ANDRZEJ FONFARA BACK IN THE GYM TRAINING WITH VIRGIL HUNTER, WAITING FOR NEXT CHALLENGE

Photo by Stephanie Trapp

BAY AREA, CA (March 29, 2017) – WBC #7
light-heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs), is back in the Bay Area, CA, training with Virgil Hunter. 
After scoring a technical knockout in his last fight against former world champion,
Chad Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), Fonfara is ready for the next challenge as he looks to get back into a world title fight. 

“I took a few weeks off to rest my body, but now I’m ready to get back in the gym training with Virgil Hunter,” said Fonfara. “I’m making the proper sacrifices, coming to California with no
fight date, because I know in this sport your name can be called at any time.”

With a possible date looming, Fonfara feels he’s back on track to fight all top contenders in the light-heavyweight division.

“I’m in a great position being ranked in number seven by the WBC.” Fonfara continued.  “I just want to stay sharp and be ready for any fight that might come my way.  Training with Virgil now
is only going to make me a better fighter.  I’ll be ready for anyone that my team puts in front of me.” 

Unbeaten Prospect Leduan Barthelemy Drops & Stops Reynaldo Blanco

 

Unbeaten Prospect Leduan Barthelemy Drops & Stops Reynaldo Blanco in Round Nine of Premier Boxing Champions
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Main Event Tuesday Night From Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California

 

Kyrone Davis Defeats Marcos Hernandez by Split-Decision In

Matchup of Exciting Prospects

&

Unbeaten Prospect Malcolm McAllister Survives Late Knockdown to Earn Unanimous Decision Over Mexico’s Alejandro Torres

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions

(Photos to be added shortly)

 

NICE, CALIF.
(March 29, 2017) – Undefeated Cuban prospect
Leduan Barthelemy (13-0, 7 KOs) scored a ninth round stoppage of Reynaldo Blanco
(14-4, 8 KOs) Tuesday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions
TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino in Nice, California.

 

“I came here knowing that I had to make a statement and deliver a knockout on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Barthelemy. “I controlled the fight from the opening bell and never lost focus.”

 

The brother of two-division world champion Rances, Barthelemy showed off his boxing skill by using his length and speed to dictate the action against Blanco. After a slow start, Blanco came alive
in the third round and began increasing his offensive output, including a looping right hand that landed clean on Barthelemy’s head late in the round.

 

Blanco again pushed the action in round four and landed a sharp left hook, but Barthelemy took the shot and responded with a right hook of his own to end the round. Barthelemy continued to have
success with his jab, and throwing combinations off of it, and eventually opened up a cut over Blanco’s right eye at the end of round eight.

 

Barthelemy was the fresher fighter as he entered the ninth round for the first time in his career and it showed as he dropped Blanco with a series of hard right hands early in the ninth round. Blanco
was able to get to his feet but Barthelemy continued the onslaught, prompting Blanco’s corner to stop the fight at the official time of 1:30 of round nine.  

 

“I feel like I’m the best up-and-coming fighter in the division,” said Barthelemy. “I’m ready to step up to the next level of competition.”

 

The co-main event of the night saw Delaware’s
Kyrone Davis (12-1, 5 KOs) earn a split-decision victory over previously unbeaten
Marcos Hernandez (9-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-round showdown of super welterweight prospects.

 

Davis came out aggressive from the start as he looked to close distance and attack Hernandez from the inside. It nearly backfired early as Hernandez wobbled Davis with a left hook and followed up
with a right uppercut that put Davis in some early trouble.

 

The tide swung back towards Davis after the first two rounds with an increased attack to Hernandez’s body, which slowed down the offense of the Fresno-native. In round seven, a stray body shot from
Davis was deemed low by referee Dan Stell, who deducted a point as Hernandez dropped to the canvas.

 

Despite the deduction, Davis was able to remain effective with his aggressive game plan as both fighters went past eight rounds for the first time in their pro careers. Hernandez appeared to hurt
Davis midway through the final round with a left hook, but Davis was able to smother Hernandez as he went for the knockout.

 

After the end of ten rounds the judges awarded Davis a split decision by scores of 95-94 for Hernandez and 96-93 twice for Davis.

 

In the televised opener, unbeaten prospect
Malcolm McAllister (9-0, 8 KOs) overcame a knockdown in the final round to earn a unanimous decision over Mexico’s
Alejandro Torres (9-2-2, 4 KOs) in their six-round super welterweight clash.

 

McAllister was in control of the fight throughout the first five rounds using his jab to control the distance and beat Torres to the punch consistently. He began landing more strong right hands
in the third round and continued to box effectively while building a lead on the scorecards.

 

The  fight changed drastically early in the sixth and final round as Torres got the better of an exchange of power punches and connected with a massive left hook that stunned McAllister and sent
him to the canvas. The Long Beach-native was able to get to his feet but was still shaky as Torres stalked him around the ring.

 

With a combination of clinches, jabs and movement, McAllister was able to finish the round on his feet despite Torres’ advances. The knockdown was not enough to derail McAllister as he won the decision
by the score of 58-55 on all three judges’ cards.

Karlos Balderas, Misael Rodriguez, Eimantas Stanionis & Lindolfo Delgado Ringstar Sports Media Workout Quotes &Photos 
 

Ringstar Sports Rising Stars Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 

Karlos Balderas, Misael Rodriguez, Eimantas Stanionis & Lindolfo Delgado Host Media Workout in Advance of the Special Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Event Sunday, April 9 From

The Novo at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles

Click HERE
for Photos from Ricky Horne Jr./Ringstar Sports

 

LOS ANGELES
(March 28, 2017) – A group of newly-signed
Ringstar Sports talent was on display at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood Tuesday, as the young fighters participated in a media workout in advance of their respective pro debuts taking place Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown
Los Angeles.

 

Participating in Tuesday’s workout was 2016 U.S. Olympian
Karlos Balderas of Santa Maria, Calif., who will make his pro debut in a six-round super featherweight contest featured on the
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes telecast.

 

Also working out for the media was 2016 Team Mexico Olympic Bronze medalist
Misael Rodriguez, who is trained by Robert Garcia and managed by Abner Mares, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian
Eimantas Stanionis, who is trained by Freddie Roach and 2016 Mexican Olympian
Lindolfo Delgado.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world title challenger
Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez battling Mexico’s Saul Corral in a 10-round showdown, plus unbeaten lightweight
Alejandro “El Charro” Luna facing former title challenger Andrey Klimov.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased
through AXS.com HERE.  

 

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:

 

KARLOS BALDERAS

 

“I’ve improved a lot working in the gym. I’m doing a lot of good sparring and strength and conditioning work. We’re training harder but also a lot smarter than ever.

 

“I’m really looking forward to this fight. I’ve prepared well. I’m taking this as seriously as a championship fight. You’re going to see a new Karlos Balderas on April 9.

 

“I definitely want to make Los Angeles my home for as many fights as possible. That’s where everything is happening. I want to make Los Angeles mine.

 

“I want to be in exciting fights as a professional. I’m proud of what I did in the amateurs and the Olympics, but I know this is an entirely different game. I’m looking to do even bigger and better
things.

 

“I’m going to take it one fight at a time. I want to build a perfect record and build my fan base. I hope to be fighting for a world title in a few years. I know that I have the right team to get
me there.

 

“I’m going to try to stay busy and get a fight every two months or so. My last fight was at the Olympics in Rio, but after this one I’ll be ready to stay in training throughout the year.

 

“I’ve known a lot of these other fighters here for a long time from all of the amateur tournaments. It’s nice to see us all coming together now as professionals. In the amateurs people pretty much
stay with their own team, but this is the time for us to come together and learn from each other. It’s a great feeling to be a part this.

 

“Everyone knows a Carlos with a ‘C,’ so I wanted to stand out. As a professional and from here on out, I am going to be known as Karlos with a ‘K’.”

 

MISAEL RODRIGUEZ

 

“I feel very strong and I’m excited to get back in the ring. I’m hungry to fight and prove myself in this sport.

 

“I’m looking forward to being in big fights. I know that it takes time. I will get there eventually and become a world champion.

 

“I’ve known Abner Mares for a long time because he was a Mexican Olympian as well and it was an easy decision to have him help me with my career.

 

“I knew after the Olympics that it was time to turn pro. Growing up as a Mexican child, all I wanted was to be a world champion. I want to be a fan-favorite for Mexicans.

 

“Los Angeles is like a second Mexico. It will feel like Mexico to me. I know that I will have a lot of fans coming from my hometown [Chihuahua, Mexico] to support me. I’m excited to work with Richard
and put on more great fights.”

 

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

 

“I was very excited and eager when I first heard about the opportunity to train with Freddie Roach. I came out to California as soon as I could to start training.

 

“I’m working very hard. I give it my all in training and I leave everything in the gym every single day. I’m just going to keep doing my best.

 

“The Olympics were a very good experience for me. I won a lot of tournaments to get there and that road has led me to this moment.

 

“I met Richard Schaefer at the Olympics and that’s what led to me signing with Ringstar. I’m very happy to be with Richard and I’m excited for this first step.

 

“I want to start making my mark in the welterweight division. This is a division with big stars that I’d love to face one day.

 

“I never thought I would live in Hollywood, but here I am and I love Los Angeles.”

 

LINDOLFO DELGADO

 

“I had an awesome experience in the Olympics and it gave me a lot of confidence heading into my pro career. I’m excited to finally be able to enter the ring and I hope all of us Olympians give spectacular
performances.

 

“It’s an honor to be turning pro on this same card with my Mexican teammate, Misael Rodriguez. I’m very happy for Karlos and Eimantas too and I look forward to being on more shows with them.

 

“I can’t wait to compete and show off my talent to all the fans. I’m going to keep improving my skills and I believe one day I’ll be able to become another Mexican world champion.

 

“Signing with Ringstar was the best choice that I could have made and I think there will be a lot of success for Ringstar and for me. This will be a great first step.”

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

“With Karlos Balderas you have someone with the skills in the ring, the personality and the character outside of the ring as well. The combination of all of this will ultimately, make him the new
face of the sport.

 

“There always has to be somebody who carries the Southern California boxing scene. Right now there is a void. I see Karlos very quickly becoming the King of L.A. and become a star in the sport.

 

“This will be a big night for Mexican boxing. Both Misael and Lindolfo have a lot of discipline and worked very hard to earn the opportunity to represent their country and they will bring that work
ethic into the pros.

 

“Lindolfo Delgado is the ‘Pretty Boy’ and I expect him to bring a lot of female fans, while Misael is the first Mexican boxer in 16 years to bring a medal back from the Olympics, which I think is
very significant.

 

“Freddie told me that the only other time he saw someone walk through the door with as much natural talent as Stanionis, is when Manny Pacquiao came through that door.

 

“I’m excited for opening night on April 9. It’s the beginning of the next generation of stars. To see them all in one night is going to be very special.”

 

FREDDIE ROACH, Stanionis’ Trainer

 

“This is a great show for the future of boxing. You have four talented Olympians on this show. I can’t wait for Stanionis to show his skills to the world.

 

“Stanionis sparred with five of Miguel Cotto’s sparring partners and he knocked down three of them if that tells you anything about his power.

 

“I just want him to go out there and have some fun and do his job. We’re not going to go out there looking for a first round knockout, but if it comes, that’s a bonus. We’re going to show our skills
and win every minute of every round.”

 

ROBERT GARCIA, Rodriguez’s Trainer

 

“I’ve been working with Misael for about three months after Abner brought him to me. With Mexico behind him and winning a bronze medal, that’s huge already. We have a game plan with this kid that
we’re going to execute.

 

“Misael was only on the Mexican team for two years. He was the least experienced member of the team. He’s going to get a lot of experience while fighting as a pro.

 

“We’re going to keep him busy and definitely want him fighting in Mexico. He’s going to keep gaining more confidence each time he enters the ring.”

 

ABNER MARES, Rodriguez’s Manager

 

“I just wanted to help out Misael on the business side of the sport and that’s why I got involved in his career. I brought him to Robert’s gym to spar and everyone saw that he has a lot of skills.

 

“Being a bronze medalist from Mexico is a big thing to bring into the pros and I think it’s something the Mexican fans can get behind. Misael has room to grow but I believe the skills are there
to be a world champion. 

 

“I’m hoping to use my experience and my relationships to get him the right fights and put him in a position to reach his full potential.”

Million Dollar Ladies- The Resurgence Of Women’s Boxing

“Unless women get more recognition, we will be fighting just as a novelty for the rest of our lives. There will be no future.”

The words of former lightweight fighter Marian “Lady Tiger” Trimiar, back in 1987, while enduring a month-long hunger strike aimed at bringing better conditions, pay and recognition to women’s boxing.

Over the years, the glass ceiling in boxing has been cracked a few times, but sadly, has always been repaired. That said, we are in a time that may see the damn thing shattered. To know where we are going, we need to take a brief look back at where we’ve been.

Although women’s boxing was introduced and on display in the Olympics all the way back in 1904, it didn’t make the cut. It wasn’t until 2012 that women first stepped into the ring for the right to earn a medal. Let me say that year again…2012! That was just five years ago. It was the last “male only” sport in the Games to find gender equality. Ceiling cracks…..

There are traces of women’s boxing dating back to the 17 and 1800’s; however, it wasn’t until the 1950’s until there was significant movement. Barbara Buttrick, considered by most as the pioneer of women’s boxing, fought the first nationally televised female fight in 1954. As the legend goes, “The Mighty Atom of The Ring” also won the first women’s world championship.  It wasn’t all roses for the woman from Yorkshire, England. Through her career, she had to ignore critics who said her involvement in the sport was “degrading” and an “insult to womanhood”. Many would have crumbled under the pressure she endured but not the 4’11 Buttrick, a true pioneer with a warrior’s heart. A champion cut from every bit the same cloth of any male counterpart.

By the 1970’s and through the struggle of it all in this decade, there were positive signs of progress. Bans on women’s boxing were being removed with licences being issued and bouts being sanctioned. Names like Cathy “Cat” Davis, the first female boxer to be featured on the cover of The Ring magazine, the aforementioned Trimiar, and “The Female Ali” Jackie Tonawanda were all instrumental in fighting for a women’s right to be licensed to fight. Ceiling is cracking…..

One could argue that women’s boxing had its biggest rise in popularity or its golden age thus far in the mid 90’s. It was a “Coalminer’s Daughter” from West Virgina donning the cover of Sports Illustrated with the title “The Lady Is A Champ- Boxing’s New Sensation” that disrupted the status quo of the male dominated profession for what seems like now for only a brief moment.

Martin fought on the undercard of the baddest man on the planet, which by default put women’s boxing in millions of homes world-wide. Martin fought arguably the most memorable women’s fight ever against Deirdre Gogarty on the undercard of Mike Tyson v. Frank Bruno in 1996. The bloody affair against Gogarty is widely considered the beginning of modern-day women’s boxing.

In the years during that period of awakening, many quality fighters emerged. Pugilists such as Lucia Rijker, the first women inducted in the World Boxing Hall of Fame who retired undefeated without ever having a career defining fight. If you had a discussion on all-time greats in women’s boxing thus far they would have come from this time period, “The Dutch Destroyer” would no doubt start the conversation along with Ann Wolfe, Holly Holm, Laila Ali, Mia St. John, Mary Jo Sanders and Regina Halmich who was instrumental in the rise of women’s boxing in Europe.

Laila with the appropriate (sur)nickname of “She Bee Stingin” garnered huge attention as the daughter of “The Greatest” when she began to began to pursue the sweet science. The spotlight brightened even more when she entered the ring against Jackie Frazier-Lyde, yes the daughter of “Smokin Joe”, June 2001, Ali v. Frazier, IV as you will.  The first ever pay-per-view card headlined by women.

These fighters were boxers and brawlers and had skill-sets that rivaled their male counterparts. It is a shame that these highly skilled fighters were not showcased more than they were and matched up for some epic bouts. No takers for serious promotions or regular airtime. Additionally, it was suggested that they were more about themselves and less about the game. Crack repaired….

The spark was lit, women’s boxing should have taken off with the strongest group of fighters ever but there were still those skeptics that saw it as a side-show, the chauvinist views that women should be wearing makeup for beauty, not to cover the battle scars of last night’s fight.

Maybe back then, as Ms. Trimiar stated, it was a novelty; however, 2017 looks to be the year when recognition paves the road to the future. There is a current surge of female fighters with extraordinary skills and the timing appears to be right this go round. With the power of social media, something not available in past times, champions and contenders can be publicized to stimulate public interest and build a following. In addition, we have already seen progress through marketing and the showcasing of fighters through mainstream media.

We’ll take a look here at a few fighters that can sustain the sport going forward. Some were outstanding amateurs, some already champions, but both will impact the future. The list is most definitely not complete. No disrespect to the fighters not listed, while most of the below have Olympic pedigrees, this is not to suggest that these women are saving the day. There are many, many fighters never fortunate enough to have competed in the games or had an amateur background; however, their blood, sweat, and tears fighting in bars, halls, and the smallest venues around has not gone unnoticed. They are the ones that kept the dream alive for women fighters of today and tomorrow. 

No better place to start than with the lady considered the top P4P fighter in the game, undefeated and unified welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus (30-0 8 KO). “The First Lady” has made eighteen consecutive title defenses since capturing her first title in 2009. Braekhus longs for a defining fight in the US, as most of her fights have been in Germany. Kind of Mayweather like in her approach, she uses her jab extremely well to set up straight rights and her movement is some of the best I’ve seen.

The fighting pride of Ireland, Katie Taylor, utilizes fast hands, works the body, has a great left hook, and a solid right. A skill set so good that even Claressa Shields sings her praise saying Taylor is the only fighter that comes close to her in skill set. Quite an endorsement. Taylor is set to fight on the undercard of the Wladimir Klitschko v. Anthony Joshua bout and according to promoter Eddie Hearn, a world title fight in Dublin in November is a possibility.

Featherweight Heather Hardy (19-0 4 KO), holder of two titles in different weight classes has an outstanding skill set. While reviewing her fights, I see the strong jab, the movement, the timely uppercuts, the left hook, the overhand rights. Great stuff, a skillset as strong as anyone mentioned. Hardy, with a background in kickboxing and Muay Thai, has dabbled in a brief cross over into MMA motivated by the financial opportunities that come within the cage. No faulting her there, a fighter has to eat. That said, please don’t leave Heather, the sport needs you!

Claressa Shields put a crack in the ceiling this month headlining the first women’s card on a premium network. The two-time Olympic Gold medalist, Shields is a throw-back fighter. Great jab, straight right, left hook and very strong. She grew up in an old boxing gym, nothing fancy just serious training. Arguably, she is the current face of women’s boxing out of the group. While the others may be more popular in their specific country or area, Shields is most likely more well-known across the board.

Nicola Adams– Another two-time gold medalist and the first women to win an Olympic Gold Medal. This flyweight fighter, who just turned pro, signed with Frank Warren and will have her professional debut in April. What movement. Adams is adept at moving in and out with effortless motion while scoring. Her style looks well suited for the pro game.

Shelly Vincent, a highly talented featherweight out of Rhode Island, her only loss out of twenty bouts a MD to Hardy televised on the PBC network. A fight she campaigned for by showing up unannounced and calling Hardy out. A brawling type compact fighter who will be a handful for any opponent.

With a nickname like one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, you’d better be able to bring it.  Amanda “The Real Deal”  Serrano (31-1 23 KO) a southpaw junior featherweight titlist who does just that. An excellent boxer who is disciplined and can get you out of there with power. There is beauty in her brutality. Serrano is very accurate and hits with thudding power. Serrano last fought on the undercard of the Badou Jack-James DeGale bout in January. While the main and co-main aired on Showtime, Serrano’s bout aired on Showtime Extreme. Progress nonetheless. Serrano earned $17,500 for her trouble. A paltry sum for a world champion fighting on a premium network.

This new generation of fighters appears to be working towards a common goal of bringing the women’s game to the forefront and that is the stuff of champions that will make it a success this time around.

Matchups will be the key, as well as promotional companies willing to step up and take a chance. Credit to Showtime for bringing women’s boxing out of the dark ages and begin to regularly showcase these amazing athletes. The UFC has shown that there is a market and big purses for women in combat sports, they just need a chance in the sweet science. But boxing beware, if you lose these pugilists this time around, they may navigate to MMA for good. There needs to be an extreme marketing campaign to get this going in the right direction. The talent is there, it just needs the backing.

As I wrote this article, it became more and more difficult to keep referring to “women’s boxing”. These women are boxers first and foremost, gender be damned. I just love great boxing and boxing skills and these athletes provide just that.

It’s ok ladies, no more hunger strikes are needed, we see your dream…smash the damn ceiling, it is your time.

“It’s the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you”

-Million Dollar Baby

The Women Boxing Archive Network WBAN  http://www.womenboxing.com/historic.htm provided great insight and perspective into the subject matter.

Linares Technically Brilliant In Dominance Of Crolla

Back in September, in a very close fight, Jorge Linares (42-3 27 KO) beat Anthony Crolla (31-6-3 13 KO) by unanimous decision 115-113, 115-114, and the “What in the hell fight were you watching?” score of 117-111. Standing-8 had it 115-113 Linares.

The stage was set for a rematch. Just like the first fight, they knuckled up (today/tonight depending on where you were watching from) at the Manchester Arena. Crolla would again have a chance to be special in front of his hometown fans, but this time would be worse than the last.

From the opening bell, Linares was masterful in his execution. His movement and ring generalship was just about perfect relevant to his opponent. It was obvious he learned from their first encounter and tightened up the areas that needed it. Linares moved effortlessly while landing a piston like jab, damaging left hooks to the body, quick accurate combination punching, and mixing in a sneaky right uppercut from time to time. Throughout the fight, Crolla was able to move forward backing Linares up but the champions ability to fight off his back foot negated any advantage that Crolla could possibly have.

The begining of the fight was almost a carbon copy of their first. Linares the more active fighter banking rounds. Crolla went to the body in the third and even though Linares won the round it was closer. Body work was key for Crolla which would make sense when facing a moving target. The problem is Crolla did not continue the body work in an effort to slow his adversary. In the fifth, Linares landed some nice left hooks to the body and was getting closer to landing a big right uppercut. It was painfully obvious in the sixth that Linares was begining to break Crolla down pysically which would be telling in  the next round.

In the seventh, Linares dropped Crolla with a textbook left uppercut from distance.

Crolla beat the count and actually landed some effective punches to close out the round. If there is one thing that Crolla did in this one it was show the heart of a champion. Case in point, after being dropped in the seventh, he arguably came back to win the eighth, one of only two rounds that Standing-8 gave him.

A few close rounds to the final bell but edge to Linares in most with the exception of the twelfth on the card here. Interesting to note is that in the eleventh, it appeared that Crolla’s corner wanted to stop the fight but Crolla’s warrior heart would have none of it as he finished the fight.

Standing-8 had it the same as all three judges, 118-109.

A unification fight with Mikey Garcia could be up next for Linares.

Undefeated Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo Defends Against Top Contender Charles Hatley Saturday, April 22 

Undefeated Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo Defends Against Top Contender Charles Hatley
Saturday, April 22 On  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®,

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions,

 From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Welterweight World Title Eliminator Between

Andre Berto & Shawn Porter Headlines Action-Packed Night

 

BROOKLYN (March 24, 2017) –
Unbeaten WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo will defend his world title against No. 1-rated challenger Charles Hatley
Saturday, April 22 live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. 

 

Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champions
Andre Berto and Shawn Porter meeting in a 12-round welterweight world title eliminator.

 

Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) will face his mandatory challenger Hatley (26-1-1, 18 KOs) after winning the vacant world title with a sensational eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in May of 2016.

 

“I’m once again ready to get in the ring and continue to build my legacy,” said Charlo. “I’ve been training hard, I’m focused and I’m even hungrier now that I have my belt. Charles Hatley has
never been in the ring with someone like me and I’m going to do what’s necessary to get that win. My brother had an outstanding performance against Julian Williams and I want to compete with that. It’s motivated me and I’m ready to get out there and show off
my power and skills.”

 

“I’ve been training for a long time for this fight and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Hatley. “I never stopped training since my last fight and I’m going to be ready to win that world title on April 22.
Jermell is a good fighter, but he’s got a big mouth. I know we’re both training hard and going for the win, but I’m going to come out victorious.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at
$50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or
by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays
Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Charlo vs. Hatley fight is co-promoted by TGB Promotions and Don King Promotions.

 

“The 154-pound division is very hot right now, and Jermell Charlo is one of the best and most exciting fighters in the weight class,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
“Charlo making the first defense of his WBC world title against a worthy challenger like Charles Hatley is a terrific addition to this card on April 22, at Barclays Center, televised by SHOWTIME. It’s also fun to have Hatley’s promoter Don King around. Only
in America!”

 

“Jermell Charlo has demonstrated that he is a force in the 154-pound division and his confidence has only grown with winning the championship,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This
match against Hatley will further cement his place in the division. It’s the kind of challenge that will allow Jermell to display all of his power and boxing ability.”

 

“The silver champion will become the world champion on April 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said Don King of Don King Promotions. “We’re
looking at a great fight. I know that Charlo will do the best he can. But he’s got two chances against Hatley –  slim and none and slim is out of town.”

 

One minute younger than his brother Jermall, Jermellwon his belt last year and made the Charlo brothers the first pair of twins to hold world title simultaneously in the same
weight class.The 26-year-old from Houston trains in Dallas and is unbeaten since turning pro in December 2007.
Charlo took on a steady slew of contenders on his way to a world title, including victories over Vanes Martirosyan, Gabriel Rosado and Joachim Alcine.

 

The first-time title challenger
Hatley enters this fight on a nine-bout win streak after traveling to Australia to beat former two-time world champion Anthony Mundine by 11th round stoppage in 2015. The Dallas-native turned pro in 2008 after an impressive amateur career that saw him
defeat Keith Thurman on his way to a U.S. National Amateur Championship. The 31-year-old won his first 14 fights and went his first 18 bouts without a defeat.

 

Charlo vs. Hatley becomes the eighth title fight or world title eliminator in the 154-pound weight class in the last 14 months on SHOWTIME or CBS, a roster featuring eight of the top-10 fighters
in one of the deepest divisions in boxing. 

Marcos Hernandez Training Camp Quotes & Photos 



Undefeated Prospect Meets Once-Beaten Kyrone Davis in Showdown Featured on Premier Boxing Champions 

TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & 

BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, March 28 From Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California

 

Click HERE for
Photos from Peter Lopes/Team Hernandez



NICE, CALIF.
(March 23, 2017) – Unbeaten prospect Marcos Hernandez will look to keep his perfect record intact when he battles once-beaten Kyrone Davis in action featured on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes, Tuesday, March 28 from Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino in Nice, California.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated prospect
Leduan Barthelemy battling the Dominican Republic’s Reynaldo Blanco in a 10-round super featherweight contest.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call the players club at (707) 262-4000.

 

Here is what Hernandez had to say about his training camp, his showdown with Davis and more:

 

On his current training camp:

“Like always, training camp has been tough. My team and I put in a lot of hard work. I have some great sparring in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, with some top-level guys.  I know all
the hard work will pay off on fight night.  There are a couple of more days left before we wrap camp up.  All in all, it’s been a great camp.”

 

On facing Kyrone Davis:

“Kyrone Davis is a very good fighter with a lot of skill.  He’s never been knocked out so I know he has a good chin.  This is a fight where the winner will get another opportunity to take his career to another level.  We have a nice game plan that we will impose on Davis.  I must take control from the first round and make my adjustments from there.”

 

On making his third appearance on FS1:

“I’m very happy to be back fighting on FS1. This will be my third consecutive time fighting on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS and I can’t wait.  I know a lot of my fans back home in Fresno will be tuning in.  I just want to bring another exciting fight to the fans.”

 

On fighting at the Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino:

“I like fighting up at the Robinson Rancheria Casino.  Being that this will be my third fight up there, I’ve developed a bit of a fan base with the local fans.  The venue is nice and
the fans are up close so it can get loud in there.  I enjoy putting on a great show for everyone in attendance.”

 

On making his 2017 debut:

“I’ve eagerly been waiting to get back in the ring since I last fought in September.  I want to make a statement being that this is my first fight in 2017.  I know if I keep winning I’ll
be back in the ring with the stakes much higher

Ringstar Sports Rising Stars Make Their Professional Debuts

Ringstar Sports Rising Stars Make Their Professional Debuts

Sunday, April 9 From The Novo at L.A. Live in Downtown 

Los Angeles

 

2016 Mexican Olympian & Bronze Medalist Misael Rodriguez

 Amateur Star Money Powell IV, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian

Eimantas Stanionis & 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado Enter The Ring in Undercard Action

 

LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2017) – A host of newly-signed Ringstar Sports talent will take the stage and make their professional debuts in separate bouts that make up a stacked undercard on Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.

 

The decorated amateurs who will turn pro in separate four-round bouts are 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez, who enters the ring in a middleweight clash, top-rated U.S. amateur
Money Powell IV, whowill compete in a super welterweight bout, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis, whofights in a welterweight attraction and 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado, whowill battle in lightweight action.

 

“This is going to be a tremendous night from top to bottom as the top talent from Ringstar Sports will begin their quests for superstardom,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of RIngstar Sports.
“From 2016 Olympians like Misael Rodriguez, Lindolfo Delgado and Eimantas Stanionis to an accomplished amateur like Money Powell IV, fans at The Novo will be treated to outstanding bouts featuring top talent from start to finish.”

 

Additional action will see former world title challenger and Los Angeles-native
Maricela Cornejo (6-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight bout. The 29-year-old lost a narrow split decision in a middleweight world title fight against Kali Reis last April in New Zealand. Cornejo picked up two wins in the last three months of 2016 and will return seeking another world title opportunity on April 9.  

 

Rounding out the night of fights will be former world title challenger Roberto Marroquin (25-4-1, 18 KOs) in a super featherweight bout, plus exciting prospect
Alejandro Guerrero (2-0, 1 KO) in a six-round bout. 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased
through AXS.com HERE.  

 

The April 9 event is headlined by former world title challenger Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez battling Mexico’s Saul Corral in a 10-round showdown. Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight
Alejandro “El Charro” Luna battling Andrey Klimov and the pro debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in a six-round super featherweight fight.

 

At last year’s Rio games, the 22-year-old
Rodriguez overcame incredible odds to win the first Olympic boxing medal for Mexico since Christian Bejerano in 2000. The Chihuahua native and his teammates had to resort to begging on public buses and streets in Mexico to raise money to compete in international boxing tournaments. He completed his road to the medal stand by defeating Egypt’s Hosam Bakr Abdin to clinch a medal in the middleweight division.

 

Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military,
Powell IV dedicated himself to boxing for good when his family moved back to the U.S. in 2011. The 19-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since then, winning the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing. Fighting out of Fort Mitchell, on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, Powell will campaign at super welterweight as a professional.

 

An accomplished amateur representing Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis is looking to become the next Eastern European fighter to make a splash in the U.S. The 22-year-old had a 141-19 record as an amateur and earned four senior national championships before winning gold at the European Olympic Qualifier to earn his trip to the 2016 Games. A gold medalist at welterweight at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, Stanionis hopes to build his way up to contention in one of the premiere division in boxing.

 

A teammate of Rodriguez on the 2016 Mexican Olympic team, Delgado will now look to accomplish the professional dreams he’s sought since he started boxing at 10 years old. The 22-year-old would eventually capture gold at the 2016 American Olympic Qualification and earn his trip to Rio. Born in Linares but training
in Tijuana, Delgado compiled a 139-15 amateur record that included a victory over former world champion Amnat Ruenroeng.



The 27-year-old Marroquin won his first 19 pro fights after a stellar amateur career that culminated in a runner-up performance in the 2007 U.S. Olympic trials. The Dallas-native challenged unbeaten Guillermo Rigondeaux for a 122-pound title in 2012 and has picked up victories over Antonio Escalante, Kiun Evans and Miguel Soto since.

 

Representing Irving, Texas, Guerrero made his pro debut on June 25, 2016 in Dallas. The 19-year-old stopped Luis Caballero in his first start and followed it up with a decision over Manuel David Lopez Macias in October.

Former Title Challenger Edner Cherry Takes On Once-Beaten Omar Douglas

Former Title Challenger Edner Cherry Takes On Once-Beaten Omar Douglas in Lightweight Clash That Headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 4 From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 

Plus! Battle of Unbeaten Featherweights Stephen Fulton & Luis Rosario While Bethlehem’s Frank DeAlba Meets Exciting Brawler Ryan Kielczweski in Super Featherweight Showdown

 

Tickets on Sale Now!

 

BETHLEHEM, PA.
(March 22, 2017) – Former title challenger
Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) will meet once-beaten Omar Douglas (17-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 4 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features an eight-round showdown between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (10-0, 5 KOs) and Luis Rosario (8-0-1, 7 KOs) plus Bethlehem’s Frank DeAlba (21-2-2-, 9 KOs) taking on Massachusetts-native Ryan Kielczweski (26-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction.

 

“I have to give Omar Douglas credit for taking this fight,” said Cherry. “We’re both very hungry, so I think this is going to be entertaining for the fans. Omar is coming off of a loss so I know he needs this win. We both come with speed and power. It’s going to be fireworks on April 4.”

 

“I’m looking forward to a great fight on April 4,” said Douglas. “I have a good experienced opponent in front of me. This fight will show my full arsenal, because I know he’s going to bring pressure.
I can box or come forward. I plan to use my jab to win rounds and get this victory.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available
at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., enters this fight after a victory of Haskell Rhodes in June of last year and is 11-1 since 2009.  His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds and his title challenge in 2015 against Jose Pedraza in which he dropped a split decision. Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson and will look to take down another contender on his way to
another title shot.

 

Fighting out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas looks to bounce back after losing a narrow decision to former world champion Javier Fortuna in November. The 26-year-old impressed in his previous two
outings when he defeated De Alba in a step up fight in 2015 and followed it up with a seventh round knockout of Alexei Collado in June 2016. Douglas has had his last five fights in Pennsylvania after an amateur career that saw him become a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Glove champion.

 

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Fulton is coming off of a 2016 that saw him stop previously unbeaten Adalberto Zorrilla and Cristian Renteria. The 22-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro
in 2014 and will be looking to make it a perfect 11 wins in 11 pro starts when he enters the ring on April 4.

 

A pro since 2013, Rosario fights out of Cidra, Puerto Rico and was unbeaten in his first six bouts before making his U.S. debut in June 2015 with a third-round knockout of Aaron Hollis in Alabama. He followed that up in Cincinnati with a fourth-round stoppage of Aaron Hollis and most recently he won an eight-round decision over Saul Hernandez.

 

The 29-year-old De Alba had a 19 fight unbeaten streak snapped in December 2015, when he dropped a narrow majority decision to unbeaten Omar Douglas, but he has rebounded with four straight victories since. His last win came over German Meraz in February and he will be fighting for the fourth time at Sands Bethlehem on April 4.

 

A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 27-year old Kielczweski has an exciting style and always makes competitive fights. Born and
raised in Quincy, MA., he won his first first 22 pro fights and enters this contest a winner of four of his last five outings. Most recently he scored a first round knockout over Francisco Medel in December 2016.

Exciting Welterweight Josesito Lopez Battles Mexico’s Saul Corral in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1

 

Exciting Welterweight Josesito Lopez Battles Mexico’s Saul Corral in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, April 9 From The Novo at L.A. Live in 

Downtown Los Angeles

 

Lightweight Contenders Collide as Undefeated Alejandro Luna Takes on Former Title Challenger Andrey Klimov

Plus

The Pro Debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas in Televised Action

 

Tickets on Sale Now!

 

LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2017) – Former world title challenger
Josesito “Riverside Rocky” Lopez (34-7, 19 KOs) will face Mexico’s Saul “Navajo” Corral
(22-8, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions
on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, April 9 from The Novo at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight contender
Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (21-0, 15 KOs) battling former title challenger
Andrey Klimov (19-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout plus the pro debut of 2016 U.S. Olympian
Karlos Balderas in a six-round super featherweight fight.

 

“I’m excited to get back in the ring as the main event and put on a show for the fans in Los Angeles,” said Lopez. “I’m looking for a world title shot and I believe I have the skills
to beat any welterweight out there. This is going to be a great night of fights from start to finish. I’ve been training like never before and I can’t wait to show everybody.”

 

“I can’t wait to get in the ring and make the most of this opportunity to make a name for myself,” said Corral. “I’ve been training hard to be ready for anything Josesito brings.
It’s going to be an exciting fight but I’m prepared to leave everything in the ring and get the victory.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports, are priced at $30 general admission, $60 balcony reserved, $100 VIP balcony reserved and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased
through AXS.com HERE. 
 

 

“I’m thrilled to be able to promote a great night of California-based PBC action here in Los Angeles headlined by the return of a local fan favorite, Josesito Lopez,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman
and CEO of RIngstar Sports. “Also we have Alejandro Luna, who is in a tough fight with his sights set on a world title and I can’t wait for U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas to make his pro debut in what will be the start to a great career. This is a night at
The Novo that you don’t want to miss.”

 

Always in action-packed fights and known for his exciting style and ability to triumph against the odds,
Lopez is coming off of a dominant decision victory over Todd Manuel in December 2016. Proudly representing Riverside, California, Lopez has fought at the highest level of competition for years including challenges of Andre Berto, Canelo Alvarez and Marcos
Maidana plus triumphs over Victor Ortiz, Mike Arnaoutis and Mike Dallas.

 

Representing Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico,
Corral is the winner of 10 of his last twelve bouts entering April 9. The 30-year-old has fought professionally since 2006 and most recently went the distance in a 10-round decision loss to U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali. He won a Mexican title in July 2016
with a fifth-round stoppage of Francisco Medel and also challenged former champion Mike Alvarado amongst his 30 career bouts. 

 

At just 25-years old, Luna
has already put together an impressive 21 professional wins since turning pro in 2010. Fighting out of Bellflower, California he began his 2016 campaign by stopping veteran Alan Herrera before dominating previously once-beaten Naim Nelson on his way to
a 10-round decision in August. He had previously defeated former world champion Cristobal Cruz and veteran Sergio Lopez on the way to amassing his perfect record.

 

Originally from Russia but now living and training in Beverly Hills,
Klimov was unbeaten in his first 16 pro fights as he climbed up the world rankings. After dropping a decision to Terrence Crawford in 2013, he won three straight fights to earn his world title opportunity against Jose Pedraza. Klimov owns victories over
John Molina Jr., Gabino Cota and Guillermo Avila.

 

Fighting out of Santa Maria, California, the 20-year-old
Balderas is the son of Mexican parents who immigrated to the United States to give their children a better life. Balderas had an impressive amateur career that included a 2014 Youth National Championship, four National PAL championships and an impressive
run in the World Series of Boxing. His amateur career culminated in a trip to the 2016 Olympic Games where he represented the U.S. and defeated fighters from Kazakhstan and Japan before a decision loss in the quarterfinals