Tag: Adrien Broner

Four-Division Champion Adrien Broner to Face Former Champion Jessie Vargas

Four-Division Champion Adrien Broner to Face Former Champion Jessie Vargas in Main Event of SHOWTIME Tripleheader Saturday, April 21 From Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Vargas Replaces Injured Omar Figueroa for Broner Showdown

Undefeated Former Champion Jermall Charlo Battles Once-Beaten Hugo Centeno Jr. for Interim 160-Pound World Championship & Former Champions Gervonta Davis and Jesus Cuellar Square-Off in a 130-Pound World Championship Bout.

Tickets on Sale Wednesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. ET!

BROOKLYN (March 5, 2018) – Four-division champion Adrien Broner will battle former welterweight world champion Jessie Vargas in the 12-round main event of a SHOWTIME tripleheader on Saturday, April 21 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Former champion Omar Figueroa suffered a shoulder injury in training that forced him to withdraw from his previously scheduled showdown against Broner.

Undefeated former world champion Jermall Charlo clashes with once-beaten Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim 160-pound world title in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature. Also featured on the telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, are former champions Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Jesus Cuellar as they square off for the WBA 130-pound Super World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at at $50, go on sale Wednesday, March 7 at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Thursday, March 8 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“The April 21 card features Adrien Broner, Jermall Charlo and Gervonta Davis – three of boxing’s “must-see” attractions – in highly competitive matchups against top contenders,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Adrien Broner is once again proving that he’s willing to take on the toughest available opponent in consensus top-10 welterweight Jessie Vargas. Hugo Centeno Jr. represents another tough challenge for knockout artist Jermall Charlo as he continues his quest to become a two-division champion. Gervonta Davis vs. Jesus Cuellar is another great matchup, with two power-punchers facing off for the 130-pound world title.”

Broner (33-3, 24 KOs) is one of the most gifted boxers in the sport, having won world titles in four different weight classes by the age of 28. The Cincinnati, Ohio native has won championships at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds while facing top competition across the various divisions. In his last fight, Broner lost a unanimous decision to Mikey Garcia on July 29 at Barclays Center after previously defeating Adrian Granados earlier last year.

“I’m feeling really good and I’m excited that this is an even bigger fight than Figueroa,” said Broner. “I had to switch up some sparring partners but everything is going great in camp. We’re fighting at 144 pounds, so he’ll have a slight weight advantage, but it won’t matter. I’m going to be in great shape for this fight. Coach Kevin Cunningham is my head coach for this camp, but I did not fire Mike Stafford. I just added to my camp, because I needed the help. I know what I have to do at the end of the day to get back on top where I belong.”

Vargas (28-2, 10 KOs), a 28-year-old former welterweight champion who was born in Los Angeles and now lives in Las Vegas, is always up for a challenge. His only two losses have come in welterweight title matches against pound-for-pound greats. He lost a controversial fight to Timothy Bradley, Jr. and dropped a unanimous decision Manny Pacquiao in a world title defense. Vargas won the welterweight title with a TKO victory over Sadam Ali in 2016 prior to the Pacquiao fight. Vargas is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Aaron Herrera in December as he works toward another world title opportunity.

“This is a fight that should garner a lot of attention from boxing fans and they deserve a fight like this,” said Vargas. “We are two entertaining fighters who come in and give it their all. This is a fight that will have a lot of fireworks. I respect Broner and his skills, but he’s very beatable. The fight was presented to me and I didn’t think twice about taking it.. We as fighters and entertainers have to give the fans what they want. We had a fantastic fight on Saturday in Brooklyn and we’ll have another one in April. I will have my hand raised and let everyone know I’m still a danger to anyone I face.”

Charlo (26-0, 20 KOs) won his super welterweight title with a dominant knockout of Cornelius Bundrage in 2015 and eventually achieved the distinction of holding a world title in the same weight class (154 pounds) as his twin brother after Jermell won a title in 2016. After successfully defending his 154-pound title three times, Charlo of Houston, Texas, made the move to 160 pounds with the goal of becoming a d-division world champion. In his debut at 160-pounds, the 27-year-old scored a TKO victory over Jorge Sebastian Heiland at Barclays Center on July 29. Charlo vs. Centeno was originally scheduled for March 3 before being rescheduled due to a rib injury suffered by Centeno.

“I really love fighting in Brooklyn and at Barclays Center,” said Charlo. “The fans in Brooklyn always show me a lot of love. Since my last fight I’ve had a chance to work on my patience and work on improvements to my game. Before the injury to Centeno, I was having the best camp of my life. I’ve got the same feeling that I had before I won my first world title. I want to be a champion at 160 more than I did the first time at 154. Centeno is a tough fighter. He’ll be a hard test but he’s someone who isn’t at my level. I’m not taking anything away from him. But he’s just another fighter that’s in my way.”

The 26-year-old Centeno (26-1, 14 KOs) caught everyone’s attention when he scored a stunning knockout of Immanuwel Aleem in his last fight on Aug. 25. It was enough to springboard Centeno into middleweight title contention. Centeno of Oxnard, Calif., successfully rebounded from a tough TKO loss to Maiej Sulecki on June 18, 2016 with a victory over Ronald Montes before his match against Aleem. Centeno expects to be 100 percent healed and ready for the challenge by fight night.

“I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Centeno. “I was really devastated when we had to reschedule the fight, but I know I have to be 100 percent for this challenge. I think my last outing had a lot to do with me getting this fight. It helped to put me in this position. Charlo is a great fighter with a lot of talent. I feel like we have similar statures. It’s going to be an interesting fight. I think it’s going to come down to who is the smarter fighter that night and who has more left in the tank toward the end. This is a life-changing, career-changing fight for me that could lead to bigger and better things. I’m coming to win.”

Davis (19-0, 18 KOs) is a proof that dynamite can come in a 130-pound package. The 23-year-old, of Baltimore, fought three times last year and ended all of his fights by stoppage. He won the 130-pound world title with a TKO victory over Jose Pedraza in a star-making performance at Barclays Center on Jan. 14, 2017. He traveled to London for his first title defense and stopped Liam Walsh by TKO on his home turf to retain the title on May 21, and most recently scored a knockout victory over Francisco Fonseca on Aug. 26 on the Mayweather vs. McGregor PPV undercard. Davis look to recapture a title in the 130-pound division after failing to make weight prior to the Fonseca fight.

“I’m the most exciting and skilled fighter on television and in 2018 I plan to show it,” said Davis. “On April 21 I’ll be back in the ring, live on SHOWTIME. Jesus Cuellar is arguably my toughest opponent to date. He is rough and tough, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m more than happy to be fighting at Barclays Center where I won my first world title. Brooklyn is very close to Baltimore, so all of my people will be there to witness me become a world champion again.”

Cuellar (28-2, 21 KOs) is seeking to win a world title in a second weight class when he takes on Davis. A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 31-year-old Cuellar won a featherweight world title with a TKO victory against Vic Darchinyan on June 6, 2015. Six months later he made a successful defense by winning a unanimous decision against Jonathan Oquendo before losing the belt to Abner Mares by split decision on December 10, 2016.

“The time I’ve had off since the Mares fight has refreshed me for this new opportunity,” said Cuellar. “It took a lot out of my body to make 126 pounds for all of those years. Now I feel fresher and hungrier than ever before. I’ve been offered fights against lesser opponents in the last year but I’ve preferred to wait a little longer so that I can get a chance to fight the best. Gervonta Davis is one of the best in the world, so he’s the one I want to face and beat. Davis has never faced a fighter like me and he will see me at my very best on April 21.”

MIKEY GARCIA OUTPOINTS ADRIEN BRONER BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MAIN EVENTSATURDAY 


MIKEY GARCIA OUTPOINTS ADRIEN BRONER BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MAIN EVENT
SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

Jermall Charlo KO’s Jorge Sebastian Heiland in Four Rounds In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature

Catch The Replay Monday At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME® 

Click HERE for
Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos: Credit Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

BROOKLYN (July 30, 2017) – Three-division world champion Mikey Garcia kept his undefeated record intact with a dominant 12-round performance against four division world champion Adrien Broner in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Saturday
on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

In what could be considered one of the best performances of his career, Garcia (37-0, 30 KO’s) won a unanimous decision by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.

“We trained for 10 weeks, we had a great training camp and great sparring, we knew it was going to be a tough fight,” Garcia said.

Garcia took the lead early on, showcasing fundamentally sound technique and backing Broner into the ropes midway through the second frame. A flurry of body shots put Broner in trouble in the second round. While Broner was able to stay on his feet, Garcia emerged with another round in his favor.

“I think I controlled the fight in the early rounds and I kept the activity up,” Garcia said. “Broner is a great fighter and he has great skills but I was the superior fighter tonight.”

Garcia showed a combination of jabs, power punches and body shots all night long. He cornered Broner on the ropes with a huge left hook halfway through the third frame, and backed him in to the ropes again with 39 seconds remaining in the round.  While Broner showed some movement in the fourth round and hit Garcia with a succession of 1-2 combinations, Garcia’s bodywork kept Broner at bay.

“It was part of the strategy to be a little busier in this fight than in the fights I have previously had,” Garcia said.

Broner (33-3, 24 KOs) looked to get back in the fight as he started the eighth round with a succession of sharp combinations, however his lack of consistency couldn’t withstand Garcia’s phenomenal body shots and overall punch output. Through eight rounds, Garcia had thrown a total of 500 punches, while Broner had just thrown 291.

“It was a good fight at the end of the day, I come to fight I come to win and I put my heart on the line,” Broner said. “But
it was Tom & Jerry; I had to catch the mouse.”

Although Garcia had amassed an early lead from the first three-quarters of the fight, Broner continued to walk through heavy fire from Garcia in an attempt to connect with a big punch and change the tide of the fight. While he was able to ignite the crowd and land several big punches over the final three rounds, none of it proved to be enough to slow down Garcia.

“It was my timing, I’ve always said I have very good timing,” said Garcia. “It is underestimated when you are outside the ring but once you get inside the ring with me, I’m a step ahead.”

Undefeated Jermall Charlo (26-0, 20 KOs) made his debut at 160-pounds with a stoppage of Argentine contender
Jorge Sebastian Heiland (29-5-2, 16 KOs) in the co-featured event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. The stoppage came at 2:13 of the fourth round after Charlo delivered a devastating left hook followed by a big right to end the fight.

Charlo, of Houston, Texas, dominated the pace from the beginning. He landed the sharper and more accurate punches throughout the fight, especially in the first round where he landed 50 percent
of his power shots to Heiland’s 13 percent. Charlo’s straight right was his power weapon throughout the contest.

“I felt good at this weight. I was in good shape all camp,” said Charlo. “I just had to keep my composure in the ring. That’s always something I have to work on and I was able to do it.

“After I dropped him the first time they said he fell on top of his ankle. That’s just part of the boxing game. I had to just stay consistent and get the work done.”

Heiland, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, had issues with his left leg after injuring his knee in the first round. His discomfort was clear in his awkward footwork and lack of power behind his punches. Referee Benjy Esteves had the doctor examine him twice throughout the fight, once before the third round and then again before the fourth.

“I turned my left knee in the first round, but I did not want to give up,” said Heiland. “I tried to give it my all, but it was not my night. I had bad luck but I am going to work harder than ever to get back and get another opportunity to achieve my dream and win a world title.” 

Charlo stayed focused on his game plan despite seeing his opponent injured. “Sometimes the injury can be a decoy, you never want to just jump in and think it’s part of his game plan,” Charlo said.
“My coach told me to stay behind my jab like I did; continue to work and it’s going to come.”

With this win, Charlo becomes a mandatory challenger for the WBC Middleweight World Championship.

“I’m ready for anyone. I’m ready for whoever wants to fight me,” Charlo added. “Bring on the biggest names at 160. I’m the real Tommy Hearns. I feel it’s my turn and I’m going to go get it.”

Headlining the “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims,” heavyweight Jarrell Miller (19-0-1, 17 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., stopped former world title challenger Gerald Washington (18-2-1, 12 KOs) after eight-rounds.

Miller used his significant size advantage and effective power-punching to break down the former collegiate football player. Washington had some success early with his jab and body attack, but was not able to stay out of punching range of Miller

Washington surged in the sixth round with a series of power shots that staggered Miller, however the Brooklynite countered and further broke down Washington, who landed just 20% of his jabs overall.

Miller, who landed almost half of his power punches, continued the onslaught in the seventh and eight rounds, and while Washington was able to stay on his feet, he took enough punishment that his corner called the fight after the eighth round.

“I definitely felt the ring rust,” said Miller, who was making his third appearance on SHOWTIME. “Gerald was very tough. It was a very good fight that had me thinking. My power was there, but
I couldn’t put it together the way I wanted to today.

“I took the hard way back coming in off of a layoff. Gerald definitely pushed me and motivated me. I had to rely on my brain and my power.

“I knew there would be a give and take in this fight. It’s one thing to fight when you have stamina, it’s another to fight when you’re tired. I was trying to outthink him.”

In the opening bout of “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims” on Facebook Live, Irish sensation Katie Taylor (6-0, 4 KOs) stopped Jasmine Clarkson (4-9) after three rounds of action in the latter fighter’s U.S. debut.

The Olympic Gold medalist was dominant from the outset, stalking her opponent around the ring and consistently trapping her in the corner. Taylor was effective with both hands and did most of her work to the head of Clarkson. After three rounds of damage, Clarkson’s corner stopped the bout and gave Taylor her first stateside win as a pro.

“It was a fantastic experience being my first time competing here in the U.S,” said Taylor. “There were definitely some nerves before the fight. It was great to go in there and get a stoppage.

“I hope that I made some fans tonight. I loved hearing the Irish fans in the crowd. I hope that there will be even more next time I fight here. The more fights I have here in the U.S. the better.

“I thought I performed pretty well. I definitely got caught with a few silly shots. I could have been cleaner but overall it was a good performance. I felt good and strong. I’ll be ready to get back in there as soon as possible.”

Additional action saw former world champion Rau’shee Warren (15-2, 4 KOs) earn a unanimous decision victory over former champion McJoe Arroyo (17-2, 8 KOs) and became the mandatory challenger for the IBF Junior Bantamweight World Title.

Warren attacked the body throughout the bout and landed the cleaner, more effective punches over the 12-round contest. The judges concurred and gave him the decision by scores of 118-10 and 117-111 twice.

“I would give myself a B+ for that performance,” said Warren. “I wanted to make sure to use my jab and I felt like it really helped me win the fight. 

“I feel really good at this weight. Now it’s time for me to go get a strap. I haven’t been at this weight since the Olympics. I want to get these titles and then go down to 112 pounds for another title. First I want to take care of Jerwin Ancajas.” 

Saturday’s fights will replay on Sunday, July 30 at 8:35 a.m. ET on SHOWTIME and on Monday, July 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME
ANYTIME®

Intriguing Matchups, Rising Stars, Debuts and Returns, All On Tap This Weekend

I am intrigued………

Mikey Garcia v. Adrien Broner

This will be Garcia’s (36-0 30 KO) first fight at 140 but I’m more intrigued by the matchup than his debut. Broner is a four-time world champion in four different weight classes, Garcia a three-time world champion in three weight classes.

Garcia and Broner (33-2 24 KO) should be boxing at its best. Two highly skilled warriors in a chess match, one looking for the other to make a mistake. I favor Broner’s speed and boxing here; however, he can be countered and that is the one area that Garcia will look to exploit.

In their last fights, Garcia dispatched the highly regarded Dejan Zlaticanin in three rounds, while an injured Broner (Hand injury in Round 1) won a split decision over the tough as nails Adrian Granados.

Broner had issues at 147 and has never lost at 140. Both men have good chins and can box or punch. If Broner comes in “About Boxing” and not “About Billions”, he can do the things that he does to control the fight. If not, Garcia will exploit his weaknesses to capture the win.

Prediction  I’ve liked what I have seen from Broner in his training and the build up, thus a very slight edge to Broner in this one.

 

Jarrell Miller v. Gerald Washington

Miller

Jarrell Miller- Photo Credit-Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

An interesting one here in the bigs. Miller (18-0-1 16 KO) is a tank but will give up the height and reach to the gargantuan Washington (18-1-1 12 KO). I favor Miller’s skill set and believe he can chop down the tree but he can be hit as evident in his matchup with the undersized Donovan Dennis.

The question is, can Washington, who was stopped by Deontay Wilder in February, exploit his advantages? Against Wilder, Washington won a few rounds and did some good work before being stopped but couldn’t sustain his effort. If he can stay committed to popping his jab in Miller’s face to set up some power, he can be successful. If he continues to make Miller reset his attack, he can decrease the chances of being caught by the charging Miller.

We know what we will get from the pugilist with the oxymoronic nickname (Big Baby). Miller will look to move forward at all times and knock Washington’s block off. He’ll need to navigate Washington’s length to be successful.

Prediction As the adage goes, a good big man beats a good little man; however, in this instance, Miller isn’t exactly little. I’ve not seen enough from Washington in his fights to be convinced here. Miller by stoppage.

Rising Stars- 

Katie Taylor  v. Jasmine Clarkson 

Taylor

Katie Taylor- Photo Credit- Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Taylor (5-0 3 KO) has plenty of intrigue surrounding her, will be fighting for the first time as a professional across the pond thus making her US debut, but we like her best as a rising star.

Taylor will face Clarkson (4-8) as she continues her rise in the sport. Taylor’s skill set is exceptional. She is a relentless come forward fighter who throws tight combinations, works the body, and has power in both hands.

We’re excited for women’s boxing and Taylor is a big reason why.

Prediction- Taylor by UD

 

Debut-

Jermall Charlo v. Jorge Sebastian Heiland 

Charlo

Jermall Charlo- Photo Credit-Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Charlo (25-0 19 KO) moves up and makes his debut at 160 against Heiland (29-4-2 16 KO). Heiland does have a KO over Matthew Macklin on his resume and has stopped seven of eight opponents since 2013 but Charlo is unlike any opponent he has faced.

The Texas native is a relentless fighter with bad intentions. A junk yard dog that will hurt you if you make a mistake. If you chose to stay away from his assault, he will out box you while still looking for the fight ending blow.

Prediction- Charlo by stoppage.

Returns- 

Carl Frampton v. Andres Gutierrez

The Jackal is back and this time he is facing a Jaguar. After splitting fights with Leo Santa Cruz, Frampton (23-1 14 KO) is back to face Gutierrez (35-1-1 25 KO).

Gutierrez is no gimme, this kid can box and he can punch. Frampton excels when working on the inside which will be key here if Frampton looks to offset Gutierrez’s 5″ reach.

It will be interesting to see how Frampton will respond entering the ring his first time coming off of a loss. He will surely be energized by fighting again in his beloved Ireland, his first time fighting there since 2015.

Prediction- Gutierrez is going to give Frampton hell and may even drop him but the battle tested warrior will win a hard-fought decision. Frampton by MD.

Victor Ortiz v. Saul Corral 

ortiz

Victor Ortiz- Photo Credit Andre Turner II/Ringstar Sports

We’ve been here before with Oritz. He says all the right things, he’s learned, he’s back, he’s committed this time, etc… Again for this fight he has done the same. We’ll find out on Sunday.

Corral (25-9 16 KO) has been very active in 2017 as he was in 2016. This will be Corral’s tenth fight since the begining of 2016. He is 6-3 in those fights, losing to very good competition in Josesito Lopez, Sadam Ali, and Mike Alvarado.

On the other end of the spectrum is Ortiz. Issues outside of the ring and a desire to continue in the sport have seen Ortiz only fight seven times in six years. His was stopped in his last fight by Andre Berto in April of 2016.

Prediction-  There is a lot to be said about activity and inactivity in the ring. All the signs point to Ortiz here but we’ll go with the upset . Although Corral has lost when he steps up in competition, time looks to be different.

 

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Undercard Workout

Quotes & Photos

 

Premier Boxing Champions Event Headlined by

Broner vs. Garcia Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Click
HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (July 26, 2017) – Fighters competing on the Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia undercard this Saturday, July 29 at Barclays Center held an open-to-the-public media workout Wednesday at Modell’s Sporting Goods in Brooklyn before they enter the ring this weekend.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a showdown between four-division world champion Adrien Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia. Participating in Wednesday’s workout and kicking off televised action at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT are unbeaten former champion Jermall Charlo and top contender Jorge Sebastian Heiland, who meet in a middleweight world title eliminator.

 

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

 

Also in attendance Wednesday and competing in “SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Prelims” on Saturday are heavyweight contenders Gerald Washington and Jarrell Miller, plus Irish sensation Katie Taylor. These two fights will stream live on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel beginning at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT.

 

Rounding out the group of fighters participating in the workout Wednesday and competing in undercard action Saturday night are unbeaten prospects
Noel Murphy from Ireland, 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins
and heavyweight George Arias.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

 

JERMALL CHARLO

 

“I know that Jorge is a come forward kind of fighter. He’s going to try to put a lot of pressure on me. It’s my debut at 160 pounds so I get a chance to go up against someone who’s never been knocked out before and who has knocked out known fighters. I’m preparing for the best of him.

 

“I want to continue to move up to the bigger names, like I’ve been doing. Hopefully my performance in this fight will get me more notice from those big names and get me those fights.

 

“This is a new Jermall Charlo who’s better, bigger, faster and stronger. It’s my job to show everyone that on Saturday night.

 

“There are a lot of big fights at 160 pounds for me. I paid my dues at 154 pounds. I stuck around there so that I could climb up the ranks. The timing is perfect.

 

“My job is to go in there and do what I know how to do. Hopefully I can corner one of those big names soon. I’m not running from anyone. I’m here to fight the best in the world.

 

“The weight naturally comes off during camp, but now that I don’t have to stress as much for it, it feels like the way it always should have been.

 

“Me and my brother both have been through adversity and our time is now. I want to be one of the best fighters in the world and my job is to take care of this step right here.

 

“I love being here in New York. This is one of those dreams come true moments. I’ve always wanted to fight in New York.”

 

JORGE SEBASTIAN HEILAND

 

“I am so thankful for this opportunity to be on such a big card. I’m really happy with how welcoming everyone in New York has been. I couldn’t be happier or more focused on this fight. This is a crucial fight for me and I can’t wait until Saturday.

 

“The key for Jermall will be his speed. He’s a fast boxer but he’s jumping up a division. I’ve been at this weight almost my whole career. I know he will be prepared, so I have to be too. Without a doubt, it will be a battle.

 

“I’ve tried different methods of training to improve my punching power and I think it’s worked. The training has given me more strength and power in my punches.”

 

JARRELL MILLER

 

“I can’t wait to get in the ring in my hometown. There’s going to be great energy and great excitement on Saturday. I’m in killer mode right now but inside I’m jumping for joy.

 

“Gerald Washington is a good opponent for me coming back from a layoff. Most people wouldn’t go right into a fight so challenging. I’m warrior-built. I’ve been doing this for a long time.

 

“My main thing is to go in there and knock him out. However the knockout comes, it comes. This is boxing so anything can happen in there. Deontay Wilder is different than me. I’m going to show that on Saturday.

 

“I hope that I can get a fight with Deontay Wilder after this one. If he’ll come to New York, then even better. I think my progression is ahead of where he was. We’re going to keep fighting, getting knockouts and eventually a world title fight.

 

GERALD WASHINGTON

 

“I had a great training camp. We put in all the work and pushed ourselves. I stepped out of my comfort zone for this one. We’re ready to rock.

 

“I did a training camp with Wladimir Klitschko, which was amazing. I learned so much from watching him train. The focus that he has and the dedication that he shows is inspiring. It was a great experience to be there and soak it all up.

 

“I’m just looking to keep focused on Saturday. I’m going to fight hard from bell to bell to get the win.

 

“Miller is a big tough guy. We expect that from him. We’re in his backyard so I know he’s going to come in 100 percent. We’re here to handle business. All I’m thinking about is Jarrell Miller and taking him
out.”

 

KATIE TAYLOR

 

“We prepare for every fight like it’s a world title fight so I’m feeling fantastic heading into this one. It’s great to be on such a big card as well. I’m very excited for Saturday night.

 

“I’ve been based in Connecticut since my pro career started so I’ve settled in well and I’m feeling ready for the fight. It’s great to finally have an opportunity like this stateside.

 

“Since the fight was announced I’ve gotten a great reaction from the public. I think a lot of Irish people will be there for both me and Noel Murphy. It’s going to be a great crowd.

 

“I can be quite aggressive in the ring at times. I think my style is exciting. I’ve also been working on a few new things that I hope people will be impressed by as well. I’m looking forward to showcasing women’s boxing.

 

“Women’s boxing is on a high at the moment. There have been so many great pros recently and so many big fights being made. It’s only going to get bigger and bigger. I truly believe the best is yet to come for
women’s boxing.”

 

NOEL MURPHY

 

“I had another great training camp and I’m in excellent shape heading into the fight. This is my third fight at Barclays Center and they just get bigger and bigger each time. I can’t wait to get another win.

 

“I try to be clever with my work, while also being aggressive. I want to throw a lot of punches. I also have the ability to box and not get hit. Anyone who is seeing me for the first time will see an exciting style and enjoy the fight.

 

“It’s an honor to be on this card with Katie Taylor. She’s probably the greatest Irish athlete ever. Male or female. She’s the reason women’s boxing is in the Olympics. She’s a star in Ireland and I’m thrilled to be on the same card as her.

 

“I’m very thankful to the fans who have supported me and I’m going to make sure they enjoy Saturday night.”

 

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

 

“I’m preparing to put on a show on Saturday night. I always prepare to be at my best and treat every fight like a title fight.

 

“It feels great to have the support of my promoter Floyd Mayweather. I just want him to live up to his word and I’ll live up to mine. I’ve always believed that I’m going to be a world champion one day, and he’s going to help me make it happen. I believe I’m going to be a special star in boxing.

 

“I’m trying to build experience and step up as I go. I’ll step up when my team is ready. Whenever it is, I’ll be ready to go.”

 

GEORGE ARIAS

 

“I’m a fan-friendly fighter. I like putting on pressure and punching non-stop. I can switch it up to movement and boxing if I have to. You can see my past fights are very entertaining.

 

“I’m really excited for Saturday night. Training was really tough, as it should be. We did everything you’d want to get ready. It should be harder than the fight and it was. I had to train hard for the intensity of my style.

 

“I’m preparing for my opponent to be ready and hit hard. You always want to prepare for the best opponent possible. I’ll be ready for him.

 

“Fighting at home is going to be really great. It will probably be the biggest crowd I’ve ever fought in front of and I’m looking forward to celebrating with them after I win

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia & Jermall Charlo vs. Jorge Sebastian Heiland Media Conference Call Transcript

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia & Jermall Charlo vs. Jorge Sebastian Heiland Media Conference Call Transcript & MP3

 

Click
HERE for MP3

 

 

Lou DiBella         

Thanks, everybody, for joining us for what’s going to be a terrific card with Adrien Broner versus Mikey Garcia in the main event at a 12-round junior welterweight fight on SHOWTIME on July 29th,

9:00 pm, Eastern Time, 6:00 pm, Pacific Time, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the home of Brooklyn boxing and presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

It’s going to be a terrific card.  It’s being promoted by Mayweather Promotions and my company.  I want to shout out to Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd Mayweather and all their staff who are working
with us on this card.  As you all know that they’ve been pretty busy lately.  I’m not sure if Leonard is going to join us during this call but if he does, I’ll throw it over to him when he does.

 

Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

 

And there have been some adjustments to the ticket pricing with respect to locations that are fan friendly.  So if people go on Ticketmaster now, you will see some adjustments that I think, you
know, fans will like when they’re purchasing their tickets.

 

We’re going to start with the opening.  First of all, there’s a terrific off-TV undercard today, a terrific card involving Rau’shee Warren was added to the card.  Jarrell Miller is fighting Gerald
Washington on the card.  Katie Taylor from Ireland is on the card, Noel Murphy, Richardson Hitchins, a bunch of great local talented.  It’s a terrific card from top to bottom.

 

The opening TV fight features one of the up-and-coming young stars in boxing.  He’s already been a world champion at 154 pounds, the IBF 54-pound champion.  He made three title defenses against
Julian Williams, Austin Trout and Wilky Campfort.  He’s now the number two ranked middleweight in the world by the WBC, trained by Ronnie Shields, one of the best young fighters in the world.  This will be his New York debut, Jermall Charlo.  And Jermall will
be fighting Sebastian Heiland, the number one ranked middleweight by the WBC from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

This is also his New York debut and he’s fighting in the US for only the second time.  He holds a knockout win against former world title challenger Matthew Macklin.  He’s the former WBC Latino
and WBC International Middleweight Champ titlist.

 

So I’m going to throw it over to Sebastian Heiland and his translator. Could Sebastian Heiland say a few words?

 

Jorge Sebastian Heiland

Well, first of all, thank you for this opportunity to the DiBella and Mayweather Promotions, Al Haymon and everything and SHOWTIME.  Well, I’m ready.  I know it’s going to be a battle.  But I’m
here and ready for it.

 

L. DiBella

And now with a record of 25 and 0 with 19 KOs out of Houston, Texas, Jermall Charlo.

 

Jermall Charlo   

Thanks, everybody, for having me.  As I debut in New York, I’m ready to steal the show and put on a great show.  I know he came here all the way from his hometown to shut my career down and everything
that I’ve worked hard with, so I’m prepared for everything he has to offer.  And it’s going to be a great show.  It’s going to be a great night of boxing.

 

Q

I was wondering when you decided to go up in weight, was it strictly a matter of struggling over the last maybe couple of fights to make the 154-pound weight limit or did you just feel that there
might be better opportunities at 160?

 

J. Charlo

I felt I did everything at that time to be the best at 154 pounds with my twin brother having the belt, Erislandy Lara having the belt, it was better opportunity at 160.

 

Q

What do you see as your path to one of those world title belts and how you can put yourself up in that level of name recognition with some of those other big stars in that weight class?

 

J. Charlo             

I have to do what I did in 154 pounds or they’re not going to think I’m real.  So my job is to fight as hard as I can and train as hard as I can and fulfill my dream and it’s becoming the two-time
world two division world champion.

 

Q

Is there anything on Heiland’s record that gives you pause at all?

 

J. Charlo             

Yes.  He’s seasoned.  I mean, he’s a fighter that’s know he’s doing and he knows what he came here for.  He’s been fighting since 2007.  So he’s from Argentina and it’s not like it is in America. 
So he has to take the same route and he made it this far to be the – for two years in a row being the number one WBC fighter.  I’m not taking him lightly at all.

 

Q

Jermall, can you tell us what you think Heiland does well and some of the things maybe you need to guard against in the fight?

 

J. Charlo

I mean, Heiland, he’s a good fighter.  He’s strong.  He comes to fight every time he comes to fight and that’s what I do know about him.

 

Q

Jermall, obviously, if you win this fight, you’re going to be the mandatory in the WBC.  Do you feel like the winner of the Alvarez-Golovkin fight could be the next fight for you, if you win this
fight?

 

J. Charlo             

I’m thinking one fight at a time.  I’ll get with my team after the fight is over and we will map out everything from that point on.

 

Q

Also a question for Heiland.  Can you ask him what it feels like for him to come to this country obviously as a big underdog against Jermall Charlo, what it means to him to come here and also,
maybe the odds he’s facing coming in to this fight as an underdog?

 

J. Heiland

I know Charlo is a great fighter.  But I don’t feel like the underdog because I have confidence in my job.  I have my experience and I train.  I have great training camp back home.  And as I said
before, I came here prepared for a battle and I am on a course to be the winner.  So if you guys consider me the underdog, I really don’t care.

 

Q

Can you ask him also what it would mean for him in his life, if he was able to win this fight because he’d obviously get a title shot from there?

 

 

J. Heiland

You know, during those two years that I was seeded in the number one in WBC ranking, I went through a lot of things, really a lot of things.  But I never quit.  I never stopped training.  So obviously
for me, this is a crucial point of my career and my personal life.  So obviously, it would be very important to beat a guy of the magnitude of Charlo at his home backyard.

 

Q

Give me your scouting report on Danny Jacobs’ performance against Golovkin and what you think that says about your championship, your power, your rank and your overall boxing career.

 

J. Charlo

I’m at the top of my game right now.  I’m actually more focused on beating Heiland than I’ve probably been even in fighting Trout.  I thank Trout for the kind words saying I’m better than Canelo. 
He put up a great fight against me.  But moving forward at 160 pounds, I feel like this where I should have been the whole time.  So now the pressure is on me to look good and perform good at my highest performance and get the fans what they need to see, so
I can continue to reign.

 

GGG and Danny Jacobs was a great fight.  You know, Jacobs showed a lot of heart.  He exploded. My focus right now is moving on to the next level.

 

My main focus is to get to the next level and all the pressure is on me to perform at my highest level that I’ve ever performed at right now.  So I’m not necessarily focused on the winner out of
the champions right now.  I’m focused on becoming the number one fighter where they have to avoid me.

 

Q

Do you expect your power to translate immediately to this weight class?

 

J. Charlo             

Knockout power is something that’s God-given.  I think my power will translate immediately, like you said.  Not only that, I’m feeling a lot better.  As you know, making to 154 pounds was the objective
and it was the goal all along.  But now, my focus has been on sharpening up me and sharpening up my mind.  And now that I put my physical strength with my sharper mind, I feel like I’m going to fight a lot better.

 

L. DiBella            

The main event on this show is a sensational matchup between Adrien Broner and Mikey Garcia.  Mikey is undefeated, 36 and 0.  Adrien is 33 and 2.  But Adrien is undefeated at 140 pounds which is
the weight for this fight.  This is a fight that really is a fight between two stars to fight between two guys whose names come up in pound for pound kind of discussions.

 

Mikey Garcia, the 36 and 0, with 30 KOs has knocked out 19 of his last 21 opponents.  He won the BC Lightweight Title on his last bout on January 28 with a third round KO of undefeated Dejan Zlaticanin
to become a three-division world champion.  He’s held titles at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight and he’s never fought above 138.  So this is his first fight at 140 and he’s taking on one of the very best. So, Mikey, would you like to say
a few words, please?

 

Mikey Garcia      

Yes.  Well, you know, we’re finishing up camp over here.  I’m very excited, very happy for the fight.  You know, we’re just a little over a week to go and I think it’s going to be one hell of a
fight.  I think we’re going to be very excited to see, you know, it is any challenge like you mentioned I’m fighting 140 pounds for the first time especially against, you know, former world champion in Adrien Broner.  So I think it’s going to be another opportunity
for me to show the fight fans and all of the media what I’m capable of doing.

 

Leonard Ellerbe 

Okay.  I’d like to thank everyone for joining the call today.  We’re really excited about this great event we have next week. I think it’s going to be a very, very exciting fight.  Most of the
media are favoring Mikey Garcia to win the fight. I feel differently.  I think that Adrien is coming to win the fight.  I think he’s going to put on an excellent performance.  And this is the new Adrien we’ve heard different things in the past on Adrien and
I think this is the defining fight in his career that’s going to take him to the next level, to the superstar level where he belongs.

 

So without further ado, here is Adrien Broner.

 

Adrien Broner

I’m ready to fight.  And next week I’m going to show everybody and I’m still that young and dangerous. I’ll go take over this sport of boxing.  So I’m ready to answer my questions and get off this
phone.

 

Q

How much has it motivated you and really driven you that you’re the underdog during this camp as you get ready for this fight?

 

A. Broner            

I really don’t look at that because I know that time next week it won’t be what it was.  But, you know, I just want to go out there and show the people, I am one of the top boxers for a reason.
I’m going to be victorious next week.

 

Q

How much does it help you to go out to Colorado Springs that you made a point of saying that you really thought that was going to make a difference for you in the camp?  How was it translated to
helping you better prepare for the fight?

 

A. Broner

I feel great.  Man, you know, I weighed in at 144 this morning.  I can make weight tomorrow but I wanted to go down. I’m just ready to put on a show.

 

Q

Has it been easier for you to get down to around 140 than you thought or about what you expected?

 

A. Broner            

I’s actually easy, man. Now I got a reason to make 140.  But I ain’t giving nobody half of 1 million dollars.  I mean, I’ll probably give somebody $10.  I ain’t going to give nobody half of 1 million
and nothing.

 

Q

Mikey, what is camp like for you, has it been easier because you’re weighing in at a higher weight?  Has that helped you at all?

 

M. Garcia

The camp has been great.  As far as the weight, that’s never been a problem and it’s just training hard, you know, getting in shape.  That’s the number one thing.  The weight is not actually –
it’s not a problem.  So I know I ain’t worried about the weight.  We just actually are eating a little bit more than usual to keep the weight higher because I would have dropped weight too soon and we’re sparring big guys and we don’t want to do that.  You
know, it’s not the correct thing to do.  So I just feel very comfortable right now.

 

Q

Hey, my question for you, first of all, did I hear you say if the penalty for you not making weight or you’re not making weight was $500,000?  Is that correct?

 

A. Broner            

Yes.

 

Q

Okay.  So that’s a pretty big motivation, I would imagine, to get down to the 140 limit.  Is that how you’re looking at it?

 

A. Broner            

I ain’t giving nobody nothing.

 

Q

Do you look at this as a defining fight against Mikey Garcia even though it’s not for a world title?

 

A. Broner

Yes.  He’s another star in boxing and he’s undefeated.  Of course, it’s a hell of a fight for me and it’s definitely going to be a defining moment for Adrien Broner.

 

Q

Do you think that this would be even more significant than any of your world title victories?

 

A. Broner            

I mean, you can say that but at the end of the day, man, I fought a lot of good fighters then but, I’m just worried about getting my victory, man.  I can say the fact but I ain’t trying to get
in all that right now.  I’m more focused and ready to fight.

 

Q

Do you think that Broner, because of the recognition of his name and the fact that he’s a very, very well-known fighter who has fought some big names also, that it would be almost a bigger win
for you in this fight that when you won your world titles?

 

M. Garcia            

Well, he’s the most accomplished fighter, four division world champion.  And like you said, more recognized name.  So that makes it a bigger deal.  Fans and the media are more excited about my
fight with Adrien Broner, you know, than some of the other world title fights around the category.

 

This fight is much bigger still than some of the world title fights that me and Adrien have been part of and some of the title fights that are around the division.  So it is a very big and fun
fight and it could definitely easily be seen as probably the biggest fight of both of our careers for Adrien and myself.  But, you know, I’m not looking at that.  I’m not letting that distract me from my task at hand which is defeat Adrien Broner.

 

Q

Mikey, do you think the fact that this is not for world title matters at all to anybody? 

 

M. Garcia:           

No, everybody is excited for the fight.  I mean, I got nothing but, you know, good reviews and good comments, you know, and everybody is so excited about, you know, this fight coming up.  Like
I said, it seems like it’s bigger than some of the other title fights that are happening around the weight class and, you know, it just shows you the kind of fighter that Adrien Broner is.  He has a lot of, you know, fans and he’s a high-profile fighter and
people see me as a high-profile fighter and when two guys, you know, like us get in the ring, you know, make sure it’s a great match up.

 

Q

Hey, Adrien, could you address that briefly?  Your thoughts about the magnitude of the fight?

 

A. Broner            

It’s a good fight for boxing.  You got two fighters who were both on Pound-for-Pound at one point at a time.  You know, I’m a four-time world champion.  He’s a three-time world champion in three
weight classes.  I’m a four-time world champion of four different weight classes.  This is a big fight for boxing.  And if you’re a boxer, it’s going to be a hell of a fight, July 29.

 

Q

Have you given thought to whatever happens, whether you’d like to stay in this weight class or would you still like at some point to defend your title on lightweight?

 

M. Garcia:           

No, I still have plans on coming down to 135 to unify the titles or have a big title, defend the lightweight.  But, you know, after being in boxing so long and learning the policies on the business
about it, you got to be flexible.  You got to be able to adjust and make those adjustments and continue with my career.  I’m not going to sit around, wait for a fight, you know, and chase anybody.  I’m here to, you know, take on the biggest fights available,
the biggest challenge available, whether that means at 135 or at 140 or possibly even 147.

 

Q

Hey, Lou, can you answer one question for me? I’m interested in your opinion about what Mikey and Adrien were talking about.

 

L. DiBella            

You know what, in this kind of case, I don’t think the title matters.  And you know what, I actually like the fight, too.  They’re fighting at 140.  They’re fighting at a legit weight class.  It’s
not like some strange catch weight situation.  They’re fighting at 140 which frankly is pretty much, I mean, for a guy who’s a 135-pound champion, the highest you would expect Mikey to go for a challenge.  And it’s the best weight Adrien for that in his career. 
I mean he’s undefeated at 40 and 47 frankly is not his best weight.

 

So, I don’t think the weight matters.  I think the weight here is sort of optimal to see a great fight.  And I don’t think anyone cares.  So I think this is a great fight.  Personally, I think
this is bigger than your average title fight.

 

Q

Against a counterpuncher, a good defensive fighter like Adrien, how much does your style have to change?  Do you have to maybe be less aggressive than you would normally be?

 

M. Garcia:

You know what, we have been working on a lot of things (over time), working on different game plans, different style of sparring partners so I can be ready for whatever Adrien Broner brings on
Saturday night.  You know, if I have to be aggressive, I will be aggressive.  If I have to maybe box, I will box.  If I have to try to stay in the middle of the ring, then I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to win this fight.  And like I said, I still –
I know people still haven’t seen everything that I have to offer and I think Adrien Broner will be the one to challenge me enough and push me to that next level and bring out the best out of me.

 

Q

The world keeps hearing about the all new “About Billions.”  Again, what’s that in detail? 

 

A. Broner            

Everybody keeps saying “About Billions.”  But now it’s “About Boxing.” So as you can tell I left the “About Billions” lifestyle, I left it alone for this whole camp.  And that’s why the new series
that I’ve been putting out is about boxing, becoming “About Boxing.”  So, you know, my main focus is just getting in the best shape I can so I can go mess Mikey up.  And that’s it.  You know, it’s nothing personal. If I hurt him, I know he’s definitely trying
to come hurt me, but I’m coming to mess him up. I’ve said like we’re too close right now and I feel like punching his face. 

 

Q

What’s your take on “About Billions” becoming about boxing and how are you trying to stop that whole movement?

 

M. Garcia            

Oh that’s great, because that just means it’s going to be a better fight. I don’t want to have a fight against unfocused, untrained, out of shape Adrien Broner.  That takes away all the credit. 
And, he seems to be ready to get in the ring now and I love that because at the press conference he was being a little too friendly.  And we’re not friends.  We’re definitely not friends on Saturday night, 29th.  So that’s exactly the Adrien Broner I want
to hear.

 

Q

First of all, can you discuss breaking your hand in the first round against Adrian Granados?  And how difficult was that to overcome?  Would you rank that as the most adversity that you perhaps
have had to overcome in the ring?

 

A. Broner            

No.  My worst adversity was I actually broke both of my hands when I fought this kid named Lugo.  And I think it was on the Pacquiao-Oscar fight. I broke both of my hands in that fight.  And fighting
since from that fight, that was probably the worst for me. It was tough though but, I had to do it. I’m in a bigger fight, bigger cash and I’m just ready to put on a show.

 

I’m just ready to let the world see me.  It’s not an issue whether I do it on 140 pounds now. I’m in top shape and I hope he’d be into top shape.  But I’m ready to let my hands go at that time
on July 29th.

 

No way in hell he a better boxer than me.  Who he beat?  I don’t know.

 

Q

Do you have a prediction? 

 

A. Broner            

Listen, man, I can’t tell the future.  But I know I’m going to beat him.

 

Q

Can you characterize what you mean in regard to your new demeanor?

 

A. Broner            

It’s time to take boxing more seriously.  When you touched the type of money I’ve touched at a young age, man, you don’t know how to handle it. Like I said before, I’m older. I got experience in
life.  I know what I want to do and that’s be the best Adrien Broner I can be.

 

Q

Can you talk about why you think you’re the better boxer than Adrien Broner?

 

M. Garcia            

Well, I’m going to show it on Saturday, the 29th.  I’m going to show my skills.  I’m going to show what I’m capable of doing.  Like I said, before, I haven’t had a challenger, you know, really
push me to the next level.  And I think Adrien Broner will do that.  And I’ll be able to show everybody, you know, another set of Mikey Garcia you still haven’t seen.

 

Q

How does he rank among your opponents?

 

M. Garcia            

I think he will be the toughest challenge, the toughest opponent, the most accomplished fighter, that I have faced.  So, honestly, I think it will be the toughest fight of my career so far.

 

Q                          

Question is can you talk about the underdog situation? I really don’t feel that it’s fair to rate you that low as far as your skills.  Can you talk about that a little bit?

 

A. Broner            

I don’t care about being the underdog because at the end of the day, man, I don’t make no money off of that.  They’re just – there’re some gambling people, man.  There’re some people in Vegas,
man.  It’s okay though.  I bet they won’t do it again after this fight.

 

Q

Do you think that a win next week would make both of you guys pay-per-view fighters?

 

A. Broner            

I mean, you could put me on pay-per-view now.  To be honest.  But, this of course, it’s going to help take me to the next level.  But, you know, I’m not worrying about that.  I know all I got to
do is be sharp and get this victory and do what I do and pay-per-view is going to come.

 

M. Garcia            

Well, I think if you take the right matchup you can take it to the pay-per-view.  I mean, this fight itself could have been a pay-per-view possibly.  And when you got two exciting fighters with
a lot of fans on both sides, that makes pay-per-view.

 

Now a win over Broner might help me get to that level faster but, you know, it’s just – you got to have the right guy.  I mean, if I beat Broner, but then my next fight is against a nobody, there’s
no way that can be a pay-per-view fight.  You have to be able to fight the right guy that can generate the buzz and make it a pay-per-view show.

 

L. DiBella            

You know, pay-per-view is not necessarily the Holy Grail even if you’re a big fighter, as was proven when you just saw a pay-per-view fight between Kovalev and Ward that about 125,000 people bought.

 

So far more people are going to see this fight.  You can go back to Golovkin-Lemieux and a lot of other things.  I’m not blaming the fighters but for people to dip into their pockets in an economy
that’s difficult and dish out $70 regularly, you need the right event.  A fight like this is a great fight.  It’s on SHOWTIME, which it should be accessible to many more people.  And frankly you can get more from half a year of SHOWTIME for the price of one
pay-per-view.

 

Q

Mikey, I was just wondering, who was the biggest puncher you fought so far and can you tell us why that is?

 

M. Garcia

I’ve been faced with some guys that are supposed to be heavy punchers, but I haven’t felt their power. I have the right game plan and didn’t really feel it.  Dejan was supposed to be a big power
puncher; I didn’t feel it.  Salido is a heavy hitter.  He has become champion even after I beat him.  He still became champion several times and beat some tough guys.  And I didn’t feel his power.

 

Some of the guys earlier in my career, not any known names.  But I think Adrien Broner is the guy that probably hits the hardest out of everybody especially because we’re moving up in weight. 
He is a bigger man naturally than me as far as weight.  So we’ll find out Saturday night, the 29th.

 

BARCLAYS CENTER TO HOST BLOCKBUSTER MATCH-UP FEATURING FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER VS. UNDEFEATED THREE-DIVISION CHAMPION MIKEY GARCIA ON SATURDAY, JULY 29

BARCLAYS CENTER TO HOST BLOCKBUSTER MATCH-UP FEATURING FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER VS. UNDEFEATED THREE-DIVISION CHAMPION MIKEY GARCIA ON SATURDAY, JULY 29

 

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

LIVE on SHOWTIME

 

–Tickets On Sale Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m.–

 

BROOKLYN
(June 13, 2017) –Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and three-division world champion
Mikey Garcia square off in a blockbuster matchup in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®,
Saturday, July 29, live on SHOWTIME, presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at
$950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), and will go on sale on
Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Friday, June 16 at noon (if
tickets are still available). Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

“Broner vs. Garcia is one of the year’s biggest matchups in boxing and we anticipate an electric atmosphere at Barclays Center,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “This will be our
fourth major card in 2017 as BROOKLYN BOXING continues to deliver dramatic moments, competitive fights, and many of the sport’s biggest names to fight fans.”

 

Broner and Garcia, two world-class fighters in their prime, meet at a critical time in their respective careers in one of the most intriguing matches in boxing. Both Broner and Garcia have had spectacular
victories at Barclays Center in Brooklyn during their careers. Broner successfully defended his welterweight title against Paulie Malignaggi at Barclays Center on June 22, 2013, and Garcia, coming off a lengthy layoff, defeated Elio Rojas via fifth-round TKO
at the arena on July 30, 2016.

 

Broner, a three-division world champion by the age of 23, and one of the youngest four-division world champions in boxing history, remains one of the most accomplished and popular athletes in the sport today. 
Among the top 140-pounders in the world, Broner is undefeated at or below 140 pounds with his only two losses coming against welterweight world champions Marcos Maidana and Shawn Porter. At just 27 years old, Broner (33-2, 24 KOs) still believes he is the
future of the sport and looks to prove it against Garcia on Saturday, July 29.

 

Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Broner has achieved more in his young career than most fighters can hope for in a lifetime.  After earning world titles
at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, Broner won a belt in a fourth weight division – 140 pounds – in October 2015 when he defeated Khabib Allakhverdiev via 12th round stoppage to become the second youngest four-division champion in boxing history at 26 (behind
Oscar De La Hoya, 24).  Broner will turn 28 years old on July 28, the day before his bout with Garcia. 

 

Garcia, 29 years old and undefeated (36-0, 30 KOs), is a recently crowned lightweight champion and one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the sport. He will move up in weight for the second time in just
three fights to challenge Broner.  Garcia is a member of a renowned boxing family, and is noted for his sportsmanship and his commanding presence in the ring, honed by his brother and acclaimed trainer Robert Garcia. He has held world titles at 126, 130 and
135 pounds, but has never fought above 138. 

 

Garcia, of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, Calif., returned to the ring after a two-and-half-year layoff in July 2016 without missing a beat.  After defeating Rojas, Garcia became a three-division champion
by beating previously undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin with a vicious third-round knockout this January.  Garcia has stopped 19 of his last 21 opponents including Roman “Rocky” Martinez, Juan Manuel Lopez, Orlando Salido and Bernabe Concepcion

No Problems Being Showtime

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“Showtime” Shawn Porter (26-1-1 16 KO)  defeated Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2 22 KO) by unanimous decision with scores of 114-112, 115-111, and 118- 108.

From the opening bell, Porter was the aggressor, using his powerful left jab to work his way in and landing overhand rights/lefts and multiple combinations while trying to deal with Broner’s bush league tactics.

Broner had his best moments when he landed left and right counter hooks as Porter rushed in but he discredited himself by constantly holding and pushing down the relentless Porter. Granted Porter was coming in low but Broner was intentional in his felonious actions. He was warned several times by referee Tony Weeks who rightfully could have taken a point many times but waited until the eleventh to do so.

In the twelfth and final round, Broner landed a perfect left counter as Porter came in and dropped him for the first time in his career. Poter got up with a look to say “ya got me” but continued his aggressive approach through to the bell. A little too late for Broner as it was just Porter’s night in all aspects.

Throughout the fight, Porter was just the more active fighter pushing every second. Even in the close rounds, Porter’s high energy attack was the difference. Look no further than the numbers to see Porter’s dominance. Porter threw more punches, 590 to 309, landed more 149 to 88 as well as led in both power punch categories, 398-206 thrown, 99-68 landed.

Porter on his performance after the fight –

“You know what? That’s how you beat a great fighter intelligently, we did everything we needed to do in preparation for this fight and coming out we wanted to establish our jab, establish that we are the better boxer, I think we did that over the course of the fight, try to stick with the pressure as well, and establish dominance”

Broner On The Loss-

I’m ok, my kids are ok, I’m financially fine,  it was a good fight at the end of the day, great champions can take a good loss, great champions can take a good win,

“I still will fight anybody, I am a real animal, I came to fight today, I didn’t get the decision, but at the end of the day, everybody here will take an autograph and take my picture”

For Porter, this is the start of a great run. A fight with Keith Thurman has been rumored in the past and no doubt he would like to avenge the Kell Brook loss. Wherever his journey takes him, his opponents better be ready to fight every second of every round against one of the best conditioned and well prepared athletes in the game.

For Broner…..he needs to get serious about his craft and have a back up plan when his strategy is not working. He has all the physical gifts but his mindset needs an overhaul. Broner will take on any challenge but anything North of 140 may be his Achilles heel.

Weights From Las Vegas- Broner v. Porter- PBC On NBC

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Catch Weight 144

Adrien Broner (30-1 22 KO)-143.5

Shawn Porter (25-1-1 16 KO)-144

10 Rounds Welterweights

Phil Lo Greco (26-1 14 KO)- 152 lbs

Errol Spence Jr. (16-0 13 KO)- 149 lbs

FIREWORKS BETWEEN ADRIEN BRONER & SHAWN PORTER AT PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FINAL PRESS CONFEREN

Press Release    For Immediate Release

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Photo 1 – Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 
Antonio DeMarco Vows To Defeat Rances Barthelemy For Cancer-Stricken Sister on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS

Antonio DeMarco Vows To Defeat Rances Barthelemy For Cancer-Stricken Sister on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS

Promoter Floyd Mayweather & Premier Boxing Champions Fighters

Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
LAS VEGAS (June 18, 2015 – An animated Adrien “The Problem” Broner held court for several minutes Thursday, as a calm “Showtime” Shawn Porter delivered his own strong message in advance of the exciting weekend of Premier Boxing Champions action at MGM Grand.

In a different role than his usual one as boxing’s pound-for-pound king, President of Mayweather Promotions Floyd “Money” Mayweather helped run the press conferences alongside Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe.

On the Saturday, June 20 PBC on NBC show, Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) will take on Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs) after Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) battles Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco (26-1, 14 KOs). Televised coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

Also at Thursday’s press conference, main event participant on the Sunday, June 21 PBC on CBS card Antonio DeMarco (22-0, 13 KOs) vowed to bring home a victory for his cancer-stricken sister in Sunday’s PBC on CBS main event showdown against former world champion Rances Barthelemy (31-4-1, 23 KOs).   Sunday’s co-feature showcases a welterweight matchup between Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) and Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs). Televised coverage begins on CBS Sports at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Also in attendance on Thursday were rising stars from Mayweather Promotions who will be competing on both Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets for Saturday’s event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50 and tickets for Sunday’s event are priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card for tickets to both events, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets for both events are also available at http://www.mgmgrand.com or http://www.ticketmaster.com. The weekend of action is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say:

 

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“Mayweather Promotions has always done record-breaking numbers and our ultimate goal is to find the next Floyd Mayweather. With all of the talent out there, it will soon happen.

“I want all of the fighters out there to keep working hard, stay focused and know that there is no limit to what you can do. 

“With all the media here talking to him, it’s obvious that Adrien is doing something right. He’s entertaining and people like it.

“There’s no limit to how far Adrien Broner can go in this sport. He can fight. I’m in the gym with him and he’s boxing top guys. He’s pushing himself.

“Shawn Porter is a really solid competitor. It’s not an easy task for Adrien, he’s going to have to fight.

“Mayweather Promotions wants to continue to work with all fighters and help build their careers so that they can get to that top level.” 

ADRIEN BRONER

“This is the AB show. You’re all getting it first, live and personal.

“I’m fighting Shawn Porter and I’m fighting his dad. It’s like I’m fighting his dad because the check comes in his dad’s name, then he pays Shawn.

“Since both Shawn and his dad get a check, if I whoop both of them, will I get paid twice?

“I like Shawn as a person, but he gets so much negative energy from his dad. That’s just the truth”

“After I whoop you Shawn, come sign with About Billions and I’ll buy you a nicer car than your dad’s. I already wrote out the contract.

“This is going to be a great fight. I’m very excited because I love putting on a show for the fans. This boy will not beat me.

“I’m coming to deliver a beat down. Shawn Porter is a football player, I’m going to take him out. It’s going to be fun.”

SHAWN PORTER

“I feel great, it’s a good day. I’m just counting down until fight night.

“I’ve been working on everything in camp. I have a lot of speed, power, quickness and the whole nine. It’s going to take everything to win this fight.

“He’s got good speed, so we’re preparing for him to use a lot of that. We’ll make adjustments as we go along but the key is definitely taking care of his speed with our speed.

“It’s so sweet to be fighting at MGM Grand, this is what you want as a fighter. It’s my time now. I’m so excited about this opportunity.

“Number one, we have to take care of business. We know that if we take care of business it’ll be a great Father’s Day on Sunday.”

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I just have to stay focused and put on a spectacular performance on Saturday night. Hopefully next time I’ll be the main event. It’s a process but I’m getting there.

“I’m ready for anybody in the welterweight division, I’m ready for any kind of step up in competition period. I’m not the guy to shy away from anybody.

“Porter and Broner are a little more seasoned that me, but skill wise I think I’m right on par with them. Skill for skill I can match anybody in boxing.

“A lot of guys aren’t in the position that I’m in to get the opportunities that I have. This is my third year as a pro and it’s all been coming pretty fast. It’s all about timing. I’m enjoying the process.

“You’re going to be looking at the future of the sport come Saturday night.”

PHIL LO GRECO

“There’s no such thing as the right moment. The perfect fight is when you want it to be. I got the call and decided that this is the perfect timing.

“It took me about 30 seconds to decide to take this fight. When you know why you fight, it makes these decisions easy.

“A year ago there was no way I thought I’d be on this stage. Now I have real opportunities and we’re here now.

“Win, lose or draw, I’m going back to the gym next week.

“I’m a pressure fighter. I like to engage and give the fans what they want to see. This is a great opportunity. Saturday is going to be fun.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I’m feeling good moving up in weight. Everybody knows Antonio DeMarco is a very, very tough fighter. He’s one of the best I’ve ever fought. His record who he has faced proves that. He’s experienced, but so am I. 

“I want to be the best Cuban fighter of all-time and I’m on my way. 

“I’m in tremendous shape and I’m ready to go. I want to showcase my skills on Sunday to show the world how I can fight. 

“Who do I want to fight? I’ll fight anyone they put in my way. I’ll fight Godzilla if he’s there. 

“I don’t do predictions but this is going to be an entertaining fight. Unlike past Cuban fighters, I have power and can knock people out. In the amateurs you don’t need power. But in the pros, that’s what it’s all about.” 

ANTONIO DEMARCO

“This is going to be a tough fight, a difficult fight, but I have a great responsibility. My 15-year-old sister told me that if I win, she will beat cancer. She was diagnosed with bone cancer last November – and it was life-threatening. But her last chemo treatment was yesterday.

“From a ring standpoint, I am really looking forward to Sunday. I am very prepared, I am relaxed and ready to go. Besides for my sister, my other main motivation is that this is a chance to get my career back on track. A victory and I can get back to where I was and in position to challenge the best.

“I am treating it like another fight, but of course it is much more. Exposure-wise, you can’t get better than network television.

“I know Rances is going to be a difficult opponent. He’s a great fighter. But I have the experience to come up with a game plan to win. From a career-standpoint, this is a very important fight and I’m ready for it.”

SAMMY VASQUEZ

“It’s an honor to be here in this building among some of the greatest fighters in the world. Omotoso has never fought anyone like me before. 

“I’m here to restore the greatness of Pittsburgh boxing. Everyone knows ‘The Pittsburgh Kid’, Paul Spadafora, but we all carry the torch differently. I respect him as a fighter and he’s done some great things. We were raised differently and I’m amazed at the great things he’s accomplished. But I’m here to bring a new look to Pittsburgh boxing. 

“Omotoso is tough. His record speaks for itself at 25-1. His only loss was to Jessie Vargas who’s fighting for a world title. I don’t take anybody lightly. I’ve trained hard for this and I don’t think he’s fought anyone as fast as me or hits as hard as me with both hands. 

“I’m going to throw a lot of punches and it should be fun to see. It will be an entertaining fight. The main goal is to win. If the opportunity presents itself to knock him out then I will. I’m not going to go in there trying to knock his head off or anything. I have to box smart.

“In this game it’s all about longevity and the less you get hit the longer you can fight so I don’t want to get hit. That’s my goal.”

WALE OMOTOSO

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to fight on such a big stage. Fighting on network TV provides all of us such a lift. Getting this kind of national exposure is what fighters like me need and what we work so hard to get.

“I’m totally ready to take advantage and I look forward to being able to showcase my talents on Sunday. All my friends and countrymen are going to be able to watch it, and I don’t want to let them down.

“I really don’t know much about Vasquez, other than he’s a southpaw whose quick, he is just another fighter who can fight. But we can all fight. It’s not like he has four hands and two heads.

“The best man will be victorious and I am confident that is me.

“I can’t wait for Sunday. I wish it was time to fight right now. This is going to be my Father’s Day present to my kids and wife.”

 

Knuckle Up For The Heart Of It All

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2015 has already been a monumental year in the sweet science. We have seen some of greatest matchups in recent years with the best fighting the best in their primes, the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) bringing the sport back to its roots on network TV, the “fight of the century”, and the return of an American heavyweight champion.

With all that has happened in the sport through just about five and a half months of the year, it’s hard to imagine that we may get the best fight yet on June 20th. The PBC on NBC will air the “Battle of Ohio” in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand as Cincinnati’s Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1 22 KO) faces Akron’s “Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1 16 KO).

Broner enters this fight on the strength of three straight unanimous decision victories since his lone loss to Marcos Maidana in 2013. Broner had jumped to welterweight from lightweight in the middle of 2013 after holding titles at super featherweight and lightweight. He found the difference in weight to be a bit more difficult as he won a close, slightly disputed bout against Paulie Malignaggi and then followed that up with a unanimous decision loss to Maidana which saw him get dropped for the first two times in his career.

After the Maidana fight, Broner dropped down to 140 where he has won his last three fights defeating Carlos Molina, Emmanuel Taylor and John Molina Jr. In his last fight against the relatively flat footed Molina Jr., Broner used his tremendous speed to thoroughly dominate the bout.

Porter has fought primarily at welterweight winning a world title in 2013 with a unanimous decision over Devon Alexander and defending it once with a fourth round stoppage of Malignaggi. In his second title defense, Porter suffered his only loss, a majority decision, last August at the hands of Kell Brook. Porter rushed Brook consistently throughout the fight and although he landed clean scoring punches from time to time, he missed more than he connected. Brook’s game plan was executed exceptionally well as he looked to use Porter’s aggressiveness against him by looking for and finding openings in Porter’s guard and landing quick solid shots which seemed to surprise Porter. Although Porter stayed aggressive until the final bell, you could see the frustration on his face get more evident as each round passed through to the final bell and decision.

In Porter’s last fight in March, he was supposed to face brawler Roberto Garcia but due to Garcia’s weight and hydration issues, Garcia was replaced by Erick Bone whom Porter stopped in five rounds. Before being stopped, Bone made it difficult for Porter each round and did land several solid power shots due to Porter’s wildness and porous defense.

The Porter-Broner fight will be contested at a catch weight of 144 with a 10 pound rehydration clause which some feel will hurt Porter, the naturally bigger fighter moving down, and be an advantage for the lighter Broner. Porter is known to have a disciplined approach to his training regimen and is always in top shape so this minimal drop and hydration stipulation is most likely a non-issue.

This is an amazing matchup as the two former welterweight title holders both have the skill set to make this a fight for the ages with a win catapulting them towards elite status.

Porter does his best work inside and throws his punches with bad intentions like a miniature Mike Tyson. Additionally, he is a pressure fighter who comes forward and attacks and we will probably see a lot of similarities in his style here with how Maidana pursued and made the fight physical with Broner. The difference here is that Porter is much quicker than Maidana with only a slight drop off in power which could spell trouble for Broner if he is not able to keep Porter at bay with his jab and movement. Porter will not only look to do damage up high, he is also adept at working the body which will benefit him against a movement fighter like Broner. Porter does get wild at times and can be found rather easily as he was in the Bone and Brook fight so he will need to tighten up his defense a bit against the quick counter punching of Broner.

Broner does his best work on the outside using his speed and reach to soften up his opponent with multiple combinations while looking for counter power shots that can put his adversary in trouble. Along with keeping his jab active, Broner will look to counter the charging Porter and may employ similar tactics as Brook did when facing Porter, strategically tying Porter up to negate his aggression. Broner had difficulty at 147 and was coming in to his own at 140 so it will be interesting to see him perform at this catch weight against the most multi faceted skilled fighter he’s faced.

June 20th is a big day in the sport as Andre Ward returns on the first PBC on BET card, rising star Errol Spence Jr. faces his toughest opponent to date in Roberto Garcia, and in Quebec, David Lemieux will battle Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam for the vacant IBF world middleweight title. Make no mistake though; Porter vs. Broner is the crème de la crème on this day and a potential fight of the year candidate.

Growing up in Ohio, Porter and Broner were separated by about 230 miles down I-71. They have followed each other since the amateurs; however, on June 20th one will separate from the other and capture state bragging rights while another epic chapter is written in the annals of 2015.

If boxing is dead, why do I feel so alive?

This article contributed to BTG