Tag Archives: Mario Barrios

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MARIO BARRIOS TO FACE MANUEL VIDES THIS SATURDAY ON PBC ON NBCSN

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Photo by Premier Boxing Champions
SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 7, 2015) – Unbeaten super-featherweight rising star,Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent named for his upcoming bout taking place this Saturday, December 5th at the AT&T Center in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas.  Barrios will face Manuel Vides (18-4, 11 KOs) in a scheduled 8-round bout that will be part of the televised portion of PBC on NBCSN.
This will mark the seventh fight of 2015 for Barrios who made his televised debut on November 10th, a bout that was shown on PBC on FOX.  In that fight Barrios defeated his toughest opponent to date in Enrique Tinoco (15-2-2, 11 KOs), winning by unanimous decision.
Barrios recently wrapped up training camp in Houston, TX, where he was working out with fellow Texan and undefeated featherweight contender Miguel Flores (18-0  9 KOs).  Barrios wants to continue bringing excitement to the 130 pound division with another spectacular performance.
“I’m excited to be fighting back on television,” said Mario Barrios who hails from San Antonio. “I had a great training camp out in Houston where I got some great sparring with Miguel Flores and a few other good fighters. I feel I’m growing as a fighter and I can’t wait to mix it up this Saturday. Many of my family and friends will be in attendance so you better believe I’m coming to win and win impressively.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.attcenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BOXING COMES TO THE AT&T CENTER

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Click HERE To Read Online
 
By: Lorne Chan Spurs.com
Blood spilled from Omar Figueroa’s nose the last time he was at the AT&T Center, his hands injured from throwing a thousand punches. Figueroa was exhausted, and it was all worth it when the championship belt was placed on his shoulder.
That was on July 27, 2013. Figueroa fought Nihito Arakawa and claimed the WBC Lightweight Title in a bout that topped many Fight of the Year lists.
Two years later, Omar “Panterita” Figueroa is coming back to the AT&T Center. Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs) is headlining a Premier Boxing Champions card on Dec. 12, where he’ll fight Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs).
Tickets starting at $31 are available at www.attcenter.com for the fights, which also includes Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale against “Prince” Charles Martin in a heavyweight bout and the return to the ring of former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz.
For Figueroa, his return to the AT&T Center ring means a return to the setting of one of the greatest nights of his life, when he defeated Arakawa in a decision.
“Going toe-to-toe, 12 rounds, it was like something in the Rocky movies,” Figueroa said. “It’s about having the courage and heart to stay in there and perform that way. To go in there, blood and broken hands, it was amazing. I was glad to be able to do that here at the AT&T Center.”
Figueroa, 25, is the pride of the Rio Grande Valley. He’s a native of Weslaco, about 250 miles south of the AT&T Center. He trains there with his father, Omar Sr., who first put gloves on his son when Jr. was 6.
Nicknamed “Panterita,” Figueroa developed his style in the ring through an estimated 200 amateur fights in Mexico and another 50 in the United States as a junior.
He’s a relentless puncher. He doesn’t mind taking a few hits if it means getting a few shots in himself. Fights with Figueroa become less about the “sweet science” and more about sheer willpower. That style led the greatest fight the AT&T Center had ever seen.
Figueroa and Arakawa traded punches for every second of their 12-round fight, with the AT&T Center crowd chanting “Omar! Omar!” throughout. Although Figueroa, an orthodox fighter, injured his hands punching Arakawa’s face and body, Arakawa would not go down. Both fighters persevered for 36 minutes, giving each other nods of respect at the end of each round.
When the fight was over and Figueroa was crowned the first world champion from the Rio Grande Valley, his courage through the fight earned him much more than a belt in boxing circles. According to CompuBox, which tallies punches thrown and landed, Figueroa connected on 450 power punches in the fight, the fourth-most all-time in any weight class in CompuBox’s 30 years of recording fights.
“In a sport that has produced many memorable chapters,” announcer Mauro Ranallo said during the fight, “here in San Antonio you can add another chapter to boxing’s beautiful and brutal legacy.”
Having moved up to the 140-pound weight class, Figueroa said this is the first time he’s felt fully healthy since the Arakawa fight. As Figueroa’s star continues to rise, DeMarco, a former WBC Lightweight champion himself from Sinaloa, Mexico, is standing in his way.
“This will be a very tough fight and will most likely be a war because of our fighting styles,” DeMarco said.
The Dec. 12 card is filled with big matchups, another main event bout feature sDominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KOs) against “Prince” Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) and Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) against Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-1, 22 KOs).
Breazeale, a former quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado, took up boxing after his college career ended and became a 2012 Olympian. He has recorded a knockout in all but two professional fights, but faces his toughest test against Martin, who has gone more than four rounds just once in his last eight fights.
Victor Ortiz makes his return to the ring in the AT&T Center as well, as his career has taken a fascinating path since he fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2011. Ortiz appeared on “Dancing With The Stars” in 2013, and has acting roles in “The Expendables 3” and “Southpaw.” His San Antonio fight will be his first in 364 days, and Ortiz will be a fan favorite.
Leija/Battah Promotions have brought the fight card to San Antonio, as hometown son Jesse James Leija said he hopes to bring bigger and bigger fights to the AT&T Center.
“San Antonio’s probably the best city for boxing in the United States,” Leija said. “We want to keep giving the fans their money’s worth with some of the best fighters in Texas and elsewhere.”
The fights at the AT&T Center are also an opportunity for some local fighters to get in the ring on a broadcast that will be televised on NBC and NBCSN beginning at 5 p.m. CST.
Mario Barrios, a 20-year-old who attended Southwest High School in San Antonio, has already fought six times in 2015 and won all six fights. For Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs), walking into the AT&T Center is something he said his whole career has been building toward.
“I’ve fought in so many places where nobody knew me,” Barrios said. “To fight at home, in front of my family, it might be a little overwhelming. It’s going to feel for me like that point in your career that you’re really doing something.”
Twitter:@lornechan
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

OMAR FIGUEROA TALKS TRAINING & FAMILY BEFORE PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC PRIMETIME SHOWDOWN AGAINST ANTONIO DEMARCO SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 FROM THE AT&T CENTER 

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Click HERE For Photos From Team Figueroa
WESLACO, TX (December 1, 2015) – Undefeated boxer Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 16 KOs) is going to close out his year with a ring return that will send him into 2016 as both a star in the sport, but also a new threat in the 140-pound division.
Figueroa headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC in primetime onSaturday, December 12. PBC on NBC will air live at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT from San Antonio’s AT&T Center when Figueroa battles former world champion Antonio DeMarco(31-5-1, 23 KOs).
South Texas’s “El Panterita” (little Panther) had a strong super lightweight debut in May against former titlist Ricky Burns and after being delayed by injuries, he is back, healthy and firing on all cylinders.
“I’m ready,” said Figueroa. “Since I’ve moved up to 140 I’ve felt stronger than ever. This week in camp, after my sparring sessions, I’ve felt that I was connecting more and that my velocity and power has increased. My May fight was a good indication of what I can do and this fight against DeMarco will be another one. This weight division feels natural to me.”
Having moved up a weight class in 2015, this year also finds Figueroa back training with his father, Omar Sr., in his hometown of Weslaco, TX.
“Boxing is in my family’s blood,” he said. “My father, sister, brother and mother are all involved with either training or fighting. Being able to train at home, surrounded by my family is important to me. Everything I do is for my family and my community.”
Growing up in both the U.S. and Mexico, Figueroa fought in over 200 amateur fights in Mexico and 100 in the U.S. before turning pro. A proud Mexican-American and Texan, the 25-year-old Figueroa is diversifying training this camp including sparring with a number of fighters from Texas as well as surrounding states.
“I’m sticking to the plan of training and conditioning this camp – cardio, sparring – but the big difference for me is really strengthening and taking care of my body through different preventative therapies. I’m icing, stretching and utilizing the Theraband in workouts. I’m also working with more recovery exercises – warm up and cool down, stimulation, ultrasound, I can tell my body and camp performance that it’s changing my body.”
Not one to sit still, the natural-born athlete takes note of some of the training regimens from past coaches in an attempt to “train smarter” and avoid overtraining.
The December 12 PBC on NBC fight will also be a family affair with his younger brother Brandon appearing on the NBCSN broadcast.
“I’m really grateful for my whole team and promoters Jesse Leija and Mike Battah. They’re giving a lot of talented Texas fighters a shot on a strong national card. Boxing needs to support and bring up talent from across all divisions, and it’s great to see some of my team as well as other top prospects getting a shot on a bill like this one. It’s helping to grow boxing.”
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION VICTOR ORTIZ PLUS RISING STARS TERRELL GAUSHA, HUGO CENTENO JR., MARIO BARRIOS & BRANDON FIGUEROA FEATURED IN SEPARATE BOUTS ON ACTION PACKED NIGHT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ACTION ON NBCSN

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 FROM THE AT&T CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO
 
ACTION ON NBCSN BOOKENDS PBC ON NBC PRIMETIME EVENT 
WITH COVERAGE FROM 6 P.M. ET – 7:30 P.M. ET &
FROM 11 P.M. ET – MIDNIGHT ET
 
SAN ANTONIO (November 18, 2015) – Former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz(30-5-2, 23 KOs), 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (16-0, 8 KOs), undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. (23-0, 12 KOs), undefeated San Antonio-born prospect Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs) and undefeated bantamweight prospect Brandon Figueroa (3-0, 2 KOs) will compete in separate undercard bouts as part of a full night of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)on NBC and NBCSN action on Saturday, December 12 from the newly renovated AT&T Center in San Antonio.
The NBCSN coverage will bookend the PBC on NBC event headlined by undefeated star Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, taking on former world champion Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs). Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will also feature a pair of heavyweight showdowns as undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KOs) faces“Prince” Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) and hard-hitting Mexican-American Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) battles Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-1, 22 KOs).
NBCSN coverage will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and go until 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT.   NBCSN coverage will resume at 11 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT following the NBC broadcast and run to midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com  or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailingm@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.
An exciting fighter who never shies away from action, Ortiz returns to the ring one year after injuring his hand in his last bout, a third round stoppage of Manuel Perez. The 28-year-old was a 147-pound world champion when he defeated Andre Berto in 2011 to set up a showdown with Floyd Mayweather. The Kansas-native has spent time in recent years to film roles in movies such as “Southpaw” and “The Expendables 3” but will returnDecember 12 healthy and ready to fight his way back to the pinnacle of his sport.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he has scored a knockout victory over Norberto Gonzalez and defeated Luis Grajeda and Eliezer Gonzalez by decision.
Oxnard, California’s Centeno has long been one of boxing’s top prospects with victories over Ayi Bruce, Keandre Leatherwood, Angel Osuna and Gerardo Ibarra. In December 2014 he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Most recently, the 24-year-old took down Lukasz Maciec in September and looks to finish the year with another strong performance.
Fighting in his hometown of San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his seventh victory of 2015 onDecember 12. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum after winning his first eight-round bout over Enrique Tinoco on November 10.
The brother of main event participant and former world champion Omar, the 18-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May by defeating Hector Gutierrez and has followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena and Ramiro Ruiz. The Weslaco, Texas-product looks to make it a perfect 2015 when he enters the ring on December 12.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing

MARIO BARRIOS PASSES STIFF  TEST; IMPROVES TO 13-0, 7 KOs

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Photo by Premier Boxing Champions
SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 12, 2015) – On Tuesday at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas, super-featherweight sensation Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs) remained undefeated after stepping up in class to face his toughest opponent to date in Enrique Tinoco (15-2-2, 11 KOs), winning by unanimous decision.  Tinoco, who had previously beaten three undefeated fighters, two of which were 14-0, was coming off a 4-fight knockout streak.  That streak was ended by Barrios.
Making his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Fox Sports 1 debut, 20-year old Barrios showed tremendous heart and skill while beating Tinoco after suffering a bloody nose in round two.  Having difficulty breathing, Barrios had to bite down and make the proper adjustments to finish the fight on top.  Barrios did so in spectacular fashion.
Barrios, who used his height and reach to his advantage while landing powerful punches throughout the fight, hurt Tinoco on multiple occasions.  Although Tinoco used every veteran trick in the book against Barrios, he was no match for the young San Antonio native Barrios, who swept the middle and later rounds.  Scorecards read 78-74 all in favor of Barrios
“I knew going into this fight that Tinoco was going to be my toughest test, because he had confidence upsetting other fighters in the past,” said Mario Barrios. “In addition he was getting top sparring in Mexico during training camp.  But my entire team and I never had any doubts about my ability to be victorious.  My head trainer Bob Santoshas a lot of experience dealing with adversity and he did an excellent job keeping me calm in the corner when I suffered a bloody nose early in the fight.  My cutman Todd Harlib also did a great job stopping the blood from gushing out.  This was a great learning experience and I want to thank my entire team, especially my dad Martin, for all their hard work.”
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED PROSPECT MIGUEL FLORES LOOKS TO REMAIN UNBEATEN AGAINST GHANAIN OLYMPIAN ALFRED TETTEH ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 &BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES

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Tuesday, November 10 From The Austin Music Hall In Austin, Texas
 
Featuring Full Undercard Of Exciting Local Talent!
 
AUSTIN, TX (November 9, 2015) – Undefeated rising prospect Miguel Flores (17-0, 8 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line against Ghanaian Olympian Alfred “The Stinging Bee” Tetteh (23-4-1, 20 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight attraction on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, November 10 from the Austin Music Hall in Austin, Texas.
The November 10 main event features a bantamweight battle between Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) and Karim Guerfi (22-3, 6 KOs), with televised coverage beginning on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $125, $85, $75, $45 and $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302.
Also featured on the card is 20-year-old junior lightweight prospect Mario Barrios (12-0, 7 KOs) out of San Antonio in an eight-round bout, undefeated 22-year-old Argentine Alan Castano (9-0, 6 KOs) against 26-year-old Mexican Christopher Degollado (13-5, 11 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight affair and contender Javier Maciel (30-3, 21 KOs) from Argentina against Mexican veteran Norberto Gonzalez (22-8, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight contest.
Additional fights will see 23-year-old Mexican Rolando Garza (4-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight battle, Austin’s Albert Romero (2-3-1) taking on Brazil’s Raphael Montini in a four-round lightweight fight and Austin-native Daniel Henry (2-4-3) in a four-round super middleweight contest against Edward Tigs (1-6-3).
Rounding out the action is 22-year-old Austin-native Prisco Marquez (3-0) against San Antonio’s Daniel Arriaga (0-2-1) in four-rounds of super featherweight action and Mexico’s Gregorio Herrera (0-2) in a four-round lightweight bout with San Antonio’s Joe Reyes (0-9).
An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17-years-old. The 23-year-old made his 2015 debut in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed that up by defeating Juan Ruiz in July and Carlos Padilla in September. He goes for a fourth victory of 2015 on November 10 when he battles the experienced Tetteh who represented Ghana at the 1996 Olympics and now fights out of Washington, D.C.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Opponent Named: Mario Barrios To Face Stiff Test in Enrique Tinoco Nov 10 Live on Fox Sports (PBC)

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Photo by Premier Boxing Champions
AUSTIN, TX (November 8, 2015) – Undefeated super-featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (12-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent named for his upcoming bout thisTuesday November 10, 2015 at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas.  Barrios, who’ll be making his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Fox Sports 1 debut, steps in the ring with Enrique Tinoco (15-2-2, 11 KOs), his toughest test as a professional fighter.
Riding a 4-fight winning streak, all coming by way of knockout, Tinoco is a major step up in class for Barrios.  Tinoco has victories over three undefeated fighters, two of which had 14-0 records.  With a tough test ahead of him, Barrios give his thoughts on his matchup with Tinoco.
“I’ve had a great camp and I’m well prepared for this difficult challenge,” said Mario Barrios who resides in San Antonio, Texas. “I’m ready to fight the best possible opponents out there.  I know Tinoco is dangerous, but so am I.  These are the type of fights that I must win to take my career to the next level and I can’t wait to let my hands go.  I love the fact that I’m fighting this tough of an opponent this early in my career.  It’s only going to make me better.”
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Fox Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes will air the event live beginning at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT.  In the main-event, Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) will meet Karim Guerfi (22-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round Bantamweight bout.
Tickets priced at $125, $85, $75, $45 and $25, not including applicable fees, for this live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302.  Tickets can also be purchased at the Austin City Music Hall box office.
boxing, Fight Network

MARIO BARRIOS RETURNS NOV 10 IN AUSTIN, TX

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Photo By Team Barrios
SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 28, 2015) – Rising star, undefeated super-featherweight Mario Barrios (12-0, 7 KOs), is scheduled to make his way back to the ring on November 10, 2015 at the Austin City Music Hall in Austin, Texas. Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on Fox Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes will air the event live beginning at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT.  In the main-event, Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-2-2, 15 KOs) will meet Karim Guerfi (22-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round Bantamweight bout.  Barrios, who’s 8-round will be part of the telecast, with face an opponent TBA.
While waiting for an opponent to be announced, Barrios, headed to the San Francisco Bay Area to get some work in with lead cornerman, Bob Santos.
“Since I’ve been out here I’ve learned a lot working with Bob Santos,” said Mario Barrios. “Santos has a lot of experience working with top level fighters and he’s showing me new things to help me get better.  There’s a lot of little things that we’ve been working on that make a tremendous amount of difference when I’m in the ring.  I’m using different footwork while improving on my defense, things like that.”
Back in San Antonio, Barrios trains with his father Martin, who’s been with him since the amateurs when he started boxing at age 9.  They’ve come along way together and have a special bond.
“My dad has always been there for me,” Barrios continued. “In addition to teaching me how to be a man, he taught me how to box and stay out of trouble.  It’s tough finding sparring sometimes, but he’s always there to make the necessary sacrifices to get someone. He understands what it’s going to take for me to take my career to the next level, and I appreciate him for that.  Together we make a very strong team.”
Barrios, who lives in nearby San Antonio, Texas, knows how important it will be to shine on national television.  With a huge crowd expected to show support, Barrios is ready to his mark in the super-featherweight division.
“With this fight being shown on Fox Sports, I know it’s my time to show everyone in my division, including those who will be watching on television, why I’ve worked so hard to get to this position.” Mario Barrios concluded. “A lot of close friends and family will be there is show support, so I’m coming with everything I got.  I don’t care who the opponent is, I’ll be ready to impress.”
Tickets priced at $125, $85, $75, $45 and $25, not including applicable fees, for this live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302.  Tickets can also be purchased at the Austin City Music Hall box office.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE READY FOR PRIME TIME

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Birmingham, Alabama (September 25, 2015) –  World heavyweight championship boxing returns to prime-time television tomorrow evening on NBCafter over thirty-years.  Two bouts will be televised and featured in the co-main event of the live Premier Boxing Champions telecast is undefeated heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (15-0, 14 KO’s).

Breazeale, who will be opening up the live telecast is truly excited and thankful for the opportunity to show that he is ready to take on the top fighters of the heavyweight division.  Speaking at the press conference yesterday, Breazeale stated the following, “I want to thank Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions for this opportunity.  This is a dream come true for me and I intend to make the best of it.  I respect my opponent Fred Kassi, but this is business and I am coming out looking for the early knockout.”

“I need to make a statement and what better statement than to impose my will on this man and take him out in the early rounds in front of a nationally televised audience.  Deontay Wilder is fighting in the main-event after my bout so I am sure he will be watching.  Everyone is going to know who I am after this fight and know that I am coming for those world heavyweight titles.  I want to bring that fear and respect back to American heavyweight boxing,” said Breazeale.

The Premier Boxing Champions live telecast kicks off at 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST on NBC.

“Here Comes Trouble“
 
#
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC DEONTAY WILDER VS. JOHANN DUHAUPAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Stephonia Mclinn
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 24, 2015) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and French heavyweight Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas faced-off for the first time Thursday before they enter the ring for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday, September 26 from the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference was 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale who battles “Big” Fred Kassi in a 10-round heavyweight bout and undefeated prospect Charles “Missouri” Martinwho takes on Vicente “Bufalo” Sandez in 10-rounds of heavyweight action.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I’m so happy to have the opportunity to defend my title in my home state. I just defended my title a few months ago and I can’t wait to do it again.
“I’m always looking to have my face on new networks and NBC is where a lot of the greats that came before me started. I can’t wait to display my talent on the network. I can’t wait for Saturday night.
“This is my happiest point. Words can’t even express the feeling that I have. I love what I do. I’m so passionate about boxing. If she was a woman, I’d put a ring on her.
“I’d like to thank Duhaupas for accepting the challenge. If anyone is looking past him, they’re a fool. He’s a tall guy, with a good record who’s never been knocked out. I have friends all over the world who have told me not to look past him.
“Any man that steps in the ring, definitely gets my full attention in respect. The heavyweights are the hard-hitters. When people get dressed up to see a heavyweight fight, there’s one thing they want to see – knockouts.
“Right now, there are two tall guys with power that are determined and dedicated. There is one challenger, trying to become the first heavyweight champion from his country. There is a difference between being here for the opportunity or for the money. Guys here for the opportunity, they come to fight.
“I’ve been training extremely hard for this opportunity. I have a great team behind me. I’ve worked so hard to get that belt and I have to work even harder to keep it. I have a target on my back now. I love that feeling of the world wanting what I have.
“I’m excited to be back home once more. I’m excited about all the fans that will be tuning in on NBC. It’s going to be a packed crowd full of my people.
“I’m taking this very seriously. This is one of the biggest fights of my career. I’m ready to defend this title. Now is the time.”
JOHANN DUHAUPAS
“I’m very thankful to be here and I’m so glad I accepted this fight. I’m someone who has worked very hard to be here.
“It’s because of all my hard work that I am here today, ready to fight for a world title. I’ve traveled a lot to train with the best boxers in the world. I am here for a reason, and that is to win the title on Saturday.
“It’s an immense pleasure to be boxing here in the United States. It’s been a magical country to me ever since I was little. When I walk around in the streets here, I feel like I’m in the movies.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s an honor to be on a stage like this with Deontay Wilder. I got some fireworks coming as well. I’m planning to stop the show early.”
CHARLES MARTIN
“I’m coming to bring fireworks on Saturday night and to let you know what a superstar looks like. Thank you for coming out and I’m looking forward to putting on a show.”
JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer
“It’s great to be here. I’m looking around the room and I see a lot of phenomenal fighters who are going to be on this undercard. You don’t want to be late because you want to see all of these guys.
“This is going to be a great heavyweight title fight. Scouting a guy like Johann Duhaupas is not easy. He’s big and strong with a great record. He’s never been stopped. He’s tough, determined and ready for the challenge.
“If anyone is looking past Duhaupas, it’s not us. We’ve been focused on him since day one. This is the biggest challenge of Deontay Wilder’s career. Deontay knows what a challenge this is.
“We had 12 sparring partners come into camp, which is more than we’ve ever had. That’s because we know what a big event and challenge this is. We’re not looking past anybody.
“This is one of the best camps we’ve ever had. We’re in the gym day in and day out. That’s where the real work is done. You’ll see it all pay-off on Saturday night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“It’s amazing to see how much excitement there is here for Deontay. He is the finest young athlete that we have in the sport. On Saturday night you’ll be able to see him in action for the third time this year, which is an amazing thing.
“Deontay fighting this often proves that he is dedicated to his craft and to improving. He’s already one of the best heavyweights in the world today and he’s still a work in progress.
“To put on gloves for the first time at 21 and to win a Bronze a couple of years later and win a world title while still in his twenties, it’s tremendous. What he can do between now and 39, will be truly special.
“Having Deontay fighting on free television is a big deal. NBC primetime is a big deal. The heavyweight division has suffered some decline. I’ve watched Muhammad Ali fight on free television. Some of the greatest of all time developed on free television.
“I’m so excited about a lot of people getting the chance to see this young, charismatic champion fight on free television.”
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