Tag Archives: Roberto Garcia

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

SUPERSTARS ADRIEN BRONER AND SHAWN PORTER MEET IN ACTION-PACKED SHOWDOWN AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS RETURNS TO NBC PRIMETIME SATURDAY, JUNE 20 FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

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Also featuring 2012 U.S. Olympian and rising star Errol Spence Jr.

Taking On Roberto Garcia

 

PBC on NBC Coverage Starts at 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

 

LAS VEGAS (May 15, 2015) – A highly anticipated showdown between former world champions Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) and “Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) headlines the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC primetime event Saturday, June 20 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

Also on the card, the undefeated Errol Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) puts his record on the line against hard-hitting veteran Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 23 KOs) in the biggest challenge of his young career.  The PBC on NBC action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

 

“It’s time for AB on NBC and I can’t wait for the opportunity,” said Broner. “This is a great fight that the fans wanted and I wanted. I’m going to come prepared and I’m going to put on a show. I’ve never lost at MGM Grand and I don’t plan on starting now. Porter is a strong guy but he’s never been in the ring with someone like me.”

 

“I feel like this fight is what the PBC is all about – bringing big fights to network TV and this is one of the biggest so far,” said Porter. “I am excited to be the headliner against Adrien Broner. I’m always ready for a fight and facing Adrien is definitely going to be a challenge, but I’ve watched his career, even in the amateurs and I know he can be beat. I’m also looking forward to fighting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. We moved to Las Vegas for opportunities like this and I would love to make MGM Grand my home.”

 

“I’m excited to have the chance to fight Roberto Garcia,” said Spence Jr. “He is a great fighter and I’m happy to have an opportunity to fight on this huge card. It is definitely the biggest opportunity of my career so far and I won’t disappoint.”

 

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and showcase my skills on the biggest stage,” said Garcia. “Spence Jr. is a strong up and coming fighter but I have experience on my side and I’m going to show it on June 20th.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes go on sale Monday, May 18. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available atwww.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

“Mayweather Promotions is looking forward to promoting this major event on NBC, and taking part in furthering the effort to bring boxing back to larger mainstream audiences” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “The fights set for the June 20th card showcase some of the best talent in the sport and we expect nothing less than an entertaining night of boxing that you won’t want to miss.”

 

“We are looking forward to presenting another exciting primetime PBC show on NBC,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC and NBCSN. “With Adrien Broner returning to the big stage against Shawn Porter plus Errol Spence facing Roberto Garcia, we are expecting some pre-Fourth of July fireworks.”

 

One of boxing’s biggest stars, Broner, the 25-year old phenom who has collected world titles at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, is looking to add another win to his impressive resume. The Cincinnati-born star scored a dominant victory over John Molina Jr. on March 7 at MGM Grand and will look to return to the same big stage and take down his fellow Ohio-native Porter. Broner has prevailed over the likes of Paulie Malignaggi, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Antonio Demarco on the way to becoming a three-division champion.

 

An athletic marvel, the 27-year-old Porter is eager to keep his momentum going after scoring a fifth-round knockout over Erick Bone on the inaugural March 13 PBC on Spike fight. The Akron-native dominated Devon Alexander in December 2013 to win his previously held world title. He followed that up by overpowering former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi with a fourth round stoppage in April 2014.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who had a highly decorated amateur career, the 25-year-oldSpence Jr. will look to remain undefeated when he steps into the ring for the biggest challenge of his career. The Desoto, Texas born fighter was dominant in his PBC debut onApril 11 as he defeated Samuel Vargas by fifth-round knockout.

 

A veteran of the sport for nearly 15 years, the 35-year-old Garcia has racked up nine straight victories and will look to extend that streak to 10 when he faces Spence Jr. onJune 20. The Weslaco, Texas native has most recently put together wins over Victor Manuel Cayo, Breidis Prescott and a unanimous decision victory over James Stevenson on the April 24 PBC card.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @AmenazaGarcia, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

BADOU JACK DEFEATS ANTHONY DIRRELL BY MAJORITY DECISION ON SPIKE FROM CHICAGO’S UIC PAVILION

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DANIEL JACOBS KNOCKS OUT CALEB TRUAX IN A THRILLER

 

ROBERTO GARCIA SECURES WIN OVER JAMES STEVENSON

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Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

CHICAGO (April 25, 2015) – Premier boxing Champions took Chicago by stormFriday night with an exhilarating fight card featuring three captivating fights on Spike from the UIC Pavilion.

 

The televised opener showcased Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 23 KOs) getting an eight-round unanimous decision win over James Stevenson (22-2, 15 KOs). The first main event saw Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-2, 26 KOs) in a 12thround knockout win over the hard-nosed Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-2-2, 15 KOs). The night’s second main event featured Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) earning a majority decision over Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-1-1, 22 KOs).

 

Below are comments offered by the televised fighters as they discussed their performances tonight:

 

ANTHONY DIRRELL

 

“He fought a great fight tonight.

 

“I want a rematch.”

 

BADOU JACK

 

“I was in great shape for tonight and I believed in myself. All the talk from Dirrell and his camp never got to me.

 

“Nothing he did tonight frustrated me. He’s a good fighter, and I didn’t fight a perfect fight, but I got the win.

 

“I knew they couldn’t rob me. I thought I clearly won. I had a tough start to my career, but I re-focused myself with my team and got back on track.

 

“It’s a blessing to be part of PBC. Bringing boxing back to primetime is incredible for the sport. I’m not even from this country originally, but I have lots of fans here and this series will only help me gain more.

 

“I want George Groves next.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“I was in tremendous shape for this fight. I knew I was ready to go 12 rounds. He’s a veteran when it comes to fighting down the stretch, so I had to be prepared.

 

“At the end of the sixth round I hit him with a right that caused him to stumble into the ropes. I wasn’t sure at that moment if he was really hurt, or if he was just playing opossum. My corner let me know when I really had him hurt though and I took advantage.

 

“He didn’t hold as much as I thought he might. I’m glad it turned out that way, but I was prepared for it if he did.

 

“He was physically stronger than I thought he’d be, but he never really hurt me tonight.

 

“PBC is an unbelievable outlet for us boxers. My hope is that I can continue to grow my brand and become a star inside and outside of the sport of boxing.

 

“I’m out to prove that I’m the best in this division. I want whoever Al (Haymon) says next.”

 

CALEB TRUAX

 

“I wanted to pressure him, but I couldn’t get my punches off the way I wanted to. His movement was great and it was just an off night for me.

 

“I couldn’t get him to engage me and I think that ended up winning him the fight.

 

“There were a couple good shots that buzzed me, but no shots that really hurt me all that much. There were no devastating blows or anything. A fighter always wants to continue on, but the ref did his job.

 

“PBC is fantastic for bringing in casual fans who wouldn’t have otherwise watched our fights. This is truly groundbreaking. After a fight like that I hope that more and more fans will continue tuning in.

 

“I’m heading back to the gym to put in hard work. Hopefully I’ll be back on another PBC card against whoever Warriors and Al (Haymon) say.”

 

ROBERTO GARCIA

 

“I felt like Stevenson was just trying to survive, whereas I was trying to win. I could tell that my punches were bothering him. I could hear him breathing very heavily.

 

“I was just trying to get back to it tonight. My last fight was almost nine months ago here in this same venue. I needed to get this fight under my belt to keep up my drive and continue working toward the goal.

 

“I usually have to chase the guys I’m fighting. Even with the punchers like (Antonio) Margarito I end up having to chase them down. I took all that previous experience and used it tonight. It basically felt like a sparring session for me.

 

“PBC is an incredible opportunity for fighters like myself and I plan on continuing to take advantage of it.

 

“I have a great team behind me and we’re just interested in moving forward. I’m ready for a big step though. I want Shawn Porter next. I made a commitment to fight him, and I plan on sticking to that.”

 

JAMES STEVENSON

 

“Nothing he was doing was really getting to me. The fact is, I took this fight on a week and a half notice. I honestly thought I pulled it off. Everyone knows who really won tonight.

 

“I was getting in a groove, but then my back started hurting me and that took me out of it a little bit.

 

“PBC gives fighters like me a chance to showcase my skills to so many more people than we’ve been used to.

 

“I’m ready for all takers in my weight class. I’m heading back to the gym immediately and I’ll be ready for whatever’s next.”

 

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The card was co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Mayweather Promotions. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @WarriorsBoxProm, @MayweatherPromo and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo,www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Photo Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

CHICAGO (April 22, 2015) – Fight week officially kicked-off Wednesday in Chicago as fighters on the Premier Boxing Champions on Spike fight card participated in the final press conference before entering the ring on Friday, April 24 at UIC Pavilion.

 

The night of fights features Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-0-1, 22 KOs) battling Badou Jack “The Ripper” (18-1, 12 KOs) and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (28-1, 25 KOs) taking on Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-1-2, 15 KOs). The televised action on Spike begins at 9 ET/8 CT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $151, $101, $51, 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.).

 

Here are what the press conference participants had to say:

 

ANTHONY DIRRELL

 

“I’m a better fighter now because I’m working harder. You have to work harder to stay at this level. Now everybody is gunning for you because you have what they want.

 

“I’m glad that because of this platform, everybody knows what I’ve been through now. People can see that anything is possible. Going through something like defeating cancer has helped me achieve my dreams.

 

“Badou Jack is a good fighter, but he hasn’t fought a guy like me.

 

“On Friday night I just have to hope that Jack doesn’t run. I want him to stand in there with me and we’ll see who’s better. I’m going to test his chin like nobody else has.”

 

BADOU JACK

 

“I had the best training camp I’ve ever had and I’m ready to bring the title back to Las Vegas.

 

“I don’t do the social media trash talking, I save it for the ring and on Friday I’m going to show the world why I deserve to be world champion.

 

“I respect Anthony Dirrell for winning the fight against cancer. I lost two of my amateur trainers to that disease and I’ll be dedicating this fight to them.

 

“His team likes to bark and talk a lot of trash but they can’t fight for him. Come Friday night it’s just going to be the two of us in the ring.

 

“I don’t bark, I don’t talk trash, I let my fists do the talking.

 

“Opportunities like this don’t always come around and I will make sure I don’t let this one slip away.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“Fighting here in Chicago serves as extra motivation for me. I’ve always been the guy fans favored at Barclays Center, and I may have gotten a little spoiled. So I’m excited to be the guy that people want to see lose. Truax will probably have a larger crowd supporting him, and those fans will motivate me to be stronger and fight better on Friday.

 

“People love a great story. I’m extremely proud of my story and for having beat cancer, but let’s not forget about my skill set.

 

“Truax can say he’s tired of hearing about ‘The Miracle Man’ all he wants, but he shouldn’t be thinking about my cancer when we get in the ring. He should just fear me. I’m going to be a cancer to him once we start fighting.

 

“I’m not saying I’m going to knock him out. I’m just saying I’m going to win because that’s what I came to do. I’ll take a win however I can get it.”

 

CALEB TRUAX

 

“This is a huge fight and a huge opportunity for me. It’s a career-changer and life-changer for my career in boxing. I’ve got to be smart in this fight.

 

“I couldn’t be in any better shape right now. Physically I’m mature at 31-years-old. This is the right spot for me and a great opportunity.

 

“I want to thank all of my fans and you should expect to see a lot of people from Minnesota coming down to see me. It’s going to be great to celebrate with all of them.”

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AnthonyDirrell, @BadouJack, @DanielJacobsTKO, @GoldenCalebT, @WarriorsBoxProm, @MayweatherPromo and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

BOXING HALL OF FAMER JOE CALZAGHE TO SERVE AS GUEST ANALYST FOR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TV FIGHT CARD AT UIC PAVILION TAKING PLACE FRIDAY, APRIL 24 IN CHICAGO

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CHICAGO (April 21, 2015) – International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Joe “Pride of Whales” Calzaghe has been added to the broadcast team as a special analyst for the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike TV April 24 fight card taking place at Chicago’s UIC Pavilion.

Before retiring in 2009, Calzaghe set the record as the longest continuously reigning world champion in the history of boxing, making more than 21 defenses of his super middleweight title along the way. When Calzaghe finally hung up the gloves he had amassed an astonishing unblemished record of 46-0, 32 KOs that featured notable wins over Mikkel Kessler, Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.

Calzaghe will enter the booth for Spike TV to help analyze the first main event of the evening featuring Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (28-1, 25 KOs) as he faces Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-1-2, 15 KOs), followed by the second televised bout of the evening between Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-0-1, 22 KOs) and challenger Badou Jack “The Ripper” (18-1, 12 KOs).

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Tickets for the live event, which is co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $151, $101, $51, 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.).

The televised action on Spike TV begins at 9 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT (delayed on the west coast).

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AnthonyDirrell, @BadouJack, @DanielJacobsTKO, @GoldenCalebT, @WarriorsBoxProm, @MayweatherPromo and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

FAN FAVORITES ROBERTO GARCIA & ARTUR SZPILKA SHINE AT UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, APRIL 24

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PLUS, UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS & LOCAL FAVORITES ROUND OUT A FULL NIGHT OF UNDERCARD ACTION AS

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TAKES OVER CHICAGO

 

CHICAGO (April 20, 2015) – A slew of local favorites and exciting fighters come to UIC Pavilion in Chicago on Friday, April 24 as part of a stacked undercard topped by hard-punching Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (36-3, 23 KOs) battling James Stevenson(22-1, 15 KOs) in the first televised bout and heavyweight bruiser Artur Szpilka (17-1, 12 KOs) taking on Ty Cobb (18-6, 10 KOs).

 

These exciting undercard bouts will precede the Premier Boxing Champions on Spike doubleheader featuring Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-0-1, 22 KOs) battling Badou Jack “The Ripper” (18-1, 12 KOs) and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (28-1, 25 KOs) taking on Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-1-2, 15 KOs) The televised action on Spike TV begins at 9 ET/8 CT.

 

Keith Tapia (13-0) will be showcased in an eight-round cruiserweight bout,  Ramiro Carrillo (7-0, 4 KOs) takes on Ramon Guevara (10-23-2, 6 KOs) in four-rounds of welterweight action, Maciej Suiecki (19-0, 4 KOs)faces Daryl Cunningham (30-7, 11 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight fight and Semajay Thomas (5-0, 3 KOs) goes up against Jose Santiago (3-5, 3 KOs).

 

Remaining undercard fights will pit Alex Martin (7-0, 5 KOs) against Jonathan Garcia(4-12) in an eight-round welterweight bout, Ricky Edwards (5-0, 2 KOs) fighting Javier Garcia (6-8-1, 2 KOs) in six-rounds of junior welterweight action, Joe F. Quezada (5-0, 4 KOs) battling Edgardo Torres (2-3, 2 KOs) in a six-round lightweight attraction andEddie Ramirez (7-0, 5 KOs) facing Mario Hermosillo (12-19-4, 2 KOs) in a six-round junior welterweight bout.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $151, $101, $51, 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.).

 

A veteran of the sport for nearly 15 years, Garcia is looking for his ninth consecutive victory when he fights at UIC Pavilion for the third time on April 24. Born in Mexico, but having moved to Weslaco, Texas at a young age, Garcia was able to pile up enough wins to eventually earn himself a shot at former world champion Antonio Margarito. While he lost that decision, Garcia has rebounded nicely on his curreny hot streak, which includes wins over Breidis Prescott and Victor Manuel Cayo. Garcia will take on the 32-year-oldStevenson out of Baltimore.

 

With only one loss to the undefeated Bryant Jennings on his record, the 26-year-oldSzpilka will look to build on his most recent victory, a unanimous decision in Nov. 2014 over heavyweight star Tomas Adamek. Born in Wieliczka, Poland, he has made a name for himself in Chicago having fought there twice before and picking up knockout victories each time. He will be challenged by the 39-year-old Cobb, out of Wichita Falls, Texas.

 

An undefeated cruiserweight prospect, the 24-year-old Tapia turned pro in 2011 and has not lost since. Fighting out of Santurce, Puerto Rico, he will face the 32-year-old Williamswho fights out of Jackson, Michigan.

 

Having fought four times before at UIC Pavilion, the 24-year-old Carrillo will hope to have the home crowd behind him when he goes for his eighth professional win on April 24. His opponent is the 31-year-old Guevara who was born in the Dominican Republic but fights out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

 

Eager to make his U.S. debut on April 24, the 25-year-old Sulecki has never lost since turning pro in 2010. Fighting out of Warsaw, Poland he faces Daryl Cunningham out of Detroit.

 

A young undefeated prospect and just 22-years-old, Ramirez makes his fourth straight start at UIC Pavilion on April 24. He was a Chicago Golden Gloves champion and a National Golden Gloves runner-up. Born in Aurora, Illinois, Ramirez will face the 28-year-old Hermosillo out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.

 

Another young, undefeated prospect, Edwards fights for the first time outside of his home state of New Jersey for the first time on April 24. The 24-year-old from Paterson will take on the 32-year-old Garcia out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 

Another staple of UIC Pavilion, all five of Quezada‘s pro victories have come at UIC Pavilion. A 25-year-old out of Alsip, Illinois, he will look to remain undefeated when he takes on the 28-year-old Torres from Vineland, New Jersey.

 

Making his fourth consecutive start at UIC Pavilion in his hometown of Chicago, the highly regarded Thomas will look to start 2015 with his sixth professional win. The 22-year-old was an accomplished amateur who was the 2011 USA Boxing National Champion. His next challenge is Santiago out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AnthonyDirrell, @BadouJack, @DanielJacobsTKO, @GoldenCalebT, @WarriorsBoxProm, @MayweatherPromo and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANDRE BERTO STOPS JOSESITO LOPEZ IN DEBUT PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE TV SHOW IN FRONT OF A BOISTEROUS CROWD AT CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIF.

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SHAWN PORTER GETS THE STOPPAGE AGAINST AN IMPRESSIVE ERICK BONE

 

HEAVYWEIGHT CHIRS ARREOLA WINS A UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST A TOUGH CURTIS HARPER

ONTARIO, CALIF. (March 13, 2015) – The first Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card on Spike TV delivered on it’s promise to bring fight fans a great night of boxing match-ups.  The night’s main event featured Andre “The Beast” Berto (30-3, 23 KOs), who recorded an impressive stoppage of Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez (33-7, 19 KOs) in front of a very lively crowd at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

 

The opening televised bout saw Shawn “Showtime” Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) stop a spirited Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs), who was tabbed to fill in as the last-minute replacement for Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia.

 

In the swing bout, heavyweight sensation Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) managed to win a hard fought battle against Curtis Harper (12-4, 8 KOs). It appeared that the bout was destined for early stoppage after a near KO by Arreola in the first round. However, Harper was able to compose himself and force the fight to go the distance.

 

Below are some notable comments from the televised fighters regarding their performance tonight:

 

ANDRE BERTO

 

“I thought I did OK tonight. I was getting in my groove those first couple rounds, and then I realized he couldn’t hurt me. Then I let my hands go.

 

“The jab kept him away. I was using it to beat him up and get to his face. I was catching him with the jab all night. I felt strong after that first time I knocked him down.

 

“Josesito is a tough fighter. He took all my jabs and more.

 

“This is an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait for the numbers. They’ll show that PBC is for real.

 

“I don’t know what’s next just yet. I’m going to relax with my family and then talk to Al Haymon and see what he has in store for me.”

 

JOSESITO LOPEZ

 

“I wasn’t 100% tonight. I ruined my left hand in the third round. I just wasn’t at my best. I had opportunities. I just couldn’t get to him.

 

“I wasn’t doing much well for the ability that I have. I just couldn’t snap off the punches that I wanted to. He was there to get hit, but I couldn’t get it done.

 

“The first knockdown he caught me and I rolled my ankle a little, but I was fine. This stoppage was 10 times worse than the Maidana stoppage. I wasn’t unstable or hurt tonight and I could have kept going.

 

“Berto is just tough. I didn’t see anything that I couldn’t beat though. If it wasn’t for the stoppage then I think I could have beat him. He was resilient, but his jabs weren’t great.

 

“I want to keep fighting the best. Losing sucks and I wasn’t ready for it tonight. I bring out my best when I fight the best.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“I thought I gave a great performance tonight, but I could have done a better job of listening to what my corner was asking of me. I could have been a lot sharper tonight.

 

“The faints worked for me. We wanted to mix it up and set him up with the jab. Once I got to his body it was over. My mistake was taking shots to give shots.

 

“Bone was impressive on tape, but I wasn’t really sure what to expect tonight. He was strong and quick though. He came to fight.

 

“I don’t know what happened with Garcia. I think it’s unprofessional not making weight. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family though because I know they were looking forward to tonight.

 

“We did it our way tonight. I hope I was able to please the fans. At the end of the day we’re going to learn from what happened here tonight.

 

“I’m not sure what’s next, but I’m healthy and ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible. We’ll take all comers.”

 

ERICK BONE

 

“Everything was going well and then in the second round my knee gave out and it affected my performance the rest of the fight. I don’t want to make any excuses though. I tried to give it my all.

 

“I normally fight at 140. So again I don’t want to make excuses, but my opponent had a lot of leverage tonight.

 

“Tonight I learned to stick to my weight class at 140. It’s very tough to jump a weight class overnight, but I did what I could.

 

“It’s an honor to be showcased like this. Where I come from these things don’t happen very often and I consider this a blessing.

 

“We’re going to keep fighting at 140. Whoever they want to put in front of me at 140 I’ll welcome the fight.”

 

CHRIS ARREOLA

 

“I give myself a “D” overall tonight. I just wasn’t throwing enough combos.

 

“Whenever I threw punches it was working for me. I just have to stay more active in the ring.

 

“Harper is a tough man. I caught him with a lot of good punches and he hung in there very well.

 

“PBC has a great new platform for the masses to see me do what I do. It’s great to have the sport of boxing back in primetime!

 

“I want to get back in the ring the sooner the better. I’m ready to get back in the gym and work as soon as possible.”

 

CURTIS HARPER

 

“I came in sluggish. I’ve got to perform better. All the action in the first round did help to get the nerves out of the way though.

 

“I was doing well establishing the jab, but I need to move my head more. I was too patient overall. I’ve got to be more aggressive.

 

“Chris is a tough, strong kid. Considering where he’s been and who he’s fought I think I did well tonight.

 

“I’m blessed and happy to be here on this stage. I’d love to keep fighting on PBC cards.

 

“Thanks to PBC and all the fans. This is another day and another dollar, but I’m ready for more.”

 

# # #

 

The fight card was promoted by Goossen Promotions. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing and www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

HEAVYWEIGHT STAR CHRIS ARREOLA SET TO MAKE RETURN ONMARCH 13 FROM THE CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIF.

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ONTARIO, CALIF (Feb. 27, 2015) – Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (35-4, 31 KOs) returns to the ring on Friday, March 13 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.

 

The action-packed card features a pair of exciting main events as Andre Berto goes up against Josesito Lopez and Shawn Porter battles Roberto Garcia on the debut of PBC on Spike TV. The televised bouts on Spike TV begin at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“I’m itching to get back in the ring and show that I’m still going after my dream of being heavyweight champion of the world,” said Arreola. “This is a wonderful platform for me to fight with Premier Boxing Champions and I couldn’t be more excited to fight in front of my fans here in California.”

 

Born in Escondido, Calif. but fighting out of Los Angeles, Arreola has long been one of the most feared punchers in the heavyweight division. He was a 2001 National Golden Gloves champion who turned pro in 2003 and slowly began his rise up the heavyweight rankings. In 2009, having already captured a number of regional belts, Arreola challenged Vitali Klitschko for the heavyweight world title at Staples Center in Los Angeles. He took the champ deep into the fight before retiring in the tenth round, but he did not let that deter him from continuing towards his championship goals.

 

After dropping a tough decision to Tomasz Adamek in 2010, Arreola pushed his way back into title contention with six-straight victories before he got a chance against Bermane Stiverne in 2013. In their first fight, Arreola lost a unanimous decision but earned himself another fight against Stiverne, this time for the heavyweight world championship. In an action-packed fight, Arreola was stopped in the sixth-round.

 

Now, Arreola looks to return to his winning ways in a familiar setting. This will be the 33-year-old’s fifth time fighting at Citizen’s Business Bank Arena and his tenth time fighting in Ontario, Calif. If his winning ways return, he could put himself back in the world title mix.

 

The fight card is promoted by Goossen Promotions, which has promoted all of Arreola’s professional fights.

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.axs.com.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreBerto, @JosesitoLopez, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AmenazaGarcia and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing andwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANTONIO TARVER AND JIMMY SMITH NAMED COLOR ANALYSTS FOR “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” SERIES ON SPIKE TV

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New York, NY, February 19, 2015 – Spike TV has added some serious punch to their “Premier Boxing Champions” series announce-team. Five-time, two-division world champion boxer Antonio Tarver and popular Bellator announcer and former professional MMA fighter, Jimmy Smith, will serve as color analysts for Spike TV’s inaugural season of “Premier Boxing Champions.”
Spike TV’s first “Premier Boxing Champions” event will take place on Friday, March 13 at 9:00pm ET/PT from the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. The event will showcase two marquee match-ups including Andre Berto vs. Josesito Lopez and Shawn Porter vs. Robert Garcia. Spike will announce the color commentator shortly.
Tarver and Smith complete Spike’s “Premier Boxing Champions” announce team which includes Dana Jacobson as host and Scott Hansen as blow-by-blow announcer.
“We are thrilled to add two dynamic and knowledgeable voices who each possess their own unique perspectives of combat sports,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports and Branded Entertainment. “Antonio delivers a huge personality with a championship pedigree and Jimmy will bring his incredible insight and energy that he has for MMA to boxing.”
Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver, from Tampa Fla, had one of the sport’s most-decorated amateur careers. In 1995, he became the only fighter to have won the Pan American, U.S. National Championships, and World Championships in the same year.  After winning the bronze medal in 1996 Olympics, he turned pro and ascended the ranks of light heavyweight division. In 2003, Tarver defeated Montell Griffith in the biggest win in his career up to that point to claim the IBF and WBC title belts. After a tough 12-round decision loss to Roy Jones Jr, Tarver avenged that bitter defeat with an incredible 2nd round knockout of Jones Jr., shocking and amazing boxing fans worldwide. After splitting two fights with Glen Johnson, Tarver topped Jones Jr. with a 12-round decision victory in the third fight of their memorable trilogy. The 46-year-old Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) is on a mission to become the oldest heavyweight champion of the world.  He is currently world-rated in the heavyweight division at No. 5 by the IBO and No. 9 by the WBA. His last fight (Dec. 11, 2014) resulted in an impressive seventh-round knockout of 29-2-1 Johnathon Banks. He has also served as a color commentator for Showtime Championship Boxing and starred opposite Sylvester Stallone in the feature film “Rocky Balboa” as the character “Mason Dixon.”
Jimmy Smith is currently the color analyst for Bellator MMA on Spike TV. Smith began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in in 2000 while at UCLA and became a professional MMA fighter in 2003.  Smith compiled a 5-1 record before retiring in 2006 to focus on a television career. Smith starred in the Discovery Channel show, “Fight Quest,” where he traveled the world learning different fight disciplines. He joined Bellator in 2010 and has served as its lead color analyst ever since, partnering with blow-by-blow announcer, Sean Wheelock.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS DEBUTS ON SPIKE TV ON FRIDAY, MARCH 13 AT CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIF.

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TWO ACTION-PACKED WELTERWEIGHT MAIN EVENTS TO FEATURE:

 

ANDRE BERTO VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ

SHAWN PORTER VS. ROBERTO GARCIA

 

 

ONTARIO, CALIF. (Feb. 4, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) is set to make its debut on Spike TV with a can’t-miss double main event on Friday, March 13 from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. culminating with a welterweight showdown between hard-hitting Andre “The Beast” Berto (29-3, 22 KOs) and the always exciting Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez (33-6, 19 KOs).

 

The first main event of the evening will see the return of former welterweight champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter (24-1, 15 KOs) facing off against the dangerous Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (36-3, 23 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now and are available for purchase atwww.axs.com (Click HERE to purchase tickets).

 

The televised action on Spike TV begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) and 6:00 p.m. PT in the arena!

 

“Fighting on the Premier Boxing Champions series on Spike TV is huge for all of us and for the sport of boxing. This is going to take all of us to a whole different level and give us the chance to become household names,” said Berto. “Fighting on free television is what made guys like Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran and Marvin Hagler huge stars and I’m ready for my chance to do the same. I can’t wait to start this next chapter of my career and you’re going to see a new and rejuvenated Andre Berto on March 13th on Spike TV so make sure to tune in.”

 

“This is definitely going to be the fight of my life and I’m excited,” said Lopez. “I’m looking forward to all of my local fans being there to witness a great victory. I’m fighting a really good fighter in Berto, but every fighter is dangerous. I know I have to prepare even better than ever. On March 13, I expect a big crowd because I’m fighting so close to home and my fans have been so supportive wherever I fight.  I’m confident that I’m going to give the fans in attendance and on television a great performance.”

 

“The opportunity to fight on Spike TV and show my skills in front of millions of people is very exciting. Being a part of the first PBC event on Spike TV is an honor,” said Porter. “My opponent has a great record and he’s a veteran. He’s strong and durable and he’s going to be a ready when he gets into that ring. I expect it to be a very tough fight, but a great fight. Of course, I expect to win and I expect to look very good doing it.”

 

“I’m grateful that I’m going to be part of something that is going to be great for this sport and that is being on the first PBC event on Spike TV,” said Garcia. “Shawn Porter is a great world class fighter. He is the kind of fighters that you need to beat to be seen at the ‘A-level’ in boxing. This is the fight that can change my career and my life. I’m already training as hard as I can. I’m giving it everything I have in the gym so I can give everything I have on March 13.”

 

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary event on Spike TV,” said promoter Tom Brown. “These two fights will undoubtedly provide non-stop action for the fans in the arena and those watching at home.”

 

A former two-time welterweight world champion and 2004 Haitian Olympian, Andre Berto is consistently one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, which will be on display in a big way when he appears on Spike TV March 13.  Fully healed from a shoulder injury suffered during his thrilling 2013 bout with Jesus Soto Karass, the Winter Haven, Fl. native most recently wiped out Steve Upsher in September 2014, one day before his 31st birthday. Now he looks to continue his ascent back to the top of the division when he takes on Lopez.

 

A noted fan favorite for his exciting style and ability to triumph against the odds, the 30-year-old Josesito Lopez has won three straight fights since his exciting and courageous efforts against Canelo Alvarez and Marcos Maidana in 2012 and 2013.  The Riverside, Calif.-native made a major name for himself with an upset victory over Victor Ortiz in 2012, which truly reinforced his “Riverside Rocky” nickname.  Lopez looks to pull off another upset when he takes on Berto on Spike TV.

 

An athletic marvel, Sean Porter is eager to return to the ring after dropping a majority decision to Kell Brook in August 2014. Porter came into that fight undefeated, after having taken down two of the best fighters in the division. Porter dominated Devon Alexander in December 2013 on his way to a unanimous decision victory. He followed that up by overpowering former two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi with a fourth round stoppage in April 2014. The Akron, Ohio native looks to get back in the win column when he takes on Garcia on March 13.

 

A veteran of the sport for nearly 15 years, Roberto Garcia is looking forward to appearing on Spike TV to re-introduce himself as a contender at 147-pounds. Born in Mexico, but having moved to Weslaco, Texas at a young age, Garcia was able to pile up enough wins to eventually earn himself a shot at former world champion Antonio Margarito. While he lost that decision, Garcia has won eight-straight including his two most recent wins over Breidis Prescott and Victor Manuel Cayo. Garcia gets another chance on March 13 when he takes on a tough and ready Porter.

 

A full night of exciting undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

 

PBC on Spike TV, will take place Friday, March 13 at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. The event will air live on Spike TV at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) and 6:00 p.m. PT in the arena.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreBerto, @JosesitoLopez, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AmenazaGarcia and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing andwww.Facebook.com/Spike.