(Photo Credit: Ester Lin / Showtime) “Barrios is coming with power, and you know for sure I’m coming with power. Hinaot nga ang labing maayo nga tawo nga modaog," – Davis “We’ve never faced fighters like each other before. We’re going to see on June 26 if it’s the right move for him," – Kasilinganan Four-Time World Champion Gervonta Davis Seeks Title In A Third Division Against Unbeaten Super Lightweight Champion Mario Barrios Headlining A SHOWTIME PPV® Sabado, Hunyo 26 In A Premier Boxing Champions Event From State Farm Arena In Atlanta I-klik HERE alang sa mga Litrato sa Ester Lin / Showtime I-klik HEREfor Photos from Mayweather Promotions Atlanta (Mayo 20, 2021) – Four-time world championGervonta "Tangke" Davis and undefeated WBA Super Lightweight ChampionMario “El Azteca” Barrios went face-to-face Thursday at a press conference to preview their SHOWTIME PPV main event taking place Saturday, Hunyo 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
One of boxing’s biggest stars at just 26-years-old, Davis will take on a career-defining challenge in the undefeated Barrios, as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class. With a victory, Davis will hold world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few fighters in history. Standing in his way is the undefeated 26-year-old Barrios, who owns a 9-0 record with eight knockouts during his 140-pound reign and holds a six-inch height advantage over Davis.
Davis returns to fight at State Farm Arena after selling out the venue in December 2019 during a star-studded event that saw him stop former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 12thand final round to capture a lightweight title.
Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, Biyernes, Mayo 21 sa 10 am. UG, ug mahimong mapalit sa ticketmaster.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday at State Farm Arena:
GERVONTA Davis
“Camp has been great for me. We know that Barrios is a bigger guy and that he can punch. We’re working hard each day in the gym, because we’re going up against a big task on June 26.
“We all have challenges we go through in life, and that’s what makes us strong. This is another challenge that I have on my road to success. I’m ready to walk through it and keep pushing.
“We know this is a dangerous fight. Barrios is coming with power and you know for sure I’m coming with power. Hinaot nga ang labing maayo nga tawo nga modaog.
“I took this fight because I want to be great. All the other big names at lightweight had scheduled fights so I felt like I wanted to go out and beat the best fighter out there for me.
“Even if he is bigger than me on fight night, kini dili igsapayan. This is all part of the sport. My goal is to break him down. If I can get him out of there, I’ll get him out of there. If it goes 12 rounds, mao kini. He’s big and strong, but he’s never faced anyone like me.
“We have to wait and see what happens on fight night. Different styles dictate what I need to show in the fight. We’ll see what he brings to the table, and then we’ll capitalize off of it.
“I’m not worried about losing any speed by adding weight. I’m going to be quick regardless. I think I’m going to be at my best at 140-pounds.
“Like all of the rest of my fights, this is going to be action packed. Don’t go get popcorn during the fight, because it could end at any moment. I bring what boxing needs, and that’s excitement. We all know when I fight, it’s never a boring fight. Gikan sa unang round, until whenever it ends, I just keep coming, in all of my fights. That’s what you’re going to see June 26.”
Mario Barrios
“This is a huge opportunity for me. ‘Tank’ called me out. I know he’s trying to do something great, but this is a dangerous fight for him. It’s going to be an action-packed fight. We’ve never faced fighters like each other before. We’re going to see on June 26 if it’s the right move for him.
“I fight to represent my city and my people. I’m going to go out there and do my best to make everybody proud.
“They might be looking at my fight against Batyr Akhmedov closely. But I think he has a totally different style and that this fight will be different than what they expect if they just watch that match. I don’t know what they see in me to want this fight, but none of it matters to me. All the questions are going to be answered on June 26.
“’Tank’ is jumping up two weight classes. He’s doing something a lot of great fighters have done. He even said it: this isn’t an easy fight for him. We’re ready to face the best version of ‘Tank’ that anyone has ever seen and it’s going to be war.
“I was surprised when his name was brought up to me. But whether you like ‘Tank’ or not, he has one of the biggest names in boxing. This is the type of fight that can skyrocket my name up there to the top level of the sport.
“’Tank’ is a good fighter and a very explosive fighter. There is the question of whether he’s bringing his power up to 140. I don’t have any concerns about it though. He’s the guy who has to show people he can handle my power at this weight.
“I’m excited to be fighting in Atlanta. This is my first time here actually but I know the fans here are very passionate. I’m expecting to see a great turnout here at State Farm Arena.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO sa Mayweather Promotions
“’Tank’ is a generational fighter. He has certain abilities that others just don’t. He’s special, but this is a dangerous fight for him. This is a tremendous challenge and I’m really excited for this fight.
“Atlanta is a hot market. Obviously the first fight they had in a long time was ‘Tank’ vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa and it was a packed sold out crowd in this building. The fans really enjoyed it. The city needs big events like this. We told the fans we were coming back and here we are.
“’Tank’ is chasing history. When you look back at a lot of all-time greats, they’ve gone through things no one else ever has. Looking to be a three-division champion at 26 years old is another example of him chasing greatness like that.
“’Tank’ is the most exciting fighter in the entire sport and he gives the fans what they want to see. He puts butts in seats. People gravitate to the way he fights. This new generation of fans that we have, they love him.”
# # #
ABOUT DAVIS VS. BARRIOS Davis vs. Barrios will see four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis set his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, Hunyo 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT and will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams returns to the ring to take on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast.
Ang kalihokan gipasiugda sa Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.
FOUR-TIME WORLD CHAMPION GERVONTA DAVIS SEEKS TITLE IN A THIRD DIVISION AGAINST UNBEATEN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION MARIO BARRIOS HEADLINING A SHOWTIME PPV® SABADO, HUNYO 26 IN A PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT LIVE FROM STATE FARM ARENA IN ATLANTA Top Contender Erickson Lubin and Former Unified Champion Jeison Rosario Battle in WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in Co-Main Event Former Unified Champion Julian Williams Takes On Rugged Contender Brian Mendoza and Hard-Hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov Duels Former World Champion Argenis Mendez In Pay-Per-View Action Beginning at 9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT Tickets on Sale Friday at 10 am. UG! Atlanta (Mayo 19, 2021) – Four-time world championGervonta "Tangke" Davis will take on a career-defining challenge as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight ChampionMario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, Hunyo 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The pay-per-view undercard will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders asErickson "Hammer" Lubin faces former unified championJeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight championJulian "J-Bato" Williams returns to the ring for the first time in 18 months to take onBrian Mendozain a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting OlympianBatyr Akhmedovsteps in against former world championArgenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast at 9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT.
Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale Friday at 10 am. UG, ug mahimong mapalit sa ticketmaster.com. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.
One of boxing’s biggest stars at just 26-years-old, Davis moves up to 140-pounds for the first time in his career as he aims to add super lightweight champion to his stellar resume. Davis has already captured titles at 130 and 135-pounds. With a victory, Davis will hold world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few fighters in history, including Henry Armstrong and Canelo Alvarez. Standing in his way is the undefeated 25-year-old Barrios, who owns a 9-0 record with eight knockouts during his 140-pound reign while holding a six-inch height advantage over Davis.
“Gervonta Davis is looking to become a three-division world champion, and has a big undertaking in front of him in challenging Barrios for his WBA title at 140-pounds,”Ingon ni Leonard Ellerbe, CEO sa Mayweather Promotions. “Barrios is a warrior, and this is going to be Davis’ toughest fight to date. Atlanta, be ready for a show on June 26!"
Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) delivered a highlight-reel knockout in his last fight, producing another sensational and memorable performance that has made him a popular draw throughout the country. Davis stopped four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz with one powerful uppercut in that October 2020 fight and put Santa Cruz down and out for the first time in his illustrious career. Gipasiugda sa Mayweather Promotions, Davis will make his second headline appearance on pay-per-view as he has asserted himself as a must-see headline attraction in his first pay-per-view
Davis first burst onto the scene with an explosive knockout victory over Jose Pedraza to win the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title in a star-making performance on SHOWTIME® sa Enero 2017. Sa panahon nga, nahimo siyang labing bata nga kampeyon sa kalibutan sa boksing sa edad 22. The Baltimore-native also owns knockout performances in world title fights over Jesus Cuellar in 2018 and Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2019. Ang 2019 triumph over Gamboa came at a sold out State Farm Arena, during a year that also saw him fill venues in his hometown of Baltimore and Southern California.
“I’m excited to make history on June 26 in Atlanta and become a three-division world champion,"Miingon Davis. “Atlanta welcomed me with open arms for my fight against Gamboa and I couldn’t wait to come back and headline a spectacular SHOWTIME PPV card. Mario Barrios is an undefeated champion, but he hasn’t ever faced anyone like me before. Moving up to 140-pounds is a big challenge but I’ve been working hard in camp and I’ll be ready. Thank you to my whole team for making this historic boxing event possible. Make sure you get your tickets early because this fight is definitely selling out! Keep supporting me and I’ll fight for you!"
Kasilinganan (26-0, 17 KOs) captured his 140-pound championship in September 2019, scoring two knockdowns and fighting through a cut to win a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov. The San Antonio-native trains in Oakland, Calif., ubos sa paggiya sa bantog nga coach nga si Virgil Hunter. Sa iyang labing bag-o nga outing, Barrios knocked out Ryan Karl in the sixth-round of their clash on the pay-per-view undercard of Davis vs. Santa Cruz.
Standing nearly six-feet tall, Barrios debuted as a pro at super bantamweight in 2013 and had success moving up the rankings in the super featherweight division. His first 140-pound bout came in 2017 and saw him increase his power from his previous performances. At super lightweight, Barrios has scored knockouts in every fight except the title-winning performance against Akhmedov, where his power was still on display with a pair of knockdowns.
“Fighting on SHOWTIME PPV is a dream come true and an opportunity that I’m going to take full advantage of,”Ni Barrios. “Gervonta Davis is a pound-for-pound champion and it’s going to be an honor sharing the ring with him. This fight is my shining moment and the pinnacle of the boxing world, on the biggest stage possible. Boxing fans around the globe will be watching this fight and I’m coming to shock the world. To all my Mexican fans, I’m going to bring this historic victory home for La Raza.”
The 25-year-old Lubin (23-1, 16 KOs) has put together an impressive five-bout winning streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017. Sa iyang labing bag-o nga outing, he defeated U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha by unanimous decision in September of last year. Prior to the victory over Gausha, he became the first person to stop former champion Ishe Smith, in addition to a dominating victory over Nathaniel Gallimore in October 2019. Lumad nga taga Orlando, Fla., Lubin is trained by acclaimed coach Kevin Cunningham as he continues his quest toward another title opportunity. After a stellar amateur career, Si Lubin nahimong pro sa 18 mga tuig sa 2013, eventually being named “Prospect Of The Year” by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.
“I’m so ready for this fight and we’ve been working hard in preparation for Rosario,” ni Lubin. “This fight is another step closer to getting that world title shot. Coach Cunningham and I have a great game plan in place. We know this is going to be a tough fight and the fans are going to see a much-improved version of myself. I’ve taken my training to the next level during this training camp. Rosario is a former world champion who I know is going to bring his best, which is going to make for a great night of boxing. This card is stacked, but I’m going to steal the show with an incredible performance. I will not be denied, I’m coming out on top. It’s Hammer Time!"
Rosary (20-2-1, 14 KOs) will look to climb back into world title contention after losing his 154-pound belts to Jermell Charlo in their September 2020 clash. The 26-year-old captured the WBA and IBF belts by stopping Julian Williams in one of 2020’s biggest upsets. Born in the Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Rosario rode an eight-fight unbeaten streak into the showdown with Williams, including victories over 154-pound contenders Jamontay Clark, Justin DeLoach, Jorge Cota and Marcos Hernandez. Coming into the Charlo matchup, Rosario had established his power by earning a stoppage victory or scoring a knockdown in seven of his previous nine contests.
“I make no excuses for losing the fight to Charlo, but that was then, and this is now,” said Rosario. “I have turned to a new page in my career with my new trainer Herman Caicedo. I will not lose again, especially in this fight against Lubin. He’s a great contender, and I respect his abilities, but I will knock him out on June 26.”
Philadelphia’s Williams (27-2-1, 16 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. The 31-year-old dropped the titles in his first defense, losing to Jeison Rosario in January 2020. Williams had been riding a five-fight winning streak going into the Rosario matchup, in which he added victories over former champion Ishe Smith and hard-hitting contender Nathaniel Gallimore to his ledger.
“This has been the longest layoff of my career, so I’m excited to get back in the ring,"Miingon si Williams. “Mendoza is a decent fighter. I’ve even been in the gym with him and he’s a good guy. But on June 26, it’s going to be all business. I just need to come out on top. He doesn’t have anything that I haven’t seen before. I know he’ll be ready because this is like the Super Bowl for him. So I know he’ll be ready, but I’ll be ready too. If I’m able to get the win, then it’s on to bigger and better opportunities. But I’m definitely not looking past Brian because I know how seriously he’s taking this fight.”
Mendoza (19-1, 13 KOs) earned a career best-victory in his last outing, beating veteran contender Thomas LaManna by unanimous decision in August 2020. The 27-year-old has fought professionally since 2014, with his only defeat coming by a narrow split-decision in November 2019 against Larry Gomez. Mendoza was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he won two New Mexico Golden Gloves Championships as an amateur, and currently fights out of Las Vegas.
“This fight against Julian Williams is just the fight I’ve been waiting for,” said Mendoza. “I’m planning to take full advantage of the opportunity. Julian Williams is a great fighter, but after June 26, the whole world is going to know that I belong at this level.”
Born in Uzbekistan and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Akhmedov (8-1, 7 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympic dula. The 30-year-old turned pro in 2017 and won his first seven pro fights, with six coming by knockout. His lone blemish came in an action-packed title fight against Mario Barrios in September 2019, where he was able to survive two knockdowns to make it a close fight, before eventually losing by decision. Labing bag-o lang, Akhmedov blasted out Ray Perez in the first round of their September 2020 clash.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring for a big fight on June 26,” said Akhmedov. “I’ve been training hard to get another shot at the title. I know that if I make a big statement and defeat a former world champion in Mendez, I expect my next fight will be for the title. I’m always in exciting fights that fans love, and this matchup is going to be no different.”
A former super featherweight champion, Mendez (25-6-3, 12 KOs) has a reputation for providing stiff challenges to the sport’s best and has proven to be a durable contender at 140-pounds, including his most recent outing that saw him drop a split-decision to Richardson Hitchins last December. Sa 2019, Mendez fought to back-to-back draws against super lightweight contenders Anthony Peterson and Juan Heraldez. Born in San Juan de La Maguana, Dominican Republic, Mendez now fights out of Yonkers, N.Y.. and owns victories over Eddie Ramirez, Ivan Redkach and former titlist Miguel Vazquez. He has also gone toe-to-toe with former champions Rances Barthelemy and Robert Easter Jr.
“I am ready for anything Akhmedov brings and then a world title fight after,” said Mendez. “I believe that I beat Hitchins in my last fight, even though I was coming off a long layoff. I’m in great shape right now. Akhmedov is a hard puncher, but the fans are going to see me shine against him. There is a lot left in my tank and that will be obvious to everyone on June 26.”
“I have to prove that I’m the baddest man in the sporton Saturday night," – Davis “Everyone has their opinion on this fight. It’s my job to go out there and prove the doubters wrong," – Santa Cruz Three-Time World Champion Davis and Four-Division World Champion Santa Cruz To Meet in Halloween Thriller at Alamodome in San Antonio Headlining SHOWTIME PPV® Kini nga Sabado, Oktubre 31 in Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions I-klik HERE alang sa mga Litrato sa Ester Lin / Showtime® I-klik HEREfor Photos from Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions SAN ANTONIO, TX – Oktubre 29, 2020 – Tulo ka beses nga kampeon sa kalibutan Gervonta "Tangke" Davis and four-division championLeo "The Earthquake" Santa Cruzsquared off at a final press conference Thursday to preview their highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV (9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT) main event showdown taking place this Saturday, Oktubre 31 from Alamodome in San Antonio in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Two of the sport’s most electrifying fighters, Davis and Santa Cruz will battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships in a matchup that pits the prodigious power of Davis against the unrelenting pressure of Santa Cruz.
Davis vs. Santa Cruz is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, Mga Promosi sa GTD ug Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Ang mga tiket ipang-apud-apod sa mga bloke sa lingkuranan nga nailhan nga "mga pod" aron mapadayon ang distansya sa taliwala sa mga grupo nga dili gikan sa parehas nga partido. Alang sa dugang nga impormasyon, pagbisita Alamodome.com.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:
GERVONTA Davis
“My team and I decided to move our camp to Las Vegas so we could have a perfect camp. We spent 15 weeks in training, so I’m well prepared. Hopefully Leo is well prepared and we give the fans what they want to see.
“We know Leo is going to come with a lot of punches and I’m going to be explosive. It’s all about giving fans a treat. I’m grateful to be in this position and I’m ready. Saturday night is going to be a memorable night.
“Not to take anything from him, Yuriorkis Gamboa was just trying to survive against me. It’s harder to get punches off when someone isn’t trying to bring the fight. I know Leo is going to come to fight. I think this performance is going to put me up to the next level.
“I don’t think I have to knock him out, I just have to go out there and be great. Forget everything else, I just have to go out there and show everyone that I’m the top guy in the boxing world. That’s my main goal.
“Michael Jordan used to read the paper and do what they said he couldn’t do. That’s what I’m doing. I have to prove that I’m the baddest man in the sport on Saturday night.
“Leo is going to come to fight and it’s just about me stepping up and doing what I do best. You can see the potential in a fighter from the outside, but you have to see it actually come out in a fight to believe it. That’s the position I’m in. Everyone knows I’m great, I just have to show it.
“Leo has shown that he’s a top tier fighter, and he’s going up against an explosive, powerful fighter like myself. I think the winner should be in the top 10 of the pound-for-pound list.
“Floyd Mayweather has just told me to stay focused despite everything that comes with pay-per-view week. I have to get the job done first, but also do everything that comes with being the next pay-per-view star.
“I’m one of those fighters that knows how to focus when I have something big in front of me. None of the great fighters before me have frozen up when it’s crunch time. I’ve always been able to focus when big things are on the line. That’s what I did for this training camp.
“I’m not really focused on anyone who isn’t Leo Santa Cruz. I can’t overlook Leo. As far as any other fighter out there, they just don’t matter to me right now. I’ll prove it along the way. This is one step closer to proving the point I want to prove.”
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“This is what I’ve always dreamed of. When I was a little boy, I wanted to be on this stage. I’m living that dream and I’m very happy and excited. I never thought I’d accomplish it. I thought it was like winning the lottery. But thanks to the fans, I’m here where I’m at.
“I’m facing the best fighter in the division. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. I have to go against the best fighter. I wanted to challenge myself. I know this is a dangerous fight for me, but I want to test myself.
“We’ve both suffered and been through a lot to get here. Neither of us wants to go back to where we started. So I know we’re both going to give a great fight to the fans.
“I have the heart of a Mexican warrior. My dad has told me to fight a smart fight, but even though he’s going to say that, there’s a good chance I end up brawling with him at times. Bisan unsa, we’re going to find a way to beat him.
“I don’t really worry about being the underdog. Everyone has their opinion. It’s my job to go out there and prove the doubters wrong. I trained hard to go out there and do that Saturday.
“Gervonta is the best opponent I’ve faced. He’s the strongest fighter I’ll have faced. The Abner Mares and Carl Frampton fights were great experience for this kind of fight. I learned a lot from those four fights and since then I’ve learned a lot more.
“It would mean the world to me to become a five-division champion. It would be another dream come true. I would put the Santa Cruz last name right up there with the best.
“Gervonta is a big guy and I know he’s going to come hit hard. But I’ve trained with bigger guys all camp and I’ve been able to take everything thrown at me.
“The fans want you to go and make it a back and forth war. I know against Gervonta I have to fight smart. I’m going to just try as hard as I can to listen to my father’s advice.
“I definitely took this fight to quiet the critics. People said I didn’t want to fight the big names. So I went after the biggest challenge in the division and that’s Gervonta Davis.
“I leave the opinions to the fans and media. My job is to get the win and give the fans a great fight. I’m going to give it my best and leave it all in the ring.”
CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer
“Camp has been great. It was unbelievable. I really appreciate the work that he put in. I can’t wait to see Tank in the ring. I’m looking forward to great performances from both fighters.
“’Tank’ accomplished a lot of things that I’ve asked him to do, but this is the pinnacle of them all right here. Both of these families have walked the same line with different trails. They both have a chance to become greats with this win.
“Every time I look at ‘Tank’ now, I flash back to those younger years in the gym with him as a child. Now he’s the man I’ve always looked at him to be. He’s a family man, business man and a wonderful fighter. It’s amazing to see one of my boys all grown up.”
JOSÉ SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz’s Father and Trainer
“We had a really good training camp and understand the importance of this fight. Leo is fully prepared for this fight on Saturday and I expect him to have a great performance.
“I’m very thankful to be here. I’m so happy to be here with my son for such a big fight and be able to guide him and help him accomplish his dream.
“We know that Davis is a very strong and accomplished fighter. But Leo has just used it to motivate him in the gym every day and you’ll be able to see that on Saturday.”
Esteban Espinoza, Presidente, Sports ug Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
“One of the biggest reasons I love boxing is because we get to witness young men, like ‘Tank’ Davis and Leo Santa Cruz, develop and mature right in front of our eyes. This is our ninth fight with ‘Tank’ and 13thwith Leo. We have seen them mature as fighters and we have seen them mature as young men. We’ve seen them struggle, singot, and triumph. We’ve seen them become fathers.”
“I remember the first time I met ‘Tank’, it was April 2016 sa Washington, D.C. He was on the non-televised undercard of an Adrien Broner fight. He had already fought, he came over during the telecast and Floyd introduced him. I remember his very words, ‘This is my young fighter. Watch out for this kid.’ And we’ve been watching ever since.
“I remember the first time I met Leo was in June 2012. Shortly before his first world title fight. He was a very humble, quiet, soft spoken, almost shy young men. Very different from the guy that I saw in the ring about 48 hours after that. Ang punto mao, we’ve been along for the journey of these young men.
“They have been battling the odds, literally since birth. We were lucky enough to spend time with them duringTANANG Paggamit. They opened their hearts, their minds, and themselves to share their stories. The thing I’ve heard most is that the difficulty about this fight is not whether people want to watch it or whether they’re going to buy it, it’s who they’re going to root for. Because if you know these young men’s stories, what they’ve gone through, and what they’ve experienced, it is incredible.
“The bottom line is in these two young men we have two of the most accomplished and popular young fighters in the sport today. Leo has been a champion almost consistently since 2012. ‘Tank’ had sellouts or near sellouts in Los Angeles, Baltimore and Atlanta, just last year. We have got these two accomplished young men fighting on Saturday night. You have to respect their journey, diin sila gikan sa, and respect the teams that come around him.
“We do know what’s going to happen on Saturday night. Leo is going to come into the ring, throw a lot of punches and show an activity rate that’s unlike just about anybody else in the sport. ‘Tank’ is going to show the power, speed, and the athleticism that has made him one of the fastest rising young stars that we’ve seen in sport in some time. Gawas niana, it will be up to them, just like it’s been up to them for their entire lives.”
ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world championGervonta "Tangke" Davis ug kampiyon sa kalibutan nga upat ka dibisyon Leo "The Earthquake" Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, Oktubre 31 (9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT) sa usa ka kalihokan nga gipakita sa Premier Boxing Champions gikan sa Alamodome sa San Antonio, Texas.
The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heráldez in a 10-round showdown. Sa telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.
“On October 31 everyone will see what I’m capable of," – Heraldez Unbeaten Contender Juan Heraldez Faces Former World Champion Regis Prograis in SHOWTIME PPV®ActionSaturday, Oktubre 31 Live From the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions NEW YORK – Oktubre 16, 2020 – Unbeaten super lightweight contenderJuan Heraldez is deep into training camp and shared insights into his preparations as he nears a showdown against former championRegis "Rougarou" Prograis sa Sabado, Oktubre 31 live on SHOWTIME PPV in a Premier Boxing Champions event headlined by Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz live from Alamodome in San Antonio.
“It’s been a long eight-week camp preparing for Prograis,”Ni Heraldez. “We’re fighting a different style of fighter, which is a good thing because he’s the type of fighter who comes to fight. A style like this makes it easier for me to train and prepare.
“Prograis has power, but you have to land it and that’s where my defense comes into play. My defense has always been a factor and it’s something we always tweak and find ways for me to be sharper. On paper his credentials are up there, but in the ring all of that goes out the door. When the bell rings, I’m not thinking about him being a former world champion. I fight and get the job done.”
Heraldez has adapted to the changes produced by training during the pandemic, and has been able to keep focused throughout camp. He credits the infrastructure at the Mayweather Boxing Club, where he trains in Las Vegas, for helping keep things running smoothly as he prepares to face his toughest opponent to date.
“The pandemic has had a slight effect on camp like it has with everything else,”Ni Heraldez. “There are so many protocols and safety measures, so you can’t just rotate sparring partners as easily as you could before. Adjusting to wearing a mask in the gym and getting tested constantly are things you learn to get used to. The Mayweather Boxing Club has done a great job of keeping the gym clean and safe for all of us. A lot of my stablemates are here in Las Vegas preparing for big fights, so it’s a great feeling knowing that we can come to a gym where safety is the top priority.”
The unbeaten Heraldez will return to the ring after fighting former world champion Argenis Mendez to a draw in May 2019 sa Showtime. Heraldez had put together an impressive string of victories dating back to a 2017 triumph over then-unbeaten Jose Miguel Borrego, and included a knockout win over Eddie Ramirez in February 2019 leading into the Mendez fight. Heraldez has continued to fine-tune his arsenal heading into the Prograis fight.
“My team and I have been working on various things such as my jab, but most importantly where I am in the ring at all times,”Ni Heraldez. “My ring awareness has elevated this camp. My coach and I keep things old school, we don’t have a strength and conditioning coach, we work on the basics and get better at them each camp. Boxing is simple. Stick and move and don’t get hit. The training I get from Coach Otis Pimpleton covers so many things such as cardio, teknik, ring IQ, ug uban pa, so my job is just to listen to my team and trust them when I’m in camp and in the ring on fight night.”
While Heraldez is looking to improve on the draw in his last fight, Prograis will be seeking to bounce back from his first career defeat, a memorable 140-pound unification clash with Josh Taylor. With both fighters hungry for a win on October 31, Heraldez expects an exciting night for fans.
“On fight night, both of our styles are going to make for great action,”Ni Heraldez. “We both bring a lot to the ring. We’re both fighting to be the best, but on October 31, everyone will see what I’m capable of.” ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world championGervonta "Tangke" Davis ug kampiyon sa kalibutan nga upat ka dibisyon Leo "The Earthquake" Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, Oktubre 31 (9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT) sa usa ka kalihokan nga gipakita sa Premier Boxing Champions gikan sa Alamodome sa San Antonio, Texas.
The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. Sa telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.
Ang kalihokan gipasiugda sa Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, Mga Promosi sa GTD ug Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Ang mga tiket ipang-apud-apod sa mga bloke sa lingkuranan nga nailhan nga "mga pod" aron mapadayon ang distansya sa taliwala sa mga grupo nga dili gikan sa parehas nga partido. Alang sa dugang nga impormasyon, pagbisita Alamodome.com
Lightweight Contenders Magdaleno and Isaac Cruz Meet in Title Eliminator Opening SHOWTIME PPV® Sabado, Oktubre 31 from The Alamodome in San Antonio in Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions I-klikHEREfor Magdaleno Training Video – Credit: Armando Bareno NEW YORK – Oktubre 9, 2020 –Former world title challengerDiego Magdalenoshared insights into his training camp as he nears an IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator bout againstIsaac Cruzthat kicks off SHOWTIME PPV (9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT) action on Saturday, Oktubre 31 from the Alamodome in San Antonio in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
“This is my second fight working with ‘Bones’ Adams out of his gym in Las Vegas,”Ni Magdaleno. “I’ve actually known him since I was nine-years-old, so I consider him like my best friend. I trust him with my life. I’ve spent some time training for this fight in Scipio, Utah too, pulling hay bales and doing all sorts of interesting drills. I’ve gotten in some good sparring here in Vegas, and I even went out to California for some sparring, usab.
“I was on one of the last fight cards pre-pandemic, and I’m honored to be on the first fight card with a live crowd since the pandemic began. It’s been a hectic year, but I’m happy with where things are for me heading into this fight. Coach Adams has been doing a great job with training, but he also handles my strength and conditioning. He’s got a huge gym with a lot of motivated fighters and it’s great to be around that kind of atmosphere. And my fiancé has been handling my nutrition for my last four fights. Busa, it’s great to have her involved also.”
Magdaleno returns to action after upsetting Austin Dulay in Dulay’s hometown of Nashville, Tenn. sa Pebrero, dropping him in round seven on his way to a 10-round unanimous decision. He credits his team in training camp for the impressive performance against Dulay.
“I’ve always taken pride in being a professional, but I learned that I can be very dangerous with the right team around me,”Ni Magdaleno. “I went into that fight kind of being considered a steppingstone for Dulay, but I showed that I’m still a strong fighter. People counted me out and they made a mistake. I’m just super happy that I found Coach Adams and got a proper team organized around me. I was able to change people’s minds with just one fight. Now I’m in a title eliminator, and with a win on October 31, I’ll have my third shot at a world title.”
The 33-year-old has come up short in his most high-profile fights to date, dropping title bouts to Terry Flanagan and Roman Martinez, in addition to a 2019 loss against current lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. With those experiences and an improved training structure around him, Magdaleno believes the lessons he’s taken from those fights will be instrumental going forward.
“The biggest thing that I’ve learned is to stay calm,”Ni Magdaleno. “When I start thinking too far ahead, that’s when things go wrong. Coach Adams has a great way of keeping me grounded and composed. He knows how to simplify things for me and communicate exactly what I need to do, which makes it less stressful for me. And we’ve done some other things, like correcting my footwork and the angles that I use.”
In the 22-year-old Cruz, Magdaleno will be opposed by a fast-rising and exciting Mexican fighter looking to make a mark in his biggest fight to date. With an 11-year age gap, Magdaleno plans to use his extensive experience to his advantage on October 31.
“Cruz is something I’ve seen before,”Ni Magdaleno. “I’ve fought lots of Mexican-style fighters like him who don’t have a lot of technical skill but possess a come-forward style. Busa, I think I’ll be able to go back to what I know. I’ll just have to stay fluid and pick Cruz apart. He’s a guy who likes to fight on the inside and throw lots of overhand punches and hooks. I’ll break him down like I did my last opponent.”
Magdaleno will look to continue his career renaissance against Cruz and put himself back on track for another world title opportunity. With all that he’s been through during his career, Magdaleno remains highly motivated to prove critics wrong and achieve his goal of becoming a world champion.
“What I know is that when everyone counts you out, you just have to believe in yourself,”Ni Magdaleno. “When I decide to hang up the gloves, it’ll be because I want to, not because others say I should. I have my confidence back now and I’m very happy with where I’m going . Being one shot away from the title that I dreamed of as a child is a huge motivating factor for me. And I fight for my family, usab. I’m a different person now. I’m more mature and I think I’ll be able to prove that to people in this fight.”
ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world championGervonta "Tangke" Davisug kampiyon sa kalibutan nga upat ka dibisyonLeo "The Earthquake" Santa Cruzbattle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, Oktubre 31 (9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT) sa usa ka kalihokan nga gipakita sa Premier Boxing Champions gikan sa Alamodome sa San Antonio, Texas.
The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. Sa telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.
Ang kalihokan gipasiugda sa Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, Mga Promosi sa GTD ug Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Ang mga tiket ipang-apud-apod sa mga bloke sa lingkuranan nga nailhan nga "mga pod" aron mapadayon ang distansya sa taliwala sa mga grupo nga dili gikan sa parehas nga partido. Alang sa dugang nga impormasyon, pagbisitaAlamodome.com
Gikuha ni WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario Barrios si Ryan Karl; Ang Dating 140-Pound Champion nga si Regis Prograis Nag-atubang sa Wala’y pilde nga si Juan Heraldez; Ang mga Lightweight Contenders nga si Isaac Cruz ug Diego Magdaleno Nagtagbo sa Title Eliminator Mga TIKET NGA GIBALIGYA Lunes, OKTUBRE 5 SA 10 A.M. CT! NEW YORK – Oktubre 2, 2020 – Tulo ka beses nga kampeon sa kalibutan Gervonta "Tangke" Davis ug kampiyon sa kalibutan nga upat ka dibisyon Leo "The Earthquake" Santa Cruz magsugod sa usa ka thriller sa Halloween alang sa WBA Super Featherweight ug WBA Lightweight Championships nga live sa SHOWTIME PPV Sabado, Oktubre 31 (9 sa gabii. ET / 6 hapon. PT) sa usa ka kalihokan nga gipakita sa Premier Boxing Champions gikan sa Alamodome sa San Antonio, Texas. Ang upat ka away nga pay-per-view card mao ang una nga punoan nga kalihokan sa boksing nga adunay mga fans nga nanambong sukad napugos ang COVID-19 nga ihunong ang U.S. sports sa Marso.
Ang stacked undercard adunay bahin sa wala’y pilde nga taga-San Antonio ug WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios pagdepensa sa iyang titulo batok sa lisud nga pag-igo Ryan “Cowboy” Karl sa co-main event ug kanhi super lightweight champion sa kalibutan Regis "Rougarou" Prograis kuhaon ang wala’y pilde nga indigay Juan Heraldez sa usa ka 10-round showdown. Sa telecast opener, gaan nga contenders Isaac Cruz ug Diego Magdaleno makigsangka sa usa ka away nga ihatud sa titulo sa IBF.
Ang gipaabut nga punoan nga kalihukan maglabanan sa 130 ka libra ug awayon alang sa parehas nga 130-pound titulo ni Santa Cruz ug 135-pound nga titulo ni Davis, nga matag usa sila nagdaog sa miaging away. Duha nga mga paborito sa kadaghanan nga adunay daghang mga sumusunod, Davis vs. Ang Santa Cruz usa ka matchup sa istilo sa tanan nga aksyon, kauban ni Davis nga tag-iya a .957 knockout rate, samtang si Santa Cruz dugay na nga natukod ingon usa sa labing ka busy sa mga puncher ug labing maayong pressure fighters sa isport.
Davis vs. Ang Santa Cruz usa ka talagsa nga sagupay sa kasaysayan sa boksing diin ang titulo sa kalibutan sa duha nga gibug-aton nga klase ang ibutang sa katalagman. Ang uban pang mga bantog nga pananglitan sa ning-agi nga kaagi sa boksing mao ang 1988 Sugar Ray Leonard vs.. Nagpakig-away si Donny Lalonde alang sa mga titulo nga gaan sa gibug-aton sa timbang ug super middleweight, ug ang mga 2014 Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana rematch alang sa super welterweight ug welterweight champion.
"Nagpaabut ako sa pagpakita sa kalibutan kung unsa ako kakugi sa pagtrabaho sa kampo,"Miingon Davis. “Pipila na lang ka semana ang among nahabilin, ug naa na ako sa maayong kahimtang. Ang panguna nga panudlo sa pay-per-view kanunay usa nako ka pangandoy sukad nga nagsugod ako sa boksing. Dili ako makahulat nga magbutang usa ka katingad-an nga pasundayag batok sa daghang dibisyon sa kampyon sa kalibutan nga si Leo Santa Cruz. Salamat sa akong team, Showtime, Mayweather Promotions, Mga Pagpasiugda sa GTD, ug tanan nakong mga fans sa tibuuk kalibutan. Padayon nga suportahan ako ug ipaglaban ko ikaw. "
“Oktubre 31 ang mahimong labing kadaghan nga away sa akong karera,” miingon Santa Cruz. “Makig-away ako sa usa ka gahi kaayo nga kontra, tingali ang pinakalisud nga kontra sa akong karera. Duha ka mga titulo ang naa sa linya, ug kini ang una nakong higayon nga magpuno sa us aka pay-per-view. Mao nga buhaton ko ang tanan nga mahimo nako aron mapakita ang usa ka maayong pasundayag. Kilala si Davis sa iya kusog. Apan sa akong hunahuna sa akong kasinatian ug singsing nga IQ mabungkag ko siya. Tingali siya mahimong agresibo kaayo sa mga una nga hugna. Apan kung buhaton nako ang angay nako, ug ipatuman ang among laraw sa dula, Modaog ko. ’’
Ang kalihokan gipasiugda sa Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, Mga Promosi sa GTD ug Santa Cruz Boxing Club.
“Kini nga away tali ni Gervonta Davis ug Leo Santa Cruz usa ka maayo nga away nga kinahanglan namo kini buhaton sa mga fans, nga mahimong una alang sa usa ka punoan nga kalihokan sa boksing sukad nagsugod ang COVID-19,” ingon ni Floyd Mayweather, Presidente sa Mayweather Promotions ug us aka 12-time, lima-ka-division world champion. “Tank’ Espesyal nga talento si Davis, usa ka super hanas nga manlalaban ug kanunay ako sa gym aron magbantay ug tabangan siya nga makapangandam alang sa usa ka lisud nga kontra sa Santa Cruz, kinsa nahibal-an naton nga kanunay naa sa porma ug andam nga makig-away. Kini mahimong usa ka maayong gabii alang sa Mga Promosyon sa Mayweather, alang sa boksing ug alang sa isport. Ang labing kaayo nga pagpakig-away sa labing kaayo ang tanan nga mahimo naton nga gipangayo.”
“Nagpadayon kami sa tradisyon nga pagtanyag sa mga fans sa boksing ang labing kaayo nga mga matchup sa labing kainit nga pagkabahinbahin, pitting ang labing kaayo kontra sa labing kaayo,"Miingon si Stephen Espinoza, Presidente, Sports ug Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Ang tank Davis nga nag-atubang kay Leo Santa Cruz usa sa mga labing kulbahinam nga duwa sa tuig. Adunay ka usa ka bata, gigutom nga bituon nga adunay malaglagon nga gahum sa Davis ug usa ka eksperyensya ug hingpit nga walay hunong nga upat ka dibisyon nga champ nga nagtan-aw aron mabuntog ang usa ka titulo sa ikalimang dibisyon. Kini ang klase sa mga matchup boxing fans nga naghulat sa tibuuk nga tuig aron tan-awon. Duha ka superstar sa ilang labing lisud nga away hangtod karon nga nakig-away alang sa mga titulo sa duha nga gibahin sa timbang sa parehas nga oras. ”
"Si Gervonta Davis mao ang labing makaikag nga manlalaban sa isport, ug gitakda niya nga mag-ulohan ang iyang una nga pay-per-view card ug sunugon ang kalibutan,”Ingon ni Leonard Ellerbe, CEO sa Mayweather Promotions. "Supak siya sa usa ka eksperyensiyado, kampiyon sa kalibutan nga upat ka dibisyon sa Leo Santa Cruz, kinsa nagtan-aw sa pagkuha kaniya ug ihatag kaniya ang iyang una nga L sa Oktubre 31. "
“Gervonta Davis vs.. Si Leo Santa Cruz usa sa labing kaayo nga mga posporo nga mahimo sa boksing, sa matag manlalaban sa posisyon aron makapuntos sa usa ka kadaugan nga gihubit sa karera,”Ingon ni Tom Brown, Presidente sa TGB Promotions. "Nalipay kami nga magdala usa ka makasaysayanon nga showdown nga adunay mga titulo sa kalibutan sa duha nga gibug-aton nga klase sa linya sa mga fans sa Alamodome. Davis vs. Gipakita ni Santa Cruz ang usa ka makaiikag nga pagbangga sa mga estilo, sa wala’y hunong nga pagpit-os ni Santa Cruz batok sa pagbag-o sa gahum ni Davis. Pagdugang sa tulo nga mga high-stake nga atraksyon sa undercard, kini nga pay-per-view gilaray aron ipakita ang drama sa singsing gikan sa pagsugod hangtod sa katapusan. ”
Ang mga tiket igabaligya Lunes, Oktubre 5 sa 10 am. Ang CT ug mapalit sa Ticketmaster.com. Kini ang una nga punoan nga kalihokan sa boksing nga adunay mga fans nga ningtambong gikan sa pagsugod sa COVID-19 pandemic sa U.S. sa Marso. Ang Alamodome nagpatuman usa ka komprehensibo nga plano sa kahimsog ug kahilwasan aron mapanalipdan batok sa pagkaylap sa virus. Ang tanan nga mga fans nga ningtambong sa kalihukan ipasalida sa pagsulud ug kinahanglan magsul-ob og maskara, ingon man pagsunod sa mga panudlo sa pagpalayo sa sosyal. Ang mga tiket ipang-apud-apod sa mga bloke sa lingkuranan nga nailhan nga "mga pod" aron mapadayon ang distansya sa taliwala sa mga grupo nga dili gikan sa parehas nga partido. Alang sa dugang nga impormasyon, pagbisita Alamodome.com.
"Ang Alamodome naghinamhinam sa pag-host sa Davis vs.. Ang kalihokan sa Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV ug dad-on ang mga atleta sa San Antonio,”Ingon ni Steve Zito, General Manager, Alamodome. "Dili ra kini maayo nga plataporma alang sa mga atleta ug sa ilang mga tagahanga, apan ang kalihukan magpunting usab sa San Antonio pinaagi sa mga dula nga nasud sa telebisyon ug maghatag epekto sa ekonomiya alang sa atong komunidad sa niining mga mahagiton nga panahon. ” Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) Mibutho ang eksena pinaagi sa usa ka mabuto nga kadaugan sa knockout batok kay Jose Pedraza aron makuha ang IBF Junior Lightweight World Title sa usa ka paghimo og bituon sa SHOWTIME® sa Enero 2017. Sa panahon nga, nahimo siyang labing bata nga kampeyon sa kalibutan sa boksing sa edad 22. Sa singsing, Gisagol ni Davis ang kontrolado nga pagsulong sa nagdilaab nga katulin sa kamot ug tiil, Makapaukyab sa gahum ug kahanas nga kahanas sa boksing. Ang dinamiko nga kombinasyon sa mga kahanas naghimo kang Davis nga usa ka fan-favourite nga nagpuno sa mga arena sa Atlanta, Ga., ug ang iyang lungsod nga natawhan sa Baltimore, Md., sa miaging tuig.
Ang 25-anyos nga nagsugod sa iyang 2019 nga adunay knockout ni Hugo Ruiz kaniadtong Pebrero, sa wala pa nakapuntos sa ikaduhang hugna nga paghunong ni Ricardo Núñez sa iyang pagpauli nga away kaniadtong Hulyo. Gisira ni Davis ang tuig pinaagi sa pagkuha sa iyang lightweight title pinaagi sa 12th round TKO sa kanhi kampeyon nga si Yuriorkis Gamboa kaniadtong Disyembre. Nag-iya usab si Davis sa usa ka titulo nga nagdaog sa titulo diin gidominar niya ang kanhi kampiyon nga si Jesus Cuellar aron makuha ang WBA nga 130-pound belt sa 2018. Ubos sa paggiya sa Mayweather Promotions, Gitan-aw ni Davis aron labi pa nga mapaayo ang iyang impresibo nga portfolio nga adunay lain pa nga nahimo nga titulo sa iyang nahauna nga hinungdan nga pay-per-view.
Nakig-away gikan sa Los Angeles, Santa Cruz (37-1-1, 19 KOs) Naghimo sa iyang debut sa super featherweight kaniadtong Nobyembre pinaagi sa pagpilde ni Miguel Flores aron makuha ang titulo sa WBA. Nakilala si Santa Cruz sa isport pinaagi sa pag-apil sa daghang mga contender sa Fight of the Year, lakip ang duha ka kulbahinam nga featherweight title duels kontra sa upat ka higayon nga kampeon nga si Abner Mares ug matag kampyon sa two-division nga si Carl Frampton matag usa. Nawala ang iyang titulo nga featherweight sa una niyang duwa kontra Frampton sa 2016, apan gibawi kini sa ilang rematch sa sunod tuig.
Ang 32-anyos nag-indigay sa mga away sa titulo sa 17 sa iyang katapusan nga 19 away, samtang nanguha mga bakus sa 118, 122, 126 ug 130-libra. Ang titulo nga 130 ka libra naghimo sa Santa Cruz nga ikalima lamang nga manggugubat sa kagikanan sa Mexico nga nakadaog og titulo sa upat ka mga gibug-aton nga klase, apil sa Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, Jorge Arce ug Mikey Garcia. Si Santa Cruz gipaila sa isport ug gibansay sa tibuuk nga karera sa iyang amahan nga si Jose, kauban ang iyang igsoon nga si Jose Armando, usa ka kanhing gaan nga contender, ug Antonio. Si Santa Cruz motan-aw nga mahimong kampyon sa lima ka dibisyon sa iyang labing una nga pay-per-view nga headliner.
Ang 25-anyos nga si Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs) himuon ang una nga pagdepensa sa iyang titulo sa kalibutan sa iyang lungsod nga natawhan sa San Antonio. Nakuha ni Barrios ang iyang titulo nga 140 pounds sa iyang katapusang away kaniadtong Septyembre 2019, nga nakuha ang usa ka malisud nga unanimous decision batok sa wala’y pilde nga si Batyr Akhmedov, paghulog kaniya sa makaduha ug pagpakig-away pinaagi sa usa ka samad nag-antus sa usa ka kulo sa ulo. Ang mga Barrios nagbansay sa Oakland, Calif. ubos sa paggiya sa bantog nga coach nga si Virgil Hunter. Ang lima-ka-tiil nga napulo ka pulgada nga Barrios debuted ingon usa ka super bantamweight sa 2013, sa katapusan pagbalhin hangtod sa 140-libra nga tibuuk nga oras sa 2017 kung asa siya 8-0 uban sa pito ka knockouts.
"Ang dugay nga paghawa sa katapusan nahuman na ug ang mga fans mahimo nga maglaum nga makita ako nga moadto sa giyera uban si Ryan Karl, nga akong kaila nga moabut aron magdala usa ka agresibo nga away sa lamesa,”Ni Barrios. "Nagpadayon ako sa maayong pagkabutang sa niining miaging tuig, busa karon panahon na nga ipadayon ko ang paghatag sa mga fans sa boksing og mga kulbahinam nga away. Magrepresentar ako sa akong lungsod sa San Antonio ug ingon sa kanunay, ang tanan makadahum nga makita ako ingon nga eksplosibo kanunay. Sa Oktubre 31, ang tanan nga mga fans nga nagtan-aw sa pay-per-view magtan-aw kanako nga mohimo usa ka pahayag samtang gipanalipdan ko ang akong titulo.
Natawo sa Milano, Texas ug karon nabansay sa Houston ubos sa pagdumala sa top trainer nga si Ronnie Shields, Karl (18-2, 11 KOs) motikang alang sa iyang una nga higayon sa titulo sa Oktubre 31. Ang 28-anyos nagpasulod sa kini nga away sa tulo ka sunodsunod nga kadaugan, sa tanan nga tulo nga daog nga moabut 2019, lakip ang usa ka knockout ni Kevin Watts aron makapanimalos sa usa sa iyang mga pilde sa usa ka dayon nga rematch. Nag-iya usab si Karl og mga kadaugan batok ni Kareem Martin ug wala’y pilde nga si Jose Felix Quezada sa panahon sa iyang pro career nga gikan pa sa 2014.
"Naghanas ako alang niini sa bug-os kong kinabuhi ug dili ko kini pasagdan nga mawala,”Ni Karl. "Nagtrabaho kami nga maayo sa kampo sa pagbansay aron mapahimutang ang labing kaayo nga nahimo sa akong karera. Nahibal-an namon kung unsa ang kontra namon sa Mario Barrios, apan mianhi ako sa halayo kaayo aron dili ko pahimuslan kini nga higayon sa Oktubre 31. "
Usa ka pagkaon sa 140-pound elite, PROGRAMA (24-1, 20 KOs) mibalik sa ring human nawala ang iyang titulo sa usa ka kulbahinam nga panagsama sa panaghiusa pinaagi sa kadaghanan nga desisyon kaniadtong Oktubre batok ni Josh Taylor. Ang 31-anyos nagdaog sa iyang titulo pinaagi sa pagpilde sa Kiryl Relikh sa TKO kaniadtong Abril 2019 ug nakuha usab ang mga kadaugan sa paghunong batok sa kanhi naghiusa nga kampiyon nga si Julius Indongo, ug wala’y pilde nga mga contenders nga si Joel Diaz Jr.. ug Juan Jose Velasco. Ang Prograis natawo sa New Orleans apan nagpuyo ug nakig-away sa gawas sa Houston.
"Kini usa ka dako nga away ug dako ang akong pasalamat sa PBC sa paghatag kanako niini nga higayon,"Miingon Prograis. "Wala ako nakig-away sa usa ka tuig ug sukad niadto nahimo nako ang daghang pagpamalandong sa kaugalingon ug mibalhin gikan sa L.A. balik sa Texas. Mas naka-focus ako kaysa kaniadto ug dili na ako makahulat nga makabalik sa akong numero unong lugar sa super lightweight division. Kinahanglan nga mahimong kampeyon usab ako sa kalibutan ug dili ako mohunong hangtod nga mahinabo kana. "
Ang 30-anyos nga si Heraldez (16-0-1, 10 KOs) mahimo’g i-vault ang iyang kaugalingon sa top tier sa 140-pound contenders nga adunay labing kadaugan nga kadaugan batok sa Prograis sa Oktubre 31. Natawo sa Northridge, Cal. ug pagbansay gikan sa Mayweather Promotions gym sa Las Vegas, Labing bag-o nga nakig-away si Heraldez sa usa ka draw sa kadaghanan kaniadtong Mayo kontra sa kanhi kampiyon nga si Argenis Mendez. Ang pro career ni Heraldez nakakita usab kaniya nga nakapuntos sa mga kadaugan batok sa wala’y pilde nga si Jose Miguel Borrego ug gahi nga kontra Eddie Ramirez.
"Kini usa ka buang nga tuig, apan gikuha ko kini nga higayon aron makagahin og oras sa akong pamilya ug mapauswag ang akong mga kahanas sa sulud sa singsing,”Ni Heraldez. "Adunay daghang maayo nga sparring nga nahitabo sa Mayweather Boxing Club nga akong gipahimuslan. Naa koy lisud nga kontra sa akong atubangan, ug kana ra ang akong gitutokan karon. Nagsalig ako sa akong kaarang isip usa ka manlalaban ug nagsalig ako sa akong koponan nga makuha ako sa katapusan nga linya uban ang usa ka kadaugan sa Oktubre 31. Nagpasalamat ako sa Mayweather Promotions sa pagbutang sa akon sa usa ka dako nga plataporma alang sa kini nga away. "
Nakig-away sa iyang lungsod nga natawhan sa Mexico, Mexico, Krus (19-1-1, 14 KOs) wala’y pilde sa iyang ulahi 15 mga away sukad nahulog ang iyang ikaunom nga pro nga away pinaagi sa paghukum. Ang 22-anyos nga lalaki nagpatumba sa 10-of-13 nga kontra sa taliwala 2016 ug 2018, sa wala pa himuon ang iyang U.S. debut sa Disyembre 2019. Ang maong indigay nakit-an nga nakakuha og unanimous decision si Cruz kay Miguel Perez, nga iyang gisundan kaniadtong Pebrero ning tuiga pinaagi sa pagpildi kang Thomas Mattice pinaagi sa paghukum sa ShoBox: Ang Bag-ong Henerasyon.
“Sukad nga nagsugod ako sa boksing, kini ang akong damgo nga makig-away sa kini nga entablado sa Estados Unidos,"Miingon Cruz. "Nahibal-an ko nga si Diego Magdaleno usa ka tig-a kaayo ug kasinatian nga manlalaban, apan kini ang akong oras sa Oktubre 31. Makita sa mga tagahanga nga naa sa akon ang kinahanglan aron mahimong kampeyon sa kalibutan sa diha nga gipilde ko si Magdaleno ug gipahibalo ang akong kaugalingon nga usa sa labing kaayo nga lightweights sa kalibutan. ”
Magdaleno (32-3, 13 KOs) mosulod sa kini nga away nga gikan sa usa ka impresibo nga kadaugan batok sa contender Austin Dulay kaniadtong Pebrero nga nakakita kaniya nga gihulog si Dulay padulong sa us aka unanimous decision. Gihagit sa 33-anyos nga si Roman Martinez alang sa titulo nga 130-pound ug Terry Flanagan alang sa usa ka gaan nga korona, samtang nakig-away usab sa lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez kaniadtong Pebrero 2019. Usa ka lumad nga taga-Las Vegas, Nagdaog si Magdaleno og upat sa lima ka mga away pagsugod sa Oktubre 31, lakip ang 10-round decision bahin kang Artyom Hovhannisyan.
"Labi na akong naghinamhinam nga makabalik sa ring sukad sa akong katapusang nahimo,”Ni Magdaleno. "Ang kana nga kadaugan nakapukaw sa kalayo sa akon ug nakadasig kanako sama sa una. Karon nga naa na ko sa usa ka titulo nga giwagtang, Labi pa akong naghinamhinam nga mobalik sa paglihok. Nag-atubang ako sa laing batan-ong leon, apan nakulangan siya sa akong kasinatian. Ang pagbansay uban ang Bones Adams nakahatag kalainan sa akong karera. Naghimo ako usa ka pagbag-o sa labi ka daghang pagkomposo ug labi ka maalam sa singsing. Ania ako aron maghimo usa ka pahayag ug angkunon kung unsa ang akoa. Dili gyud ako mosibog hangtod makuha ko ang titulo sa kalibutan. ”
SAN ANTONIO, TX (Disyembre 17, 2019) – WBAsuper lightweight champion, Mario “El Azteca” Kasilinganan (25-0, 16 KOs), continues to receive accolades from his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Sa Septyembre 28, 2019, Barrios defeatedBatyr Akhmedov, winning the vacant WBA World Title, becoming the first world champion fromSan Antonioin the last 25 ka tuig.
Karon, Barrios was honored with a special recognition at theCommissioners Court. CommissionerJustin Rodriguezfrom Bexar County, Precinct 2, who sponsored the ceremony, was joined by his colleagues on Commissioners Court in San Antonio and presented Barrios with a proclamation.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Commissioners Court here in my hometown of San Antonio,” Said Barrios. “It’s been a nice ride since winning my world title. I’ve been meeting some very influential people, and these are individuals that are making a difference in San Antonio. Today was incredible and I want to thank everyone for all their support.”
Barrios has been active in his community since becoming a world champion. Sa Oktubre, Barrios joinedShoe Palasyoand gave way shoes to thirty families at theBoys and Girls Club.
“I think being a positive role model is important, so I’m going to join forces with everyone, to help make San Antonio a better place for our youth,” Barrios nagpadayon. “Building a strong community is what’s important at the end of the day, and I’ll be here to help out. Wala madugay, I’ll be having a big fight in San Antonio, and I’m going to make sure tickets are priced reasonable so everyone can come out and enjoy the fights. It would be nice to see the support from the fans, that’s what gets me excited. I cant wait to fight in San Antonio.”
FAIRFAX, VA. (Mayo 11, 2019) - Julian “J-Rock’’ Williamsknew he was walking into the lion’s den when he traveled from Philadelphia to Virginia to face undefeated unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd in his backyard. But Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) wasn’t afraid.
He came. He saw and he conquered Hurd (23-1, 16 KOs), scoring a 12-round unanimous decision, handing Hurd his first loss and taking the IBF, WBA and IBO championships before a hometown crowd at the EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University.
The crowd and the primetime audience, which tuned in to FOX and FOX Deportes, witnessed a valiant performance from both Williams and Hurd in what will certainly be a “Fight of the Year’’ candidate. The judges had Williams handily defeating Hurd with scores of 116-111 ug 115-112 kaduha.
Williams had come up short in his previous attempt at a world title when he was stopped on via TKO by Jermall Charlo in 2016. He was overwhelmed by emotions after his upset victory over Hurd, who was a presumptive favorite over the 29-year-old Williams.
“I am just overwhelmed. This is such a great feeling. I outclassed him. I am one of the best fighters in the world,"Miingon si Williams. “Maybe I wasn’t ready for the title the first time I got the shot. I took the loss. I took it like a man and the whole world doubted me. I went into this fight a five to one underdog.’’
“Kini mao ang usa ka damgo nga ang tinuod nga. I have been waiting for this for years. I never ditched the gym. I never got into girls or left the gym. I am from the streets, but I was never in the streets. I was in the gym practicing my craft.
“The only people that believed in me were my team, but all I can say is ‘and the new’!”
Hurd is often a slow starter and Williams made him pay for that. He jumped on the defending champion right out of the gate, throwing crisp punches behind a pistol-like jab. Williams dropped Hurd in the second round with a shot to the temple.
“It didn’t really change my strategy. It was just a flash knockdown. It caught me by surprise. I wasn’t really hurt,’’ Hurd said.
Sensing he had stunned Hurd, Williams came out firing in the next round. He picked up the pace and Hurd decided to match the ferocity of the attack rather than wither under it. Midway through the third round, Hurd landed a blistering left uppercut that snapped Williams’ head upward and slowly started to regain his form.
Hurd and Williams went to the trenches in the middle rounds, closing the distance and fighting in tight quarters. Conventional wisdom would seem to favor Hurd in that space, because he is physically bigger than Williams. But Williams did more than hold his own.
By the seventh round, the fight had become a war of attrition and a test of wills. Hurd was cut over his left eye in the eighth round. By then, Williams was completely in control.
Williams said he was well prepared for everything that Hurd threw at him, but it was by no means a cakewalk.
“He wasn’t easier to hit than I thought. He was crafty and he had heavy hands. I just stayed poised. I listened to my coach and I just worked,’’ Williams said. “He couldn’t hurt me. I saw everything he was throwing. I knocked him down. The game plan was to win however I could. I adapted on the fly. We knew he had certain tendencies and worked on his tendencies. ''
Hurd said he didn’t feel like himself in the fight against Williams. Fighting in front of a raucous hometown crowd filled with family and friends as he hails from nearby Accokeek, Md.
“I wasn’t able to get off. I can’t really call it right now. I have to go back and watch. I was loading up on my shots instead of just letting my hands go,’’ Hurd said. “J-Rock was just the better man tonight. There’s definitely a rematch clause in our contract and I’m going to go for it. I’m going to come back better than I was tonight.’’
Super lightweight sensation Mario Barrios (24-0, 15 KOs) scored a devastating second round knockout victory over Juan Jose Velasco (20-2, 12 KOs) sa co-bahin. Barrios of San Antonio, Texas kept his undefeated record intact when he landed a crushing body shot that sent Velasco to the canvas midway through the second round. Referee Hugo Spinola counted out Velasco at 1:16 of the second round as the Argentine was on his hands and knees trying to catch his breath.
Barrios said he was trying to be patient and use his jab to set up the perfect shot.
“I saw him opening up every time he would step in. I knew one of the body shots was going to do it and I found the sweet spot,’’ Barrios said. “We weren’t expecting it to end that quickly. I wasn’t predicting a knock out, but I knew I had the power to do it and stop him.”
“I was very confident. I had a great camp. I can’t thank Virgil Hunter and the team for the preparation for this fight. We knew he was vulnerable with body punches and that was something I work on regardless. It is one of my favorite shots. I have been working on it since the amateurs.”
Barrios said he would build on the victory over Velasco and continue to climb the ladder at 140 libra.
“I want a world title shot. Kanunay ako naa sa gym. I am always ready. I want all the smoke at 140. I want any of the champions. And I’m ready to bring a big fight to all my hometown fans in San Antonio.’’
In the opening television bout middleweight contenders Matt Korobov of Orotukan, Russia and Immanuwel Aleem of East Meadow, N.Y.. stalked each other for 10 rounds. They took turns pressing the action and playing the aggressor, dishing out and absorbing the best that each had to offer. In the end Korobov (29-2, 14 KOs) and Aleem (18-2-1, 11 KOs) had fought to a majority draw. One judge had Korobov winning 97-93 and two judges scored it 95-95.
In the sixth round Korobov landed a combination that rocked Aleem and had him in trouble momentarily. But Aleem weathered the storm. Aleem came out strong in the ninth round, practically running across the ring to meet Korobov, who had slowly raised his 36-year-old body off the corner stool at the last second. Sensing the close nature of the fight, both Korobov and Aleem unloaded and landed some heavy shots seeking to keep the outcome away from the judges’ scorecards.
Aleem said he thought he won the fight.
“I didn’t feel like he was doing enough. I was trying to use my range. He was just touching me. I realized when I started hitting him that he didnt have the gas.,’’ Aleem said. “I am faster than people think. I see open shots better than people expect. I made a statement tonight and I want to keep making statements.”
Korobov , who lost a unanimous decision to Jermall Charlo in his last fight, said he felt sluggish during the match against Aleem.
“I felt heavy and not totally sharp enough. It was hard to react and stop him from going inside. I have things to work on.,’’ Korobov said. “He was tougher than I expected. He wasn’t as strong as Charlo, but he is a really good fighter. He kept coming forward. He wasn’t afraid. He just kept throwing punches.”
Unified 154-Pound Champion Hurd & Top Contender Williams Square-Off Before Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event This Saturday Night from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia Live at 8 sa gabii. ET / 5 sa hapon. PT
I-klik HERE alang sa mga Litrato sa Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions
ARLINGTON, VA. (Mayo 9, 2019) – Unified 154-pound world champion“Swift” Jarrett Hurd ug sa ibabaw contender Julian “J-Bato” Williams previewed their showdown at a final press conference on Thursday evening before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday night from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Also squaring-off at the press conference and stepping into the ring Saturday in action beginning at 8 sa gabii. ET / 5 sa hapon. PT were unbeaten super lightweight contenderMario “El Azteca” Kasilingananand Argentina’sJuan “The Pitbull” JoseVelasco, who meet in a 10-round fight, and middleweight contendersMatt Korobov ug Emmanuel Aleem, who battle in a 10-round attraction.
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Arlington, Virginia:
JARRETT HURD
“This has been a great week. This is the homecoming I always wanted. It’s even better than I imagined and I can’t wait to step into the ring.
“You can tell a lot about a fighter when you see them in the lead up to a fight. Julian Williams looks confident and he looks ready. It’s going to be a classic on fight night.
“It’s been fun to have this support from the city and my hometown. It’s fueled me. The love and support motivated me in the gym to make sure I go out there and put on a show.
“I’m a big 154-pounder but I know how to cut the weight and get it off right. We’re still eating and we’ll be strong come fight night.”
Julian WILLIAMS
“I really don’t think too much about fighting in his hometown. I’ve fought on the road my whole career. I just focus on the fight, not what’s going on outside of the ring.
“We touched on a lot of different things in training camp. We left no stone unturned. It sounds cliché and I’ve never said this before, but this was the best camp I’ve ever had. I’m ready to go get this win.
“I just see a man over there. His crowd can’t fight for him. That’s all it’s going to be Saturday night.
“The jab is always a key. It’s the most important punch in boxing and it’s the key for me no matter who I fight. I always work with bigger guys in camp so the size is going to be nothing new.”
Mario Barrios
“We focused on being explosive in training camp. Working with Virgil Hunter was great as always. This is a big opportunity and I’m excited to put on a great show for these fans.
“He’s a hungry fighter. That’s the main thing. He’s tasted defeat and he doesn’t want to again. I’m blocking his path. Sa Sabado sa gabii, he’s not getting past me.
“I’m getting stronger and better every camp. There’s not too much to say, but I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring Saturday.”
JUAN JOSE VELASCO
“The fight against Regis Prograis was very tough and important for me. I want to be champion of the world and it showed me what I need to do to achieve that goal. I’m going to put what I learned on display Saturday.
“We’ve watched him and we know what he’s capable of doing. We know we have to be prepared to get this victory.”
MATT KOROBOV
“I took the fight against Jermall Charlo as a win because people know me better now and know where I stand in this division with my performance on short notice. I’m happy to be back and have this fight. My team did a great job preparing and we’ll be ready on Saturday night.”
IMMANUWEL ALEEM
“My trainer George Peterson has always stressed to train year round. We’re not part time fighters. I’m always in the gym working. When the fight comes, we’re always prepared.
“Korobov is another opponent who’s in my way to becoming a world champion. I’ve gotten some good work with southpaws to get ready for him and I feel fully prepared.
# # #
ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Mayo 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.
Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 sa gabii. ET / 5 sa hapon. PT.
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, o konektado lalang lakip na ang Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox Usa ug sa Roku.
Mario Barrios Remains Undefeated With Fourth-Round TKO Of Richard Zamora
Javier Fortuna Scores Unanimous Decision Against Sharif Bogere In Telecast Opener Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 Sa gabii. ET / PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
I-klik HERE alang sa Litrato; Credit: Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME
I-klik HERE alang sa Litrato; Credit: Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions
Carson, Calif., (Pebrero 9, 2019) – Gervonta Davis defended his WBA Super Featherweight World Championship with a thrilling first-round TKO of former world champion Hugo Ruiz before a sellout crowd of 8,048 at Dignity Health Sports Park Saturday non SHOWTIME. Knockdown video highlight: https://s.sho.com/2URYn8t
Baltimore’s Davis (21-0, 20 KOs) recorded his eighth career first-round knockout as referee Jack Reiss called off the fight with one second remaining in the first round following a devastating sweeping right hook by Davis connected cleanly and sent Ruiz (39-5, 32 KOs) down to his knees.
Davis, who entered the ring to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, wasted little time showing why he is one of boxing rising super stars with his impressive fourth win in a world title fight. The 24-year-old Davis is the youngest U.S.-born world titlist in boxing and was headlining for the first time.
With his promoter Floyd Mayweather looking on, Davis made quick work of his late-replacement opponent. “I knew it was coming,"Miingon siya. “I wanted to go more rounds, but I knew if I got him out of there early I could fight again sooner. When I touched the jab I saw his arm was in front of his face so if I threw a hook or uppercut it was right in line.”
Davis, who has now stopped his last 12 kaaway, connected on 50 porsyento sa iyang gahum kinumo, just under the 51 percent power accuracy he logged in his last four fights.
The late substitute 32-year-old Ruiz was fighting for the second time in three weeks as he replaced the injured Abner Mares. Ruiz was used to being on the other side of first-round knockouts having recorded 18 of his own during his career.
“As soon as he started landing punches, I could feel them,” Ruiz said. “I have a lot of first round knock outs, today was my turn to lose in the first round. It happens in boxing.”
Next up for Davis could be the winner of the March 2 Ricardo Nunez-Edner Cherry WBA Eliminator on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center. “We could do that,” Davis said. “At the end of the day I’m a fighter. I’m a fighter and I have a great team. One of the best in the sport. I believe in my team and whatever they line up, Ako andam.
Davis told SHOWTIME reporter Jim Gray he’s ready for a sweet homecoming for his next fight. “Yes, sir. We’re coming to Baltimore. We’re going home, baby.”
Sa co-bahin, Mario Barrios (23-0, 14 KOs) knocked out his seventh consecutive opponent as the 23-year-old from San Antonio stopped Mexico’s Richard Zamora (15-3, 10 KOs). Ang stoppage miabut sa 2:16 in round four as referee Ray Corona waved off the fight after a barrage of Barrios punches landed cleanly and dazed the game Zamora.
With noted trained Virgil Hunter in his corner, the accurate Barrios landed a staggering 59 porsyento sa iyang gahum kinumo, lakip 37 sa 58 (64 porsyento) in the fourth and final round.
“He wasn’t an easy target at all,”Ni Barrios, who sparred with Amir Khan and Devin Haney in training camp and is the WBA’s No. 1 ranked fighter at 140 libra. We just used everything we worked on in camp to find my range.”
siya midugang: “It was an amazing fight. I tip my hat to Zamora – he’s a hell of a warrior. I wish him nothing but the best for the rest of his career. Like he said at the press conference, he wanted a war and I brought it to him. Total respect to him.”
Zamora was making his United States debut. “I came to fight,"Miingon siya. “I didn’t come to lay down. I thought I still could have fought more. I don’t want to criticize the referee. He did what he had to do.”
Barrios said he’s ready for the next big step-up in his career. “That’s up to my managerial team,"Miingon siya. “Whenever they feel I’m ready I’ll fight for a world title. Any one of them. I am knocking down the door for a world title right now.”
Sa telecast opener, Javier Fortuna (34-2-1, 23 KOs) won a unanimous decision against Sharif Bogere (32-2, 20 KOs) sa usa ka 10-round bout lightweight. All three judges scored the fight 96-93 in favor of Fortuna.
The southpaw Fortuna, of Braintree, Misa, by way of the Dominican Republic, knocked down Bogere in the sixth round, the same round Bogere suffered a nasty cut above his right eye after an accidental head clash.
The knockdown occurred after a powerful left uppercut by Fortuna dazed Bogere, who appeared to be pushed down and touched his glove on the canvas. Referee Edward Collantes scored it a knockdown, giving Fortuna the 10-8 round.
"(The knock down) was correct,"Miingon si Fortuna, who said he would love a future shot against Davis. “I saw his eyes were a little glossy and his legs buckled a bit. When I saw that he was cut, the game plan changed again and we had to work again to attack the cut.”
Originally from Uganda but now living in Las Vegas, Bogere gave himself a seven out of 10 grade. “I think I won the fight,"Miingon siya. “Even the knockdown was bull. He kept coming at me with the head. He kept trying to head butt me. The challenge was that there was blood in my eye. The first couple of rounds I was boxing him easily.”
At the midway point of the fight, Fortuna began pulling away winning rounds six, seven and eight on SHOWTIME Steve Farhood’s unofficial scorecard as Bogere continued to fade, although coming back to win round nine on Farhood’s card.
In the power punch category, Fortuna connected on 89 sa 310 punches for 29 percent while Bogere landed 59 sa 317 for just 19 porsyento. Bogere was riding a 13-fight winning streak over the past six years coming into the fight.
“What I want right now is a contract so I can fight Gervonta Davis wherever. Lomachenko, any of them,"Miingon si Fortuna, who had a No Decision against Adrian Granados last June on SHOWTIME after falling out of the ring in the fourth round suffering a head and neck injury.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN featured two live undercard fights on social media platforms leading into the televised tripleheader. Former world title challenger Erickson Lubin (20-1, 15 KOs) knocked down Ishe Smith (29-11, 12 KOs) a total of four times before the fight was stopped at the end of round three in a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout. Undefeated super lightweight Juan Heraldez (16-0, 10 KOs) stopped Eddie Ramirez (17-3, 11 KOs) in round seven of a scheduled 10-round fight.
Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer hosted SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo called the action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the telecast team – Emmy®award winning reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial ringside scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. Alejandro Luna and former world champion Raul Marquez hosted the telecast in Spanish, available via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr., with Bob Dunphy directing.
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader will replay on Monday at 10 sa gabii. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.
