DANNY GARCIA KNOCKS OUT BRANDON RIOS IN WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER

 

DANNY GARCIA KNOCKS OUT BRANDON RIOS IN WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER
 
David Benavidez Remains Boxing’s Youngest World Champion With Unanimous Decision Over Ronald Gavril In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
Watch The Replay Monday, Feb. 19 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 17, 2018) – Former two-division world champion Danny Garcia returned with a vengeance, knocking out Brandon Rios in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. 
 
Returning for the first time since dropping a close split-decision to Keith Thurman in a welterweight world championship unification fight in March of 2017, Garcia reminded fans of his position amongst boxing’s elite at 147 pounds with an early candidate for 2018 Knockout of the Year.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2HpwG0N
 
Garcia (34-1, 20 KOs) did his best work in the center of the ring, where he was able to box at a distance and fend off Rios’ furious pace.  Rios, who returned in 2017 from a brief retirement, was most effective against the ropes where he gave Garcia trouble with his constant pressure and his favorite weapon – a wide overhand right.
 
In the ninth round with the fight where Garcia wanted it – in the center of the ring – the Philadelphia native landed a huge counter right to the chin that sent Rios flat on his back.  Rios beat the count, but was clearly wobbly on his feet, forcing referee Kenny Bayless to halt the contest at 2:25 of the ninth. 
 
“I felt the ring rust a little bit in the beginning,” said Garcia, who recorded the 20th knockout of his career.  “He’s a good inside fighter and he was giving me some good uppercuts.  I felt good, it was a good nine rounds.  He came to fight.  I came to box, I did that.  I came to bang, and I gave the fans what they wanted – a knockout. 
 
“I just noticed when I was getting my punches off he was standing right in front of me and I just let it go.  As soon as I got the fight in the middle of the ring where I wanted I landed good shots.  I was just letting my hands go and the punch landed.”
 
After the fight, SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray asked Garcia how the loss to Thurman affected him. 
 
“The loss was tough.  I have the mindset of a winner,” Garcia said.  “I hate losing.  I took it like a true champion and I bounced back like a true champion. 
 
“I would love the rematch with Keith Thurman.  It’s on him.  Whenever he’s ready we’ll fight.”
 
WBA and WBC Champion Thurman isn’t the only potential blockbuster on the horizon for Garcia. Former welterweight champion and the WBC’s No. 1 ranked contender Shawn Porter looms for what would be a massive showdown between the former champions.
 
After the fight, Rios (34-4-1, 24 KOs) was frustrated with the stoppage and promised to return. 
 
“I’m mad.  I don’t like going out like that,” Rios said.  “I’m a warrior, I got back up and I wanted to continue.  I guess they stopped it but I’m mad.  I’m mad because I got up. 
 
“I was doing good.  I got lazy with the jab and he came over with the right hand and he caught me.  I’m a warrior.  I’m still in the game.  I didn’t think he did much to hurt me.  I think it was closer than what he thought it was.  He just caught me with a lucky punch.  I was ready to continue.”
 
Boxing’s youngest world champion, David Benavidez, left no questions in a rematch with Ronald Gavril, defending his WBC Super Middleweight World Championship with a dominating 12-round unanimous decision in Saturday’s co-feature on SHOWTIME. 
 
The 21-year-old Benavidez and Gavril had fought to a close split-decision in one of 2017’s best fights that saw Benavidez drop to the canvas in the final minute of the 12th and final round.  The Phoenix native had no trouble in the immediate rematch, utilizing a stiff jab and a steady diet of combo shots to win a near-shutout over the game Gavril. 
 
Benavidez (20-0, 17 KOs) wore down Gavril with an intelligent body attack, pounding the midsection to open up power shots and jabs to the head.  Benavidez had his best round in the fourth, connecting on a huge right uppercut that nearly floored Gavril – who appeared to be saved by the ropes – and then pounced with a series of damaging combo shots. 
 
Benavidez appeared to hurt his right hand in the second half of the fight and stepped off the gas in the 10th, 11th and 12th.  But Benavidez, who connected on 41 percent of his power shots, still landed the harder shots and utilized a stiff left jab to keep Gavril largely at bay.
 
“I knew he was going to come aggressive.  He’s a one-trick opponent,” Benavidez said.  “I knew I could jab and box him all day.  When I saw the opening I took it.  I didn’t knock him out though – he’s a tough son of a gun. 
 
“Both my hands hurt but I have that warrior’s mentality so I kept pushing. 
 
“I want to be the best in division. So whoever they put in front of me that’s what I want to do.”
 
Gavril (18-3, 14 KOs) didn’t make any excuses for dropping what was an action-packed affair that was scored 119-109 and 120-108 twice.
 
“He tried to box me on the outside,” Gavril said.  “It was good fight.  He was the better man tonight. What can I say?  I want to go back in the gym and come back stronger.”
 
In the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Yordenis Ugas scored the biggest win of his career, knocking out Ray Robinson in the seventh round of an IBF Welterweight Eliminator. 
 
Ugas (21-3, 10 KOs) now holds the IBF’s No. 2 position to undefeated champion Errol Spence Jr. 
 
Ugas, a former amateur standout who is now 6-0 since moving up to the 147-pound class, set the tone with a knockdown in the closing minute of the opening round.  Robinson (24-3, 12 KOs) survived and was later deducted a point for hitting after the bell as the fourth round came to a close.  The illegal punch floored an unexpected Ugas, who rebounded and continued to dominate the subsequent rounds.
 
In the opening minute of the seventh, the 31-year-old Ugas landed a massive right that floored Robinson, who beat the count but was clearly hurt.  Ugas unleashed an onslaught with a series of combos, forcing referee Robert Byrd to step in to halt the contest at 1:05 with Robinson defenseless against the ropes.
 
Ugas landed 51 percent of his power shots and was comfortably ahead on all three judges at the time of the stoppage. 
 
“I felt like I was the stronger fighter by far and he didn’t hurt me,” said Ugas. “He lost a point for hitting me after the bell sounded, and knocked me down, but even that didn’t hurt me. He was very awkward and his style threw off my timing.
 
“Luckily I was able to land body shots that I knew were hurting him. I was able to dictate the pace and we never in trouble.
 
“I want Errol Spence next.  Everyone wants Errol.”

Former World Champions Victor Ortiz & Devon Alexander Fight to Majority Draw Caleb Plant UD over Porky Medina
Former World Champions Victor Ortiz & Devon Alexander Fight to Majority Draw in Action Packed Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday Night from Don Haskins Center in
 El Paso, Texas
 
Unbeaten Caleb Plant Dominates Rogelio Medina on His Way to Unanimous Decision in Super Middleweight World Title Eliminator
&
2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas Scores Unanimous Decision
Over Jorge Rojas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Juan Yepez/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
EL PASO, TX. (February 17, 2018) – Former world champions Victor Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs) and Devon Alexander (27-4-1, 14 KOs) fought to majority draw in the exciting main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
 
Both fighters believed they had done enough over the 12 rounds to earn the decision.
 
“I absolutely thought I won the fight,” said Alexander. “The last few rounds I probably gave him, but I thought I out landed him in the 12th. I thought I did enough to win. I gave him three rounds.”
 
“I thought the decision was a little off and I thought I did enough to win,” said Ortiz. “The first few rounds were a little complicated. He’s a great boxer and he was timing me just right. I wasn’t leaving the line of fire.”
 
The fight turned out to be a back-and-forth affair, with Alexander dominating much of the early action. Alexander frequently caught Ortiz charging in with right hands and combinations. The attacks opened up swelling in Victor’s left eye beginning in round three.
 
“The eye was tough to overcome,” said Ortiz. “I can’t really see out of it. I really had to listen to my corner. I tried to stay composed as I could, but he’s a really good fighter.”
 
“My game plan was to be smart,” said Alexander. “Victor always has problems with people that are faster and have more ring IQ. I wanted to put him in the state of mind that he can’t win.”
 
Alexander won five of the first six rounds on two judges’ scorecards and all six on the other’s. Ortiz began to have more success in the second half as Alexander’s output slowed slightly and Ortiz remained persistent charging forward. This effort allowed him to win five of the final six rounds on two judges’ cards and all six of the final frames on the third judge’s card.
 
After 12 rounds, the judges scored the bout 115-113 for Ortiz and 114-114 twice, resulting in the majority draw. After the bout, both former champions expressed interest in a possible rematch.
 
“I would love a rematch,” said Alexander. “That’s up to my team to see what’s next, but I’ll fight anybody. I’m a real fighter.”
“A rematch would be awesome,” said Ortiz. “If both teams agree and the fans want it, let’s make it happen.”
 
The co-main event of the telecast saw unbeaten Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) score a unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (38-9, 32 KOs) in their IBF Super Middleweight world title eliminator.

“It was a tough fight tonight against a tough competitor who puts everything on the line,” said Plant. “I’m happy we got the job done tonight.”
 
Plant established his style early, landing several flush jabs in round one to control the distance. The Nashville-born fighter showed the superior footwork from the outset that would lead him to the victory.
“I stuck to the game plan and I did exactly what I said I was going to do,” said Plant. “I boxed his ears off for 12 rounds.”
 
“He never had me hurt, but I found his style very difficult,” said Medina. “He moves a lot and he’s pretty quick, so that was tough to deal with.”
 
While Plant has now become the number two rated contender in the IBF 168-pound rankings, Medina was not eligible to achieve that ranking due to missing weight Friday.
 
“I think I felt the struggle to make weight a little bit,” said Medina. “I was a little tired in the later rounds and it probably was due to the drain to make weight. But it is what it is.”
 
Plant was able to mix in lead left hooks and straight right hands to continue to damage Medina throughout the action. The consistent jabs caused blood to begin pouring out of the nose of Medina beginning in round three.
 
While Medina continued to fight hard and occasionally land single clean punches on Plant, he was unable to follow-up with much effective offense and never was able to hurt his opponent.
 
After 12 rounds of action, the judges scored the fight 120-108, 119-109 and 117-11, all in favor of Plant.
 
“I want (IBF 168-pound champion) Caleb Truax,” said Plant. “He was calling me out when I was 12-0. I’m on the doorstep knocking now, let’s see if he still wants it. He can either ship me the IBF belt to my doorstep, or I’ll come take it off his waist.”
 
Additional televised action saw 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (4-0, 3 KOs) remain undefeated as he cruised to a unanimous decision over Jorge Rojas (4-3-1, 2 KOs) in their lightweight bout.
 
The four-round bout was not only the first time Balderas had gone the distance as a pro, but the first time an opponent made it through more than one round against him. Balderas staggered Rojas early in round one with a counter left hook, but Rojas was able to survive the round and the subsequent stanzas.
 
“I felt good in there,” said Balderas. “I need to learn to relax a little bit more in the ring. I hurt him in the first round and I could have finished him quickly. My corner reminded me to slow down, but I was still throwing everything with power. I’m going to keep working on my composure in the gym. I can’t kill everyone in the first round.”
 
After four rounds of action all three judges scored the fight in favor of the Santa Maria, California-native Balderas by the score of 40-36.
“I’m going to keep picking up my opposition this year,” said Balderas. “Rojas had a really good chin. I’m going to stay in great shape so I’m ready whenever the call comes. I’m going to keep working and aiming for that world title shot down the road.” 

UNDEFEATED 140-POUND CONTENDER & SAN ANTONIO NATIVE MARIO BARRIOS TO FACE EUDY BERNARDO ON SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME® SATURDAY, MARCH 10 FROM FREEMAN COLISEUM
UNDEFEATED 140-POUND CONTENDER & SAN ANTONIO NATIVE MARIO BARRIOS TO FACE EUDY BERNARDO ON SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME® SATURDAY, MARCH 10 FROM FREEMAN COLISEUM
 
Undefeated Lightweight Alejandro Luna To Face Former World Title Challenger Richard Commey In IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator In
Opening Bout On SHOWTIME EXTREME Live At 8 p.m. ET/PT
Plus! Unbeaten Prospect Brandon Figueroa Takes On Jonathan Aguilar
 in Super Bantamweight Attraction
 
SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 12, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barrios will face Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio. 
 
The SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 8 p.m. ET/PT and features undefeated Alejandro Luna facing former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator.  The IBF champion is Robert Easter, who Commey fought to close-split decision for the vacant IBF belt in 2016. 
 
Also in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum, unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa takes on Mexico’s Jonathan Aguilar in an eight-round super bantamweight bout that, time permitting, will round out the SHO EXTREME telecast.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets and also features two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
 
Barrios (20-0 12 KOs), who is trained by Virgil Hunter, returns for his first professional bout in San Antonio since he scored a 2015 knockout over Manuel Vides at AT&T Center in 2015. The 22-year-old has won three straight fights by stoppage since moving up to the 140-pound division last year.
 
“I haven’t been back home in a while, and I’m looking forward to putting on a tremendous performance in front of my family and hometown fans,” Barrios said. “If the knockout comes, early or late, I’ll take it. If not, we’re going in there to do what we do best, and that’s win. I’m trying to show that I’m on the level where I can get one of those titles either later this year or early next year.”
 
Fighting out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Bernardo (23-2, 17 KOs) enters this fight having scored knockout victories in his last two contests. The 31-year-old, who appeared onShoBox: The New Generation in April 2016, has fought professionally since 2009 and was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights.
 
“I hope that Barrios isn’t underestimating me, because I am full of confidence and positive that I’m going to win,” said Bernardo. “I have a great plan that I’m going to use to catch him by surprise. I don’t care if it’s by knockout or decision, I will win.”
 
Luna (22-0, 15 KOs) and Commey (25-2, 22 KOs) enter this fight ranked 11th and 3rdrespectively by the IBF. The 26-year-old Luna, fighting out of Bellflower, Ca., most recently dominated Andrey Klimov on his way to a unanimous decision last April and faces his toughest competition to date on March 10. Commey rebounded from the narrow defeat to Easter and a subsequent close loss to Denis Shafikov with a unanimous decision victory last March in his native Ghana.
 
“Commey’s a tough competitor whose losses were very close, disputable fights that could have gone either way, so I’ll go in being smart, using my jab and sticking to our game plan,” said Luna. “We’re both boxer-punchers who like to mix it up, throw bombs and brawl if we have to. There’s going to be a lot of action and we might steal the show. We’ll give the fans their money’s worth, either way.”
 
“I think this is a good fight where neither of us are the favorite,” said Commey. “After losing two close decisions there is natural pressure to go for the knockout. But I believe that the judges will be fair and reward me if it goes the distance so I can earn another shot at the title. This is my first fight with Andre Rozier and I’m inspired working in his gym with guys like Daniel Jacobs and Sadam Ali. I’m 100 percent focused on clearly beating Luna and earning my rematch with Robert Easter Jr.”
 
Figueroa (14-0, 9 KOs), the younger brother of former lightweight champion Omar Figueroa, will make his 2018 debut against the 24-year-old Aguilar (20-7, 17 KOs), after picking up four wins in 2017.
 
“I’m happy to be on such a big card. San Antonio is like my second home,” said Figueroa, who is 5-0 with four knockouts in San Antonio. “I’m getting a lot of exposure fighting on this world class event that is headlined by Mikey Garcia. It’s the kind of step-up I need. Little by little I’m becoming well-known, not only in the United States, but by people from around the world.”

Ortiz VS Alexander Bout Sheet

 

Click HERE  for PDF Version

Click HERE for Photos from Juan Yepez/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Garcia vs Rios Bout Sheet

 

Click HERE for PDF Version

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions

 

Luis Ortiz Training Camp Notes
Luis Ortiz Training Camp Notes
 
Unbeaten Cuban Contender Faces WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 3
 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions
 
MIAMI (February 16, 2018) – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz is finally nearing his first world title opportunity as he prepares to take on WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event will see undefeated former 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo take on Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim WBC middleweight title in the co-feature. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with top super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell battling hard-hitting Jose Uzcategui in a rematch for the IBF Interim 168-pound world title.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
 
Ortiz spoke on a variety of topics as he heads into the highly anticipated showdown with Wilder. Here is what Ortiz had to say from training camp in Miami:
 
On Deontay Wilder…
“He’s talking too much. He’s going to have to back that up in the ring. He says he’s going to kill ‘King Kong.’ He’s going to knock me out. I want to watch him try. I’m not like those other guys he fought. I’m a real fighter. Tough and with a lot of experience. I’ve been fighting since I was 10 years old.
 
“He doesn’t intimidate me. His trash talk makes me laugh. It’s just a lot of noise. I’m hungry. I’m doing this for my family. He better take me seriously because he’s going to find himself on the canvas before he knows it. I’m going to show the world who ‘King Kong’ is.”
 
On his confrontation with Wilder after Ortiz’s last fight…
“Someone told me Wilder was in the crowd, I smiled. I was glad to see him. I knew what he wanted. 
 
“I’m not the kind that likes to trash talk, but I’ve had it with this guy. He talks too much. He has a big mouth. He has insulted me and has said too many dumb things. So when I saw him ringside I told him to get inside the ring and to tell the world once and for all that he was going to fight me. He says he wants to fight the top fighters. I’m a top fighter. Let’s do it.”
 
On testing positive for a banned substance during training for the first scheduled fight against Wilder…
“A lot of people that believe in me and know me well, know that I would not do anything that can jeopardize my future as a boxer. I have too much at stake: my family, my children and the possibility to provide for them.
 
“I had been taking that medicine for two years. It was my mistake not to disclose that prescription drug in the paperwork. I never thought a prescription was going to bring me so much trouble. I was taking this medicine to treat high blood pressure, but apparently it’s also used to go to the bathroom a lot and mask other things. I drink two gallons of water per day. I go to the bathroom a lot already. I never put two and two together. I’m clean. The dose they found in my system was too low to mask anything at all. If I would have known this prescription drug was not allowed, I would have told my trainer and my doctor.
 
“I’m a heavyweight I don’t need to make weight. Why am I going to go to the trouble of taking an illegal substance that makes you go to the bathroom a lot? I have no need. I simply didn’t know it was banned. If I would have known, I would have said something to my trainer or to the doctors.
 
“I think the fight was not meant to be at that point in time last year. Destiny played a part. It was supposed to be postponed. Now there are no excuses.”
On how important this fight is for him…
“Every fight I’ve had in my career has been important. The key is always to avoid thinking that it’s win or die because that can put you off center. So the way I see it is that this fight is important for me because I have to win it. And I’m going to. It’s a world championship, but for me it’s just another day at work.  My only goal is to win this fight. Win. Win. Win. By winning this fight, everything else unfolds. I get a title and I help my family.”
 
On what’s going to happen on fight night…
“When I get in the ring, all I will be thinking about is the strategy we put together in the gym. My family is always there. They go to every fight. That was my promise to them when I had to leave them behind in Cuba to come to the United States. They will come with me wherever I go. If I gas out, I look at them and they keep me going. They are my motivation and they will help me achieve this victory.”

Tensions Flare At Final Press Conference For Danny Garcia vs. Brandon Rios Welterweight World Title Eliminator – Quotes & Photos From Thursday’s Final Press Conference
Tensions Flare At Final Press Conference For Danny Garcia vs.  Brandon Rios Welterweight World Title Eliminator
 
David Benavidez Promises To Knock Out Ronald Gavril In WBC Super Middleweight World Championship Rematch In Co-Feature Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
 
Saturday, Feb. 17, Live on SHOWTIME® from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 15, 2018) – Two-division world champion Danny Garcia and former world champion Brandon Rios faced off Thursday at the final press conference for their WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator this Saturday, February 17live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Garcia, who returns for his first bout since a unification showdown with Keith Thurman, promised to put on a show, while a confident Rios assured he was 100 percent prepared for what he deemed a “make or break” fight. 
 
Saturday’s co-main event stole the show Thursday as undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavidez promised to send top-rated contender Ronald Gavril into retirement in their anticipated rematch of a thrilling 2017 split-decision.  Gavril, who floored Benavidez in the final minute of their Fight of the Year nominee, promised a different outcome in Saturday’s rematch. 
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight contenders Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson facing offin an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say from Rhythm & Riffs Lounge in Las Vegas:
 
DANNY GARCIA
“I took a little under a year off just to enjoy my life. I’ve worked hard my whole life; I’ve been boxing for 20 years. I just wanted to be a regular person and let my mind rest, spend time with my daughter and enjoy some of my money.
 
“More than anything, I just felt like I needed the rest. It wasn’t about the hunger because I’ve always had passion for the sport. I love boxing. I love the competition.
 
“I’m back now and I’ve been in camp for three months. I’m training hard. I feel great and I feel confident.
 
“It was a close fight against Thurman. I walked out of there with no injuries. Thurman was the one with the elbow injury, so he took more punishment than me. I could easily be unified champion of the world right now. At the end of the day, I’m a champion. That’s my mindset. What doesn’t break me, makes me stronger.
 
“It feels great to be from Philly right now. The atmosphere is crazy. When the Eagles won the Super Bowl, it felt like I won. They motivated me to go out there and do what I have to do.
 
“It’s the Danny Garcia show so I’m going to go in there and do what I want to do. I’m going to dictate the pace. If we want to bang, we can bang. If we want to box, we can box.
 
“I’ve faced fighters that came straight at me before. I’ve faced fighters that moved. I’m prepared for whatever. I’m a young veteran in the sport and what made me a true champion is adapting to anything and overcoming adversity. If I have to overcome adversity on Saturday night, then I’m going to do that because that’s what I was built for.
 
“I need to get a victory on Saturday night. I can’t overlook anybody. I’ve seen some crazy things happen in boxing. One punch can change everything, so I’m just focused on Saturday night.”
 
BRANDON RIOS
“I’m ready 100 percent. I’m ready to give the fans an exciting show and that’s what I’ve prepared for. That’s my style. I always come forward and I come to fight. We ain’t dancing, we’re going to be fighting.
 
“Robert Garcia has always been my brother. He’s a brother from another mother. It felt great to be back with Robert Garcia and I’m just ready for the fight now. Him and Donald Leary have me confident in myself, and that’s the most important thing.
 
“I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity. This can make or break me. I’m doing everything right in training and dieting. I usually say I can’t wait until weigh-ins but this time I can’t wait until Saturday.
 
“There’s no weight issue at all. I’m perfectly on-weight right now. I’m perfectly fine health-wise, there’s no injuries. I’m 100 percent ready.”
 
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“I’m going to put Gavril into retirement after this fight. I’m going to knock him out. This is going to be the fight of the night so you guys don’t want to miss it. He’s not going to want to box again after I get done with him.
 
“He dropped me but I wasn’t hurt at any point of that fight. I got back up and smiled. I did not feel his power at all.
 
“It wasn’t a tough decision to give him a rematch because it was a great fight. I just want to give the fans the fights they want to see. They said the first one was a war, let’s make this one a war too.
 
“I’m not offended by Gavril’s talk because he’s a good fighter. This is just more hype for the fight and more motivation for me to go in there and make it a war.
 
“This time, there’s going to be a little bit more boxing. I really want to put this guy away so in order to do that, I need to step up every part of my game.”
 
RONALD GAVRIL
“In the first fight, I proved to everybody that I have the skill and the power to be the best in this division. I thought that I won the fight, especially with the knockdown. So now, I had more than eight weeks to prepare for this fight when I only had four weeks for the first fight. I’m better now.
 
“I was not surprised Benavidez gave me the rematch because it was such a good fight. I think Benavidez talks to much. He said before the first fight that he was coming to stop me in four rounds or five rounds. He cannot stop me. And now, he said the same thing before this fight. He can’t do that. Why do you think he got a new fitness coach?”
 
YORDENIS UGAS
“Moving up from 140 to 147 in 2016 has been great for me. Putting on the extra weight only makes me stronger.
 
“I’m ready to fight Robinson. I feel 100 percent and after I fight him on Saturday, I’m looking forward to fighting (Errol) Spence if I’m successful.
 
“I’m going to jump on the fact that I have length and reach on him. I have the height advantage. I can find a way to come in and attack the body first.
 
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. It’s an eliminator so I’m going for the win on Saturday night.”
 
RAY ROBINSON
“At one point, I used to put a lot of pressure on myself because of my name. I put so much pressure on myself that I even think I lost a couple fights. I look up to Sugar Ray Robinson, but I’m here to put my own footprints in the sand.
 
“I have learned from every fight and gotten better every fight as a pro and as a person. I have a great team now and they have only added to my craft.
 
“I feel confident. I did all of the hard work in the gym with my team. This is the easy part. I can box with a blindfold on. That’s the one thing I know how to do – fight. On Saturday, all of my hard work is going to pay off.”

Victor Ortiz vs. Devon Alexander & Caleb Plant vs. Rogelio Medina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
Victor Ortiz vs. Devon Alexander & Caleb Plant vs. Rogelio Medina
Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
 
 
Ortiz vs. Alexander & Plant vs. Medina Featured in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Action Saturday, February 17 Live from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ruben Ramirez
 
EL PASO, TX. (February 15, 2018) – Former world champions Victor Ortiz and Devon Alexander went face to face Thursday two days before they enter the ring for their Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes main event showdown this Saturday, February 17 from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
 
Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference were undefeated contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and Rogelio “Porky” Medina, who battle in a super middleweight world title eliminator. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas battling Jorge Rojas.
 
IBF Female Featherweight World Champion Jennifer Han was also at Thursday’s press conference in her hometown, as she prepares to take on top contender Lizbeth Crespo in a world title defense.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Don Haskins Center
 
VICTOR ORTIZ
 
“We’re ready to go once again. I’m here for what’s mine, and that’s a victory. Alexander is a nice fighter and I’m sure it’ll be a war.
 
“The victory is the only thing on my mind. I’m here to defeat Devon Alexander. I just need to trust my training and I know it’ll give the result I want.
 
“I’m definitely looking for the knockout. I want to put on a great performance for these fans. They’ve supported me throughout this promotion and I owe them something memorable.
 
“Devon and I have known each other for a long time, but that all goes out the window on fight night. It’s going to be a brawl. We’re going to do what we have to do to get this win and move on to the next step of my career.”
 
DEVON ALEXANDER
 
“No one wants to hear me say what I’m going to do. People want to see me beat Victor Ortiz. Nothing else matters. I’m prepared to come in and win this fight. I’m going to win and get back to the top.
 
“I’m so blessed to be in this position. I’ve had ups and downs in my life and career, but it’s all been leading to this moment and this part of my career. I’ve got something special coming for the fans.
 
“I’m really excited to be fighting in El Paso. This is clearly a fight town and I can’t wait to give them a great show on Saturday.
 
“This fight is so important to me. I know how important it is to Victor too. We both need these wins to get to where we want to be in the future. Only one of us can move on, and It’s going to be me.”
 
CALEB PLANT
 
“This has been the best camp of my life. Everyone always says that, but this has truly been the best one I’ve ever had. I have a great team that I’m very lucky to have.
 
“It’ll come down to who has the will to win. There’s a stigma that people on the ‘A side’ haven’t been through trials and tribulations. But I’ve been through more than anyone can imagine.
 
“I’m not playing around. This is no joke to me. This is all I’ve ever had. When I was a kid with no heat and the lights were off, boxing was all I had. Saturday night I’m getting my hand raised and I’ll be one step closer to a world title.
 
“Saturday night is going to be fireworks. There’s no secrets what’s going to happen when I fight ‘Porky’ Medina. He’s coming to break me down, and I’m coming to box.”
 
ROGELIO MEDINA
 
“I am honored to be a part of this card and compete in a big fight like this in a fight city like El Paso. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans.
 
“I’m determined to get this win. Caleb Plant is a good fighter, but he’s never fought anyone as tough as me. I don’t think he’s going to be ready for my pressure.
 
“I’m always going to come forward and look for the knockout. That’s what we train for and that’s the only thing on my mind. I have to go right through Caleb Plant to earn another world title shot.”
 
JENNIFER HAN
 
“I want to thank El Paso for always being there to support me. I couldn’t do what I do without all the fans.
 
“I’m truly blessed to have the help and support of me team. We work hard together and we win together.
 
“I’m thankful to Lizbeth Crespo for coming to El Paso. I’ve had problems in the past getting opponents here who are ready. She looks ready to go and we’re going to put on a great show.
 
“This is such a talented card full of world class fighters. If the fans show up, we’re going to keep having big events like this in El Paso.”
 
LIZBETH CRESPO
 
“I am thrilled to be here. It’s an honor to be fighting Jennifer Han. She’s the queen of El Paso and I’m excited to fight her in her backyard.
 
“I’m focus and determined to win this fight. I’ve had a wonderful training camp and I’m looking forward to taking home the victory for Argentina.”

Action-Packed Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz Undercard Features Top Contenders, Former Heavyweight Champion, Prospect Showdowns & Rising Future Stars Saturday, March 3 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 
Action-Packed Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz Undercard Features Top Contenders, Former Heavyweight Champion, Prospect Showdowns
& Rising Future Stars Saturday, March 3 from
Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Middleweight Contender Sergey Derevyanchenko Makes Barclays Center Debut;
2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell in a Super Lightweight Attraction;
Patrick Day vs. Kyrone Davis – 10 Rounds Super Welterweights
 
Plus! Former Heavyweight World Champion Charles Martin, Middleweight Willie Monroe & Rising Local Prospect Richardson Hitchins All Enter the Ring!
 
BROOKLYN (February 14, 2018) – The heavyweight world title showdown between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz will feature a stacked undercard of exciting attractions that includes top contenders, a former heavyweight champion, exciting prospects and more all entering the ring on Saturday, March 3 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
Action inside the arena includes top middleweight contender Sergey Derevyanchenko facing Dashon Johnson in an eight-round fight, 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell in a six-round super lightweight showdown, and a 10-round matchup between super welterweight prospects Patrick Day and Kyrone Davis.
 
A 2008 Ukrainian Olympian now fighting out of Brooklyn, Derevyanchenko (11-0, 9 KOs) earned his top contender status in the IBF by stopping Tureano Johnson in the 12th round of their August 2017 showdown and will face California’s Johnson (22-22-3, 7 KOs) as he awaits his title shot.
 
One of featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr.’s younger brothers, the 21-year-old Russell (3-0, 3 KOs) represented the U.S. at the 2016 Olympic games in Rio and made it to the quarterfinal round. He turned pro in May of last year and has scored three first round stoppages as a pro.
 
The 25-year-old Day (14-2-1, 6 KOs) fights out of Freeport, New York and most recently won an exciting contest over then unbeaten Eric Walker last July to seize the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title. He takes on another prospect looking to leap to contender status in the 23-year-old Davis (13-1, 5 KOs) from Delaware who enters this bout on a three-fight winning streak.
 
The card continues with former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin (25-1-1, 23 KOs) in an eight-round fight, former world title challenger Willie Monroe Jr. (21-3, 6 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight affair and a pair of local welterweight prospects fighting at Barclays Center for the fourth time as Richardson Hitchins (3-0, 1 KO) and Kenny Robles (2-1, 1 KO) compete in separate six-round attractions. Rounding out the action is unbeaten prospect Shynggyskhan Tazhibay (5-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by the highly anticipated Wilder vs. Ortiz matchup and will see undefeated former 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo take on Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim WBC middleweight title in the co-feature. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with top super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell battling hard-hitting Jose Uzcategui in a rematch for the IBF Interim 168-pound world title.

Marcos “Madman” Hernandez Returns to the Ring This Saturday in El Paso, TX Talks Showdown with Rosario

MARCOS “MADMAN” HERNANDEZ
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Hernandez Returns to the Ring This Saturday
EL PASO, TX (February 14, 2018) – Middleweight prospect, Marcos “Madman” Hernandez (11-1, 3 KOs), returns to the ring this Saturday, February 17, 2018, againstJeison Rosario (14-1, 11 KOs). The 8-round bout will take place at the Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
 
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by a 12-round duel between former welterweight world champions Victor Ortiz and Devon Alexander. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
 
Here is what Marcos Hernandez has to say about his upcoming fight with Rosario…
 
On his current training camp…
“This is my third training camp out here in Riverside with my trainer Henry Ramirez, who took over the lead in my corner a few fights ago. It’s been great getting the proper sparring needed to take my career to the next level. I’m feeling strong and sharp. Everything has come together, and I’ll be at my best this Saturday in El Paso.”
 
On facing opponent tough Jeison Rosario…
“Rosario is a very tough opponent who possesses a lot of power in both hands. He likes to go for the knockout, so I will have to be ready for everything he’s coming with. I know he’s hungry but so am I. This will be a fight for the fans, as we are both going to leave everything in the ring.”
 
On what a victory will do for his career…
“A win against Rosario will get me one step closer to my ultimate goal of fighting for a world title. I’ve been in tough fights since I turned pro and its prepared me for fights like the one I’m in now. I’m ready step it up and show the world I have what it takes to be an elite fighter, and a world champion.”
 
On fighting on another big PBC card in El Paso…
“I’m sure El Paso will have a lively crowd attending this Saturday. I know there will be a lot of Mexican’s in the house, so I must represent my people. I’m very happy to be fighting on another big PBC card. It’s a blessing to be part of the PBC family and I promise to impress those that will be watching.”