Pizarro Battles Jerome Rodriguez; Rosa Takes On Veteran German Meraz
PHILADELPHIA — November 7, 2018 — Two members of the Hard Hitting Promotions stable will fight for NBA title belts on the non-televised undercard of a ShoBox: The New Generation event on Friday, November 16 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Junior welterweight Branden Pizarro will take on Jerome Rodriguez in an eight-round bout for the NBA Intercontinental title, while undefeated super featherweight Gadwin Rosa faces German Meraz in a six-round bout for the NBA Intercontinental title.
Those bouts will precede a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (9:35 p.m. ET/PT) that will feature an all-Philly showdown between undefeated Jaron Ennis and veteran Raymond Serrano. In the televised co-feature, Hard Hitting Promotions’ Samuel Teah will face Kenneth Sims Jr. in a junior welterweight bout. Opening the telecast will be a super bantamweight matchup between Arnold Khegai and Jorge Diaz.
“The NBA belt is a great springboard title, and to have two of our young prospects fight for titles on this great card is terrific for them,” said Manny Rivera of Hard Hitting Promotions. “The NBA has a long history of champions which include Roy Jones and Hector Camacho, so we definitely think that this will be the first of many titles for Branden and Gadwin.”
Pizarro, of Philadelphia, has a record of 12-1 with six knockouts, and the 19-year-old keeps improving with each fight. Rodriguez (7-10-3, 2 KOs), of Allentown, Penn., is battle tested and has wins over two undefeated fighters, including world-ranked Avery Sparrow.
Rosa ,of Ocala, Fla., is 8-0 with seven knockouts. The unbeaten super featherweight will look to continue his knockout prowess as he fights the 113-fight veteran German Meraz, who has faced numerous top prospects and contenders. For Rosa, this fight will be a solid indicator of where the talented youngster stands as he climbs the 130-pound ladder.
In more non-televised action:
Kieran Hooks (3-1-1, 1 KO), of Philadelphia, will fight Gledwin Ortiz (5-2, 4 KOs), of Bronx, N.Y., in a welterweight bout.
Christian Tapia (6-0, 5 KOs). of Coamo, Puerto Rico, fights Darnell Pettis (3-12), of Cleveland, in a super featherweight contest.
Light heavyweight Benny Sinakin (1-0), of Philadelphia, will face Darren Gibbs (1-5, 1 KO), of Ferndale, Mich.
Also seeing action against opponents to be named will be super bantamweight Angel Pizarro, of Philadelphia, and light heavyweight David Stevens, of Reading, Penn., who will make his professional debut in a cruiserweight fight.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by Victory Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions, are priced $50, $75 and $125 and can be purchased at 2300arena.com and hardhittingpromotions.com.
Atlantic City, NJ (November 1, 2018) – Middleweight Isiah Seldon is getting ready for his biggest fight of his career when he takes on undefeated Tyler Howard in a bout scheduled for eight-round on November 16th at The Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
The bout, which is promoted by Top Rank, will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The main event will see WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker defending against Alex Saucedo.
Seldon (12-1-1, 4 KOs) has been training in Atlantic City under the watchful eye of Bill Johnson.
“I am looking forward to this great opportunity,” said Seldon. “I have been longing for an opportunity to take on a fighter such as Howard as a win will take my career to the next level.”
Team Seldon, has been working diligently with longtime manager Jim Kurtz very excited about the opportunity that Seldon has in front of him.
“It doesn’t get any bigger than fighting on a Top Rank show with an explosive main event between Hooker and Saucedo. The staff at Top Rank has been top notch. I am really excited for Isiah to get this opportunity to display his talents on a big stage. Myself and co-manager Joe Thompson are convinced Isiah is ready to shine on November 16th and it can’t get here fast enough,” said Kurtz, who has managed Seldon from day one.
Kurtz also managed Seldon’s father, WBA Heavyweight champion, Bruce Seldon.
“Isiah has reunited with his original trainer Bill Johnson and they haven’t skipped a beat. This is the first time Isiah has had a full fledged training camp. We haven’t left any stone unturned in preparation for this fight. Isiah’s conditioning is at a point that I have never seen with him before. He is getting great sparring and his improvement working with Bill in preparation for this fight has been incredible. He is ready to show the world a new and improved Isiah Seldon. He has a large legacy to follow being the son of former WBA Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon but Isiah is determined to make his own mark on the sport of boxing.”
“He has always had power in both hands, scoring knockdown in almost every fight, but now he is learning to remain calm and finish guys instead of getting overly excited and letting them off the hook. He is punching harder than ever before, putting his punches together and his boxing ability has reached a level where he can control the pace of the fight. We have taken it slow with Isiah considering he didn’t have any amateur fights but we are now at the point where he is ready to make his mark on the Middleweight division.”
“We know Tyler Howard is a good undefeated fighter. He had a good amateur career, comes from a family with a boxing background, and has a solid management team who have done a great job with him. On November 16th we expect a tough fight with some fireworks but we are confident Isiah will emerge victorious and this will lead us to bigger and better opportunities.”
NEW YORK (October 26, 2018) –Undefeated Ivan Baranchyk (18-0, 11 KOs) is destined to become a world champion when he takes on Anthony Yigit in a fight for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight title as part of the WBSS, Saturday night in New Orleans (DAZN, 8 pm ET).
Baranchyk of Miami, Oklahoma via Russia is one of the most exciting fighters in the world as he is a come-forward fighter who likes to throw hard power shots.
In Yigit (21-0-1, 7 KOs), Baranchyk is facing a boxer from Sweden, who will be looking to stand in the way of Baranchyk’s dream of becoming a world champion.
Baranchyk is looking to become the next world champion under the guidance of Split-T Management.
Baranchyk scaled 140 lbs at Friday’s weigh in, while Yigit was 139.7
WBSS Season 2 Quarter-Finals – New Orleans: Weigh-In
“I am good, and ready for this fight. It has been a dream to become world champion, and Saturday I have a chance to realize that and at the same time advance in this great tournament,” said Baranchyk.
“It’s a truly exciting moment in time. To have a client with such a great work ethic, and so much heart, and now seeing him get that opportunity he deserves is an outstanding feeling,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.
Baranchyk is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Fight Promotions and Holden Promotions.
CHICAGO, IL., (October 11, 2018) – Junior Welterweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. will be back in action this Saturday night when he takes on Andrew Rodgers in a six-round bout at The McBride Hall in Gary, Indiana.
Sims of nearby Chicago will be back in the ring for the first time since taking an eight-round split decision over previously undefeated Montana Love on July 20th in a bout that was nationally televised on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.
Sims (12-1-1, 4 KOs) has been working in Houston, Texas with some top-notch sparring partners, which will help him go forward in his career.
“My camp was great. It was a full camp with my strength and conditioning coach. I got great sparring with O’Shaquie Foster, Regis Prograis, and Taras Shelestyuk,” said Sims.
In Rodgers, Sims is taking on an unheralded opponent in what most a terming a “stay busy fight.”
“I really do not know much about him. I am taking this fight as it is close to home. I have been fighting in different places, so this is a good opportunity for my family and fans to see me fight.”
After being injured for the better part of the last year, Sims is looking to stay active at the end of the 2018 and into 2019.
“I hope to have another fight before the end of the year. It doesn’t matter if it another fight like this or something more significant. It all depends on the situation.”
Sims, who is promoted by GH3 Promotions can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @KennethSimsJr
(Friday, September 28, 2018) Youthful exuberance carried the night, as Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (13-0, 10 KOs) won a unanimous 10-round decision over John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-5-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.
Fighting in the main event of Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2” boxing event at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla, Yoon outworked the gritty Panamanian.
Often landing three to take one, 19-year-old Yoon is a punching machine with seemingly limitless energy. Renteria landed well at times, but couldn’t match Yoon’s work rate. The scores were 98-92, 100-90, and 99-91.
Miami (via Havana’s) undefeated Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (9-0, 5 KOs) graduated to prospect status, and probably learned some lessons along the way, with a unanimous 10-round decision over Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-2, 12 KOs) of Key West.
Navarro came out guns blazing for the first four rounds and landed some thudding shots to the body and head. Staying cool, the more experienced Alvarez began to come on in the middle of the fight, as Navarro began to slow.
To his credit, Navarro found the energy to reignite the buzzsaw in rounds eight and nine to seal victory. Alvarez landed plenty of sharp counters and had his moments as well. The scores were 98-92, and 97-93 x 2.
In an interesting 10-round welterweight tiff, Puerto Rico’s Derrieck Cuevas (18-0-1, 14 KOs) stayed undefeated with a unanimous 10-round decision over Mexican spoiler Silverio Ortiz (37-23, 18 KOs).
Making his Heavyweight Factory debut, Cuevas seemed somewhat befuddled by the awkward Ortiz at times. He managed to knock Ortiz down with a left hook in round three and the Mexican lost a point in round six for rabbit punching.
That said, it’s obvious why Ortiz has a reputation for taking undefeated records away. Not your typical smash-and-grab veteran, the roughhousing Ortiz throws clubbing haymakers from weird angles that could easily confuse a more conventional fighter.
Cuevas, who punches like a mule kicks, stuck to his training and managed to come out the winner. The scores were 95-93, 96-92 and a wrong 98-90.
In an eight-round featherweight bout, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (8-0, 6 KOs) won a pedestrian unanimous decision over Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-6, 12 KOs). A stylistic mismatch, the pair tried to get things going, but it never really happened. Tursyngaliyev won by scores of 79-73, 80-72 and 78-74 for being more effective against the, too often, jab-and-grab Colombian veteran.
Blood-and-guts fan favorite Jessy Cruz (14-7-1, 5 KOs) of Miami had an easier night than usual when Homestead, Florida’s Sergio Aguilar (2-10, 2 KOs) elected not to come out for round four of their six-round featherweight bout. The official verdict was TKO 3 (3:00). Cruz normally goes down, knocks the other guy down and wins some and loses some in the fight of the night. Nice to see him not have to go to the edge of human endurance for once.
Miami’s Jorge De Jesus Romero (11-0, 9 KOs) was too strong for outgunned Hungarian Jeno Tonte (8-4, 7 KOs) in their eight-round featherweight bout. A squat puncher, Romero walked down Tonte with relative ease and ended his night early with a TKO 3 at 2:43. An extended body barrage to a wilting Tonte’s midsection convinced referee Sam Burgos that enough was enough.
Dustin Arnold (6-1 (1 KO) of Coral Springs, Florida, had things all his way for four rounds of his lightweight six-rounder against Raul Chirino (12-10, 6 KOs) of Miami. Chrino came to life and took the fight to Arnold in the last two rounds. Too little too late, as the talented Arnold took the unanimous nod (scores: 58-56, 59-55 x 2). Good, entertaining fight between two Florida rivals.
Miami’s Irosvani Duvergel (4-0, 2 KOs) did what you’re supposed to do against your early opponents when you’re a hard-punching super middleweight prospect. The transplanted Cuban battered Texas veteran Emmanuel Sanchez (7-10-1, 1 KO) for four straight rounds and won a wide unanimous decision (40-35 by all three judges). A true slugger with bad intentions, Duvergel is going to be a fun fighter to watch, especially as he goes up levels and finds some worthy competition. He chased Sanchez around the ring with looping hard shots and was credited with a knockdown in round three.
WBO #11 Logan Yoon Looks to Defend NABO Belt Against Panama’s John Renteria
On Friday, Sept. 28, in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., promoter Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory return with “Rumble at the Rock 2,” another sensational night of world-class professional boxing. A treasure for Florida’s fans of live boxing, Heavyweight Factory’s shows at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have become the nation’s strongest off-TV boxing series.
“Rumble at the Rock 2” is no exception. In the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against former WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight, WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight and WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Champion John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.
Blessed with cat-like reflexes, fast hands and substantial power, the promising 19-year-old Yoon is gaining fans and reputation with every impressive performance. In his last fight in July, he took a unanimous decision over Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores with scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 97-93. In March, Yoon overcame the determination and experience of former two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado, winning a unanimous 10-round decision (100-89, 97-92 and 98-91). Yoon is currently the WBO #11-rated contender.
“I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to fight in my first professional main event,” said Yoon. “I’m not any more nervous than usual because I fought in the amateurs in main events before and I’m used to all eyes being on me. I know he’s got a body punch, so I’ll be watching out for that. Training is going well. I’m training two or three times a day, six days a week. The weight is good. I feel awesome physically and I’m very confident going in.”
Twenty-six-year-old Renteria, of Panama City, is a six-year professional. He won the WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight Championship in March 2016, with a TKO 6 over then-undefeated (16-0) David Lobo Ramrez. Renteria picked up the WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight title the following April by ninth-round technical decision over Omir Rodriguez. He also grabbed the WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Championship with a TKO 5 over formerly undefeated Lesvy Maure.
“I am happy to be coming to Florida,” said Renteria. “I am representing Panama and I am coming to showcase my talent. My rival Logan Yoon is a very tough upcoming prospect who is very powerful, so I will bring my all.”
The evening’s 10-round co-main event will feature Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) defending his NABA-USA Featherweight Championship against undefeated Colombian Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs).
Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.
“We are very happy to be back at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, bringing live boxing to South Florida fans,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations, The Heavyweight Factory. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of this. Boxing at the Seminole Hard Rock is always great, and the event center is a perfect place for it. The Hard Rock is filled with wonderful things to do, from fine dining to gambling and spectacular events – all in one place! The Heavyweight Factory wishes to send a special thanks to Jim Allen Larry Mullin and Dave Gold and their entire staff. Fight fans, please enjoy South Florida’s boxing at its best.”
On fight night, the Event Center doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.
Live Streaming Undercard Coverage From Barclays Center
On SHOWTIME Sports Social Media Platforms Precedes
Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter Welterweight World Championship
NEW YORK – August 9, 2018 – Amanda Serrano will fight for a world title in a sixth weight division on Saturday, September 8 at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. Brooklyn’s Serrano will face Yamila Esther Reynoso for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship. If successful, Serrano will set a women’s boxing record as a six-division world champion, joining Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya as the only boxers, male or female, to reach the mark.
SHOWTIME Sports will live-stream Serrano vs. Reynoso as part of undercard coverage on the network’s social media platforms. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The live stream precedes a three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, SHOWTIME) headlined by Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter for the welterweight world championship.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, the network’s seventh social media offering of live boxing in 2018, is available to all domestic users with internet access. The livestream is hosted by Ray Flores with Chris Mannix serving as analyst.
Serrano (34-1-1, 26 KOs), who is already the only woman to win titles in five weight classes, is looking to best her personal record. Born in Carolina, Puerto Rico and representing her hometown of Brooklyn, Serrano has won titles from 118 to 135 pounds, earning her the No. 2 ranking on the BWAA’s inaugural women’s pound-for-pound list. The 29-year-old is also the only Puerto Rican – male or female – to capture world titles in five different weight classes and will look to build on that record against Reynoso. She fights for the fifth time in her career at Barclays Center on September 8 with a chance to once again make history again in front of the passionate fan base of Puerto Rican boxing fans in New York.
“I’m super excited to be fighting for a world title in my sixth weight class,” said Serrano. “My opponent is really a welterweight, having defended her Argentinean 147-pound title by knockout in her last fight, and is dropping down one division to face me. I am coming up four divisions for this shot. I’m sure Reynoso will rehydrate back up to her natural weight after the weigh-in, but this is a risk worth taking. She’s never been stopped either, so I know she’s durable. This is a tremendous card to be a part of with Garcia vs. Porter as the main event. My promoter, Lou DiBella, has big things lined up for me, and I am eager to take on all challenges.”
Reynoso (11-4-3, 8 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has challenged for world titles at 140 pounds and 154 pounds. The 22-year-old has most recently campaigned at welterweight, where she held the Argentina 147-pound title, and will be moving back down in weight for her third shot at a world title. Reynoso, who will make her U.S. debut on September 8, has recorded all eight of her knockouts inside of five rounds.
“I’m very happy to be training for such a great opportunity for this WBO world title against a terrific champion in Amanda Serrano,” said Reynoso. “I am coming ready to give Serrano a real fight, and I look forward to capturing the title belt.”
“Amanda Serrano is one of the best pound-for-pound female boxers and one of the best boxers in the world, period,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “She is also now a two-sport athlete, embarking on her MMA career earlier this year. In the boxing ring, Serrano is a record-breaker, becoming the only female boxer to win world titles in five weight classes, and on September 8, she will attempt to break her own record, vying for a sixth division championship. I’m thrilled that the world will get to see Serrano make history once again with the bout being a part of the SHOWTIME live stream online.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP
Uzbekistan-born junior welterweight sensation Shohjahon “Shoh” Ergashev will return to action on Sunday, August 19, at the Korston Club Hotel Moscow, in Moscow, Russia. The fearsome punching southpaw Ergashev (12-0, 11 KOs) will face Kampala, Uganda’s Juma Waswa (10-2-1, KOs) in the 10-round main event.
In his last fight, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in April, the WBA #7-ranked Ergashev went the 10-round distance for the first time while winning every round and the WBA International title against former World Series of Boxing Champion Zhimin Wang of China.
Ergashev, who spends most of his time training at the Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit, says that even though Wasma has never been stopped or knocked down in his career, he is shunning the boxer’s convention of saying he will go for the KO only if it presents itself.
The fearless Uzbek says he’s only out for one thing in this and every fight.
“I am happy to be fighting in Moscow in front of my fans from Russia and Uzbekistan. My goal is to score exciting knockouts and that’s what I plan on doing August 19.”
“Shoh is one of the hardest punchers in boxing,” said Ergashev’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “I believe he has all the ingredients to be a dominant force and one of the most exciting fighters in the sport. On August 19, he will take another step toward his goal of winning a world title in the near future.”
Salita, says the 25-year-old is a bright light, even in his formidable stable of Soviet Bloc fighters that includes undefeated Kazakhstani junior welterweight showman Bakhtiyar Eyubov, world-rated super middleweight Aslambek Idigov, world-rated light heavyweight Umar Salamov, undefeated heavyweight Apti Davtaev, world-rated Ukrainian-born Korean Arnold Khegai, cruiserweight contender Alexey Zubov, undefeated women’s future champion Elena Savelyeva, top-rated bantamweight Nikolai Potapov and undefeated IBF #1 contender Elena Gradinar.
2016 Western New England and New England Golden Gloves 152 pound champion
2016 National Golden Gloves Semi-Finalist
Trainer: Angel Gonzalez
Manager: Nate Torres
Promoter: Joe DeGuardia/Star Boxing
Anthony Laureano is a 23 year old rising prospect in the boxing game today. An extremely hard working and focused young man, Laureano is a throwback type of fighter. He put the hard work in each and every day, strives to learn the finer points of the game and approaches each fight like a Do Or Die event.
Thus far Anthony and his team have chosen a unique path to success in the boxing world. They have not shied away from tough competition thus far and, in fact, have had to dig down and overcome several very stiff challenges from eager opposition. Laureano’s last two opponents in particular, Tobias Green (7-1) and John Hernandez (8-2), both provided extremely tough challenges in bouts that forced “Action” Anthony to dig down to places that most up and comers simply aren’t forced to go until quite a bit later in their careers.
Both performances drew rave reviews from fans and media alike and compelled me to conduct this interview with one of the best professional prospects the Hartford-area has seen in many years.
Humble, clean living, fearless, hard-working and as fan friendly and approachable as they come, undefeated (7-0) Anthony Laureano is definitely one to root for.
The following is a 10 question interview in advance of his June 30 bout at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut against Juan Rodriguez (8-9-1) of Haymarket, Virginia on Star Boxing show that features contender Joe Smith Jr. in the main event against Melvin Russel in a light heavyweight match up.
“10 Questions With “Action” Anthony Laureano”
QUESTION 1. How did you originally get started as a boxer?
LAUREANO: My father put me in boxing. He wanted us to stay active and in shape. I originally started boxing at age 8 with (former lightweight contender) Pito Cardona. We used to follow him everywhere he went to teach us some techniques. I started competing at age 11 or 12 in a garage. Where the ropes were sheet rock walls. The ring floor was a rug and in the winter time you’d better bundle up. I would go to the gym in all types of weather. Snow, rain and heat waves. I didn’t care, I would just go on my bike. Right after school I would get my big bag ready and get my bike ready to ride.
QUESTION 2. What are your goals as a fighter? What do you want to do in this game?
LAUREANO: My goal as a fighter is to become champion of the world. It would be an achievement that I could share with the people. In this game I want to show that no matter how hard it is at first you still can accomplish big things. With hard work, dedication and will power anything is possible. I want to put God first. I want to give people hope.
QUESTION 3. In your opinion what was the highlight of your amateur boxing career?
LAUREANO: The highlight of my amateur career was my first fight with my trainer Angel Gonzales. This fight changed everything. I felt had the talent, but I was coming from a back to back losing streak. This fight was a close one. I was just getting ready to lose because when it was close I never got the decision. Angel yelled at me “What;s wrong with you? You don’t do this in sparring. You better show me something!!!” I went out that round and gave the kid two standing 8 counts in the 3rd round. This fight was the turning point of my career. This made everything possible.
QUESTION 4: So far you’ve faced several tough opponents for someone with only a few fights yourself under your belt. And as long as I have known you its been very obvious that you are not shy about stepping in with the tougher competition. Where do you think that comes from? Where did you develop this mindset?
LAUREANO: The reason that I’m not shy about taking on competition is because I have faith God. I failed a lot in the amateurs so I know what it is to lose. Every time I lost one of my amateur fights I went right back at it the next day. Of course, I felt like I shouldn’t be in the gym. I even felt embarrassed to go to the gym. I wanted to be something in the sport of boxing, though, so I didn’t care what other people thought. The reason I’m willing to take on better competition is to prove to myself and get better as a fighter.
QUESTION 5: How did you begin working with your trainer, (1986 New England Golden Gloves 106 pound champion) Angel Gonzalez, and what is the training like?
LAUREANO: Angel Gonzalez was always around me. He would do little group exercises and I’d jump in sometimes. I eventually got to work with him when I was looking for a new trainer. I even thought about doing Muay Thai, but I still had a love for boxing. So I went back to boxing and started training with Angel. Angel gave me discipline in the sport and that was something I needed. After my first pro fight, Angel spoke to Nate Torres and ask him to help him train me. Nate accepted and now is my manager and co-trainer. The professional game is different and we must continue to improve my skill set in order to continue my success as a professional boxer.
I have a great team now. Truly blessed!
QUESTION 6: Were u a boxing fan growing up or are you one now? Who did you grow up watching in the sport and who are your favorite boxers?
LAUREANO: My favorite boxers of course are the fighters who take risk and keep coming forward. I look up to Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti wars. Growing up I just really loved doing boxing. It’s really an art form. There is Lomachenko, he shows that it’s sometimes just a master in his angles. I see fights of his to learn new things that I like. Adrian Boner when he is on his game boxing is really nice to see. Of course, people really down play him but, if you take all the drama and leave it to the side, he is really something to see when he has it together.
QUESTION 7. Do you have anyone in the sport who you try and emulate as a fighter? What boxers influenced your style as a professional fighter?
LAUREANO: My style is like Ward and Gatti in terms of heart and will to win. My trainers say my style resembles Miguel Cotto at 140. Similar left hook to body and boxing style. Miguel is a warrior with no quit in him and I’d like for people to see that in me, too..
I also really like Mikey Garcia today because he is a complete fighter. He takes on big challenges. Can adjust to any situation. He has such good speed and power. Even after a two year layoff he still came back so strong.
QUESTION 8. What is the best thing about being a professional boxer?
LAUREANO: For me the best thing about being a pro is I’m doing what I love. Using the gifts that God gave me to honor him. Also the opportunity it creates to provide a better life for my family.
Question 9: So far what has been the toughest part of being a professional fighter for you?
LAUREANO: I would say the toughest part about being a professional fighter is just managing life and training. Right now I’m in the come up. So it’s tough I would love to work but, then I would lack in training. It’s managing the people around you some support and some don’t. So you really just got to stay with positive people that support. Your mindset is everything so if your failing to manage your emotions it will hit hard when you got a fight coming up.
QUESTION 10. At this point in your career you are still working your way up, fighting on undercards in preliminary bouts. Spots often open up on these smaller cards on short notice. How long would you need to get ready for a fight if called for one?
LAUREANO: I’m always ready for a fight because I don’t take any time off from the gym. I do my cardio at a fitness club then I do my boxing later on in the day. Always.
Photo By: Peter Pabon
ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY
“The wait in the dressing room before a professional boxing match -that last hour- could be enough to strip a man who never fought before of whatever pride, desire, heart or courage he thought he had.” – Iceman John Scully, April 2002
Flanagan-Hooker Serves As Chief Support For The Long-Awaited Return Of Tyson Fury At Manchester Arena
Click HERE for Photos; Credit Frank Warren/Stacey Verbeek
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (June 7, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contenders Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker faced off on Thursday just two days before they meet for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship on Saturday at Manchester Arena.
Flanagan vs. Hooker serves as the chief support for the long-awaited return of former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury. Both bouts will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.
Live coverage for the Frank Warren-promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre and post-fight analysis from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.
The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch against former world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.
Here’s what Flanagan and Hooker had to say on Thursday:
Terry Flanagan
“I’m more than ready. I’ve prepared well, and I’m expecting a good night.”
“Of course he believes in himself, like the last few Americans that have come over. He’s just another American I’m going to add to the list.”
“I’m confident. I’m stronger and I’m bigger, fitter.”
“I’m more than ready. I know what he’s going to bring, and I’m prepared for the best Maurice Hooker. … I think I need to step up now and show people what I’m about.”
(On moving up a weight class) “It’s five pounds, it’s nothing. I’m plenty big enough to move up again. I’m 5-foot-10. I’m big, I’m strong, I’m ready for this weight. This is my natural weight. … I’ll get a title at this weight and then see what happens from there.”
“There’s nothing he can do now or that I can do now to change how the fight is going to go. It’s all about getting in there and being 100 percent switched on ready, and we’re going to have a fight Saturday night.”
Maurice Hooker
“I love being the underdog – I’ve been the underdog my whole life, and look where I’m at now. I’m ready to fight Saturday, and Terry’s ready to fight. I’m going to punch him in the mouth, and I hope he punches me back – if not, he’s in trouble.”
“We’re going to put on a good show come Saturday night. He’s in good shape, and I’m in good shape. We can go 12 rounds real hard, or it might be an early night for Terry.”
“I’m back now and better than ever. I’m ready to show the whole world who I am. Before that fight with Darleys Perez, everybody was scared to fight me. I’m still that monster, I’m still that dog. Come Saturday night, I’m going to punch him in the mouth and I might knock him out in the first round.”
“Come Saturday night, I pray for him, because I mean business when I get in that ring.”
“It’s my best against his best. We’ve got a fight Saturday night, so don’t blink.”
