Tag Archives: Travis Peterkin

UNBEATEN TREY LIPPE MORRISON STOPS ED LATIMORE IN FIRST; “HOT ROD” KALAJDZIC WINS MAIN EVENT WITH IMPRESSIVE FIFTH-ROUND TKO OVER TRAVIS PETERKIN ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION  FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO

 


Ivan Baranchyk Wins Unanimous Decision over Wang Zhimin

Unbeaten Welterweight Ivan Golub Stops James Stevenson in Third

 

Watch The Replay Monday, Sept. 26, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME®

 

MIAMI, Okla. (Sept. 24, 2016) – On a night when undefeated heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison won his television debut and Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk and Ivan “The Volk” Golub remained unbeaten, light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic regained his winning ways by registering a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Travis Peterkin in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME Friday from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

Making his ShoBox debut and first start since suffering his lone defeat on a disputed decision to Marcus Browne, a motivated Kalajdzic (22-1, 15 KOs) of St. Petersburg, Fla., dropped Peterkin (16-1-1, 7 KOs), of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, N.Y., two times in the fifth before the fight was stopped at 1:32.

 

Other televised results: Baranchyk (12-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., took a 10-round unanimous decision over Wang Zhimin (7-1, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in the ShoBox co-feature; immensely popular local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison (12-0, 12 KOs) demolished previously unbeaten Ed Latimore (13-1, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa., scoring a 2:19, first-round TKO; and Ukrainian welterweight Golub (13-0, 11 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, registered a third-round knockout over James Stevenson(23-3, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md.

 

Kalajdzic overwhelmed Peterkin with consistent aggression, superior fighting spirit and better power. He landed 45 percent of his power shots, including 60 percent in the final round. Plus, he led 37-7 in body connects.

 

“The one-dimensional nature of Travis Peterkin cost him big time because he had no answer for Hot Rod’s right hand, and when he threw his own power shots they were ineffective,’’ ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood said afterward. “He was exposed tonight, and Kalajdzic rejuvenated his career after the loss with Marcus Browne.”

 

A 6-foot-2 native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kalajdzic dropped Peterkin the first time with a right-left combination and finished him with a right-left-right combination. Peterkin fell heavily in a neutral corner, prompting the referee to stop it.

 

“He was a little bit awkward so it took me a little bit to find my range but once I did and I got into a rhythm, I knew he wasn’t going to last,’’ Kalajdzic said. “We have been working on staying patient and finding that range and it showed tonight.

 

“I wanted to make a statement in this fight and I did. I want the biggest names in the light heavyweight division, but before that I want Marcus Browne again. That is unfinished business for me. If he really thinks he won the fight then let’s do it again. We could fight next week. I’m ready.’’

 

Baranchyk, despite getting cut for the first time in his career (over his left eye in the fifth), won by the scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91. There were no knockdowns.

 

The rounds, particularly in the fight’s second half, were competitive. Both fighters landed a high percentage of power shots, 44 percent for Baranchyk, 41 percent for Zhimin, but the difference was that Baranchyk was busier, crisper and physically stronger.

 

Going more than four rounds for the first time, he answered questions about his late-round stamina and feels he is now ready to step up again.

“The 140-pound division is loaded with talent,’’ Baranchyk said. “There are tons of fighters I would love to fight, but there are two guys in particular I’d like to fight next: Maurice Hooker and Abel Ramos. Hooker is with Roc Nation and is above me in the ratings. He’s undefeated and this would be a great fight to prove I’m one of the best up-and-coming guys in this division. I’d love Ramos to fight Ramos too. We are both promoted by DBE and I have heard he called me out. He’s a come forward guy and those are the type of fights I like and that make for great TV.

“I love the fans here in Miami and I love fighting on ShoBox.  This was my first time going 10 rounds and I feel great. Of course I would have liked to get the knockout because I always want to put on a spectacular show, but this was a great learning experience for me. He was an extremely tough opponent and I was surprised he was able to take so many big shots. We have been working on being patient and boxing and I was able to show that tonight.’’

 

Wang, who gave his best and never allowed Baranchyk to relax, said, “I felt a little tight and I couldn’t get my punches off like I wanted to. He was a little too big for me.’’

 

In a performance that lit up the arena, Lippe Morrison dropped Latimore two times and was on the verge of knocking him down again when the referee stepped in and halted matters at 2:19. Morrison decked Latimore the first time with a right hand midway through the first. Moments later, Latimore went down again from two rights and a left hook. After a series of shots, the referee stopped it.

 

“You know I have to watch the fight, but I think I did alright,’’ said Morrison after what was supposed to be the most dangerous assignment of his career. “I know I have to be patient and work behind my jab and just take the opening that I see – patiently. Being patient is something I’ve really been working on. I really felt my patience this time.

 

“I didn’t expect it to end this quick. I knew it might, but I didn’t plan on it. It felt good to drop a guy with my left hand. I never had the accuracy or quickness with the left that I do know. I now feel that I am equally adept with both hands. My left is like my right.

 

“To win a fight like this is definitely a relief. I was nervous about the fight, but not about fighting on TV.  This was supposed to be my toughest fight on paper and I think I did well.

 

“I feel I may have opened some eyes, but that’s in large part to Freddie Roach. I feel I’m improving thanks to Freddie. I’m throwing quicker, snappier punches and the coordination between my footwork with my hands is way better. All that is because of Freddie.

 

“I wasn’t going for the KO but I’m glad it happened. I could not have done it without Freddie, that’s for sure. I’ll be going back to California in a week and then right to the gym.”

 

The knockout was Lippe Morrison’s ninth in the first round. He also has two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014.

 

“We want to see more of Trey Lippe Morrison,’’ Farhood said. “Let’s let Freddie Roach to do a little bit more of work with him. He had a tremendous pressure on him tonight, but he did fantastically and he responded very well. He made a big step up in class tonight and couldn’t have produced a better result: a first-round knockout.”

 

After a competitive, fast-paced first round, Golub took over as Stevenson appeared to tire. A picturesque right hook to the chin dropped and staggered Stevenson, who still wobbly, got up by the count of five, but Golub continued his two-fisted assault, delivered over 20 unanswered punches and the referee stopped it.

 

“To me the guy that stole the show was Golub,” said Farhood. “We keep thinking of him as a boxer but he showed tremendous power tonight. He knocked out a very sturdy opponent in Stevenson and Baranchyk will benefit tremendously by going 10 rounds. He showed a lot by throwing as many punches as he did late in the fight against an opponent who simply wouldn’t be hurt.’’

 

“I could see from the first round that he was leaving himself wide open when he was coming in,’’ said Golub after his second ShoBox start. “I knew it was only a matter of time until I caught him with something really big and I would get him out of there. I’m happy with the performance but know I still have a lot to improve on. Our game plan was to be patient and box and let him come to us. I’m looking forward to getting back in there soon and continuing to climb the ranks of the welterweight division.’’

Friday’s four-fight telecast that was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions and Roc Nation Sports will re-air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, Sept. 24.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

The New Generation: Lippe-Morrison ready for ShoBox debut

 

Miami, OK (September 22, 2016) – As the son of popular former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison, Trey Lippe-Morrison’s name alone generates attention.

 

A quick glance at the Oklahoman’s record shows that all 11 of his victories came by knockout, 10 inside of two rounds. Those who dug deeper into Lippe-Morrison’s career will see that he’s trained by legendary Freddie Roach at Wildcard Boxing Club in Los Angeles, CA. On the contrary, his critics note that his name alone generated the buzz rather than his knockouts and many second generation boxers didn’t meet expectations.

 

On Friday evening at the Buffalo Run Casino, Lippe-Morrison looks to make his TV debut a successful one when he battles fellow unbeaten Ed “Black Magic” Latimore. The bout opens a quadrupleheader on Shobox: The New Generation and is scheduled for 6 rounds. Latimore, 13-0 (7 KO’s), owns amateur wins over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin and 2012 US Olympian Dominic Breazeale. The Pittsburgh, PA native will be Lippe-Morrison’s toughest test to date and he believes the heavy interest in this fight will only elevate his career when he emerges victorious.

 

“This is a difficult fight for Trey,” said Tony Holden, Lippe-Morrison’s promoter. “Latimore is undefeated and had a good amateur background. He and his team believe this fight will opens doors for him. The interest in this fight is extremely high not just because of whom Trey is but also since there are two unbeaten American heavyweight squaring off early in their careers. The winner is definitely worthy of being considered a top up and coming heavyweight.”

 

Lippe-Morrison is a member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise” and fought 9 of his 11 fights at the Buffalo Run Casino, a venue he’s helped sell out multiple times. With the hometown advantage and flawless start to his pro career, Lippe-Morrison knows there will be pressure on him but believes he’s ready to handle it.

 

“There is a little bit of added pressure,” the 26-year-old said of fighting on TV. “There are of course the people that want to see me on the same level at my father but some of it is brought on by me. My team and I believe I’m ready for this. I’ve been getting a lot better and learning every day under Freddie Roach. Freddie says I’m prepared for the step up and he has full confidence in me. Now I’ve got to go out and perform.”

 

The quadrupleheader airs live on Showtime at 10 PM ET and also features Ivan “The Volk” Golub against James “Keep em’ Sleepin” Stevenson, Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk vs Zhimin Wang and Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic taking on “Notorious” Travis Peterkin.

 

Tickets are sold out and this excellent evening of boxing is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions Inc. and Roc Nation Sports.

UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT TREY LIPPE MORRISON READY FOR TELEVISION DEBUT THIS FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER

 

 

 

“Hot Rod” Kalajdzic Faces Undefeated Travis Peterkin in Main Event,
Ivan Baranchyk, Wang Zhimin in Clash of Unbeaten Junior Welterweights, Welterweight Ivan Golub Risks Perfect Record Against James Stevenson

Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Sept. 21, 2016) – Trey Lippe Morrison is 11-0 with 11 knockouts. He is the son of the late former world heavyweight championTommy “The Duke” Morrison. A Grove, Okla., native, Trey resides in Hollywood, Calif., and is trained by Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym.

 

This Friday, Sept. 23, Morrison makes his eagerly awaited television debut when he faces fellow unbeaten and Roc Nation prospect Ed Latimore (13-0, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the second bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

Morrison, who turns 27 on Sept. 27, has recorded eight first-round knockouts, two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014. He bears a striking resemblance to his late father facially, physique-wise and with his fighting style, wears red, white and blue trunks with “TOMMY” written across the belt. He has fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma; this is his 10th start at Buffalo Run.

 

A popular member of Holden’s Four State Franchise stable, the 6-foot-2 Morrison is fighting for the first time since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in his most recent bout, a fourth-round TKO over Thomas Hawkins last Jan. 23.

 

Below is what Morrison and Roach said about Trey’s fight against LatimoreFriday, his up-and-coming career, life outside the ring, remembrances of his father, working with Freddie and more:

“I’m going to approach this fight against Latimore just the same way I approached my first 11 fights,’’ said Morrison ahead of the scheduled six-round bout. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence and a lot of new skills, and I’m just honored to be able to showcase them. Being on SHOWTIME is just a huge bonus.”

 

Morrison’s thoughts on Ed Latimore … 

 

“I’ve watched a little bit of video. He’s really similar to me. The way he bobs his head all the time and is a real aggressive fighter and always comes forward. It’s almost like I’m fighting a clone of myself. He kind of has that Mike Tyson style, and that’s what I expect to see. If he doesn’t come at me that way, then I’ll have to have a game plan for something else.”

 

Is Latimore your toughest fight to date? …

 

“Oh, yeah. Sure. 100 percent. His record says it all [13-0, 7 KOs]. He’s athletic. From just what I’ve seen of his past fights, he would be the toughest guy I’ve fought so far.”

 

On the injury suffered in his last fight … 

 

“I feel like it is 100 percent healed. It was kind of a freak accident. I threw an uppercut and it hit him in the hard part of his head. Since I’ve been able to put my glove on it, it hasn’t been a problem.”

 

What are the keys to this fight? …

 

“I think you always find the keys within the first couple rounds of the fight. That’s when you figure someone out. I figure I’m just going to be patient, and wait for my shot and when it comes, take it.”

 

Tommy was known as a left-hooker, you’re known for a strong right hand? Did you work more on your left when you were sidelined? …

 

“Oh, yes. Tremendously. I would say me being hurt was a blessing. I think it helped me more than it hurt me. I was really able to develop and sharpen my left hand. So right now I feel like my left hand is just as lethal as my right. I’m confident I can now do everything with my left that I can with my right. I was more of a right-handed fighter before because my left hand wasn’t as developed yet. My timing and my speed wasn’t quite there with my left before, but now I’m good with both.”

 

On working with Freddie Roach…

 

“I’ve been working with Freddie for about a year now. I’m living in West Hollywood; right smack dab in the middle of all the craziness. But I stay away from all of it. I’m more of a hermit. If I’m not training, I’m at home. I really don’t go out much. I really just like being alone at times and being at my place. I don’t have many hobbies. I would say I’m a nerd. I like to play video games with my friends online.”

 

How did you end up with Freddie?

 

“I originally moved out here to train with Jesse Reid. He decided he wanted to make a move to Las Vegas, and that just wasn’t a move my promoter, Tony Holden, and I were going to make. Since I was already here, Tony had a lunch with Freddie who agreed to look at me. So I had a private session with him and after that he said he’d be willing to work with me.”

 

How much have you learned under Freddie’s watchful eye? …

 

“I’ve learned so much — probably everything. And anything I was good at before, he’s sharpened it. I’d probably give him full credit for everything. The guys I’ve sparred with have also taught me a lot. It’s really helped me in every way possible.”

 

Did you play sports in high school? …

 

“I played football, basketball and track. I played tight end and defensive end in football and I ran the hurdles and threw the shot and disc. I played four years of college football at the University of Central Arkansas. I played defensive end there. I had a couple of pro teams looking at me, but I screwed up my senior year and ended getting kicked off the team. I made some bad decisions, just being a dumb college kid, and that led to it. When boxing came up, it was like a second chance for me.

 

“I wasn’t ready for my athletic career to be over. Football ended for me because I made bad decisions. I needed to be told that I wasn’t good enough for me to move on and go out and get a regular job. Around the same time that happened, my dad passed away. My mom told me that Tony Holden had a casino in the next town from where I went to high school. I had never met him before but we went out and had a great time talking about my dad. So I popped the question to him and asked if he’d help me get into boxing. He said absolutely not. I told him I was going to give it a shot because I wasn’t able to give up athletics. He called me back three days later.”

 

Do you feel pressure being the son of Tommy Morrison? …

 

“Yeah. I think there’s a lot of pressure on me to do well, and I think that really weighed on me the first couple of fights. That’s always going to be there. No matter who I fight, or how good I do, they are always going to compare me to my dad. I just have to deal with it.  There definitely is pressure, but I can deal with it better now.

 

“When I first started, people were comparing my first fight ever with how my dad ended his career…to his best fight. So obviously I wasn’t going to match up that way. I knew that I’d get better and that one day I’d get there.”

 

How would you describe your relationship with your father? …

 

“I’d say our relationship was awesome. We were great friends. You know, our time got cut short, and we didn’t get to spend a lot of time together. But the time we did have was amazing. And we really cherished it.”

 

Would you think your dad would be proud of you today, following in his footsteps?

 

“I think he would be proud of me. I wish he was here because the things he would say would help me a lot. I really do think he’d be proud.”

 

How much has your promoter Tony Holden meant to you?

 

“I wouldn’t be where I’m at without him. I can’t even put it into words. Honestly, if I would have started boxing without him, no one would know who I was. Everything I have in boxing, is because of him. I met him in October of 2013, two or three months before I got into boxing.”

 

 

Freddie Roach, a seven-time Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year and 2012 inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, will be in Morrison’s corner Friday in Miami. He said Trey is dedicated, a joy to work with and has continued to improve. But he remains a work in progress.

 

“Trey’s a very nice person, a simple guy, real polite like most boxers.’’.

 

“He inherited his father’s punch. He’s a big puncher. He’s learned how to box and is getting better every day. He tries hard. I like the way he’s progressing. He holds his own with some of the veteran guys here at the gym and is doing very well.

 

“Once he learns to box a little more, he’s going to make a lot more noise in the division. My thoughts on the heavyweights right now is that it is not all that strong of a division. [Anthony] Joshua may be the best, and there are a couple other big names. But I think the division is mostly wide open for guys who have heart and balls and are ready to take it the distance. Trey’s that kind of kid.’’

 

It was Roach who wanted this fight. “His manager asked me if he was ready and I said he was 100 percent ready. Latimore is his toughest fight, but it’s time to step up.’’

 

 

In Friday’s ShoBox main event, once-beaten Radivoje Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Fla. will try and resume his winning ways when he meets undefeated Travis Peterkin (16-0-1, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. in a 10-round light heavyweight scrap. In the co-feature, super lightweight livewire Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (11-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., takes on Roc Nation’s Wang Zhimin (7-0, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in a 10-rounder. In a scheduled eight-round bout, Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (12-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, N.Y. faces James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson (23-2, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md.

The combined record of the eight boxers on the televised card is 114-3-1 with 78 knockouts.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Roc Nation Sports are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhoodand former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

EIGHT FIGHTERS WITH A COMBINED RECORD OF 114-3-1 WILL BE FEATURED FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER
FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLA.

 

Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic Faces Undefeated Travis Peterkin in Main Event,
Unbeatens Ivan Baranchyk, Wang Zhimin Clash for USBA Junior Welter Title,
Welterweight Ivan Golub Risks Perfect Record Against James Stevenson,

Trey Lippe Morrison Meets Ed Latimore in Collision of Unbeaten Heavyweights

Tickets on Sale Now

 

NEW YORK (Sept. 6, 2016) – Light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic will face unbeaten southpaw Travis “The Notorious” Peterkin in the 10-round main event of a stacked ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Sept. 23, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

The combined record of the eight boxers on the televised card is 114-3-1 with 78 knockouts.

 

Kalajdzic, 25, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Peterkin, 26, of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be making their ShoBox debuts and initial 10-round starts.

 

This is Kalajdzic’s first fight since losing a highly controversial and questionable eight-round split decision to unbeaten 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne last April 16 in Brooklyn.  Kalajdzic is clamoring for a rematch with the world-ranked Browne, but he can’t overlook the strong, athletic Peterkin, who is coming off a shutout decision over Larry Pryor last March 30 and is looking for a breakout performance.

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (11-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., faces Roc Nation prospect’s Wang Zhimin (7-0, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in a 10-rounder for the vacant USBA 140-pound title. In a scheduled eight-round bout, Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (12-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, takes on James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson (23-2, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md.

 

Local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison (11-0, 11 KOs) makes his highly anticipated television debut against fellow unbeaten and Roc Nation prospect Ed Latimore (13-0, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the six-round telecast opener.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Roc Nation Sports are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available atbuffalorun.com and at stubwire.com. (The $35 tickets are sold out).

 

Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs), a 6-foot-2 native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, turned pro in June 2011. He won his first 21 fights before losing to Browne in a bout in which many felt he won easily. Browne (18-0) landed an occasional hard shot, but Kalajdzic seemed to control the fight with his power and awkward style.  Both boxers hit the deck, Kalajdzic (from what appeared to be a slip) in the first, Browne (clearly) in the sixth from a right hand to the head.  Receiving credit for a knockdown in which no punch appeared to connect was the difference, and the fans booed when the scores of 76-75, 76-74 and 74-76 were announced. 

 

“I am really excited about this fight and that I am on television again fighting another undefeated southpaw,” said Kalajdzic. “I am continuing where I left off with training camp from my previous fight since it’s another southpaw, so I will be more than prepared. Hopefully, Peterkin comes to fight and not hug like my last opponent did so we can give the fans a good fight.”

 

Peterkin (16-0-1, 7 KOs) would still have an unblemished record if not for losing two points in an eight-round majority draw with 2008 Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo (12-0) on Aug. 1, 2015 at Barclays Center. Peterkin had a point deducted in the fourth for hitting after the break and in the fifth for a low blow. The scores were 76-74 and 75-75 twice.

 

Despite the draw in his outing before last, Peterkin considered this the most gratifying moment of his life. From 2012-14, he stocked and served food in the suites at Barclays. In his most recent effort, Peterkin easily outpointed Pryor by the scores of 80-72 three times in New York. This will be Peterkin’s first fight outside of his home state.

 

A good boxer with excellent technique, Peterkin was introduced to boxing by his father, Bernard, a 1987 heavyweight Golden Gloves semifinalist, in 2001. He went 95-7 in the amateurs; after winning the 2010 New York Golden Gloves, he went pro in January 2011.

 

“I was ringside at Hot Rod’s last fight. I respect him, but I saw what his flaws are and will exploit them,” said Peterkin. “I am anticipating a war. Brooklyn is coming to Oklahoma and I will not disappoint. On Sept. 23, greatness beckons.”

 

Baranchyk, an offensive-minded fighting machine, packs outstanding power in both hands. He’s making his third appearance on ShoBox and third in a row at Buffalo Run. His otherShoBox starts, both first-round knockouts versus undefeated opponents, totaled a combined2:49.

 

The highly regarded, all-action Baranchyk registered a brutal, two-punch, 21-second stoppage over Nicholas Givhan (16-0-1) last March 25 on ShoBox at Buffalo Run. He scored a 2:28, first-round knockout over Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2) in his ShoBox debut last Dec. 11 in Houston, Texas.

 

Baranchyk was born in Minsk, Byelorussia and lives in Brooklyn. He’s won eight straight by knockout, including a third-round TKO over previously undefeated JoaquimEliseo” Cruz (9-0-1) last June 25 at Buffalo Run. Dominant with his speed and power from the outset, Baranchyk dropped Cruz in the second. Cruz’s corner threw in the towel at 1:07 of the third.

 

All 10 of the 5-foot-7, 23-year-old Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first. He’s fought 22 rounds in an 11-fight career. The only time he went the distance was in his third fight, a four-rounder in December 2014. Baranchyk, a former European amateur standout, turned pro in June ‘14 and relocated to the United States a few months later.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited about returning to ShoBox,” said Baranchyk. “Zhimin is a very skilled fighter and he will be my toughest opponent yet. However, I intend on ending this bout in devastating fashion. I guarantee you will see Zhimin on his back when the fight is over. I am looking to send a message to the rest of the junior welterweight division that I am someone to be feared.”

 

Zhimin, 30, turned pro in November 2010 and fought eight times in the WSB through 2011. After a three-year layoff, he relocated to the U.S. and has gone 7-0. He’s coming off an eight-round decision over Matthew Doherty last June 11. Zhimin had great success in the WSB, winning the gold in 2011 in his native China, defeating Yerzhan Mussafirov of Kazakhstan in the tightly contested lightweight final. Before that, he reached the final in the Chinese National Boxing Championship in 2010, where he received a silver medal. In 2012, he won another silver medal, this time at the Erdos International Boxing Competition.

 

“It’s an honor for me to be a part of this great event,” said Zhimin. “I want to thank the promoters, my team and everyone who gave me this opportunity. My goal is to get that belt. I know it’s a process full of challenges, but I am not afraid of what lies ahead. I know that I will make it. I have faith in myself. I will do whatever I can to prepare myself for this title showdown and give the fans my best performance and bring home the belt.”

 

Golub, a 27-year-old who, at 6-feet, is tall for a welterweight, turned pro as a middleweight in November 2012. At the outset of his career, he went 5-0 in the WSB. He’s gone 12-0 since, winning 10 by knockout, including his last six in a row, the last three as a welterweight.

 

In his ShoBox debut, he touched the canvas for the first time in his career, but bounced back to blast out Marlon Aguas with a series of combinations in the closing seconds of the sixth.  He won by TKO.

 

Golub, a southpaw who’s coming off a second-round TKO over Ernesto Ortiz last July 21, was an outstanding amateur. He went 270-32 as an amateur, was a five-time national champion in Ukraine and won bronze at the 2009 World Amateur Championships.

 

“Stevenson has a lot of experience and I am preparing for a very tough fight,” said Golub. “He is a guy that likes to sit on his punches and trade, which is exactly what I want. Once he feels my power, he is going to be in trouble. This will be an exciting fight for as long as it lasts.”

 

Stevenson is making his ShoBox debut. A pro since 2008, he won his first 21 scraps until losing by ninth-round TKO to then-undefeated Sammy Vasquez on Aug. 8, 2014. The fight was competitive for five rounds before Vasquez took over. Stevenson went down in the ninth.

 

The 5-foot-11, 33-year-old Stevenson has won two-of-three since, including a fifth-round TKO over Kevin Womack last May 14 in his first fight in 13 months. A hard-hitting boxer-puncher, Stevenson has feasted on modest opposition and is still seeking a signature victory.

 

Stevenson has produced a respectable record in spite of his career getting sidetracked by a series of setbacks and tragedies. In 2011, during a routine jog, a dog viciously attacked him, requiring Stevenson to get more than 20 stitches. Shortly thereafter, his father James Stevenson Sr. passed away, as did his mother-in-law.

 

“I appreciate the opportunity,” said Stevenson. “But they made a big mistake giving me the time to get ready for this fight. I’m training real hard and I’m coming to make a statement. I’m not scared of Golub and I promise it won’t go the distance. I’m putting him to sleep.”

 

Morrison has registered eight first-round knockouts, two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014. Morrison, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father facially, physique-wise and with his fighting style, turns 27 onSept. 27. He’s fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma; this is his 10th start at Buffalo Run.

 

A popular member of Holden’s Four State Franchise stable, the 6-foot-2 Morrison is fighting for the first time since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in his most recent bout, a fourth-round TKO over Thomas Hawkins last Jan. 23.

 

“I have worked so hard to get to this point and now this is my chance to show the world who I am. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity,” said Morrison. “Latimore is a huge step up in class for me, but I am ready for it. Once I hear those Oklahoma fans and feel the energy inside the arena, I flip a switch and it’s go-time. This is going to be my coming-out party.”

 

Latimore, who majored in physics in college, is a boxer-puncher expected to give Morrison his toughest test. Latimore is making his ShoBox debut and fourth start this year. He’s coming off an eight-round split decision over Juan Goode last July 15.

 

The 6-foot-1, 31-year-old Latimore turned pro in January 2013. As an amateur, he won the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves, National PAL and Ringside Championships, and was victorious over 2012 Olympian Dominic Breazeale and former IBF Heavyweight Champion Charles Martin.

 

“Morrison will be a real test for me,” said Latimore. “It’s never easy to fight someone in their backyard. I just fought in my hometown of Pittsburgh so I know the feeling coming into it and the momentum on fight night. I am looking forward to putting on a good show for all the fans in Oklahoma and those watching on ShoBox.”

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall withRich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

DANNY GARCIA REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH NINTH-ROUND TKO OVER PAULIE MALIGNAGGI ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

DANIEL JACOBS STOPS SERGIO MORA IN SECOND ROUND TO DEFEND MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

BROOKLYN (August 2, 2015) – Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) kept his perfect record intact Saturday with a ninth-round TKO of two-time world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-7, 7 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPNfrom Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

Garcia was able to control the fight with lead rights and counter left hooks that kept the agile Malignaggi from landing anything significant. The punishment took its toll on Malignaggi as a cut opened up on his right eye in the third round.

 

Despite being the crowd favorite in his native Brooklyn, Malignaggi was unable to land multiple punches on Garcia and put him in real danger. In the ninth round Garcia’s crisp blows finally proved to be too much for Malignaggi as the ref stopped the fight at 2:22 into the round.

 

In the televised opener, Brooklyn’s Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) knocked down former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-4-2, 9 KOs) twice on his way to a second round stoppage and a successful defense of his middleweight world title.

 

The first round featured exciting action from both men as Jacobs delivered a crisp right hook that sent Mora to the canvas early. Just seconds after getting up, Mora responded by hitting Jacobs with a clean counter that stunned Jacobs and sent him to the mat.

 

After tagging Mora with hard shots at the end of round one, Jacobs continued to come forward and sent Mora to the canvas with a flurry late in the second round. Mora appeared to injure his right leg on the knockdown and was unable to continue. The official stoppage came 2:55 into round two.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“I felt a lot stronger. In the ninth round I felt like it was round one. I need to work on shortening up punches and sticking with the game plan. My dad wanted me to be sharp and throw more straight punches.

 

“I feel strong and I feel good. I used my jab. There were definitely things I have to work on but I’m proud of myself. 147 is where it’s at.

 

“Paulie is a great champion. He’s a craft veteran with a great jab and foot movement. But I went in there and executed the game plan.

 

“Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter are great fighters in this division. If they want, we can make it happen.”

 

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

 

“I was trying to dictate the pace because I didn’t want him to get into a groove. He’s a hard puncher and I didn’t want to give him confidence to land a big shot. I wanted to dictate with my jab and keep him missing, so he’d second guess on throwing his power. The less power shots he threw the less power shots he could hit me with.

 

“I was trying to take a bit of his confidence. He was walking me down fairly well behind the jab. He cut me in the fourth and I think that upped his confidence. I never could get control of the pace though. In spots I felt I was giving up less ground and I had him missing. He got back on his groove though and he had a strong advantage.

 

“I think Danny can be an upper echelon fighter, he already is. He can put his name in the history books. He has a lot of talent. People don’t realize he has a lot of character too. He has a very good poker face. He doesn’t get frustrated, and if he does he doesn’t show it to you.

 

“His father’s a great trainer and he really stays on him. Danny listens and they have a great relationship. Every time a round would start it was like he was fresh. Even at the end of rounds when I gave him something to think about he came back, and that’s really important.

 

“I’ve got a really good job commentating and watching great fighters fight ringside. I hope to sit around ringside for a long time. I felt like if I couldn’t put up a great performance tonight then it would be my last. I was trying to hang tough as much as I could. I remember when I was taking big shots I just kept thinking ‘Don’t give in. This is your last night if you give in. Don’t show that you’re going to give in. If you can show that you’re still hungry for it then you’ll convince yourself that this isn’t the end.’ I wanted to keep showing that I want it. Little by little he broke me down, and I have no problem with the stoppage.

 

“I’m probably not fighting again. You hate to make an emotional decision. My career started in Brooklyn 14 years ago. If it ends in Brooklyn tonight then at least I ended it at home where I’m from and in front of the greatest fans in the world.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“I wanted to stop him on my own. I didn’t want him to quit on the stool but I know that he knew it was going to end in a couple of rounds anyway.

 

“I want Peter Quillin next. It’s a fight the fans deserve. Brooklyn always supports both of us and it would be a great way to close out the year.

 

“No rematch, no reason to go backwards. Thank God for this victory, but I’m not going to give him a rematch just because.

 

“I said did a guy with nine knockouts really knock me down?

 

“I think these Brooklynites deserve something special and I think me and ‘Kid Chocolate’ would be that special fight here at Barclays. We’re on the ‘A’ side now, we’re champions, so let’s do it!”

 

SERGIO MORA

 

Spoken to his corner man “I know it’s broken [right ankle]. I heard it pop.”

 

“I heard my ankle snap and my knee also felt funny and I couldn’t put pressure on it.

 

“I knew the first few rounds would be tough, we expected that. My plan was to take him into deep water.

 

“Adrenaline can make you do stupid things. With a puncher like Danny, I needed movement.

 

“I told you I came here to fight. I give him credit, but I came to take this championship. I want a rematch.”

 

Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Swift Promotions.

 

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & WEIGH-IN PHOTOS

Click HERE For PDF Version

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

Frank De Alba ready for biggest fight of his career TOMORROW NIGHT against Omar Douglas at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Fight to be streamed LIVE on ESPN3.com 

Brooklyn, NY (July 31, 2015)–TOMORROW NIGHT!! at Barclays Center, The 2nd installment of Premiere Boxing Champions on ESPN will take place with Danny Garcia meeting Paulie Malignaggi in the main event.  In the co-feature, Daniel Jacobs will defend his Middleweight title against Sergio Mora.
In a bout that will take place before the live broadcast begins, an intriguing Jr. Lightweight battle between Frank De Alba and Omar Douglas will be streamed live on ESPN3.com at 8 PM ET.
De Alba of Reading, PA sees this fight as a chance to make a big name for himself fighting on a big card in front of the major boxing media.
The 28 year-old De Alba has a record of 16-1-2 with 6 knockouts and has won 14 in a row and is unbeaten in his last 18 fights.  De Alba knows that this could be a fight against the undefeated Douglas, who will come in with a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts, that will springboard him into the top-10 in the Jr. Lightweight division..
“Everything is going great.  This has been the best training camp of my career,” Said De Alba.
“I have worked very hard to get to this point.  I have sacrificed a lot and I am grateful for this opportunity and I am not going to let this slip away from me.”
When asked about Douglas, he sees that there are some things that he can exploit in this pivotal fight.
“I see only one style.  He comes forward and throws a lot of punches and he comes to fight very hard.”
De Alba has fought the majority of his career in the Lehigh Valley area and he now relishing the opportunity to be noticed in New York.
“I am excited for that.  This is my first time on the big stage and I am going to take advantage and do my best.  This is what boxing is all about, the best fighting the best.  And because of this great opportunity, I will find out where I stand in the Jr. Lightweight division.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in
association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $120, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at(800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 855-GROUP-BK.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS – GARCIA VS. MALIGNAGGI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

NEW YORK (July 30, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN and undercard fighters held a final press conference Thursday at B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill in Times Square as they near their Saturday, August 1 showdowns at Barclays Center.

 

The event is headlined by undefeated star Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) as he makes his 147-pound debut against two-time world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. as middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) defends in his hometown against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs).

 

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“We had a tremendous camp, I’ve never felt so strong in my life. For the first time in my career I can actually train to get better.

 

“We’re just focused on training. We did everything in camp – we even chased chickens.

 

“I accomplished a lot at 140-pounds and I’m going to do a lot at 147. On Saturday at Barclays Center you’re going to see a spectacular Danny Garcia.

 

“I want to be known as a great Philadelphia fighter and a great Puerto Rican fighter. I’m the first Puerto Rican from Philly to ever be a world champion. I have the Philly skills and toughness with the Puerto Rican blood, it’s the perfect mixture.

 

“I’ve watched Paulie fight my whole career. He’s a tough veteran and I’m sure he’s got some tricks up his sleeve. I just have to go in there and stick to business on Saturdaynight.

 

“Barclays Center is my home away from home. We have a nice routine when we’re in Brooklyn. We keep it simple.

 

“I pay attention to the positive things in my career and that’s getting in the gym and working hard and getting better. That’s my main focus.

 

“Everything is better at 147. I feel stronger. My form feels good. The footwork is great. I can eat regularly now. Still disciplined but it’s a lot easier.”

 

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

 

“For Danny’s team, it’s only about him and for me it’s all about myself. My best versus his best. This is a big opportunity from me, professionally and personally. My career started 14 years ago in Brooklyn and people think it’s going to end Saturday in Brooklyn, but I’m not letting that happen.

 

“It’s been an emotional camp. I find myself thrust back into the limelight of a major fight when it was least expected. The question marks and doubts come up in my mind and that’s made it emotional. I work hard every day. I’ve quietly had one of my best training camps

 

“There are no excuses here. Saturday night is the best of Paulie Malignaggi. I look forward to testing myself against the best Danny Garcia. I’ve always loved and relish the big names and the big opportunities.

 

“Sometimes I lay in bed at night thinking about matchups between fighters. Now I’m thinking of myself in that conversation and we’ll fin out on Saturday how I stack up.

 

“Quietly but surely, I’m very confident about Saturday night. I’m bringing my best.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“This is another great opportunity to showcase my skills. I’m on a good knockout streak and I feel confident about this fight.

 

“Sergio Mora is a Rubik’s cube, you have to figure him out. He’s crafty and I have the utmost respect for him. I’m 100 percent confident in my ability to go out there and put on a good show

 

“I hear Sergio is coming here to knock me out and if that’s the case this is going to be a real exciting fight. I look forward to it because I’m coming forward and if two guys are doing that it’s going to be a great fight.

 

“I’m excited to give these Brooklyn fans a great fight. I love being at home and seeing all of the familiar faces I’ve seen since the amateur days.”

 

SERGIO MORA

 

I’m excited to fight at Barclays Center. Brooklyn is beautiful and has great fans. Lou DiBella is about to have another fighter named Sergio as a middleweight champion afterSaturday night.

 

“I think this is going to be a really successful fight because of all the stars up here. It’s a great event for boxing fans.

 

“I’m a grown man now and I’m looking to become a two-time world champion. This is my third time at a middleweight title shot but the first time an opponent showed up. I’m excited and ready to go. I’m thankful for everyone who has opened the door for me. This is it.

 

“Daniel is strong in the ring. He’s a powerful, confident champion. He’s not used to losing and he’s used to hitting his targets, but I’m the total opposite of that. It’s going to be tough for him.

 

“Until he gets in there with me and realizes how tough I am, then he’s going to realize he has a challenge coming to him. I want to take him out of his element.

 

“It’s a big burden to be a hometown fighter and he’s going to realize that. It’s detrimental to be fighting in your hometown and I think he’s too young to realize that. It’s going to be to my advantage on fight night.”

 

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

 

“Danny had a great camp. It was an awesome camp and he’s going to make a lot of noise. We’re not taking Malignaggi lightly, but we’ve come to win. We don’t come to lose.

 

“It’s not about Malignaggi, it’s about Danny. People can say whatever they want to say but we’re coming to make noise at 147. We’re not running from anybody.

 

“I promise you Danny will be the world champion at 147. I’ve seen visions of it. This is going to be a great fight and then after that anybody can get it.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

“I’ve known Paulie Malignaggi since he was a teenager and won the nationals in a big surprise to people. He turned pro on one of my shows and one thing I know about him, it’s that he’s not going to back down from a challenge and he’s going to give it 110 percent on Saturday.

 

“Danny Garcia has been a dominant force in the 140-pound division. He’s won fights by stunning knockout and he’s won by decisions. He always finds a way to win. That’s what he’s planning to do on Saturday night.

 

“Sergio Mora is here to challenge for another world championship. He comes in on a good streak of impressive wins. He’s always been known as a boxer and he’s been in the ring with the best fighters in the world.

 

“Daniel Jacobs is one of the best guys in boxing. His story of perseverance is one that has been told many times. He’s a young, strong champion looking to show that he’s got what it takes in the ring as well as outside of it.

 

“This is a fantastic card featuring four great fighters from Brooklyn on the undercard. We’re going to open the doors and immediately start with these great fights.

 

“This will be Heather Hardy’s fourth fight at Barclays Center and she will be joined on the undercard by Polish heavyweight from Brooklyn Adam Kownacki, who is looking to make some noise in the division.

 

“Rafael Vasquez has a truly inspirational story. He uses boxing to draw attention to the cause of autism and his wife who is battling courageously against cancer, and winning. I really want to see him get a world title shot, because his life has been a battle that he takes on with courage every day.

 

“We also have a terrific prospect in Prichard Colon from Puerto Rico. He’s undefeated and really an exciting guy to watch in the ring.”

 

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Barclays Center

 

“It’s our 14th big night of boxing in Brooklyn and we’re really excited about it. It’s a business we’re committed to and one we want to grow. Our goal is to go monthly with big events at Barclays Center.

 

“With Paulie and Danny, it’s a big night to have them back at Barclays Center. It is the fourth time for both and they both represent Brooklyn so well.

 

“I want to welcome Sergio Mora for the first time and we’re excited to have you in Brooklyn.

 

“As we’ve told Danny Garcia before, this is his second home and we’re happy to have you and your father back.

 

“We’re excited to be on ESPN, because they provide an incredible platform for these fighters and the sport as a whole.

 

“We expect a great crowd on Saturday night and we look forward to an exciting night at Barclays Center.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FIGHTER WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (July 29, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN featured fighters were joined by local Brooklyn favorites featured on this Saturday’s undercard for a media workout at Gleason’s Gym in advance of their respective showdowns at Barclays Center.

 

Saturday’s headlining event features undefeated star Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) as he takes on two-time world champion from Brooklyn Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight tilt. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as Brooklyn’s Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) defends his middleweight world title against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $120, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available atwww.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 855-GROUP-BK.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“[On going up to 147 pounds] You’re going to see a lot more energy in the ring. You’ll see a smarter fighter. I’ll have more agility and we’re going to go in there to get the job done.

 

“We’re just working hard. At the end of the day it’s about being 100 percent prepared. I did everything right this camp and I’m ready.

 

“The game plan is to go in there and be Danny Garcia and be spectacular. I don’t know which Paulie to expect but I’m prepared for any version of him we see. I’m sparring a lot of guys who move and guys who come forward so I’m ready for anything.

 

“If we’re both at 100 percent then I’ll take my 100 percent over his without a doubt. My style is made to beat any fighter in the game. I’m sure he trained hard but we’re going to get this victory.

 

“I’m only focused on being a fighter. I don’t think anybody can beat a 110 percent Danny Garcia. At the end of the day, I know I beat a lot of good fighters and I’m going to show my heart in the ring.

 

“There’s no pressure but I’m looking forward to an excellent performance. I’m ready to fight today if the fight was today. I feel faster at 147. I won’t be flat-footed in there. You’re going to see it all on Saturday.

 

“I feel like I’m one of the most versatile fighters in the sport. I’m going to feel strong for 12 rounds on Saturday. I’ve felt strong all camp.”

 

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

 

“I feel great at 147 pounds. I’ve always felt very strong at this weight and it’s where I should be. I still had to make sacrifices in training but I’ve never made weight so easily. I’m coming off back-to-back camps and I feel like I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been.

 

“To be a two-time world champion you need to be able to do more than just jab and move. My IQ and my overall boxing ability and skillset make me the fighter that I am today.

 

“I don’t think Danny is overlooking me but I feel that the fans and the media are. I love challenges and I love things that motivate me. I wake up in the morning saying this is hard, but I know I can do it.

 

“The bigger the challenge the more excited I am. It brings the best out of me. I have fought some of the greatest fighters of our time. There’s no reason I would stop now.
“Fighting at home at Barclays Center against Danny Garcia, one of the biggest fights in boxing, I couldn’t ask for more.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“Sergio Mora is a slick fighter. He can slip punches well and he’s defensively minded. He’s a cagey fighter but he lacks power. He has a lot of defensive flaws and I just have to be patient and take advantage of them.

 

“We have a game plan in store, but in a pro fight anything can happen. You have to be able to adjust on the fly.

 

“I have a great team that helps me take care of things so that I can focus on training. I avoid all distractions that would take me away from being at my best.

 

“Fighting on the PBC cards has been outstanding. I love the intro and coming out on that stage. I felt like a superstar.

 

“This training camp has been a pleasure, hard work but a pleasure. It was difficult because Sergio is so hard to prepare for. You can’t prepare for it with sparring or just one thing. I’m looking forward to showing my true skills and showing what a true champion is.”

 

SERGIO MORA

 

“I’m thrilled about this opportunity. I’ve had two huge letdowns before with world title shots falling through. Now that this is here, there is no way I’m going to let it pass me by.

 

“I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be at Barclays and happy to be on PBC. I love being the underdog and I’m going to shock the world on Saturday night.

 

“I’m in the second phase of my career now, DiBella and PBC have saved my career and my life.

 

“PBC is great, it’s free TV and we’re putting out heart, blood, sweat and tears into this and the fans get to see it on free TV. This is great for the fans, for the fighters and for the entire sport as a whole; it’s what boxing needed.”

 

RAFAEL VASQUEZ

 

“This is a great opportunity and a blessing to be on this card. There’s so many great fighters from Brooklyn. Barclays Center is great and it gives us fighters from Brooklyn the opportunity to fight at a first class venue right here at home.

 

[On his Autistic eight-year-old daughter Kaylene]…”I want to show other people that are dealing with this, that they are not alone. I see this as a blessing to be able to raise awareness and speak out and show other families that are struggling with Autism that we are in this together.

 

“When people see me step into the ring I want them to know that I’m not only fighting for myself but I’m fighting for them. I want to be the face of Autism in boxing.”

 

HEATHER HARDY

 

“It’s really important to me that I stay relevant and that I’m a part of the conversation so when I saw this fight coming up in August I made sure that I was on this card.

 

“There really is extra motivation going up against Renata Domsodi again. I felt like when the two of us faced off last time and the bout was ruled a no contest that we owed it to every other female boxer to show that we belong there and I thought she quit.

 

“Renata was coming in with her face down swinging her arms and I charged her while she was coming in and that caused the cut. We’ve been working on stepping to the side when she does that and being a little bit more patient.

 

“If all goes well Saturday I’ll be ready to get back in the ring in September. I’m in shape and I live in the gym. This is what I do. You have to stay a part of the conversation. I want to see a higher level of competition every time I step into the ring.

 

“This is probably the hardest I’ve ever worked, out of all of my camps. Not for any other reason than just putting in extra work. Honestly I’m in the best shape of my life.”

 

TRAVIS PETERKIN

 

“I’ve trained so hard, I put blood, sweat and tears into this. I put my soul into this. I put my life into this. We’re ready.

 

“It’s no secret that I’m from Brooklyn, born and raised, I didn’t move here from anywhere. Guys like Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe and Shannon Briggs I just want to follow in their footsteps. I want to be great and learn from those that came before me.

 

“I’m a boxer-puncher. I’ll adapt to the fighter. If he runs, I’ll go get him. But I also know how to be smart and use my technical abilities.

 

“I’m facing a tough guy in Lenin Castillo. He’s got a good record and was a 2008 Olympian. Everything looks good on paper, but when the time comes, I’m going to take him out.

 

“I train right here at Gleason’s. When we’re a couple months from a fight everybody is smiling and joking but when we’re this close to the fight, everybody is serious. It’s all about hard work.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FIGHTER QUOTES

 

Undefeated Star Danny Garcia Faces

Two-Time World Champion Paulie Malignaggi

 

Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs Defends Against

Former World Champion Sergio Mora

 

Live From Barclays Center

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

BROOKLYN (July 28, 2015) – With just days to go until Premier Boxing Championson ESPN fighters enter the ring for their Saturday, August 1 showdowns at Barclays Center, catch up on what the fighters have been saying in the weeks leading up to fight week.

 

Saturday’s headlining event is the 147-pound debut of Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) as he takes on two-time world champion out of Brooklyn, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with Brooklyn’s middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) as he defends his title against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $120, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 855-GROUP-BK.

 

Here is what the fight participants have had to say from their media conference call and Garcia’s media workout:

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

“I’m not really concerned about Paulie, at this point in my career if I’m 110% percent ready, I feel like I can adapt to anything and find a way to win.

 

“It feels great to be at 147. For the first time in a long time, I could worry about training to get better and not training to lose weight. I’ve been fighting at 140 my whole career.

 

“I’ve been the underdog before, I’ve been the underdog before and I won. I can’t listen to none of that stuff after just going through each fight like I was, mentally prepared, physically prepared going in and get the job done.

 

“We added things to our workout now. We added a lot of explosive workouts, a lot of agility, a lot of footwork, a lot of things to making you more explosive, things I couldn’t do at 140 because I didn’t have the energy for it. But now the extra weight is really helping me.

 

“I’m very confident. I faced a lot of good fighters. I faced a lot of great fighters in my career. I have a lot of experience. I was a big 140-pound fighter. I’ve never faced a 140-pound fighter who was taller than me or who looked better than me.

 

“But I feel like at 147, you’re going to see a more athletic Danny Garcia and be able to use my legs more, using my jab more and see punches clearer. When you drain yourself as hard to see punches, then you get hit with a lot of dumb punches because your vision is not clear.

 

“I feel like my vision is going to be a lot clearer and be able to move my head, see the punches better, use my feet. And I think I’m going to be a champion at 147, too. I know so.”

 

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

 

“I think styles make fight. From a style point of view there are things that I feel like I’ll be able to do against Danny. But I also expect Danny had made some adjustments since those fights.

 

“You get to the point when you’re not in the ring for a while. It’s going through my mind that maybe I don’t want to fight. But as time went by and I started working out again, I started realizing that it was something I missed. It was something I was still craving. I wanted to be back in there.

 

“If we’re going to talk about the layoff, people are going to talk about the fact that, I haven’t fought for a long time. But in reality, I actually haven’t trained this consistently in a decade, literally a decade.

 

“I do feel the sharpness in a gym. I do feel the timing is really good. Obviously my weight has come down. So, that’s a good feeling knowing that I have to drop a lot of weight during the training camp just working on the sharpness and keep getting better.

 

“I’m not looking at it as having any advantages. It’s just a matter of matching of my skills to his skills.

“I can’t really tell you exactly how I’m going to play it out until I’m in the ring myself. I plan on being the best me possible. I plan on being the sharpest me possible. And right now, in training, I feel really good. The plan is to flow this training camp into a sharp night onAugust 1st.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“It’ll be against the most experienced guy I’ve faced thus far. I’m looking forward to testing my challenge against this slick, crafty veteran in Sergio Mora.

 

“So there’s not a lot of fear as far as power is concerned but where he lacks that he makes up in his craftiness and his slickness and awkwardness and sometimes he does engage in the action as well.

 

“The test with Sergio Mora is – whether that he can be stopped or whether or not I can go the distance with him, he’s never been stopped before, so it will be icing on the cake to be able to not only to defeat him but to stop him in the match.

 

“I feel like I have a lot more advantages than he does in the fight. But whatever my advantages are and whatever gets me going, will be the deciding factor for me I would stick to. So if it’s my speed, then I’ll stick to using my speed. If it’s my power, backing him down, showing him what a real middleweight feels like, then that’s what I would do.”

 

SERGIO MORA

 

“I think I’m going to be an underdog for this fight again, fighting the younger, stronger champion in his hometown. So defeating him is going to be tough with all the cards stacked against me and that’s something that I grown used to and accustomed to.

 

“This is going to be a really exciting card because he’s in his hometown and defending the world title. I’m hungry for that world title and I know that I’m going to have to be extra sharp and do a lot more than just have a close victory in his hometown. So I’m going to have to press action and go out of my comfort zone and I think he’s going to have to go out of his comfort zone, which is going to make an interesting fight for everybody.

 

“I just continue educating people about the sweet science and letting them know that power is not the number one aspect you need to be successful it’s your agility, techniques, your defense, body shots, the strategy, it’s following that strategy it’s hard.

 

“Like I said, I think he possess everything that I don’t. But I have the experience. I think I take a better shot from experience with Danny and I think I follow my game plan more than Danny. A lot of boxers especially a lot of young athletic fighters they go out of their game plan and once they see that it’s not working. As a veteran, I know that it’s not working initially.”

 

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.