Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

Garcia Easter

 

 

 

Mario Barrios Credit Brett Ostrowslki

Photo Credit Brett Ostrowksi

 

Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

Unbeaten Super Lightweight Contender Barrios Take on Jose Roman Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from
STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE for Photos from Brett Ostrowksi

OAKLAND, CA. (July 18, 2018) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will look to deliver a sixth-consecutive knockout when he faces Jose Roman on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) is headlined by a lightweight title unification showdown between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) made the leap from campaigning at 130-pounds to the super lightweight division in December 2016 and has stayed busy while knocking out increasingly difficult opposition as he nears world title contention.

Here is what the 23-year-old Barrios had to say about his July 28 matchup and more from training camp in Northern California with Virgil Hunter:

On his fight against Jose Roman:
“Roman is a very dangerous fighter with a good record. He’s a tall fighter like myself, so that will be a different challenge for me to overcome.

“There is no doubt he will be my toughest opponent to date. These are the kind of difficult fights I need to win and win convincingly to get to the championship level. I’m going in there on mission July 28 and I’m going to prove I’m ready for a title shot.

“I know he’s motivated going into this fight since he’ll be fighting near his hometown. I’m just going to stick to my game plan and focus on what I must do, and that’s throw hard punches with precise accuracy.”

On his current knockout streak:
“Since I’ve move up to super-lightweight, my body has adjusted to the weight gain, and I’m feeling stronger than I ever have. I’m still growing into my man strength and my power is growing as well. I never go into a fight looking for the knockout, but if I get my opponent hurt, I promise I’ll be looking to take him out.”

On his training camp for this bout:
“I’ve had a tremendous training camp. For the first few weeks I was training in San Antonio at the South Park Boxing Gym with my dad and Rick Nunez laying the groundwork for what we wanted to accomplish.

“Then I finished it off in up in Northern California with Virgil Hunter, who will be guiding my corner. Together we all make a fantastic team. I’ve had tremendous sparring for this fight, my health is good and I’m ready to go.”

On making his SHOWTIME debut:
“I’m really excited to be making my debut on SHOWTIME debut on this card. I always knew I would be fighting on the big stage at some point in my career. Now it’s time to show the world what I’m made of. I’m very grateful to my team for giving me this opportunity.”

 

Usyk vs Gassiev Pre-Fight documentary is now available to view on the World Boxing Super Series YouTube channel! 👌

Speed Too Much As Pacquiao Stops Matthysse in 7

From the opening bell Manny Pacquiao 60-7-2 (39 KO) was way too much for Lucas Matthysse 39-5 (36 KO).

The speed. The Pac Man speed. The relentless movement, the in and out, the blistering combinations. Even at 39 and over a year removed from the ring, The Pride of The Philippines dominated in route to a 7th Round KO of Matthysse.

Sure, The Machine is basically flat footed most times and was basically tailor made for Pacquiao; however, that said, his punching power could have equalized matters at any given moment.

Despite this being Pacquiao’s  first fight in sixteen years sans the legendary Freddy Roach as the Chief Second, he looked like, well, Manny Pacquiao.

Replacing Roach was longtime close friend and Pacquiao entourage staple, Buboy Fernandez.  Buboy has been around the game and may have learned a few things under the tutelage of Roach but let’s face it, there is not much an inexperienced trainer is going to provide to a world titlist in a record eight weight divisions.

The speed of Pacquiao set the tone early and Matthysse never got on track. When Matthysse utilized his jab, he began to have moments but he could never sustained his attack.

At the end of the third, Pacquiao dropped Matthysse with a chopping sharp left uppercut. Not overly hurt, Matthysse was up and fought to the bell.

It would be a sign of things to come.

In the next round, Matthysse had a moment or two but they were negated by how well Pacquiao was controlling most every aspect of the round through his distance, defense, and combination punching.

In the fifth, Matthysse was closing the round well but took a shot off of his temple and went down to a knee. Probably more stunned than anything, Matthysse was up after a moment or two with the round ending several moments later.

The sixth was more of the same, the speed too much, Pacquiao was visibly beginning to break Matthysse down.

In the seventh, that sneaky left uppercut again dropped Matthysse. This time he stayed on one knee and did not make an attempt to beat the count, conceding the fight and through his actions, implying that he had had enough.

Pacquiao officially came into this fight off of a loss; however, Standing-8 scored the Horn fight for Pacquiao-

https://standing-8.com/2017/07/04/pacquiao-v-horn-dissected-a-deeper-look-60-seconds-at-a-time/)

Most pre-fight predications were contingent upon what Pacquiao had left at 39, or what to expect after a year layoff. What we got was Manny being Manny.

Win number 60 was sweet in that he capture Matthysse’s WBA Welterweight strap, and as previously mentioned became a world titlist in a record eighth weight division.

Of course after the fight, the Pacquiao v. this guy and that guy conversation started. The usual suspects, names like Lomachenko, Garcia (Mikey + Danny), Spence Jr., Crawford.

We need to take the victory against Matthysse for what it was. A good matchup for Pacquiao to showcase his skillset. Matthysse is not a masterful boxer and although he can get you out of there if you get careless, speed is his nemesis. Additionally, he really hasn’t been relevant in years.

Yes, Pacquiao looked good, he was suppose to. Lets see him against a fighter with a bit more tools in their toolbelt before we put him in there with the elite.

One thing’s for sure, he’s an all-time great and truly special fighter.

 

 

 

 

Video: Selina Barrios vs. Aida Satybaldinova Full Fight Footage ( Photo Credit -Robert Elizondo)

SELINA “AZTEC QUEEN” BARRIOS

Press Release For Immediate Release

BARRIOS vs. SATYBALDINOVA

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 9, 2018) – For those who missed the war that everyone is talking about in women’s boxing between Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (4-0, 2 KOs), and Aida “Lady Sparta” Satybaldinova (3-1-1), please click the video link above to see the full fight in its entirety. Barrios’ knockout over Satybaldinova is a candidate for “Knockout of the Year”.

 

 

 

MIKEY GARCIA LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Garcia Easter

 

 

MIKEY GARCIA LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT
QUOTES & PHOTOS

Four-Division World Champion Garcia Battles Lightweight Champion Robert Easter Jr. in 135-Pound Title Unification Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2018) – WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia worked out for the press Tuesday at Fortune Gym in Los Angeles as he prepares for his 135-pound title unification against IBF titlist Robert Easter Jr. Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

Here is what Garcia, his brother and trainer Robert Garcia and Ringstar Sports Chairman and CEO Richard Schaefer had to say ahead of Garcia’s first title unification fight:

MIKEY GARCIA

“It’s been seven years since I last had the chance to fight here in LA, and that was even before I was champion. Now after all of my accomplishments, I get to come home and put on a unification match for my local fans.

“Every time I walk into the ring, there’s a moment where I get butterflies and feel the emotions from the fans. This time it’s with my hometown fans and that’s really special. I’m really looking forward to it because I know the fans are going to show up and show their love and support.

“I think I’m in my prime right now. I’m in the best shape physically and mentally that I’ve ever been in. I need to take advantage of the moment right now and take on the biggest challenges. I want to give the fans fights to remember. Those are the fights that excite me the most.

“I know Easter is very tall and has a longer reach than me. In the gym, we’ve been working on sparring partners who present different challenges and made adjustments from there. I have to catch him reaching in or put pressure and work my way inside. There are different things that I’m capable of doing.

“I’m pretty experienced from fighting taller guys in the past, so I don’t think it’s going to make too huge a difference. It’s a disadvantage on paper, but once fight night comes, I’ll be ready.

“This is a big fight for me and I’m sure it’s the biggest fight of Easter’s career so far. I’m glad to hear he’s training extra hard. It shows me that he’s motivated and hungry to show off his very best, just like I am.

“This is my natural weight and so far everything in camp has been smooth. The weight started coming off right away and now just restricting the diet enough so we get to where we want to be.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

“We know that Robert Easter is training like never before to be ready for this fight against Mikey. He has a huge reach advantage, so we know he’s going to come in and use that. He has a new trainer [Kevin Cunningham] who is going to try make us box with him.

“We don’t listen at any criticism of Easter for having close decisions in his last couple of fights. We know that Easter is going to come in having trained like never before. It’s going to be the best Robert Easter Jr. possible on fight night.

“Mikey fighting at home in front of his hometown fans is huge for us. We know that there’s extra pressure that comes with it, but everything we’ve done together so far in his career has prepared him for it. I’m confident it’s going to bring out the best in him.”

“We have to use our experience advantage. Mikey has fought the better competition, but Easter is a young guy who wants to take Mikey’s spot. Mikey is very smart, so he’s going to look for the right punch to do damage.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“Mikey Garcia has the opportunity to dominate at 135 and 140-pounds, plus he even wants to move up in weight and challenge himself against the best at 147-pounds. It shows the character and strength of Mikey Garcia. No challenge is too big for him.

“Whenever Mikey Garcia fights, it is must-see TV. He’s as good as it gets in the sport. This challenge against Robert Easter Jr. is the kind of fight that can turn you into a boxing fan. This is going to be a barnburner. They say that styles make fights and these two styles are made for each other.

“There was always somebody who carried the sport of boxing who was in Los Angeles, but right now there isn’t. Mikey is coming to fill that void. To have Mikey back at STAPLES Center is a perfect pairing of fighter and arena. STAPLES Center tends to bring out the best in fighters and that’s sure to happen again on July 28.”

 

 

Heavyweight Slugger Luis Ortiz Returns to Take On Razvan Cojanu in Co-Feature Bout on Saturday, July 28 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Garcia Easter

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGGER LUIS ORTIZ RETURNS TO TAKE ON RAZVAN COJANU IN CO-FEATURE BOUT ON SATURDAY, JULY 28 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES AND PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

Unbeaten 140-Pound Contender Mario Barrios Battles Jose Roman To Open Three-Fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast Headlined By Mikey Garcia vs. Robert Easter Jr. World Championship Unification Event

LOS ANGELES (July 10, 2018) – Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returns to action to face former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will open with unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios takingon hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown. The event is headlined by lightweight world championship title unification bout between WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

After having heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder nearly out on his feet in their March classic, Ortiz (28-1, 24 KOs) eventually succumbed to the power of the unbeaten champion. Now, Ortiz looks to get back to world title contention on July 28. Originally, from Camaguey, Cuba, now residing in Miami, Fla., Ortiz will fight in Los Angeles for the first time as a professional. Ortiz quickly became one of the most avoided men in boxing with victories over Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott on his way to the memorable showdown with Wilder.

“I’m looking to make a statement on July 28 and get back to challenge for the heavyweight championship of the world,” said Ortiz. “I’m excited to be back in the ring. I am thankful to have this opportunity. To all the fans in Los Angeles, don’t miss this great card at STAPLES Center. ‘The Real King Kong’ is coming to LA!”

A native of Romania and fighting out of Burbank, Calif., Cojanu (16-3, 9 KOs) challenged then WBO heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker for the title in May 2017. Cojanu took the New Zealand champion the distance but lost via unanimous decision in the champion’s home country. Standing over six-foot-seven, Cojanu scored three straight knockout victories in 2016 to earn the title shot and will return to the ring for his first fight in the U.S. since January 2016.

“I’m proud and confident to know that I will be stepping into the ring against a worthy opponent on July 28,” said Cojanu. “Luis Ortiz is a world-class fighter with a lot of experience, which will give me the opportunity to show my skills to all the fans at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and watching on SHOWTIME.”

The 23-year-old Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) has been impressive since moving up to 140 pounds last March. He’s scored stoppage victories over Yardley Cruz, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Naim Nelson and most recently a second-round destruction of Eudy Bernardo. The five-foot-ten Barrios of San Antonio had previously campaigned at 130 pounds before making the move to the higher weight class that has helped unlock his power.

“I fought on SHOWTIME EXTREME but making my debut on SHOWTIME has always been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” said Barrios. “Now, the time has come to show why I’m here. I’m ready to keep showing why I’m going to become a star and one of the sport’s next great fighters. Come July 28, everyone should tune-in for a great night of fights. It’s ‘Azteca’ time.”

Fighting out of Garden Grove, Calif., Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs) scored knockouts in nine of his first 11 pro fights and has won 10 of his last 11 leading up to July 28. The 30-year-old most recently dropped a decision to Wilberth Lopez last September after a run of defeating veteran fighters and will look to put himself back on the path to a world title with a victory over Barrios at STAPLES Center.

“I’m very excited to have this great opportunity,” said Roman. “Barrios has been on a roll, but I have the experience to take him out. Both of us bring pressure and I know he’s going to be hungry to keep his record perfect. I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been for this fight. I can’t wait to put on a show in my backyard for all the great fans in Southern California.”

 

 

The Weight of The Matter, Making Weight and A Case for Same Day Weigh-Ins (Repost of 2014 article)

In light of the recent dehydration incident with Danny O’Conner, I thought I’d repost an article I wrote and contributed back in 2014. Some points still relevant, some, possibly a bit outdated.

Disappointed is the fan that pays hard earned money to attend a title fight only to see one of the fighters not make weight. When this happens most of the governing bodies will, as a general rule, make the fight a “non-title” affair; however, it gets a bit more interesting from there. Generally, the alphabets are the same in that, if the champion did not make weight at the time of the weigh-in or during the two-hour extension, their title is “forfeited or lost on the scale”. The title then becomes vacant, and typically, the fight if held would become a “non-title”, “non-sanctioned”, or “overweight” fight; however, if the challenger made the weight and wins the fight, they would be awarded the vacant championship. Conversely, if the former champion wins, the title remains vacant. If the champion makes the weight and the challenger fails to do so, the fight still may be staged with the understanding that the champion will retain his title whether he wins or loses the bout. And lastly, if both fighters fail to make weight and the fight is held, the title is not on the line and remains vacant by some of the governing bodies while others choose to allow the champion to retain their title win or lose.

Making weight also carries a monetary incentive. For instance, in the WBA, fighters not making weight will forfeit 35% of their purse, 25% going to the promoter and 10% to their opponent. The penalty increases another 10% to 45%, 35% to the promoter and 15% to the opponent when the fighter doesn’t even make an effort to lose the weight prior to the deadline. Fighters not making weight are usually the exception and not the rule. When it does happen, it is disrespectful to the sport, the opposing fighter (assuming of course, that they made weight), and to the fans. A prizefighter’s job is to train, make weight, fight, and hopefully win. Their training routine should be tailored to ensure that weight will not be an issue. With the “fighter friendly” day before the fight weigh-in routine, it’s amazing that some fighters continue to not make weight. Now, let’s talk a little about that day before the fights weigh in……

Boxing weigh-ins the day before a fight are pointless, there I said it, now that the elephant is out of the room, let’s move on. Let me clarify. By pointless, I do not mean the practices and processes intended to protect the fighter’s health and safety, I’m all for that. I get it; we don’t want the fighters dropping weight and water weight so unhealthily that it could have fatal consequences. I’m referring to the pointless aspect of allowing an early weigh-in so that a fighter can simply rehydrate and gain excess weight prior to the fight only to be one, sometimes two, or in the most extreme cases three weight classes higher if not more by the time the first bell rings. What’s the worth of a championship won at 140 when the winning fighter is weighing well above the authorized limit at fight time, sometimes 10-20 pounds? Fights should be fought at natural weights because we’re not really watching a master craftsman at 140; we are watching a heavier fighter claim a title at a lower weight class against a lighter opponent. If the case is made for safety and health with regards to early weigh-ins and weight loss, the same should be made for fighters who fight a heavier opponent and suffer damage as a result.

Same day weigh-ins ended sometime in the early 1980’s. As the story goes, the process changed due to growing concern over parched fighters not properly re-hydrating which had the potential to jeopardize their health and safety in the ring. Dr. Flip Homansky was the leading advocate for the change and upon his recommendations; the Nevada State Athletic Commission changed the weigh-ins to “day before” with the sanctioning bodies adjusting their rules to conduct the check anywhere between 20-36 hours prior to the fight.

Enter the case for the return of same day weigh-ins. Hold the weigh-in the morning/afternoon of the fight. This would generally be 8-12 hours from the first bell. Understood that the same problems may exist where the weight is cut and then the rehydrating begins but it would be far less likely because it would lead to putting the onus back where it belongs, on the training camp. The preparation needs to begin the first day of camp and should be tailored with this in mind. The training and the eating plan should be coordinated so that the weight is on no less than a week before the fight and then maintained and monitored. In addition, keep some of the current practices in place such as the following rule from the WBC: “Impose a 30 day weight check where the fighter’s weight cannot exceed 10% of the weight limit for the bout four weeks out from the contest and also a 7 day weigh in where they cannot exceed 5% of the weight limit for the bout”. We want the fighters to be successful in making weight so enforcing these types of current practices will do just that.

While writing this article I couldn’t help but think of the upcoming March 1, rematch between Bryan Vera and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. In their first match up last September 28, Chavez Jr. failed to make the 168 pound limit which saw Vera receive a six figure incentive to move forward with the fight, albeit at 173. Chavez was awarded a controversial decision in the first fight to go with his excess weight. The rematch is again set for the 168 pound limit. Agreed upon by the promoters, Chavez will award Vera $250,000 if the scales go against him again.

When same day weigh-ins were eliminated, it may have been for all the right reasons but over time these reasons have been offset by the very process that it has created. What was intended to protect a fighter’s health has perhaps done just the opposite. When a fighter disregards proper eating habits and eliminates water in an effort to make a weight, it’s very strenuous on the body. Factor in the rehydration phase of the recovery and the body is again put through a taxing process.

As the saying goes, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” but something in this process is flawed and needs to be shattered. The sanctioning bodies need to collaborate on a process to successfully transition this change across all of the alphabets and move the sport in the right direction by bringing back same day weigh-ins and fights at natural weights.

Former Welterweight World Champions Andre Berto & Devon Alexander Square Off Live in Prime Time on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, August 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions Event

PBC

 

Former Welterweight World Champions Andre Berto & Devon Alexander Square Off  Live in Prime Time on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, August 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions Event from NYCB LIVE, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Former World Champion Peter Quillin Takes on 168-Pound Contender J’Leon Love Also in Prime Time

Plus! Special Edition of PBC on FS2 & FOX Deportes Features Unbeaten Light Heavyweight Contender Marcus Browne Against Once-Beaten Lenin Castillo & Former World Champion Luis Collazo Faces Bryant Perrella in a Welterweight Showdown

Tickets on Sale Friday, July 6 at 10 a.m. ET!

LONG ISLAND, NY (July 5, 2018) – Former 147-pound world champions Andre Berto (31-5, 24 KOs)and Devon Alexander (27-4-1, 14 KOs)will battle in a 12-round showdown that headlines a stacked night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes live in prime time on Saturday, August 4 from NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The telecast begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT with former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (33-1-1, 23 KOs)facing 168-pound contender J’Leon Love (24-1-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Also in action will be former amateur standout and fast-rising unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer (3-0, 3 KOs) in a super welterweight match.

The exciting night of fights begins with a special edition of PBC on FS2 & FOX Deportes at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne (21-0, 16 KOs) taking on once-beaten Lenin Castillo (18-1-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round match. The FS2 & FOX Deportes telecast will begin with a welterweight showdown between former world champion Luis Collazo (37-7, 20 KOs) against Bryant Perrella (15-1, 13 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, go on sale Friday, July 6 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting http://www.ticketmaster.com, http://www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE beginning Saturday, July 7 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.

“This is an outstanding card from top to bottom with matches that figure prominently in the 147-pound, 168-pound and 175-pound divisions,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Berto and Alexander are two former champions who are fighting to get back into the crowded welterweight title picture. The Peter Quillin and J’Leon Love winner factors heavily in the super middleweight championship mix. It’s compelling action for the fans at Nassau Coliseum and the ones tuned in to FOX in prime time.”

“I’m happy to bring another action-packed event back to NYCB Live on Long Island,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Headlining the FOX and FOX Deportes telecast, former world champions Andre Berto and Devon Alexander meet in a high-stakes crossroads battle with the winner emerging one step closer to another shot at the welterweight crown. Former middleweight champion Peter Quillin continues his comeback facing the talented J’Leon Love and Staten Island’s unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne also appears on the card. Long Island boxing fans will want to arrive early for a tremendous undercard, with local talent as well.”

An exciting and accomplished fighter from Florida, Berto returns to the ring after dropping a contest last April to Shawn Porter. Berto represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympics and picked up his biggest recent triumph on FOX in April 2016 as Berto scored a fourth-round knockout of former champion Victor Ortiz in their high-octane rematch.

Berto previously challenged retired legend Floyd Mayweather in September 2015 and has engaged in numerous Fight of the Year-worthy bouts, including a 2012 war with Robert Guerrero and his first fight with Ortiz. He has twice held a welterweight title, first the WBC belt, which he successfully defended five times between 2008 and 2011, plus the IBF crown he picked up in 2011 with a victory over Jan Zaveck.

“This is a great fight that has been a long time coming,” said Berto. “We share some common opponents, but we have different styles of fighting and styles make fights. I’ve had a lot of success with southpaws. I’m looking forward to seeing him in front of me and capitalizing on what I’m working on now.”

Alexander returned to the spotlight in February after only fighting once since 2015 while he sought treatment for an addiction to painkillers. He looked sharp in his first big fight in years, displaying similar speed and skills that had made him a two-weight champion before being given a controversial draw against former champion Victor Ortiz on FOX, in a fight most thought Alexander had won.

The 31-year-old emerged onto the scene with a unanimous decision victory over Randall Bailey to add the welterweight crown to the 140-pound title he had won three years prior. Originally from St. Louis, but now training in Florida with longtime coach Kevin Cunningham, Alexander has defeated the likes of Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and Jesus Soto Karass throughout his accomplished career.

“I’m very excited about this fight. Berto and I have history going back to the amateurs,” Alexander said. “I know him very well, but we’ve never fought. I have to show that I’m still one of the best in a stacked division. This is all business for me, because at this point in my career, I’m approaching every fight as if it’s my last. This is prime time for me.

“My mentality is that Berto is still the killer that he was 10 years ago. So I’m looking at him like he’s lost nothing. I’ve got one mission, and that’s to beat Berto. I’ll be technically sound and 100 percent focused on accomplishing that task.”

A Brooklyn-resident who has made the borough home for his whole career, Quillin returned to the ring last September when he defeated Dashon Johnson by unanimous decision. The former middleweight champion made three title defenses after winning his title from Hassan N’Dam in Brooklyn and his only loss came at the hands of former champion Daniel Jacobs.

“I’m excited to be back at home in New York in front of my fans and people I love so dearly,” Quillin said. “I’m coming back more polished and more seasoned and a man of God. I’ve definitely always been a guy who steps out and does what people think I can’t do. I know J’Leon is looking to make a splash. He needs a name on his resume. I have to do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen. Either he’s going to have to learn a hard lesson or give me a hard lesson.”

The 30-year-old Love enters this fight unbeaten in his last seven contests after most recently defeating Jaime Barboza in May. The Michigan-native who now trains and lives in Las Vegas had previously defeated a slew of contenders and will look to move closer to a world title shot with a victory over Quillin on August 4.

“I think this is a really good matchup,” said Love. “Peter Quillin is a very talented fighter and a former world champion who is always in great shape. He’s someone you have to train very hard for and that you definitely cannot take lightly. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to fight a spectacular fighter like him. We’ll put on a great fight.”

Browne has put together three-straight impressive knockout victories to continue his rapid rise up the highly competitive 175-pound division. The 27-year-old southpaw has sandwiched knockouts of Thomas Williams, Jr. last February and Francy Ntetu this January around a second-round destruction of then unbeaten Seanie Monaghan in the inaugural boxing event at Nassau Coliseum on a FOX primetime telecast last July. The 2012 U.S. Olympian will look to put himself in position for a world title fight with a convincing win on August 4.

“I feel good about fighting close to home in New York,” said Browne. “Lenin Castillo is definitely a good, hungry, up-and-coming fighter who has one loss to Joseph Williams. I’m not overlooking him, but right now I’m trying to keep my top position in order to vie for a title, so I have to destroy him.”

The 29-year-old Castillo fights out of his native Dominican Republic and enters this bout with three straight victories by stoppage. Castillo’s recent wins followed his first professional loss, a majority decision defeat to unbeaten Joseph Williams last February. Castillo has fought professionally since 2010 and was unbeaten in his first 12 fights. The only other blemish on his pro resume was a majority draw in Brooklyn against then unbeaten Travis Peterkin in 2015.

“Marcus Browne is a boxer I’ve been following a long time because we were both Olympians,” said Castillo. “This is a good style matchup that I think will make a fun fight for the fans. We’re looking for the victory. Both of us know that a win here can take us to a world title shot and I’m not planning on wasting my opportunity.”

Collazo is a former world champion hailing from Brooklyn who has fought top welterweights from Berto and Shane Mosley to Keith Thurman and Ricky Hatton. His most recent fight saw him score a sensational knockout victory over Sammy Vasquez in February 2017. He returns to the ring after recovering from injuries sustained during training and will face Perrella of Fort Myers, FL. The 29-year-old defeated Alex Martin in his home state in December via a unanimous decision in his last outing.

WORLD TITLE LOOMS FOR 19-YEAR OLD DEVIN HANEY NOW RANKED IBF #15

DEVIN HANEY PROMOTIONS

Press Release                                                                                          For Immediate Release

WORLD TITLE LOOMS FOR 19-YEAR OLD DEVIN HANEY NOW RANKED IBF #15

Devin Haney Credit Stephanie Trapp Showtime

Photo by Stephanie Trapp – Showtime

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 29, 2018) – 19-year-old undefeated sensation and USBA Lightweight champion, Devin “The Dream” Haney (19-0, 13 KOs), has captured his second title before age 20, but even more impressive, is his ranking at # 15 by the IBF, meaning a title shot is near.

“It means the world to me to be ranked in the top 15 by a major sanctioning body like the IBF,” said Devin Haney. “I work extremely hard. I have dedicated my life to the sport of boxing, and the fact that sanctioning bodies are taking notice of my hard work, reaffirms all the sacrifice I have made. I am very excited for what the future holds.”

In his last bout Haney defeated Mason Menard (33-3, 24 KOs) by way of ninth-round technical knockout, and earned the victory when Menard’s corner stopped the bout heading into the tenth and final round. Haney handed Menard a one-sided beating up until that point, forcing Menard’s corner to stop the fight. This victory, which headlined Showtime’s “ShoBox: The Next Generation”, also awarded Devin, the USBA Lightweight title.

“I know that after the statement I made in the last fight, people will be watching me closely,” Haney continued. “I have a lot of hype around me! The cat is out of the bag! I’m nobody’s prospect. I’m a contender. If the winner of Garcia vs Eastern wants to fight me next, I’m available. The industry and the real fight fans know who I am. They know I can fight. It’s only going to get better. I’m working hard, and I promise that in my next fight, you will see, an even better Devin Haney than before.”

Devin Haney is the youngest fighter ever to hold the USBA Lightweight title in the organization’s history. In September, Devin will be making his return to the ring, as he gears up for his first title defense.

 

 

 

DEVIN HANEY DELIVERS POWERFUL SPEECH TO AT-RISK YOUTH AT BOOKER T. WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER IN SAN FRANCISCO

DEVIN HANEY PROMOTIONS
 
Press Release
For Immediate Release
DEVIN HANEY DELIVERS POWERFUL SPEECH TO AT-RISK YOUTH AT BOOKER T. WASHINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER IN SAN FRANCISCO



Photo Eric Buck – Team Haney 
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (June 13, 2018) – Yesterday undefeated lightweight contender,Devin “The Dream” Haney (19-0, 13 KOs), who is the current WBC Youth and USBA champion, presented an influential speech to at risk youth at the Booker T. Washington Community Center in San Francisco, CA. Devin spoke about the importance of staying away from gangs and drugs, in addition to setting goals and working hard.
 
Haney, who attended Booker T. as a young child, was thrilled to give back to the organization, as he spent three hours with the kids, talking about living a healthy life style while keeping a positive attitude.
 
“It was great hanging out with the kids at Booker T.,” said Devin Haney. “I spoke to all of them about staying out of trouble and following their dreams. I was once in their shoes, so I can relate to them on a personal level. After speaking to them, I felt I made a difference in their mindset and it was an unbelievable experience.” 
 
The Booker T. Washington Community Service Center provides a variety of programming for school aged students. The activities range from after-school academic coaching to enrichment classes.