LIVE VIDEO: DICAIRE vs LINDBERG – Official Weighing




Eight-Division World Champion Manny Pacquiao Faces Unbeaten Champ Keith Thurman in Welterweight World Title Fight Broadcast Live to Cinemas Nationwide

DENVER – June 26, 2019 – Boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Philippine Senator and regular WBA welterweight champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao returns to face undefeated Super WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown broadcast live on Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. With his speed, power and tremendous boxing skills, Thurman represents the most dangerous challenger that the future Hall of Famer Pacquiao has faced in recent bouts. This high-stakes match will firmly give the winner a claim for the top spot in one of boxing’s deepest and most talented divisions.

Tickets for “Pacquiao vs. Thurman” can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices now.

The live broadcast of “Pacquiao vs. Thurman” presented by Fathom Events, Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports is set for Saturday, July 20 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. AK / 3:00 p.m. HI. Boxing fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 175 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over at least seven current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

In his last match on January 19, Pacquiao put on a vintage performance against four-division champion Adrien Broner, scoring a 12-round unanimous decision in the 70th match of his illustrious career. It was his first time fighting in the U.S. in two years. Before that, he scored an impressive knockout over Lucas Matthysse to win his version of the WBA welterweight championship in Malaysia last July 15.

The 30-year-old Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) is the longest reigning welterweight champion in boxing, having collected his WBA title with a stoppage victory over Diego Chaves in 2013. He has successfully defended that title eight times and became a unified welterweight champion when he defeated Danny Garcia by split decision to win the WBC title. Thurman was out of action for nearly two years due to injuries before getting back into the ring with a hard-fought victory against Josesito Lopez in January. His power punching earned him the nickname “One Time.”

“Fight fans coast-to-coast were thrilled to watch Pacquiao’s victory over Broner live and larger-than-life in their local cinemas in January,” said Ray Nutt, Fathom Events CEO. “We’re pleased to partner again with our friends at FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions to bring another of Pac Man’s highly-anticipated bouts to the big screen.”

For artwork/photos related to “Pacquiao vs. Thurman” visit the Fathom Events press site.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with theater locations in all top 100 DMAs® (Designated Market Areas) and ranks as one of the largest overall theater content distributors. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC); Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK); and Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE.L), Fathom Events offers a variety of unique entertainment events in movie theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top Broadway stage productions, major sporting events, epic concerts, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events and popular anime franchises. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live Digital Broadcast Network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 975 locations and 1,578 screens in 181 DMAs. The company also provides corporations a compelling national footprint for hosting employee meetings, customer rewards events and new product launches. For more information, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century Fox’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App and FOX Sports GO. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About Premier Boxing Champions
The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.




JENNINGS READY TO STALL THE JUGGERNAUT

FORMER WORLD TITLE challenger Bryant Jennings says the call to fight Joe Joyce in the British heavyweight star’s just 10th fight did not take him by surprise.

The 34-year-old Jennings is a pretty seasoned campaigner in the division, with 27 fights under his belt and the only defeats against his name coming when he took on Wladimir Klitschko, Luis Ortiz and, most recently, the unbeaten Oscar Rivas, who he was leading before getting caught in the final round.

The Philadelphian, however, has not taken it personally being drafted in to test and further the experience of the relatively novice pro Joyce on the blockbuster ‘Heavy Duty’ card at the o2 Arena on July 13.

Jennings points to the Olympic pedigree possessed by the 9-0 man known as Juggernaut.

“No, no, he is a silver medallist and that is how they go,” he considered. “Lomachenko had a world title in his second fight, so when you are a gold, silver or even bronze medallist, that is the type of path they create for you when you turn over into the pros.

“You pretty much come in two fights away from being ranked.

“I expected it from him and even previously there was a lot of noise back and forth on Twitter when he says a lot to other fighters, picking fights. He is doing what he’s supposed to be doing as a fighter.

“So something like this isn’t far-fetched and is something I would have expected to have received, that type of call.”

The articulate American, at the same time, also doesn’t believe he is in a no-win situation against Joyce where, even if he is victorious, people will point to the fact his opponent has only had ten fights.

“No I don’t think they will say that. I think he has displayed enough for it to be considered a notable win. It is the fans who make up boxing, the fans and the fighters, so it you have got a hundred thousand fans screaming Joe Joyce, then he is hot.

“Regardless of what ranking he has, it doesn’t take away from what the fans see in him. So when I win it is definitely a notable win and one that keeps me right where I’m at or moves me up a bit.”

While clearly confident of victory, Jennings does acknowledge he is going in with a genuine heavyweight force in Joyce.

“Yeah I see him as a dangerous opponent. There are a lot of guys that are dangerous and even the ones we don’t look at as such could be even more dangerous. The fighter that is most dangerous is the one where there are no damn tapes!

“That is a dangerous fighter because you don’t know what this guy is gonna bring. I would consider Joyce a dangerous fighter because he is a big guy, a high class Olympian and that is about all the compliments I am going to keep giving him!

“He is a dangerous enough fighter for it to be a great fight and a good win for me.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.comEventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier




WARRINGTON AND FRAMPTON UNITED ON DUBOIS V GORMAN

ARCH rivals Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton are joined as one over the big Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman showdown.

IBF featherweight champion Warrington won a brutal thriller on points against Frampton and they’re expecting another explosive clash when unbeaten pair Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs) and Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) clash.

And the pair are unanimous that it’s Dubois who will have his hand raised in victory when the vacant British heavyweight championship is on the line at London’s o2 Arena on Saturday July 13.

“What a fight we have to look forward to when Nathan and Daniel fight,” purred Warrington who recently successfully defended his world crown against Kid Galahad.

Warrington added: “They have two different styles, both big punchers, both prospects and a British title on line – it is going to be fantastic.

“It has got everyone talking and there are so many different opinions. It is 50-50, and I know plenty of people are leaning towards Nathan, but I am going with Dubois.

“He is devastating when he gets an opponent hurt and I think he can win early.”

Former two-weight world champion Frampton returns to action in August and hopes for a crack WBO title holder Oscar Valdez later in the year.

Frampton added:  “All credit to both boys for taking this fight so early in their careers.

“A loss doesn’t mean the end, far from it and especially when it is so early in their careers. I can see them, fighting again in the future.

“Gorman is slick, nice mover for a big heavyweight, but I fancy Dubois slightly although it’s a very good fight.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.comEventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier




Roberto Duran gets inducted into The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame




VIDEO: Iran Barkley gets inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame




Video: Micky Ward gets inducted into The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame on June 23, 2019




VIDEO: Tim Witherspoon Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame acceptance speech




YUSHIN OKAMI TAKES ON JAMES NAKASHIMA IN MANILA ON 2 AUGUST

27 June 2019 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced additional bouts at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES, which takes place 2 August at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Japanese legend Yushin “Thunder” Okami returns to action to face top welterweight contender James “Nako” Nakashima of the United States.

Ticket information for ONE: DAWN OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com.

Yushin Okami returns to the ONE Championship ring, this time to face undefeated American James Nakashima in a welterweight contest.

Okami is one of the most prolific martial artists to emanate from Japan over the last two decades. With a career that began in 2002, Okami has competed in numerous weight classes — from light heavyweight all the way down to welterweight — in various Japanese promotions including Pride and Pancrase.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Nakashima has built a career around his well-calculated and intelligent bout strategies, which has brought him victory every time he has stepped into the cage. It will be no different against Okami, whom Nakashima plans to dominate from the first round to the last.

Team Lakay veteran Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly of the Philippines is set to take on “The Stalker” Xie Bin of China in a featherweight contest.

Kelly, a Philippine Featherweight Champion, is well-versed in both the striking and grappling arts. A senior member of the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, Kelly is best known for his 21-second knockout victory over Cambodia’s Meas Meul in January 2018. He now aims for the same result against Xie Bin.

At just 21 years old, Xie Bin has tremendous potential. With skills in boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai, Xie is determined to become China’s first-ever male mixed martial arts world champion. Xie is currently riding an impressive six-bout win streak heading into the showdown with Kelly.

Thailand’s Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit returns to action against China’s Miao Li Tao in a strawweight contest.

Mitsatit is a Chiang Mai Muay Thai Champion who decided to pick up Muay Thai to learn how to protect himself, as well as help to support his family financially. Through his hard work and talent, he soon ran up an impressive 72-17 record. Mitsatit made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2014, and has rapidly emerged as one of Thailand’s most exciting talents.

Miao began training in wushu when he was young in order to protect himself from bullying. Making martial arts his professional career, Miao later moved to Beijing where he now trains at Fight Brothers camp, where he has picked up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and sharpens his growing skills among some of the finest Chinese martial artists today.

Lastly, Indonesian veteran “The Terminator” Sunoto takes on rising Malaysian star Muhammad “Jungle Cat” Aiman in a bantamweight showdown.

Sunoto is one of the most well-rounded competitors at bantamweight. His training experience includes taekwondo, sanda, sambo, and traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds the rank of brown belt. 

Aiman, on the other hand, is one of Malaysia’s fastest rising martial arts talents. Featuring a well-rounded skill set, Aiman has impressed in his time inside the ONE Championship cage thus far, defeating Hisyam Samsudin by unanimous decision in his first match in the promotion before stopping Brazilian grappler Eduardo Novaes in his second outing.For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE eSports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global eSports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 2.6 billion potential viewers across 140+ countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Startimes, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, Great Sports, Tencent, Star TV, Mediaset Italia, ProSiebenSat.1, Dubai Sports, Turner Sports, and more.



CATSKILLS CLASH OFFICIAL PRESS-CONFERENCE QUOTES

New York, June 26th, 2019

Star Boxing in conjunction with Resorts World Catskill’s held the final press-conference ahead of Catskills Clash, which is set to take place this Friday (6/28) night. The great night of fights features three up and coming, undefeated prospects in, “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (10-0 3KO’s), DYLAN “THE REAL DEAL” MORAN (10-0 5KO’s) and RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (10-0 11KO’s), all looking to stake their claim as an ABO America’s Champion. Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA kicked off the presser and said, “we are at a beautiful casino here at Resorts World Catskills, and there is nothing like live boxing. Resorts World Catskills has committed to bringing boxing back to the Catskills. We have three great ABO Championship features, all of which are worthy of a main event. Be sure to get your tickets or tune in on FITE.TV.”

Media in attendance and fans watching on Star Boxing’s Facebook page next heard from COO of Resorts World Catskills and General Manager, KEVIN KLINE, who was very excited for the upcoming night of fights, “we want to be apart of the revitalization of the Catskills. We are bringing back boxing to the Catskills…it’s going to be a fantasitic night on Friday and I see this as being one of many oppurtunities for us to bring additional boxing and other sporting events to the venue.”

Next, the fighters took to the podium speaking on the great opportunity they have to fight at Resorts World Catskills for their respective ABO Title’s. Anthony Laureano spoke first, stating, “I am so happy to be fighting again. I am taking this fight like every fight, full force. I am so blessed and all thanks to my team, I cannot say enough.” Dylan Moran gave his thoughts on fighting in the US for the first time, “I have a great team here with me, and they have been here with me since day one. Where I come from in Waterford, there hasn’t been any pro-boxers before me, but I have made a great name for myself there, and I plan on doing the same here in the US.” Finally Richie Rivera had this to say about the opportunity in front of him on Friday night, “Strong to the finish with this spinach. They are saying i have the oppurtunity to fight at the Catskills, and I said what?! I can’t wait to put on a great show for you all…”

The entire five fight card will be available via FITE.TV PPV. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will be available for just $9.99. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website.

If you missed todays presser, you can watch it, on replay, HERE.




GH3 Promotions Heavyweights Roney Hines and Norman Neely Remain Undefeated With Wins Over The Weekend

Nutley, NJ (June 26, 2019) – This past weekend, GH3 Promotions heavyweights, Roney Hines and Norman Neely remained perfect with wins on Friday and Saturday respectively.

On Friday night, former National Golden Gloves champion, Hines defeated 43-fight veteran Grover Young at the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.

Hines of Cleveland, Ohio won on all three scorecards 39-37 to raise his mark to 7-0.

Neely of Paterson, New Jersey stopped Kendrick Houston in 79 seconds of their bout that took place at The Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

With the win Neely is 2-0 with both wins coming via knockout.
Both Hines and Neely are managed by Sheer Sports Management.




Presser Notes and Quotes: Commey and Beltran Battle for Lightweight Supremacy

TEMECULA, Calif. (June 26, 2019) – The road to lightweight supremacy continues Friday at Pechanga Resort Casino when IBF world lightweight champion Richard Commey (28-2, 25 KOs) makes the first defense of his title against former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran (36-8-1, 22 KOs).

The winner of Commey-Beltran is expected to fight the winner of the July 19 IBF title eliminator featuring unbeaten sensation Teofimo Lopez and Japanese veteran Masayoshi Nakatani. The winner of this de facto tournament could conceivably face unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko for all four lightweight belts in early 2020.

Beltran lost his WBO lightweight title to Jose Pedraza last August, but rebounded to stop unbeaten super lightweight contender Hiroki Okada in February.

Commey knocked out Isa Chaniev in two rounds Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, to pick up the vacant title.

In the co-feature, 154-pound slugger Carlos Adames (17-0, 14 KOs) will defend his NABO and NABF belts in a 10-rounder versus upstart Patrick Day (17-2-1, 6 KOs).

At Wednesday’s final press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Richard Commey

“Being a world champion is great. I went back home, and everyone welcomed me at the airport. It was like a hero’s welcome. It was unbelievable. I just thank God for that.”

“Every time I prepare for a fight, I don’t try to knock my opponent out. I just work hard, and it always comes as a bonus. My head trainer, Andre Rozier, always pushes me. I never try and knock out my opponent. It comes when it comes. I believe he’s a strong guy, a tough guy, and so am I. It’s going to be a good fight, but I’m the champion, and I’m going to keep my belt.” 

Ray Beltran

On fighting at the top of the sport after nearly 20 years as a pro

“I feel like I made it the hard way. Even when the sport or the boxing world didn’t believe in me, that’s when I had to believe in myself. I think that’s why I am here. I’ve been counted out. People doubted me. I think 10 years ago, boxing experts and matchmakers didn’t even think I was a top-10 fighter. Nobody gave me an opportunity. I had to go and take it. Here we are. I became a world champion, and I am fighting for another world title. It’s not about if people believe in you. You must believe in yourself.”

“I don’t want to prove nobody nothing. I want to prove to myself that it’s about what I can do. I’ve been doubted most of my career, and it doesn’t matter how much I do or what I accomplish. It’s never enough, so I’m not worried about it.”

“I came from a really rough childhood. There was no hope. I was never satisfied with what life put in front of me. The saying, ‘If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ I say, ‘F**K that!’ I don’t want to get lemons. I want to get what I want from life. That’s my mentality.”

Carlos Adames

“I had a very good amateur record. I’m a very talented fighter, and so is Patrick Day, but there is no fighter alive that can defeat me in the ring.”

On training with Robert Garcia and adding a nutritionist to his camp

“They are a great team. I’ve been training hard with Robert and Perfecting Athletes on the nutritional part, but I also have a lot of confidence in my talent.”

“The Dominican Republic is known for having good baseball players, but I’m trying to make it known that the country has good boxers as well.”

Patrick Day

“My most recent success comes from within, my hunger, my desire. I just want to be great at something, not only in boxing but in life. And in life, I just happen to choose to box. That’s the avenue that I want to do. I’m not going to be mediocre. I suffered two defeats early in my career, so I had to {look within} and really evaluate myself.”

“This is a great opportunity. It’s an opportunity I’ve dreamed of – my opponent as well – and we’re both deserving of this opportunity. In my estimation, we are the two best 154-pounders in the world. These guys that have the belts, they’re good. It seems like Al Haymon really has his hands on the 154-pound division with all these prospects and champions, but these guys haven’t been tested yet. And they’re not the real deal. They talk big, they have the big ego and they’re really cocky, but what have they done? They’re not fighters like me and Carlos are. We’re going to set the tone, and we’re going to set an example for the 154-pound division.”

ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Richard Commey (champion) vs. Ray Beltran (challenger), 12 rounds, Commey’s IBF lightweight world title

Carlos Adames vs. Patrick Day, 10 rounds, Adames’ NABO and NABF super welterweight titles

ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Saul Rodriguez vs. Miguel Angel Gonzalez, 10 rounds, super featherweight

Junior Fa vs. Dominick Guinn, 10 rounds, heavyweight

Tyler Howard vs. Luis Hernandez, 8 rounds, middleweight

Ruben Rodriguez vs. Vicente Morales , 6 rounds, super lightweight

Raymond Muratalla vs. Agustine Mauras, 6 rounds, lightweight

Elvis Rodriguez vs. Joaquin Chavez, 4 rounds, lightweight

Dmitry Yun vs. Jose Antonio Meza, 4 rounds, lightweight

Chris Zavala vs. Prisco Marquez, 6 rounds, super featherweight

David Kaminsky vs. Osbaldo Gonzlalez, 4 rounds, middleweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets for this world championship event priced at $149, $129, $79, $59, and $29 are on sale now and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in person at the Pechanga Resort Casino box office.




JERMALL CHARLO VS. BRANDON ADAMS INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Ray Flores
We want to welcome the media that is joining us from all over the world. This Saturday, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is back with a tremendous night of boxing featuring Jermall Charlo, the interim WBC middleweight champion of the world, as he puts his title on the line against the rising Brandon ‘The Cannon’ Adams.

It all comes your way from NRG Arena down in Houston, which is a wonderful fight town. Houston has the Charlo brothers to really look up to and this is a homecoming for Jermall this upcoming Saturday, but it will not be easy. He has a very difficult contender in front of him in Brandon Adams.

Saturday night’s event comes your way starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, brought to you by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions, in association with Banner Promotions and also The Tournament of Contenders, Artie Pelullo of Banner, and also Jeff Wald, the Tournament of Contenders, they’re on the call, if the media has any questions for them.

Tickets are going fast and they’re available now through Ticketmaster.com. This is a tremendous card, but obviously our focus is the main event with Jermall Charlo and Brandon Adams to further dive into that here’s the president of sports and event programming of Showtime Networks, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much, Ray. We are thrilled to be hosting this call and hosting the event, Charlo versus Adams this Saturday. For Jermall Charlo, we welcome him back to SHOWTIME. This will be his ninth appearance on SHOWTIME, and in many ways, both Jermall and Jermell sort of came of age on SHOWTIME.

Jermall has appeared on ShoBox, has appeared on Showtime Extreme and five times on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. So he truly has matured as a professional. We’ve seen him grow into the middleweight division. This will be Brandon’s first appearance on SHOWTIME and we welcome him to the network.

This is a homecoming for Jermall Charlo. This will be his third fight in Houston, but really his first fight as a headliner in a championship level event. He’s fought twice in Houston before, back in 2009 and 2012. But both of those were six round fights, I believe. So after 20 fights in seven years, this is a true homecoming after being away from Houston in other fights for quite some time.

Jermall, in just his fourth fight in the middle weight division, has clearly established himself as one of the top fighters in the division. That is without question. One thing that you know that you get with Jermall Charlo is fireworks. He has stopped 19 of his last 22 opponents.

I’m sure everyone on this call saw a very impressive stoppage by his brother some nights ago on Sunday. And as competitive as these two are with each other, I’m sure Jermall has similar plans in mind. Of course, Brandon Adams has something to say about that. Brandon is an up and coming star of his own, has impressed quite a bit through The Contender tournament, and certainly earned his way into the top 15 of the division, and earned his fight.

So we expect fireworks on Saturday as usual, a big homecoming night for Jermall, a good test in Brandon Adams, and we will see you all there on Saturday night.

R. Flores
Thank you very much, Stephen. Without further ado, I want to turn it over to a promoter that is involved in Saturday night’s events. She’s the Vice President of the TGB Promotions, does an excellent job of helping to put together so many different things when it comes to the sport of boxing. Please welcome Brittany Goossen Brown.

Brittany Goossen Brown
Thanks, Ray. We’re excited for Saturday night and for our second fight in a week with a Charlo brother. We’re looking forward to working again with SHOWTIME and NRG Arena, plus Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders, on this great event on Saturday. We’ll see everyone in Houston for a great night of fights.

R. Flores
Thank you very much. Let’s meet the team for the adversary of Jermall Charlo. A Hall of Famer and trainer of the year countless times. Someone who is just a visionary when it comes to the sport of boxing and knows talent. It is an honor and pleasure for me to introduce Freddie Roach.

Freddie Roach
We had a great training camp. It went really well. He’s in great shape to fight, and he’s 100% ready for this fight. Brandon is a good puncher, good boxer, and we know Charlo is a tough opponent for us, but we did everything in our power to get in shape to win this fight.

R. Flores
Thank you very much, Freddie. Now I also will turn it over to the longtime trainer of Brandon Adams, who Freddie has been working hand in hand with. He’s always smiling, always in great spirits, and has devoted so much time to the sport of boxing. Please welcome the longtime trainer of Brandon Adams. Here is Dub Huntley.

Dub Huntley
This is Dub Huntley and I’m glad to be here and looking forward to a great fight.

R. Flores
Thank you very much, Dub. Greatly appreciated. Now let’s welcome the man who is going to be inside the ring across from Jermall Charlo. His record, 21 wins, 13 of those coming by way of knockout against two defeats, fighting out of Watts, California. He went up the middleweight rankings by winning the 2018 reboot of The Contender where he was victorious over Shane Mosley Jr. by unanimous decision.

I’ve had an opportunity to get to know Brandon Adams through the years and he’s always in tip top shape. He’s always prepared. He’s always focused and when he got the call to fight Jermall Charlo, he immediately said yes when other people would deny it. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Brandon ‘The Cannon’ Adams.

Brandon Adams
Hey everybody. How is everybody doing? I’m excited about Saturday, June 29, to get in the ring and share the ring with Jermall Charlo. I’m sure he did everything he was supposed to do to prepare for this fight. His name is “The Hit Man” and I’m “The Cannon”. So, we’re going to see who shoots the biggest shot.

R. Flores
Thank you very much to Brandon ‘The Cannon’ Adams. It’s going to be explosive down in Houston. I hear the weather is hot down in Houston. It’s going to be hotter inside the ring, and inside NRG arena.

Let’s meet Brandon Adams’s opponent. When it comes to his team, Ronnie Shields has been very, very busy as of late. He was in the corner on Sunday of Guillermo Rigondeaux, trained countless outstanding fighters, and he is the lead trainer for Jermall Charlo. Ronnie has done and accomplished so much in boxing. A round of applause and please welcome my dear friend, Mr. Ronnie Shields.

Ronnie Shields
Thanks, Ray. Hello to everybody. We’re looking forward to everybody coming out to Houston for this event. We have been working hard. We’ve been training as we always do. We know Brandon is a really, really good fighter and we’re looking forward to the fight.

R. Flores
Thank you very much, Ronnie. Greatly appreciate it. Now let’s meet the man who is going to be having his homecoming on Saturday night on SHOWTIME.

This man’s record, 28 bouts, 28 victories, 21 of those coming by way of knockout. He’s the interim WBC middleweight champion of the world, former junior middleweight world champion, having defended his interim title with a unanimous decision over Matt Korobov in December.

Very focused, determined, hard hitting, understands his craft and looking to make another definitive statement in his homecoming fight. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Jermall Charlo.

Jermall Charlo
Hey. How’s everybody doing today? I want to thank everybody who made this fight possible. I want to thank the Brandon Adams’ team and Dub Huntley and Freddie Roach, and of course Ronnie Shields also. Thank you to everyone in Houston who has bought tickets to come out for this event.

It’s going to be a great night. I’m looking forward to having a good night and a good, strong performance from our behalf. I’m putting everything on the line, so that’s what it’s all about. I’m ready to get in there and do what I have to do.

Q
Brandon, how is the preparation for this fight being a 12 rounder against the top middleweight compared when you were doing five round fights and in quick succession last year for the show?

B. Adams
The preparation for this fight was sort of similar to how I prepared to fight Shane. Knowing and understand that in the five rounds that we fought on The Contender, we had to display as much as we can within five rounds to get the victory, and then making that transition to fighting for 10 and 12 round fights.

It’s about the work you put in, the conditioning and the training. And I felt like, me and my team went over that pretty well. So I’m excited to try to go 12 rounds if need be or whatever pace is possible. I’m just excited to get this opportunity and to be in a ring with one of the top fighters in the world and establish myself.

Q
Can you talk a little more about that time that you took out of the ring after the loss to John Thompson, what went through your mind as you were making the decision to come back and fight on The Contender?

B. Adams
Mainly really the three years that I had off, I just had some time to really self-reflect, to figure out what went wrong in that fight. It was weight loss. There was a lot of weight loss right before I fought John. So understanding that that was just a shell of myself, and knowing that I was capable of much more.

Like I said, when I had three years of reflecting, it was dark times, dark hours, but I needed that and that’s also molded me into the person I am today. And that’s why I’m looking forward to challenge myself and also challenging the boxing world and to prove that I belong at the top.

Q
Jermall, we haven’t really heard anything from the WBC in forcing a fight between you and Canelo Alvarez. Does it get frustrating at times knowing that you’re essentially his WBC mandatory and there’s no real time ever for when you’ll your shot at the world title?

J. Charlo
Definitely not frustrated and I’m living the best life I can possibly live right now. I’m young. I’m very healthy. I have my family. I have my closest friends, my trainer, Ronnie Shields. We’ll handle the situations as they come. Right now I’m focused on Brandon Adams. I’m locked in. I’m loaded. I’m ready. I’m ready to put on the best performance I have in me.

Q
Did you get to see much of Brandon during The Contender season? And if so, what did you think of him?

J. Charlo
I’m really cool friends with Shane Mosley and his son. I’ve spent a lot of time with those guys. So of course yes, I know him well, when I got the call and was told we have an opponent. But as far as studying goes, you have to get in the camp and really break down some of the things.

And my trainer, Ronnie Shields, does an awesome job of that, and we implement everything perfectly. He’s drawn out a game plan. He’s drawn out some shots that I feel like will be needed and much intended to throw in this fight.

Q
Brandon, when you were away from the ring for so long, did you think that you would not fight again?

B. Adams
To be honest man, I was always optimistic about the opportunity of being able to fight. I just didn’t know how long it would take. That’s was pretty much at the front and back of my mind, honestly just getting the opportunity to be able to fight again.

We know naturally I fight 154, but the opportunity for me to fight at 160 came and it was The Contender situation. So I jumped towards it and I moved forward from that, and now I’m in this position right here, and I’m extremely grateful for this.

Q
Brandon, what is your thought on being the smaller of the two in the upcoming fight?

B. Adams
Not too much of a thought. My whole life, I’ve always been small. So fighting guys who are taller than me, never really brought too much of an issue. I’ve just got to focus on me, period, whomever I’m fighting against, whether they’re big, tall, short, wide. I just focus on being the best Brandon Adams and I always feel like I’m going to prevail.

Q
Brandon, how big of a step up do you consider this in terms of competition from Shane Mosley Jr to Jermall? How big of a step up do you consider this?

B. Adams
This is the step up. This is the biggest fight of my career. My first opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME, to fight in front of a huge crowd like this, to fight a guy in his hometown who brings what he brings to the table. But I appreciate it all, man.

I’m looking forward to challenge myself, to show that, the three years that I had off and what they meant to me, whether if it was good or bad, to put it all on the line and bite down and get through this one and then reflect on it all.

Q
What would pulling off an upset Saturday mean to you, and what would it do for your career and your life?

B. Adams
Well, to be quite honest, I don’t know exactly what it would do for my life at this particular moment. I haven’t won it yet, but I can imagine that it could definitely make me feel good beating a guy like Jermall. It could definitely build the confidence a little higher than what it is.

I definitely need to build the confidence a whole lot more, but I was already confident and believed in myself from day one. I’m sure it, it will do wonders for my morale and everything. But I don’t know exactly what it would do for me at this particular moment because I haven’t won just yet. I know the skies could be the limit.

Q
Ronnie, what kind of challenges does Brandon present for Jermall?

R. Shields
Well, there’s a lot of challenges. Anytime he’s stepping in the ring with somebody who is a good puncher, he presents a challenge. Brandon has a frame of style that we have to get used to and have to prepare for.

He seems like a very confident young man. So we know that. And so we had to put out all the stops. We’ve always trained hard, like we do for every fight. But we look at this as the biggest challenge that we’ve ever had, because we just have a different opponent.

Q
Jermall, what have you done to kind of guard against distractions so you don’t become distracted leading up to the fight?

J. Charlo
I’m not distracted. It’s all been fun. It’s a big experience for me. This is my first time fighting in my hometown in seven years. So the first time actually I helped sell tickets. And now it’s like, I’m not really a part of that ticket thing. So I just want to tell you that I’m focused. I’m locked in.

Q
How motivating is it going to be for you to fight in front of your home crowd on Saturday?

J. Charlo
I’m excited. It feels good to be at home. It feels good to be able to have the hometown fans behind me and become the hero here but I’m locked in. I’m loaded. I’m ready for everything Brandon has to present to me, and I’ll deal with it as it comes, , just as well as the crowd.

Q
How proud are you of your brother who got his knockout victory on Sunday night?

J. Charlo
Oh, I’m proud. I’m proud of my brother. My brother delivered a statement. He did exactly what he was supposed to do. Got a chance to go out and see it and train with him and go away with him and have fun with him and the end results was everything.

Q
Now, fighting at home, does that mean a lot, not only to you, but to your mother as well? Because last week, your mother talked about some of the adverse situation that you all had gone through.

J. Charlo
Yes. My mom is one of the biggest factors in my career right now. She means a lot to me. So fighting in front of her is nothing different. I’ve always fought in front of my mom. She’s always been tuned in. We’re just doing it at home now. That’s the only difference.

Q
Mr. Adams, how great is it to have world renowned Freddie Roach in your corner?

B. Adams
Having Dub and Freddie Roach in my corner means a lot to me because I started boxing pretty much when I was around 20. So that’s over 100 years of boxing learning from the both of those guys.

So I’m just being a student, soaking it all in and taking as much as I possibly can, and performing to the best Brandon that I possibly can.

Q
My first question is for Jermall. You were in Jermell’s corner on Sunday. Is he going to return the favor and what does he bring to the table?

J. Charlo
You know, Jermell, yes, he returns the favor. We both support each other and we realize how much we need each other in today’s age and everything we’re up against. So yes, let’s say he’ll return the favor.

Q
Do you feel any pressure to outdo your brother’s spectacular knockout on Sunday?

J. Charlo
We are mirror motivation instead of having any jealous or envious feelings about each other’s performance. I’m very, very happy and astonished by his win and his performance. I’m definitely not in competition with him because each fight is different, and every fight is different. We train hard for this fight. So I’m ready.

Q
Next question is for Brandon. Some previous contestants on The Contender have gone on to win both titles. Are you aware of that and has that motivated you in any way?

B. Adams
Yes. To some degree it did motivate me about what the past contenders did. But at the same time, when I say no, every man is their own man. So I have to put in the work. I have to do what I have to do to establish myself and do what I’m supposed to do to get my hand raised or become a world champion.

Q
How do you deal with the pressures of being an underdog, and is that a role that you embrace?

B. Adams
I’ve felt pretty good about the whole ride up. It hasn’t had a negative effect and I haven’t let it bother me. I understand what’s going on here, me fighting the champ in his backyard and everything. But my whole life I was never able to really cut corners and take shortcuts. And then in boxing, it kind of just followed the same way. So I don’t want it easy.

This is probably – well, in my opinion, this is the best route for me to take to be able to establish myself. I see everything that Jermall and his brother did in the sport of boxing, and I think that’s real dope. I like what they’ve done and I know what they mean for boxing. So with that being said, it’s going to be a pleasure to share the ring with him this Saturday.

Q
During your time with Freddie now, what has Freddie added to your training? What have you taken away from his wealth of knowledge?

B. Adams
Freddie, him and Dub are just alike, but the difference I would take from Freddie and Dub is, Freddie would talk to me a lot more through certain things, and Dub, kind of like everything is off a reaction. With him is more so of like, Dub knows how he does things without even thinking about it.

It’s just it’s ultra-instincts. And with Freddie, he walks and talks and does everything. So it’s fun. I appreciate working with both of them because they both know how to work me down, just talk to me, understand so that I will prevail.

Q
Freddie, during your time with Brandon, what have you seen from Brandon that catches your eye and shows you that he has what it takes to win?

Freddie Roach
Brandon had a very good last year. He’s really growing because of and since The Contender. Brandon, he’s a machine and we have everything we need and we’re going to do our best to let Saturday decide.

Q
Jermall, on the flipside, you’re expected to win the fight this week. Do you feel pressure to deliver an eye catching performance just based on the expectation that media and odds makers threw out there?

J. Charlo
No. I never pay attention to the odds makers because those guys don’t fight. So they don’t understand, every fight is different. I’m in for a big fight, a big night and I’m just focused on where Ronnie Shields has brought me, and this is going to be a good night. It’s going to be a good night of boxing.

Q
With this fight, you’re the big favorite in your hometown and all of that. And there’s a lot of discussion in the middleweight division about future fights and so forth. With all of this, how are you staying focused on this particular fight, knowing there have been a lot of upsets recently and that anything could happen in the ring?

J. Charlo
I’m just motivated by those guys who don’t finish the job. And this is a legacy fight for me. This is the best I’ve felt in a long time. My career is definitely where it needs to be. The pressure is on me. I can’t let anybody down. And it’s one of those fights where it’s much needed with another hungry opponent.

And everyone that’s doubting me, and everyone who is not on a side with me, it makes me want to fight even harder. So it’s just one of those things I have to do and go through.

Q
What do you see as your advantages over Brandon Adams in the fight?

J. Charlo
We both have advantages, so I’m not saying much about the game plan, but also much about, Brandon Adams. My advantage is that I’ve been here before.

Q
Brandon, tell us why you’re confident you’re going to be able to win this fight? We all know you’re the underdog, but why do you think you’ll win?

B. Adams
I think Charlo said it best when he said stay tuned. It’s Saturday. Oh man. It will be Showtime June 29.

Q
Would either of you like to make a prediction for the fight, how it’s going to turn out? Jermall?

J. Charlo
It’s going to be a great night. Just tune in on SHOWTIME. In primetime is going to be a nice show. I predict fireworks regardless.

B. Adams
Yes, man. I just want to piggyback off what he said and just say man that there will be a heck of a show being thrown this Saturday man. And you hear it yourself man. We both are already, fine-tuned and we’re looking to be explosive. So get your shades. There’s going to be fireworks blowing in the sky.

R. Flores
Before they get ready for their match up on Saturday, final comments, first from the challenger, Brandon Adams, as he gets set to battle with Jermall Charlo this Saturday on SHOWTIME.

B. Adams
My final comment is I hope everybody is prepared. I hope everybody is ready. I hope everybody is just as excited as we are. And Jermall, man you already know, bro. It’s go time. Looking forward to sharing that ring with you. Stay blessed.

J. Charlo
Final comments, thanks to everybody who tuned in. Thanks to everybody who made this happen. I’ll be damn if I let anybody come to my hometown and take something from me. So I hope everyone is prepared and I’ll be ready. I’ll see you on Saturday.

# # #

ABOUT CHARLO VS. ADAMS
Charlo vs. Adams will pit unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Champion and Houston-native Jermall Charlo against middleweight contender Brandon Adams in Charlo’s hometown return Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME from NRG Arena in Houston and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin taking on French contender Zakaria Attou in a 12-round WBC title elimination bout in the co-main event. Opening the telecast is a WBA featherweight title eliminator between slick Mexican southpaw Eduardo Ramirez and power-punching Dominican Claudio Marrero.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.




Rising Prospect Omar Juarez Returns to the Ring This Saturday in Houston

BROWNSVILLE, TX (June 26, 2019) – Unbeaten super lightweight prospect, Omar “El Relampago” Juarez (3-0, 1 KO) of Brownsville, Texas, will fight for the first time in his home state as he faces Seifullah Jihad Wise (3-6-1 1KO), in a four-round bout from NRG Arena in Houston. This fight will be an off-television bout on the Jermall Charlo versus Brandon Adams card.

“I am excited to be making my Texas debut,” said Omar Juarez about his homecoming bout, “I have a lot of fans who will be in attendance and I’m ready to show out. I am excited about being able to display my skills in front of my home state fans. All of the hard work and dedication I have put into the sport is paying off.”

“My son has always been a hard worker since he started boxing,” said Rudy Juarez, the father and trainer of Omar Juarez. “We always wanted to fight in Texas, so this is a dream come true for both of us. To be fighting on a such a big stage is tremendous and a great opportunity, one we are grateful for.”

Juarez, who turned professional last September has wasted no-time as this will be his fourth fight in just nine months and in his last bout defeated Dwayne Bonds, who held a record of three wins, one loss and one draw at the time, Juarez’ third fight.

“I plan on going in there on Saturday night and performing at my highest level possible,” concluded Omar Juarez. “I want people to be excited to see me fight, and I am so excited with all the family and friends that will be there in attendance.




Brandon Adams:The Latest Boxcino Graduate To Fight For a World Title

Philadelphia (June 25, 2019)– This Saturday night, middleweight Brandon Adams will become the 7th graduate of The Boxcino Tournament to fight for a world title when he takes on WBC Interim Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo at The NRG Arena in Houston. The bout will be the main event event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® card, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

With Adams world title opportunity on Saturday night, it will mark the 6th fighter to compete for the a world title.

In 1999, Acelino Freitas was discovered upon winning the Tournament. J.C. Candelo challenged for the IBF Junior Middleweight world title. In 2001, Eduardo Barrios fought for the WBO world featherweight title. In 2014 when the Boxcino tournament was brought back, Willie Monroe went on to fight for the middleweight world title on two occasions. Boxcino Lightweight champion, Petr Petrov fought for the WBO lightweight world championship. In 2015, John Thompson competed for the WBO Junior Middleweight world title.

“The Boxcino tournament has proven once again that it develops world champion caliber fighters. When in Boxcino, fighters have to take on top level fighters with various styles over a four-month period, so that proves that fighters like Brandon get prepared for major opportunities like he will have on Saturday night,” said Artie Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions and creator of The Boxcino Tournament.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.

# # #

ABOUT CHARLO VS. ADAMS
Charlo vs. Adams will pit unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Champion and Houston-native Jermall Charlo against middleweight contender Brandon Adams in Charlo’s hometown return Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME from NRG Arena in Houston and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin taking on French contender Zakaria Attou in a 12-round WBC title elimination bout in the co-main event. Opening the telecast is a WBA featherweight title eliminator between slick Mexican southpaw Eduardo Ramirez and power-punching Dominican Claudio Marrero.




Undefeated Brandon Figueroa Makes Homecoming Defense of Interim Super Bantamweight Title Against Argentina’s Javier Chacon in FS1 PBC Fight Night on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday, August 24 from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas

WESLACO, TX. (June 26, 2019) – Undefeated interim WBA Super Bantamweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will make a 12-round homecoming title defense when he takes on Argentina’s Javier “Chispita” Chacon Saturday, August 24 in the main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night on FS1 and FOX Deportes live from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising unbeaten Stephen “CoolBoySteph” Fulton Jr. in a 12-round super bantamweight attraction against fellow undefeated contender Isaac Avelar, plus another showdown of unbeaten fighters will see Houston’s Darwin Price taking on Donovan Estrella in a 10-round super lightweight fight.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Panterita Boxing, are on sale Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased through AXS.com.

“Brandon Figueroa is a fast-rising talent riding a six-fight knockout streak into this main event opportunity on August 24 in front of his hometown fans,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He will look to continue to solidify himself as a force to be reckoned with in the 122-pound division against a very tough veteran in Argentina’s Javier Chacon. Argentina has a long line of battle-ready warriors who have come to the states and had big success, as Chacon will look to accomplish by spoiling Figueroa’s homecoming. With the televised undercard featuring two battles of unbeaten fighters, this has all the ingredients for a can’t miss night on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

The 22-year-old Figueroa (18-0, 13 KOs) will be defending his title for the first time after capturing it live on FOX in April by stopping Yonfrez Parejo in eight rounds. He set up his title-winning performance by knocking out Moises Flores in the third-round of their January fight on FS1. Representing Weslaco, Texas, the younger brother of former world champion Omar has a six-fight knockout streak that he brings into the ring on August 24. He returns to fight in his home state for the first time since March of 2018, when he stopped Giovanni Delgado in seven rounds in San Antonio.

“It feels amazing to be bringing nationally televised fights to Bert Ogden Arena for the first time for my hometown fans,” said Figueroa. “I’m looking forward to this fight and I’m going to continue to knock people out and move up the 122-pound rankings. I’m facing an awkward fighter, but I believe there will be opening for me to attack his body, which is one of my strengths. It’s going to be a great atmosphere and I’m working hard like the fight is in two weeks. I’ll be more than ready on August 24.”

Representing Mendoza, Argentina Chacon (29-4-1, 9 KOs) has won four fights a row leading up to August 24, most recently winning a decision in May over Diego Sananco. Chacon has challenged top fighters including Anselmo Moreno and Jamie McDonnell in world title fights. He will make his U.S. debut on August 24 after having previously competed in his home country, the UK, Panama and Ghana.

“I’m looking forward to this great opportunity to fulfill my dreams of being world champion like my brother Julio Pablo,” said Chacon. “To get here, I had to win a tournament to find the best super bantamweight in Argentina. I was the underdog in every fight and still won each time. That’s what I’m going to do again on August 24. I will win when nobody thinks I can.”

The 24-year-old Fulton (16-0, 7 KOs) is a Philadelphia-native and defeated previously unbeaten fighters in five of his last nine contests while rising up the rankings and most recently defeated former world champion Paulus Ambunda in his first 12-round outing in May. He takes on the 21-year-old Avelar (16-0, 10 KOs) from Aguascalientes, Mexico who made his U.S. debut in March by defeating Juan Antonio Lopez.

“I’m excited about this fight because it’s two undefeated fighters clashing which will be a big statement for me,” said Fulton. “I’m planning to make him the sixth undefeated fighter that I beat. I’m in shape now and I know I’m facing a fighter who’s going to bring it and give everything he’s got. But I’m bringing the speed, power, pressure and intelligence that will show you why I’m a force in this division.”

“I feel great about this opportunity and I’m ready to take full advantage of it,” said Avelar. “I’ve studied Fulton and I know he’s a good boxer, but he won’t be able to handle the pressure I put on him. I’m a fighter who’s constantly on the go and ready to throw over a hundred punches a round. This is going to be a great fight for the fans, and may the best man win.”

Born in St. Louis and fighting out of Houston, Price (14-0, 7 KOs) made his 2019 debut with a stoppage victory over Luis Eduardo Florez in April. The 29-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2013 and will face off against Denver’s Estrella (13-0, 4 KOs), who turned pro the same year and is also yet to taste defeat. The 24-year-old most recently defeating Robert Rodriguez last November.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.




KEITH THURMAN TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (June 26, 2019) – Keith Thurman’s head trainer Dan Birmingham is typically a man of few words who likes to keep his focus on his job; which is training, coaching and creating world champion boxers. So when Dan speaks, people listen. His Mr. Miyagi-style message ahead of Keith’s blockbuster PBC on FOX Sports pay-per-view showdown versus Manny Pacquiao?

“Freddie Roach is going to lose a lot of money,” said Birmingham. “When the fight is over Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman’s hands will be raised. Keith is going to win this fight and win it in fine fashion.”

“Dan and I have worked together since I was an amateur, he was my mitt-man when my trainer Ben Getty couldn’t take my power,” said Thurman. “Ben would be on the sidelines and tell me what to throw and Dan would be there to catch it. The day I turned pro, Dan was in my corner and I felt blessed to have Dan become my coach and first corner when Ben passed away. Dan knows my strengths and he’s worked with other world champions. We’re not rookies. We’re prepared to be on the big stage.

“He’s a man of few words but his actions and words that he picks are always right on point. He sees what is going on even when I can’t or don’t see it. He isn’t hype. He is honest. He is giving me technique, criticism and whether or not we won the round; I know I can trust him.”

Trained by Birmingham since his original coach Ben Getty passed away ten years ago, Thurman continues to hone and develop his boxing prowess at Birmingham’s St Pete Boxing Club gym in St. Petersburg, FL. The Florida Boxing Hall of Famer knows what is needed for his pupil to win this historic fight on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“This is a very important fight for Florida boxing and for our gym,” said Birmingham “From Winky to Jeff Lacy and all the guys who train and fight for titles, we have a lot of pride in Keith. This fight and holding this title means everything to our gym.

“Manny knows Keith’s a puncher, and that he brings youth and experience like Manny does. But Keith wants to fight, he’s anxious to fight and he’s got someone to fight for besides himself.”

One of the keys to Thurman’s impending victory is very simple, said Birmingham. “It’s been the rest factor. He’s rejuvenated his body and mind, he got married and as I said before, he has someone to fight for.”

Thurman’s over two-year recovery have allowed him to fully heal and its made for a powerful training camp. The undefeated, two-time world champion is operating at his very best – showing glimpses on his Instagram channel (@KeithOneTimeThurman) of his high intensity workouts.

“I am back on the big stage, I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase my talent and skill with a legend in the sport. It’s a big ‘get back’ year for me,” said Thurman. “I tried to tell everyone that and this is what it’s like when champions get back to performing like world class champions. No excuses. I want to be the best Keith Thurman I can be, and we set up a camp where we can bring out the best in me, for myself, for the fight and for the fight fans.”

“He has a renewed vigor – more energy – and he’s anxious to fight and anxious to train,” said Birmingham. “His power, ferociousness and tenacity will be a problem for Manny. We’ve only escalated that in this camp. He has two strength and conditioning coaches – NFL great Yo Murphy and leading strength coach Kimberly Doehnert. The core team includes post-workout trainer Eric Wilson for stretching and recovery in addition to myself and Chris Getty for strategy and training.

“We’ve mixed up sparring with some guys who emulate Manny but are tougher, stronger fighters who can take a punch. You’ve got to be tough to box with Keith.

“We’re going to win this fight.”

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN
Order the PPV and visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for Fight Night Info and more on Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

Pacquiao vs. Thurman will pit boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Gardden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery faces slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout.

Preceding the pay-per-view is FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes, which is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee. Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.




AMIR KHAN FACES TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BILLY DIB AFTER CAR ACCIDENT FORCES NEERAJ GOYAT OUT OF JEDDAH SHOWDOWN

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (26 June 2019) Amir Khan will now fight Two-Time World Champion Billy Dib on Friday 12th July in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the WBC Pearl Welterweight Championship on the line after his original opponent Neeraj Goyat was involved in a car accident.

Two-Time World Champion Khan was due to face Goyat at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in the first ever Pakistan-India showdown in a boxing ring.

Khan will still headline the groundbreaking boxing extravaganza in the Middle East that also features Hughie Fury, Prince Patel and Dave Penasola all in championship title action, exclusively live in the UK on Channel 5 and 5Spike.

It’s clear that Goyat’s will not recover in time and be fully fit to fight Khan on the scheduled date and promoter Bill Dosanjh of The Super Boxing League has moved quickly to secure Khan a new opponent in the World class former two-time World champion Dibb.

Khan said, “First of all my heart goes out to Neeraj and I pray for him to make a full recovery and is fit and healthy again to resume his boxing career,”

“We’ve had to make the decision to find a replacement and we’ve done extremely well in securing Dib to now be in the opposite corner,”

“This fight is a landmark moment for boxing in Saudi Arabia and myself, Bill, the Saudi GSA and the government have worked tirelessly to put this event together. We wanted to keep the event on during the important Saudi Season and ensure the fans in Saudi get to watch this great event,”

“I’ve been a professional for nearly 14 years now and I’ve seen and dealt with near enough everything in that time so adjusting to a new opponent and challenge is part and parcel of the boxing business so I’ve just got to sit down with my team and work on the new plan,”

“I’m really excited the fight is still on, I would have been absolutely distraught if my dream of fighting in Saudi had to be put on hold. Dib is a respected and experienced two-time World Champion so I’m looking forward to pitting my skill against him.”

Khan v Dib is exclusively live on Channel 5 and the undercard on 5Spike on Friday 12th July.




EROS CORREA RETURNS TO THE RING THIS SATURDAY IN MEXICO

SAN JOSE, CA (June 26, 2019) – Undefeated super bantamweight prospect, Eros Correa (7-0, 6 KOs) will return this Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico. Eros will face Javier Miranda (2-7) in his first six-round bout. The fight is being promoted by GM3 Boxing and Gonzalez Boxing Promotions.

“I am very happy with how my career is going over the last 10 months,” said Eros Correa, who is managed by Cali Boxing Management. “I had a slow start at first, but I have a great team around me now, and I am getting myself in position to face all of the fighters I fought at the Olympic trials years ago.”

Correa, who nearly made the 2012 Olympics, attempted Olympic glory in 2016. When that dream fell short, he turned pro a year later. Correa has stayed very active fighting six times in the past year.

“I just want to make people proud to know me when they see me fight. I am fully dedicated, and I want to make my dream of a being a world champion a reality.” continued Correa.

“Eros is a power puncher in the lower weights and has a style that is similar to Edwin Valero, and by that, I mean fan-friendly,” said Andrew Bocanegra, Correa’s co-manager. “Eros Correa is staying active and will be in exciting fights as we march forward. Right now, he’s a promotional free agent and we are looking for the right fit. We are going to keep building him up and keeping him busy.

“This is a big fight for Correa, this is his first six-round bout and a win here puts him into contention for bigger and better fights.” said Jessie Sanchez, co-manager of Correa.




VERGIL ORTIZ JR. TO FACE ANTONIO ‘RELENTLESS’ OROZCO IN A HOMETOWN BATTLE IN GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS

GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS (June 26, 2019): Rising knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. (13-0, 13 KOs) will return to his hometown of Grand Prairie, Texas to face former world title challenger Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (28-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round main event in the welterweight division. The card will be utterly stacked with Golden Boy prospects and contenders, most of whom are from the Lone Star State.The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

“In his fight against Mauricio Herrera, Vergil Ortiz Jr. went from being the very best prospect in boxing to a serious contender in just three rounds,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Ortiz has dynamite in both hands as shown by the way he easily handled Herrera, who had never been stopped before in his career. On the other hand, Antonio Orozco has the capabilities to ruin Ortiz’s homecoming party as he is one of the best contenders to come out of the 140-pound division. Fans can expect a crazy fight for as long as it lasts, so don’t miss it either in person or live on DAZN. We’ll also be presenting a full card of our prospects and contenders from the Texas area, so it will be a complete night of action!”

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has never heard the final bell of a fight, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be hearing it anytime soon. Ortiz Jr., who has his roots in Michoacan, Mexico, will return after a stunning third-round knockout victory against Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera in the co-main event of Canelo vs. Jacobs. Ortiz Jr. is excited to headline in his hometown for the very first time against a very tough challenge in Orozco.

“This will mean a lot to me,” said Ortiz Jr. “This is my first time fighting in my hometown, so this is very special to me. I know Antonio Orozco. Since I had about three professional fights, I kind of knew that we’d be facing each other at some point. He definitely is a tough fighter. He only has one loss, which was against Jose Carlos Ramirez, a world champion. It will be a tough fight. They don’t call him ‘Relentless’ for nothing. The fans are going to win in this fight. I have a lot of supporters in Texas, especially in my hometown, and they have been wanting to watch me fight. I know there will be a lot of people talking about it, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a full house.”

Orozco is a 31-year-old contender who has defeated the likes of KeAndre “The Truth”
Gibson, Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor. The native of San Diego, Calif. participated in his first world title opportunity against WBC Super Lightweight Champion Jose Carlos Ramirez in September 2018. Though unsuccessful, Orozco demonstrated his toughness, and he promises to return to title contention if successful against Ortiz Jr.

“My manager called me and offered me this fight,” said Orozco. “As soon as I heard the name, I didn’t hesitate. This is a big opportunity to showcase my skills and my Mexican style. Honestly, I’m ready to derail the dreams of Vergil Ortiz Jr. On August 10, I will remind everyone why I deserve another shot at the title.”

Hector “El Finito” Tanajara (17-0, 5 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will defend his USNBC Lightweight Title in a 10-round clash.

Joshua “The Professor” Franco (15-1-1, 7 KOs), the unified NABF and WBA International Bantamweight Champion of San Antonio, Texas, will defend his titles in a 10-round fight.

Alex Rincon (6-0, 5 KOs), the hard-hitting southpaw of Dallas, Texas, will fight in a six-round battle.

Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (14-0, 12 KOs) of Austin, Texas will participate in an eight-round super welterweight clash.

George Rincon (6-0, 3 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in a six-round super lightweight battle.

Newly-signed Golden Boy prospect Tristan Kalkreuth of Duncanville, Texas will make his professional debut in a four-round light heavyweight fight.

Opponents for this card will be announced shortly.

Ortiz vs. Orozco is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 at The Theatre at Grand Prairie in Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Ortiz vs. Orozco go on sale Thursday, June 27 at 10:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. CT. Tickets are priced at $125, $75, $50, and $30, plus applicable taxes, fees, and service charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at The Theatre at Grand Prairie Box Office (Monday -Saturday 11:00 am CT – 3:00 pm CT or 972-854-5076).

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #OrtizOrozco.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/OrtizOrozco into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.




VIDEO: Official CatSkills Clash Press Conference #StarBoxing #CatSkillsClash




SHOWTIME SPORTS® THREE-PART DIGITAL VIDEO FEATURE GOES BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER ERICKSON LUBIN





PARKER READY TO REGAIN WORLD CHAMPION STATUS

Joseph Parker is ready to step up his ambitions to reclaim his World champion status as he faces Alex Leapai at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
 **TICKETS FOR ANDRADE VS. SULECKI ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE**
Parker (25-2 19 KOs) returned to winning ways at home in Christchurch, New Zealand in December with a third round stoppage following two blockbuster nights in Britain. The Kiwi first took on Anthony Joshua in a unification battle in Cardiff in March 2018, surrendering his WBO crown on points. Parker then returned to the UK and met Joshua’s old foe Dillian Whyte and served up a fight of the year contender in London in July, climbing off the canvas in the second and ninth rounds to floor Whyte in the final session, but being edged out on the cards.

Parker landed the vacant WBO title against Andy Ruiz Jr, whose recent stunning win over Joshua in New York has thrown the division wide open. The Kiwi was in the Big Apple that weekend after signing a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing USA and Eddie Hearn, and the 27 year old had warned that the Mexican was a real threat to the unbeaten Briton’s World reign.

With Ruiz and Joshua set to meet in a rematch later in the year, while Whyte meets Oscar Rivas in another blockbuster clash in England’s capital in a month’s time. With WBC king Deontay Wilder and former World champion Tyson Fury likely to clash in rematch in 2020, Parker knows he must see off Leapai (32-7-4 26 KOs) in style in Rhode Island to get into position to retain his World champion status.

“The only way to settle the score is to fight again,” said Parker. “I will fight any top fighter but I want to fight for World titles again, I know where I am and that I need to climb to the top again.

“Andy’s got a great chin and so do I. We’re different fighters from 2016, he’s improved dramatically and we saw that in the performance, and I am a lot better than i was when we first fought back then.

“Everyone was leaning towards AJ getting an easy victory but we knew what Andy presented and what he brought to the fight, so it wasn’t a surprise to us, but we didn’t know he was going to stop him like that so it was a surprise in that sense, but we knew he had the ability to put in a great performance like that so congratulations to him and his team.

“I don’t know how the rematch is going to go which is why it’s so exciting and people will look forward to it because we don’t know how it will unfold. We’re not sure if AJ is going to come back and look better, box from the outside, or if Andy is going to come and put on more pressure and throw more punches, so I am excited to see it again.

“Andy has got the blueprint to beat him. I wouldn’t say exposed him, but you put pressure on, throw punches and combinations and you do your best to land, that’s what Andy did. I am a different fighter to Andy, he takes a punch to give a punch whereas I try my best to avoid punches, but he showed that it works and he took some to land a lot more.

“Tyson and I have a great relationship, he’s kind of like an older brother in the same division as me. From the time I was with him in Manchester in September 2017 until now, he’s completely changed physically and mentally, he’s a lot happier. You never say never when it comes to fighting anyone.”

Parker’s clash with Leapai is part of a huge night of World title action in Providence as hometown hero Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Middleweight strap against Maciej Sulecki and unbeaten WBA Super-Flyweight king Kal Yafai defends his strap against mandatory challenger Norbelto Jimenez.

Boston’s Mark DeLuca faces Canadian Brandon Brewer over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight, young talents Alexis Espino and Raymond Ford taste their third action in the paid ranks, as does Otha Jones III fresh from his first round KO win in London.  

Local favorite Anthony Marsella faces Jose Aubel, another unbeaten Providence fighter Anthony Concepcion takes on Yasmani Pedroso, former World title challenger and Providence native Shelley Vincent meets Simone Da Silva.

Tickets are on sale NOW – starting at just $28 (including fees) from https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/010056AAED7788D1?brand=dunkindonuts&camefrom=cfc_dd_center_boxing19_web




LIVE VIDEO: Final press conference #DecaireLindberg




BEN DAVISON BREAKS DOWN DUBOIS V GORMAN

BEN DAVISON has emerged as one of British boxing’s top trainers over the last 12 months through his work with lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and WBO super-middleweight title holder, Billy Joe Saunders.

He has also wowed fans with his expert knowledge at breaking down fights.

We put him on the spot and asked Ben to assess the fascinating vacant British heavyweight title fight between Daniel Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) and Nathan Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) that takes place at London’s o2 on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport. A fight not to be missed.

Here is what Davison had to say when we caught up with him.

GORMAN VERDICT

“Key factors for Nathan are that he keeps his feet moving and doesn’t allow Daniel to plant his feet and have the balance to load up on his shots.

“It will be hard for Daniel to carry the same power if he is having to travel and punch at the same time.

“Nathan’s also got very good head movement, variety and good shot selection. If he can keep his feet moving whether it’s big steps or small steps he’ll be bringing Daniel towards him.

“Daniel having to travel and close the distance means he’ll be having to step into Nathan. With good timing, good head movement and good counters he could make Daniel pay.

“I think it’s important that Nathan puts an exit on his shots so when he makes Daniel miss he makes him pay.”

DUBOIS VERDICT

“What’s key for Daniel is feints to throw Nathan’s timing off.

“I think changing the tempo of his work and not chasing Nathan is important.

“If Daniel gets carried away with the moment and looks for the knockout with Nathan getting under his skin he could play right into Nathan’s hands.”

FIGHT VERDICT

“I think it’s a good fight between two upcoming prospects and I think who gets their game plan right and can make those adjustments through the fight will come out on top.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier




VIDEO: 2019 Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Legends Roundtable discussion




VIDEO: 2019 Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Part 1




ANDRADE: I’M FACING THE TOUGH GUYS AT 160LBS

Demetrius Andrade believes he’s on the right path to prove he is the man at 160lbs as he defends his WBO crown against Maciej Sulecki on Saturday night at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

**TICKETS FOR ANDRADE VS. SULECKI ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE**

Andrade (27-0 17 KOs) is chasing down an undisputed clash with Mexican ace Canelo Alvarez, while Kazakh ace Gennadiy Golovkin is also on the radar of the Providence star, who fights at home for the first time as a World champion.

Both Andrade and Sulecki (28-1 11 KOs) hold wins over Jack Culcay, while the Pole’s sole defeat came at the hands of former World ruler Daniel Jacobs, and he enters the bout after a gut-check win over Gabriel Rosado in March.

Andrade has seen off tough African and WBO #2 Walter Kautondokwa for the vacant strap in Boston in October and then defended the crown for the first time against rugged Russian Artur Akavov with a 12th round stoppage in New York in January, and the champion believes this run of tough clashes is priming him for the big showdowns he’s hunting.

“Maciej is a tough guy, a top ten guy and he’s only lost to Danny who’s faced GGG and Canelo,” said Andrade. “The boxing world knows that I am the baddest wolf out there because if I hadn’t, I would have faced Canelo and GGG already and would’ve taken my loss like a man and they would’ve captured my WBO title at two different weight classes. So that goes to show that I have control over myself and was right to have faith that I’m doing the right thing, so don’t give up as my time will come, you’re not going to just keep digging and digging and then just stop without knowing that that next dig is for all the diamonds.

“The Rosado fight was a grueling one for him, he fought Culcay and he gave him a tough fight too, so he must have skills to be where he is and fight the fighters he’s fought. So unlike GGG who just boxed Steve Rolls who was ranked about 81 in the world, I’m fighting real guys. We are fighting tough guys to get it on with Canelo and GGG whereas they have been cherry picking and they can do that with the profile they have, it’s just business. I’m not upset about it because my time will come when I walk in with one belt and walk out with four.

“Everyone has their own opinion about any fighter, I won’t know until I get in there. I am no fool, I know that I have to be on my game and not think about his other fights because everyone i different. Culcay did a great job against him, put him down, Rosado put him down, so they got to him by accumulating punches and letting their hands go. But that’s them, not me, I have a different IQ to them.”

Andrade’s clash with Sulecki is part of a huge night of World title action in Providence as unbeaten Briton Kal Yafai defends his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against mandatory challenger Norbelto Jimenez.

Former Heavyweight World ruler Joseph Parker takes on Australian former World title challenger Alex Leapai, Boston’s Mark DeLuca faces Canadian Brandon Brewer over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight, young talents Alexis Espino and Raymond Ford taste their third action in the paid ranks, as does Otha Jones III fresh from his first round KO win in London.

Local favorite Anthony Marsella faces Jose Aubel, another unbeaten Providence fighter Anthony Concepcion takes on Yasmani Pedroso, former World title challenger and Providence native Shelley Vincent meets Simone Da Silva.

Tickets are on sale NOW – starting at just $28 (including fees) from https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/010056AAED7788D1?brand=dunkindonuts&camefrom=cfc_dd_center_boxing19_web




Pedro Moreno (11-0, 7 KOs) Returns to Hometown of Sacramento in “Path to Glory” Main Event

ORANGE, Calif. (June 25, 2019) – Junior welterweight Pedro Melo (11-0, 7 KOs) makes his first appearance of the year as the headlining attraction of “Path to Glory” this Friday from Omega Products International in Sacramento, Calif.

Moreno, a former Silver Gloves Champion and U.S. Junior Olympic team member, faces fellow prospect Gilberto Espinoza (11-1, 6 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in the 8-round main event.

Moreno, 21, was born in the Mexican state of Jalisco, but his family relocated to Salinas, Calif. when he was five-years-old. One year later, they moved to Sacramento. Friday’s fight marks the second time Moreno will appear in front of his hometown fans.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” said Moreno, who signed with Thompson Boxing last year. “Some boxers go their entire careers without fighting in their home city. It’s a big responsibility, but one that I’m ready for.”

The self-described boxer-puncher will receive a stern test from the equally young Mendoza. In previous fights, Mendoza has switched between orthodox and southpaw stances in an attempt to confuse his opponent. Moreno, who started boxing at age twelve, isn’t concerned with any tricks he may see.

“I’ve seen a lot of styles in the amateurs and I spar with heavier guys,” Moreno said. “I just focus on what I need to do to get the win.”

Moreno’s last fight from Sacramento occurred from the same outdoor venue last June against the previously unbeaten prospect Luis Zarazua. Moreno landed clean shots in virtually every round and with his size advantage, looked comfortable fighting in close quarters.

Moreno, who started his career at lightweight but already has filled out to 140 lbs., will be the naturally bigger fighter come Friday night.

“I’ll be able to wear Mendoza down with my size,” Moreno said. “Especially if the fight goes to the pocket. He’ll have to cover up more than he’d like.”

Tickets for “Path to Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

In the 6-round co-feature, welterweight prospect Loui Lopez (6-0, 3 KOs) of Corona, Calif. meets Dwain Victorian (5-4-1, 3 KOs) of Stanton, Calif. Lopez, 22, turned professional last year and registered five wins.

In other action, Sacramento native Manuel Jaimes Barreto (5-0, 5 KOs) looks to extend his knockout winning streak to six when he battles Alex Solorio (4-5, 1 KO) of Mexico (6-rounds). The bout will be contested in the lightweight division.

Featherweight Arnold Dinong (4-0, 1 KO) of San Mateo, Calif. fights Francisco Camacho (7-10-1, 3 KOs) of Mexico in a scheduled 4-round fight.

Junior lightweight and Sacramento local Will Villa (2-0) will fight an opponent to be named later (4-rounds).

In the “Path to Glory” show opener, lightweight Sebastian Salinas of Indio, Calif. makes his professional debut against Michael Gaxiola (4-16) of Modesto, Calif. (4-rounds).

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Path to Glory via our Facebook page, YouTube channel and ThompsonBoxing.com. Beto Duran will handle blow-by-blow duties, while Doug Fischer provides expert, color commentary.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

Omega Productions International is located at 8111 Fruitridge Road in Sacramento, CA 95826 and can be reached at 916-635-3335.

“Path to Glory” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.




YAFAI: VICTORY BRINGS THE BIG ONE NEXT

Kal Yafai knows he must impress in his fifth WBA World Super-Flyweight defense against Norbelto Jimenez at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday night, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK as he targets massive names and unification fights next.
 **TICKETS FOR ANDRADE VS. SULECKI ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE**
The unbeaten Birmingham ace (25-0 15 KOs) defends his title on American soil for the second time having stopped David Carmona last May in California – and the 30 year old says this weekend’s defense against mandatory challenger Jimenez (29-8-4 16 KOs) is the perfect showcase for him to land the unification bouts and major showdowns that he’s been chasing.

“My eyes are solely on Norbelto Jimenez and I need to do a good job on him, but then I need a massive fight,” said Yafai. “Eddie and I are on the same page and he delivers for his fighters. I haven’t had that big name yet but that will come.

“I was going to fight at the end of April but I had a hand injury so I’ve had to wait a little bit longer but it’s not been too frustrating as I’ve been fighting twice a year and I’ll be on track to do that this year too.

“He boxed for the World title four years ago against Kono in Japan and he drew that fight, he looks tricky and awkward, game and tough as they all are from that part of the world. His record is deceptive with the eight losses because he hasn’t lost since 2011 so he’s going to be an interesting challenger for me.

“I think he’ll try and box on the backfoot early on but then he’ll try and have a go as well once he realizes that isn’t working, so I think the styles will gel and it will be a good fight. I just think that I’ll be too much for him.”

Yafai’s eagerness to dazzle at the Dunk has extra urgency following his admission that he was lackluster in his last performance. Yafai met Israel Gonzalez in Monte Carlo in November and gritted his teeth to see off the Mexican, digging in to hang onto his title on points.

“I was flat last time out and not too impressive,” said Yafai. “I wasn’t as good as I wanted to be but that’s all down to me, it was my fault. I thought I 100 per cent won the fight but it wasn’t a good performance, I don’t know why I was flat. It was a weird atmosphere and venue, but I don’t like to look for excuses as I got in the ring, I can’t say I was injured or had a niggle as I got in the ring, and when you get in the ring it’s down to you to perform and I didn’t.

“Even on a bad night I managed to win, I try to take the positives from it but it’s never a good thing to look bad. It was just one of those odd nights that I didn’t feel myself, I could see the shots there that I wanted to land I just didn’t get going. Maybe I was a bit complacent but after the performance and the feedback I’ve had on the fight, it’s made me hungrier and I feel like I am the challenger for the World title now as I want to prove to everyone how good I am.”

Yafai’s clash with Jimenez is part of a huge night of World title action in Providence as hometown hero Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO Middleweight strap against Maciej Sulecki.

Former Heavyweight World ruler Joseph Parker takes on Australian former World title challenger Alex Leapai, Boston’s Mark DeLuca faces Canadian Brandon Brewer over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight, young talents Alexis Espino and Raymond Ford taste their third action in the paid ranks, as does Otha Jones III fresh from his first round KO win in London.  

Local favorite Anthony Marsella faces Jose Aubel, another unbeaten Providence fighter Anthony Concepcion takes on Yasmani Pedroso, former World title challenger and Providence native Shelley Vincent meets Simone Da Silva.

Tickets are on sale NOW – starting at just $28 (including fees) from https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/010056AAED7788D1?brand=dunkindonuts&camefrom=cfc_dd_center_boxing19_web