Tag Archives: Spike TV

KERI MELENDEZ SET FOR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DEBUT VS. SHEILA PADILLA AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19

 

 

UNDEFEATED LIGHTWEIGHTS JAKE ROBERTS-CARRINGTON BANKS READY FOR ACTION IN PRELIMINARY CONTEST

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 19, 2016) – The anticipated mixed martial arts debut of flyweight Keri Melendez will come against Sheila Padilla (2-0) during the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

 

In addition, a lightweight bout pitting Carrington Banks (5-0) against Jake Roberts (7-0) has been added to the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card.

 

The bouts join action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Rounding out the televised action, a lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) were added earlier this week.

 

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

The queen of the infamous Skrap Pack in Northern California, Melendez made her first appearance in a victory during the kickboxing portion of “Bellator: Dynamite 1,” and followed up with another win at “Dynamite 2.” Melendez tallied a 4-1 amateur mark before taking her talents to the professional circuit, where she currently holds a 4-1 kickboxing record. The 32-year-old flyweight will now make the transition to MMA, an iteration of combat sports that her husband, Gilbert Melendez has plenty of success in. Living up to her promise of making her debut in 2016, Melendez will compete on the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

Fighting out of Visalia, Calif., Padilla will enter the Bellator MMA fray following two successful wins on the regional scene, both coming in 2016. Training under Bellator MMA veteran Doug Marshall at Team Elite, this will be Padilla’s opportunity to truly make a name for herself against Melendez, when she competes LIVE on SPIKE.

 

Just like his opponent, Banks enters the cage undefeated and ready to make another splash in his second fight since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion. The Peoria, Illinois native has finished two of his five victims and dominated all three of his decision victories, earning each by unanimous variety. “Jetsetter” will look to use Roberts as his runway for success as the Blackzilian product hopes to couple his Bellator MMA debut triumph with yet another feat and continue his climb up the lightweight ranks. After competing professionally in Kansas, Texas, and Iowa, the trip to Connecticut will mark Banks’ first on the East Coast. Tune in to Bellator.com’s live-streaming preliminary action to find out if the long journey will have any effect on “Jetsetter” and his performance.

 

“The North County Nightmare” hasn’t the slightest idea what it’s like to lose, as the 25-year-old enters his eighth professional contest at an admirable 7-0. Having won all five amateur bouts and each of his first four professional fights by way of first round submission, it is Roberts’ ground game that keeps his opponents up at night. However, Roberts’ 2016 campaign has been all about power, after recording back-to-back knockout finishes, highlighted by an emphatic first round knockout in his Bellator MMA debut at “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull.” Roberts hopes to haunt Banks’ dreams when the two clash in the bright lights of SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.

 

 

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Gabe Carrasco (7-0) vs. Rolando Velasco (10-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

 

Danny Garcia vs. Samuel Vargas Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
PBC on Spike Tripleheader Saturday, November 12 From
Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia
 
 
Click HERE for Photos from Darryl Cobb/King’s Promotions/
Premier Boxing Champions

 

PHILADELPHIA (October 13, 2016) – Undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia hosted a Philadelphia press conference Thursday as he announced his hometown bout against Colombia’s Samuel Vargas Saturday, November 12 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.
Also in attendance and participating on the televised undercard are Jarrett Hurd, who takes on once-beaten contender Jorge Cota, and undefeated prospect Omar Douglas, who battles former world champion Javier Fortuna, with televised coverage starting at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.
 
Garcia also announced his partnership with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a food drive, collecting the most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables for people in the Philadelphia area. Fans are being encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold will be donated and provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
DANNY GARCIA
“Being able to partner with Philabundance is a tremendous thing. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. When you’re fortunate, your job is to give back and change someone else’s life. I’m looking forward to a great night and a great turnout.
“Everyone has gone through hard times. Everyone has gone through times where they need extra help. We’re going to make a big difference that night and it’ll be for a lot of people that really need it.
“I want to thank the City of Philadelphia. I’m just excited to fight at home. This card is going to allow a lot of great local fighters to be on a big stage.
“I can’t look past Samuel Vargas and I know his trainer has a couple tricks up his sleeve. I know they’re going to come to fight, but I will never underestimate anyone. I’ve learned my lessons to become the champion I am today.
“I know Vargas knows how to win. He’s won a lot in his career. I’m going to go out there and just fight. If it goes the distance, then it does. I can’t underestimate him. I’m going to put on a great show and dominate.
“People are acting like Keith Thurman has a cape like Superman and can fly. I want the other champions to think I’m vulnerable. Those are my easiest fights. I have to get past this fight to get to the next one.
“I feel like I owe this to my fans to fight in Philadelphia. The last time I fought at this venue was on a Bernard Hopkins undercard and I got a big knockout. I plan on doing the same November 12.
“I have a good team around me. There should be no distractions leading up to this fight. All the people who deserve to get tickets will be there and there won’t be anything distracting me. I’m 100 percent focused on this matchup.
“I’m at the point in my career where I’m working smarter and harder. Come November 12 we want to give the city of Philadelphia a night to remember. I can’t overlook this fight, but I guarantee that I’m going to unify titles at 147 pounds soon.”
SAMUEL VARGAS
“I’m very blessed to be here today. This fight could change my whole life. The lives of my family. Danny is a great fighter and I have to give it my all.
“I have to take advantage of this. I have the best trainer in the world with me and we’re going to take care of business November 12.
“Me and my trainer work on a lot of different styles. We like to switch it up and keep the opponents guessing. Sometimes we pressure and sometimes we stay outside. I’m learning every day and making adjustments.
“I’m an underdog and I have been my whole life. There are very few options for a Latin immigrant all the way up in Canada. I beat the odds to make it up there and have a life and a family.
“I’m a guy with just over 10 amateur fights and I’ve made it this far. Danny Garcia is my chance. I have to make the best of it and give it my all. This is everything for me.”
JARRETT HURD
“I’ve been to Philadelphia a couple times and the city has welcomed me. I just want to put on another show. This will get me one step closer to my dream of fighting for a title.
“We’ve looked at some of my opponent’s fights and he’s a veteran. He’s got a lot of power and a good knockout rate to go with it. He’s awkward and tall. If you don’t come in on top of your game, he can make you look bad. We’re looking to do what we always do.
“I learned a lot from my last fight. It opened a lot of doors for me, like fighting on the Danny Garcia undercard. I feel like I’m what the division is missing. I’m a tall, lanky fighter with a lot of power and good hand speed.
“My time is here. I feel like this is my opportunity to get closer to fighting for a world title. I can’t wait to become a world champion.
“I want to face all of the 154-pounders. We’re not ducking anyone. There are so many talented fighters in the division, but I believe that me and my team train so hard and prepare so well that we’re ready to face any of them. The time will come and we’re just waiting.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to be on the Danny Garcia undercard because we’re all trying to get to where he’s at. Make sure you’re watching my fights because I promise I’m going to do something memorable.”
OMAR DOUGLAS
“I just wanted to say this is the opportunity of a lifetime to fight in Philadelphia where my career started. I won Pennsylvania Golden Gloves several times.
“To be in with a former world champion is a terrific thing. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. I’ve been waiting for this a long time and this is my time.
“Fortuna is a very confident fighter. He likes to give it all the first few rounds. I’m going to come in and use my jab and invest in the body. I think we can have an early night.
“I believe I have the best jab in the business. I have to keep him off me with the jab and head movement. I’ve been fighting for a long time and there’s nothing I haven’t seen.
“I think I’ve improved a lot. Fighting guys with one loss and world ranked guys over my last couple fights has helped me. My confidence is definitely rising every day.
“You can look forward to a crowd pleasing performance and knockout.”
ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer
 
“Danny has been the underdog before. Lucas Matthysse or Amir Khan, you name it. We don’t underestimate Vargas. We don’t take him lightly. We are going to come ready to rumble.
“Vargas is the underdog today, but Danny has been the underdog his entire life.November 12 my son will still be undefeated.
“I came to Philadelphia at six years old. I had no food. Only you know you’re pain. I ate a lot of food from a can growing up, so if you guys donate anything or buy a ticket that donates money, you’ll be doing something great. We pray every day for the hungry kids, not just in America but the whole world.”
 
BILLY BRISCOE, Vargas’ Trainer
“This is a great opportunity for me and Samuel. In my opinion he’s an underrated fighter. He’s been under the radar for a while. We’ve been working together in Canada and starting a farm system.
“We’re fighting in my opinion the best welterweight in the world. This is no easy task and we’re not fooling ourselves. We won’t leave any stone unturned.
“We’ll find a way and we’ll make a way. That’s what we’re going to do and I look forward to this.”
MARSHALL KAUFFMAN, King’s Promotions
 
“It’s very exciting to be promoting this young man, Danny Garcia. I remember him as a young kid and it’s exciting to see where he’s come in the world of boxing. I’ve known a lot of these guys for a long time and I’m excited to see how they perform.
“This card is going to be stacked with local talent and I hope that everyone comes out and supports these fighters and this great cause.
“I’ve always wanted to bring Danny Garcia to Philadelphia and the commission is thrilled to bring him back to this great city and we’re going to make it worthwhile.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina. For more information on the food drive, go to www.philabundance.org/events.

Danny Garcia Fights for Philadelphia;  Undefeated World Champion Faces Colombia’s Samuel Vargas  Saturday, November 12 From Temple University’s  Liacouras Center In Philadelphia

 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Tripleheader Features Rising Star Jarrett Hurd Battling Once-Beaten Contender Jorge Cota & Former World Champion Javier Fortuna Taking On Unbeaten Super Featherweight Omar Douglas
9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
PHILADELPHIA (October 13, 2016) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) will make his first appearance in his native Philadelphia since 2010 as he takes on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas (25-2-1, 13 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Saturday, November 12from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. The bout will be Garcia’s final hurdle before a planned massive showdown with unbeaten champion Keith “One Time” Thurman scheduled for the first quarter of 2017.
In keeping with his desire to give back to the community, Garcia is teaming up withPhilabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive, collecting most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables. Fans are being encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold will be donated and provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need. More information on these efforts and how you can get involved will be announced shortly.
Garcia, a two-division world champion, will battle Vargas in a 10-round non-title bout in his first fight since his exciting win over Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in January. Garcia insisted on staging the fight in his hometown and using the event as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for the less fortunate in the area.
“My dad and I wanted to get one more fight in before the end of the year and there was no doubt in my mind it had to be in Philadelphia,” said Garcia. “My team got it done and it’s a great feeling to fight at home over the holidays. I’m excited to use this opportunity to give back to the community and put on a show on November 12. This city means everything to me. I hope everyone comes out, but shows up with cans of food too. I’m gearing up for a big fight with Keith Thurman next year that’s going to be a can’t miss event. First, I’m going to fight for my city on November 12.”
“Things happen when you work hard and I’m so excited about this opportunity,” said Vargas. “Garcia is a great fighter and he cleaned out the 140-pound division and now he is champion at 147. A win would change my life and everyone around me. This is my time. I can’t fail. This is going to be a Rocky story in Rocky’s town.”
Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round bout against once-beaten super welterweight contender Jorge Cota (25-1, 22 KOs) and former world champion Javier Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) battling undefeated Omar Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.
“This win will put me one step closer towards winning a world title,” said Hurd. “The win over Oscar Molina was a big opportunity that has opened a lot of doors and was a great experience. Cota is a tough veteran with a high knockout rate. He is a little wild and I have to look out for that. I’m going to go out there to land nice shots and stick to my game plan.”
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to fight a good undefeated fighter,” said Cota. “I know that I have the power and skills to beat anybody out there. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and get the victory on November 12.”
“I’m only thinking about winning heading into this fight,” said Fortuna. “Douglas is a good fighter who moves very well. I’m looking forward to this challenge on November 12. I will be a world champion once again.”
“This is the type of fight that I need if I am going to be a champion,” said Douglas. “I plan on putting on a crowd pleasing performance. Fortuna is a decent fighter and I’m going to have to break him down. He is good for four or five rounds but then he slows down. I’m going to set him up to take him out in the later rounds.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.
Garcia returns to headline in his hometown as a two-division world champion who has picked up major victories over top fighters including Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah on his way to 31 professional victories. The 28-year-old earned a vacant welterweight world title in his last bout when he won a toe-to-toe battle with former world champion Guerrero in Los Angeles taking his professional record to 32-0.
The 27-year-old Vargas enters this bout on a five-fight win streak including three stoppage victories including his most recent outing, a 10-round decision over Juan Armando Garcia in May. Born in Columbia, his family left to find a better life when he was 15 years old and after a brief stay in New York City, they moved to the Toronto suburb of Mississauga. Vargas enrolled at a boxing gym early on and learned discipline while adapting to his surroundings. He turned pro in 2010 after just 12 amateur bouts and was undefeated in his first 16 fights while fighting out of Canada.
Hurd fights out of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C. and is perfect since entering the pro ranks in 2012. The 26-year-old has faced three straight undefeated fighters including a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Galarza in 2015 and a 10th-round TKO over Oscar Molina in the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter card in June. The exciting boxer-puncher will look to continue his climb to a world title onNovember 12.
A powerful puncher sporting an 88 percent knockout rate, Cota made his U.S. debut in August of 2015 and upset Cuban Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson while knocking him down twice over the 10-round bout. The fighter out of Sinaloa, Mexico is entering this fight with nine straight wins, including six by way of knockout. The 27-year-old will be making his first ring appearance of 2016.
An amateur standout that participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 27-year-old Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Carlos Ivan Velasquez, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. He took down the highly regarded Bryan Vasquez to earn a super featherweight world title in May of last year. Representing La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna bounced back from a defeat to Jason Sosa to stop previously unbeaten Marlyn Cabrera in September.
An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in his last two outings when he defeated contender Frank De Alba in a step up fight last December and followed it up with a seventh-round knockout of Alexei Collado in June. The 25-year-old has picked up four victories since the beginning of 2015 and will face his toughest competition to date when he battles Fortuna.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly.  PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
About Philabundance
Philabundance is the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, serving more than 90,000 people each week in nine counties in PA and Southern NJ. Of those served, thirty percent are children, sixteen percent are seniors, and adults served include students, the working poor and single parents. In 2015, Philabundance rescued more than 10 million pounds of food and distributed 28 million pounds through its own distribution programs, and a network of 350 agencies. A one-dollar donation provides two meals – Give now or learn more at Philabundance.org.

UNDEFEATED ADAM PICCOLOTTI SET FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CLASH WITH BRANDON GIRTZ AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON NOV. 19 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS LINTON VASSELL AND FRANCIS CARMONT ALSO ADDED TO THE SPIKE-TELEVISED MAIN CARD

 

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 11, 2016) – A lightweight showdown pitting Adam Piccolotti (8-0) against Brandon Girtz (14-4) and a light heavyweight matchup pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) versus Francis Carmont (14-4) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19.

 

The bouts join a pair of action-packed fights highlighted by a lightweight world title main event featuring Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In addition, a welterweight clash between undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) will also be the card’s co-main event. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” will take place on November 19, airing LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m ET/ 8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

 

After emerging victorious in his first four professional fights, Piccolotti has continued with more of the same under the Scott Coker-led promotion’s banner. Since making his Bellator MMA debut in 2015, the California native has recorded wins in each of his four bouts, including three consecutive finishes via submission. Piccolotti opened his 2016 campaign with a nifty first round finish of Ray Wood at “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo,” lifting his overall record to 8-0. The 27-year-old will look to protect his unblemished mark when he challenges Girtz on November 19 inside SAP Center.

 

One year removed from an impressive first round finish that left opponent Derek Campos on the Bellator MMA canvas just 37 seconds into the bout, Girtz returns to the cage in an attempt to build off of his current three-fight winning streak. The Mankato, Minn., native holds an impressive 6-2 promotional mark since joining Bellator MMA, including four finishes and a pair of first round knockouts. Since making his professional debut in 2008, the 31-year-old Girtz has recorded 10 finishes, eight of which have come by way of submission. Having won five of his last six bouts, the powerful grappler will look to pick up right where he left off and further his case for a 155-pound title shot.

 

A seven-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Vassell has recorded five wins since making his promotional debut in 2013. The 33-year-old British striker is known for ending fights early with his elite striking and a near-flawless ground game. In total, “The Swarm” has finished 13 of his 16 opponents, including 10 first round finishes and six knockout blows. Vassell hopes to build off of a strong performance at the record shattering “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” event, where he defeated Emauel Newton. Vassell now turns his attention to Francis Carmont, an opponent that he was originally slated to face earlier in the year at “Bellator 158: Daley vs. Lima,” before an injury forced Vassell to withdraw.

 

Similar to his opponent, former UFC competitor Francis Carmont also has a knack for finishing opponents early and often in his bouts. The 34-year-old Carmont has stopped his opponent in 17 of his 25 career wins, including 11 submission victories and six knockouts. Hailing from Paris, France, “Limitless” credits much of his success to the top-notch trainers at Tristar Gym in Montreal, Canada. The well-known training camp is loaded with accomplished instructors, who have helped develop a number of talented fighters, including recent Bellator MMA free agent signee Rory MacDonald. With more than half of his submission finishes coming in the opening round of action, we can expect the dynamic Carmont to attack his opponent right off the bat in hopes of adding to that remarkable total.

 

Updated “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

 

Preliminary Card:

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Jose Perez (2-1) vs. J.T. Donaldson (2-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

 

Daniel Jacobs Retains Middleweight World Title by Dominant Seventh Round TKO Victory Over Former World Champion Sergio Mora In Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions On Spike Friday Night from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.

 
Robert Easter Wins Vacant Lightweight World Title with Thrilling Split Decision Victory Over Previously Unbeaten Richard Commey
 
Click HERE for Photos from Andy Samuelson/
Premier Boxing Champions – (Photos to be added shortly)
 
Click HERE for Highlights from Jacobs vs. Mora and
HERE for Highlights from Easter vs. Commey
 
READING, PA. (September 10, 2016) – Middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (32-1, 29 KOs) retained his title and knocked down former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-5-2, 9 KOs) five times on his way to a seventh-round TKO in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday night from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.
The bout was a rematch of their championship fight last August that saw Jacobs win by TKO despite being dropped in the first round. Mora suffered an ankle injury on the punch that ended the last fight but he was not able to capitalize on his second chance.
Jacobs was in control early and often, attacking the body of Mora and switching between orthodox and southpaw styles to stay in control throughout. Mora was evasive and used good head movement to frustrate Jacobs early but could never get his own offense going.
The champion from Brooklyn stayed the course and in round four he broke through with a left hook to the head that sent Mora crumpling to the mat. Mora recovered but again had a knockdown scored against him in round five.
Sensing his moment, Jacobs came out aggressive in the seventh round as he clearly sought an end to the fight. A left right combo dropped Mora in the corner early in the round before he was dropped from a body shot moments after getting back on his feet.
Referee Gary Rosato let the fight continue but Jacobs put a quick end to the night by smothering Mora and dropping him for the fifth and final time, forcing the referee to stop the bout at 2:08 into the round.
In front of a raucous and supportive crowd, undefeated rising star Robert Easter (18-0, 14 KOs) earned a narrow split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Richard Commey (24-1, 22 KOs) in a thrilling contest that saw both men grab momentum at different points throughout the 12-round bout.
Easter used his jab and length advantage in round one and appeared to have more success throughout the night when he fought from a distance. The fight vacillated between a tactical battle and a toe-to-toe war by the round and even by the minute.
The Ghanaian Commey was aggressive throughout the fight and had success pushing Easter to the ropes and catching him with big right hands. In round eight, Commey scored a knockdown on one of those right hands, as referee Benjy Esteves ruled that Easter’s glove hit the canvas as a result of the punch.
Easter and Commey both came out firing in round nine, engaging in one of the many exchanges that put the lively crowd on its feet. Easter had great success throughout the night with his right uppercut that consistently caught Commey coming in, but never deterred him completely.
Both men reached the 12-round limit for the first time in their careers but it was Easter who took advantage of the final stanza by rocking and wobbling Commey with a big overhand right just seconds into the round.
Commey was able to survive on the ropes and by consistently wrapping up his opponent. Both men were lifted to the air in triumph by their trainers after the final bell rang as the crowd cheered the two combatants. In the end the judges scored the fight 114-113 for Commey and 115-112 and 114-113 for Easter.
Here is what the fighters had to say Friday night:
DANIEL JACOBS
“I have to take my hat off to Sergio Mora. There was a lot of talking before this fight, but this is boxing. I respect any man who gets inside of this ring.
“I want to prove to the world that I’m the best middleweight. If GGG gets the victorytomorrow, that’s who we want.
“I wanted to go in there to hurt him and keep my knockout streak alive. I did what I said I would.
“I didn’t expect to knock him down as much, but I did see the fight ending in a knockout. It took a while because he’s so tricky. I wasn’t able to jab the way I wanted to. That’s what happens when you fight guys who have been in the game for a long time.
“The support of my city means a lot. There are guys here that I’ve known since kindergarten. People showed me love across the board and it was tremendous. For them to be on this journey with me, it means everything. I’m living my dream.
“This one’s for Brooklyn. We have to spread the love around but I’ll be back home in December headlining at Barclays Center.”
SERGIO MORA
“The guy punches really hard. I was trying to catch him like I did in the first fight but I couldn’t do it today.
“We expected him to fight the way he did. He’s big and powerful. I knew I would have to catch him with a few shots and take him into the later rounds. I think I was doing that until my legs couldn’t recover.
“I’m not going to take anything away from his victory, but I never recovered from a shot to the back of the head. They counted it as a knockdown so I’ll have to take a look at the video, but it felt like the back of the head.
“This guy is a big overwhelming figure. When he got on top of me I could feel his weight. You really need those legs to wake up when you get buzzed.
“The fight was close in my heart. Daniel finally gave me credit. I didn’t feel like I got beat up, he just caught me with good shots. I have a lot left in me. I’m going to look at the tape and see where I’m at.”
ROBERT EASTER
“It’s been a long training camp. We had an amazing training camp. This fight wasn’t easy at all. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Richard Commey is a tough, tough competitor. He made me fight each and every round, but we did it.
“The game plan was to go out there and box him and use my length and reach. I made a few mistakes tonight. One of them was not fighting him early enough. It wouldn’t have been close. In the last round, when I needed the round, I went out and got it.
“I took everything that I had, all 16 years in the sport, and I used it to go get that belt.
“You always have to stay composed as a professional. I wasn’t hurt at all on the knockdown. I know what happened in there. He threw a shorter right hand and I stumbled. I finished the round tough.
“Early in the fight I thought I hurt him with a hook and right hand combo. In the last round I caught him right on the chin. That wobbled him. He held on for dear life.
“I knew it was going to come down to a split decision. I felt in my heart that I did enough. He missed a lot of shots.
“I want more straps. I want belts. This is huge for my city. It means a lot. It’s bigger than me. I wanted to give them something to believe in.
“All this hard work we had to put in for this fight, we had to dig in deep. I did this for my city and Toledo came out for me tonight.”
RICHARD COMMEY
“I feel like I won this fight. I did everything that I could. I landed the more accurate shots. I come from very far and it’s hard to win here versus an American. I deserve a rematch.
“I was very devastated when I heard the scores. I knew it was a close fight. He went down and I didn’t.
“I want to be a world champion. Even if he doesn’t want to fight me, I want another opportunity. I can fight at the highest level in the world. We worked so hard to get to this stage. I want to stay at this level. I’ll keep improving.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DanielJacobsTKO, @TheLatinSnake_, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.  PBC on Spike is sponsored byCorona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Daniel Jacobs vs. Sergio Mora & Robert Easter vs. Richard Commey Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, September 9 Live
From Santander Arena in Reading, Pa. – 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
Click HERE For Photos From Jeff Julian/King’s Promotions/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
READING, PA. (September 8, 2016) – Middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs and former champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora went face-to-face at the final press conference Wednesday before their world championship rematch that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, September 9from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.
Also in attendance at Wednesday’s event were undefeated lightweights Robert Easterand Richard Commey, who fight for a vacant world title Friday night on Spike. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features local contender Travis “My Time” Kauffman in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
DANIEL JACOBS
“It’s an honor to be up here as the main event with these young fighters and future champions. I’m excited to be back in the ring. It’s been too long but I’ve been training hard and I feel great.
“I’m going to do what I do best. People talk about my power, but I get my skills from the amateur system and from proving that I have the goods. I have the power in addition to the skill set. I’m planning on proving that Friday night.
“I’ll be ready every round to give it my best and he better come in ready to fight. I’m excited to be here and display my skills in a new place.
“The fans are looking forward to a good fight so I hope Sergio is ready to make this an exciting battle. I’m going to show everybody my full arsenal.”
SERGIO MORA
“Our last fight was on the way to being a ‘Fight of the Year,’ but I busted my ankle in the second round and I couldn’t continue. I’ve been waiting 13 months for this opportunity and I’m completely ready. This has been a fantastic training camp.
“It’s time for business. People don’t know what’s going to happen. He has big power and I have a lot of experience and tricks up my sleeve. The later the fight goes, the better off for me.
“I’m ready for any way this fight can go. I’m excited about this fight and the fans should be excited about this fight. We’re proud fighters and I can’t wait to get in there.”
ROBERT EASTER
“This is a big opportunity and something I’ve wanted for my whole life. Ever since I was nine-years-old. All the hard work I’ve put in since I was a kid, everyone will see. I will put on a great performance
“We already were working hard before we knew we had this title shot. Someone has to pay for the work I’ve been putting in for 16 years in this business. On Friday night it will be another victory and another man down.”
RICHARD COMMEY
“I’m very happy to be here and I’m thankful for this opportunity. When I first started boxing this is what I hoped for.
“This is all that I have had on my mind. This is what has motivated me for many years.
“Come Friday night I’m going to be ready to fight and I’m going to be a world champion.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DanielJacobsTKO, @TheLatinSnake_, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.  PBC on Spike is sponsored byCorona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated Prospect Earl Newman Battles Once-Beaten Leo Hall In Undercard Action on Friday, September 9 From Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.

 
Plus! Middleweight Contender Jorge Sebastian Heiland, Former World Champion Kermit Cintron, & Local Contender Frank DeAlba Featured On Stacked Undercard
 
READING, PA. (September 7, 2016) – Unbeaten prospect Earl Newman (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on once-beaten Leo Hall (8-1, 7 KOs) in light heavyweight action that highlights an exciting undercard on Friday, September 9 from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.
The September 9 event is headlined by middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs defending his world title in a rematch against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated lightweights colliding for a vacant world title as Robert Easter takes onRichard Commey. Also on the card, local contender Travis “My Time” Kauffmanwill be featured in a 10-round fight against heavyweight Josh Gormley.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Also featured on the stacked undercard of fights is Argentine middleweight Jorge Sebastian Heiland (27-4-2, 14 KOs) in an eight round bout, former world champion Kermit Cintron (37-5-2, 28 KOs) in an eight round welterweight fight against Florida’s Manny Woods (15-5-1, 5 KOs) and local junior lightweight Frank DeAlba (19-2-2, 8 KOs) taking on Arkansas’ Kiun Evans (12-2-1, 6 KOs) in an eight round bout.
The action continues with a pair of prospects from Philadelphia as super middleweight Christopher Brooker (10-1, 5 KOs) takes on tough contender Elvin Ayala (28-7-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round fight and unbeaten Thomas Velasquez (5-0, 4 KOs) enters the ring in a four-round super featherweight battle.
Rounding out the night are a trio of local Reading prospects as super welterweight Erik Spring (7-1-1, 1 KO) battles unbeaten Simon Henriksson (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-round affair, junior welterweight Kashon Hutchinson (1-0, 1 KO) taking on Jordan Morales(1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout and junior lightweight Miguel Martinez (2-2) against Nicholas Hernandez (4-1, 1 KO) in six-rounds of super welterweight action.
A former New York Golden Gloves champion, Newman has shown impressive power in stopping seven of his first nine opponents since turning pro in 2014. The 25-year-old out of Brooklyn is coming in off of a stoppage victory over Dustin Craig Echard in April. He faces his toughest opponent to date in the 21-year-old Hall out of Detroit. Hall knocked out seven of his first eight opponents before losing for the first time in December 2015.
Fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Heiland will be making his U.S. debut when he steps into the ring on Friday night. The 29-year-old has won six straight fights heading into bout, including a sensational knockout of Matthew Macklin in 2014. Heiland most recently defeated Martin Fidel Rios in April in a 10-round matchup.
Cintron is a former welterweight world champion who owns victories over Alfredo Angulo, Lovemore Ndou and Ronald Cruz. The Puerto Rican fighter who lives in Reading fought Argentine great Sergio Martinez to a draw and has battled top fighters from Canelo Alvarez to Antonio Margarito. He enters this bout on a four-fight win streak including two victories so far this year. He takes on the 29-year-old Woods out of St. Petersburg, who has also picked up two wins in 2016.
The 29-year-old De Alba had a 19 fight unbeaten streak snapped in December 2015, when he dropped a narrow majority decision to unbeaten Omar Douglas, but he has rebounded with back-to-back stoppage victories in 2016. Originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico but now fighting out of Reading he’ll battle Little Rock’s Evans, who started off his pro career in 2012 with eight straight wins.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DanielJacobsTKO, @TheLatinSnake_, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.  PBC on Spike is sponsored byCorona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Daniel Jacobs, Sergio Mora, Robert Easter & Richard Commey Media Conference Call Transcript

For Immediate Release
Marc Abrams
Okay.  Welcome to the Daniel Jacobs/Sergio Mora conference call.  The rematch will take place Friday night, September 9th, at the Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania, and live on Spike TV.  It’s a championship double header, a great show that will also feature the IBF lightweight championship of the world between undefeated Robert Easter and undefeated Richard Commey of Accra, Ghana.  The show is promoted by Kings Boxing.  And to make some opening statements, the President of Kings Boxing Mr. Marshall Kauffman.  Marshall?
Marshall Kauffman
Hello, everybody.  It’s a pleasure to be able to host such an exciting fight comeSeptember 9th.  I’m looking forward to fireworks between both these–with both of these bouts.  You have–with Richard Commey and Robert Easter, Jr., and of course, Daniel Jacobs and Sergio Mora, it’s going to be an exciting night.  I’m really looking forward to it.  And the [unintelligible] town of Reading as well is really excited about such a big event coming to our town.
Abrams  
Well,  we’ll start with Robert Easter–would like to make an opening comment.
Robert Easter
Yeah, I’ll all very excited to come to Reading, PA, and fight for the IBF world title.  Hopefully, Richard Commey will bring his A game to the table because I’m definitely bringing my A-plus game to the table.
Abrams
And, Richard, would you like to make an opening statement?
Richard Commey
Oh, yeah, I’m very excited to have this opportunity to fight for the IBF lightweight world title.  I’ve worked so hard to get this opportunity.  And I know Robert Easter, Jr., has also.  So, it’s going to be a great fight.
Q
Robert, basically, he hasn’t faced anyone with your height, reach, power, and speed.  Is that accurate?  Can you give an assessment of your thoughts on that?
Easter  
Yes, no, he hasn’t faced anyone like me and my agility, my power, my length, my reach.  He hasn’t faced a guy like me.  So, that’s where I come in and take over this fight.
Q
On the other hand, who would you say that you have faced that is either comparable or better than him in ways that you think he need–he would need to be able to compete against you?
Easter
It was–Mendez, he was a speedy, speedy guy, fast, and could move a lot.  But, what I’m hearing, Commey brings pressure I guess.  That’s probably the only thing Mendez didn’t have.  He came–he definitely came to fight, though, but he was a speedy guy, a slick guy, to move his hands.
Q
I guess the last question, is there anything that is different or unique about Richard that you haven’t seen in an actual fight?  I know you’ve been in sparring with guys like [Lamont Peterson] and Anthony Peterson, Adrian Broner, guys like that.  But, in an actual fight, is there anything about him that you respect to the level that you’re really going to have to be on your P’s and Q’s about?
Easter
Every opponent you step in the ring with you have to respect.  But, it’s nothing unique I see coming from him.  It’s nothing I haven’t seen or faced.  So, like I said, this should be a walk in the park for me, and I say that with confidence.
Q
Okay.  Richard, I wonder what tradition you know when you talk about Azumah Nelson   Have you talked to any of those guys or heard from any of those guys ?
Commey  
Yes.  And I’m going to use the advice Azumah gave me over the last few weeks here in Ghana.
Q
Richard, how does Robert stack up to  left hander went the distance with both those guys.  Have you seen anything like what you’re going to see out of Robert in terms of reach and–?
Commey
I’ve inspired a lot of people with a lot of heart.  I need this opportunity. His height really won’t matter. I’m coming there to win and that’s what I’m coming to do.
Q
The last question, what do you think you’ve–that he hasn’t fought anyone like?  What do you think is unique about you that he hasn’t seen before?
Commey
Well, I’m a tall guy.  And no matter what he does, I can win. I’m strong.  And I can take punches and I can punch as well.  I can do all that.  If he can’t–he will lose.  I respect the height and his reach and his skills as a boxer.
Q
I’ll start with you, Easter.  Welcome to the fight, and good luck to you.  You mentioned that you’re ready, and Commey has not fought anybody of your caliber.  But, if you look at both records, you guys are both undefeated with a nice double figure of knockouts.  And he’s already a champion is his country and all that.  Now, and you are an ex-Olympian.  Are you telling me, or as I understand, that you’re minimizing what he has, taking in consideration that he is undefeated, just like you, and somebody’s always got to go?  So, what do you–how do you assess that?
Easter
Seeing the few rounds I did watch is the skills, and I wouldn’t say they were that good, but he–like I said, he’s just very strong.  They say he’s strong.  But, you’re only strong to somebody you can hit.
When you got to–boxing out there, like me, I’m using my rank, my length, and  what I’m throwing [can be] hard as well, how you going to be able to get past that?  So, like I said, the skills are not much there.  But, I don’t like to get hit that much.  I won’t get hit that much.  So, I’m going to take all that away, and then whatever he’s bringing and adjust to have him adjust to me.  Once I get him in my game plan, the fight is going to go my way the whole few rounds it’s going to last.
Q
Do you feel that your Olympic experience is an advantage over him because, after all, when you get to the high heights of Olympic experience and international amateur fighting, you’re almost like a pro?  It’s almost like stepping into the living room when you turn pro.  So, that has–you have an edge on that?
Easter
I wouldn’t pretty much focus on the amateur side because the transition from the amateur to pro is way different.  You know patience.So, I’ll transition pretty quickly like Lamont Peterson, Anthony Peterson, Adrien Broner, guys like that..
Q
Are you hoping to–just to name two guys to follow the tradition of African champions, like Ike Quartey and the great Azumah Nelson, to bring another title back to Africa?  Is this what–not only to win, of course, but is–this is your direction, your crusade, when you were saying that, “Finally, I got a chance at a world title,” and your heart of hearts, this is what you want to do, to bring another title to Africa?
Commey  
Yes, that’s exactly what I want to do. Like you said, the likes of Ike Quartey, Azumah Nelson, to bring a championship back to my country.
Q
Knowing that this is for the vacant IBF world title, of course, what have you–without giving out trade secrets, what have you done in camp to–different or with a high acceleration to make sure that your hand is raised in victory over Easter?
Commey
Well, of course, I spar a lot of big guys like Joshua Clottey, and I have the kind of power to excel in the gym and on fight night. I want to follow the tradition of Ghanaian boxing. So, I’m coming there to make sure, once I get my game plan underway, then I’ll victorious.
Q
Do you run at all the risk of being a little overconfident against another opponent who is also undefeated and has traveled all over, fought a lot of different type of fighters in all different countries and certainly has no fear of coming here?  Are you a little overconfident in those remarks?
Easter
No, not at all.  Not at all.  I believe in my skill.  And I know what I’ll come and do, just like my last fight and fight before that and a few fights before that.  Once I got my game plan, when I come in the ring, I know how to make the fighter try to adjust to me.  Once I get a fighter try and adjust to me, then the fight is already won.
The skills, you can see the skills, mine and his.  He’s a straight coming-forth fighter, try to hard punch and all that.  But, when got boxing and you can punch as well and you can move, don’t matter.  It speaks for itself.
Q
So, how surprised were you that Barthelemy did give up the title and that you ended up getting this title shot?  Seems to me probably about maybe around a year or so or at least in the IBF 9 or 10 months sooner than maybe you had expected.
Easter
I knew after the Mendez fight I was going to have a big fight coming up.  So, either way, I was going to train like it was a championship fight, like I do always.  So, it is surprising that it came up this soon.
Q
Do you think, when you face him, you’re going to have to use your height and length and box him because you mentioned how aggressive he is, or is this going to be similar to Argenis Mendez, where you can drop that big shot at any moment and knock the guy out?
Easter  
Yeah, I’m going to and I will have to box.  That’s the plan for every opponent I fight.  I box and use my length.  So, as long as I do that and see a weakness–wherever I see a weakness, that’s when I go for it.
Q
I count six different countries that you’ve fought in between your home country, United States, throughout Europe.  Can you talk about what that experience has done in terms of giving you confidence to come again to the United States and take on an American fighter in a pretty significant fight for a world title?
Commey
Like you said, I’ve been fighting all over the world. I’m very comfortable fighting in the U.S. I don’t really think about where I’m going to fight, just do my best, and whatever happens, I take it because, as a boxer, I need to prepare.  I need to be ready to go wherever to fight.  I’m ready to go anywhere to fight to so wherever I go as a boxer.  So, I’m all good
Q
Richard, can you just give me your opinion about the kind of fighter and what you think about the style of Robert Easter, if you’ve seen him fight?
Commey
What I’ve seen of him, I know he’s a great boxer, a skilled boxer, and he tries to move a lot.  But, likewise, I can box.  I can come forward.  So, on the night of the fight, definitely, I know what I’m going to do.
Q
Did you have a preference of fighting Barthelemy, who was the reigning champion, or taking on another undefeated fighter for the vacant title, or did it not make a difference to you?
Commey  
Well, at the end of the day, that’s you want.  Once you got a chance to fight for it, whatever comes, it doesn’t really matter who you’re supposed to fight.   It’s the title I want.  So, for me, I don’t really feel much disappointed.  I’m there to fight for the title.  That’s what I want.  So, I’m not disappointed.   It’s all good as I’m really looking forward for the title.  And once I’m fighting for the title, I don’t mind.
Abrams
Okay.  We’re going to wrap up this part of the call.  I know we’ve got–Sergio is on the line.  And I think Daniel will be on the line in a second.  Just a quick final comment from both, we’ll start with Robert.
Easter
Just be ready September 9th.  I’ll come bring a lot of fireworks and a lot of action and another short bout, September 9th, and will be the IBF champion.
Commey
Come on the 9th of September.  I’m coming to put my life on the line.  And I’m going to be the world champion, IBF lightweight world champion.
Abrams
Thank you, guys.  We’ll see you in Reading September 9th.  And, Danielle, I think we’re ready now with the–I believe Sergio is on the line. I know Daniel going to be in, in a second.  I guess, while we wait for Daniel, Marshall, I don’t know if you want to introduce Sergio?
Kauffman
Sergio Mora, a very exciting fighter.  His last fight was fireworks.  And I’m looking forward to fireworks once again.  Danny Jacobs dropped him first, and Sergio came back and took advantage of Danny’s mistakes.  And then the third knockdown was something that’s still a question mark, whether it was from a knockdown or a twisted ankle.  So, there are question marks–there are questions that are left to be spoken for.  And I believe Sergio is in shape.  And we’ll see, come September 9th.  How about it, Sergio?
Sergio Mora
It was no knockdown.  I always–I’m the one getting punched, by the way.  So, I didn’t feel the punch, and it was definitely just me twisting my ankle.  It was Jacobs pushing me down as well.  Yeah, the referee kept warning Jacobs also that he was pushing me down with his elbow.  I normally go down low like that.  So, it’s not the first time it happened.  So, it’s a mix of a lot of things.  But, it wasn’t a punch to knock me down.  It was all my ankle.  And if was a punch, then why didn’t I stay down?  I was up at the count of two or three on one foot.  So, it definitely wasn’t a punch.
Abrams
And I believe the WBA middleweight champion Daniel Jacob on the line.  Daniel, you want opening statements and maybe a response to that?
Daniel Jacobs
Well, I came in briefly.  And from what I hear, he’s saying that that last shot wasn’t a punch that put him down.  I don’t know what my eyes were seeing, or I don’t know what my fists felt, but in my opinion, and I think, if you clearly go to the video, the replay, it was a punch that put him down.  It was the uppercut that started–which had him back–withdraw and back up.  And then it was the overhand right that put him down.  So–.
Mora
The overhand right grazed the back of my head.  Yeah, the overhand right grazed the back of my head, but my ankle was already twisted.  It was a tricky shot.
Jacobs
It could be a graze.  It could be whatever you want to say it could be, but it put you down.  Listen, let me give my opening statement, please.  I just got on the line.
Mora
But, it didn’t keep me down.  If I was hurt, –I wouldn’t have gotten up.
Jacobs
Okay.  Allow me to have my opening statement, Sergio, please.  I just got on the line, brother.  Show some respect.  I just got on the line.  So, my opening statement, ladies and gentlemen, it is the honor to be back into the ring.  I’ve been out for quite some time.  The reason we’ve actually been out for so long was because we were trying to get a better opportunity at fighting B.J. Saunders.  Obviously, that fight took a little longer than anticipated.  And this is the reason why this fight is happening.  It isn’t because I’ve been avoiding Sergio Mora.  I just understand that this fight for my career at this particular point isn’t really going to do anything for me.  It’s more going to do anything–more for Sergio than it would do for me.  But, me and him have the same management in Al Haymon.  So, I can understand why this fight is being made.
But, the reasons why he’s saying this fight is being made as far as me ducking him and not wanting to fight him, I mean, that’s absurd.  That’s absurd.  But, I’m just excited nevertheless to be back into the ring.  It’s a good time for me to be able to get back in there and have some fun again.  I look forward to a very good matchup again I hope.  But, one question that I do have for Sergio is, in previous interviews, he said that he was going to have a more exciting style and he was tired of being the born fighter he used to be that wasn’t appealing to fans, and he wasn’t going to do much running, this other stuff, stuff that he’s been getting criticized before, he wasn’t going to do that.  And now that he says he’s felt the power of myself, he says he’s going to completely switch the game plan.  So, my question is, what–why the sudden change?  I mean, what’s the difference now?  Why are you not going to be more exciting and more appealing now, like you said before?
Mora
I said I was going to be exciting and more aggressive.  I didn’t say I was going to be stupid.
Jacobs  
Oh, yeah, that is stupid to come and–that will be stupid to come and actually go toe to toe and bang with me.  You’re absolutely right.  So it’ll be interesting to see the game plan that you have for this coming fight because I just hope it’s not a stinker, man.  You’re getting a second opportunity at a world–at my world title shot.  Please let’s not make it a snoozer.  It’s bad enough we’re both receiving a lot of criticism for this fight, but dude, please let’s just make it exciting.
Mora
Hey, listen, I’m the king of criticism.  If you can’t take criticism, you don’t belong to be a champion.  You don’t belong in the top like that.  That’s part of being a world champion is taking all the bullshit from critics and media and everyone else.  And if you’re thin-skinned, then you’re not going to hang very much as the world champion.
Jacobs
Okay.  Yes, sir.  Ready for some questions.
Q
Sergio, after that first fight, you said that you felt that, because it was so early in the fight, it was going to be called-be a no contest.  Turns out it ultimately ended up being a loss on your record.  Do you feel like the fact that it’s been so–that the fight ended in that way, do you feel like an extra layer of motivation to try to win this second fight?
Mora
No, that blemish on my career is–it’s already there.  I tried to contest it with the New York Commission.  But, it got me nowhere.  The New York Commission is a mess as we’re all finding out when it comes to the fights and boxing and MMA and everything else.  So, I went that route.  It didn’t go anywhere.  So, I’m going to have that TKO on my record for the rest of my career and the rest of my life.  And it’s sad because I don’t want it to be on a technicality.  So, does it irk me?  Absolutely.  But, am I past it?  Yes.  I just want an opportunity to clear whatever happened.  Jacobs said that he dropped me twice.  I only fell once.  I dropped him once.  Round of the year, Sports Illustrated.  Second round, I feel I was in control and winning.  With 5 or 10 seconds left, the injury happens, and I bust my ankle.  So, there’s a lot of unanswered questions.  And for whatever reason this fight is happening again, I’m going to–I’m fully prepared for whatever comes.  And I just want to–I just want my opportunity.  And I’m thankful that I got it.
Q
Daniel, in that–in the first round, Sergio did knock you down.  You said after the fight ended that you were a little bit careless in that first round.  Are you taking a more conservative approach, or are you being a little more careful knowing that Sergio has the capabilities of knocking you down?
Jacobs
Listen, there’s always opportunities to learn and grow in the sport of boxing.  Even with a light-punching guy like Sergio Mora, I learned a valuable lesson that, after I knocked him down and I was going in for the kill, that you still have to be defensive minded, even when you have a guy hurt because I was on the verge of stopping this man.  There’s no way around that.  I was definitely on the verge of stopping him.  But, in my mind, I got a little careless.  And the way I had my feet spread, I mean, I just got caught with a real clean shot.  It’s nothing I can take away from him.  He definitely earned that.  But, it was a valuable lesson to me and a lesson that I’m sure I won’t make again.
Q
Sergio, how was the rehab in trying to get back and healthy?  Was there anything that, during that time, you looked at yourself as a fighter and wanted to improve upon for this rematch?
Mora
No, not as a fighter.  The only thing I had in mind was to heal up 100 percent.  I did everything in my power, in my capability to heal up properly.  I did all the–I got the best treatment.  I tried to go with the best physical therapist and with ice and do all the remedies, all the Mexican remedies that my mom would tell me to do.  And I tried to do everything possible to do it.  So, finally, I–after 6 to 7 months, I started–little by little started putting pressure on it.  And I started feeling good and taking it–taking Aleve.  And sometimes, I have to take cortisone shots in order for me to go harder and faster.  So, I just did everything in my ability, plus prayer.  And thank God I’m back.
Q
I don’t know who’s best fit to answer this question, but is there a rubber match clause in the event that Sergio pulls the upset?
Mora  
I’m the king of rematches.  So, I’ll answer that.  I’ve had four rematches.  This is going to be my fifth.  And I’ve never had a rubber match.  I probably deserved a rubber match with Brian Vera.  But, Texas is just too big and strong for me to beat.  So, rubber matches, I don’t know.  We’ll see.  I got to get the win first.
Q
Are you confident, Sergio, in your ability to plant on your ankle?
Mora
Absolutely.  Now, I am.  There were times within the year that I’ve been off that I questioned it.  And I’m 35 years old now.  So, everything heals up slower.  I can’t fool myself.  So, sometimes, I question it.  But, now, I’m not anymore.  I did everything.  I put all the pressure, sprinting uphill, sprinting downhill, stopping on a dime, pivoting, twisting.  And I feel an ache here and there.  But, as far as me doing, I’ve done it.  So, mentally, I’m there.  I’m ready.
Q
Daniel, do you feel this fight is a backwards step?
Jacobs  
I absolutely do.  I mean, I think it’s just–to me, this is kind of like a just-stay-busy fight because we weren’t able to get the fight that we actually wanted, for whatever reason.  But, to me, I don’t think this does anything for my career.  Like I said before, we’ve always wanted to move up to bigger and better opposition each time out.  This is kind of a step back.  And I understand that it left a bitter taste in certain people’s mouths because of the way Sergio Mora lost.  But, in my opinion, he was on the verge anyway.  So, that’s how I look at it.  But, this is for me an opportunity to kind of quiet the critics and just make the final statement once and for all that I am the better fighter, better boxer.
Hell, I’m better in general inside that square ring.  Sergio Mora has nothing in there to stop me, especially come September 9th.  I’m in the best shape that I’ve ever been in my life.  And he said before that I don’t like to go 12 rounds.  I mean, I’ve never said that.  I mean, just because I’ve knocked guys out doesn’t mean I don’t like to go 12 rounds.  With the Caleb Truax fight, I wanted to go 12 rounds, and I did, and then I stopped him in the 12th round.  So, it’s not like I’d just like to go out there and have this false identity like I’m this super big knockout artist.  I’m a superb boxer.  I learned the fundamentals from the amateur USA boxing.  I’ve gone internationally and performed on an international level.  I know how to box.  Sergio Mora is extremely awkward.  That’s what allowed him to get where he is now.  Take nothing away from him being a world champion.  Yeah, I have to give him credit for that.  But, as a–.
Mora
About time you give me some credit.  And guess what?  I–and hey, listen, man.  Sorry to interrupt you, but that’s the first time you’ve ever given me credit.
Jacobs
Oh, I’m sorry.  I thought I was answering the question.  Okay.  I’m going to let you go ahead.
Mora
That’s the first time you’ve ever given me credit, man.  Thank you very much.  Thank you, Danny.  Thank you.
Jacobs  
Oh, okay.  You’re very welcome.  But, as I was saying, yes, this is definitely a setback.
Q
It didn’t take long for you to get acquainted the first time around.  What are your mindsets?  Are you looking to pick up where you left off, or you taking a completely different approach this time around?
Mora
I’m still in shock that he gave me credit.  Look, the first time around, he downplayed and downgraded me as a former world champion.  And he said that he wanted to move onto bigger and better things.  I just want to touch on something.  I’m the best name on Daniel Jacobs–no, let me take that back.  I’m the most accomplished name on Daniel Jacobs’s record.
So, how is he down–how is he going backwards?  How is he regressing by fighting me?  I’m the best–I’m the most accomplished on his resume.  He’s not even top three on mine.  I’ve got hall of famers on my resume.  I had to beat a world champion, a five-time world champion to become champion.  He had to beat a guy Jarrod Fletcher Jacob–I don’t even know what the hell his name is, Fletcher Jones or whatever it is.  So, the bottom line is you’ve got to give me my credit, man.  So, thank you for giving me that credit.  Now, what was your question, again?  I’m sorry.
Q
Are you looking to pick up where you left off, or are you coming in with a totally different mindset?
Mora
Well, look, I know that I got dropped.  I’ve been dropped before.  I can get up, and I’m pretty resilient that way.  Jacobs took a little longer to get the cobwebs off.  So, he–now, he knows that I can punch.  I don’t think he’s going to come in as aggressive as he was the first time.  If he does, maybe we’ll leave off.  That’s going to be up to the champ.  The champ wants to start if off, I’m good.  If not, if I see him–fighting behind a jab, then I’m going to have to go and put the pressure on a little bit.
Q
And, Daniel?
Jacobs
So, I just–I totally feel like he’s just full of it right now.  I don’t think he’s going to come forward.  He’s even said it in the interview.  Now, he understands and he knows how much power I possess.  He’s going to change the game plan.  And he’s going to try to take me into what he quotes are deep waters.  So, he’s going to try to take me in later rounds, which in my opinion, he has to box, and he has to be on the back foot to do so.
So, in my opinion, I think he’s going to try to make it a snoozer.  He’s not going to try to make it exciting and come forward.  And it’s just my–it’s just up to me to make it an exciting.  And I’m going to do what I’ve always done.  I’m going to come forward, and I’m going to adjust if I need to make adjustments.  And that’s simple.  I want to hurt this man.  There’s no way around it.  I want him to feel and eat his words, clearly.  So, I’m going to come in there, and I’m going to try and punch you in your face.  It’s plain and simple, Sergio.  That’s my game approach.  But, if you want to box–.
Mora
That’s all good.  You try to reach my–.
Jacobs
If you want to go on the back foot–.
Mora
I’m going to be touching that body.
Jacobs
Hold on, sir.  Hold on, baby.  Hold on, baby.  I’ll let you answer your question.  Hold on now.  Be respectful.  If you wanted to be on the back foot, that’s the game that I can play, too.  I have an extreme amateur and professional boxing resume, brother.  Like, we can do this.  But, the game plan for me, to answer your question, is to go in there and hurt this man, period.
Q
Sergio, given the fact that Danny has said that this is a backwards step for him, he looks at it as a tune-up fight, didn’t really want to have the rematch, why–what do you think it was that actually got you this rematch and I know you wanted very badly?
Mora
Al Haymon, plain and simple, Al Haymon.  I think no one was campaigning for this rematch, Dan.  And I think a lot of people were surprised that it happened.  I certainly was surprised that I got the phone call because, even though I was promised by Al a big fight my first fight back, I didn’t expect it to be for world title versus Daniel Jacobs in a rematch.  So, I’m very, very thankful to Al Haymon.  And honestly, just to–I mean, not to be funny or anything, but if I really have to thank another person, another thing, it’s Twitter because it gives me a voice when I was injured.  And I never had that before.  I just wish I would’ve started it earlier and had more of a following.  So, yeah, I’ve got to thank Twitter, too.
Q
Do you think–I mean, you’ve had your ups and downs.  You fought a lot of good names.  But, you mentioned a little earlier 35 years old.  Do you think this maybe this could be your last chance at a world title?
Mora  
Yeah, probably.  I mean, I can’t be foolish and say that I can move–I can beat Bernard Hopkins.  I can’t.  I’m not Bernard Hopkins.  There’s only special people that could fight in their mid-30s and so on and still be fighting the best.  So, even though, if my body hasn’t taken a beating, I’ve been in the game a long time.  And the wear and tear from sparring and from running and from the dieting and from all the other stuff, all that takes effect.
But, even though I am well preserved, I’m still the age that I am.  And the hunger’s still there.  So, number one, if the hunger’s still there, everything else falls into place.  So, we’re going to find out in two weeks exactly if the hunger and my body is at the same level.
Q
Were you anxious to just go right back in with Danny in a second fight if you could get the fight, or did you consider a tune-up?
Mora
No, no.  Great question, Dan.  Me and my team did have that discussion.  And we did think about fighting someone else.  And I think Alfredo Angulo was a name they offered and were considering.  But, we know Angulo very well.  And we just didn’t feel right taking that fight, especially watching the fight–his last fight.  But, the ankle feels good.  And we decided to go straight into this title fight because we weren’t sure we were going to get it again.  I think the stars lined up perfectly for it to happen.  And Jacobs admits that, too, that he didn’t want to fight me for whatever reasons, and I got this fight thanks to Al Haymon.  And that’s it.
Q
What was it that made you decide that, ultimately, you would in fact give him the rematch, even though it’s clear that it’s not a fight that you want?
Jacobs
It’s just I understand how it left a bad taste in people’s mouths.  So, with the options that we were given, with talking to Al and talking with my team, I guess it just kind of made–not sense, but it just was the right thing to do at the very–at that moment.  And I won’t say we looked at it as, like, hey, this is an easy win or this is an opportunity to make easy money.
Like, we don’t look at it like that.  But, we kind of just–and we definitely wasn’t forced into the fight.  So, that’s another thing that I want to make clear.  Al Haymon didn’t say, “Hey, this is going to be what you’re going to do.”  So, me and my team came together.  And for whatever reasons, we allowed this fight to happen, but we definitely wasn’t forced into it.
Q
So, you mentioned you had some other options that were brought to your attention.  What were those other options?
Jacobs
They just wasn’t–like, it wasn’t guys in my opinion at that level that were bigger and better.  Like I said before, we looked at the whole scene of the middleweight division, and Andy Lee and a couple other guys that names were thrown out there. We were trying to make that fight happen with Lee.  I think that fight kind of fell through maybe once or twice.  So, we were just like, “Hey, let’s just go with Sergio Mora.”  The way we–the way it looked and the way we won kind of left a little bit bad taste in people’s mouths.  So, it just makes sense to do it.
Q
What is the big fight out there?  You are–as the WBA’s regular champion, you are the mandatory for Gennady Golovkin.  I want to know if that’s a fight that you’ll consider after this?
Jacobs
Absolutely.  That’s the fight that I want.  I want the best out there.  We tried to make the fight with B.J. Saunders.  We tried to make the fight with a couple other guys.  But, it just didn’t work.  Chris Eubank, Jr., was another opportunity for us to fight.  But, he didn’t want no part.  So, even after winning the–forgot what title he won because I know I was his mandatory at some point, and he declined.  And so, we want to fight the best, point blank, period.  Triple G is the best, and that’s the guy that we want.
Q
What kind of particular stylistic problems you think you’d give Golovkin that he hasn’t seen yet?
Jacobs
I definitely believe I would be the toughest test because I believe I would be the victor in that fight.  I definitely believe in my skills and my ability.  At one point in my career, the only reason why I said I wanted to wait was so I could get 12 rounds so we can go the full distance and know how we can actually feel in a tough fight for 12 rounds.  I’ve accomplished that.  And then the only thing that was kind of keeping me from making this fight happen earlier was the finance.  So, people saying I was ducking or I was doing a whole bunch of this and a whole bunch of that, that’s far from the truth.  I just wanted to be compensated accordingly.  And that was it.  If we can make these fights happen sooner than later, I’m all for it.  But, in the same token, I still would like to be compensated accordingly.
Q
Are you confident that you could get a deal done that would be good for the finances?
Jacobs
I don’t really know too much about that.  I mean, I have a great team.  And I leave all those things up to my team.  My thing is to stay ready, to be ready, and to perform at my best when I’m inside the ring.  So, whatever the logistics is outside the ring, all I have to do is say, “Yes, I’m comfortable with that.  And let’s make the fight.”
Q
Now, I know you’re a pretty even-keeled guy, but has Sergio got under your skin with all the trash talk?
Jacobs
Oh, hell yeah.  I mean, not under my skin to where it would affect my game plan or it’ll affect me inside the ring.  No, it’s just some of the things that he’s said or from the pictures that he’s posted, and that’s what he’s supposed to do.  And he’s landed an opportunity at fighting me again. But, this is an opportunity that I’m looking forward to.  And this is probably for me the first personal fight that I’m entering in with mean intention.
Q –
And a question for Sergio.  You’ve been around for a long time.  You’ve fought a lot of top guys, like Sugar Shane and so forth.  Where–how would you compare Danny to those guys?  And how do you think you’ll–a guy like you who has such a high boxing IQ, how do you think a rematch would help you?
Mora
Sugar Shane and so forth, and Vernon Forrest, two great fighters.  Look, Danny has his amateur pedigree.  And he can fight behind the jab, like he says.  And he could be–and he can fight on his back foot, as he claims.  He says he’s gone 12 tough rounds.  I only seen him go 12 one-sided rounds against a guy named Caleb Truax.  Those weren’t tough.  He doesn’t know what tough is yet.  And he isn’t really–he hasn’t experienced what it is to be in there with an all-around championship caliber fighter for 12 rounds.  I have.  That’s the difference.  That’s the difference.
And I feel that, until he experiences that, he still doesn’t know what it is to be an all-around champion, a champion that’s had to deal with getting knocked down, getting up, bad cuts, being down behind them cards, losing on cards going through the final championship round.  These are the experiences you can only dream of and hope of.  So, until you experience that, you can’t really say he’s done that.  Right now, he still needs to learn.
Q
Sergio, do you relish having the kind of opportunity to, as you said, teach somebody to be a fighter?
Mora
Absolutely.  I relish the opportunity to do great things, man.  And I think that, if you look back at my career, every time I get a big opportunity, I conquer it, or something like the Shane Mosley thing happens where, actually, I won, and it was a draw.  But, the big opportunities, I shine, man.  And this is just something that always needs to happen, always have to take the hard route.  That’s been my career, man.  I’ve never been the A side.  I’ve always been the B side that could compete with the A side.
And this is just another example of that.  Danny, the young champion looking down on me, subordinating me, making me feel like I’m lucky to get this opportunity, I’ve dealt with that my entire career, man.  It’s nothing new.  I know I’m here over and over, time after time for a reason because I’m that fucking good.  And so, people recognize and realize that.  I’ll never get the credit for it.  And that’s fine, as long as I keep getting the opportunities and as long as I become a three-time two-division champ.
Q
Tell us about that, how you approach the fight, what you expect to take place, especially in light of the last two fights ending quickly.
Jacobs
Well, I don’t really anticipate or expect anything.  Boxing is one of those things where anything can happen at any given moment.  My thing is I just want to be ready.  And when I prepare inside the gym and I’m in tip-top shape, I’m prepared and ready for anything that will come my way inside that ring, whether it’s the first round or whether it’s the last round.  It just so happens that these last couple of fights I’ve had been very exciting first rounders.  So, my thing is, as long as I’m able to adjust, I can come and be prepared for anything that comes my way.
Q
What was key in those two fights–to both of those fights starting off with so much activity and so much action?
Jacobs
I think just getting warmed up properly and the backstage, making sure that the flow was going and that you don’t have to kind of warm up in those first couple rounds.  Me and my team do a great job–and shout out to my team, by the way, who do such a great job with making sure that we’re prepared and ready for each round from the very first to the very end.
Q
And is that going to affect at all your game plan because people have seen those two previous fights, and they’re talking about it.  They say, “Maybe this is a guy who is just going to destroy people in the beginning.”  Is that weighing on your approach at all for this rematch?
Jacobs
Absolutely not.  My MO as a fighter is to be a fluent boxer first.  It just so happened that the speed and the power that I possess as well kind of hurt guys, and I’m a really great finisher, where actually, my mentality is to go in there and show my skills.  That’s what I love about the [sweet science].  I actually love to get behind my jab and put my combinations together and start to get good movements and good angles.  Like, I love that stuff.
But, it just so happens that, when I’m in there with guys and I’m starting to land good shots, and they get hurt, we just have rounds of the year and first round stoppages and early stoppages, so on and so forth.  So, I’m just happy I’m able to get the victory and finish strong.
Q
And, Sergio, what do you expect?  Do you expect this rematch to have this same type of electric start, or how do you prepare for this?
Mora
Well, we’re going to go back to Danny’s power.  He does have power.  And you’re born with power.  You can’t teach power.  You can’t go in the gym and work on power, or else I would’ve done that 20 years.  So, he’s blessed with an ability to punch hard with both hands.  And he’s always going to make for exciting fights.  Now, he’s also vulnerable because he’s been dropped before.  And that’s also on the exciting side.  So, whenever it comes to a guy like Danny Jacobs, you never know what you’re going to get.  It’s kind of like fighting a guy like Victor Ortiz, even though I think he’s better all around than Victor.  Victor’s exciting.  He’s a former champion.  He’s a power puncher.  But, you never know what Victor you’re going to get.
So, I think that’s the same thing with Danny, only Victor’s fought better opposition than Danny.  So, that’s the difference.  I think, for this fight, I don’t know, man.  I really don’t know what I’m going to expect.  I didn’t expect to go down in the first round.  I was surprised by the punch.  It was an awkward punch in from a southpaw angle.  I believe his right foot was in front.  I took a picture a little too long and held the position, expecting a left hook to come, and instead a right uppercut came, which is awkward.  And he calls me awkward.  That was an awkward punch.  So, yeah, you know what?  He stunned me.  I got up.  I shook it off.  And he came for the kill, like I knew he would.  And I was able to catch him.  I think we both learned that we can hurt each other, and we both learned that we both can be sneaky from certain sneaky positions.  So, I don’t think it’s going to start off with fireworks, like it did the first time.  But, I think it’s going to end up fireworks.  I don’t know if it’s the second, third, or further down the fight.  But, that’s what I’m expecting.
Q
And would anybody like to make a prediction for this fight, Danny?
Jacobs
I don’t make predictions.  I don’t like to go in there and have any type of thing going in my head where I have to live up to it.  I just like to win.  And however I win, however it comes, I’m grateful for it.
Mora
If I’m ready, I go in there to win.  And I’m ready for this fight.  I’m confident.  I expect a great performance from both of us.  And I expect to become a world champion, a two-time world division champion by the end of this fight.  So, I’m expecting to win.  I don’t know.  But, I’m going to win.
Marc Abrams – Okay.  Well, that’s going to wrap it up.  I just want to get every–Daniel and Sergio, just a quick final comment.  And after that, we’ll see you on fight week.  Daniel?
Jacobs
I just have a lot of people to thank that I would take this time to thank.  First off, I would like to thank my team and everyone involved for allowing me to have such a great camp.  They’ve put in the necessary work, everyone, team Jacobs, the necessary work that we need to be 100 percent prepared for this fight comeSeptember 9th.  I will be proudly representing my Brooklyn Boxing apparel as I’m sporting my trunks and finessing my moves inside the ring.
I want to give a big shout out to Brooklyn Boxing, have been supportive of my whole career. And me being an ambassador, I definitely have to big them up.  And Al Haymon, most importantly, Al has been taking care of me.  I’ve been the first guy that Al has had directly out of the amateurs to a world championship.  So, I have to give my hat–take my hat off to Al and everyone in our team Haymon.  And that’s pretty much it, all the promotors and managers involved with this as well, everyone who has made this possible, and thanks for all the fans for all the continued support.  Thank you very much.
Abrams
And, Sergio?
Mora
I got to start with Al Haymon because he’s given me not only a second opportunity, third, I’ve already had four opportunities to come back and reinvent myself.  And Al Haymon gave me that opportunity.  So, I thank Al Haymon.  I’ve got to thank my loyal team, my trainer Dean Campos, who’s been with me since the amateurs, [John Montillado], the rest of my team, my cut man Carlos, and [Panda Martinez].  And I want to thank my sponsors, [Snac].  Victor Conte’s onboard for this fight.  And I’ve never been a fighter that takes supplement.  I’m a guy that just tries to eat right and hydrate.  And I notice a difference with supplements.  And I do it the scientific way.  So, I want to thank the Snac System and Victor Conte.  And I want to thank my sponsor Spy Optics.  And that’s about it.  I want to thank the fans as well for–my day-one fans and even my critics, they keep me alive, so thank them, too.
Jacobs
Yeah, you forgot one more person, brother.  You forgot one more person, Sergio.
Mora
I want thank, what, Danny Jacobs?
Jacobs
That’s it.  That’s my man.  That’s my man.
Mora
Go fuck yourself.  I see you in two weeks, old boy.
Jacobs
Well, let’s do it on September 9th.  You already know, Sergio, I’m coming for you, brother.  I’m coming for you.
TICKETS:        Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions,
                        start at $20 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

‘IRON’ MICHAEL CHANDLER SET FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST ‘SMOOTH’ BENSON HENDERSON ON NOV. 19 IN SAN JOSE

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (August 31, 2016) – It’s a fight that both men have had their sights set on for quite some time, and now it serves as the main event of Bellator MMA’s return to the at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Nov. 19, when Michael Chandler (15-3) defends his Bellator MMA Lightweight Championship against Benson Henderson (24-6).

 

The tilt anchors a card that also features a welterweight feature bout pitting undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) against Menifee, Calif., native Fernando Gonzalez (25-13), after the two had originally been scheduled to fight at“Bellator 151” and “Bellator 158.” Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Tickets for “Bellator MMA in San Jose” go on sale this Friday, Sept. 2 atBellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster. Bellator Nation presale offer will take place Thursday, Sept. 1.

 

“Iron” Michael Chandler will look to defend his belt for the first time since having it wrapped around his waist following a devastating first-round knockout over Patricky “Pitbull” at “Bellator 157: Dynamite 2. A 15-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Chandler has consistently proven that he belongs among the world’s elite; collecting memorable wins over who’s who at 155-pounds including UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. The 30-year-old Missouri native now looks to capture his third career title defense, after successfully defending the belt at both “Bellator 85” and “Bellator 97” during his 2013 reign. The veteran enters his fight with “Smooth” riding a hot streak of three straight victories and now sets his sights on handing Henderson his first Bellator MMA loss at lightweight.

 

Fresh off his victory during the main event of “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull,Henderson has earned a title shot in the ultra-competitive lightweight division against its current titleholder in Chandler. With 10 of his 24 career wins coming by way of submission, the 32-year-old Glendale, AZ native will try to do what no other opponent has ever done and finish Chandler via submission. Nicknamed “Smooth” for his silky style and demeanor, Henderson took care of business in his most recent bout, utilizing impeccable technique to defeat Bellator MMA veteran Patricio “Pitbull” Freire after a broken fibula forced the Brazilian star to forfeit in the second round. Henderson hopes to avenge his first title shot with the promotion and trot off with Bellator MMA gold onNov. 19.

 

“Bellator MMA in San Jose” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

PRELIMINARY ACTION FEATURING PROMOTIONAL DEBUT OF KENYA MIRANDA ADDED TO ‘BELLATOR 161’

 

MARK DICKMAN-DANIEL PINEDA SET FOR FEATHERWEIGHT CLASH & MIDDLEWEIGHTS GREGORY BABENE-‘KIKO’ FRANCE READY FOR BATTLE ON SEPTEMBER 16

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (August 30, 2016) – A female flyweight bout pitting Kenya Miranda (2-2) against Emily Ducote (3-1) has been added to the preliminary portion of “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson,” which takes place on September 16 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas.

In addition, featherweights Mark Dickman (11-2) and Daniel Pineda (21-12) have agreed to slug it out while Gregory Babene (17-11-1) and Francisco “Kiko” France (13-4-1) square off in a middleweight bout that will also be featured on the Bellator.com-streamed preliminary card.

The fights join a heavyweight main event pitting Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) against Tony Johnson (10-2) and a bantamweight showdown pitting Joe Warren (13-5) against Sirwan Kakai (12-4). In addition, a lightweight feature fight featuring Derek Campos (16-6) against Djamil Chan (12-2) and a female flyweight battle between Anastasia Yankova (3-0) and Veta Arteaga (2-0) will also highlight an electric main card.

“Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event start at just $25 and can be purchased at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, or the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Box Office.

At 28, Miranda will be making her Bellator MMA debut when she steps into the cage on September 16. Since begining her professional career in 2014, Miranda has recorded a pair of wins, both of which came at the expense of opponent Natalia Cristina Silva. In her first career victory, the Brazilian prospect finished her challenger with a second round knockout and followed up the impressive performance with an equally splendid first round rear-naked choke submission. A native of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Miranda will look to prove she belongs with the world’s best when she meets her “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” opponent.

Ducote burst onto the Bellator MMA scene following a second-round rear-naked choke finish of Bruna Vargas at “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo.” The win earned the the 23-year-old Oklahoma native an exclusive contract with the Scott Coker-led promotion, and was her third straight win in 2016 since dropping the opening bout of her young mixed martial arts career. Training out of American Top Team’s affiliate in OKC, “Gordinha” will look to keep the momentum going when she takes on another top Brazilian prospect on September 16.

At 32-years-old, Dickman has quietly climbed the ranks as one of MMA’s most consistent featherweights. After beginning his professional career 5-0, the Las Vegas native continued his hot start, emerging victorious in nine of his first 10 bouts. The knockout artist will be making his second appearance under the Bellator MMA umbrella, after defeating Thomas Diagnevia brutal third round knockout at “Bellator 154: Davis vs. King Mo.” Of his 11 professional victories, seven have come by way of KO, punctuated by three first round finishes. “Tricky” enters this fight having won six of his last seven bouts and his last two, as he tries to add to his career total and remain unbeaten since joining the Bellator MMA circuit.

Best known as a submission specialist, the 30-year-old Pineda has spent time with multiple local promotions as well as the UFC during his 33-fight career. Nicknamed “The Pit,” Pineda enters the cage having won three of his last four bouts and the opportunity to earn his first victory since joining the Bellator MMA fray. Hailing from Houston, Pineda will have the hometown edge over his opponent as the Scott Coker-led promotion will take its talented roster to Cedar Park and the H-E-B Center for the first time. Dating back to 2012, each of his last six wins has come by way of submission, with five of them occurring in the opening round of action. It’s worth noting that all 21 of Pineda’s wins have come by way of knockout or submission.

Hailing from Paris, France, 29-fight veteran Babene will be making his second appearance under the Bellator MMA banner. The 32-year-old “Blade” emerged victorious in his promotional debut earlier this year, when he defeated Brandon Farran with a first round rear-naked choke submission at “Bellator 150: Kongo vs. Spartan.” The French middleweight has amassed 17 career wins thus far, 14 of which have come by way of knockout or submission. Babene will face one of the stiffest tests of his career, as he prepares to face rising middleweight “Kiko” France.

France will be fighting for the third time under the direction of Bellator MMA, after earning a victory over Ben Reiter in his Bellator debut at “Bellator 146: Kato vs. Manhoef.” The 33-year-old nicknamed “Kiko” will also be making his 19th overall appearance in the cage, where he has accrued 13 professional wins; 12 of which have come by way of submission. The Gilbert, Arizona native is currently riding a hot streak, claiming victories in six of his last eight fights (including one draw). The veteran submission specialist will have his hands full, as he prepares to enter enemy territory and challenge Babene in his home state of Texas on September 16th.

Updated “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” Main Card:
Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) vs. Tony Johnson (10-2)
Bantamweight Feature Bout: Joe Warren (13-5) vs. Sirwan Kakai (12-4)
Flyweight Feature Bout: Anastasia Yankova (3-0) vs. Veta Arteaga (2-0)
Lightweight Feature Bout: Derek Campos (16-6) vs. Djamil Chan (12-2)

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kenya Miranda (2-2) vs. Emily Ducote (3-1)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Mark Dickman (11-2) vs. Daniel Pineda (21-12)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Gregory Babene (17-11-1) vs. Francisco France (13-4-1)

About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:
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