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Tag: errol spence jr.
WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ERROL SPENCE JR. TO DEFEND AGAINST FORMER CHAMPION LAMONT PETERSON SATURDAY, JANUARY 20
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Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week
American Dreaming
Erislandy Lara’s (22-2-2 13 KO) fight with Jan Zaveck (35-4 19 KO) was a mismatch both on paper and in the ring. Zavek, a decent enough fighter and former champion at welterweight but not in the class of a Lara.
Zavek was unable to continue in the third after being hit by a Lara left. After the shot landed, Zaveck reached out to touch gloves with Lara and then turned to the referee as Lara landed a combination causing the referee to stop the fight. Afterwards, Zaveck stated that he was unable to continue due to muscle spasms in his shoulder that were caused by the Lara left.
It was likely a foregone conclusion. From the opening round, Lara stalked Zaveck rocking him a few minutes in. Over the next two rounds it was the brilliant tactical style of Lara, albeit with a bit more of bad intentions than we’ve seen from Lara in the past.
Lara has been vocal about getting a rematch with Canelo or fight with GGG. Standing-8 had Lara winning the Alvarez fight 8-4 so make the choice here GGG, the contrast in styles would make for an interesting matchup.
Heavyweight Snore
Former lineal heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko’s performance on Saturday was….. well…..uh……., unbecoming comes to mind.
Wladimir’s last loss was in April of 2004. Since then he had won twenty-two fights and nineteen of those were title defenses. It’s debatable, but you can probably count the number of quality opponents he had in said title defenses on one hand.
In most of his fights, he has been able to lean on his opponent and wear them down. In doing so, he was eventually able to set up a KO or have the challenger so worn down, a few jabs followed by some power were enough to steal rounds.
Against Fury, an opponent who was bigger, he was unable to employ such a tactic and at this point in his career it was disappointing to watch that he did not have a Plan B. And where was the right hand?
So, Fury is now the man that beat the man that beat the….., it’s not his fault, he did what he had to do. It wasn’t spectacular but decent movement and timely punches were enough against an uninterested opponent.
His title run will most likely be a short one. Don’t see him getting past WBC champ Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua.
At least he’s entertaining in a theatrical sense.
He Couldn’t Handle The Truth
Errol Spence Jr. (19-0 16 KO) knocked down Alejandro Barrera (28-3 18 KO) twice in the fifth round, the second coming after Barrera appeared to wave his glove as if to say “no mas”. Spence was spectacular as usual with combination punching, a stiff jab, and a great body attack.
The one negative that stood out in this performance was how much Barrera was able to land clean solid punches. Spence showed a great beard but as he moves towards a potential title shot, he’d be wise to shore up his defense.
Spence Jr. is a rising star and future member on the P4P lists.
Superman Krush
Sergey Kovalev and Adonis Stevenson ran into each other this weekend at the DeGale-Bute fight. They exchanged some “niceties” and spoke about a potential fight. Hopefully the networks can work together on a co-promoted fight. Stevenson was later quoted as saying that Kovalev was scared of him, doubtful. Hopefully this division gets unified.
Step It Up
From the opening bell, it was evident that Jermall Charlo’s (23-0 18 KO) speed and power were going to be too much for challenger Wilky Campfort (21-2 12 KO). Using his jab to set up his right hand, Charlo dominated Campfort as expected stopping him in the 4th.
Charlo is probably more suited for middleweight but stated he would remain at jr. middle and defend his title. No matter where he fights, he needs to step up the competition, it’s time to see him tested.
Road Warrior
James DeGale (22-1 14 KO) went to Lucian Bute’s (32-3 25 KO) backyard and made his first title defense in a close action packed fight.
Bute looked sharp in trying to reclaim the title he held from 2007-2012 with ten defenses. At thirty-five and six years senior to DeGale, he forced the champion to work all twelve rounds to keep his title.
The Whole Truth And Nothing But The Truth
DeSoto, Texas’ Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (17-0 14 KO) stopped Phil “The Italian Sensation” Lo Greco (26-2 14 KO) of Toronto, Canada by 3rd round TKO.
To open the bout, Spence exhibited a tight guard and worked an active jab. Lo Greco kept his left jab out as a range finder and landed some looping right hands.
In the second, Spence started destroying the body which allowed him to start landing an arsenal of punches to the head. Spence landed uppercuts, left and right hooks and looked to stun Lo Greco on several occasions.
30 seconds into the third, Spence landed a right hand off of Lo Greco’s ear and knocked him down. Lo Greco got to his feet and was then wobbled by a jab. Seeing his was ready to go, Spence unloaded blistering combinations to the body and head causing referee Robert Byrd to jump in and stop the fight.
Even though Lo Greco was a replacement due to original opponent Roberto Garcia’s weight/personal issues, Spence was all business in dominating him and making it a short night.
After the fight Spence was asked about his excellent body work-
“Going to the body was always the game plan, go to the body, the head will fall. He was dropping his arms when I was going to the body so I went upstairs to the head and that was it, I hurt him”
On what is next-
“Hopefully the 147 pounders took notice and in September I can fight Keith Thurman”
Spence is a rising star and the complete package. He has a lot of tools in his tool belt and even at this early stage in his career he uses them all in almost perfect harmony. A southpaw with a piston like jab, he has power in both hands that comes at you with blistering speed. He commits to the body while exhibiting good lateral movement,mixes up his punches better than most in the game, displays a tight guard, and is very accurate and economical with his punches.
Spence is going to be a handful for anyone at 147.
Weights From Las Vegas- Broner v. Porter- PBC On NBC
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
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.”
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.”
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Standing-8 