Standing-8

DANNY GARCIA VS. ROBERT GUERRERO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Press Release For Immediate Release

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Ray Flores

First of all, I want to send a Happy New Year to all the media and everyone that is joining us on the conference call. I’m really excited about Fight Week on FOX in Los Angeles. I could not think of a better way to kick off 2016 than the fight that we have on January 23 at STAPLES Center promoted by TGB Promotions.

It is Premier Boxing Champions Live on FOX and FOX Deportes on January 23 from STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is Fight Week and you get two fights that week – TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FOX Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPONES is on FOX Deportes. It is on Tuesday, January 18 at the Club Nokia at LA Live.

Looking at what we have on January 23, it is just going to be a tremendous matchup between two amazing welterweights and two of boxing’s biggest stars as you have Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, along with their fathers who are training them — Angel Garcia and Ruben Guerrero. They’re going to be joining us on the call in only moments.

I want to let you know tickets are still available. Get them now because we have been doing very well in regards to tickets. When you’re talking about the Garcia-Guerrero matchup, make sure to use the hashtag PBC on FOX.

Also on the card, we have another sensational welterweight matchup between the Iraq War Veteran Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. against Los Angeles fan-favorite — a man that endeared himself last year, Aron Martinez. Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes — also features an outstanding heavyweight bout between 2012 United States Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour.

Fight Week kicks off on Tuesday, January 18, Club Nokia in LA Live. The main event is 2008 United States Olympian and Southern California favorite Javier Molina — squaring off with undefeated prospect Jamal James.

Right now, we are going to welcome in one of our main event fighters. This hasn’t been easy for the fighters that have been training around the holidays, but they made the sacrifice anyway and have put themselves in tip-top condition.

First of all, we want to bring in, with the record of 31-0 with 18 wins coming by way of knockout, the former kingpin at 140 pounds campaigning and fighting at welterweight for the second time in his career. Looking at his resume, he has victories over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. He’s a star, he’s a rising super star, and he’s looking to have a big 2016, which is why he is kicking it off with this.

But before we get into this man, I want to bring in one of the promoters for what we’re going to be having on January 23 who is going to be promoting the event, from TGB Promotions, let’s bring in Brittany Goossen Brown.

Brittany Goossen Brown

Hello. I’m speaking on behalf of my father, Tom Brown, who’s actually in a meeting at the moment. But on behalf of all of TGB Promotions, we are really excited to be returning to STAPLES Center and partnering with FOX for another great event.

On this call today, we have two of boxing biggest stars, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. They’ll be answering your questions in a minute.

Along with them, on this card we have a welterweight showdown between undefeated Sammy Vasquez and LA’s Aron Martinez. Tickets do start at $25. They’re available at AXS.com. And the first televised bout will be at 4:00 pm on FOX.

This Fight Week on Fox in LA kicks off with TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS, which will be at Club Nokia at LA Live on the 19th. Those tickets also start at $25 and are also available at AXS.com. Doors open for that at 5:00 pm, the first televised bout at 7:00 pm.

It’s really going to be an action-packed week of boxing and we are very proud to be a part of it.

R. Flores

Premier Boxing Champions couldn’t visualize a better partner than what we have with those at FOX. They have been tremendous and the shows on Fox Sports 1 have been terrific.

FOX is known for having big events; the NFL, Super Bowls and big NASCAR events. Now we have Premier Boxing Champions on January 23.

It gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce John Stouffer of FOX.

John Stouffer

On behalf of everyone at FOX, FOX Sports and FOX Deportes, we’re excited for the return of boxing to the FOX Broadcast Network after almost 20 years. We’re thrilled to be working with the PBC to bring the highest level of boxing back to the masses on Saturday, January 23, free on FOX and in Spanish on FOX Deportes.

This will be a tremendous conclusion to a thrilling week of boxing here in LA, kicking off with the great action on FS1 and Fox Deportes. We wish all the boxers the best of luck and can’t wait for Fight Week.

R. Flores

I completely agree with the sentiments of John. We mentioned as well, Premier Boxing Champions is about putting boxing back on free TV. And these fights that we have on January 23 and January 19 are sure to capture the imagination of the public.

All right, let’s get back to business in regards to one of our main event fighters. As I mentioned, wins over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. Fighting out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an exciting style, and man-oh-man, he has vowed to put on a terrific 2016.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the former world champion. He is joined alongside by his father, Angel Garcia. Here is Danny “Swift” Garcia.

Danny Garcia

Thank you guys for having me on, I appreciate it. I want to say good afternoon everybody and thank you for having me on this conference call.

I’m very excited to be showcasing my skills January 23 at STAPLES Center live on FOX. I think it’s a great opportunity for the fighters to showcase their skills in a new audience. I want to thank FOX and I want to thank all my fans all around the world for making this happen.

Team Danny Garcia is training hard and we’re focused, we’re mentally prepared and we’re ready for January 23 and we can’t wait.

Danny can you talk about training camp and balancing that with the holiday season?

D. Garcia

I’ve done this before. I’ve trained on the holidays before throughout my career. It’s nothing new.

Once I got the fight date in my head, it’s kind of like there are no holidays for me. So it wasn’t hard for me to stay focused. I trained just like any training camp. And me and my dad, we train hard every day. “The holiday is no holiday” is kind of a saying to us.

What are the goals for you this year? And what do you think this fight can do for your future at 147?

D. Garcia

I think it’s a great fight, I think it’s a great fight for the fans. Two fighters who like to fight. So I think this is going to be an interesting fight and a great matchup.

This is just another fight to prepare myself for a fight for a world title. So I’m ready right now. Every fight in my career that’s going on now is going to be a big fight for me.

12 months from now, where do you see yourself?

D. Garcia

I want to remain undefeated and hopefully be a champion if the opportunity comes up. We’re just taking it one fight at a time for right now and that’s how I did my whole career and that’s how I’m going to keep doing it

When you’re in a fight, does that ever come across your mind when taking a risk or being a little more aggressive? Does that like weigh on you like don’t be too aggressive to risk something like that?

D. Garcia

No, not at all. I’m a fighter who takes risks all the time. I want to entertain the crowd. I have the ability to play it safe if I want too, but it depends on how I feel that day. But everybody knows that Danny Garcia likes to take risks.

When I’m in a fight, I’m just playing round by round; I’m not really worrying about a record or things like that.

How does your body feel with moving up in the weight? You saw the power in your last fight. Do you feel like there’s anything different going from 140 to 147?

D. Garcia

To be honest with you, I feel a lot better. I’m happier now. When I fought at 140, I was always mean while trying to cut weight. I was never in a good mood. I think that’s why a lot of times I would go in there and just fight.

But now I’m able to think more; I’m able to be a lot smarter. My punches are crispier and my stamina is better. I’m able to run more, run more miles, train harder; more endurance. So I may have had the energy at 140 and do that, so at 147 so I just feel a lot stronger and I have more stamina.

Do you see yourself being more active?

D. Garcia

Yes, I would love to stay active; I would love to stay active. But, you know, that my team’s job., I’m a fighter so whatever my team wants, I’ll do. So if they want me to fight two times or three times or four times, then that’s what I’m going to do.

But as for now we’re focused on January 23.

With PBC giving you a lot of exposure, are you focused on just winning the fight or putting on a show with this national space so people can know outside of boxing who Danny Garcia is?

D. Garcia

It’s a Danny Garcia show. I’m always looking to put on a great show, and to go out there and give the fans an exciting fight because at the end of the day, I’ve got to give the fans their money’s worth.

So I’m going there and giving the fans their money’s worth in a great fashion and a smart explosive fashion.

What kind of challenge does Robert present?

D. Garcia

I’m looking forward to – I know he’s going to come ready, but we’re ready. I’m looking forward to a challenge. I’ve prepared myself for a challenge every day, day-in and day-out. So I expect nothing but a great fight and a great performance by me.

What are your goals at 147?

D. Garcia

We’re taking it one step at a time. The goal is to become a world champion again — my second division of being a world champion. So we definitely want to be a world champion again. And when the opportunity arrives, we’ll take advantage of it.

Can you talk of what the difference is in approaching a fight as the underdog with nothing to lose compared to the undefeated favorite with a lot to lose?

D. Garcia

I always approach my mind with the same mindset and it’s just a winner’s mindset. I’m not really too concerned about being the underdog or the promoted fighter or favorite.

I always approach my fight mentally that I’m going to win. I never feed into the politics of the sport or who people think is going to win or going to lose. I prepare myself to be the best Danny Garcia at every fight, and that’s what I prepared myself to do for this fight.

I know you’ve gone on record saying that you didn’t it to be a Puerto Rico-Mexico kind of fight. But here in LA, it becomes that. We just went through that with Cotto and Canelo.

D. Garcia

It is what it is. Whatever the fans want to take it as or whatever the promoters want to do with it, it is what it is. I have a lot of fans and I have a lot of friends out there in Los Angeles, California.

I feel like I represent everyone; Americans and things like that and a lot of Mexican-Americans. I’m an American-Puerto Rican.

So I feel like if you’re born in American and you’re Latino, I think it’s all the same. So that’s how I’m feeling and that’s why I just feel like I represent all the Latinos.

Is there a different feel when you fight in LA, when you go down to STAPLES Center?

D. Garcia

It’s a great feeling; it’s a great atmosphere. I fought there once before with Kendall Holt. I was the undercard.

LA is where stars are born. So I’m looking forward to going out there and having a star performance.

What do you feel your advantages are over Guerrero going into this fight?

D. Garcia

I just feel like I’m the better fighter. I’m one of the best fighters in the world., I got to go in there and be the best Danny Garcia and have a great performance.

Have you seen where and learned anything from watching any of Guerrero’s past fights?

D. Garcia

I definitely watch the fights because at the end of the day, you know, I’m a boxing fan too and I just like to watch boxing.

I watch those fights and I see the things he likes to do and the things he doesn’t like. I’m just preparing myself for anything.

Do you feel you have to make a statement?

D. Garcia

I’ve just got to go in there and get the job done like I always do. I’m not really worried about what’s next on the agenda or anything like that. Our main focus is to get the job done and that’s what we’re preparing ourselves for. Then we can talk about future opponents after the fight.

Do you want to make any predictions for this fight?

D. Garcia

I’d like to say Danny Garcia wins by TKO. Round five.

Did you think that Robert came back a little bit too soon for that Martinez fight and that perhaps is why he looked bad?

D. Garcia

I’m not really too sure. He might have underestimated the guy and not realized it was going to be that tough of a fight., I’m expecting a great Robert Guerrero and I’m focused on Robert Guerrero. I’m focused, I’m training hard. So I’m prepared for whatever I’ve got to do to get this victory.

Kenny Porter has said he had called you out and you ducked the fight with Shawn Porter. Would you care to address that at all?

D. Garcia

I’ve never ducked anybody in the sport. This is actually my second fight at 147. So it wouldn’t even make sense to duck anybody.

I addressed the situation before when he called me out and I had my comments and he had his comments, and it was what it was. Danny Garcia doesn’t duck anybody.

If the opportunity does present itself and even though the report states that it did, but if the opportunity does present itself, it’s something that you would be interested in, a fight with Shawn Porter?

D. Garcia

Yes, no doubt. I want to be a champion. If he’s a champion or there’s a belt up for grabs, then we’ve got to make it happen.

But as of now, I’m focused on Robert Guerrero and he is the task ahead. Can’t let nothing sidetrack me; I’ve got tunnel vision. I’m ready for this fight.

R. Flores

Angel, could you just give us some thoughts on training camp before we switch over?

Angel Garcia

Well yes. The time has been great, there’s no injuries. Danny is looking good. He’s got great sparring partners, as a matter of fact we spar in a few minutes a day. He’s looking great. January 23 the world will see again, as Danny said, the Danny Garcia Show. It’s not the circus coming to town, Danny Garcia Show is coming to town.

So California LA, get ready because we coming like a tornado. Right now they’ve got a storm out there, all this rain and all that. You know who’s causing that? We are.

So January 23, fans get ready baby. STAPLES Center on January 23. Love you guys.

R. Flores

Danny back to you for closing comments and then Robert Guerrero.

D. Garcia

I’m very excited for this upcoming fight January 23rd. Like my dad said, we’ve put a lot of work in the gym. It’s been a long, hard camp preparing ourselves for any situation. I can’t wait to go out there, show my DSG west fans a great fight.

R. Flores

Danny, thank you very much. We really appreciate it. We look forward to fight week with Danny Garcia and his father, Angel Garcia. As mentioned, fight week kicks off in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 19th, Club Nokia, PBC on FS1, Javier Molina and Jamal James.

We are excited and couldn’t pick a better place than STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Thank you to all the fans in Southern California for supporting PBC and the entire staff at STAPLES Center as well.

Let’s bring up a man who is representing the Bay Area, fighting out of Gilroy, California. He has won a world championship in multiple different weight divisions. Any time he steps inside the ring, it’s always electric, it’s always a show. He puts forth everything that he has and that much more. With victories over Andre Berto, Selcuk Aydin and Aaron Martinez, anybody that’s been put in front of him he’s fought and he has given everything. Not only is he a former world champion, but his wife is a world champion in her own right, having defeated cancer and she’s been cancer free for quite some time now.

Ladies and gentlemen, he’s joined alongside by his father and his trainer Ruben Guerrero, it gives me a great honor and pleasure to introduce the former world champion who is without question excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to fight Danny Garcia on FOX on January 23, ladies and gentlemen here is Robert Guerrero.

Robert Guerrero

Hello everybody, how are you guys doing? I’m excited to be here and ready for your questions, so shoot away.

R. Flores

Robert, before we have open it up for questions I want to touch base with you. We heard some of the media during the conference call asking and pretty much saying that you’re the underdog. How do you react to the fact that Danny is the favorite in this fight?

R. Guerrero

That don’t bother me at all. My whole life I’ve been an underdog, since I was a kid. My family was always an underdog, having to work out of a field and come up strong and get to what where we got. It’s just a way of life for us. A lot of us Latinos out there, that’s the way it is. We come from poverty and work our way to the top. We’ve always been with our back against the wall and always been an underdog. We never look at that being a favorite, we just come and get the job done.

Could you talk about a little bit how being a boxer has shaped your faith?

R. Guerrero

It’s just that fight and that struggle, getting through everything day in, day out. That hard work. When you go back and you look in the Bible, God says to put out as much as he put into you. That’s what I do every day I’m in the gym. This is a sport where anything can happen. One punch could change your whole life. It brings you closer to God. Everything else I’ve been through, you put God first all the time and that’s how we live.

Just being in the ring and knowing what’s God done for me and my career and my family and how far he’s taken us by having that faith in him, it’s incredible. It’s incredible. STAPLES Center Los Angeles main event on FOX against an undefeated fighter like Danny Garcia, it truly is a blessing from God to be able to be in the position that I’m in and the circumstances that I’ve had to face to be in this position also. The only way you can overcome everything is by having faith in God.

Could you talk a little bit about the positive and negatives sides of being kind of a public religious figure?

R. Guerrero

There’s always a positive to everything, no matter what the negative is. You get the people out there who test your faith and who judge you and try to tear you down. But, when you’re a believer in Christ, you put him first. Nothing else matters to you. You work hard and you do what you got to do and you let your actions speak for you and what God’s blessed you with.

That’s one of the things that we’ve always done. And I try to not overstep our boundaries and try not to be out there forcing the Lord’s word down people’s throat. You let it come and you let people see how much you’ve prospered and how good God is in your life.

Do you think that you did come back to soon after the Keith Thurman fight to fight Aron?

R. Guerrero

I have no excuses. And, you know what? I came back; it was three months after the fight. I think somewhere around there; it was back in camp. Aron Martinez is a tough guy. Everybody saw his last fight and what he did. He came out rough and tough and did his job.

I think I have no excuses. I went out there and got the job done, he gave me a tough fight, and I’m not going to take anything away from Aron Martinez because he trained his butt off and came and did what he did and got the job done. So I have no excuses for that fight. You just got to get back on top of it and work hard.

How did your body feel heading into that fight and coming out of the fight?

R. Guerrero

I felt a little drained and worn out. Not so much of the fighting, but I had other situations going on in my life at home and emotional stuff. It all adds up. But like I said, there’s no excuse. Aron Martinez came to fight and that’s what he did. I sucked it up and bent down and showed that true grit and got through the fight and pulled a victory off.

What are your thoughts on Danny?

R. Guerrero

He’s been in some close fights. That’s the decision of the judges; that’s their job to do that. But, you’re just as good as your last fight. That’s what you look at. He came in and got the job done and stopped him. He cracked the wall through a division. Now it’s time to step in with me and that’s what we’re focusing on. We put a great game plan together and we’re excited to get out there and execute it.

When you see that as a fighter that you’re fighting a guy who’s younger, he’s undefeated, does that give you a little more edge and if you do beat him does it make it that much sweeter for you?

R. Guerrero

Oh, most definitely it makes it sweet to give somebody their first loss. It’s shows what a true champion is to see what they do after they lose and their adversity and their back against the wall. I’m excited to be getting in there with an undefeated Danny Garcia because I get that shot like everybody else gets that shot, to crack that zero and put a one there. It’s exciting.

How important is your record finishing out?

R. Guerrero

It’s about trying to make yourself a better fighter. To come back strong and finish out your career with a strong output. It’s about becoming a world champion again and also attracting that Hall of Fame.

I want to ask you about the whole — Danny didn’t want to make it a big deal about its Puerto Rico versus Mexico — but you know the fans always get so involved in it. You’re on the West Coast here, you know what it’s like, right?

R. Guerrero

Oh, most definitely. Whether you like it or not it’s a rivalry and it’s been a rivalry in boxing and soccer and you name it for years. That’s what it comes down to, that’s what makes our two cultures so competitive at boxing. It’s because of that rivalry. Mexicans want to be better than Puerto Ricans in the game. In my honest opinion I think Mexicans are better in the game. It’s time to come out and show what I still got left and what I can do.

Nowhere better to do than STAPLES Center right here in LA, right?

R. Guerrero

Oh, most definitely. Where most of my Mexican fans are, all those Latinos out there, all those — I like to call them Chicanos out there — because that’s what we are.

What advantages do you see you have over him?

R. Guerrero

There’s always that southpaw stance, being a volume puncher, a guy that throws a lot of punches. Plus being at 147 a little bit longer than him it’s all an advantage. The key is using those advantages and capitalizing on them and taking advantage of them. We got to go out there and execute the game plan and make it happen.

You fought some of the top guys in the world at welterweight; Mayweather, Keith Thurman, Andre Berto and all of that. What have you learned from those fights that you could use against Danny Garcia?

R. Guerrero

You got to get better sparring. For the last couple of fights I’ve just been fighting with guys that are not even pushing me in the gym and getting me 100% ready. Guys that I can do what I want to do with in the ring. It just doesn’t cut it. It just doesn’t cut it.

That’s one of the biggest things that I’ve noticed in my training camp, is not having that solid sparring that’s going to take you to that limit and make you better, sharper, faster. Keep your eyes sharp, and be ready to make those exchanges where you do something wrong they’re going to make you pay no where you’re going to do something wrong and the guy’s going to shell up and just try to survive in the ring. You need those guys that are going to push you and make you better.

Does the time in between fights give you time to heal up and get sharper better?

R. Guerrero

Not so much heal up. I always take good care of my body and I come out of these fights not really damaged too much. I mean, I do a lot of damage in the ring to guys and don’t take a lot of it. It’s a matter of me sitting back and analyzing everything that’s gone on in my training camps and my career and what I need to do, what adjustments I need to make in the gym to get back to where I need to be. I think we made those adjustments and I’m excited to get back out there and make it happen.

Do you want to make a prediction for this fight?

R. Guerrero

Prediction; I’ll come in to fight. I’m coming to fight. Only God knows what’s going to happen and all I can say is I’m coming to win and put out my best performance I can put out and make it happen and become a champion in the welterweight division again.

When we had Danny on the line, Danny made a prediction. I don’t know what your thoughts on his. He said he’s going to TKO you in the fifth round.

R. Guerrero

All I got to say is if that’s his prediction, come to do it. Because I’m coming to fight. I’m always up for that challenge and I love it because I know he’s coming to fight, too. If he’s coming to KO me in the fifth round, that means he’s coming to fight.

Where do you see this putting you back in the rankings and how important is this fight to beat the undefeated with a lot of hype behind him in Danny Garcia?

R. Guerrero

This throws me right back in. There’s lot of hype behind Danny Garcia coming at 147 pounds. There’s a lot of big talk that he’s the next star in boxing that’s going to take over. Like he says himself, stars come to Hollywood. He’s a big star in the sport and I’m not going to say he’s not because he’s been doing what he’s had to do. He’s undefeated; he’s taken out a lot of top guys. His resume is great.

I think this is a tremendous fight for me to get back on top and to get back in the ranks. To show the doubters and the media and everybody out there that Guerrero got a lot left in him. I’ve been 100% prepared for this fight fight. We got that out of the way and it’s time to take care of business on the 23 and I’m excited about it.

Do you think Danny is adding in the factor that he’s not going to be the bigger guy this time?

R. Guerrero

I think he’s going to be a lot bigger than people expect. Being at 140 for the amount of time he was and coming up to 147 pounds, he’s feeling great. He’s feeling strong, he’s feeling bigger. He just walked through Paulie Malignaggi and I know he’s expecting to walk through me. So he predicted the fifth round, a knockout. So he’s feeling great about himself. That just excites me, because I know he’s coming at his best and he’s feeling his strongest and he’s coming to fight. It’s exciting to know how he’s coming to fight.

R. Flores

Robert as we get ready to conclude the conference call, we really appreciate the time and looking forward to seeing you on fight week in Los Angeles. Did you have any closing comments for the media?

R. Guerrero

I’m just excited to be back in the ring. It’s great to be in such a big event, especially here at home in California, at STAPLES Center, in the heart of Los Angeles. I’m excited about that. Also with this great undercard with Aron Martinez who’s a local Los Angeles fighter also who’s coming up strong. It’s going to be an exciting card and I’m excited.

Everybody says that they had the best training camp ever that they’ve had in I don’t know how long. I’m just going to tell you I had a great training camp. I’m excited about this fight; I’m in great shape, feeling good. I can’t wait; I had great sparring. I can’t wait to get into that fight and show the world Guerrero’s still here. I got a little bit derailed and now I’m back on those tracks and it’s time to go full steam ahead.

For more information visit http://www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.staplescenter.com and http://www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, http://www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, http://www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and http://www.facebook.com/foxsports, http://www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

UNDEFEATED RISING STAR MIGUEL FLORES GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE SHOWDOWN WITH MARIO BRIONES

Press Release For Immediate Release

FEATHERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN HEADLINES PBC TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 FROM THE DANCEHALL IN SAN ANTONIO.

HOUSTON, TX (January 6, 2016) As he enters the final week of training camp, Houston’s undefeated featherweight star, Miguel Flores (18-0, 9 KOs), took time during camp to give his thoughts on his upcoming showdown with Mario Briones (27-4-2, 20 KOs). The scheduled 10-round bout will serve as the main event on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS and BOXEO DE CAMPEONESFOX Deportes on January 12 from the Dancehall in San Antonio (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $100, $70, $38 and $20 and $650 for VIP tables, $260 for balcony tables and $200 for stage tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302, visit http://www.leijabattahpromo.com/tickets or buy online at http://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/.

Here is what Flores had to say about training, his opponent and more:

On his relationship with longtime coach Aaron Navarro:

“Aaron is an unbelievable coach and mentor. I’ve been with him since I first laced up a pair of gloves at age 8. He knows how to push me while getting the best out of what God has blessed me with. Together we make a great team and I have a great deal of respect for him. He’s one of the best trainers in boxing.”

On fighting in the main event on TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS:

“This is another wonderful opportunity for me to show everyone that I can fight at the top level. I’m very grateful to FOX Sports for showcasing me in the main event. Anyone who’s seen me fight knows I like to fight toe-to-toe. Against Briones, it will be no different. I’m coming to bring an exciting fight to everyone who’ll be watching.”

On his current training camp:

“Training camp is never fun. The grind is grueling but well worth it when I look back on all the hard work, especially when I’m victorious. I had a tremendous amount of good sparring with some very good fighters. In addition, I’m in great shape, and I’m prepared to go the distance if the fight goes into the later rounds. I’m very hungry and my goal to win a world title is not far away.”

On his matchup with Mexico’s Mario Briones:

“Anytime you’re up against a fighter from Mexico you know you’re in for a tough fight. Briones is a veteran of over 30 fights so I know he’s got some tricks up his sleeve. I’m expecting a very rugged fight but one I feel I can win. The fans are going to see a classic Mexican war.”

On fighting in his home state of Texas:

“Being that I’m from Houston, I love fighting in Texas where all my family and friends can attend and watch me fight. San Antonio is not that far away from home so I’m expecting a nice hometown crowd to be there in the stands. I’m looking to make a statement and represent Texas to the fullest.”

For more information visit http://www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and http://www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, http://www.facebook.com/foxsports and http://www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Looking Back At The Rise Of The Baddest Man On The Planet

“Iron” Mike Tyson had a Hall Of Fame, sometimes chaotic career inside the ring, and a well publicized tumultuous life outside of it. This article will not cover the gamut nor will it delve into the inner demons that plagued this all-time great. It will simply be one writer’s fond look back at the rise of the baddest man on the planet.

The year was 1986, “Kid Dynamite” screamed the cover of Sports Illustrated’s January 6th edition thirty years ago this week. I was in my senior year of high school and here was this man-child, my age, who SI was prophetically calling “the next great heavyweight”. I had followed the sweet science for about ten years but no other fighter had ever intrigued me like the kid who was knocking out grown ass men with bad intentions.

“Ready To Soar To The Very Top” was the title of the article and Tyson ensured there would be no SI jinx.

After beginning his career in 1985 with an astonishing fifteen fights, all by stoppage, the Cus D’Amato protege from the Catskill Mountains by way of Brooklyn looked to cement his place in history by the end of the year.

In 1986 the internet was nonexistent. There was no Google, no Twitter, and no Facebook, which basically meant you had to rely on TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines, for all of your updates. Compared to today, it was extremely challenging to closely follow an up and coming phenom in real time.

Towards the end of January, I was able to obtain the results from Tyson’s two bouts in the month. It may have been through the results section in The Ring or KO Magazine but I found what I was looking for, Tyson TKO 1 over Dave Jaco and TKO 5 over Mark Jameson.

Beware The Gatekeepers

The next month it happened, I was finally able to actually watch this new terror in the heavyweight division. I believe it was on Wide World of Sports. I watched Tyson knuckleup with his most formidable opponent to date, Jesse “The Boogieman” Ferguson. I remember seeing his trademark peek-a-boo-style for the first time, his gloves held tightly against his lips. As for the fight, I recall Ferguson constantly holding which ultimately led to the stoppage of the fight but it was the textbook, later his signature move, hook to the body followed by the uppercut that floored Ferguson in the fifth that was cemented in my brain. Lethal.

In March, Tyson destroyed Steve Zouski with a looping left hook setting up a May fight with James “Quick” Tillis.

Entering the ring with forty fights of experience, Tillis had the best resume of any Tyson opponent to date failing previously on three bids to capture a version of the heavyweight title with a unanimous decision loss to Mike Weaver, and TKO losses to Pinklon Thomas, and Tim Witherspoon.

For some reason, in 2016, I recall first the Tyson-Tillis exhibition over a year later in 87 then I do their actual fight in 86. Puzzling because in 86, the Tyson unanimous decision, his first fight that had gone the distance, had caused a bit of a controversy as some felt the scores should have been closer.

Tillis gave as good as he got and landed more significant punches on Tyson than any prior opponent. In the fourth, Tillis threw a left hook from the sky and his momentum carried him away from Tyson. As Tillis spun around, Tyson was in the process of countering with his own left hook and as Tillis reacted to move out of the way it grazed him and he went down. Up quickly and not hurt, it would be the difference on two of the three judges scorecards between a draw and a loss. A good test for the young lion coming up through the ranks against a gatekeeper of sorts.

One of my biggest takeaways from this fight was the skillset that Tyson displayed which was unlike most of the bigs in 86. At one point during the fight, Tyson exhibited a move that was more likely to be seen in the welterweight division let alone the heavies. As Tillis moved towards Tyson, Tyson crouched all the way down, knees bent, as he pivoted and dodged shots while recoiling up and throwing combinations.

Blood Is Green

Ah, Mitch “Blood” Green. Tyson held two victories over Green, one in the ring in May of 86 and one out of the ring in August of 88. In the 86 “official” matchup, Tyson would make his debut on HBO. Tyson pressured Green the entire fight causing Green to hold more and more as the fight wore on. This one stuck in the memory bank because I remember thinking Green’s mouthpiece came out after being blasted by Tyson only to find out it was part of his grill.

Green was several inches taller than Tyson which allowed him to tie up his shorter opponent. As the fight reached the later rounds, the crowd voiced their displeasure knowing this would be the second Tyson fight in a row that wouldn’t end in a knockout. Tyson won a wide unanimous decision. Don King was Green’s promoter and as the scores were announced, King was “conveniently” in Tyson’s corner.

Two fights in June produced two first round knockouts, the first over Reggie Gross, the second over William Hosea. In July’s first fight, a second round knockout over Lorenzo Boyd would set up a bout two weeks later against the son of a heavyweight legend.

An Ordinary Joe

On a warm summer afternoon day at the end of July, I remembered that Tyson was fighting on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. I was at the mall at the time and after realizing the card was about to start, I dashed through the building frantically trying to locate the nearest department store. I headed to the television section just as Tyson landed a lethal right uppercut about twenty seconds into the fight causing Marvis Frazier to crumple to his knees in the corner, motionless as he was counted out. Brutal.

The Journey Continues

Up next was Jose Ribalta on HBO in August. There is was again, in the second round, the hook to the body followed by the uppercut. A thing of beauty. Ribalta to his credit took it well and fought gallantly to the bell. In the eighth, after doing tremendous damage for most of the round, Tyson landed a looping left hook with about thirty seconds left that sent Ribalta reeling backwards with only the ropes saving him from going down. After a standing eight count, Ribalta is able to stay away just enough to make it out of the round. About halfway through the tenth, Tyson lands a monstrous counter left hook that drops Ribalta again. When the fight continues, it’s vintage Tyson attacking with bad intentions. Right hook to the head, left hook to the head, right hook, left hook, game, set, uh…TKO. Today, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone in the heavies who closes the show even remotely close.

Tyson’s next fight in September against Alfonzo Ratliff was part of HBO’s heavyweight tournament, on the undercard of a Michael Spinks’ IBF World heavyweight title defense, and surprisingly Tyson’s first fight in Las Vegas as a pro.

A Tyson win assured that his next bout would be against Trevor Berbick, holder of the WBC strap. Sensing that his title shot was within his grasp, Tyson was like a shark in water with Ratliff his bleeding prey. Ratliff cautious of what he was about to receive, eluded a stalking Tyson in the first but only delayed his fate. In the second, Tyson dropped Ratliff with a short left hook/uppercut. Once Ratliff reached his feet, Tyson swarmed him landing multiple punches then ending things with a left hook to the body followed by a left hook to the head. D’Amato’s prediction that Tyson would fight for the title before the end of 86 had now come to fruition.

Judgement Day

Eighteen months and twenty-seven fights into his career, the time had come to fight for the heavyweight title and if successful, a chance to make history as the youngest pugilist to ever do so.

The fight against Berbick was billed as “Judgement Day” and took place on November 22, 1986 in Las Vegas.

Berbick entered the bout on the strength of nine straight victories which included a decision win over Pinklon Thomas in his previous bout where he captured the WBC World heavyweight title.

I felt the excitement in the air as my friends packed into my apartment, standing room only as my “Tyson Fight Parties” usually were. Tyson emerged from the tunnel, a gladiator walking to the ring with his entourage, a white cropped towel worn like a shirt, black shorts and shoes, no socks.

Tale Of The Tape
                                                    Berbick                            Tyson

                                                        32             Age              20
                                                        6’2 ½       Height           5’11 1/2
                                                        218 ½      Weight         221 ¼
                                                        78”           Reach          71”

Mills Lane with the final instructions..”Any questions from the challanger or chief seconds? Any questions from the champion or chief seconds? Let’s get it on, come on!!!!!

A hug from Trainer Kevin Rooney and Tyson awaits the start in his corner, glaring at Berbick as he stays loose by moving his arms slightly and rocking on his feet. In these moments, Tyson is no doubt recalling D’Amato’s wise guidance. The education on the psychology and spiritual aspects of the game and more importantly for a youngster, how to channel the aggression and control the fear. The bell rings and the moment his mentor prepared him for has begun.

Tyson moves towards Berbick with his peek-a boo stance and lands a lead right hand followed moments later by a left hook. Berbick knows he is in deep but is game and lands a right hook to Tyson’s jaw, a clubbing blow to the back of his head, a body shot and another right to the head.

Tyson stays focused and starts to land big right hands, jabbing his way in and landing sharp quick combinations. Tyson rocks Berbick was a series of left and right hooks that has the champion reeling. Berbick is able to hold and absorbs more damage as the bell rings. As he heads to his corner, Berbick gestures towards Tyson, his mouth open as he appears to smirk at the challenger. A ploy of an unwise man who has just thrown gasoline on the fire.

As the bell rings to start round two, Tyson moves towards Berbick and lands a looping right hand that wobbles Berbick. Tyson swarms Berbick and lands two more rights dropping Berbick who gets up quickly and takes a standing eight count.

As the fight ensues, not a lot happens over the next minute or so until Tyson lands a huge left hook on Berbick’s temple dropping him for a second time.

What happens next, I can still recall vividly to this day, thirty years later. Berbick tries to get up, has no balance and due to the temple shot affecting his equilibrium, he falls back into the ropes. Berbick gets up again and falls face down into the canvas. A champions heart, he again tries to get to his feet only to fall into the arms of Lane who waves off the fight.

Beauty in his savagery.

Michael Gerard Tyson, the kid from from the streets of Brooklyn…..world champion. The noise level in my apartment is deafening, my voice gone.

The year was 1986, Sports Illustrated’s December 1 issue screams DYNAMITE! Mike Tyson: The KO Kid Is A Champ At 20.

Yes he was, it was a wild ride, thank you Champ.

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord. And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord. Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord – Collins

AHMED ELBIALI RETURNS JAN 12 PBC ON FOX SPORTS 1

Photo By Premier Boxing Champions

Press Release For Immediate Release

MIAMI, FL (January 5, 2016) After a fantastic 2015 where he went 5-0, unbeaten light-heavyweight prospect, Ahmed Elbiali (13-0, 11 KOs) makes his 2016 debut against Andrew Hernandez (10-3-1, 2 KOs) on January 12, 2016 at the Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio, Texas. Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) “Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays” on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes will televise the 8-round bout beginning at 11PM ET / 8PM PT live on Fox Sports 1.

Known for having power in both hands, Elbiali is looking toward another spectacular year in 2016. Already on the fast track to the top of the 175-pound division, Elbiali reflects on his career and future plans.

“2015 was incredible for me and I’m very excited about the upcoming year,” said Ahmed Elbiali. “Preparing for fights is getting easier. My trainer and I are working on all my strengths and weaknesses’. There are areas that I need to improve on and other areas that I need to sharpen up. A few months ago, I got some good work with Andre Ward, so my confidence is at an all-time high. He’s a remarkable fighter and I learned a lot being out there in Oakland. I feel 2016 will be my year to shine and I can’t wait to be back in the ring fighting on Fox Sports.”

With his opponent now set, Elbiali is going into this fight with a focused mindset. The Elbiali vs. Hernandez bout will be part of the televised portion of the fight card, headlined by Miguel Flores (18-0, 9 KOs) vs. Mario Briones (27-4-2, 20 KOs).

“I don’t know much about Hernandez but I’m training like it’s the most important fight of my career.” Elbiali continued. “Anytime I fight on television, it’s an opportunity to build on my fan base, so I’m coming to impress. At this point in my career, there is no room for error, so I must be mentally prepared to fight any style that comes my way. Some guys like to bang and some guys like to box. I’ll be ready for everything.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $100 and $20 and $650 for VIP tables, $260 for balcony tables and $200 for stage tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302, visit http://www.leijabattahpromo.com/tickets or buy online at http://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/.

AHMED ELBIALI RETURNS JAN 12 PBC ON FOX SPORTS 1

Photo By Premier Boxing Champions

Press Release For Immediate Release

OLIVER FLORES TALKS WBA WORLD TITLE FIGHT WITH UCHIYAMA

LEON, NICARAGUA (December 28, 2015) With just a few days away from his first world title opportunity, WBA #6 rated super-featherweight contender, Oliver Flores (27-1-2, 17 KOS) talks about his upcoming fight with WBA world champion Takashi Uchiyama (23-0-1, 19 KOs). Uchiyama vs. Flores is set to take place on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2015 at the Ota-City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

Flores speaks on his upcoming showdown with Uchiyama…

On December 31, 2015 you fight WBA super-featherweight world champion Takashi Uchiyama for his title. This will be your first would title opportunity. How do you feel going into this fight?

Oliver Flores: I’m very excited for the opportunity to be fighting for a world title. I’m very grateful to my promoter Havoc Boxing, who came through and put this fight together for me. I’ve worked my whole life to get in this position. I’m 100 prepared to give Uchiyama the fight of his life. My body is healthy and I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m going to seize the opportunity to the best of my ability.

What kind of fight are you expecting from the champion?

Oliver Flores: Takashi Uchiyama is an incredible fighter. He’s defended his title many times over and his record is unblemished. Most of his title defenses have ended in a knockout so I know he’s a very powerful puncher. I’m expecting him to be aggressive in his approach.

How is the relationship with you and your father, who also serves as your trainer?

Oliver Flores: My father Roger Flores is a former pro boxer who has been guiding my corner since I turned professional. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and is very good at finding flaws in my opponents. He’s been with me from day one and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

How special would it be for you if you were to bring the World Championship home to you countrymen of Nicaragua?

Oliver Flores: To bring the title home would be a dream come true for me. I have a lot of support from family and friends that will be looking forward to the outcome. I know I’m the underdog going into this fight but I have a country that will be showing support when I go to battle in Japan. My goal is to follow in the footsteps of Alexis Arguello and Roman Gonzalez, who brought great pride to Nicaragua?

Can you talk about training camp?

Oliver Flores: Training camp has been very demanding. I’m on a strict diet that has me at my optimum best. I’ve had some great sparring here in Nicaragua where I’m working out with a few different guys. Everyone is pushing me to the limit. It’s this type of training camp that’s going to get ready for Uchiyama, who I know is going to be at his best. I’m executing every possible situation that I feel will come up in this fight. I’m ready for battle.

Without giving up your game plan, what do you feel you’ll need to do to come out victorious against Uchiyama?

Oliver Flores: I need to be aware of his powerful right hand power punchers. He also likes to land he left hook to the body, so I need to be ready to counter those punches.

Are you concerned about getting a fair decision in Japan where Uchiyama resides?

Oliver Flores: No, I believe the WBA judges will be fair. Of course my goal is to end the fight early if possible, to avoid any argument. I know it’s going to be a very difficult task to come out with a victory, but a task I feel I can accomplish.

Talk about you relationship with Havoc Boxing Promotions.

Olivier Flores: Fighting for Havoc Boxing has been a tremendous blessing too for me and my career. I signed with them in June and shortly after I had a fight in August. Now remarkably I’m fighting for a world title and I couldn’t be happier. As a fighter you want to stay busy and put yourself in position to take your career to the next level. With Havoc Boxing, I’ve been able to do all of the above. My dad and I are very pleased to be part of Team Havoc Boxing.

MARIO BARRIOS JOINS THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BY DONATING GIFTS TO BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB IN SAN ANTONIO

Photos by Team Barrios

SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 24, 2015)- Yesterday hot undefeated super-featherweight prospect, Mario Barrios (14-0, 8 KOs), joined the Christmas spirit by donating gifts to the local boys and girls club in San Antonio. Barrios, along with cornerman Rick Nunez, delivered shoes and toys to the kids, brining smiles to everyone involved.

“It was great to see the smiles on all the kids when Rick and I dropped off the gifts,” said Mario Barrios. “I know there are a lot of kids out there that don’t get to receive many gifts during Christmas so it was nice to provide something extra for these children. It was fun and everyone was happy.”

“Mario Barrios has a big heart and he’s a great role model to everyone out here in San Antonio.” said Rick Nunez. “When he asked me to join him I didn’t hesitate. Together we were able to put a lot of smiles on those kids. It was very rewarding and Mario and I are very happy to be part of something special during Christmas.”

DANNY GARCIA, ROBERT GUERRERO & ARON MARTINEZ TAKE TIME BEFORE PBC ON FOX SHOWDOWNS TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER IN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Press Release For Immediate Release

Aaron Poole, Andrew Bernstein Photography

LOS ANGELES (December 23, 2015) – In the spirit of the holiday season, Danny “Swift” Garcia, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Aron Martinez took time out of training to give back to their local communities this week leading up to the Christmas holiday.

Garcia and Guerrero will meet in a pivotal 12-round welterweight showdown while Los Angeles’ Martinez battles undefeated Sammy Vasquez Jr. on Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

Garcia visited the Boys & Girls Club of greater Philadelphia and provided holiday gifts to 50 elementary school students. Guerrero attended the “Breath for Caley” Toy Drive and Pancake Breakfast in Gilroy, California that donated toys to the Rebekah Children’s House and Stanford’s Children Hospital. The Los Angeles-native Martinez participated in AEG’s Season of Giving event at L.A. Live, which brought 200 kids from local charity organizations to skate and participate in a party at Tom’s Urban.

2015 CLOSES WITH EXPLOSIVE ACTION ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® AND HBO LATINO® BOXING

Press Release For Immediate Release

2015 CLOSES WITH EXPLOSIVE ACTION ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® AND HBO LATINO® BOXING

HUGE SHOW OPENS AND CLOSES WITH BIG KNOCKOUTS — LUIS ORTIZ MAINTAINS WBA INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP; SOSA AND WALTERS BATTLE TO DRAW

VERONA, NEW YORK (December 19, 2015) – The 2015 boxing year culminated with a tremendous show at Turning Stone Resort Casino as WBA Interim Heavyweight Champion Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs) closed the show by maintaining his title with a knockout-of-the-year candidate over Bryant “By – By” Jennings (19-2, 10 KOs) in the seventh round of their scheduled bout live on HBO Boxing After Dark.

“Today, there is a new era in the heavyweight division,” Ortiz, who landed a vicious uppercut to end the fight, said. “Jennings is fighter who deserves much respect, but he can tell you that I am a force in the heavyweight division. I am going to go out and obtain my objective. “I have been training for a big fight of this magnitude for three years. My strategy was to keep him at a distance and I was able to do that effectively with my reach and my jab. I will fight whoever next, whoever Golden Boy Promotions gives me I will take. Wilder, Fury, Klitschko anyone of them, I am ready to prove that I am the heavyweight world champion. A lot of people say a lot of things about me, but the testing showed that I am a clean fighter.”

“I wasn’t on my game, and he got the best of me,” Jennings said. “I didn’t adjust well and he was the better man.”

The co-main event saw two Super Featherweights – former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion Nicolas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0-1, 21 KOs) and Jason Sosa (18-1-4, 14 KOs) — wage a superb battle with both fighters landing tremendous sharp, accurate shots throughout the fight. While Sosa won the fight on one of the judge’s cards, the fight was ruled a draw as the two other judges had the fight even.

“I am in total shock. I was never in any danger, never hurt,” Walters said. “[Sosa] is a good fighter — the kind of fight I wanted — but I thought I won all the rounds. So surprised this happened to me.”

“I thought I won and am disappointed it was a draw,” Sosa said. “I worked hard, I really thought I won the fight.”

In the HBO Latino Boxing main event light heavyweight Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact slugging out a majority decision over Yuneski Gonzalez (16-2, 12 KOs) in an action-packed brawl that saw both fighters land huge shots throughout the fight.

“This fight was the most important and most exciting fight of my career,” said Shabranskyy. I did feel a lot of Gonzalez’ punches but I also feel like I hurt him — especially in the last round, he was beginning to sway. If I had a little more time I feel I would have knocked him out.”

“I knew that this was going to be a war and that is what we delivered tonight,” Gonzalez said. “We both gave it our all and didn’t let up. I knew that I needed to knock him out to win this fight but he was more resilient than I thought and didn’t open up enough for the knockout to happened. I did know the fight was very close and should have been a draw in my opinion. I would like the opportunity to fight him again and prove that I am the better fighter.”

In the co-main of the HBO Latino broadcast, rising middleweight “King” Gabriel Rosado (22-9, 13 KOs) shook off some tough early rounds to earn a hard-fought unanimous victory against former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-6, 22 KOs).

“It has been more than a year since I have been in the ring so I did feel a little I the rust but I feel like this fight really helped me shake it off,” Rosado said. Clottey is a tough opponent, former world champion, definitely a challenge for me in my first fight back. I delivered an entertaining fight tonight and I was happy with my performance. I am ready for my next big challenge, I would like a shot at Canelo [Alvarez] next.”

“Gabriel gave everyone a great performance today,” said Fernando Vargas, Rosado’s trainer. This was our first training camp together and I think we are going to keep growing and make great fights together.”

“This was an off night for me,” Clottey said. “I do think that the fans enjoyed the fight –we are both fighters that do not like to back down. However, I don’t feel comfortable at this weight class, I want to go back down to 154 and continue to fight at junior middleweight.”

Opening the HBO Latino broadcast, former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (25-1, 17 KOs) had all he could handle after a 13-month layoff, squaring off in a lightweight showdown against Hylon Williams Jr. (16-2-1, 3 KOs) of Houston. After 10 rounds of back-and-forth action, the judges awarded Gamboa a hard-fought unanimous decision.

“It feels good to be back in the ring,” Gamboa said. “I trained in Cuba, and I feel that all the hard paid off. I was faster and stronger in the ring. I know I dominated the action tonight, I made sure he knew I was in control from the first round.”

“I felt good about the pace of the fight, I know I hurt him a few times,” Williams said. “This fight should have gone my way.”

In a light heavyweight battle, rising prospect D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (11-0, 7 KOs) won a shutout unanimous decision against a game Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena (11-4-1, 8 KOs).

“I am glad I secured the victory today,” Ballard said. “[Pena] was able to go all six rounds with me, but I felt in complete control the entire fight. I think I am ready to step up to more rounds and bigger opponents. I am ready for the next big step of my career and this fight showed that. I want to thank Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity and I can’t wait for the next fight.”

In the opening bout of the evening, middleweight Steven “The Hitman” Martinez (16-2, 13 KOs) emerged with a second round TKO victory over Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-6-1, 26 KOs). Martinez got off numerous combinations in round one and followed it up in round two with a sizzling left hook that floored Menendez. While Mendendez beat the count, Martinez quickly moved in, forcing the referee to wave off the fight at 1:33 of the second round.

Jennings vs. Ortiz was a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa was a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, was a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.

Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

For more information visit http://www.goldenboypromotions.com, http://www.garyshawproductions.com, http://www.toprank.com, http://www.hbo.com/boxing, http://www.starboxing.com and http://www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @TRboxing, @StarBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions-134758615997/, http://www.facebook.com/trboxing, http://www.facebook.com/StarBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or http://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing, @TurningStone. Follow the conversation by using #JenningsOrtiz and #WaltersSosa

Box Office Smash-The Real King Kong

Luis Ortiz (24-0 21 KO) is a highly skilled heavyweight southpaw with a high ring I.Q. The Cuban born Floridan stopped Philly’s Bryant Bye Bye Jennings (19-2 10 KO) in the seventh round Saturday night to retain his Interim WBA World Heavyweight Title.

Ortiz was fighting a fight within a fight, teaching himself with lessons learned each passing round.

In the first round, Ortiz attacked the body and had Jennings in early trouble after landing a short right hook. Jennings was shook but made it to the bell.

I tested the right hook, good punch, it hurt him but that’s not it, need another approach…….

Bryant had a good bounce back round in the second landing solid body shots and right hooks mixed with a few uppercuts. Jennings’ speed was the difference in the round.

Must be careful, he’s crafty with speed and a hurt fighter is a dangerous fighter….

A tale of two halves in the third, Ortiz first, again hurting Jennings, this time with a left uppercut then an overhand left. Jennings the second half with more body work, and fighting in close to try and negate Ortiz ‘ s advantage when he fights at distance.

That’s it, the uppercut will be there. He is trying to close the distance so he lessons my power. He is low as he closes the gap, the uppercut will be there…..

After a close fourth, Ortiz got on his toes in the fifth, popping his jab, while committing again to the body and landing another monstrous left uppercut.

There it is again, the uppercut, no doubt now, the uppercut is it. Must move to create distance, soften the body and the head will fall.

In the sixth, both came out swinging in the first several seconds but little else happens until Ortiz applies pressure and lands a solid combo at the bell.

Need to increase the pressure and go for it. Time for the uppercut again but I’ll switch things up. He’ll think the left uppercut is coming but if I time it correctly, the right will stun him just long enough to set up the power.

In the seventh, Ortiz lands a sneaky right uppercut and then two quick devastating left uppercuts in succession dropping Jennings to the canvas.

Jennings is up at the count of seven as Ortiz attacks and lands a short right sending Jennings flying into the ropes. As Jennings recoils off the ropes, Ortiz lands a left hook causing the referee to jump in and stop the fight at 2:41of the seventh.

It may not have been obvious to the casual observer of the sweet science but Ortiz ‘ s victory was calculated from the opening round.

A puncher with a high ring I.Q. is going to be trouble for any of the bigs and this big should be in for a sustained run.

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