Bad Intentions- Boxing’s Junk Yard Dogs

Junk Yard Dog……An especially nasty, vicious, or savage person……Of a person, often used in the phrase “meaner than a junkyard dog.”

There is beauty in their savagery. You can see it building round by round as they impose their will and look to inflict fight ending damage on their adversaries. They don’t care what comes in return, willing to take one to land two or more with triple the force.

They don’t exhibit the tactics of a bar room fighter swinging wildly with reckless abandon, to the contrary, they are very calculated in their approach throwing damaging power with precision. Their vision is some of the best in the game combining the lethal and rare combination of boxing skills with fight ending power.

They seem to enjoy hurting their opponents, not with the intent to cause serious bodily injury but in a “I’m going to shut your mouth” kind of way…..and they sometimes smile while doing it. They are slick in their attack and very surgical while they look for that one moment when fear, weakness, or vulnerability is shown. Once that happens, they are like a junk yard dog protecting their domain and will not stop until the threat is neutralized.

Although there is no particular order here in discussing the four that were profiled, we’ll start first deep in the heart of the Lone Star State. The slogan “Don’t Mess With Texas” can appropriately be inserted here as we first acknowledge the baddest brothers in the game, The Charlos.

Taught at an early age that purpose is nothing without patience and persistence, the Charlo Brothers are slowly climbing their way into the P4P discussion. Apologies to their “Lions Only” slogan it’s top game and appropriate; however, for this piece junk yard dogs will have to suffice.

First Jermall-

Jermall

(Photo credit: Janer Bigio/Mayweather Promotions)

In an interview with FightHype.com, Jermall once stated,

“I want to take them out, I wan’t to break them down, I wan’t to hit them with something they’re not ever gonna see and not wake up..The whole time I’m training, I train with that in my mind, I wan’t to punch them with something they won’t see, won’t know about, and it’s going to hurt, I pray on it,…I pray that I hit them with something that they never see, murder intentions..”

Ruthless….

At 27-0 (21 KO), Jermall captured his first title, the IBF World Super Welterweight strap stopping tough as nails veteran Cornelius Bundrage in 2015. Since then he has stopped three out of four opponents, to include a KO over hard punching prospect Julian Williams and a UD over the very skilled Austin Trout, both in 2016. In his last fight, July 29 2017, he stopped Jorge Sebastian Heiland, a fighter who had never been stopped in 35 fights and had won 8 straight, including a stoppage win over Matthew Macklin.

We recently saw Jermall on April 21st against the once beaten Hugo Centeno Jr. The fight was originally scheduled for March 3; however, Centaro sustained a rib injury which delayed the bout.

After having captured a title at 154, Jermall headed north to 160 to face Centaro.

Said Jermall before the fight-

“I want to send a message to the world that I’m going to dominate the 160-pound division, while my brother proves he’s the best 154-pounder on the planet,”

“Once I get my shot, you will all see what I’m talking about. Hugo Centeno Jr. is just in the way of that process. After April 21, you’ll be able to see what I’m really made of.”

“I’m still improving as a fighter, I’ve gotten faster, sharper and I’m able to take more punches than I used to. I’ve been working hard to increase my punch output as well. Nobody can do what I’m doing in the ring.
“Boxing is all about adjusting and that’s what I’m good at. That’s my best attribute and my team has worked with me so I can make that adjustment on fight night. We always go into the ring ready to fight a different fight than the time before.”

“Hugo is in the way of my process right now,” said Charlo. “I’ve got to go through him to get to my goal. We’ll see if he’s able to hold up against the power, speed and athleticism that I have. If not, I’m going to hurt him, real bad”

Standing-8’s assessment of Charlo/Centaro before the fight-

{Jermall is focused, ready and in tremendous shape. His speed is underrated, he throws a sledgehammer disciplined jab, and his right hand is dynamite, especially the sneaky uppercut.

Centaro is a slick boxer with an active jab but he’s in deep here. It’s doubtful he can withstand Charlo’s power and things may end violently for him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Charlo attack the body to expose the recently recovered midsection.}

After seeing all he needed to see from Centaro in the first, Charlo wasn’t playing in the second. The new interim champ landed a four punch combination culminating with a massive right hand, sending the message he was looking for to the 160 pound division.

“It’s been an amazing journey to get here. I’m a two-time world champion…bring on Triple G! I want that fight……..I’m 27-0 with 21 knockouts. Everybody sees it. What more can I say?”

Jermall should now be the mandatory for Gennady Golovkin who, by no surprise made quick work of Vanes Martirosyan on May 5.

It would be great to see Jermall get that shot because he would make things very uncomfortable for the Pride Of Kazakhstan. The old adage…styles make fights…

Now Jermell, 30-0 (15 KO)-

Charlo Jermell

Photo Credit- Dave Mandel/Showtime

The “younger” Charlo has stopped his last four opponents, most notably a first round destruction of the highly touted Erickson Lubin in his last fight, October 14, 2017.

Said Jermell after the Lubin fight-

“They were giving him a lot of attention. I was quiet the whole time,they said they were going to come take my title. I had to defend it. They didn’t know what I was brining into this and I think (Lubin) was worried about the wrong things.”

Two title bouts against two mandatory challengers in Lubin and Charles Hatley since winning the vacant WBC World Super Welterweight Title against John Jackson, and… all by knockout leaving no doubt that he is here to stay.

Next up for Jermell a June 9 date against former champion Trout. You probably can consider Trout a gatekeeper of sorts at this point in his career. He is a tough out; however, if you’re not on your game or you take him lightly, you can find yourself at a disadvantage quickly.

But don’t expect Jermell to be overlooking Trout with a rumours about a date with Canelo Alvarez making rounds on social media-

“Every fight in my life is important because the man standing across from me is there to beat me. Kobe Bryant used to talk about how he knew everyone was going to come at him extra hard, whether it was practice or a game, because of who he was and the status he had. I know that I can’t take anyone lightly.” Said Jermell

Jermell will also have added motivation here, trying to better the UD that brother Jermall had against Trout back in 2016. That said, Trout has a different take on the matchup

“When I fought his brother, I remember people counted me out and said history had been made before I even stepped into the ring. I’m here again to try to stop the ‘Charlo Show’ and start the ‘Trout Show.” Trout said.

“We’re ready to keep putting on shows for everyone,” Jermell said. “My brother just did his thing in Brooklyn, and we’re taking it to the West Coast. I love Los Angeles. I live here and I love training here. Me and Jermall both have knockouts at Staples Center, and we’re going to turn it out on June 9.

Bottom line- you’d be wise to respect the Charlos because they feed off disrespect or.. you can #KeepRunninYaMouth and find out……..

Said Jermall, “This is going to be a big year for me and my brother, we’re going to keep showing everyone why we’re so feared”

No argument here……

If you look close enough, you can see it as he inflicts pain, sometimes he doesn’t even try to hide it….the million dollar grin of Errol Spence Jr. 23-0 (20 KO).

Spence Smile Esther Lin Showtime

Photo Credit- Esther Lin/Showtime

He knows when his opponent is done, you will know when you see the smirk. He revels in the anguish he is about to unleash. His combinations are some of the tightest in the game and he does not waste energy. Most every punch is calculated and he loves to systematically break his opponents down.

Even if he is landing at will to the head, he will purposely go to the body to break his opponent down even more. It’s then back upstairs as he looks for the shot that will have ringside observers yelling #MANDOWN, a phrase heard a lot at Spence Jr. fights as he has stopped his last ten opponents.

Spence Jr. (Stacey Verbeek)

Photo Credit- Stacey Verbeek

In his last fight, Spence was so dominant his foe’s corner threw in the towel. Oh, by the way, it was against former two division world champion Lamont Peterson. From the opening bell, Spence stuck a blistering jab in Peterson’s grill following it with big right hands while destroying the body. He simply relegated a solid opponent and former champ into a sparring partner.

Spence is one of the most complete fighters in the game today. He brings a combination of power, superior boxing skills, and a high ring I.Q. to go with a very disciplined approach.

In the fight against Kell Brook you could actually see him enjoying the pain he was inflicting at the end of the fight. Although it was tight at times with both getting as good as they got, Brook began to fatigue due to his output. Spence then began to seriously impose his will around the 7th round, culminating with a 10th round knockdown and the impending stoppage in the 11th.

You could see Spence taking his time, picking his shots, enjoying the punishment. Everything he does is calculated. He does not waste energy, everything has a purpose. His skill set and approach are about as unique as you will find in the game today. He is a throwback of sorts, well schooled using the jab and committing to the body. The body work against Brook was the blueprint.

Spence Jr. continues his #Strapseason on June 16th against Carlos Ocampo, an undefeated fighter with no notable opponents. This will be Ocampo’s first fight outside of Mexico. If this already looks like a huge mismatch, you’re not seeing things.

Why Ocampo then for the rising star in Spence Jr.?

Well, mostly because he was ordered to do so by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) as a mandatory. Seems like the IBF should have better rankings? Their # 1 and 2 slots were vacant so #3 Ocampo enters the picture.

Spence Jr. is destroying top quality fighters with solid resumes so a defense against a lowered tier fighter should be quick; however, Spence does like to have fun in there just because he can.

Caution: Beware when you see the smirk.

Here is a prediction for Spence Jr. v. Ocampo-

MANDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the ring, Terence Crawford 32-0 (23 KO) is far from being your “Bud”, quite frankly, just the opposite. He is your enemy and you’d be wise to find a white flag.

Crawford Credit-

Photo Credit: AP / Frank Franklin II

The proud native of Omaha, Nebraska is just flat-out tough. He will play with you for a few rounds and even let you land a few shots all in an effort to discover your weaknesses. His opponents get a false sense of achievement as they believe they are executing their game plan but Crawford is just setting his trap. An orthodox fighter who will turn southpaw just to challenge himself and have a bit of fun from the port side.

Crawford is very adept at adjusting his game plan during the fight to create better distance and angles. An on the job training of sorts with severe consequences for his opponent.

In his last fight, he faced fellow belt holder Julius Indongo for a chance to make history and unify the division. Just over two rounds later he landed a fight ending left to the body. Crawford usually takes a few more rounds to figure out his opponent but knew the body would be there so he exploited it and ended things.

Said Indongo- “I couldn’t breathe, it hurt so bad… not only did it hurt, it took my mind away, I couldn’t think”

Not only does Crawford beat opponents, for some, their loss against him has a way of stopping any momentum they might have had in their career.

Take Ricky Burns, he had not lost in 22 straight fights before being bested by Crawford. Afterwards lost two out of three.

Yuriorkis Gamboa was undefeated and as rising a star in the game at the time as there was. After being stopped by Crawford, he simply has not been the same fighter. Since the Crawford fight, Gamboa has fought mostly lower tier competition and was beaten by a fighter with twelve losses.

And most recent, the highly regarded undefeated Indongo, after being stopped by Crawford, or maybe more like exposed, he was stopped again seven months later.

Crawford will knuckleup with Jeff Horn this Saturday. The only name of note on Horn’s resume is Manny Pacquiao. Accoring to the scorecards, Horn defeated Manny Pacquiao July of last year. He’s had one fight since, a TKO over Gary Corcoran; however, he was pushed heavily in that fight and showed gaps where he was visibly fatigued prior to the stoppage.

Pacquiao is not the puncher he once was and had not stopped an opponent in eight years when he fought Horn, and….was two years shy of forty. On a few occasions, Pacquiao sunned Horn and although I’ll agree Horn did some things well against Pacquiao, the scorecard here was 115-113 Pacquiao. (My recap here, minute by minute- https://standing-8.com/2017/07/04/pacquiao-v-horn-dissected-a-deeper-look-60-seconds-at-a-time/)

That said, we see Crawford doing what he usually does. He’ll study Horn while scoring points with his underrated combination punching. He’ll allow Horn to be effective on portions of this gameplan to create a false sense of accomplishment. Then when Crawford sees what he is looking for, he’ll start landing his jab with more meaning setting the tone for Horn’s demise. Crawford will drastically increase his body work, and then he will stun Horn with a punch he does not see coming and once that happens, you’ll see it, the smile, Bud knows, it’s almost time to end things.

That said, if Horn is disrespectful during the build up, especially during fight week, it will most likely determine if Bud decides to end things quickly…..or captures the hornet in a glass bottle and tortures it until the end.

Lesson learned herein….

If you walk to the ring and you see this

You’re In Deep…….

Austin Trout Training Camp Notes
AUSTIN TROUT: “I TRULY BELIEVE I’M THE BEST AND IN ORDER TO PROVE THAT, YOU’VE GOT TO FIGHT THOSE THAT CLAIM TO BE THE BEST… NO MATTER WHAT JERMELL CHARLO BRINGS, I’M READY FOR IT.”
 
Click HERE for Training Camp Interview from Team Trout
 
Former World Champion Heads to Los Angeles Today
for WBC Super Welterweight Matchup against Jermell Charlo Saturday live on SHOWTIME® from the STAPLES Center in
Los Angeles
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 5, 2018 – Austin Trout (31-4, 17 KOs), the former super welterweight world champion, is headed to Los Angeles today to meet current WBC Super Welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo inside the ring this Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by the featherweight world championship rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.
In Trout’s words, this fight is finishing the mission. Spiritually centered and in his prime physical condition, it is, in his own words, his time.
“People are underestimating me and overlooking me,” said Trout. “I earned and continue to earn respect in this sport and my competition can choose to ignore it or acknowledge it. I’ve beaten champions and taken titles. I’ve lost in controversial decisions to champions like Canelo. This is my time. Don’t underestimate the power I bring to boxing as well as the international competitors I’ve already stepped into the ring against and beaten.”
After his October fight against Jarrett Hurd and February’s unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel, this WBC title bout, in Trout’s words, is the fight that no one saw coming.
“The Hurd fight was the danger fight,” he said of his October 2017 match. “It was part of the process of knocking out the ring rust, and De Angel was part of that as well. Everything I do or don’t do is circumstantial. Because of the layoffs, it’s been challenging; now I’m back on track timing wise and I plan on changing boxing’s plans for me. I’m not sitting back and waiting.
“I started boxing as a kid to stand up for people that were being disrespected, and as an adult I continue to do that in the ring.”
 
A long time top ten and former #2 in the 154-pound division by Ring magazine, Trout will be once against be working with D.C. based world champion trainer Barry Hunter, to whom his longtime cornerman, Louie Burke, worked as an assistant.
 
“We are calling this fight ‘finishing the mission.’ I’m squarely in a dangerous division that’s full of talent. It’s one of the top divisions in my opinion. Everyone’s a killer including myself. It has the perfect balance of speed and power. This is where I excel, plus I have the brain.”
 
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 or click HERE.

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares Rematch Features Two of Boxing’s Statistical Best
LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. ABNER MARES REMATCH FEATURES TWO OF BOXING’S STATISTICAL BEST
 
World Title Showdown Headlines Action Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
 
Santa Cruz & Mares Rank In Top 10 In Three Key CompuBox Categories
NEW YORK (June 4, 2018) – The first matchup between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares was an instant classic, with the fellow three-division champions combining to throw more than 2,000 total punches in one of the best fights of 2015.
 
Santa Cruz and Mares further solidified themselves as the most active and exciting fighters in boxing in their first showdown, combining to throw over 170 punches per round, more than 50 above the featherweight average at the time.
 
With the long-awaited rematch between set to take place this Saturday live on SHOWTIME® from STAPLES Center, they once again rank amongst the best fighters in boxing. According to CompuBox, Santa Cruz and Mares rank in the Top 10 in three key statistical categories amongst all active boxers across weight divisions – Average Total Punches Landed Per Round, Average Power Punches Thrown Per Round, and Average Power Punches Landed Per Round (See text box below for statistical overview).
 
Santa Cruz (No. 2 at 29.5 total punches landed per round) and Mares (No. 9 at 22.3 total punches landed per round) excel at landing shots on their opponent, placing in the top 10 in a category that includes pound-for-pound mainstays Gennady Golovkin (No. 2), Naoya Inoue (No.6), Errol Spence (No. 7) and Vasyl Lomachenko (No. 8).
 
When it comes to power shots, which is defined as anything that isn’t a jab, Santa Cruz and Mares rank No. 4 and No. 7 in power punches thrown per round and No. 2 and No. 6 in power shots landed per round, respectively.
 
Additionally, Santa Cruz ranks in the top-three in average total punches thrown per round, one of only three active fighters to average 80 or more punches, along with Roman Gonzalez and Francisco Vargas. Santa Cruz, with a stellar 13-1 record in world title fights, also excels at jabbing, ranking in the top 10 in average jabs thrown per round and average jabs landed per round.
 
While it seems Santa Cruz has the statistical edge in their rematch, the difference maker could be Mares’ rebirth since teaming up with trainer Robert Garcia. Since training under Garcia when he dethroned Jesus Cuellar in 2016, Mares is connecting at a higher percentage on his power shots (46.9 percent compared to 40 percent in his previous 12 fights) while simultaneously limiting the accuracy of his opponents.
 
The sample size is small, but Mares, who owns a 7-2-1 record in world title fights, is confident the addition of Garcia, along with his mental toughness, will be the difference maker.
 
“I can’t go in with the same exact mentality as last time and try to knock Leo’s head off,” Mares said recently. “I have power, but I’m not a one-punch knockout artist. The difference between our fight in 2015 and now is that I’m a more mature and seasoned fighter. I’ve been in this sport a long time, and now with having Robert Garcia in my corner, he’s really helped my mental game and given me great guidance.
“We knew last time, and we know going into this fight, that Leo is a volume puncher. He comes forward and tries to tire you out. But I know that he’s also a vulnerable fighter and I just have to take advantage of it this time.”
 
While the crowd-pleasing Santa Cruz and Mares may come to the ring with revised game plans for the rematch, Santa Cruz recognizes that everything can change when you get in the ring.
 
“He says he’s going to box me more this time, but it’s easier to say that than do it,” Santa Cruz said recently. “When you get in the ring and hear the fans, they make you want to brawl. Once you hear the crowd you want to entertain them. You love to hear the people scream.
 
“I’ve learned a lot since the first Mares fight. I’ve learned how to adjust during a fight better. I’m a more complete fighter and it’s going to help me look even better this time.”
 
In the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® at 10 p.m. ET/PT, unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlowill defend his WBC title against former world champion Austin Trout as part of an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
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 or click HERE.
Rank Amongst All Active Boxers Across Weight Divisions
 
 
Avg. Total Punches Thrown Per Round
Avg. Total Punches Landed Per Round
Avg. Power Punches Thrown Per Round
Avg. Power Punches Landed Per Round
Avg. Jabs Thrown Per Round
Avg. Jabs Landed Per Round
Santa Cruz
3rd
2nd
4th
2nd
5th
7th
Mares
N/A
9th
7th
6th
N/A
N/A

Super Bantamweight World Champion Daniel Roman Defends Title Against Unbeaten Moises Flores Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME®
Super Bantamweight World Champion Daniel Roman Defends Title Against Unbeaten Moises Flores Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME® from Ford Center at The Star
 
Plus! Former World Champion Javier Fortuna Battles
Adrian Granados in a 140-Pound Special Attraction
 
Welterweight Champion Errol Spence, Jr. Headlines With
World Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger
Carlos Ocampo in Homecoming Event Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions
FRISCO, TEXAS (June 4, 2018) – Super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman will defend his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The event will also see former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction that kicks off the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Undefeated welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. will defend his IBF world title in a Dallas-area homecoming at the Dallas Cowboys facility against unbeaten mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in the main event. It will be the first boxing event inside Ford Center and Spence’s first hometown fight as world champion.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com. 
 
“This is shaping up to be a fantastic card with the addition of the 122-pound championship fight between Daniel Roman and Moises Flores and former champion Javier Fortuna taking on Adrian Granados in a 140-pound special attraction,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “None of these boxers have reverse in their gear box, which promises entertaining battles for the fans at The Star and those watching at home on SHOWTIME.”
 
The 27-year-old Roman (24-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making his second title defense of the WBA 122-pound championship he won with a TKO victory over Shun Kubo last September in Japan. The 28-year-old, of Los Angeles, Calif., returned to Japan and made his first title defense with a unanimous decision victory over Ryo Matsumoto this February. Roman enters this bout having won 16-straight fights.
 
“Everyone knows I want to fight the best and Flores is right up there,” said Roman. “He’s unbeaten for a reason and he’s the number one challenger for my title. I’m not taking him lightly. I’m motivated to be great. I’m more focused now than ever before. I’m not going to let Flores, or anyone else take my belt. The plan is simple. Pick him apart round by round just like I’ve done in my other world title fights.”
 
Flores (25-0, 17 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, returns to the ring after a no contest against Guillermo Rigondeaux in a fight that saw Flores hit and knocked out with a shot that was initially called legal, but was eventually ruled to have come after the bell, thus causing the no contest. The 31-year-old scored an impressive win with a decision victory over Oscar Escandon in 2015 that earned him an interim 122-pound title and followed that up with victories over previously once-beaten fighters Luis Emanuel Cusolito and Paulus Ambunda.
 
“I’m going to make Daniel Roman fight me every round until the end,” said Flores. “He’s a good boxer and a counter puncher, but I’m a warrior so I’ll be ready for anything he brings. If he can’t hold up to my power, then he’s going down early. This is a must-win and I’m determined to become a world champion on June 16.”
 
Fortuna (33-2-1, 23 KOs) won the super featherweight title with a unanimous decision against Bryan Vasquez in 2015 and enters this fight looking to bounce back from a split-decision loss to lightweight champion Robert Easter, Jr. in January on SHOWTIME. The 28-year-old Fortuna, of La Romana, Dominican Republic, failed to make weight for the Easter fight and will now seek to challenge in the 140-pound division.
 
“I know that Adrian Granados is a warrior, but this fight breaks in my favor because I am simply the better fighter,” said Fortuna. “I respect Granados’ style and I know he surprises a lot of people with his resiliency in the ring. I’m fully prepared to out-box him on fight night. I’m not concerned about moving up in weight either because once we step into the ring, I’ll be the bigger guy.”
 
The 28-year-old Granados (18-6-2, 12 KOs) has garnered a reputation as a boxer willing to accept all challenges and one who always pushed his opponents to the brink. Fighting out of Chicago, he looks to get back on the winning track with a victory over Fortuna. Last year Granados lost a unanimous decision to former welterweight champion Shawn Porter and a split-decision to four-division champion Adrien Broner. Before those two losses, Granados had put together a five-match win streak that included a TKO victory over Amir Imam.
“Javier Fortuna is a crafty southpaw, but I’m going to be stronger and better than ever back at 140-pounds,” said Granados. “I feel like I can knock out anybody at this weight. After I beat Amir Imam, everyone has been ducking me at this weight class. I’m going to make a statement about where I belong in boxing and give the fans a great show like I always do.”

DAMIEN “SUGAR” VAZQUEZ LOOKING TO TAKE HIS CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL

PRINCE RANCH BOXING
SUGAR PROMOTIONS
 
Press Release
For Immediate Release
DAMIEN “SUGAR” VAZQUEZ
LOOKING TO TAKE HIS CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL
LAS VEGAS, NV (June 1, 2018) – Unbeaten super-flyweight prospect, Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (14-0, 7 KOs), who recently captured the WBC Youth title in his last bout against Luis Golindano (9-1, 6 KOs), is looking to take his career to the next level. 
 
“I really like what Tom Loeffler is doing with the “SuperFly” series,” said Damien Vazquez, who is managed by Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannley. “It’s giving fighters like myself, who fight in the smaller weight classes, the exposure needed to garner the proper attention from the TV networks.  As we all seen, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez stormed on to the scene with a brilliant performance when he first fought on HBO.  Before he got dethroned by Wangek, he was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.  I’m working my way to getting on that level.”
 
With two fights under his belt in 2018, Vazquez is looking to close strong with a few more fights by the end of the year.  As a standout amateur, Vazquez had an outstanding record of (86-3, 46 KOs), in addition to beating seven national champions. 
 
“At only 21-years old, I feel that I’ve learned a lot about being a pro, since I turned professional at age 16,” Vazquez continued. “I still have a lot to learn, but my boxing IQ is getting better as I’m in the gym on a consistent basis.  My trainers Bones Adams and Joel Casamayor are teaching me how to sit on my punches more, and its making a big difference in my power.  I’m hoping to get into another meaningful fight by the end of the year.”

Jermell Charlo Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos
Jermell Charlo Los Angeles 
Media Workout Quotes & Photos
 
Unbeaten Super Welterweight World Champion Battles Former World Champion Austin Trout Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles
 
Click HERE for photos from Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME
 
LOS ANGELES (May 31, 2018) – Unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo has arrived in Los Angeles ahead of his upcoming showdown Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME against former champion Austin Trout as part of action from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast beings at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by the featherweight world championship rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.
 
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 or click HERE.

 

With just over a week to go until fight night, Charlo conducted a media workout with Los Angeles-area press Thursday at Gloveworx boxing gym in Century City.
Here is what Charlo and his trainer, Derrick James, had to say Thursday:
 
JERMELL CHARLO
 
“I’m ready to go. I’m well-prepared. I’ve been in training camp for about 10 weeks. When you guys saw me before, I wasn’t this built but now I’m ready and I’m excited. I can take on any man in this division.
 
“Training camp was great. We had world champion Errol Spence Jr. in camp and a bunch of undefeated fighters. I stopped a few, dropped a few, but that’s not the name of the game. It’s all about training and getting the work done to be prepared for June 9.
 
“Trout is a veteran fighter but I don’t believe he’s going to stand in the pocket and try to fight me. I don’t think there’s a single fighter in this weight division that would try to do that, not even [Jarrett] Hurd. If Trout does try that, the night will end fast.
 
“I’m definitely growing as a fighter and growing as a man. If Trout wants to bang, let’s bang. I don’t care what Barry Hunter has or what he does, it’s not going to be able to beat me and Derrick James. I don’t necessarily think Trout is as tough as me so if he can’t put up the skills and match my ability, he won’t beat me that night.
“The Lara-Hurd fight was a great fight. Hurd did what he had to do but I’m a completely different fighter from Erislandy Lara. I’m not here to waste punches. I’m not saying Lara didn’t do a great job but I do believe that his conditioning wasn’t there. I’ve focused my whole life on training. I’m single, I don’t have a family that I have to focus on like some of these other guys. It’s all boxing.
 
“This is a doubleheader. I’m not a co-main event or a featured star bout. I did that years ago. How many people leave after I fight? Everybody left after the [Erickson] Lubin fight. I’m going to continue to do what I do. I definitely want to headline for you guys and do it here at STAPLES Center and possibly in Brooklyn. I prefer L.A. though, it’s all nice people and palm trees. They don’t have that in New York.
 
“I have a great team behind me that won’t allow me to get distracted by the bright lights of L.A. I don’t believe that it’s in my mind to worry about anything outside of the ring. My objective is to win Saturday night and then I can get out of the ring and have a great time with my brother.
 
“I’m trying to come in and change some things about boxing. I believe I can make it happen. I think every boxer should have their own media day. [Leo] Santa Cruz had his own media day. Abner [Mares] had his own media day. I had my own media day. If we can continue that task as fighters, I think it will bring a much bigger audience to boxing.
 
“I don’t think that whenever the WBC reaches out about a fight that they’re doing it just to play around. This sport is serious. We would love to be a part of a GGG fight. We’re tired of hearing the media say to put the Charlos in there with better competition. I’ve heard that every fight. As long as I’m winning fights and I’m entertaining the fans, that’s what I’m going to do.
 
“I think I could definitely fight at 168. I might just keep growing through the weight divisions. It’s easy.
 
“I was super excited about the video that came out today with Gizzle. It was astounding to me to see an artist come out and produce a song like that about the Charlos and it was even better with the video of the knockouts that me and my brother have.
 
“My fight is won in the gym. I definitely dedicate myself every time I go into a training camp and I spend thousands of dollars on my body and on my training. I sacrifice the fun of being in L.A. to train and be in the best condition possible to fight.”
 
DERRICK JAMES, Charlo’s Trainer
 
“[Jermell] sparred with Errol [Spence] yesterday and he looked phenomenal. He feels great. I think he and Errol are really similar in their level of fighting. At this point he makes weight pretty easily, he’s doing well and I know he wants to unify. So, until that happens I see no reason for him to go up in weight. Right now, with Austin Trout we’re facing a physical fighter and a physical threat to everybody. With him it could be an easier fight or it can be a hard fight. As we know Jermell is a phenomenal fighter who’s very skilled so I’m not thinking about they’re what doing. [Jermell] might be but I’m not.
 
“Austin Trout is a great guy and he’s a great boxer. Even at an older age, his skill set is so good. If you think about Floyd [Mayweather], even at an older age he was beating everyone he was fighting. So, the way I look at it is that he is going to come back hungrier and he’s looking at this as getting an opportunity to get a new fight.
 
“I always go in thinking it’s going to be a tough fight. I can’t go in there thinking of it in any other way. If I was thinking it would be easy, I’d be an idiot and I wouldn’t be here now. I have to keep pushing myself to be better and these guys will be ready for a tough fight.
 
“Jermell is always pushing to do more and do it better. He’s always looking to go further than training. If I tell him to do something he does it and learns from it. He’s a great student. I think he has a lot of heart and a lot of desire, and you will see that come out on June 9th.”

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares 2 & Jermell Charlo vs. Austin Trout International Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares 2 & Jermell Charlo vs. Austin Trout
International Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording
 
Click HERE for Audio Recording
 
Richard Schaefer
Thank you so much for being on today’s call. Very excited to have all the fighters here. We only have ten days to go until the big Saturday, June 9 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING World Championship double header which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions. Tickets are still available. They begin at $50 here at STAPLES Center. We had a tremendous demand already. The gross gate already exceeds what those two guys did the first time around, so I do expect a sell out at the STAPLES Center.
 
I want to introduce to you first, Chris DeBlasio, the Senior Vice President of Sports Communications from SHOWTIME. I think Chris wants to make a few opening comments. And of course, I like to always thank my good friend, Stephen Espinoza, for his commitment to the sport as well. Chris, do you want to say a few words?
 
Chris DeBlasio   
Thanks, Richard and thank you to the fighters for your patience. We’re really excited for this particular fight card. First off, we’re excited to be back in Los Angeles. The fight crowd in Southern California is knowledgeable, excitable, usually star-studded as well. It always makes for a great experience in the arena and that translates onto television and that’s what we’re about, putting on exciting fight cards on our network.
 
STAPLES Center is a world-class venue. We’re thrilled to be back there. It’s been more than five years since we’ve had an event there. The bottom line is that SHOWTIME continues to lead the boxing industry. We’re delivering the largest slate of live events week after week and month after month. These are the most pivotal match-ups, the most competitive match-ups in boxing’s deepest divisions. It’s just a fact for literally SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event after event.
 
On Saturday June 9, we have two world title fights with four men ranked in the top 10 of their respective divisions. The main event features two guys that are top five ranked champions. The four fighters on this card have a few things in common. First off, they’ve been amongst the most prolific fighters on our network in the recent era. Between Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Jermell Charlo, and Austin Trout, they fought a combined 41 times on SHOWTIME. That includes a few SHOWTIME pay-per-view events. That’s a pretty remarkable number.
 
Our audience is familiar with their exciting style and their aggressiveness. Secondly — and I think it’s as important or more important really — these guys have consistently sought the top opposition fight after fight. That’s all four of them. Over the past three years, our network has delivered many 154-pound world title fights, many featuring Austin Trout and Jermell Charlo and Saturday will be our 10th.
 
We continue to see the best fighters fight the best opposition fight after fight and we’re seeing a move closer and closer towards identifying one, true champion, the one man to beat, at super welterweight. And that’s a really exciting prospect in a deep division like that. Likewise, for the main event on Saturday, SHOWTIME has had four high-stakes featherweight bouts on our network in just the past two months. That’s another division that’s long on talent and the stars of the sport are continuing to battle for the top spot fight after fight.
 
So again, I thank you for your patience and letting me drop that in there. I think it’s important. We’re thrilled at SHOWTIME to be able to put on fights like this with incredible athletes like the four men we have on Saturday. So, Richard, back to you.
 
R. Schaefer
Thank you Chris. Our main event is the rematch of one of 2015’s most exciting battles, the Featherweight World Championship between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. And finally, we are here again where those two all-action warriors will meet, not only for the bragging rights here in Los Angeles, but really, who is gonna be the king of the 126 pound weight class, one of the deepest weight classes in the sport.
 
The co-main event pits the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo against the former world champion, Austin Trout. It’s a 12-round co-main event and with Charlo, we have certainly one of the most exciting fighters in the world today, not only with how he performs inside the ring, but his charisma and the way he carries himself outside of the ring as well. So, it’s really a special treat to have Jermell here in Los Angeles defending his WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.
 
He’s going to be facing Austin Trout, a fighter who certainly is one of the craftiest in the sport, has a record of 31 wins with only 4 loses. He is trained now by one of the best trainers in the sport, Barry Hunter. He has been a world champion, former WBA Super Welterweight World Champion. I know he wants to take this opportunity and become a world champion again.
 
We all remember how he turned back Miguel Cotto at the Madison Square Garden back in 2012 and he was also the last fighter to go the distance with Jermall Charlo, losing to him in May 2015. It’s a pleasure now to turn it over to Austin Trout to make a few opening comments and then open it up for questions. Austin?
 
Austin Trout      
Yes, I’m happy to be here. I’m ready to get this going. Woken up from a nap and I’ve got training to go to. Let’s go.
 
R. Schaefer
Let me introduce to you the man, as I mentioned to you before, one of the toughest fighters in the sport, Jermell Charlo. He’s undefeated. He’s the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion. He has a tremendous personality and he’s just knocking out people. He is from Houston, Texas and trained by Derrick James in Dallas. He is now in Santa Monica this month to finish up camp. As a matter of fact, for those of you that are in around Los Angeles, make sure you stop by tomorrow for the open that media workout.
 
He won his world title with sensational knock-out of John Jackson in 2015. And of course, him and his twin brother, we all know them, became the first twins to hold world titles simultaneously in the same division in boxing which is boxing history in 2015. And it seems like every time he enters the ring, he outdoes his highlight reel knock-out over and over. And it’s a pleasure, it’s a treat, for all fight fans here and around Los Angeles and, those watching live on SHOWTIME to welcome Jermell Charlo to the STAPLES Center on June the 9th. Please, Jermell.
 
Jermell Charlo
Only thing I got to say is that Austin Trout is a phenomenal fighter. I’m pleased to be able to face off and square up with a former world champion and someone that has a heart, some one that comes with a dog mentality. We’re all looking to put on a 12-round fight for you guys and we both train our asses off in training camp. I’m ready to deliver whatever I have to deliver at the moment.
 
Q
Austin, what made you change trainers to Barry Hunter and can you tell us how it’s been going in training camp so far?
 
A. Trout
Yes, I was with Barry like two years. And then when I stayed home for the next few fights against Jarrett Hurd and then Juan DeAngel, the results were not what I needed or wasn’t what I liked. So I went back to what was working and the only reason why I stopped going to Barry was for the Hurd fight because Hurd trained in the same area and that’s where I actually met Hurd was in Barry’s gym, so, I tried to stay home for that.
 
Which was a big mistake in my opinion. But things are going good, we’re training good. We’re back and we picked up where we left off and I have to be at my best for a fighter like Jermell, so I had to go get to a place where I was able to get to my best.
 
 
In the Hurd fight I felt like, I don’t wanna say issues, but I gassed out. It was really dehydration. But at the same time, I think we would have prepared for the heat that Hurd was going to bring, because Barry does know him. The mistake was that he makes you give your best and accept nothing less than your best. I was able not necessarily able to do what I wanted. So we came back to what was working.
 
Q
Can you compare Hurd and Jermell maybe what they do differently and how they compare as fighters?
 
A. Trout
Jermell has a boatload more skills. In my opinion, Hurd’s not very skilled, he’s just a big, tough dude. And Jermell, he’s tough and he’s bigger than most junior middleweights, but he’s also skilled. So we gotta worry about definitely his skillset as opposed to just him taking punishment and making you wind out from beating him up, because that’s what happened with Hurd. I just beat him up until I ran out, till I couldn’t beat him up anymore.
 
I was just worn down. I had to go to the hospital for dehydration which I’ve never experienced. We were throwing some heat for those first six, seven rounds. And we bugged him a couple times and I felt like with just a little bit more and a little bit more each round until I had nothing left. And that’s when he came on.
 
Q
Jermell, just wondering if you could tell us what you thought of Austin’s performance against Jarrett Hurd?
 
J. Charlo
Every fight is different. I never like to worry about what they do and what they did different. Fighter’s styles make fights. Like Trout emphasized on earlier, he got worn out and dehydration does that. With Barry, someone who trains you the way you would fight and the way which you would go through the ring, I just believe that, Hurd was a much bigger guy and I’ve never been in there with Trout before, so there’s nothing I can say about his fighting style and what he actually brings to the table.
 
Q
Do you hope to beat Trout in a more convincing fashion or a more spectacular fashion than Jarrett Hurd did or do you not even think about that?
 
J. Charlo
I’m not in competition with those guys. Those guys are competition for me. Unfortunately, they just got the fight first before me. I don’t know what Trout going to bring out. So if he brings out the best in me, then who knows what the end result could be. I’m looking to go 12. I’m looking to fight all the way to the end. I’m in dog shape. I’ve been training for a long time and I do a pre-training. I do a pre-camp before I even get into camp and that’s while my brother was getting ready for his fight with Centeno.
 
I like myself the first day of camp in particular shape. So it’s all about sharpening my skills and doing what I got to do at my best. I’m growing. I’m turning 28 and I got to look at things a little bit differently. And I know Trout is a veteran himself and he knows what’s right and what fits him and what fits his body.
 
So it’s just almost like, nah, the only thing that’s on my mind is just getting there to see what this body does and what this mindset that I got now does and who knows the results of it. If it looks good, it’s better than Hurd or any other guys, as long as you all watching and you all kicking it with the Charlos and kicking it with Jermell Charlo, we on.
 
Q
Jermell, your last two fights were contenders for KO of the Year. Can we expect anything of the same in this one?
 
J. Charlo             
I’m going to do what I got to do like I just answered earlier. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Anything can happen. We both two men putting our life on the line. I don’t know how he views this, but I view it a little bit different. I take this as deep to me. I don’t care about the last fights or what I’ve done before, just like I didn’t know what was going to happen in the Lubin fight. I didn’t know what was going to happen in the Hatley fight.
 
We in there to go 12. We were in there to fight, be smart, and be cautious and take care of ourselves. So at the end of the day, I don’t care. I don’t know. I’m not with the ruthless. I’m not trying to go in there try to destroy and kill, because I know that’s a mistake that a lot of boxers make.
 
I grew up watching boxing all my life, and I know for a fact that if you go in there looking for the knockout, it doesn’t come. So therefore, I’m going in there to box, be slick and smart, and be strong at the same time and make it 12 rounds, 36 minutes.
 
Q
Both Jarrett Hurd and Jaime Munguia, they seem to be heading for England. Where does that leave you as far as title unification goes?
 
J. Charlo
We could fight in South Africa, I don’t care. As long as they get their fight on and they do what they do, they make the money, they feed they family, we good. They know who the champ is, the know who really the champ is. They know who the guy to come to. They really want some competition and they want to fight, we study this boxing thing, we do this boxing thing. I’m up there, I be there almost every fight this year, if I could make it, I was there. If I was sitting ring side, I was there, you know what I’m saying? And I haven’t fought there so I’m anxious to be in there and I’m ready.
 
I don’t care about none of them other champions, they got the belts and what they got going on. A lot of these fights that they won was close. This new kid that came out that beat Sadam Ali. He’s nothing like the champions that are reigning now. Austin Trout will beat him and take his title.
 
However, I’m the best fighter at this weight division and I want to continue to be a champion. I got to continue to feed my family this way and I’m going to do it.
 
Q
Do you want to outdo your brother against Trout?
 
J. Charlo             
It’s always been something like that growing up, knowing I wanted to be the best. And my brother considers himself the best, I consider myself the best. He fought Trout and I never fought anyone my brother has ever fought since we’ve become elite fighters. I can’t go by what my brother thinks, he might think Trout is strong, I might think he’s not strong.
 
I don’t feel that my brother feels that the ring. The only thing I do is I feel the emotion that he has and that’s it. So what my brother done to Trout is back in the day. We’ve grown now in 2018. A lot of things are changing, even technology in the gloves is changing. So there’s no way I could say why my brother didn’t get him out of there or why Trout didn’t do the same or vice versa. I look at Trout like a world champion himself and I’m coming to take his title.
 
Q
You’ve been sparring with Errol Spence for the last couple of years., Is it a coincidence that both your last opponent and Trout are southpaws as well?
 
J. Charlo             
I sparred all kind of different south paws growing up and I believe that has a lot to do with why I’m able to handle it well. My poise in the ring and being comfortable and just being comfortable with what I do. We have 12 rounds to get this fight – to get this W. And I got to – whatever round I got to make adjustments, I will.
 
It’s just the name of the game and the thing that I got to go through in order to get to where I want. These guys are all diverse and if I ever have to face adversity, I’m ready for whatever it takes and I’m ready for whatever I got to do to continue the Charlo Show.
 
Q
Austin do you see similarities between the Charlos fighting styles given that they’ve grown up working with each other through the years?
 
A. Trout              
I mean, there’s some similarities, but nah, they two different people. Jermall, he’s a middleweight, but they have – they both have good jabs and a strong right hand. I think Mell has the better skillset he’s been a bit faster. The thing about Mell is I see he takes different approaches to different fights whereas Mall, he kind of comes about each fight the same way.
 
I watch the fight of me and Mall all week to see what I can do better. Not necessarily to compare in any way. That’s what we watch tape on Mell for.
 
Dan Rafael:           So having watched the videos and preparing to fight Jermell and having gone 12 round with Jermall, do you have an opinion of who you think is better?
 
A. Trout
I can’t tell you, man. They both undefeated. I’ll tell you June 9 after I have to fight both of them I can tell you who’s the better fighter. I’m looking more so as to be a better Austin. So, be the best Austin Trout I can be in order to take on the best Jermell Charlo. We not fighting Jermall Charlo/ He’s got his own things that he’s dealing with/
 
That’s not something that I’m concerning myself with. I just got to be the best me in order to deal with the best Mell.
 
Q
Do you feel like your career is a little bit on the line here?
 
A. Trout              
Honestly, I felt that way when I was undefeated. Every fight my career was at stake. If I took a loss, I have to go back to the bottom. I feel like every fights my most important fight.
 
But I’m feeling good now. I’m looking forward to June 9. I have a feeling that we can steal the show. It’s going to be a great fight. I got this lion in his prime and I’m going in to tame the lion and become world champion again.
 
Q
You’ve had one round in now what will be, like, 14 months. Any sense of rust?
 
J. Charlo
I’m rusty as shit, yes. I think I’m rusty as shit, hell yes. Man, I put my life on the line every time I spar. That’s why we spar with world champions. So if the world thinking, like, yes, this kid, he just got one spectacular knock-out, yes, yes, yes, yes. Man, I’ll shut that shit out the way I was supposed to, and I barely touched the kid on the chin and he went to sleep so that mean I must be doing something right in training.
 
I’m a clean fighter. I eat clean, I train clean. They test me, I’m clean. Everything is right. I’m not a mistake and everybody got a different favorite. I’m promised for something that a lot of different people aren’t promised. My work ethic and abilities are different, and I watch everything that’s going on in the weight division. So with that being said, I have a big fight in front of me.
 
Austin Trout was talking about coming to steal the show like he just said. He wants to win another world title. That’s enough for me to get on my bike and know that I got to grind this shit out all the way until June 10. So I’m not focused on anything that I did before. I got 12 rounds, 36 minutes to be am animal every time I step in that ring and I’m going to do what I got to do.
 
We can go to the 10th round and I promise you I will be the same way I am from the first round. If he beat me, that means he’s better than me and I’ve always known that.
 
Q
How much longer do you think you can hold 154?
 
J. Charlo             
I ain’t moving up. I’ll tell you all now. I’m making weight. I’m hydrated. Yes, I’m all the way good. Like, I’m right now, I’m waiting on the WBC to – I’m actually for me seven day weigh in and I’m going to surprise them with that. They actually for my 30-day weigh in and they were completely surprised from then. So I’m excited, I love this weight division, especially because I’m separated from my brother. I don’t want to be in the same weight division where it’s almost looking like who the better fighter? Who the better twin?
 
When it comes down to our careers and stuff, man, different oppositions make different fighters and I’ve always been in there with some of the best in the weight division. I’ve been in there with, to me, some top-tier guys, and so has Trout. You can’t take that away from him at all. He’s fought all of the top guys, everybody. This ain’t a rookie that I’m getting in the ring with. And so, my life is on the line just like his. So may the best win – may the best man win.
 
Q
Have you had a chance to just kind of reflect on what it says about the career that you’ve had that despite the layoffs and the losses to the top guys in recent fights, that you continue to get big fights and big opportunities like this?
 
A. Trout              
In a sense, yes, but for real? Nah, not really, because I got to look forward. The past is the past and I’m trying to rewrite my story with the career defining win. Beating Jermell Charlo will be career defining. It will be bigger to me than beating Cotto in the Garden, straight up. People will make excuses for that, but looking back, it’s cool and all, but I ain’t looking towards the past. I’m always looking to the future. And the future, it really is going through Jermell.
 
Q
Are there pieces from other fighters that you’ve been in with that you can compare to him and what he does well?
 
A. Trout              
All I can do is just learn the lessons that I need to learn from my past experiences and I’ve learned lessons from fighting Jermall. I’ve learned lessons fighting Hurd. And that’s just building to making a better me. Not necessarily then comparing to Jermell, because, again, he’s a separate man. He’s his own man and all I can focus on really is just being the best I can be.
 
Q
Is Louie Burke still involved in this camp and can you talk about his role?
 
A. Trout
Yes, he’s involved. He came out to help be another set of eyes and he knows me. He’s been with me my whole career and even though I am with Barry Hunter, he’s the head coach, I still have him around to keep me grounded and humble. And he was out here for two weeks of this camp and when I was home we’re in the gym working.
 
We were on the phone and helps with the game plan and then him and Barry are on the same page with the game plan. Everybody’s on the same page and there’s a lot of unity in this camp. So it’s all good.
 
R. Schaefer         
Yes. All right, now it’s a pleasure for me to introduce to you Abner Mares and Leo Santa Cruz. These are two guys which I’m very familiar with. I was fortunate to have promoted most of their fights since very early on in their career. In the case of Abner Mares, from his first fight when he came out of the Mexican Olympics. A lot of people leading up to this fight have asked me why did the rematch take that long? The first fight was in 2015. It was a Fight of the Year candidate, it was a toe to toe battle.
 
It’s sort of like the way those two guys fight. I don’t think Abner Mares or Leo Santa Cruz are capable even if they try and they try really hard to be in a boring fight. They’re there to entertain. They love to fight. And I think if somebody would ask me what is the perfect timing for the rematch, I would have to say it’s June 9, 2018.
 
Now why do I say that? Well, I think after the first fight, Abner Mares took some time off, he regrouped, he hired a new trainer with Robert Garcia, one of the best trainers in the world and I think Robert has instilled a lot of confidence in him. They mesh extremely well. (Robert) has come up with perfect game plans for Abner in his last two fights and the chemistry is just something which I really have seen very rarely in the sport.
 
I know as a fact, because I’ve been there with Abner Mares — that he is maybe the best Abner Mares we have seen. Maybe the best Abner Mares ever going back to the time when he was fighting in the super bantamweight tournament on SHOWTIME as well.
 
With Leo Santa Cruz, last week was the open media day here in Los Angeles, and what I came away with is I was very impressed. I was of course impressed with Leo Santa Cruz. He looked spectacular. He looked fast. He looked strong. But what I was made even more so impressed with his father.
 
As we all know, his father suffered cancer; wasn’t really much of a factor in Leo’s last few camps and that clearly weighed on Leo’s shoulders. And now to see Leo’s father in full strength, making comments, “I defeated, I KO’d cancer.” You can just see how that weight has been lifted off Leo’s shoulders.
 
So I have no doubt that we will see the best Leo Santa Cruz we have seen in many years, and we will see the absolute best Abner Mares. I think the timing is perfect for June the 9th for those two guys meeting each other again at the famous STAPLES Center which always brings out the best in the fighters.
 
It’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you first Abner Mares; doesn’t need much of an introduction. We all know a 2004 Mexican Olympian, pound-for-pound, one of the best and most exciting fighters in the world, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and now fighting out of Los Angeles with a record of 32 wins, two losses. He is a multi-division world champion; always fighting the best, from 118 to 126 pounds. It’s a pleasure for me to turn it over now to Abner Mares to make some opening comments.
 
Abner Mares      
Thank you, Richard, for the introduction. Thank you to the media. Thank you to all you guys.
 
I am on my way home from a hard work day and I am ready for June 9. I cannot wait. It’s only less than two weeks, almost a week. And I’m just looking forward to another spectacular night where it would be the best, maybe another one for the books. Thank you.
 
R. Schaefer
The other man is the world champion, Leo Santa Cruz with the record of 34 wins and one loss and one draw. As I mentioned before, he’s the one who throws punches in bunches. He is in spectacular shape. He is a multi-division world champion as well; 118, 122 and 126 pounds. In a stellar victory over Carl Frampton where he regained the featherweight world title.
 
I think, given the fact that his father feels so much better, I think, I can see a different Leo Santa Cruz. And it’s a pleasure for me now to introduce to you as well, my friend, Leo Santa Cruz.
 
Leo Santa Cruz  
Thank you, Richard, for the introduction. And thank you for the media and thank you for everyone who’s in here.
 
I’m ready for June 9. I know Mares is going to come with his best but he looks really good. He’s a great guy, great person. And he was the best, one of the best fighters out there. The best fights the best. It’s a guaranteed great fight on June 9. We’ll give a great fight for our fans and we’re ready to just go out there and entertain the fans.
 
Q
Does your experience with that Frampton rematch give you confidence going into this rematch with Abner Mares?
 
L. Santa Cruz
I’m confident in every fight. I’m not going to go in there with the mindset that, “Oh no I’m going to lose”. I live by my confidence and my training. I train really hard. I give 100% in my training. And now with my dad in my corner, he’s been a lot better, I’ve been able to focus more in my training and everything.
 
I know Abner is a great fighter. He’s been training really hard. He’s at his best. He’s got a new trainer. So he’s going to come by his best, I know that so far. I like that when they give their best, it makes me work even harder and bring out my best too.
 
I’m confident in my training, what I’m doing, doing everything good. And June 9 we’ll see how it goes and hopefully my fight is still great and everything we worked in the gym and give a great fight.
 
Q
Have you seen any weakness in Leo that gives you more confidence going into this rematch?
 
A. Mares             
I don’t look at tapes, to be honest. I let my coach do that. Obviously I do remember that fight because I did watch it. I was there live. And I mean all I could say from that fight is that you go in looking for certain things and I’ve seen what I need to execute and we’re going to put them to work come June 9.
 
It’s going to be a great fight, close fight. We’re both in our prime, in our moment like we were in the first fight. And I’m just ready to execute the perfect plan that we have.
 
Q
Leo what did you feel in your spirit, in your body, in your mind, was there anything missing that night you lost to Frampton as compared to your victory over Frampton in January of last year?
 
L. Santa Cruz
Yes, you know, I think it was more I wanted to see my dad. In the first fight against Carl Frampton, my dad wasn’t really with me, he was mostly in the clinic or in the hospital. He had surgery. He has that experience to tell me what type of fight to fight in. So I think that was the missing key right there.
 
Then for the rematch my dad was mostly there in the gym. He told me what kind of fight to fight in. What punches to throw and stuff like that. And so I think it was my dad. My dad was the difference in that fight.
 
Q
I wonder because you’re fighting him in a rematch and you did get that victory in that fight, is there any part of you that says to yourself, “You know what, I beat this guy.” And it’s a little bit harder maybe to motivate yourself?
 
L. Santa Cruz
I’m more motivated. Like I said, I don’t want to underestimate Abner Mares. I know Mares is at his best. He’s in his prime. He looked a lot better now. And I am a lot better than the first fight so it makes me train even harder/ I have learned a lot too.
 
So I think you’re going to see a better fight because Mares is going to give his best. He looked the best he had looked. And I’m more motivated. I don’t want to underestimate him.
 
It’s going to be a hard fight but we have done everything in the gym to get the victory. We have to work hard and we have worked on things that we have seen that worked on him and that’s what we’re going to do. But I know it’s going to be a hard fight and it’s going to tough, but we’re going to go out there and do our best.
 
Q
What is it that makes you say that you believe that Abner is better now than he was when you fought him three years ago?
 
L Santa Cruz      
He looks good. He fights differently. He has Robert Garcia as his trainer. Robert Garcia is a great trainer; very smart and driven. He knows how to send a fighter to fight. I have seen him and you could see in his training that he is working really hard and everything. But we like that. We like that because he’s going to come in his best and we’re going to give a better fight.
 
Q
Do you view Robert as that big of a difference and one of the reasons you believe that he is better today than he was three years ago?
 
L. Santa Cruz
Yes. I know Robert. Robert is a great trainer and I know he might make a difference. But I also have learned a lot. I got a lot of experience over these few years. And whatever he has learned, I have learned too. And I think it’s going to come down to who wants it the most and I think it’s going to be a great fight/
 
Q
Do you think about a unification fight after this fight, if you’re successful or do you think about maybe moving up in weight?
 
L Santa Cruz
I want a unification. Hopefully because of the win, I would like to unify with any other champion. There’s Josh Warrington, Gary Russell, Oscar Valdez and even a third fight against Carl Frampton.
 
So if the fight is going to make it, I’ll be right there. But for any reason or anything that we can’t make those unifications or any other fights, yes, I would like to move up to 130 and look for another title for 130. But mostly I want to make a fight against another one of the champions.
 
Q
Does the Gary Russell Jr fight interest you more than any other at featherweight after this fight is successful?
 
L. Santa Cruz
Yes, it is. I fought Gary in an amateur. We both went to the finals. He beat me but I’m a lot better now. Hopefully it does happen and I can say that I could beat him.
 
Q
Do you go in there trying to pick up where you left off and thinking like round 13 against Santa Cruz?
 
A. Mares
I’m not going to focus on the first fight. It happened already. That’s in the past. It was a great fight and now we’re moving forward. I think Leo brought up a good point, a really awesome point I think that we’re both better fighters now. I’ve grown as a fighter. I’ve learned so much with Robert and with the two Frampton fights he has too. I think he’s grown as an athlete.
 
So I think now you’re going to get in to some better fights because we just learned so much and then grown in boxing that we’re just going to give it to this fight. But at the end of the day I think where we’re both improved as fighters. We just like to please the crowd.
 
Q
Are we going to see fight number three after you win this one?
 
A. Mares             
If the fight is that good, again, there’s no other way than to give them the rematch as he gave me a rematch. We like to fight the best and if it wasn’t clear enough, we would do it again and if not, we’ll move forward and take whatever champion is out there.
 
I think that everybody is a champion. Everybody is good. And just looking forward to June 9 to prove me once again that I am an elite fighter.
 
Q
Can you tell us where your dad is at in his recovery?
 
L. Santa Cruz
Thank you very much for asking for my dad. Right now my dad, he is in complete remission. His cancer is zero right now. So anything that he has is like he has back pain, like he’s always like feeling nauseous, he’s feeling sick, he’s throwing up. But even though, it doesn’t stop him to keep going to the gym every day. He’s right there observing me, telling me what to do in the gym and everything. He’s been there every day.
 
I’m glad to have him in there. And every time I do good in the gym and I do what he wants, it makes him happy and he forgets about all the pain and everything he’s feeling. So again thank you for that and, yes, my dad is, he’s in complete remission and he’s feeling a lot better than before.
 
Q
How much of a weight was that lifted off of you just to know that your dad was going to be okay moving forward?
 
L. Santa Cruz     
I think my dad is the most important thing right now. And knowing that he has cancer and everything and before I really couldn’t concentrate in my training because I was thinking about if he’s going to be with me in the camp or if he’s going to be with me in the fight or if he’s going to wake up today or tomorrow.
 
But right now I’ve been dedicated to my gym. I’ve been focused in the gym. Now I can focus and I could relax and I don’t have to worry about dad. I haven’t really been thinking about that. I’m just been thinking about training and then going out there and giving a great fight.
 
My last fight he was there. He missed a couple of days but he was mostly almost every day in the camp.
 
Q
Abner what do you think that was like for Leo to go through as a son?
 
A. Mares             
I know he’s going through a hard time and I respect him as an individual, as a person, a father, it’s just tough what they’re going through. And I’m always wishing them the best. And God be with them.
 
Will it be harder to stay disciplined when you’re facing each other because you guys are both Mexican and want to go at it?
 
A. Mares             
I think it is going to be difficult because the atmosphere, the first was intense. It’s going to be double that. And it’s going to be super hard. So again that’s why we keep addressing that the fight is going to turn out to be a fan-fest type of fight because I just know we both compete like that.
 
L. Santa Cruz     
Yes, I know, it’s tough because we’re going to be fighting on our home town. We’re both from here. Abner Mares is a great guy but I have to beat him. We have to fight for our family and we have to live for our future.
 
At the end of the day, whoever wins, I thank God and I hope that we both come out clean. We just want to go out there and give a great fight.
 
Q
What kind of improvements have you seen from Mares?
 
L. Santa Cruz     
Mares has more speed. He has thrown more punches. He has better defense and everything. He has improved. He improved a lot since our first fight. But also I have improved. I have learned. I have experienced a lot. And I had a lot of life experiences.
 
So I think we’re both going to be on our best. We will both going to go out there and give everything in the ring. And we were going to go out there and give a great fight for the fans and that’s I think what the fans love and we’re just happy to entertain the fans and give them a great show.
 
Q
Can you tell us what your game plan is against Abner Mares?
 
L. Santa Cruz
Well my game plan for this is to be smart. I’m going to be a smart fighter. When the first bell rings, I’m going to go out there and see what type of fight Mares brings and it depends on the fight he brings, we’re going to adjust.
 
My dad he could tell me to box, he could tell me to brawl. We think we’re going to fight different fight. It depends on Mares how he comes to fight, that’s how we’re going to fight. But we’re going to be smart, bigger shots, intelligent and on June 9 when the first bell rings, that’s when we’re going to know how to fight him.
 
Q
What kind of adjustments are you – have you been making for this rematch? And is it a question of a balance between boxing and brawling?
 
A. Mares             
I’m making every single adjustment I can that is in my power and that I can do physically. As an athlete, we started from the training methods, to everything. We just have to change it all. People ask me, Abner, are you going to fight differently this fight? “Yes, if I don’t fight this one, then I’m going to get a defeat.” So I think that’s the best way to answer them.
 
Abner, looking back on that first fight, how do you evaluate that strategy that you had and what did you learn from that experience for this fight?
 
A. Mares
I learned a lot in that fight. Going in that very first round, I got ahead of myself. I got just anxious. I honestly and I’ve been saying it pretty loud, I’ve been open about it. I just wanted to win this fight so bad all I thought about was tearing his head off.
 
It just got a little confusing there in the corner with directions. But nevertheless, it was a great fight. I think I fought a lot more with heart and desire than technique in that fight.
 
Q
In that first fight there was enormous amount of punches thrown. Are we going to expect to see something like that?
 
L. Santa Cruz
Well I think we could expect maybe not as much punches but almost the same punches, because we have learned, right there I throw a lot of punches and I miss a lot. But this time we’re going to try to throw more selective punches that more punches that land.
 
So whatever I throw, we want to make sure that they land. We don’t want to throw just to throw. So I think we’re going to be smarter and select our punches and just make them count. Make our punches count and we’re still going to throw a lot of punches, be active and Mares is at his best, I’ll be at my best. It’s going to be a great fight and we’ll both going to go and throw a lot of punches. You guys are going to see back and forth fireworks.
 
Q
Would you like to make a prediction, Leo, for the fight?
 
L. Santa Cruz
I’m most confident. You never know what’s going to happen. Mares is a great fighter and we’ll see what happens on June 9. We’re going to go out there and look for the victory.
 
We’ve been training for 12 rounds. If we go 12 rounds, we’re ready for the 12 rounds. If the opportunity comes, we’re going to go for a knockout. But I’ll be happy to come out with a victory.
 
Q
Abner, would you like to make a prediction also?
 
Abner Mares
My prediction is June 9, hell of a fight. Thank you so much.
 
R. Schaefer         
Well I can echo that from Abner and from Leo, it’s going to be an amazing night here at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. It’s going to be a loaded card as well. One of the most talked about blue chip Olympians from the Rio Olympics, Karlos Balderas from Santa Maria is going to be on the card as well.
 
So make sure fight fans come early to STPLES Center on June the 9th. As little as $50 you’re going to see these two world championship fights. I have no doubt that both of those fights are going to deliver and over deliver.
 
These guys are in their best shape I have ever seen them. Both want it and it’s going to come down to may the better man win on June the 9th.

Trio of Heavyweight Showdowns Highlight Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action Sunday, June 10 L
Trio of Heavyweight Showdowns Highlight Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action Sunday, June 10
 
Rugged Veteran Travis Kauffman Takes on Scott Alexander,
Former Title Challenger Gerald Washington Battles
Wes Nofire & 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter Meets Iago Kiladze
Live from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, Calif.
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
LANCASTER, CALIF. (May 31, 2018) – Rugged veteran heavyweight Travis Kauffman will take on Scott Alexander in a 10-round bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action that features three heavyweight showdowns on Sunday, June 10 from Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.
 
The telecast begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will see former world title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington take on once-beaten Wes Nofire in a 10-round attraction plus 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunterchallenging Iago Kiladze in a 10-round fight. Also featured on the card is sensational super welterweight prospectJoey Spencer (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round special attraction.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website: www.uavpec.com. 
 
“Travis Kauffman doesn’t back down from anyone and there’s no doubt he’ll be looking to make a statement against Scott Alexander on Sunday, June 10,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “It’s an interesting time in the heavyweight division and all the winners on this card will figure into the picture in a prominent way in the future.”
 
Kauffman (31-2, 23 KOs) will look to boost his own contender credentials with a win after most recently dropping a close majority decision to Amir Mansour last March in Kauffman’s hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania. Kauffman had entered that bout with a 14 fight unbeaten streak, including dropping Chris Arreola in a fight that resulted in a no contest and a knockout of former title challenger Epifanio Mendoza.
 
“I am excited to get back in the ring,” said Kauffman. “I have not been in the ring in a year and a half and I can’t wait to go in there and show that I still have a lot left. I am not going in there to win by decision.  I am going in there looking to knock him out, because I am tired of leaving it up to the judges.”
 
The 29-year-old Alexander (14-2-2, 8 KOs) has put together two straight victories since losing to LaRon Mitchell by unanimous decision in 2016. Fighting out of Los Angeles, Alexander is noted for his fast hands, and scored a TKO victory over Pedro Julio Rodriguez in his last fight on March 3.
 
“I’ve been working hard preparing for a fight at the end of June so I jumped at this opportunity,” Alexander said. “I’m always ready to step into the ring and take on any and all challenges. I’m ready to make my mark. My time is now!”
 
A U.S. Navy veteran who also played tight end and defensive end at the University of Southern California, Washington (18-2-1, 12 KOs) will step into the ring looking to score a bounce back victory on June 10. Washington was stopped in his world title challenge last February against Deontay Wilder on FOX, although he was nearly even on the scorecards at the time, before losing a bout to unbeaten Jarrell Miller in July. Prior to those fights, Washington had been unbeaten in 19 pro fights with victories over a slew of veteran contenders.
 
A Cherokee-citizen born in Oklahoma and training out of Miami, Nofire (20-1, 16 KOs) most recently scored a second round stoppage of Stacy Frazier last September. The 32-year-old was riding a four-fight knockout streak that includes stoppages of Yasmany Consuegra and Ty Cobb before losing his first pro fight to Joey Abell in 2016 on FS1 and FOX Deportes.
 
After representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic games, Hunter (13-1, 8 KOs) turned pro and began rising up the cruiserweight rankings until losing his first world title fight to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk last April. The 29-year-old returned to action this April with a decision victory and will set his sights on a world title shot at heavyweight.
 
Kiladze (26-2, 18 KOs) was riding a six-bout winning streak into his January matchup with unbeaten Adam Kownacki that ended with Kiladze losing in six rounds. Representing the country of Georgia and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Kiladze will be in his fifth fight as a full time heavyweight on June 10.

“Crosstown Battles” A Los Angeles Boxing History Lesson – Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares 2 Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles

“Crosstown Battles”

A Los Angeles Boxing History Lesson

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares 2 Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

“Los Angeles, one of the world’s greatest boxing cities, has probably developed more sensational box-office attractions than any other city.”

– Hap Navarro, Hollywood Legion Stadium matchmaker,

1948-1955

LOS ANGELES (May 30, 2018) – The first Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares clash, a candidate for “Fight of the Year” in 2015, was a hard fought crosstown Los Angeles battle for supremacy in the featherweight division won by Santa Cruz via a 12-round majority decision at STAPLES Center on August 29.

This Southern California natural hometown bash produced a strong live gate to go along with a peak of 1.641 million viewers on ESPN, their strongest numbers since 1998. The fierce, bloody war left Mares unfulfilled until their long-awaited rematch could be finally realized three years later. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast on Saturday, June 9 is approaching as we await the exciting, high-voltage return of Santa Cruz vs. Mares.

Historically, Los Angeles has been the hotspot for slugfests between legendary local Mexican-American fighters. Known for their big hearts in the ring, Mexican-American boxers have electrified fans with their explosiveness and courage. When you mix in the fact that Southland boxing fans are loyal to the end, you have the ingredients for the much anticipated barnburner between Los Angeles-based rivals, Santa Cruz vs. Mares.

The rematch is bound to instill and bolster Mexican national pride in the hearts of the growing Southland Latino boxing community. STAPLES Center will surely be divided equally between those rooting for either Santa Cruz or Mares. With this fight just over a week away, we look back to similar exciting bouts between popular Los Angeles fighters.

A strong bitterness carried over from many years earlier was in full force during the pre-fight build up between former sparring partners and former world champions Mando Ramos and Raul Rojas. These Harbor-area fighters openly played mind-games with each other and tossed hateful personal insults back-and-forth in order to gain a psychological edge. In this crucial crossroads fight for both, Ramos, of Long Beach, was led to believe that San Pedro’s Rojas was not in shape. Ramos proceeded to take it easy and coasted during training camp. When word got out that Rojas was in top-form, it occurred to Ramos that he’d been had. Still, Ramos mustered enough salvo to knockout Rojas in six rounds on December 10, 1970 at the Olympic Auditorium.

Ramos helped write another chapter of boxing history in the area as the long-awaited grudge match between two popular Chicano icons, Ramos and Ruben Navarro, also pitted the neighborhoods of Harbor vs. Maravilla against each other. The two fighters, who had been mouthing off to one another for three years, finally agreed to meet in the ring to claim exclusive bragging rights for the title of “best lightweight in town.” Former world lightweight champion Ramos pulled off a close 10-round unanimous decision over top-contender Navarro, “The Maravilla Kid” of East L.A., at the Olympic Auditorium on September 30, 1971.

In one of the most anticipated dream matches in Los Angeles boxing history, “Schoolboy” Bobby Chacon, of Sylmar, knocked out Danny “Little Red” Lopez, of Alhambra, in the ninth round to win the mythical “City Featherweight Championship.” Chacon was in his wheelhouse all night long, rocking Lopez repeatedly with his right hand throughout the fight. This clash of local rising stars in the featherweight division, promoted by Aileen Eaton and the Olympic Boxing Club, occurred in front of a sold-out crowd of 16,027 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on May 24, 1974. The fight produced so much interest that another 2,671 fans watched on closed-circuit TV at the Olympic Auditorium, located on the corner of 18th & Grand in downtown Los Angeles. Steve Springer of the Los Angeles Times wrote in 1995 about the fight as a measuring stick for boxing fan passion in the area, saying “you would have to go back to Chacon-Lopez to find such excitement for a pair of Los Angeles fighters.”

It was the first time in boxing history that two college graduates fought for the world title when WBC welterweight champion Carlos Palomino, of Westminster, successfully defended his title against Armando Muniz, of Montebello, by 15th-round TKO at the Olympic Auditorium on January 21, 1977. Many local boxing writers called this knockdown, drag-out war, the “Fight of the Year”, and in the rematch held May 27, 1978 at the same venue, Palomino once again stopped Muniz, this time by 15-round unanimous decision.

Santa Cruz and Mares grew up together on the same Southern California boxing scene. Both appeared on many of the same boxing cards, and Santa Cruz even picked up an IBF bantamweight belt vacated by Mares. Now, for these two Mexican warriors with almost identical boxing statistics, the road to greatness leads them both once more to STAPLES Center for surely another sensational ring-war.

Come fight night on June 9, 2018, the boxing world will be treated to another classic Los Angeles slugfest between two certified Mexican warriors. This bout truly promises to be the next chapter written in the long history of exciting Los Angeles crosstown battles. Nearly three years in the making, anticipation will be high and a screaming audience again on their feet, as they witness Mares’ quest for redemption in his rematch with Santa Cruz. As popular and well-liked as these two hometown heroes are in the Southland boxing community; there will be only one fighter who will walk out of STAPLES Center with his hands raised tall. May the best man win.

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 or click HERE.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending his title against former world champion Austin Trout as part of an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Errol Spence Jr. Dallas Media Workout Quotes & Photos –
Errol Spence Jr. Dallas Media Workout Quotes & Photos
Welterweight World Champion Makes Homecoming Defense Against Undefeated Challenger Carlos Ocampo
Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME® from Ford Center at
Dallas Cowboys Headquarters at The Star
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stacey Verbeek
 
DALLAS (May 30, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr.hosted a media workout at his gym in Dallas Tuesday as he prepares for his homecoming title defense at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters against undefeated challenger Carlo Ocampo Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The IBF titleholder spoked to media at the R&R Boxing Club along with trainer Derrick James, as the two prepare for Spence’s second title defense after winning the title from then unbeaten champion Kell Brook last May.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com. 
 
Here is what Spence and James had to say Tuesday:
 
ERROL SPENCE JR.
 
“It feels good to be fighting back at home in Dallas. This is where I started and where my core fan base is. It’s great to fight in front of my people and even better that I can do it as a world champion now.
 
“I wanted to make my first title defense in Dallas, but everything happens for a reason and now I have this great opportunity to fight at the Dallas Cowboys’ facility. It’s an incredible venue that has everything you would want. It’s going to be a great atmosphere on June 16.
 
“We’re working hard on our game plan and sharpening our skills in camp to make sure I’m the best version of myself when I step into the ring against Ocampo.
 
“Timing is key in boxing. It’s more important than speed and it’s something I really focus on when I’m training. It’s timing and accuracy. You can be fast but if you don’t land, it doesn’t mean anything.
 
“I’m a versatile fighter who is able to switch it up. I can box from the outside but also go on the inside. These are things that we’re always working on in the gym. Our opponent may bring something different than we expected into the ring, so we work on having a plan for everything.
 
“It’s great to have another world champion like Jermell Charlo in camp with me. Iron sharpens iron and we just work hard every day so that we can push each other to the next level. All of that helps me become victorious.
 
“I wouldn’t say I have one skill that sticks out the most in my arsenal. I’m a balanced boxer who can do everything. I can jab, throw a combo and show strong defense. I balance all of the attributes you need in the ring and that’s what makes me a great boxer.
 
“I’ve been putting this division on notice for a while. June 16 is another day that we’re going to give another one-sided performance and dominate. I’ve had the welterweight division on notice since my first fight. They know I’m here.
 
“Whoever wins the fight between Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter for the WBC title will have to fight me. I’m ready to unify. I’m ready to take the belt from either one of those guys.”
 
DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer
 
“Errol is an incredibly hard worker in the gym and he always has been. We’re just making sure he’s on task and able to be peaking on June 16. I have no worries that he’s going to be distracted by fighting at home.
 
“There can definitely be a lot of distractions at home, but Errol is determined and I know he has the mentality that will allow him to put on his best performance. We’ve been preparing for anything Ocampo could possibly bring to the ring.
 
“I’m excited that my two daughters will be able to come to the fight. This night is all about our community and giving everyone here something to cheer about. The city has indicated that they’re really coming out to support Errol and he’s going to reward them.
 
“If we keep putting in the work like we have been, everything is going to come naturally on fight night. We’ve taken a look at what Ocampo likes to do and we’ll be ready. At the end of the day, I think Errol is going to put on a great performance for this city.”