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BRANDON ADAMS SCORES SENSATIONAL UPSET, STOPS UNDEFEATED SERHII BOHACHUK IN THURSDAY’S RING CITY USA MAIN EVENT

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Bryan Chevalier Scores Impressive Third-Round Knockout in Co-Main Event, 

Danielito Zorrilla Earns Technical Decision in Telecast Opener

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Credit: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Ring City USA

Click Here for Photos from Tonight’s Ring City Event

Click Here to Watch Adams TKO Victory

San Juan, PUERTO RICO – March 4, 2021 – Former world title challenger Brandon Adams scored the biggest win of his career with a stunning eighth-round technical knockout to upset blue-chip rising star Serhii Bohachuk in the main event of Ring City USA’s inaugural 2021 event from Felix Pagan Pintor Gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and live on NBC Sports Network.

Despite flashing athleticism and quick hands throughout the fight, Adams (23-3, 15 KOs) was down on all three scorecards (68-64 x2, 69-63) at the time of the stoppage. The 31-year-old lost all three rounds heading into the eighth frame when he unleashed a perfectly placed counterpunch that hurt Bohachuk which set up the opportunity to land a sensational left hook that sent Bohachuk to the canvas for the first time in his professional career.

“He was a tough guy,” said Adams. “He brought another side out of me that I knew was inside. I had to dig in deep tonight and use all the strength that I had to connect with one of those punches from the cannon.”

Adams, who hails from Watts, California, is the first fighter to return to the Ring City USA series on NBC Sports Network since its inception in November 2020. In two outings on the Thursday night boxing series, he has scored two emphatic knockouts in main event performances. Adams’ matchup with Bohachuck was originally scheduled for December but his opponent was forced to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19. Adams went on to stop Sonny Duversonne in the second round of that event at Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles.

“It was real tough fighting in there tonight,” continued Adams. “The ring was wet; the ref was against me tonight. It was an uphill battle. I am an explosive fighter and I couldn’t take advantage of that because I didn’t have my legs under me because the ring was wet. But even though I was irritated, the show must go on. I am a pro. I have to figure out how to get the W and that’s what I had to do. I am grateful for the win. I loved Puerto Rico, everyone out here embraced me with love.”

Bohachuk, who is originally from Vinitza, Ukraine, and now resides in Los Angeles, entered the fight with a pristine professional record, highlighted by his 100% knockout percentage through 18 fights. The 25-year-old dropped the first round on all three score cards but went on to control the pace against the veteran Adams for most of the fight by cutting off the ring and exhibiting steady body work.

“I thought he was dominating the fight,” said Bohachuk’s head trainer Manny Robles. “I told him to watch out for that left hook. I told him if he took away that left hook then he would control the fight. It takes a couple of rounds for Serhii to get warmed up, but he looked good and his defense was actually really improving until that knockout.”

In the co-main event of the evening, super featherweight prospect Bryan Chevalier (15-1-1, 12 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, scored an impressive third-round knockout against Carlos Zambrano (26-2, 11 KOs). Chevalier, 26, returned to the ring following a 15-month layoff yet showed no signs of ring rust as he scored a quick knockdown in the first round. In the third round, he scored back-to-back knockdowns, highlighted by a thudding left hand to the midsection that sent Peru’s Zambrano to the canvas and unable to beat the count.

“I had the height and youth advantage tonight, but he had the experience,” said Chevalier. “I had to figure out what he was going to bring and adapt in order to get the victory. I am very happy with my performance. I am the best 126-pounder in all of Puerto Rico.”

Opening the telecast on NBC Sports Network, Puerto Rico’s Danielito Zorrilla (15-0, 11 KOs) and Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Madiyev (13-2, 5 KOs) engaged in an exciting back-and-forth battle. The 28-year-old Madiyev brought the fight to Zorilla with relentless pressure while the tactical Zorilla countered well. In the fifth round, Madiyev was docked a point for a punch behind the head and at 1:16 of the eighth round, referee Janny Gomez called a halt to the bout due to another punch behind the head, which was deemed an accidental foul. The 27-year-old Zorrilla earned a technical decision victory as two of the scorecards favored the Puerto Rican (77-75, 77-74) while the third was tallied in favor of Madiyev (76-73). Ring City’s unofficial scorer Steve Smoger saw the fight 76-75 in favor of Zorrilla.

“Ruslan was just getting his groove,” said head trainer Joel Diaz after the fight. “He was getting stronger after the fifth round and Zorrilla was getting tired. He kept hugging Ruslan during most of the fight. Personally, I think Zorrilla wanted out of the fight.”

Madiyev exited the ring quickly upon the decision being announced but Diaz voiced his opinion about the end of the bout.

“He wasn’t hurt, he’s a good actor,” continued Diaz. “Zorrilla should be a telenovela actor. We were winning that fight, and this isn’t fair for my fighter because he put in the work. But what can you do? We gotta keep moving forward.”

Danielito Zorrilla is currently in stable condition and was taken to the hospital following the bout to receive routine tests.

Earlier in the evening, live in the U.S. and around the world on Twitch, Ring City USA presented three four-round fights. In the main event of the Twitch undercard, Fernando Vargas, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) earned his second professional win in impressive fashion, scoring a first-round technical knockout against El Salvador’s Salome Flores Torres (0-3). The 24-year-old Vargas, Jr., under the tutelage of his father – two-time super welterweight world champion Fernando Vargas, Sr., sent Torres to the canvas twice before the fight was waved off.

“With every fight, I will continue to grow and listen to my father,” said Vargas, Jr. “This was just my second pro fight. We were looking for the knockout, but the TKO is OK. I was establishing my jab to get my distance and then unleashed my left hand.”

In his hometown of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Harold Laguna (2-0, 2 KO) worked the body early and often en route to a first-round knockout victory over Darwin Alvarez (0-1). In the first fight of the evening, Puerto Rican prospect Jorge Diaz (1-0, 1 KO) picked up his first professional victory against Felipe Munoz (0-1) via second-round knockout.

Calling all the action ringside in Puerto Rico was former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter joined by NBC Sports blow-by-blow commentator Bob Papa. Brian Campbell served as fight night analyst with Curran Bhatia reporting from ringside. The executive producers of tonight’s presentation of Bohachuk vs. Adams on NBC Sports Network were Eric Weinberger, Jeff Huggins & Frank Samuel. The telecast was produced by David Gibson and directed by Matt Celli. 

Tonight’s full three-fight telecast will be available to watch on-demand on the NBC Sports App with authenticated sign-in. 

Ring City USA returns to NBC Sports Network on March 18 with back-to-back weeks of Thursday night boxing from Puerto Rico. In two weeks, the next chapter in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry will take center stage when former super featherweight world titlist Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) faces undefeated rising prospect Hector Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight main event. On March 25, Ring City will highlight one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing between seven-division world champion and future Boxing Hall of Famer Amanda Serrano and current two-division titlist Daniela Bermudez for Serrano’s WBO and WBC featherweight world titles.

Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

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boxing, NBC

RING CITY USA RETURNS IN MARCH WITH TWO THURSDAY NIGHT BOXING EVENTS LIVE FROM PUERTO RICO ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK

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SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS SERHII BOHACHUK AND BRANDON ADAMS CLASH IN MARCH 4 MAIN EVENT WHILE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ALBERTO MACHADO TAKES ON HECTOR TANAJARA IN MARCH 18 MAIN EVENT

Ring City USA Events Will Air Live Thursday Nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBCSN in the United States and Streaming Around the World on Twitch  

Los Angeles – January 29, 2021 – Ring City USA, the new sports media startup that debuted its Thursday night boxing series in November 2020 on NBC Sports Network, announced today the first two events of 2021 will be held on Thursday, March 4 and Thursday, March 18, live from Puerto Rico. Both events will be televised in the United States on NBC Sports Network and the NBC Sports app on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undercard action streaming live on Twitch. The full card will be available on Twitch outside of the United States.

The return of Ring City USA features two highly competitive matchups with fighters at unique junctures of their professional boxing careers. On March 4, undefeated blue-chip rising star Serhii Bohachuk (18-0, 18 KOs) meets former middleweight title challenger Brandon Adams (22-3, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight main event. Two weeks later on March 18, Ring City presents the next chapter in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry when former super featherweight world titlist Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) faces undefeatedrising prospect Hector Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight main event. Ring City’s events in March will be broadcast live from Puerto Rico as the company continues to tap into boxing’s rich historical locations. 

The fight between Bohachuk and Adams was originally scheduled to top the December 3 Ring City event at Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles but Bohachuk was forced to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.

“We are thrilled to kick off 2021 with two crossroads main event fights in Puerto Rico,” said Head of Boxing Evan Rutkowski. “Serhii Bohachuk has been chomping at the bit to get back in the ring and on March 4 he will meet the most dangerous opponent of his career in Brandon Adams. Then two weeks later we are right back on NBC Sports Network and Twitch with rising undefeated prospect Hector Tanajara battling former world champion Alberto Machado of Puerto Rico in a classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry fight.”

The hard-hitting Bohachuk, who is currently ranked seventh by the WBC and ninth by the IBF at 154 pounds, has steamrolled through opposition on his way to an 18-0 record, all of which have come via knockout. Training with Manny Robles out of Legends Boxing Academy, the 25-year-old proved himself with a knockout win over Tyrone Brunson in October of 2019. Most recently, he put on an electric performance in September 2020 when he knocked out Alejandro Davila in six rounds. The Ukrainian-born Bohachuk, who is promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and Ural Boxing, continues to take the Southern California boxing world by storm with his dominant performances in the ring and magnetic personality out of the ring.

“I’m looking forward to defending my title against Brandon Adams on March 4 in Puerto Rico on NBC Sports Network,” said Bohachuk. “I want to thank Ring City and my promoters for this opportunity. This should be a great fight for the fans. I am sorry we couldn’t do it in December, but now people are talking even more about this fight. I will put on another exciting show for the fans.”

Following Bohachuk’s positive COVID-19 result, Adams went on to face Sonny Duversonne in Ring City’s main event on Dec. 3. Adams bested Duversonne just miles away from his hometown of Watts, Calif., with an impressive second-round knockout victory. The battle-tested Adams who works with accomplished trainer Dub Huntley, challenged WBC Middleweight Titleholder Jermall Charlo for the title in 2019 after defeating Shane Mosley Jr. to win the Epix Television Series “The Contender.” Adams boasts a formidable group of sparring partners, including Shawn Porter and Gennadiy Golovkin. Adams started competitively training at age 19, fought his first amateur fight at age 20 and turned professional at age 21. He is promoted by Banner Promotions and Tournament of Contenders.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Ring City in March and showing more growth when Serhii and I finally get to step into the ring in Puerto Rico,” said Adams.

Machado (22-2, 18 KOs), who hails from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will fight on the island for the first time since 2017 and the 14th time in his professional career. In 2017, Machado captured the WBA super featherweight world title against Jezreel Corrales via eighth-round knockout. Machado successfully defended the world title twice in 2018 before losing the belt to Andrew Cancio in February 2019. Later in 2019, Machado moved up to lightweight and scored a second-round knockout over Luis Porozo. The 30-year-old is currently ranked 12th by both the WBA and WBO. The southpaw made a name for himself on the Puerto Rican amateur circuit, competing in the AIBA Youth World Championships and the 2012 Olympic Qualifiers.

“It has been a sad and forced rest due to the Coronavirus but, for me, my body needed this rest. I am excited that after four years I will return to fight again at home in Puerto Rico,” said Machado. “I thank Miguel Cotto Promotions, H2 Promotions, Golden Boy and Ring City USA for giving me this opportunity to headline this great card. Hector Tanajara, Jr. is a great fighter who seeks to break through in the lightweight division as well. I hope he comes ready and that 135 has my space saved because I belong here and on March 18it will be demonstrated.”

Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) will take on the toughest test of his career when he meets Machado on his home turf. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) is coming off of fighting in his hometown for the first time in his professional career in January 2020 when he took on former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos who he beat convincingly via unanimous decision. The 24-year-old has continued to rise up the lightweight ranks since turning pro in 2015. In Machado, he will face a new challenge by taking on a southpaw fighter for the first time in his 19-fight professional career. Tanajara fights under the tutelage of world-famous trainer Robert Garcia.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Tanajara. “It has been a little over a year and I’ve been training hard this whole time staying ready for whoever. We finally got an opponent and I’m ready to show the world who I am and what I can do with the top guys in the division.”

Calling all the action ringside in Puerto Rico will be former two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter joined by NBC Sports blow-by-blow commentator Bob Papa. Brian Campbell will serve as fight night analyst with Curran Bhatia reporting from ringside.

Full card details will be announced at a later date.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

mixed martial arts, MMA, NBC, PFL

Professional Fighters League Announces Deal With Mark Burnett And MGM Television

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Washington, DC (March 29, 2018) — The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the world’s only major mixed martial arts league, announced today that they are partnering with Mark Burnett, President of MGM Television Group & Digital and MGM Television to develop and produce new content and programming for PFL’s upcoming season. MGM and Burnett (Survivor, The Voice, Shark Tank, The Contender) will both join as PFL investors and Burnett has personally been added to the advisory board. The PFL 2018 league season debuts June 7 and consists of 11 events live on NBC Sports Network and Facebook Watch.

 

 

The Professional Fighters League is the first organization ever to present MMA as a true sport with individual fighters competing in regular season, “win-and-advance” playoffs, and season-ending championship. The new partnership with MGM Television will bring unscripted programming and short-form content to PFL’s multi-platform distribution designed to maximize engagement with MMA’s 300 million fans worldwide. The initial unscripted series will engage fans in the day to day life of the fighters and feature a parallel tournament whose champion will win a spot in the PFL league playoffs.

 

 

“We are thrilled to partner with MGM Television and Mark Burnett,” said Peter Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Professional Fighters League. “Mark’s creative vision for delivering innovative live content is among the absolute best the industry has to offer – and that is exactly what we will bring MMA fans this season.”

 

 

Earlier this year, PFL announced exclusive multi-platform distribution agreements for the 2018 season with NBC Sports Group and Facebook. NBC Sports Group will establish an exclusive live Thursday night PFL fight franchise, presenting seven regular-season live events in prime time exclusively on NBCSN beginning June 7 through the end of August.

 

 

“It’s no secret that MMA’s audience is rapidly growing and PFL has an enormous global presence. As an enthusiast for innovation within the television industry, I’m passionate about the growth and vision of PFL and it’s time this sport revolves around a league format,” said Burnett. “They’re elevating the sport in an entirely new way and I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

 

 

In addition to the live events, the development deal will feature PFL’s “What Do you Fight For?” programming that brings viewers short-form digital & social content that will showcase the day-to-day lives and back stories of the fighters, designed to help build online communities of PFL’s fan base and encourage engagement among fans, fighters, and PFL’s on-air talent. Viewers can follow PFL athletes through an array of short-form original content, such as the “Top 10 of The Week, Path to the Finals, 24:7: Life of a Fighter, and “Inside the Gym” Cam.

 

 

“PFL is thrilled to partner with Mark Burnett the innovator and icon who invented and perfected unscripted TV,” said Donn Davis, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of the PFL. “The PFL is re-imagining MMA and the start of the 2018 Season June 7 will bring fans the same excitement and ‘hey, I have never seen that’ reaction they felt when Survivor debuted and ushered in the new age of television.”

 

 

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE

 

 

The Professional Fighters League brings the sport format to MMA for the first time with a regular season, post-season, and championship. The PFL is co-founded by Donn Davis, Russ Ramsey, and Mark Leschly and backed by business titans in sports, media, and technology. The Professional Fighters League purchased the fighting operations and event infrastructure of the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) and will launch its first season in June 2018 on NBC Sports Network and Facebook. For more visit www.PFLmma.com.

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Fabian Maidana Battles To Seventh-Round TKO Victory Over Jorge Maysonet in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday Night from The Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio

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Alan Castano Remains Unbeaten with Unanimous Decision
Over Aaron Garcia
&
Unbeaten Prospect Brandon Figueroa Stops Adalberto Zorrilla
 in Round Three
 
Click HERE for Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
SAN ANTONIO (July 23, 2016) – Undefeated prospect Fabian Maidana (10-0, 7 KOs) scored a seventh-round technical knockout victory over Jorge Maysonet Jr. (13-2, 11 KOs) Saturday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN from the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
With his brother, former world champion Marcos Maidana, sitting at ringside, the Argentine-slugger overcame a slow start and a first-round bloody nose for a sensational one-sided beat-down of the Puerto Rican brawler Maysonet, who failed to answer the bell for the seventh round of Saturday’s main event.
Referee Rafael Ramos, acting on the advice of Maysonet’s corner, called the fight as Maidana dominated the punch stats with a 60-22 advantage in overall punches, 49-15 in power shots, and 11-7 in jabs.
Maysonet came to fight and pressed Maidana from the beginning, eventually, nailing Maidana with a right hand to the nose that opened up a steady flow of blood.
Sensing the urgency, Maidana stormed back in the second, rocking Maysonet with a right hand, left hook combination with just over 10 seconds to go in a round in which he out-landed Maysonet 12-4 in power shots.
Maidana’s kept up a versatile attack in the third round using head movement, stick-and-move tactics and a varied assortment of punches to keep up his advantage over Maysonet.
Maidana turned the match in his favor in the next round, delivering an impressive battering of Maysonet over the final 20 seconds of the round.
The Argentine was even more dominant in the one-sided fifth and sixth rounds, doubling up on his hooks, firing straight rights and landing head-snapping shots that began the demise of a fading Maysonet.
Undefeated Alan Castano (11-0, 7 KOs) failed to earn his third straight knockout despite out-landing his opponent 157-94 in overall punches, winning his middleweight bout by unanimous decision (78-74 three times) over 22-year-old Aaron Garcia (15-6-1, 10 KOs).
The 23-year-old Castano was accurate early in the first round with clean right hands supporting a stiff jab. The attack caused immediate swelling over Garcia’s left eye entering the second round, where he temporarily was able to trap and hammer away at Garcia with combinations against the ropes.
Garcia dominated the final 45 minutes of the second round with a momentum-swinging right to the head followed by successive combinations from both fighters at the bell.
A third-round clash of heads caused a nasty gash over Garcia’s right eye that increasingly streamed blood, forcing Garcia to go on the offensive, as Castano countered effectively with both hands to the head and body in an action-packed fourth round.
Castano continued to control the fight, establishing angles from behind his jab, follow-up rights and clean left uppercuts while Garcia stayed competitive throughout the round.
Fighting beyond six rounds for the first time in his career, Castano spent the final two rounds on the defensive, jabbing and countering from a distance and staying off the ropes on his way to winning unanimously.
The televised opener saw 19-year-old Brandon Figueroa (9-0, 7 KOs) score a pair of final-round knockdowns on the way to his fifth-straight stoppage victory as he earned a TKO over Adalberto Zorrilla(7-2, 7 KOs) at the 2:44 mark of the third round.
The southpaw Figueroa, brother of former world champion Omar Figueroa, pressed forward with a double-fisted attack from the outset, but Zorrilla landed several uppercuts cleanly up the middle, refusing to back down from the challenge of the unbeaten prospect.
Zorrilla began to out-work the oncoming Figueroa to the head and body through the second round before being penalized for repeated low blows late in the round by referee Rafael Ramos.
The fighters engaged toe-to-toe, at ring center to start the third until a Figueroa left to the head rocked Zorrilla to the ropes. Figueroa saw his opportunity and pounced, flooring him with a left hand near the one-minute mark.
Zorrilla beat the count and engaged immediately, staggering Figueroa with a left jab. Figueroa came back to floor him for good, with 18 seconds to go after a left to the body followed by one to the head.  The blows sent Zorrilla to his back beneath a bottom rope, where Ramos waved an end to the fight.
Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday night:
FABIAN MAIDANA
“We were very pleased with our performance. He caught me with a good shot that drew blood from my nose in the first round. I just kept calm, listened to my corner and stuck to the game plan. I knew I was the stronger fighter; I just had to remain patient.
“I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to knock him out, but I sensed that he would eventually quit. He stopped throwing punches and didn’t want to fight back.
“It means everything to have Chino (Marcos Maidana) by my side, supporting my career. It meant a lot to get this win on US TV in the same city where he beat Adrien Broner (in Dec. ’13) and became a star. With each fight, I want to show fans that I’m Fabian Maidana, not just his little brother. I proved that tonight and will do so with more experience. I’m ready to carry the family name in the ring.
“This was only my 10th pro fight. I’m going to keep improving each time. Next fight, I will look even better, no matter when it is.”
JORGE MAYSONET
“I had him hurt early, but I couldn’t put my punches together after that. I gave 100% of what I had, but I really only had 50% of my best stuff. I’m a lightweight. They wanted the fight at super lightweight, then 143. We took the fight because of who he is, really who his brother is.
“To be honest, we don’t think much of him as a fighter. He’s bigger than me and was able to beat me that way. My corner saw that I reached a point where I couldn’t fight the way I wanted to. We didn’t want to disappoint the crowd by going out there and not fighting, so my corner stopped the fight and I respect their decision. This isn’t the last of me, I’m coming back at my natural weight and will go on to achieve great things in this sport.”
ALAN CASTANO
“I’m very happy with my performance. It was my first time going eight rounds, I had a lot of energy throughout the fight and was able to do everything I wanted in there.
“He was tough, but we knew that going in. I didn’t pay a lot of attention to his fight with Brian (Alan’s older brother, who beat Garcia by eight-round decision last December). I couldn’t tell you if he was any different tonight than when he fought that night. I just know what I wanted to do. He gave me a good test that I needed at this point in my career.
“I’d love to come back as soon as my team can make a fight for me.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“It was good to get the knockout, but I felt very off tonight, very sluggish. I like the activity I’ve had but this might be the first time in my career where I need a break.
“This was the toughest test to date for me. I knew that going into the fight and he landed a few good shots. This was a night where I needed to be at my best. I wasn’t but fortunate to get the job done.
“I know the left hook landed to his body to end the fight, but I don’t even remember it. I felt a little sick towards the end of training camp. My focus was just trying to get him out of there. I did that, so now it’s time to act like a teenager and enjoy a summer vacation, maybe slow it down just a little.”
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PBC on NBCSN was promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSportsHighlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.  PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten All-Action Prospect Fabian Maidana Battles Puerto Rico’s Jorge Maysonet in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, July 23 From The Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio

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Plus! Undefeated Prospect Alan Castano Takes On Hard-Hitting Aaron Garcia in Middleweight Matchup & Unbeaten Prospect Brandon Figueroa in Action
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
SAN ANTONIO (July 14, 2016) – Unbeaten rising prospect Fabian “TNT” Maidana (9-0, 6 KOs) will square-off against Puerto Rico’s Jorge “Machito” Maysonet (13-1, 11 KOs) in eight-rounds of welterweight action that serves as the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, July 23 from the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten prospect Alan Castano(10-0, 7 KOs) taking on brawler Aaron Garcia (15-5-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout and undefeated prospect Brandon Figueroa (8-0, 5 KOs) in a super bantamweight attraction.
“I’m very excited to be facing Jorge Maysonet on July 23 in San Antonio,” said Maidana. “I’ve been training hard and I’m ready to put my undefeated record on the line and put on a great show. There are great boxing fans down in San Antonio and I look forward to them getting to know me better.”
“I can’t wait for this fight on July 23,” said Maysonet. “I know Fabian’s brother was a world champion, but this is my time to shine. Fabian’s never faced anyone like me. I have a lot of pride and I will bring it to the ring.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $85, $50 and $20 plus $1000 and $850 for tables, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call 210-988-8821, click HERE or visit Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78216.
 
Possessing the same furious style as his brother Marcos, the 24-year-old Maidana has taken home dominant decisions in his last two bouts after scoring six straight knockouts following his pro debut in 2014. Representing Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana went eight-rounds in each of his last two bouts as he picked up victories over Peter Oluoch and Andres Amarillla.
The son of Puerto Rican Olympian Jorge Maysonet, the 26-year-old looks for his third straight victory on July 23. A pro since 2010, Maysonet was born Catano, Puerto Rico but fights out of Queens, New York and has split his time fighting in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic throughout his career.
A young brawler from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Castano turned pro and won his first eight fights before making his U.S. debut in August of last year with a knockout victory over Tom Howard. The 23-year-old most recently stopped Christoper Degollado in the third round of their November 2015 showdown. He takes on the 22-year-old Garcia who was born in Guadalajara but trains out of Chicago.
The brother of former world champion Omar, the 19-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May of last year by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016 picking up four more victories via stoppage over Oldier Landin, Harold Reyes, Jahaziel Vazquez and Jonell Nieves.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSportsHighlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.  PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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PBC on NBCSN in Montreal  Final press conference quotes

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MONTRÉAL (August 12, 2015) – Only three days prior to their Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN fights, participating boxers on the August 15 card at Bell Centre in Montreal held a press conference Wednesday at the Montreal Casino.
 
Televised coverage is headlined by a 10-round showdown between Lucian “Le Tombeur“ Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) and Andrea Di Luisa (17-2). Also featured on NBCSN is light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm“ Alvarez (17-0) versus Isidro Ranoni “El Guerrero“ Prieto (24-0-3) in a 12-round bout for the WBC Silver belt.
LUCIAN BUTE
 
“I would like to thank Andrea Di Luisa for accepting this challenge and to fight me at home. My preparation was great. In the last few years, I had health problems that affected my performances. What I can say now is that I’m fully healthy. I did almost 100 rounds of sparring for this fight. I am back!“
 
ANDREA DI LUISA
 
“This bout is a rematch of an amateur fight we had 15 years ago. This is different this time because Bute is now a former world champion and a well know name in the sport. Make no mistake, I am here to fight.“
 
ELEIDER ALVAREZ
 
“This is the biggest challenge of my career. Prieto’s record says it all: he has 20 KO’s in 24 wins. The problem is that he will face a new Alvarez. Since my elbow surgery, my jab, which is my money punch, is amazing. I also want to look good in front of my fans in Montreal and on American television.“
 
ISIDRO RANONI PRIETO
 
“I will do my best to bring back the WBC light heavyweight Silver belt home to Argentina.“
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel in association with InterBox,
are available to purchase at the Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.
 
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @InterBoxBute, @yvonmichelgym and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
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Lucian Bute back in the ring!

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Eleider Alvarez and Oscar Rivas also in action

MONTRÉAL (July 14, 2015) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), in association with InterBox, is happy to announce the return to the ring of former IBF world super middleweight champion Lucian Bute, August 15 at Bell Centre, as part of Premier Boxing Champions series, airing live on NBC Sports. His opponent will be European super middleweight champion, Andrea Di Luisa, of Italy.

“I’m ready and looking forward to being back in the ring. I have not lost my passion and I train six days a week, twice a day,” said Bute (31-2, 24 KOs), who will be in his first fight since meeting Jean Pascal in front of a sellout crowd, January 18, 2014 at Bell Centre.

In his last bout, Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs) defeated his compatriot, Roberto Cocco, by 11th round technical knockout to capture the EBU-EU Europe title. Di Luisa has won his last four fights.

“I’m very happy about this opportunity,” Di Luisa commented. “I know Bute because I fought him in the amateurs. He is very good and I respect him. But I don’t fear him.”

 

“We are delighted that Lucian can finally return to the ring. This fight is very important for the rest of his career,” said InterBox president Jean Bedard.

“We are very proud to present the first event of the Premier Boxing Championsseries in Montreal. This will also be the first time that NBC Sports will be present in Montreal to broadcast a boxing event,” added GYM President Yvon Michel. “I am also very happy to support the return of Lucian Bute and I thank InterBox for allowing us to participate.”

Serious test for Alvarez

In addition to Lucian Bute, fans will see unbeaten Colombian Olympians Eleider Alvarez and Oscar Rivas, in action. They will both face the biggest challenge of their young career.

Alvarez (17-0, 10 KOs) will face an undefeated, WBO #6 rated Paraguayan-born slugger Isidro “El Guerrero” Prieto (24-0-3, 20 KOs). The Argentina-based boxer is trained by none other than the mentor and first coach of former world championSergio Martinez, Raul Paniagua.

“Prieto is a very serious opponent, undefeated and world-ranked, ” head trainer Marc Ramsey analyzed. “He beat everyone in South America, often by KO. He has a strong right hand, in addition to being young and hungry. He will try to use Eleider as a stepping stone to the big leagues.”

Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs) will lace his gloves against an opponent yet to be determined.

Alvarez and Rivas have both been impressive in their last outing this past June in the United States. They respectively knocked out Anatoliy Dudchenko and Jason Pettaway.

Other fighters on the card

In addition to the three aforementioned featured fights, five other bouts will be presented.

Russian super bantamweight Vislan Dalkhaev (2-0, 0 KOs), Romanian heavyweightBogdan Dinu (12-0, 8 KOs), Montreal super lightweight Yves Ulysse (8-0, 5 KOs), Sorel-Tracy super lightweight David Theroux (6-1, 4 KOs) and Laval light heavyweight Erik Bazinyan (8-0, 5 KOs) are all scheduled to be in action.

Dalkhaev, a friend of fellow boxer Artur Beterbiev, will attempt to add a third win in the pro ranks. In his last outing, the Chechen-born pugilist defeated Frenchman Adel Hadjouis by unanimous decision on April 4, in Quebec City.

Dinu, a compatriot of Bute, will fight for the first time in 2015. His last encounter occurred December 6, 2014, when he stopped Frenchman Mickael Vieira in the first round.

Ulysse, a former member of the Canadian National Amateur Boxing Team, recorded the easiest win of his career on June 20 at Bell Centre, when Frenchman Renald Garrido was disqualified before the start of the confrontation. This time, though, Ulysse is likely to have a rival who really wants to fight.

Theroux, the pride of Sorel-Tracy, fought in a fierce battle against former Spanish champion Ignacio Mendoza, on June 17 in Sorel-Tracy. Even if the result was not the one hoped for, the 21-year-old boxer in no quitter and he wants to redeem himself in front of his Montreal fans.

As for Armenian-born Bazinyan, he is trained and managed by the Grant brothers. The 20-year-old fighter will jump into the ring for the second time in 2015. On March 27 at Olympia Theatre, he stopped Frenchman Morgan Le Gal in the fifth round.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. ET, at the Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.
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CANADIAN STAR LUCIAN BUTE FACES ITALY’S ANDREA DI LUISA ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN

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ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 FROM THE BELL CENTRE IN MONTREAL

AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

 

Plus Undefeated Light Heavyweights Collide As

Eleider Alvarez Meets Isidro Ranoni Prieto

 

Oscar Rivas Also In Action!

 

Tickets On Sale Tomorrow!

 

MONTREAL (July 14, 2015) – Former world champion Lucian Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) returns to the ring to face Italy’s Andrea Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight showdown on Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN on Saturday, August 15 from the Bell Centre in Montreal with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Another televised bout will pit a pair of undefeated light heavyweights against each other as 2008 Colombian Olympian Eleider Alvarez (17-0, 10 KOs) takes on Paraguayan knockout artist Isidro Ranoni Prieto (24-0-3, 20 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Additionally, 2008 Colombian Olympian Oscar Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs) will compete on the card.

 

“I’m ready and looking forward to going back in the ring,” said Bute. “I have not lost my passion and I train six days a week, twice a day. I am excited to perform on the big stage on August 15.”

 

“We are very proud to present this great event in Montreal,” said GYM President Yvon Michel. “This will also be the first time that NBCSN will be in Montreal to broadcast a boxing event and I’m also happy to support the return of former world champion Lucian Bute.”

 

Tickets for the live event, promoted Group Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with InterBox, are priced from $25 to $250, not including applicable service charges and fees, and are on sale Wednesday, July 15 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased at the counters of the Bell Centre, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.

 

After an accomplished amateur career representing his native Romania, Bute moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada and began his pro career in 2003 with 30 straight victories. Among those victories, the 35-year-old won a super middleweight world title over Alejandro Berrio. Bute owns victories over Sakio Bika, William Joppy, Edison Miranda and Jesse Brinkley and will be returning to the ring for the first time since Jan. 2014 on August 15.

 

A professional since 2008, Di Luisa will be making his North American debut on August 15when he travels to Canada to challenge Bute. The 33-year-old racked up 12 wins to start his career including victories over previously unbeaten fighters Alessio Rondelli and Giuseppe Brischetto. Fighting out of Lazio, he enters this fight on a four-fight win streak, including his last two by knockout.

 

A 2008 Colombian Olympian fighting out of Montreal, Alvarez defeated Anatoliy Dudchenko by second round knockout on June 12. That fight marked the pro debut for the 31-year-old, after recording 15 victories in Canada and one in Monaco. The owner of victories over and Edison Miranda, Alexander Johnson and Ryno Liebenber, he looks to keep his perfect record intact on August 15. .

 

Born in Paraguay but making his home in Buenoas Aires, Argentina, Prieto has never lost as a pro and has won his last eight fights heading into August 15. The 29-year-old will be making his North American debut and fighting as a pro outside of South America for the first time. The heavy-fisted fighter has recorded three straight knockouts entering this fight.

 

Another 2008 Colombian Olympian, Rivas has also made his home in Montreal since turning pro. The exciting 28-year-old rides an impressive six-fight knockout streak into this fight and he hopes to build on the success he had in his U.S. debut, a first round knockout over Jason Pettaway in June 2015.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.groupeyvonmichel.ca. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @InterBoxBute, @yvonmichelgym and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports.