Danny Garcia – Page 4

A Swift Escape…Garcia Close UD Over Guerrero To Capture Vacant WBC World Title

Danny Garcia (32-0 18 KO) defeated Robert Guerrero (33-4-1 18 KO) by unanimous decision on Saturday night but it wasn’t easy. All three judges had it 116-112.

Guerrero came out boxing better than he has in recent memory. Since he moved to the welterweight division, his boxing has decreased while he has slowly morphed into more of a one demensional brawler. He has gotten away from the reasons he earned “The Ghost” moniker.

Lightning quick and fluid south of the welters, it was said Guerrero was like fighting a ghost. When an opponent reacted to counter, he was gone.

Robert ‘s father and trainer Ruben was on record saying his son needs to go back to his roots and box more. For the first third of this fight Robert did just that.

From the opening bell, Guerrero boxed beautifully with a calculated approach and brought the fight to Garcia.

Guerrero’s tactics forced Garcia to fight off his back foot. The Philly fighter was clearly out of his comfort zone in doing so.

Guerrero had success early employing this tactic but fell back into the brawling style we’ve all come to know and love which ultimately lead to his demise.

Midway through the fight, Garcia began to take over and began landing huge straight rights and his trademark left hook. It was less about what Garcia was able to do and more about what Guerrero allowed him to do once he stopped boxing and began brawling.

Guerrero had moments over the course of the second half of the fight but they were few and far between.

Yes, we got the warrior from Gilroy that we always get, the relentless attacker with the granite chin who absorbs punishment while landing his own, but it wasn’t enough. Boxing was the key to the puzzle, he was successful early but unable to sustain it.

Garcia to his credit used Guerrero’s aggressiveness against him to land counter after counter and start to take the lead in an otherwise close fight.

Both men closed the show as they gave it all in the 12th with Guerrero getting the better of it.

Standing-8 had it 115-113 Garcia. There were a lot of close rounds. Guerrero was the aggressor throughout but only at times effective enough to win the round. Guerrero comes forward aggressively and throws flurries of punches with one significant scoring blow while getting countered with two, thus most likely the diffrence in the judges minds in the close rounds.

With the win Garcia captured the WBC World welterweight strap vacated by Floyd Mayweather upon his retirement.

Rumors that Garcia-Amir Khan 2 could be next or Garcia vs. the Keith Thurman v. Shawn Porter winner.

Garcia is in a lot of close fights but always does enough to get the victory. As he moves up the division, he might not be as fortunate.

Guerrero showed he is no gatekeeper; however, if he continues to be one-dimensional, depending on the opponent he will most likely be on the short end of the cards. If Guerrero can sustain his beautiful boxing throughout combined with his aggression, we may see a resurgence of the former multiple division world champion.

DANNY GARCIA VS. ROBERT GUERRERO MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Press Release For Immediate Release

Click HERE For MP3

Ray Flores

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brittany Goossen Brown

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

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

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

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

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

R. Flores

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

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

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

John Stouffer

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

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

R. Flores

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

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

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

Danny Garcia

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

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

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

12 months from now, where do you see yourself?

D. Garcia

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

Do you see yourself being more active?

D. Garcia

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

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

What kind of challenge does Robert present?

D. Garcia

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

What are your goals at 147?

D. Garcia

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

Do you feel you have to make a statement?

D. Garcia

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

Do you want to make any predictions for this fight?

D. Garcia

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

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

D. Garcia

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

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

R. Flores

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

Angel Garcia

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

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

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

R. Flores

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

D. Garcia

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

R. Flores

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

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

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

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

Robert Guerrero

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

R. Flores

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

What are your thoughts on Danny?

R. Guerrero

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

How important is your record finishing out?

R. Guerrero

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

What advantages do you see you have over him?

R. Guerrero

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

Do you want to make a prediction for this fight?

R. Guerrero

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

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

R. Guerrero

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

R. Flores

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

R. Guerrero

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

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

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

Press Release For Immediate Release

Aaron Poole, Andrew Bernstein Photography

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

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

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

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

Quotes & Photos Danny Garcia Robert Guerrero Press Conference

Press Releasee For Immediate Release

QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM DANNY GARCIA AND ROBERT GUERRERO
PRESS CONFERENCE IN ADVANCE OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES SHOWDOWN ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 AT STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

CO-MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS SAMMY VASQUEZ AND ARON MARTINEZ ALSO IN ATTENDANCE

Credit: Idris Erba/Premier Boxing Champions

LOS ANGELES (December 9, 2015 ) Before undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs) face-off in a 12-round welterweight showdown on Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles they met Wednesday for a press conference at the Conga Room at L.A. Live to formally announce their primetime battle.

Garcia and Guerrero will headline the televised action on the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes fight card beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Undefeated rising star Sergeant Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez (20-0, 14 KOs) and Los Angeles-native Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs), who will meet on January 23 in the FOX co-main event, were also on-hand at Wednesday’s press conference.

Here is what the participants had to say at today’s press conference:

DANNY GARCIA

“I want to thank California for accepting me and giving me the chance to showcase my skills at STAPLES Center.

“Training camp has been going well. We already started sparring. I feel a lot stronger at 147-pounds. The world hasn’t seen the best of Danny Garcia yet, but they’ll see a fresher, faster, stronger and smarter fighter on January 23.

“I’m from Philadelphia, but I feel like California is my home because they say this is where the stars come. And I’m a star.

“I’m going to go out there and set the tempo. I’m going to back him up. If I have to move around and use angles I will. I’m going to stick to the game plan.

“I’m looking to fight anybody at 147. I believe I will be a champion in this new weight class. This is another step for me towards taking over the welterweight division.

“There are always going to be critics. It’s not a source of motivation. My motivation is to go out there, train hard and win the fight. I want to make my family proud and be the best person I can be.

“Anything can happen on any day. I have to prepare myself for all of the outcomes. The way I prepare myself, I feel like nobody can beat me.

“I represent all Latinos. In order to be a star you have to come here and do it. No matter where you come from, great fights are what you want.

” Come January 23 I’m going to go out there and give the fans a great fight.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“It’s a blessing to be in the position that I’m in. This is going to be a great fight. We know that Danny comes into every fight ready to win.

“A lot of people are writing me off, but I’ll come in 100% prepared to take the win on January 23.

“This isn’t do or die for me, but it is a big fight. The fans love fighters and that’s what I am. As you saw in my fight with (Keith) Thurman, I come to fight.

“I’ve got to take advantage of this opportunity. If I want to get back on top then this is step one. This is a pivotal point in my career.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Danny and Angel, but on fight night I’m coming ready to do business. We can be friends after. I’m excited to fight on FOX.”

SAMMY VASQUEZ

“This is because of everything I’ve been through in my life. Now I’m standing here living a dream.

“I know come January 23 this is going to be a tough fight. Aron has faced many world champions. He had a close split decision with Robert Guerrero as well.

“Honestly, it’s easier to be fighting outside of my hometown of Pittsburgh. I’m so busy when I’m there and I try to give everyone attention. I appreciate having that fan base though. They’ve been with me from the beginning.

“The fans are who builds you up. Having those fans has allowed me to get to where I am today.

“I’m looking for fireworks. He’s definitely the type of fighter that’s a step-up for me, and that’s what I’ve been wanting. I’ve been saying I’ll fight anyone the put in front of me. Now he’s in front of me, and it’s my time to shine.

“I’m coming into his back yard, but this isn’t my first time doing that. I’ve done this before and come out victorious.”

ARON MARTINEZ

“I’m happy to be fighting in my hometown. I grew up here. I can’t wait to fight in front of my people.

“Friends are asking me what it’s like to be the underdog. I tell them I’m always the underdog. That’s what makes me work harder.

“I cannot let this man come here and beat me in my hometown. It’s a dream come true to be fighting at STAPLES Center, and I’m going to take full advantage of the opportunity to add this win to my legacy.

“Hopefully Sammy Vasquez is ready because I’ve trained very hard to get here. I plan to train even harder now, have a great camp right here in the capital of boxing, and finish preparing myself.

“I think this fight is going to steal the show. It’ll be fireworks!”

ANGEL GARCIA, DANNY GARCIA’S FATHER AND TRAINER

“We’ve got to take Robert Guerrero very seriously because we know he’s coming to win against Danny.

“Danny is 31-0 and I’m going to make sure nobody takes that zero away from him.

“The Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry will heat up. Danny is the best Puerto Rican fighter out there and we’re excited for the chance to prove it January 23 at STAPLES Center.”

RUBEN GUERRERO, ROBERT GUERRERO’S FATHER AND TRAINER

“We’re having a strong camp. This is going to be a war.

“Danny Garcia is a good fighter. He can punch. So we’ve got to be ready for all of the things that he’ll bring to the table.

“We have a good game plan and are looking forward to facing Danny at STAPLES Center. We just want to put on a great show on FOX and prove to the world what we’re capable of.”

UNDEFEATED DANNY GARCIA FACES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ROBERT GUERRERO ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

Press Release For Immediate Release

MULTIPLE PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENTS ADDED TO FOX BROADCAST LINEUP

UNDEFEATED DANNY GARCIA FACES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION ROBERT GUERRERO ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 LIVE FROM STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

Tickets On Sale Today!

LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports expands its existing media rights agreement for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) with multiple primetime Saturday evening bouts on the FOX broadcast network and FOX Deportes in 2016.

PBC on FOX debuts Saturday, January 23 (8:00 PM ET) with an action-packed two-hour show headlined by one of the most exciting undefeated fighters in boxing, Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs), facing former three-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs), live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. That bout, along with others to be announced, airs on the broadcast network and in Spanish on FOX Deportes, The January 23 event is the first of three PBC cards scheduled to appear on FOX in primetime during 2016.

“We’re thrilled to present the first professional boxing on FOX in almost 20 years with Premier Boxing Champions’ exciting primetime Saturday shows,” said David Nathanson, FOX Sports Head of Business Operations. “With the success of the PBC’s Tuesday night boxing series on FS1 and FOX Deportes, we knew boxing would make a great addition to FOX alongside the FOX Sports portfolio that includes the world’s premier sports properties.”

Veteran boxing announcer Brian Kenny hosts the inaugural edition of PBC on FOX with Gus Johnson calling the action ringside. On FOX Deportes, former featherweight world champion and 2000 Mexican Olympic team member Daniel Ponce de Leon joins renowned blow-by-blow announcers Jessi Losada and Ricardo Celis to call the action.

Premier Boxing Champions’ live boxing series TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1, and simulcast as BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes, kicked off on Tuesday, Sept. 8 with 21 Tuesday shows scheduled through the end of June, 2016.

Headlining the inaugural PBC on FOX, Garcia and Guerrero are hungry to add another signature win in their respective careers. Both have fought at STAPLES Center previously, but this is the first time as a main event for each.

“I’m excited to be fighting in Primetime on FOX and to get back in the ring in such a big way,” said Garcia. “I know people are going to say this is a Puerto Rico vs. Mexico matchup, but I fight for all Latinos and I have the fan-friendly style to back it up. Guerrero comes to fight and he’s faced the best in the sport. This is a huge opportunity for me to show why I’m a star there’s no better place to do that than in Los Angeles, where stars are born.”

Garcia established himself as the preeminent boxer in the 140-pound division with major victories over Kendall Holt, Zab Judah, Amir Khan, Erik Morales, Lucas Matthysse and Lamont Peterson. A native of the fighting city of Philadelphia, Garcia last fought at STAPES Center in 2011 when he defeated Holt by decision before winning his first world title in his next bout over Morales. The 27-year-old unified titles in his next fight with a thrilling stoppage of Amir Khan in the fourth round. The undefeated Garcia worked his way up to the 147-pound division in 2015 with victories over former world champions Paulie Malignaggi and Lamont Peterson. Now he takes on his second former welterweight world champion when he faces Guerrero.

“If there ever was a fight that defined the word ‘war’, it’s this fight,” said Guerrero. “What a great way to kick-off the return of primetime boxing on FOX. I guarantee this is going to be a historic fight. A Mexican-American vs. a Puerto Rican-American, it’s a bitter rivalry. Danny Garcia is a great champion and I know we’re going to put on a tremendous show. January 23, it’s going to be fireworks…and I can’t wait!”

Born and raised in Gilroy, California, Guerrero has been in two exciting contests this year after defeating Aron Martinez in June and dropping an electrifying battle to Keith Thurman in the inaugural PBC event in March. Prior to 2015, the 32-year-old has picked up victories over Andre Berto, Secluk Aydin and Michael Katsidis on his way to winning world titles in three divisions. The brawling warrior has been in several “Fight of the Year” candidates throughout his career and will hope to again invigorate fans with a thrilling battle.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale today at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

“Garcia and Guerrero are two of the toughest guys in the sport today,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “They leave it all in the ring every time out and they’re going to give the great Los Angeles sports fans a memorable night of action. There’s no better way to start off the New Year and no more-suited venue for it than STAPLES Center.”

“We are incredibly excited to have Premier Boxing Champions back at STAPLES Center with a huge event featuring these two great warriors on January 23,” said Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “Los Angeles boxing fans are in for an amazing night of fights with a main event that will undoubtedly be action-packed.”

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

Garcia Too Much For Malignaggi, Jacobs Wins

Danny Garcia TKO 9 Over Paulie Malignaggi

Danny Garcia (31-0 18 KO) took his first step into the welterweight division this evening from Barclays in Brooklyn and stopped Paulie Malignaggi (33-7 9 KO) in the ninth round. The stoppage by Referee Arthur Mercante was the kind that some would say good stoppage, some too quick but both would agree that Garcia was well ahead.

Malignaggi did his best work while jabbing high and low and exhibiting excellent feints and footwork but his lack of power posed little threat to Garcia. As such, Garcia was able to control the fight and stalk Malignaggi while wearing him down over the course of the fight. Garcia cut Malignaggi under the right eye in the third and continued to go after it causing Mercante to direct the ring side physician to take a few looks. Prior to the ninth round, Mercante did tell Malignaggi that he would have to see something from him and if he took unneeded punishment he would stop it.

In the ninth, Malinaggi showed little while Garcia landed a crisp combination off of Malignagi’s head causing Mercante to jump in and put an end to the fight.

Malignaggi was not hurt badly but the combination of his cut and the lopsided scores at the time which were 79-73 X 2 and 78-74, apparently was enough for Mercante.

It’s not like this was a great performance by Garcia, he could have attacked Malignaggi and impose his will but never did. It will be interesting to see what happens when a more formidable opponent gets his chance at the new kid in the division.

Malignaggi, a class act who always gave his all, is nearing retirement but he won’t be far as his moonlighting job as an announcer will become full time.

Danny Jacobs TKO 2 Over Sergio Mora

Danny Jacobs (30-1 27 KO) defeated Sergio Mora (28-4 9 KO) in the second round when Mora went down and the fight was waved off but it was less of what Jacobs did and apparently a leg injury that was the culprit.

Mora stated that he “head something pop” in his knee and that he thinks his ankle is broken. The replay shows him going down awkwardly as he was moving away from Jacobs.

The fight started with explosion as both fighters tasted the canvas in the opening round . Jacobs dropped Mora with a crisp right hook half way through the first. Mora was a bit dazed but got up and took a cursory count. Jacobs closed in to finish him and got careless as Mora landed a left counter hook dropping Jacobs for only the second time in his career. Jacobs was probably hurt worse than Mora was but has excellent recuperative powers and was able to land a few more decent shots on Mora at the bell.

It’s too bad that this one had to end the way it did, the first round was probably the round of the year and it had all the signs of a great fight.

Update 8/2- Hopefully the decision will be changed to a “no-contest” because it has been reported that Mora suffered a fractured ankle.

Garcia By Majority Decision Over Peterson, Lee-Quillin Battle To A Split Draw

Lamont Peterson (33-3-1 17 KO) almost had a perfect game plan on Saturday night from Brooklyn, almost. Peterson lost to Danny Garcia (30-0 17 KO) by majority decision, 115-113 X2 and 114-114; however, we may have seen a different outcome had Peterson been a bit more active in the early rounds.

I saw what you did Peterson, I saw the game plan, it took a few moments but it became clear. Give away rounds early, frustrate and wear down Garcia, come on late and apply pressure, Garcia will fade.

Fact is, Garcia did fade and looked almost befuddled in the championship rounds but it was the early rounds that did Peterson in. Peterson stayed away so much early that Garcia had to stop in his tracks pound his gloves and motion him to fight. Garcia was frustrated throughout the fight as Peterson moved away utilizing the steps of a dancer, looked away not respecting what may be coming his way, shuffled his feet, and faked bolo punches.

Garcia was the rightful winner if only by the slightest of margins. The fight was Peterson’s had he chosen to begin his plan a bit sooner.

Post fight quotes-

Garcia-

“I feel great. I prepared for a war. He was moving a lot. I thought it was close, not going to lie,”

“It was definitely close the whole way through. I did enough to win and I’m happy with my performance.

Peterson-

“I did my part. I’m not calling it a robbery but it was a good fight, I don’t expect an easy journey for me to get where I’m going. I feel great. That’s probably the least contact I’ve ever had in a fight.”

Lee-Quillin

The co-feature on the Garcia-Peterson card was a hotly contested middleweight donnybrook between Andy Lee (36-2-1 24 KO) and Peter Quillin (31-0-1 22 KO) which resulted in a split draw, 113-113, 113-112 Lee, 113-112 Quillin.

Early, Quillin was landing solid shots coming out of an extremely tight guard. Towards the end of the first, he dropped Lee with an overhand right. Lee wobbled to his feet as Quillen moved in for the kill buckling Lee again with a left as the bell sounded.

Lee recovered enough to have a competitive second but was dropped again in the third; however, as usually happens between a southpaw and orthodox fighter, their feet being tangled may have contributed to Lee hitting the canvas.

Over the next three rounds, both fighters were giving as good as they were getting. In the seventh, Lee dropped Quillin for the first time in his career with right hook. Quillin wasn’t overly hurt by the shot and fought to the bell.

For the remainder of the fight, there were a lot of close rounds which could have gone either way.

Post Fight Quotes-

Andy Lee-

“It was a tough fight. I got dropped early because I was lazy, but I got the momentum late in the fight and boxed consistently,” Lee said. “I understand with two knockdowns, people felt he won. The decision was fair. I could have done better tonight.”

Peter Quillin-

“There’s a reason why judges are judges, they see it their way,” Quillin said afterward. “I respect the decision. There is a first time for everything. I’m grateful that I was going to get dropped that I was able to get back up and fight. I came here to fight and I was able to go 12 rounds. I could have kept going. I took a year off, and the motivation of losing my title got me going.”

PBC on NBC Garcia- Peterson Workout Quotes

-Release

BROOKLYN (April 7, 2015) – Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC night of fights participated in a media workout today at Barclays Center in anticipation of their upcoming bouts.

PBC on NBC main event bouts at Barclays Center feature undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) facing Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) and the middleweight championship bout between “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) and undefeated Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs). The second installment of PBC on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at http://www.barclayscenter.com, http://www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Here are what the fighters had to say at Tuesday’s workout:

DANNY GARCIA

“I just want to give the fans a great fight. I want them to see the best Danny Garcia. At the end of the day, this is the fight the fans want to see. My main focus is putting on a great show for the fans.

“I’ve faced a lot of skillful boxers in my career and I’m still undefeated. That should tell the fans around the world who has more skill. Come April 11 when he’s feeling these two bombs on his face he’s going to forget about his skill.

“I just want to give fans a great fight. I’m not too worried about the ‘0’ on my record. I fight hard to protect it but my main focus is to go in there and get the job done one fight at a time.

“Everything I’ve done in my career is for a reason. Now I’m here on NBC fighting on this big playing field. This is great for boxing and a breath of fresh air for the sport.

“I just want to be confident and humble at the same time. I want the fans to love me because I’m being myself. It’s very important for a young champion.

“I’m going to try to dictate the pace, be smart, move my head, use my feet and land good punches. I can’t try to chase him down.

“I used to love other great Puerto Rican boxers like Felix Trinidad, Miguel Cotto and Hector Camacho. I feel like I’m definitely working my way up into the ranks with them and following their footsteps.

“I have to be smart in the ring. I have to go in there and be Danny Garcia. I’m here because I’m a smart fighter. Everyone knows that. I have power. I’m going to find my opening and capitalize on his mistakes.”

LAMONT PETERSON

“This is just another fight for me. I’m not worried about being the main event. I just love to fight. As long as I’m fighting I’m happy.

“A lot of people see us fight and see us take punches, but that’s just the easy part. The sacrifice in the gym and putting my body through punishment is the rough part.

“I’m not trying to prove anyone wrong, but this fight is important to me and I want to win it. I want to be the top guy and that means beating the top guy.

“People talk about him beating Matthysse and Matthysse beating me, but anyone who knows about boxing knows that doesn’t mean anything. Come Saturday night I will prove to everyone that I’m a better fighter than Danny Garcia.

“Angel Garcia has his opinion on this fight, and I respect it. He can go on record and say anything he wants, but if he says Danny Garcia is stronger than me, I’ll tell you that’s a lie.

“We’re not worried about Danny’s power. A lot of people have asked me about that but I’m not worried. Danny Garcia had a split decision with Kendall Holt, who I knocked out. No one seems to mention that.

“I’m comfortable with whatever way this fight goes. I’m almost guaranteeing the win.

“I don’t think they’re taking me lightly. At the end of the day, Garcia knows this is a fight and he knows he hasn’t fought anyone like me. I’m expecting a big victory Saturday night.

“You never know what you’re going to see with me. Whatever I feel like I need to do to win, that’s what I’ll do. I’m prepared 100 percent. I’m in shape for 30 rounds and I’ll be ready for anything. ”

ANDY LEE

“We’ve made unbelievable progress in the last year on my skills and everything has really just clicked for me and my team and now we’re seeing the results in the ring.

“I’m very proud to be an Irishman from Limerick defending his world championship in New York, it doesn’t get much better than that.

“There’s been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders since winning the world-title. It’s what I always wanted to do and I’ve been touted as a champion for years and if I never got it I would have been disappointed. Now the monkey is off my back and I can just box and show people who I am.

“We’ve made physical and tactical improvements in the gym since the last fight and hopefully they’ll show up in the ring on Saturday.

“I think this could be a technical fight or it could be a bit of a fire fight. It’s going to be a little of both at times. There will be moments where we’re looking at each other, figuring each other out, but once we exchange it could be explosive.

“Quillin is sure of himself, but he has to be, I have the same mentality. You have to be to compete in this sport.

“Fighting at home like Quillin is on Saturday, brings a different kind of pressure to the table, it’s the pressure of expectations and people you know coming to the fights. That’s also pressure and I know all about that.

“I haven’t needed to build up my confidence for this fight. It’s not time to think. It’s time to do what I’ve been doing every day in the gym.”

PETER QUILLIN

“I never trailed in a fight and came back and won like Lee. I’ve just won all the time right out of the gate. Those other guys aren’t ‘Kid Chocolate’ so I think that’s why this fight was made.

“It’s a big fight for him and a big fight for me. He’s a smart fighter when he’s in trouble so I have to watch out for that. Most importantly I just need to be true to myself.

“A lot of people had Lee as the underdog in his last fight but he came out and did great. That’s the thing about boxing; one punch can change the fight.

“I’m getting paid for 12 rounds so I’m preparing for 12 rounds but if I can get him out of there early I will.

“My whole life has been struggles and I’ve had to overcome every single one of those struggles. This is going to be no different from that.

“Being a father of course made me more inspired and watching my uncle pass has made me more motivated than ever to accomplish everything I want.

“When I gave up the belt I learned that I can be a bigger man and make tough decisions like that all of the time. People think losing is easy, but winning all the time is a different kind of pressure.”

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I am the best young prospect in the game. I’m on the borderline of contender status and I believe I’m one fight away from being a contender.

“I’m a little bit of a mix style-wise. I’m a boxer, I can punch and I can fight if I have to.

“The fight I learned the most from was with Emanuel Lartey, he was undefeated along with me and it was my first real fight and first time going the distance.

“I see myself fighting all the top guys in the welterweight division. I see myself with Keith Thurman, Amir Khan and any top welterweight.

“I’m going to look good as always on Saturday night, It’s going to be fantastic and I’m going to come out with the victory.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“I’m just blessed to have this opportunity to fight at Barclays Center for the eighth time in front of my hometown fans.

“I love performing in in Brooklyn. The fans here are fantastic and they know when I get in the ring they’re going to see something special.

“I have a tough opponent in front of me. He’s experienced, very lanky fighter but we’ve trained very hard and I’m ready for anything he’s got.

“Saturday is going to be a great night for Team Browne, Staten Island and all of my fans. Don’t blink cause you might miss it!”

LUIS COLLAZO

“I’ve spent some time with the family, regrouping and making sure I still have the same passion for this sport. I’m excited to be back and I jumped at the opportunity to be on this card.

“This is what I live for. Boxing is my life.

“After the Khan fight I took about a month off and then I went straight to the gym. I couldn’t go out like I did against Khan. No excuses, but it was time to go back to the drawing board and stay motivated throughout the whole year.

“The fans can expect the same excitement I always bring. I’m more motivated now and hopefully after this fight I can get a big fight and give the fans what they want.”

HEATHER HARDY

“I have the same mindset going into every fight. I train to fight my fight and make adjustments when get in there.

“I feel strong and I feel capable of whatever needs to be done.

“I’ve only been boxing for four years so I’m still learning a lot of boxing technique in camp plus working three or four days a week with my strength and conditioning coach.

“Fans can expect a good show and a big win out me on Saturday.”

# # #

For more information visit http://www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and http://www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and http://www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week

gossip

A Swift Return And Exit
Danny Garcia returned to the ring on Saturday night from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and did what he was supposed to do, make quick work of opponent Rod Salka. Garcia knocked Salka silly by second round knockout by way of his money maker, the left hook. Not a whole lot can be made of the victory. “The Lighting Rod” was rated so poorly by the alphabet soup that the fight was not sanctioned, thus not putting Garcia’s WBC and WBA belts on the line. Even though Garcia wasn’t fighting a serious threat, he looked sharp and extremely quick. Prior to this fight, his last eight opponents were or had been former title holders. That is quite a run of top level competition so it’s not inexcusable to cut “Swift” a break here for choice of opponent. That said, his next defense better be against a legitimate threat (insert Lamont Peterson here) or his strong run will be for naught. Even with the victory, he moves down one on the Standing 8 P4P List.

Doctor’s Orders
Like Garcia, Lamont Peterson also did what was expected of him by thoroughly defeating 35 year old Edgar Santana by tenth round TKO. Peterson looked in top form using all phases of the sweet science in out landing Santana 281-94 in total punches. He worked the body like a madman recalling memories of Mike McCallum. Peterson dominated so thoroughly that the ringside doctor stopped the fight in the tenth, he had seen enough. A Peterson Garcia matchup would be a purist’s dream. This would be a matchup on the highest of levels. A boxing match that would see each fighter look to land their power shots. Let’s hope it’s made next.

Live Strong
Danny Jacobs kicked cancer in its ass. “The Miracle Man” has been an inspiration to many during his journey, but Saturday night he took it to another level when he defeated Jarrod Fletcher by fifth round TKO and captured the vacant WBA middleweight title. He is absolutely one of the nicest guys in the sport and a champion for a cause that is bigger than the sport.

Game On!
The bout between Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora is back on and scheduled for November 22 in London. Previously, they were set to meet on July 26 in Manchester, England but Chisora injured his left hand and had to pull out of the fight. This fight is a rematch of their July 2011 bout which saw Fury decision Chisora and give him his first loss. These two have had an entertaining war of words going on for a few years, so let’s just hope that it carries over into the ring.

Follow Me Into The Thunder(Dome)
The StubHub Center, or as I like to affectionately refer to as The Thunderdome, is known for classic slugfests and fights of the year candidates, most recently the Robert Guerrero vs. Yoshihiro Kamegai battle and April’s Lucas Matthysse vs. John Molina Jr. respectively. It should be no different this Saturday when the venue form Carson, California will be rocking once again with excellent matchups and intriguing story lines.
This card is ABSOLUTELY STACKED!!! Shawn Porter will be facing Kell Brook for Porter’s IBF welterweight title, an intriguing matchup that will not disappoint. The co-feature is a rematch between Sakio Bika and Anthony Dirrell who fought to a draw last December. If those two fights don’t get pumped, then add in Omar Figueroa vs. Daniel Estrada for Figueroa’s belt. WOW. Oh, and just for good measure, Deontay Wilder will be on the card to face an opponent not yet named but rumored to be Jason Gavern.

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