Tag Archives: NBCSN

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Darwin Price works behind his jab to set up seventh-round TKO of Javontae Starks in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Main Event

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NOTE: This piece is posted on the Premier Boxing Champions website and was written by Sean DeFrank. For more PBC news, go to www.premierboxingchampions.com. 

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Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions

CLICK HERE FOR FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
San Antonio (Sept. 3) – Darwin Price stayed true to his jab against Javontae Starks, and in return it stayed true to him.
Working consistently behind his piston-like left hand Saturday night, Price was able to follow up with power shots as he earned a seventh-round TKO in a 142-pound main event at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio.
Darwin Price (11-0, 6 KOs) frustrated Javontae Starks (13-2, 7 KOs) throughout the scheduled eight-round bout with his jab, which he doubled to set up combinations.
After a measured first two rounds in which both boxers threw almost nothing but jabs, Price loaded up a right hand behind a pair of jabs to knock Starks to the canvas in Round 3.
“I had to pick up the tempo, so I kept the jab going. I had to be smart,” Price said. “He’s a technical fighter, so I had to keep it tactical in the ring, so I kept using the jab, keeping him at bay, feigning and moving my feet because my speed was a lot faster than his.”
In the seventh, Price landed another crisp double jab followed by a straight right that had Starks hurt and trying to hold on. Price began throwing wildly with both hands in an attempt to finish off Starks, who was pinned against the ropes.
Price, 27, then connected on a straight right that stunned Starks and began to dial in with both hands as referee Mark Calo-Oy briefly separated the fighters before stepping right back in to stop the fight at 1:52 of the round.
“I kept on bringing the double jab with the right hand because he was open with the right hand, I just didn’t throw it in the beginning that much,” Price said. “But it brought that knockdown and it brought that knockout, so I’m thankful for that.”
Price, who was a star distance runner at Grambling State University for four years before starting his pro boxing career, had won his last two fights by eight-round unanimous decision.
It was the second straight defeat for Starks, who was fighting for the first time in more than 300 days since losing an eight-round decision to Samuel Figueroa last year in Orlando, Florida.
Despite fighting at the lowest weight of his pro career, the 27-year-old Minneapolis native made no excuses after the loss.
“He had a pretty good stiff, quick jab and it took me a second to come in and get heated up,” Starks said. “I’ve been off since last October; he just pretty much fought a couple of months ago, but he came in and did his job. He did what he was supposed to do, stuck to his game plan, and he made it difficult for me to get through the jab.”
In undercard action, Kent Cruz (11-0, 6 KOs) earned an eight-round unanimous decision over Rickey Edwards (11-1, 3 KOs) in a clash of unbeaten 140-pound prospects. Cruz floored Edwards in Round 2 with an overhand right to take early command of the bout.
David Perez (8-0, 4 KOs) delivered a lights-out right hand to gain a sixth-round KO of Gustavo Molina (12-13, 5 KOs) in a 122-pound bout. Perez put Molina down in Round 3 before finishing him off in the final round of the fight.
Dominican 2012 Olympian Junior Castillo (11-1, 9 KOs) gained a six-round unanimous decision over Josue Obando (12-11-1, 10 KOs) in a 162-pound bout.
Justin Pauldo (8-1, 4 KOs) defeated Eric Anton (4-4, 1 KO) by six-round unanimous decision in a 135-pound bout.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rickey Edwards Takes On Fellow Unbeaten Kent Cruz In Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Action Saturday, September 3 From The Dancehall in San Antonio  8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

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Plus! Unbeaten Prospect David Perez Battles Mexico’s Gustavo Molina & Super Welterweight Contender Junior Castillo Featured
In Undercard Action
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 2, 2016) – Undefeated Rickey Edwards (11-0, 3 KOs) is set to take on unbeaten Kent Cruz (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight contest as part of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN this Saturday, September 3 from the Dancehall in San Antonio.
Edwards was originally scheduled to face unbeaten Cuban Yordan Frometa, who was forced to withdraw due to an injury.Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by super lightweight prospects Darwin Price and Javontae Starks in an eight-round bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $20, $85 and $100 and $1,000 and $850 for tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call (210) 988-8821visit https://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/sept32016/ or in person at Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave.
Additional action features undefeated prospect David Perez (7-0, 3 KOs) entering the ring for six-rounds of super bantamweight action against Gustavo Molina (23-12, 9 KOs), super welterweight contender Junior Castillo (10-1, 9 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in a six-round bout against Mexico’s Josue Ovando (12-10-1, 10 KOs) and Orlando’s Justin Paulido (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round lightweight fight against Eric Anton (4-3, 1 KO) of Plano, Texas.
Rounding out the night of action is the pro debut of San Antonio’s Selina Barrios in a four-round super lightweight showdown against Amanda Garza (1-0), San Angelo’s Brandon Soto taking on Waco’s Tanner Dodd (0-2) in a four-round super featherweight battle and San Antonio’s Xavier Wilson (1-0) against fellow San Antonio-native Frank Brown in a four-round lightweight fight.
A former New Jersey Golden Gloves champion from Paterson, Edwards fights out of Houston and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2013. The 26-year-old was busy in 2015 as he racked up five victories including a knockout over Marco Antonio Solis. Edwards has defeated previously unbeaten boxers John Delperdang and Azriel Paez in his last two fights. He takes on the unbeaten 23-year-old Cruz. A pro since 2013, Cruz picked up a victory over Jerome Rodriguez in April of this year.
A 20-year-old rising prospect fighting out of Houston, Perez turned pro in April of last year with a first round stoppage of Deseante Armstrong. Perez would pick up four more victories in 2015 and has already won three times in 2016. His last outing saw him defeat previously once-beaten Adan Ortiz in his first six round bout and he will now take on the 27-year-old Molina out of Tlaxcala, Mexico.
A 2012 Olympian for his native Dominican Republic, Castillo recorded a significant victory in April when he defeated previously unbeaten and highly regarded Kyrone Davis over eight rounds in April before dropping a decision to Justin DeLoach in June. Castillo turned pro in 2013 and made his U.S. debut in December 2015 with victories over Eduardo Flores and Roland Nagy before his triumph in April. Now he will battle the 26-year-old Ovando fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, TGBPromotions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing,. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @TGBPromotions, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsandwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

ERROL SPENCE JR. DELIVERS KNOCKOUT PERFORMANCE: +6 MILLION VIEWERS ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SUNDAY AFTERNOON

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Rising Star Stops Leonard Bundu for Title Shot;
Post Highest Rating for Boxing on Television in 2016
LAS VEGAS (August 23, 2016) – Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr.’ssensational sixth-round knockout of Leonard Bundu delivered over +6 million viewers during his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC fight this Sunday, according to Nielsen. Following the broadcast of the 2016 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team’s gold medal-winning performance, Spence Jr.’s fight posted a peak audience of 6.34 million viewers and averaged 4.8 million viewers for the entire hour. This fight is the highest-rated PBC fight to-date.
Spence-Bundu drew the largest television audience for boxing in 18 years (August 21, 2016 vs. March 23, 1998).
“I knew this would be the most important fight of my career and the goal was to not just win, but to put on a spectacular one-sided performance,” said Spence Jr. “It felt good to go out there and give everyone watching a great show and to do it in front of such a large television audience makes it even better. Thanks to everyone who tuned in and I promise you’ll be seeing more of me soon. My time is now and this is just the beginning.”
The Dallas boxer’s sixth-round knockout victory over Bundu ensures that he will fight for the world title currently held by British welterweight Kell Brook.
With his power, pinpoint accuracy and desire to close the show, Spence Jr. is squarely in the mix as a top welterweight in the most talent-laden division in boxing. As a young, hungry contender circling champions like Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia and Brook, Spence’s presence adds to the tantalizing possibility of super fights in the welterweight division harkening to the days of Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Prospect Darwin Price Meets Once-Beaten Javontae Starks In Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, September 3 From The Dancehall in San Antonio

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Plus! Battle of Unbeaten Prospects 
Rickey Edwards & Yordan Frometa
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
SAN ANTONIO (August 23, 2016) – Super lightweight prospects Darwin Price (10-0, 5 KOs) and Javontae Starks (13-1, 7 KOs) will meet in an eight-round battle that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN action Saturday, September 3 from the Dancehall in San Antonio.
The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super lightweights Rickey Edwards (11-0, 3 KOs) and Yordan Frometa (10-0, 7 KOs) competing in an eight-round bout.
“This is another step for me after my win in June,” said Price. “I’ve prepared hard in training and I’m anxious to return to San Antonio to fight Javontae Starks. I’m planning on another impressive performance.”
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to return to the ring and fight Darwin Price,” said Starks. “This is a perfect time to show the boxing world that I’m recovered from my loss and that I still have what it takes to become a world champion.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $20, $85 and $100 and $1,000 and $850 for tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call (210) 988-8821visit https://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/sept32016/ or in person at Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave.
Originally from St. Louis, Price’s road has led him to Houston where he now trains with Ronnie Shields. An exceptional athlete who was highly regarded in track and field as a teenager, the 26-year-old turned pro in 2013. His activity ramped up in 2015 as he took home four victories including a win in his first eight-round bout against Alvaro Ortiz in November.
Fighting out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Starks racked up an impressive 98-16 amateur record before turning pro in 2009. At nearly six-foot, Starks used his length and skills to win the first 13 fights of his pro career including victories over Jeremiah Wiggins and Carlos Galvan. He suffered his first defeat to unbeaten Samuel Figueroa but will look to bounce back with a win on September 3.
A former New Jersey Golden Gloves champion from Paterson, Edwards fights out of Houston and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2013. The 26-year-old was busy in 2015 as he racked up five victories including a knockout over Marco Antonio Solis. Edwards has defeated previously unbeaten boxers John Delperdang and Azriel Paez in his last two fights.
After a successful career in the Cuban amateur program, Frometa turned pro in 2015 and has fought out of Quito, Ecuador. The 27-year-old is unbeaten having fought three times in the U.S. in addition to bouts in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Frometa has been busy with six wins in 2016 including a stoppage of Antonio Rodriguez in his last contest.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, TGBPromotions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing,. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @TGBPromotions, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsandwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Undefeated Rising Star Errol Spence Jr. Scores Sensational Sixth-Round Knockout of It Leonard Bundu in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn

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Exciting Contender Claudio Marrero Defeats Luis Hinojosa By 
Fourth-Round TKO
&
Heather Hardy Edges Shelly Vincent in Exciting Clash on NBCSN
(Tape Delayed NBCSN Coverage Begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Spence Jr. Highlights via PBC’s Youtube Page
 
BROOKLYN (August 21, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (21-0-, 18 KOs) moved one step closer to a world title as he delivered a thunderous sixth-round knockout of tough Italian contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu (33-2-2, 12 KOs) Sunday afternoon in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)on NBC from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
With the knockout, Spence Jr. becomes the mandatory challenger for undefeated welterweight Kell Brook and showed his willingness to step in the ring with Brook.
“I definitely want my shot at Kell Brook and his title,” said Spence Jr. “I want him next. If he vacates or gets stripped then I’ll fight for his vacant title. I’ve paid my dues.”
In a prime spot that immediately followed the U.S. Men’s basketball team winning Olympic gold in Rio, the Dallas-native started patiently, measuring his opponent with steady jabs. Bundu came ready to fight and tried to make it difficult for Spence Jr. by switching stances and attacking from awkward angles.
“I was a little shakey in the first round and second rounds,” said Spence Jr. “He’s very awkward and I was trying to feel him out.”
Spence Jr. began to pick up his power punching as the rounds went on and started to connect with left uppercuts and hooks. After round four, Bundu returned to his corner with swelling beginning to show up over his right eye.
“Once I was able to catch his rhythm and figure him out, I knew I had him,” said Spence Jr. “I knew he was very tough, but he never hurt me. He was switching and jumping in and out and it took me a little bit to adjust to.”
The dominance with his power punches began to wear Bundu down as the fight entered the sixth. After seemingly scoring a knockdown, which was ruled a slip by referee Johnny Callas, Spence Jr. quickly pounced on Bundu and trapped him in the corner.
“He certainly lived up to the hype,” said Bundu, who was taken to the hospital for evaluation after the fight. “Errol was more precise than Keith Thurman. Errol threw more punches and was fresh in every round.”
It didn’t take long for Spence Jr. to take advantage as he hit Bundu with a hard left uppercut and followed with a crushing right hook that put Bundu on the mat for good and forced the referee to stop the fight at 2:06 of the sixth-round.
“I really tried to get up but I couldn’t,” said Bundu, who had never been stopped before. “I am okay though. I feel good.”
Spence Jr. won every round on all three judges’ cards and landed a staggering 64 percent of his power punches, per Compubox.
“I think this performance showed once again that I am one of the top fighters at 147-pounds,” said Spence Jr.
In tape delayed action that airs on NBCSN at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, exciting featherweight contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero (21-1, 15 KOs) scored a dominant fourth-round technical knockout of fellow Dominican Republic-native Luis Hinojosa (28-10, 17 KOs).
“This is how champions perform,” said Marrero. “They do it smart and they figure out their opponents quickly. Regardless of his record, you have to figure it out and then go for the finish.”
Marrero was in control from the outset, putting Hinojosa on the mat with a right hand early in the first stanza. Hinojosa tried to keep himself in the fight by throwing primarily power punches. However, it was Marrero who was much sharper in that department, landing 60 percent of his power punches to just 24 percent from Hinojosa.
In the fourth-round Marrero’s power and style proved to be too much as he consistently beat Hinojosa to the punch on his way three fourth-round knockdowns of Hinojosa. The final barrage and knockdown forced referee Danny Schiavone to stop the bout at 2:55 of the round.
“I’m glad that Hinojosa was brave enough to take the fight,” said Marrero. “I’ll fight anybody. I don’t care how short the notice is.
“I’ve endured my loss to Jesus Cuellar and I feel like I’m back at the top of the contenders in the featherweight division. The champions keep running from me so I’m going to keep working until I’m the mandatory and can get another title shot.”
On the same day that Flint, Michigan’s Claressa Shields won her second consecutive Olympic Gold medal for the U.S., women’s boxing was given another great platform as Brooklyn’s Heather “The Heat” Hardy (18-0, 4 KOs) earned a majority decision over previously unbeaten Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (18-1, 1 KO) in their 10-round bout.
“This is definitely a win for women’s boxing,” said Hardy. “We kept up a great pace throughout and the fans were invested the whole time.”
The action was non-stop from the beginning, as Vincent charged in early and often looking to close the distance between her and the taller Hardy. Hardy was the more mobile fighter as she circled the ring looking to find the right distance to attack the Providence-native.
“Every time she crowded me, she would get off more punches,” said Hardy. “I wanted to keep the fight on the outside and when I did that I had a lot of success.”
The longtime rivals were able to live up the hype that their matchup drew. The action was non-stop and it appeared that neither woman would be able to build a big lead on the scorecards.
Hardy’s movement allowed her to create more angles for her attack as she varied her offense with overhand rights, jabs and hooks. Vincent was consistent countering, especially with her left hand that yielded much success.
The punch stats reflected the exciting nature of the fight as Hardy threw 752 punches while Shelly threw 678 across 10 two-minute rounds. It was Hardy who had the advantage in punches landed as she connected on 251 punches compared to 194 for Vincent.
“I thought I won the fight pretty convincingly,” said Hardy. “She only really caught me a few times the whole fight. I knew I had to be tactical to win the fight. Judging by the belt around my waist, I would rate my performance a 10.”
Power punches were a key to the fight, with the two combatants combining for 955 power punches thrown. Hardy’s biggest advantage came in this department as she landed over 50 percent of her power shots to 34 percent from Vincent.
In the end, the judges ruled the bout a majority decision for Hardy by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 95-95. Vincent believed she had done enough to win the fight and expressed her displeasure with the judges scores afterwards
“I definitely thought I won the fight,” said Vincent. “I was coming forward and I landed the bigger shots. Everyone saw the fight.
“I got head-butted all night long. I came here and everybody told me I’d get robbed. I’ll take the rematch but I’m not playing by these rules. I want her to come up to Providence.”
#          #          #
PBC on NBC and NBCSN is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Heather Hardy, Shelly Vincent, Joseph Williams, Julian Sosa & Chordale Booker Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Hardy vs. Vincent Featured in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Action Sunday, August 21 From Ford Amphitheater at
Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (August 19, 2016) – Undefeated brawlers and longtime rivals Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent hosted a media workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn Friday as they near their long anticipated showdown featured on Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
Also in attendance Friday and competing on Sunday’s undercard were a trio of local prospects: cruiserweight Joseph Williams (9-0, 7 KOs), welterweight Julian Sosa (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and welterweight Chordale Booker (2-0, 2 KOs).
PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Live PBC on NBC coverage begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking on once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
The two undefeated brawlers Hardy and Vincent are expected to bring fireworks in a matchup that has been building since Vincent showed up at Hardy’s second pro bout looking to get in the ring with the popular Brooklyn-native.
Here is what the fighters had to say Friday:
HEATHER HARDY
“This is a huge step up to be on television. It’s not the top of the ladder. There’s still room to go but I’m really excited, happy and proud to be on this stage. It proves that all you have to do is be super determined, open your mouth and good things can happen.
“A lot of people have been waiting for this one. She’s done a lot of talking and I’m pretty quiet back to her. My fans know I’m going to do my talking in the ring, so there is definitely a lot of excitement leading up to this.
“I’m going to be fighting closer to home than ever. It’s an honor to be able to represent Brooklyn on the first show at the Amphitheater in Coney Island.
“When I spar, I don’t look to focus in too much on my opponent. I just want to get better. We’ve had really diverse sparring. If I improve my techniques, there is no one who can beat me and that’s the truth.
“You can prepare as much as you want, but I don’t like to over plan. We’ll go in there and figure her out in the first round. We’ve done the work that we need to.
“A lot of people have criticized some of the opponents me and Shelly have had, but we’ve honestly always had an eye on preserving our records and making sure this fight happens on television. This fight is not about my wins, but it’s about giving women boxers the opportunity to be showcased. Win, lose or draw, we’ve both opened the door for other women and that’s what’s most important.
“This fight means everything to me. This is for everything I’ve ever stood for. I came up from nothing. I’ve spoken up about my past so that people who have walked a similar road will know what is possible with hard work and dedication. I’m here because I wanted something so bad and I wouldn’t let anybody tell me I couldn’t have it.
“I’ve fought so hard for everything and it inspires me to keep going. This is only one step. There’s so many more doors I want to open before I end my career.
“I would like to treat everyone to a boxing clinic this Sunday. Shelly is going to get a free boxing lesson from me this Sunday. Not many people can say they get that.”
SHELLY VINCENT
“This fight is going to be non-stop action. Don’t blink.”
“She’s a busy fighter. I’m smaller than her, but power-punching comes from your legs. It won’t matter. I’ve fought tall girls and I’ve fought small girls and it’s the same thing, I won. The only way I leave without a victory is if I get robbed.
“I’ve been working hard. Even harder than usual. I’ve run, biked, swam miles and miles preparing for this. We didn’t leave any stone unturned getting ready for this.
“I’m not going to look for the knockout. If it comes, it comes. I’m looking for the victory. I want to attack her body. It’s there for me.
“It feels great to finally be almost time to fight. This fight couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s a great opportunity. We both worked hard for this. I don’t take away from what Heather does for the sport, but I’m excited to get the victory.
“I love New York. It’s always great being here and I hope I can fight here more after I win.
“I was trying to find a way to channel my anger when I was younger and it ended up being a release for me. Eventually this sport turned my whole life around so that I could help others who are like I was.
“This is great for our sport and I want it to give hope to the little girls that are coming up in the sport. I’m winning, but our sport will be the real winner. It’s an honor to fight for all the girls who came before me and didn’t get this opportunity.
JOSEPH WILLIAMS
“Training camp was very good. I feel strong and I’m ready to get in the ring on Sunday. I’m sharp and really ready to fight.
“I’m a versatile fighter so I’m ready for anything. Early in the first round I’ll figure him out and start breaking him down.
“The venue looks like an amazing place to fight. If you’re coming to watch me, get there early. You don’t want to miss it.
“I want to keep working towards a title. I want to get my way down to super middleweight and I’m going to keep working every day to get a world title shot.
“Me and Errol Spence Jr. have some history. I was the 2012 Olympic team alternate, so I’ve been following his career and I’m rooting for him. It will be a good night for boxing because I definitely expect him to put on a show.
“My coaches have watched my opponent. I’m ready to adapt to anything. I trust my team and they tell me how to attack. I’m strong and ready to fight.”
JULIAN SOSA
“I’m very humbled to be on a big card again, with an opportunity to showcase my skills. I have to show how thankful I am by working hard and looking very good that night.
“Being the first boxing show at this venue means I’m a part of history. I have to make sure that my performance is memorable.
“This was the best training camp I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to display the hard work that I’ve put in the gym.
“The fan support I have means a lot. It’s really nice to have all my friends and family together and able to see me do what I love to do. There’s no better feeling than that.
“My opponent is a very aggressive fighter. The first couple of rounds we’re going to try to work the body. As we go to the later rounds, I’m going to take the knockout if it presents itself. But I’m happy to put on a beautiful boxing clinic.”
CHORDALE BOOKER
“Sparring has been really good for this fight. I’ve been going hard. I don’t take it easy on anyone during sparring because I need to be ready to fight.
“It’s really big to be a part of this kind of fight. Especially being a welterweight and with the main event being a title eliminator. I’ve looked up to Errol for a while. He’s a guy I’ve tried to pick up different things from Errol since we’re both southpaws.
“I want everyone to get there early. I’ve got power and I’m looking for a knockout.
“It means everything to fight in front of the fans in Brooklyn. I’m just really excited. My family and friends are from Brooklyn, Flatbush specifically and I’m expecting a lot of support.
“I’m excited to be boxing as a pro for the first time in my hometown. It’s even better that it’s at a new venue. It’s going to be big for me and something that I remember forever.”
PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Claudio Marrero Training Camp Quotes

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Exciting Featherweight Contender Takes On Unbeaten Derrick Murray in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Main Event Sunday, August 21 From Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (August 17, 2016) – Exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero is ready to make a statement in the featherweight division beginning with his Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN showdown against undefeated Derrick Murray thisSunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage on NBCSN begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent battling in a matchup of unbeaten rivals. PBC on NBC will begin at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and sees undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. facing once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
 
Marrero enters this bout the winner of six-straight fights, including a sensational knockout of former world champion Rico Ramos last July. Now, the self-described “boxer-puncher with exceptional defense” is looking to get himself a world title opportunity and show off his skills against the unbeaten Murray on Sunday.
Here is what Marrero had to say about his start in the Dominican Republic, his opponent, the featherweight division and more:
What was it like growing up in the Dominican Republic?

Claudio Marrero: It was really tough…my dad was a jack of all trades and I was the oldest of three boys.  My dad was my biggest influence on keeping me out of trouble. He trained me early on as an amateur and that’s where I developed my fundamentals. Because of him I’m here today and I’m very grateful.
 
How did you first get introduced to boxing? What boxers did you look up to growing up?

CM: As a child, my dad and I would watch fights. He thought boxing would keep me off the streets, where 9 out of 10 kids in my country end up dead, or in jail.  Around 8-years old I started boxing.  Favorite fighter is Pernell “Sweet Pee” Whitaker.
 
When did you come to America? What led you to making that decision?

CM: The journey to come to America started in January of 2010, when my manager/trainer now, Herman Caicedo, came to the D.R. to scout Juan Carlos Payano and myself.  We met and he promised to work hard on our behalf and look out for us. Unlike many others who had said similar things, Herman was a man of his word. I was able to solidify myself with hard work, so here we are.

Q. Talk about your team and how they’ve helped you transition to life in America and progress your boxing career:

CM: There has been one man who has helped with everything I know in Boxing as a pro, and life here in the states, and that’s Herman Caicedo, our manager/trainer. He took us on as his kids and treated us like his own children, not just fighters.  All of us who train with him owe our progression and discipline to him.  In addition, Henry Rivalta and Gary Jonas, our other managers, have been very instrumental in the progress as well.  We are a strong team with goals of becoming world champions together.

Q. What do you know about your opponent? What kind of problems does he pose?
CM: I know he’s undefeated.  I know he’s coming to win and that he’s from St. Louis.  There isn’t anything I see in him that has me concerned except the fact that he’s unbeaten.  Anyone who is unbeaten is going to go that extra mile to come out victorious.  But that really is not a problem in my eyes.  I’m a hungry fighter as well.  The problem for him is that he stands in my way of getting back in the ring with all the top guys.

Q. How important is a win on August 21 to your career? Which fighters would you like to face next and how do you think you matchup with the top featherweights?

CM: I want everyone all at 126 pounds.  These guys have been evading, ducking and dodging me.  None of these guys want to face me.  I want them all.  I’ll fight them all on the same night if I have to.  I’m tired of them hiding. It’s very frustrating when my managers tell me they don’t want to fight me.  So I must make a statement each time I step in the ring and it starts with Derrick Murray.

Q. What is your prediction for your fight on August 21?

CM: My opponent will feel pain!
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Top Fighters Support Undefeated Contender Heather Hardy as She Prepares to Take On Fellow Unbeaten Shelly Vincent In Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN This Sunday, August 21 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)  

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(Photo Credit: (Top Image) James Devaney;
(Bottom Image) Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)
 
All-Action Fan Favorite Boasts Historic Punch Stats Heading into Matchup At
 Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (August 16, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy is ready to take center stage and she has garnered the praise of the sport’s top fighters as she prepares to take on longtime rival Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN action Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero taking on unbeaten Derrick Murray. PBC on NBC is headlined by undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. facing once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator that begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.
Always in entertaining battles, Hardy’s punches per round stats far exceed the average for her weight class and prove why everyone believes her matchup with Vincent will be all-action. In six CompuBox-tracked fights, Hardy has averaged 83.4 punches per two-minute round, which projects to a staggering 111.2 if fought over three minutes. This number would far exceed the two men’s leaders Roman Gonzalez and Leo Santa Cruz. Her two-minute output of 83.4 punches per round would rank her fourth among the men over three minutes, ahead of hard-hitters Gennady Golovkin (68.6), Andrzej Fonfara (75.1), Orlando Salido (71) and Abner Mares (69.4) amongst others in the top ten.
“I think that if there is a female boxer out there that should and deserves to be seen, it’s Heather Hardy,” said former world champion Shawn Porter. “She has put tons of work in. I have seen her fight and train and she is a top competitor and a true athlete in this sport. Some people think it’s taking a chance to put women’s boxing on television, but I think Heather Hardy is the best person to take that chance on. I don’t know anyone that is more worthy of this shot.”
“Heather Hardy is always in fan friendly and entertaining fights,” said former world champion Paulie Malignaggi. “Off the top of my head, I cannot think of a dull Heather Hardy fight. Plus, she brings a big following and that always makes for a fun, noisy crowd and atmosphere.”
A fan-favorite in Brooklyn, Hardy has been helping to fill local venues for years including Barclays Center, where she has fought seven times as a pro. Now, her long awaited matchup with the unbeaten New Englander Vincent has given her the opportunity to show her talents on a bigger stage.
“I couldn’t be happier for my fellow Brooklynite Heather Hardy,” said middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs. “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase her talents on TV, and one that she has rightfully earned. This is huge, not only for her, bur for women’s boxing in general.”
“I think it’s a great for Heather to get this opportunity,” said Spence Jr. “It’s not common that we see women’s boxing on television but there are a lot of women who deserve it. This is great for them and it’s great for the sport.”
“Heather has been working incredibly hard and grinding for years,” said former world champion Chris Algieri. “It’s great to see her get the exposure she deserves after the time and commitment she has put in to get to this point. She’s one of the most consistent performers in the local area and it’s time for the rest of the world to see her hard work and skills.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
 
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Heather Hardy & Shelly Vincent Media Roundtable Quotes & Photos

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Longtime Rivals Meet Sunday, August 21 In PBC on NBCSN Action from
Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (August 4, 2016) – Undefeated contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardyand Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent hosted a media roundtable in Manhattan Thursday to officially announce their long awaited showdown taking place Sunday, August 21 on Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero taking on unbeaten Derrick Murray. PBC on NBC coverage begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star and 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in a welterweight title eliminator against once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
Hardy and Vincent will meet in a 10-round featherweight showdown years in the making. Vincent began calling Hardy out at her second professional fight, looking to get in the ring with the popular Brooklyn ticket seller. Despite the rival, both have campaigned for a women’s match on this platform for years and will look to make their mark on August 21.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
HEATHER HARDY
“I wouldn’t be here without all the help of my team and fans. I don’t stand here alone. I stand here with all of the women who have fought before me that no one knows about.
“This is the kind of platform that this fight deserves. I’ve always imagined this fight being on television and I’m thankful that this fight has come together on NBCSN. It’s important to have a stage like this and I hope it’s the first of more fights like this on television.
“I really can’t wait to punch Shelly right in the face. I like that everybody is sleeping on ‘The Heat’. Don’t sleep on me.
“Shelly started her career a little bit before me. She started showing up at my fights with all these antics from almost my pro debut and talking about wanting to fight me. It was inappropriate at the time, but then she signed with Lou and we’ve both developed in our careers. Hats off to her, it worked. I’m ready to brawl.
“I’ve seen her fight before. I went to one of her fights to talk to press and build up this matchup. I don’t get too hung up on what I’ve seen. I go into the ring ready to make adjustments based off what I see. I’m not treating this fight any differently than other fights.
“Every fight I’m back in the gym working on getting better. I don’t work hard, I don’t work on getting in better shape, I work to improve at my craft. You’re going to see a new and better Heather than ever before.”
SHELLY VINCENT
“I’m thankful for this opportunity for women as a whole. This is a fight we’ve been waiting for, for a while. I can’t wait to get in there and hit Heather. She thinks there’s no pop in my punches but she’ll be surprised on fight night.
“Heather and I really just don’t like each other. I’ve tried to make this fight for years and she wouldn’t take the fight. I’ve seen her lose some of these fights. I don’t believe she’s undefeated. I feel like she’s avoiding me.
“I’ve been trying to make this fight happen but I’m glad it didn’t happen back then; this is the perfect time for it. We both deserve this opportunity. Heather and I work hard, taking nothing from her, but I can’t wait to get my hands on her.
“I know Heather is going to use her legs. She doesn’t seem strong so I think she’s going to try to get away from me. I just have to cut the ring off.
“I always knew I’d have to come to her home territory. I’m going to stick to what I have to do. I know she’s not better than me. It’s going to be me coming forward with constant pressure. I hope she comes at me because that would make it an even more exciting fight.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“We’re making a lot of history on August 21. This will be the first women’s bout broadcast from Coney Island. I want to thank PBC and NBC for giving these women this much deserved platform to showcase their talents.
“The co-featured bout on NBCSN will be this long awaited contest between these two women. It’s been talked about for years. They’ve been talking to each other for years and it’s finally happening.
“This is history and I think it’s going ot be a good night for boxing, and especially for women’s boxing. This is a great opportunity for these two contenders and two women who have earned the right to be on television. They both have crowd pleasing styles. This is going to be a Gatti-Ward fight. These two want to beat each other up.
“Heather and Shelly are two of the most popular female fighters in the country. They like to rumble. They make every fight a war. They’re willing to be hit and that’s what makes their fight so much fun.”
PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Exciting Contender Claudio Marrero Takes On Unbeaten Derrick Murray; Undefeated Rivals Heather Hardy & Shelly Vincent Battle In Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Sunday, August 21

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From Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Plus! Undefeated Prospects Abraham Nova, Julian Sosa &
Joseph Williams in Undercard Attractions
 
BROOKLYN (August 4, 2016) – Exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero(20-1, 14 KOs) takes on unbeaten Derrick Murray (13-0-1, 5 KOs) while undefeated contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardy (17-0, 4 KOs) and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (18-0, 1 KO) face off in a long awaited battle on a Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN doubleheader, Sunday, August 21.
Tape delayed PBC on NBCSN coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn. PBC on NBC coverage begins at5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star and 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in a welterweight title eliminator against once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu.
Marrero and Murray will meet in a super featherweight bout while Vincent and Hardy are set to compete in 10-rounds of featherweight action that sees the return of women’s boxing to a primetime national audience.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
A former title challenger who lost a narrow decision to Jesus Cuellar in 2013, Marrero has won six-straight bouts since then. Most recently, the 27-year-old dominated Jonathan Arrellano on his way to a decision in February. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Marrero was an accomplished amateur who will be fighting in New York for the second time in his pro career.
Unbeaten and fighting out of St. Louis, Murray has already picked up victories in 2016 over Jose Silveria and Darryl Hayes. A pro since 2011, Murray will step up in competition when he takes on Marrero. The 28-year-old was victorious twice in 2015 in addition to four victories he earned in 2014.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple of the Brooklyn boxing scene. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014. In 2015, she defeated Noemi Bosques and Renata Domsodi twice. In 2016 she has stopped Anna Donatella Hultin in the fourth round and most recently defeated Kirstie Simmons in June.
Born in Connecticut but now fighting out of and representing Providence, Rhode Island, Vincent will look to earn the biggest win of her career August 21 when she fights in New York for the second time. Vincent has been busy in 2016, picking up victories over Renata Domsodi, Elizabeth Anderson and most recently Christina Ruiz in July. An all-action fighter, Vincent has fought 10 rounds twice in her pro career that dates back to 2011.
Additional undercard action will see unbeaten prospect and New England Golden Glove champion Abraham Nova (1-0, 1 KO) take on California’s Leonardo Chavez (6-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round lightweight attraction, unbeaten Brooklyn-native Julian Sosa (5-0-1, 2 KOs) taking on Rene Marquez (5-2, 2 KOs) in a welterweight showdown and New York Golden Glove champion Joseph Williams (9-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight fight.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.