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Jhonny Gonzalez vs. Gary Russell Jr. Preview

Showtime Championship Boxing will come to us from the The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday as Jhonny Gonzalez (57- 8, 48 KOs) attempts to make the third title defense of his WBC World featherweight title against once beaten Gary Russell Jr. (25-1, 14 KOs).

Russell Jr. of Capital Heights, Maryland is on a quest to prove that he still is who we thought he was prior to the Vasyl Lomachenko loss, one of the best up and coming fighters in the game. An undefeated fighter prior to June of 2014 when he faced Lomachenko, Russell was the guy who exhibited all the skills but did not yet have a career defining win or one over a top flight opponent.

Lomachenko’s majority decision could and probably should have been scored a unanimous decision. It’s not like Russell fought badly, he has some of the fastest hands in the business and his power shots were coming at Lomachenko with blistering speed but the Ukrainian was always a step faster causing Russell to land very few clean shots.

Russell was attacked to the body early with damaging blows, the effects of which were evident in the championship rounds. Russell was never able to cut the ring off and force Lomachenko into a slugfest and lost out on a chance to capture the vacant WBO World featherweight title.

In an interview with Behind The Gloves, Gary Russell Sr. spoke about his son’s loss,

“Like they say, you’re only as good as your last fight. No one wants to talk about the 24 wins my son had. Media just wants to talk about the loss. I understand, it hypes the story, it sells. Hey, look, Lomachenko was a real tough fight but what people don’t know is my son was in a sauna three days in a row before the fight, each after a long training session.”

“He had a strength and conditioning coach for the first time in his career. And without my knowledge, he was taking my son to the sauna for hours after training. You could tell by the first round with Lomachenko, something was off. Gary wasn’t himself. He was dehydrated. The sauna is a vampire. Sucks the life out of you.”

Russell followed the Lomachenko loss with a unanimous decision victory in his last fight against Christopher Martin in December.

Mexico’s Gonzalez has been riding high since he stopped then undefeated WBC World featherweight champion Abner Mares in one round back in 2013. Since then he has made two title defenses, both in 2014, a technical decision win over Clive Atwell and in his last fight in October, an 11^th round stoppage win over tough as nails Jorge Arce.

“I’m very excited to be coming back to the United States. Every time I have fought on American soil, it has been career changing for me,” said Gonzalez. “In 2012, [Daniel] Ponce De Leon stopped me in Las Vegas and made me reconsider my whole strategy. I came back to the U.S. in 2013 and I stopped an undefeated champion, Abner Mares. Now I’m back and once again I’m facing a tough opponent. Russell is not an easy test, but I’m confident I’m going to surprise everybody once more. Nobody thought I had a chance in 2013 and I stripped Mares of his title, food for thought.”

“Ever since beating Mares, I feel like I am finally getting the respect and support from the fans and media that I deserve. I get recognized all of the time now. The recognition motivates me to work harder than ever before and not let my fans down”

“I feel like I am in my boxing prime. There is still so much to prove and show to the world that I am still at the top of my game and capable of fighting with the best, in my fight on Saturday I am going to bring the same energy and intensity that I brought in my fight against Mares.”

As the adage goes, styles make fights and the contrast here is a recipe for an explosive fight. Gonzalez is a heavy handed brawler who comes forward with a seek and destroy mentality while the southpaw Russell’s speed is the great equalizer. Gonzalez will have a reach advantage but Russell is the best opponent that Gonzalez has fought in some time, something that is not lost on Gonzalez.

“I know that Gary Russell Jr. has fast and powerful hands. He is a quick and strong southpaw. I know he’s an excellent boxer, I am going to attack him with my power and speed. Once he feels my power in the ring, he’s not going to be able to think in there. He’s going to run, but if he decides to brawl with us, then we will have something for him.”

“At this point in my career, he [Russell] is the fastest opponent I have ever faced. He has very fast hands and puts together good combinations, to prepare for Russell, I am constantly keeping my hands up at all times during my training. I am training that if he throws punches at me, I know how to immediately react and throw shots back at him.”

“A lot of people are doubting me going into this fight because of the speed of Russell. It’s a great challenge for me and I can’t wait to get in the ring. “I am absolutely looking for the knockout and I believe I will get it. I don’t expect this fight to go the distance. I am going to pressure him from the opening bell, my conditioning and confidence is at an all-time high. I am very anxious for this title fight”

Countered Russell,

“Loma (Lomachenko) is fast while Gonzalez is a puncher. Gonzalez is more dangerous, more seasoned. We take every fight seriously, it’s a dangerous fight but we fill we’ll be successful.”

“He won’t be able to handle my speed. He has to set his feet and he lacks ring generalship. His punches are wide and I’ll be able to catch him between shots.”

Russell Jr. again has a shot at a world title and has vowed that the outcome will be different this time. He can quiet his critics with a convincing performance, a loss and the doubts and criticisms increase to a deafening tone.

Portions of this article contributed to BTG.

Jermell Charlo vs. Vanes Martirosyan Preview

Jermell Charlo vs. Vanes Martirosyan

The co-feature on Saturday’s Showtime card headlined by Gary Russell Jr. and Jhonny Gonzalez pits undefeated Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (25-0, 11 KOs) against Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan (35-1-1, 21 KOs) in a bout that’s sure to catapult the winner to contender status in the super welterweight division.

Armenian born Californian Martirosyan and Texas’ Charlo have a mutual respect for each other that stems from their early years growing up in the sport together which included some training and sparring sessions. During this week’s conference call they each recalled those experiences.

“I grew up with him, at least two or three years with Vanes, you know, and his family, his people, you know? So, I know — we know each other well.” Said Charlo

“We’ve sparred with each other several times. I can’t really say how often. I know it was back when we were a little bit younger. I was younger, still a little boy growing up into a man. So, right now, I don’t even think about how it was, what it was about, or how training was when we were training together. I wasn’t even 19 — I was 17, 16, 17, 18, I mean, those ages. Here, we face each other because we’re both at the top, and that’s what happens when you’re in the same division. Never had anything personal or different to say about him, it’s just work.”

As Martirosyan recalled,

“I remember when we used to train. It was good training. We were always in competition — me, him and his brother. We used to go running at Memorial Park every day, and we’d try to see who’d finish the lap first. It was always competition between us — running and training or what-not. But it was nothing but love and I respect him, his father, and his trainer, Ronnie Shields. They’ve been good people to me. But Saturday night, he’s going to be my enemy in the ring. For now, outside the ring, I respect everybody. Once we step in the ring, it’s a totally different story.”

In his career, if Charlo is not stopping his opponents he is out boxing them pretty handily. He had three fights in 2014; all unanimous decision wins including one over very tough out Gabriel Rosado. His last fight in December was a common opponent that he shares with Martirosyan, Mario Alberto Lozano. Both fighters beat Lozano by wide unanimous decision margins, the only difference being Martirosyan had a knock down of Lozano in their bout.

Charlo feels he is ready to increase his completion with Martirosyan,

“Training’s been great. Every time I step in the ring, every time I get ready for a fight, I feel like just there’s never been a time where I repeat myself or do something the same. I’ve been learning from all my past mistakes. Every win I’m still learning from so training camp has been good, trainer’s Ronnie Shields, Danny Arnold.

“I opened my own gym, so I get a little late night extra hours in when I want to. And, I want to fight with my twin brother. We’re pushing to fight. I can’t wait to fight. Just like Vanes, he’s hungry, he’s ready. I’m I’m ready.”

Martirosyan has a stronger resume than Charlo having fought the better competition. In 2012, a technical draw with Erislandy Lara, in 2013 a close split decision loss to Demetrius Andrade, (a fight that many thought Martirosyan had won and he also had Andrade down in the first round), and he closed out last year with a win a unanimous win over Willie Nelson.

“Jermell is a good boxer, but he’s a basic boxer. He’s done well with guys that he’s supposed to look good against. There are some guys that he should’ve knocked out that he didn’t. If he hits me I will hit him right back and we’ll see how he handles that. “If I stick to my game plan and everything goes as planned, I will say that it will be an easy fight. We have a B and a C plan if the fight doesn’t go exactly as planned. “All I can do is prepare and go out there and win the fight. After I lost my fight to Demetrius Andrade I felt like a loser. I can’t lose this fight; I’d rather die than go out there and lose again.” Said Martirosyan.

In some aspects, Martirosyan and Charlo mirror each other as they both utilize slick movement, active jabs, and work high and low. Martirosyan likely owns slight edges in power and speed but is a slower starter. This should be a boxing purist’s delight as it should be one of the better technical boxing matches seen in a while.

During this week’s conference call, both fighters were asked what a win would mean for them going forward catapulting them into title contention.

“You know, winning this fight to me — a world title would be ideal. A world title is important. I want to fight for a world title. I want the world title. That’s every boxer’s dream and envision whenever they’re young. Fighting for the world title matters and all this extra stuff, but if I’m here building my name and building my brand, that’s just as important. Being a household name throughout the World Boxing Council, everything. That matters to me.” Said Charlo

Martirosyan agreed,

“The fight, this fight — I’d say like a lot of the champions that are champions right now in our weight class, most of them just run their mouth, starting with Andrade. A fight like this for me and Jermell, it’s such a big fight for me, you know, but it’s not only for us. I mean, it’s for the fans. The fans are in, and it’s great.”

I mean, you rarely get to see contenders like me and Jermell wanting to step up and fight each other. You know, usually, people will get up to the rankings like we are, they just want to just talk a lot of bad stuff about the champions to get the world title fight. But, you know, you rarely get to see contenders like that, you know, No. 1 and No. 2 fighting each other when, you know they really want to fight each other and they both said yes to the fight. So, it’s a big fight, but I feel like, you know, we’re all gonna be — we’re gonna do our best, and I feel like the fans are gonna be the winners for this fight.”

Portions of this article contributed to BTG.

Mayweather v. Pacquiao Fight Poster

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week

Road Warrior

IBF/WBO/WBA “Super” Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1 24 KO) is an oddity. While most champions dictate every move to make their journey more comfortable, Kovalev will travel to your backyard to fight you.

On Saturday night, Kovalev traveled to the Bell Centre in Montreal to face former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, Canadian Jean Pascal (29-2-1 17 KO) and found himself in a dogfight.

From the opening round, it was a chess match and clash of styles. The precise calculated attack of Kovalev against the speed , movement, and counters of Pascal. Kovalev was working behind the jab following it with the right hand. Kovalev was jabbing Pascal in the chest to keep him off balance and keep him guessing where the jab would land .

Pascal was quick and surprisingly was able to move forward at times and force Kovalev backwards. Pascal was outstanding in countering Kovalev and had a great round in the third but also got rocked by a big right hand for his troubles.

Pascal actually did some solid work over the next few rounds. Kovalev was on the attack but Pascal was landing more huge counter left hooks and overhand rights. The speed of Pascal was the difference in allowing him to sustain a counter attack. The champion was stalking but was more cautious than we have seen him in the past as he was respecting the speed of which the counter shots were coming.

In the seventh, Kovalev landed a big left at the end of the round that hurt Pascal badly as he wobbled to his corner.

In the eighth, Kovalev had Pascal reeling after a five punch combination culminating with a left hook that sent Pascal flying into the ropes which saved him from going down. As Pascal recoiled off the ropes Kovalev attacked and their feet got tangled causing Kovalev to fall.

As Kovalev was getting to his feet and the referee was ruling it a slip/trip, Pascal was drunk on his feet wobbling as he moved to the neutral corner. Pascal was so visibly hurt as he stumbled that Kovalev took the opportunity to point at him with a smirk as if to say, “look how bad he’s hurt”. When the fight ensued, Kovalev landed two right hands on a defenseless Pascal causing the referee to jump in and stop the fight.

Good stoppage. The shot at the end of the previous round had already started the damage. All three judges had it 68-64 Kovalev at the time of the stoppage which was officially at 1:03 of the eighth.

This was a great fight and was highly entertaining. We saw the champ pushed like he had not been pushed before and he responded like a true champion. Pascal showed his mettle and fought gallantly till the end.

A few soundbites from the champ after the fight-

On why Pascal was successful early- “I didn’t like how I started, after four rounds, I got it under control.”

If he ever got hurt during the fight- “I got from him good right hand, I had harder fights than this in amatuer career” “He got me with a couple good punches, I never lost control, it’s boxing”

“Bring it on!” when asked about a fight with WBC champ Adonis Stevenson to unify the titles.

On a rematch with Pascal, “If my promoter says I will fight pascal again I’m ready”

Kovalev is now the WBC mandatory and that strap belongs to Stevenson.

Gas up the plane he’s on the move again.

PSST……Hey Guys, Uh, This Is For A Shot At The Title……………

You would think that a fight between two athletic heavyweights fighting in an IBF eliminator for the right to be the mandatory challenger for undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko would make for a great fight but….

Ukrainian Vyacheslav Glazkov (20-0-1 12 KO) defeated Philadelphia’s Steve “USS” Cunningham (28-7 13 KO) by unanimous decision, 116-112, 115-113, 116-112 in a less than stellar affair and somewhat controversial decision.

Standing-8 had the fight a draw, 114-114. The HBO broadcast crew were in agreement with ringside scorer Harold Lederman that Cunningham had won the fight.

There were a lot of close rounds in this fight. Cunningham controlled the first half of the fight by being the more active fighter. Cunningham used an active jab to set up overhand rights and a good body attack. Cunningham’s movement was also key here as anytime that Glazkov started to mount an attack, Cunningham would use his feet to get out of harms way and begin to stick the jab again. Cunningham can credit his activity level for being the difference in the first half of the fight.

In the seventh, Glazkov began to find his range a bit more and over the second half of the fight controlled most of the rounds by landing the harder shots and was just better for the majority of the round. Again, there were a lot of close rounds and you could probably go one way or the other so if the judges gave Glazkov the swing rounds, you would end up with the scores you did.

In the end, neither pugilist fought like they were battling for a title shot.

I’D Like To Thank AL Haymon

For the second week in a row, we were treated to an installment of the Premier Boxing Champions series, this time on Spike TV. The series is off to a decent start. Two solid entertaining cards that gave us some of the best fights of the year so far. A full recap of Friday’s card is below.

Red Carpet Treatment

The press conference for the May 2nd fight between pound for pound champ Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao was a spectacle that received star treatment. Complete with a red carpet and sectioned off paparazzi with camera’s flashing, the scene was reminiscent of the Academy Awards. Some highlights-

“May 2nd. The Fight of the Century. It’s all about the best fighting the best.” – Mayweather

“This fight could’ve happened a long time ago, but it’s the right time now. It’s an unbelievable matchup and I know the fans can’t wait for this. The timing is right and the timing is now.

“We finally made it happen. Everything is about timing.-Mayweather

“May 2 we have a tough task ahead of me. Manny Pacquaio is a good fighter, but last time I checked I faced eight southpaws and won eight times, so I am not worried” -Mayweather

“I believe this is what [fans] have been waiting five years for…We will do our best on 5/2 to make you happy.” -Pacquiao

“In Miami we talked about the fight and I understood that I was the B side and he was the A side”- Pacquiao

“I like being the underdog going into a fight. It has been a while since I’ve been one. This time around it gives me much more motivation and I am determined to prove that I can win”-Pacquiao

“We’re fighting the best fighter in the world, and we’re gonna kick his ass. I’m sorry, but, good luck, Floyd.”-Freddie Roach

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Middleweight destroyer and title holder Gennady Golovkin (32-0 29 KO) will make the 14th defense of his strap on May 16 against southpaw Willie Monroe Jr. ( 19-1 6 KO)from The Forum in Inglewood, California. Golovkin was trying to knuckle up with Miguel Cotto but was unable to get a willing dance partner.

PBC on Spike TV Friday Night Lights Recap

Host Dana Jacobson opened the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike TV’s Friday Night Lights Out saying “Nobody does combat sports better than Spike”. While that is yet to be seen as far as the sweet science is concerned, they did deliver a solid opening show this evening from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

Berto-Lopez

In the main event, Winter Haven Florida’s Andre “The Beast” Berto (30-3 23 KO) knocked out the local favorite from Riverside, California, Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez (33-6 19 KO) at 1:03 of the sixth round.

On paper, this bout was all war and while we didn’t get a fight of the year candidate it was entertaining while it lasted.

To open the fight, both men were coiled up like rattlesnakes ready to spring. Berto worked early to establish his jab and it was evident that his speed was going to be factor. Lopez countered by working the body extremely well while strategically landing right hands.

Berto was the aggressor moving forward forcing Lopez to fight off of his back foot and causing him to be trapped on the ropes from time to time while Berto landed combinations. The fight was also rough in spots as Lopez continuously landed blows to the back of Berto’s head.

Lopez had the height and reach advantage but did not use either fully to his advantage as much he should have to counter Berto’s speed. There were many moments of toe to toe action in this fight with both men landing.

In the fifth round, Berto began to double up his jab which was opening up opportunities for him to land his right hand. Lopez also continued to have his own moments landing solid body shots followed up by left hooks and right hands.

It was a close fight through five rounds but in the sixth, that all changed. Early in the round, Berto landed a flurry of punches that culminated with a big right hand that wobbled Lopez. Sensing Lopez was hurt Berto swarmed him and landed a big right off of Lopez’s jaw which dropped him at 2:18 of the round.

Lopez made it to his feet at the count of eight but Berto immediately landed another overhand right, this time off of Lopez’s temple and crumbled Lopez to his knees. The referee immediately jumped in and stopped the fight.

In the post fight interview, Berto was asked by Spike TV’s Jimmy Smith what turned the fight around-

“You know I came to his back yard, I had to bring the heat to him. But everybody knows that Josesito is a tough competitor. I felt his punches a little bit, he couldn’t hurt me so I started walking to him and try and break him down a little bit”

Berto on what set up the fight ending right hand- “You know, my jab, I have a pretty good jab, pretty quick these days so I just threw the jab and came over the top with the right hand”

I feel like I am right back on top in contention and my first fight coming back from my shoulder injury and I think I proved tonight that I’m right there in the mix”

Porter-Bone

The co-feature was originally scheduled to match Shawn Porter against Roberto Garcia; however, Garcia did not show for the weigh-in and it was reported that he had been hospitalized for an illness. It was then rumoured that Erick Bone would get the opportunity only to see Karim Mayfield’s name enter the picture. On Friday, it was announced that Bone would be Porter’s adversary for the evening.

Porter (25-1-1 16 KO) of Akron, Ohio did what he was supposed to do against a late replacement as he knocked the Ecuadorian fighter out at 2:30 of the fifth round but it didn’t come without some difficulty.

Bone (16-2 8 KO), who took the fight on about a day’s notice, was in Porter’s face for the first four and three quarter rounds before being stopped.

Porter controlled most of the first round with his movement and quick jab but Bone was finding success with the overhand right and landed a solid left hook towards the end of the round.

Porter again controlled the second round landing good quick combinations but Bone was there again landing the left hook solidly several times. Porter’s defense was a bit porous and his hands were low which contributed to Bone’s success.

Porter was the quicker more active fighter in the third but Bone has his share of moments again landing the left hook and giving as good as he was getting. There was some toe to toe action in a very close fourth round.

In the fifth, Bone started the round nicely landing several right hands on Porter. At 1:44 Porter swung with a big right hand causing Bone to move backwards. Although the punch missed, Bone twisted his knee while retreating and went down. It was ruled a slip but it gave Porter the momentum that he needed. He jumped on Bone and landed three vicious body shots causing Bone to reel backwards and drop to a knee. Bleeding from his nose, Bone was up at the count of eight.

Porter pinned Bone on the ropes and landed hard combinations to the body. Bone was game and landed a right hand but Porter was simply too much as he landed another body shot that hurt Bone and had him falling into the ropes.

Porter then closed the show in “Tyson” like fashion landing a right hook/left hook combination with bad intentions dropping Bone who couldn’t beat the count.

After the fight Porter was asked by Spike TV’s Jimmy Smith if he got what he expected from Bone, a last minute replacement.

“That is what I expected, I watched a little bit of him on tape last night thinking he was going to be the guy for us. I saw he was tough, had some quick hands, and he likes to throw with some power so I knew it was going to be a good fight, I didn’t know how long it would take but we’ve been working on these body punches and they showed up tonight” said Porter

On how he felt to get a win after coming off of a loss- “ I feel great, I feel blessed, God has blessed Team Porter and like you say, I know what level I’m on, no need to take any steps back just because we took a loss”

Arreola-Harper

In a swing bout, Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4 31 KO) defeated Curtis Harper (12-4 8 KO) by unanimous decision with scores of 78-73, 77-74, 76-75. A throwback heavyweight fight that was a good old fashioned donnybrook. The only thing that would have made it better is if it had been in black and white.

This fight was explosive from the opening bell. Harper jumped on Arreola in the first few seconds landing big punches but at 2:30 of the first round, Arreola landed a crushing right hand that dropped Harper and he looked to be out as he hit the canvas.

Harper was up at the count of four. Arreola took his time and continued to land big overhand rights set up by his jab. Harper was wobbled several times in the round but somehow he survived to the bell.

In the next round, Harper came out a little more composed and started to establish his jab landing solid rights and a few lefts and also did some work to the body. Arreola was able to land a few big shots again but Harper was impressive coming back strongly after being hurt in the first and most likely won the round.

In the third, Harper landed combinations while Arreola went to the body. Both landed big shots towards the end of a close round.

Harper landed multiple combinations to start round four and wobbled Arreola for a moment. Harper was controlling the round with this jab and there was good toe to toe action with both men landing big shots. Harper landed a huge left uppercut towards the end of the round and had Arreola reeling. Arreola controlled the next two rounds by landing the harder shots and backing Harper up.

In the seventh, Arreola had Harper hurt badly but he somehow stayed on his feet. Arreola walked Harper down in the final round and landed the better shots ending strong on his way to the victory.

Tonight’s card gave us three examples of why we love this game. A last minute replacement fighting his heart out and giving the favorite all he could handle before being stopped. Two heavyweights giving their all in battle for the greater good, both being hurt multiple times but showing heart and fighting on. Finally, an ex champion coming back from the hardships of the past showing that when life knocks you down, you get up and fight again.

This article contributed to BTG.

Motown Destroyer, Super Bad Dominates In Vegas

Tony “Super Bad” Harrison (20-0 17 KO) stopped Antwone Smith (23-6-1 12 KO) in the second round on ESPN Friday Night Fights from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Wearing Spartan green, the Motor City slugger displayed a quick piston like left jab while mixing in left hooks and sneaky rights from the opening bell.

Late in the first round, Harrison landed a stiff jab that he followed with a crushing right hand dropping Smith. Smith was hurt badly but able to beat the count and wobbled to his corner at the bell.

At the start of the second, Referee Robert Byrd watched closely as Harrison quickly attacked Smith. Seeing that Smith was going to take severe damage, Byrd jumped in and stopped the fight about nineteen seconds in.

After the fight was stopped, Harrison got a little cardio session in, taking a victory lap around the ring.

In his post fight interview with ESPN’s Bernardo Osuna, Harrison shared his thoughts on a few topics,

On being TV ready- “I feel like we still have work to do, that was just a small step to where we’re trying to get, to replace and reform Detroit how it used to be”

On why he was able to walk through Smith who many figured would be his toughest opponent to date- “I don’t know how to swim, if I go to the beach, I just want to put my feet in, that’s like my one and two rounds”

“Why would I want to go to the deep end where the sharks and stuff are at, when I can just put my feet in get paid quick and give the fans what they want to see and that’s knockouts?”

On what he needs to work on going forward- “I just have to work on, just keep me being me, you know, me and my team keep getting stronger, you know we’re looking for stronger opposition and we’re just going to continue to grind hard, humbling saying that, we came from the mud we’re trying to make it out, I want to be in Floyd Mayweather’s shoes one day and I’m going to keep working until that day comes”

On what it would mean to become a world champion for Detroit and for Emanuel Steward- “It means everything, I fight for Detroit, it means everything, Emanuel gave me the opportunity to platform myself to be with Al Haymon, my mom and my dad took real good care of me my family, my cousin, my brothers, you know we’ve been grinding since we were kids for this moment”

“It means everything for me to be able to reform Detroit and give the other kids in Detroit the opportunities that we didn’t have to make their ride a little bit easier”

That is now nine straight stoppages for Harrison, he is ready for the next step in his career. As the level of Harrison’s competition increases, we will no doubt see even more of what this rising star has to offer, he’s only just begun.

2014 FOY Terence Crawford Returns April 18

GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS

Press Release

For Immediate Release

ARLINGTON, TX (March 5, 2015 – Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Fighter of the Year TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD is movin’ on up — to the junior welterweight division — where he will take on THOMAS “Thunder” DULORME, the No. 2-world-rated contender, for the vacant WBO junior welterweight world title. Crawford vs. Dulorme will take place Saturday, April 18, at College Park Center located on the campus of the University of Texas Arlington in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The world championship fight will be televised as part of a split site doubleheader live onHBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoted By Top Rank®, in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Foreman Boys Promotions and Tecate, tickets to the Crawford-Dulorme world championship event will go On Sale This Friday, March 6 at 10:00 am CT. Priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $25, plus applicable fees, tickets can be purchased at College Park Center box office, online atwww.utatickets.com or www.utacollegpark.com or by phone at (817) 272-9595.

“I am ready to do bigger and better things at 140,” said Crawford.

“I’m here to prove to the world that I am the best fighter in the junior welterweight division,” said Dulorme. “Crawford has an undefeated record but he’s never won a fight at 140 lbs. I’m envisioning a hard-fought victory, one that I will bring back home to my people of Puerto Rico.”

“Dulorme is a good, well-rounded boxer. We are excited because the 140 pound division will bring the best out of Terence,” said Brian McIntyre, Crawford’s co-trainer and co-manager. “The 140 division is loaded with top fighters. This is great for Terence as everyone will soon see.”

“Terence had a breakout year in 2014 capturing the world’s attention with three career-best world championship victories en route to earning Fighter of the Year accolades,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “He will be looking continue that momentum on April 18 when he returns to HBO, on the hunt for another world title against Thomas Dulorme of Puerto Rico.”

“I’m very pleased that I was able to get this fight done with Top Rank,” said Gary Shaw. “Terence Crawford is considered one of the best Lightweights in boxing, but he is moving up to junior welterweight where he will face a very determined and talented Thomas Dulorme, who’s undefeated at 140 pounds. I want to thank HBO for showcasing what I perceive is another great fight for the fans. I smell an upset in the making. This will be the start of a great run of fantastic fights for HBO.”

“With Terence Crawford’s star having emerged in 2014, the question now is how high that star ascends or if his opponent Thomas Dulorme will invert the trajectory,” said Peter Nelson, vice president of programming, HBO Sports. “As lightweight champion last year, Crawford earned his BWAA Fighter of the Year honors with bold, stylish victories against top competitors, a streak which continues in stride up the scale against the hungry Dulorme, who is undefeated at 140-lbs. It will be a split-site doubleheader not to be missed on our late night Boxing After Dark franchise.”

Crawford (25-0, 17 KOs), of Omaha, NE, makes his 2015 ring debut looking to build on his star-making 2014 which featured three world championship victories as well as Fighter of the Year honors from the BWAA and major media alike. He began his career-best year last March 1, just 13 days short of the sixth anniversary of his professional debut. Crawford captured the WBO lightweight title, dethroning defending champion Ricky Burns on Burns’ home turf of Glasgow, Scotland. Scoring a powerful and unanimous decision, Crawford put the boxing world on notice with his virtuoso performance as he pulled out all stops in dismantling Burns, rocking the defending champion throughout the fight, while switching back and forth between orthodox and southpaw stances. He followed that with a dramatic and critically-acclaimed knockout victory of undefeated former world champion and Cuban Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa on June 28 in a Fight of the Year nominee. It was one of the most-watched fights of the year with over 1.2 million viewers catching the live, first-time airing of the fight, according to Nielsen Media Research. He concluded 2014 on November 29 with a thorough shellacking of one-time world title challenger and No. 1 contender Ray Beltran, winning 11 of the 12 rounds. Crawford is only the second Nebraska native to be recognized as a boxing world champion. Perry “Kid” Graves, from Rock Bluff, captured the welterweight crown, knocking out Johnny Alberts in Brooklyn, in 1914, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

Dulorme (22-1, 14 KOs), of Carolina, Puerto Rico, graduated to the professional ranks in 2008 after a stellar amateur career which included a sterling 140-2 record. He has long been a fan-favorite of Puerto Ricans for his slick all-action fighting style. Dulorme enters this fight riding a two-year six-bout winning streak, with his career-best victories coming in back-to-back fights in 2014 and both televised on HBO. He opened up 2014 with a 10-round unanimous decision victory over undefeated contender Karim Mayfield to capture the NABF super lightweight title and ended the year unifying his NABF title with the NABO junior welterweight title via an exciting 10-round decision over Hank Lundy. A consensus Top-Five contender, Dulorme is world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 4 by the WBO and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Terence Crawford vs. Thomas Dulorme

Battle for Vacant WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship, Saturday, April 18, At College Park Center at University of Texas Arlington, Televised Live on HBO®

Tickets Go On Sale Today at 10:00 AM CT

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, orwww.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/

GaryShawProductions or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/GaryShawBoxing or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #CrawfordDulorme to join the conversation on Twitter.

PBC ON NBC Training Camp Q&A

-Press Release

The fan favorites participating on the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC fight card on Saturday, March 7 shared their progress today on how training camp is going and the importance of the return of boxing to primetime network television.

Tickets for the live event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

As they prepare to open a new chapter in boxing history, Keith “One Time” Thurman, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Adrien “The Problem” Broner, John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. and Abner Mares took some time out of their busy training schedules to discuss the debut of PBC.

KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the fourth time?

A: I love MGM Grand. The last time when I fought there as the co-main event was an honor. This is an even greater honor to be the main event. Many world-class fighters have performed there and Floyd Mayweather has made it his home. This is a dream come true.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: It’s a blessing and I’ve been working towards this for 19 years. Al Haymon could have picked any of his great fighters for this moment and I’m honored be part of this night and kick things off right.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: With NBC coming back to primetime boxing it gives us boxers a chance to shine again on the biggest stage. We’ve been continuing to fill up arenas for years, but boxing is returning to the mainstream spotlight with an even bigger punch on March 7.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: His father had a few comments, and some things were said, but I’m expecting him to come out throwing punches and looking to execute his game plan when we enter the ring. We’re going to show him that he never should have signed this contract. There’s a different side of Keith Thurman inside that ring and he’s going to learn the hard way.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: He hasn’t fought anyone with extreme power like me.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: He’s been in the ring with some great fighters, but every fight is its’ own learning experience. We work hard in training every time to outbox boxers, outpunch punchers, and I’m expecting to be ready to do everything better than him.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: It’s actually a very mundane lifestyle. I’m resting, getting acupuncture or massage therapy. I like to go out and find good hip-hop. I’ve been eating some good sushi and seaweed salad, but just staying on my diet and resting and recovering before my late night run and maybe a session in my hyperbaric chamber.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: I’ll be honest, I’m going to stand there and exchange with him for six rounds, and if he’s still standing there we’ll see. With my punching power the KO can come at any time with that one punch. If he walks into it or I lunge at him…it can even be a body shot. I’m just looking to get him out of there. I’m going to do what I need to do to stay a champion and we’re looking to move on past March 7 with a victory.

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: MGM Grand is the Mecca of boxing venues and I’m very excited to be performing in the main event against an undefeated young lion like Keith Thurman.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: Oh yeah, I’m extremely motivated to be the first fighter to bring boxing back to NBC on primetime. Al Haymon is doing a fantastic job with the PBC. I want to show the world I’m an elite fighter and what better way to do it then against an undefeated world champion.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It’s so great in so many ways. First, anyone with a TV can watch this fight, so millions of more people can tune in. The number of new fans that will be gained will be unbelievable. For those hardcore fans who can’t afford cable, this will be a breathe of fresh air to see a top notch fight on regular network TV. Fans who are just hanging at a restaurant or sports bar, who don’t even like boxing will be tuning in, and they will all become new fans with the action they’ll be seeing. It’s going to be great for everyone.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: Thurman has a lot of power and that’s something I must be aware of.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: He’s a good fighter, but I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings into the ring on Saturday.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: I’m doing a few different things but nothing I can talk about at the moment.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: Spending time with my family. They’re my motivation.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: In Spanish we say “Chingasos.” That’s what the fans can expect from me on March 7th. My hands will be raised at the end of the fight and you’ll hear the referee say “And the new…”

ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: You know I love the big moment with the spotlight. March 7 is going to be my time to shine and MGM Grand is the place to do it.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: Of course, Al Haymon has lots of guys who could have fought on this first card and I’m honored to have been chosen.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: This is a huge deal. This is our chance to get the attention of a whole new crowd of people. This is going to make boxing bigger than ever.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: John Molina Jr. is a true warrior. His nickname suits him. He’s like a punching bag that can hit back with power. He’s a deadly fighter. It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: We’re just doing what we always do, putting in hard work. It’s been great having this experience with my newborn son, but I’m very focused on March 7.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: Well actually I just had a son born, Adrieon, a couple weeks ago. I was supposed to go out to Washington D.C. towards the end of my training camp, but I ended up staying in Cincinnati to be with his mother and to see him be born. It was a great experience.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: There’s going to be lots of heavy hitting. I’m looking forward to stopping John Molina Jr., and if I don’t stop him it will be a bloody massacre.

JOHN “THE GLADIATOR” MOLINA JR.

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: I’m very excited to be back there again. This is going to be a great night of boxing for the world to see.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: I’m always motivated, but I don’t want to dig too much into the hype and risk getting distracted. Being on this platform on NBC is great for the sport. I just don’t want to psych myself out.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It doesn’t get any bigger. We’re back in the mainstream section of sports. Being back on NBC and in 120 million homes is huge. For us fighters who put our lives on the line this is very exciting.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: He’s a very talented three-time world champion, but he’s just another fighter like me.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: Not really, I’ll be looking to come out victorious like any other time that I step into the ring.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: I’m not doing anything special, but this is the best camp I’ve ever had. There are no excuses going into this one. We obviously have a game plan because we know every fight is different, but there’s nothing necessarily special aside from preparing 110 percent.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: I like to spend time with my family. It’s important to remember why and who I’m doing this for. So on days off I like to be with my wife and child. There have been lots of emotional hiccups during this camp with the passing of my grandfather, and then my best friend lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. So it’s been tough finding the time to mourn those important people properly, but it’s just further motivation for me to perform well.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: It’s going to be an amazing match. Every time I enter the ring it’s a fight of the year candidate and I’m going to win.

ABNER MARES

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: I’ve fought at MGM Grand over 10 times – it feels like home – and I’ve won there every time, thank God. I’m looking forward to winning there again on March 7.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card?

A: Yes, of course! I’m looking forward to fighting on the PBC inaugural card on NBC and on national TV. It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase my talent to new viewers as well as boxing fans.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It’s huge for the sport. If you go back to the Sugar Ray Leonard days, all these fights were televised on broadcast TV, and on NBC, so the history is there. To have it kick off on Saturday, March 7 in primetime is a real boost for the sport and the fans. People are going to appreciate the sweet science of boxing through this fight and series.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: For me, I’m ready for the fight. I don’t underestimate him; he’s a dangerous fighter in that he is an ex-Olympian so he has that amateur background.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: He’s had a good record and has fought some tough opposition. He brings lots of experience into the ring. I’m ready for him though.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: This is not about one fight but about a career. We approach this fight – and every fight – with dedication and commitment. Not only to the sport and its history, but our training program. My team and I are focused on winning and earning my fourth belt.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: I think everyone knows that I’m a family man. When I’m not in the gym or training I’m spending time with my wife and two daughters.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: Fireworks. I’m not just fighting my opponent that night; I’m fighting towards my fourth belt.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.goossenpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @GhostBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JohnMolinaJr135, @abnermares, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

Detroit Strong, Tony Harrison-Junior Middles Rising Star

Emanuel Steward’s memory and profound effect on the sweet science is still being felt through those he taught, not only through training, but in life. Memories of the Kronk Gym legend resurface many times as you look around the sport but more so when you see current champions Wladimir Klitschko, Andy Lee, and Adonis Stevenson in the ring utilizing the skills instlled in them by the Hall Of Fame trainer.

However, it’s not only the current crop of champions who bring back these memories; there is a junior middleweight prospect that can be added to the list as well. Detroit’s Tony “Super Bad” Harrison (19-0 16 KO) is one of the last protégés of the late great “Godfather of Detroit Boxing” and a rising star in the game.

If you’ve not yet had an opportunity to see Harrison in action you’re in luck, he headlines this week’s ESPN2”s Friday Night Fights from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas against Miami’s Antwone Smith (23- 5 12 KO).

Harrison, a 6’1 orthodox fighter, comes from strong pugilistic bloodlines. His father, Ali Salaam, is a former fighter turned trainer, and his Grandfather “Hammering” Henry Hank, was a hard punching middleweight in the 50’s & 60’s who faced the best fighters of his era including five International Boxing Hall of Famers: Joey Giardello, Dick Tiger, Bob Foster, Harold Johnson and George Benton.

Harrison went 75-12 as an amateur while winning Michigan Golden Gloves titles and reaching the National semi-finals. Shortly after, Harrison briefly considered pursuing the Olympics but it was at this time that his bond with Steward began to form and redirected his journey. Steward became his trainer and Harrison opened up his career with a first round knockout on the undercard of Klitschko vs. David Haye in Hamburg, Germany.

After starting out his career with eight straight stoppages, Harrison then won his next three fights by unanimous decision, since then, Harrison has not let any of his fights go to the cards. Harrison enters Friday’s bout as he did to start his career on the strength of eight straight stoppages. Nine of his sixteen knockouts have been in the first round.

Harrison had three strong performances in 2014. He opened the year in February against Grady Brewer and stopped him in two rounds. Brewer is a very tough out who had taken Matt Korobov the distance in his previous fight. While Brewer had been stopped several times before in his career, Harrison matched Kelly Pavlik as the only fighters to dispatch Brewer that quickly.

In his next fight in May, Harrison stopped rugged veteran and fellow Michigander Bronco McKart in the first round. McKart had stopped his two prior opponents before facing Harrison but had never been stopped as fast as the hard punching Motor City slugger did it. To close out the year, Harrison blew out Tyrone Brunson (22-3-1), in one round in December.

Harrison has a destroy or be destroyed mentality. He’s a throwback fighter of sorts who wants to end his opponent quickly, but don’t let the power fool you into thinking he’s one dimensional, the kid can box when he has to.

“It is a dream come true that I get to really display my abilities to the world,” said Harrison. “I want to let the world fall in love with a fighter that they haven’t had a chance to see and I think this is the chance I need. You have to be able to entertain and I think I bring that. Antwone has fought some great contenders and he is tough to stop but my game plan doesn’t change. I’m going to go out there, do my thing, put on a show and knock him out.”

Smith, a pro since 2006 hasn’t fought since August of 2013 when he was knocked out by Jermall Charlo in the second round.

“I’ve been out for a while and I feel like this is a great opportunity. It’s like I never left. I’m motivated and ready to go,” said Smith. “I’m coming to fight, I’m ready to go 10 rounds. He hasn’t been that deep. I know I can go the distance so all the questions are on him.”

All up and coming fighters have to continue to answer questions as they move along their journey, questions that to this point Harrison has answered with exclamation points. When you grow up the youngest of eight siblings battling the hardships of Detroit and sometimes not knowing if you’ll have a roof over your head or clothes on your back, your internal fortitude is shaped at an early age preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead.

As Harrison continues to pass each phase of a young fighter’s initiation, the stage in which he showcases his talent will get bigger. Take Al Haymon’s new series, the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC, the inaugural show debuts on Saturday the day after Harrison’s bout. Harrison is in Haymon’s stable and continued success would no doubt see Harrison competing in a PBC event in the future.

There is a “Super Bad” slugger ready to earn his way to the honor of being called champion and by doing so ignite the flame of Steward’s memory once again.

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week

Where Were You?
Due to the importance of “the fight” for the annuals of the sport and the build up of the past several years it will be one of those “where were you moments” when recalling your exact location when the Mayweather Pacquiao announcement was made. Mayweather Pacquiao, May 2, MGM Grand Las Vegas. The journey was long but we will now finally see arguably the two best fighters of their generation square off.

Agreed, this fight should ideally have been made years ago but it wasn’t so get over it. This is boxing and if history has taught us anything it’s that things don’t always happen as they should. The alternative would have been that the fight was never made and then what, listen to decades of debate? No thanks, this is good for the sport and for the legacy of both fighters. You still have the top P4P fighter in the game facing a top three P4P fighter.

Standing-8 was in Las Vegas.

Powered By G3
Gennady Golovkin (32-0 29 KO) was relentless in his 11th Round TKO defeat of Martin Murray (29-2-1 12 KO) in Monte Carlo on Saturday night. GGG bloodied and bruised Murray while dropping him three times in route to the stoppage at 2:10 of the eleventh.

From the opening bell, Golovkin did what he does best, attack, attack, attack. Golovkin cut off the ring and swarmed Murray. Using precise, accurate, and economical punches, Golovkin systematically broke Murray down throughout the fight by landing hooks to the body (some of which dropped Martin), and combinations to the head which included a few timely uppercuts.

Murray is one tough dude with a hell of a beard. He was game throughout the fight, and won a few rounds while having plenty of moments throughout the fight. Murray was able to land overhand rights on Golovkin and work his body but could not do so with any type of consistency due to Golovkin’s constant pressure.Murray landed some very sharp hard punches on Golovkin but simply could not hurt him.

It’s hard to find a negative after such a dominating performance but Golovkin’s defense was a bit porous. Going forward it may pose a problem against a heavy-handed opponent or a boxer/puncher.

Nonetheless, Golovkin looked amazing and upped his consecutive knockout streak to 19.

Boxcino- Time for the Bigs
The Boxcino heavyweight quarterfinals got underway this past Friday night, here is a recap of the tournament openers=

Donovan Dennis 11-1 (9 KO) vs. Steve Vukosa 10-1 (4KO)

Dennis knocked Vukosa down in the third and although Vukosa was able to make it to the bell, he was stopped in the fourth. Dennis dominated all aspects of the fight prior to the stoppage.

Dennis, the Davenport, Iowa native is probably the best pure boxer of the bunch with the quickest hands however he will need to tighten his defense up a bit as he has shown that he can be hit.

Said Dennis, “I took what I could get. I was patient. I was disappointed they stopped it. I had more to show. I’m just looking to get better.”

Dennis will now face the 6’7 Romanian Razvan Cojanu in the semi-finals because…….

Razvan Cojanu 13-1 (7 KO) vs. Ed Fountain 10-1 (4 KO)

Cojanu had his hands full against the undersized and less experienced Fountain. So much in fact that their fight was called a draw after six rounds causing the two combatants to have to fight a seventh and deciding round. Fountain had a chance here but was fatigued which allowed Cojanu to lean on him and do enough to win the round and as a result, the fight.

Cojanu said afterward, “I couldn’t see anything. I was fighting with one eye. Buddy (McGirt) told me to jab and it worked”

Countered Fountain, ” I fought hard, The ref didn’t help. I’ll see Cojanu again after the tournament.”
.

Andrey Fedosov 26-3 ( 21 KO ) vs. Nate Heaven 9-2 (7 KO)

Fedosov was dominating in his first round destruction of Heaven. Fedosov dropped Heaven with a left hook and although Heaven was able to get to his feet, he was hit by another left hook and stopped.

“Everything went to plan. Shorten the distance and use my power. That’s what happened.” Said Fedosov

Fedosov is undersized but his opponents should beware, Fedosov could be the sleeper in the tournament.

Fedosov will now face Lenroy Thomas because….

Jason Estrada 20-5 (6 KO) vs. Lenroy Thomas 18-3 (9 KO)

Estrada and Thomas fought a pretty close fight, so close that they had to go to a seventh round tie breaker. Thomas did enough in the deciding round to take the victory but it really shouldn’t have come to that as he had controlled the fight with his height and reach and exposed Estrada as the last-minute replacement that he was.

Back To The Future

Al Haymon continued his old school approach inking PBC with CBS. (See article below)

Remember The Alamo

Canelo Alvarez had threatened to challenge Mayweather’s May 2 date but since “the fight” was made, he moved his fight against James Kirkland a week later to May 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

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