Tag Archives: Premier Boxing Champions

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Middleweight KO Artist Caleb Plant Returns To The Ring Tuesday Sept 22 on Fox Sports 1

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Photo By Lucas Noonan
NASHVILLE, TN (September 2, 2015) – Undefeated Middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (9-0, 8 KOs), makes a speedy return to the ring as he will face an opponent TBA on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  The Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Fox Sports 1 will televise the card headlined by Julian Williams vs. Luciano Cuello.  Plant will open up the telecast which begins at 9PM ET / 6PM PT live on Fox Sports 1.
With seven first round knockouts to his credit, Plant, a rising star, is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most feared fighters in the middleweight division.  He’s currently riding a seven fight knockout streak, having gone the distance only once in his career.
In his last bout, which took place on August 15, 2015, Plant demolished late sup Zoltan Sera (20-6, 12 KOs) by way of a first round knockout. Look for Caleb Plant to continue with an aggressive style when he steps into the ring on Sept, 22.
“Although I have a few first round knockouts, I really like to take my time and pick my shots in my fights,” said Caleb Plant. “Fortunately, I’ve been able to get my opponents hurt early and get them out of there.  I’m prepared to go the distance if I have to, but there is no doubt, if I get my opponent hurt, I’m going for the knockout.”
Fighting on television for the first time in his last outing, Plant is relishing on the fact that his fight will be broadcasted live on Fox Sports 1.  Managed by Al Haymon, Plant sees a bright future.
“It’s really exciting to know all my fans and family back home will be able to tune in and watch me fight,” Plant continued. “In addition, those who haven’t had a chance to see me in action, will now get their opportunity.  When you have a person like Al Haymon in your corner, it’s a very satisfying feeling, because you with hard work opportunities will be there.  My goal is to keep working hard and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.  I’m very pleased to be making a quick return to the ring.”
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

AHMED ELBIALI TO FACE PENA ON FOX SPORTS 1

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 Photo By Team Elbiali
MIAMI, FL (September 2, 2015) – On Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California, undefeated light heavyweight power puncher, Ahmed Elbiali (11-0, 10 KOs) is scheduled to fight on the televised portion of the Premier Boxing Champions on Fox Sports 1 card headlined by Austin Trout (29-2, 16 KOs) vs. Joey Hernandez (24-3-1, 14 KOs).  Elbiali will face an Fabiano Pena (12-3-1, 8 KOs) in an 8-round bout.  The PBC telecast will begin at 9PM ET / 6PM PTlive on Fox Sports 1.
Elbiali, who’s known for having heavy hands, is one of the most exciting fighters in the light heavyweight division. With a 90% knockout ratio, Elbiali is being touted as the next great knockout artist.  He’ll look to continue that trend against Pena.
“I’m always looking to end the fight early if I get my opponent hurt,” said Ahmed Elbiali. “A couple of fights ago I went the distance for the first time and I felt good knowing I can fight into the later rounds if need be. I love to let my hands fly and bring exciting fights to the fans. That’s what I try to do in all my fights. On September 8th, I’ll be looking to do the same.”
With Al Haymon guiding the career of Elbiali, sky is the limit.
“Working with Al Haymon has been great for my career.” Elbiali continued. “Fighting on TV once again is bringing great exposure my fighting style, and I’m very appreciative to Haymon for all his hard work.  My goal is to become a world champion and be known as one of the most exciting fighters in my division.”
Tickets priced $28.50 – $78.50 not including fees, are on sale in person at the Palladium box office or online at here.  Doors open at 5PM PT, with the first televised fights starting at 6PM PT.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN’s Santa Cruz vs. Mares Delivers Largest Boxing Audience on ESPN Since February 1998

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Highest-Rated and Most-Watched Boxing Telecast Ever on ESPN Deportes
ESPN Classic to Air Instant Classic Tonight
 
The third edition of ESPN’s Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN presented by Corona Extra (PBC on ESPN) series-headlined by Leo Santa Cruz’s majority decision win over Abner Mares-on Saturday, Aug. 29, delivered the largest boxing audience on ESPN since February 1998 (02/22/98 Mark Johnson vs. Arthur Johnson).
The telecast was seen by an average of 1,217,000 viewers (P2+)-up 30 percent from the average of the previous two PBC telecasts on ESPN. The telecast peaked from 12:00-12:15am with 1,641,000 viewers (P2+) according to Nielsen.
ESPN’s Spanish-language telecast of the event on ESPN Deportes averaged a 1.3 Hispanic HH US Rtg and 355,000 Hispanic viewers-making it the highest-rated and most-watched boxing telecast to ever air on ESPN Deportes. The telecast peaked from 11:15-11:30 p.m. with 453,000 viewers.

ESPN Classic will reair the fight tonight at 7 p.m. ET as an Instant Classic. In addition, ESPN Deportes will re-air the entire card on Saturday, September 5, at 7 p.m.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

JAMIE MCDONNELL & TOMOKI KAMEDA SHARE THOUGHTS ON MAY SLUGFEST AND UPCOMING REMATCH

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PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS CO-MAIN EVENT
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 FROM THE AMERICAN BANK CENTER IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
 
Click HERE To Watch Their First Fight In Its Entirety
 
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (August 31, 2015) – After a razor thin decision in their first fight, top bantamweights Jamie McDonnell (26-2-1, 12 KOs) and Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-1, 19 KOs) will square-off again on the Sunday, September 6edition of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS live from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The 12-round bantamweight showdown will kick-off the telecast beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT and will be headlined by a super middleweight battle between Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-1-1, 22 KOs) and Marco Antonio “El Veneno” Rubio (59-7-1, 51 KOs).
In the first fight between the United Kingdom’s McDonnell and Japan’s Kameda, which originally aired on the May 9 installment of PBC on CBS, McDonnell narrowly took the decision 114-113 on all three judges’ scorecards.
In total, the two men combined to throw over 1,000 punches in their first fight, including nearly 800 power punches over the 12 rounds. On September 6, McDonnell and Kameda will go toe-to-toe once again with bantamweight supremacy on the line.
“I have a great engine and I always come on strong in the back end of the fight,” said McDonnell. “I think from round six on it was my fight. I started too slowly in the first fight but I worked hard and got the win.”
“I definitely think I won the first fight,” said Kameda. “I landed the much harder punches and built up enough of an early lead, but the judges saw what they saw. It was a close fight and I know I can change the outcome this time.”
One of the key moments in the fight (and one that some thought could have swung the fight in Kameda’s favor) was his third round knockdown of McDonnell via a lightning-fast right hand.
“I can remember being on the floor and I didn’t know how I got there,” said McDonnell. “His speed and power is there and I went down. It proves that not everyone is invincible and if you get caught, you are going to go down. We’ve put some work in to counter that power and hopefully that will show on fight night.”
Both men are deep into training camp now and have been working on numerous adjustments to keep their opponents guessing coming into the rematch. For Kameda these changes involved a change in coach as he enters his first fight with new trainer Ismael Salas.
“I have a completely different team now with Ismael Salas and Angel Heredia and ‘Stich’ Duran as cut man,” said Kameda. “I feel much better going into this fight with better sparring and preparation and it will show in the fight. Salas has a great game plan and Ican’t wait to perform it.
“McDonnell is tall, so getting inside his jab took some extra work.  He’s a good veteran but I will show I’m the superior fighter once again.”
“We knew he was going to be fast, he’s the fastest I have ever faced,” said McDonnell. “I got tagged with a right hand but in the rematch I know what to expect now. I’ve sparred against a lad that throws his right hand like Kameda does so I know how to keep out of range for that.
“I feel I am hitting harder. I’ve been working on my power in the gym and I feel it’s going to pay off. I’m always in great shape and I’ve been flying in the gym. I am really looking forward to this one.”
For McDonnell, it was a successful U.S. debut as he returned home to the United Kingdom victorious. McDonnell has already arrived in Texas as he did before their first fight in order to acclimate to the time and climate changes.
“I loved being in America for the last fight and doing the afternoon show,” said McDonnell. “We’ve been to Texas before now and it was a great time so I am happy to be back here and I know what to expect. We’ve brought Ryan Burnett (10-0, 8 KOs) out here to Corpus Christi to spar for the full fortnight, plus my wife, daughter and brother Gavin are all out here with me again.”
The two fighters will look to prove their supremacy once again and entertain boxing fans around the world on September 6.
“I think it will be a fast paced fight,” said McDonnell. “I started too slowly last time and I don’t want that to happen again. I believe I will stop him late.. I took him into the trenches last time but I didn’t put it on him enough. I think I will make a big statement.”
“I will look to prepare shots to score points and be victorious,” said Kameda. “If the knockout comes, I will take it. Most important is to get the victory and we will do what we have to do to win. I will not let him back in the fight later on. This time I will start strong and finish him and not let off the gas until I am champion again.”
# # #
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $109, $93, $49, $38 and $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office or by calling Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.americanbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing @AnthonyDirrell, @MAVenenoRubio, @JamieMcDonnell1, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports,  @WarriorsBoxingProm, @LeijaBattahPR, @AmericanBankCtr and @Swanson_Comm,
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

TOP NORTHEAST PROSPECTS SHOWCASED ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT

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PETER QUILLIN TAKES ON MICHAEL ZERAFA
IN FEATURED PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC BOUT
AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT
 
Action Begins Inside the Arena at 1 p.m. ET!
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (August 31, 2015) – Some of the top prospects from the Northeast including undefeated super featherweight Bryant “Pee Wee” Cruz (15-0, 8 KOs) will be showcased on a stacked undercard Saturday, September 12 live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT with the first bout beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
The September 12 Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card is headlined by undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) taking on Michael “Pretty Boy” Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout with world title implications on the line for former world champion Quillin. Super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) will defend his title against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) in the co-main event. Live coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on NBC.
As part of the previously announced featured undercard bouts, two of the most promising prospects in boxing will put their undefeated records on the line as 2012 U.S. Olympian and highly-touted light heavyweight “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs), takes on former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs), and undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno (22-0, 12 KOs) meets Poland’s Lukas Maciec (22-2-1, 5 KOs).
The Browne or Centeno fight could end up as a swing bout for the NBC broadcast pending the outcome of the two scheduled televised bouts.
Fighting on the non-televised portion of the undercard are top prospects representing New England, New York and Washington D.C.
The Undefeated super featherweight Cruz, fighting out of Port Chester, NY, puts his perfect record on the line in an eight-round bout.
Popular New York City super featherweight Gary Stark Jr.  (24-3, 8 KOs) will be gunning for his second straight win of his comeback bid against former African champion Anthony Napunyi (15-15, 6 KOs) in a six-round match.
Washington D.C. super featherweight Antonio Russell (3-0, 2 KOs), the younger brother of reigning world super featherweight champion and 2008 U.S. Olympian Gary Russell, Jr., will compete in a six-round bout while undefeated super bantamweight world champion Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (14-0, 1 KO) squares off against former Youth champion Brittany “Pretty Girl” Cruz (10-6-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-round non-title fight.
Also fighting on the undercard in a four-round matchup is Elmont, NY super featherweight Titus Williams (1-0), a 2013 New York Golden Gloves champion, taking on Benjamin Burgos (2-12-1), and a four-round featherweight bout featuring Timmy Ramos (1-0, 1 KO) of Framingham, MA.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingcghampions.com, www.dbe1.com andwww.nbcnbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate, @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing Champions,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

LEO SANTA CRUZ WINS BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES OVER ABNER MARES IN MEMORABLE SHOWDOWN ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FROM STAPLES CENTER 

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In Co-Main Event Julio Ceja Stops Hugo Ruiz In Super Bantamweight Bout
 
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
Credit: Suzanne Teresa, Premier Boxing Champions
 
Los Angeles, CA (August 29, 2015) – In a battle of Southern California featherweights, Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz, (31-0-1, 17 KOs) defeated Abner Mares, (29-2-1, 15 KOs) by majority decision in a fight reminiscent of Mexican wars between boxing legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales on Saturday night. Scores tallied 117-111 twice and 114-114 in front of a raucous crowd of 13,109 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN main event.
With savage uppercuts and brutal power shots from the opening bell, the combatants threw more than 2,000 punches combined with Santa Cruz connecting 35 percent of his total 1,050 punches and Mares connecting 23 percent of his 980 total punches.
In the third round, Mares was cut from an accidental head-butt, with blood sporadically continuing to pour throughout the fight. Santa Cruz took advantage of the distracted Mares in the fourth drilling him with body shots. During the fifth stanza a second accidental head-butt opened an additional cut on the forehead of Mares.
Mares fought his way back into the fight in the sixth and seventh rounds, but Santa Cruz caught a much needed second win starting in the eighth and swept the championship rounds. The fight’s brutal ebbs and flows culminated in a epic 12th round with Santa Cruz and Mares throwing non-stop power shots to close the fight.
Opening the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN telecast Julio Ceja, (30-1, 27 KOs), of Tianepantia, Mexico won with a sensational fifth round stoppage of Hugo Ruiz, (35-2, 30 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico. Ceja suffered a third round knockdown but came back to floor Ruiz in round five and earned the victory after swarming the staggered Ruiz. Time of the stoppage was 2:34.
Undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro Luna, (19-0, 14KOs), of Bellflower, California, dominated and stopped veteran Sergio Lopez, (18-9-1,12 KOs) in the fourth round. A barrage of punches resulted in the onslaught being stopped at the
:34 mark.

To the roar of the huge crowd at STAPLES Center, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, 24-5 (19KO’s), of Mexicali, Mexico, battered Hector Munoz, (22-16-1 (14KO’s) over five rounds of their scheduled ten round clash. With power punches from all angles, Angulo bloodied Munoz and dropped him in the fifth. Following that stanza, Munoz did not come out for round six with Angulo being awarded the well-deserved victory.

Local fan favorite Jessie Roman (20-2, 9 KOs) continued to impress with a dominant eight round unanimous decision over Huntington Beach, California’s Hector Serrano, 17-5 (5KO’s). Dropping Serrano in the seventh, Roman went on to win a unanimous decision by scores of 79-72 on all three scorecards.
Fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Brian Castano, 13-0 (9KO’s) was awarded a victory by disqualification over Jonathan Batista, 14-7, (7KO’s) at the 1:15 mark of the fifth round. After being dropped in the second round, Batista continuously resorted to low blows over the balance of the bout. Points were deducted from Batista three times over the third and fourth rounds before another low blow in the fifth resulted in the stoppage.
Middleweight prospect Alan Castano of Buenos Aires, Argentina making his U.S. debut improved to 9-0, (6KO’s) with a fourth round knockout of the valiant Thomas Howard, 8-5 (4KO’s) of Trenton, Michigan. Although not knocked down, Howard absorbed the full array of punches from Castano prior to the bout being stopped at the 2:11 mark of the fourth stanza.
Welterweights were featured in a six round bout as welterweight Anthony Flores, (9-0, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, California won a majority decision over Curtis Morton, (3-5-3) of Harlem, NY. The battle featuring excellent two-way action throughout was scored 58-56 twice for Flores and 57-57.
In a scheduled ten round super middleweight bout, contender Paul Mendez, (20-2-2, 10 KOs) dropped Andrik Saralegui (19-3, 15 KOs), of Los Mochis, New Mexcio, twice in the second round. The Delano, California native earned the stoppage, as Saralegui did not answer the bell for round three.
Bantamweights were featured in the second bout as Isaiah Najera (1-1), of Yakima, Washington upset the pro debuting Antonio Santa Cruz (0-1), of Los Angeles, California via majority decision. Scores were 39-37 twice for Najera and 38-38. Antonio is the younger cousin of headliner Leo Santa Cruz.
 
In theopening bout of the afternoon, a four round lightweight clash, Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, CA improved to 3-0 with a spirited unanimous decision over ManualRubalcava (2-14), of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Scores were 40-36 on all scorecards.
Here is what the fighters had to say:

Leo Santa Cruz:
“I was surprised Abner came out so strong. He came right at me but we figured him out and we got the win.
“I stayed outside with the jab. We were able to take control.
“My dad told me that we could beat him by boxing. We want to be aggressive but tonightwe had to box him too and that’s how we got it done.
“If he wants the rematch I’ll give him the rematch. I want to fight the best. I want the big fights.
“I’m very happy. This is a dream come true. I’m happy and excited and thankful to all of my fans who supported me.”
Abner Mares:
“It was a close fight, but I thought I won the fight. I thought I pulled it off.
“My plan was to box him, but I started out really fast. I felt good but my corner told me to box more, so I did that. It was a good fight.
“Leo is good. He’s a great fighter. I knew it was going to be a tough fight.
“I’m more than willing to have a rematch. It was a close fight. I knew he had never faced a fighter like me and he proved today he’s a great fighter.
“The fans were the winners tonight. It was a great fight for the fans. I think I deserve a rematch and I think the fans deserve another show.
“It was my mistake. I started really good, but along the way I changed my plan for some weird reason and I don’t know why I did it.”
Julio Ceja:
“I was well prepared, but I was surprised I got dropped. I felt mentally and physically good after that and I knew I was going to come back.
“At first it was difficult because Ruiz was moving too much, however I knew I was going to win.
“I hope Leo Santa Cruz goes back up to super bantamweight so I can fight him next.”
Alfredo Angulo:
“I feel really good. I worked and used my jab. I’ve never used my jab too much and tonight I tried to use it more and more and more.”
“When I fought in June, it had been a long time since I fought and I was fighting in a new weight class. To be honest, I was nervous and today I was more comfortable.”
“I could tell the the fans were behind me tonight and they motivate me to work even harder in each fight.”
Santa Cruz vs. Mares, a 12-round featherweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN on Saturday, August 29 aired live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and was promoted by TGB Promotions.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Leo Santa Cruz & Abner Mares Face-Off Before
PBC on ESPN Showdown Saturday Night at STAPLES Center
 
Click HERE For Photos From
Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LOS ANGELES (August 27, 2015) – With just days to go until their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN showdown, Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs)and Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs)faced-off at the final press conference at Club Nokia in Los Angeles Thursday before they enter the ring at STAPLES Center on Saturday, August 29.
Fighters participating on Saturday night’s undercard were also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference including exciting Mexican brawlers Hugo Ruiz (35-2, 31 KOs) andJulio Cesar Ceja (29-1, 26 KOs) who meet in a super bantamweight world title bout that opens the PBC on ESPN telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Joining them was undefeated Southern California prospect Alejandro Luna (18-0, 13 KOs) who also competes in undercard action, which begins in the arena at 2:05 p.m. PT Saturday.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $300, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“This is my dream since I was small. I wanted to be the main event and I worked hard for it. I never gave up. I’m so excited to be here in my hometown seeing my hard work paying off.
“I’m well prepared. This is the hardest fight of my career but that’s why I train hard. These are the fights I want because these are the fights the fans want.
“We’re going to go out with the intention of knocking him out. If we can’t, we’re still going to make a great fight for the fans and find a way to get the victory.
“I need this win for my legacy and to get to that next level. I’m here to fight the best.
“Every fighter has a weakness. When we get inside the ring we’re going to find it. We have a great game plan and it’s going to show on Saturday.
“I’m very motivated by keeping my 0 intact. I want to show the world that I deserve to fight the best. If I beat Abner, I can get to that next level. I’m very motivated to go out there and get the win.
“I think the crowd will be 50-50. We’re both from here so it’s going to be crazy. At the end of the fight it’s going to be rowdy. We’re excited that they’re showing love and we’ll give them a great fight.
“I can’t wait for Saturday night to give everybody a great show. You don’t want to miss it.”
ABNER MARES
“I think I’ve done enough talking. I’ve talked about how I’m going to beat him and I know I’m going to get it done.
“It’s here. I’m ready to put it to work. I’m going to do what I know how to do, which is fight and give it my all.
“I’m blessed to be here. I’m excited to be fighting at STAPLES Center. It shows all the hard work I’ve put in.
“I’m not worried about the crowd and who they’re rooting for. I’m there to make everybody a believer. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere and I can’t wait.
“I’ve definitely faced tougher opponents than he has. I’ve been in against legitimate champions. I’m taking him to deep waters.
“My loss is completely forgotten. In life you have obstacles, especially in this sport. I’m over it. I’m back. This is where I want to be. When I fight guys the level of Leo Santa Cruz it brings the best out of me.
“It’s time. It’s time to give everybody a “Fight of the Year”. There’s no doubt. I’m going to go in there and have fun.”
HUGO RUIZ
“I’ve worked very hard and conditioned myself to be my very best. This is what I’ve dreamed about since my pro debut. I made my debut eight years ago and this has always been on my list of goals and now I have that opportunity.
“My opponent is a great fighter. I’m a great fighter. This is everything that I covet. I want to thank Los Angeles for supporting these fighters.
“It gives me butterflies to think about the big stage on Saturday, but it is really an honor. I’m in spectacular condition to put on a great performance on Saturday.
“What Ceja and I will do on Saturday is put on a spectacular performance. I promise an amazing fight. The ring will be hot and ready for the main event.”
JULIO CESAR CEJA
“I’ve trained very hard and I’m very focused. My conditioning is fantastic. Being on this card means a lot because of two great Mexican warriors that are headlining.
“This is huge for three reasons: because it’s a world title, because I want to be victorious and because I am making my U.S. debut. This is all very important to me.
“The loss I suffered is in my past. I tossed it away and put it in the rear view mirror. My focus is strictly on this opportunity. I’m not going to have any excuses. I think I’m more motivated mentally, physically and spiritually than I was for my last world title challenge.
“I am glad that Hugo Ruiz is prepared because I am ready to put on a great performance Saturday. It will live up to the magnitude of this great event.
“It’s been an extensive training camp in Mexico and I’m focused and dedicated to showcasing my talents on Saturday.
“I can guarantee on Saturday the fans will get a great fight and a night of action.”
ALEJANDRO LUNA
“I’m really excited and grateful to be on this undercard. Mares and Santa Cruz are guys that I admire and look up to in this sport.
“It’s a little weird because I grew up in a cowboy family, but something about boxing captivated me as a kid. I went to the gym even though my dad didn’t want me to. I proved everyone wrong.
“I fought over a hundred amateur fights and now I’m here in this great position. My opponent is coming to fight. I’ve prepared myself one hundred percent. We’re here to give fireworks and you should expect fireworks.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Campillo and Cuello Training in Paradise

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Sampson Boxing Establishes Training Camp in U.S. Virgin Islands
Two Madrid-based fighters have traveled to a newly established 340 Boxing/Sampson Boxing training camp in the island paradise of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to prepare for their upcoming fights.
Sampson Boxing’s own former light heavyweight world champion and IBF #13-rated Gabriel “El Chico Guapo” Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs) and WBC #11-rated Luciano Leonel “El Principito” Cuello (35-3, 17 KOs) are working hard at the 340 Boxing Gym in St. Thomas, USVI with trainer Matias Antonio Gonzalez and two world-rated locals, John “Dah Rock” and Julius “The Chef” Jackson.
On Saturday, September 12 at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut, (and live on NBC) Campillo will face undefeated “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs) of Staten Island, New York, on the undercard of the Peter Quillin vs. Michael Zerafa event.
And on Tuesday, September 22, at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California, (and live on USA FOX Sports 1) Cuello will face undefeated Philadelphian Julian “J Rock” Williams (20-0-1, 12 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title.
“I wish to thank our generous sponsor, Cardow Jewelers, for their help with establishing this ‘training camp in paradise,'” said Lewkowicz. “I also wish to thank my valued partners in the Virgin Island, 340 Boxing. The two fighters are getting excellent work with the Jackson Brothers and their team and will be in fantastic shape for their fights.”
Both Campillo and Cuello are managed by former world champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez.
Sampson Boxing now currently maintains training camps in Las Vegas, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, the Virgin Islands and a full camp in Cebu City, Philippines, for Jonel “Kid Pacquiao” Dapidran.
ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANDRZEJ FONFARA & NATHAN CLEVERLY COLLIDE IN LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE RETURNS TO UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO ONFRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

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Tickets on Sale Now!
 
CHICAGO (August 26, 2015) – Bruising Polish star Andrzej Fonfara (27-3, 16 KOs) and former world champion Nathan Cleverly (29-2, 15 KOs) will meet in a 12-round light heavyweight battle as Premier Boxing Champions on Spike returns to UIC Pavilion in Chicago on Friday, October 16, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
 
Fonfara, a fan-favorite in Chicago, will be fighting at UIC Pavilion for the 14th time in his career and is fresh off a stunning performance against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in April of this year. He steps up again to fight a top light heavyweight in former world champion Cleverly and if he can get by this stiff test, he will be in a position to face all of the other top light heavyweights in this talent rich division.  
 
“I’m excited to return to my hometown of Chicago on this big fight night against a world class fighter like Nathan Cleverly,” said Fonfara. “This will be a tough fight for both of us. Cleverly is a solid fighter and it’s no fluke that he was a world champion and that he defended his belt so many times. Our fighting styles guarantee that everyone can expect fireworks on October 16th. I want this fight to be a quick stop on my way to a rematch with Adonis Stevenson.”
 
“This is a major platform for me to prove that I am more than capable of becoming world champion again,” said Cleverly. “If I beat Fonfara it’s a doorway fight to the world title and establishing myself as one of the best light heavyweights once again. Fonfara is a good fighter. He’s tall, has power and has moved up through the levels in his career. I am looking forward to coming over to Chicago and I am very confident that our styles will blend well for a really exciting fight.
 
“Spike has been the home to some of boxing’s most exciting bouts of 2015 including Marco Huck vs. Krzysztof Glowacki and Andre Berto vs. Josesito Lopez,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports, Spike. “We feel this trend will continue as Andrzej Fonfara vs. Nathan Cleverly is an equally matched fight that will bring a ton of action.”
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $151, $101, $51, $41 and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
 
Born in Warsaw, Poland, but fighting now out of Chicago, Fonfara will look to take advantage of a supportive atmosphere on October 16 as he returns to UIC Pavilion. After racking up victories over Tommy Karpency, Gabriel Campillo and Doudou Ngumbu, the 27-year-old took down his biggest name when he stopped Chavez Jr. in the ninth-round on April 18. With 13 of his last 15 wins coming by way of knockout, Fonfara will no doubt deliver a great fight for fans on October 16.
 
A former world champion with a strong resume that includes victories over Tony Bellew, Karo Murat, Tommy Karpency and Nadjib Mohammedi, the Welsh Cleverly hopes to make an impact in his third career fight in the U.S. The 28-year-old made five defenses of his light heavyweight crown and is coming off of an early stoppage of Tomas Man in May.
 
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @NathanClev, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo and www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN – LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. ABNER MARES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Leo Santa Cruz & Abner Mares Headline PBC on ESPN Live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa
 
LOS ANGELES (August 26, 2015) – Boxing fans and media members gathered at Placita Olvera in Los Angeles Wednesday as fight week kicked-off for Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN headlined by Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) taking on Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs) on Saturday, August 29 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with a super bantamweight world title fight between Hugo Ruiz (35-2, 31 KOs)and Julio Cesar Ceja (29-1, 26 KOs).Mexican brawler and Southern California favorite Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (23-5, 19 KOs)worked out for the fans that came out to Placita Olvera before he takes on Hector Munoz (23-15, 15 KOs) Saturday night.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $300, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“We both have a lot to prove. Neither of us wants to lose. I know he’s really hungry to get the victory. I don’t want my first defeat so I’m going to go out there and put a show on.
“I have to pressure him and stay on top of him. I have to do what I always do. If that doesn’t work, we have different plans. We know the way to victory.
“This is a huge fight for Los Angeles. Everyone in the city has wanted us to fight and now they’re going to get it.
“We’re excited and happy to give the fans a great fight. At the end, the best man will win.
“You’re going to see a lot of action. I train hard to bring action. That’s what I do. We’re going to break him down little by little.
“No one wants to lose. We’re going to leave everything in the ring. When two Mexicans fight each other it’s always bloody. We both have everything to lose.
“Fight by fight I’ve been learning and picking up new things. I am definitely a brawler but I can box too. I want to finish my opponent once I get in there.”
ABNER MARES
“It feels good to be fighting in my hometown. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to fight here in Los Angeles. Headlining at STAPLES Center means the world to me and my fans. I can’t wait for August 29.
“I’m going up against a young, undefeated, talented and strong Leo Santa Cruz. He’s never tasted defeat. All of that motivates me to go in there and be the first one to take him down.
“I’m past my loss and I’m looking toward a fourth world title and making history in this sport.
“Being in Los Angeles means so much to me personally. I work so hard for these opportunities. But it’s for everybody, my family, my fans and everyone. I work hard in the gym every day for them.
“My experience is going to be the difference in this fight. I’ve faced tougher opponents and been a three-time champion. Every time that I fight someone at this level, it brings the best out of Abner Mares.
“Everything I overcame has brought me here and made me the person that I am. I’m more determined now than I’ve ever been.
“I have to win. My gameplan is to get the win. I am in there to destroy. I know what I have to do.
“Anything is possible. He has a lot of talents but I’m going to take what comes my way and put in a great performance.”
HUGO RUIZ
“Winning this fight means everything. I am prepared for a great performance.
“I’m very happy and very motivated for this fight. I’m ready for Saturday night.
“Ceja is a great fighter but we prepared one hundred percent to win this. It’s going to be the best of Mexican boxing.”
JULIO CESAR CEJA
“This is a big opportunity for me and I am coming to knock Ruiz out. That is the plan.
“I want to be world champion. It is right in front of me. My time is here and I know I have the skills to get there.
“This is going to be a great fight for the fans. We are going to exchange and show our heart and the best man is going to win.”
ALFREDO ANGULO
“I’m honored to be part of a card of this magnitude. After my last victory I took one week off and got right back in the gym.
“Santa Cruz vs. Mares is great because I know that when two Mexicans get in the ring, they leave their heart and soul in there. I’m excited to put on a show for the fans in the arena Saturday and be part of a historic night.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.comand www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter andwww.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.