Brooklyn, NY (January 13, 2016)-The New Year is here and resolutions are being crafted as we speak. Lose that stubborn five pounds…stop using curse words so much..eat more broccoli. And we have one more to add to the list..and we at Salita Promotions guarantee you can stick with this resolution.

Here it is: make a promise to yourself to watch the latest episode of
“Brooklyn Brawl,” on Jan. 17, at 10 PM.

The rock ’em sock ’em action will screen in prime-time on Tuff TV, America’s first digital broadcast network to offer original programming targeted at men and the specific pursuits, interests, and hobbies they are passionate about.

Viewers will enjoy watching Guinness Book of World Records entrant Alicia Ashley show that age is nothing but a number, as she skillfully battles for the WBC super bantamweight championship, against the rugged Irishwoman Christina McMahon. Ashley has now surpassed Bernard Hopkins as the boxer who most deftly has fended off the ravages of Father Time. She’s 48, and great.

Also, tune in to Tuff and see the US debut of skilled bantamweight contender Nikolay Potapov, a Russian scrapper who is on the cusp of receiving a title shot.

NYC-area and increasingly, nationwide fight fans have come to expect solid matchups featuring contenders, rising stars and talented up ‘n comers showing their stuff on “Brooklyn Brawl” promotions. The TV broadcast features the work of NYFights.com publisher and editor Michael Woods, formerly of ESPN Magazine. He called the blow by blow action with analyst Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, the heavyweight prospect now in the mix as one of the top American heavyweights in the game today.

Brooklyn Brawl will premiere Sunday, January 17th at 10:00 PM Eastern and Pacific. It will also air on Sunday, January 24th and Sunday, January 31st at the same time. The show was produced by Harry Cicma Production LLC

“We are pleased to offer our product to Tuff TV, which reaches more then 40 million TV households in the United States and Puerto Rico, and has a network of 45 broadcast affiliates in 42 television markets,” said Salita Promotions head Dmitriy Salita. “Fans in LA, Chicago, Philly, Atlanta, and on and on will be pleased with the card. We look for 2016 to be another step in the right direction for our company and our fighters, who are frequently being featured on premium cable and broadcast television. Junior middleweight Steven Martinez made us proud with his recent knockout win over Jorge Melendez. Big Baby Miller, Bakhtiyer Eubov will be on Showtime January 22, and their fan base is growing in a big way. I wish all fight fans a happy new year, and ask you to log on to our website to get updates on our fights and fighters!”

Hammer-fisted Darren ‘Trayn Wreck’ Traynor plans on spoiling the party when he clashes with British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh at The York Hall on Friday 22nd January, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The hard-as-nails Scot has an impressive unbeaten record of 11 wins with five knockouts and is aiming to take the Lonsdale belt back to Aberdeen with him. As an amateur, Traynor became the first British boxer to win the famous Golden Gloves of America tournament and is aiming to live up to his early promise.

He said: “I’m coming into my prime and I need to step up. This is the biggest fight of my career and it will definitely be the toughest. People have been talking for years about my potential and the time has come for me to realise it.”

“Ryan is a tough fighter but I’m confident in myself and my abilities. Sure he’s awkward and puts on a lot of pressure, but I’ve seen plenty of weaknesses and I know that I’ve got the tools to beat him. I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain, he has everything to lose. On the 22nd I’ll be coming down to London and making that belt my own.”

The 29 year-old admits he had one foot in the gutter before being saved by boxing. Drinking heavily by the age of 12 and nearly losing an arm in a horrific stabbing at 14, Traynor turned his life around when he discovered boxing and won’t let anything or anyone get in the way of his dream of winning a British title.

“I’ve overcome much bigger challenges in my life than Ryan Walsh. I still have the scar from the stabbing, in a way it’s a reminder of the path that I could have taken. I’m a different person now and I’ve worked hard to get where I am today. There won’t be any more slip ups or false starts from me. Come fight night it’ll be my name on everybody’s lips and not Ryan’s.”

He added: “I’m on course to achieve my destiny and that’s to win the British title. Once I make the belt mine on the 22nd I’ll be moving on to bigger and better things. Ryan and his brother Liam might have made history but he’ll be losing the belt when I take it from him, he’ll be travelling back to Cromer emptied handed.”

Tickets priced at £40 and £60 are available from Ticket Master at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and 0844 844 0444

For media accreditation please go to www.frankwarren.com and go to the events page to apply.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

13 January 2016 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE) together with Tune Talk, will launch the second event of 2016 in style as the promotion heads back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 29 January for ONE: CLASH OF HEROES. In the main event featuring a Malaysia Warrior Bout, hometown hero Ev “E.T.” Ting squares off with one of the Philippines’ finest in Eric “The Natural” Kelly.

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated, “2016 is going to be such a phenomenal year for mixed martial arts in Asia and we’re doing our best to put together the most exciting fights for fans all across the world. Ev Ting has really proven that homegrown Malaysian mixed martial artists can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world and will now face his sternest test against one of the best fighters in his division in Eric Kelly.”

Tickets for ONE: CLASH OF HEROES are available at www.AirAsiaRedTix.com.

26-year-old Ev “E.T.” Ting is one of Malaysia’s most promising young talents. His exceptional 10-3 record has come against solid opposition. Fresh off a Guillotine Choke submission victory in his last bout, Ting is known to be a ferocious striker with a well-rounded ground game making him a complete fighter. Ting will look to play off the energy of his hometown crowd when he takes on the Philippines’ Eric Kelly.

Eric “The Natural” Kelly of Baguio City, Philippines is undoubtedly one of the most talented fighters to come out of the country. With just one defeat on his professional record, Kelly has decimated opponents inside the cage with his ability to secure fight-ending finishes. Of his twelve victories, nine have come by submission. Kelly has long been due for a title shot but will have to get past Malaysia’s Ev Ting first to continue in his quest for ONE Championship gold.

Team Lakay veteran lightweight standout Eduard “Landslide” Folayang has long been among the elite mixed martial artists in the Philippines. Folayang continues his stellar career with wins over some of the most highly-regarded opponents. Since his previous fight, the 32-year old has added an improved grappling game to go with his great Wushu base. Folayang will now pit his skills against Japan’s Tetsuya Yamada next.

Tetsuya Yamada of Kanigawa, Japan is a promising young lightweight with a penchant for spectacular finishes. The 25-year-old has finished 12 of his 15 wins either by submission or by highlight reel knockout and will look to replicate his success when he makes his debut inside the ONE Cage against the Philippines’ Eduard Folayang.

Jake Butler has firmly established himself as one of the top light heavyweights in the division. He has a highlight reel of victories by exciting finishes, and possesses some of the best wrestling in the sport having honed his skills as captain of the Princeton wrestling team. Butler is unstoppable when he utilizes his signature wrestling techniques, but he has also improved his striking skills by training with Muay Thai world champions in Asia. Butler’s next challenge will be against Japan’s Tatsuya Mizuno.

Tatsuya Mizuno is a mixed martial arts veteran from Tokyo, Japan. Mizuno’s good mix of stoppage and submission wins lends to the fact that both his striking and his grappling skills are well-rounded and highly effective. He’s never in a boring fight and always competes with decisive victory in mind. At 34-years of age, Mizuno looks to continue his career against the fast-rising Jake Butler.

Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio of the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, Philippines is a highly-skilled Wushu practitioner. He breaks down opponents with well-placed combinations and impeccable timing. Eustaquio’s lightning quick strikes have seen him successful against high-level opponents despite two recent setbacks. Eustaquio now looks to get back on track as he takes on Saiful Merican.

Saiful “The Vampire” Merican of Malaysia is happy to compete in front of his hometown crowd in Kuala Lumpur. The 27-year old flyweight is an explosive striker who starts out fast, looking to end fights early. He’s had success inside the ONE Cage and will now look to continue his winning ways against the Philippines’ Geje Eustaquio.

Hard-hitting Sami Amin of Cairo, Egypt is a bantamweight contender with a solid professional mixed martial arts record of five wins, two losses and one draw . He’s fought once inside the ONE Cage, against Fransino Tirta in 2014 but came up short. He now looks for redemption as he returns to ONE Championship to face Samir Mrabet.

Samir Mrabet of Brussels, Belgium is undefeated as a mixed martial artist at three wins with no losses. Mrabet owns a knockout and a submission win to his credit, including a victory in his ONE Championship debut last 2013. Mrabet now returns to the ONE Cage after over two years away from professional competition to take on Sami Amin.

At just 21-years of age, Keanu Subba is a former amateur MMA champion and is one of the most promising young talents on ONE Championship’s roster. Victorious in his debut for the promotion, Subba brought the crowd to the edge of their seats with a first round stoppage of Florian Garel. Subba will look to replicate the victory by taking on Rayner Kinsiong next.

Rayner Kinsiong of Sabah, Malaysia is known for his tenacity and grit inside the cage. Never one to back down from a good scrap, Kinsiong has poured his heart and soul into martial arts and it’s evident in the way he goes out and tries to put on a show for the crowd. Kinsiong will face the toughest test in his career when he takes on Keanu Subba.

Christian Lee, younger brother of Singapore’s MMA darling Angela “Unstoppable” Lee, made a successful debut inside the ONE Cage last December with a first round TKO of Cambodia’s David Meak. Lee impressed with his relentless offense, leading to the stoppage of Meak just under a minute into the matchup. Lee now looks for the same success when he returns to the cage against Mahmoud Mohamed.

Mahmoud Mohamed of Cairo, Egypt is a mixed martial artist with a 3-2-1 professional MMA record. The Egyptian has competed solely in his home country but will be making his way overseas for this first time now in his ONE Championship debut. He’ll take on one of the promotion’s fastest rising stars in young Christian Lee.

20-year old middleweight prospect Agilan “Alligator” Thani of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is unbeaten as a professional mixed martial artist, with two wins inside the ONE Cage. All three of the wins on his record have come either by knockout or by submission as the young star is making his presence felt the welterweight division. Thani will face the returning James Kouame next.

James Kouame of Ontario, Canada last competed for ONE Championship back in 2013, when he was finished by highly-regarded Jake Butler via submission. Kouame seeks redemption inside the ONE Cage now more than two years later, this time against Agilan Thani.

As part of the Facebook Livestream of preliminary bouts, Reant Febriza Rainir and Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev will do battle while female MMA athletes, Jenny Huang and Amira Badr will lock horns inside the ONE Cage.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

Micki Nielsen (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBC International Cruiserweight title against former World Champion Giacobbe Fragomeni (33-5-2, 13 KOs) on March 19 at the Albertslund MusikTeatret in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The new date and venue comes following the postponement of the February 6 Nordic Fight Night due to an injury sustained by rising featherweight star Dennis Ceylan, who will undergo surgery on his left hand.

Instead, the Albertslund MusikTeatret will play host to the Nordic Fight Night for a fourth-time, with the youngest of the two boxing Nielsen brothers taking top billing in his hometown arena.

‘’I’m looking forward to fighting at home in Albertslund,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’The fans are among the best in the world, and will create a special atmosphere usually only seen in football stadiums. I want to repay their support with an exciting fight, and I promise, I will not disappoint them.’’

The undefeated 22 year-old faces a tough task defending his WBC International title against Fragomeni – a former WBC World Champion who has been involved in multiple title fights during his illustrious career.

‘’Fragomeni is a good boxer and an opponent I have to take very seriously,’’ said the hard-hitting southpaw. ‘’I’ve started the year training hard, and my coach Joey Gamache has already begun studying videos of him. I will make sure I’m in the best shape of my life on March 19, and ready to defend my title.

‘’I can feel that things are getting serious for me now, and it’s time for me to step up. I want to prove that I’m ready to fight the best in the division. There is no doubt that this is an exciting challenge for me, and a fight that can lead to even bigger challenges.’’

‘’2016 is going to be a big year for Micki and he begins with a tough fight against a former World Champion,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’Fragomeni is a quality opponent with a lot of experience, so this will be a real test of Micki’s ability and a chance for him to show his true potential.

‘’The fans in Albertslund are second to none so we can guarantee a great atmosphere inside the MusikTeatret, and we look forward to welcoming them back for the first Nordic Fight Night of the New Year.’’

‘’We’re delighted to welcome Team Sauerland and the Nordic Fight Night back for a fourth time,’’ said Torben Holm Larsen, Director of the Albertslund MusikTeatret. ‘’We have had three fantastic events here previously and I’m sure we’re in for another great show on March 19.

‘’This will be the first time Micki has headlined a show here in Albertslund, and I hope everybody comes to support our local fighter and to cheer him to victory. We are ready to transform the MusikTeatret into an outstanding venue for professional boxing once again.’’

Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night on March 19 featuring the WBC International Cruiserweight title fight between Micki Nielsen and Giacobbe Fragomeni go on sale next Wednesday, January 20 and are available online via www.billetlugen.dk or by calling (+45) 70 263 267.

Miguel Flores won a 10-round unanimous decision over Mario Briones in a Featherweight bout at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio, Texas.

In round three, Briones was cut over his left eye. Both guys got in some good shots but Flores was dominant and won by scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92.

Briones, 127 lbs of Houston, TX is 19-0. Briones, 126 lbs of Mexico is 23-5-2.

Bryant Perrella stopped Ramon Ayala after round two of their scheduled 8-round Welterweight bout.

Perrella beat up Ayala for 6 minutes and Ayala bowed out of the fight after the 2nd round.

Perrella, 147 lbs of Fort Myers, FL 13-0 with 12 knockouts. Ayala, 147 lbs of Mexico is 25-6.

Ahmed Elbiali won a 8-round unanimous decision over Andrew Hernandez in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Elbiali, 174 3/4 lbs won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 14-0. Hernandez, 173 3/4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is now 10-4-1.

NEW YORK (January 12, 2016) — No one needed to ask, “Where’s the beef?” at today’s press conference at Madison Square Garden, where undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight world champion and 2014 Fighter of the Year TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD and his opponent, Top-10 contender “Hammerin'” HANK LUNDY, announced their world title rumble. Each fighter had his own beef and they weren’t afraid to serve it up. Here are their quotes.

TERENCE CRAWFORD (27-0, 19 KOs), of Omaha, Neb.

“I’ve always wanted to fight in New York — at The Garden — even as a small boy. Fighting in New York tells me where my career is really at and where we are going. I can get a big fan base here. It’s very exciting

“Lundy runs his mouth too much. He’s about to get hurt real bad. But Lundy can fight. He will battle.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with this dude. He better be for real about it. [Mauricio] Herrera? Lundy lost. Doesn’t matter what people think. He lost.

“I used to watch a lot of old fights Uuntil I got older then I wanted to develop my own style, like, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones, Marco Antonio Barrera.

“I wouldn’t be in this sport if I didn’t think I was the best. If you don’t think lthat you are the best then you are in the wrong sport. I feel like I am one of the guys that will put boxing on my back and carry the sport. I want to do that.

“Best thing about boxing? I get to hit people in the mouth. And I get paid to do it. Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to fight — so why not get paid for it?

“All my kids watch me fight. They see me on HBO and say, “Dad, that’s you – you won that round.

“If I won Powerball would I would still fight? Boxing is my life. You bet I would.”

HANK LUNDY (26-5-1, 13 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA.,

“I am going to break you down, Crawford. This is East Coast fighting, you homie. I’ve been a better, tougher fighter since I reunited with my first trainer, the great Charles Ramey.

“I will be the big ticket seller in this fight not Crawford. We will have fans coming to see me, not Crawford — from Philadelphia, Boston and Providence. I ‘ve always fought on the road. I have fans everywhere.

This is Madison Square Garden. They want to fill the place they know who to get — Hank Lundy. I’m not the ‘B’ side I’m the ‘A’ side

Herrera? I was getting ready to knock him out and Golden Boy knew it. I told them I would fight him again, no purse bid. Nothing.

“I’m Hank Lundy. At the end of the day. I’m one of these fighters that can fight anyone. I fought a whole fight with a damn broken jaw. I put the guy down and he kept coming. But I had a broken jaw. The next day I woke up and it looked like I had grapefruit on the side of my face.

“I’ve got five kids. When I was 18 I was taking them to the gym with me, one on my arm and one in the stroller. Nothing stopped me. They’ve been with me my whole career. They know what it takes to work hard.

“You already know what’s going down. It’s my time. Crawford’s going to be going down early and often. I’ve been in there with the best. Nobody flat out beat my ass and nobody will. That’s why I keep getting these fights. That’s Philly fighting –.Broad Street Bullies.

“I’ve known Crawford since the amateurs. He’s a tough guy. If he’s the best I’m about to show you something. It’s about to be Hank Lundy night at Madison Square Garden.

“This guy is scared to fight me. I’ve been moving all over to try to get him.
I’ve got him now. If I’m under his skin now wait till fight time. One thing about it, I back it up. If you want to talk stuff you’ve got to back it up. You’ve got to have tough skin in this game.

“My kids said, “Dad you’re going to fight Crawford. You’ve been waiting for that.”

*****************************

The Crawford vs. Lundy world title fight will take place on Saturday, February 27, at the “Mecca of Boxing” — The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The co-main event will feature undefeated Top-Five contender FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO (19-0, 14 KOs), from San Juan, Puerto Rico, defending his WBO Latino lightweight title against undefeated Brazilian buzz saw WILLIAM “Baby Face” SILVA (23-0, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil. Both fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

These four warriors boast a combined record of 95-5-1 (60 KOs) — a winning percentage of 94% with close to 2/3 of their victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), Diamante Promotions and Madison Square Garden, tickets to the Crawford vs. Lundy / Verdejo vs. Silva championship doubleheader will go on sale Tomorrow! Wednesday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtags #CrawfordLundy or #VerdejoSilva to join the conversation on Twitter.

BROOKLYN (January 12, 2016) – A huge fight week featuring the first two heavyweight world title fights in Brooklyn in 115 years kicked off Tuesday with media workouts at world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.

This Saturday, January 16 at Barclays Center, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will make the third defense of his title against Polish bruiser Artur Szpilka while unbeaten heavyweights Charles Martin and Vyacheslav Glazkov battle for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Championship. The doubleheader will air live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP

Also in attendance at Tuesday’s workout were local favorites and featured undercard fighters Julian Sosa (3-0-1, 1 KO), Ivan Golub (9-0, 7 KOs) and Amanda Serrano (26-1-1, 19 KOs),who will fight Erika Kalderas (11-1, 4 KOs) in a vacant WBO Female Featherweight World Title fight on Saturday night.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’m just happy to be here in New York. There’s so much great history, especially in the heavyweight division, in this city so I’m really happy about the opportunity. It’s the media capital of the word and I get to fight at Barclays Center. It’s an exciting time.

“2016 is going to be a huge year for Deontay Wilder. The fans are going to be very excited and impressed with what I do this year. I’m not playing around. My goal is to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and whoever has those belts is going to have to deal with me.

“We’re on a mission. Everything that has happened has been planned. Everything seems to happen at the right time in my career and my life. I was meant to do this. Boxing was my calling in life.

“I consider myself the most athletic heavyweight in the division today. I’ve surrounded myself with good people and they’ve helped me get to this place where I am now. I’m happy for it.

“I’m from Tuscaloosa just like the Alabama Crimson Tide and they call Tuscaloosa ‘Home of the Champions.’ There’s no better place to be a champion and I’m very proud of the National Champs.

“I’m happy that Szpilka got this opportunity. I’m sure he’s excited and overwhelmed. Most fighters don’t get this kind of chance. At the end of the day though, he’s never faced a fighter like me.

“I’m mobile and agile. My accuracy and my power is the best out there. Artur Szpilka is in for a world of pain.

“2016 is my year. I mean what I say. I feel it inside of me. Szpilka says he’s ready but he’s just trying to promote himself. I really mean what I say.

“This is big for me. Being in New York and making history, that’s a dream come true. I’ve been looking to come to Brooklyn for a long time to display my talent. Barclays Center needs a face and I’m looking to make it a home away from home.”

ARTUR SZPILKA

“I want to be the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world. I’m ready. This is important for Poland and my Polish fans.

“Wilder is very tough. He’s tall and strong. This is boxing. He’s human. I know I can beat him. He makes mistakes and I know what I have to do. I know him. I’ve studied him and I see what he does badly.

“I can’t wait. This is so important because the Polish people have supported me so well. I know I will be a hero after the fight. I know it and I believe it. Only four days.

“This opportunity to fight for a title and on SHOWTIME is something great. I’m here to make history.”

CHARLES MARTIN

“Getting to this point is very exciting but it will feel even sweeter when I walk out of that ring with the belt on Saturday. Heavyweight boxing is back.

“I’m going to go out there on my A-game. I’m going to box and I’m going to show off my power for everyone.

“We want to go in there and figure this guy out. We’re going to break through the barrier and end up on the other side a world champion.

“I’ve been doing my normal work in camp. We had some great sparring that got me ready for Saturday night.

“I’m not one to talk except when the media brings it out of me, but I definitely prefer to let my hands do the talking.

“I feel really good. I’m ready. My body is coming back stronger after training in Big Bear, California.

“This is the heavyweight division. One punch can change anything. I’m coming to be the IBF World Champion.”

VYACHESLAV GLAZKOV

“I’m only going to pay attention to what’s going on in the ring. If I relax I will be successful.

“I would like to take care of this bout and then work on unifying all the titles.

“My opponent has some skills but I have faced the better opposition. Power alone does not win a fight.

“I was always more successful fighting the bigger guys, so I am not worried about his size.

“My sparring partners were all perfect in preparing me for this fight. I am very confident in my preparation and it will show on Saturday night.

“I’ve seen some video of him. He’s definitely a tall guy. I’ve prepared especially for my opponent and anything he can do in the ring.”

AMANDA SERRANO

“I don’t care who I’m fighting. I want that belt. No one is going to take it away from me. I’m promising a night of fireworks.

“I’ll fight anybody. I’m a fighter at heart. I want all the world titles. I want to be an undisputed champion. Whoever they put in front me, I’m taking down.

“It’s an honor to fight at Barclays Center. I’m so thankful to have this opportunity. 2016 is going to be the year of Latino boxing.

“I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me and if you stay with me I promise you’ll never be disappointed.”

JULIAN SOSA

“This is a great opportunity for me on Saturday night and I’m really looking forward to fighting on a big stage like at Barclays Center.

“I have big goals in this sport and I know that every single fight is very important to do your best. I’ve trained very hard to get into this position and I’m not going to let it slip by me.

“No matter who is put in front of me, I want to excite the fans. I’m going to come forward and get the knockout.”

IVAN GOLUB

“I’m very excited to fight on such a big card at Barclays Center. It’s the first heavyweight title fights in Brooklyn in 115 years and I’m proud to be a part of that night.

“I think I’m going to have to box this guy. Everyone wants to win by knockout and if all goes to plan, that’s what we’ll see.”

# # #

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

IMMOKALEE, FL. (January 12, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (13-0, 10 KOs) out of Orlando returns to take on Mexican brawler Jose De Jesus Macias (18-4-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight battle as Premier Boxing Champions – The Next Round on Bounce TV returns on Sunday, January 31 from Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee in Immokalee, Florida.

Televised coverage on Bounce TV begins at 9:00 p.m. ET and features Puerto Rican Olympian Alex “El Pollo” De Jesus (21-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round showdown against Florida’s Joseph Elegele (14-2, 10 KOs).

“I am excited and ready to shine in my first main event,” said Lubin. “It means a lot to headline in my home state of Florida. The whole crowd will be on my side and they will expect a lot. I am going to have a big 2016. I am training hard, staying focused and I want to make sure the whole world knows who Erickson Lubin is.”

“I’m very happy to be part of this show and to be featured in the main event,” said De Jesus Macias. “Training camp has been excellent and I will have to give 100 percent in the ring against Erickson Lubin. I will have to move a lot and get inside and have a tight defense so I don’t get hit by one of Lubin’s bombs.”

“Erickson Lubin has deservedly so been touted as one of the best prospects in the sport and I look forward to seeing him in action on January 31,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “He has built up a great base in Florida and we look forward to seeing all of his fans at this great card on January 31.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions in association with Panther Promotions, are priced at $25 and $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets click HERE.

A highly-regarded prospect with an exciting style, the 20-year-old Lubin has burst onto the scene looking to engage and finish opponents early. He blew out Ayi Bruce and previously unbeaten Kenneth Council with first round knockouts and outclassed experienced veterans Michael Finney and Norberto Gonzalez, all since November 2014. To close out his year, Lubin dominated veteran Orlando Lora before stopping him in the sixth-round in September and in November he delivered a sensational one-punch knockout over Alexis Camacho.

A pro since 2011, the 23-year-old De Jesus Macias picked up victories in 2015 over Gabriel Agramon and Jose Zuniga. Trained by Rigoberto Alvarez, brother of Canelo, the Guadalajara, Mexico-native will make his U.S. debut on January 31. In addition to having a wealth of experience at such a young age, De Jesus Macias rode a 14 fight unbeaten streak from October 2010 through 2013.

An accomplished amateur who won several regional titles in his native Puerto Rico, De Jesus represented his home in the 2004 Olympics and was the first Puerto Rican to win an Olympic boxing match since 1996. The 32-year-old won a Latino title and went on to defend it four times including victories over Bulmaro Solis, Steve Quinonez and Jose Antonio Izquierdo. Most recently he defeated Javier Garcia in February 2015.

After piling up an amateur record of 69-8, Elegele turned pro in 2009 and reeled off 12 victories to start his career. Fighting out of Winter Haven, Florida, he owns victories over Manuel Aguilar, Angel Hernandez and Lanard Lane. Most recently, the 31-year-old earned a victory over Jonathan Garcia.

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @EricksonHammerL and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV.

Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

Las Vegas – UFC® featherweight champion Conor McGregor will look to make history on Saturday, March 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas when he moves up to challenge UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos for the 155-pound title.

McGregor will look to become the first fighter in history to hold UFC world titles in two different weight classes simultaneously when he challenges the red-hot Brazilian champion.

Plus, women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm puts her world title on the line for the first time against second-ranked Miesha Tate in the co-main event. The undefeated Holm became a household name at UFC® 193 when she knocked out previously unbeaten Ronda Rousey. The former boxing champion looks to keep her perfect record intact when she meets Tate, who is riding a dominant four-fight win streak.

Tickets for UFC® 197: DOS ANJOS vs. McGREGOR, presented by EA SPORTS UFC® 2, go on sale to the general public on Friday, Jan. 22. Ticket information will be made available soon.

UFC® 197: DOS ANJOS vs. McGREGOR will air live on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 5.

NEW YORK (Jan. 12th, 2016) — Brimming with confidence during Tuesday’s press conference at Madison Square Garden, Hank Lundy made it abundantly clear he’s more than just a backup plan for his upcoming opponent, Terence Crawford, boldly predicting the coronation of a new 140-pound king on Feb. 27th.

While the mainstream media has painted Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs) as the second or third choice among the Crawford camp for their fighter’s first title defense of 2016 (contenders Mauricio Herrera, Viktor Postol, etc., reportedly turned down the fight), Lundy promises to steal the show when the two square off for Crawford’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight Title in the main event of HBO’s World Championship Boxing doubleheader at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, promoted by Top Rank and CES Boxing.

“I guarantee fight night I’m going to break you. I’m going to break your will,” said Lundy during an animated, sometimes heated, exchange Tuesday with Crawford, who mostly chuckled during Lundy’s delivery. “I already got you out of your comfort zone.

“I want you to get this in your head. You can be funny all you want. I’m going to beat your ass. It’s going to be bad.”

Though he’s the clear underdog on paper against the undefeated Crawford, Lundy expects to have “homefield advantage” on Feb. 27th considering he grew up in Philadelphia, less than 100 miles from New York City.

“Philly, Jersey, Boston, they’re all going to be here,” Lundy said. “One thing and one thing’s for sure, the Garden knew what they were doing by picking ‘Hammerin” Hank because they know this bum can’t sell the place out!”

“When we come to New York and we come to Madison Square Garden, we are going to have homefield advantage,” added CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “If you study homefield advantage, it means a lot. Not only will Philadelphia and New York be here, but Boston and Providence and Connecticut will be here. We will fill that theater with Hank Lundy’s fans.

“Everybody is looking at Hank Lundy as an underdog, or this is your second and third choice. We’re not coming here to be the underdog. Don’t underestimate that. We’re coming here to take the belt back to Philadelphia.

“I think you made a mistake. I really do,” Burchfield said to Crawford, “but we appreciate the opportunity. We’re going to be up for the challenge.”

Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs), the reigning WBO champ, is considered one of the sport’s breakthrough stars, perhaps a top five pound-for-pound fighter by the end of the year if he survives Lundy on Feb. 27th.

Since winning the title from Ricky Burns in England in 2014, Crawford has defended his title four times with knockout wins over Yuriorkis Gamboa, Thomas Dulorme and Dierry Jean.

“Everybody knows you, Hank. You’re like the boy who cried wolf,” Crawford said. “You talk a good game, but when you lose it’s always something. ‘I’m going to do this … I’m going to do that.’ You ain’t gonna do shit. You talk about how street you are. That’s talking, boy.

“We know about you. We’ve heard about you getting socked up in the gym and not doing anything. You can smile all you want. You can talk all you want. For real, though, when you look at me in the eyes, I’m about that lifestyle. You’ve heard my background. We ain’t heard nothing about Hank. We just hear you talking.

“I’m going to put on a spectacular show come Feb. 27th. I’m gonna hit him in his mouth and he’s going to end up like [Dierry] Jean and get what he’s looking for.”

The 27th will be Lundy’s first shot at a world title, a long overdue opportunity after nearly a decade of working his way to the top by facing the toughest opposition in the sport. Lundy’s last 17 fights have covered 13 different states and two countries and the combined record of his opponents during that stretch is a remarkable 276-44.

“He’s fought real fights,” Burchfield said. “He’s never backed down from anyone. He stays in the gym. He’s done nothing to harm his body. He’s a warrior. Terence is a warrior. This is why this fight has the ingredients to be the top fight of 2016.”

No stranger to controversy, Lundy suffered a split-decision loss to Dulorme in December of 2014 after battling back from an early knockdown before his highly-publicized 2015 showdown in Los Angeles against Herrera, which ended in a technical decision loss for Lundy when the fight was stopped toward the end of the fifth round due to a pair of cuts over each of Herrera’s eyes caused by accidental head-butts.

“Another round and it would’ve been a knockout victory for Hank,” Burchfield said. “We’ve told Herrera we’d fight him. We’d fight him for nothing. They won’t fight us.”

Crawford went on to stop Dulorme in six rounds in April in a blistering performance by the reigning champ in Texas, but, Burchfield said, Dulorme was “damaged goods” by that point courtesy of the test he faced from Lundy in his previous bout.

“I beat the brakes off him,” Lundy said of Dulorme. “Had the man running around the ring.”

Crawford’s trainer, Brian McIntyre, had a different perspective from watching the fight.

“He said he was beating up Dulorme. No you weren’t,” McIntyre countered. “You were losing, dog. You did come back, though, but you needed help. You needed someone to coach you in the corner, to get you up. ‘Come on, man. You got dog in you! You got dog in you!’

“I don’t have to do with that Terence, because the dog’s already in him when he comes out. I know that for sure. You don’t have confidence in yourself. Another thing I noticed about you, you’ve switched coaches time and time again. That’s inconsistency, bro, along with your chin. Your chin is inconsistent!

“I respect you. I’m just stating the obvious and the obvious is you’re going to get your ass kicked. I bet you that. I bet $10,000 on that.”

The Feb. 27th HBO doubleheader, which begins 10 p.m. ET, also features a 10-round WBO Latino lightweight title bout between reigning champion Felix Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and unbeaten challenger William Silva (23-0, 14 KOs) of San Paolo, Brazil. On sale beginning tomorrow, tickets are priced at $25, $50, $100, $200 and $300 and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone at (866) 858-0008 or online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

“[Crawford-Lundy] reminds me of a fight a long time ago, Floyd Mayweather and Emanuel Burton,” said Top Rank president Todd DuBoef. “People said, ‘Burton’s got nine losses. How can you put Mayweather in with him?’ and what a fight it was. Floyd had to earn every bit of that, probably his most difficult fight to date and someone that gave him an enormous amount of difficulty and challenges in the ring. Don’t ever judge a fighter by their record. Hank Lundy has been in there with everybody. People thought he was beating Dulorme and Herrera. He is a top quality fighter.

“What Terence Crawford represents in the sport right now is one of the most excellent fighters in the sport,” added HBO Sports executive vice president Peter Nelson. “In front of him in Hank Lundy is one of the best tests that can be found, a fighter that will step up and take the challenge.”

For more information, visit www.cesboxing.com or www.toprank.com, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.twitter.com/trboxing using the hashtag #CrawfordLundy to join the conversation. Updates are also available on www.facebook.com/cesboxing, www.facebook.com/trboxing or www.facebook.com/trboxeo.

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of welterweight phenomenon Malik “Iceman” Hawkins to an exclusive promotional contract.

Hawkins, from Baltimore, Maryland, turned pro in late 2014 and had four fights last year. He is currently 5-0, 4 KO’s.

The undefeated 20-year-old went 93-8 in his stellar amateur career, which included winning the State Silver Gloves, Regional Silver Gloves, National Silver Gloves, State Junior Olympics, State Golden Gloves, Regional Golden Gloves and Regional Junior Olympics. He was also a National Junior Olympics Bronze Medalist and a National P.A.L Champion.

Hawkins is trained by Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis at the Upton Boxing Center in Baltimore.

“I would like to thank GCP and Snappers Boxing Management for coming to terms for my boxing career,” said Hawkins. “I look forward to becoming WORLD champion under the banner of GCP. This is a great day for boxing and to be a part of a great promotional company. GCP is phenomenal. This is my time. I know I’m young in the game, but I refuse to be derailed from my goals of being world champion. I also would like to thank Sarah Fina for acknowledging my talent, as well as my mentor, Mr. Roy Jones Jr. Thanks everyone and I will see you at the top!”

“Malik is one of the most highly coveted prospects in all of boxing and I’m ecstatic he’s decided to work with GCP,” said Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions. “I need to thank my Head of Operations, Sarah Fina, for all her hard work in making this happen. We intend to keep Malik busy and get him the right fights to help him become the world champion he is destined to be.”

The date of Hawkins’ debut under the GCP promotional banner will be announced shortly.
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

NEW YORK (January 12, 2015) — Undefeated superstar champions TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD and FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO will make their 2016 debuts in title defenses, Saturday, February 27, at the “Mecca of Boxing” — The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Crawford, the two-division world champion and 2014 Fighter of the Year will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight world championship belt against Top-10 contender “Hammerin'” HANK LUNDY. Verdejo, the boxing gem of Puerto Rico, will be risking his WBO Latino lightweight title crown and his march to a world title shot when he rumbles with undefeated Brazilian buzz saw WILLIAM “Baby Face” SILVA. Both fights will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

These four warriors boast a combined record of 95-5-1 (60 KOs) — a winning percentage of 94% with close to 2/3 of their victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), Diamante Promotions and Madison Square Garden, tickets to the Crawford vs. Lundy / Verdejo vs. Silva championship doubleheader will go on sale Tomorrow! Wednesday, January 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

“I will show the world I am the best fighter at 140 pounds,” said Crawford

“We can’t wait to shut up this dude, once and for all,” said Brian McIntyre, Crawford’s chief trainer and co-manager.

“This is an excellent matchup,” said Cameron Dunkin, Crawford’s co-manager. “Terence, the best in the world, against Lundy, a world-class fighter. Fans at The Garden and at home watching on HBO will be on their feet for as long as it lasts.”

“This is the type of fight I have been waiting for,” said Lundy. “The last couple of fights I have beaten guys but didn’t get the fair shake. If you’re a true fan of boxing, you know I belong in the ring with the best fighters in the world. I’m the type of guy that no one wants to fight, because I am the real deal. On February 27th, I am coming to Madison Square Garden to fight Terence Crawford, and on the 28th I’ll be leaving with his belt.”

“I feel happy to be going back to New York where last time I didn’t have one of my best performances because of the injury I suffered on my left hand, but I hope that this time I can give all my fans in ‘The Big Apple’ the spectacle that they deserve,” said Verdejo. “I’m coming ready to demonstrate to the world that in Puerto Rico there is a hungry fighter that wants to continue the tradition of champions that our Island has a rich history of producing.”

“We are going to New York to face William Silva, who on paper looks like the toughest fighter Felix has ever faced, but we are confident we will do the right preparation to pass this test,” said Ricky Marquez, Verdejo’s trainer and manager. “We know that we can count on the support of all the boricuas and we dedicate this fight to them, because they inspire us to wake up every morning at dawn to keep working harder and harder.”

“This is the fight I’ve wanted for a long time. At last, we get Verdejo in the ring,” said Silva.

“All of us at Top Rank are thrilled to return to the Theater at Madison Square Garden,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “We are particularly delighted that America superstar Terence Crawford will defend his world junior welterweight title against an ever dangerous Hank Lundy. The big boxing program will also showcase rising superstar prospect and the pride of Puerto Rico Felix Verdejo who will take on undefeated contender William Silva of Brazil.”

“It is great to be working with Top Rank and HBO Boxing on this event. This is the type of fight that is great for the sport of boxing, said Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., president of CES, Lundy’s promoter. “Fans will see two true warriors who will leave it all in the center of the ring, and it should go down as one of the best fights of the year. Hank Lundy has been waiting for a well-deserved opportunity like this his whole life, and he is hungry and ready for this bout. “Hammerin'” Hank has never turned down an opportunity, and in his past 17 bouts he has fought in 13 different states against opponents with a combined record of 276-44-4. On February 28th the world will see the best Hank Lundy yet.”

“Making his Manhattan debut, Terence Crawford stands today among boxing’s fastest rising stars” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “His opponent Hank Lundy, Crawford’s toughest to date, seeks to usurp that star power for himself on fight night with an upset at the historic Madison Square Garden Theater. This will be a memorable night that will catapult the winner to new heights.”

Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs), of Omaha, Neb., who has won three of his last four bouts by stoppage, will be making his debut at the “Mecca of Boxing” in his second title defense as WBO junior welterweight world champion. The consensus Top-10 pound-for-pound fighter will be looking to build on his star-making 2014 which featured three world championship victories as well as Fighter of the Year honors from the BWAA and major media alike. Crawford, 28, captured the vacant WBO junior welterweight crown on April 18, 2015, via a devastating sixth-round knockout of once-beaten No. 2 world-rated contender Thomas Dulorme. He successfully defended the title on October 24, stopping No.2 world-rated contender Dierry Jean in front of a packed house at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. Crawford began his career-best year on March 1, 2014, just 13 days short of the sixth anniversary of his professional debut. He captured the WBO lightweight title, dethroning defending champion Ricky Burns on Burns’ home turf of Glasgow, Scotland. Scoring a powerful and unanimous decision, Crawford put the boxing world on notice with his virtuoso performance as he pulled out all stops in dismantling Burns, rocking the defending champion throughout the fight, while switching back and forth between orthodox and southpaw stances. He followed that with a dramatic and critically-acclaimed knockout victory of undefeated former world champion and Cuban Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa on June 28, 2014, in a Fight of the Year nominee. It was one of the most-watched fights of the year with over 1.2 million viewers catching the live, first-time airing of the fight, according to Nielsen Media Research. He concluded 2014 on November 29 with a thorough shellacking of one-time world title challenger and No. 1 contender Ray Beltran, winning 11 of the 12 rounds. Crawford is only the second Nebraska native to be recognized as a boxing world champion. Perry “Kid” Graves, from Rock Bluff, captured the welterweight crown, knocking out Johnny Alberts in Brooklyn, in 1914, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA., will be bringing anything but brotherly love when he battles Crawford. The nine-year pro has a refreshing “old school” attitude about competition which can be boiled down to three words, “Bring It On!” Boasting a professional resume that doesn’t shy away from any tough fights, Lundy, 32, has several impressive victories, including former world champions David Diaz and Richar Abril as well as contenders Olusegun Ajose, Patrick Lopez, Dannie Williams and Angelo Santana. Lopez and Williams were both NABF lightweight title fights. In his last fight, on October 17, Lundy captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas lightweight title via a fifth-round knockout of Carlos Velasquez. Like Crawford, he can switch effectively and seamlessly to the southpaw stance. He is currently world-rated No. 8 by the WBC.

Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs), from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who earned “Prospect of the Year” honors in 2014 and 2015, is looking to begin this year as a bona fide world title contender. He returns to the ring having won eight of his last 10 fights inside the distance, including his first and last fights of 2015 — a fifth-round knockout of Marco Lopez, on April 25, for the vacant WBO Latino lightweight title and a second-round pasting of Josenilson Dos Santos on December 11, which was Verdejo’s second defense of the title. In between those two fights, Verdejo successfully defended his title on June 13 at Madison Square Garden during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, winning a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated contender Ivan Najera of San Antonio, TX. Already world-rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 6 by the WBO and No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Verdejo, 22, continues to develop into a major gate attraction, producing standing room only crowds every time he fights. A former amateur standout who represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympics, Verdejo has been mentored by Puerto Rican boxing icon and Hall of Fame inductee Felix Trinidad.

Silva (23-0, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil, who will be making his HBO debut, has only gone the distance three times over the past five years. He began to separate himself from the pack in 2013, when he captured the WBO Latino welterweight title via a 12-round unanimous decision over Hector Santana. In his 2014 debut, he captured the WBO Latino lightweight title, again by a 12-round decision, over Pablo Barboza. Santana and Barboza had a combined record of 40-5 when Silva fought them. Silva, 28, won all his 2015 fights by knockout, including a third-round stoppage of Bayanmunkh Bayaanjargal on the undercard of the December 11 Verdejo-Santos fight. Silva was licking his chops at the prospect of fighting Verdejo and made no secret of his desire at the post-fight press conference. World-rated No. 15 by the WBO, Silva will be one of the biggest and most dangerous opponents Verdejo has ever faced.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtags #CrawfordLundy or #VerdejoSilva to join the conversation on Twitter.

A war of words erupted as WBO World Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan and arch rival Derry Mathews went head-to-head at a heated press conference today ahead of their massive showdown at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on February 13th, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Mathews, 32, previously lost to Flanagan in a PrizeFighter tournament back in 2012 and believes his bitter rival will be taking him for granted when they clash at the Echo Arena.

He said: “He reckons he’s a big puncher and he thinks he’s something that he’s not. He’s had some lucky wins in his career and on February 13th I’m going to show everybody I’m the better boxer and the better man,”

“I’m treating this as a rematch after losing to him in the Prize Fighter tournament and l don’t lose rematches, especially against Mancs. Beating Manchester lads for big titles is nothing new to me, I remember seeing off Steve Foster and Anthony Crolla. Next month I’m going to make it a hat-trick of Mancs and this time it’ll be for a full genuine world title.”

Flanagan, who is undefeated in 26 fights, is coming off the back of a devastating performance in October when he smashed his mandatory challenger Diego Magdelano inside two rounds at the Manchester Arena. The 26 year-old is confident that his next fight will be ending the same way and declared that he’ll stop Mathews early on.

“I think Derry is kidding himself if he thinks he’s beating me. I’ve already beat him and I’m going to beat him again. I’m fitter, faster and stronger than I was last time we met so this won’t be ending well from him. I feel tougher than ever and come the 13th I’m going to be victorious by stoppage,”

“I’m the fittest man on the planet. I train harder than anyone else, I spar harder than anyone else and come fight night I’m going to put Derry in his place. I’m younger, fresher and hungrier and I’m going to show you what I’m capable of on the 13th. I sparred him when I was a boy and gave him a right pasting and now I’m a man I’ll do even more damage.”

He continued: “I know that I’m a whole level above Derry. I know how this fight is going to go and it’ll end in tears for the jumped up Scouser. Nobody has ever beaten me and it’s going to stay that way.”

‘Dirty’ Derry, renowned for his all-out style of fighting, laughed off Flanagan’s claims and declared he’ll be taking him deep into the trenches.

He said: “He keeps on telling everyone he’s going to stop me but he can’t even name the round in which he’s going to do it. He can’t be that confident if he hasn’t decided on the round, it all sounds like hot air to me,”

“This time it’s going to be different. After three rounds it’s a totally different fight and over twelve there’s only going to be one winner and that’s me. The longer this fight goes on the worse it’ll get for him.”

Ticket for ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150* and are available from:

Eventim

0844 249 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

Liverpool Echo Arena

0844 8000 400

www.echoarena.com

Ticketmaster

0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

A special V.I.P ticket priced at £250* that includes an inner ringside V.I.P seat, lanyard, complimentary beer, wine and soft drink (between a certain time period) and canapés are available to purchase through the Frank Warren Box Office office only on 01992 505 550.

LAS VEGAS (January 12, 2016) –A re-injury of his hip has forced Mike “The Martian” Ricci to withdraw from his scheduled World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) main event bout with Caros “The Future” Fodor (10-4), who will now face streaking Blackzilians ace Luiz “Buscape” Firmino (18-6) under co-main event status at WSOF27, live on NBCSN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT from the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Saturday, Jan. 23.

Originally billed as the co-main event, the light heavyweight (205 pounds) contest between heavy-handed finisher Teddy Holder (9-2) of Bartlett, Tenn. and undefeated Shamil Gamzatov (9-0) of Makhachkala, Russia has been elevated to the main event.

“Our entire team wishes Mike Ricci a full and speedy recovery, and hopes to see him return soon,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

“Luiz Firmino, no stranger to our decagon cage,” continued Sefo, “is truly a courageous warrior for stepping up on such short notice to compete against a fellow star like Caros Fodor. We commend Luiz for doing so and look forward to seeing him back in action.”

The 33-year-old Firmino of Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil is riding a five-fight win streak. His last two victories – a unanimous decision over Jacob Volkmann on October 26, 2013 and a unanimous decision over Tyson Griffin on June 21, 2014, both came under the World Series of Fighting banner.

Prior to the victory over Volkmann, Firmino earned an impressive, five-round unanimous decision over Luis “Baboon” Palomino, who has since gone on to challenge reigning, undefeated champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje twice for the World Series of Fighting lightweight title.

A veteran of professional MMA since the young age of 18, Firmino also boasts notable wins over prolific striker “Diamond” Ryan Healy and submission expert Toby Imada, both of whom Firmino defeated by way of unanimous decision.

Tickets for WSOF27 start at just $39.99, and are on sale at WSOF.com, all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com, the FedExForum Box Office, or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

A three-bout preliminary card will stream live on an embeddable video player on WSOF.com, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit fedexforum.com, ‘like’ FedExForum on Facebook or follow on Twitter (@FedExForum).

MAIN CARD

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Teddy Holder vs. Shamil Gamzatov
Lightweight Co-Main Event: Caros Fodor vs. Luiz Firmino
Welterweight Bout: Jaleel Willis vs. Chauncey Foxworth
Featherweight Bout: Jorge Medina vs. Bryce Mitchell

PRELIMINARY CARD

Welterweight: Justin Hartley vs. Wade Johnson
Lightweight: Zach Underwood vs. Jason Williams
Lightweight: Alvin Williams vs. Wes Sharp

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (January 12, 2016) – M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev has been named M-1 Global’s 2015 Fighter of the Year.

Russian welterweight Alexey Kunchenko was selected as “Prospect of the Year,” while M-1 Challenge 63 was the M-1 Global “Event of the Year.”

Emeev (13-3-0, M1: 7-1-0), fighting out of Russia, was a runaway winner as “Fighter of the Year,” garnering 84.5-percent of the votes to easily outdistance runner-up Viktor Nemkov (23-5-0, M-1: 14-4-0), the reigning M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion.

In 2015, Emeev won both of his M-1 fights with his title-winning submission (choke) of defending champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky in the opening round of their rematch last April at M-1 Challenge 56, and first title defense this past December 4th at M-1 Challenge 63 when American challenger Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fioravanti was unable to answer the bell for the third round.

(L-R) Emeev pounds Fioravanti

Kunchenko (12-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), the undefeated Russian, defeated “Prospect of the Year” runner-up Adam “Beard” Yandiev and third-place finisher Raul Tutarauli (6-3-0, M-1: 3-0-0). Kunchenko won all five of his fights in 2015, highlighted by his opening-round stoppages of Dez Parker at M-1 Challenge 57 and Alexandre Ramos at M-1 Challenge 62.

(L-R) Kunchenko vs. Ramos

M-1 Challenge 63 was headlined by the highly entertaining rematch between defending M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan Puetz, of Germany, and Nemkov, of Russia, in the latter’s victory by five-round decision. Emeev’s triumph over Fioravanti was the M-1 Challenge 63 co-feature. M-1 Challenge 56, headlined by Emeev’s title-winning performance against Vasilevsky, was “Event of the Year” runner-up.

Nemkov (R) strikes Puetz in M-1 Challenge 63 “Event of the Year”

Tommy Martin says he’ll prove age is nothing but a number by taking the Commonwealth and WBC International Super-Lightweight title from John Wayne Hibbert at the Copper Box Arena in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on January 30, live on Sky Sports.

Martin challenges his long-time friend for the titles in the latest big domestic battle at 140lbs, and the 21 year old has once again been told by his opponent that the fight has come too soon in his blossoming careers.

The unbeaten St Neots talent was quick to tell the champion that Ricky Boylan and Michael Devine levelled the same accusation at him before he claimed impressive wins against both men in 2015, and said that the 31 year old will suffer the same fate.

“John has said that it’s too early for me and it’s a step-up in class, but he knows that it’s a hard fight for him,” said Martin. “He’s been in Spain working hard so he’s not taking me lightly and rightly so, because this is going to be a 12-round war full of fireworks.

“We know each other inside out, we know what the other one is going to do, and he won’t bring anything to the table that I haven’t seen in sparring. It cannot fail to be a good fight. We’ve always had competitive sparring that end up being 10 and 12 round wars, I expect him to be at his best and I believe whoever turns up 100 per cent will win the fight.

“I’ve been proving people wrong fight after fight, let people keep digging themselves into a hole by underestimating me, it takes the pressure off my shoulders. This is a win-win situation for me in the fight, i put enough pressure on myself for every fight so I don’t need any more pressure from outside, but people saying I’m too young to beat John means there’s no pressure from the outside on me and you’ll see on January 30 how much I’ve improved since the fights with Ricky Boylan and Michael Devine.”

Martin’s clash with Hibbert is part of a huge night of action in Sky Sports’ first domestic bill of 2016 as Super-Middleweight star George Groves takes on Italian Andrea Di Luisa for the vacant WBC International title.

Islington Middleweight John Ryder is in a make-or-break clash with ‘Brit Basher’ Sergey Khomitsky for the vacant WBA International title and his Tony Sims’ gym-mate Martin J. Ward defends his WBC International Super-Featherweight strap against Italian Mario Pisanti.

Former football star Leon McKenzie continues his charge towards titles in the ring in a final eliminator for the English Super-Middleweight title against Kelvin Young and Brentwood’s Kris Agyei-Dua defends his Southern Area Super-Welterweight title against Chadwell Heath’s Ben Hall.

There’s a host of young talents on the bill with Watford Featherweight Reece Bellotti tasting eight-round action for the first time in the paid ranks, action for Brixton’s Lightweight banger Ohara Davies, Bermondsey Welterweight Ted Cheeseman, Crystal Palace Super-Middleweight Craig Richards, West Ham Super-Bantamweight Lucien Reid, Wimbledon Welterweight Louis Adolphe and Rainham Light Heavyweight Charlie Duffield.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £60 & £100 available from www.seetickets.com by calling 08712307148 (Calls cost 10ppm plus your network access charge)

£200 VIP tickets are available exclusively from www.matchroomboxing.com

Tickets for January 30 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua MBE.

Leicester power-puncher Leon Woodstock is a clinical finisher like Premier League hotshot Jamie Vardy when it comes to taking out opponents and the 22-year-old aims for another knockout when he takes on Swindon’s experienced Joe Beadon at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Saturday 13th February, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The King Power Stadium, home of Premier League high-flyers Leicester City, has witnessed some knockout performances this season and ‘The King’ will be looking to excite fight fans with some big performances of his own in 2016.

He said: “I feel like the first year was about establishing myself and letting people know who I am. I’m not big headed but I’m confident. I don’t go mouthing off in front of the cameras but I’m very sure of what I’m capable of and I’m very sure of people that I can deal with. At first I wanted to set a good example to younger lads in Leicester and established myself amongst the professional boxing ranks,”

“This year is about trying to take some bigger names and maybe a few titles along the way. I want to carry on building my reputation and letting people know I’m not here to mess about, I’m here to do the business in the ring.”

With three knockouts in his first five professional fights, Woodstock’s raw power and aggressive style have led some to draw comparisons with British legend Nigel Benn. However, the explosive Woodstock is looking to take a leaf out of Chris Eubank’s book.

He continued, “Benn is my favourite British boxer ever, his power and aggression made for a devastating combination. He came a bit unstuck when he came up against higher level fighters because he was so used to steaming through easier opponents! When it came to doing more rounds against better fighters he had to go back to the basics of boxing instead of just walking through everyone,”

“Chris Eubank on the other hand could have knocked some of his opponents out much earlier than he did but he wanted to get more rounds under his belt. I’m looking to do the same thing, if I know I can deal with someone I’ll do the rounds and if the opportunity arises to deal with them later on in the fight I’ll take them out.”

“If I feel like I have 100% control over someone, and I can do what I want with them and they’re in my back pocket I’m not going to look to just completely blow them away.”

Boxing out of the Leicester City ABC gym, Woodstock has big plans for his future in boxing and is looking to emulate the success of Claudio Ranieri’s title-chasing men.

He added, “Leicester City are flying at the moment and there’s a real buzz around the city. They’ve got every chance of winning the Premier League title and I’m going to be winning a few titles of my own. It’s a great time to be a fan of sports if you’re based in Leicester and I’m going to give my fans something to cheer about too.”

MEXICO CITY (Jan. 11, 2016) – Canelo Alvarez, the current WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, was presented today with his well-earned prestigious green and gold, WBC Diamond belt by Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council (WBC) in a special ceremony for the new champion in Mexico City at Museo Soumaya de la Fundación Telmex – Telcel en Plaza Carso. Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Eddy Reynoso, Head Trainer and Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez were also in attendance.

“I feel very honored to be here today to and receive the WBC Middleweight World Championship belt,” said Canelo Alvarez. “I am also very grateful to the WBC for granting me, my second division world title, this is a very big step in my career and I am looking forward to my upcoming fight in May.”

“We are very proud of Canelo and his accomplishments,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Canelo is now one of the most recognizable faces of boxing, and we are grateful to the WBC for their support.”

“Saul Canelo Alvarez conquered the WBC Middleweight Championship and has become the greatest attraction in Boxing through his dedication to the sport,” said Mauricio Sulaiman, World Boxing Council President. “The WBC is very proud to see him join the Diamond Belt Champions with such icons like Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Sergio Martinez, and Bernard Hopkins. These are great and exciting times for Boxing.”

Canelo won the WBC Middleweight World Championship on November 21, 2015 by defeating Puerto Rico’s four division World Champion and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) via unanimous decision at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Both Cotto and Canelo went the distance with each fighter landing a fair share of thundering strikes and furious combinations along the way. Canelo’s firepower proved to be too much for the veteran Cotto as the 25-year-old Mexican superstar claimed round after round to secure a convincing unanimous decision victory, taking home the middleweight championship. The battle was one of the biggest events in the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry and one of the most successful pay-per-view events not featuring Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather since 2002, selling more than 900,000 units and crowning Canelo boxing’s next pay-per-view star.

Following this event, Canelo was awarded the honor of 2015’s Fighter of the Yearby ESPN.com, USA Today’s Boxing Junkie, The Bleacher Report, Fight News closing out a fantastic year for the middleweight champion and ushering in the “Era of Canelo.”

For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @GoldenBoyBoxing and @Canelo.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Kell Brook will defend the IBF Welterweight title against Kevin Bizier.

Details of the where and when will be announced later this week.

Ray Flores
First of all, I want to send a Happy New Year to all the media and everyone that is joining us on the conference call. I’m really excited about Fight Week on FOX in Los Angeles. I could not think of a better way to kick off 2016 than the fight that we have on January 23 at STAPLES Center promoted by TGB Promotions.

It is Premier Boxing Champions Live on FOX and FOX Deportes on January 23 from STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is Fight Week and you get two fights that week – TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FOX Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPONES is on FOX Deportes. It is on Tuesday, January 19 at the Club Nokia at LA Live.

Looking at what we have on January 23, it is just going to be a tremendous matchup between two amazing welterweights and two of boxing’s biggest stars as you have Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, along with their fathers who are training them — Angel Garcia and Ruben Guerrero. They’re going to be joining us on the call in only moments.

I want to let you know tickets are still available. Get them now because we have been doing very well in regards to tickets. When you’re talking about the Garcia-Guerrero matchup, make sure to use the hashtag PBC on FOX.

Also on the card, we have another sensational welterweight matchup between the Iraq War Veteran Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. against Los Angeles fan-favorite — a man that endeared himself last year, Aron Martinez. Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes — also features an outstanding heavyweight bout between 2012 United States Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour.

Fight Week kicks off on Tuesday, January 19, Club Nokia in LA Live. The main event is 2008 United States Olympian and Southern California favorite Javier Molina — squaring off with undefeated prospect Jamal James.

Right now, we are going to welcome in one of our main event fighters. This hasn’t been easy for the fighters that have been training around the holidays, but they made the sacrifice anyway and have put themselves in tip-top condition.

First of all, we want to bring in, with the record of 31-0 with 18 wins coming by way of knockout, the former kingpin at 140 pounds campaigning and fighting at welterweight for the second time in his career. Looking at his resume, he has victories over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. He’s a star, he’s a rising super star, and he’s looking to have a big 2016, which is why he is kicking it off with this.

But before we get into this man, I want to bring in one of the promoters for what we’re going to be having on January 23 who is going to be promoting the event, from TGB Promotions, let’s bring in Brittany Goossen Brown.

Brittany Goossen Brown
Hello. I’m speaking on behalf of my father, Tom Brown, who’s actually in a meeting at the moment. But on behalf of all at TGB Promotions, we are really excited to be returning to the STAPLES Center and partnering with FOX for another great event.

On this call today, we have two of boxing biggest stars, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. They’ll be answering your questions in a minute.

Along with them, on this card we have a welterweight showdown between undefeated Sammy Vasquez and LA’s Aron Martinez. Tickets start at $25. They’re available at AXS.com. And the first televised bout will be at 4:00 pm on FOX.

This Fight Week on Fox in LA kicks off with TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS, which will be at Club Nokia at LA Live on the 19th. Those tickets also start at $25 and are also available at AXS.com. Doors open for that at 5:00 pm, the first televised bout at 8:00 pm.

It’s really going to be an action-packed week of boxing and we are very proud to be a part of it.

R. Flores
Premier Boxing Champions couldn’t visualize a better partner than what we have with those at FOX. They have been tremendous and the shows on Fox Sports 1 have been terrific.

FOX is known for having big events; the NFL, Super Bowls and big NASCAR events. Now we have Premier Boxing Champions on January 23.

It gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce John Stouffer of FOX.

John Stouffer
On behalf of everyone at FOX, FOX Sports and FOX Deportes, we’re excited for the return of boxing to the FOX Broadcast Network after almost 20 years. We’re thrilled to be working with the PBC to bring the highest level of boxing back to the masses on Saturday, January 23, free on FOX and in Spanish on FOX Deportes.

This will be a tremendous conclusion to a thrilling week of boxing here in LA, kicking off with the great action on FS1 and Fox Deportes. We wish all the boxers the best of luck and can’t wait for Fight Week.

R. Flores
I completely agree with the sentiments of John. We mentioned as well, Premier Boxing Champions is about putting boxing back on free TV. And these fights that we have on January 23 and January 19 are sure to capture the imagination of the public.

All right, let’s get back to business in regards to one of our main event fighters. As I mentioned, wins over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. Fighting out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an exciting style, and man-oh-man, he has vowed to put on a terrific 2016.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the former world champion. He is joined alongside by his father, Angel Garcia. Here is Danny “Swift” Garcia.

Danny Garcia
Thank you guys for having me on, I appreciate it. I want to say good afternoon everybody and thank you for having me on this conference call.

I’m very excited to be showcasing my skills January 23 at STAPLES Center live on FOX. I think it’s a great opportunity for the fighters to showcase their skills in a new audience. I want to thank FOX and I want to thank all my fans all around the world for making this happen.

Team Danny Garcia is training hard and we’re focused, we’re mentally prepared and we’re ready for January 23 and we can’t wait.

Q
Danny can you talk about training camp and balancing that with the holiday season?

D. Garcia
I’ve done this before. I’ve trained on the holidays before throughout my career. It’s nothing new.

Once I got the fight date in my head, it’s kind of like there are no holidays for me. So it wasn’t hard for me to stay focused. I trained just like any training camp. And me and my dad, we train hard every day. “The holiday is no holiday” is kind of a saying to us.

Q
What are the goals for you this year? And what do you think this fight can do for your future at 147?

D. Garcia
I think it’s a great fight, I think it’s a great fight for the fans. Two fighters who like to fight. So I think this is going to be an interesting fight and a great matchup.

This is just another fight to prepare myself for a fight for a world title. So I’m ready right now. Every fight in my career that’s going on now is going to be a big fight for me.

Q
12 months from now, where do you see yourself?

D. Garcia
I want to remain undefeated and hopefully be a champion if the opportunity comes up. We’re just taking it one fight at a time for right now and that’s how I did my whole career and that’s how I’m going to keep doing it

Q
When you’re in a fight, does that ever come across your mind when taking a risk or being a little more aggressive? Does that like weigh on you like don’t be too aggressive to risk something like that?

D. Garcia
No, not at all. I’m a fighter who takes risks all the time. I want to entertain the crowd. I have the ability to play it safe if I want too, but it depends on how I feel that day. But everybody knows that Danny Garcia likes to take risks.

When I’m in a fight, I’m just playing round by round; I’m not really worrying about a record or things like that.

Q
How does your body feel with moving up in the weight? You saw the power in your last fight. Do you feel like there’s anything different going from 140 to 147?

D. Garcia
To be honest with you, I feel a lot better. I’m happier now. When I fought at 140, I was always mean while trying to cut weight. I was never in a good mood. I think that’s why a lot of times I would go in there and just fight.

But now I’m able to think more; I’m able to be a lot smarter. My punches are crispier and my stamina is better. I’m able to run more, run more miles, train harder; more endurance. So I may have had the energy at 140 and do that, so at 147 so I just feel a lot stronger and I have more stamina.

Q
Do you see yourself being more active?

D. Garcia
Yes, I would love to stay active; I would love to stay active. But, you know, that my team’s job. I’m a fighter so whatever my team wants, I’ll do. So if they want me to fight two times or three times or four times, then that’s what I’m going to do.

But as for now we’re focused on January 23.

Q
With PBC giving you a lot of exposure, are you focused on just winning the fight or putting on a show with this national space so people can know outside of boxing who Danny Garcia is?

D. Garcia
It’s a Danny Garcia show. I’m always looking to put on a great show, and to go out there and give the fans an exciting fight because at the end of the day, I’ve got to give the fans their money’s worth.

So I’m going there and giving the fans their money’s worth in a great fashion and a smart explosive fashion.

Q
What kind of challenge does Robert present?

D. Garcia
I’m looking forward to – I know he’s going to come ready, but we’re ready. I’m looking forward to a challenge. I’ve prepared myself for a challenge every day, day-in and day-out. So I expect nothing but a great fight and a great performance by me.

Q
What are your goals at 147?

D. Garcia
We’re taking it one step at a time. The goal is to become a world champion again — my second division of being a world champion. So we definitely want to be a world champion again. And when the opportunity arrives, we’ll take advantage of it.

Q
Can you talk of what the difference is in approaching a fight as the underdog with nothing to lose compared to the undefeated favorite with a lot to lose?

D. Garcia
I always approach my mind with the same mindset and it’s just a winner’s mindset. I’m not really too concerned about being the underdog or the promoted fighter or favorite.

I always approach my fight mentally that I’m going to win. I never feed into the politics of the sport or who people think is going to win or going to lose. I prepare myself to be the best Danny Garcia at every fight, and that’s what I prepared myself to do for this fight.

Q
I know you’ve gone on record saying that you didn’t it to be a Puerto Rico-Mexico kind of fight. But here in LA, it becomes that. We just went through that with Cotto and Canelo.

D. Garcia
It is what it is. Whatever the fans want to take it as or whatever the promoters want to do with it, it is what it is. I have a lot of fans and I have a lot of friends out there in Los Angeles, California.

I feel like I represent everyone; Americans and things like that and a lot of Mexican-Americans. I’m an American-Puerto Rican.

So I feel like if you’re born in American and you’re Latino, I think it’s all the same. So that’s how I’m feeling and that’s why I just feel like I represent all the Latinos.

Q
Is there a different feel when you fight in LA, when you go down to STAPLES Center?

D. Garcia
It’s a great feeling; it’s a great atmosphere. I fought there once before with Kendall Holt. I was on the undercard.

LA is where stars are born. So I’m looking forward to going out there and having a star performance.

Q
What do you feel your advantages are over Guerrero going into this fight?

D. Garcia
I just feel like I’m the better fighter. I’m one of the best fighters in the world., I got to go in there and be the best Danny Garcia and have a great performance.

Q
Have you seen where and learned anything from watching any of Guerrero’s past fights?

D. Garcia
I definitely watch the fights because at the end of the day, you know, I’m a boxing fan too and I just like to watch boxing.

I watch those fights and I see the things he likes to do and the things he doesn’t like. I’m just preparing myself for anything.

Q
Do you feel you have to make a statement?

D. Garcia
I’ve just got to go in there and get the job done like I always do. I’m not really worried about what’s next on the agenda or anything like that. Our main focus is to get the job done and that’s what we’re preparing ourselves for. Then we can talk about future opponents after the fight.

Q
Do you want to make any predictions for this fight?

D. Garcia
I’d like to say Danny Garcia wins by TKO. Round five.

Q
Did you think that Robert came back a little bit too soon for that Martinez fight and that perhaps is why he looked bad?

D. Garcia
I’m not really too sure. He might have underestimated the guy and not realized it was going to be that tough of a fight., I’m expecting a great Robert Guerrero and I’m focused on Robert Guerrero. I’m focused, I’m training hard. So I’m prepared for whatever I’ve got to do to get this victory.

Q
Kenny Porter has said he had called you out and you ducked the fight with Shawn Porter. Would you care to address that at all?

D. Garcia
I’ve never ducked anybody in the sport. This is actually my second fight at 147. So it wouldn’t even make sense to duck anybody.

I addressed the situation before when he called me out and I had my comments and he had his comments, and it was what it was. Danny Garcia doesn’t duck anybody.

Q
If the opportunity does present itself and even though the report states that it did, but if the opportunity does present itself, it’s something that you would be interested in, a fight with Shawn Porter?

D. Garcia
Yes, no doubt. I want to be a champion. If he’s a champion or there’s a belt up for grabs, then we’ve got to make it happen.

But as of now, I’m focused on Robert Guerrero and he is the task ahead. Can’t let nothing sidetrack me; I’ve got tunnel vision. I’m ready for this fight.

R. Flores
Angel, could you just give us some thoughts on training camp before we switch over?

Angel Garcia
Well yes. The time has been great, there’s no injuries. Danny is looking good. He’s got great sparring partners, as a matter of fact we spar in a few minutes today. He’s looking great. January 23 the world will see again, as Danny said, the Danny Garcia Show. It’s not the circus coming to town, Danny Garcia Show is coming to town.

So California LA, get ready because we coming like a tornado. Right now they’ve got a storm out there, all this rain and all that. You know who’s causing that? We are.

So January 23, fans get ready baby. STAPLES Center on January 23. Love you guys.

R. Flores
Danny back to you for closing comments and then Robert Guerrero.

D. Garcia
I’m very excited for this upcoming fight January 23rd. Like my dad said, we’ve put a lot of work in the gym. It’s been a long, hard camp preparing ourselves for any situation. I can’t wait to go out there, show my DSG west fans a great fight.

R. Flores
Danny, thank you very much. We really appreciate it. We look forward to fight week with Danny Garcia and his father, Angel Garcia. As mentioned, fight week kicks off in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 19th, Club Nokia, PBC on FS1, Javier Molina and Jamal James.

We are excited and couldn’t pick a better place than STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Thank you to all the fans in Southern California for supporting PBC and the entire staff at STAPLES Center as well.

Let’s bring up a man who is representing the Bay Area, fighting out of Gilroy, California. He has won a world championship in multiple different weight divisions. Any time he steps inside the ring, it’s always electric, it’s always a show. He puts forth everything that he has and that much more. With victories over Andre Berto, Selcuk Aydin and Aron Martinez, anybody that’s been put in front of him he’s fought and he has given everything. Not only is he a former world champion, but his wife is a world champion in her own right, having defeated cancer and she’s been cancer free for quite some time now.

Ladies and gentlemen, he’s joined alongside by his father and his trainer Ruben Guerrero, it gives me a great honor and pleasure to introduce the former world champion who is without question excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to fight Danny Garcia on FOX on January 23, ladies and gentlemen here is Robert Guerrero.

Robert Guerrero
Hello everybody, how are you guys doing? I’m excited to be here and ready for your questions, so shoot away.

R. Flores
Robert, before we have open it up for questions I want to touch base with you. We heard some of the media during the conference call asking and pretty much saying that you’re the underdog. How do you react to the fact that Danny is the favorite in this fight?

R. Guerrero
That don’t bother me at all. My whole life I’ve been an underdog, since I was a kid. My family was always an underdog, having to work out of a field and come up strong and get to what where we got. It’s just a way of life for us. A lot of us Latinos out there, that’s the way it is. We come from poverty and work our way to the top. We’ve always been with our back against the wall and always been an underdog. We never look at that being a favorite, we just come and get the job done.

Q
Could you talk about a little bit how being a boxer has shaped your faith?

R. Guerrero
It’s just that fight and that struggle, getting through everything day in, day out. That hard work. When you go back and you look in the Bible, God says to put out as much as he put into you. That’s what I do every day I’m in the gym. This is a sport where anything can happen. One punch could change your whole life. It brings you closer to God. Everything else I’ve been through, you put God first all the time and that’s how we live.

Just being in the ring and knowing what’s God done for me and my career and my family and how far he’s taken us by having that faith in him, it’s incredible. It’s incredible. STAPLES Center Los Angeles main event on FOX against an undefeated fighter like Danny Garcia, it truly is a blessing from God to be able to be in the position that I’m in and the circumstances that I’ve had to face to be in this position also. The only way you can overcome everything is by having faith in God.

Q
Could you talk a little bit about the positive and negatives sides of being kind of a public religious figure?

R. Guerrero
There’s always a positive to everything, no matter what the negative is. You get the people out there who test your faith and who judge you and try to tear you down. But, when you’re a believer in Christ, you put him first. Nothing else matters to you. You work hard and you do what you got to do and you let your actions speak for you and what God’s blessed you with.

That’s one of the things that we’ve always done. And I try to not overstep our boundaries and try not to be out there forcing the Lord’s word down people’s throat. You let it come and you let people see how much you’ve prospered and how good God is in your life.

Q
Do you think that you did come back to soon after the Keith Thurman fight to fight Aron?

R. Guerrero
I have no excuses. And, you know what? I came back; it was three months after the fight. I think somewhere around there; it was back in camp. Aron Martinez is a tough guy. Everybody saw his last fight and what he did. He came out rough and tough and did his job.

I think I have no excuses. I went out there and got the job done, he gave me a tough fight, and I’m not going to take anything away from Aron Martinez because he trained his butt off and came and did what he did and got the job done. So I have no excuses for that fight. You just got to get back on top of it and work hard.

Q
How did your body feel heading into that fight and coming out of the fight?

R. Guerrero
I felt a little drained and worn out. Not so much of the fighting, but I had other situations going on in my life at home and emotional stuff. It all adds up. But like I said, there’s no excuse. Aron Martinez came to fight and that’s what he did. I sucked it up and bent down and showed that true grit and got through the fight and pulled a victory off.

Q
What are your thoughts on Danny?

R. Guerrero
He’s been in some close fights. That’s the decision of the judges; that’s their job to do that. But, you’re just as good as your last fight. That’s what you look at. He came in and got the job done and stopped him. He cracked the wall through a division. Now it’s time to step in with me and that’s what we’re focusing on. We put a great game plan together and we’re excited to get out there and execute it.

Q
When you see that as a fighter that you’re fighting a guy who’s younger, he’s undefeated, does that give you a little more edge and if you do beat him does it make it that much sweeter for you?

R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely it makes it sweet to give somebody their first loss. It’s shows what a true champion is to see what they do after they lose and their adversity and their back against the wall. I’m excited to be getting in there with an undefeated Danny Garcia because I get that shot like everybody else gets that shot, to crack that zero and put a one there. It’s exciting.

Q
How important is your record finishing out?

R. Guerrero
It’s about trying to make yourself a better fighter. To come back strong and finish out your career with a strong output. It’s about becoming a world champion again and also attracting that Hall of Fame.

Q
I want to ask you about the whole — Danny didn’t want to make it a big deal about its Puerto Rico versus Mexico — but you know the fans always get so involved in it. You’re on the West Coast here, you know what it’s like, right?

R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely. Whether you like it or not it’s a rivalry and it’s been a rivalry in boxing and soccer and you name it for years. That’s what it comes down to, that’s what makes our two cultures so competitive at boxing. It’s because of that rivalry. Mexicans want to be better than Puerto Ricans in the game. In my honest opinion I think Mexicans are better in the game. It’s time to come out and show what I still got left and what I can do.

Q
Nowhere better to do than STAPLES Center right here in LA, right?

R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely. Where most of my Mexican fans are, all those Latinos out there, all those — I like to call them Chicanos out there — because that’s what we are.

Q
What advantages do you see you have over him?

R. Guerrero
There’s always that southpaw stance, being a volume puncher, a guy that throws a lot of punches. Plus being at 147 a little bit longer than him it’s all an advantage. The key is using those advantages and capitalizing on them and taking advantage of them. We got to go out there and execute the game plan and make it happen.

Q
You fought some of the top guys in the world at welterweight; Mayweather, Keith Thurman, Andre Berto and all of that. What have you learned from those fights that you could use against Danny Garcia?

R. Guerrero
You got to get better sparring. For the last couple of fights I’ve just been fighting with guys that are not even pushing me in the gym and getting me 100% ready. Guys that I can do what I want to do with in the ring. It just doesn’t cut it. It just doesn’t cut it.

That’s one of the biggest things that I’ve noticed in my training camp, is not having that solid sparring that’s going to take you to that limit and make you better, sharper, faster. Keep your eyes sharp, and be ready to make those exchanges where you do something wrong they’re going to make you pay no where you’re going to do something wrong and the guy’s going to shell up and just try to survive in the ring. You need those guys that are going to push you and make you better.

Q
Does the time in between fights give you time to heal up and get sharper better?

R. Guerrero
Not so much heal up. I always take good care of my body and I come out of these fights not really damaged too much. I mean, I do a lot of damage in the ring to guys and don’t take a lot of it. It’s a matter of me sitting back and analyzing everything that’s gone on in my training camps and my career and what I need to do, what adjustments I need to make in the gym to get back to where I need to be. I think we made those adjustments and I’m excited to get back out there and make it happen.

Q
Do you want to make a prediction for this fight?

R. Guerrero
Prediction; I’ll come in to fight. I’m coming to fight. Only God knows what’s going to happen and all I can say is I’m coming to win and put out my best performance I can put out and make it happen and become a champion in the welterweight division again.

Q
When we had Danny on the line, Danny made a prediction. I don’t know what your thoughts on his. He said he’s going to TKO you in the fifth round.

R. Guerrero
All I got to say is if that’s his prediction, come to do it. Because I’m coming to fight. I’m always up for that challenge and I love it because I know he’s coming to fight, too. If he’s coming to KO me in the fifth round, that means he’s coming to fight.

Q
Where do you see this putting you back in the rankings and how important is this fight to beat the undefeated with a lot of hype behind him in Danny Garcia?

R. Guerrero
This throws me right back in. There’s lot of hype behind Danny Garcia coming at 147 pounds. There’s a lot of big talk that he’s the next star in boxing that’s going to take over. Like he says himself, stars come to Hollywood. He’s a big star in the sport and I’m not going to say he’s not because he’s been doing what he’s had to do. He’s undefeated; he’s taken out a lot of top guys. His resume is great.

I think this is a tremendous fight for me to get back on top and to get back in the ranks. To show the doubters and the media and everybody out there that Guerrero got a lot left in him. I’ve been 100% prepared for this fight fight. We got that out of the way and it’s time to take care of business on the 23 and I’m excited about it.

Q
Do you think Danny is adding in the factor that he’s not going to be the bigger guy this time?

R. Guerrero
I think he’s going to be a lot bigger than people expect. Being at 140 for the amount of time he was and coming up to 147 pounds, he’s feeling great. He’s feeling strong, he’s feeling bigger. He just walked through Paulie Malignaggi and I know he’s expecting to walk through me. So he predicted the fifth round, a knockout. So he’s feeling great about himself. That just excites me, because I know he’s coming at his best and he’s feeling his strongest and he’s coming to fight. It’s exciting to know how he’s coming to fight.

R. Flores
Robert as we get ready to conclude the conference call, we really appreciate the time and looking forward to seeing you on fight week in Los Angeles. Did you have any closing comments for the media?

R. Guerrero
I’m just excited to be back in the ring. It’s great to be in such a big event, especially here at home in California, at STAPLES Center, in the heart of Los Angeles. I’m excited about that. Also with this great undercard with Aron Martinez who’s a local Los Angeles fighter also who’s coming up strong. It’s going to be an exciting card and I’m excited.

Everybody says that they had the best training camp ever that they’ve had in I don’t know how long. I’m just going to tell you I had a great training camp. I’m excited about this fight; I’m in great shape, feeling good. I can’t wait; I had great sparring. I can’t wait to get into that fight and show the world Guerrero’s still here. I got a little bit derailed and now I’m back on those tracks and it’s time to go full steam ahead.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

BETHLEHEM, PA (January 12, 2016) – Undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring (14-0, 8 KOs) will battle Colombia’s Luis Eduardo Flores (21-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes on Tuesday, February 9 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with televised coverage beginning at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

“I know the spotlight will be on me, but I will keep my cool and focus on getting the win,” said Herring. “Training has been going really well because I stay in shape year round. I know my opponent is tall and rangy and has a good punch. I am preparing myself to make adjustments and be ready for anything. I’m looking to get the win by any means necessary.”

“I will take advantage of this opportunity and I want to thank my team for getting this fight,” said Flores. “I am 100 percent positive I will win this fight. The only thing I know about Herring is that he likes to run a lot. I am coming to get a knockout and take away Herring’s ‘0’.”

“This will be another exciting event at the Sands Bethlehem. We look forward to a great night of boxing featuring U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring against Luis Eduardo Flores. Herring has the makings of a future star and he will be able to show that on February 9th on FS1,” said King’s Promotions Marshall Kauffman.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

The 30-year-old Herring represented the United States at the 2012 Olympic games after winning the U.S. National Amateur title the same year. Fighting out of Cincinnati, Herring picked up four victories in 2015 including a dominant triumph over Yakubu Amidu in October. A former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Herring hopes to launch himself into world title contention in 2016.

A pro since 2011, the 28-year-old Flores won his first 13 pro starts, including 12 inside the distance. Born in Magangue, Colombia, Flores will make his U.S. debut on February 9. Most recently Flores picked up wins in 2015 over Gustavo Sandoval and Francisco Herrera.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.sandseventcenter.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @JamelHerring, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

LAS VEGAS (January 11, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today that the highly-anticipated showdown between reigning, undefeated lightweight (155 pounds) champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje and number one contender Brian Foster will take place at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo. on Saturday, March 12, live on NBCSN at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Priced from $39.99, tickets for WSOF29: Gaethje vs. Foster go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. MT at WSOF.com and ComcastTix.com.

“This is a fight between two phenomenal athletes who are at the top of their games right now and whose fighting spirits are bound to make it an all-out war in the cage that will see the better man that night walk away as world champion,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

One of the most dominant competitors on the World Series of Fighting roster whose fearless, go-for-broke style has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, the 27-year-old Gaethje (14-0) of Safford, Ariz. is coming off the third defense of his coveted title in which he scored an explosive, second round (4:30) TKO (punches) of rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino in a rematch between the two prolific stars, on September 18.

Six months prior, Gaethje and Palomino engaged in an epic, see-saw slugfest that saw Gaethje emerge victorious by way of TKO (leg kicks and punches) in the third round (3:57) that has since been nominated for “Fight of the Year” at the eighth annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards ceremony that takes place on February 5.

To date, Gaethje has claimed a total of eight wins in the World Series of Fighting decagon cage, with seven of those wins having come by way of (T)KO. He was crowned the league’s inaugural lightweight kingpin after finishing Richard Patishnock by way of first round (1:09) TKO (punches and elbows) at WSOF8 on January 18, 2014.

Foster (25-8) of Sallisaw, Okla. earned his title shot on November 20 when the 31-year-old, decorated veteran staged a heroic effort, fighting three times in one night to win World Series of Fighting’s first-ever, one-night tournament featuring the top eight athletes in the league’s stacked lightweight division.

After suffering a first round (1:46) submission (heel hook) defeat to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Joao Zeferino, Foster experienced a stroke of luck, advancing to the tournament’s semifinal stage of competition in place of an injured competitor, and capitalized on the opportunity by defeating Palomino via second round (4:19) TKO (punches) and Zeferino via second round (4:51) KO (punches) in a championship stage rematch, to claim first prize and a shot at Gaethje’s title.

A 10-year veteran of the sport, Foster has produced notable victories over Brock Larson, Forrest Petz and world top 10 ranked welterweight (170 pounds) superstar Matt Brown, whom Foster conquered by way of second round (2:11) submission (guillotine choke) on November 20, 2010.

Additional WSOF29 bouts will be announced soon.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

LUCAS “BIG DADDY” BROWNE says he’s fitter than ever and ready to make history.

The 36-year-old Australia aims to become his nation’s first ever world heavyweight champion when he squares off with WBA kingpin Ruslan Chagaev in Grozny, Chechnya on March 5.

Browne has been training like a demon with head coach Rodney Williams and British legend Nigel Benn for a number of weeks and believes he will be a whole new animal come fight night.

“My camp has been unreal. We’ve been in the gym for over six weeks and there’s still over seven weeks to go so people are going to get a shock when they see me in the ring,” he said.

“I’m lighter now and I’m working on my footwork every day with Rodney so I think people are going to be surprised at how agile I’ve become. My power is still there, but I’m slipping better and I’ve learned that I don’t need to stand directly in front of an opponent to knock them out.

“I’ve got the perfect team now and each day I’m learning new things. Rodney is the quiet one who provides a calming influence and concentrates on the pad work while Nigel is the loud one who shouts and gets me pumped up. He’s the motivator and the cheerleader.”

Come fight night there will be few in Grozny cheering for Browne. While hailing from Uzbekistan, Chagaev has become something of a national hero in Chechnya and even has the backing of the republic’s president and famed boxing aficionado Ramzan Kadyrov.

Browne is expecting a hostile atmosphere at the 5,000 capacity Colosseum Sports Hall, but he does not feel any trepidation.

“To me it’s just a place I have to go to if I want to fulfil my dream of being a world champion,” he said.

“The crowd will be against me and I’m fine with that. I’ve been in hostile situations in my personal life so this holds no fear for me.

“Back when I was working as a bouncer I had people attack me with chairs and knives and I was shot at. I came through that because I don’t scare easily and I’m certainly not scared of Chagaev or having fans shouting things against me.”

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 11, 2016) – Undefeated Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (19-0, 13 KOs), one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the sport, will make his first appearance of 2016 in the ring on the February 5 Boxeo Estelar card on Estrella TV against former IBA Super Lightweight Champion Silverio “Chamaco III” Ortiz (29-16, 15 KOs) of Chicxulub, Yucatan, Mexico’s. Gomez is scheduled to participate in a 10-round co-main event headlined by former World Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) who will return to the ring against Ruben Garcia (15-1-1, 6 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 10-round super bantamweight bout, from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

In addition, former eight time world champion in three weight divisions Sugar Shane Mosley will be in attendance to host a meet and greet with fans at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Special Events Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Fans with tickets to the fight will have an opportunity meet and interact with the living legend before the Estrella TV live broadcast begins.

San Antonio’s rising star Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) will open up the broadcast in a four-round super featherweight fight. Fighting on the non-televised undercard but streaming live on Ring TV, Rocco Santomuro (12-0, 1 KO) of Las Vegas will participate in a six-round bantamweight fight and Coachella Valley favorite Neeco “Rooster” Macias (10-0, 5) from Palm Desert, Calif. will fight in a six-round super welterweight bout against Paul Mpendo (8-13-4, 4 KOs) of Kampala, Uganda. Also from the Coachella Valley, the undefeated Alberto Fundora (6-0, 2 KOs) is scheduled to fight in a four-round supper middleweight bout, all opponents will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $75, $65, $45 and can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

East LA’s Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez is known for his excitingstyle and powerful punches. He is the owner of 13 knockouts in three rounds or fewer and can also box, as shown in his near-shutout victories over longtime contenders Vernon “Ice Man” Paris in July of 2014 and Jorge “Pantera” Silva in October of 2015. A decorated amateur who won the 2009 United States Championship and earned a Silver medal in the 2009 World Championships, Gomez is ready to face the top opposition in the division and chase his dreams of a world championship in 2016.

Silverio “Chamaco III” Ortiz of Chicxulub, Yucatan, Mexico is an experienced fighter with more than 50 professional fights under his belt and former owner of the IBA Super Lightweight Title. A professional since 2000, Ortiz has fought some of the toughest welterweights in the division including former WBA Super Lightweight and Welterweight World Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana, former three-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto and was last seen in the ring against former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion, Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano. Now, the 33-year-old will be looking to start fresh in 2016 and begin a new chapter in his career when he takes on rising welterweight contender Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez on Feb. 5.

Hailing from San Antonio, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. has been fighting since 2007 and during that time has won eight national championships. In 2012, he qualified to attend the Veles Cup in Kurgan, Russia and took the gold medal in his weight class and was selected as one of seven to go to the 2016 Olympic trails. Decinding instead to become a professional boxer and sign with Golden Boy Promotions in 2014, Tanajar Jr. is now the owner of an undefeated record of 4-0 with three knockouts. Tanajara will look to continue his winning streak in 2015 when he fights on Feb.5.

Featherweight prospect, Rocco Santomuro of Las Vegas is looking to kick off 2016 with a victory in his first fight of the year on Feb. 5. Undefeated since his professional debut in 2009, the 29-year-old, was last seen in the ring against Daniel Quevedo in May of 2014 winning the bout via unanimous decision. Now, the fighter is ready to take his career to the next level when he faces an soon to be announced opponent on one of the biggest undercards of his career thus far.

Coachella Valley favorite, Neeco “Rooster” Macias from Palm Desert, Calif. is a familiar face to fans in Indio, having fought at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for most of his professional career. The popular southpaw, knows how to attract a crowd and will look to add to his win total and fan base when he fights on Feb. 5. A professional since 2013, 24-year-old Macias, is coached by his father Al and this family affair has resulted in 10 consecutive victories without a loss.

Paul Mpendo of Kampala, Uganda has had a long career in and out of the ring since his professional debut in 1997. Now fighting out of Portland, Orgenon the 44-year-old is looking to start fresh in 2016 and enhance his record with a victory. Mpendo, was last seen in the ring in March of 2015 taking on Marcelino Pineda and in December of 2014 facing Joshua Conley.

20-year-old Alberto Fundora of Coachella, Calif. is quickly making a name for himself in the super middleweight division. Undefeated since his professional debut in 2014, the new comer has stayed busy fighting frequently in front of his hometown at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Fundora was last seen in the ring taking on Philip Lars, defeating the fighter via first-round technical knockout and defeating Ricardo Romero via unanimous decision.

Randy Caballero vs. Ruben Garcia is a 10-round super bantamweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, February 5 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT., and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV; and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

Welterweight Ray Robinson was injured in a car accident and will not be able to compete in his January 30 bout with Dmitry Mikhaylenko that was to be televised on HBO as the co-feature to the rematch of Sergey Kovalev and Jean Pascal in Montreal, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“He hurt his back. He’s in pain even when he tries to sit down,” said Robinson’s promoter Russell Peltz said. “It’s a real bummer. This was a big fight for Ray.

The World Boxing Association has ordered big-hitting Interim WBA World Champion Luiz Ortiz to defend his title against Russian heavyweight destroyer Alexander Ustinov on or before June 19.

Ustinov’s opportunity has arrived after the WBA allowed Ortiz and Matias Vidondo to challenge for the Vacant title on October 17 in New York, which Ortiz won by third round stoppage.

The WBA stipulated that the winner must fight Bryan Jennings next, which Ortiz did and won by seventh round stoppage on December 19 in New York, and the winner was to face Ustinov within six months.

The promoters of Ustinov and Ortiz will be begin negotiations and if an agreement isn’t reached then the bout will go to purse bids with a 50/50 split.

Man mountain Ustinov, known as ‘Alexander The Great, born in Paustovo, Russia, but fights out of Minsk, Belarus, stands at 6? 7½? and has 24 knockouts from 33 wins, with only one loss, and is the two-time WBA International Champion.

Unbeaten Cuban KO king Ortiz, now fighting out Miami, Florida, has knocked out all but three of his 24 opponents, with 12 coming inside three rounds and has held the WBC FECARBOX, WBA Fedalatin, WBO and WBC Latino titles.

Explosive Super-Featherweight prospect D.P Carr is gunning for his second professional victory when he takes on Joe Beadon at Bethnal Green’s York Hall on Friday 22nd January, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The 25 year-old from Sidcup won his first professional fight in devastating fashion when he sparked out Coventry’s Aaron Flinn with a powerful right hand in the second round.

Still buzzing from his professional debut at the Harrow Leisure Centre in last October, Carr is excited ahead of his four rounder against Swindon’s Joe Beadon over four rounds

He said: “I can’t wait to get back in the ring on the 22nd. I’ve shown people what I’m capable of and I definitely think that I’ll win a few more in that fashion. I’ve got a hard right-hand and I’m always looking to bring excitement to my fights. I like to have a bit of a fight and I love to entertain everyone who comes along to watch me,”

“This year is all about progression. I’m looking to have around four or five fights and obviously I’ll be looking to beat whoever’s put in front of me. Everything is a learning curve at the moment and as long as I end the year with a zero next to my name I’ll be looking to have a crack at the Southern Area title next year.”

Alan Smith, trainer of Carr, is excited about his fighter’s potential and believes he has a bright future in boxing.

He said: “Dan’s always been a nice neat boxer, but he’s got this tremendous one punch power that he pulls out of nowhere and he’s laying kids’ out, which isn’t easy to do in the amateurs. As we all saw in his pro debut, he’s got a devastating right hand and if he catches you with that it’s all over. He’s a cracking lad and very easy to work with, he trains as hard as anyone I’ve ever worked with and his professionalism is a joy.”

Carr is equally complementary of his trainer and is currently enjoying training alongside the likes of WBO European Champion Bradley Skeete and top super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt.

He added: “I’ve learnt so much from Alan. In the last few weeks everything seems to have fallen nicely into place. To begin with I found the transition from amateur boxing quite difficult but Alan’s helped me come on leaps and bounds. I’ve been sparring well recently and things are really picking up,”

“We have a proper laugh in the camp, you’ve got the likes of Bradley and Lewis. Training alongside these boys really gets the best out of me and I’m always looking to learn from them.”

Bethnal Green’s famous York Hall is famed for its close and intense atmosphere and Carr is hoping to bring another strong following for his next fight.

He added, “Since my last fight everyone around my area has been showing me lots of support. I’m looking forward to giving them plenty of excitement when I fight and they can expect the same at the home of London boxing, The York Hall, on the 22nd January.”

Headlining the show is Ryan Walsh making the first defence of his British Featherweight title against Darren Trayner. Chief support on the card sees Dulwich’s Ahmet Patterson face Ryan Aston for the Vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Championship; on the undercard Erith super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt makes his comeback; Dagenham lightweight talent Ediz Hussein competes in a six rounder; West Ham super-welterweight Sam McNess; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long; Chingford lightweight Archie Sharp; West Ham super-lightweight Ben Smith and Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr.

Tickets priced at £40 and £60 are available from Ticket Master at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and 0844 844 0444

For media accreditation please go to www.frankwarren.com and go to the events page to apply.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.