Cuban Boxing Stars Take Center Stage On Saturday, March 2

Cuban Boxing Stars Take Center Stage On Saturday, March 2 As Former World Champion Erislandy Lara Challenges Unbeaten Brian Castaño For His WBA Super Welterweight World Title While Top Heavyweight Contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Battles Christian Hammer In Co-Feature

Live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Plus! Hard-Hitting Super Featherweight Ricardo Núñez Clashes with Former World Title Challenger Edner Cherry in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Opening Bout

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET!

BROOKLYN (January 17, 2019) – Former 154-pound world champion Erislandy Lara seeks to return to the championship ranks when the Cuban star challenges undefeated contender Brian Castaño for his WBA Super Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, March 2 live on SHOWTIME and presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage of the PBC event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features another Cuban star in top heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz as he clashes with Christian Hammer in a 10-round co-featured bout. In the opening bout of the tripleheader, hard-hitting Ricardo Núñeztakes on rugged veteran Edner Cherry in a 12-round super featherweight opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale Friday, January 18 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 beginning Saturday, January 19. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The super welterweight division remains one of the hottest divisions in boxing with unified champion Jarrett Hurd, newly crown champion Tony Harrison, former world champion Jermell Charlo, former title challenger Julian Williams and Lara all circling each other for supremacy in the weight class.

“This night of exciting action is headlined by two Cuban stars who will surely put on a display of the immense skill and determination that Cuban boxers are known for,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Erislandy Lara has long been one of the best, if not number one, in the 154-pound division and he will look to get right back into that class by taking the WBA title from a hard-hitting and undefeated Argentine in Brian Castaño. Luis Ortiz has another opportunity to show why he’s one of the most-feared punchers in the heavyweight division and prove that he deserves a rematch for the title with Deontay Wilder. Christian Hammer has fought against the best at heavyweight and he isn’t coming here to lie down for Ortiz. When you add the Ricardo Núñez vs. Edner Cherry fight that is sure to bring action, it adds up to another can’t-miss night at Barclays Center and live on SHOWTIME.”

“Erislandy Lara is one of the most talented junior middleweights in the world, and while Brian Castaño is not yet a household name, he was a world renowned amateur and is undefeated as a pro,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a must-win fight for Lara and Castaño’s chance to establish himself as one of boxing’s rising stars. Luis Ortiz is a dangerous man. His ‘King Kong’ nickname is appropriate, as no one wants to fight the beast. You saw why in his spectacular challenge against Deontay Wilder. Tested world class contender Christian Hammer will attempt to derail ‘King Kong’ in his quest to secure another world title shot.”

“Over the last few years SHOWTIME has spotlighted the progression of the super welterweight and heavyweight divisions as they have emerged as two of the hottest and deepest in the sport,” said Stephen Espinoza, President of Sports and Event Programming, SHOWTIME. “On March 2, we will further that with a pair of the most dangerous and perhaps most avoided fighters in boxing in Erislandy Lara and Luis Ortiz. Both are in significant and difficult matchups. Brian Castaño is young, undefeated and although already the champion, looking to make a mark on the division with a signature win over Lara. Add in an all-action 130-pound bout and we have a dynamite three-fight card.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome both Erislandy Lara and Luis Ortiz back to Barclays Center for what will be an exciting night for fight fans in Brooklyn,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “Both fighters have put up compelling performances in our ring, and will face tough competitors on March 2. I am also looking forward to BROOKLYN BOXING returning to SHOWTIME for the first time in 2019 for an evening of world class matchups.”

Lara (25-3-2, 14 KOs) was the longest reigning 154-pound champion until he lost a split decision to Jarrett Hurd on April 7 in a unification bout on SHOWTIME. Now the 39-year-old Lara, who was born in Guantanamo, Cuba and lives in Houston, looks to grab a title and once again stake his claim as one of the division’s best. He has one of the strongest resumes in the division, having fought Hurd and former 154-pound champions Canelo Alvarez and Austin Trout.

“I’m very excited to be back headlining SHOWTIME in another major fight,” said Lara. “Brian Castaño is a young undefeated champion with a strong amateur pedigree. I look forward to being in the ring with him and putting on a great fight for the fans. I can’t wait to being crowned world champion again. Everyone tune in March 2nd, you don’t want to miss the whole card, it’s going to be sensational.”

The 29-year-old Castaño (15-0, 11 KOs) has worked his way up the ladder in one of the toughest divisions in boxing with raw power and toughness. Castaño, who is from Buenos Aires, fits well into the mold of the Argentine sluggers before him – such as former champions Carlos Monzon, Sergio Martinez and Marcos Maidana. He will battle Lara after wins against Michel Soro in 2017, where he captured the interim 154-pound, and Cedric Vitu in 2018, where he captured the belt he will defend on March 2.

“I’m thrilled to be facing Lara as he was a great champion and still one of the best fighters out there,” said Castaño. “Obviously this is the most important fight of my career and I know it will be difficult because of his experience. I have my own experience however, and I’m willing to prove that I belong with the best tin the division. I know he will get onto his bike and move around the ring, but I have the strength to knock him off.”

‘King Kong’ returns to New York on March 2 as Ortiz (30-1, 26 KOs), a southpaw power puncher, enters the ring with two solid knockout victories under his belt since losing to WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder at Barclays Center last March. The 39-year-old Ortiz, who is from Camaguey, Cuba and now lives in Miami, Florida, is still considered one of the top five heavyweights in the division. He most recently scored a knockout victory over Travis Kauffman on December 1.

“‘King Kong’ is coming back to Brooklyn!” said Ortiz. “I’m very excited to be back on SHOWTIME in a huge event at Barclays Center. Christian Hammer is a very good fighter and I will be prepared for the best he has to offer. Come March 2, I’m hammering my way past him and setting up a clash with the winner of Wilder-Fury II or Anthony Joshua. I can’t wait till Brooklyn.”

Hammer (24-5, 14 KOs) has dueled some of the top heavyweights in the sport, including Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin. The 31-year-old Hammer, who was born in Galati, Romania and lives in Hamburg, Germany, has put together two victories since he lost a unanimous decision to Povetkin in 2017. In his last fight he scored a KO victory over then-unbeaten Michael Wallisch on December 15.

“I’ve been in training since right after Christmas for this big opportunity,” said Hammer. “I won my last fight by knockout, but I’m preparing for 12 hard rounds against Ortiz. A fight like this in New York is very special to me. This is the reason I became a boxer. The fans can look forward to a real heavyweight thriller on March 2.”

The hard-hitting Panamanian Núñez (20-2, 18 KOs) will be fighting for the first time in the United States on March 2. The 25-year-old is on a nine-fight winning streak in which he has scored eight knockout victories. He most recently delivered a first-round knockout of previously unbeaten Elvis Torres in June.

Cherry (37-7-2, 19 KOs) has put together a three-fight win streak since losing to Jose Pedraza in a featherweight title match in 2015. The 36-year-old Cherry, who was born in Nassau, Bahamas and now lives in Wauchula, Florida, has defeated Dennis Galarza, Omar Douglas and Haskell Rhodes heading into March and has faced top fighters including Tim Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi throughout his career.

Welterweight Contender Jamal James Wins Majority Decision Over Abel Ramos

Welterweight Contender Jamal James Wins Majority Decision
Over Abel Ramos in Front of Hometown Crowd Friday Night in
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event From the Armory in Minneapolis
 
Edner Cherry Defeats Dennis Galarza by Unanimous Decision in
Back and Forth Lightweight Showdown
&
Chris Colbert Wins Battle of Unbeaten Prospects by TKO Over
Austin Dulay After Seven Rounds
 
Unbeaten Prospect Sebastian Fondora Stops Veshawn Owens; Top Prospect Joey Spencer Earns Knockout Victory
 
Click HERE for Photos from Brian Schroeder/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
MINNEAPOLIS (April 14, 2018) – Welterweight contender Jamal James (23-1, 10 KOs) earned a hard fought majority decision over Abel Ramos (18-3-2, 13 KOs) in front of his hometown fans Friday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Armory in Minneapolis.
 
“It feels so great to get this win in Minneapolis in front of all of my people here,” said James, “Ramos was a tough opponent who gave me a great challenge, but I was able to keep my composure and give the fans a win.”
 
James used his 6-foot-2 frame and reach advantage to beat Ramos to the punch in round one, but was clipped in round two by a left hook from the game Ramos that had the local favorite in temporary trouble and on the defensive.
 
The Minneapolis-native was able to regain his composure and return to the offensive as he poured right hands behind a strong jab along with movement that made it difficult for Ramos to land cleanly. Ramos continued to charge forward however, emphasizing body shots that slowed James down and allowed him to win rounds.
 
“I had to dig down tonight but I think it was a good fight for me to grind out,” said James. “I’m going to keep getting better and I hope to have a chance to display my talents at home again. I know if I keep working, I’m going to get a chance to prove myself against the best out there.”
 
James was able to send the hometown fans happy after 10 rounds, with judges giving him the majority decision by scores of 95-95 and 96-94 twice.
 
The telecast also featured a spirited 10-round lightweight clash that saw Edner Cherry (37-7-2, 19 KOs)earn a close but unanimous decision over Dennis Galarza(16-3, 9 KOs).
 
Galarza controlled the early action with his jab and a powerful right hand that appeared to have Cherry stunned in the first round. His length advantage was key until Cherry was able to establish position on the inside.
 
Cherry began to land several powerful shots on Galarza with both hands in the middle rounds, backing Galarza up and taking away much of power on his shots. Galarza tried to back off and box Cherry more down the stretch, but was unable to avoid the oncoming Cherry as often as he needed.
 
After 10 rounds all three judges favored the work of Cherry by scores of 97-93 and 96-94 twice.
 
In a battle of unbeaten prospects, Chris Colbert (8-0, 2 KOs)scored a TKO victory over Austin Dulay (11-1, 8 KOs)after seven rounds of lightweight action.
 
Colbert was first to the punch from the outset, landing straight right hands cleanly before flummoxing Dulay by switching to the southpaw stance. Colbert scored a knockdown in round six with a combo punctuated by a powerful body shot. After a dominant seventh round, referee Mark Nelson stopped the fight after checking on Dulay in his corner.
 
Additional action saw 6-foot-6 unbeaten prospect Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fondora (9-0, 5 KOs) stop previously unbeaten Veshawn Owens (9-1, 9 KOs)at 2:27 of the fifth round of their super welterweight fight and 17-year-old former amateur standout Joey Spencer (2-0, 2 KOs)deliver a dominant TKO 51 seconds into the first round against Ousmane Sylla (1–3-1, 1 KO) in a super welterweight contest.

Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 Kicks Off 2018 Season

Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 Kicks Off 2018 Season
With Three-Hour Action Packed Extravaganza From The
Armory in Minneapolis on Friday, April 13
 
Welterweight Contender Jamal James Returns to Hometown to Battle Abel Ramos in Welterweight Clash
 
Rugged Veteran Edner Cherry Takes on Dennis Galarza
In Lightweight Showdown in Co-Main Event
 
Plus! Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert Square-Off in Matchup of Unbeaten Super Featherweights & Sensational
Prospects Sebastian Fundora & Joey Spencer In
Action in Separate Matches
 
MINNEAPOLIS (April 10, 2018) – Premier Boxing Champions kicks off the 2018 season on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Friday, April 13 with five action-packed bouts on a three-hour televised show from the Armory in Minneapolis, featuring welterweight contender Jamal James battling Abel Ramos in a 10-round main event in front of his hometown crowd.
 
In the co-main event, rugged veteran Edner Cherry clashes with rising lightweightDennis Galarza in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super featherweights Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert square off in an eight-round match.
 
Plus, exciting 6-foot-6 super welterweight Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora (8-0, 4 KOs) will take on Veshawn Owens (9-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round match of unbeaten prospects. Sensational 18-year-old, 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer (1-0, 1 KO), a former No. 1 ranked amateur and nine-time national champion, battles Ousmane Sylla (1-2, 1 KOs) in a four round match. The televised action starts at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
The event marks the return of boxing to the Minneapolis Armory, a historic venue that hosted nearly 100 cards between 1915 and 1973, including a show headlined by all-time great Sugar Ray Robinson in 1942.
 
“This show is the perfect example of what Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes is all about – boxers at various stages of their career, each with something to prove in all action matches,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “The stakes are raised for Jamal James because he’s fighting in front of his hometown crowd and yo get in title the mix at 147 pounds and Abel Ramos wants to spoil all of that.
 
“Veteran Edner Cherry, who has tangled with Paulie Malignaggi and Timothy Bradley, and Dennis Galarza are both looking fighting to get into title contention. And it’s rare for unbeaten prospects like Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert to clash this soon in their careers. It all promises to be an exciting night of boxing on a night when the sports calendar isn’t crowded.”
 
James (22-1, 10 KOs) is coming off the biggest victory of his career – a knockout over tough veteran Diego Chaves on Dec. 15. The 29-year-old James joined unified 147-pound champion Keith Thurman as the only boxer to have knocked out the durable Argentine. It was James second straight victory since suffering the only loss of his career – a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 12, 2016. James hasn’t fought in his hometown of Minneapolis since he scored a unanimous decision over Mohammed Kayongo in 2013.
 
Ramos (18-2-2, 13 KOs) will complete his move to the welterweight division by taking on James after making his welterweight debut with a stoppage of Emmanuel Robles last July. The 26-year-old out of Arizona has won three of his last four fights and his only pro defeats have come at the hands of top 140-pound contenders Regis Prograis and Ivan Baranchyk.
 
Cherry (36-7-2, 19 KOs) has defeated once-beaten contenders Haskell Rhodes and Omar Douglas since losing a split decision to Jose Pedraza in a 130-pound world title match in 2015. The 35-year-old Cherry of Wauchula, Florida has previously challenged Tim Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi during his career that included a 10-fight win streak after the Bradley bout.
 
Galarza (16-2, 9 KOs), an outstanding amateur boxer, is stepping up in competition with this matchup against the more experienced Cherry. The 25-year-old Galarza, who’s from Brooklyn but trains in Orlando, has won three straight fights since losing a split decision to Cesar Alan Valenzuela on Sept. 16, 2016.
 
Dulay (11-0, 8 KOs) was busy last year, fighting four times with only one fight going the distance. The 22-year-old southpaw from Nashville, Tennessee most recently scored a TKO victory over Carlos Padilla last August.
 
Colbert (7-0, 2 KOs) has one of the most decorated amateur careers in New York City as he fights out of the renowned Atlas Cops and Kids Gym in Brooklyn. The 21-year-old is noted for his blazing hand and foot speed and he enters this fight coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Titus Williams last November.

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

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

 

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

 

Tickets on Sale Now!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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