 12-round distance in his career.

 

Linares-Crolla will be the second lightweight world title bout on SHOWTIME in 2017 and an important fight toward potentially unifying the resurgent 135-pound division.  Dejan Zlaticanin will defend his WBC Lightweight World Championship against undefeated two-division world champ Mikey Garcia this Saturday, Jan. 28 in the co-feature of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.

 

Linares, of Barinas, Venezuela, has won 10 fights in a row, including seven by knockout.  He became a three-division titlist when he captured the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship in 2014 with a knockout of Javier Prieto.  The 31-year-old defended the belt twice in 2015 with knockouts of Kevin Mitchell and Ivan Cano before being named “Champion in Recess” by the WBC because of inactivity due to injuries.  Linares returned following an 11-month layoff to face Crolla in his hometown of Manchester, outpointing the champion 115-114, 117-111 and 115-113 in a back-and-forth and bloody battle.   With the win, Linares also earned the WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine lightweight belts.

 

Crolla, of Manchester, won the WBA Lightweight Title with a fifth-round KO of Darleys Perez in November of 2015 in an immediate rematch of their 12-round draw earlier that year.  The 30-year-old knocked out previously unbeaten Ismael Barroso in his first title defense on May 7, 2016 to set up the showdown with Linares.   The close loss to Linares was Crolla’s first defeat in his last 11 fights.

 

“Night With Boxing Legends” NVBHOF Charity Fundraiser Photos

NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME
“Honoring Boxing’s History and Supporting Boxing’s Future”
Press Release
For Immediate Release
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LAS VEGAS, NV (November 7, 2016) – This past Friday the “Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame” hosted a Pre-Fight Fundraiser, that took place after the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas weigh-in.  Champs from the past and present showed up to meet and greet with fans.  The event took place at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, one of Las Vegas’ highly recommended restaurants.  All money raised will be donated to local boxing organizations.  For more information please visit www.NVBHOF.com.

Attendees Announced for Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Pre-Fight Fundraiser

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“Night With Boxing Legends” NVBHOF Charity Fundraiser
 
LAS VEGAS, NV (November 2, 2016) – Attendees for the November 4, 2016, “Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame” Pre-Fight Fundraiser, taking place after the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas weigh-in, have been announced.
The Pre-Fight “Night with Boxing Legends” fundraiser dinner will take place at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, located close to the Thomas & Mack Center.  Ferraro’s will provide great food, cocktails & a beautiful atmosphere.  Two tickets to the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jesse Vargas fight will be auctioned off at the event.  All proceeds will go to help boxing organizations in Las Vegas.  Don’t miss your chance to support a great cause and meet several Boxing Legends in this intimate setting.
Each ticket, priced at $75 will include several selections of Ferraro’s Family Recipes of appetizers and one Beer or Wine cocktail.
Below is the list of boxing icons scheduled to present:
Badou Jack – Current WBC Super-Middleweight World Champion
Joel Casamayor – Former Super-Featherweight and Lightweight World Champion
James “Quick” Tillis – Former Heavyweight World Title Challenger
Mike McCallum – Former Light Middleweight, Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion
Shawn Porter – Former Welterweight World Champion
Layla McCarter – Multiple Division Women’s World Champion
Jorge Linares – Current WBC/WBA Lightweight World Champion
Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy – Current IBF Lightweight World Champion
Sharif “The Lion” Bogere – Former Lightweight World Title Challenger
Beibut Shumenov – Current WBA Cruiserweight World Champion
Leon Spinks – Former 2-time Heavyweight World Champion
Christy Martin – Former Women’s Super-Welterweight World Champion
Mark ‘Too Sharp’ Johnson – Former Multiple Division World Champion
Jeremy J-Flash Nichols – Undefeated Rising Start and Welterweight Sensation
Devin Haney – Undefeated Rising Star and Featherweight Sensation
Ashley Theophane – Former Super-Lightweight World Title Challenger
Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant – Undefeated Rising Start and Middleweight Sensation
Kevin Newman – Undefeated Rising Start and Super-Middleweight Sensation
Mikayla Nebel – Women’s Bantamweight Boxer
‘King’ David Sample – Former Lightweight World Title Challenger
Skipper Kelp – Former Welterweight World Title Contender
Tony Weeks – World Renowned Boxing Referee
Kenny Bayless – World Renowned Boxing Referee
Space is limited so be sure to get your tickets in advance to secure access. Please print your confirmation of purchase and bring it to the door for entry. Your purchase helps support the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization.  Once your tickets are purchased, there are no refunds.  All media members planning to attend please contact Jon Hait at jhshark@aol.com.
WHO:         Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, boxing champs and professionals
WHAT:        Pre-fight fundraiser after the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jesse Vargas weight-in
 
WHY:          Fundraising event to help charitable boxing organizations
WHEN:       November 4, 2016 from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
 
WHERE:     Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar
                    Location: 4480 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, TX 89169 + 

                    Tickets $75 – 

For Media Credentials Contact:                    For Information And Sponsorship Opportunities Contact:
Media Coordinator Jon Hait                             Chief Executive Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis
Email: jhshark@aol.com                                  Email: michelle@nvbhof.com
Phone: (702) 277-1020                                    Phone: 702-3-NVBHOF (702-368-2463)

Linares decisions Crolla to win WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight Titles

Live from the Manchester Arena on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT & www.klowdtv.com
For Immediate Release
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.– Jorge Linares won a twelve round unanimous decision over Anthony Crolla to win the WBA/Ring Magazine and retain his WBC Diamond Lightweight titles at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

The bout, which took place this past Saturday, headlined a card that was broadcasted live all over the United States on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment and streamed on www.klowdtv.com.

“The fight lived up to expectations and was a terrific contest,”said Charles Herring, President of AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.
“This is another in the long line of great fights that have come to the network and we should be announcing some more great fights real soon.”
“We were ecstatic and extremely happy about the response we had for this fight,”said Chris Schickedanz, KlowdTV Managing Director.
“We had an overwhelming turnout, and we will continue to show the biggest and brightest fights from all over the globe.”
It was a tough grueling fight that saw Linares ump out to an early lead on the strength of his quick combinations and handspeed.

In round five, Linares was cut over his left eye. In round six, Crolla was starting to take charge of the bout with his work to the body and uppercuts inside, until Linares hurt Crolla badly with a right hand that wobbled the Manchester native on the ropes.

Both guys had their moments down the stretch as Linares, at times seemed like he was losing his stamina, only to come back with hard combinations and he was able to eek out rounds.

Linares of Venezuela won by scores of 117-111, 115-114 and 115-113 and is now 41-3. Crolla is now 31-5-3.

Jack Arnfield won a twelve round unanimous decision over John Ryder in a middleweight bout.

Arnfield won by scores of 117-114, 118-110 and 115-114 and is now 21-2. Ryder is 23-3.

Callum Johnson scored a 9th round stoppage over Wilbeforce Shihepo in a scheduled twelve round light heavyweight bout.

In round five, Shihepo was docked a point for holding. Shihepo kept holding and was deducted another point in round seven. Later in the round, Johnson dropped Shihepo with a body shot. Johnson finihed things with a huge right that dropped Shiphepo in the 9th round. Shihepo could not beat the count at 2:07.

Johnson is now 16-0 with 11 knockouts. Shiphepo of Namibia is 23-9.

Conor Benn remained undefeated by scoring a 6-round decision over Ross Jameson.

The score was 60-55 for Benn, who is now 5-0. Jameson is 1-2.

Hosea Burton scored two knockdowns in the 3rd round and stopped Fernando castaneda in the same round of their scheduled ten round light heavyweight bout.

The stoppage came at 2:18 of round three, for Burton, who is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Casteneda is 24-11.
Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and the Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym.

CROLLA – LINARES PRESS CONFERENCE PHOTOS

 LINARES: I WON’T MAKE SAME MISTAKES AS BARROSO
Venezuelan believes fellow countryman played into Crolla’s hands in July
Live from the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT & www.klowdtv.com
Click HERE for Photos
Mandatory Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Boxing
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.– Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla (31-4-3, 13 KOs) and Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (40-3, 27 KOs) hosted their final press conference today, in Manchester.  The fighters are set to go head-to-head for in a unification battle for the WBA, WBC Diamond and vacant Ring Magazine Lightweight Championships at the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, live on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT AND www.klowdtv.vom 

The start time of the show will 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT.
Fans who do not have AWE, can access the channel via www.klowdtv.com
www.klowdtv.com will be FREE for the month of September, so boxing fans can witness this can’t miss fight on Saturday.
Crolla destroyed Barroso with a now-trademark body shot in the seventh round of the first defence of his WBA crown at the arena in July, soaking up the early pressure from the hard-hitting challenger before imposing himself and knocking out the dangerous Venezuelan in style.
Linares believes that his fellow countryman was too aggressive too early in the fight, and that he is ready to tough it out for 12 rounds to take the titles back home.
“Ismael is a very good fighter but he made a big mistake in the fight,” said Linares. “He came out too strong and too fast and too aggressive, trying to KO Anthony, and when you are at this level, you cannot go looking for the KO because when you do that, you end up receiving the KO, and that’s what happened.
“Anthony worked to fight for 12 rounds but Ismael didn’t. He came rushing out and Anthony absorbed the early attack and imposed himself on Ismael and won the fight in style. The difference is that I prepare to go the distance and that’s what you need to do at this level.”
Saturday’s fight is special to Linares for more than the titles on offer as he looks to fulfil a promise to the late president of the WBA, Gilberto Mendoza.
“It’s not who is the more difficult or complicated fighter in the division, all the champions are great fighters,” said Linares. “We can all box and punch hard, so no one fight is any harder or easier than the other, the only fight that counts is the one in front of you, and for me that’s Anthony. Fights with Terry Flanagan and Dejan Zlaticanin can come next year but this fight is personal to me, not because of Anthony, but because of the WBA.
“Prior to Mr Mendoza passing away, I told him I would win the WBA title back for him to Venezuela, so this really means a lot to me because of that. All the belts are on the line, the WBC Diamond belt is beautiful and not many people have won it, so to be added to that list would mean so much.
“The Ring magazine belt is very prestigious and not many win that either because number one and two in the world need to fight to have it on the line, like it is here, that adds so much and the personal promise from the heart to Mr Mendoza for the WBA makes this fight so special.”
Linares’ clash with Crolla is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield.
Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.
Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and the Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym.

HATTON BACKS CROLLA TO MAKE HISTORY IN MANCHESTER

‘Hitman’ believes ‘Million Dollar’ will see off Linares threat
Live from the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT & www.klowdtv.com
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- September 22, 2016 – -Ricky Hatton has backed Anthony Crolla to become the first Englishman to win the Ring Magazine Lightweight title in his unification blockbuster with Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on Saturday , live at the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment & www.klowdtv.com

The start time of the show will be 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT.
Fans who do not have AWE, can access the channel via www.klowdtv.com
www.klowdtv.com will be FREE for the month of September, so boxing fans can witness this can’t miss fight on Saturday.
Hatton landed the Super-Welterweight strap in the same arena in April 2006 when he forced Kostya Tszyu to quit after 11 thrilling rounds.
The ‘Hitman’ will be ringside on Saturday night where Crolla aims to become Britain’s 18th Ring magazine king and join Scottish legends Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt as winners of the prestigious strap in the 135lbs division.

Hatton’s fighting days are as memorable for his fanatical supports as his achievements in the ring, and the Manchester legend is delighted to see Crolla’s support growing as his remarkable story continues.

“Where Anthony has come from is a great example,” said Hatton. “It’s not where you start in boxing, it’s where you finish. He lost a six rounder early in his career and to Derry Mathews later on, everyone wrote him off and to achieve what he has is test of his character. I’m very proud of him.

“Anthony is lovely kid, some say he is too nice to be a boxer but there is a mean streak there. He has developed in to a good all round fighter, he has a very exciting style and is brutal body puncher.

“I know he can do the business against Jorge Linares and I’ll be beaming with pride to see him lift that Ring Magazine belt.

“My proudest achievement was my fan base in my career above everything. Anthony has an amazing following now and it’s great to see a fellow Mancunian being such a big draw in our city

“I became the first Brit to win the Ring Magazine fighter of the year award. Which was a huge honour. I won the Ring Magazine belt 10 years ago and it is the accolade that proves you are the best in your weight division, it is the ultimate achievement. It looks like the belt from the Rocky movies and its very old school which adds to the glamour of it.”

“There’s only one Ricky Hatton and there will only ever be one,” said Crolla. “If I can get a bit of the support and success that Ricky had I’ll be over the moon. The crowds at the Perez and Barroso fights were unbelievable and I am sure it’s going to be rocking on Saturday too.

“I’m just so proud that I’ve been able to pay the fans back for their incredible support I’ve received. I’m not the kind of fighter that will run his mouth at press conferences or call people out, but I will happily fight anyone. You can’t want it more than me, no-one does. I’m still taken aback by it all really, I’m just a normal lad that trains hard, but things are going well and the harder you train, the luckier you get.”

Crolla’s clash Linares with is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield.

Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.

Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and the Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym.
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visitwww.awetv.com.

CROLLA VS. LINARES: MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

FIGHTERS SET TO FACE OFF FOR A MEGA-UNIFICATION FIGHT FOR THE WBA, WBC DIAMOND, AND VACANT RING MAGAZINE LIGHTWEIGHT
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Live from the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT & www.klowdtv.com
Click HERE for Photos
Mandatory Photo Credit: Mark Robinson Photography/Matchroom Boxing
For Immediate Release
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- September 21, 2016 – – Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla (31-4-3, 13 KOs) and Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (40-3, 27 KOs) hosted a public media workout today at the National Football Museum, in Manchester ahead of their unification blockbuster for the WBA, WBC Diamond and vacant Ring Magazine Lightweight Championships at the Manchester Arena on Saturday September 24, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment & www.klowdtv.com

The start time of the show will be 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT.
Fans who do not have AWE, can access the channel via www.klowdtv.com
www.klowdtv.com will be FREE for the month of September, so boxing fans can witness this can’t miss fight on Saturday.
Photos are now available of the fighters, Click HERE to Download. Mandatory photo credit: Mark Robinson Photography/Matchroom Boxing.
Crolla welcomes Linares into his hometown fortress where he’s been so impressive in his last two outings – unleashing a pair of fiendish bodyshots to KO Darleys Perez to win the WBA crown in November and then destroyed the dangerous Ismael Barroso in May.
Linares wowed UK fight fans with his epic rollercoaster battle with Kevin “Mitghy” Mitchell at The O2 last May, climbing off the canvas in the fifth round before stopping the Londoner in the tenth.
Linares’ clash with Crolla is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield. Callum Johnson lands his first title action against Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks.
Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming mega-fight:
JORGE “EL NINO DE ORO” LINARES, WBC Lightweight World Champion: 
“I’m excited to be here. Believe it or not, I feel like I’m at home because the fans received me well.
“We’ve been here before, on a similar stage, when we fought Kevin Mitchell. Manchester is different, but the love and respect I’m getting is admirable.
“It’s a special night. It’ll be a war, and that’s what we’re prepared for. It’s something very special what Crolla and I are doing, it’s something we love to do, and we’re proud representing. That’s what’s going to steal the show and give the fans a beautiful fight.
“Every fight you learn more and gain experience. I feel much better than I did with Mitchell – I’ve had a better camp with more sparring, more conditioning.”
ANTHONY “MILLION DOLLAR” CROLLA, WBA Lightweight World Champion: 
“I rate Linares very highly, he’s technically brilliant. Everyone in the gym loves to watch him fight, and he’s the kind of fighter young kids should watch.
“He likes to fight at his pace and I can’t allow that. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ve got to take advantage of some weaknesses that I think I’ve seen there. I’m confident I can do that.
“I’ve got to be switched on from the opening bell. He’s a very good counter-puncher, so I know I can’t be lazy at any stage. But I genuinely believe I’ll have an answer for whatever he shows me.
“I thought a lot of his win over Kevin was down more to Kevin’s eye getting so bad really. Jorge has had better performances than that, he looked good last time out again Ivan Cano, but I can take a lot from Kevin’s fight. Kevin and I are different fighters but he put on a great performance and was seconds away from winning really, but Jorge dragged himself off the floor and came from behind to get the stoppage and that’s what true champions do. It was a great fight.”
Anthony Crolla vs. Jorge Linares is a 12-round fight for the WBA, WBC Diamond and the Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym.

Anthony Crolla takes on Jorge Linares for the WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight titles on Saturday, September 24th, LIVE on AWE-A WELATH OF ENTERTAINMENT & Klowdtv.com

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- September 6, 2016 – One of the most anticipated bouts in boxing will take place on Saturday afternoon, September 24th as Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares will square off for the WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight championship that will be televised LIVE on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT.

For boxing fans who don’t have AWE, you are in luck because the fight will be streamed live on www.klowdtv.com 
“We are thrilled to be able to show this major bout.  This is for the lightweight championship of the world and we have two great champions willing to put it on the line.  This fight is for supremacy and the fans will see a great fight on September 24,”said AWE President, Charles Herring.
“If your cable system doesn’t carry AWE, we’re offering the fight to everyone in the United States via www.Klowdtv.com. KlowdTV is a new 24/7 streaming service that offers AWE and this upcoming unification world title fight, plus several other great channels including Fight Network, GolTV, FNTSY Sports, and other exciting sports programming. We’re ecstatic to be able to service all boxing fans across the country via KlowdTV as we continue to showcase the best fights from all over the world.”

The monthly cost of www.klowdtv.com is just $7.99 and with that, fans can enjoy a total of fourteen channels currently with more slated to join the lineup this month. KlowdTV is offering a free viewing during the entire month of September.

Crolla of Manchester, England has a record of 31-4-3 with 13 knockouts.
He turned professional on October 14, 2006 with a win over Abdul Rashid (1-0).
The 29 year-old has amassed wins over 4-time world title challenger Michael Brodie (36-3-1), Andy Morris (19-3), John Watson (13-1), Willie Limond (34-3), Syephen Jennings (5-1-1), Kieran Farrell (14-0), former Junior Welterweight world champion Gavis Rees (37-2-1), Stephen Foster (31-4-1) & Former world title challenger John Murray (33-2).
On November 21, 2015 he won the WBA Lightweight title with a one-punch body shot knockout over reigning champion Darleys Perez (32-1-1).which thrilled his hometown fans at the Manchester Arena.
On May 7th, Crolla scored an exciting 7th round stoppage over Ismael Barroso, when he landed yet another body shot to make his first title defense.
“Sometimes I pinch myself to see myself how I’ve got here,” Said Crolla  “Everyone in the gym are fans of Jorge Linares and I think he’s a great fighter, but on the night that respect goes out the window and we’re fighting for one of the great prizes in the sport. The Arena is going to be rocking and that’s my house, and I want to keep those three belts in Manchester.

This is a legacy fight for me, every young kid wants to become a World Champion and I’ve done that now. I don’t want people to think I’ve settled with that, I’m hungrier than ever and I like the huge nights way too much to let it go now – I’m happy to win the belts and go to Vegas for the rematch though!

We’re working so, so hard in the gym because Jorge Linares is a phenomenal fighter, and I’m honoured to be fighting him in my house.

I’ve done that ring walk so many times in front of a huge crowd and you can’t beat that feeling, the energy the crowd will give me is going to help me produce the career-best performance I will need to beat Jorge Linares”

Linares of Tokyo, Japan via Barinas, Venezuela has been dubbed one of the most fluid fighters to watch.  From the outset of his career, he was destined to be a world champion.
The 30 year-old Linares won his first 27 bouts which included capturing the WBA Featherweight title with a 10th round stoppage over classy defending champion Oscar Larios.  Larios defended the belt twice with stoppages over future world champion Gamilel Diaz and Whyber Garcia.
Linares was stunningly stopped in one round by Juan Carlos Selgado.  That loss prompted Linares to move up in weight and score wins over former world champions Francisco Lorenzo and Jesus Chavez as well as as multiple time world title challenger Rocky Juarez.
Linares then challenged for the WBC Lightweight title against Antonio DeMarco.
That bout, which took place on October 15, 2011 on the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson Pay-Per-View undercard in Los Angeles, saw Linares dominate Demarco for ten rounds.  Linares had an insurmountable lead until getting caught and stopped in round 11.
In his next bout, Linares was stopped by Sergio Thompson.

Linares is currently riding a 9-fight winning streak, which saw him win the WBC Lightweight championship with a 4th round stoppage over Javier Prieto.  Linares has defended the belt twice with a 10th round stoppage over Kevin Mitchell in Mitchell’s home country of England.

In his last bout, Linares, stopped in 4 rounds on October 10, 2015 in Venezuela.
Said Linares, ” It’s another big fight and big event that I’m grateful to God to be a part of. It’s me second time in the UK, we have similar styles, there’s lots of respect between us and we’re working very hard because I know it’s going to be a tough fight but I want to win those belts.”
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
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KENNETH SIMS JR. NOW SPARRING WITH JORGE LINARES

 

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 19, 2015) – After getting Manny Pacquiao ready for his mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather, Gary Shaw Productions‘ and Antonio Leonard Promotions‘ undefeated super-lightweight prospect, Kenneth Sims Jr. (6-0,   KOs), is now preparing WBC Lightweight champion Jorge Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) for his upcoming title defense against Kevin Mitchell (39-2, 29 KOs).

 

Kenneth Sims Jr. has been sparring with Linares, giving him great work, while learning from the best fighters in the world.  The experience has been instrumental in the development of Sims Jr., who resides in Chicago, Illinois.

 

“Training with Linares and Pacquiao has been a great learning process for me and my dad who’s my trainer,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I want to thank Gary Shaw for setting up these sparring opportunities. I’ve preformed really well and my confidence is at an all-time high.  After sparring with these great champions, I know I have the skills to become something special in this sport and I’m going to take it one fight at a time.  Gary and Antonio Leonard are working on my next fight and I should be returning to the ring shortly.”

 

“Kenneth Sims Jr. is a special talent with an amateur pedigree to take his professional career to championship level,” Gary Shaw said. “Antonio and I are going to continue to bring him up the right way, give him tough fights, so he can be prepared for the big fights that lie ahead.  Everything I’m hearing from these training camps and the sparring sessions Sims Jr. is having is positive.  Kenneth is only going to get better and that makes me very happy.”