Tag Archives: NABF

boxing

Undefeated title belt collector santiago “somer” dominguez plans to add welterweight strap to growing collection

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LAS VEGAS (September 21, 2020) – Undefeated, world-rated Mexican welterweight Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (22-0, 17 KOs) will be back in action this Saturday (Sept. 26) in Mexico, when he pursues yet another title belt, the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF), to add to his growing collection. 

The 28-year-old Dominguez, fighting out of Obregon, Sonora, Mexico, is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX and USNBC (United States) 147-pound champion.  Saturday night he headlines a De La O Promotions card in Cocorit, Sonora, Mexico.  Ranked No. 14 in the WBC and No. 1 in the NABF, the fierce knockout artist faces fellow countryman Jose Rosario Cazarez (19-5-1, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant NABF crown.  Blair Cobbs reportedly relinquished his NABF championship rather than fight his mandatory defense versus rising star Dominguez. 

“I was surprised and humbled when I found out I was fighting for the vacated NABF belt,” Dominguez commented.  “I will not disappoint in this fight; my coaches have me ready.”    

“We believe Santiago Dominguez will be a world champion,” said his promoter, RJJ Boxing CEO and co-founder Keith Veltre.  “He’s the highest ranked Mexican welterweight in the world and more than ready to move up to the next level.  This will be his next step towards becoming the future of the welterweight division. We appreciate the chance for Santiago to fight for the NABF championship”  

Cazarez, who is unbeaten in his last seven fights (6-0-1), has been stopped only once, four years ago. Santiago will certainly test his chin. 

Dominguez’ head trainer, Alfredo “Pollo “ Ozuna, was Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’ original coach. “ Dominquez is focused and sharp this camp,” Ozuna noted.  “Santiago will display better footwork and an offense featuring speed, volume and crushing power.  His opponent will meet the canvas and Santiago will be wearing the NABF title belt home.” 

“Our team is very appreciative for the opportunity awarded us from Mr. Duane Ford and the NABF,” Santiago’s manager Terry Hollan added. “It is certainly an honor!”  

INFORMATION: 

Websites:   www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com 

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @KeithVeltre

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @KeithVeltre 

Facebook: /KeithVeltre 

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing.  RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years.  Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.    


Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, WBC #16, WBA #13 and IBF #8 Jade Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs), two-time world title challenger WBO #12 bantamweight Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs), former NABA welterweight champion Kendo Castaneda, former Interim World middleweight title challenger John Vera (19-1 (11 KOs), undefeated middleweight prospect Connor Coyle (12-0, 5 KOs) super middleweight prospect Juan Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs), and former WBC World Youth heavyweight Alexander Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs).  

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Undefeated rising star Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz In developmental process on way to top

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All pictures by Emily Harney / Fightography
 
WORCESTER, Mass. (March 11, 2020) – Fresh off his sensational hometown debut last month, Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs) is in the middle of a developmental process that is, hopefully, headed to the top of the 135-pound division by 2022.
 
The 23-year-old Ortiz, who will abdicate his World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight title next month when he turns 24 because he’ll be overage, headlined a Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) show February 28th at the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
 
Despite fighting for the first time in six months, Ortiz showed no signs of rust, forcing Mexican knockout specialist “Loco” Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-6, 17 KOs), a former WBC FECOMBOX lightweight champion, to take a knee after landing a crisp uppercut and then finishing him off later in the second round with three overhand rights.
 
Ortiz, rated No. 16 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), gained invaluable exposure headlining the CES event, which was streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

“There was no reason of any rust,” Ortiz explained. “I had been working hard in the gym for several months, where I always do my best. Maybe the bright lights (fighting at home for the first time) affected me a little? It was a little different going through the fans (on his ring walk) to get to the ring (on stage). I picture much bigger things in my future, so I can’t let small stuff like that put me off my game. But I settled in quickly and felt comfortable.
 
“I hit him with a good uppercut to the jaw. I figured he’d get up, because he had a late reaction when he went down, but I knew it was over when I hit him with three overhand rights. I really hurt him with the last punch as he was going down. I didn’t say it publicly, but I told some people that I would knock him out in the second round, and I did what I said I’d do. I knew early that it was only going to be a matter of time.”
 
Ortiz displayed his lightning quick hands and feet, also switching effortlessly from orthodox to southpaw, Jamaine plans to return to work next week as a union carpenter and he’s already started running before he gets back in the gym.
 
A decorated amateur who had an impressive 100-14 record, highlighted by consecutive New England Golden Gloves titles in 2015 & 2016, as well as a silver medal at the 2015 National Golden Gloves Tournament (he lost to current IBF World lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez in the championship final) and reaching the semifinals of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, Ortiz is a potential star on the rise.
 
Because he’s only 23 there is no legitimate reason to push Ortiz at this stage of his young pro career when his developmental process is in gear. First up is his initially scheduled 10-round fight, possibly for a regional title, likely against an accomplished, experienced opponent who will give Jamaine invaluable rounds (he only has 52 rounds under his belt).
 
In 2021, the dream is for Ortiz to headline a major show at home in Worcester with world-ratings implications, at the new home of the Boston Red Sox’ AAA organization at Polar Park, which is being constructed now for an estimate construction cost of $100-million.  
 
If all goes according to plans, Ortiz will challenge for a world title in 2022, at the latest.
The Ortiz Process has commenced with the goal of eventually developing him into a world titlist. Patience, though, is the key to building a champion!
 
boxing

2016 U.S. Olympian Antonio Vargas fights for 1st title against Jesus Perez in Kissimmee, Florida

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NEW YORK (November 16, 2018) –2016 United States Olympian, and undefeated bantamweight Antonio Vargas (8-0, 3 KOs) returns to the ring when he fights Jorge Perez in an eight-round bout at the Civic Center Kissimmee, Florida.

The bout will be the 1st scheduled eight-round bout for Vargas, and it will be for the Jr. NABF Bantamweight title.

Vargas of Kissimmee, will be fighting for his 1st title and he will be doing it  in front of his hometown fans.  This will be the  for 3rd time this year that Vargas will be fighting in Kissimmee.

Vargas is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Felipe Rivas on September 28th in Puerto Rico.

I’m very excited to fight for my first professional title. To top it all off, I get to do it in front of my family and friends,” said Vargas.

“My community has always been very supportive of me since my amateur days and, they continue to support me as many of them make the trip to my fights when I fight here in Florida. I trained harder than I ever train and you will see the best of Antonio Vargas tonight!”

Said Split-T Management’s David McWater, “Nobody is more deserving than Antonio Vargas.  Along with being a great talent, he is such as great kid.  This will be the first of many professional titles for Antonio!”

boxing, women's boxing

Selina Barrios Retains NABF Lightweight Title with Dominating Unanimous Decision Over Patricia Juarez

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Photos by Robert Elizondo – Team Barrios

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX (September 22, 2018) – Tonight at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, TX, San Antonio’s female boxing sensation, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (5-0, 2 KOs), remained undefeated with a dominating 10-round unanimous decision victory over Patricia Juarez (4-1), sister of WBC Bantamweight champion, Mariana “Barbie” Juarez (50-9-4, 13 KOs).  With the victory, Barrios retains her NABF Lightweight title.

 

 

 

In the early rounds, both fighters were very active, throwing a lot of punches, but Barrios was the one landing the cleaner shots. Although Juarez was doing her best to box from the outside using a one-two combo, her power wasn’t enough to keep Barrios off her as she kept coming forward, landing her signature overhand right. Barrios hurt Juarez in round five, knocking her mouthpiece out with right hook, forcing the referee to stop the action momentarily. Juarez recovered but never was able to stop Barrios from coming forward as she continued to land thumping power shots. A clash of head butts cut Barrios on the forehead during the middle rounds, but she was never bothered by them. In the later rounds, Barrios continued to apply pressure, forcing Juarez to fight on the inside. Juarez showed a lot of heart making it to the final bell but came up short as Barrios remains undefeated. Scorecards read 100-89 and 99-91 twice all in favor of Barrios.

 

 

 

“I felt I controlled the fight from the opening bell,” said Selina Barrios. “Juarez was a very tough opponent and I give her a lot of credit for going the distance. I hit her with a lot of power shots and she hung in there. I didn’t feel any power in her punches, so I kept coming forward. I got the victory and I’m ready to fight any of the champions at Lightweight. Katie Taylor, Mikaela Mayer and Amanda Serrano, I’m coming for you guys. You can run, but you can’t hide.”

 

 

 

This event titled “Heavyweight Boxing Showdown” was brought to you by CCC ENTERTAINMENT in conjunction with CC HOOKS, HOUSTON ASTROS, and KEEPPUNCHING ENTERTAINMENT.

boxing, women's boxing

Selina Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Unbeaten 135-Pound NABF Champion Faces Unbeaten Foe Patricia Juarez Saturday, September 22, Live From Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Click HERE for Photos from Mario Serrano

SAN ANTONIO, TX (September 13, 2018) – Undefeated NABF Lightweight champion, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (4-0, 2 KOs) is getting ready for her Corpus Christi Showdown on September 22, 2018, against Patricia Juarez (4-0), sister of WBC Bantamweight champion, Mariana “Barbie” Juarez (50-9-4, 13 KOs).

On the line will be Selina’s NABF Lightweight title. The 10-round bout will take place at Whataburger Field, home to the Corpus Christi Hooks, the double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros.

Training camp has begun and this is what Barrios has had to say:

On her recent training camp in San Antonio…

“Training camp has been very challenging but its going to be worth every minute. I feel very motivated for this camp. I truly believe I am the best in my division and for that to continue to be true, I must train harder than others, and that’s what I’m doing. I understand that Patricia Juarez is undefeated and a very tough opponent. That’s why I’m training extremely hard, because I respect her skill level. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans.

On fighting Patricia Juarez…

“Patricia Juarez is a deserving and tough challenger. I am training as though I am going to be in a tough and grueling fight that will go the distance, but my mindset like my last fight is to also go for a knockout. I am training very hard for this fight and I want the fans to know that I am not taking my opponent lightly.

On fighting in Corpus Christi on the Baseball field for the Houston Astros organization…

“It is a dream come true when you work so hard at something, in my case boxing, and a major organization lets you fight in their facility. The Houston Astros organization is a staple of the city of Corpus Christi, and the entire state of Texas for all that matter. I love fighting in Texas, its where I’m from, and it is a major honor to entertain so many people, especially those who will be in attendance at Whataburger field on September 22nd. Everyone watching my fight, is going to see something special.

On defending her NABF Lightweight title..

“The NABF lightweight title means the world to me at this point in my career, and defending it is very important. I live for people to call me ‘champ’ and to not have a belt, would mean I didn’t work hard enough to keep it. I can’t let that happen, so I am working tremendously hard to keep this belt, because not just do I want to defend it, but I also want to fight for a world title as well, which means I cannot lose the NABF strap.

On the landscape of the lightweight division…

“This is the best division in all of women’s boxing in my opinion. We have Mikaela Mayer and Katie Taylor, who I think are two very talented fighters. I also think Amanda Serrano should be considered in this division, even though she went up multiple weight classes and made history by becoming a six-division world champ. Quite simply said, I want to fight all of them and I want to prove I am the best fighter in this division. I am training and working hard so that I can be the first female fighter to make a million dollars in the ring. I’m going to be a million-dollar baby, and my fighting style will be the reason.”

This event titled “Heavyweight Boxing Showdown” is brought to you by CCC ENTERTAINMENT in conjunction with CC HOOKS, HOUSTON ASTROS, and KEEPPUNCHING ENTERTAINMENT.

Tickets priced General Admission $10, Reserved Seating $18, Premium Reserved Seating $25, VIP Seating $150 are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticktreturn.com. Doors open up at 5:30 PM, first fight is at 6:30 PM. Whataburger Field is located at 734 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.

boxing, women's boxing

TWO UNDEFEATED FIGHTERS COLLIDE ONCE AGAIN

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SELINA BARRIOS vs. PATRICIA JUAREZ
NABF LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ON THE LINE FOR SEPT 22 SHOWDOWN

 

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 18, 2018) – Undefeated NABF Lightweight champion, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (4-0, 2 KOs), has an opponent for her Corpus Christi Showdown on September 22, 2018.  Barrios will face Patricia Juarez (4-0), sister of WBC Bantamweight champion, Mariana “Barbie” Juarez (50-9-4, 13 KOs).

 

 

 

On the line will be Selina’s NABF Lightweight title.  The 10-round bout will take place at Whataburger Field, home to the Corpus Christi Hooks, the double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros.

 

 

 

“Patricia Juarez asked to fight me, and I feel that part of being a champion is accepting fights with worthy opponents,” said Selina Barrios, who hails from San Antonio, TX. “She is an undefeated fighter with the same record as me, and her sister is a future Hall of Famer.  I look forward to making a title defense against a worthy challenger like Patricia Juarez.”

 

 

 

“I want to represent Mexico and fight on behalf of my country, and win this title for my people,” said Patricia Juarez, who trains in Denver, Colorado. “I asked for this fight, and now I have it.  I can’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity and follow in the footsteps of my sister Mariana.  I’m going to bring home a victory for my people back home in Mexico.”

 

 

 

In her last bout, Barrios, who is a devastating power-puncher, scored a sensational knockout against previously unbeaten, Aida “Lady Sparta” Satybaldinova (3-1-1). The knockout has already been featured on many boxing publications list for knockout of the year, as Barrios showed off uncanny punching power for the women’s lightweight division.

 

 

 

“Selina Barrios is one of the most talented fighters in the world and will be a force for anyone in her division,” said Kerry Daigle, Selina Barrios’ advisor. “What separates Selina from the rest of her peers, is her high-level ring intelligence, along with devastating punching power”

 

 

 

Barrios, who captured the NABF Lightweight title in only her third pro fight is taking a Vasyl Lomachenko approach to women’s boxing as she is facing her third undefeated fighter in a row.

 

 

 

“Corpus Christi fell in love with Selina’s style and power in her last fight, and what she is doing in women’s boxing, hasn’t been done before,” said Colin Campbell, who co-manages Barrios with his dad Charles. She is fighting the best opposition she can and knocking them out in dramatic fashion.

 

 

 

“There is no doubt in my mind, Selina will be the next female fighter to showcase her talents on a major network,” stated co-manager Charles Campbell. “She has the fighting style that everyone wants to see. She truly is the Roberto Duran of women’s boxing.

 

 

 

This event titled “Heavyweight Boxing Showdown” is brought to you by CCC ENTERTAINMENT in conjunction with CC HOOKS, HOUSTON ASTROS, and KEEPPUNCHING ENTERTAINMENT.

 

 

 

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTED PRICING FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST ONLY

Tickets priced General Admission $8, Reserved Seating $12, Premium Reserved Seating $20, VIP Seating $150 are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticktreturn.com.

 

 

 

REGULAR PRICING IN SEPTEMBER

General Admission $10, Reserved Seating $18, Premium Reserved Seating $25.  Doors open up at5:30 PM, first fight is at 6:30 PM.  Whataburger Field is located at 734 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.

boxing, women's boxing

Selina Barrios and Lisa Porter Make Weight for NABF Lightweight Title

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SELINA BARRIOS vs. LISA PORTER
Both Fighters Make Weight For
NABF Lightweight Championship




ALEXANDRIA, LA (December 28, 2017) – Undefeated female fighters, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (2-0, 1 KO) and “Lovely” Lisa Porter (1-0-1), both made weight for their upcoming NABF Lightweight title bout, set to take place this Friday, December 29, at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, LA.  Barrios weighed in at 131.2 lbs. while Porter tipped the scales at 134.5 lbs.
“I’m ready for war.  I know Lisa Porter is in great shape and will bring everything she’s got.  All the hard work is done.  Now it’s time to fight.” – Selina Barrios
“Barrios and I made weight and it’s go time now.  I’m ready to take my career to the next level.” – Lisa Porter
boxing, women's boxing

Selina Barrios vs. Lisa Porter NABF Lightweight Title On The Line

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SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 18, 2017) – The two most avoided female boxers’ in the country are about to face each other, in what looks to be an all-out war, when undefeated sensation, lightweight Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios, takes on the dangerous “Lovely” Lisa Porter.
On the line will be the NABF lightweight title, as both fighters were granted by the NABF committee to fight for this respected belt.  The 10-round bout will take place at the Rapides Parish Coliseum on December 29, 2017, in Alexandria, LA.  The only other female pro to fight for a major title this quickly is 2-time gold medalist Clarissa Shields.
When everyone in the lightweight division has refused to fight Barrios or Porter, the two agreed to fight each other.  Barrios is a winner of four Ringside World Amateur Titles to go along with her many national championships.  Porter was a decorated amateur herself, winning three National PAL championships, US Golden Gloves, and was a US National Silver medalist.  Both fighters are coming in with undefeated records.
To put things in perspective, Barrios’ last opponent Jasmine Clarkson, was world champion Katie Taylor’s sixth opponent, before Taylor fought for the WBA world title.  In Porter’s case, she fought to a draw with Katonya Fisher, who defeated Jessica McCaskill, who is just went the distance with Taylor for WBA world title.
“I’m very excited to be fighting for the NABF title,” said Selina Barrios. “All I want is an opportunity to win a world title, and winning the NABF belt will get me closer to my dream of becoming a world champion.  I know I’m going to be facing a dangerous opponent in Lisa Porter, but nothing comes easy in boxing.  With that being said, I’m willing to fight anyone they put in front of me.  I’m confident I can win this fight.  I just want to fight the best and prove I’m elite.”
“I’m glad Selina Barrios and I have come to an agreement to make this fight happen, especially for the NABF title,” stated Lisa Porter. “It’s been tough getting opponents to step in the ring with me, so this is truly a blessing.  I’m very grateful to the folks at the NABF for sanctioning this fight.  Selina Barrios is going to be a tough test, but one I believe I can pass.  The fans are going to see a great fight.”
“With Selina being the most avoided female fighter in boxing, I had to do my part on getting her ranked by the NABF,” said advisor Kerry Daigle. “It’s not going to be an easy road to the top.  There’s a lot of good fighters out there with a lot of experience that she’s going to have to fight.  That will be the case when Selina steps in the ring with Lisa Porter, who has a plethora of amateur experience.  She, also is one of the most avoided fighters in the lightweight division.  This will be a battle of two fighters who are putting everything on the line to advance their career to the next level.
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boxing

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Credit: Craig Bennett/Main Events

 

Click Here for Photos – Credit Craig Bennett/Main Events

 

Oxnard, California:          Yesterday, WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) held an open workout for members of the media in advance of his upcoming “Pound For Pound” showdown on November 19 against Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and distribute live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Also in attendance were Curtis “The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (28-5, 21 KOs) who will take on James “The King” De La Rosa (23-4, 13 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Title and Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (11-0, 9 KOs) who will face Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (24-4-2, 10 KOs) for the NABF Light Heavyweight Title on the Kovalev-Ward HBO Pay-Per-View telecast.

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev

WBO, WBA, and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion

Kovalev:      “I’m excited and everything is going good. I’m waiting for this day, November 19, and I am ready to fight.”

 

SK:              “I don’t have anything personal about him (Ward). I should to win this fight, I only have to prove (to) myself who I am. I am fighting for me first of all, and after this really for boxing fans. This is my boxing career since 11 years old and right now Andre Ward (is) in my way. And he wants to get my titles but I’m still alive.”

 

SK:              “I don’t have any plans for each fight, just get into the ring and do my job. I must be ready for everything what he (Ward) will bring.”

 

SK:              “I got some experience from my fight against Bernard Hopkins. He showed that never give up. That you should to fight all 12 rounds and hope for your win.”

 

Question:     Do you expect Andre Ward will hold you and use his head?

SK:              “Yes I think he will use it and I am ready for this too. It will be wrestling and not fight [laughs].”

 

SK:              “I think he (Ward) will look much better in my fight November 19 because he long time didn’t fight, couple years he had a rest and Sullivan Barrera was first fight when he returned. And with Alexander Brand he was better than against Sullivan Barrera. I accept that he’s going to look much better November 19. In best shape.”

 

SK:              “John (David Jackson) just gives me freedom to do what I want, what I would like to do. You know, just like adjust some things and advice between rounds about technique. Working a lot with mitts. I like work with him and feel comfortable.”

 

SK:              “I don’t think that Andre Ward (will) let me use a lot of body shots because he has great legs and a lot of movements. You know he’s very smart. And I think first part of this fight is going to be a lot mentally, but I should prove that I’m Krusher and that I’m going to do my job. He’s going to do his job, me to do my job.”

 

SK:              “I think my last fight against Chilemba, it was like a similar fight you know, because Chilemba’s a little bit style as Andre Ward. But Andre Ward is Andre Ward, a little bit different and stronger, smarter, undefeated and more motivated than Chilemba. I’m interested what he will bring November 19 to the ring.”

 

SK:              “We agreed two fights before our fight. I was ready last year to fight, but Andre wasn’t ready to fight without two fights at light heavyweight. We sign agreement that two more fights and then let’s fight in 2016.”

 

SK:              “I work out morning time. After this some massage therapy, some treatments, after this some rest, little bit nap, cook the food, take a rest and go again to work out. Today two work outs, this was just the first. My plan was a little broke today because usually my first workout is morning time, but right now already almost 3pm. My interview is a workout [laughs].

 

Curtis “The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens

WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion

Question:     Do you want David Lemieux and the rematches?

Stevens:       “We all know I want David Lemieux. The question is, is he willing to fight me? Who else? Tureano Johnson, he was winning the fight, but the fight wasn’t over until the final bell rung, and he got knocked out. Some people say it was a premature stoppage, but me, the ref say, you know… I want to be world champion. That was one of my goals, to become a world champion and become a unified world champion.”

 

Q:                How do you feel about being part of this big card?

CS:              “It feels great. Second big card of the year. The first one was Canelo–Khan and now Kovalev–Ward. Opened up the first one and now I’ll open up the second one. It’s a great feeling, great. I’m very honored. It’s a pleasure.”

 

Q:                What are your thoughts on De La Rosa?

CS:              “A fight is a fight. You can call it a stay busy fight, you can call it a real, well it’s a real fight in general, but you can call it what you want to call it. A fight is a fight at the end of the day.”

 

CS:              “I’m a different type of breed. I come from Brownsville. I’m just a different type of guy. What people fail to realize is that some people wasn’t raised how I was raised. You know? I’m from an era where you sign up in the US Championships, the National Golden Gloves, you couldn’t pick who you wanted to fight. This isn’t a show fight; this is a tournament. First day you got your Andre Ward, you got Gennady Golovkin, you got your David Lemieux’s. I mean the first day! No finals, no nothing. I fought Ward three times, he gave me my first loss ever. Then the second time I fought him, it was a US Championship semi-finals, then the third one was the US Championship semi-finals again. You don’t know where you’re going to meet these guys at.”

 

CS:              “I will always be the chin checkers, that’s what I do, I check in and I check out, I will always be that. I got rid of Showtime. Showtime’s a thing of the past, that’s when I was with my old team.  I’m with JDJ now, I’m the Cerebral Assassin, I got to run this tight ship wisely, instead of recklessly. Wisely, get it?”

 

CS:              “John (David Jackson) makes me more relaxed, you know? Let my hands go a little more. Tells me l’m powerful in both hands, so don’t just look to go in there and knock them out.”

Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk

NABF Light Heavyweight Champion

Gvozdyk:     When I first started boxing it was for getting stronger. Then I liked it and it became a hobby. Now boxing is everything. It is my life. It is my job. It is my hobby.

Question:     A lot of people don’t know you yet. What would you like them to know about yourself?

 

OG:              I would like to become popular in the ring. I do my best and they supposed to watch it. I hope they’re going to like me.

 

OG:              My nickname is “The Nail” and that is just a translation of my last name. I have had this nickname since I was ten years old so I am used to that. When I came here everyone started to call me that.

 

Q:                Talk to us about your opponent.

OG:              Chilemba is a very strong fighter. Very smart. He is skilled. He has good defense. It is not going to be easy. I am happy with my preparation so far and I am expecting a good fight.

 

Q:                Talk about the transition you made from amateur to pro.

OG:              Whether it is amateur or pro boxing, it is still boxing. You just have to get used to some different timing. You have to learn to distribute your power for ten or more rounds. You have to get more power in the pros but basically it is the same.

 

Q:                Talk about your preparation for the fight and the dedication it takes in the gym every day to prepare to one day get to the level of Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward.

OG:              I think that if you want to be champion you have to train hard. You are supposed to do your best and train as hard as possible. If you want to be the best, you have to fight the best and you have to train with the best. That is what I try to do. Now Sergey and Ward have both proved that they are the best fighters and now they get to find out who is Pound For Pound #1. I watch them and I try to do the same steps to be like them.

 

Q:                Who do you think wins Kovalev-Ward?

OG:              I think Kovalev wins. I know it is like 50-50 fight and it is a very interesting fight for me. It is a fight between intelligence and power.

 

Kovalev vs. Ward “Pound For Pound”, a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA light heavyweight title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions and is sponsored by the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Corona Extra, Zappos, JetLux and Monster Products. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Tickets are available on axs.com and the T-Mobile Arena box office.

 

Follow the conversation using #KovalevWard. FOLLOW US: 

 

 
www.kovalboxer.com @KrusherKovalev @SergeyKovalev_Official /thekrusher /kovalboxer
www.andresogward.com @AndreWard @AndreSogWard /AndreSogWard  
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boxing

Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing sign amateur standout Ruben Villa to a co-promotional contract 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA / Orange, CA. (July 26, 2016)–Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions are pleased to announce the signing of amateur standout Ruben Villato a co-promotional contract.
The 19 year-old Villa of Salinas, California compiled an outstanding record of 166-17 in the unpaid ranks that included two National Junior Golden Gloves titles and two National Golden Gloves championships at 123 pounds.
Ruben did not make the U.S. Olympic team due to his struggles to make 123 pounds in the Olympic Trials.  He will campaign as a professional in the featherweight division (126 lbs).
“I am excited, and I have been working very hard to get to this point.  I cannot wait to turn professional,” said Villa.
“It is very cool to sign with two great promoters.  We were offered the opportunity, and we took it.”
“As for the Olympic trials I was disappointed, yet happy at the same time.  I was happy to make it that far, and now I am ready for the next phase of my career.”
Villa began boxing at the age of five when his family, who were big boxing fans, took young Ruben to the gym.
That spawned his amateur career, which saw him reach the number-1 national ranking at 123 pounds and saw him defeat eventual United States Olympian Shakur Stevenson.
“He is a good fighter, and I hope he wins a medal and at some point we can break the tie in our fights against each other.  I see that as a big fight down the line in the pros.”
Villa defeated Stevenson in the National Golden Gloves and Olympic Trials.
The 5’6″ Villa is managed and trained by Danny Zamora.  Zamora performs the same roles with world-ranked NABA, NABO, NABF and Boxicino 2014 lightweight champion Petr Petrov.
Villa describes his style as a boxer who uses angles and does not get hit much.
“My boxing influences are a bit of Vasyl Lomachenko and Canelo Alavrez.”
Ruben’s family and friends are not only a big part of his life, but also part of his success.
“My parents started me in boxing, and they have been extremely supportive in this.  I also have 4 sisters (Ruben is the 2nd oldest of the 5 children), and they are very supportive as well. “
Villa has sparred with Petrov, Bruno Escalante and Manuel Avilla, and that has given him a good gage on where he is at as he embarks on his career.
“I do well with those guys.  I can hold my own, and those guys are great professionals.  It gives me confidence as I start out.”
“Whenever you have the chance to sign someone as talented and as gifted as Ruben Villa, you jump at that opportunity,” said Ken Thompson, President of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Villa comes to us from an accomplished amateur background. He has all the traits you look for in a prospect – tremendous skill set, positive attitude, and a love for the sport. He has an outstanding future ahead of him.”

Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions stated, “We are very excited by the signing of Ruben.  He has all the makings of a future star.  I can see big things in his future, as he has great ability, a pro-style and the intangibles to be a great fighter for a long time.  We are very familiar with Ruben’s team, and we have a great relationship with his manager, Danny Zamora. We are eager to start Ruben on his journey to become a world champion.”

“Ruben is a great prospect, a top amateur and an Olympic alternate,” said Villa’s Manager Danny Zamora. “I believe he will be a world champion.  I met Ruben through his trainer Rudy Puga, and I have been following him for three years.  I feel that he has all the makings to be a star.”

Villa will turn professional this Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California on a Thompson Boxing card that will be headlined by Jose Roman taking on Carlos Cardenas
Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing