ST. LOUIS (August 4, 2014) — World super welterweight contender Willie “The Great” Nelson (22-1-1, 13 KOs), rated No. 5 in the world by the World Boxing Council (WBC), is back on track after surgery to his left elbow temporarily derailed his very promising career.

Nelson takes on former Mexican champion Luis “Slayer” Grajeda (17-2-2, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event on this week’s ESPN Friday Night Fights, airing live from Churchill County Fairgrounds in Fallon, Nevada.

“My elbow is fine, 100-percent, and I don’t even think about it when I’m fighting,” Nelson said. “It’s been frustrating but I’m a fighter and I’m looking forward. I’m focused on winning this fight, not on who I might be fighting next. I can’t get my big fight without making a big splash this Friday night. Grajeda is in top shape, always comes to fight, and nobody’s ever stopped him.”

Nelson is riding an impressive six-fight win streak into this Friday night’s fight. He had moved up to No. 3 in the WBC and signed to fight three-time world title challenger Matthew Macklin last December on HBO, however, the aforementioned elbow surgery forced him to pull out of that fight.

Nelson was on a real roll, too, ranked as high as No. 3 in the WBC with all signs pointing towards his first world title fight in 2014. Following his upset win over one Olympian, 2004 Cuban silver medalist Yudel Jhonson (currently WBC #18) by 10-round decision (97-92, 97-92, 95-94), Nelson defeated former U.S. Virgin Island Olympian, previously unbeaten (13-0) John Jackson (currently WBC #6), by way of a 10-round unanimous decision (98-92, 96-94, 96-94) for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title.

Then, on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Nelson registered a sensational first-round knockout of Michael Medina (26-3-2), whose ankle was fractured from the force of the blow. This scintillating performance earned Nelson his first shot on HBO, in which Nelson took a 10-round decision (97-93, 97-93, 96-94) from underrated Luciano Leonel Cuello (32-2), who is currently No. 13 by the WBC.

The stage was set for Nelson’s showdown with Macklin at 160 pounds, albeit for his elbow injury, which momentarily curtailed his rise to stardom

“We’re grateful to ESPN for once again giving Willie great exposure fighting again on national television,” added Steve Smith (Rumble Time Promotions) who co-promotes Nelson with DiBella Entertainment. “A bad injury that required elbow surgery slowed his career but he put in a lot of hard rehab and we’re moving forward together as a team. HBO has indicated to us that Willie will be fighting back on HBO later this year, but he needs to look great this Friday against a hard punching opponent who’s never been stopped.

“It’s not easy getting top guys to fight Willie because of his size (6′ 3 ½” and 81″ reach) and tremendous talent as an elite boxer-puncher. We thought Willie was going to fight (James) Kirkland on HBO a few months ago but he was MIA. Sooner, rather than later, Willie’s time to shine will come.”

Alicia vs. Huff in Friday night’s undercard

Another Cleveland fighter also co-promoted by Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, undefeated middleweight prospect Eduardo Alicea (7-0, 3 KOs), is also scheduled to fight on this Friday’s card against Kirk Huff (3-0, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. The 23-year-old Alicia had a sterling 143-16 amateur, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the 2007 National Junior Olympics champion. Famed trainer Robert Garcia is Alicia’s chief second.

Nelson returned to the ring this past June 7 at Madison Square Garden on the off-TV undercard of the Miquel Cotto–Sergio Martinez pay-per-view event. The freakishly built super welterweight from Cleveland took out all his bent-up frustrations out on veteran Darryl Cunningham (29-6), who was decked twice in the opening round before referee Eddie Claudio mercifully halted the action only 2:43 into the action.

Now, Nelson continues his quest for a world title and/or career-defining fight, showcasing his vast skills this Friday on ESPN FNF against Grajeda.

Grajeda is far from being a soft touch, though, despite American boxing fans not really knowing anything about him. To the contrary, he’s never been stopped in 21 pro fights, defeated Hector Camacho, Jr., among the more notable, and went the full eight-round distance in a competitive loss by decision to WBC #3 Jermell Charlo.

“This kid (Grajeda) can fight,” Nelson’s head trainer Jack Loew added. “He’s 17-3 and a big, strong, hungry kid who at 6′ 1” can punch. He has everything to gain fighting the No. 5 super welterweight in the WBC. If he can pull off an upset, he’s right in the picture.

“Any setback at this stage is frustrating. My guy deserves a big fight but that’s what an injury like Willie had can do. It’s not fair but sometimes it’s that way in boxing. My job is to make Willie believe in me and that he’ll get there. He knows I’m not lying because I’ve been there before with Kelly Pavlik, who was 27-0 before he had his first real big fight. I believe everything happens for a reason. We didn’t fight Macklin but that’s in the rear mirror. If we let everybody do their job (to get Nelson into a big fight), it’s easier for us to do ours in the gym and ring.”

For more information about Nelson go online to www.RumbleTimePromotions.com or Dbe1.com. Follow Nelson on Twitter @Trae_fab_5ive.

Las Vegas (August 4, 2014)- The BOXING PROMOTERS ASSOCIATION have confirmed that they will collaborate with Box Fan Expo and offer a special package deal for the Boxing Promoters that want to have an exhibitor booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the inaugural Box Fan Expo that will take place this September from 10am to 6pm. The Boxing Expo will coincide with the rematch fight between Floyd Mayweather jr. vs Marcos Maidana.

Formed in 2009, the BOXING PROMOTERS ASSOCIATION consists of many of the largest and most well-known promoters in the United States, aiming to work together and tackle some of the most pressing concerns in the sport. The organization’s president is Joe DeGuardia, of Star Boxing, and for him, the goal of the BPA is a seemingly simple one on the surface. “The betterment of boxing”

A more thorough to do list for the BPA, according to DeGuardia, includes issues such as medical records and standards, health care and insurance, the impact of federal legislation on the sport and the ability of the sport as a whole to be heard by legislators, internal relations between promoters, the myriad sanctioning bodies which exist, judges and their competency, the amount, quality and tone of coverage that boxing receives in the media, and the sport’s credibility to spectators.

Quote from Joe DeGuardia, President of the Boxing Promoters Association :

“I look forward to the inaugural Box Fan Expo. The Expo is great for our fans and symbolizes some of our goals (Boxing Promoters Association). Boxing is evolving and this Expo exemplifies the progress of boxing and its re-emergence as a major world sport which has the capacity to solidify under the right circumstances.”

Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO.

Box Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will run from 10am to 6pm.

To Purchase tickets click: http://www.BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com/

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience that was created to promote the entire boxing industry and to allow fans to celebrate, Meet and Greet their favorite boxers and boxing celebrities. The event will feature boxing legends, today’s superstars, Hall of Famers, future prospects and the stars of today all under one roof.

The event will also feature major promoters, ring card girls, sanctioning organizations as well as trainers, referees, commentators and announcers. Anyone that directly or indirectly represents the sport of boxing will have a chance to showcase themselves to the boxing fans and whole industry. Also in attendance will be exhibitors, sponsors, television broadcasters and media.

Box Fan Expo will also feature different activities such as autograph sessions, photo ops, weigh in, face off with your favorite fighters and buy merchandise.

Throughout the next several months, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that have already committed their appearance at the Box Fan Expo.

For anyone in the industry who would like to be involved and reserve a booth, contact

Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A Telephone Number: (702) 997-2099 or (514) 572-7222

Email: info@boxfanexpo.com

For more info go to: www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Box Fan Expo is committed to helping the Retired Boxers Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps improve the quality of life for retired fighters. This is a fantastic opportunity for sponsors, retailers and anybody involved in the boxing industry to get involved and be a part of this once in a lifetime event and help out this great cause. Box Fan Expo is proud to announce that part of the proceeds from the event will help the Retired Boxers Foundation.

(August 4, 2014) — Speed, savvy and defense will come face-to-face with explosive power and force this November when Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins takes on Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev in a Light Heavyweight Unification title fight, Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events announced today.

Hopkins, incredibly just two months short of his 50th birthday, is seeking to add the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship to his collection of IBF and WBA belts. Kovalev, who burst on the scene just a year ago, has never lost a fight and has won 23 of his 25 victories by knockout.

“Everything I do at this point in my career affects my legacy,” Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KOs) said. “I’ve set and broken many records, but becoming the oldest undisputed light heavyweight world champion is the goal and Kovalev stands in the way of that goal. He’s another young, hungry fighter and just like the ones that came before him, he will leave the ring beltless.”

“I respect Bernard Hopkins for taking this fight,” said the 31-year-old Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KOs). “When I came to America, it was dream to fight the best and now I am fighting, I have my chance. He says he is alien. He punch, I punch, then we see who is gonna go to Mars.”

In April, Hopkins defeated Beibut Shumenov to win the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship, breaking his own record as the oldest fighter in history to win a world title, which he set in May of 2011 after defeating Jean Pascal at age 46. Kovalev comes off of the third defense of his WBO Light Heavyweight Title on HBO, defeating Blake Caparello by TKO on Saturday night. Hopkins vs. Kovalev is set to take place in the first half of November and will be held on the East Coast at a venue still to be determined.

“Golden Boy Promotions has been crystal clear that we will make the best fights for our fans no matter who else is promoting it, where it takes place or what network broadcasts it; this is Exhibit ‘A’ of our keeping that commitment,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “At 49 years of age, Bernard continues to electrify crowds with lightening quickness and impregnable defense; Sergey hits with thunderous force and is an early-round knockout threat every time he steps in the ring. With those two forces coming together, fans are in for a real treat.”

“Throughout boxing’s history, great champions have always been motivated by fighting the best,” said Main Events’ CEO, Kathy Duva. “Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya are both living legends who never back down from a challenge. Sergey Kovalev made it clear that all he wants to do is test his skills against the finest in the world. Main Events has always been able to deliver the biggest fights for its fighters and their fans. Since George Foreman defeated Joe Frazier in 1973, HBO has been synonymous with boxing at its highest level. It shouldn’t be any surprise that when you combine those elements, you get the most anticipated fight of the year.”

“Sports capture our imagination when elite athletes seek superlative challenges of the highest stakes, which is precisely the caliber of fight these two intrepid champions have given their fans by choosing to face-off against one another,” Peter Nelson, Vice President of Programming, HBO Sports said. “Hopkins vs. Kovalev is a destination event, and HBO is delighted to present this light heavyweight unification championship to our subscribers.”
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com or www.hbo.com/boxing
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Rising German star Tyron Zeuge (14-0, 8 KOs) will take another step towards world glory on August 16 when he faces Baker Barakat (40-16-4, 27 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Super Middleweight Championship at the Erfurt Exhibition Hall in Thuringia, Germany.

Zeuge, who will vacate his WBO Youth title in order to challenge for the IBF International belt, is relishing the opportunity, aware that victory will bring him closer to realizing his ultimate goal of becoming a world champion.

‘’Winning the WBO Youth title was the first step of my journey,’’ said the ambitious 22 year-old. ‘’Time is on my side and I know there is no rush but to continue to develop and climb the world rankings I must move forward and challenge for ‘bigger’ titles starting with the IBF International belt on August 16.’’

To continue his journey Zeuge must first defeat Barakat, a veteran inside the ring who has had more than four times the number of fights as the young Berliner.

‘’Barakat is a very experienced boxer,’’ said Zeuge’s coach Karsten Roewer. ‘’He has beaten Khoren Gevor, who had challenged Arthur Abraham and Felix Sturm in World Championship fights. This will be a good test for Tyron.’’

Barakat will be facing a ‘’re-energized’’ Zeuge, who after two and half year period of constant activity is now feeling the benefits of an extended summer break.

‘’You could tell in Tyron last fight that mentally he was a little tired,’’ said Roewer. ‘’Therefore it was the right decision to give him some time off. Since he has returned to training he is re-energized and more focused than ever.’’

‘’During the last few years I have either been in the gym training or fighting and I had not really had any time to rest,’’ said Zeuge. ‘’Now I feel refreshed and I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead.’’

Topping the bill at the Erfurt Exhibition Hall will be the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship clash between Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Firat Arslan. Tickets for the event on August 16 are available via eventim.de.

Philadelphia, PA (August 2, 2014)–The “Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov (23-3, 16 KO’s) will be watching tonight’s HBO’s Boxing After Dark card from Las Vegas with a added interest as a potential fall opponent could emerge from the two fights that will be held at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino.

In the opening bout, WBA Super Lightweight champion Jesse Vargas (24-0, 9 KO’s) will defend his title against Anton Novikov (29-0, 10 KO’s) while in the main event Brandon Rios (31-2-1, 23 KO’s) Squares off with Diego Chaves (23-1, 19 KO’s) in a Welterweight bout.

“I look forward to this Saturday’s fight card on HBO. I know that there is a possibility that I will be back in the ring in November and the opponents being considered are the winner of Rios vs. Chaves, the winner of Vargas vs. Novikov, as well as a rematch with Timothy Bradley. All these are great options for me and I’m curious to see who the winners are this weekend. “, said Provodnikov

The HBO card will begin at 9:45 ET / PT and will also feature a WBO Light Heavyweight title bout between Sergey Kovalev and Blake Caparello from Atlantic City that will complete the split side tripleheader.

INDEPENDENCE, MO (August 1, 2014) – Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero was a big hit at the 2014 “Ringside World Championships”, as he signed autographs for all the fans who were in attendance. Some of the money raised from the signed gloves was donated to “Be The Match”, Robert’s charity of choice. People of all ages were enthused to see “The Ghost” and everyone got to take a photo with the Four-Division and Six-Time world champion.

“It’s important to give back to the fans because they are the ones that pay to see us fight,” said Guerrero. “It was very rewarding to see the kids smiling and the conversations I had with a lot of the coaches were awesome. Everyone was showing love and their support was incredible. I’ve been with Ringside for the last few years and I’m happy to be part of their family. I’m looking forward to coming out here again next year.”

“Robert is a class act and he never turned down an autograph from anyone who asked him,” said Ringside Boxing Representative Albert Guardado. “We had him signing for two days and even after the line was cut off he continued to sign and take photos with the fans. It was great having him here and everyone was happy to meet him. He’s one of the most down to earth fighters I’ve ever met. We need more fighters like Robert, who are willing to give back to the fans, to keep this sport thriving. We hope to have him back here next year.”

Venice, CA (August 1, 2014) For the fifth time in his distinguished Middleweight World Championship run, Boxing’s fastest rising star, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN has been named the World Boxing Association’s “Fighter of the Month” for his highlight reel third round stoppage of two-time world champion DANIEL GEALE on Saturday, July 26th at Madison Square Garden, “The Mecca of Boxing”.

The stoppage of Geale was telecast LIVE in the United States on HBO World Championship Boxing® and in over 100 countries worldwide. It was Golovkin’s 11th straight WBA world title defense and his 17th straight knockout victory. With the win, Golovkin’s record stands at 30-0-0 with 27 knockouts bringing his knockout ratio to 90%, the highest of any middleweight champion in history and the highest among all active world champions in boxing.

“I’m very happy to receive this award again from the WBA and I look forward to defending my title many more times in the future” said Golovkin.

Said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions, “Gennady’s magnificent knockout of Geale confirmed his status as a must-see attraction and one of the most dominant boxers in the sport today.”

“We’re very grateful to the WBA for honoring Gennady once again and look forward to his next world title defense.”

Newark, NJ (August 1, 2014) – Popular welterweight Michael “Slick” Anderson of Newark will look to add another victory to his ledger when he faces hardcore veteran Rogelio Castaneda Saturday, August 9 in the eight round main event of “Lights Out” at the Parsippany Police Athletic League in Parsippany, NJ.

“Lights Out” is promoted by All Out Promotions and Edmonds Promotions and tickets from $40 are available by calling 732-859-4183. The opening bell is scheduled for 7 pm with doors opening at 6.

In addition to this excellent evening of boxing, All Out Promotions and Edmonds Promotions are hosting a special 50/50 raffle, with the proceeds going to the Lupus Foundation.

Fighting for the first time since a grueling eight round split decision over George Sosa last November, Anderson’s 13-2 with 10 victories by knockout and has world class hand speed. Outside of the ring, Anderson is the President of “Show Off Riders” Motorcycle Club and regularly supports community related causes.

A 50 fight veteran, Castanada’s willing to fight anybody, any time, any place and anywhere. The Sacramento, CA based Mexican’s challenged the likes of Lucas Matthysse (twice), Konstantin Ponomarev, Lamont Peterson, Francisco Bojado, Demetrius Hopkins and Sirimongkol Singwancha amongst others. The upset-minded 37-year-old has almost four times as many fights and boxed 267 more rounds than Anderson.

Cruiserweight Dave Valykeo of Neptune, NJ will attempt to get back on track following the first setback of his career when he squares off against fellow New Jerseyan Tracey Johnson of Camden. Valykeo, 4-1, has a strong following and meets Johnson in a six rounder.

In a special attraction bout, rising light heavyweight star Yunieski Gonzalez of Miami, FL will face an opponent to be named. One of the top up and coming talents in the 175 pound division, Gonzalez came from the famed Cuban amateur program and is 14-0 with 10 knockouts.

In separate undercard bouts, locals Godson “Soldier Boy” Noel, Frank Jordan, Joseph Williams and Bienvenido Diaz will appear in four round contests.

“August 9th will be a great evening for boxing fan” said Michael Daugherty, CEO of All Out Promotions. “There are some very talented fighters on the card and I’m excited to see everybody in action.”

The Parsippany PAL is located at 33 Baldwin Road Parsippany, NJ 07054.

Kelly Swanson
Thanks, everybody for joining us. We have five of the fighters participating on the Saturday, August 9 event at Barclays Center and SHOWTIME on the call with us today. That includes Danny Garcia, Rod Salka, Lamont Peterson, Edgar Santana and Daniel Jacobs.

We’re going to start the call with Daniel Jacobs and then move into Edgar Santana and Lamont Peterson and then wrap it up with Danny Garcia and Rod Salka. So, I’m going to turn it over now to Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions to make the introductions.

Oscar De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Kelly. Yes, we are very excited. We are getting closer to the great night of fights that we will be having at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. As you know the main event is Danny Garcia vs. Rod Salka, which will be a 10-round welterweight fight. The co-main event, Lamont Peterson vs. Edgar Santana will be a 12-round bout for Peterson’s IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.

The fight we’ll be talking about now is Daniel Jacobs vs. Jarrod Fletcher. That will be a 12-rounder for the WBA Middleweight World Title. We are happy to be in association with DiBella Entertainment. We are also happy to announce that Daniel Jacobs vs. Jarrod Fletcher is being promoted in association with Greg Cohen Promotions.

Thank you very much to our sponsors Corona and AT&T. There are tickets still available. We priced them very reasonably because we know that having a packed house at the Barclays Center, there’s no experience like it when you hear the thunderous crowd going wild watching the great fights that we’ve had in the past and is no exception.

Prices start at $25 and we work our way up for ringside seats at $250. I would like to thank everyone for making this possible, Showtime, to all the sponsors and all the participants. The first gentleman that I will be introducing to you, to the media, they call him the “Miracle Man” and the “Miracle Man” for a reason.

He is from Brooklyn, New York. We all know him for his dazzling footwork plus his speed and combinations. He has a tremendous record of 27-1 and 24 KOs. He is, perhaps, one of the most inspirational figures, not only in boxing, but in any sport today. He’s really excited to be fighting for a world title in Brooklyn, his hometown. We feel excited about showcasing once again.

Daniel Jacobs
Hey, guys, how are you? All is well. I’m very excited. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me, being back at after another tremendous knockout and I plan to continue that streak. Although I’m not predicting a knockout I do believe I’ll be able to get the victory on fight night and it’s going to exciting. I’m very excited.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Daniel. And we can now open it up for questions from the media, thank you.

Q
Could you ever have imagined that you’d be in a position like you’ll be next Saturday to not only fight in your hometown arena, but also to get in the ring and challenge for a belt?

D. Jacobs
Absolutely not. That was the furthest thing in my mind. I had hopes and aspirations of one day again being able to get back to the ring at the Barclays Center. Once I found out that the Barclays Center would have a fight, that was my biggest drive and my biggest motivation was to just participate there in that first event, that inaugural event.

But to have this opportunity to have a world championship a year and a half, two years later I never would have thought this would be possible, let alone to happen in my backyard. To be able to perform in front of my fans and my family who have been there during my struggles, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Seriously, I really can’t wait for fight night. It’s going to be like a dream come true for me.

Q
Do you think that you and members of your family are going to be able to contain the emotion after everything that you have been through in the last couple of years?

D. Jacobs
Absolutely not. I think about it all the time. I envision melf with my hand being raised and, of course, your vision is the announcer saying, “And the new…” I get emotional just thinking about it. So, for me that night and for my family, that will be a night to remember if we have our hand raised in victory. And it will be historical. I never would have dreamed of this opportunity to have in the fight for the WBA Championship in my backyard. This is truly an honor.

Q
What’s the difference between the Daniel Jacobs that perhaps was a little green to be fighting in your previous championship opportunity compared to the Daniel Jacobs of today who, even though you were ill and gone through a lot physically, to be on track to get in the fight next Saturday?

D. Jacobs
Well, I think I’m a lot wiser in how I train and how I conduct my training camp and the fact that I had to alter my diet for the cancer allowed me to have a healthier body and healthier lifestyle to be able to maintain a good training camp and maintain a good body to be able to perform at an elite level.

At that time I wouldn’t say I took it for granted, but I don’t think I had the best training for that particular fight. I’m a lot wiser, I’m a lot stronger and my mental state is at an all-time high, especially going through what I’ve gone through I feel like I’m not invincible, but I also feel like the only person that could stop me inside that ring is myself.

Q
Do you have any thoughts or opinions about the fact that whoever wins the fight next Saturday is going to get handed a belt that another guy really has a claim to and that basically you’re the secondary champion of that particular organization or does that not make a difference because they’re giving you a title?

D. Jacobs
It doesn’t matter to me. I mean, a champion is a champion. A secondary champion or the first champion it doesn’t matter to me. I have an opportunity to fight for a world championship. It’s not my job to make the belt. It’s not my job to put myself in a position to fight for the belt. It’s just my job to really go in there and just be ready to fight whoever they put in front of me and whatever title we get, I’m very grateful for it.

Whether they call me a paper champion or a real champion, I am the champion because each and every time I go inside that ring I give it my all and that’s pretty much all I have to say about that.

Q
What do you know about Jarrod Fletcher and how do you deal with his style if you know anything about it?

D. Jacobs
Initially I really didn’t know too much about his style so I had to YouTube some of his fights to get a gist of how he fights and his movements and things of that nature. To me it seems as if he’s an in-and-out type of guy, his nickname is “Left Jab” and I can tell that he uses that a lot from looking at his fights.

I know he plans on boxing and moving and using the combinations and going the full 12 rounds come August 9. But for the most part, myself as a champion I feel like what a champion does is adjust to any style. I’ve had over 150 amateur fights and I fought all different types of styles from the national to international level, so I don’t think that there’s going to be anything in there that he could project that I haven’t seen thus far and if there is, it’s just my job and my duty to go ahead and adjust and do my best to get the victory.

Q
How much pressure is there for you from a personal standpoint to continue performing at Barclays Center and to look good given that you could be fighting a guy who could make the fight look ugly?

D. Jacobs
Well, I just have to be a superhero that night. I’ve trained and through my training we gave it our all and we always put it in the back of my mind that I have to be a superhero and that I have to perform at an elite level. So, that’s already instilled in my mind.

There’s no pressure, there’s not a lot of pressure for me to go out there and try to knock the guy out. I have the ability to box, I have the ability to move and I do have the ability also that if I hurt someone I can get the job done and get them out of there. So, I’m just looking forward to putting on a show, whether it’s a full 12 rounds of just hands flying, combinations, putting punches together or if it’s a devastating knockout, but I look forward to going in there and giving it my best and I believe my best will give me the victory.

Q
Are you a believer in destiny, that all things happen for a reason and that this is the real story that needs to be told in your career?

D. Jacobs
Absolutely. I’m a believer of that 100 percent. We have our own plans and we have our own goals set up for us, but it don’t roll out the way we see, but we just have to stick through it. And I do feel like everything that I’ve been through God is molding me to be all that I could be, possibly August 9, and that’s a world champion.

I do feel like that loss wasn’t in vain and I do feel like this is all molding me and setting me up to be a superhero come August 9 and further from there. So, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I look forward to taking full advantage of it.

Q
What are your thoughts on the possibility of fighting Golovkin in the immediate future?

D. Jacobs
I think it will be huge. But for me, how I look at it is I’ll just be the champ, I’ll just be being crowned champ, it’s an opportunity that I would love to have to fight him. I also think that he’s already a superstar and I think I want to have the opportunity to be a superstar myself. So, I think that if I can maybe get a couple of fights, maybe Peter Quillin or someone like that and then go up to Golovkin, that’s something that I would look forward to doing.

But initially right after the win, I mean, I’m not really in control of who I fight. But if I had it my way I would probably get me a couple of fights just to solidify that spot and to secure my name and be considered a superstar in the division and a big play in the division as well so we can go ahead and make the fight the way we both can get what we deserve for that particular fight.

Q
What did you think of Golovkin’s performance Saturday night?

D. Jacobs
I think his performance was great. I think what everyone else thinks. I think that the hype is real only in the sense that he’s doing what he’s supposed to do. Whether or not I believe in the hype, that’s a different story. I see flaws in his game, but his power is tremendous and Mike Tyson used to say you can have all the game plan in the world until you get hit and that changes your whole perspective.

You definitely have to be aware of his power, but I do see a whole lot of flaws in his game as far as his defense and his ability just to deflect and his ability to move his feet and being flat-footed. So, if there is a possibility that we can fight I’ll look forward to it.

Q
What do you know about Fletcher? What does he do well, especially for people who haven’t really seen much of him and what do you think of his ability?

D. Jacobs
I think the key thing that he does well is use his jab and he moves pretty good with his combinations. But he’s definitely something that I haven’t seen before and he’s going to try to box and use his movement.

O. De La Hoya
Once again, the co-main event, which we’re really excited about as we are with all the fights, Lamont Peterson vs. Edgar Santana, which will be 12 rounds for the IBF Junior Welterweight Championship. On the phone now he is from New York City, New York. He is unbeaten in eight of his last nine bouts and he is the current NABF Champion. Obviously, he’ll be getting his long awaited shot at a world title.

He does hold wins over Josesito Lopez, who is a very tough champion contender. He also holds wins over Grover Wiley and Luis Hernandez. So, let me introduce to you now, who will be fighting for a world title against Lamont Peterson on August 9, a gentleman they call “El Chamaco” from New York City, New York with a record of 29-4 and 20 KOs, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana.

Edgar Santana
I’m feeling great. I’m feeling hyped. You know what, I’ve been training hard and even before I got the call I’ve been in the gym so I’m going to be more than ready come August 9. I’m going to give the fans a fight they’re looking for, which is an exciting fight and two fighters giving it their all that night.

O. De La Hoya
Okay, perfect. Thank you. Also now let me introduce to you the Champion. He is the IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion. He hails out of Washington, D.C. As we all know, he has also a very inspirational and difficult upbringing. Inspirational because of where he comes from and how he got to the top, through hard work and perseverance.

He has tremendous wins against great fighters like Amir Khan and Kendall Holt. He’s coming off some great wins and on August 9 he knows he has a very tough fight in front of him, but he is more than ready and willing to shine in front of all the fans at the Barclays Center.

So, let me introduce to you the Champion with a record of 32-2 with 16 KOs out of Washington, D.C., Lamont Peterson.

Lamont Peterson
Hello, everybody. How are you doing? I’m feeling great, trying to keep working hard and just ready to fight August 9.

Q
I think a lot of people thought that you might be fighting Danny Garcia, who is in the main event on next Saturday. What were your thoughts about that, that that’s not the fight, that you’re fighting Santana instead?

L. Peterson
Well, I fought that night, everyone that’s interviewing me; I let them know I wanted to fight Danny Garcia next because that’s what the fans wanted to see. For me, if the fans want to see me fight someone, I’m going to push for that fight, so that’s what I did. But it just didn’t happen. At the end of the day I’m going to end up fighting a good fighter, Edgar Santana, and hopefully it can happen next time.

Q
Did you push hard for the Garcia fight and were you surprised that you couldn’t have your side get that fight done?

L. Peterson
It’s boxing. Everything has to make sense from that end. But, if I can win this fight, win or lose, that’s the fight that I want to happen. Of course, me winning the fight will make it more pleasing because I leave with my title and hopefully he leaves with his and maybe it can happen because it’s really the biggest fight you can make at the weight class, it’s the fight that the fans want to see at the weight class and I’m willing to do it.

Q
So, are you in a situation where if things go your way August 9 that you’ll finish up your fight with Edgar and come out to the ring and pay close attention to what Danny’s doing in his fight?

L. Peterson
Well, I’m not going to really pay close attention to it. I pretty much know Danny is a top fighter. He can handle himself at that level and I can handle myself at that level. So, I won’t be really focused on him or anything like that. The first thing I have to do is take care of my business and if I do that, then I’ll just be ready to celebrate and relax and get ready for the next one.

Q
What are your thoughts about getting the opportunity not only to win a world title, which most people would consider a big upset, but to also kind of wreck those plans?

E. Santana
Edgar, well, I’m happy to be the one. I guess they’ve picked me out of the bunch. I feel they committed a big mistake and I’m going to be ready to lay it all on the line that day. I’m going to be there to fight, no doubt about that.

Q
What do you say to all the critics who are not giving you a chance in this fight?

E. Santana
I’m going to prove everybody wrong. They made a big mistake in choosing me and I’m going to prove everybody wrong and this is for my family and this is for all Puerto Rico and all the Puerto Ricans. They made a big mistake.

Q
How does it feel fighting in New York for the first time in more than two years?

E. Santana
It’s a dream of mine. I want to thank SHOWTIME. I want to thank Oscar, yours truly. I’m ready to go and it’s a dream come true. So, I’m going to give it my all and I’m here to win.

Q
Is there anything that you personally want to demonstrate or feel that you need to demonstrate further to distance yourself from the loss to Lucas Matthysse?

L. Peterson
No, not really. It was just one of the nights in boxing. I’ve been told that from day one. So, I didn’t have anything to prove in that fight. Have nothing to prove now. At the end of the day, we’re all fighters. We go out there, we train hard, we give it our best and we go out there to win. That’s what I do all the time.

Q
How rejuvenating was it to go back home after that loss and to put on that kind of performance and to bring that momentum into this fight?

L. Peterson
I look at myself as one of the best in the weight class, so when I’ve taken in the victory, it was a good thing and I’m looking forward to another victory. I know Edgar is looking at himself as the underdog. I know a lot of you are putting him as the underdog.

But for me, I’m just going in there and look at it as another fight that I have to win. I know he’ll give it his all. This is his first title fight. I know how it is to finally get your shot and I know that he’s well prepared and be at your best. So, I’m looking for a great fight and may the best man win.

K. Swanson
We are now going to move to the final fight and the main event on the August 9show, Danny Garcia and Rod Salka. So, I’m going to turn it back over to Oscar to make the introductions.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Kelly. This fight, the main event, which all have been waiting for, Danny Garcia vs Rod Salka, which will be a 10-rounder in the Welterweight Division. At this time I would like to introduce to you, he hails from Bunola, Pennsylvania. He has a record of 19-3 with 3 KOs. They call him “Lightning” for a reason.

It’s great to introduce someone who is a proud United States Air Force veteran. He is here to win against Danny Garcia. He’s coming off a huge upset against highly touted Alexei Collado, which he handed Collado his very first professional loss April 18th and he expects to shock the world. He’s coming prepared. He’s ready.

Let me introduce to you from Bunola, Pennsylvania, Rod Salka.

Rod Salka
Thanks, Oscar. Training camp is going great. We’re up in the mountains in California, PA. Been up here for about seven weeks, it’ll be eight weeks by the time of the fight and we’re ready to rumble.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much. And now, let me introduce to you the champion. He has a record of 20-0 with 16 KOs and now in his third year as a world champion, Danny has made five successful title defenses. He won his first world title in March of 2012 by dropping and decisioning legendary Erik Morales for the WBC 140-pound title. He helped open Barclays Center for business with a one-punch knockout of Morales in the arena, which was a 2012 knockout of the year candidate.

He holds tremendous win over champions of very high caliber like Mauricio Herrera, the amazing Lucas Matthysse, which he put on a tremendous performance. Here you have a fighter who has been on the big stage, who is ready to perform, who is ready to go out there and once again put on a tremendous show for his fan base that keeps growing every single day. Let me introduce the Champion, Danny “Swift” Garcia.

Danny Garcia
I want to thank everybody on this conference call. Camp is going tremendous. I’ve been sparring hundreds of rounds. I’m running my miles every day. I’m very excited for this fight. I can’t wait to be back in the Barclays Center to give the fans my third performance at Barclays Center.

I had two great performances there already, with Morales and Zab Judah. I’m really motivated and, like I say, August 9 at the Barclays Center it’s the “Danny Garcia purge.”

Q
Why is the best fighter in the 140-lb division fighting a fighter with Salka’s type of resume?

D. Garcia
You know, I don’t pick my opponents. My manager Al Haymon does. And I never go against him. He picked the Khan fight, he picked the Matthysse fight, he picked the Zab Judah fight, he picked the Herrera fight, he picked all my fights. I never question him about his decisions. I just accept the fight and my job is to train hard and go in there August 9 and give the people at the Barclays Center a great performance and a good fight.

At the end of the day, my style brings out the best in my opponent, so I’m looking forward to an action-packed fight August 9 and I can’t wait.

Q
Was that Peterson fight one that you would prefer to have?

D. Garcia
At the end of the day, it’s what I want because I can say what I want, but you know, right now, I’ve got August 9, so I can’t look past anybody. The same with Lamont Peterson. He can’t look past Edgar Santana. At the end of the day, we’ve both got to get these victories and at the end of the year or the beginning of next year that we could do a unification bout.

Q
What’s your plan of attack against Salka, who does not have a lot of experience against the top level fighters?

D. Garcia
I’ve got to go in there and be smart. I can’t make mistakes. I’ve got to stay sharp. I’ve got to stay composed. I’ve got to work on my jab, I’ve got to move my head and I’ve got to go in there and seek and destroy and look like a champion.

Q
Is there a need or desire to win by knockout, to win spectacularly, perhaps similarly to the way you beat Morales in the rematch?

D. Garcia
I think it’s very important for me to go out there and look good August 9. I’ve got to go in there and look like a champion. I’ll fight at the Barclays Center. I love the atmosphere there. It’s a beautiful arena. I’m very motivated. I did everything right this camp. I haven’t made a lot of mistakes sparring, so I’m looking good. I’m looking sharp and come August 9 there’s going to be another excellent performance and I’m going to go in there and try to give my fans a knockout.

Q
How do you feel about the kind of the criticism that has been leveled against his fight?

D. Garcia
That’s the media’s problem. At the end of the day, he’s got two hands, I’ve got two hands and we’re going to fight. It’s a fight. It doesn’t matter who he is. He’s got two hands, I’ve got two hands and it’s going to be a fight. It doesn’t matter who they put in there. It’s going to be an excellent performance August 9, two guys going in there and giving their all and it’s going to be a great fight.

Q
Will you feel victorious if you go the distance and you give a good fight what does that do for your career, let alone winning?

R. Salka
I don’t care what that would do. I don’t have any other expectations other than coming in there and winning the fight. Having any other thoughts about that only distracts from the goal and the goal is to ignore that and win the fight. So, come August 9 I’m coming to win.

Q
Do you feel that there’s any extra pressure on Danny and, if so, is that something that you can take advantage of?

R. Salka
Honestly, at this level I don’t really feel like anybody listens. None of the fighters are really taking any kind of praise and any of that stuff. Like he says, at the end of the day, we’re two guys with two hands and we’re going to go in there and we’re going to fight. It really doesn’t matter what anybody is saying because that’s the facts. So, absolutely not, I don’t think there’s any more pressure.

We feel pressure going in there to fight regardless. It’s what we do, it’s what we do every day, it’s what we train to do, it’s what we’ve trained to do for years. And at the end of the day we’re going in there and we’re doing our job. So, there really is not pressure there, just a great atmosphere. It’s going to be an awesome night and we’re going to go in there and handle our business and we’re going to get it on August 9.

Q
In the event that both Danny Garcia and Lamont are victorious, is that a fight, as Danny referenced that you would push for for the end of the year?

O. De La Hoya
Well, I mean, it’s a fight that has been talked about, but there’s nothing that we can push for now because Danny Garcia and Salka, as much as this fight has been written about and talked about, these are two live, willing, hard-working and dedicated fighters that are going to give it their all August 9.

So, there’s really nothing to talk about looking ahead. We feel that making this card, putting it together we’re going to have a lot of shockers, a lot of surprises, a lot of great performances. We’re going to get it all August 9. We have fighters that have inspirational stories, fighters that have worked from the bottom all the way up, like Danny Garcia, Salka, who served our country. We have everything on this card and so there’s nothing that we can really talk about concerning the main event. All we can talk about is we’ll have to wait and see what happens August 9 because we don’t know what’s going to happen.

Q
Danny, you’ve lost a lot of pound-for-pound momentum since the disputed decision win against Herrera in Puerto Rico and now this non-title debacle with Salka. How do you get that momentum back?

D. Garcia
I already got momentum. I’ve been training hard. I’m 28 now. I have no losses and I’m always motivated. I feel like I’ve got great momentum now. I’ve just got to go in there August 9 and perform and get the W. That’s all that matters, other than ratings and rankings and what the people think, it doesn’t matter because good media is good media and bad media is still good media, as long as people are paying attention it makes me relevant and I’m going to go in there August 9 and give the fans a great fight.

Q
You referred to the controversy as the media’s problem. Is that really the paying fan’s problem? What did you mean by that?

D. Garcia
My fans, they’re always going to be my fans regardless. Danny Garcia’s fans support what he does regardless. For other people, I can’t tell for other people. My fans back me up and they love me no matter what.

Q
What is your gripe with the media’s assessment of this fight?

D. Garcia
I don’t read articles and stuff like that. But people will say what they want to say, but it takes a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication to be a world champion and to face pound-for-pound and tough fighters and beat them. So, if you don’t like it, you’ve still got to respect it because at the end of the day it takes a lot of hard work to be an athlete and it takes an extra amount of work to be a world champion.

Q
Rod, what do you think about the fact that this fight was downgraded to non-title status?

R. Salka
It is what it is. There’s nothing I can do about that. I’d of rathered it been for the titles, but what am I going to do?

Q
Is beating Garcia non-title at welterweight just as good for you as beating him for the title at 40 at one point? I guess what I’m asking you is what do you have to gain aside from your purse?

R. Salka
I’m fighter the best fighter at 140 pounds in the world. Titles are what they are, but would I rather fight some guy nobody ever heard of for a title or would I rather fight some guy everybody knows who he is for no title? You know what I mean? Why wouldn’t I want to fight Danny Garcia? He’s the best we’ve got out there. It’s the biggest fight you could possibly get at 140 pounds. I really don’t care if I can put a belt on at the end of it. I can take my purse and go out and have a thousand of those made if I wanted to, what is that?

Q
Though you’re not the underdog here is that criticism motivate you into that underdog mindset that’s served you so well in the past?

D. Garcia
My mindset is to go in there and win and that’s how I approach every one of my fights. Even when I was the underdog against Khan and I was the underdog against Matthysse. I couldn’t understand how I was the underdog, but the media and the people always want to choose the fighter with more fame and more publicity. That’s what makes the underdog when you’re fighting somebody who had probably a bigger name than you in the sport.

But I never had in my mind that I was the underdog, so I just train hard for the occasion and win in spectacular form.

Q
Now, a week or so before the fight, how are those two extra pounds you have in this fight benefitting you? Do you feel the defense between 140 and the weight you are for this fight?

D. Garcia
I feel really energized usually at this time. When I’ve got to be 140 I feel a little bit weak from losing the weight and maintaining, skipping meals and stuff like that. But I’m able to walk around a little bit more comfortable. I’ve still got to work hard to make the weight, I’ve still got to sacrifice, but those two pounds, as anybody knows in boxing if you’re a fighter, two pounds makes a big difference.

It’s helping me, I’m still strong sparring and I still feel strong working out, so it’s going to be a big difference.

Q
Rod, when you were fighting Alexei Collado, was it in your mind at the time that you would be going out to fight the very best fighter in the world at 140 pounds?

R. Salka
No, I wouldn’t have thought that I’d be fighting Danny Garcia in my next fight. Heck, when I was promoting my own shows I didn’t know who I was going to fight in my next fight. It’s just the nature of the beast. You never know. It might be a big fight or I might have been fighting off TV or on another TV network somewhere else. You can’t predict these things in boxing.

I’m happy I did get it, I’m happy that fight went well. I did well and I’m happy to get the opportunity.

Q
What is your preferred weight and how is it for you for 142 pound fight?

R. Salka
Like he was saying, I can make 35, I can make it. I can get down, heck, I can get down to whatever I need to get down to. That’s my job. But that’s really a lot more comfortable for me. A hundred and forty pounds, I don’t want to say easy because you’re killing yourself in the gym every day to get ready for the fight and ready for war. But to get down the weight and make sure your body is as fine-tuned as it can be and you’re sacrificing as little as possible to get down and lose weight. I’ve still got to do that to get to 40.

Q
Oscar, how did this card come about as opposed to the desired match-up between Garcia and Peterson?

O. De La Hoya
We, obviously, did want to stage a fight that all the media was suggesting. Peterson vs Garcia, but it wasn’t a fight that was available. It just wasn’t available. It couldn’t be made and so Salka, obviously, he’s well deserving. He has a Rocky-like story and so we put on a tremendous card from top to bottom, with Daniel Jacobs and with Peterson and with all these big name fighters.

This is a perfect fit for the Barclays Center and it’s like Danny Garcia said, you have two fighters that are going to be ready to come August 9 and the leather will be flying and it’s going to be a tremendous show.

Q
Danny, is there any chance of you bringing the title home to Philadelphia one day?

D. Garcia
Actually that was a dream of mine to fight in Philadelphia on a world title. I don’t think there’s been a world title fight here in quite an amount of years. But it wasn’t available at this time. We tried, it wasn’t available. A lot of the venues were booked for the time, the fight that they were trying to schedule in that time period, so we went with Barclays Center.

Barclays Center is a great place. I love it. It feels down home to me. It’s a good place for the people in Philadelphia, if they want to go out, they feel like they want to get out of the city, they just take a two-hour drive to New York, watch boxing and go out in New York after the fight.

So, it’s a good getaway for the people in Philadelphia and a lot of people from Philly are going to be there and it’s going to be like I’m fighting in Philly anyway.

Q
Oscar, without looking past August 9 because Danny Garcia could be included in this question, but since Floyd has a couple of fights left under his belt to become that, he’s that pay-per-view guy right now, are they looking for that next pay-per-view fighter?

O. De La Hoya
Look, we’re focusing on the job at hand. Floyd Mayweather has Maidana in front of him in September. Danny Garcia has Salka in front of him August 9. So, it’s really difficult now in these days to look ahead and plan for the future on all these fights, these mythical fights that everybody wants to watch, because we’re experiencing something that hasn’t been experienced in a long time in boxing.

There’s a lot of upset in boxing today. There are a lot of these fights where people don’t expect an opponent to win because of the champion and because of the stature of the champion. We must pay attention to the fights at hand because you never know what’s going to happen in boxing. And this is a perfect invitation that we must pay attention to the job at hand August 9 because fighters, they don’t know what’s going to happen.

They train hard and they take care of business and they work hard because you never know what’s going to happen. One punch can turn everything around and so it’s hard to look ahead and make plans. Let’s pay attention to August 9 and then, obviously, we’ll move forward from there.

K. Swanson
Thank you. That’s our last question, everybody. We will be sending out the fight week schedule for next week. We have a lot of great opportunities, including workouts with the fighters, press conference and weigh-ins. So, please look in your in boxes for that schedule. We look forward to receiving more and more of your coverage.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much to all the press. We’re looking forward to a tremendous fight. Like I said, we are expecting a lot of upsets, a lot of great performances, so you don’t want to miss it. Thank you Showtime and we will see you at the Barclays Center August 9. Thank you.

# # #

ABOUT “GARCIA VS. SALKA”:
Garcia vs. Salka, a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday, August 9, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Dibella Entertainment, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson puts his title on the line against Edgar Santana in a 12-round championship bout. Opening the telecast, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, Brooklyn’s own Daniel Jacobs takes on Jarrod Fletcher up for the vacant WBA Middleweight World Title. The event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

LONDON (1 Aug) – The ever-entertaining Brandon Rios has promised to produce his old sparkle as he battles Diego Chaves in a ‘do or die’ contest this Saturday night.

Welterweight star Rios takes on the big-hitting Argentine Chaves this weekend, live and exclusive on BoxNation, and has vowed to get back to winning ways as he looks to bounce back from two defeats on the trot against Manny Pacquiao and Mike Alvarado.

“We’re just going to give the fans what they want. They’re going to see a nice little war in the ring as long as it lasts and it’s going to be a tremendous fight,” said Rios.

“I know he has tremendous skill and punching power, but I have punching power too. And I do have some skills, kind of. But we’re ready 100%.

“I know this is a do or die fight for me, so I’m going to make it a ‘do’ instead of a ‘die’ and the fans are going to see the old “Bam Bam” back,” Rios declared.

The 28-year-old, who burst to prominence when he won the WBA lightweight world title in 2011 against Miguel Acosta, has seen his career take a dip following the two losses to Pacquiao and Alvarado in 2013.

However, the Oxnard native thinks his laidback lifestyle contributed to his poor campaign last year, as he vows to prove those who have written him off wrong.

“It is going to be a better year for me. I’m ready and well prepared. I have already put those two losses into the past. I’m looking to rejuvenate myself now. I got caught up in too much stuff and got comfortable too quick,” said Rios.

“I’ve moved forward and have forgotten about the past, it’s all about the future for me now. Everyone thinks I’m done – they think I’ve been in too many wars. I’m ready to win this fight.

“I got too comfortable and thought that no one could ever beat me. I made a lot of money and got too comfortable but now I’ve got to come back down to earth and need to do the things that got me to that high point in the past,” he said.

Rios is renowned for his unrelenting and come-forward style that always has fans on the edge of their seat, but in Chaves he faces a fighter who will prove no pushover.

The Argentine has only lost once in his 23 fight career, that being a defeat to rising superstar Keith Thurman.

Despite his impressive 19 knockouts, Rios is unfazed at stepping in with Chaves and won’t be reining in his fan-friendly approach against the Buenos Aires banger.

“I’m only focusing on the present and Diego Chaves. You’re going to see the same ‘Bam Bam’ that you saw before at 135. I got away from him but you’re going to see that same animal again. That animal is back again,” he said.

“I promised my trainer I’m going to do everything right and that’s what I have been doing and you’ll see that on Saturday night,” Rios said.

Rios vs Chaves is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

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Shelton, WA (July 31, 2014) The Official Weigh-In was held today for “LIttle Creek Brawl V”, broadcast on ESPN Friday Night Fights, presented by Corona Extra™ from The Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, Washington and promoted by Goossen Promotions.

Headlining the ESPN Friday Night Fights telecast is an outstanding 12-round light heavyweight clash between #4 WBO, #6 IBF and #9 WBC world ranked and undefeated light heavyweight contender THOMAS “Top Dog” WILLIAMS JR. and #10 IBF and former World Champion GABRIEL “El Chico Guapo” CAMPILLO.

The Williams-Campillo battle, promoted in association with Sampson Boxing, will be contested as an IBF Light Heavyweight Elimination bout for the #2 IBF world ranking and an NABO Championship bout televised live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN beginning at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT.

Co-featured on the telecast is a 10 round super middleweight clash between former world title challenger and Super Six participant ANDRE “The Matrix” DIRRELL and New England veteran VLADINE “Mr. Providence” BIOSSE.

Photo Credit/Goossen Promotions

Thomas Williams Jr. 175 vs. Gabriel Campillo, 174.8

Vladine Biosse, 172 vs. Andre Dirrell, 172

Juan Carlos Rojas, 162 vs. Immanuel Aleem, 162.6

Marcello Gallardo, 125.8 vs. Juan Funez, 125.8

Epifanio Mendoza, 198 vs. Jordan Shimmell, 198.6

Hector Lopez 132 vs. Gervonta Davis, 132.4

Joaquin Chavez, 135 vs. Luis Cruz, 133.4

David Grayton, 147.4 vs. Eddie Cordova, 148

Guadalupe Hudgens, 132.8 vs. Leduan Barthelemy, 129.2

Milton Nunez, 161.3 vs. Wilky Campfort, 157.6

Wale Omotoso, 148 vs. Eduardo Flores, 148.2

Phillip Jackson-Benson, 179.6 vs. Thomas Hanshaw, 180.6

Advance tickets priced at $100, $50, $35 and $20 can be purchased by calling (800) 667-7711 or online at www.Little-Creek.com. Doors will open on the night of the event at 4:00 p.m. with the first bell at 4:45 p.m. The Little Creek Casino Resort is located at 91 W. State Route 108, Shelton, Washington 98584 (one hour southwest of Seattle).

For more information and directions to the Little Creek Casino Resort, please visit their website at www.Little-Creek.com.

For more information on WILLIAMS vs. CAMPILLO, follow Goossen Boxing on Twitter at @GoossenBoxing, Dan Goossen at @DanGoossen, Thomas Williams Jr. at @TopDoggJr and the Little Creek Casino Resort at @Little_Creek. Use hashtag #WilliamsCampillo.

The “War in Paradise” professional boxing card, featuring Nuvo Champion Denis “Momma’s Boy” Douglin and Eduardo Mercedes along with the women’s world title contest between “The Scholar” Sonya Lamonakis and Carlette “The Truth” Ewell has been postponed due to the storm conditions expected over the weekend in Sint Maarten. B.O.S.E. Promotions is sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused, but our first concern is the safety of the participants and our fans.

The fight card will be made up at a future date, which will be announced shortly, pending the results of the storm.

Tickets can be returned at the point of contact, or they will be honored on the makeup date.

LOS ANGELES (July 31) – Before the SHOWTIME tripleheader featuring Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia taking on “Lightning” Rod Salka plus two world championship fights on Saturday, Aug. 9 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY will be host to a stacked lineup of undercard bouts featuring top East Coast prospects as well as the WBO Intercontinental Welterweight Championship title defense by Sadam “World Kid” Ali against Jeremy Bryan.

Also in action will be Anthony Peterson, “Sir” Marcus Browne, Prichard Colon and D’Mitrius Ballard.

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Brooklyn born and bred Sadam “World Kid” Ali (19-0, 12 KOs) has been on a tear since his Golden Boy Promotions debut at Barclays Center against Jay Krupp in September of 2013. Since then, the 25-year-old 2008 U.S. Olympian has halted Jesus Selig and Michael Clark to run his perfect record to 19-0, and now as he defends his title, he sets his sights on Paterson, New Jersey’s Jeremy Bryan (17-3, 7 KOs). A decorated amateur who won two National Golden Gloves titles and also defeated headliner Danny Garcia before turning pro, the 28-year-old Bryan has won three of his last four bouts, most recently defeating Yuir Ramanau and Issouf Kinda.

The brother of IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson, lightweight contender Anthony Peterson (33-1, 21 KOs) hopes to add his own title belt to the family trophy case in the coming year, but first he’ll have to add to his three-fight winning streak against an opponent to be named on August 9. Owner of wins over Daniel Attah, Dominic Salcido and Marcos Leonardo Jimenez, the 29-year-old Washington, D.C. product is currently ranked 12th in the world by the IBF, and he’s expecting to climb higher after this upcoming bout.

As he approaches his record seventh appearance at Barclays Center, 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (11-0, 8 KOs) is becoming synonymous with boxing’s newest Mecca. Unbeaten as a professional, with four knockouts in the Barclays Center ring, the Staten Island native has shown that there’s nothing like fighting in his own backyard. On August 9, this up-and-coming light heavyweight will meet Oakland, California’s Paul Vazquez (10-5-1, 3 KO’s) in his first 10-round bout.

Proudly representing his borough of Brooklyn will be super lightweight prospect Zachary Ochoa (7-0, 4 KOs). Appearing at Barclays Center for the third time, the 22-year-old Ochoa has showed style and savvy throughout his young career, and in his next test, scheduled for four rounds, he will battle it out with Palm Spring, California’s Luis Cervantes (7-7-3, 2 KOs).

Puerto Rico’s latest star on the rise, Orocovis’ Prichard Colon (10-0, 10 KOs) is devastating in the ring, having ended each of his professional fights before the final bell. Just 21-years-old, Colon, who will face Washington, DC’s Lenwood Dozier (9-6-1, 4 KO’s) in an eight-round junior middleweight bout, is sure to thrill the fans as he makes his New York City debut.

Joining the Peterson brothers in representing the D.C. area, 21-year-old super middleweight phenom D’mitrius Ballard (5-0, 4 KOs) will open the show in a six-round bout against Hayti, Montana’s Barry Trotter (2-1, 1 KO). A ferocious finisher with power in both hands, Ballard is coming off a second-round technical knockout over Quincy Miner in April.

ABOUT “GARCIA VS. SALKA”:
Garcia vs. Salka, a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday, August 9, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Dibella Entertainment, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson puts his title on the line against Edgar Santana in a 12-round championship bout. Opening the telecast, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, Brooklyn’s own Daniel Jacobs takes on Jarrod Fletcher for the vacant WBA Middleweight World Title. The event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 31, 2014) – The August 9 Barclays Center fight card will have plenty of D.C. flavor with District-natives Lamont Peterson, Anthony Peterson plus Maryland’s D’Mitrius Ballard all appearing in the event.

As they prepare for their respective bouts, the three talented boxers held an open media workout in Washington, D.C. on Thursday afternoon. Here is what the participants had to say:

LAMONT PETERSON, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion

“Each fight out I try to get better and better, I add new things to my camp. I’m focused more on my craft. I’m not a fighter who wins a belt and will be satisfied with that. I want to get better each fight.

“I’ve seen Edgar Santana fight; he can definitely fight. People haven’t seen him so they don’t think he deserves it. But he’s been around for a while and still fighting. It’s a tough task to stay in this game for 10 years.

“Camp has gone well. I’m feeling really good right now. I’m confident, there’s nothing else I can do in this camp. I’m ready.

“Without winning this fight, there’s no (Danny) Garcia fight. Even if I win there might not be, so all I can do is focus on Edgar Santana.

“I’m showing my dedication to the sport; there’s no time for haircuts or anything. It’s 12 hours a day in the gym.

“The average person spars maybe 100-150 rounds max during camp. I’m more of a 400-500 round type of guy. I’m always sparring so any kind of layoff doesn’t bother me.

“It’s good to see my brother fight. I wish it wasn’t on my card because I never get to see him fight. But I’m happy he’s in the ring because he loves the sport and it makes him happy.

“There’s not a lot of guys you can go to in the 140-pound weight class that are all-time great fighters. My goal is to put my name on that list. Winning all the belts is the way to do it, even though they don’t mean that much to me.

“All these years of boxing, no New York fights. Sometimes they say you have to wait for the things you want. I waited 10 years and now I’m here.

ANTHONY PETERSON, Lightweight Contender

“I always had the hunger to fight, even during my layoff. I never stopped watching boxing, I never stopped being hungry because boxing is in my blood.

“I wanted to walk away from boxing plenty of times; after the (Brandon) Rios fight I wanted to walk away. But after all these years, I’m built for this and it reminds me to stick with it.

“In my 34 fights I’ve never asked about who I’m fighting, I just show up and show off.

“I see myself as a world champion. All I got to do is stay healthy, stay in shape and it will happen by the end of the year. Anyone in the lightweight division is an option.

“I wasn’t sure if I was ready before the layoff to be a champion. I would have crumbled under all that goes along with it. I have more of a sensation for temptation than my brother. I pick boxing over sensation though.”

D’MITRIUS BALLARD, Undefeated Super Middleweight Prospect

“I’m truly blessed to be in the position I am, to sign on and be fighting on these big-time championship cards. It’s a dream to be with Golden Boy Promotions, any person in the United States would dream of being promoted by them.

“Right now my diet is right and everything is going well with my conditioning coach so I think 168 is where I’ll be for a long time.

“Training has been going very well. I got right back into the gym after my last fight in April. We’re working hard and excited to get back in the ring and show my skills and timing.

“We train for any opponent, veteran or not. Regardless of the opponent we’re going to stick to the game plan.

“Every time I get in the ring I have to showcase. Lamont Peterson, Bernard Hopkins are great examples and I can pick up little things from them throughout these promotions.”

BARRY HUNTER, Lamont and Anthony Peterson’s Trainer

“Going into this fight everybody has been doing their job. Anthony and Lamont have been looking real good and no injuries so far. We’re looking for great fights up at Barclays which is a great venue for boxing.

“New York is next door to us, both Anthony and Lamont had a lot of amateur fights in that area so it’s great to be fighting there. It’s both of their first times fighting in New York as professionals, which is a beautiful thing. We have lots of family and friends there.

“The energy was very good last time I was at Barclays and I love a venue with good energy.

“We watched Santana, they almost fought years ago. Lamont respects all fighters, you have to respect any fighter that gets into that squared circle. Lamont understands what could happen and that we’ve been in Santana’s position before and that anything could happen.”

# # #

ABOUT “GARCIA VS. SALKA”:
Garcia vs. Salka, a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday, August 9, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Dibella Entertainment, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson puts his title on the line against Edgar Santana in a 12-round bout. Opening the telecast, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, Brooklyn’s own Daniel Jacobs takes on Jarrod Fletcher for the vacant WBA Middleweight World Title. The event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

ATLANTC CITY – The final press conference was held today for the August 2 title fight between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, 24-0-1, 22 KO’s and Blake “Il Capo” Caparello, 19-0-1, 6 KO’s. Kovalev is putting his WBO Light Heavyweight belt on the line at Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. The 12-round fight will be the second fight in an HBO Boxing After Dark triple header presentaton this Saturday night. The HBO telecast begins at 9:45pm ET/PT.

Johannesburg, South Africa’s Isaac Chilemba, 22-2-2, 9 KO’s, will square off against Cory Cummings, 17-6-1, 13 KO’s of Newark, NJ in a 10-round light heavyweight co-feature bout that will not be shown on HBO but will inernationally televised.

Here’s what was said at today’s final press conference.

Sergey Kovalev: “I prepare the same for each fight. I am not a talker, I am a fighter. I want to get in the ring Saturday and win my next fight.”

Sergey “Krusher’ Kovalev
Photo credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
John David Jackson, Kovalev’s trainer: “Whether it goes 1 or 12 Sergey will do what he always does and that’s destroy.”

Egis Klimas, Kovalev’s manager: “I don’t think he (Kovalev) is going to give to somebody what he has been working so hard to get, his world title. We have been through hell to get to this point. Whoever I put in the ring he will fight. He never asks how big or tall he just asks when is the fight.”

Egis Klimas and Krusher
Photo credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events
Klimas: “Don’t go for beer and peanuts because you might miss something!”

Kathy Duva, Main Events: “Sergey brings electricity and excitement every time he steps in the ring. It should a great night of fights.”

Kathy Duva
Photo credits to
Larry Levanti/Main Events
Duva: “In 1984, Main Events won four world titles. In 1985, I learned that it is easier to win a title than it is to keep it. The pressure that is put on a world champion, especially one as dominant as Sergey, is something that none of us could possibly imagine.”

Blake Caparello: “I am coming to America to beat Sergey. He is a good fighter but I am looking forward to Saturday night.”

Blake Caparello
Photo credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events

Brendan Bourke, Caparello’s manager: “Blake’s in great shape, really confident, and looking forward to the opportunity. We think we have what it takes to pull off an upset.”

Ron Rizzo, DiBella Entertainment: “People weren’t jumping at the opportunity to fight Sergey. Blake’s manager wanted this opportunity and craved the opportunity for this fight.”

Rizzo: “Blake has a calming type of influence, not many things have that type of effect on my boss, Lou DiBella. Blake is well prepared for this opportunity; he is in this position because he wants to become a world champion.”

Kovalev and Caparello
Photo credits to Larry Levanti/Main Events

MEDIA CAN ACCESS FINAL PRESSER PHOTOS HERE

PDF Kovalev – Caparello Final Presser Quotes

About Kovalev vs. Caparello:
The WBO Light Heavyweight World Chmpionship between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, (24-0-1, 22 KOs) and Blake “Il Capo” Caparello (19-0-1, 6 KOs) is on Saturday, August 2nd at Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic, City, NJ. The fight will be telecast as part of a split-site triple-header on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 PM ET/PT. The event is presented by Main Events in association with DiBella Entertainment. Tickets prices are $55, $80, $160 and $250. They are available at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the HBO Boxing After Dark special triple header split site telecast begins at 9:45 PM.

About Revel
Revel Casino Hotel is Atlantic City’s newest and most spacious casino resort and convention destination. Located on Atlantic City’s world-famous boardwalk, the ocean front hotel is designed to offer endless views of the Atlantic at every turn. The casino resort offers 130,000 square feet of world class gaming, with 2,400 slots, 130 table games, electronic tables and players’ lounges, along with the high-limit table game Ultra Lounge. A member of the American Express Gold Hotel Collection, Revel features 1,399 ocean view rooms. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, cabanas, gardens, lounges, a 32,000-square-foot spa, 13 restaurants that offer a range of fine dining to deliciously affordable menu options, a collection of boutiques, nightclubs, a dayclub, and live entertainment at The Social and showroom headliners at Ovation Hall. While taking in all the casino has to offer, guests can earn points as they play, dine, shop and relax with the Revel Card loyalty program. For additional information and updates, and for complete details and rules of all promotions, customers can visit the Revel Card desk or visit www.revelcasino.com and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/revel and follow @revelresorts on Twitter and @revelcasino on Instagram.

BROOKLYN (July 31, 2014) – Rod Salka, Edgar Santana and Jarrod Fletcher are all, understandably, being referred to as underdogs heading into their respective fights Saturday, Aug. 9 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. But the overlooked fighters are all relishing in their opportunity to pull off the upset and shock the world, live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®.

In the main event on SHOWTIME, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia will face the hungry “Lightning” Rod Salka in a 10-round welterweight bout. In the co-feature, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson will risk his title against veteran contender Edgar Santana in a 12-round match. In the opening fight of the telecast, Brooklyn’s own Daniel Jacobs will take on once-beaten Australian Jarrod Fletcher for the vacant WBA Middleweight World Title.

Will these dogs have any bite? Check out SHOWTIME boxing expert Steve Farhood’s list of top 10 underdogs who pulled off extraordinary upsets and read what each aforementioned fighter has to say as they head into the biggest fights of their careers:

Buster Douglas KO 10 Mike Tyson, February 11, 1990, Tokyo (Wins WBA, WBC, IBF Heavyweight Titles) – Tyson is 37-0, Douglas is a 42-1 underdog in at least one Las Vegas sports book; not even Nostradamus saw this coming.
Evander Holyfield KO 11 Mike Tyson, November 9, 1996, Las Vegas (Wins WBA Heavyweight Title) – Tyson opens as 24-1 favorite; not first or last time “Real Deal” is overlooked.
Randy Turpin W 15 Sugar Ray Robinson, July 10, 1951, London (Wins world middleweight title) – Robinson went in with a ridiculous record of 128-1-2, and hasn’t lost since 1943.
Frankie Randall W 12 Julio Cesar Chavez, January 29, 1994, Las Vegas (Wins WBC Super Lightweight Title) – “J.C. Superstar,” 89-0-1, suffers first knockdown and first loss in same bout.
Hasim Rahman KO 5 Lennox Lewis, April 22, 2001, Gauteng, South Africa (Wins WBC & IBF Heavyweight Titles) – Rahman does it with one legendary punch vs. ill-prepared Lewis.
Billy Backus KO 4 Jose Napoles, December 3, 1970, Syracuse, NY (Wins world welterweight title) – New York Times lists local challenger, who has 10 losses, as 9-1 underdog; aging Napoles stopped on cuts.
Leon Spinks W 15 Muhammad Ali, February 15, 1978, Las Vegas (Wins world heavyweight title) – Almost beyond belief: In only ninth pro bout, Olympic gold medalist Spinks shocks “The Greatest.”
Corrie Sanders KO 2 Wladimir Klitschko, March 8, 2003, Niedersachsen, Germany (Wins WBO Heavyweight Title) – Southpaw from South Africa crushes Wlad with huge left hands.
(tie) Cassius Clay KO 7 Sonny Liston, February 25, 1964, Miami (Wins world heavyweight title)
Muhammad Ali KO 8 George Foreman, October 30, 1974, Kinshasa, Zaire (Regains world heavyweight title) – Ali is at least 7-1 underdog in both bouts; his handlers, in fear of his fate vs. Big George, had reportedly mapped out route from stadium to hospital.
Kirkland Laing W 10 Roberto Duran, September 4, 1982, Detroit (junior middleweight bout) – A 7-1 underdog, the UK’s Laing surprises Duran, 74-3 at the time.

ROD SALKA:
“I’ve been an underdog the entire time I’ve been a professional. I’d have to be living under a rock to not think I’m an underdog. But this is just another fight that I have to win. I know I’m the underdog, but I’ve never looked at it that way. I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder. And I stuck around because people told me I couldn’t succeed.

“I don’t want to look back when I’m 60 or 70-years-old and have any regrets or know I didn’t give it my all. This could be my only opportunity like this and I can’t let it slip away.

“If I needed anything to motivate me it would have been six years ago when I was promoting my own four-round fights, when I was fighting in local shows trying to draw my own fans. Each fight now is its own motivator; each one is the biggest fight of my life.

“Critics would say, ‘He’ll never be more than a four-round fighter, he’ll never be a contender, he’ll never beat anyone good.’ Then I fought on SHOWTIME and I beat Alexei Collado. Now they say, ‘He doesn’t stand a chance against Danny Garcia.’ They were wrong before and they are wrong again.”

EDGAR SANTANA:
“People see me as the underdog, the guy without a chance, which I don’t mind. We are all underdogs in one way or another. It’s up to me to change that, and the only way to do that is beat Lamont Peterson.

“People have been underestimating me my whole life. It has definitely motivated me.

“When people say you can’t win, you can’t beat him, you don’t deserve a shot, and it’s alright. My focus is on working hard. I have to perform that night and to show everyone what I’m capable of doing. I don’t care what people say. People will still talk trash about me after I knock him out. But that’s not my problem. All I know is they made a big mistake in choosing me as an opponent.

“This would instantly change everything for me. You’re talking about a fighter who many people have forgotten about. But I’m back, I think I’ve paid my dues, I’ve worked hard, I’ve sacrificed a lot. This is meant to be. I truly believe that this is meant to be.

“For some reason, I just have that feeling inside, I can almost taste it. This is my time. I’m here for a reason and I’m going to take advantage of this. It’s happening for a reason and I’m going to leave it all on the line.

“This shot makes everything I’ve been through in my career and personal life worth it. I’ve been around, ups and downs, but I still kept pushing. I was very optimistic throughout my career. I always told myself that if I kept pushing myself that my time would come. And that time is finally here.”

JARROD FLETCHER:
“I like having the underdog role. I’ve been the massive dog before -no one thought I would win against Max Bursak earlier this year in Monaco – and it’s the same here in his (Jacobs’) own back yard. I look forward to the opportunity. It doesn’t get any bigger than this.

“The fans in the U.S. might not know who I am, but I’m just focused on my preparation. People can think what they want. I’ve come here to win. I didn’t travel all the way here and spend months in the gym just to get a paycheck. I’m not just an opponent. I came here to take that title back to my fans in Australia.

“It would be life changer. Winning the title would make life a lot easier with the young kids, my wife and family. It would financially set me up and put me up top. Everything would come easier. Winning a world title has been a dream of mine since I was a kid and it will come true next week.

“Once that bell goes it doesn’t matter who the favored fighter is, or what city or arena we are fighting in. It could be in a phone box in Australia and it wouldn’t matter to me. We’ve already put in all the hard work. All those guys cheering against me just make me hungrier.

“I’m just going to let my fists do the talking in the ring. I’ve had a great preparation. This has been a dream of mine and it’s about to come true. This is going to be the start of something big for me.”

# # #

ABOUT “GARCIA VS. SALKA”:
Garcia vs. Salka, a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday, August 9, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Dibella Entertainment, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson puts his title on the line against Edgar Santana in a 12-round championship bout. Opening the telecast, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, Brooklyn’s own Daniel Jacobs takes on Jarrod Fletcher for the vacant WBA Middleweight World Title. The event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).
Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

FAIRFIELD, CALIF. (July 31) – For the first time in two years, top junior featherweight prospect Manuel “Tino” Avila will compete in his hometown of Fairfield, Calif. at the Allan Witt Sports Center and puts his undefeated record on the line in the FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ Golden Boy Live! main event against Mexico’s Sergio “Finito” Frias on Friday, August 22.

In the co-main event, it’s an eight-round heavyweight showdown when unbeaten Gerald “El Gallo”Washington faces veteran standout Nagy Aguilera. In the eight-round televised opener, featherweights Guy Robb of Sacramento, Calif. and Jonathan Arrellano of Ontario, Canada will square off.

“Few moments in boxing are more exciting for fans than when a young, hungry prospect fights in front of his hometown,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions. “Manuel Avila seems to have all the tools, but how he performs against a tough fighter like Sergio Frias in a pressure-packed situation will determine a great deal about Tino’s future.. Gerald Washington is an impressive athlete who has picked up boxing very well in a short period of time, and if he beats a veteran like Aguilera, he could be on his way to the next level of the heavyweight division.”
A 22-year-old rising star with a huge California following that is growing nationwide, Fairfield’s Manuel “Tino” Avila (15-0, 6 KOs) last fought at home in August of 2012, when he stopped Vicente Alfaro in three rounds. Since then, he has fought and won six more times, most recently knocking out seasoned veteran David De La Mora in just two rounds. Showing clear improvement with each fight, Avila expects to be at his best ever on August 22.

Sergio “Finito” Frias (15-3-2, 8 KOs) is a four-year professional who is unbeaten in his last three fights. A rugged battler who knows how to mix it up in the ring, the 23-year-old Guadalajara native is ready for a big night in which he makes his Golden Boy Live!and United States debut against one of the top talents in the 122-pound weight division.

A former college football star who is on his way to surpassing his success on the gridiron in the boxing ring, Vallejo’s Gerald Washington (13-0, 10 KOs) may have gotten a late start in the sweet science, but he’s making up for lost time quickly. Washington is 3-0 thus far in 2014 and the 32-year-old has scored knockouts over Arron Lyons, Skipp Scott and Travis Walker this year and Aguilera is on his hit list for number four.

Fresh from a gutsy effort against 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale in April, New York’s Nagy Aguilera (19-8, 13 KOs) will attempt to get back on the winning track against Washington this August. Winner of three of his four pre-Breazeale bouts, the 28-year-old known as “Dominican Dynamite” can make a big statement if he pins a loss on Washington on Golden Boy Live!.

Sacramento featherweight Guy Robb (13-1, 5 KOs) is always in an exciting fight and he will have his fans out in force when he looks for his seventh consecutive win on August 22. The same can be said for Ontario’s Jonathan “Lil’ Thund’r” Arellano (14-4-2, 3 KOs), making this a must see fight for hardcore boxing fans.

Also in action on August 22 will be several of California’s top young talents in separate 4 round battles including San Jose’s Andy Vences (8-0, 4 KOs) who takes on Hollywood’s Cesar Martinez (4-2-2, 1 KO), Los Angeles undefeated featherweight Manny Robles Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs), Madera’s Chris Bautista (2-0) Vacaville’s Ryan Bourland (2-0, 1 KO) and a rematch between junior middleweights Joel Siapano (0-1) of San Leandro and Fresno’s Jesus Sanchez (1-0).

Avila vs. Frias is a 10-round junior featherweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Don Chargin Productions and Paco Presents and sponsored by Corona Extra and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The Allan Witt Sports Center doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 6:00 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $100 (VIP), $65 (Floor) and $40 (Bleachers) are on sale now by calling La Charrita Market 707-434-8344, Courtyard by Marriott 707-422-4111 or online at www.pacopresentsboxing.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1 or www.pacopresentsboxing.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @FOXSports, @PacoPresentsBoxing, and @Swanson_Comm, and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (July 31) – Following his big win over Ricardo Alvarez on March 8, Mexican star Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson has the opportunity to put himself back in line for a world title shot on Saturday, August 2, when he faces the Philippines’ Adones Aguelo in a WBC super featherweight title elimination bout to air live on Televisa and FOX Deportes from Estadio Nachan Kaan in Chetumal, Mexico.

The bout will be Thompson’s first in his hometown since October of 2012.

In the co-main event, it’s an all-Mexico slugfest when welterweights Silverio “Chamaco” Ortiz of Merida, Yucatan Mexico and Fernando Castaneda of Aguascalientes battle it out in a 10-round matchup.

One of Mexico’s premier boxers, 30-year-old Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (29-3, 26 KOs) was on the fast track to a world title and on a 13-fight winning streak when he lost a 2013 Fight of the Year candidate to WBC 130-pound champion Takashi Miura in August of 2013. Unbeaten in two fights over Cesar Chavez and Ricardo Alvarez since then, Thompson has his sights set on a rematch with Miura, but he has to get past Aguelo this Saturday first.

Hailing from Cebu in the Philippines, 26-year-old Adones “Yamagata” Aguelo (21-9-2, 13 KOs) is a true road warrior, having fought in Mexico, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia over the course of his eight-year career, building his reputation while honing his craft in the ring. Unbeaten in four of his last five bouts, Aguelo can earn his first crack at a world title with a win over Thompson.

The latest member of a fighting family to make its mark in the boxing world, 31-year-old Silverio Ortiz (26-14, 14 KOs) is a respected veteran who has been on a hot streak over the last few years, winning 11 of his last 12 bouts, including five straight. Hoping to show that he’s ready to make a move into the world rankings, Ortiz knows that a win over Castaneda will be an important one.

Nicknamed “Huracan,” 25-year-old Fernando Castaneda (21-8, 14 KOs) is on the comeback trail after two recent losses, but considering that he won 10 of his previous 11 bouts before those setbacks, he’s right on time for a spectacular return to form, and what better time to do it than this weekend in Chetumal?

Thompson vs. Aguelo, a 10-round WBC super featherweight title elimination bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Cancun Boxing of Pepe Gomez and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 6pm CT and the first fight begins at 6:30pm CT. The Televisa broadcast will air on Canal 5 and begins at 10:30pm CST (Delayed Broadcast) and the FOX Deportes broadcast will air at 10 pm ET/7pm PT (Live Broadcast) .

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.quequi.com.mx, www.FOXDeportes.com and www.televisadeportes.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/PeriodicoQuequi, www.twitter.com/TD_Deportes and www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/periodicoquequi and www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

Newport Beach, CA: People say “two is better than one” so fight promoter Roy Englebrecht announced that his 10th session of Fight Promoter University will feature back-to-back Fight Club OC shows. Set for December 3-6 in Southern California, FPU X will be a day longer and now with the two shows all FPU students will be able to work both shows and get twice the hands on experience.

“What a way to end 2014 so that future or current fight promoters can get the knowledge and hands on experience in the fight promotions business that they need to be successful in 2015,” said FPU founder Englebrecht. “With FPU X we will give students the experience of our normal Thursday Fight Club OC show set for Thursday, December 4th, and then on Friday, December 5th it will be the Resurrection Fighting Alliance bringing their great MMA fighters to The Hangar for a show that will be broadcast live on AXS TV Fights. So two great shows for students to work and observe what it takes to put on a quality fight show.”

FPU X will also feature an extra day so students will be able to attend all the necessary classes and hear from some of the best fight promoters and business men in the combative sports business. The opening session will begin on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10am and will wrap up with the FPU X Commencement Address and Graduation at Noon on Saturday, December 6th.

FPU Graduating Class of 2013

FPU X will include 16 classroom sessions over four days, hands-on experience at two pro fight shows, and will feature up to 12 guest speakers. Past Fight Promoter University sessions have featured some of the biggest names in the fight business, and invitations to be a guest speaker at FPU X will go out to; Scott Coker the new head of Bellator and former founder of Strikforce, Adam Simon head of sports for AXS TV, Ed Soares head of Resurrection Fighting Alliance, Steve Bash founder of Bash Boxing, Bruce Binkow former CMO and COO at Golden Boy Promotions, Kristen Daniels marketing manager at Heineken USA/Tecate, Howard Sandler Director of Events at the OC Fair & Event Center, Whit Haydon and Mel Valenzuela boxing and mma matchmakers at Roy Englebrecht Promotions, Karl Freitag founder of fightnews.com, Jeff Sherwood founder of Sherdog.com, Drew Englebrecht VP of Marketing and Operations at Roy Englebrecht Promotions, Andy Foster Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission, JT Steele, President of CAMO (California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization), Big John McCarthy MMA referee, Jack Reiss boxing referee, Ken Pavia top MMA agent, and others.

“What has made FPU very special and the only place to go to learn the fight promotions business has been our guest speakers,” said Englebrecht. “I ask each one to come to FPU not to tell war stories or how great they are, but the actually teach a specific area of the fight promotions business so students leave with so much more knowledge than when they arrived.”

The cost for tuition and extras for Fight Promoter University X will be $1,195 which will include all four days of classroom sessions, three buffet breakfasts, one lunch, the exclusive 300 page FPU Manual, a Fight Club OC T-Shirt, FPU credential, and all transportation while at FPU X. Travel and lodging will be each students responsibility and they will be able to make their own room reservations at the Atrium Hotel at a special FPU rate of only $99 a night.

To register for FPU X go to www.fightpromoteruniversity.com

BROOKLYN (July 31, 2014)– The fight fans have been clamoring for it, so back, by popular demand, comes another edition of “Brooklyn Brawl.”

Star of David Promotions CEO Dmitriy Salita is excited to announce that another exciting evening of professional boxing will run on Sept. 18, at the Master Theater in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.

Cruiserweight Junior Wright (10-0-1, 9 KO’s), who wowed the crowd with his skills, stamina and toughness in the last Brooklyn Brawl, back in May, will be in action on September. 18 in a six round bout. “Junior Wright is recognized as one of the best cruiserweights in the world. He loves fighting in New York City, we are very happy to bring one of the best prospects back to Brooklyn,” Salita said.

Also, junior middleweight contender Steven Martinez (15-1, 12 KO’s), gaining more of a reputation as a power punching fan favorite in every outing, will also see action in Brighton Beach. Salita co-promotes Martinez along with future Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. It speaks loudly that Jones, having been regarded himself as one of the most talented hitters every to enter the ring, calls Martinez, “one of the best talents in the junior middleweight division.” Added Salita: “Steve Martinez has been looking very impressive. He wants to make a statement again.” He will compete in a six round bout.

Top ten pound for pounder in the women’s ranks Amanda Serrano (20-1-1, 15 KO’s), a two-time world champion, will have her hands full with Jackie Trivilino, who showed New York fight fans she’s the real deal on June 14, when she fought rising star Heather Hardy tooth and nail at Barclays Center. This will be an 8-round bout.

Dimash Niyazov (6-0-2, 4 KO’s), a Kazakhstan-born boxer who possesses a blend of speed, power and mobility, looks to show boxing fans that Gennady Golovkin isn’t the only pugilistic talent produced by that nation. The junior welterweight living on Staten Island meets Jamell Tyson in a 6-round bout on Sept. 18.”Dimash Niyazov has been very inspired by success of his countryman Gennady Golovkin,” Salita said. “Dimash is very popular in this area, and is motivated to climb up the ranks.”

Also, 4-1 middleweight Akil “That Dude” Auguste (4-1, 4 Ko’s) of Brooklyn seeks to extend his KO streak to five fights, this time taking on Godson Noel (3-0, 2 KO’s).

Heavyweight contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (9-0-1, 9 KO’s) returns to action in a six rounder. Popular power puncher Peter Reyes (4-0, 2 KO’s) is set to compete in a four rounder, against Maurice Amaro of Philadelphia. Gary Beriguette (5-0, 3KO’s) of Brooklyn will compete in 4-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Salita finished with a note about the burgeoning excitement Star of David cards have been building in Brooklyn. “Master Theater, formerly the Millennium Theater, is a great venue and that helps create local buzz,” he said. “We have been getting a better and better turn out with each show!”

For more info visit salitapromotions.com for tickets call 646-401-5657

Sherman Oaks, CA (July 31, 2014) Former world champion AUSTIN “No Doubt” TROUT returns to battle against two-time world title challenger DANIEL “The Rock” DAWSON in the main event on ESPN Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra™ from the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California on Friday, August 22nd it was announced today by Dan Goossen.

The Trout-Dawson fight will be televised live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event is promoted by Goossen Promotions.

Advance tickets starting at $50 can be purchased through the Pechanga Resort and Casino website, www.Pechanga.com or by calling 1-877-711-2946. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:30 p.m. with the first bell at 6:00 p.m.

“We’re very excited to bring this outstanding main event battle between Austin Trout and Daniel Dawson to the beautiful Pechanga Resort and Casino” said Goossen. “Pechanga has been one of the premier resorts and casino in California for many years and it’s nice to bring a world-class event back to their great fans and our worldwide ESPN audience.”

Said Brian Kweder, Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions for ESPN,
“We wanted to cap off a great season of Friday Night Fights for our fans by closing out an exciting year with former world champion Austin Trout who returns to action on ESPN2 in this special main event bout.”

Coming off his only two losses in 2013, and dealing with the death of his beloved grandmother (on his wedding day), Trout, long considered one of the top 154 pound fighters in the world, puts himself right back into position in regaining his championship belt with a win over the determined Dawson.

“Between the rest, dealing with everything from last year, I’m ready to get back to work,” said Trout. “I’m ready to get back to the top.”

Fighting out of Las Cruces, New Mexico, trained by Louie Burke and advised by Al Haymon, the 28-year-old Trout, 26-2-0 (14 KOs), won the vacant World Boxing Association (‘WBA’) Junior Middleweight World Title against Rigoberto Alvarez, Canelo Alvarez’s brother on February 5, 2011.

With four title defenses, including a memorable performance against future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in December 2011 at Madison Square Garden, Trout solidified himself as one of the sport’s brightest and best young stars.

In his next bout, one of boxing biggest events in decades, Trout battled popular top Mexican contender Canelo Alvarez on April 20, 2013 in front of 40,000 fight fans at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Fighting valiantly against the aggressive Alvarez, Trout lost a very close, hard fought decision.

The 36-year-old Dawson, 40-3-1 (26 KO’s), trained by Bobby Mayne, has spent almost his entire career in his native Australia as one of the country’s most popular fighters.

Dawson, seeking to make a statement Miguel Cotto couldn’t do against Trout, is coming over from his native Australia, where he’s undefeated over the last four years, to do it.

Dawson simply said, “It’s an opportunity that I’ve worked very, very hard to get back to and I believe we can take this victory back home to Australia.”

In his only appearance in the United States, Dawson challenged then World Boxing Organization (‘WBO’) Champion, Sergey Dzinziruk in May 2010 in Santa Ynez, California.

Fighting evenly through the first nine rounds, despite the fact he took the fight on less than 2 weeks notice, Dawson succumbed to a barrage of punches and was eventually stopped by Dzinziruk in the tenth round.

Undefeated in his last seven bouts, Dawson won a 12-round unanimous decision over perennial contender Alex Bunema on September 20, 2013 in his hometown of Perth, Australia.

Additional bouts completing a sensational fight card will be announced shortly.

About Pechanga Resort & Casino
Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the western United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com . Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

For more information on TROUT vs. DAWSON, follow Goossen Boxing on Twitter at @GoossenBoxing, Dan Goossen at @DanGoossen, Austin Trout @NoDoubtTrout, Daniel Dawson @Daniel_Dawson and the Pechanga Resort & Casino @PechangaCasino. Use hashtag #TroutCasino.

Colorado Springs, CO (July 31, 2014) Amidst the high altitude of the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, top rated welterweight prospect and Western Pennsylvania fan favorite SAMMY VASQUEZ JR., 15-0-0 (11KO’s), is wrapping up training for his highly anticipated 10-round showdown with JAMES STEVENSON, 21-0-0 (14KO’s) of Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday, August 8 at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Fighting for the IBF/USBA Welterweight Title, VASQUEZ JR. vs. STEVENSON headlines “The Pride of Pittsburgh” presented by boxing legend MIKE TYSON and Iron Mike Productions and telecast nationally on FOX Sports 1.

Finishing one of his last training sessions, Vasquez Jr. spoke about his upcoming battle with the also undefeated and southpaw fighting Stevenson.

“Training in Colorado is perfect for me, there’s no distractions unlike back home and I can fully concentrate on Stevenson” said the hard-hitting Vasquez Jr., who has become must-see TV for his all-action style and stunning knockout power.

With the fifth start of his 2014 campaign just days away, Vasquez Jr. talked about his busy year.

“It’s perfect for me, I want to stay busy. Both of my past two fights ended quickly and I’m thrilled to be fighting for a title in my hometown.”

Vasquez Jr. stopped Juan Rodriguez Jr. in the first round on April 18 and followed that up with a third round knockout of Jay Krupp on June 6. Both fights were nationally televised on SHOWTIME and ESPN Friday Night Fights respectively.

“We train to go 12 rounds for each fight. Recently I sparred with (world champion) Terence Crawford and learned a great deal, he’s very crafty, really makes you think in the ring” said Vasquez Jr. “We go four minute rounds with thirty second breaks.”

“I truly believe my time is now, really since I turned pro in 2012. I wanted to actually move quicker than I’ve been but it’s been a good, learning process inside and outside the ring.”

“I’ve seen a little bit of Stevenson, he’s pretty slick but I’m confident that whatever he tries won’t work.”

“We’re expecting a huge crowd at the CONSOL Energy Center and I’m not going to disappoint them. This fight is the next step towards a world title opportunity and I’m ready to go.”

Advance tickets for “The Pride of Pittsburgh”, starting at $50 are available through the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30 p.m. with the first bell at 7:00 p.m.

Co-featured at “The Pride of Pittsburgh” is an eight round lightweight clash between the highly popular, local fan favorite, MONTY MEZA CLAY and Nicaraguan battler RENE “Super Chirizo” GONZALEZ.

In a special attraction six round middleweight battle, 2012 Ukrainian Olympian IEVGEN “The Ukrainian Lion” KHYTROV will face off against tough Detroit veteran WILLIE FORTUNE “500”.

As has become custom at all Iron Mike Productions events around the country, a sensational undercard will be announced shortly.

The CONSOL Energy Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Further information can be located at their website, www.consolenerycenter.com

For additional information on Iron Mike Productions visit www.IronMikeProductions, follow on Twitter at @IronMikeProd and on Facebook at IronMikeProductionsOfficial.

HBO’s hit late-night boxing franchise returns for an all-action tripleheader of fights from two sites when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: BRANDON RIOS VS. DIEGO CHAVES, SERGEY KOVALEV VS. BLAKE CAPARELLO AND JESSIE VARGAS VS. ANTON NOVIKOV is seen SATURDAY, AUG. 2 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, exclusively on HBO. HBO Sports teams will be ringside at both events, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Aug. 3 (8:00 a.m.) and 5 (1:00 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Aug. 3 (3:30 p.m.) and 4 (11:00 p.m.)

Presented from Las Vegas, the main event of the evening marks the 2014 debut of fan-favorite Brandon Rios (31-2-1, 22 KOs) of Oxnard, Cal. The former 135-pound champ has participated in a handful of classic throwback brawls in his young career and is determined to rebound after tough losses to Mike Alvarado and Manny Pacquiao last year. His foe in the ten-round welterweight fight is Diego Chaves (23-1, 19 KOs) of Buenos Aires, making his Las Vegas debut in just his second fight outside Argentina.

The middle bout is a 12-round world title fight at 175 pounds, as Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (24-0-1, 22 KOs) defends his light heavyweight crown against Australian Blake Caparello (19-0-1, 6 KOs) in Atlantic City. Surging to the top of the 175-pound division, the undefeated slugger is making his fourth appearance on HBO in a year’s time, after delivering spectacular knockouts in his three previous bouts on the network. A hot television attraction, Kovalev, who now calls Ft. Lauderdale home, will face a formidable challenger in the undefeated Caparello.

The evening’s opening bout comes from Las Vegas, with undefeated hometown darling Jessie Vargas (24-0, 9 KOs) facing Anton Novikov (29-0, 10 KOs) of Kopeysk, Russia, in a super lightweight contest scheduled for 12 rounds. Vargas has displayed a willingness to meet any competitor, and will encounter a crafty southpaw in Novikov, his third undefeated opponent in his last four fights.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producers, Dave Harmon and Jon Crystal; director, Jonathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

LAS VEGAS (JULY 31, 2014)–Michelle Rosado, Raging Babe founder launches her much anticipated Raging Babe web store (www.ragingbabe.com) this Friday. The online store will offer boxing themed clothing for both women and men, as well as novelty items at affordable prices.

“This Raging Babe line has been in the works for over a year. I wanted it to be unique, affordable, relatable and yet fashionable for both women and men too. I believe our merchandise will appeal to the boxing fans around the world!”, said Rosado.

From August 1 – September 1, 10% of total proceeds will be donated to Heart By Faith: Kennedy Cunningham’s Heart Transplant Fundraiser.

“Kennedy Cunningham is the true definition of a Raging Babe. She’s a lover, she’s a fighter, and certainly a survivor. The family is a faithful and fighting one and they need our help.”, finished Rosado.

Kennedy Cunningham is the 9-year old daughter of two-time Cruiserweight world champion Steve “USS” Cunnungham. She was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and is awaiting a heart transplan that will be performed in Pittsburgh.

Your donations will help cover the out of pocket expenses that come along with this amazing opportunity. Traveling to and from Pittsburgh as well as securing and maintaining a “home away from home” while Kennedy awaits her new heart and recovers from surgery.

To make a donation, visit www.heartbyfaith.com.

London (31st July) Commonwealth and European champion Kid Galahad will defend his Commonwealth super bantamweight title against Canadian Tyson Cave* on Saturday 20th September in Sheffield.

The night of championship boxing from Ponds Forge sponsored by MaxiNutrition will be shown live on Channel 5.

Cave from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada is ranked number 6 by the WBA and Galahad is expecting that an impressive win over the ‘Prince of Hali’ will propel him up the WBA ratings and ultimately give him the world title shot that he craves against title holder Scott Quigg.

Kid said “If I’m honest I haven’t seen much of him but that isn’t a problem as come the 20th September in that ring I will be prepared for anything.”

“I’m looking forward to jumping over Cave in the (WBA) ratings so eventually Quigg will stop running and will be forced to fight me.” Galahad added.

Cave, the 32-year-old NABA super bantamweight champion said “He has never been in the ring with an alien like me. Everything that he’s trying to do, I’ve perfected.

“He (Galahad) should stop trying to be like the prince, there’s only one prince in the game now and that’s the Prince of Hali.”

Galahad’s promoter, Mick Hennessy said “This is a genuine step up in class for Kid, if he wins this fight in style like I believe he can, I will be pushing for a world title fight for him.”

Popular Sheffield fighters Adam Etches and Scott Jenkins will also be in action along with local fighters Atif Shafiq, Sam O’Maison, Callum Hancock, Bradford’s Golden Boy, Nadeem Siddique and Team Fury fighters Isaac Lowe and Tyson’s cousin Dempsey Fury.

The packed crowd will also see highly regarded featherweight prospect Yusuf Safa from Bexleyheath in action.

Tickets for the Hennessy Sports promoted event at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, priced at £35 general admission and £100 ringside are available to purchase by calling the SIV ticket box office on 0114 223 3777.

Tickets are also available from www.sivtickets.com or in person at the Sheffield City Hall, Crucible Theatre and Motorpoint Arena Sheffield.

Media Accreditation
For fight accreditation for Sept 20th please email: Lee@hennessysports.com for an application form.

Applications need to be submitted on or before Friday 12th Sept 2014. You will be notified of your accreditation status by close of business (5.30pm) on Tuesday 16th Sept 2014 via Email.

PHILADELPHIA(July 30, 2014) – Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia opened his DSG Boxing Gym in Philadelphia Wednesday for a media workout prior to his August 9 welterweight bout against “Lightning” Rod Salka at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY live on SHOWTIME.

Garcia, along with his father and trainer, Angel Garcia, spoke to the media about the upcoming fight and trained in front of the cameras. With fight night just over a week away, here is what the two had to say on Wednesday:

DANNY GARCIA, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“I always have something to prove. Either I’m fighting someone who I’m not supposed to beat and no one believes in me, or I’m fighting someone I’m supposed to beat and if they fight well I can’t win anyway.

“To me, it doesn’t matter, title fight or not, at the end of the day it’s my show and I’m going to put on a great performance for the fans.

“I can guarantee one thing, on Aug. 9 it’s going to be an exciting fight and people who don’t watch it are going to miss out.

“I always go for the knockout. I need a knockout. I haven’t had one since Morales back in Brooklyn so I’m definitely going for it.

“Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I can’t control what people are going to say. All I can do is go in there August 9th and fight hard for my fans.

“I feel like every fight I’m in is always a big fight. There’s always excitement and the fans know what they’re going to see when they see Danny Garcia. They’re going to see blood, sweat and tears, they’re going to see power and excitement.

“Someone is going to get hurt and it isn’t going to be me.

“The last mandatory I knew I had was Lucas Matthysse. As far as the rankings though, I don’t really pay attention to that.

“No matter how I win, I believe August 9 is going to be a great show. Brooklyn has a great atmosphere for fights.

“Both Salka and [Mauricio] Herrera move a little bit, they’re about the same height so there are some similarities. I was focused last fight [against Herrera], but I made a lot of mistakes. I’m not making any mistakes this time around; you’re going to see me on my A-game.

“We’re more focused as a team this camp and more disciplined. We’re doing everything right. There’s a lot of chemistry. I’ve sparred over 100 rounds already and we’re prepared.

“When I fought Salka last I had just come back from U.S. [amateur] championships, and I had faced so many fighters, the main thing I remember is that I won. The only other thing I remember is being aggressive and trying to walk him down.

“My dad is fired up, he’s been classic Angel Garcia. He was more quiet last fight, but he’s back now. I’m calling August 9 ‘The Purge’ because team Garcia is going to purge Barclays Center.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father and Trainer

“wasn’t disappointed about it not being a title fight, there’s nothing we can do. Everybody has a job, I’m here to train Danny and he’s here to fight.

“I don’t really watch tape. That’s old thinking. I watched the Herrera fight just to get the doubt about it out of my head, but that’s just from the media. They made it seem like Herrera destroyed Danny, but I didn’t see it like that.

“What happens when you get all this negativity in the media about a performance, the next person you’re going to fight feels the consequences. Salka is in a predicament right now. He’s in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“To me, Salka is going to come 100 percent, fighting an undefeated guy. He’s going to want to get that reputation, but I’m not worried about him. I’m worried about Danny and I know he’s going to be ready.”

# # #

ABOUT “GARCIA VS. SALKA”:
Garcia vs. Salka, a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday, August 9, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Dibella Entertainment, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson puts his title on the line against Edgar Santana in a 12-round championship bout. Opening the telecast, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, Brooklyn’s own Daniel Jacobs takes on Jarrod Fletcher for the vacant WBA Middleweight World Title. The event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, will air live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale now and are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

LAS VEGAS – (July 30) – The lineup for next week’s “World Series of Fighting 12: Palomino vs. Gonzalez” is now complete with the addition of a four-bout preliminary card.

The new additions to the event include lightweights Lucas Montoya (6-3) vs. Jimmy Spicuzza (4-0), welterweights Danny “Dee1” Davis Jr. (9-8-1) vs. Jorge “Lil’ Monster” Lopez (11-4), bantamweights Adam Acquaviva (1-1) vs. Cody Maltais (2-0) and featherweights Soslan Abanokov (4-1) vs. Bryson Gutches (2-0).

“World Series of Fighting 12: Palomino vs. Gonzalez” takes place Aug. 9 at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Featuring a key lightweight matchup between hard-hitting Peruvian veteran Luis Palomino (22-9) and undefeated Californian contender Lewis Gonzalez (9-0), the evening’s five-fight main card airs live on NBCSN at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT local time). The newly announced four-fight preliminary card streams live on NBCSports.com at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT local time).

Tickets for “World Series of Fighting 12: Palomino vs. Gonzalez” start at just $39 and are on sale now at AXS.com.

“Part of our job at World Series of Fighting is to seek out the best up-and-coming talent in mixed martial arts and put them in matchups that truly test their ability to perform at the highest level of the sport,” World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo said. “Seven of the eight fighters on this preliminary card live and train right here in our home base of Las Vegas, the ‘Fight Capital of the World.’

“This event will give them all a chance to shine and perhaps earn their way into a televised main-card matchup in the very near future.”

Lucas Montoya is a part of Utah’s Blackout MMA and makes his World Series of Fighting debut. Fighting professionally since 2007, Montoya started his career at just 1-2 but has since rebounded with an impressive stretch of five wins in his past six bouts, with all five of those wins coming by first-round stoppage. He now meets the Robert Drysdale product Jimmy Spicuzza, who already owns World Series of Fighting wins over Justin Jaynes and Gil Guardado. Both of those wins came earlier this year.

Danny Davis Jr. is a longtime veteran of the Las Vegas fight scene who boasts previous appearances for Strikeforce and King of the Cage, among others. While dealing with his share of losses throughout the years, Davis has been fine-tuning his game at Xtreme Couture and Robert Drysdale Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and currently owns a three-fight winning streak, including a World Series of Fighting 9 win over Phil Dace. Meanwhile, Jorge Lopez is a longtime Wanderlei Silve protege who is now training at Syndicate MMA. He’ll look for a much-needed win after dropping three heartbreaking fights in a row by decision, including two razor-thin split-decision results.

Just 22 years old, Syndicate MMA’s Adam Acquaviva made his World Series of Fighting debut in June, turning in a thrilling performance in a hard-fought loss to Timur Valiev. He now returns to action against undefeated Californian Cody Maltais, who now works under submission master Robert Drysdale.

Following a successful amateur career, Syndicate MMA fighters Bryson Gutches made his professional debut in December and has since earned a pair of victories. He now meets 25-year-old Soslan Abanokov, who fights for the first time this year after putting together a perfect 3-0 campaign in 2013.

The complete “World Series of Fighting 12: Palomino vs. Gonzalez” lineup includes:

(NBCSN-televised card)
Luis Palomino vs. Lewis Gonzalez
Cully Butterfield vs. Ronny Markes
Elvis Mutapcic vs. Kelvin Tiller
Brandon Hempleman vs. Alexis Vila
Bryson Hansen vs. Matt Sayles

(NBCSports.com live stream)Lucas Montoya vs. Jimmy Spicuzzai
Danny Davis Jr. vs. Jorge Lopez
Adam Acquaviva vs. Cody Maltais
Soslan Abanokov vs. Bryson Gutches

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“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. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

About NBC Sports Network
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Kelly Swanson
Thanks, everybody, for calling in on this Monday. Today, we’re having our conference call with Shawn Porter and Kell Brook, who will be fighting against each other for Porter’s IBF Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, Aug.16.

At this time, we’re going to start with Kell, who’s calling in from the UK, and then Shawn Porter will be joining us afterwards. To make the introduction I’m going to turn it over to Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions.

Oscar De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Kelly. Yes, we are excited, once again, to team up with SHOWTIME on presenting to you a terrific boxing card, which will be taking place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., on Aug. 16t promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. Thank you to the sponsors, Corona and AT&T. This televised event will be on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, and we are always thrilled and excited to showcase some terrific fights starting with the co-feature, Omar Figueroa versus Daniel Estrada, which will be a 12-rounder for the WBC Lightweight World Championship. For the co-main event we have Sakio Bika versus Anthony Dirrell, which will be a 12-round WBC Super Middleweight Championship fight.

The reason why we’re here today is the main event, which will be a terrific fight, showcasing two of the top welterweights in the world today: Shawn Porter versus Kell Brook. On the call we have Kell Brook with a record of 32-0 and 22 KOs out of Sheffield, England. He is currently ranked number five by The Ring magazine at welterweight. He also possesses tremendous punching power, and is a great knockout artist and boxer. He’s coming off a great win against tough, rugged, Mexican welterweight champion, Alvaro Robles that took place last March. Brook plans on making a tremendous fight against the hard-punching Shawn Porter on Aug. 16 at StubHub Center.

As you all know, StubHub Center is known for its terrific matchups, its competitive fights, action-packed fights and this is no exception. Let me introduce to you, and everyone give a warm welcome; it’s his first time fighting in the U.S., and going up against a terrific champion in Shawn Porter. I commend Kell Brook for coming all the way across the pond to fight Shawn Porter. Like I said, with a record of 32-0 and 22 KOs, let me introduce to you, Kell Brook.

Kell Brook
Yeah, it’s great to be part of a bigger, stronger team with you, Oscar. It’s going to be brilliant fighting for the welterweight world champion at my young age, and we’re not too far away now, after finishing some hard training with still more to come. I’m more than ready for this opportunity.

Q
Can you talk about just the general frustration, if that’s the right word, that you’ve had given what happened with injuries?

K. Brook
Yes, it’s been very, very frustrating for me. I’ve been in line for this title before, and injuries caused the delay. I’ve been on the back burner and trying to keep fighting in between. I’m onto a new chapter now, and here we are. I think Devon Alexander gave Shawn Porter a tough fight and then Shawn looked good in his defense against (Paulie) Malignaggi. He took care of him, which no one has done before. He’s proven that he’s a worthy champion. Here we are again. I think I’m more than ready. I’ve been training very hard for this fight, and as the records show, I’m 32-0. That’s what I like to do, is win, and I’m coming over there and giving it my all.

Q
Do you think the fact that you’ve traveled for a fight will put you a little bit more at ease being outside of England for this biggest fight of your career?

K. Brook
Most definitely. I’ve boxed out there before so it won’t be the first time me doing that. I’ll keep that in my mind now, I’ve done that and it won’t be bothering me at all. I know that this is the biggest opportunity in my life, but I’m prepared for it, and it’s just me and Shawn Porter and I’m ready.

Q
How far in advance of the fight will you arrive in America?

K. Brook
Well, I’m coming over Wednesday (today), so I think it’s like two and a half weeks before the fight.

Q
Oscar, why are youe going to StubHub Center for this event?

O. De La Hoya
StubHub Center was a perfect fit for this type of card. As you know, StubHub Center now has the reputation of staging some of the best fights in recent years. We saw (Robert) Guerrero and (Yoshihiro) Kamegai, which was a tremendous fight. When putting this event together, StubHub Center was the first choice. The fact that you have no local fighters does not matter.

I feel the fans in Los Angeles that will be attending are just accustomed to watching some great fights no matter where they’re from, and the fact that the fighters will be performing at the StubHub Center, there’s a bit of added pressure for every single fighter because you must perform. It reminds me kind of like the Thunderdome movie with Mel Gibson; I mean, you have to fight there. The atmosphere is great, the fans are expecting great fights and I believe this is what Kell Brook and Shawn Porter and every fighter on the card will give us — a tremendous fight.

Q
Can you talk about that performance you had against Senchenko, and what it did for your confidence level?

K. Brook
I think it was a right fit, and I think it was a right fight. I think overall getting (Vyasceslav) Senchenko out of there in four rounds, I think it was appealing to the fans and for my career, and I think it was a good performance overall.

Q
When you were sitting on the outside looking at Alexander and he had that fight with Shawn Porter, how surprised were you that he lost the title to Porter?

K. Brook
I wasn’t shocked because anything can happen in boxing. I think there’s a blueprint over that with Devon against as many fighters who just smother him, because he likes to keep that distance and be on the back foot. So, you know, when watching it, I wasn’t really too shocked.

Q
Some people were quite surprised by Porter’s next fight when he fought Paulie Malignaggi and he took him out so easily. What were your thoughts on that particular fight?

K. Brook
Yes, I remember watching that fight. I didn’t expect that and I was definitely shocked after knowing that Malignaggi had been in with Cotto and some other big names, and other big fighters. I was slightly surprised knowing that Shawn Porter knocked Malignaggi out so quickly. It was a little bit of a shock to me.

Q
I’m sure you are aware how big it would be if you were able to get this title belt, and then an allUK fight between yourself and Amir Kahn. Do you have that just a little bit in the back of your mind?

K. Brook
Of course, it’s a business and it is in my mind. I know that this is the key to Fort Knox. It’s a business; it’s a match of money fights out there, not Mr. Amir Kahn, but international fights. I think people in America and around the world now will take note after beating Shawn Porter.

Q
When American fight fans get to see you in this fight against Shawn Porter, what do you think they’ll be surprised about most?

K. Brook
I don’t think they’ll be surprised, I think that it is what it is. They’re going to see what Kell Brook can really do, and, in fact, everyone around the world is going to see why they do call me “The Special One” and you’re going to see me at my best.

Q
What do you think Shawn meant when he talked about you being a very technical fighter, and how much is he on point?

K. Brook
I think he knows that he’s up against someone who’s 32-0, who’s passionate about actually becoming world champion and he’s probably seen the cat-like reaction. I’m a big welterweight and strong and determined. I think that he can maybe see it in my eyes that I’m not coming to lay down, I’m coming to lay it on the line. I’m a lion and I’m coming to take that title. I think he knows that it’s going to be like that.

Q
Do you have any doubts that you could win a decision in America? Do you have any reason for concern as far as the judges?

K. Brook
Yes, of course, it goes through your mind, but I think the entire world is going to be watching. It’s a hard division, and to win I have to be winning clearly, so all the world’s going to see it. Obviously, they’re going to remind me, I think, in my own country but I think, in this fight, it’s going to be so clear who the winner is there’s not going to be no doubt.

Q
You were implying that he feels more pressure because you’re not from this country, or for a number of reasons. Why did you say that? What is your rationale for saying that?

K. Brook
I just believe that maybe not in this fight, it’s high risk, world to world, it’s sad that if they could pick they definitely wouldn’t pick Kell Brook. I’m 32-0 and a star from England who has come to fight, so I think chucking and changing the dates, all the little things, it would just leave that time there. But it is what it is; I’m the man ready for that title, so there’s nowhere to go now.

Q
How would you handle Porter’s pressure and speed?

K. Brook
Amateurs and professional are completely different. Shawn had many fights and, myself, I’ve had far less amateur fights. I think the amateurs and professional are completely different, as you know. We’ve been having the sparring, watching Porter. We know it’s going to be a tough fight, we know that he’s seasoned and a professional. We know it’s going to be tough, but that’s what we prepare for, so that’s what it is.

Q
Have you ever fought anyone like Porter?

K. Brook
I think I’ve fought every kind of talent. I think that I’ve been boxing 20 years now, and I’ve been in there with every style there is. His style is not going to surprise me. I’ve dealt with that style, and boxing, to me, just comes natural, so there you go with that.

Q
Do you think the quality of your opponents is better than Porter’s opponents?

K. Brook
This one is arguable and the fact is, I’m at 32-0 out of 32 fights, and I’m ranked at that for a reason. I think that I can’t really compare opponents with his opponents, but the fact is I’m here and that’s where we are.

Q
After this fight, if you should win, who would be the next one that you would like in the 147- pound list?

K. Brook
I don’t know, and I think that if it came down to it, the team would decide what my next move will be. I just know that winning this fight puts me in line with all the elite fighters in the world of welterweights. I know I’ll be fighting a big name.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Kell Brook, and we’re looking forward to your arrival. Now on the call, from Akron, Ohio; he’s one of the United States’ best amateur boxers of this era; he’s now considered as an orthodox offensive machine coming off an impressive victory over Julio Diaz. He’s fought against the likes of Phil Lo Greco, Alfonso Gomez. Fighting at 147 pounds, he’s someone to be reckoned with; last December scoring 12-round unanimous decision over Devon Alexander to win the IBF title, and coming off a spectacular fight against Paulie Malignaggi, who he stopped in the fourth round.

Let me introduce to you, with a record of 24-0 and 15 knockouts out of Akron, Ohio facing Kell Brook, another undefeated fighter, Shawn Porter.

Shawn Porter
Thanks for that wonderful introduction. Things have been going great in camp. We just finished our first session here on the track, and just jumped in the car to do this interview. I’m excited about the fight Aug. 16. StubHub, I’m finally performing there so I’m excited about that. I’ve been to the venue a half a dozen times or so, and I love it, and so I can’t wait to get out there in person and give you guys a great show.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Shawn, and welcome to the Thunderdome. Now, for the media, we open it up for questions.

Q
You talked about his technical skills; obviously he’s a big guy and a strong guy, similar to you. Characterize what challenge Brook poses in as many ways possible.

S. Porter
Well, when I first turned pro they told me we were going to take it slow and build ourselves up and learn the fight game before we jumped into a big fight; the IBF championship fight that I had. I understood that the whole way; it was a growth process, was a building process, I was stepping up each fight. Anyone out there that’s saying this is the new Shawn Porter; no, this is not the new Shawn Porter, this is someone who has worked hard, someone who has developed and built himself up.

Now I’m here, I’m the IBF Welterweight Champion of the World and we now have another opponent in front of us, someone who’s very skilled, very basically and fundamentally sound. Just looking at film of the guy, he keeps his hands up, he throws a good, straight jab and good a one-two. That’s the basics of boxing, that’s the fundamentals of boxing. Things that I work on everyday and he’s very good at them. Not everybody else I’ve faced up to this point has been as good at them as he has.

With that being said, we’re going to go out there, we’re going to do everything the way we always do it. We’re going to box, use our speed, our power, our quickness, everything that we have, and keep in mind that he is a good fighter and we won’t be rushing in, we won’t be getting out of control.

Q
Is there any more pressure now given that you’ve been projected as the next star for the next few years over the next one, maybe two weight classes?

S. Porter
No, there’s no added pressure at all. This is what I love to do, and I’m having fun with it right now. We work extremely hard, and you know my dad, you know my trainer, my manager, Kenny Porter; nobody sets the bar higher than him. I’m working extremely hard every day, and the pressure is put on me all in the gym and on the track and in the swimming pool and in camp. Once I get to the fight all the pressures, I’ve already felt them all. There’s no pressure to deal with in the fight, just going out there and doing everything the Porter way and getting the job done, as we have.

Q
Oscar, can you assess Shawn’s growth, what you saw in him, say against Paulie Malignaggi maybe that surprised you, and then what maybe you see as a challenge in Kell Brook similar to what, I guess, Shawn sees.

O. De La Hoya
Well, I’ll tell you what didn’t surprise me is, the way he knows how to adapt. Shawn Porter is a fighter who, if he has to stay on the outside and throw calculated combinations, he can. One thing about Shawn, he’s always very exciting; that’s a given, so StubHub Center fits him perfectly. But, depending on who he has in front of him, he either walks right through you and demolishes you the way he did against Paulie Malignaggi, or he takes calculated risks; that’s who Shawn is. He’s a smart offensive fighter, and that head combination is very dangerous. This is not the new Shawn Porter; this is the Shawn Porter who’s just getting started.

Q
Do you feel like you’re just basically entering the prime of your career physically?

S. Porter
Honestly, I would say yes. I don’t really know what age you’re considered in your prime or anything like that, I don’t follow statistics. Nothing about me is statistical. I’ve defeated every one that’s ever been put against me, so I don’t know in terms of me if being 26 has anything to do with it.

Yes, I feel that all the experience that I had in the amateurs has been great for me, and has made me where I am as a pro and all the experience that I’ve had now as a pro has got me to the point that I’m at right now where I just feel very comfortable. I feel very excited about my matches, I’m excited to do camp and I’m excited about life. I think, right now, yes, I am in my prime.

Q
What is your motivation for fighting? Some guys it’s strictly glory, money is secondary; other guys they want to make a ton of money; other guys want to be in the Hall of Fame. What’s your specific motivation?

S. Porter
My specific motivation, I would say, is, there’s a level of excitement that I get from boxing, that I get from being in the ring and entertaining those crowds. I have those matches that just fill me up, man; it really does, it fills me up. I guess, along with that would be, yes, just a great career and the glory and all of that that comes with it. I think maybe my biggest motivation is probably my dad and my family. He pushes me, and we train year-round. We’re calling it camp right now because six weeks out from a fight it’s what you do; you call it a camp, but we live this, I train hard all day every day. I hardly take any time off, a few days after a fight and I’m right back at it because, again, this is what I love to do and you have to be prepared at all times.

Q
Do you think that at the level of fights that you’re in now that at some point, just for your own long-term career, that you do need to take a little bit of time off and give your body a decent rest?

S. Porter
We train hard year-round so we can afford to take those breaks during camp. Your body needs to rejuvenate, recover; we take those breaks. The other day I didn’t even hit the gym, I went and got a pedicure, I went and did some swimming and I relaxed my body. That’s what you have to do. When you train hard and you stay prepared you can afford to take those days off where it doesn’t get monotonous training and working hard doesn’t become boring or something you don’t want to do.

We’ve formed this thing, and I love calling it the Porter way because we do it in such a way that no one else can do it. We allow ourselves to take breaks during camp and just enjoy life and rest and recover and stay focused on the program without having to burn our body out or anything like that. Again, I’m enjoying life right now, I’m loving every bit of it, and I will be prepared Aug.16.

Q
Do you view, in any way, even in the back of your mind, that if you put on an explosive, impressive performance against Kell Brook; keep your title andstay unbeaten that, in fact, you become a serious candidate to get a fight with Mayweather?

S. Porter
Of course you do, you look forward to those opportunities. I don’t consider my fights as auditions, I consider them performances. I go out there and I give it my all, I don’t go out there and give it my all with expectations of getting something bigger and better, but with the expectations of making that fight the biggest and best fight that I’ve had, and then going from there. Again, you know this is boxing, we don’t look ahead of ourselves, but at the same time, yes, Mayweather, we all know he’s on the clock and we’re all right there standing there hoping that we’re next in line.

Q
You guys are both undefeated. Someone’s 0 must go. Does that put more pressure on the fight?

S. Porter
No pressure at all. You look at my record, I’m undefeated against undefeated fighters, so I’m going to keep that going. I do look forward to staying undefeated, and carrying my belt out of that ring Aug.16.

Q
You’re only blemish in your career is a draw to Julio Diaz. Just curious what you felt after that draw, and did you change anything at all to come back and have this explosion that you’ve had since then?

S. Porter
Yes. I think after the draw, obviously, I didn’t perform the way I liked to, the way I wanted to and that just motivated me to work even harder, and right all my wrongs that I did in that fight. Not that I put that fight behind me, but it’s not something that I look at all day every day or anything like that. Yes, I understood that I didn’t perform the way I should have, and I didn’t make the fight the Shawn Porter fight that it should’ve been. Since then I’ve focused on working harder in the gym, and just coming out being exciting in the fight.

Q
Do you feel when you get in there that you’re bigger and stronger than these guys and that you can physically bully them the way that you did Paulie Malignaggi?

S. Porter
Well, I’ve always believed that. Every fight we come in with our game plan, we work on it in the gym. We have a strategy that’s fight specific and we have to go to that. Every fight isn’t going to be Shawn Porter coming in and knocking you out. Some fights I’m going to have to box, I’m going to have to use my feet and my hand speed. Other fights I can walk in, be a little more dangerous, and throw some really hard shots and walk guys down; it all depends. With this fight, I’m not going to say too much over the air, but we do understand that we have to come in there locked and loaded and ready to fight.

Q
When you look at your opponent, Kell Brook, what do you see in him? What do you see as his strengths in the ring?

S. Porter
He’s good. He keeps his hands up, he’s very technically sound, he’s got a good one-two, he’s fast and he’s strong so this is going to be a good fight for me.

Q
How do you see that fight plan out? Do you see it going the distance?

S. Porter
I don’t make predictions, but I will say that Shawn Porter will be undefeated after Aug.16.

Q
How is Kell Brook any different than any other fighter that you’ve fought?

S. Porter
Well, I’ve pretty much fought the who’s who of young fighters out there. With that being said, it’s just another step up. He’s the guy that is mandatory for the IBF title, and the guy that we were told we had to fight. We go in there with a great game plan and we’ll execute it and fight him and move on from there.

Q
Also, you have pressure versus speed; what do you have to say about that, and pressure versus technical?

S. Porter
Yes. I can do it all so I’ll pressure a little bit, I’ll fight him on the outside, whatever I have to do.

Q
With all the opponents that you fought versus Kell’s, who do you think fought the better opponents; the most quality opponents?

S. Porter
Well, my dad, he keeps me going, he keeps me on my toes, keeps me moving and he’s always got me stepping up. With that being said, from boxing the who’s who in amateurs, the boxing tough competitors here in the pros to sparring Manny Pacquiao, I think everything that I’ve done speaks for itself. I’ve been in the ring with great champions and the better opposition so I do think that they give me the upper hand in the fight Aug.16.

Q
Talk to boxing fans, what they say is; they want Porter vs. Keith Thurman so I guess I’m going ask, will you fight “One Time” if you beat Kell Brook? Do you want to fight him?

S. Porter
I’ll fight “One Time” two times. I don’t look past what’s in front of me. Again, we’ve seen it all over the internet, all over the media wavelengths; everybody wants that fight. I think it’d be an exciting fight and it’s a fight that I wouldn’t turn down.

S. Porter
Final closing statement: I’m working hard. You guys know me, you know I’m going to go in the ring Aug.16 and give it my all. I look forward to seeing everyone out there, it’s going to be a great fight ata great venue. I’m excited to get out there to StubHub, and then perform Aug. 16. See you guys soon. I thank Golden Boy, Al Haymon, Team Porter, everyone out there, thank you very much.

O. De La Hoya
Thank you very much, Shawn Porter. We’re looking forward to an exciting fight, exciting card.. Thank you very much to all the media. I appreciate your time and being on the call, and we will see you very soon, and witnessing what is not only young guns, but young guns that are ready, willing to fight anybody. Thank you very much.

Shawn Porter vs. Kell Brook is a 12-round fight for the IBF Welterweight World title promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the 12-round co-main event, Omar Figueroa defends his WBC Lightweight title against Daniel Estrada, and in the televised opener, the WBC Super Middleweight title is on the line when Sakio Bika defends his belt against Anthony Dirrell. The event will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges are on sale now and are available online atAXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425.

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 29, 2014) — Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum announced today that the Visa for DIEGO “La Joya” CHAVES has CLEARED and that he will be traveling to Las Vegas to face BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS, as scheduled, on Saturday, August 2, at The Chelsea in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Rios (31-2-1, 22 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., the former world lightweight champion and pound-for-pound all-action fighter, will be making his eagerly-anticipated 2014 debut against one-time interim world champion Chaves (23-1, 19 KOs), of Buenos Aires, in a 10-round welterweight battle. The co-main event will feature undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight champion “The Pride of Las Vegas” JESSIE VARGAS (24-0, 9 KOs), making his first title defense, against undefeated contender ANTON “The Pick Hammer” NOVIKOV (29-0, 10 KOs), of Kopeysk, Russia. Both fights will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, remaining tickets to the Rios vs. Chaves / Vargas vs. Novikov world championship event are available for purchase at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, $100, $150 and $200. Room / ticket packages are also available.

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.

For more information on The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, visit www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosmopolitan_lv or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thecosmopolitan.

Las Vegas (JULY 30th, 2014)- SARTONK the premier belt maker of the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO have confirmed that they will appear and have a Booth to Meet and Greet boxing fans at the inaugural Box Fan Expo this September at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Mayweather vs Maidana rematch fight weekend.
SARTONK was founded in 2009, to safeguard a boxing legacy that dates back nearly four decades. In the late 1970s, Ardash Sahaghian was invited to apply his training as a jeweler to the modernization of championship boxing belts. The most visible of his works are the WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO, and Ring belt designs. During the tenure of his grandson, Edward S. Majian, SARTONK has preserved the classics and created contemporary designs, carrying the legacy into mainstream appreciation. Acting on the belief that champions deserve nothing less, SARTONK has elevated “the belt” to a work of art.

Featured in ESPN The Magazine in 2013, and, most recently, a recipient of a FedEx Small Business Grant award, SARTONK has gained international recognition not only for its expertise, but also, its company philosophy, which is based on integrity, community, and social contribution. SARTONK’s annual Ali-King Award encourages critical thinking and writing among boxing’s youth. While maintaining its high standards of design and craftsmanship, SARTONK uses its position in the boxing industry as a force for good.

Quote from President Edward S. Majian :

” I strongly believe in the vision of the Box Fan Expo. Such an event is long overdue, and SARTONK is proud to be a part of the inaugural expo. This is all about community”

Every year, one of the biggest boxing weekends of the year is Mexican Independence Day. In 2014, that weekend has just got bigger, better and more fan accessible with the announcement of the FIRST-EVER BOX FAN EXPO.

Box Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, September 13th, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and will run from 10am to 6pm.

To Purchase tickets click: http://www.BoxFanExpo.eventbrite.com/

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience that was created to promote the entire boxing industry and to allow fans to celebrate, Meet and Greet their favorite boxers and boxing celebrities. The event will feature boxing legends, today’s superstars, Hall of Famers, future prospects and the stars of today all under one roof.

The event will also feature major promoters, ring card girls, sanctioning organizations as well as trainers, referees, commentators and announcers. Anyone that directly or indirectly represents the sport of boxing will have a chance to showcase themselves to the boxing fans and whole industry. Also in attendance will be exhibitors, sponsors, television broadcasters and media.

Box Fan Expo will also feature different activities such as autograph sessions, photo ops, weigh in, face off with your favorite fighters and buy merchandise.

Throughout the next several months, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that have already committed their appearance at the Box Fan Expo.

For anyone in the industry who would like to be involved and reserve a booth, contact

Box Fan Expo at:

U.S.A Telephone Number: (702) 997-2099 or (514) 572-7222

Email: info@boxfanexpo.com

For more info go to: www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Box Fan Expo is committed to helping the Retired Boxers Foundation which is a nonprofit organization that helps improve the quality of life for retired fighters. This is a fantastic opportunity for sponsors, retailers and anybody involved in the boxing industry to get involved and be a part of this once in a lifetime event and help out this great cause. Box Fan Expo is proud to announce that part of the proceeds from the event will help the Retired Boxers Foundation.