Lou DiBella
Thank you, everybody, for joining us for this call for what I think is going to be a Fight of the Year, if not the Fight of the Year, between champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia, the World Welterweight Championship Unification at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Saturday, March 4th. This will be a telecast of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The tickets for the live event start at $50. And they’re on sale right now. There are plenty of very, very low price tickets still available out there for and we’d like as many fans as possible to be there. You can purchase your tickets online at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 and they’re also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

As I noted, this telecast will be SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS and the CBS telecast will be live, live at 9:00 pm, ET/6:00 pm, PT.

It’s been a great roll of boxing that ended 2016 for SHOWTIME and is beginning 2017 as the fights have been sensational in every platform that’s put out there. You know, this telecast being on CBS is a great story in itself and a great opportunity for the most eyeballs possible to see one of the very best fights you can make in all of boxing.

And I’d like to bring up to say a few words on this call the man that’s responsible for this great run for SHOWTIME, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much, Lou.

I echo your sentiments. You know, personally, I do believe this is boxing’s most anticipated fight of the year. Both Danny and Keith are undefeated. They’re in the prime of their careers and obviously both hold major world title belts in the welterweight division. They’re both highly-skilled boxers who are also powerful punchers. And this is a rare battle of undefeated champions fighting to unify the division. It’s so rare, in fact, that this is just the tenth world title unification bout in the history of the welterweight division. This will go down among the likes of Leonard versus Hearns, Trinidad versus De La Hoya, Mayweather versus Pacquiao. This is the kind of elite company this fight is in, in being a welterweight world title unification fight.

In fact, with Keith Thurman, the WBA Champion, and Danny Garcia, the WBC Champion, they’ll be fighting to unify the exact, same titles that Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns unified in their 1981 Fight of the Year.

And our last real statistic here, this will be just the third unification fight between undefeated welterweights in boxing history. Again, only the third time in boxing history that undefeated welterweights have met to unify titles, the last being Trinidad-De La Hoya in 1999. So given the quality of this matchup and the rarity of this matchup is, it’s no wonder why we’ve selected this bout to be just the second primetime boxing event on the CBS TV network in nearly 40 years.

This showdown obviously presents huge implications in the welterweight division which has historically always been boxing’s premium division. With the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, this fight will arguably determine who is the face of the new 147-pound division and certainly deserving the spot on the pound for pound list.

With that, I’ll turn it back to Lou. Suffice to say I can’t wait until March 4th.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Stephen.

First, I’d like to bring you the WBA World Welterweight Champion with the record of 27-0 with 22 KOs, the pride of Clearwater, Florida, Keith “One Time” Thurman.

Keith Thurman
Well, I’m happy to be here, looking forward to the questions and looking forward to this fight. It’s going to be a great fight.

L. DiBella
Mr. Garcia is 33-0, 19 KOs out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, like Keith, 28 years old. Danny is the WBC World Welterweight Champion.

Danny Garcia
Thanks for having me on. I appreciate it. I want to thank the media for joining us for this conference call and I’m excited about the fight on March 4. Can’t wait to unify titles that night. Thank you.

Q
Keith, what is your view of the balancing act between a great exposure but not fighting often enough, it would seem, for a top fighter?

K. Thurman
I just didn’t want to have a stay busy fight. I just wanted to have a fight that I wanted and it’s the fight that we’re getting. So if I had to wait for it, I wait for it. When fighters are staying busy, they put themselves on a certain fight schedule and then sometimes it’s hard to make the big fights happen because, this fighter is in a training camp and he’s getting ready for a fight and then the other guy starts his training camp to fight somebody else and I just wanted a fight that I want. I’m not complaining about my career. I’m not complaining about my exposure or my celebrity status. I’m not really in boxing to be a super celebrity even though there is super stardom in the sport of boxing. I’m living the dream that I’ve always wanted to live and I’m proud of it. This is a fight that I’m really looking forward to and I’m excited about it.

And then from here, I am hoping to give you guys a minimum of two fights this year. So we’ll be more active than we have been recently but things have happened last year. We have the injury, the car accident. That was a setback. And when setbacks occur, there’s nothing you can do. I’m young. I plan on being in this game for as long as I possibly can be.

So I’m not complaining at all. I’m happy to be where I am in the sport of boxing today.

Q
So are you saying that you’re willing to just wait it out and let Danny have the tune-up fight that he said that he needed and then make the fight now as opposed to trying to force the issue within the last year?

K. Thurman
This is the fight I wanted and I had no objective of waiting for it. If that’s what we needed to do, it’s not optimal, but at this stage, I can live off of one paycheck, and I was able to do that. My body went through a lot with the car accident and the rehab that I had to go through.

Last year was a big year for me. It was my 20th year anniversary in boxing, in the sport of boxing. And so even though I fought once, I got to sit back and relax and reflect and really just pat myself on the back and say, you’re champion of the world, you’ve accomplished the dreams that you Ben Getty set out for yourself as a young child. And I know it might be aggravating for fight fans, but for me, it was a blessing. I was happy to just reflect on all of my accomplishments and really just get ready to put on a tremendous performance for 2017. I got to travel the world a little bit last year and just do things for Keith Thurman and just appreciate what I’ve accomplished and the lifestyle that I’m living today.

I could have stayed busy. There were some options out there. Danny took his tune-up so that he didn’t want to go from Robert Guerrero and sitting, while I just fought Shawn Porter. So I would have been a little bit more active than them and they wanted to get back into activity and then take the big fight. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I respect that. And that’s why I waited to make this fight happen because this is the fight I wanted. I believe this is the fight the fight fans deserved. And I wanted to challenge myself and go for my second title.

Q
Keith, your thoughts about where this fight lies perhaps in the history of boxing?

K. Thurman
Boxing is all about is making history. That’s my ultimate goal is to not just make a living for myself, not just live my American dream and accomplish my goals as an athlete but my ultimate goal has been, ever since I was a child, is to make history in the sport of boxing so that when I’m done boxing, people get to remember who Keith “One Time” Thurman really was, what he brought to the welterweight division and hopefully, arguably, when people start talking about their favorite fighters and the greatest fighters of all time that there will be somebody standing in a circle who said “I really love that boy, Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman.” For me, that’s what it’s all about.

Q
Danny, your thoughts on that? About the unifying of those belts that those great fighters had and the rarity of this welterweight unifications?

D. Garcia
Yes, it feels good. It’s an honor. At the end of the day, you know, I feel like I’m this caliber of fighter. I’m an old school fighter in the streets of Philadelphia. I feel good that we fight for those titles and it gives me the opportunity to win my fourth world title.

Q
Is it part of your preparation mentality to go out there and try to prove people wrong?

D. Garcia
The critics will be the critics. They don’t know what I can do. I’ve been here before. It’s not new to me. But at the end of the day, I know what I can do and I’m a great champion, I’m a true champion and that’s what I’m going to show on March 4.

Q
Keith, tell us why you think you’re going to win on March 4th?

K. Thurman
Well, it’s because I’m an undefeated champion and I’ve never lost. I feel strong. I have a strong amateur background. He does, too. This is my life. This is what I do. I love the challenge. I love the fight game. I love another man trying to get the best of me right in front of me, going toe-to-toe with me. I just live for it.

I’ll never back down. I’m bigger than Danny naturally. He was always smaller than me in the amateurs. He’s smaller than me in the pros. He’s moving up. He might hold his weight well but I’m just a little bit bigger. So that gives me some confidence there.

We both have great records, great resumes, lots of knockouts, but I have less fights, more knockouts. So I believe that I do punch harder and that I’ll just edge him out statistically a little bit and it’s just going to come down to the fight who lands the right punches at the right time and strength and conditioning and just everything that the fight game is about. I always come prepared for this kind of fights. I’m just looking forward to it.

Nowadays, win, lose or draw, I’ll always be a champion. I’m not worried about nothing. I’m not worried about my reputation. Like I said, I’m living my dream. I’m trying to make history.

But it’s not easy to be Keith Thurman, I got an ‘0’ and I’m not afraid to let it go. If you can beat me, beat me. I’m going to shake your hand at the end of the fight. I’m going to congratulate you at the end of the fight. But I don’t bow down to nobody and I know that I’m the greatest challenge that most fighters will ever face. So that’s where my confidence comes from and, you know, I’m just looking forward in the fight. It’s going to be a great fight.

Q
Danny, same question for you, why do you feel so confident you’re going to win this fight?

D. Garcia
I’m a true champion. I’ve been in the big fights before. I’ve been in unification fights before. I feel I’m the better fighter. I always rise to the occasion. And that’s pretty much it. At the end of the day, Danny Garcia, he comes to fight and he comes to win.

Q
Is there anything in Keith’s record or how do you watch Keith’s fights, Danny, that gives you confidence that you see something that you could beat him?

D. Garcia
We did our homework. We did the math. We’re coming in the fight with a great game plan and if anything happens, then we got to adjust. But we’ve done our homework and we’re confident going into this fight.

Q
Keith, is there anything you’ve seen in watching Danny’s recent fights that tells you you’re going to be able to win?

K. Thurman
Danny has always won. He has always prevailed in his fights. But ultimately, looking at the books and everything and looking at the record, I think Danny has been in more close decisions than I have been. The closest fight that I’ve been in was my most recent fight with Shawn Porter, a fighter who knows me very well and somebody who I competed against coming off of injury and a big layoff. So we feel stronger this camp. We feel more prepared and ready for this camp. And we believe that we’ll be able to make a statement.

He just let people be in the fight with him more than I believe fighters have been in the fight with me. I think I’ve had more dominant decisions over my opponents than Garcia and that gives me confidence in winning this fight.

Q
Keith, my question is for you. Is this fight personal for you?

K. Thurman
No, man. This is a kid that I’ve known since we were kids. If anything, I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. I’m proud of everything he’s accomplished. He’s lived the life that I’ve lived in a different state in a different scenario. But we’re like two pit bulls. We were bred for this at a young age. We’re not new fighters. We didn’t pick up boxing yesterday. This isn’t new to us. This is the career that we chose while we were growing up. When people were trying to figure out what they want to be, we knew what we wanted to be. We knew we wanted to be fighters and this is what we wanted to do.

And I remember the day that Shawn Porter turned pro and he started to compete at 147 because Porter, as an amateur, competed at 165. And I remember when somebody passed on the knowledge that “Oh, Shawn Porter, he’s having his pro debut” and this and that and he’s fought so many fights now and he’s competing at 147, I mean, he was nobody to you guys until the reporter at the time and I knew from them I probably was actually nobody, too, and – but I knew, I said, “Oh, well, me and Shawn Porter are going to have to fight one day.” And now, me and Danny Garcia have to fight.

This is what it is, man. There are a lot of other fighters out there today that I grew up with in the amateurs and it’s just great to see so many people just accomplishing their goals and their dreams. In life, you have to fight for survival. Everyone is fighting and everyone is struggling but we fighters, we truly fight to make a name for ourselves, and it kind of makes me laugh. It was humorous to me.

*Timings subject to change

Fight # 1 – 18:30 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Heavyweight Contest

NAYLOR BALL weighing in on the day V OLEG LOPAJEVS

Fight # 2 – 18:55 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest

D.P CARR weighing in on the day V LEWIS JONES

Fight # 3 – 19:25 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest

CHARLIE DRISCOLL weighing in on the day V DAN CARR

Fight # 4 – 19:50 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

LERRONE RICHARDS 12st 3lbs 3oz V ATTILA TIBOR NAGY 12st 4lbs 7oz

Fight # 5 – 20:20 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

HARLEY BENN 11st 12lbs 4oz V DOMINK ZUBKO 11st 6lbs 9oz

Fight # 6 – 20:45 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

ZAK CHELLI weighing in on the day V ACOB LUCAS

Fight # 7 – 21:00 hrs

THE COMMONWEALTH FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 115 lbs

THOMAS ESSOMBA 7st 13lbs 2oz V JAY HARRIS. 7st 13lbs 6oz

Fight # 8 – 22:00 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest

SANJEEV SAHOTA 9st 13lbs 3oz V ELEMIR RAFAEL 9st 10lbs 3oz

Fight # 9 – 22:30 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest

ARCHIE SHARP 9st 4lbs 3oz V ALEX PHILLIPS 9st 4lbs 3oz

Fight # 10– 23:00 hrs

THE SOUTHERN AREA SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 130 lbs

BOY JONES JNR 9st 3lbs 6oz V CRAIG POXTON 9st 3lbs 1oz

Welterweight supremo Bradley Skeete tops an unmissable evening of action when he makes the second defence of his prestigious Lord Lonsdale Belt against Shayne Singleton at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 6th May, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

British, Commonwealth and WBO European Champion Skeete has climbed to the very top of the domestic Welterweight scene and is determined to win the Lonsdale strap outright before setting his sights on World honours later in the year.

“Psychologically I’m right ‘on it’ with my British title at stake,” said Skeete. “I desperately want the Lonsdale Belt outright so the title defences mean everything. I know every challenger will desperately try to take what’s mine so I’ll be training really hard.

“Shayne’s got a good record and some good wins like Curtis Woodhouse and Adil Anwar. He’s got fast hands, good movement and, given the notice he’s had, we expect he’ll bring his A game.

“I’ve seen it all before; those that come to rough me up, those that come to run away. I’m ready for anything. If Shayne gives me the charge, I’ll box his ears off. If he picks and pokes, happy days. No domestic welter can outbox me. I should definitely be stopping him.”

Since debuting in August 2009, Karl Ince coached Singleton has picked up the English Super-Lightweight and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles and plans on adding Skeete’s British belt to his collection on May 6th.

“They don’t give British and Commonwealth titles away,” said Singleton. “Bradley is quality. The lad’s got everything; fantastic range and he rarely gets hit. But I also see a way of beating him and that’s why I took the fight. Others are expecting a cautious, cagey affair but they’ll be in for a shock. Expect the unexpected!

“I believe my speed, accuracy and movement will trouble him, big time. I’ll make him answer questions and just believe I’ll be too much for him on the night. Just like Adil Anwar, Skeete’s very awkward and bounces around….but the outcome is gonna be exactly the same.

“Winning a British title would mean everything to me. After winning the Masters, the English and WBC International Silver, this is my world title. I couldn’t give two monkeys about anything that happens thereafter.”

Chief support on the card sees Cromer hero Ryan Walsh defend his British Featherweight belt against Belfast’s Marco McCullough. All action Walsh etched his name into the boxing records books when he won the title in September 2015 to join twin brother Liam as the first ever set of twins to hold the prized Lonsdale belt simultaneously and is aiming to get back to winning ways after losing to Dennis Ceylan in Denmark last time out.

WBO Inter-Continental Featherweight Champion McCullough ended 2016 in sensational style with a highly-entertaining stoppage victory over Luis Lugo at the Titanic Exhibition Centre and the former WBO European Featherweight Champion will head into the fight brimming with confidence.

Elsewhere on the card, Harrow Lightweight Mitchell Smith has a chance of gaining revenge when he rematches with Belvedere rival George Jupp; Light-Heavyweight sensation Anthony Yarde aims for another explosive knockout win; Heavyweight amateur star Daniel Dubois fights in the capital for the first time as a professional; Chingford Super-Featherweight Boy Jones Jnr looks to improve his unbeaten record; Southampton knockout king Joe Pigford takes on unbeaten Barking Super-Welterweight Aaron Morgan; Hammers fanatic Sam McNess goes for his seventh pro win; Ilford Super-Bantamwieght Lucien Reid; New Malden Super-Middleweight Lerrone Richards; Welling Super-Featherweight Archie sharp; Chelmsford Super-Middleweight Billy Long; Hornchurch Super-Lightweight Sanjeev Sahota; Croydon’s Sunny Edwards and Wycombe Super-Lightweight Ben Smith complete a talent-packed card.

Tickets for May 6 priced £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, and VIP £200 are available from www.copperboxarena.seetickets.com and 0871 2307148.

Luke Campbell MBE says he’ll show the Lightweight World champions he’s ready to take their titles when he defends his WBC Silver title against Jairo Lopez at the Hull Ice Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Campbell has not boxed on his home patch since seeing off local rival Tommy Coyle at Craven Park in August 2015, and Campbell comes into the clash with the Mexican on the back of his best performance to date, folding Derry Mathews with crunching body shots inside four rounds in Liverpool in October.

The WBC crown was won in empathic fashion by Mikey Garcia last month in Las Vegas, pummelling Dejan Zlaticanin inside three rounds to become a three-weight World king. Campbell knows the 135lbs division is one of the hottest in the sport, with Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares rematching for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring magazine belts in Manchester next month and the city then hosts Terry Flanagan’s WBO defence the following month – and Campbell is open to take on any of the title holders.

“I have a great team around me and whatever route they plan for me, then that is what I will do,” said Campbell. “I want to build up and maybe by the end of the year fight for a World title. This is the biggest year of my career and I am working hard, making sacrifices and putting everything I have got into it so hopefully by the end of the year I can be World champion.

“The green belt is the best belt. To have any belt would be awesome but I think the green belt is a little bit more special.

“It is a tough division to be in, it is a very exciting division to be in and there are some big fights to be made for sure,” said Campbell.

“Every single champion out there is a possibility and Garcia is definitely one of them. I watched his fight in Vegas, he was very impressive. He is a great boxer, three-time champion, he is a special fighter who carries a lot of power and he is a great champion but that doesn’t faze me one bit.

“He performed brilliantly that night and got an absolutely brutal knockout against a very strong opponent. I do believe that Zlaticanin was made for him. He was walking on to everything – it’s not the best game-plan to walk in in straight lines and show no head movement in front of a big puncher who can box, and has speed and power.

“It has been a while since I have boxed in Hull and there is nothing better than fighting in front of your home fans. Last year I was on the road all year so I am looking forward to being back in front of my home crowd and putting on a good show.”

Campbell’s clash with Lopez is part of a big night of action in Hull as unbeaten Doncaster man Gavin McDonnell aims to join twin brother Jamie as a World champion when he takes on Mexican Rey Vargas for the WBC Super-Bantamweight title.

Campbell’s fellow Hull favourite and old foe Tommy Coyle returns to action following his epic British title encounter with Tyrone Nurse, taking on unbeaten Londoner Rakeem Noble.

Unbeaten Belfast talent Ryan Burnett tastes his first action of 2017, Doncaster Heavyweight Dave Allen kicks off 2017 having taken on Luis Ortiz in his last outing and Scunthorpe’s unbeaten Light-Heavyweight prospect Dec Spelman looks to add to his 10-0 record and local boys Carl Chadwick and Conor Seymour feature.
Limited tickets remain on sale for February 25 priced at £40, £60 and £100 via this link: https://www.stubhub.co.uk/event/9777796/?gcid=chPrt-_-geoUK-_-genboxing-_-cpghullfpjan17-_-partmatchroom

According to Dan Rafae of espn.com, WBO Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao has turned his attention towards a fight with Amir Khan in the United Arab Emirates , thus leaving previously mentioned potential opponent Jeff Horn at the alter.

“My team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight. Further announcement coming soon,” Pacquiao wrote on social media.

n fact, Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world titleholder who outpointed Jessie Vargas to reclaim a welterweight world title in a dominant performance on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas, had previously said he had never heard of Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs), a 2012 Australian Olympian. On Wednesday night, Bob Arum told ESPN that the deal in Australia had fallen apart because of Pacquiao’s desire to chase the money in the UAE.

“The Australian deal is not going to happen now, because Manny is trying to get a fight done in the United Arab Emirates and the people there favor him fighting Amir Khan,” Arum said.

“Whether it will happen or not, I just don’t know, because they have to come up with a large amount of money,” Arum said. “Manny seems to believe they will come up with the money. I have some reservations whether it will happen or not. If the money comes up, I will aid and abet the fight happening. But right now, I’m holding my powder. I don’t really know.”

May 20 has been the rumored date for a possible Pacquiao-Khan fight, but Arum said even if the bout happens, it won’t be then.

“May 20 is a non-starter. The senate in the Philippines [in which Pacquiao serves] is in session then,” Arum said. “Maybe in April or maybe June, but not May.”

“The Australian deal was a lot of money, but it paled in comparison to the … money they’re supposedly offering — $38 million,” Arum said derisively of the deal Pacquiao is pursuing. “I’m a practical man. The money in Australia wasn’t anywhere near $38 million. What do I know? We live in an alternative reality world. I don’t know what the story is. If the $38 million is real, it trumps the Australia deal. If it’s real, we will assist putting on the event, but I am not holding my breath and I’m not making plane reservations.

“We’ll see what we see. If the $38 million comes up, the fight will take place and we’ll all be happy. And if it doesn’t, there will be one guy who won’t be surprised.”

Two-division champion Donnie Nietes will take on Komgrich Nantapech for a Flyweight title on April 29th in Cebu, Philippines, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m just very happy and excited. I’m very happy with the chance of winning a third title at another division. It is finally within my grasp,” Nietes said. “I’ve seen a lot throughout my career to prove that this isn’t something every fighter gets a shot at. I’m very thankful to my manager and promoter for making this possible, for helping me achieve my dreams. Even before my first test in the flyweight division, I was ready. I’ve long been ready. I’ve just been waiting for the opportunity to prove there’s more we Filipino fighters can still achieve.

“Scoring my first win over someone [Sosa] who has had his fair share of flyweight dominance was something that helped me realize I made the right decision and that this was the perfect time for me to step up.”

“I think he’s someone I should look out for,” Nietes said. “I’m new in the division he’s long been in. Thailanders are also tough boxers, so I’ll make sure I’ll give my best come April 29.

BIRMINGHAM, AL. (February 22, 2017) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten Gerald Washington kicked-off fight week with a media workout in Alabama Wednesday before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action this Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

Also working out at Round 1 Boxing Gym and featured in televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd, who battle for a vacant junior middleweight world title, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh, who meet in a 10-round heavyweight battle.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“This started as a dream and now it’s a reality. It’s always a pleasure to come back home and do it again. We’re going to keep it going. I love being at home.

“If I had doubted myself because of injuries, then I wouldn’t be here. At this point, I’m ready to go. We all know that when I step into the ring, no matter what’s wrong with me, I’m going to go to work.

“Washington might be my most athletic opponent. That should make it interesting and even better than my previous opponent. Everything that happened was a blessing in disguise. Everything works out the way it’s supposed to.

“From the time I got into the ring, I wanted to focus on the aspects of my game that needed improvement, not my injuries. I knew everything would take care of itself if I kept working hard. There’s enough on your mind in the ring without worrying about an injury.

“I’m just happy to be back in the sport I love. I’m ready to put on a show for the world and for my state.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“This felt like destiny. It’s the year of the Rooster and it’s my time. It was only a matter of time and it happened to come early. I’m grateful I stayed in the gym and I stayed prepared. It’s just a matter of me locking in on Deontay Wilder.

“Me and my team are ready. We work hard all of the time. This is the sport of boxing and opportunities can pop up.

“I have a lot that Deontay hasn’t seen before. He’s young to the sport of boxing like me. Every fight for me has been a learning process. I’m an unorthodox fighter and I know how to use my size. I’m more athletic than all of the guys he’s been in the ring with. I’m big and strong and I can punch. It’s going to be a good fight. Deontay won’t be able to hit me from outside. It’s going to be a matter of who has better fundamentals, who’s sharper and remembers that defense wins championships.

“I’m definitely going to work hard every round. I’m trying to win every round. Knockouts do happen. I’m not expecting any favors. I know I have to beat him convincingly. I have to do it all the way.

“Luckily I boxed as a kid so when I picked it up again I already had the love and passion. People don’t want it for real after they get hit in the face. It’s a hard road but you have to take those bumps and bruises to climb and reach this level.

“You have to look at a guy’s strengths and weaknesses. They’re right there for everybody to see. I plan on being the best me that night. I’m looking to exploit everything.”

TONY HARRISON

“Training camp was great. I can always tell when the training is over because I feel so ready to fight. My last week of sparring is usually the most brutal. I have no complaints and everything went smoothly.

“We focused this camp on getting into the best shape that we could. Nothing worth having comes easy. We grinded every day from sun up until sun down.

“I’m just going to do whatever it takes to win. This is a big fight for both of us. Saturday night, all we’re focused on is winning. That’s the name of the game.”

JARRETT HURD

“I feel really good. Training camp went well. It was about a seven-week training camp. I’m on weight and ready to get in the ring.

“We had another strong camp and we came up with a great game plan. We’re focused on how we can beat Tony Harrison on Saturday night.

“We want to go in there and dictate the pace. I’m going to establish my jab and keep my timing sharp. If we can get that going in the first round then we should be able to do good work.

“I know in the later rounds he’s going to start slowing down, so I could see myself getting a late stoppage and if not, a unanimous decision.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“I’m feeling great and I can’t wait for Saturday’s fight. Training camp went really well. We had a hard 10 weeks and I’m in fantastic shape. I feel great mentally and physically.

“We brought in some smaller guys in training camp to prepare for my opponent. He’s moved around in weight so these guys have helped me with accuracy and speed.

“I’m looking to put on a great performance and give the fans what they want to see. I’m going to give a boxing lesson. I’m going to throw the jab and pop the right hand and hopefully I can get the knockout I’m looking for.”

IZUAGBE UGONOH

“I believe that this is my year. I have a path to the world championship right in front of me and it starts with Dominic Breazeale on Saturday night.

“I am well prepared for this fight. I have been patient in learning my craft over the past two years and waiting for my opportunity.

“I know this is a big stage and I’m very excited to be here. The heavyweight division is on fire at the moment and I want in. On Saturday night everyone will know who I am.”

# # #

ABOUT WILDER vs. WASHINGTON
Deontay Wilder vs. Gerald Washington is a heavyweight showdown between the WBC Champion Wilder and the unbeaten Washington that takes place Saturday, February 25 from the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. Coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a pair of exciting matchups as rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurdmeet in a 12-round world title eliminator, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale battles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.

Additional action on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super middleweight Caleb Plant battling Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono and undefeated knockout artist Jorge Lara facing Jhon Gemino.

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, the show will be simulcast on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.

Pensacola, FL—Square Ring Promotions and Hitz Entertainment Corporation announced today that they have reached an agreement for the Fres Oquendo vs. Shannon Briggs fight for the WBA World Heavyweight Championship.

“We are really excited that we were able to reach an agreement with Kris Lawrence and Henry Rivalta of the Heavyweight Factory,” said John Wirt, CEO of Square Ring Promotions. “It was a long process and a difficult negotiation, but the good news is that Fres will now have the chance to finally win the WBA Heavyweight crown. I want to thank Gilberto Mendoza, George Martinez and everyone else at the WBA for this great opportunity.”
“Fres is in fantastic shape and he is focused on winning this bout like I have never seen before,” said Bobby Hitz, President of Hitz Boxing. “I met with him today and watched him spar and he looked awesome. His preparation is second to none and I predict it is going to be a great fight.”

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 22, 2017): In a classic crossroads fights Newark New Jersey native and longtime super lightweight contender Michael “The Artist” Perez (24-2-2, 11 KOs) looks to rebound and get back into title contention when he faces off with once-defeated Argentinian slugger Marcelino “Nino” Lopez (32-1-1, 17 KOs) in a Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN 10-round bout on April 20.

ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will broadcast the fight live from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY starting at 11 p.m. EST/8 p.m. PST. The undercard will stream live on ESPN3 in English and Spanish.

“True crossroads fights almost always spell high action because both fighters have so much to gain – and to lose,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Both Lopez and Perez have achieved a lot in their careers, but to catapult themselves into title contention, each has to get a win here. I expect fireworks and so should fans watching live at Turning Stone or on ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes.”

In the 10-round co-main event, IBF North American welterweight champion Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (17-0, 12 KOs) from Lynn, Mass. makes his highly anticipated return and first defense of his title against the rugged John Karl Sosa (13-2, 6 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico. Ellis is back after his dramatic first-round knockout of the year candidate in December.

Highly touted Golden Boy prospect Travell Mazion (10-0, 10 KOs) from Austin, Texas is also set to fight on the undercard as is Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez (19-2, 11 KOs)

Host of the April 20th event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino, an award-winning destination resort, continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The April 20th fight will mark Turning Stone’s 21st nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for televised combat sports. Turning Stone is celebrated for its noteworthy boxing events such as boxing legend Mike Tyson selecting the resort as the venue for his world debut as a promoter, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali made her boxing debut at Turning Stone and in April 2015, Turning Stone was selected to host “Fight of the Year” contender – Matthysse vs. Provodnivkov – over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

Ticket prices, on sale information and the remainder of the undercard will be announced shortly.

Professional media requesting credentials for Perez vs. Lopez must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.turningstone.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, and @TurningStone; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world. In its 15-year existence, Golden Boy Promotions has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport.

About ESPN
ESPN, Inc. is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN Plaza includes 950,000 square feet in 16 buildings on 123 acres (116 contiguous), with additional office space (400,000 sq. ft.) rented nearby. The company is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. For more information, visit http://www.espn.com/boxing, @ESPNBoxing, and @ESPNBoxeo.

HOUSTON (February 22, 2017) – Exciting super featherweight Dat Nguyen (20-3, 6 KOs) dropped and stopped previously unbeaten Miguel Flores (21-1, 9 KOs) in the sixth-round of the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday night from Silver Street in Houston, Texas.

“Every day I train hard to get to this moment,” said Nguyen. “I’m thankful to everyone who was here to watch this performance and I’m ready to take on bigger and better challenges.”

Flores started out trying to work off of the jab and impose his size and reach advantages on his smaller but more seasoned opponent. Nguyen was prepared for Flores’ usually lethal left hook to the body and was able to deflect it while finding a landing spot for his right hand.

The power punch made its first mark late in round two when Nguyen’s right hand hit Flores flush on the chin and sent the hometown prospect into survival mode for the remainder of the round. Flores continued to come forward and control moments of the fight, but Nguyen was consistently able to respond with more powerful punches.

“Flores is a warrior like all great Mexican fighters,” said Nguyen. “That is the style I try to fight with too. I fight with that heart every time I’m in the ring. Flores came in fighting like a warrior but it didn’t work out for him.”

As the fight entered the second half of the scheduled 10 rounds, Nguyen caught Flores with several big hooks during an exchange against the ropes that sent Flores crashing hard to the canvas. Flores got to his feet but was clearly dazed as he attempted to hold on to Nguyen to survive the round.

Nguyen was able to remain patient enough to land a series of hard clean blows to Flores that forced referee Laurence Cole to call a halt to the bout at 1:02 in the sixth round. Flores was unable to give post fight comments due to a busted lip that required stitches.

“Miguel Flores is a tough guy and he’s going to be a champion one day,” said Nguyen. “Today was my day to win. I’ve been here 13 years as a professional and I finally got my shot at the top. I’m thankful to everyone who believed in me.”

In the co-main event of the night, unbeaten Darwin Price (12-0, 6 KOs) rode a crisp jab to a unanimous decision victory over Hylon Williams (16-4-1, 3 KOs) in their eight-round super lightweight bout.

Price set the pace early by establishing his jab and throwing it often including doubling and tripling up on the punch to begin his attack. Price was able to work in a solid overhand right hand and a left hook that busted Williams’ nose late in round two.

Williams remained on the defensive for most of the bout while only opening up his attack slightly in the second half of the fight. Price was able to hold off Williams when he did charge forward, including an exciting exchange late in round six.

Price was able to stay focused and continued to dominate every frame of the third eight-round bout in his pro career. After the final bell rang, all three judges scored the bout 80-72 for Price.

The opening bout of the telecast saw unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (11-0, 8 KOs) put on an impressive performance in dominating Raul Chirino (10-5, 5 KOs) before stopping him in the fourth round of their super bantamweight matchup.

Chirino was aggressive early in attempting to close the distance against the taller Figueroa but the Weslaco, Texas-product set the tone by investing to the body with huge hooks from both hands.

Figueroa’s body punching and work rate began to pay dividends in round three when he scored the first of his three knockdowns with a flurry of hooks to the body that sent Chirino down midway through the round. Chirino was able to get to his feet but Figueroa pounced on his wounded opponent and sent him back to the canvas with more thunderous hooks to the body.

Chirino arose once again and was able to narrowly survive the round, but Figueroa was gearing up for a big finish and finally landed the massive right hook to the body in round four that sent Chirino down for good. Referee Laurence Cole waived off the bout 1:30 into the round.

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by King’s Promotions.

NEW YORK CITY (Feb. 21, 2017) Two-division world champion Canelo Álvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) and former WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) today hosted a press conference in New York City, the second stop on their four-city press tour. The fans for both fighters came out in throngs and lined up early to get close to Canelo and Chávez, Jr. at the event. Canelo and Chávez, Jr. will meet on Cinco de Mayo weekend, Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s press conference:

CANELO ÁLVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion:

“Every time I come to NYC, the fans show me a lot of love. Thank you for that. I want to tell everyone that I am going to prepare 100 percent for this fight and train well. This is going to be a very hard fight, a difficult fight because it will be at a new weight. You are going to see a great fight on May 6.”

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, JR., Former WBC World Middleweight Champion:

“Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo for this opportunity. I will see you May 6 in Las Vegas.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“You have the biggest star in boxing today with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and then you have Julio César Chávez, Jr., the son of one of Mexico’s greatest fighters ever. We took a poll and there is a 99.9 percent chance this fight will end in a knock out. That’s what fans want to see, that’s why we made this fight, for the fans.”

PETER NELSON, Executive Vice President of HBO:

“We have here a fight that has been talked about for years, possibly even a decade. The culmination of two lengthy journeys for JC, Jr. and Canelo has all been leading to a moment where they have a pivotal fight in their careers. This fight is about legacy and the pride of Mexico. Out of all the fights on the calendar this year, this is the biggest fight of them all.”

GUADALUPE VALENCIA, Representative to Julio César Chávez, Jr.:

“I think Julio wants to win this fight. There is a big size difference. People have underestimated Julio in his career. Julio César Chávez, Jr. is going to win on May 6.

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer to Canelo Álvarez :

“I want to thank Golden Boy, Canelo and the Chávez’s for the opportunity to bring another great fight. This fight represents Mexican pride. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of these fights. It’s going to be a war in the ring, and I have full confidence that we will get the result we are training for. Mexico versus Mexico is one of the greatest fights you can see in the world.

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Co-Trainer to Canelo Álvarez :

“We are so thankful for all the support we have received. We have to recognize the sacrifices that both fighters have made to make this fight possible for all the fans who have been asking for it. Julio will have to drop to a weight and Saúl will have to go up to a weight he hasn’t fought at. What will happen on May 6 is an arena filled with thousands of Mexicans who will come together to sing the Mexican national anthem together, and show the U.S. that we are more unified than ever before.”

“Viva Mexico! Viva Canelo!”

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $125 and $75, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $125 and $75 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visitwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/Canelo-ChavezJr into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Las Vegas, NV.– Undefeated contender Rey Vargas and Gavin McDonnell will vie for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight title this Saturday from the Ice Arena in Hull, England that will be streamed live on www.klowdtv.com

The entire fight card can be accessed for just $4.99. and

The action will begin a period of three major fight cards on www.klowdtv.com on in the span of seven week. Next Saturday, on March 4th, the action shifts to London as one of the biggest heavyweight fights in the United Kingdom in recent years will take place as the bad blood will be settled between cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew moving up in weight to face former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye. Then on April 15th from Glasgow, Scotland, it will be a Junior Welterweight unification bout as WBA champion Ricky Burns takes on undefeated IBF champion Julius Indongo.

Vargas of Otumba, Mexico has a record of 28-0 with 22 knockouts, and will be making his 1st attempt at a world title.

The 26 year-old is a 7 year professional, and has wins over former two-time world champion Alexander Munoz, former world title challengers Cecilio Santos, Juanito Rubillar, as well as well as contenders Luis Lugo (13-1-2), Marcos Cardenas (13-1-1), Eduardo Mancito (13-1-2) and Alexis Kabore (25-1).

“It is a risk going to England, but I’m not scared,” said Vargas. “I know that I’ll get booed when I go into the ring but I know when I win and step out of the ring they will applaud me. I am going to win this fight, even being in his backyard. He has that home advantage but I will win.

“I know the judges could be an issue. In fact, a gym mate of mine, Julio Ceja, fought his brother and won, but they robbed him. The idea is to go for the knockout otherwise they could rob you.

“It shows a bit of cowardice, not on him but on his team because they don’t want him to fight outside his country as they know he’ll lose. But I do trust that the WBC are fair and they will be neutral – the best man will win. I’d be very proud to take the WBC belt home.”

McDonnell of Dorncaster, England is the twin brother of WBA Bantamweight champion Jamie McDonnell, and has a record of 16-0-2 with 4 knockouts.

Gavin, 30 years old, turned professional is a 7 year professional, and got to this title opportunity on the strength of his victories over undefeated Scott Gladwin (5-0), Leigh Wood (11-0), Oleksandr Yegorov (13-0-1), Jorge Sanchez (15-0), three-time world title challenger Vusi Malinga (21-5-1) as well as Dean Anderson (5-1-1), Paul Econmides (13-3), Jeremy Parodi (37-2-1).

In his last bout, McDonnell took an 8-round decision from Robin Zamora on September 10th in London.

“I have to pinch myself that it’s finally here,” said McDonnell. “All the hard work I’ve put in over the years, it feels like it’s meant to be this moment.

“I have seen my brother become World champion, I have seen my gym-mate Tony Bellew become World champion and I believe now I’m ready and to be let off the leash. I’m ready to become world champion. Two twin brothers on the scene, both World champions standing side by side – the Klitschko brothers of Doncaster!

“We were in the same boat me and my brother, fighting an unbeaten Mexican banger. Having home advantage is key and I’ve wanted that.

“I like being written off, I love proving people wrong and this will be no different. I really want to make a name for myself, I’ve always felt like I’ve been in my brother’s shadow but I’m 18 fights unbeaten and I’m on the verge of a World title fight.

“Vargas’ record says that he’s big puncher but we won’t know how good he is until we get in there. How much does he want it? Not more than me. He will have to knock me out cold to win it as he can’t beat me.”

“This will be a terrific championship bout on Saturday. We look forward to kicking off a terrific string of title bouts for the great boxing fans in the United States,”said Chris Schickedanz, Managing Director of Klowdtv.

KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas
KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas
Upcoming fights on www.klowdtv.com

March 4, David Haye vs Tony Bellew
April 15: Ricky Burns vs Julius Indongo

BIRMINGHAM, AL. (February 21, 2017) – Unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant looks to continue his march towards world title contention when he battles Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono in the 10-round main event of of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT immediately following the PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes primetime show headlined by undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his title against unbeaten Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington.

Televised coverage on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a pair of exciting matchups as top super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd meet in a 12-round world title showdown, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale battles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.

Here is what Plant had to say from training camp in Las Vegas:

On retuning in a 10-round main event on FS1:
“Fighting on FS1 once again is a tremendous blessing to my career. The exposure I’ll get will be incredible. The goal is to win, and win impressively. The time is now to show the world who Caleb Plant is. I’m here to entertain the masses.”

On his matchup with Thomas Awimbono:
“Awimbono is a big puncher who has been in the ring with some top-level fighters. He’s never been knocked out so I know he’s tough as nails. This will be his second fight of 2017 so I’m expecting him to be in shape and ready to fight. This will be a nice step up fight and one I see myself winning.”

On recently being world ranked in the super-middleweight division:
“My career is progressing the way I envisioned it. Right now, I’m currently rated #11 in the IBF and with a few more wins, I’ll be ready to challenge for a world title. First, I must get past Awimbono. He is my main focus at the moment. But I’m thrilled to be moving up the rankings.”

On his recent training camp:
“Since I moved out to Las Vegas last August, this will be the first full training camp I’ve had out here. We got great sparring with some top competition. My trainer Justin Gamber, who flew out from Nashville and has been with me for the last month. We did everything we needed to do to be prepared for this fight. I’m ready to go.”

On fighting at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, the closest ever to his hometown of Nashville, TN:
“I’m expecting a lot of family and friends to be in attendance since Alabama is only a couple of hours away from Nashville. This is the closest I’ve ever fought to home. I’m excited and I’m going to give all the fans a great night of entertainment.”

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, the show will be simulcast on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.

MONTREAL (February 21, 2017) – The “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” press conference was held today in Quebec City for this Friday night’s championship fight between undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver light heavyweight champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and former super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute (32-3-1, 25 KOs) at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

“BUTE VS. ALVAREZ”, promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev, is a presentation of Videotron and Mise-O-Jeu,

Integrated Sports Media will distribute “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” live in the United States, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and the FITE app for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

In Canada, “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” will be available to watch, in English or French, on Canal Indigo, Shaw TV and Bell TV; English-only on Rodgers PPV, as well as in many of the top Canadian sports bars.

Outside of North America, “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” is being distributed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.

The 12-round Bute vs. Alvarez main event will also be the final WBC eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for the winner’s GYM stablemate, reigning WBC and lineal light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (28-1-0, 23 KOs).

Tickets for “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” are on sale and available to purchase by going on line to www.Videotron.centrequebeccity.cpm/tickets and www.Ticketmaster.ca

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Lucian Bute: ”I am really, really confident going into this fight. I respect Alvarez; he is the WBC No. 1 ranked contender in the light heavyweight division. He is undefeated but my best moments as a professional boxer came here in Quebec City and I am sure it will be another one of those moments Friday night. And it will be a spectacular fight for the fans!”

Eleider Alvarez: ”I have to win for my future and for my family. I will give everything Friday night. My time has come and I will make the best of it.”

Yvon Michel, promoter of show and both fighters: ”It is going to be an exciting fight and card. Eleider Alvarez said that he is ready to die in the ring and he means it. Lucian also is ready to do whatever it takes to win Friday. We have two fighters, two true competitors, who will give everything and leave everything in the ring Friday.”

Howard Grant, Bute’s trainer: ”Lucian had the best camp of his career. He had more energy in this camp than in the ones for James DeGale and Badou Jack. He had good sparring also and he will be ready Friday night.”

Marc Ramsay, Alvarez trainer: ”This is the third time in his career that Alvarez has been called out after a sparring session. First it was Andrew Gardiner…and he was stunned by Eleider in the ninth round of the fight. He was never the same after that, got knocked out by an unknown fighter, and retired. Than it was Nicholson Poulard. He was KO’ed in the third round and he retired after that. Lucian asked Eleider for a fight after seeing a sparring between Alvarez and a fighter from the Grant Brothers Gym. He intends to deliver the goods Friday. They asked for Alvarez, they will have Alvarez.”

INFORMATION:
www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, www.gestev.com, www.integratedsportsnet.com
www.Facebook.com/groupeyvonmichel, www.Facebook.com/GestevEvenements
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @gestevinc, @IntegratedPPV #ButeAlvarez

Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Stormalvarez, @Butelucian
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent, organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)” GYM has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa Promotions.

King’s Promotions middleweight Junior Castillo in action TONIGHT in Houston, Texas

Tickets SOLD OUT!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Houston, Texas (February 21, 2017)–Middleweight Junior Castillo will be in action TONIGHT at Silver Street Studios in Houston in non-televised action before PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & FOX Deportes.

The 2012 Olympian from the Domincan Republic has a record of 12-1 with 10 knockouts, will face 28 fight veteran Juan Carlos Rojas in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

The 30 year-old Castillo has won two straight bounce since his lone blemish, when he dropped an eight-round unanimous decision to Justin De Loach on June 25th.

Castillo has a significant win on his ledger, as he won eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Kyrone Davis on April 19th.

“We are very proud on how Junior has responded since his setback last year,” Said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “He has shown that he can compete with all the top prospects in and around his weight class, and we think 2017 will be a great year for him to move up the ladder to big fights.”

Tuesday, February 21

5:30 p.m. VENUE DOORS OPEN
Location: Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards St., Houston, TX 77007

6:30 p.m. FIRST FIGHT BEGINS

9:00 p.m. PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & FOX Deportes Telecast Starts

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
Fight credentials can be picked up on Tuesday, February 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the venue. Proper personal photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

WHAT: “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ”

WHEN: Friday, February 24, 2017

WHERE: Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

WHO: WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Championship & Mandatory Title Eliminator (12 rounds)*
Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (21-0, 10 KOs), Champion, Montreal, Quebec, Canada by way of Colombia
Lucian Bute (32-3-1, 25 KOs), Challenger, Laval, Quebec, Canada by way of Romania

Vacant WBU Heavyweight Championship (12 rounds)*
Eric “The Hammer” Martel-Bahoeli (14-5-2, 8 KOs), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Adam “The Boogeyman” Braidwood (6-1, 5 KOs), Victoria, British Colombia, Canada

Super Welterweights (8 rounds)
Sebastien Bouchard (14-1, 5 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, Canada (8)*
Gustavo “Vitaminas” Garibay (13-7-2, 5 KOs), Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

IBF International & Vacant NABO Middleweight Championships (10 rounds)*
Francis “The People’s Champ” Lafreniere (14-5-2, 8 KOs), Champion, Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada (10)
Uriel “Big Bang” Gonzalez (15-1-1, 11 KOs), Challenger, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Super Middleweights (8 rounds)
Dario Bredicean (11-0, 3 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Alejandro “Perro” Torres (9-1-2, 4 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Super Middleweights (4 rounds)
Christian “Solide” M’Billi (1-0, 1 KO), Montreal, Quebec, Canada by way of France
Jesus “El Rudo” Olivares (5-3, 3 KOs), Puebla, Mexico

*Denotes PPV fight

PROMOTER: Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev, presentation of Videotron and Mise-O-Jeu

HOW TO WATCH: Integrated Sports Media will distribute in the United States, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and the FITE app for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

In Canada, available to watch, in English or French, on Canal Indigo, Shaw TV and Bell TV; English-only on Rogers PPV, as well as in many of the top Canadian sports bars.

Outside of North America, “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” is being distributed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.

TICKETS: On sale and available to purchase by going on line to www.Videotron.centrequebeccity.cpm/tickets and www.Ticketmaster.ca

INFORMATION:
www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, www.gestev.com, www.integratedsportsnet.com
www.Facebook.com/groupeyvonmichel, www.Facebook.com/GestevEvenements
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @gestevinc, @IntegratedPPV #ButeAlvarez

Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Stormalvarez, @Butelucian
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent, organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)” GYM has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa Promotions.

Petrov was born in Ryazan, an oil refining city and electronics hub, 120 miles south-east of Moscow in March 1983. He will be 34 this year. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the area was terrorised by the infamous OPG mafia gang and blighted by racketeering and contract killings.

At the age of 12, the Petrov family moved to Madrid, Spain for commercial reasons. Petr is fluent in Russian and Spanish and speaks some English.
After nominal amateur experience, Petr turned professional in November 2000. He was just 17 at the time. His initial 19 gigs took place on Spanish territories (one in Tenerife).
A 5ft 6in orthodox fighter with a 70in reach (southpaw Flanagan is three and a half inches taller), Petrov is nicknamed ‘El Zar’ (The Tsar).
In his ninth outing, aged 20, Petrov conceded his unbeaten tag, suffering a six round split decision to Columbia’s Ubadel Soto in Madrid.
However, over the ensuing 13 ½ years, he has lost just three times, all to world champions, each time in the opponent’s yard.
In October 2007, Germany’s future WBC super-feather boss Vitali Tajbert unanimously outpointed Petrov over eight in Halle. In September 2011, monster hitting Argie Marcos Maidana put him out for the full count in a WBA title challenge up at light-welter, in Buenos Aires. Nineteen months later, over in Montenegro, local hero Dejan Zlaticanin (the future WBC lightweight king) outpointed him on all cards over 12.
Post Zlaticanin, Petrov has been aligned with Artie Pellulo’s Philadelphia-based Banner Promotions. He resides in southern California with his wife Carolina and is trained and managed by Danny Zamora in Santa Fe Springs. Jerry Arias helps out with strength and conditioning duties while Petr’s brother coaches him whenever he is back in Spain.
His last six gigs (all wins, four early) have all taken place on US soil against opposition with combined stats of 135 wins, 24 losses, five draws. In May 2014, the Russian native captured the ESPN Friday Night Fights prestigious Boxcino lightweight title. Additionally, he has hovered up WBO and WBA regional titles plus the NABF crown at 135lbs.
Having outpointed Mexico’s former WBC Super-Feather boss Gamaliel Diaz over 10 the previous April, Petrov was scheduled to box in the UK in October 2015. However, his WBO eliminator with Cromer’s Liam Walsh was pulled after the unbeaten Norfolk switch hitter withdrew with a hand injury.
Potent Petr secured his shot at the ‘Turbo’ by forcing Golden Boy’s highly touted Michael Perez (just one loss in 27) to retire on his stool after six rounds of an eliminator in Indio, California last September. The Robert Garcia trained starlet from New Jersey was dumped and sliced in round two prior to raising the white flag.
Mandatory contender with both the WBA and WBO, the Russian hard case presently sports a 38-4-2 slate with exactly half of his victims failing to pass the finish post.

Terry Flanagan vs. Petr Petrov tops an unmissable evening of action at the Manchester Arena on April 8; Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams clash in one of the most anticipated domestic dust-ups in recent times; Slick South African Zolani Tete faces Arthur Villanueva in a final eliminator for the WBO World Bantamweight strap; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut along with a talent packed undercard.

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

Frank Buglioni has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing and will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Ricky Summers at The O2 in London on March 4, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Buglioni ripped the crown from Hosea Burton in an epic clash in Manchester in December, stopping the local favourite in the last round of a gruelling fight of the year contender.

The former Super-Middleweight World title challenger makes the first defence of his crown against the unbeaten Tipton man Summers, and for ‘Wise Guy’ his aims are clear as he prepares for his first fight with new promoter Eddie Hearn: claim the coveted Lord Lonsdale belt outright before targeting World honours again.

“I wanted to get the British title and prove to myself and the fans that I was championship material and could put on a performance,” said Buglioni. “I was very impressed with the whole set up for the Burton fight with Sky Sports, the build-up was great and as soon as the offer came from Eddie I jumped at it as Matchroom and Sky Sports are putting on great shows all year round, this is the platform to be on.

“I’ve worked hard to get the British title and I want to win it outright, I don’t think that it’s been done for over 25 years in my division, so I really want to achieve that. I’m looking to get this one out of the way and look for two more defences to make that happen.

“There’s no such thing as an easy British title defence as anyone that fights for the title is going to give it everything they’ve got. It’s one of the best belts out there and it means so much to win it – Hosea and I proved back in December just how much fighters give in order to land it. The immediate aim is to get the LL belt for keeps but of course, if European or World title shots present themselves, that’s something the team will consider and look at the options.

“I’m thrilled to be on the card, the main event is one that I’m really looking forward to. I rate Tony Bellew a lot, he’s improved massively throughout his career, he was told he wasn’t British, European or World level and he’s proved all the doubters wrong. David’s got the experience and he’s a massive puncher, so it’s going to be explosive.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Frank to the team in an exciting time for the British and World Light-Heavyweight division,” said Hearn. “Frank is one of the most popular fighters in London and has a real TV and fan friendly style that we of course saw in the Hosea Burton fight in December in Manchester.

“I’m very happy to have him in the stable and part of a huge show at The O2 next week and look forward to being involved in big fights and nights with him moving forward.”

Burton and Summers meet on a huge night at The O2 as David Haye and Tony Bellew meet in a blockbusting Heavyweight grudge match.

There’s more London vs. Liverpool rivalry on the menu as Hackney’s Ohara Davies defends his WBC Silver Super-Lightweight title against Merseyside favourite Derry Mathews.

Stourbridge banger Sam Eggington faces the biggest night of his career against former two-weight World champion Paulie Malignaggi, while Irish amateur star Katie Taylor boxes for the third time in the pros.

Tickets for Haye vs. Bellew sold out in record-breaking time when they went on sale in December.

Daquan Arnett (15-1, 9 KO’s) has hired Adrian Clark, owner of AC Sports Management, LLC as his primary representative. Arnett has been out of the ring for 15 month (and counting). He is counting on Clark to get the ball rolling and get his promising career on track.

“I know I am going to be world champion, its just a matter of when. Once an opportunity presents itself, I am going to take full advantage. Bringing on AC is a plus because of how young and ambitious he is. He works in the best interest of the fighters,” said Arnett

Clark, 30 of Dallas, Texas is known for his work with Jerry Belmontes, James de la Rosa, Will Tomlinson (Australia) and most recently, Willie Monroe Jr. He is also the author of the book, Protect Yourself at All Times: A Guide for Professional Boxers.

“Daquan is a world class fighter and a guy who understands the business of boxing. He will be in contention for something big by early next year. I am honored that he thought to hire me.”

Despite the lay-off, Daquan is still young (24 years old) and has stayed in the gym. He is now training in Dallas, TX with friend, Errol Spence Jr.

The fighting pride of Orlando (FL), Arnett was a decorated amateur and since turning pro in 2011, he has put together a solid resumè. In his last 8 fights, four of Arnett’s opponents were undefeated. The only loss of his career came in 2014 against Eddie Gomez.

Arnett is looking to make his return to the ring in April or May.

Miguel Flores 128 – Dat Nguyen 129.25
Darwin Price 140.25 – Hylon Williams 140.75
Brandon Figueroa 123 – Raul Chirino 128
Medzhid Bektemirov 180 – Istvan Zeller 173.75
Junior Castillo 159 – Juan Carlos Rojas 163
Eduardo Garcia 144 – Rafael Munoz 145

Promoter: King’s Promotions & Savarese Promotions
Venue: Silver Street Studios
1st Fght: 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CT
TV: FS1 and Fox Deportes 10 PM ET / 9 Pm CT

MEXICO CITY (Feb. 20, 2017) Two-division world champion Canelo Álvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) and former WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) today kicked off their four-city international press tour in Mexico City. The event drew thousands of fans and hundreds of media to watch Canelo and Chavez, Jr. in their first face off ahead of their anticipated clash on Cinco De Mayo weekend, Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Below are what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s press conference:

CANELO ÁLVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion:

“It’s a new weight, so I have started to spar with heavier partners, which everyone will notice come fight night. Fights between Mexicans are usually the biggest, and I want this fight to be a mark on the legacy that many fights like this have left behind in Mexico’s fight history.

“I think that a rivalry does exist, and we are both polemic fighters. There have been a lot of comments directed towards me and my character, and I fight for pride to represent my country.

“We are of course are training at 100 percent. I think what makes this fight interesting is that we are both heavy punchers. I’ve been in my fair share of mega-fights, and the boxing ring is my home. I have had the same people in my corner since the very beginning, and I trust Chepo and Eddy to fully support me in my corner.”

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, JR., Former WBC World Middleweight Champion:

“I’ve been making my way to this fight. My last fight was at 168 pounds. This fight isn’t going to be any different from any other fight that I have had in the past. I want to thank all the people who have come to support me over the years.

“This is going to be a tough fight. Every fight is important, and this one especially because it is between two Mexicans fighting each other for the glory. The fight could not have come at a more perfect timing – both my and Canelo’s names are known throughout the world as some of the best fighters. My two losses against Martinez and Fonfara taught me more than all 50 of my wins. This fight has the potential to open many doors to my future that might have been closed before. I fight for pride – everyone says that Canelo is the best.

“With Nacho Beristain in my corner, I have a lot of knowledge on my side. It’s symbolic because he has his name etched as one of the greats, and this is a tribute to him and is a contribution to Mexican boxing. Canelo isn’t Oscar De La Hoya’s son. I’ve got a great corner. I am going to win this fight.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Saul was the one who wanted this fight, and my duty as a promoter is to put together the best fights. Mexican boxing is the best, and when you have these two hot boxers who want to give the best to the fans, and we couldn’t pass it up.

JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ, SR., Six-Time World Champion Boxer:

“I foresee a real tough fight. We have seen the best of Canelo, but we have not seen the best of my son. I firmly believe that with a disciplined training camp, Jr. is able to knock out not just Canelo but anyone in his way. I want to thank everyone who has come out to support my son. I can honestly say that this is a dream come true, and we are looking forward to the fight.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“It’s always a pleasure to be here in Mexico, and I want to thank TV Azteca and our sponsor Tecate for always supporting us. This is going to be a great fight, between two Mexican warriors who want to be remembered as the best. We all know who will be watching – President Trump-and he will see the great contribution that Mexicans have to offer, and how we get things done.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer to Canelo Alvarez:

“I want to thank Golden Boy, Canelo and the Chavez’s for the opportunity to bring another great fight. These fights- much like the many that have been precedent to it go beyond just being wars but represent a Mexican pride. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of these fights. It’s going to be a war in the ring, and I have full confidence that we will get the result we are training for. Mexico versus Mexico is one of the greatest fights you can see in the world. Nacho has contributed much to boxing, but I am a part of the new generation of trainers. At one point, Nacho was where I am now. We are the new generation, and we are here to make history.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Co-Trainer to Canelo Alvarez:

“We are so thankful for all the support we have received. We have to recognize the sacrifices that both fighters have made to make this fight possible for all the fans who have been asking for it. Julio will have to drop to a weight and Saul will have to go up to a weight he hasn’t fought at. What will happen on May 6 is an arena filled with thousands of Mexicans who will come together to sing the Mexican national anthem together, and show the US that we are more unified than ever before.”

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $125 and $75, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $125 and $75 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visitwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/Canelo-ChavezJr into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Highly regarded amateur standout Christian Montano has signed with manager Cameron Dunkin, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“He has very, very fast hands and hits extremely hard,” Dunkin said. “He won the nationals in his 11th [amateur] fight. He beat guys with over 100 fights when he had like five or six fights. It’s pretty amazing. He went to the junior world championships. I expect big things from him. A lot of people were after him, so I am very happy to sign him.”
“He loves boxing and he said he knows he could play football, but he wanted to box,” Dunkin said. “I was with him and his parents over the weekend, and I think they wanted him to go to school and play football, but he wanted to box. He’s very, very talented and he looks like he could really be something. He could stick around and be a huge amateur but he said, ‘I just want to go pro and get it started. I want to fight real fights.'”

Dunkin said he does not plan to sign Montano with a promoter, at least not yet, and said he will turn him pro on March 18 on a card in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“If all goes well he’ll fight again on March 31 in Philadelphia and then in mid-April on another show in Philly,” Dunkin said. “I’ll keep him busy. He’ll fight about once a month. I’ll let him hone his craft and learn. He doesn’t have a ton of amateur experience. He was like 41-3 as an amateur.”

MONTREAL (February 20, 2017) – A full card with an international flavor, from top to bottom, has been announced for this Friday (Feb. 24) night’s “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” major event at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (21-0, 10 KOs), defends his title against former world super middleweight champion Lucian Bute (32-3-1, 25 KOs) in the 12-round main event that also serves as the final WBC eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for WBC and lineal light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (28-1-0, 23 KOs). Alvarez, who lives in Montreal, was a Colombian Olympian and Laval, Canada resident Bute is a native of Romania. Stevenson, Alvarez and Bute are all promoted by GYM.

”This is an excellent overall boxing event and the result will have a significant impact on the career of all participants,” said the President of GYM, Yvon Michel.
“The Martel-Braidwood WBU heavyweight title fight has all the ingredients to be a barnburner, while the NABO middleweight fight may prove that Lafreniere deserve to be named, ‘The people champ’ because of his relentless attack style. Bute and Alvarez in the main event are putting their future on the line with this the most significant light heavyweight fight so far in 2017. The real winners are going to be the boxing fans, who appreciate the evenly matched fights and fighters ready to leave it all in the ring!”

Promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev, “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” is a presentation of Videotron and Mise-O-Jeu, at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

Integrated Sports Media will distribute “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” live in the United States, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and the FITE app for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.

In Canada, “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” will be available to watch, in English or French, on Canal Indigo, Shaw TV and Bell TV; English-only on Rodgers PPV, as well as in many of the top Canadian sports bars.

Outside of North America, “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” is being distributed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.

In the 12-round co-feature, Canadian heavyweights Eric “The Hammer” Martel-Bahoeli (14-5-2, 8 KOs) and Adam “The Bogeyman” Braidwood (6-1, 5 KOs) will battle for the vacant World Boxing Union (WBU) title. A former Commonwealth & Canadian title challenger, Martel-Bahieli will be fighting at home in Quebec City. Braidwood, fighting out of British Colombian, is a former football player for Washington State University and in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Popular Quebec super welterweight Sebastian Bouchard, a 2007 Canadian Championships silver medalist, takes on Mexican super welterweight champion Gustavo “Vitaminas” Garibay (13-7-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round non-title fight.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) middleweight champion Francis Lafreniere (14-5-2, 8 KOs), also fighting out of Quebec, defends his 10-round bout against Mexican knockout artist Uriel “Big Bang” Gonzalez (15-1-1, 11 KOs). The vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) championship will also be the line for the Lefreniere vs. Willis confrontation.

In a pair of off-PPV fights, undefeated Montreal super middleweight Dario Bredidean (11-0, 3 KOs) faces Mexican invader Alejandro Torres (9-1-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round match, while 2016 France Olympian Christian “Le Solide” M’Billi (1-0, 1 KO) is showcased in a four-round fight against Mexican super middleweight Jesus Olivares (5-3, 3 KOs).

Tickets for “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” are on sale and available to purchase by going on line to www.Videotron.centrequebeccity.cpm/tickets and www.Ticketmaster.ca

INFORMATION:
www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, www.gestev.com, www.integratedsportsnet.com
www.Facebook.com/groupeyvonmichel, www.Facebook.com/GestevEvenements
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @gestevinc, @IntegratedPPV #ButeAlvarez

Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Stormalvarez, @Butelucian
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent, organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)” GYM has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa Promotions.

Vero Beach, Florida (February 20, 2017)–This Tuesday night at the Silver Street Studios in Houston, Texas, super featherweight Dat Nguyen (19-3, 6 KO’s) will look to unseat undefeated Miguel Flores (21-0, 9 KO’s) in the main event of a PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & FOX Deportes.

Nguyen of Vero Beach has been working hard in training camp in effort to secure a career defining win

“Camp has been great. I’ve never had a better one,” said Nguyen. “This time, I get to set the training camp the way I wanted to be trained so everything has been perfect. Getting good sparring was my main concern, and I had one of the best sparring partners for this fight. I’ve been sparring with a world class fighter Samuel Neequaye. He’s a super lightweight and a very strong fighter that threw punches in bunches and he didn’t take a step back. I think he’s the best fighter from Ghana fighter out there right now. To spar with a high caliber fighter like him has made me a sharper and stronger fighter. I have fought 10 rounds twice, but it was always short notice. I’ve been never was prepared for it, but this camp I have sparred 10 rounds multiple time against a world class sparring partner who said he’s already in fight shape when we started sparring.”

Because of that kind of camp, Nguyen feels he has the best opportunity for this win.

“I feel strong and mentally fresh and in good spirits. I know the hard work has already been done in the gym, sparring and the road work. God has a plan for me and it seems like everything is falling into place the last couple weeks of camp.. I feel blessed, and ready to give the fans a great show so please tune in.”

Nguyen, who has been a professional for 13 years, knows that a win over Flores will put him in position the major fight that he has been coveting for years,

” A win would mean better things for me and my family. I’ve struggled all of my career to get to this point so I’m not going to lose focus now. I want to thank god for watching over me and blessing me everyday of good health. I want to thank all of my fans and countrymen for their love and support.”

MIGUEL FLORES vs. DAT NGUYEN FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE
**All Times Are Central**

Monday, February 20

2:00 p.m. OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN
Location: B&B’s Butchers Restaurant
Address: 1814 Washington Ave., Houston, Texas 77007
1:45 p.m. – Media Arrival
2:00 p.m.- Weigh-In Begins

Tuesday, February 21

5:30 p.m. VENUE DOORS OPEN
Location: Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards St., Houston, TX 77007

6:30 p.m. FIRST FIGHT BEGINS

9:00 p.m. PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & FOX Deportes Telecast Starts

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
Fight credentials can be picked up on Tuesday, February 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the venue. Proper personal photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

TEMECULA (Feb. 18, 2017) – Top super welterweight prospects Chris Pearson and Justin DeLoach meet in a 10-round showdown in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, February 24 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast) from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.

Pearson (14-1, 10 KOs, WSB 3-0, 1 KO) and DeLoach (16-1, 8 KOs) were scheduled to meet in the co-main event of Ishe Smith vs. Frank Galarza’s card in September 2016, but Pearson was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered in training.

In the telecast opener, unbeaten cruiserweights Andrew Tabiti (13-0, 11 KOs) and Quantis Graves (11-0-2, 4 KOs) will clash in a 10-round bout and undefeated up-and-coming prospect Saul Rodriguez (20-0-1, 15 KOs) will take on Chile’s Oscar Bravo (22-6, 10 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight battle.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, which will celebrate the 40th birthday of its President Floyd Mayweather with this exciting fight card.

“This is my first fight since April and I’ve really taken this time to push myself as a fighter by gaining mental and physical strength,” said Pearson. “I’m thankful to my team for putting this fight together. It’s going to be a great show for the fans and I’m happy that it’s is finally ready to happen.”

“I’ve been very patient and focused,” said DeLoach. “I’ve shown through my last six performances that I am a tough opponent. The only way that Pearson can beat me is if he stops me and I don’t see that happening at all.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $99.50, $69.50 and $49.50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Floyd’s 40th birthday than with a great night of boxing featuring three exciting and competitive battles,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We’re looking forward to watching our own Chris Pearson and Justin DeLoach go head-to-head to establish themselves in the loaded 154-pound division. We’re also excited about one of our newest rising stars, Saul Rodriguez, as he looks to keep his perfect record intact in front of his hometown fans. The show will open with exciting knockout artist Andrew Tabiti, who’s continuing to climb the ranks in the cruiserweight division. This is going to be a great night from start to finish.”

“ShoBox: The New Generation is the perfect event to start our year of live boxing and sports at Pechanga Resort & Casino,” said Lee Torres, interim General Manager. “The franchise and Mayweather Promotions are known worldwide and we’re excited to host an action-packed night for boxing fans. This time next year, Pechanga fans can look forward to seeing boxing like this in the new 70,000 square foot event space as part of the resort’s ongoing $285 million expansion.”

Pearson, of Dayton, Ohio, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., had an outstanding amateur career that saw him capture a National Championship in 2011. He bounced back from his first defeat with a dominant decision victory over Joshua Okine last April. The 26-year-old previously picked up victories over Janks Trotter, Steven Martinez and Said El Harrak.

The 23-year-old DeLoach is coming off a six-bout winning streak in which he delivered an impressive knockout over previously unbeaten Dillon Cook in his ShoBox debut (VIDEO: Click HERE to watch). He followed that up by knocking down previously unbeaten Junior Castillo twice on his way to a unanimous decision victory in June 2016 and most recently scored a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Domonique Dolton. The fighter from Augusta, Georgia turned pro in 2013 and won his first 10 fights before suffering a defeat in early 2015.

Fighting out of Riverside, Calif., Rodriguez scored a first-round knockout in his professional debut in 2011 against William Fisher and has continued to dominate since. He first fell in love with the sport from watching the Fernando Vargas vs. Felix Trinidad fight at just five-years-old and began training at the Riverside Boxing Academy at age seven. The 23-year-old has stopped his opponents inside the distance in 10 of his last 12 bouts. He most recently earned a seventh-round knockout against his toughest opponent to date in Daulis Prescott.

The 28-year-old Bravo has fought professionally since 2008 and was undefeated in his first 13 professional fights. Fighting out of Santiago de Chile, Bravo is coming off a second-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Cesar Vergara in 2016. The veteran has shared the ring and gone the distance with top contenders Felix Verdejo and Mason Menard while fighting in six countries, including twice in the U.S.

The highly regarded 27-year-old Chicago native Tabiti, is ranked No. 8 by the WBC and in the top 15 by the WBO. In his last start, he defeated previously unbeaten Keith Tapia on SHOWTIME in May of 2016. Prior to that, he had won 11 of his 12 fights inside the distance, including a second-round TKO over Tomas Lodi on Sept. 29, 2015. Tabiti, a solid amateur with a record of 32-6, turned pro in July 2013 with 10 stoppage victories in a row.

Born in New Orleans and fighting out of Beaumont, Texas, Graves returned to the ring in 2016 with a decision victory over Rayford Johnson. Graves turned pro in 2008 after serving as an Olympic alternate for the 2008 U.S. team. The cruiserweight is unbeaten in his 13 pro starts and he will be fighting in California for the first time on February 24.

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

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @_ChrisPearson, @JipThaChamp, @Team_Neno, @AndrewTabiti89, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 20, 2017) – Tickets for two-division world champion and boxing pay-per-view king Canelo Álvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) and former WBC World Middleweight Champion
Julio César Chávez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) go on sale today at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET.
The 12-round clash will take place on Cinco de Mayo weekend, Saturday, May 6 at Las Vegas’ new T-Mobile Arena, located along The Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Monte Carlo. As one of the biggest boxing matches in Mexican history, the mega-fight features two of Mexico’s most popular and powerful fighters to determine who is Mexico’s greatest. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $125 and $75, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,250, $1000, $800, $600, $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $125 and $75 price level), go on sale Monday, February 20 at 10:00 a.m. PST/1:00 p.m. EST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. The event will take place Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visitwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/Canelo-ChavezJr into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.