Tag: Abraham Han

Josesito Lopez Defeats Miguel Cruz by Unanimous Decision in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX

Josesito Lopez Defeats Miguel Cruz by Unanimous Decision in
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event
Saturday Night from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
 
Former World Champion Anthony Dirrell Drops Abraham Han on His Way to Unanimous Decision Victory
&
Claudio Marrero Scores Sensational First Round Knockout Over
Previously Unbeaten Jorge Lara
 
Click HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
EL PASO, TX. (April 28, 2018) – Rugged veteran contender Josesito Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) won a unanimous decision over Miguel Cruz (17-1, 11 KOs)in a welterweight attraction that headlined Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.
 
“I beat a great undefeated fighter tonight and I was able to out class him,” said Lopez. “I have some boxing ability clearly. I used my skills tonight. I felt that I dominated the pace, out worked him and I never let him do anything that hurt me.”
 
“Josesito was stronger than I thought,” said Cruz. “I took a little too long to get off and get going and it cost me.”
 
The action began to heat up in round three as Lopez broke through and began landing flush on Cruz to the head. Lopez controlled the action against Cruz on the ropes and when the real estate shifted to the middle of the ring.
 
Cruz, who stated before the fight that attacking the body would be key, was twice deducted points by referee Rafael Ramos for low blows, once in round five and again in round six. This forced Cruz to abandon his predominant strategy.
 
“I didn’t agree with the calls on the low blows,” said Cruz. “I didn’t get a chance to work the body like I wanted. That was the plan coming in. They took it away from me.
 
“This is just another step in my journey. I didn’t get hurt or anything. I just need to get better in the gym and keep working combinations. I just have to get better.”
 
Under the guidance of renowned trainer Robert Garcia, Lopez boxed effectively and worked through the body attack and low blows to consistently win rounds and keep Cruz’s offense mostly at bay. After 10 rounds, judges ruled in favor of Lopez by scores of 98-90 and 99-89 twice.
 
“I think the biggest difference has been Robert Garcia in my corner,” said Lopez. “He has me living a healthier lifestyle and that played a big part in my victory. I have an elite trainer who is training me like an elite fighter. I was one step behind in the past, but now I think I’ve made up that distance and then some.
 
“Welterweight has a lot of good fighters, but I know I can compete with them. I’m a fan-friendly fighter who’s always going to leave it all in the ring.”
 
The co-main event saw former world champion Anthony Dirrell (32-1, 24 KOs) drop El Paso’s Abraham Han (26-4, 16 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision in their 10-round super middleweight contest.
 
“I thought I did well tonight boxing him for 10 rounds,” said Dirrell. “I didn’t think I lost a round. Two of the judges thought so but I can’t do anything about that. I did what I was supposed to do.
 
“Han has an incredible chin. He took everything I gave him. I even went to the body and gave it to him there. I was trying to go the body until the end but he still stood up. All I could do was keep pressuring him and get the victory.”
 
Greeted by a chorus of boos upon entering the ring, Dirrell sent the hometown fighter to the canvas with a right hand to the head late in round one as the bell rang. Han tried to use his movement, switching stances and tying Dirrell up to frustrate his opponent, and had some success as the two men wrestled each other to the canvas in the waning moments of round four and continued to push and shove on the ground until they were broken up by referee Laurence and sent to their corners.
 
Han was able to occasionally land clean punches, but nothing that ever disrupted the attack from Dirrell, who was too consistent and sharp with his power punches. Han believed that his lack of an effective jab hurt him in this fight.
 
“I wasn’t happy with my performance,” said Han. “I couldn’t get my jab going at all. If I had been more effective with that I think I would have been able to win more rounds.”
 
After 10 rounds of action, all three judges score the bout in favor of Dirrell by scores of 100-89 and 99-90 twice. Dirrell, a former titleholder at 168-pounds vowed that he plans to fight one more time, for a world title.
 
“The champions at 168-pounds better look out,” said Dirrell. “It’s going to be my last fight but I’m hungry to win another title.”
 
The opening bout of the telecast saw exciting featherweight contender Claudio Marrero (23-2, 16 KOs) deliver a stunning one punch knockout of Jorge Lara (29-1-2, 21 KOs) in the first round of their featherweight bout.
 
“I knew he would be aggressive and we worked very hard in training camp to achieve this,” said Marrero. “I saw my opportunity and I knew that it was over once I connected.”
 
“I just got caught with a great punch,” said Lara. “I wanted to be aggressive and give the fans a great show. It didn’t go my way. I’ll be back and I’ll be better. I’m going to get back to work and keep pushing toward my goals.”
 
Lara charged forward in the opening seconds, but was caught by a perfect left hook from Marrero during one of the early exchanges in the fight and was sent to the canvas. While he tried to get to his feet, he was clearly hurt as referee Rocky Burke halted the bout 33 seconds into the opening round.
 
“This was a message to the whole division,” said Marrero. “I’m a championship-caliber fighter and I showed it again tonight. I’m ready to take on every champion out there. I want the best challenges and I proved tonight that I’m able to beat anyone. I have all the skills and I can’t wait to show them off against the best.”

Quotes & Photos from Final Press Conference for Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes: Josesito Lopez vs. Miguel Cruz

Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes
Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
 
Josesito Lopez vs. Miguel Cruz, Anthony Dirrell vs. Abraham Han & Jorge Lara vs. Claudio Marrero Tripleheader Saturday, April 28 Live on FOX & FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ruben Ramirez
EL PASO, TX. (April 25, 2018) – Rugged veteran Josesito Lopez and unbeatenMiguel Cruz faced-off Thursday and discussed their upcoming showdown Saturday, April 28 as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.
 
Also squaring-off Thursday and competing in PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes action that begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT were former world champion Anthony Dirrell and El Paso’s Abraham Han, who meet in a 10 round super middleweight clash, and featherweight brawlers Jorge Lara and Claudio Marrero, who compete in a 10 round fight.
 
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Don Haskins Center:
 
JOSESITO LOPEZ
 
“I’m well prepared for this fight, I’ve had a great camp with Robert Garcia. I have a tough unbeaten opponent who’s really good. I just have to prove I’m better on Saturday night.
 
“I’m so excited to be finally fighting in Texas and I’ve gotten so much love and support already from this city. I can’t wait to give these fans a show.
 
“This is the kind of fight that I can really display my skills. I’m going to show everyone the same heart that I always do, combined with some skills that Robert Garcia has helped get.
 
“I’m going to be prepared for anything on Saturday. Cruz is unbeaten and that brings its own kind of mentality. I know I have what it takes to conquer this challenge and fight the best in the division.
 
“This is going to be a textbook Josesito Lopez performance. I’m going to fight my hardest from bell to bell and take this victory home with me.”
 
MIGUEL CRUZ
 
“El Paso has been great to me and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’m in this city to fight. I’m here to come and prove myself in this welterweight division.
 
“I have respect for what Josesito’s done in the game, but at the end of the day, this is the premier division in boxing. I feel I’m one of the best guys at 147 and I’ll be here for a while. I’m going to be a force.
 
“I know Josesito is bringing the fight and I promise you I’m bringing it as well. I will come out on top. This is a can’t miss fight for sure.
 
“I have to be smart and execute my game plan round after round. My jab will be key and if I can use that and wear him down to the body, I think I’ll have a great chance to stop him.
 
“I know what it takes to win at this level now. I’ve gotten better each fight and I think my time is now. People are going to know my name after Saturday night.”
 
ANTHONY DIRRELL
 
“I plan on going in there and getting the victory. I know Han is a great fighter who will bring the best out of me. That’s what I need right now.
 
“Come Saturday it’s going to be just another fight for me. I take everybody seriously. I know that anything can happen in that ring. I prepared well for this fight and I’m ready to get the win.
 
“Everyone knows that I’m a championship-caliber fighter and I’ll prove it again on Saturday. After this fight, I’m ready to take on any of the super middleweight champions. I’ll beat any of them.
 
“I’m the best fighter that he’s ever going to fight and he will see that on Saturday. I’m going to leave no doubt.”
 
ABRAHAM HAN
 
“I’ve fought in many other people’s backyards so being able to fight here in my hometown is amazing. I turn it up to a different level here. The crowd will give me a big boost in energy and it’s going to help me get the win.
 
“I hope the sports fans of El Paso come out and watch me put on a great performance. I know the type of challenge I have in front of me, but I also know that I have the skills to pull this off.
 
“This is a great opportunity to show people outside of El Paso what kind of fighter I really am. I have a lot of experience and I’ve fought all over, but I don’t know if I’ve ever been more prepared for a fight.
 
“Anthony Dirrell is a great champion but I’m a champion of this city. This is my chance to take down a big name and move to the next level of the sport.”
 
JORGE LARA
 
“I’m going to leave the ring Saturday night with my hand raised. I’ve had a wonderful training camp and I prepared perfectly for this fight. It will show on fight night.
 
“Marrero better be ready, because I’m going to come at him and look for the kill early. I want to make a statement and I’ll go through him to make it.
 
“I’m very focused and ready to take home this win on Saturday night. The fans are going to love my style and the heart that I fight with.”
 
CLAUDIO MARRERO
 
“I hope that Jorge Lara is ready to fight on Saturday night. This is going to be a battle and I know that we’ll both leave everything in the ring.
 
“I prepared well for this fight because I know that everything is on the line for me. I have to be victorious so I can go on and get where I want to in boxing.
 
“I’m more skilled and more experienced than anyone that Lara has faced and on Saturday night I’m going to give him lots of problems.”

Quotes & Photos from Media Workout for Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes: Josesito Lopez vs. Miguel Cruz
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes
El Paso Media Workout Quotes & Photos
 
Josesito Lopez vs. Miguel Cruz, Anthony Dirrell vs. Abraham Han & Jorge Lara vs. Claudio Marrero Tripleheader Saturday, April 28 Live on FOX & FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ruben Ramirez
 
EL PASO, TX. (April 25, 2018) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes card, headlined by Josesito Lopez battling Miguel Cruz in welterweight action, participated in a media workout Wednesday in El Paso before they step into the ring at Don Haskins Center.
 
Also participating in the workout was former world champion Anthony Dirrell and El Paso’s Abraham Han, who meet in a 10 round super middleweight clash, and featherweight brawlers Jorge Lara and Claudio Marrero, who compete in a 10 round fight.
 
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Wolves Den Gym in El Paso:
 
JOSESITO LOPEZ
 
“Having Robert Garcia in my corner has given me the training and preparation of an elite fighter. It’s a big difference. He’s one of the best trainers in the world and I’m going to help show that on Saturday.
 
“I’ve been training with Robert for quite some time now. I’ve been getting sharp working with other elite fighters in the gym. It’s kept me on my toes and that’s what I needed.
 
“Cruz is tough, he’s undefeated and he comes focused to win. He’s a good fighter but I’m here this week to prove that I’m a better fighter.
 
“Experience will definitely play a big part. But I also don’t think he’s faced anyone with the skills I have. All of my losses are to great fighters. I feel like I’ve taken a big step forward here.
 
“It feels great to be headlining in El Paso on FOX and FOX Deportes. I bring exciting fights and I’m always in wars. Saturday will be no different.
 
“I’m really excited to finally be fighting in Texas, it’s something I’ve looked for and asked about for many years. Texas holds a big piece of my heart and I’m ready to give the fans here a show on Saturday.”
 
MIGUEL CRUZ
 
“This was an excellent training camp. It was a hard camp. It was extensive but I got through it and it has me feeling very prepared. It was absolutely the most strenuous camp I’ve had. I always train hard, but this one in particular, I had extra motivation.
 
“To get the win I need to use my jab and work the body. There are more aspects of it, but those two things are essential for me winning this fight.
 
“I’ve fought a lot of good, young, strong fighters recently. Past a certain level you learn that you can’t just knock everybody out. You learn to weather the storm and use your energy more efficiently. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a fighter.
 
“Josesito throws looping punches. That’s tough because it’s a bit unconventional. He throws looping punches that can take away your equilibrium. He’s got a lot of experience and that’s definitely a major factor in what I’ve been preparing for.
 
“It feels great to be on this stage, but at the same time I know I earned my spot to be here. I remember watching Josesito fighting in 2011 on the Mayweather vs. Ortiz undercard and I knew right then that I was going to be in the ring with these guys.”
 
ANTHONY DIRRELL
 
“I had a great, eight-week long training camp with great sparring. I feel good and I’m ready to fight for sure.
 
“I know that Han is a warrior. He’s rugged and that’s why I chose to fight him here in his backyard. I know that he’s going to bring a fight for me.
 
“It’s just going to be me and him in the ring. The audience can’t help him. All his fans can’t help him. Coaches can only help him between rounds. I’m going to block everything else out and just focus on him.
 
“I just need to stick to what we worked on in training camp. We have to implement those strategies and you’ll see it come Saturday night.
 
“I’m a better, stronger and wiser fighter these days. I’ve been through a lot to stay in world title contention. Everybody knows how badly I want my title back. On Saturday, everyone will see that I’m a champion. I’m ready for anyone with a belt.”
 
ABRAHAM HAN
 
“I’m so happy to be fighting at home on this big stage. In many ways this is a dream come true and something that’s been a long time coming. I can’t wait to perform in front of my people.
 
“I know I’m the underdog versus Dirrell but that doesn’t bother me at all. I always train to be better than anyone expects me to be. This fight will be no difference.
 
“This is a big fight for me and I’ve been training so hard to put on a great show for my hometown fans. This is a great fight town and I’m going to give the fans something to cheer about.”
 
JORGE LARA
 
“I’m so excited to get in the ring. I’m still eating right now leading up to the weigh-in and I feel ready to go. I’m eager to step into the ring.
 
“I’m not worried about Claudio Marrero. I’m just staying loose and focused on what I have to do. Marrero has to focus on me because he’s never fought a guy like me. I’m going to stay loose and bring the fight to him.
 
“The world title is my destiny. This is one shot closer to a world title. I’m highly ranked but the champions don’t want to give me a chance. So I will have to fight my way there.
 
“I’m like a dog going after a bone in the ring. I just want to fight. I’m here to take the fight right to him.”
 
CLAUDIO MARRERO
 
“It was a very hard training camp like always. I take it very seriously and I’m ready for this fight on Saturday night.
 
“I know I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter who will leave it all in the ring. We worked very hard on a plan for him.
 
“He must be mistaken if he thinks I’ve never seen a fighter like him before. It’s the other way around. He’ll definitely know what level I’m on after Saturday night.
 
“My style is to both come forward, but have the ability to move backward. It’s all about what the fight dictates and what my corner wants.

Josesito Lopez vs. Miguel Cruz El Paso Press Conference Quotes & Photos
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes –
Josesito Lopez vs. Miguel Cruz El Paso Press Conference
Quotes & Photos
 
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, April 28 from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Juan Yepez/TGB Promotions
 
EL PASO, TX (April 4, 2018) – Fighters competing on an exciting night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes hosted a press conference in El Paso, Texas Wednesday ahead of their respective showdowns on Saturday, April 28 from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso.
 
In attendance Wednesday was former title challenger Josesito Lopez and unbeaten welterweight Miguel Cruz, who meet in a 10-round bout, plus El Paso’s Abraham Han, who battles former champion Anthony Dirrell in a super middleweight contest, and unbeaten featherweight Jorge Lara, who faces exciting brawler Claudio Marrero in a featherweight matchup.
 
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
 
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday from the Wyndham El Paso Hotel:
 
JOSESITO LOPEZ
 
“I feel really good physically and I’m excited for this fight. This is the kind of fight I’ve been looking for. I have a good undefeated opponent in front of me who’s coming to win. That motivates me.
 
“I’m completely focused and I haven’t felt this good in a really long time. On April 28 I’m going to give it my all and come out with this victory. I refuse to lose this fight.
 
“It’s been a dream to fight in Texas and I’m so happy to be here in El Paso. I’m going to embrace this challenge and give the fans what they deserve.
 
“I know that I have to be ready for anything and with Robert Garcia in my corner, there’s no doubt I’ll be prepared. Cruz is young and hungry but I just have to show why I’ve been competing at a high level for so long.”
 
MIGUEL CRUZ
 
“I’m very excited to be here in this fight. I have a lot of respect for what Josesito Lopez has done in this game. There’s no doubt he’s an accomplished fighter. I believe this is my time.
 
“I’m going to leave everything in the ring to win this fight. That’s what I feel in my heart. I believe in my training. I’ve been working and working and I know what’s in front of me.
 
“This isn’t going to be easy. It won’t be easy for me and it sure won’t be easy for him. Don’t miss this fight on April 28.
 
“This is going to be a great show from top to bottom. I know the Mexican fans in El Paso will be out in full. It’s an honor to compete on this stage against a great competitor. I’m ready for the test.”
 
ABRAHAM HAN
 
“I’m fighting a former world champion at 168-pounds. Anthony Dirrell is a great fighter and I know that I’m going to have to avoid his power. I’m going to be quick and use all my skills.
 
“This is going to be a great fight on April 28. I’m fighting in my hometown of El Paso, and I do not lose here. Something about this town turns me into a ‘super saiyan.’
 
“I’m going to be strong and when I get the opportunity, I’m looking to hurt Dirrell. This is a fight that can get me to a world title fight.
 
“My sister, (IBF Featherweight World Champion) Jennifer Han, was the first women’s world champion from El Paso. I’m looking to become the first male world champion from here. El Paso needs to come out and support one of its’ own on April 28. This is a great fight town and we have a chance to show everyone on fight night.”
 
JORGE LARA
 
“It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here in El Paso. I’m very motivated for this fight and honored to battle with Claudio Marrero.
 
“We will leave El Paso with my hand raised. I know that this will be a tough fight, but I’m training very hard to get this win. This is a chance to prove that I deserve a world title shot.
 
“I feel I’m ready to challenge anyone in the division right now. I’m going to earn it in the ring and keep working hard every day until I have that belt around my waist.”
 
ROBERT GARCIA, Lopez’s Trainer
 
“We have a great team in the gym and we’re focused on Josesito’s fight on April 28. We know Cruz is a tough fight. He’s an undefeated fighter that knows a win over Josesito could get him a title fight.
 
“Since Josesito’s been with me we’ve been working hard and training for over two years. He’s improved so much and come April 28 he’s going to show everyone that he’s ready to challenge the world champions. We have to beat guys like Cruz to get to those fights.
 
“The fans in Texas are always great. This is a great boxing city and every time we’re in El Paso we get nothing but love. We appreciate it and hope to see you all at the fight.”
 
O’NEIL WATSON, Cruz’s Trainer
 
“I have a young fighter who I’ve been with since he was twelve years old. He got his first win with me. I’ve been there to guide him through everything he’s done in boxing.
 
“If you want to be a world champion, you have to be willing to fight guys like Josesito Lopez. We know what we’re preparing for and I know that Miguel Cruz is going to end the night with the win.”