Top 154-Pound World Champions and Contenders Share Their Thoughts & Experiences Fighting in New York Ahead of Premier Boxing Champions Event
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Top 154-Pound World Champions & Contenders Hit New York Next Week Ahead of Saturday, October 14 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Fighters Share Their Thoughts & Experiences Fighting in New York Ahead of Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
BROOKLYN (October 6, 2017) – Six of the top 154-pound world champions and contenders will look to put on a show for the fans in New York as they prepare to enter the ring for a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader Saturday, October 14 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy “The American Dream” Laradefending against undefeated Terrell Gausha. Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and “Swift” Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.
 
The undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha is the only fighter on the card who will be making his Barclays Center debut. However, the Cleveland-native has fought once in New York before and looks forward to a return, this time on its’ biggest stage.
 
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to fight at Barclays Center and add my name to the list of great fighters who have competed there,” said Gausha. “There’s something special about fighting in New York. The energy from the fans is really unique. I think I’m the perfect guy to come in and handle that pressure and have it elevate my game.”
 
Gausha faces WBA Champion Erislandy Lara, who won a decision against Austin Trout in their 2013 title showdown at Barclays Center. This time, Lara looks forward to taking advantage of his elevated role as the main event of this show.
 
“My memories of fighting at Barclays Center were incredible,” said Lara. “I put on one of my best performances against a great champion in Austin Trout and I’m looking to be even better on October 14. To be headlining in New York is incredibly special and important to me. There’s no better time to be at my very best than in front of these fans.”
 
Both WBC Champion Jermell Charlo and WBC No. 1 contender Erickson Lubin delivered sensational knockouts to make their Barclays Center debuts in 2017. Charlo made his first world title defense in April by stopping Charles Hatley and wants nothing else but to take care of business when he returns to the squared circle at Barclays Center.
 
“I’m honored to be fighting in Brooklyn,” said Charlo. “This is another exciting fight card like the last time I was here. I did what I had to do in April. I let my opponent run his mouth and then I took care of him. I’m going to let that happen again. I can’t wait for another opportunity to grow my fan base here in New York.”
 
Lubin has the strongest connection to the city of the six fighters, as he has made his training camp in nearby Hackensack, N.J., and is frequently able to visit his mother, who is living in Queens. He delivered a one-punch knockout of Jorge Cota at Barclays Center in March on CBS to earn this title opportunity on October 14.
 
“My last fight was my first ever in New York as a pro or amateur, and it was a memorable one,” said Lubin. “I left the crowd satisfied and entertained them with my squat and hit him with an overhand to knock him out. New York is like my second home and I love it here.
 
“I love visiting my mom in Queens and eating all the Haitian food she cooks, but I have to wait until after the fight to enjoy it. I’ve really embraced training up here though. We didn’t want to break camp at all. So we came up here for the press conference and were able to get in a workout that day. I’ll be a thousand percent ready once fight week rolls around.”
 
For IBF Champion Jarrett Hurd and former champion Austin Trout, New York has been a place for career-defining moments. For Hurd, his March 2016 stoppage of Mexican Olympian Carlos Molina at Barclays Center buoyed him towards his world title shot and eventually championship triumph.
 
“When I beat an Olympian like Carlos Molina, that was definitely when I first thought that I was a fighter who could win a world title and it proved I could compete against anybody,” said Hurd. “I think I picked up some fans in New York between that and beating the ‘Brooklyn Rocky’ Frank Galarza. New York always shows me love, so I feel it’s my duty to give them something to cheer about.
 
“I’m excited to be in New York because it’s very close to my home in Maryland too. I’m organizing buses for my fans to come up and watch me so I’m expecting another great atmosphere on fight night.”
 
Already a world champion, Trout had the opportunity to face future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in 2012 in New York, and he was able to rise to the occasion that the stage demanded. He dominated Cotto over 12 rounds in his first start in New York and although he faltered in his return to New York against Lara, he remains fond of fighting in The Big Apple.
 
“New York is always a great place to be,” said Trout. “I had the biggest moment of my career in New York, but I want to make up for my last fight at Barclays Center, so fans can definitely expect fireworks on October 14. I’m coming to fight.
 
“My mother was born and raised in New York so I always look forward to the opportunity to compete here. My favorite thing to do is go to a Chinese restaurant on Avenue X after the fight with my family and I’m hoping to do that as a two-time world champion after this fight.”
 

Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Chris Avalos & Abner Mares vs. Andres Gutierrez  PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Media Conference Call  Transcript & Audio
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Chris Avalos & Abner Mares vs. Andres Gutierrez
 PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Media Conference Call 
Transcript & Audio
 
Click HERE for Audio Recording
 
 
Richard Schaefer
Hello, everybody. Welcome to today’s media call.
 
I’m really excited that we have a little over a week to go until this great doubleheader at the war grounds at StubHub Center in Carson, California. We all know that fights there always deliver.
 
Somehow it always brings out the best in fighters. The atmosphere is just one of a kind. I can report that ticket sales are very strong. They have been very brisk and actually some of the price categories were sold out. We’re trying to put some more 30 and 50 dollars for sale, so I anticipate a big crowd at StubHub Center on Saturday, October 14 for a huge night of world championship boxing.
 
Two world championship fights with Leo Santa Cruz versus Chris Avalos, and Abner Mares versus Andres Gutierrez. The Premier Boxing Champions card will be on FOX, network FOX, and FOX Deportes. Live coverage will be starting at 7:30 pm ET and 4:30 pm PT.
 
The doors will open at 12:30. The first fight will be shortly after. We’re going to have a big night of fights in Carson, 12 fights in all.
 
It’s going to be a very exciting undercard as well, the non-televised portion. We have among them, two Olympians, A Mexican Olympian who came home with bronze medal for Mexico, as Misael Rodriguez will be fighting his fourth fight. He’s 3-0 with two knockouts.  
 
He’s trained by Robert Garcia. And then we have Eimantas Stanionis, who is quickly developing a huge following here in Los Angeles and he’s training at the Wild Card with Freddie Roach. He will have his fourth fight as well. He has three wins, three knockouts at the welterweight division. We have more experienced guys as well like Robert Marroquin and Ivan Redkach on the card, so a little bit of everything. We have two kids from Oak Hill, California, Jerry Perez and Jose Perez early on in their career showcasing their talent.
 
So, be sure you tell your readers or listeners to come out early and to be part of a great Saturday afternoon and evening at StubHub Center. The weather is beautiful here now in California this time of the year, so really excited to see you all there.
 
I’d like to thank as well Tom Brown and Brittany Goossen-Brown of TGB Promotions for this co-promotion again. And I understand Tom is not on the call, but I’m sure we’re all going to see him during fight week.
 
The first fight of the televised card is going to be Eddie Ramirez against Antonio DeMarco. We all know Antonio DeMarco from Tijuana is a guy who always comes to fight. One of those guys who is never in a bad fight.
 
He is looking to give a stern test to an undefeated fighter, Eddie Ramirez, with a 17-0 record with 11 knockouts in the super lightweight division. So, I think that’s going to be a very exciting fight and I think it’s going to really show us all where Eddie Ramirez is in this particular point in his career. We know that Antonio DeMarco will certainly come to fight.
 
Next up is going to be the world championship fight between one of the most legendary and biggest names in the sport, multi-division, multi-time world champion, Abner Mares versus Andres Gutierrez. Andres Gutierrez joins us from Guadalajara, Mexico. He has a record of 35 wins, one loss, one draw and 25 knockouts.
 
He was actually supposed to fight earlier this year in a title eliminator against Carl Frampton. He looked very strong, it looked great and then he had the freak accident in the shower, I understand, over there in Ireland and he couldn’t fight. He suffered severe cuts.
 
But he is ready to go. And he gets another bite at the apple as they say. He was supposed to fight Frampton, one of the big names at the 126-pound weight class and that didn’t happen.
 
Now he has a chance to go with an even bigger name, Abner Mares, here in Los Angeles. And this all Mexican showdown, this all Guadalajara showdown, actually, is surely going to light fireworks. I’d like to introduce to you now, Andres Gutierrez.
 
Andres Gutierrez
I am ready, I’m very focused, excited down here in Guadalajara. My training camp is going well and I’m extremely motivated. All right.
 
R. Schaefer
It is always a pleasure — a special pleasure, frankly an honour – form me to introduce one of my closest friends in this sport. An amazing champion inside the ring and an amazing father, husband and human being outside of the ring. A fighter I have known since actually before he went to the Olympics in 2004 where he represented the Mexican Olympian team.
 
He obviously came and conquered the professional world, facing some of the best 118, 122 and 126-pound champions over the years. He is born in Guadalajara as well and trains in California with famed trainer Robert Garcia who really, I think that Robert Garcia and Abner Mares make the perfect team. I think Abner Mares most recently dropped Jesus Cuellar in a hard fought victory last December for the WBA Featherweight title.
 
We saw the game plan Robert and Abner put together and how Abner executed against this fantastic game plan. I think they make an unbeatable team. Abner Mares is here to stay and has great fights ahead of him. But, first comes first, he knows that the Gutierrez is a tough customer and has only one loss, is a good puncher as well. It’s going to be fireworks. And it’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you, Abner Mares.
 
Abner Mares      
Richard, everybody on the line, thank you so much for having me on. I’m really honoured and happy to be fighting on this card. I’m fighting once again in, you can say my hometown, Los Angeles.
 
I always showcase great fights here at StubHub Center in Carson, California. I’m looking forward to showcasing once again alongside Robert Garcia, the new Abner. I know every fighter always says that, but I think I’ve proven it. I approved it against Cuellar in my last fight in December and I will once again against Andres Gutierrez come October 14.
 
Richard, a close friend of mine, thank you so much and I’m excited to have my second fight promoted by Ringstar Sports. My first fight was with Cuellar and now second fight, so I’m looking forward to that.
 
Everybody in my camp from Robert Garcia all the way through, thank you everybody so much. I’ve been waiting for this.
 
Robert Garcia     
Like Abner said, or like Richard said, we make a really good team together with myself and my family.
 
Everything that’s working is working really good. Training has gone great, sparring is beautiful. We have great sparring partners, young, hungry kids that want to prove themselves against Abner. And Abner is doing his work being able to control those young contenders that want to get in there and hurt him.
 
Abner’s been able to do it all. Things have gone great. We’re waiting for a good fight. We know Gutierrez is a young kid that is hungry for this title opportunity. So, we know we’re going in there against a hungry, young fighter that wants to become a world champion.
 
That’s why we have to be very well prepared and come October 14, now we’re going to prove what we’ve done in the gym and bring it to the ring.
 
Q
When you started to lay the groundwork for this training camp, were you trying to put a game plan in and prepare for the rematch with Santa Cruz and then a little surprise and things change? Or, can you just take me through when you realized that it would not be the rematch next?
 
R. Garcia             
Look, we were training for Leo Santa Cruz and we started training camp early, like three, four months ago we were already in the gym and preparing for Leo Santa Cruz so that’s what we were expecting. But, then when the news came that, that we had to fight somebody else, we wouldn’t stop. We continued training, we continued sparring the same way we were sparring. We didn’t do many changes.
 
I added a couple of kids to sparring, two kids. A couple that were already getting Abner ready for Leo, which, you know are a little big taller than Abner and fight a little similar to Leo, but I kept them because we’re not looking past Gutierrez because he a hungry kid that’s coming to become a world champion. I want to continue doing the work that I’m doing.
 
So, if everything goes well on the 14th, by the time we fight Leo we get another four, five, six months, whatever it takes of preparing for Leo because Leo’s not an easy kid to beat. So, we got to start preparing to beat Leo like we were. Things happen for a reason. The fight was postponed until next year. But that just gives me what is it four, five, six months more of training Abner to be able to beat Leo.
 
Q
Is that a good thing to have more time to train with Robert to prepare for trying to get revenge on one of your losses?
 
A. Mares
You know what, that’s the way I look at it. At first, I’m not going to lie, and most people know I felt upset. I felt a little irritated that I wasn’t getting that fight.
 
Because at first it was solid, but at the same time, things happen for a reason, like Robert said. But, it gives us that much time to get ready even more for the Leo Santa Cruz fight. But, again we’re not looking past Gutierrez, he’s a great fighter, he’s a hungry kid, I’m not that old and people make me sound old, but I’m not.
 
But, I remember when I was that age, 26, and I got my opportunity for a world title. So, I can imagine how happy he is and really looking forward to this fight. But, again I’m no push over, I’m in my prime, I’m in my movement, I’m strong, I feel great.
 
I already said I’ve been doing really, really good in spar sessions. I really look forward to just making a statement that we are here to stay.
 
Q
You’re the one with the tougher fight, it seems between you and Leo. Can you give me your thoughts about being put in that position when you’re supposed to be getting ready to fight the rematch?
 
A. Mares             
You can put me in the first fight, second fight, last fight. It doesn’t matter, there’s no such thing as, I mean obviously there is, a main event, but people know which one is the best fight out there. So, I think people are going to go watch both of us, obviously, see how we look. But I do feel like I got the tougher opponent, but you know we are planning to make it seem like it’s a showcase but it’s a good fight. But I’m not looking at his opponent, I’m focused on mine, he’s focused on his opponent. At the end of the day I just want to perform, look great and get ready for not just Leo but any fight that’s going to happen.
 
Q
Richard, could you speak to your challenges in promoting a double header of probably will be action fights, but it’s not the rematch. So, some people perceive it as, “Oh, it’s a good card”. But it’s not what they thought it would be, which is the rematch between Abner and Leo?
 
R. Schaefer
Well, it certainly has been a bit of a challenge because the people are really excited to see these two, Abner and Leo, fight each other again. But I have to say this fight here, “The Jaguar” against Abner, this is a real fight.
 
This is not a soft touch. This is not, like, a tune up and Abner knows that and they know as well that the Jaguar is going to be coming to take what is his, what is Abner’s, that world title. So, this is by no stretch of the imagination, anything even remotely close to a tune up.
 
This is a real fight. And it will be real action fight because both guys are, I think, stylistically very made for each other. So, I think it will be a great fight. And I think fight fans, true fight fans, the Hispanic fight fans, the Mexicans and the others, they know that this is a real fight and that’s why I think they will come and they will support Abner.
 
Everybody has something to look forward to for the early part of next year. I’ve been told by the fighters and their management teams that a deal structure is in place. Assuming everything goes well, that they will fight each other March of next year here in Los Angeles.
 
Q
Were you going to fight on this card even if there was no assurance that a Santa Cruz rematch was coming, or was it important to know that the next fight would in fact be a rematch?
 
A. Mares             
Mothing’s for sure in boxing, to be honest. I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring. I got Gutierrez now. That’s the guy I’m fighting, that’s the guy I’m focused on. So, I’ve been saying, if it’s not Leo the next fight, even though they saying it is, it might be 90 percent, I want Frampton too.
 
And if not Frampton, I want Oscar Valdez, if it’s not Oscar Valdez, any world champion out there. So, we’re not just looking at Leo now because we’ve been through that. So, that was a good question you’re asking, so my answer is I just want any champion, but obviously there’s a key and the fighter to fight will be Leo after Gutierrez.
 
R. Schaefer         
I can just add to that as well. I agree with Abner. Abner is one of the most legendary and biggest names coming out of Mexico in the sport period. So, Abner Mares is not going to be sitting around and waiting around and waiting around for anybody, and I really mean anybody.
 
The fact is the 126-weight class is pretty deep and as a matter of fact, I talked to Frank Warren earlier this week as well. And I know that Abner would be absolutely open to a Frampton fight because that’s what he told me. But, you know first thing’s first.
 
This is not, as I said, this is not a tune up and we don’t want to give it away, but once this fight is over and everything goes well, then I will very quickly sit down with Abner and his team to map out, okay, can we get Leo, yes or no? Obviously, that’s what we want and if we can’t then, you know, we move on.
 
Q
They said you’re not going to sit around and wait for anyone. But this is only your second fight in almost two years. How frustrating has that been for you?
 
A. Mares             
It is, and it isn’t. I think timing is the best thing and being realistic. To be 31 and to be learning so much right now with Robert Garcia, it’s just amazing.
 
Not too many people could say that, at this age they’re still learning and doing things that you never thought I could have done. it’s just excitement to showcase them now on a final fight.
 
So, going in again with Gutierrez, we plan on doing like we did with Cuellar and move forward. So like I said, it is, and it isn’t. Here’s how I look at it, obviously this is my Christmas list.
 
If I get Frampton over Leo next on the list, any order, Leo, Frampton, Gary Russell Jr., Oscar Valdez and if I could make it jump to 130 and if you’re still there Gervonta Davis. I’ll fight them. That’s four or five fights that could totally be my career right there.
 
So, I’m putting a number on my career because you got to think of the future, so that’s the way I see it.
 
 
Q
How has training camp gone and how do you feel leading up to fight night?
 
A. Gutierrez
I feel great. This is an unbelievable moment in my career. I’m very much deep in training in Guadalajara very excited for this matchup and working with Alfredo Guzman and we’re ready to go to the United States and make our journey there.
 
Q
Can you tell me what is the most difficult part of facing somebody like Gutierrez who has nothing to lose and everything to win?
 
A. Mares             
I’ve been there, I know how he feels, so I work with that. I don’t feel like I’m no pushover, so it’s just excitement to be fighting someone good and at the end of the day I’m going to go in history. Knowing I’m someone that’s fought nothing but great fighters. So, I’m really proud to be fighting Gutierrez.
 
Q
What are your thoughts on the people that are saying you’re being brought in to lose and you’re a heavy underdog? What are your thoughts on that?
 
A. Gutierrez
Look, I’m coming to surprise everybody. I feel very good. It is my dream to bring home the World Championship and I’m going to go ahead and really shock boxing fans in Los Angeles. I am not just an opponent.
 
Q
Robert what have you seen in Gutierrez that you have to change if you were training for Santa Cruz?
 
R. Garcia
We just added a couple sparring partners that are more similar to Gutierrez. But we continue doing the same thing and continue to fighting the way I want against Gutierrez or Santa Cruz and we just continue doing the same kind of workout, the same plan that we already have because I want to continue preparing Abner because I know eventually that fight will happen.
 
We’re not looking past Gutierrez. Gutierrez is a young lion and I told Abner and I told everybody in camp, “You know, these kids are the most dangerous guys because they got nothing to lose and they come to fight or become world champions.”
 
So we’re definitely prepared for Gutierrez with adding a few sparring partners that fight similar to him, but the training camp and the plan continues to be the same.
 
Q
Could you ask Andres how devastating it was to go through what he went through the day before the Frampton fight?
 
A. Gutierrez
The reality is I’m back 100% from what happened in the whole Carl Frampton situation. That’s all behind me. My focus is Abner Mares. I’m ready for Abner Mares. You all will see on October 14 that I am 100% and extremely focused and ready.
 
R. Schaefer
Thank you everybody. If we can have this group make closing statements please.
 
A. Gutierrez
I want to say thank you to all the media and thank you all to the fights fans. The reality is I’m going to bring my best when I step inside the ring next Saturday, and I feel very strong and I’m looking forward this opportunity.
 
A, Mares             
I just want to thank everybody. I want to thank my team. I want to thank you guys, the media, plus FOX and FOX Deportes. Shout out to everybody that’s making this possible. I’m looking forward to October 14, and let the best man win.
 
R. Schaefer
Thank you, Andres, and thank you, Abner. We are all excited seeing you next week and we are going to get it going next week with some activities here and around Los Angeles to promote the fight. So I’ll see you all next week.
 
Now, let’s move on to Leo Santa Cruz against Chris Avalos. With Leo, there’s another guy where you know he’s never going to be in a bad fight. He is definitely, pound-for-pound, one of the most exciting fighters and he throws punches in bunches. So he is going to be coming home here to Los Angeles to the StubHub Center on October the 14th to defend his featherweight world title which he won in great fight earlier this year against Leo Santa Cruz.
 
He’s facing, with Chris Avalos, somebody who is another exciting fighter who comes forward. He had a shot at the title in 2015 when he was fighting Carl Frampton in Belfast, challenging for the IBF World Super Bantamweight Title. Here he comes again, trying to win to take the title away from Leo Santa Cruz. He’s clearly going into this fight as the underdog.
 
But it’s exactly these kind of fights where you have the overwhelming favorite, Leo Santa Cruz, maybe taking a round less in sparring because you are such a big favorite. And even mentally, I’ve seen it before where fighters just prepare differently. Then with Avalos, this is his chance. This is his opportunity and he’s going to come in ready and he’s going to come in at the best shape and the best condition he can and we will see who will on Saturday night, October 14. One thing I do know is that it will be an exciting fight because Avalos always comes to fight.
 
It’s a pleasure for me now to introduce to you, with a record of 27 wins and 5 losses with 20 knockouts, the heavy-handed fighter coming out of Lancaster, California who most recently scored a TKO victory over Miguel Flores on a PBC FS1 card on July 18. Please welcome Chris Avalos.
 
Chris Avalos
Training’s been good and I’ve been ready, been in training actually since, like March getting ready for the Flores fight. I haven’t stopped training and I’m doing really good in sparring. I did lots of rounds in sparring and jogging every day and every weekend.
 
R. Schaefer
I like to introduce to you now one of my absolute favorite fighters, a very good friend as well, who I have a pleasure to work with for many, many, many of his fights. He is – just like I mentioned about Abner, he’s a tremendous champion inside of the ring, a great human, a great son and father and husband —  afamily man all around. Truly one of the nicest men in the sport.
 
But also maybe one of the most exciting guys in the ring as well. Never in a boring fight. He held world titles in three different weight classes — 118, 122, 126 pounds — and he is one of the stars, one of the big names in the sport. Please welcome my friend, Leo Santa Cruz.
 
Leo Santa Cruz
Thank you for the nice words and for the introduction. Thank you to all the media, to all the fans I’m just excited. I’m very happy to be back in the ring. I was ready to go back in the ring and then a long layoff and now I’m ready to get back in there. So I’ve been training hard, sparring, and I’ve been doing everything 100% — learning new things with my dad. I’m just ready to step in the ring and give a great performance for all the fans like I always try to do. I just go out there thinking about the fans and that’s what I’m hoping to do this time, because Avalos is a tough fighter, with big power, so I know we’re going to give a great fight because we’re both going to go out there and, you know, try to get the win, go toe-to-toe and make it a war.
 
Q
How surprised were you that you were tapped to get this shot at a world title against the featherweight that many people consider the Number 1 guy in the weight class?
 
C. Avalos            
Yes. It was a big surprise but even though it was a surprise I honestly thought I was going to get a world title shot later on, maybe next year, like middle of next year. But now that it’s here now, I’m ready.
 
Q
What it would mean to sort of derail the best laid plans for a Santa Cruz versus Mares rematch?
 
C. Avalos            
Yes, it’d be a blessing. I’ve been in training and I’ve been working hard, staying focused, at the gym and jogging and if I’m not in the gym I’m with my family. So it’s been a really good chance for me, so yes, I’m really planning to pull an upset that night.
 
Q
Is this do or die for Chris Avalos’ career?
 
C. Avalos            
Exactly. Yes, well actually it is. Yes, and that’s how I feel about it. That’s exactly how I feel about it.
 
Q
From your point of view, why is the rematch with Mares not happening now?
 
L. Santa Cruz     
We both came from a long layoff. He fought in December. I fought in January. I think we had both decided to get a fight before but I’ll never overlook under any opponent. Every opponent is dangerous to me and they say the underdog opponent are the most dangerous because they come hungry, they come for the opportunity.
 
I did think it was a matter of time and just wanted to set the right time and I think that’s why it got changed because people thought it was maybe too soon. We had the Mayweather/McGregor fight, the Canelo and Triple G fight. So there were other big fights and it would definitely be hard to focus on this fight right now.
 
I was ready for any opponent. I was get ready for any opponent. If I’m going to fight the champion or any opponent, I’m training the best and I’m going to go out there and be very smart and patient and do what I have to do.
 
Abner says that it was actually your team that said, “Forget about the rematch right away, as far as this fight.” And said that it was really the decision that your father made. Can you address that please?
 
L. Santa Cruz
Yes. I think it was kind of my father’s decision because I was getting ready because they told me I was going to fight Mares, so I was getting ready for Mares. I was in camp, and then they came and I think they asked my dad that for his opinion or something like and I think my dad said I had the long layoff and that he wanted me to get another fight before going in there with Mares. So that’s what I think – that’s what happened. But, yes, I think it was kind of my dad’s decision that he would prefer for me to go and and get a fight before fighting Abner a second time. So I said, “All right. If that’s what you want, well let’s go for it.”
 
Q
How did that decision with you and your father go down?
 
L. Santa Cruz
I said, “I’m ready. I could fight (Mares) right now.” And my dad said, “Yes, I know you could and everything but I think you don’t know how your body is going to react. This is the longest layoff you have had. I really don’t know how your body’s going to look or feel, so I don’t want to risk it.” and I said, “Okay. I’ll listen to you and we’ll go with that.”
 
Q                          
Okay, but if everything works out for you guys on October 14, Leo, are you committed to fighting in the early part of next year as Richard said — approximately March?
 
L. Santa Cruz     
Yes. Of course. When he told me that, I had told him, “Okay. Yes, but I want to get this fight and if I win. We get Mares, I want to face him right away.” And they say, “Yes.” So they’re going to do everything that’s possible to make it as soon as possible. And I think that’s going to be next fight if everything goes good.
 
Q
Chris, do you believe this is your last shot at a title?
 
C. Avalos            
Yes. I believe it is like I answered earlier, I didn’t expect it’d be so soon. But I feel like I’m ready and I’ve been training hard for it. So I really can’t say if it’s my last or not. Just know that I’m ready for it. I’m going to give it my all October 14. I will leave everything I have in the ring.
 
Q
How bad do you want the fight with (Mares)?
 
L. Santa Cruz     
Really bad. I want it ever since that first fight. He said right after that he wanted the rematch I said I would give it to him. The fans loved that fight. We both gave a great fight and it was a great turnout, so I said, “I’ll give it to you. Why not?” I said, “If he would have beat me, I would have liked him to give me the rematch.” I said, “Since I beat him, I said I would give him the rematch.” But he has that – there was never a talk about it anymore or there were no probably no interest or anything until now.
 
I said, “One night, I want that fight.” And like I said, I’m not looking past this fight. First I want to get this fight, and if we both get our wins, we’ll work everything to get our fight next – in the beginning of the year.
 
Q
And as far as Avalos, are there any excuses that you might have if something goes wrong in your training or the lack of fighting?
 
L. Santa Cruz     
Anything can happen in boxing. Sometimes you get caught with a big shot or it’s not your night. Anything’s going to happen. If I lose, I know how to recognize that he was better fighter. I don’t make any excuses. I’m training 100% like if I’m fighting any other champion. And that’s what I’m looking for in this fight. He’s going to come with everything he got. I know this is an opportunity and a dangerous fighter so I know I’m really focused, real dedicated, and putting everything in the ring and come October 14, there are going to be no excuses.
 
 
Q
My question is for both Leo and Richard. Given the events of last month in Mexico, I was wondering what you guys thought the emotions would be and what the emotions are right now heading into what is essentially an all- Mexican card?
 
R. Schaefer
Well first of all, I want to just send my condolences to everyone affected by all of these incidents, whether it was Mexico, the earthquake, or Puerto Rico, or more recently that horrible shooting in Las Vegas.
 
What always encourages me in all that tragedy, puts a little smile on my face, is how the boxing community comes together whether it’s promoters helping financially or fighters helping and cheering up the local communities, the boxing community is really a fraternity and I’m very proud to be part of that and I hope we all rally and try to help and do whatever we can. And I think, for the fighters on the card, being Mexican, my wife is Mexican is born in Mexico, for them to unify to do something for their countrymen and countrywomen it’s very significant and I’m sure that they are going to give their best for the pride of Mexico, fighting for their country.
 
And maybe giving some much needed distraction to these people in Mexico or in Puerto Rico or whereever it is around the world to maybe just forget for a moment and through their actions in the ring, their entertainment in the ring bring some joy into their lives. And I am sure that Mares or Gutierrez or Avalos or others on the card would all second that sentiment.
 
Q
Have you gotten a sense from him or any of the other fighters how difficult this has been?
 
R. Schaefer
It’s very difficult because there is a very close Mexican community – and I see it in my own family with my wife as well. We all have relatives in Mexico, in and around Mexico City so it definitely impacted many, many lives, whether it’s immediate family or friends or other relatives. Clearly lives were impacted everywhere. So that’s definitely something which is on everybody’s mind.
 
L. Santa Cruz     
Yes, I’ve been upset listening to all those things, disasters like the earthquake, plus everything in Texas, and Puerto Rico and now the shooting in Las Vegas.
 
I put myself in those people’s shoes that have families there or the people that were there, that you could never take anything for granted. You can never take life for granted and it’s very hard and I wish to help in any little way I could.
 
Right now, my main focus is the fight. I want to go out there and give a great fight for the fans and everything I’m going to do on that fight day and everything I’m going to do out there is for all those fallen people that have been killed in the earthquakes and the shootings and everything. We’re going to go out there and fight for them to bring them something to distract as best we can.
 
I just feel very bad and I want to help everyone. Right now I’ve been very busy in training and trying to go out there and just give my family a good future.
 
R. Schaefer
Well then, I’d like to thank all the media members and I just want to say something which is really interesting through here on this conference call and something which one of the first people who actually asked a question mentioned. How difficult was it to sort of like overcome the fact that Leo and Abner are not fighting each other?
 
You see that in this call today as well, it makes this card that much more interesting from in-the-ring action because we’ve seen many examples in boxing — in sports — where the underdog turned around and beat the favorite. Was it because of maybe the favorites — or the world champions in this case — maybe didn’t prepare as much? Is it because the underdogs came in better than anyone expected?
 
Many examples are out there and to talk about the potential Santa Cruz/Mares fight early next March, I think only throws oil into the fire for Avalos and Gutierrez to really come and give their very best to become world champion. Both of those guys have tremendous opportunities to become world champions and I know they will be ready, and I hope that my two friends, Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares, know what’s at stake and that they know that they have a target on their back and they better be ready.
 
So it will be an exciting night, an exciting double-header with two of the most exciting fighters, two Mexican superstars fighting life network FOX and FOX Deportes. What a showcase for boxing. What a showcase for these fighters on this card. What an opportunity and what a great deal for the people up in Los Angeles for as little as $30 to be able to be part of this exciting night of boxing.
 
So with that, for those who are not be able to be in Carson, make sure you watch it live – 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. Looking forward to see you all next week.

Light-Heavyweight Kye Brooks  Signs With Prince Ranch Boxing, Blair Cobbs Returns to the Ring

Light-Heavyweight Kye Brooks 

Signs With Prince Ranch Boxing, Blair Cobbs Returns to the Ring
Photos by Mario Serrano – Prince Ranch Boxing – Brooks (L) – Cobbs (R)
LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2017) – Prince Ranch Boxing (PRB) has signed light-heavyweight amateur standout, Kye Brooks, who will be making his pro debut, October 14, 2017, at the Palenque de la Feria in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Also making an appearance on the card, is PRB’s unbeaten super-lightweight prospect, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (6-0, 5 KOs), a southpaw from Philly, but who now resides in Las Vegas.  Both fighters will have opponents TBA.
 
“After having success in the amateurs, I’m looking forward to making my pro debut with the Prince Ranch Boxing management team,” said a smiling Kye Brooks. “Greg Hannely is a great man, a trust-worthy person, who I know will get me the right fights while building my career.  I just want to go out to Mexico and get a nice victory.  In the near future, the boxing world will take notice of my career and what I’m doing in the ring.”
 
Blair Cobbs, who trains at the Prince Ranch Boxing facility with Brooks, is excited about returning to the ring.  This will be Blair’s third fight of 2017.
 
“I’m happy to be fighting once again and I’m going to Mexico to do some destruction.” Blair Cobbs said. “I’ve been staying busy and I want to thank Greg Hannely for all his hard work and dedication.  We have something special going on here at the Prince Ranch Boxing gym.  We are making noise in the boxing world and soon enough, everyone will know who we are.  I’m working extremely hard in the gym and the hard work will show come fight night.”
 
Former world champion, Clarence “Bones” Adams, who trains both Cobbs and Brooks, gives his thoughts on his fighters. 
 
“Kye is a very strong puncher and I see him doing a lot of damage early in his career.” stated Bones Adams. “Blair is whooping everyone in the gym.  I know he’s going to make a statement in this next fight.  Both are great kids who believe in themselves and they certainly have bright futures in boxing.”
 
In the main-event, unbeaten super-flyweight prospect, Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (11-0, 6 KOs), will face an opponent TBA, in an 8-round bout.  Vazquez, Cobbs and Brooks, all fight under the management of Prince Ranch Boxing.
 
“Prince Ranch Boxing has a talented group of fighters making a name for themselves,” PRB’sGreg Hannely stated. “I’m taking these boys to Mexico to give them the experience of fighting in a different country.  Mexico is a great place for these young men to enhance their craft on foreign land.  I’m excited to have them all fighting on the same card.” 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 154-Pound World Championship Tripleheader Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording
 
Press Release
For Immediate Release
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 154-Pound World Championship Tripleheader Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording
 
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, October 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE to Download Audio
Lou DiBella        
October 14th is going to be a loaded unbelievable night of boxing and it starts with Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares in separate title defenses on a PBC double header from StubHub Center in Carson, California airing on FOX and FOX Deportes at 7:30 pm ET/ 4:30 pm PT. 
 
That show ends at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT. We have a tremendous SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader presented by Premiere Boxing Champions starting right after.  Champion Erislandy Lara against undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian challenger Terrell Gausha WBA 154-pound title.  WBC 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo versus Erickson Lubin, a Battle of undefeateds and young sensational champion Jarrett Hurd IBF 154-pound champion versus former champion Austin Trout for the IBF Championship.
 
It’s a tremendous event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night October 14, 2017 airs on SHOWTIME at 10 pm ET and 7 pm PT.  Tickets for this event are available starting at $400 for VIP ringsides down to 50 bucks.  They can be purchased at TicketMaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 also at the American Express Box office at the Barclays Center.
 
So it’s an unbelievable night of boxing starting on Fox in Carson California 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT going over to Brooklyn and I’m really proud to promote this tripleheader.  It’s an unbelievable night of boxing.  There will be an unbelievable undercard and also sensation on the undercard Tony Harrison is coming back on that undercard.  One of the Serrano sisters, Cindy Serrano one of the true champion Serrano sister is on the undercard, on a loaded undercard and then going to these three great bouts.
 
We’re going to start the call with the Jarrett Hurd vs Austin Trout fight.  Former WBA 154 pound champion Austin Trout made four defenses including a well-known unanimous decision win over Miguel Cotto in December 2012.  Austin has a great record of 30-3 and 17 KOs fighting out of Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Like I said this guy is a pro and this should be a real test for young stud champion Jarrett Hurd. Austin can you say a few words?
 
Austin Trout       
I’ve given all honors and praises to the most high and I am blessed with this opportunity to not only be a part of a great card like this but to be in a great fight with a champion like Jarrett Hurd. I have the utmost respect for the guy.  He didn’t have to take this fight and I want to thank him for making a defense like this.  Camp has been great, my weight is good, I’m in shape, I’m feeling strong.  I’m peaking at the right time and I’m more than excited to go out there and show everybody that not only am I a live dog but I’m championship material.
 
L. DiBella            
Thank you Austin.  You are definitely championship material.  You’ve been a champion and you’ve proven that.  This next young kid is championship material too.  I know he’s beaten my fighters before and I’ve gotten to promote a number of his fights and he’s a sensational young fighter with power 20-0, 14 KOs from Maryland, Jarrett Hurd.
 
Jarrett Hurd       
I want to thank everybody, we know who we’re up against, he’s a great fighter and this is something I need under my belt to solidify me as one of the greats. I’m just so grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait until October 14th.
 
Q
Can you speak to the reason for your long layoff Austin?  I don’t know if you’ve had any injuries or there was some other issue?
 
A. Trout              
Actually no, there was no reason for the layoff, no injuries, no nothing.  I really can’t tell you why I’ve had such a layoff.  I’m not happy about it but it is what it is but I thank God I’ve been in the gym and keeping in shape, call it vanity or not, trying not to get fat and trying to keep this beach bod so I’m still sharp, we’ve knocked all the ring rust out in camp.  It’s time to work.
 
I’ve been trying to get a fight, especially after Charlo dispatched Julian Williams I felt my stock grows and I should have been put right back in but things happen and things don’t happen for reasons.
 
Q
Do you feel like you might have needed a single fight before you took this step up or are you satisfied to go back in the ring with what I think most people would perceive as a very dangerous fight?
 
A. Trout              
I did want – not to say a tune-up but a get back fight – but at the same time you can’t pass up these opportunities because they don’t come too often.  I wasn’t going to turn down this shot. I had to come and take what they gave me.
 
Q
So what are your general thoughts about the type of fighter that Jarrett is?
 
A. Trout
Everybody knows that he’s the undefeated champion for reasons so you can’t smack on a kid like that.  He is a big strong dude and it’s crazy, because I don’t know how these big dudes make 154 but I feel like I’ve been here before.  My last fight was on a stacked card with Junior Middleweights and this guy was extremely big for the Junior Middleweight division, he was the undefeated champion of the IBF, former fight Deja vu.  At the same time, him and Charlo are not the same person or the same guy.  Again we see holes in his game. At the end of the day it’s just going to end up being me and him and we have to punch through those holes.
 
Q
Can you just give me your prospective about taking on the caliber of an Austin Trout in your first defense? 
 
J. Hurd                
Yes, this is a fight I actually chose.  We knew what was on the line with this fight with Austin Trout.  He’s no slouch and with his three losses, he had been in every fight so we knew this fight was going to be tough especially for a first defense but that describes me as a fighter including my mindset. I am a true champion, I want to fight the best and I don’t want the fights that are not going to progress me and put me in line for the even bigger fights.  I want to take the tough fights and I feel like if there’s the slightest chance that an opportunity presents itself why can’t I better myself? I’m willing to take that chance.
 
Q
Do you think that maybe you could basically just over power him and win this fairly easily, is that a thought in your mind?
 
J. Hurd                
Yes, I’m definitely a bigger fighter but it’s not in my mind to overpower him but I look at this fight different than with the Tony Harrison fight. My mind was on that fight because we know Tony Harrison is the type of fighter to gas out in the later rounds as pressure stayed on top of him and Austin Trout performs differently.  He’s going to be ready for 12 rounds, so I feel like this fight is going to be more technical and whoever the smarter guy in the ring is will win. I’m not really banking on Austin Trout to get tired off the pressure. He knows I’m ready for 12 rounds.
 
Q
How close attention are you going to pay to the other two fights because from what Lou says and what the SHOWTIME people say, the idea here is to have you guys separate yourselves on the card on October 14th and then hopefully put the winners together?
 
J. Hurd                
After the success from October 14th, I’m not doing any interviews or anything, I’m going straight ring side until the end of both of those fights.  That’s why people ask me me, did you want to be the opener or would you prefer being the main event.  I said, “I don’t hate being the opener because once I finish handling my business in the ring, I can observe my future opponents ringside.”
 
Q
Do you feel like all your past experiences will help you go into this fight or is it like more of the same?
 
A. Trout              
This is not my first time being laid off and for no good reason.  So I’ve been here before, luckily I stay in the gym, just looking on the bright side. Maybe they had me laid off for most of these times to keep me preserved. I don’t have as much wear and tear as most guys my age an fighting as long as I have, I’m still fresh, my legs are still strong and I’m ready to take full advantage of my physical peak that I’m in right now.
 
Q
Are you doing your whole camp in Las Cruces, New Mexico?
 
A. Trout              
Yes, I have kept the whole camp here: we have good altitude, great running trails.  Training from here is where I won my title and had success so we just brought it back to where we kind of started.
 
Q
Can you talk a little bit about your career and how it has developed and where do you feel like you are at right now in your career?
 
J. Hurd                
We’re exactly where we want to be.  I’ve accomplished something that all fighters dream of and that’s to win a world title and I don’t feel like this is where my legacy ends.  This is only the beginning. I set one goal and accomplished it and now is time to become legendary. I always say to myself I want to be one of them guys when my career is over that fighters look up on YouTube to study.  Basically, I want to be a big name so fighting is my career so I took all the necessary steps, from fighting prospects, contenders to now fighting at a world championship level and I’m right where I want to be.
 
Q
When did you start boxing Jarrett and was it always your goal to be a professional?
 
J. Hurd                
I started boxing at 15 years old and I was kind of in and out of the gym from 15 to 22 years old and I only had 30 plus amateur fights so I was in and out of the gym.  I’ll fight all that come around and I ended up stopping boxing for a few years and my trainer, Ernesto Rodriguez, he was training me during amateurs and I was working at Safeway and he called me all the time and tells me, “Man you don’t have to work if you know how to fight” and a long story short man he was at Safeway and I told him him I wanted to come back to the gym one more time and when I came back he told me if I come back I do it as a professional and that’s where I am at now.
 
Q
Jarrett tell us why you think you have advantages over him in this fight?
 
J. Hurd                
For one, I feel like I have more power.  I feel I have the youth, I feel like I have the size and the length and those are pretty much the advantages I have, but like I said I have been in the game since age 15 and I’ve been in there with some of the best. I know the sparring is different from the fights but I’ve got a lot of experience and you’ll find a lot of these fighters out here on TV now so Austin Trout is going to be a scrappy fighter in there but like I said, we have planned eventually for this fight.
 
Q
Jarrett, you’ve gotten a lot of knockouts recently: you have a big knockout streak. He’s never been stopped as a professional so if this goes 12 rounds, how are you prepared for that?
 
J. Hurd                
Well, I know I’m ready for 12 rounds, that’s never a question for me.  For my past fights I feel I get stronger as the fight goes on.  If you look back on every fight I had, I was never the fighter that gassed out, I was always the fighter that got stronger so 12 rounds are not an issue and my flag gets stronger as the fight goes on, so with that, I’m definitely prepared for 12 rounds and hopefully it ends earlier.
 
Q
Austin we know you have the in-ring experience and have fought top opposition, other than just the simple experience what do you see as your advantages over Jarrett?
 
A. Trout              
I feel like I have the superior footwork.  I like my mental capacity as far as being able to adapt and figure him out, but beside experience, I can fight to.  Not just box, I can fight so I think he feels he maybe the stronger guy but I’m going to go ahead and test that and see if he truly is.
 
Q
Do either of you guys want to make a prediction for the fight?
 
J. Hurd                
Yes, my prediction is, I feel like 9th or 10th round it should be stopped around that time.
 
Q
Jarrett you’re a champion making your first title defense against a very respected champ.  Are you surprised at this climb?  Where do you see yourself a year from now?
 
J. Hurd                
I’m definitely surprised.  Like I said boxing was something I always thought I wanted to do, something that came across giving another shot from my trainer and where I am today, people asked if I thought I could be world champion and I didn’t think so but it crossed my mind after the Oscar Molina fight. I know I was a prospect who didn’t have much amateur experience but when I beat an Olympian I felt like, dang man I can become world champion and my confidence just built from there.  Looking now it seems 2018 will be some kind of unification definitely happening and I feel like I will be moving up a time or two in 2018 and 2019 and take over the 160-pound division.
 
Q
Erickson Hammer Lubin 18-0, 13 KOs from Orlando Florida.  Both of these guys have the whole package.  This is the can’t miss fight on the card although I think all three fights can’t miss.  We have three terrific title fights on the card.  I think that this one has really captured people’s interest.  Lubin 2016 Prospect of the Year by both ESPN and Ring Magazine had an incredible 143 and 7 amateur record, turned pro in 2013 and has done nothing but win since then so first I’m going to throw this over to young undefeated challenger, Erickson “Hammer” Lubin.
 
Erickson Lubin  
Well everyone should expect fireworks come October 14th. I’ve been dreaming about this fight for quite some time now.  I asked for this fight. Some think it’s too early for me, I’m too young.  I’ve been having a great camp out here in New Jersey and I can’t wait, just a week and some change away.
 
Q
I heard you say that Charlo’s opposition made him a paper champion.  I’m wondering what made you say that, why would you downgrade his opposition?
 
E. Lubin
Well I was trying to get the Hatley fight since I was about 10-0. I’ve been asking my managers and I’ve been calling that guy out for quite some time.
 
I just feel like, to say you’re titled and it’s a guy like Charles Hatley, I don’t feel like Charles Hatley is that good of a fighter. So that’s the reason I said that.
 
I don’t feel like Charlo has ever fought anyone like me. And October 14 the world will definitely know what my name is, Erickson Lubin. They’re going to know who The Hammer is.
 
Q
What do you think are the victories or the opponents that you faced that have prepared you for somebody at the level of Charlo?
 
E. Lubin
Well his brother was fighting dudes that I already beat and already fought, like Norberto Gonzalez, Michael Finney. His brother was fighting those guys after me as well as Noe Bolanos who Errol Spence even fought after me.
 
I feel like I came up the right way. I fought the veterans real young. I fought Noe Bolanos at just 5 and 0. And I just came up real tough in my career.
 
If you look at anybody in boxing, it’s tough to fight guys with a winning record no matter what they look like. I make all my opponents look like nobody. So that’s why they might say they’re nobodies but I make them look like it.
 
I feel like I came up the right way. I fought guys with experience. I fought hard hitters. I fought all types of guys. So I’m definitely ready for this fight. I prepared myself physically as well as mentally.
 
Q
Is this the kind of fight that you believe that not only you win but you can get a knockout? Or is it the kind of fight where you’re thinking maybe this goes 12 rounds?
 
E. Lubin
Well anything can happen. I’m definitely preparing myself for a knockout. I want to get the knockout and make a big statement winning my first world title. But I can definitely go 12 rounds. I already been ten rounds before. I’m definitely ready. I trained for it.
 
Ever since I came into the pro game, I believed in myself and my team believed in me. And I said that I was a 12-round fighter ever since I got into the pro boxing game. So I’m definitely ready to go 12 rounds and I definitely want to make that statement and get a knockout.
 
Q
Why do you think you’re ready? You said you think you’re ready. But why do you, in your mind, know that you’re ready for this title fight?
 
E. Lubin
I know I’m ready because, like I said before, I came into the game and I fought no opponents with a losing record. Everybody I fought had a positive record, some undefeated guys, some guys who had just one loss. I fought all types of guys. I have a great amateur background. I won pretty much every amateur tournament out there. I’ve been undefeated since I was 13 years old.
 
I’m just confident. I’ve been training real hard and I’m just ready to show the world who I really am. I don’t think I’ve really showed the world who Erickson “Hammer” Lubin is yet.
 
Some of these fights has been a little bit too easy for me. And I’m glad they put this opponent in front of me, in Jermell Charlo, where I can actually showcase my talent, my real skills. I’m extra motivated to be fighting for a world title.
 
And come October 14 I’m ready to capture the title and make it a dream come true.
 
Q
What have you seen in his fights that gives you such confidence?
 
E. Lubin
It’s not about what he does. It’s about what I do. I believe in my skill. I’m very talented, I know this. And like I said before, it’s not what he does.
 
I think I’m a star already. I just proved it in my last fight at Barclays Center. Everybody loves me. I’m young, I’m 22 years old. I’m definitely trying to, like I said before, I’m going out there trying to make a statement and get the knockout.
 
But if it goes 12 rounds, I plan on dominating the fight. I’m ready to go 12 rounds. I spar way more than 12 rounds. I’m ready for it.
 
Q
Would you like to make a prediction to the fight?
 
E. Lubin              
Erickson Lubin wins.
 
Q
I’m interested to know what you most respect Charlo as a fighter?
 
E. Lubin              
He does have decent power. I’ve seen a few of his fights where he did what he had to do and knocked the guys out, like Charles Hatley of course, and John Jackson. So the guys they put in for him that he’s supposed to get out, that’s exactly what he did and he got them out. So I do respect that.
 
Q
Jermell is definitely the best fighter you’ve faced as a pro. I’m curious what type of fighters, what size you’ve been sparring against to prepare yourself for this?
 
E. Lubin              
I’ve been sparring with all types of guys. I just sparred over here in New Jersey a couple 175 pounders. I’ve been sparring 168 pounders. I’m supposed to get some work with Daniel Jacobs in the next coming days. So I definitely have been getting the work in.
 
This has to be the best shape I’ve ever been in. Every fighter says that but it’s just up to me to show the world October 14.
 
Q
I was wondering if you can speak about your confidence in your team and in your corner as you head into your first title fight?
 
E. Lubin              
They’re fresh to you guys but this is a team I’ve been with ever since I was young. My coach Jason Galarza, I’ve been with him for a very long time. He’s worked my corner since the amateurs. We click. He definitely knows how to read me. He knows how to read the other fighters. He’s smart.
 
We’re a family, a school of hard knocks. We’ve been together for ten years-plus so this is definitely who I need in my corner. It’s not that I want them in my corner. I need them in my corner.
 
Q
When you turned pro, you were fighting under the Iron Mike promotion banner. What did you learn, you know, while having Mike Tyson as your promoter?
 
E. Lubin              
Mike, he taught me a lot of things. He taught me how to believe in my dreams, and go get what I want. And he definitely told me that if I stay at the pace that I’m at, he was trying to push for me to get a world title earlier. But it takes time. And I feel like there’s no better time than now.
 
And Mike Tyson definitely taught me how to deal with the media. Me being so young in the sport and how people can push your words or just all the negative stuff that people can do. But just told me to stay focused, always be in the gym, always working hard and dreams will come true of being world champion.
 
Q
Erickson no one on your resume has a losing record. Was that the result of you requesting it, was that the matchmaker? How did that transpire?
 
E. Lubin
I wanted the big names. I asked for it, but they were asking for too much money. It would be a fight for the promoters that they won’t make any money. So I had to ask him for them big fights for a while now. I’m grateful that I get this opportunity to fight. Once again on SHOWTIME, once again at Barclays Center. This time it’s for a world title. So I’m extra motivated and I can’t wait. I never wanted to fight anybody with a losing record. I wanted to come up the way I could. I’ve definitely been preparing for this moment.
 
Q
Lou, so obviously the plan is to have the winners fight each other. But with that being said, how does that materialize? What’s that going to look like in the not-too-distant future?
 
L. DiBella
Well we’re going from 6 to 3 and there are other ’54 pounders out there that are moving up the ranks. You’ve got a guy like Tony Harrison who made a sensational fight, when Jarrett stopped him in the ninth round. But you know, leading up to the ninth round, most people had Harrison ahead in the fight. There are plenty of guys out there to create matchups. Yes, I think the three guys here will factor into a further narrowing down of the division. This isn’t like an official tournament but basically what SHOWTIME Boxing has done is pay an awful lot of attention to the 154 pound fighters. In an effort to make great matchups, great fights and narrow down the division to the very best. And that’s what I know that Stephen Espinoza and the guys at SHOWTIME are going to try to do going forward.
 
Q
Lou, are you talking about a unification bout?
 
L. DiBella
I think so, yes. I think unification bouts are definitely coming and in the not-too-distant future.
 
Q
Erickson, some of the research that we’ve done for the fight coming up we discovered there is a special situation going on in your corner with an empty stool. Can you expound on that a little bit for us?
 
E. Lubin
I mean an empty stool is going to be for my cutman in heaven, Todd Harlib. I’ve been with Todd since I was about 13 years old and that was the guy that paid for all my tournaments and he brought me out to the tournaments I couldn’t afford when I was young, my parents couldn’t afford for me to go to. He used to pay big bucks for me to go out there. I used to feel like I wouldn’t want their money to go to waste. And this is definitely all of our dreams, including him. So I’ll definitely be looking at him after I win that title.
 
Q
What would you say is your greatest strength heading into this matchup and also what do you see in Charlo that you can take advantage of the most?
 
E. Lubin              
My greatest strength would have to be my mental game and the way I adjust in the ring. I’m ready for any situation, I can bang, I can box, I can box and punch, so I can mix it up.
 
Q
Have you faced anyone using compares to Charlo style wise?
 
E. Lubin
Yes, I’ve seen his style plenty of times in the gym. Haven’t really faced anyone that fights like Charlo, but he hasn’t faced anyone that fought like Erickson Lubin.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 154-Pound World Championship Tripleheader Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording
Press Release
For Immediate Release
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 154-Pound World Championship Tripleheader Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording
 
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, October 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
Click HERE to Download Audio
Lou DiBella        
October 14th is going to be a loaded unbelievable night of boxing and it starts with Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares in separate title defenses on a PBC double header from StubHub Center in Carson, California airing on FOX and FOX Deportes at 7:30 pm ET/ 4:30 pm PT. 
 
That show ends at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT. We have a tremendous SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader presented by Premiere Boxing Champions starting right after.  Champion Erislandy Lara against undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian challenger Terrell Gausha WBA 154-pound title.  WBC 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo versus Erickson Lubin, a Battle of undefeateds and young sensational champion Jarrett Hurd IBF 154-pound champion versus former champion Austin Trout for the IBF Championship.
 
It’s a tremendous event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night October 14, 2017 airs on SHOWTIME at 10 pm ET and 7 pm PT.  Tickets for this event are available starting at $400 for VIP ringsides down to 50 bucks.  They can be purchased at TicketMaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 also at the American Express Box office at the Barclays Center.
 
So it’s an unbelievable night of boxing starting on Fox in Carson California 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT going over to Brooklyn and I’m really proud to promote this tripleheader.  It’s an unbelievable night of boxing.  There will be an unbelievable undercard and also sensation on the undercard Tony Harrison is coming back on that undercard.  One of the Serrano sisters, Cindy Serrano one of the true champion Serrano sister is on the undercard, on a loaded undercard and then going to these three great bouts.
 
We’re going to start the call with the Jarrett Hurd vs Austin Trout fight.  Former WBA 154 pound champion Austin Trout made four defenses including a well-known unanimous decision win over Miguel Cotto in December 2012.  Austin has a great record of 30-3 and 17 KOs fighting out of Las Cruces, New Mexico.  Like I said this guy is a pro and this should be a real test for young stud champion Jarrett Hurd. Austin can you say a few words?
 
Austin Trout       
I’ve given all honors and praises to the most high and I am blessed with this opportunity to not only be a part of a great card like this but to be in a great fight with a champion like Jarrett Hurd. I have the utmost respect for the guy.  He didn’t have to take this fight and I want to thank him for making a defense like this.  Camp has been great, my weight is good, I’m in shape, I’m feeling strong.  I’m peaking at the right time and I’m more than excited to go out there and show everybody that not only am I a live dog but I’m championship material.
 
L. DiBella            
Thank you Austin.  You are definitely championship material.  You’ve been a champion and you’ve proven that.  This next young kid is championship material too.  I know he’s beaten my fighters before and I’ve gotten to promote a number of his fights and he’s a sensational young fighter with power 20-0, 14 KOs from Maryland, Jarrett Hurd.
 
Jarrett Hurd       
I want to thank everybody, we know who we’re up against, he’s a great fighter and this is something I need under my belt to solidify me as one of the greats. I’m just so grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait until October 14th.
 
Q
Can you speak to the reason for your long layoff Austin?  I don’t know if you’ve had any injuries or there was some other issue?
 
A. Trout              
Actually no, there was no reason for the layoff, no injuries, no nothing.  I really can’t tell you why I’ve had such a layoff.  I’m not happy about it but it is what it is but I thank God I’ve been in the gym and keeping in shape, call it vanity or not, trying not to get fat and trying to keep this beach bod so I’m still sharp, we’ve knocked all the ring rust out in camp.  It’s time to work.
 
I’ve been trying to get a fight, especially after Charlo dispatched Julian Williams I felt my stock grows and I should have been put right back in but things happen and things don’t happen for reasons.
 
Q
Do you feel like you might have needed a single fight before you took this step up or are you satisfied to go back in the ring with what I think most people would perceive as a very dangerous fight?
 
A. Trout              
I did want – not to say a tune-up but a get back fight – but at the same time you can’t pass up these opportunities because they don’t come too often.  I wasn’t going to turn down this shot. I had to come and take what they gave me.
 
Q
So what are your general thoughts about the type of fighter that Jarrett is?
 
A. Trout
Everybody knows that he’s the undefeated champion for reasons so you can’t smack on a kid like that.  He is a big strong dude and it’s crazy, because I don’t know how these big dudes make 154 but I feel like I’ve been here before.  My last fight was on a stacked card with Junior Middleweights and this guy was extremely big for the Junior Middleweight division, he was the undefeated champion of the IBF, former fight Deja vu.  At the same time, him and Charlo are not the same person or the same guy.  Again we see holes in his game. At the end of the day it’s just going to end up being me and him and we have to punch through those holes.
 
Q
Can you just give me your prospective about taking on the caliber of an Austin Trout in your first defense? 
 
J. Hurd                
Yes, this is a fight I actually chose.  We knew what was on the line with this fight with Austin Trout.  He’s no slouch and with his three losses, he had been in every fight so we knew this fight was going to be tough especially for a first defense but that describes me as a fighter including my mindset. I am a true champion, I want to fight the best and I don’t want the fights that are not going to progress me and put me in line for the even bigger fights.  I want to take the tough fights and I feel like if there’s the slightest chance that an opportunity presents itself why can’t I better myself? I’m willing to take that chance.
 
Q
Do you think that maybe you could basically just over power him and win this fairly easily, is that a thought in your mind?
 
J. Hurd                
Yes, I’m definitely a bigger fighter but it’s not in my mind to overpower him but I look at this fight different than with the Tony Harrison fight. My mind was on that fight because we know Tony Harrison is the type of fighter to gas out in the later rounds as pressure stayed on top of him and Austin Trout performs differently.  He’s going to be ready for 12 rounds, so I feel like this fight is going to be more technical and whoever the smarter guy in the ring is will win. I’m not really banking on Austin Trout to get tired off the pressure. He knows I’m ready for 12 rounds.
 
Q
How close attention are you going to pay to the other two fights because from what Lou says and what the SHOWTIME people say, the idea here is to have you guys separate yourselves on the card on October 14th and then hopefully put the winners together?
 
J. Hurd                
After the success from October 14th, I’m not doing any interviews or anything, I’m going straight ring side until the end of both of those fights.  That’s why people ask me me, did you want to be the opener or would you prefer being the main event.  I said, “I don’t hate being the opener because once I finish handling my business in the ring, I can observe my future opponents ringside.”
 
Q
Do you feel like all your past experiences will help you go into this fight or is it like more of the same?
 
A. Trout              
This is not my first time being laid off and for no good reason.  So I’ve been here before, luckily I stay in the gym, just looking on the bright side. Maybe they had me laid off for most of these times to keep me preserved. I don’t have as much wear and tear as most guys my age an fighting as long as I have, I’m still fresh, my legs are still strong and I’m ready to take full advantage of my physical peak that I’m in right now.
 
Q
Are you doing your whole camp in Las Cruces, New Mexico?
 
A. Trout              
Yes, I have kept the whole camp here: we have good altitude, great running trails.  Training from here is where I won my title and had success so we just brought it back to where we kind of started.
 
Q
Can you talk a little bit about your career and how it has developed and where do you feel like you are at right now in your career?
 
J. Hurd                
We’re exactly where we want to be.  I’ve accomplished something that all fighters dream of and that’s to win a world title and I don’t feel like this is where my legacy ends.  This is only the beginning. I set one goal and accomplished it and now is time to become legendary. I always say to myself I want to be one of them guys when my career is over that fighters look up on YouTube to study.  Basically, I want to be a big name so fighting is my career so I took all the necessary steps, from fighting prospects, contenders to now fighting at a world championship level and I’m right where I want to be.
 
Q
When did you start boxing Jarrett and was it always your goal to be a professional?
 
J. Hurd                
I started boxing at 15 years old and I was kind of in and out of the gym from 15 to 22 years old and I only had 30 plus amateur fights so I was in and out of the gym.  I’ll fight all that come around and I ended up stopping boxing for a few years and my trainer, Ernesto Rodriguez, he was training me during amateurs and I was working at Safeway and he called me all the time and tells me, “Man you don’t have to work if you know how to fight” and a long story short man he was at Safeway and I told him him I wanted to come back to the gym one more time and when I came back he told me if I come back I do it as a professional and that’s where I am at now.
 
Q
Jarrett tell us why you think you have advantages over him in this fight?
 
J. Hurd                
For one, I feel like I have more power.  I feel I have the youth, I feel like I have the size and the length and those are pretty much the advantages I have, but like I said I have been in the game since age 15 and I’ve been in there with some of the best. I know the sparring is different from the fights but I’ve got a lot of experience and you’ll find a lot of these fighters out here on TV now so Austin Trout is going to be a scrappy fighter in there but like I said, we have planned eventually for this fight.
 
Q
Jarrett, you’ve gotten a lot of knockouts recently: you have a big knockout streak. He’s never been stopped as a professional so if this goes 12 rounds, how are you prepared for that?
 
J. Hurd                
Well, I know I’m ready for 12 rounds, that’s never a question for me.  For my past fights I feel I get stronger as the fight goes on.  If you look back on every fight I had, I was never the fighter that gassed out, I was always the fighter that got stronger so 12 rounds are not an issue and my flag gets stronger as the fight goes on, so with that, I’m definitely prepared for 12 rounds and hopefully it ends earlier.
 
Q
Austin we know you have the in-ring experience and have fought top opposition, other than just the simple experience what do you see as your advantages over Jarrett?
 
A. Trout              
I feel like I have the superior footwork.  I like my mental capacity as far as being able to adapt and figure him out, but beside experience, I can fight to.  Not just box, I can fight so I think he feels he maybe the stronger guy but I’m going to go ahead and test that and see if he truly is.
 
Q
Do either of you guys want to make a prediction for the fight?
 
J. Hurd                
Yes, my prediction is, I feel like 9th or 10th round it should be stopped around that time.
 
Q
Jarrett you’re a champion making your first title defense against a very respected champ.  Are you surprised at this climb?  Where do you see yourself a year from now?
 
J. Hurd                
I’m definitely surprised.  Like I said boxing was something I always thought I wanted to do, something that came across giving another shot from my trainer and where I am today, people asked if I thought I could be world champion and I didn’t think so but it crossed my mind after the Oscar Molina fight. I know I was a prospect who didn’t have much amateur experience but when I beat an Olympian I felt like, dang man I can become world champion and my confidence just built from there.  Looking now it seems 2018 will be some kind of unification definitely happening and I feel like I will be moving up a time or two in 2018 and 2019 and take over the 160-pound division.
 
Q
Erickson Hammer Lubin 18-0, 13 KOs from Orlando Florida.  Both of these guys have the whole package.  This is the can’t miss fight on the card although I think all three fights can’t miss.  We have three terrific title fights on the card.  I think that this one has really captured people’s interest.  Lubin 2016 Prospect of the Year by both ESPN and Ring Magazine had an incredible 143 and 7 amateur record, turned pro in 2013 and has done nothing but win since then so first I’m going to throw this over to young undefeated challenger, Erickson “Hammer” Lubin.
 
Erickson Lubin  
Well everyone should expect fireworks come October 14th. I’ve been dreaming about this fight for quite some time now.  I asked for this fight. Some think it’s too early for me, I’m too young.  I’ve been having a great camp out here in New Jersey and I can’t wait, just a week and some change away.
 
Q
I heard you say that Charlo’s opposition made him a paper champion.  I’m wondering what made you say that, why would you downgrade his opposition?
 
E. Lubin
Well I was trying to get the Hatley fight since I was about 10-0. I’ve been asking my managers and I’ve been calling that guy out for quite some time.
 
I just feel like, to say you’re titled and it’s a guy like Charles Hatley, I don’t feel like Charles Hatley is that good of a fighter. So that’s the reason I said that.
 
I don’t feel like Charlo has ever fought anyone like me. And October 14 the world will definitely know what my name is, Erickson Lubin. They’re going to know who The Hammer is.
 
Q
What do you think are the victories or the opponents that you faced that have prepared you for somebody at the level of Charlo?
 
E. Lubin
Well his brother was fighting dudes that I already beat and already fought, like Norberto Gonzalez, Michael Finney. His brother was fighting those guys after me as well as Noe Bolanos who Errol Spence even fought after me.
 
I feel like I came up the right way. I fought the veterans real young. I fought Noe Bolanos at just 5 and 0. And I just came up real tough in my career.
 
If you look at anybody in boxing, it’s tough to fight guys with a winning record no matter what they look like. I make all my opponents look like nobody. So that’s why they might say they’re nobodies but I make them look like it.
 
I feel like I came up the right way. I fought guys with experience. I fought hard hitters. I fought all types of guys. So I’m definitely ready for this fight. I prepared myself physically as well as mentally.
 
Q
Is this the kind of fight that you believe that not only you win but you can get a knockout? Or is it the kind of fight where you’re thinking maybe this goes 12 rounds?
 
E. Lubin
Well anything can happen. I’m definitely preparing myself for a knockout. I want to get the knockout and make a big statement winning my first world title. But I can definitely go 12 rounds. I already been ten rounds before. I’m definitely ready. I trained for it.
 
Ever since I came into the pro game, I believed in myself and my team believed in me. And I said that I was a 12-round fighter ever since I got into the pro boxing game. So I’m definitely ready to go 12 rounds and I definitely want to make that statement and get a knockout.
 
Q
Why do you think you’re ready? You said you think you’re ready. But why do you, in your mind, know that you’re ready for this title fight?
 
E. Lubin
I know I’m ready because, like I said before, I came into the game and I fought no opponents with a losing record. Everybody I fought had a positive record, some undefeated guys, some guys who had just one loss. I fought all types of guys. I have a great amateur background. I won pretty much every amateur tournament out there. I’ve been undefeated since I was 13 years old.
 
I’m just confident. I’ve been training real hard and I’m just ready to show the world who I really am. I don’t think I’ve really showed the world who Erickson “Hammer” Lubin is yet.
 
Some of these fights has been a little bit too easy for me. And I’m glad they put this opponent in front of me, in Jermell Charlo, where I can actually showcase my talent, my real skills. I’m extra motivated to be fighting for a world title.
 
And come October 14 I’m ready to capture the title and make it a dream come true.
 
Q
What have you seen in his fights that gives you such confidence?
 
E. Lubin
It’s not about what he does. It’s about what I do. I believe in my skill. I’m very talented, I know this. And like I said before, it’s not what he does.
 
I think I’m a star already. I just proved it in my last fight at Barclays Center. Everybody loves me. I’m young, I’m 22 years old. I’m definitely trying to, like I said before, I’m going out there trying to make a statement and get the knockout.
 
But if it goes 12 rounds, I plan on dominating the fight. I’m ready to go 12 rounds. I spar way more than 12 rounds. I’m ready for it.
 
Q
Would you like to make a prediction to the fight?
 
E. Lubin              
Erickson Lubin wins.
 
Q
I’m interested to know what you most respect Charlo as a fighter?
 
E. Lubin              
He does have decent power. I’ve seen a few of his fights where he did what he had to do and knocked the guys out, like Charles Hatley of course, and John Jackson. So the guys they put in for him that he’s supposed to get out, that’s exactly what he did and he got them out. So I do respect that.
 
Q
Jermell is definitely the best fighter you’ve faced as a pro. I’m curious what type of fighters, what size you’ve been sparring against to prepare yourself for this?
 
E. Lubin              
I’ve been sparring with all types of guys. I just sparred over here in New Jersey a couple 175 pounders. I’ve been sparring 168 pounders. I’m supposed to get some work with Daniel Jacobs in the next coming days. So I definitely have been getting the work in.
 
This has to be the best shape I’ve ever been in. Every fighter says that but it’s just up to me to show the world October 14.
 
Q
I was wondering if you can speak about your confidence in your team and in your corner as you head into your first title fight?
 
E. Lubin              
They’re fresh to you guys but this is a team I’ve been with ever since I was young. My coach Jason Galarza, I’ve been with him for a very long time. He’s worked my corner since the amateurs. We click. He definitely knows how to read me. He knows how to read the other fighters. He’s smart.
 
We’re a family, a school of hard knocks. We’ve been together for ten years-plus so this is definitely who I need in my corner. It’s not that I want them in my corner. I need them in my corner.
 
Q
When you turned pro, you were fighting under the Iron Mike promotion banner. What did you learn, you know, while having Mike Tyson as your promoter?
 
E. Lubin              
Mike, he taught me a lot of things. He taught me how to believe in my dreams, and go get what I want. And he definitely told me that if I stay at the pace that I’m at, he was trying to push for me to get a world title earlier. But it takes time. And I feel like there’s no better time than now.
 
And Mike Tyson definitely taught me how to deal with the media. Me being so young in the sport and how people can push your words or just all the negative stuff that people can do. But just told me to stay focused, always be in the gym, always working hard and dreams will come true of being world champion.
 
Q
Erickson no one on your resume has a losing record. Was that the result of you requesting it, was that the matchmaker? How did that transpire?
 
E. Lubin
I wanted the big names. I asked for it, but they were asking for too much money. It would be a fight for the promoters that they won’t make any money. So I had to ask him for them big fights for a while now. I’m grateful that I get this opportunity to fight. Once again on SHOWTIME, once again at Barclays Center. This time it’s for a world title. So I’m extra motivated and I can’t wait. I never wanted to fight anybody with a losing record. I wanted to come up the way I could. I’ve definitely been preparing for this moment.
 
Q
Lou, so obviously the plan is to have the winners fight each other. But with that being said, how does that materialize? What’s that going to look like in the not-too-distant future?
 
L. DiBella
Well we’re going from 6 to 3 and there are other ’54 pounders out there that are moving up the ranks. You’ve got a guy like Tony Harrison who made a sensational fight, when Jarrett stopped him in the ninth round. But you know, leading up to the ninth round, most people had Harrison ahead in the fight. There are plenty of guys out there to create matchups. Yes, I think the three guys here will factor into a further narrowing down of the division. This isn’t like an official tournament but basically what SHOWTIME Boxing has done is pay an awful lot of attention to the 154 pound fighters. In an effort to make great matchups, great fights and narrow down the division to the very best. And that’s what I know that Stephen Espinoza and the guys at SHOWTIME are going to try to do going forward.
 
Q
Lou, are you talking about a unification bout?
 
L. DiBella
I think so, yes. I think unification bouts are definitely coming and in the not-too-distant future.
 
Q
Erickson, some of the research that we’ve done for the fight coming up we discovered there is a special situation going on in your corner with an empty stool. Can you expound on that a little bit for us?
 
E. Lubin
I mean an empty stool is going to be for my cutman in heaven, Todd Harlib. I’ve been with Todd since I was about 13 years old and that was the guy that paid for all my tournaments and he brought me out to the tournaments I couldn’t afford when I was young, my parents couldn’t afford for me to go to. He used to pay big bucks for me to go out there. I used to feel like I wouldn’t want their money to go to waste. And this is definitely all of our dreams, including him. So I’ll definitely be looking at him after I win that title.
 
Q
What would you say is your greatest strength heading into this matchup and also what do you see in Charlo that you can take advantage of the most?
 
E. Lubin              
My greatest strength would have to be my mental game and the way I adjust in the ring. I’m ready for any situation, I can bang, I can box, I can box and punch, so I can mix it up.
 
Q
Have you faced anyone using compares to Charlo style wise?
 
E. Lubin
Yes, I’ve seen his style plenty of times in the gym. Haven’t really faced anyone that fights like Charlo, but he hasn’t faced anyone that fought like Erickson Lubin.

Jay Jimenez- REAL FACTS BEHIND LUIS ORTIZ SITUATION

REAL FACTS BEHIND LUIS ORTIZ SITUATION
MIAMI, FL (October 5, 2017) – Manager to Luis Ortiz, Jay Jimenez, wants to clarify the current situation with his fighter and the WBC’s decision to move to a new opponent.
“To clarify the Luis Ortiz situation, this is the real and only version of the current process. Mr. Sulaiman and the WBC have NOT suspended or removed Luis from their rankings. The WBC’s decision was as follows, they did not sanction the fight based off the fact that they are worried for Luis’s health.  And to be honest, I must respect and admire their decision because I agree, the fighter’s health is paramount. So, the WBC will schedule a visit with one of their approved physicians to check Luis health, and make sure he is 100% healthy and fit to fight, and that the Blood Pressure pills will not affect him physically.”

“Once Luis has passed all physical exams and is medically cleared to fight by the WBC, we will begin to work on a possible fight towards the end of the year.  Also, once all is resolved, we hope that we can reschedule the Wilder fight in the first quarter of next year. Wilder has shown much interest in fighting Ortiz, and the best fighters in the division, so I know it will not be a hard fight to renegotiate. Thank you to everyone for your support.  This soon will be corrected, and Luis can continue on with his career.” ~ Jay Jimenez, Manager of Luis Ortiz

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk Training Camp Notes

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk Training Camp Notes

 

Polish Former World Champion Battles IBF Champion Murat Gassiev in World Boxing Super Series Quarter-final Showdown Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. &

On AUDIENCE Network

 

Click
HERE for Wlodarczyk Training Video

(Credit: Knockout Promotions/Ringpolska)

 

NEWARK, N.J. (October 4, 2017) – Already a two-time cruiserweight world champion,
Krzysztof “Diablo” Wlodarczyk will seek to become a champion a third time, and also put himself into the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semi-finals, when he battles IBF Champion
Murat Gassiev on Saturday, October 21 in quarter-final action from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J and live on AT&T AUDIENCE Network.  

 

Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available at
Ticketmaster.com.
Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.

 

“Anyone who knows me and my experience in this sport knows that I will be ready on October 21,” said Wlodarczyk. “Everything that I’ve done so far in training camp and in sparring is to show my Polish fans in American that ‘Diablo’
is back.”

 

The Polish former champion not only has a chance to further solidify his place as one of the greatest Polish fighters of this generation, but he can put himself into a position to became the undisputed king of the division.

 

“I know how important this matchup is and that’s why I’m leaving no stone unturned in training,” said Wlodarczyk. “This fight is for my legacy and I’ve worked hard to have the opportunity. If I can take full advantage of this,
then I can send a lot of my fans home happy and that will be my goal on October 21.”

 

If Wlodarczyk defeats Gassiev and captures the IBF crown, he will move on to the semi-finals to face WBA Champion Yunier Dorticos and put himself even close to winning the Muhammad Ali Trophy in a finals showdown with either
WBO Champion Oleksandr Usyk or WBC Champion Mairis Briedis.

 

“Murat Gassiev is a strong dynamic fighter, but he’s not without flaws,” said Wlodarczyk. “He beat Denis Lebedev in Moscow, and I have to respect that, but I’m working hard with my trainer to catch Gassiev with something that
he will not be prepared for. They say he hits hard, but I hit harder.

 

“When there’s nothing to lose, I’m always the better fighter. Don’t be surprised if Gassiev is on the defensive from the beginning. This is my first time fighting in front of the great Polish fans in New Jersey and New York and
I’m going to give them something to remember.”

 

Wlodarczyk was unable to get revenge for his last defeat in a world title bout against Grigory Drozd after losing in 2014 and suffering an injury before their 2015 rematch. Wlodarczyk earned a 2016 title shot against Beibut Shumenov
before Shumenov withdrew from their match with an injury. Overall ,Wlodarczyk has won four contests in a row leading into October 21.

 

“I’m very happy to be injury free and physically feel at the top of my game,” said Wlodarczyk. “My message to my supporters around the world – don’t doubt my chances. Believe in me like I believe in myself. I’m not only there
to beat Gassiev and become the IBF champion. I want to beat him and go all the way and bring that Muhammad Ali Trophy back to Poland!”

 

Additional action on October 21 will feature a WBSS reserve match between hard-hitting Polish contender
Mateusz Masternak and once-beaten Stivens Bujaj, plus a 10-round super welterweight bout between unbeaten Polish contender
Maciej Sulecki and former title challenger Jack Culcay.

Former 168-Pound World Champion Anthony DirrellTakes On Denis Douglin in a Special Edition ofPremier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 

Former 168-Pound World Champion Anthony Dirrell

Takes On Denis Douglin in a Special Edition of

Premier Boxing Champions
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Dort Federal Credit Union Center in Flint, Michigan on Friday, November 17

 

Plus! Rematch Between Welterweight Prospects Jamontay Clark & Ivan Golub in Co-Main Event & Ryan Karl Returns Against

Kareem Martin in Battle of Prospects

FLINT, MI. – (October 4, 2017) – Former super middleweight world champion
Anthony Dirrell (30-1-1, 24 KOs) will meet Denis Douglin (20-5, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions special edition of
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes on November 17 from Dort Federal Credit Union Center in Flint, Michigan at 10:30 p.m. ET/ p.m. PT.

 

The 10-round bout is a homecoming for Dirrell, who was born and raised in Flint along with his brother and top contender, Andre. It will be the third time that he has fought in his hometown with
the 32-year-old’s last outing in Flint ending with a knockout of Dante Craig at Atwood Stadium on July 2, 2011. Since losing his title via majority decision to Badou Jack in 2015, Dirrell has won three straight bouts including his most recent fight, a fifth-round
stoppage of Norbert Nemesapati in January.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and A.D.D. Enterprises, begin at $20. To purchase tickets, visit the Dort Federal Credit Union Center box office or Ticketmaster.com.

 

“Douglin has fought a lot of good fighters and I respect him, but he’s standing in the way of my title shot,” said Dirrell. “This is a chance for me to showcase my skills. I’m going for a stoppage,
and I think I’m going to get it in the middle rounds. I want to put on a great performance and give the fans something to see. I’m going to get the job done.”

 

The 29-year-old Douglin of Marlboro, N.J. has stood in against some of the toughest boxers in the sport, including 168-pound champions David Benavidez and George Groves, plus 154-pound champion
Jermell Charlo. In his last match, Douglin lost on a TKO to Benavidez after winning three straight bouts by stoppage.

 

“I’ve taken a lot of fights on short notice and that’s hurt me in the past, but I’ve had ample time and a great training camp to prepare for this fight,” said Douglin. “I think Dirrell has a problem
with guys who aren’t afraid of him and who will actually give him a fight. With my style and determination, I’m going to bring a lot more than he’s expecting. I’m going to bring it for 10 rounds and I know I’ll have my arm raised at the end of the day.”

 

Jamontay Clark (12-0, 7 KOs) and
Ivan Golub (13-1, 11 KOs) will meet in an eight-round welterweight bout that serves as a rematch of their exciting June 30 showdown which ended with Clark winning a unanimous decision.

 

The 23-year-old Clark of Cincinnati, Ohio is looking to remain unbeaten and pick up his third victory of the year, while the 28-year-old Golub, who was born in Ukraine and now lives in Brooklyn,
wants to hand Clark the first loss of his career and erase what he believes was a bad decision in their first fight. Coming into the first fight between the two southpaw welterweight prospects, Golub had stopped seven straight opponents.

 

Ryan “Cowboy” Karl (14-1, 9 KOs) will take on
Kareem Martin (9-1-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight match that opens televised coverage. The 25-year-old Karl of Houston is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Winston Velasquez in his last fight on July 18 as he bounced
back from the first loss of his career when he lost to Eddie Ramirez in February.

 

The 22-year-old Martin of Washington D.C. scored a unanimous decision victory over Evincil Dixon in his last fight on Aug. 12 as he works his way back from a defeat to David Grayton last year.

 

“Anthony Dirrell headlining in his hometown of Flint will be a great treat for boxing fans in the area,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is something
that Anthony Dirrell has wanted for a long time and I’m sure that he is going to be at his absolute best and look to really impress in front of his fans on November 17. He will have a tough challenge from the strong Denis Douglin, but if he’s able to get by
him, we could see Anthony Dirrell fighting for a world title in the very near future.”

Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov Training Camp Notes

Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov Training Camp Notes

 

World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Tournament Heats Up Saturday, September 23 with Dorticos vs. Kudryashov Quarter-final Matchup from Alamodome in San Antonio

 

SAN ANTONIO (September 11, 2017) – With World Boxing Super Series action officially underway following Oleksandr Usyk’s 10th-round stoppage of Marco Huck Saturday in Germany,
cruiserweight sluggers Yunier Dorticos and Dmitry Kudryashov offered training camp updates ahead of their highly anticipated quarter-final showdown taking place Saturday, September 23 from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

 

The WBA cruiserweight titleholder, “The KO Doctor” Dorticos has been hard at work at the Freestyle Fighting Academy in Miami as he prepares for the matchup that many are calling the best fight of the tournament.

 

“I’m working hard and getting ready to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dorticos. “I have a strong opponent in front of me, but I know what I’m capable of. I’m going to go out there and study him the first few rounds
and then break him down. I have to execute my game plan. My training camp is going really well and I can’t wait to have all of my hard work pay off on September 23.”

 

Owning a 100 percent knockout ratio over his 21 pro wins, “The Russian Hammer” Kudryashov has trained at the Legends Boxing Gym in Norwalk, Calif., for his first fight in the U.S. as he looks to punch his ticket to the WBSS semi-finals.

 

“When you want to be the best, you have to train harder than everybody,” said Kudryashov. “That is the key to my game. Dorticos is a good fighter with a strong amateur background. He’s dedicated to this sport and he’s no easy
opponent. I’m going to have to be at my best to beat him. Everyone in this tournament was afraid to pick me but I’m happy to be in this fight.”

 

With the WBO champion Usyk set to face the winner of WBC Champion Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez, the Dorticos vs. Kudryashov winner will match up against the winner of IBF Champion Murat Gassiev vs.
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in a unification showdown that promises more high-stakes action.

 

“It’s an honor for me to be part of such a prestigious tournament,” said Dorticos. “This is my opportunity to put myself on top of this sport with the other big names and champions. This is what me and my team have worked so
hard to accomplish.”

 

“My main motivation is to become world champion and show that I’m the best in the division,” said Kudryashov. “I’m the most powerful fighter in this division and everyone will see that on September 23. I have a newborn daughter
but I’m still training harder than ever and it has just added to my motivation to go win this tournament.”

 

With the Muhammad Ali Trophy awaiting the winner of the WBSS tournament, both men are looking to increase their profiles and prove their supremacy in the division while matching up against the best in the weight class.

 

“Fighting for the Muhammad Ali Trophy is huge for me,” said Kudryashov. “It is a big responsibility to make sure that I honor his name. This is possibly the biggest prize that boxers can fight for in a tournament that couldn’t
be more important.”

 

“I want to fight all of the champions,” said Dorticos. “That is my plan because I see myself as the best fighter in this division and now I can go out there and prove it. I idolized Muhammad Ali just like everyone else in this
sport and to earn the trophy with his name would be something very special for my life and career.”

 

With a combined 41 knockouts over 42 victories, Dorticos vs. Kudryashov promises to be a back-and-forth all-action fight, but only one man will be able to raise his hand at the end of the night and move on in the quest for the
Muhammad Ali Trophy.

 

“The fans are going to get an amazing show on September 23,” said Dorticos. “This is definitely the best fight of the tournament and the best man will win. We’re both going to leave it all in the ring and fight with our hearts
until the very end. I’ve worked too hard to get to this point. Once I connect with him, everyone knows what is going to happen.”

 

“This is the first time that all of the best fighters in the division have been collected in a tournament so it is a big opportunity for me,” said Kudryashov. “My team has been amazing in training camp and I am going to take
that and bring it to the ring against Dorticos. My opponent better be ready, because I’m coming to beat you like nobody ever has.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, are priced at $250, $125, $100, $50, and $30, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at

www.ticketmaster.com.  


*** 

World Boxing Super Series Hits the East Coast as IBF Champion Murat Gassiev Battles Former Champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk 

World Boxing Super Series Hits the East Coast as IBF Champion Murat Gassiev Battles Former Champion 

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk

 

WBSS Cruiserweight Quarter-final Matchup Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

 

Tickets
on Sale Now!

 

NEWARK, N.J. (September 8, 2017) – World Boxing Super Series action comes to the east coast as the cruiserweight quarter-final showdown between IBF champion
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs) and former world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk
(53-3-1, 37 KOs) is set for Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

 

Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available at

Ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office beginning Monday, September 11 at 11 a.m.

 

“It’s a great pleasure to promote this exciting World Boxing Super Series matchup,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Murat Gassiev is clearly one of the top cruiserweights in the world but he will
have a great obstacle against the battle-tested former champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, who will have a big boost from the raucous Polish fans in New Jersey. Prudential Center is the perfect venue for this event and I know that the fans will enjoy this matchup
as both men vie for the Muhammad Ali Trophy.”

 

“It’s so exciting that the Ali Trophy is coming to a fighting place like New Jersey,” said
Kalle Sauerland, Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer. “Hold tight and enjoy the
ride, October 21 is going to be a unique experience, think ‘Game of Thrones’ meets boxing. Can’t wait!”

 

A full slate of undercard bout will be announced soon.

 

“I promise that I’m going to come to the ring to win and do everything possible to get this victory,” said Gassiev. “I want to take advantage of this opportunity to fight the best boxers in my weight class.”

 

“I have a very serious opponent in Krzysztof Wlodarczyk who is a two-time world champion and his resume speaks for itself. He has fought the best and I’m looking forward to a very hard fight.”

 

“It is a great honor for me to fight in the World Boxing Super Series for the Muhammad Ali Trophy,” said Wlodarczyk. “I trained for two weeks in the Polish mountains and now I am back in Warsaw putting in the work for October
21.”

 

“I am very happy to have the opportunity to fight a champion like Murat Gassiev. He is a young, strong champion like I was a few years ago but I am ready to show that I am still the best in the division.”

 

One of the hardest punchers in the sport, Gassiev trains with Abel Sanchez in Big Bear, California and hails from Vladikavkaz, Russia. The 23-year-old made his U.S. debut in 2015 and delivered four straight knockout victories,
including a “Knockout of the Year” contender when he flattened Jordan Schimmel in the first round in May 2016. Gassiev then challenged Denis Lebedev in Russia last December and was able to drop the champion on his way to winning the IBF title.

 

Fighting out of Piaseczno, Poland, Wlodarczyk first became a world champion when he defeated Steve Cunningham in 2006 to capture the IBF crown. After fighting to a draw against WBC Champion Giacobbe Fragomeni in 2009, Wlodarczyk
stopped Fragomeni in their 2010 rematch to become a champion again. He would go on to defend the title six times and enters his October 21 matchup on a four fight winning streak.


*** 

For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com 

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and
become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports

 

 

Photos are free to use, but please credit World Boxing Super Series.

 

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES
09/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Marco Huck (WBO World) 
Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany
 
16/09/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
Callum Smith vs. Erik Skoglund (WBC Diamond)
Echo Arena, Liverpool, United Kingdom 
 
23/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Yunier Dorticos vs. Dmitry Kudryashov (WBA World)
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, USA

30/09/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final: 
Mairis Briedis vs. Mike Perez (WBC World) 
Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia
 
07/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Avni Yildirim (IBO World)
Hanns-Martin-Schleyer Halle, Stuttgart, Germany  

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final: 
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom  

 

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final

Murat Gassiev vs.
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)

Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA
 
TO BE CONFIRMED
Super Middleweight Quarter-Finals:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant
 
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16 
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs 
 
ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite
boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be
staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for
more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook,
or Instagram.