Featured – Page 16

BADOU JACK LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

(All Photos- Credit Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions)

Former Two-Division World Champion Jack Takes On Unbeaten Marcus Browne for WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on Pacquiao vs. Broner SHOWTIME PPV® Event From the MGM Grand Garden Arena In Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

LAS VEGAS (January 10, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Badou Jack hosted a media workout at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas Thursday as he prepares to take on unbeaten top contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on the Pacquiao vs. Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

A resident of Las Vegas, Jack is preparing to fight in his adopted home city for the 11th time as a pro on January 19. He will be making his third appearance on SHOWTIME PPV, having won a light heavyweight crown against Nathan Cleverly in August 2017 on the Mayweather vs. McGregor event.

Here is what Jack, his trainer Lou Del Valle and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe had to say Thursday:

BADOU JACK

“I feel young and like I’m still improving. I take care of my body every day. Age won’t be a problem for me, it’ll be an advantage.

“I’m a confident fighter. I don’t need to talk and brag about everything. I’m just comfortable; inside and outside of the ring.

“I’m battle-tested. I’ve been in there in tough fights. He hasn’t been tested like that, so we’ll have to see what he’s capable of when the pressure is on.

“Marcus Browne is an athletic and skilled fighter. But it’s a little different to fight on the prospect and contender level versus on this world class level.

“One of my biggest strengths in the ring is my ability to adjust. My trainer, Lou Del Valle, has really helped in that regard. He’s been in there as a world champion like me on the big stage. He knows so much about boxing.

“This is nothing new to me. I’ve been on a lot of big cards, so this is a regular day on the job. It’s exciting as always and I can’t wait to put on a good show.

“I feel like it’s my duty to give back outside of the ring. With this platform that I have, why wouldn’t I? We should use this platform for something deeper than boxing.”

On the Pacquiao vs. Broner SHOWTIME PPV main event:

“It’s a really good fight. Pacquiao looked pretty good in his last fight, but Broner is very talented. Anything can happen in boxing, especially because Broner has a good chin and can fight. He just has to stay focused.”

LOU DEL VALLE, Jack’s Trainer

“Camp has been amazing. Every camp has just been better and better. He has improved on his weaknesses each time we work together. It’s incredible that a guy who’s 35-years-old can keep performing the way he is and still be getting better.

“We know that we have to be careful because Marcus is a good fighter. Everyone we fight at this level is quality. We’re only fighting champions and guys with the top pedigree. The better the fighter, the better we get.

“I don’t think that Marcus Browne wants to go the distance with Badou Jack. If you notice in previous fights, guys who fight Badou are not the same after. He takes a lot out of them and I think it’s going to happen again. Marcus is going to go for the early knockout, but we’re ready.

“The experience gap is a big difference. I had only fought one 10-rounder when I first fought for the title, but I still thought that I could beat him. The experience that Virgil Hill had over me was really difficult to overcome and I think you’ll see something similar play out in this fight.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“I think that this is going to be a very competitive fight. You have two guys in this fight that are very hungry. There are a lot of options in the light heavyweight division, and it’s all about timing. This fight gives both guys a chance to prove that they want to be the best and make a great statement.

“This fight has a very good chance of stealing the show. I like the fact that Marcus is very confident. If you’re in a big fight, you have to be. Badou is even-keeled, and he comes with his workman-like approach to every fight.

“Experience is everything in big fights. It’s a big deal when you’re under those lights. Going the distance with top guys, and knowing how to break guys down, it all plays a big role in fights like this.”

DEVIN HANEY vs. XOLISANI NDONGENI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

DEVIN HANEY vs. XOLISANI NDONGENI
FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Undefeated Top Lightweight Contender Haney Faces Fellow Unbeaten Ndongeni In The Main Event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, January 11 Live on SHOWTIME
®

All Photos Credit- Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

SHREVEPORT, La. (January 9, 2019) – One of boxing’s most promising rising stars, unbeaten lightweight Devin Haney, and fellow undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni, kicked off fight week with a final press conference Wednesday at Paradise Theatre in Margaritaville Resort Casino ahead of their ShoBox: The New Generation main event bout this Friday, January 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The 20-year old Bay Area native and current Las Vegas resident Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), a seven-time national junior amateur champion, headlines the popular prospect-oriented series for the third time when he takes on South Africa’s Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs), an unbeaten 28-year-old who once held the IBO’s belt at 135 pounds.

The event is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Bishop Promotions LLC, in association with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Tickets, starting at $30, are on sale now and available at http://www.akafights.com.

In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) and Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) squaring off in another eight-round bout.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say:

DEVIN HANEY

Credit- Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

“After this fight I want the whole world to know I’m no longer a prospect. I’m a contender.

“I feel I have something to prove. I’m not just going for the win on Friday night, I want to make a statement. I want to look good. I want to show the world what I’m capable of.

“I think that with a win against a fighter like Ndongeni, the sky is the limit. This fight is going to take me to the next level.”

XOLISANI NDONGENI

Credit- Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

“Come Friday night, it’s going to be show time. Because, with all due respect, I’m no pushover and I didn’t come here to lose.

“I’ve been in the game for a long time. I have fought many styles and I’ve seen it all. I’m not scared.

“We are not looking for anything less than a win. I’m not leaving here without one.”

RUBEN VILLA
“I know my opponent is a really good fighter but I don’t feel any additional pressure. This is what we trained for – a tough fight. I’m excited for Friday night. I’m eager to perform.

“Being able to fight on TV is going to finally put me on the map. After Friday night, people are going to be talking about me. They are going to see what I’m made of.”

RUBEN CERVERA
“I’m originally from Colombia and traveling all the way here has not been easy, but we came ready. We had a very successful camp. We did everything we wanted to do and more.

“I’m excited to fight on national television in the United States. I want to showcase what Colombian fighters are made off.

“I know my opponent is good, and undefeated, but only the best man will win, and that is going to be me.”

Willie Jake Jr.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity. This is an important fight for me. During training camp, I took one day at a time, step by step. I’m prepared for the challenge.

“I don’t underestimate my opponent, I will listen to my corner and I will put up a great fight.”

Exciting Super Bantamweight Contender Fernando Garcia Leads Stacked Non-Televised Undercard on Sunday, January 13

Exciting Super Bantamweight Contender Fernando Garcia Leads Stacked Non-Televised Undercard on Sunday, January 13 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

IBF Super Middleweight Champion Jose Uzcategui Defends His Title Against Undefeated Caleb Plant in the Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Event.

LOS ANGELES (January 7, 2019) – Exciting contender Fernando Garcia will take on Isao G. Carranza in an eight-round super bantamweight clash as part of a stacked undercard on Sunday, January 13 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The 30-year-old Garcia (10-0, 5 KOs) has moved up the ladder in the division with three wins in 2018 and wants to make a statement against Mexico’s Carranza (15-13-1, 9 KOs). Garcia was born in Mexico but now lives and trains in Dallas, Texas.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Also in action are two unbeaten prospects as Indio, California’s Ruben Rodriguez (3-0, 1 KO) takes on Daniel Perales (10-14-2, 5 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight contest, while featherweight Victor Slvansky (7-0, 4 KOs) clashes with Mexico’s Angel Monrreal (10-11-1, 3 KOs).

Plus, Philippines’ Michael A. Plania (17-1, 10 KOs) will meet Mexico’s Ramiro Robles (15-8-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight match. Rounding out the slate of non-televised fights is Desoto, Texas-welterweight Amon Rashidi battling Evincii Dixon in a four-round match.

The jam-packed undercard is part of a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes show that features IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui taking on unbeaten Caleb Plant in the main event. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

The undercard will also see PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT) featuring the return of former world champion and pound-for-pound contender Guillermo Rigondeaux against Giovanni Delgado and hard-hitting 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado in an eight-round super lightweight fight.

Also light heavyweight power-puncher Ahmed Elbiali battles Oklahoma’s Allan Green on the Prelims telecast, if time allows. Plus, Ryan “Cowboy” Karl and Kevin Watts meet in an eight-round rematch after Watts stopped Karl in round five of their exciting April bout that serves as an FS1 TV swing bout

Badou Jack vs. Marcus Browne International Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording

Click HERE for Audio Recording

Leonard Ellerbe
All right, thank you everyone for joining the call today. Today’s call we are going to be talking with former two division world champion, Badou Jack and undefeated former 2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne, which will be a very exciting matchup as the co-feature to Manny Pacquiao taking on Adrien Broner on January 19.

Representing SHOWTIME, we have on the call Chris DeBlasio. Chris, would you like to say a few words?

Chris DeBlasio
Thanks, Leonard. Happy New Year to everybody and thanks for being on the call today. On behalf of Stephen Espinoza, who couldn’t be with us, he’s traveling on other business, I want to say, from all of us at the network, we’re proud to present this event.

We have a four-fight pay-per-view telecast with each matchup up holding a unique, significance in its own right.

We have two world title fights on the pay-per-view. There’s also a 12 round featherweight bout that’s going to open up the show between Jhack Tepora and Hugo Ruiz. We have a main event that pits two of boxing’s biggest stars in Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner in a really important, 147-pound world title fight.

But the co-feature here, this is an interim title fight between Badou Jack and Marcus Browne. These are two fighters that have come of age on SHOWTIME.

Both began their careers, early in their careers were featured on ShoBox: The New Generation against very tough opponents and have fought on virtually every live boxing series that we have on the network.

This is Marcus Browne’s eighth fight with SHOWTIME and this will be Badou’s 13th fight with us. So we’re proud to have them back. They have a special place for all of us on the crew and on the team here at SHOWTIME Sports and for all of our viewers who seen him develop their careers to this important moment.

Both men have something to prove on January 19. The light heavyweight division is a division that is now wide open. There’s a lot of fresh talent and a lot of people vying for the top spot. Both men deserve this shot and this entire card is a really terrific way to kick off 2019. We’re excited.

Just a brief program reminder regarding this event, ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER will premiere this Friday at 10:30 p.m. on SHOWTIME. It’s a three-part series covering the main event fighters as they prepare for the big fight.

Episode two will premiere on Friday, January 11 at 9:30 p.m., and that’ll be followed by our first ShoBox telecast of the year. So with that, I’ll turn it back to you, Leonard, and we’ll get right to the fighters. Thanks for your time.

L. Ellerbe
Yes, thank you, Chris. Again, as Chris touched on, this – in my eyes, this is an outstanding bout. This is a bout that the fans have been talking about for a while.

These two have been going back and forth a little bit on social media. What an outstanding co-feature to a great main event and overall outstanding card.

Talking a little bit about Marcus Browne, he’s a very, very exciting young fighter, a former Olympian who’s going to be looking to make a statement against a former two-division world champion in Badou Jack.

And I think that, come fight night on January 19, Marcus is looking to, not only make a statement but open himself up to fighting anyone else that’s out there, any top guys in the light heavyweight division.

So, without further ado, I would like Marcus Browne, who comes to us with a 22 and 0 record with 16 big KOs from Staten Island, New York. Marcus, would you like to say a few words?

Marcus Browne
Happy New Year everybody. I’m honored. I’m ready. I’m working hard. I’ve worked hard my whole career for this point and Badou Jack, a respectable guy, two-time world champion, but come January 19, we’re bringing the whole kitchen sink and anything else with it.

I’m ready to take care of business. I know he knows what’s coming to him. And I really haven’t got too much to say. I’m going to let my hands do the talking.

I’m not huge braggadocios kind of guy. Neither is he, from what it looks like. It was one of the easiest fights to be made in the division and I appreciate you for signing the contract and being a man and stepping up.

Come January 19, you got hell coming. You’ve got fury. You’ve got everything coming to you. This ain’t no Anthony Dirrell. This ain’t no washed up George Groves that got beat up by Carl Froch twice.

This ain’t no old Adonis Stevenson. This ain’t no Nathan Cleverly. This is Marcus Browne, my brother. So make sure you’re ready because I know I’m ready.

L. Ellerbe
Well, thank you, Marcus. And moving on to the former two division world champion. I can’t say enough great things about Badou Jack. He’s the guy that’s always willing to take on the best that’s out there.

This is a fight that he asked for and it’s a fight that I think that Marcus Browne’s style will make for a very, very exciting fight. Badou is used to fighting any and every different style.

It’s a fight that he’s really, really looking forward to. So without further ado, former two-division world champion, none other than Badou Jack.

Badou Jack
Hey, how is everybody doing? You know, I’m excited for this fight. I’m always in the gym, always working hard. So I don’t have to say that I’m ready. I’m always ready.

It’s going to be good fight. The young hungry guys have got something to prove. I’ve been there, been battle tested because I fought the best.

I don’t have to brag about what I’ve done. This is the best guy available and we’re going to have some fun. It might look easy from the outside. Well, it’s a little different when you step up to world-class in the competition.

M Browne:
Trust me. I know it ain’t easy. And I’m working like I’ve never worked before in my life, so trust me, I know it ain’t easy. And you could say what you want from the outside. Come January 19, you’re going to see. You’re going to see. So, keep it up.

B, Jack
I let my hands do the talking. Everybody knows me.

M. Browne
Same here.

B. Jack
We’ll see fight night.

Q
Badou, I was just wondering if you could maybe talk about your experience level at the top level,
do you feel you’re more prepared for this type of fight than Marcus is because of the level of opposition that you fought?

B. Jack
To have experience against great fighters, of course, is going to play a major role in big fights but in boxing, anything can happen.

I’m very confident. I’m ready and I’ve been waiting. I haven’t fought since May. I’m definitely ready. I’m really hungry, so experience is a major key, of course.

Q
Marcus obviously has a very fast hands. He’s a strong guy. What you think of him just overall as a fighter?

B. Jack
The little that I’ve seen, he’s a good fighter. He’s definitely a good fighter.

Q
Marcus, what do you think of Badou Jack and maybe his level of experience against top guys?

M. Browne
Well, most of his fights have been at 168. Nathan Cleverly was washed and Adonis Stevenson is old. He’s a very strong minded, hungry and a great champion, of course, but come January 19, he’s going to see that he hasn’t fight anybody like me, plain and simple. I’m not James DeGale.

This is the light heavyweight division. He’s fighting a real light heavyweight and a young, strong, light heavyweight. So, we’ll see come January 19, like he said.

Q
Marcus, I’m not sure how closely you watched the fight but when he fought Adonis Stevenson back in May, who did you think won?

M. Browne
I didn’t watch it to see who won. And, honestly, I really don’t care who won, it didn’t matter to me, but it was a good fight.

He started off slow. Picked it up towards the end. Still couldn’t get him out of there. So, good fight.

Q
Thank you, Marcus. I have a question for both guys, as well. Obviously what happened to Adonis last month was a reminder of how brutal this business is.

I was just wondering, Badou, having shared the ring with him, what your thoughts are and what happened to Adonis and maybe how he’s recovered so far. And, Marcus, I know you didn’t fight him, but if also you could speak to that as well.

B. Jack
I was very emotional about it because I’ve been in that ring with him in my last fight. And he took a lot of punishment in that fight.

He was stumbling around in the hotel after the fight. Everybody said he really took a beating. So, it’s sad. But this is what we signed up for. I’ve been praying for him since this thing happened. I’m glad he woke up and hopefully he can recover. It’s the business. It’s nothing personal.

This is just business. We’re trying to feed our families. Hopefully you get back to normal so he can enjoy his family and his kids and everything. He just had a daughter before for the fight so, it’s sad but God willing, he’ll come back to normal.

M. Browne
It’s a sad and unfortunate situation but this is what we sign up for, what we sign on the dotted line for, getting in the ring. That’s the risk that we take at fighting.

I feel bad for him but hopefully he comes out of this with all of his faculties, so he could be able to enjoy his family like Badou said.

Most importantly, he’s older. He’s an older fighter. Father time caught up with him. I heard he was going through a lot of things outside of the ring so maybe that was part of the reason. But hopefully he will be all right.

Q
Badou are you now at the point where you kind of feel that you have to enter each fight with the objective of taking the judges out of the result so that there are no doubts that you are the clear winner?

B. Jack
Yes, you can’t really complain to the judges. In all those close fights I had, I landed more than 100 more punches than my opponents. And most of them – this is sad, but most of them were not the same fighter after. I just have to make a statement. They’re not going to do me any favors.

Q
This is for the interim WBA title and if you win, would you welcome a fight against the full world champion, Dmitry Bivol?

B. Jack
Yes that’s the fight that I really wanted but, right now, I’m focusing on Marcus Browne. That’s where all my focus is, so I can’t look past anyone. I know that as a fighter better than anybody else.

L. Ellerbe
I’ll speak on that. If Badou is victorious in this fight against Marcus Browne, he’s willing to fight any of the light heavyweight champions out there – any of them.

Q
Would you say that the winner of this fight can make the claim that they are the best light heavyweight in the world?

B. Jack
There are four champions better ahead of Marcus Browne. So just me beating him, that doesn’t really make me number one. I thought I would beat Stevenson and he was the lineal champion. But I don’t really focus on that. I’m focusing on winning my fight. All of the other stuff is just bonus.

Q
Badou do you feel that you will be able to get up the way you normally would for a fight being that Marcus isn’t one of the champions?

B. Jack
Yes, that comes with experience. It’s the ability be ready whenever. It doesn’t matter if it’s the champion or if it’s a contender or whatever. You’ve got to think that every fight is a world title fight or the toughest fight of your life. So, my motivation is never a problem.

Q
Leonard I heard you say that after this fight, if Badou is victorious, he’s willing to fight all of the champions. Is he able to go out and seek those champions on their respective networks?

L. Ellerbe
We’re willing to listen and entertain any offers that are out there. Obviously, Badou has a very tough fight ahead of him in Marcus Browne and he’s got to get by Marcus Browne first before considering anything else. But to answer your direct question, we’re willing to listen to any offers that are out there, if he’s able to get past Marcus Browne.

Q
Marcus, how badly did you have your mind set on Badou? Was this your only option?

M. Browne
Actually, well, couple months ago, all other guys were busy and he was the only guy who wasn’t, so it was one of the easiest fights to make. It really doesn’t matter to me who I fight. I’m tired of sitting around and not being active. I like to actually be in the ring.

Q
Is there anything that you see in Badou that’s giving you confidence that or is it frustration of not getting one of the champions?

M. Browne
No, no frustration, and I don’t see anything. He’s a tough, tough fighter. He’s not an easy fighter. He’s no walk over. Super tough. Super gritty. Super headstrong, so there’s nothing that I see. He was just a guy who wasn’t busy and I wasn’t busy.

We’re in the same weight division. He’s a light heavyweight. He’s a two-time world champion. He really didn’t lose the belt. He gave it up to fight for the belt to get a draw, so he’s still a champion basically.

All I see is a champion, the guy who’s ready and willing to fight and so on. This is a business.

Q
Do you feel that it would be easy for you to get a fight after this debut if you were able to beat Badou because of who he has and what he’s considered in the division?

M. Browne
I’m not overlooking him. I’ll be focused on him. I’m not worried about fighting no other champions. All I’m worried about is fighting Badou Jack on January 19. And after that, we can discuss whatever.

But until then, I’m only talking about fighting Badou Jack at MGM Grand on January 19 in Las Vegas. That’s about it.

Q
Leonard, quick question here. I hope you’re having a good New Year’s. Looking at the WBA and WBC ratings, Badou and Marcus were both one and two.

Is there a particular reason why you went with the WBA route for this fight in terms of the interim title?

Leonard Ellerbe
No, not necessarily. As you just mentioned, both of these guys are highly ranked across the board. It wasn’t difficult at all. And from the Badou perspective, he is always willing and ready and basically available to fight any of these guys.

He has a tough fight against Marcus Browne for the WBA interim title and we’ll move on from there.

Q
Badou, if you beat Marcus Browne, would be your preference to go directly into a Bivol fight or would you like to explore another possibility?

Badou Jack
There are a lot of big names out there. Sergey Kovalev and Eleider Alvarez fight two weeks after me, so let’s see what happens. I’m focusing on what’s in front of me.

But I’m willing to fight any one of the champions. I prefer the one that pays me the most. If they’ll pay me the same, probably Bivol. But like I said, Marcus Browne is first. That’s it.

Q
One more question for you, Badou. What did you think of Bivol’s last couple of performances where he went the distance with older veterans?

B. Jack
I think he is a good fighter. I think he’s a good boxer, athletic. Everybody says, oh, he’s going to knock this guy out. Yes, but this is boxing. Jean Pascal is a tough guy.

It’s not easy to knock everybody out. That’s the thing. It’s a different story when you fight veterans and tougher guys than when you fight prospect opponents that you’re supposed to knock out.

It’s a different story. My last fights have been against world champions. It’s a little harder to knock guys like that out. But Bivol, I think he won every round. Most of the rounds against him anyway. I think he’s a good fighter.

Q
Marcus, should you beat Badou Jack, is it your wish to go directly to Bivol or would you like to explore other possibilities?

M. Browne
This is prize fighting, so whoever’s got the biggest prize, that’s who I want to fight. But, yes, whatever makes the most dollars, makes the most sense to me at this point in my career.

That’s where I’m at with that. But I’m not looking past Badou Jack. He’s not a guy to be overlooked in his own right. I’m not going to feel and talk about ten months ahead when I’ve got the biggest fight of my life in 17 days.

Q
Marcus, just want to get your personal opinion. Leaving you out of it, who do you think is the best light heavyweight in the world out of those four?

M. Browne
Marcus Browne. I ain’t leaving me out of it because I don’t care who’s the best light heavyweight because you’re talking to one right now.

Q
Marcus, given how most of your fights, since 2015, the last three years, really ended pretty quickly, are you making any adjustments in having to ensure that you’re able to go a full 12 rounds against a guy like Badou Jack?

M. Browne
That’s for me to work on and for you to see on January 19. At the end of the day, I know the type of fighter he is. We know he’s a work horse of a fighter and we’re prepared for that. He’s got great form. On January 19, you’ll see that I’m in shape or not.

Q
Do you still kind of feel like you need that win over Badou Jack to sort of make a true statement to all the boxing fans out there that you do belong in that elite echelon of fighters at 175 pounds?

M. Browne
I need a win against every fighter that I step in the ring with. No fighter is going to define my legacy. At the end of the day, this is all part of God’s plan, it’s already written and I’m just following it. This is not my dream, it’s my destiny and I’m taking it one day and one step at a time, one fighter at a time.

Badou Jack is not going to define my legacy and determine whether or not I am a real player in the light heavyweight division. My performance in this fight will.

Q
Badou you said you wanted to make a statement. What advantage does your experience give you with a guy like Marcus Browne with all of his skills?

Also, when you say you want to make a statement, does that mean that you don’t want to leave it in the hands of the judges and that you do want to get a knockout?

B. Jack
Of course, I don’t want to leave it in the hands of the judges. If you’re a fighter, you should never go the distance.

Every fight is a different fight so you never know. But all I know is I’ve been there before. I know what it takes. I know I’ve been on a bunch of pay-per-view cards.

I know what it takes in front of those lights. When it’s really getting down to a 50-50 fight, when you’re in a tough fight, I know what it takes.

Q
Do you feel like, when you say you want to make a statement, do you feel like you want to get a stoppage? What are your thoughts on that?

B. Jack
I’m listening to my corner and following the game plan. Of course, I want to knock guys out. If they don’t come, they don’t come. I’ll show you January 19 what I’m about.

Q
Marcus, do you feel any pressure to get the knockout, win every single round and that way, make a statement and not leave it in the hands of the judges? In other words, are you concerned about winning this?

M. Browne
I’m not concerned about anything at all. At the end of the day, we know what we’re working for. If a knockout comes, it comes. But if not, we are winning every round and that’s that.

I’m not here to lose rounds and that’s about it. But I’m not concerned about what the judges are doing. We already know what type of time it is already.

We should know how we’re coming. I’m not looking for a knockout. I’m just looking to box and do what I do and implement the game plan and systematically break him down.

L. Ellerbe
We would like to thank everyone for joining the call. We’re 17 days away. Again, this is a great, great matchup. Outstanding co-feature to Manny Pacquiao taking on Adrien Broner on January 19.

I guarantee you, this fight here will be probably the best fight on the card. These guys will be looking to steal the show, and again, it’s a very outstanding matchup and we’re very excited. Thank you everyone for joining the call.

Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Defends Title Against Exciting Challenger Miguel Flores

Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Defends Title Against Exciting Challenger Miguel Flores Saturday, February 16 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event Live from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles

Plus! Undefeated Former World Champion Omar Figueroa Takes on Hard-Hitting John Molina Jr. in Clash of High-Octane Styles Telecast Starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Now!

LOS ANGELES (January 3, 2019) – Featherweight world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will defend his WBA title against Houston’s Miguel Flores in a showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features an exciting 12-round junior welterweight clash between unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa and hard-hitting John Molina Jr.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

“Leo Santa Cruz is one of the most dynamic boxers in a deep division that features outstanding boxers,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Santa Cruz is never in a boring fight. His high volume punching is highlighted by its accuracy and efficiency, making him a master ring tactician. Miguel Flores always comes to battle and has caught a couple tough breaks. But a victory over Santa Cruz could reverse his ring fortunes. Omar Figueroa vs. John Molina Jr. Enough said. You know what they do.”

“Leo Santa Cruz and Miguel Flores were both born in Michoacán and they have the blood of the proud Aztec warriors flowing through them,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Between them they have 61 fights and 58 wins! For them, February 16 is not just going to be another fight, for them it is about pride and country. The huge audience on FOX and FOX Deportes will be in for a treat and so will be the thousands in attendance at the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. What a way to start the New Year!”

A three-division world champion fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz (35-1-1, 19 KOs) enters this fight after completing a second exciting duel against Abner Mares that again saw Santa Cruz edge his rival on the scorecards. The 30-year-old will make the third defense of his title after he claimed the 126-pound belt from Carl Frampton in 2017, avenging the defeat he suffered to Frampton the year before. Santa Cruz has competed in title bouts in 15 of his last 17 fights, while picking up belts at 118, 122 and 126-pounds.

“I trained really hard for this fight like I do all my fights and I’m really focused and determined to get the win, because I know that after this one, I want to clean up the division,” said Santa Cruz. “I’m not overlooking my opponent at all. The main thing is I have to get this win and look great against Miguel Flores. I want to beat Flores and continue to show the world that I’m one of the best. After defeating Flores, I’ll be ready to clean up the division. I just have to be smart and not be too wild because I want to get the knockout and look spectacular. I know if I can be calm, I can do what I have to do.”

Flores (23-2, 11 KOs) was born in Mexico, but was raised and fights out of Houston. The 26-year-old rose up the rankings with victories over Ryan Kielczweski, Ruben Tamayo and Mario Briones. After suffering a setback defeat to Dat Nguyen, Flores was ahead on the scorecards against Chris Avalos in a fight on FS1 when the contest was stopped due to a cut on Flores’ eyebrow that was controversially ruled to have come from a punch. Flores bounced back in his last fight to stop Raul Chirino in April.

“We’re taking this fight very seriously and we understand that we’re going against the top featherweight in the division,” said Flores. “We know he’s looking to unify, but he has to first worry about me on February 16. We have to stay focused and smart. We know Leo likes to have brawls and he likes to throw a lot of punches. We have to be smart and box when we want to box and fight when we want to fight. We have to stick to our game plan.”

Figueroa (27-0-1, 19 KOs) made a name for himself with his relentless style that led to him capturing a lightweight title against Nihito Arakawa in a memorable 2013 clash. Representing Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa went on to defend his title twice before defeating former multiple-division champion Ricky Burns in 2015. The 29-year-old followed that up with a victory over Antonio DeMarco and after an injury layoff, came back in 2017 to drop Robert Guerrero five times on his way to a stoppage victory on FOX.

“I’m approaching this fight as something huge, and as a catalyst to even bigger things,” said Figueroa. “This is like the last leg of my career considering I just turned 29 a few weeks ago. I know it’s cliché to say it’s a crossroads, career-defining fight, but it is. I’m using this as building my case to take over the boxing world. I don’t think there’s any secret to my strategy. We all know how I fight. I plan to steam roll over him and get him out of there as quickly as possible. The thing that kills my opponents is they know what’s coming and they can’t stop it.”

Molina (30-7, 24 KOs) has never backed down from a challenge and has been in the ring with some of the best boxers from lightweight to welterweight during his career. The 35-year-old from Covina, California beat a fierce Ruslan Provodnikov by unanimous decision in 2016. Another standout battle from Molina’s career saw him drop former welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse twice before losing on an 11th round knockout. In his last fight he scored a fourth round TKO victory over Ivan Redkach in a back-and-forth bout from last December on FS1.

“This fight has been a long time coming, I’ve personally asked for it for three or four years now and it’s finally here,” said Molina. “I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas day to open my gifts. I’m crazily excited to open this gift. I have to be myself and I believe it will be a victory for me. Omar is no slouch. It’s tough to beat a guy who doesn’t like to lose and doesn’t know how to lose. He’s got that zero on his record for a reason. It’s going to a very entertaining fight. I believe this is the fight of the night and we’re going to steal the show.”

JERMALL CHARLO DEFENDS WBC INTERIM MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP WITH VICTORY OVER MATT KOROBOV

JERMALL CHARLO DEFENDS WBC INTERIM MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP WITH VICTORY OVER MATT KOROBOV IN MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON
FOX & FOX DEPORTES SATURDAY NIGHT FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

Tony Harrison Shocks Jermell Charlo to Win WBC Super Welterweight Championship by Unanimous Decision

Dominic Breazeale Scores Sensational Ninth-Round Knockout Over Carlos Negron In Heavyweight Duel

BROOKLYN (December 23, 2018) – WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo (28-0, 21 KOs) won a hard-fought unanimous decision over Matt Korobov (28-2, 13 KOs) to defend his title in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

“I had fun in there with a tough opponent like that,” said Charlo. “I got the win and that’s the main thing. I still feel I’m the best in the world. I just need to prove it to the rest of the world.”

Credit-Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

The southpaw Korobov had success early countering Charlo with straight left hands that landed cleanly, even if they didn’t deter Charlo from coming forward. Korobov was successful countering to the body as well and ended the fight with a 119 to 114 advantage in power punches landed according to CompuBox.

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

Charlo stayed consistent with his jab however through the early rounds and began to break through later as Korobov’s right eye appeared to close during the middle rounds. Charlo out-jabbed Korobov by a 56 to 9 advantage in jabs landed, and also threw nearly 200 more punches throughout the fight per CompuBox.

In round 12 Charlo closed the show and nearly stopped Korobov, who used his experience to hold and move enough to survive the round. Charlo landed a clean left hook to the head early in the round that put Korobov on shaky legs, and he followed up with several strong punches that forced Korobov to try to survive.

“I used everything that happened tonight as motivation in the 12th round,” said Charlo. “I haven’t been that far in a fight in a couple of years. It felt good to be in there, get hit and bang with someone. He was an experienced guy who will make me better.”

After 12-rounds of action, Charlo won the unanimous decision by scores of 119-108 and 116-112, even after watching his twin brother lose a tough decision minutes prior to his fight starting.

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“I felt like Jermell made his fight harder than it was,” said Charlo. “I had a really tough opponent, but he wasn’t better than me. There was a lot on my mind in the ring.”

Korobov thought he had done enough to win the fight after he stepped in as a replacement opponent one week prior to fight night.

“I thought that I won the fight,” said Korobov. “It was definitely a fight that could have gone either way, but I believe the people know that I won. I’m the most avoided fighter in boxing and I showed why tonight. I hope this performance will get me another title fight.”

In a back-and-forth title showdown, Detroit’s Tony Harrison (28-2, 21 KOs) pulled off the upset to win a narrow unanimous decision over Jermell Charlo (31-1, 15 KOs) and capture the WBC Super Welterweight Championship.

“I dictated the pace,” said Harrison. “That’s what champions do. He wound up for big shots and I kept my defense tight. All we worked on was defense. I kept my composure and I did what champions do.”

Credit-Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

Charlo expressed his disagreement with the judges’ decision after the fight. “They took that fight from me,” said Charlo. “I was pressing the action. He didn’t win that fight.”

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

Harrison was effective with his jab as he attempted to keep the power-punching Charlo at bay. Harrison landed his biggest punch of the fight in round five when a straight left appeared to temporarily stun Charlo.

Credit-Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

Charlo was able to land several effective power punches throughout the 12 rounds, including an overhand right late in round five that wobbled Harrison. Round nine saw both men land significant shots, which lead to an exchange where Charlo urged Harrison to keep coming forward.

“I got back to my corner after every round and they told me to just keep doing what you’re doing,” said Harrison, “You’re dictating the pace they said. That’s what champions do. Champions don’t just try to knock people out. That’s all he wanted to do. I dictated it. I used my jab. I dictated the fight. That’s what champions do.”

Harrison was caught off balance in round 11 and again in round 12 by Charlo power punches, but was able to use his movement and hold at key times to survive both rounds. After 12 rounds of action the judges preferred Harrison’s jab, movement and counters to the forward-charging power punches of Charlo.

All three judges scored the fight for Harrison, by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice. Per CompuBox, Harrison connected on 34 percent of his punches throughout the fight to Charlo’s 29 percent clip, while Charlo out landed Harrison 160 to 128, plus a 108 to 71 advantage in power punches landed.

After the fight, Harrison indicated he would be willing to give Charlo a rematch while Charlo immediately stated his intention to get his belt back.

“Jermell – you gave me a shot – I’ll give you a rematch,” said Harrison.

“I’m going to get my belt back,” said Charlo. “I still want Jarrett Hurd. I know my brother knows I won that fight. I might have given away a few rounds, but I won that fight.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, top heavyweight contender Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-1, 18 KOs) delivered a once-punch knockout victory over Carlos Negron (20-2, 16 KOs) in the ninth-round of their heavyweight showdown.

“I knew the big shot was coming, it was just a matter of time,” said Breazeale. “I was setting up that right hand all night. Since the third round I noticed he dropped his left hand when he took a step to the left, and that’s what I got him with.”

Credits-Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

Breazeale started out slowly as Negron was able to score early with a lead left hook and an effective body attack. Breazeale stalked his opponent and threw power punches with some success before connecting on a huge right hand before the bell to end the fourth round.

“It’s been a long stretch since I’ve been in the ring,” said Breazeale. “I definitely worked off some ring rust, worked some great combinations and body shots, and finally got the knockout.”

The 2012 U.S. Olympian Breazeale had more success through the middle rounds, controlling the action with his jab and pressure that negated Negron’s offense. Midway through the ninth round, Breazeale caught Negron in the corner and connected on an overhand right that sent Negron crashing into the ropes.

Referee Arthur Mercante stopped the bout 1:37 into the ninth round. Breazeale, who is the mandatory challenger for heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, had a message for the champion, who was seated ringside.

“I’m next in line for Deontay Wilder and I’m coming for him,” said Breazeale. “I’ve been waiting for him and I did what I had to do tonight. I’m ready for him now.

“I know Wilder is here in the crowd. He came to watch. He knows I’m next. He better be holding on to that belt really tightly, because I’m coming. ‘Trouble’ is already here.”

KEITH THURMAN VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ, PLUS ADAM KOWNACKI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

KEITH THURMAN VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ, PLUS ADAM KOWNACKI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Welterweight World Champion Thurman Defends Title Against Veteran Contender Josesito Lopez; Undefeated Adam Kownacki Battles Gerald Washington Saturday, January 26 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

BROOKLYN (December 22, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight champion Keith Thurman and veteran welterweight Josesito Lopez, plus Brooklyn’s undefeated heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki, hosted a press conference Saturday night to discuss their fights on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes taking place Saturday, January 26 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see Kownacki battle former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round contest and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar take on Claudio Marrero to open the telecast, all leading up to the Thurman vs, Lopez main event.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday before going face-to-face in the Barclays Center interview room, prior to the PBC on FOX fight night in Brooklyn:

KEITH THURMAN

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“I feel great physically. We’re working really hard and just getting back into everything we did before the injury. It feels tremendous and I’m so happy to be able to do this back in Brooklyn. January 26, you will see the return of the number one welterweight in the world.

“I need to come back and stay active and healthy. I’m going to remind everyone this year why I’m one of the baddest men on the planet. At the end of the day, I’m here to make a statement that ‘One Time’ is back.

“I have one belt, and I’m missing one belt. I’m going to re-establish my own accomplishments this year, then go from there. We’re taking it one fight at a time. Right now my eyes are set on Josesito Lopez.

“I’m a world-class fighter. I’ve fought through injuries my whole career. A real fighter ends up getting addicted to the game. There’s nothing better in this life than being under those lights and being part of the action.

“My legacy is not over. Unification against Danny Garcia was not enough for me. Ultimately, I’m just waiting to be presented with a man who is better than me. There might not be one, but I’m not afraid to let my ‘0’ go.

“I need fights like this against a guy like Josesito Lopez. He’s going to be there and give the fans a great fight. He’s coming to take me out. He looked like he was in shape a month ago when I first saw him.

“It’s been a long time and I’m truly honored to be back. It’s been hard for me to not be in the ring while I wait for the elbow to recover. I’m so happy to be back.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“I’m really excited to be here tonight. Keith Thurman is a world-class, elite fighter and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.

“I’ve been in this position before and I’ve never shied away from big battles. This is another big one and I’m going to be ready for it and become world champion.

“I’m sure Keith Thurman is as strong and skilled as anyone I’ve ever faced. He’s undefeated for a reason. I give him his respect for that. I’m preparing for him to be the best fighter I’ve ever faced.

“We’re both experienced fighters who have fought world class competition. I’ve faced my share of tough heavy punchers. I’ve pretty much seen it all. Come January 26, we’re going into deep waters and we’ll see how each of us reacts.

“No matter how active Thurman has been, the importance of this opportunity doesn’t change. If anything we might see a better and healthier Keith Thurman than we’ve seen in years. I’m expecting the best Keith Thurman there is.

“I’m going in against one of the toughest welterweights out there. I don’t need anyone to believe in me but myself. I’m going to give it my all to come out with that title.”

ADAM KOWNACKI

“January 26 is going to be a great night. Every time I fight, it’s very exciting. I throw a lot of punches and bring the pressure. Gerald Washington is going to be a tough test, but if I get through him, I’m even closer to a title shot. That’s the ultimate goal.

“It’s a little bit of a fairytale story. I was just a little kid from Brooklyn wearing the Golden Gloves and now I’m fighting at Barclays Center. It’s a whole new environment. Hopefully next year I’m the main event. That’s the goal and it’s going to be a dream come true. I have to keep working hard to achieve it.

“I think when I fought Iago Kiladze, he was also a runner who could box. I managed the ring very well with him so I’m looking to do the same with Washington and punish the body. The taller they are the harder they fall.

“Gerald Washington is a tough exam. He’s a former title challenger and I know he’s going to bringing his “A-game.” My goal is to become the heavyweight champion of the world and in order to do that I have to get by Washington. That’s what I plan on doing.”

Two-Time Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis Defends Title Against Three-Division Champion Abner Mares

Two-Time Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis Defends Title Against Three-Division Champion Abner Mares in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Main Event
Saturday, February 9

Presented by Premier Boxing Champions from StubHub Center (Soon to be Dignity Health Sports Park) in Carson, Calif., & Live on SHOWTIME®

Tickets on Sale Saturday, December 22!

CARSON, CALIF. (December 19, 2018) – Two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis will defend his WBA title against three-division world champion Abner Mares on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Davis vs. Mares promises fireworks and high-stakes action as both men bring their fan-friendly styles to the ring. Davis, an unbeaten southpaw who earned his nickname “Tank” by powering through opponents, has thunder in both fists with 19 of his 20 fights ending in knockout. Mares, who has engaged in many memorable fights throughout his storied career, will be moving up in weight and looking to capture a world title in a fourth weight class.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with Ringstar Sports, go on sale Saturday, December 22 and can be purchased at AXS.com.

“This matchup is sure to make for a crowd pleaser, as both guys are known for delivering action when they step into the ring,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Mares has an impressive resume and is determined to hand Davis his first loss. Davis has made a lot of noise in the sport at a young age and isn’t slowing down. He executes impressively and continues to prove that he will be the next big star in boxing.”

“Abner Mares is looking to join a select group of boxers by winning a title in his fourth different weight class and carrying that kind of motivation into the ring is the thing that can propel a boxer to greatness,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We’ve already seen the kind of speed and explosive punching power that Gervonta Davis brings into the ring. I expect that Mares will push him to even higher levels and that is the kind of match that should excite all boxing fans.”

“This is an intriguing matchup for both men at crucial points of their careers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports. “Abner Mares has never backed down from a challenge, quietly building one of the strongest resumes in all of boxing while consistently delivering fight-of-the-year performances. In his first fight in the super featherweight division, Abner will be facing Gervonta Davis, one of the strongest, most talented and most exciting young champions in all of boxing. Abner seeks another signature upset in a remarkable career, while Gervonta looks to continue his streak of 11 straight stoppages against the most experienced and accomplished opponent he has faced to date. With these two come-forward, all-action fighters, boxing fans can expect another thrilling Showtime Championship Boxing main event.”

Davis (20-0, 19 KOs) became the youngest reigning American world champion in 2017 when he delivered a star-making performance on SHOWTIME by knocking out Jose Pedraza for the IBF 130-pound title at just 22 years old. He became the youngest two-time world champion in April when he knocked out Jesus Cuellar in the third round of their WBA Super Featherweight Championship bout. The 24-year-old from Baltimore, Md., has earned the reputation as a power-punching menace as he has stopped all but one of his professional opponents.

“I’m very excited to be showcased in my first main event in the United States on February 9,” said Davis. “I want to make a statement in this fight by putting on a tremendous performance against an experienced world champion like Abner Mares. I plan on showing everyone why I belong in pound-for-pound discussions and why I’m the most exciting champion in boxing today. You don’t want to miss it!”

The 33-year-old Mares (31-3-1, 15 KOs) will be moving up to 130 pounds as he aims to become just the fourth fighter born in Mexico to win titles in four divisions, joining Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Jorge Arce. Mares, who was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco and now lives in Montebello, Calif., was a member of the Mexican Olympic boxing team in the 2004 Athens Olympics before going on to win world titles at bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight. His two battles for the featherweight world title against Leo Santa Cruz epitomized the kinds of high-volume clashes that have set Mares apart from many of his contemporaries in the same weight classes. He lost a unanimous decision to Santa Cruz in his last fight in June and aims to tackle another weight class on February 9.

“I wanted this fight and I want this challenge against Gervonta Davis,” said Mares. “I’m preparing well and I will add my fifth world title in my fourth weight class on February 9 on SHOWTIME.”

PBC ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS Charlo vs. Korobov, Charlo vs. Harrison, Breazeale vs. Negron

PBC ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Jermall Charlo vs. Matt Korobov, Jermell Charlo vs. Tony Harrison & Dominic Breazeale vs. Carlos Negron This Saturday, December 22 Live on FOX & FOX Deportes & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (December 19, 2018) – As fight night approaches, fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event showed off their skills at a media workout at world famous Gleason’s Gym before they step into the ring on December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The event is headlined by the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC interim middleweight championship bout against Matt Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday afternoon in Brooklyn:

JERMALL CHARLO

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“Professional athletes have to be ready for anything. I’m ready for whoever is in the ring against me and whatever he brings. We’ll see who is at their best on Saturday night.

“This is a headlining card for the Charlo Twins and we’re ready to put on a show for our family and our fans. I’m ready, I’m sure Korobov is ready, so let’s get it on.

“I know that Korobov has been training because he was on the undercard. I’m thankful he accepted the fight and I just hope he’s done everything right to prepare for this fight. I’m doing it right, and now we’re going to fight.

“Brooklyn is one of my favorite places to fight. This is familiar territory here. I’m going to prove once again that I’m one of the best in the world.

“I don’t know Korobov but I know that every fight is difficult. You never know what these fighters are doing. I’m a professional and I continue to make it look easy.

“I have a weapon that no one has been able to figure out. Once they do, I have a whole bunch of other weapons. I’m 28-years-old, I’m having the time of my life beating these guys down. Sooner or later, I’m going to get the megafights that everyone wants.”

MATT KOROBOV

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“It was a surprise to get the call for this fight. I was sleeping and preparing for my second workout of the day. But I was training hard already so I accepted right away.

“I’ve been preparing as hard as I can to make everything go exactly how I want it to on Saturday. It’s short notice but we’ve made the proper adjustments to the fight plan and we’ll be ready to make it happen in the ring.

“I don’t pay any attention to outside noise or anyone who doubts me. I’ve been preparing for this all of my life. This is my second opportunity to become a champion and I’m going to make the most of it. I’m going to show everything I’ve got.

“I have to be the best version of myself on Saturday night. I’m going to take all of my amateur and pro experience and mix it up to make a great performance.”

JERMELL CHARLO

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“I feel really good right now. Everything is on point and where I need it to be. It’s fight week and it’s time to show out. I’m going to show up and put on for Lions Only. There’s nothing more that I can ask for than to be here to show everyone my abilities.

“I’m excited to show my skills again. This is big for me. I have an opponent who has the mindset to come in and dethrone me. He wants to stop the show, but it’s not over yet.

“I know that he needs to maintain his composure while trying to win a fight. Tony Harrison is a tall, rangy fighter but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. He knows who he’s dealing with. My experience cannot be overlooked.

“This training camp has been incredible. I’ve locked in with my coach and I’ve worked hard so that I’m fresh and at my best. I can’t wait to step into the ring on December 22.

“I hope Tony Harrison is at his best. There are certain things that he does well and we just need to make adjustments when we get in there. If he wants to box, we can box but if he wants to bang, we can be the aggressor.

“Brooklyn has become the new pinnacle of boxing for a lot of fighters and especially for me specifically. I’m winning with knockouts here and I’m excited to get in the ring at Barclays Center once again and do what I have to do.”

TONY HARRISON

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“Camp was amazing. I don’t think it could have gone any better. Based on all my other camps, I know that I’m absolutely ready for this fight. Now it’s just the anxiousness of waiting.

“I’m working on staying very composed right now. This is another day in the office for me. We’re just waiting to see how Saturday plays out.

“This isn’t my first time fighting on the big stage at Barclays Center so I won’t let the emotions overcome me. No matter who I’m facing or what the platform is, I’ve been fighting my whole life. This is second nature to me.

“I really had the time heading into this fight to have a camp as great as I had. I’ve had the opportunity to get some amazing sparring in. Everyone came in and really competed. It was tough work.

“I’m just going to come in and do my job. When I become champion I’m going to get that same respect from everyone.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“Whether it’s in sparring or in primetime, I’m always going to bring it. This is a big platform on FOX so I have to show up. The lights are on you and I can’t wait.

“I’m excited right now because I’m chasing Deontay Wilder. I want that WBC title. I have this fight ahead of me, but I have to beat him to get what I really want. I want to fight for the biggest prize in the sport.

“I stopped Eric Molina last year at Barclays Center to become the WBC mandatory and I’m just trying to keep winning while I wait my turn.

“I’m a crowd-pleasing fighter. I keep the fans on the edge of their seats. I can move for my size and I have knockout power. I’m looking for the knockout shot every single time.”

CARLOS NEGRON

Credit- Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

“We’re prepared for what Breazeale and anything he can bring into the ring. He’s a tough opponent but I’ve trained too hard not to leave it all in the ring.

“This has been a great training camp. I had tremendous sparring that pushed me to another level. I’m excited to get out there and show it all on fight night.

“This should be a great fight for fans. I’m planning on being aggressive and bringing the fight to him. I hope he’s ready for it, because I don’t want any excuses after the fight.”

FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ADRIEN BRONER MIAMI MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Broner Battles Welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao Saturday, January 19 on SHOWTIME PPV® from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

MIAMI (December 18, 2018) – Four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted a media workout at Miami Beach’s famed 5th Street Gym on Tuesday as he prepares to face Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, for his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, January 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In undercard action on the SHOWTIME PPV, two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title and former world champion Rau’shee Warren will take on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.

Cincinnati’s Broner, one of boxing’s most popular and colorful personalities, is training under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham in nearby West Palm Beach, Fla.

Credit- Robby Illanes/SHOWTIME

Here is what Broner and Cunningham had to say Tuesday:

ADRIEN BRONER

“This fight is real important. This is a hell of a fight not only for me but for the sport. This is a fight that needed to happen for the sport and we are going to put on a hell of a show.

“I always knew that one day I would be having fights like this. Honestly I thought he [Pacquiao] would be done with boxing by now but I always knew I would have a fight of this magnitude on this platform, pay-per-view and all and now I’m here.

“I knew what to expect. I knew he [Kevin] was going to be real strict and I just came prepared. Ready to put it all in and put it all on the line.”

On what he does in his down time:
“I try to rest as much as possible. I’m training so much and training real hard. This will be my second workout of the day and then after this I have another workout at 8:30 p.m. so that will be the third workout for the day so you know all my off time I try to eat properly, stay hydrated and stay focused.”

On how it feels to train in a gym that hosted greats like Muhammad Ali:
“It’s lovely. I never knew this gym existed and this is my first time ever being here or ever hearing about this gym being legendary. Muhammad Ali paved the way for guys like me and Sugar Ray Leonard and everyone else so, its legendary.

“I always tell other fighters and other people it takes more to be a star than just boxing. I just have everything it takes to be a mega star.”

Credit- Robby Illanes/SHOWTIME

On Pacquiao’s last fight against Lucas Matthysse:
“I didn’t see it but I heard he looked good. I don’t know what to expect. I’m just training for the best Pacquiao. And I’m going to go out there and do what I have to do to get the victory.”

How do you feel training in South Florida?
“I’m not focused on the clubbing and stuff and all that stuff will be here after the fight. I’m 110 percent focused on this fight.”

What he will do after the Pacquiao Fight?
“Boxing you have to take it one fight at a time. My main focus is getting past Manny Pacquiao first and then we can talk about other things.”

On whether or not Pacquiao has a weakness:
“It’s not a mystery. He has seven losses. It’s not a mystery that he can lose but anyone can lose on any given day. It’s whoever prepares the best and I’m preparing myself to do what I need to do. I don’t care about stopping him or whether it’s a unanimous decision, as long as I’m victorious.”

On whether or not this is the biggest fight of his career:
“This is definitely my biggest fight, biggest magnitude, biggest platform I’ve ever been on but you never know. I could probably go in there and make this look like the easiest fight of my career you just never know.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM

“I think he’s having even a better camp than the last. He’s added a new strength and conditioning coach and everything is working out perfect and camp is going extremely well and smooth. AB’s looking fast and explosive. I have no complaints.

“Adrien’s got everything; he’s a real throwback fighter. He’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s got quickness, he’s got footwork. He can punch and he can bang and he can box. He’s got skills and he can be slick if he wants to be. So he’s the total package.

“We have an idea of the way the fight is going to go. We’ve studied tons of Pacquiao footage and he pretty much fights the same every fight. Manny’s a rhythm fighter so it’s all about getting in his rhythm. He pretty much does his thing. But outside of that I’ve never really seen him make too many adjustments. He’s pretty much the same guy.”

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