Tag Archives: WBA

ADRIEN BRONER vs. KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV, JOSE PEDRAZA vs. EDNER CHERRY MEDIA WORKOUT PHOTOS & QUOTES FOR SATURDAY’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Live At 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME®
From U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio
Click HERE To Download Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
CINCINNATI, Ohio — (Sept. 30, 2015) – Adrien Broner (30-2, 22 KOs) and Khabib Allakhverdiev(19-1, 9 KOs) held a media workout at The Punch House in Cincinnati on Wednesday as they prepare for this Saturday’s WBA Super Lightweight World Championship, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his title against former world title challengerEdner Cherry (24-6-2, 19 KOs). 
 
SHOWTIME EXTREME fighters and undefeated prospects Robert Easter Jr. and Jamel Herringalso participated in Wednesday’s workout.  Easter Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs) will take on Juan Ramon Solis(20-9, 9 KOs) while Herring (13-0, 8 KOs) will face Yakubu Amido (19-7-2, 17 KOs) in separate 10-round lightweight bouts this SaturdayNOTE: Solis is a late replacement for the previously announced Miguel Acosta as an opponent for Easter Jr.
 
While Broner continued his vow of silence with the media, the three-division world champion “let his fists do the talking” in a spirited workout that lasted nearly 90 minutes. 
 
Here’s what the rest of the SHOWTIME fighters had to say on Wednesday:
 
KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV:
“I expect Broner to try to play his game, but we will play our game.
 
“The experience I gained after losing the title in my last fight [against Jesse Vargas] is that I really understand the opportunity that I am being given going into this fight.
 
“I am not worried about fighting in Broner’s hometown.  I have fought many fighters in their own cities and it doesn’t bother me.
 
On Saturday night, I will show the fans a great fight and come out with the victory.”
 
JOSE PEDRAZA:
“We train hard all the time, we are in great shape and we prepare for every fight like the opponent is the champion.
 
“Edner Cherry is a very experienced fighter.  He is a strong guy and good puncher.
 
“I am in great shape and I’m ready to fight 12 rounds.
 
“This could very well be the toughest fight of my career.  He hasn’t lost in seven years.  But we are very prepared, studied the fight well and are ready to go come Saturday.
 
“My youth will play a huge part in this fight. I’m much younger than him and, without a doubt, I will win this fight.
 
“I can’t wait for the fans to watch this fight and if they can’t be here than I hope they watch on SHOWTIME.  It will be a great fight.”
 
EDNER CHERRY:
 “This will be a very tough fight.  We’ve been training hard and had a great camp.
“I’m not taking anything away from him, he’s a tough fighter.  He’s a champion for a reason.  But on Saturday night I’m coming for that title, that’s my job.
“We trained for 12 hard rounds, but if the knockout comes, then I will be very excited.  All I’m looking for is a very hard 12-round fight.
“Ever since my title loss to Timothy Bradley in 2008, I’ve pushed myself to get back into this position and to give myself the opportunity for a title shot at the right weight class.  I’m finally in the right weight class for me.
“Bradley was the much bigger fighter when we fought [in 2008]. That was a mistake on our end. He just was the bigger guy, but I was in the ring with one of the best fighters in the world and I really learned from that fight.
“I tell people that I am so glad that I didn’t win that title against Bradley because, in my mind, I would’ve been fighting at 140, but that wasn’t my weight class. I would’ve been risking my life fighting at 140.  I glad I didn’t win it, but I’m also glad I hung in there and got myself back into a big fight.
“I’ve been preparing for this fight for 15 years, and it’s going to show on Saturday.”
ROBERT EASTER JR.
 “I have a lot of people coming from Toledo to see me. They’re all excited about it.
 
“This is my second time fighting on SHOWTIME EXTREME and I’m truly blessed.  It’s a good opportunity to showcase my skills on national television.
 
“I know nothing about my opponent, but I do that on purpose.  It’s been the same thing as the rest of my 15 opponents. I didn’t study them at all.  Whoever they put in front of me, that’s the test I have to overcome and so far I’ve been doing excellent and passed them all.”
JAMEL HERRING:
 “He’s my best opponent yet.  He’s a tough guy, very durable.  He’s a lot more durable than my last few opponents.
 
“I take nothing from him, but I’m motivated and looking forward to pushing myself more than anything.  It’s going to be a great step up and people are going to see a lot more than they’ve seen from me in the past.
 
“I’m in great shape.  I just had a fight back at the end of August.  I took literally three days off instead of a whole week and came right back, so I’ve been in shape for the past three months getting to this date.
 
“It’s a blessing to be able to showcase my talent on the national scene instead of the local venues or being on the big cards but not getting any kind of TV exposure.  Now I’m part of the big show.
 
“I don’t take anything for granted or let it get to my head.  To me it’s another fight and I take every fight seriously. It doesn’t matter who I’m in with, every fight is a stepping stone to a title, so every fight is important.”
 
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner

DANIEL JACOBS & PETER QUILLIN SQUARE-OFF ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

WINNER TAKES THE BELT AND BROOKLYN!
 
 
LIVE ON SHOWTIME® AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT
 
 General Tickets On Sale Tuesday, October 6 At 10 a.m. ET
 
BROOKLYN (September 30, 2015) – In a highly anticipated showdown between two of Brooklyn’s most exciting and talented fighters, WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs)will take on former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs)on Saturday, December 5 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
“There is no doubt this is going to be one of the biggest fights Brooklyn has ever seen,” said Jacobs. “Peter and I go back a long time, but this is business. I’m the champion and he’s the challenger. I’m going to do everything I can to win on December 5 and show the world that I’m the best Brooklyn has to offer.”
“The fans have waited a long time for this fight and now it’s finally here,” said Quillin. “I was back in the gymon Monday after my fight against [Michael] Zerafa preparing for December 5. I know there is so much at stake for me -a belt and Brooklyn bragging rights. It’s going to be a night to remember for me and for all of Brooklyn.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale Tuesday, October 6 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will also be available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Wednesday, October 7 at 12 p.m., if tickets are still available.
These two powerful fighters have been on a collision course for several years, dating to when Quillin was the WBO Middleweight Champion and Jacobs was working back towards contender status after sitting out over a year due to cancer.
While Quillin relinquished his belt due to the birth of his son and the death of his uncle, Jacobs continued to rise in the rankings and earned his world title with a knockout in August of 2014 over Jarrod Fletcher in Brooklyn. Each fighter has earned knockout victories in the last two months and both boxers will return to the site of their world title-winning performances when they clash at Barclays Center.
“This is a can’t-miss, pick’em fight between two of the best middleweights in the world,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is truly the battle of Brooklyn, with both Danny and Peter possessing the power to create fireworks in an explosive night. SHOWTIME will truly be ending 2015 with a bang…or many of them.”
“Daniel Jacobs vs. Peter Quillin is a unique matchup of two bona fide middleweight stars, each in the prime of his career,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “It is as evenly matched as you’ll find in the division, and it stands to be the career-defining fight for both men. We expect the action in the ring and the atmosphere at Barclays Center will make for a very memorable night. For boxing fans, it doesn’t get any better than this.”
“This is the ultimate Brooklyn matchup,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center.
“Miracle Man vs. Kid Chocolate is about more than a world title, it’s about Brooklyn bragging rights and glory. The borough is ready for December 5.”
An inspirational figure who will fight at Barclays Center for the fifth time, Brooklyn’s Jacobs completed his road to champion when he defeated Fletcher for the middleweight title. In 2011, while pursuing a championship in the ring, cancer threatened his life and kept him on the sidelines for 19 months. When he returned, he picked up where he left off, and hasn’t lost since. The 28-year-old is coming off of a second round stoppage of former world champion Sergio Mora in August.
Quillin gets back in the ring after having knocked out Michael Zerafa earlier this month to follow up his hard-fought draw against middleweight world champion Andy Lee in April. He won a middleweight belt in 2012 with his highlight-reel, six-knockdown demolition against Hassan N’Dam in the first boxing card hosted at Barclays Center. Born in Chicago, raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but residing in Brooklyn, the 31-year-old went on to defend that title against strong contenders Fernando Guerrero, Gabriel Rosado and Lukas Konecny. Now, “Kid Chocolate” looks to become a world champion for the second time.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.

ADRIEN BRONER OPENS UP ABOUT HIS CAREER, YOUTHFUL MISTAKES AND HIS FUTURE IN BOXING

* * * VIDEO ALERT * * *
 
“You have to learn from your mistakes.  When you understand and you know why you’re losing, then you can fix it.  This next half of my career I’m going to be the AB that’s about business and about boxing.” – Adrien Broner
 
Click on the link or photo below to watch, share and/or embed this video
Photo Credit: SHOWTIME
SHOWTIME Sports® met with Adrien Broner at HeadBangers Gym in Washington, D.C., as he prepares to face Khabib Allakhverdiev this Saturday on SHOWTIME®.  During the lengthy interview Broner spoke candidly about his approach to the sport and learning from past mistakes.  We found the interview compelling and, in lieu of limited access to Broner in the lead up to this event, felt it necessary to share this long form version in preparation for advanced stories you may be working on.
Broner vs. Allakherdiev for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner

UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS ROBERT EASTER JR. & JAMEL HERRING TO FIGHT IN CO-FEATURED BOUTS ON SHO EXTREME ®

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 FROM U.S. BANK ARENA IN CINCINNATI, OHIO
LIVE AT 8 P.M. ET/PT
 
Adrien Broner To Face Khabib Allakhverdiev For
WBA Super Lightweight World Title
On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Full Night of Non-Televised Action Inside The Arena Also Features
Unbeaten Up-And-Comers Jamontay Clark and Raynell Williams
 
CINCINNATI (September 24, 2015) – Top undefeated prospects Robert Easter Jr. and Jamel Herring will enter the ring in separate bouts on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® on Saturday, October 3 live at8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.
The SHO EXTREME telecast will lead into SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME® at10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.  In the main event, Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2, 22 KOs)will take on Khabib “The Hawk” Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs)for the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship. In the co-main event, IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) defends his title against veteran Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry (34-6-2, 19 KOs).
Easter Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs) and Herring (13-0, 8 KOs) will look to remain undefeated when they face former world champion Miguel Acosta (29-8, 23 KOs) and former African champion Yakubu “Black Mamba” Amidu (19-7-2, 19 KOs), respectively, in 10-round lightweight fights.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and About Billions Promotions, are priced at $154, $104, $79, $54, and $29 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select Kroger stores, call 1-800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Another pair of undefeated local prospects will appear on the undercard action:  Jamontay “Quiet Assassin” Clark (6-0, 3 KOs) faces Romon Barber (5-9, 4 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout and Raynell Williams(9-0, 5 KOs) competes in an eight- round lightweight affair against an opponent to be announced.
Rounding out the action is 32-year-old heavyweight Danny Calhoun (5-1 3 KOs) out of Chicago taking on 24-year-old Toledo-native Calvin Pritchard (2-6-3) in a six-round contest, 27-year-old Cincinnati-born Aaron Hollis (3-0, 2 KOs) facing 27-year-old DeWayne Wisdom (6-25-1, 3 KOs) out of Indianapolis in six rounds of featherweight action and 29-year-old Mel “Black Diamond” Crossty (7-0-1, 1 KO) out of Cincinnati going up against 25-year-old Cleveland-born Thomas Mattice (3-0, 3 KOs) in a 6/8 round lightweight attraction.
An accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate, the 24-year-old Easter Jr. will be seeking his fourth victory of 2015 after picking up knockouts over Osumanu Akaba, Miguel Mendoza and Alejandro Rodriguez. Unbeaten since turning pro in 2012, the Toldeo, Ohio-born prospect faces a tough challenge in 30-year-old Amidu. Born in Ghana, Amidu, who trains in Los Angeles, will be fighting for the third time this year.
The 29-year-old Herring represented the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games after winning the U.S. National Amateur title the same year. Fighting out of Cincinnati, Herring hopes for a fourth straight victory in 2015 after beating Hector Velazquez, Ariel Vasquez and Hector Marengo. He faces the toughest opponent of his pro career when he steps up against the 37-year-old Acosta. Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Philadelphia, Acosta won a world title and defended it against previously unbeaten fighters Paulus Moses and Armando Cordoba.
Another talented young fighter to come out of Cincinnati in recent years, Clark cites Aaron Pryor as one of his boxing idols. The slick 20-year-old recently completed his first six-round bout with a unanimous decision over Jonathan Garcia in May and stopped Marco Reyes in September. He returns in his hometown against the 33-year-old Barber out of Wichita, Kansas.
Fighting out of Cleveland, the 2008 U.S. Olympian Williams has been busy in 2015, picking up four victories including two by stoppage. The 26-year-old fights at U.S. Bank Arena for the second time in his career onOctober 3 and will look to make it a perfect 10 victories in a row to start his career.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner

PUERTO RICAN OLYMPIAN CARLOS IVAN VELASQUEZ PREPARES TO FACE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION JAVIER FORTUNA IN LAS VEGAS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS’ “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS’ ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES

CARLOS VELASQUEZ CAMP NOTES
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Team Velasquez
LAS VEGAS, NV (September 16, 2015) – Less than two weeks away from hisTuesday, September 29 super-featherweight world title showdown against undefeated world champion boxer Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), Carlos Ivan Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs) is gearing up for the fight of his life.  He fights on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYheadlined by Fortuna vs. Velasquez, a scheduled 12-round bout from The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
Velásquez was born in Cataño, Puerto Rico where he and his twin brother both competed in amateur boxing growing up. He was a member of the 2004 Puerto Rican Olympic boxing team, but also won the featherweight title at the Central American and Caribbean Games. Training out of Las Vegas, NV with esteemed boxing trainer Roberto Norris, Velasquez shares his thoughts on training camp, fighting for Puerto Rico and fulfilling his dream of becoming a world champion.
On fighting for the Puerto Rican fans in this first world title opportunity:
“I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I love my countrymen and country.  Becoming a world champion is something I’ve been working hard for my whole life.  From coming up as an amateur and Olympian to now, I have dreamed about winning this title. The time has come to take my career to the next level.  Being that this is my first world title shot, I’m fully prepared to show the world that I’m a great fighter and that I intend to bring the title back home to all my family, friends and fans on September 29th.”
On fighting undefeated world champion Javier Fortuna:
“Fortuna is considered one of the great fighters in the 130-pound division for a reason, he’s never lost.  But he’s never been in the ring with a technical fighter like myself.  He has a lot of flaws that we are going to expose.”
On his world title opportunity coming on FS1 & FOX Deportes:
“What can I say, I’m truly blessed to be fighting on PBC.  FS1 and FOX Deportes are the new Tuesday Night Fight channels.  TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS is great for the sport. I’m honored to be fighting in the main-event on a great network like FS1 and FOX Deportes.  Boxing has now gone back to its glory days, and I’m ready to shine.”
On training with new coach Roberto Norris:
“I find myself in a comfortable position training with Roberto Norris, who is working great with the physical attributes that God has blessed me with.  Being that Fortuna is a southpaw, a great game plan must be implemented, and Norris has a masterful strategy in place.  The knowledge that Norris conveys is really making a difference in my approach.  I’m confident I’ll be able to dictate the pace of the fight and negate anything Fortuna tries to impose.
On working with strength and conditioning coach Ángel “Memo” Heredia:
“Angel Heredia is one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in boxing.  With all the work we’ve done, I’ve never felt stronger going into a fight.  His techniques are second to none.  My stamina will be at peak performance when I step in the ring.  In addition, Memo brings a lot of experience to my corner.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @FOXSports1, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

Undefeated prospect Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez is on the rise

 
 
The WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino bantamweight champion, Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Rodriguez ( 13-0, 9 KO ) of Puerto Rico has been officially ranked # 6 by the World Boxing Association ( WBA ), and #7 by the World Boxing Council ( WBC ).
Rodriguez captured both titles on August, 22, 2015 by defeating tough mexican, Alex Rangel via TKO in round 7 at Fajardo, Puerto Rico. ( Video – Rodriguez KO’d Rangel https://youtu.be/BLujMj34QoQ )
“I’m very grateful with the WBA and WBC because this could mean a world title fight in the near future. I have already defeated two former world title contenders and I’m just waiting for the next step. I feel ready and confident for any challenge I may have. Both, my manager Juan Orengo, and trainer Jim Pagan has done a terrific job. I believe 2016 will be my year”, Emmanuel Rodriguez said.
On May 2015, Rodriguez knocked out cold in the third round, Dominican Luis Hinojosa, a former world title challenger, and WBA #11 at the momment of the fight. ( Video – full fight Rodriguez vs. Hinojosahttps://youtu.be/pOWiCcfQ6lI )
On October 2014, the undefeated Puerto Rican sensation, captured the WBO Latino title by knocking out Miguel ‘No Fear’ Cartagena  in the first round. Cartagena was a former two time United States National Champion, and 11 times Golden Gloves winner in Philadelphia. ( Video – full fight Rodriguez vs. Cartagena https://youtu.be/sMjC6CysttI )
Rodriguez has other notable victories by unanimous decision over world title contender, David Quijano, and former WBC FECARBOX champion, Felix Perez.
Making history:
At amateur boxing, Rodriguez became the first Puerto Rican boxer to win gold medal at a Youth Olympic Games ( Singapore 2010 ). His record 171-11 included notable victories over former Cuban Olympic gold medal, Robeisy Ramírez, Jonathan González, Vasily Vetkin, among others.

ADRIEN BRONER GOES FOR FOURTH WORLD TITLE WHEN HE FACES FORMER CHAMPION KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV ON SATURDAY, OCT. 3, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM U.S. BANK ARENA IN CINCINNATI

 
 
Jose Pedraza Defends IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship
Against Edner Cherry in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
 
CINCINNATI (Aug. 28, 2015) – Former three-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2, 22 KOs)returns to his hometown looking for a fourth world title as he faces fellow former world champion Khabib “The Hawk” Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight world title on Saturday, October 3 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his belt against veteran former world title challenger Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry (34-6-2, 19 KOs).
“I’m excited to be back in Cincinnati taking on a tough world class fighter who is going to bring it,” said Broner. “This fight means the world to me. It’s a huge deal to have the chance to be a four-division world champion at 26 years old.”
“Broner is a good boxer, he is a fast and talented guy, but as a man I don’t have anything good to say about him,” said Allakhverdiev. “I am looking forward to a world championship winning performance and I know that if he tries to do something to get in my head, to approach me or to push me that I will be as restrained as possible and save my anger for fight night.”
“I’m very excited to be back on SHOWTIME defending my title,” said Pedraza. “This is another step in the direction of becoming a superstar in the sport of boxing.  I will be victorious and make my island proud.”
“I’m in a tough fight on October 3 but I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Cherry. “This is nothing new for me. I’m not taking Pedraza lightly. He’s a champion for a reason. This is something that comes once in a lifetime and I’m going all-in to win this title.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and About Billions Promotions, are priced at $154, $104, $79, $54, and $29 and are on sale NOW. Tickets are available at the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select Kroger stores, call 1-800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
The 12-round fight will be Broner’s first since he dropped a unanimous decision to former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter in June 20.  Broner is 8-1 in title fights and has collected belts at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, but has never won a title at 140 pounds.  Dropping down in weight, Broner is looking to add a fourth world title to his resume in his return to Cincinnati, where he defeatedEmmanuel Taylor last September in front of his hometown fans in a 2014 Fight of the Year candidate.
Allakhverdiev’s (pronounced ah-lockh-ver-DEE-ev) only blemish came via controversial 12-round split decision in a title defense to then-undefeated Jessie Vargas in April 2014.  Allakhverdiev, of Moscow, Russia, initially won the WBA 140-pound crown with an eight-round technical decision over previously unbeaten three-division world champion Joan Guzmán in November 2012.  In his lone defense, the southpaw scored two knockdowns in a one-sided 11th-round TKO over former world championSouleymane M’Baye in July 2013.  This is Allakhverdiev’s first start since the questionable loss to Vargas.
Pedraza, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, won the vacant IBF 130-pound title with a dominating unanimous decision over Andrey Klimov on June 13 on SHOWTIME in Birmingham, Ala.  The switch-hitting former Puerto Rican Olympian backed up his “The Sniper” moniker against Klimov as he picked apart the Russian with superior speed and accuracy.  Pedraza earned a shot at the title in his previous bout with a career-best win over former world title challenger Michael Farenas last November.
Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., is a former world title challenger who is 10-0 with 1 NC since 2009.  His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds.  Since the loss to Bradley in a bout for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship in 2008, Cherry has gone undefeated as he made his way down to 135 and 130 pounds.  Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson.

CARLOS VELASQUEZ SEEKS VICTORY IN FIRST WORLD TITLE BOUT

Photo By Marlene Marquez
LAS VEGAS, NV (August 12, 2015) – Fighting in his first world title bout on Tuesday September 29, 2015, Puerto Rican super lightweight contender (WBA #9) , Carlos Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs), is eager to give undefeated WBA World Champion, Javier Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), his first loss.  The PBC on FOX Sports 1 will televise the bout starting at 9PM ET Eastern Time / 6PM PT.  Ticket sales and venue for Fortuna vs. Velasquez will be announced shortly.
Velasquez, who represented Puerto Rico in the 2004 Olympics, is thriving at the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a world champion.  He believes he has advantages that will lead him to victory.  On the line with be Fortuna’s WBA World title.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I always pictured myself as a world champion,” said Velasquez. “Now I have a golden opportunity to accomplish that dream.  It won’t be easy.   Javier Fortuna is a very tough fighter with an undefeated record.  He’s considered one of the best fighters in the division.  Stylistically, he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me.  When I bring home the belt, I hope I get credit for defeating a top fighter like Fortuna.”
Trained by boxing guru Roberto Norris, and guided by nutritionist/strength coach Ángel “Memo” Heredia, Velasquez feels he has the right team that can take him to the top.
“I believe I have a great coach in Roberto Norris, who understands Me.” continued Velasquez. “He’s got me working on all my strong points, bringing out the best in what I do best.  Memo is getting my body in top condition.  I feel great.  I’m going to be at my best when I step in the ring with Fortuna.”

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST AND WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD VS. FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER PAUL SMITH ON JUNE 20, 2015 AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA LIVE ON BET NETWORKS & TIDAL.COM

 

PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS

 

Roc Nation Sports hosted the official weigh-in for the June 20 throne boxing showdown between Olympic Gold Medalist and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) and former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) on Friday, June 19 on The Ridge at Plank at Jack London Square in Oakland, California.

 

PHOTOS:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uqubsi0sweppxz7/AADwcBlsa09CaOcGDs17zMsTa?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey6l95t7cgtqnwm/AABqjB2JOuTBJizACwPlmrW4a?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Khristopher “Squint” Sandifer

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uwkc53z3gn1cg5r/AABneiFrYcKJFUrHk08XuVDba?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Stephanie Trapp

 

VIDEO:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yo7wjpoemuu78e6/AAB-0vw42sncUNuR6Mr55dVBa?dl=0

VIDEO CREDIT: Roc Nation Sports

 

SATURDAY, June 6, 2015: Fight Night

 

WHEN:                 3:00 PM PT – Doors Open

3:45 PM PT – First Fight

7:00 PM PT – BET Networks Telecast Begins

7:40 PM PT (approx.) – Nipsey Hussle Performance

 

WHERE:               Oracle Arena

7000 Coliseum Way

Oakland, California 94621

Photos: Andre Ward vs. Paul Smith Final Press Conference For June 20 Fight On BET Networks & TIDAL.com

(From Left to Right) Andre Ward’s trainer Virgil Hunter, Andre Ward’s manager James Prince, COO of Boxing for Roc Nation Sports David Itskowitch, WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward, former world title challenger Paul Smith, Smith’s trainer Joe Gallagher and Oakland City Council President Lynette Gibson McElhaney pose on June 17, 2015 in Oakland, California at the final press conference for Ward and Smith’s June 20, 2015 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland which will be televised live on BET Networks and streamed globally on TIDAL.com. (Photo By: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports)

 

WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Andre Ward (left) and former world title challenger Paul Smith (right) pose on June 17, 2015 in Oakland, California at the final press conference for thier June 20, 2015 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland which will be televised live on BET Networks and streamed globally on TIDAL.com. (Photo By: Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports)