Tag Archives: Lydell Rhodes

boxing, Fox Sports 1

Edner Cherry Tops Lydell Rhodes with Unanimous Decision in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

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Omar Douglas Finishes Alexei Collado by Seventh Round Stoppage
 
Antonio Russell Earns Unanimous Decision Over Rudolph Hedge
 
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(Link Will Be Updated Shortly)
Credit: Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
                                                                                            
BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 29, 2016) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) defeated contender Lydell Rhodes (23-2-1, 11 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-92, 97-93 X 2) in a 10-round super featherweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla. who trains out of St. Pete Boxing Club with welterweight champion Keith Thurman, got off to an early lead in the second round, landing a left that stumbled Rhodes briefly.
A former football standout and wrestler in high school, who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes made the fight physical and ugly early.
Rhodes said, “He held and a lot which made it tough to get in a rhythm.”
“He was slick,” answered Cherry. “So I held because I didn’t want him to get in those quick shots.”
A sloppy round five saw both fighters slip to the canvas, but neither was ruled a knockdown. What became a wrestling match continued rounds six through 10, with clinching and grappling throughout.
Moments before the final bell, Cherry stunned Rhodes, cementing what would become his unanimous victory.
Cherry said, “I thought it was a great fight. I was in a tough fight tonight and I am glad to come out with the victory.”
A discontented Rhodes expressed, “It was a heck of a fight. I wanted to back him up in the later rounds but he was strong. It was an ugly fight, but I believe I won. I don’t agree with the decision. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Cherry concluded, “Training and sparring with Keith (Thurman) was great. He’s so strong and it helped me in this fight. We were both training for big fights at the same time and it helped me increase my strength and pick up this win tonight, without a doubt.”
Televised coverage kicked off with unbeaten Omar “Super O” Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) stopping Cuban Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (19-2, 17 KOs) in the seventh round of their scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.
A fast-rising star out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas jumped out to an early lead, controlling the action in the first frame. Douglas continued moving Collado around the ring in round two, forcing a frustrated Collado to clinch, which resulted in both fighters awkwardly stumbling to the canvas.
The Miami native Collado came out aggressive in rounds three and four, outworking Douglas and winning him the pair of rounds on all three judges’ scorecards.
However, Douglas settled in throughout rounds five and six. His jabs to the body proving an effective deterrent to Collado’s aggression and furious pace he displayed in the earlier rounds.
The end came in the seventh round as Douglas landed a left hook to Collado’s head that stumbled Collado, forcing him to take a knee and never get back up.
“I noticed that he has his head in the middle and that is unusual for a tall guy,” said Douglas. “So I was focusing on the right hand up the middle. I was able to finish him with a hard right, left, right combination.”
Collado acknowledged, “He hit me with a good left hook and that broke my nose. I feel it was a close fight though, and I was in the fight up until he got me, but he is a good fighter.”
Douglas agreed with Collado’s assessment of the competition adding, “It was a tough fight, but I had a great camp and that showed tonight. I think I need one or two more of these kinds of fights and I will be ready for a title shot.”
The second televised bout showcased unbeaten prospect Antonio Russell (7-0, 5 KOs) securing a unanimous decision (60-54, 59-55 X 2) victory over Jamaica’sRudolph Hedge (10-4-3, 4 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight showdown.
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The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Prospect Antonio Russell Battles Jamaica’s Rudolph Hedge On On Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, June 28 From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA.

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Plus! Unbeaten Prospects Chris Colbert & Antonio Dubose Meet as Part Of Full Undercard of Action
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 21, 2016) – Unbeaten prospect Antonio Russell (6-0, 5 KOs) will take on Jamaica’s Rudolph Hedge (10-3-3, 4 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight showdown as part of Premier Boxing Champions ­TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, June 28 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
The June 28 event is headlined by a lightweight showdown between former title challenger Edner Cherry and quick-fisted contender Lydell Rhodes. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten featherweight Omar Douglas taking on Cuba’s Alexei Collado.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at(800) 745-3000.
Additional undercard action features unbeaten Brooklyn-prospect Chris Colbert taking on fellow unbeaten Antonio Dubose of Philadelphia in a six-round super bantamweight bout, unbeaten Philadelphia-prospect Milton Santiago against veteran Osumanu Akaba in an eight-round super lightweight attraction, local heavyweight Eric Newell in a four-round bout against Randy Easton and the pro debut of Philadelphia’sYurik Mamedov in a four-round welterweight bout.
Rounding out the night of fights Maryland-prospect Mykal Fox in a six-round super lightweight bout against Puerto Rico’s Jose Valderrama Yonkers-native Victor Vasquez against Philadelphia’s Seifullah Jihad Wise in a six-round lightweight battle and unbeaten Washington, D.C. prospect Marcus Bates in a bantamweight bout against Bennie Culpepper.
 
Twice a National Golden Gloves runner up, Russell won the national championship in 2013 and he now looks to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and current 126-pound world champion Gary. The 23-year-old fighting out of Washington, D.C. turned pro in 2015 and delivered five victories before making his 2-16 debut in April with a stoppage of Alberto Serna. He will take on Kingston, Jamaica’s Hedge who made his U.S. debut in May.
 
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox Sports 1

Exciting Contenders Edner Cherry & Lydell Rhodes Meet in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, June 28 From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

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Plus! Unbeaten Rising Featherweight Omar Douglas Battles
Cuba’s Alexei Collado in Co-Main Event
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 7, 2016) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (34-7-2, 19 KOs) and and quick-fisted contender Lydell Rhodes (23-1-1, 11 KOs) will compete in the 10-round lightweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on Tuesday, June 28 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten featherweight Omar “Super O” Douglas (16-0, 11 KOs) battling hard-hitting Cuban Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (19-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
“I know Rhodes is a good fighter and I am preparing for a tough fight,” said Cherry. “I am still pushing towards a world title. I learned that when you fight for a title, you have to knock out the champ. I’m not giving up. I’m still here and think this will be a great fight. This is what boxing needs, two great fighters going at it.”
“I have been waiting for a fight like this for a long time,” said Rhodes. “Cherry is a warrior who has never been stopped. I will be the first person to stop him. I have to go out and dominate against a guy who has fought many world champions. I believe if I do that, it will push me towards a world title shot.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at(800) 745-3000.
“This is a terrific show headlined by a great crossroads fight between Edner Cherry and Lydell Rhodes,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Cherry is looking for another title shot and with a win Rhodes will get right in the mix. This should be an outstanding night of fights in Bethlehem and on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”
Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., is a former world title challenger who is 10-1 since 2009.  His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds and his title challenge last October against Jose Pedraza in which he dropped a split decision. Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson and will look to take down a contender on his way to another title shot.
A multi-sport athlete who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes looks to rebound on June 28 from his first blemish at the hands of unbeaten Sergey Lipinets. The 28-year-old recorded four victories in 2014 including triumphs over Miguel Angel Huerta and John Nater before fighting to a draw in 2015 with Jared Robinson in addition to the fight with Lipinets.
An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in the TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS main event in December 2015 when he defeated contender Frank De Alba in a step up fight. The 24-year-old had already beaten Daniel Attah in 2015 and previously took down veterans Anthony Napunyi, Jean Javier Sotelo and Osnel Charles and he will again fight strong competition as he seeks a world title shot in the near future.
Fighting out of Miami but originally from Cuba, Collado turned pro in 2008 and was victorious in his first 18 pro bouts before a decision loss in 2014. The 28-year-old owns victories over veterans Edgar Riovalle, Franklin Varela and Jose Saez and most recently stopped Gyci Lorenzo in February.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

MALIK SCOTT TAKES DOWN TONY THOMPSON IN HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: THE NEXT ROUND ON BOUNCE TV FROM THE VENUE AT UCF IN ORLANDO

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POWER-PUNCHING SERGEY LIPINETS DECISIONS PREVIOUSLY 
UNBEATEN LYDELL RHODES
 
SAMUEL FIGUEROA DEFEATS JAVONTAE STARKS IN 
BATTLE OF UNBEATEN PROSPECTS
FLOYD MAYWEATHER-PROMOTED RISING STAR GERVONTA DAVIS STOPS FORMER WORLD CHAMPION CRISTOBAL CRUZ
Click HERE For Photos From Todd McLennan/Premier Boxing Champions
ORLANDO (October 31, 2015) – Malik “King” Scott (38-2-1, 13 KOs) won a heavyweight showdown with Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (40-6, 27 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday night from The Venue at UCF in Orlando.
Scott controlled most of the action thoughout the 10-round battle using his superior movement to control the pace of the fight. As he has throughout his career, Thompson refused to give in and scored a big knockdown with a thundering right hand in round nine.
The fight would end up going the distance, with all three judges giving the bout to Scott by scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 95-94.
The action continued with the power-punching Sergey Lipinets (8-0, 6 KOs) taking down previously unbeaten Lydell Rhodes (23-1-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round showdown of unbeaten super lightweights.
Lipinets stalked the athletic-Rhodes early on and wore him down before dominating and nearly-stopping him in the later rounds. Lipinets landed 79 power punches out of 122 landed and his 79 power punches matched Rhodes 79 total punches landed. The final judges tallies were 96-93 and 98-91 twice, all in favor of LIpinets.
The opening televised bout featured a pair of undefeated prospects and saw Samuel “El Macho” Figueroa (10-0, 4 KOs) win a unanimous decision over Javontae Starks (13-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight fight.
Figueroa was able to break through the defenses of the much taller Starks and use his awkward southpaw style score with big right hands. “El Macho” out-landed Starks by a total of 132-113 and was rewarded by the judges with scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice in his favor.
Additional undercard action saw a rising super lightweight star in Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs), with promoter Floyd “Money” Mayweather watching ringside, stop former world champion Cristobal Cruz (40-19-4, 24 KOs) in the third round.
Davis sent Cruz to the canvas in round one with a straight left-right hook combo and followed that up with an uppercut that put Cruz down again and caused the referee to stop the fight 1:31 into round three.
Here is what the fighters had to say Friday:
MALIK SCOTT
“My skill set was good, but this is one of those tapes I will hate to look at when I get home. Tony got away with a lot. I was making him miss and not making him pay. But let’s not forget I haven’t fought for a whole year. I have to get more active, so after this fight, we’ll see what’s next. I’m never satisfied with my performances, but that’s what keeps me going.
“I was hurt in the ninth, definitely. But I’m in great shape and I wasn’t worried about it. I got through it and let him know he’d have to do it again to win this fight.
“Tony’s legs are very slow, so I was just losing him with the feet all night long.”
TONY THOMPSON
“He was just too fast. If I were younger I would have caught him. A prime Tony would have kicked his ass, but I’m 44 and the years are starting to pile up.
“Malik did a great job of staying away until I was able to catch him with one good shot. He just pitty-patted his way to victory.
“I would rate my performance a D at best. I was the aggressor but I didn’t cut him off good enough until late in the fight. My coach kept telling me to go to the right but for whatever reason I only started going to the right late in the fight. That was when I caught him.
“It was an outstanding performance by Malik. He did what he’s supposed to do to an older fighter.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“He ran too much. He didn’t want to fight. It’s very difficult to fight someone who doesn’t really want to fight.
“I had him hurt in the eighth, ninth and tenth rounds. Definitely. I was hurting him with every punch, but he was holding so much it wasn’t easy to finish him off. Plus he takes a good punch.
“I learned to put more combinations together. I came to fight, not run.
“He thinks he won the fight? He’s the only one in the whole arena. I won every round. They gave him a few rounds. He should be happy about that.”
LYDELL RHODES
“The judging is what went wrong. I won this fight. I felt I controlled most of the fight until the last couple rounds.
“He came on strong in the later rounds. He caught me in the seventh, eighth and ninth rounds, but I controlled the first six.
“He wasn’t that strong. He had good pressure, but I was never hurt in the fight.
“I know I won this fight.”
SAMUEL FIGUEROA
“I worked hard training for this fight. The sparring in camp was outstanding. I was in great condition for this fight.
“I knew Javontae was a great fighter, but I was prepared for him. He hit me a lot but I was in too good of shape to be hurt.
“I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I appreciate it. Prichard Colon this was for you.”
JAVONTAE STARKS
“It was my fault for leaving it to the judges. I feel like I could have done a lot more.
“A unanimous decision is a little tough to take. I gave a lot of rounds away. I need to be busier next time. It was a learning experience.
“It takes character to come back from a loss and I will come back better than ever.”
GERVONTA DAVIS
“I did well. I need to work on some things. I listened to my corner and to Floyd, I’m thankful for everyone who got me prepared.
“We’ll get right back into the ring and continue to get better.”
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“Gervonta is a young kid from Baltimore who comes from a rough background like myself. He works hard and is dedicated to the sport of boxing.
“Mayweather Promotions wants to take him to the next level. The ultimate goal is to see him break all of my records.”
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PBC: The Next Round On Bounce TV was promoted by Warriors Boxing.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MalikKingScott, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/BounceTV and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

UNBEATEN GERVONTA DAVIS & UNDEFEATED LOCAL PROSPECT MIGUEL CRUZ ENTER THE RING IN SEPARATE UNDERCARD BOUTS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 AT THE VENUE AT UCF IN ORLANDO

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Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Will Serve As A Guest Analyst For Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round On Bounce TV
Headlined by Heavyweights Tony Thompson & Malik Scott
9 p.m. ET
 
ORLANDO, FL (October 27, 2015) – Rising unbeaten lightweight Gervonta “Tank” Davis (12-0, 11 KOs) and undefeated prospect Miguel Cruz (10-0, 9 KOs), from nearby Lake Mary, Fla. are featured in separate bouts as part of undercard action on Friday, October 30 at The Venue at UCF, located behind the CFE Arena in Orlando, Fla.
The October 30 event is headlined by heavyweights Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (40-5, 27 KOs) and Malik “King” Scott (37-2-1, 13 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions– The Next Round on Bounce TV and streaming on BounceTV.com. Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder will serve as a guest analyst for the show on Bounce TV.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET and features undefeated super lightweights Lydell Rhodes (23-0-1, 11 KOs) and Sergey Lipinets (7-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout, plus undefeated prospects Javontae Starks (13-0, 7 KOs) and Samuel “El Macho” Figueroa (9-0, 4 KOs) in eight rounds of welterweight action.   
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $102, $52 and $27 and can be purchased by calling Warriors Boxing at (954) 985-1155 or by visitingwww.warriorsboxing.com. Tickets also available through ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the CFE Arena Box Office.
Davis faces former world champion Cristobal Cruz (40-18-4, 24 KOs) in a eight-round lightweight battle and Cruz will face Jonathan Batista (14-7, 7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight affair.
Also featured on the undercard is James McGirt Jr. (24-3, 13 KOs), son of former world champion “Buddy” McGirt, as he takes on Demetrius Walker (8-10-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight contest.
The hard-hitting action continues with 22-year-old Gary Antonio Russell (4-0, 3 KOs), brother of featherweight world champion Gary Russell, in a six-round bantamweight attraction against Gabriel Braxton (2-11, 1 KO) out of Red Oak, Georgia and Orlando’sMercia Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round cruiserweight contest against Boston’sKevin Miller (0-1).
A highly-regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 20-year-old Davis has already recorded three stoppage victories in 2015. Most recently, the Baltimore-native stopped Recky Dulay in the first round in September. He owns a decision victory over veteran German Meraz and will take on a former world champion in Tijuana, Mexico’s Cruz on October 30.
Born in Aguada, Puerto Rico and now residing minutes outside of Orlando, the 25-year-old Cruz was a member of the Puerto Rico National Team as an amateur. He turned pro in 2012 and owns four victories in 2015 as he ended fights with Daniel Rodriguez, Eli Addison, Juan Rodriguez and Travis Hartman inside the distance. He will take on the 31-year-old Batista of the Dominican Republic.
Born in Brentwood, New York like his world champion father, McGirt now trains and resides in Vero Beach, Fla. The 32-year-old was successful early in his career against fighters Ramond Joval, Jason Naugler and Patrick Perez but stepped away from the sport following a loss to then unbeaten Edwin Rodriguez in 2010. He returned in 2014 and took down Larry Smith and Rahman Yusubov leading up to his October 30 battle with the 30-year-old Walker out of Kansas City.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MalikKingScott, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/BounceTV and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.
boxing, fantasy sports

$2000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Crawford vs. Jean heads new game

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NEW YORK (October 20, 2015) – Boxing fans have another opportunity to back up their fight predictions, as well as earn bragging fights and cash winnings, simply by playing thenext $2,000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game,online at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com, powered by CompuBox.
 
This Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game is arguably the most difficult to date, featuring prohibitive favorites as well as several near pick ’em fights. Below find the complete line-up with fighter salaries:
Prohibitive favorites include junior middleweight world champion Terence Crawford($5600) defending his title at home in Omaha, Nebraska vs. Canadian challenger Dierry Jean ($4300), undefeated junior middleweight Jermall Charlo ($5800) vs. former world champion Joachim Alcine ($3900), and Olympian Joseph Diaz, Jr. ($5800) vs. Ruben Tamayo ($4000).
Much more competitive fights, near pick ’ems, include Tony Thompson ($4800) vs. Malik Scott ($4500) in a battle of veteran heavyweights, Kazakh prospect Sergey Lipinets($5000) vs. Lydell Rhodes ($4600), Rick Brant ($4800) vs. Louis Rose ($4600), and Tony Harrison ($5100) vs. Cecil McCalla ($4500) in a match-up of fighters coming off of disappointing losses
There are three easy ways to play Throwdown Fantasy: 1. Select five fighters from the game group, using the $25,000 salary cap (see above); 2. Then track scoring in real time, earning points for wins, knockouts and CompuBox statistics (see example chart below); 3. Scoring the most points wins. Most games last a full week and each has multiple winners.
Fighters receive points based for how they perform, rewarding each style of boxing, and
CompuBox fight statistics are available for research at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com.
New players who sign up now receive FREE entry into Throwdown Fantasy Boxing’s monthly Freeroll game.  Throwdown Fantasy also provides a $250 free roll that players may enter using Throwdown Points (3 free entire upon registration) and $25.00 free game. Signing up and playing is free. People have an opportunity to register and play for free and then move onto paid games.
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @Throwdownfan
Instagram: @throwdownfantasyboxing
boxing

HEAVYWEIGHTS TONY THOMPSON & MALIK SCOTT COLLIDE AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS – THE NEXT ROUND ON BOUNCE TV RETURNS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 AT 9 P.M. ET FROM  THE VENUE AT UCF IN ORLANDO

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Plus Two Contests Between Undefeated Prospects: Lydell Rhodes Battles Sergey Lipinets and Javontae Starks Takes On Samuel Figueroa
 
ORLANDO, FL (October 7, 2015) – A heavyweight clash between Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (40-5, 27 KOs) and Malik “King” Scott (37-2-1, 13 KOs) will headline Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) – The Next Round on Bounce TV and BounceTV.com on Friday, October 30 from The Venue at UCF, located behind the CFE Arena in Orlando, Fla.
The 10-round heavyweight battle will anchor televised coverage also streamed live beginning at 9 p.m. ET and is the third installment of PBC – The Next Round on Bounce TV. The first two PBC on Bounce TV fight cards, held on August 2 and September 18 respectively in nearby Winter Park, Fla.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are on sale tomorrow at12 p.m. ET. Tickets are priced at $102, $52 and $27 and can be purchased by calling Warriors Boxing at (954) 985-1155 or by visiting www.warriorsboxing.com. Tickets also available through ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the CFE Arena Box Office.
In the co-main event, undefeated super lightweights Lydell Rhodes (23-0-1, 11 KOs) andSergey Lipinets (7-0, 6 KOs) will meet in a 10-round bout. Televised coverage begins with more undefeated prospects as Javontae Starks (13-0, 7 KOs) and Samuel “El Macho” Figueroa (9-0, 4 KOs) square off in eight rounds of welterweight action.
“It’s great to be fighting on PBC on Bounce in a heavyweight fight like this,” said Thompson. “I’m not looking past Malik Scott because he’s an experienced and crafty fighter. I think most fighters will stay away from a style like Malik’s but everyone knows I will fight anyone.  I’ll be looking to make a statement against him by pressing the action and keeping him out of his comfort zone.”
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity and ready to put on a great performance,” said Scott. “It was exactly one year ago on this date, October 30, that I went to Australia and beat Alex Leapai and I look forward to getting in the ring and putting on a show against Tony Thompson. Tony is a world-class fighter and a victory over him will lead to bigger and better things for me.”
One of the most experienced fighters in the heavyweight division, Thompson, has twice challenged Wladimir Klitschko in his 15-year career. Born in Silver Spring, Maryland but fighting out of Washington, D.C., Thompson comes off of a victory over Odlanier Solis in February, his second over the heavyweight contender since 2014. He also owns a pair of victories over heralded heavyweight David Price, whom he stopped twice fighting in his opponent’s home country.
An accomplished heavyweight from Philadelphia, Scott has also fought professionally since 2000 and reeled off 35-straight wins to start his professional career. His most recent victory was perhaps his most impressive as he traveled to Australia and defeated Alex Lepeai. The 34-year-old also owns a final-round stoppage of Bowie Tupou in 2012 and fought undefeated Vyacheslav Glazkov to a draw in 2013.
A multi-sport athlete who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes looks to remain unbeaten on October 30. The 27-year-old is coming off of a competitive split-draw with Jared Robinson in June. Before that fight, Rhodes recorded four victories in 2014 including triumphs over Miguel Angel Huerta and John Nater.
An accomplished amateur who was born in Kazakhstan but fights out of Russia, Lipinets turned pro in April of last year with a decision victory over Franklin Varela. The 26-year-old has recorded six-straight knockouts since then, with his most recent victories coming over veterans Kendal Mena and Cosme Rivera. Lipinets will fight in the U.S. for the fourth time on October 30.
Fighting out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Starks racked up an impressive 98-16 amateur record before turning pro in 2009. The 26-year-old has ramped up the activity since 2014, recording seven victories including wins over Carlos Galvan and Jeremiah Wiggins in 2015.
Fresh off a September victory over previously unbeaten Fernando Paliza, the 24-year-old Figueroa makes a quick return to the ring looking to build off of that success. The Puerto Rican-born fighter turned pro in 2011 and recorded stoppage wins in four of his first six fights.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MalikKingScott, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/BounceTV and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.
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FIREWORKS BETWEEN ADRIEN BRONER & SHAWN PORTER AT PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

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Photo – Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

Antonio DeMarco Vows To Defeat Rances Barthelemy For Cancer-Stricken Sister on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS

 

Promoter Floyd Mayweather & Premier Boxing Champions Fighters

Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (June 18, 2015) – An animated Adrien “The Problem” Broner held court for several minutes Thursday, as a calm “Showtime” Shawn Porter delivered his own strong message in advance of the exciting weekend of Premier Boxing Champions action at MGM Grand.

In a different role than his usual one as boxing’s pound-for-pound king, President of Mayweather Promotions Floyd “Money” Mayweather helped run the press conferences alongside Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe.

On the Saturday, June 20 PBC on NBC show, Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) will take on Porter(25-1-1, 16 KOs) after Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) battles Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco (26-1, 14 KOs). Televised coverage on NBC begins at8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

Also at Thursday’s press conference, main event participant on the Sunday, June 21 PBC on CBS card Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs) vowed to bring home a victory for his cancer-stricken sister in Sunday’s PBC on CBS main event showdown against former world champion Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs) .   Sunday’s co-feature showcases a welterweight matchup between Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) and Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs). Televised coverage begins on CBS Sports at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Also in attendance on Thursday were rising stars from Mayweather Promotions who will be competing on both Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets for Saturday’s event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50 and tickets for Sunday’s event are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card for tickets to both events, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets for both events are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The weekend of action is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“Mayweather Promotions has always done record-breaking numbers and our ultimate goal is to find the next Floyd Mayweather. With all of the talent out there, it will soon happen.

“I want all of the fighters out there to keep working hard, stay focused and know that there is no limit to what you can do.

“With all the media here talking to him, it’s obvious that Adrien is doing something right. He’s entertaining and people like it.

“There’s no limit to how far Adrien Broner can go in this sport. He can fight. I’m in the gym with him and he’s boxing top guys. He’s pushing himself.

“Shawn Porter is a really solid competitor. It’s not an easy task for Adrien, he’s going to have to fight.

“Mayweather Promotions wants to continue to work with all fighters and help build their careers so that they can get to that top level.”

ADRIEN BRONER

“This is the AB show. You’re all getting it first, live and personal.

“I’m fighting Shawn Porter and I’m fighting his dad. It’s like I’m fighting his dad because the check comes in his dad’s name, then he pays Shawn.

“Since both Shawn and his dad get a check, if I whoop both of them, will I get paid twice?

“I like Shawn as a person, but he gets so much negative energy from his dad. That’s just the truth.

“After I whoop you Shawn, come sign with About Billions and I’ll buy you a nicer car than your dad’s. I already wrote out the contract.

“This is going to be a great fight. I’m very excited because I love putting on a show for the fans. This boy will not beat me.

“I’m coming to deliver a beat down. Shawn Porter is a football player, I’m going to take him out. It’s going to be fun.”

SHAWN PORTER

“I feel great, it’s a good day. I’m just counting down until fight night.

“I’ve been working on everything in camp. I have a lot of speed, power, quickness and the whole nine. It’s going to take everything to win this fight.

“He’s got good speed, so we’re preparing for him to use a lot of that. We’ll make adjustments as we go along but the key is definitely taking care of his speed with our speed.

“It’s so sweet to be fighting at MGM Grand, this is what you want as a fighter. It’s my time now. I’m so excited about this opportunity.

“Number one, we have to take care of business. We know that if we take care of business it’ll be a great Father’s Day on Sunday.”

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I just have to stay focused and put on a spectacular performance on Saturday night. Hopefully next time I’ll be the main event. It’s a process but I’m getting there.

“I’m ready for anybody in the welterweight division, I’m ready for any kind of step up in competition period. I’m not the guy to shy away from anybody.

“Porter and Broner are a little more seasoned that me, but skill wise I think I’m right on par with them. Skill for skill I can match anybody in boxing.

“A lot of guys aren’t in the position that I’m in to get the opportunities that I have. This is my third year as a pro and it’s all been coming pretty fast. It’s all about timing. I’m enjoying the process.

“You’re going to be looking at the future of the sport come Saturday night.”

PHIL LO GRECO

“There’s no such thing as the right moment. The perfect fight is when you want it to be. I got the call and decided that this is the perfect timing.

“It took me about 30 seconds to decide to take this fight. When you know why you fight, it makes these decisions easy.

“A year ago there was no way I thought I’d be on this stage. Now I have real opportunities and we’re here now.

“Win, lose or draw, I’m going back to the gym next week.

“I’m a pressure fighter. I like to engage and give the fans what they want to see. This is a great opportunity. Saturday is going to be fun.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I’m feeling good moving up in weight. Everybody knows Antonio DeMarco is a very, very tough fighter. He’s one of the best I’ve ever fought. His record who he has faced proves that. He’s experienced, but so am I. 

“I want to be the best Cuban fighter of all-time and I’m on my way.

“I’m in tremendous shape and I’m ready to go. I want to showcase my skills on Sunday to show the world how I can fight.

“Who do I want to fight? I’ll fight anyone they put in my way. I’ll fight Godzilla if he’s there.

“I don’t do predictions but this is going to be an entertaining fight. Unlike past Cuban fighters, I have power and can knock people out. In the amateurs you don’t need power. But in the pros, that’s what it’s all about.” 

ANTONIO DEMARCO

“This is going to be a tough fight, a difficult fight, but I have a great responsibility. My 15-year-old sister told me that if I win, she will beat cancer. She was diagnosed with bone cancer last November – and it was life-threatening. But her last chemo treatment was yesterday.

“From a ring standpoint, I am really looking forward to Sunday. I am very prepared, I am relaxed and ready to go. Besides for my sister, my other main motivation is that this is a chance to get my career back on track. A victory and I can get back to where I was and in position to challenge the best.

“I am treating it like another fight, but of course it is much more. Exposure-wise, you can’t get better than network television.

“I know Rances is going to be a difficult opponent. He’s a great fighter. But I have the experience to come up with a game plan to win. From a career-standpoint, this is a very important fight and I’m ready for it.”

SAMMY VASQUEZ

“It’s an honor to be here in this building among some of the greatest fighters in the world. Omotoso has never fought anyone like me before.

“I’m here to restore the greatness of Pittsburgh boxing. Everyone knows ‘The Pittsburgh Kid’, Paul Spadafora, but we all carry the torch differently. I respect him as a fighter and he’s done some great things. We were raised differently and I’m amazed at the great things he’s accomplished. But I’m here to bring a new look to Pittsburgh boxing.

“Omotoso is tough. His record speaks for itself at 25-1. His only loss was to Jessie Vargas who’s fighting for a world title. I don’t take anybody lightly. I’ve trained hard for this and I don’t think he’s fought anyone as fast as me or hits as hard as me with both hands.

“I’m going to throw a lot of punches and it should be fun to see. It will be an entertaining fight. The main goal is to win. If the opportunity presents itself to knock him out then I will. I’m not going to go in there trying to knock his head off or anything. I have to box smart.

“In this game it’s all about longevity and the less you get hit the longer you can fight so I don’t want to get hit. That’s my goal.”

WALE OMOTOSO

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to fight on such a big stage. Fighting on network TV provides all of us such a lift. Getting this kind of national exposure is what fighters like me need and what we work so hard to get.

“I’m totally ready to take advantage and I look forward to being able to showcase my talents on Sunday. All my friends and countrymen are going to be able to watch it, and I don’t want to let them down.

“I really don’t know much about Vasquez, other than he’s a southpaw whose quick, he is just another fighter who can fight. But we can all fight. It’s not like he has four hands and two heads.

“The best man will be victorious and I am confident that is me.

“I can’t wait for Sunday. I wish it was time to fight right now. This is going to be my Father’s Day present to my kids and wife.”

#          #          #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @RealKidBlast, @De.Marco07, @SammyV2112, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions,www.facebook.com/NBCSportswww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing orhttp://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.
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PROMOTER FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS FIGHTER MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2015) – With pound-for pound king and President of Mayweather Promotions Floyd “Money” Mayweather looking on, fighters competing on this weekend’s Premier Boxing Champions cards at MGM Grand, participated in a media workout Wednesday at Mayweather Boxing Club. Mayweather made the most of his time at the gym, staying for nearly two hours to talk with the media, give the fighters insight and advice and sign autographs for fans.

 

Fighters who worked out at the event that are featured on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card included Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs),“Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) and Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs). Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT. Broner, who considers Mayweather a mentor and “big brother,” has trained at the Mayweather Boxing Club for weeks, per Mayweather’s suggestion.

 

Principle fighters who will be showcased on Sunday’s Premier Boxing Champions on CBS card were also in attendance as Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs), Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs), Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) and Wale Omotoso(25-1, 21 KOs) all worked out and signed autographs. Coverage begins on CBS Sports at4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the Saturday’s event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Tickets for Sunday’s event, which is also promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Here are what the workout participants had to say:

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

 

“You’ve got two guys this weekend in Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter who have the right teams around them. If they continue to win and we bring their personality out of them, we’ll see what happens.

 

“Shawn Porter has been a champion before. He only has one loss and Adrien only has one loss. So I think this is a good matchup.

 

“When I was getting ready for Robert Guerrero, who is a southpaw, the first guy I started looking to spar with was a southpaw and Errol (Spence Jr.) was giving me real good work.He pushed me and made me get in tip top condition, and once I was in tip top condition, I was ready and the best I could be. He’s a hell of a fighter.”

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“Porter can’t beat me, it’s not going to happen.

 

“I will not be the next Floyd Mayweather. I will be the first and only Adrien Broner.

 

“I don’t know why I would be terrified of Porter. I’m not terrified of anything. He can talk, it’s all okay.

 

“I’m going to give my dad a great Father’s Day present this weekend when I get that victory Saturday night.

 

“Everyone has to tune-in to see AB on NBC, it’s going to be a show just like every time I step into the ring.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“I feel great. My weight is great and that’s all that matters. That’s the first small battle and the next battle will come on Saturday night.

 

“I think Broner thought that if he gets me drained it would be a problem for me, but it’s not going to be. That’s not the Porter way. We’ve done everything right to this point.

 

“Broner keeps saying that he hopes I’m ready to bring it, but I don’t really understand what he means because everyone knows I’m ready and everyone knows I always bring it. You don’t have to ask that of Shawn Porter.

 

“He’s a talker, he likes to run his mouth but it’s all good. We’re just going to do our thing on Saturday night.

 

“This is going to be a good one. Certainly a crowd pleaser. Old or new to boxing, this is going to be good for you. Broner has skills, but I have skills too. It’s going to be a magnificent fight on Saturday night.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“It’s been training camp as usual for us. We didn’t really do anything different, it was a little more intense but all the same things we do.

 

“I’m just ready to fight. I want to weigh-in, get some food in my stomach and get in that ring. I’m on weight already, it’s been a long, eight-week training camp so we’re 100 percent ready.

 

“I’m a boxer-puncher. I can come forward or I can box. I’m always looking for the knockout and I’m always bringing exciting fights.

 

“Fighting on NBC, on my biggest card to date, it’s really big for me and I have to perform so that I can get back on NBC and be the main event next time.”

 

RANCES BARTHELEMY

 

“I know DeMarco will be prepared and he’ll put a lot of pressure like Mexican fighters do. That’s the only way that he has a chance. We have a plan for how we’re going to fight.

 

“Moving to Las Vegas has made me more relaxed and comfortable.  Now that I’m married and have my daughter, it’s been even more peaceful.  I’m ready to go.

 

“Being on CBS where everybody in the U.S. can see me, it gives me even more inspiration. People will know who I am after this fight.”

 

ANTONIO DEMARCO

 

“I’m coming in ready to box, brawl or whatever it will take to get the victory on Sunday.

 

“I know my opponent is undefeated but he has not fought the same guys I have. My experience is better and it will show in the ring.

 

“We had a great training camp, all the hard work is done. It’s about going out on Sundayand putting on a show for everyone to see.”

 

SAMMY VASQUEZ

 

“This was probably the best sparring camp I’ve ever had.  It was a little longer than I’m used to – about eight weeks – and we had some great sparring partners.  I’m more ready than ever.

 

“The guys that Omotoso’s faced, he’s knocked out, so he’s been doing his job.  He’s a power hitter so I know I can’t take him lightly.  He dropped Jessie Vargas, but he’s not as quick of a fighter as I am.

 

“He can say what he wants, but he’s not going to knock me out.  That’s what he’s supposed to say.  Everything changes when you step into the ring. He’s going to find out pretty quickly that he hasn’t faced anyone like me.

 

“My game plan is to beat him and if I see the opportunity to knock him out then I will take it.

 

“I’m fighting for all my fans back in Pittsburgh, all my brothers and sister in the Armed Forces.  I’ll be carrying them on my back as I enter the ring this Sunday.”

 

WALE OMOTOSO

 

“I’ve seen a few of Sammy’s fights.  I think he has speed, but that’s the only thing that I see.  I don’t think he has the power to knock me out.

 

“I’ve faced the tougher guys than him.  In my last fight I floored Jessie Vargas, and I think Jessie is quicker than him.

 

“It doesn’t matter how quick he is, he’ll bring out the best in me.

 

“When I see a challenge I like to face it.  I’m going to knock him out.”

 

#          #          #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @RealKidBlast, @De.Marco07, @SammyV2112, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions,www.facebook.com/NBCSportswww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing orhttp://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.
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FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND FIGHTS REPRESENT SPIRIT OF HOLIDAY

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FIGHTERS FEATURED ON SATURDAY’S PBC ON NBC & SUNDAY’S PBC ON CBS CARDS REFLECT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FATHERHOOD

 

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2015) – Boxing’s storied history of close familial relationships will come to life this Father’s Day Weekend as Premier Boxing Champions returns to NBC onJune 20 and CBS on June 21 live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fighters featured on both of these stacked cards have close relationships with their own fathers, are fathers themselves or have found a father figure in the boxing gym.

 

Moreover, fans of the sweet science are often born into a longstanding love for the sport that is passed on from generation to generation as fathers share the tradition of watching boxing at home with their families. As Premier Boxing Champions continues to bring great action to network television, this Father’s Day Weekend of back-to-back fight cards is another opportunity for fathers to continue to pass this tradition along.

 

On Saturday, Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) and “Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) will face off in a fiercely competitive 12-round matchup. Also on the card, the undefeated Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) puts his record on the line against hard-hitting veteran Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 23 KOs) in the biggest challenge of his young career.  The PBC on NBC action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

 

Former world champions Rances Barthelemy (22-0, 13 KOs) and Antonio DeMarco(31-4-1, 23 KOs) headline the Premier Boxing Champions on CBS card on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21 live beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. Also featured in a televised bout is an explosive welterweight matchup that pits the undefeated Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) against Nigerian knockout artist Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs).

 

From the legendary duo of Floyd Mayweather, co-promoter of this weekend’s PBC fight cards, and his father Floyd Mayweather Sr. to other famed father-son teams such asJulio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Julio Jr. and Don and Felix “Tito” Trinidad, the importance of fatherhood is as prevalent in the sweet science now as it has always been, as evidenced by the thoughts and comments stated below from this weekend’s featured fighters.

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“My dad ‘Pops’ was the first person to take me to the boxing gym and that is where we met Coach Mike [Stafford]. My dad just knew that he wanted me to box and he took me to the right place.

 

“Everyone calls my dad ‘Pops’ because he’s like a dad to everyone around me – my friends, fighters in the gym…everyone.  He’s always been there 100 percent of the time.

 

“Me and my dad are both a little crazy. We are similar people. We are both cut from a different cloth, we like to have fun and work hard. We mesh.

 

“My dad usually comes to camp the last two weeks, so he is at the gym everyday leading up to the fights. When he’s not with me in the gym, he is working on cars as a mechanic in Cincinnati.

 

“[On being a father] I love being with my kids. I like to do fun things with them and give them more than I had as a kid. I love when they come to the gym and come to my fights.

 

“When my youngest Adrieon was born, I was there every step of the way and now this Father’s Day is going to be even better when I win.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“My dad has always been there from sports to school and has helped me through all of it. He is an anomaly because he was always there as a single father. You don’t really find that too much in the African American community – a single dad that wants to be there for his children the way my dad has been there for me and my brother.

 

“Every day is kind of like Father’s Day for us. I want to make this one very memorable and it is the first of many to come. But obviously Sunday will be much better if I win.

 

“I feel like I make his day everyday. It’s him and I. Its what we do. You have your good days and bad days. For me being a son and an athlete team, it makes me want to perform on a different level.”

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

“My dad got me started in boxing. He was a truck driver, so he used to drive overnight, and then he’ll get home 12:00 p.m. or later then take me to the gym.  Then after that he’d come from the gym, it was like 5:00 or 6:00 p.m., and he would rest for one or two hours and go straight to work.

 

“At the time, I didn’t really think about it, but as I got older and a little bit wiser, realizing all the sacrifices that he sacrificed for me to be able to box and go to all these national tournaments and all these tournaments out of state and stuff.  He had to pay for the hotel, pay for food and stuff like that out of pocket.  We didn’t have any sponsors and stuff like that.

“I am proud to be named after my dad and I thank him for believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be.

 

“He plays a big part of my boxing career.  He’s my supporter.  That’s my mentor.  That’s like my best friend.  For Father’s Day, I’m going to get him a win, and it’s going to be an impressive win that he’ll be proud of and he’ll love.  He played a big part in my career.  Without him, I know I wouldn’t be boxing. My dad will be in my corner Saturday night.”

 

 

RANCES BARTHELEMY

 

“Father’s Day is very special to me because my wife and daughter, who are my world, treat me like a king for the day. Being a father is very important, and in today’s society, not enough fathers are there for their children. It’s great that there is a day to honor the good fathers that take care of their families.

 

“My father, Emilio Barthelemy, was always there for me and my brothers. He got us into the sport of boxing. When I left Cuba it was very difficult for me because me and my dad were very close. I love him very much and I want to wish him a happy Father’s Day as well.

 

“I remember when we were little, me and my brothers would take my father out to breakfast on Father’s Day. It was a very special time and we all enjoyed the moment. My wife and daughter love to spoil me on Father’s Day. Last year they took me to my favorite Cuban restaurant and I enjoyed a wonderful meal with both of them.”

 

SAMMY VASQUEZ

 

“Being a father of three girls and having such a strong relationship with my Dad makes

Father’s Day one of the biggest holidays for me.”

 

“My father has been with me every step of the way supporting my career from

selling tickets in Pittsburgh, to being with me at every fight and serving as one of my

managers. It’s great to have him alongside me, it would be special to win this fight

on Father’s Day for him.”

 

“It’s tough having to be away from my daughter’s on Sunday but we’ll celebrate on

Monday when I get back home and have our Father’s Day then.”

 

WALE OMOTOSO

 

“I am so proud to have two boys [ages 5 and 2] with my wife. We have lived in Los Angeles for four years and we have a very happy life together there.

 

“My wife’s parents came to LA from Australia so they can watch the kids this weekend when I fight and my wife can come and cheer me on.

 

“My father died right before I turned pro and moved to Australia from Nigeria. I got an opportunity to move away from Africa and I took it. He would be proud.

 

“My trainer Eric Brown is like a father to me now. He knows my wife and kids. We walk all the time. He tells me to keep my head on straight and focus.

 

“I’m going to win on Sunday. That is going to be my Father’s Day present for my kids too. I’m going to win this fight for them. It is the best Father’s Day present I can give – giving them a reason to be proud of their dad.”

 

# # #

 

Live coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with the 10-round welterweight battle between undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and tough brawler Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia. That bout is followed by the 12-round headlining attraction featuring Adrien “The Problem” Bronertaking on “Showtime” Shawn Porter.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

 

Coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on CBS begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT with the welterweight clash between Sammy Vasquez and Wale Omotoso and is followed by the showdown between former world champions Rances Barthelemy and Wale Omotoso.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.