Tony Harrison Holds Grocery Giveaway Ahead of Holiday & Rematch Against Former Champion Jermell Charlo Saturday, December 21 in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event & on FOX Deportes from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California
DETROIT (November 27, 2019) – WBC Super Welterweight Champion and Detroit-native Tony “Superbad” Harrison spent time giving back to his hometown last week, holding a grocery giveaway at his gym ahead of tomorrow’s Thanksgiving holiday.
“I know where I come from and the neighborhood that we’re giving back to,” said Harrison. “They need a little help, and we’re just trying to give these people the opportunity to fight another day. It’s a 12-round battle every day in this community, so whatever we can do to help them fight one more day is what I’ll do.”
Harrison hosted the event at his Superbad Boxing Gym as he prepares for his rematch against former world champion Jermell Charlo taking place Saturday, December 21 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes live from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Toyota Arena box office and Ticketmaster.com.
Harrison, who will be riding in his own float at tomorrow’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, gave away 50,000 pounds of food as he continues his longstanding goals to give back to his hometown and before he represents his city in the ring live in primetime on December 21.
“Tell Charlo to be ready,” said Harrison, “We’re almost there. I’m locked in and I’ll see him real soon.”
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ABOUT HARRISON VS. CHARLO II Harrison vs. Charlo II will see the highly anticipated rematch between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison and former world champion Jermell Charlo headlining the FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 21 from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solis fighting for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World title and rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba taking on Iago Kiladze in a 10-round opening attraction.
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
ONTARIO, Calif. (November 5, 2019) – The highly anticipated WBC Super Welterweight Title rematch between Tony “Superbad” Harrison and Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo will headline live in primetime in FOX PBC Fight Night Action and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 21 from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.
Harrison vs. Charlo II is a high-voltage rematch that has been building ever since the end of the first matchup. The two were set to meet in June, but the rematch was postponed when Harrison suffered torn ligaments after spraining his ankle in training.
Now that he is fully healed, Harrison is ready to solidify his hold on the title while Charlo is ready to take back what he believes belongs to him. The rematch comes just one day short of a full year from the first time the two stepped into ring against each other on FOX.
“After a dramatic and razor thin first fight, Tony Harrison and Jermell Charlo are sure to be at their best on December 21 when they settle their rivalry in a can’t miss rematch,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is the kind of high stakes 50-50 fight that belongs in primetime on FOX and I know that the Southern California boxing fans watching in Ontario will love everything that these two champions bring to the ring.”
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
In the first meeting, Harrison deployed a tactical defensive strategy that blunted much of the force of Charlo’s high-powered offense. The intrigue of the rematch is whether Harrison will be able to use a similar strategy to remain champion or will Charlo be able to impose his will on Harrison and regain the title.
The 29-year-old Harrison (28-2, 21 KOs) entered the first match against Charlo having come up short in his previous world title attempt. He lost to Jarrett Hurd in a bid for the IBF title in 2017. Harrison, a protégé of the late Emanuel Steward and a native of Detroit, bounced back with three strong performances, including a decision victory over former world champion Ishe Smith.
“The delay just made me even hungrier heading into this fight,” said Harrison. “Watching Charlo the night we were supposed to go shine, and rejuvenate himself, it built up so much hunger in me. I’m tired of the talk and the noise. I’m ready to go.
“We’re looking to work smarter this time,” added Harrison. “I think everything I did before worked, but we want to make it even more decisive. The plan is to be more technically sound overall. You may see an early knockout. It’s tense between both parties. I’m pretty sure he wants to knock me out as much as I want to knock him out. Whoever has the best plan will win. But I’m by far the better athlete. Athlete for athlete it’s not even close. I’ll beat him in everything, running, basketball, football. My style is perfect for his style. He’s Shane Mosley to my Vernon Forrest. I’ll beat him every time I face him.”
It was an emotional night for Charlo (32-1, 16 KOs) the first time he fought Harrison. He and his twin brother, Jermall, the WBC Middleweight World Champion, were defending their titles on a FOX PBC Fight Night doubleheader at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Jermell and many ringside observers thought he had done enough to beat Harrison, but the judges saw it differently, handing Harrison a unanimous decision victory and setting up a hotly contested rematch.
A 29-year-old native of Houston, Texas, Charlo, won the title with a knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. He went on to establish himself as one of the best young finishers in the sport with devastating stoppage victories over Charles Hatley and Erickson Lubin in defense of the title. He scored a majority decision over former world champion Austin Trout before taking on Harrison and most recently scored a knockout victory over Jorge Cota on FOX in June.
“I still feel strongly that I won that first fight and I’m going to do things in a more dominant fashion this time,” said Charlo. “I’m coming in to this fight being the overpowering, strong, ferocious Jermell Charlo. Tony Harrison is not on my level. It’s my job on December 21 to prove that and to prove my worth. I’m coming in there mentally focused. When I fought Jorge Cota, that’s a prelim of what’s to be expected from me in the future.
“I want to look for the knockout and set it up,” continued Charlo. “I don’t want it to go the judges. That’s my worst nightmare. If it does go 12 rounds, he’s going to be very injured at the end. The loss taught me how to be more patient and to take things step-by-step. I’m going to show everyone why Jermell Charlo is a threat to the whole 154-pound division. I personally feel I’m the best in the division. I’m an upgraded Jermell Charlo that you’ll see on December 21.”
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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Super Welterweight Contender Takes on Former World Champion Ishe Smith This Saturday in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN Action From Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and Presented By Premier Boxing Champions
Digital Presentation Streams Live on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page Beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
LAS VEGAS (February 5, 2019) – Super welterweight contender Erickson Lubin will enter the ring under the guidance of coach Kevin Cunningham for the first time when he steps into the ring this Saturday against former world champion Ishe Smith as part of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The digital presentation will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and will also feature a showdown between super lightweights Juan Heraldez and Eddie Ramirez, all leading up to that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event. The three-fight SHOWTIME telecast begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT headlined by super featherweight world champion Gervonta Davis defending his title against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.
Lubin will fight for the second time since losing his first world title challenge to Jermell Charlo in 2017, and for the first time with his new coach. The Orlando-native began training camp in West Palm Beach, but has been training in Las Vegas for the last month since the team moved west to finish the training camp for Adrien Broner’s fight against Manny Pacquiao.
Here is what Lubin had to say about Saturday’s fight and more:
On his matchup against Ishe Smith:
“Ishe Smith has been in the ring with the best of them and he’s never been stopped. He knows how to fight and I’m expecting him to be at this best. I will have to dictate the pace right from the opening bell. My goal is to be the first person to take him out, but if it goes the distance, I’m okay with that as well. I’m going to win this fight and win it impressively.”
On training with new coach Kevin Cunningham:
“Kevin is a no-nonsense type of guy. He’s going to tell you the truth if you like it or not. If I’m doing something wrong in his eyes, he’s going to speak on it right away. He’ll do the same if I’m doing something right, so I like his style of training and I’m learning more each day we are together. This will be our first fight together and I’m excited to get back in the ring. We have a nice game plan in place that we will execute on fight night.”
On training in Las Vegas for the first time in his career:
“Training in Las Vegas is no joke, because we are training in higher elevation than what I’m used to in Florida. Getting away from the distractions at home has been relaxing. I’ve been getting great sparring and my timing is right on point. Las Vegas is definitely the place to be for high level sparring and training.”
On fighting in Southern California for the second time in his career:
“I really like fighting on the west coast. The fans are great, and the weather is beautiful. I know we’ll be fighting outdoors so I’m looking forward to that. Everyone knows this venue has hosted some really good fights. I’m looking to steal the show on Saturday night.”
# # # ABOUT DAVIS VS. RUIZ Gervonta Davis vs. Hugo Ruiz pits the WBA Super Featherweight World ChampionDavis against the former world champion Ruiz in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features undefeated super lightweight Mario Barrios taking on Mexico’s Richard Zamora and former world champion Javier Fortuna battling lightweight contender Sharif Bogere.
Tickets for the event, promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.
Having solidified herself as a legitimate women’s star in her own right with her gallant performance against Claressa Shields last June, world champion Hanna Gabriels (18-2-1, 11 KOs) will return to her homeland to face Australia’s Sarah Dwyer on Saturday, January 26, at the Avenida Escazu in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The 10-round battle will be in defense of Gabriels’ WBA Super Welterweight Championship.
Dwyer (3-4-2, 1 KO) is coming off a draw for the Australian Championship against undefeated Tayla Harris in November.
This will be Gabriels’ first fight since the impressive showing against Shields, where she had the women’s superstar down in the first round before losing an exciting and close decision. The fight is being called the Women’s Fight of the Year for 2018.
“I’m feeling amazing training with my husband and just ready to get back,” said Gabriels. “She’s (Dwyer) a warrior will try to come and chop my head off, but we will send her back to Australia quick enough.”
Gabriels’ manager, Hector Cordova, says Dwyer is the first stop of a comeback that includes a return go with Shields and some other big names in women’s boxing.
“I am really proud of Hanna and everything she does for the community in Costa Rica. She is a hero inside and outside the ring; a real-life world success story. Our goal is to unify the 154-lb. division. We want to raise women’s boxing to new heights and eventually rematch Claressa and fight (women’s unified welterweight champion) Cecilia Braekhus. Hanna is the best 154-lb fighter in the world: a point we look forward to proving once again on January 26.”
Promoter Dmitriy Salita says that Gabriels’ name belongs among the best names in the sport. “Hanna is one of the best female fighters in the world. Her world-class skills make her one of the biggest names in all of women’s boxing. January 26 is going to be a great night and will open a door of exciting new opportunities for Hanna.”
“I want to thank all of my fans for supporting me always and showing me love even in defeat,” said the always gracious Gabriels. “That’s what makes me want it more and more. I want to fight Claressa and Cecilia and give my fans all I can before I leave the sport. I also want to thank my team because they’re amazing. Bryan Vasquez, my husband, Hector Fernandez de Cordova, my manager, Pedro Gonzalez and Esteban Quesada, my co-trainers and Dmitriy Salita for lending a hand when needed. I won’t disappoint you.”
MINNEAPOLIS (August 24, 2018) – Welterweight contender Jamal James (24-1, 11 KOs)gave his hometown crowd a treat as he sent Mahonry Montes (35-8-1, 24 KOs)to the canvas for a second round knockout in the main event of a jam-packed three-hour night of Premier Boxing Champions action Friday fromthe Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“I came out here to make a statement and I’m even happier to be able to do it right here at home,” said James. “The support in Minnesota is amazing and it gave me the extra motivation to get the job done in spectacular fashion. Everyone knows I attack the body and tonight I was able to use it to get the finish”
In his second straight fight at the Armory, James made a statement by quickly dispatching Mexico’s Montes with a punishing left hook to the body that left his opponent crumpled on the canvas.
James broke through in the last 30 seconds of the second round, landing numerous unanswered right hands that put Montes in immediate trouble. James finished the show with the devastating body shot that eventually forced referee Mark Nelson to halt the bout at 2:58 of the round.
“I feel like I’m ready for the elite welterweights and tonight proved it again,” said James. “I’m going to keep working hard and taking down anyone they put in front of me. It’s time for me to make my mark in the division.”
In the co-main event, middleweight contender Willie Monroe Jr. (23-3, 6 KOs) showed off his boxing skill and picked apart Javier Francisco Maciel (33-7, 23 KOs) to score a unanimous decision in their 10-round bout.
Monroe was dominant with his jab, movement and an array of offensive attacks. He was able to vary his punches enough to keep the aggressive Maciel from landing anything that caused damage.
Maciel looked to score with power punches and body shots, but the former title challenger Monroe was comfortable on the outside and mixing it up inside on his way to winning the fight by scores of 99-91 and 100-90 twice.
The opening bout of the telecast featured fast-rising prospect and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (7-0, 5 KOs) as he earned a unanimous decision over Levan Ghvamichava (18-4-1, 13 KOs)in their eight-round welterweight matchup.
Stanionis rode a powerful jab and sharp combination punching to the dominant victory as he faced the toughest opposition of his pro career to date. Ghvamichava was game and tried to counter the hard-charging Stanionis but was too often taking the worst of exchanges on the inside. At the end of the action all three judges saw the bout in favor of Stanionis by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice.
Additional action saw Jeison Rosario (16-1-1, 11 KOs) score a unanimous decision over Jamontay Clark (13-1, 7 KOs) in their 10-round super welterweight bout.
Rosario scored a highlight reel knockdown with a counter right hand in the third round that saw Clark tumble out of the ring. Clark was able to return to the ring and beat the count, but he took more damage throughout the bout before losing the decision by scores of 99-90, 98-91 and 97-92, all in favor of Rosario.
A scheduled heavyweight bout ended in shocking fashion before it ever began, as heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs) was awarded a victory by disqualification against Curtis Harper (13-6, 9 KOs) when Harper exited the ring moments after the opening bell rang, opting not to face Ajagba.
Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes saw rising super welterweight prospect Sebastian Fundora (10-0, 6 KOs) stop Antonio Urista (10-3, 2 KOs)at 2:22 of the fourth round, undefeated super welterweight Leon Lawson (8-0, 4 KOs) win a unanimous decision over Brandon Adams (4-7-1, 2 KOs) in their six-round fight and unbeaten prospect Gary Antonio Russell (12-0,10 KOs) score a first round knockout of Nick Otieno (31-15, 13 KOs) just 1:18 into the round.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Unbeaten Super Welterweight Prospect Sebastian Fundora Takes on Antonio Urista in Main Event
Plus! Undefeated Prospect Antonio Russell in Bantamweight Action
MINNEAPOLIS (August 20, 2018) – A 90-minute prelims telecast has been added to an already stacked three-hour Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) show live on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Friday, August 24 from the Armory in Minneapolis.
Unbeaten rising super welterweight Sebastian Fundora will take on Michigan’s Antonio Urista in a 10-round showdown that headlines the live prelims telecast.
Coverage of prelims begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and will also feature the pro debut of former amateur standout Omar Juarez, as he steps into the ring in a four-round lightweight bout and undefeated bantamweight prospect Antonio Russell takes on Nick Otieno of Kenya in an eight-round bout.
Prelims precede a three-hour telecast of PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes action beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT and headlined by welterweight contender Jamal James returning to action in his hometown as he takes on Mexico’s Mahonry Montes.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and are available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com orTicketmaster.com.
Standing an astounding 6-foot-6, Fundora (9-0, 5 KOs)continued his ascent with a fifth-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Veshawn Owens in April on FS1 at the Armory. Born in West Palm Beach but now fighting out of California, the 20-year-old has fought in Mexico, Argentina and Uruguay since turning pro in 2016 at age 19. He will take on the 31-year-old Urista (10-2, 2 KOs) of Lansing, Michigan, who enters this matchup on a three-fight winning streak.
After a stellar amateur career, the 19-year-old Juarez will step into the ring for the first time as a pro on August 24. He fights out of the Brownsville-area of Texas and is a motivational speaker for kids in the area while also attending the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
The 25-year-old Russell (11-0, 9 KOs), brother of featherweight champion Gary and unbeaten Gary Antuanne, has stayed unbeaten since turning pro in 2015, most recently knocking out Jonathan Ramos in May. Russell is trained alongside his brothers by their father, Gary Russell Sr., and will look to continue his rise toward another world champion to the Russell lineage on August 24.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Rising Unbeaten Prospect Eimantas Stanionis Takes on
Hard-Hitting Veteran Levan Ghvamichava from the
Armory in Minneapolis
Plus! Explosive Prospect Efe Ajagba Steps into the Ring for
Televised Heavyweight Matchup
Welterweight Contender & Minneapolis Fan-Favorite Jamal James Battles Mexico’s Mahonry Montes in the Main Event
MINNEAPOLIS (August 8, 2018) – An already stacked card is expanding to a three-hour telecast with exciting showdowns presented by Premier Boxing Champions as rising unbeaten 2016 Olympian Eimantas Stanionis faces the toughest test of his young career when he battles Levan Ghvamichava and explosive heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba steps into the ring looking to deliver another knockout performance live on FS1 and FOX Deportes Friday, August 24 from the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes telecast is headlined by welterweight contender Jamal James returning to action in his hometown as he takes on Mexico’s Mahonry Montes. Middleweight contenders Willie Monroe Jr. and Immanuwel Aleem will square-off in the co-main event while rising prospect Jamontay Clark will take on once-beaten Jeison Rosario in a super welterweight showdown. Those five fights will play out over three hours of non-stop action, which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Highlighting the non-televised undercard will be Minnesota-native and former super middleweight world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax as he returns to the ring after two straight world title fights to face Brazil’s Fabiano Pena in a 10-round super middleweight fight.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and are available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com or Ticketmaster.com.
After representing his native Lithuania in the 2016 Olympics, Stanionis (6-0, 5 KOs) moved to California to train with legendary coach Freddie Roach and begin his pro career. The 23-year-old made his pro debut in April 2017 with a first-round knockout of Rasheed Lawal and followed it up with knockout wins in four of his next five bouts. Stanionis has scored stoppage victories over Hector Munoz and Erick Daniel Martinez so far in 2018 and will look to make it three-straight when he steps in for the eight-round welterweight affair.
Originally from the nation of Georgia but now fighting out of California, Ghvamichava (18-3-1, 13 KOs) has had his last four fights appear on FS1 and FOX Deportes broadcasts as he’s challenged former champion Sergey Lipinets and top contender Yordenis Ugas, while picking up victories over Oscar Molina and Breidis Prescott. The 33-year-old was unbeaten in seven straight fights after his first defeat in 2013.
Coached by renowned trainer Ronnie Shields in Houston, Ajagba (5-0, 5 KOs) has been impressive since turning pro after representing his native Nigeria in the 2016 Olympic games. The 24-year-old has five knockout victories in five pro fights so far, with only one opponent reaching the second round.
Truax (29-4-2, 18 KOs) became just the third Minnesota-born fighter to win a world title when he went on the road to the UK last December and defeated James DeGale in one of the biggest upsets of 2017. The Osseo-product lost a close decision in the rematch to DeGale in April and will return to action to take on the 30-year-old Pena (15-10-1, 11 KOs), who has faced numerous top contenders including Jose Uzcategui, Joe Smith Jr. and Tureano Johnson to name a few.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @WarriorsBoxProm, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Middleweight Contenders Willie Monroe Jr. & Immanuwel Aleem
Square-Off in Co-Main Event
&
Unbeaten Rising Prospect Jamontay Clark Steps in Against Once-Beaten Jeison Rosario in Super Welterweight Action
Tickets on Sale Now!
MINNEAPOLIS (August 2, 2018) – Welterweight contender Jamal James will return to action in his hometown as he takes on Mexico’s Mahonry Montes in the main event of an exciting night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action Friday, August 24 from the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The telecast begins at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT and will feature middleweight contenders Willie Monroe Jr. and Immanuwel Aleem going to battle in a 10-round attraction and unbeaten rising prospect Jamontay Clark taking on once-beaten Jeison Rosario in a 10-round super welterweight contest.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and are available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com orTicketmaster.com.
“Jamal James is building a following in his hometown of Minneapolis as he builds momentum in the welterweight division, and this fight against Mahonry Montes will help him accomplish both things,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The undercard features some strong matches that include boxers who will figure prominently into the championship picture in the near future. It will be an entertaining show for the fans in Minneapolis and those tuning in on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”
“Warriors Boxing is very excited to return to the beautiful newly-renovated Armory in Minneapolis with another PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes show,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “In addition to the great lineup of televised fights, headlined by local star Jamal James, favorite son and former world champion Caleb Truax returns to the ring at home for the first time since back-to-back road performance in world title fights.”
James (23-1, 10 KOs) built on the biggest victory of his career – a knockout over tough veteran Diego Chaves last December – with a decision win against Abel Ramos in April at the Armory and on FS1. The 30-year-old James has picked up three-straight victories since suffering the only loss of his career – a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas in August 2016. He returns to downtown Minneapolis looking to keep his momentum going towards the top of the welterweight division.
“I’m in camp training hard for another thriller at home against a pressure fighter in Mahonry Montes,” said James. “I’m going to use my height, range and skills to show that I’m hungry and keeping my eyes on the prize. Once I get past Montes, a big name is going to have to fight me. I’m right on the road to a world title challenge.”
The 28-year-old Montes (35-7-1, 24 KOs) has challenged everyone from world champions to top rising prospects throughout his pro career and enters this bout having scored knockout victories in consecutive fights. Representing Sinaloa, Mexico, Montes owns a victory over welterweight contender Francisco Santana in a fight last year that saw Montes drop his opponent on the way to a decision victory.
“I’m am so excited to have this opportunity against Jamal James,” said Montes. “My last loss was unfortunate because I thought I had my opponent hurt, but I’ve picked up a couple of wins since then and have been training very hard. I’m ready to show everyone that I belong with the best fighters in the world. I’m never in a bad fight and I’m going to show the fans in Minnesota how a real Mexican fights.”
A two-time title challenger, Monroe (22-3, 6 KOs) has faced current titlists Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders in his forays into championship fights. The 31-year-old from Rochester, New York has defeated Gabriel Rosado, Brian Vera and John Thompson since 2015 to earn multiple opportunities at the middleweight title. Monroe most recently won a dominant decision over Carlos Galvan in March.
Fighting out of Virginia, Aleem (18-1-1, 11 KOs) stopped Juan De Angel in the sixth-round of their May fight to get back in the win column after his first defeat in a bout against Hugo Centeno Jr last August. The 24-year-old had stopped then unbeaten Ievgen Khytrov in the sixth round of a January 2017 fight that became a Fight of the Year nominee prior to the Centeno fight.
The 23-year-old Clark (13-0, 7 KOs) has used his height and reach to establish himself as a fast-rising prospect on his way to contender status. The Cincinnati-native had two impressive victories in 2017, first defeating then unbeaten Ivan Golub and then a decision victory over Domonique Dolton last November as he came out victorious against his toughest pro opponent so far.
Rosario (15-1-1, 11 KOs) fights out of Miami but is originally from the Dominican Republic. Rosario suffered his first defeat last year at the hands of Nathaniel Gallimore, but has rebounded to be undefeated in his last four fights. This run has seen the 23-year-old fight to a draw with Mark Anthony Hernandez in February before defeating Justin DeLoach and dropping him twice on his way to a decision victory in May.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
On SaturdayI made the trip west from my London home to the beautiful city of Cardiff for the Owen Watkins promoted event at the Ice Arena Wales.
The event was due to be headlined by the much anticipated all Welsh Heavyweight title clash between Hari Miles and Dorian Darch, for the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) European Heavyweight Championship. However the fight had to be postponed as Darch was unable to take part due to a suspension he received following a fight on a different event a few weeks prior.
Despite this setback Owen Watkins had decided that the show must go on and I for one am pleased he made that choice, as the planned undercard featured a number of top class amateurs I have been looking forward to watching making their professional debuts.
First up was debuting Carl Thomas versus Kyle McNicholas in a four round Light Heavyweight Contest.
Both lads started really well exhibiting their respective boxing skills.
As the round progressed Thomas stepped up the pressure, backing McNicholas onto the ropes and began letting rip with shots to the body and head of the Liverpudlian.
As the round progressed into the final minute Thomas landed a cracking right to the head that shook McNicholas to the core, Thomas followed up with a left to the body followed almost immediately with a big left to the body that sent McNicholas to the canvas.
Surprisingly McNicholas made the count, they sure breed them tough on Merseyside, as that was a vicious body shot just below the lower rib, you just don’t see people get up after those that often.
On the restart Thomas went straight back on the attack, firstly firing off a stiff jab followed by another stinging left to the body and a double right to the head.
Thomas kept up the pressure, peppering McNicholas with a wicked body-head combination followed by another good stiff jab to back McNicholas into a neutral corner before letting rip with a sensational left hook to the body, that sentMcNicholas down for a second time.
Referee Roger Riley began the count and as it just reached the eight count point McNicholas began to try and rise without success, leaving the referee no option but to wave the fight off just as the bell tolled to signal the end of the first round.
I’m pleased to say that McNicholas was perfectly OK and did get to his feet shortly after.
My final thoughts on this particular fight are; it may have only lasted one round but what a cracking round it was.
Next up see Kacper Dudzinski making his pro debut against Belfast’s Michael Kelly in a four round Super Welterweight contest.
Right from the off Dudzinski got behind his seriously strong jab and began controlling the proceedings with fast hands and stiff double jabs.
Kelly is no mug, not by a long shot, he’s as savvy as they come, but even he had to concede to taking a defensive stance and patiently wait for any opportunity, no matter how slender, to counter, which to be honest were few and far between.
Dudzinski seriously impressed against Kelly and has a fantastic future in the sport.
It may have been his debut, but based on his performanceon Saturdaynight, against a former genuine title challenger, I reckon he’ll go all the way to the top and deserves it too, anyone who can keep Kelly on the back foot the way Dudzinski did for virtually the full four rounds is without doubt something special.
Don’t get me wrong Kelly landed some cracking shots but Dudzinski’s sensationally fast hand speed and superb defence kept those opportunities to the bare minimum.
Nice little touch from Kelly late in the final round, following a ‘matrix style’ reaction move, that almost prevented him touching a glove down, however, much to his annoyance he received a count from referee Chris Kelly, although Kelly was convinced he’d actually had avoided his glove touching the canvas, but instead of standing there and protesting he dropped down and proceeded to do push ups throughout the count to show his disapproval, much to the delight of the crowd.
After four brilliant rounds it came as no surprise that it was Dudzinski whose hand was held aloft – the official result showed Dudzinski scoring his maiden pro victory by a 40-35 points margin.
Next up was Ben McGivern versus Ben Hough in a four round Cruiserweight contest.
What a fight, McGivern mainly bossing the proceedings, forcing Hough on to the back foot as well as the ropes for a good chunk of the first stanza. Hough may have been on the defensive for a good part of the first but when the opportunities arose he took them in style.
It was virtually a complete turnaround in Round Two, with Hough wrestling control and putting McGivern on the back foot, and ropes, similar to the way the Scot had bossed the first round.
The third stanza was a much closer fought affair, so much so I found it hard to split them, points wise.
The fourth started out more or less as the third ended, with both protagonists going for it hammer and tongs, but as the Round progressed McGivern stepped up the pace enough to not only secure the round, but also the victory.
After four sensational all action rounds, as I gave away above, it was McGivern that came away victorious, referee Roger Riley scoring the excellent contest 39-37 in favour of the Scotsman.
Following the fight both boxers agreed to a rematch, which I have been reliably informed is likely to take place in Liverpool onSeptember 8th– put the date in your diary this is a fight no one should miss!
The penultimate fight of the night see Blackwood, South Wales’ Liam Preece versus very, very late replacement Pentrefoelas, North Wales’ Steffan Hughes in an all Welsh contest.
What a corker this fight was, it was an all action thriller from start right through to the final bell.
Considering Preece had a considerable weight disadvantage to deal with, he really went for it, taking the fight to his more experienced, and heavier, opponent.
Preece boxed confidently not only when on the attack but also when defending against the pinpoint accurate exocets launched by Hughes.
Preece was impressive throughout, and I’m sure it didn’t surprise anyone in the Ice Arena Wales when referee Chris Kelly’s scorecard was read out as a 40-36 points victory for the South Wales Lad.
The final pro fight of the night pitted highly rated former amateur star Port Talbot’s Levi Griffiths versus Liverpool’s Scott McIntyre.
Griffiths is so slick, the classy youngster began well and landed some stinging shots, which forced McIntyre to switch to ‘plan B’ early on in an attempt to keep on the inside to prevent the Welshman from getting his big shots off.
McIntyre’s plan B may not have been pretty, but boy oh boy it was highly effective.
After the initial ‘open’ period, which allowed the slick Welshman to achieve a good level of success, the majority of the fight could have taken place in a phone box.
McIntyre clearly had no intention of giving Griffiths any opportunity to let rip with any big shots, he just kept him tied up throughout, sometimes by foul means, so much so that after numerous warnings for holding or not breaking when told, referee Roger Riley deducted a point, however even that point deduction wasn’t going to prevent the Liverpool man from securing the victory, the official score being 39-36.
Have to say, whilst personally disappointed that the Miles-Darch WBF European title fight didn’t take place, promoter Owen Watkins had put together such a top class support card that I, as well as am sure everyone else in attendance had their Pugilistic Appetite well and truly sated by the fare on offer and look forward to his next promotion, which will take place at the Cwrt Herbert Leisure Centre in Neath on the22nd September.
LAS VEGAS, NV (June 12, 2018) – Undefeated super-welterweight prospect Mekhrubon Sanginov (5-0 3 KOs), from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, has moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to continue his dream of becoming a world champion. The highly decorated amateur returns to action June 23, 2018in Tijuana, Mexico.
“I am excited to take my training to a new level working in Las Vegas,” said Sanginov. “Las Vegas is the fight capital of the world and I feel that training in Las Vegas will take my career to the next level.”
Sanginov, who captured the WBC Youth Middleweight title in his last bout, has begun training with Justin Gamber, the well-respected trainer of undefeated super middleweight contender, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (17-0, 10 KOs). Mekhrubon is looking forward to taking his career to new heights, as he will campaign at super-welterweight moving forward. Sanginov is currently a promotional free agent.
“I am excited to be training with Justin Gamber,” Sanginov continued. “He is an experienced coach, who is making me into a world champion. The sparring I am getting is top notch sparring as well. I’ll be looking to be signing with a credible promoter in the near future.”
Sanginov was an outstanding amateur, amassing a record of 105-14, which made him a heavy fan favorite in his native country of Tajikistan. His hometown fans are wanting to see how he progresses as a professional.
“I am going to make a statement in the world of boxing, especially in the super-welterweight division, and the world will know my name after my upcoming performances.” Mekhrubon concluded.
