Tag: Featured

Mikey Garcia & Sergey Lipinets Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos
Mikey Garcia & Sergey Lipinets Los Angeles Media Workout
Quotes & Photos
 
Garcia vs. Lipinets Junior Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
LOS ANGELES (February 20, 2018) – Three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Sergey Lipinets participated in an open media workout in Los Angeles Tuesday as they prepare for their world title showdown Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also see two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
 
The night also features a SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT that will see undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barriosface Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout and undefeated Alejandro Luna taking on former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator. 
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
 
Joining Garcia and Lipinets at Tuesday’s workout was former title challenger Josesito Lopez, who competes in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum on March 10.
 
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday from the City of Angels Boxing Club in Los Angeles:
 
MIKEY GARCIA
 
“I’m excited to have another opportunity on March 10 to show my fans what I’m all about and what I can do in the ring. I’m preparing to win another world title and that’s all that’s on my mind right now.
 
“Neither one of us wants to lose. We’re both undefeated and no one wants to give up that ‘0’. That’s going to make this a great fight for the fans.
 
“I don’t have a number of titles that I’m chasing, but I do believe I will be a champion at 140-pounds and eventually at welterweight. Each fight is unique and I’m going to keep taking it one fight at a time.
 
“I’ve been winning and dominating my fights, but I still have room to show the fans more of my skills. I need opponents who will bring the best out of me. I’m going to keep trying to dominate each fight and make it easy for myself in the ring.
 
“It was a little upsetting that we had to wait to have this fight, but it’s part of the sport. We took a day off when we heard the news and then we went back to work. Now we’re ahead of schedule so it worked out great.
 
“We’re excited to be where we’re at and to have the opportunity to win another world title. I’m most excited that this really takes me closer to the kind of recognition we deserve and the goals I want to achieve.
 
“Sergey Lipinets is the number one priority right now. He’s an undefeated world champion and I can’t take him lightly at all. I’m going to follow my game plan and right now I’m on track to put on a great performance.
 
“The number one thing I see in Sergey is his size. He’s the bigger man so I’ll have to be prepared for the weight. Because he’s a young new champion, he’s really got nothing to lose. He’s coming with everything he has.
 
“I know he’s going to take this fight more seriously than any other he’s taken. I know that he has that fire in him. I have to be aware of his power and use my boxing skills to overcome it.”
 
SERGEY LIPINETS
 
“This is going to be a great fight. We’ll both be at 100 percent on fight night and ready to give our best. This won’t be a one-sided fight. It’s going to be two gladiators going at each other.
 
“Mikey is a great fighter. He has a lot of skills, especially defensively. I’m going to be ready for him. It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears.
 
“If you’ve watched my previous fights you know that this will be a great fight. We’re both going to be there in front of each other and we won’t be kissing and hugging.
 
“I’m very excited to be in this position and I’m planning to take advantage of it. It meant a lot to win a world title, but these are the kind of fights you get into boxing for. This is a chance to really put my name in the history books.
 
“Everything is on schedule for the hand. I’ve been using it at will with no problems. I’ll be ready to go on fight night. I never stopped working so the transition was very easy once the hand had healed.”
 
JOSESITO LOPEZ
 
“I can’t wait to show some new things that I’ve worked on in camp. I feel really strong, fast and quick and I’m excited to put it all together on fight night.
 
“Sparring with Mikey Garcia has been good for me. He’s a really intelligent fighter, he’s very precise and he does everything with a purpose. Being in there with him makes me a better fighter.
 
“I’m anxious to get back in the ring. I’ve worked hard with Robert Garcia on different game plans and perfecting my style. My body feels good and I’m ready to compete with the top fighters.
 
“Robert has a great gym in Riverside with a lot of talented fighters. We’re always working and you have to be ready to spar with anybody. The young guys have really given me good work and kept me on my toes, which I’ve needed these last few years.”
 
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
 
“Lipinets has power and we’re fighting in his weight division. Lipinets is the naturally bigger fighter and we know he’s a dedicated fighter. I’m sure he’s training like never before.
 
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Lipinets. Winning this fight puts him in a great position, so we have to be very careful. We can’t take him lightly, because it won’t be easy. But fighters like Mikey, with his skills, are sometimes able to overcome any disadvantage.
 
“Fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were able to move up in weight and still dominate, because of their great skills. Very few fighters are able to do that. We believe that Mikey is one of those special fighters.”
 
BUDDY MCGIRT, Lipinets’ Trainer
 
“The key is to not be one-dimensional. Sergey is going to give him different looks all night. Once he steps on the gas, we’ll see what Mikey’s made of.
 
“Mikey hasn’t fought anyone competitive since he came back. I believe it’s been awhile since Mikey’s been in a fight where he’s had to dig down and work. Once Sergey steps on the gas, we’ll see what’s inside of him. I don’t doubt him, because he comes from a family of great fighters and trainers. But sometimes that ring rust will kick in at a time when you can’t afford it.
 
“We’re prepared for any and everything. Once we get in there, we’ll give Mikey all we can when the time comes.
 
“We’re watching Sergey and we could tell if he’s hesitating or holding back when throwing his right hand. He hasn’t been doing that. It’s just a matter of time now. Everything is running on schedule.”

Former World Champions Victor Ortiz & Devon Alexander Fight to Majority Draw Caleb Plant UD over Porky Medina
Former World Champions Victor Ortiz & Devon Alexander Fight to Majority Draw in Action Packed Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday Night from Don Haskins Center in
 El Paso, Texas
 
Unbeaten Caleb Plant Dominates Rogelio Medina on His Way to Unanimous Decision in Super Middleweight World Title Eliminator
&
2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas Scores Unanimous Decision
Over Jorge Rojas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Juan Yepez/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
EL PASO, TX. (February 17, 2018) – Former world champions Victor Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs) and Devon Alexander (27-4-1, 14 KOs) fought to majority draw in the exciting main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
 
Both fighters believed they had done enough over the 12 rounds to earn the decision.
 
“I absolutely thought I won the fight,” said Alexander. “The last few rounds I probably gave him, but I thought I out landed him in the 12th. I thought I did enough to win. I gave him three rounds.”
 
“I thought the decision was a little off and I thought I did enough to win,” said Ortiz. “The first few rounds were a little complicated. He’s a great boxer and he was timing me just right. I wasn’t leaving the line of fire.”
 
The fight turned out to be a back-and-forth affair, with Alexander dominating much of the early action. Alexander frequently caught Ortiz charging in with right hands and combinations. The attacks opened up swelling in Victor’s left eye beginning in round three.
 
“The eye was tough to overcome,” said Ortiz. “I can’t really see out of it. I really had to listen to my corner. I tried to stay composed as I could, but he’s a really good fighter.”
 
“My game plan was to be smart,” said Alexander. “Victor always has problems with people that are faster and have more ring IQ. I wanted to put him in the state of mind that he can’t win.”
 
Alexander won five of the first six rounds on two judges’ scorecards and all six on the other’s. Ortiz began to have more success in the second half as Alexander’s output slowed slightly and Ortiz remained persistent charging forward. This effort allowed him to win five of the final six rounds on two judges’ cards and all six of the final frames on the third judge’s card.
 
After 12 rounds, the judges scored the bout 115-113 for Ortiz and 114-114 twice, resulting in the majority draw. After the bout, both former champions expressed interest in a possible rematch.
 
“I would love a rematch,” said Alexander. “That’s up to my team to see what’s next, but I’ll fight anybody. I’m a real fighter.”
“A rematch would be awesome,” said Ortiz. “If both teams agree and the fans want it, let’s make it happen.”
 
The co-main event of the telecast saw unbeaten Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) score a unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (38-9, 32 KOs) in their IBF Super Middleweight world title eliminator.

“It was a tough fight tonight against a tough competitor who puts everything on the line,” said Plant. “I’m happy we got the job done tonight.”
 
Plant established his style early, landing several flush jabs in round one to control the distance. The Nashville-born fighter showed the superior footwork from the outset that would lead him to the victory.
“I stuck to the game plan and I did exactly what I said I was going to do,” said Plant. “I boxed his ears off for 12 rounds.”
 
“He never had me hurt, but I found his style very difficult,” said Medina. “He moves a lot and he’s pretty quick, so that was tough to deal with.”
 
While Plant has now become the number two rated contender in the IBF 168-pound rankings, Medina was not eligible to achieve that ranking due to missing weight Friday.
 
“I think I felt the struggle to make weight a little bit,” said Medina. “I was a little tired in the later rounds and it probably was due to the drain to make weight. But it is what it is.”
 
Plant was able to mix in lead left hooks and straight right hands to continue to damage Medina throughout the action. The consistent jabs caused blood to begin pouring out of the nose of Medina beginning in round three.
 
While Medina continued to fight hard and occasionally land single clean punches on Plant, he was unable to follow-up with much effective offense and never was able to hurt his opponent.
 
After 12 rounds of action, the judges scored the fight 120-108, 119-109 and 117-11, all in favor of Plant.
 
“I want (IBF 168-pound champion) Caleb Truax,” said Plant. “He was calling me out when I was 12-0. I’m on the doorstep knocking now, let’s see if he still wants it. He can either ship me the IBF belt to my doorstep, or I’ll come take it off his waist.”
 
Additional televised action saw 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (4-0, 3 KOs) remain undefeated as he cruised to a unanimous decision over Jorge Rojas (4-3-1, 2 KOs) in their lightweight bout.
 
The four-round bout was not only the first time Balderas had gone the distance as a pro, but the first time an opponent made it through more than one round against him. Balderas staggered Rojas early in round one with a counter left hook, but Rojas was able to survive the round and the subsequent stanzas.
 
“I felt good in there,” said Balderas. “I need to learn to relax a little bit more in the ring. I hurt him in the first round and I could have finished him quickly. My corner reminded me to slow down, but I was still throwing everything with power. I’m going to keep working on my composure in the gym. I can’t kill everyone in the first round.”
 
After four rounds of action all three judges scored the fight in favor of the Santa Maria, California-native Balderas by the score of 40-36.
“I’m going to keep picking up my opposition this year,” said Balderas. “Rojas had a really good chin. I’m going to stay in great shape so I’m ready whenever the call comes. I’m going to keep working and aiming for that world title shot down the road.” 

Ortiz VS Alexander Bout Sheet

 

Click HERE  for PDF Version

Click HERE for Photos from Juan Yepez/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Garcia vs Rios Bout Sheet

 

Click HERE for PDF Version

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions

 

Luis Ortiz Training Camp Notes
Luis Ortiz Training Camp Notes
 
Unbeaten Cuban Contender Faces WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder Live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 3
 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by
Premier Boxing Champions
 
MIAMI (February 16, 2018) – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz is finally nearing his first world title opportunity as he prepares to take on WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
 
The Premier Boxing Champions event will see undefeated former 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo take on Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim WBC middleweight title in the co-feature. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with top super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell battling hard-hitting Jose Uzcategui in a rematch for the IBF Interim 168-pound world title.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
 
Ortiz spoke on a variety of topics as he heads into the highly anticipated showdown with Wilder. Here is what Ortiz had to say from training camp in Miami:
 
On Deontay Wilder…
“He’s talking too much. He’s going to have to back that up in the ring. He says he’s going to kill ‘King Kong.’ He’s going to knock me out. I want to watch him try. I’m not like those other guys he fought. I’m a real fighter. Tough and with a lot of experience. I’ve been fighting since I was 10 years old.
 
“He doesn’t intimidate me. His trash talk makes me laugh. It’s just a lot of noise. I’m hungry. I’m doing this for my family. He better take me seriously because he’s going to find himself on the canvas before he knows it. I’m going to show the world who ‘King Kong’ is.”
 
On his confrontation with Wilder after Ortiz’s last fight…
“Someone told me Wilder was in the crowd, I smiled. I was glad to see him. I knew what he wanted. 
 
“I’m not the kind that likes to trash talk, but I’ve had it with this guy. He talks too much. He has a big mouth. He has insulted me and has said too many dumb things. So when I saw him ringside I told him to get inside the ring and to tell the world once and for all that he was going to fight me. He says he wants to fight the top fighters. I’m a top fighter. Let’s do it.”
 
On testing positive for a banned substance during training for the first scheduled fight against Wilder…
“A lot of people that believe in me and know me well, know that I would not do anything that can jeopardize my future as a boxer. I have too much at stake: my family, my children and the possibility to provide for them.
 
“I had been taking that medicine for two years. It was my mistake not to disclose that prescription drug in the paperwork. I never thought a prescription was going to bring me so much trouble. I was taking this medicine to treat high blood pressure, but apparently it’s also used to go to the bathroom a lot and mask other things. I drink two gallons of water per day. I go to the bathroom a lot already. I never put two and two together. I’m clean. The dose they found in my system was too low to mask anything at all. If I would have known this prescription drug was not allowed, I would have told my trainer and my doctor.
 
“I’m a heavyweight I don’t need to make weight. Why am I going to go to the trouble of taking an illegal substance that makes you go to the bathroom a lot? I have no need. I simply didn’t know it was banned. If I would have known, I would have said something to my trainer or to the doctors.
 
“I think the fight was not meant to be at that point in time last year. Destiny played a part. It was supposed to be postponed. Now there are no excuses.”
On how important this fight is for him…
“Every fight I’ve had in my career has been important. The key is always to avoid thinking that it’s win or die because that can put you off center. So the way I see it is that this fight is important for me because I have to win it. And I’m going to. It’s a world championship, but for me it’s just another day at work.  My only goal is to win this fight. Win. Win. Win. By winning this fight, everything else unfolds. I get a title and I help my family.”
 
On what’s going to happen on fight night…
“When I get in the ring, all I will be thinking about is the strategy we put together in the gym. My family is always there. They go to every fight. That was my promise to them when I had to leave them behind in Cuba to come to the United States. They will come with me wherever I go. If I gas out, I look at them and they keep me going. They are my motivation and they will help me achieve this victory.”

Tensions Flare At Final Press Conference For Danny Garcia vs. Brandon Rios Welterweight World Title Eliminator – Quotes & Photos From Thursday’s Final Press Conference
Tensions Flare At Final Press Conference For Danny Garcia vs.  Brandon Rios Welterweight World Title Eliminator
 
David Benavidez Promises To Knock Out Ronald Gavril In WBC Super Middleweight World Championship Rematch In Co-Feature Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
 
Saturday, Feb. 17, Live on SHOWTIME® from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
 
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 15, 2018) – Two-division world champion Danny Garcia and former world champion Brandon Rios faced off Thursday at the final press conference for their WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator this Saturday, February 17live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Garcia, who returns for his first bout since a unification showdown with Keith Thurman, promised to put on a show, while a confident Rios assured he was 100 percent prepared for what he deemed a “make or break” fight. 
 
Saturday’s co-main event stole the show Thursday as undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavidez promised to send top-rated contender Ronald Gavril into retirement in their anticipated rematch of a thrilling 2017 split-decision.  Gavril, who floored Benavidez in the final minute of their Fight of the Year nominee, promised a different outcome in Saturday’s rematch. 
 
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight contenders Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson facing offin an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say from Rhythm & Riffs Lounge in Las Vegas:
 
DANNY GARCIA
“I took a little under a year off just to enjoy my life. I’ve worked hard my whole life; I’ve been boxing for 20 years. I just wanted to be a regular person and let my mind rest, spend time with my daughter and enjoy some of my money.
 
“More than anything, I just felt like I needed the rest. It wasn’t about the hunger because I’ve always had passion for the sport. I love boxing. I love the competition.
 
“I’m back now and I’ve been in camp for three months. I’m training hard. I feel great and I feel confident.
 
“It was a close fight against Thurman. I walked out of there with no injuries. Thurman was the one with the elbow injury, so he took more punishment than me. I could easily be unified champion of the world right now. At the end of the day, I’m a champion. That’s my mindset. What doesn’t break me, makes me stronger.
 
“It feels great to be from Philly right now. The atmosphere is crazy. When the Eagles won the Super Bowl, it felt like I won. They motivated me to go out there and do what I have to do.
 
“It’s the Danny Garcia show so I’m going to go in there and do what I want to do. I’m going to dictate the pace. If we want to bang, we can bang. If we want to box, we can box.
 
“I’ve faced fighters that came straight at me before. I’ve faced fighters that moved. I’m prepared for whatever. I’m a young veteran in the sport and what made me a true champion is adapting to anything and overcoming adversity. If I have to overcome adversity on Saturday night, then I’m going to do that because that’s what I was built for.
 
“I need to get a victory on Saturday night. I can’t overlook anybody. I’ve seen some crazy things happen in boxing. One punch can change everything, so I’m just focused on Saturday night.”
 
BRANDON RIOS
“I’m ready 100 percent. I’m ready to give the fans an exciting show and that’s what I’ve prepared for. That’s my style. I always come forward and I come to fight. We ain’t dancing, we’re going to be fighting.
 
“Robert Garcia has always been my brother. He’s a brother from another mother. It felt great to be back with Robert Garcia and I’m just ready for the fight now. Him and Donald Leary have me confident in myself, and that’s the most important thing.
 
“I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity. This can make or break me. I’m doing everything right in training and dieting. I usually say I can’t wait until weigh-ins but this time I can’t wait until Saturday.
 
“There’s no weight issue at all. I’m perfectly on-weight right now. I’m perfectly fine health-wise, there’s no injuries. I’m 100 percent ready.”
 
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“I’m going to put Gavril into retirement after this fight. I’m going to knock him out. This is going to be the fight of the night so you guys don’t want to miss it. He’s not going to want to box again after I get done with him.
 
“He dropped me but I wasn’t hurt at any point of that fight. I got back up and smiled. I did not feel his power at all.
 
“It wasn’t a tough decision to give him a rematch because it was a great fight. I just want to give the fans the fights they want to see. They said the first one was a war, let’s make this one a war too.
 
“I’m not offended by Gavril’s talk because he’s a good fighter. This is just more hype for the fight and more motivation for me to go in there and make it a war.
 
“This time, there’s going to be a little bit more boxing. I really want to put this guy away so in order to do that, I need to step up every part of my game.”
 
RONALD GAVRIL
“In the first fight, I proved to everybody that I have the skill and the power to be the best in this division. I thought that I won the fight, especially with the knockdown. So now, I had more than eight weeks to prepare for this fight when I only had four weeks for the first fight. I’m better now.
 
“I was not surprised Benavidez gave me the rematch because it was such a good fight. I think Benavidez talks to much. He said before the first fight that he was coming to stop me in four rounds or five rounds. He cannot stop me. And now, he said the same thing before this fight. He can’t do that. Why do you think he got a new fitness coach?”
 
YORDENIS UGAS
“Moving up from 140 to 147 in 2016 has been great for me. Putting on the extra weight only makes me stronger.
 
“I’m ready to fight Robinson. I feel 100 percent and after I fight him on Saturday, I’m looking forward to fighting (Errol) Spence if I’m successful.
 
“I’m going to jump on the fact that I have length and reach on him. I have the height advantage. I can find a way to come in and attack the body first.
 
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. It’s an eliminator so I’m going for the win on Saturday night.”
 
RAY ROBINSON
“At one point, I used to put a lot of pressure on myself because of my name. I put so much pressure on myself that I even think I lost a couple fights. I look up to Sugar Ray Robinson, but I’m here to put my own footprints in the sand.
 
“I have learned from every fight and gotten better every fight as a pro and as a person. I have a great team now and they have only added to my craft.
 
“I feel confident. I did all of the hard work in the gym with my team. This is the easy part. I can box with a blindfold on. That’s the one thing I know how to do – fight. On Saturday, all of my hard work is going to pay off.”

Victor Ortiz vs. Devon Alexander & Caleb Plant vs. Rogelio Medina Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
Victor Ortiz vs. Devon Alexander & Caleb Plant vs. Rogelio Medina
Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos
 
 
Ortiz vs. Alexander & Plant vs. Medina Featured in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Action Saturday, February 17 Live from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ruben Ramirez
 
EL PASO, TX. (February 15, 2018) – Former world champions Victor Ortiz and Devon Alexander went face to face Thursday two days before they enter the ring for their Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes main event showdown this Saturday, February 17 from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
 
Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference were undefeated contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and Rogelio “Porky” Medina, who battle in a super middleweight world title eliminator. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas battling Jorge Rojas.
 
IBF Female Featherweight World Champion Jennifer Han was also at Thursday’s press conference in her hometown, as she prepares to take on top contender Lizbeth Crespo in a world title defense.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Don Haskins Center
 
VICTOR ORTIZ
 
“We’re ready to go once again. I’m here for what’s mine, and that’s a victory. Alexander is a nice fighter and I’m sure it’ll be a war.
 
“The victory is the only thing on my mind. I’m here to defeat Devon Alexander. I just need to trust my training and I know it’ll give the result I want.
 
“I’m definitely looking for the knockout. I want to put on a great performance for these fans. They’ve supported me throughout this promotion and I owe them something memorable.
 
“Devon and I have known each other for a long time, but that all goes out the window on fight night. It’s going to be a brawl. We’re going to do what we have to do to get this win and move on to the next step of my career.”
 
DEVON ALEXANDER
 
“No one wants to hear me say what I’m going to do. People want to see me beat Victor Ortiz. Nothing else matters. I’m prepared to come in and win this fight. I’m going to win and get back to the top.
 
“I’m so blessed to be in this position. I’ve had ups and downs in my life and career, but it’s all been leading to this moment and this part of my career. I’ve got something special coming for the fans.
 
“I’m really excited to be fighting in El Paso. This is clearly a fight town and I can’t wait to give them a great show on Saturday.
 
“This fight is so important to me. I know how important it is to Victor too. We both need these wins to get to where we want to be in the future. Only one of us can move on, and It’s going to be me.”
 
CALEB PLANT
 
“This has been the best camp of my life. Everyone always says that, but this has truly been the best one I’ve ever had. I have a great team that I’m very lucky to have.
 
“It’ll come down to who has the will to win. There’s a stigma that people on the ‘A side’ haven’t been through trials and tribulations. But I’ve been through more than anyone can imagine.
 
“I’m not playing around. This is no joke to me. This is all I’ve ever had. When I was a kid with no heat and the lights were off, boxing was all I had. Saturday night I’m getting my hand raised and I’ll be one step closer to a world title.
 
“Saturday night is going to be fireworks. There’s no secrets what’s going to happen when I fight ‘Porky’ Medina. He’s coming to break me down, and I’m coming to box.”
 
ROGELIO MEDINA
 
“I am honored to be a part of this card and compete in a big fight like this in a fight city like El Paso. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans.
 
“I’m determined to get this win. Caleb Plant is a good fighter, but he’s never fought anyone as tough as me. I don’t think he’s going to be ready for my pressure.
 
“I’m always going to come forward and look for the knockout. That’s what we train for and that’s the only thing on my mind. I have to go right through Caleb Plant to earn another world title shot.”
 
JENNIFER HAN
 
“I want to thank El Paso for always being there to support me. I couldn’t do what I do without all the fans.
 
“I’m truly blessed to have the help and support of me team. We work hard together and we win together.
 
“I’m thankful to Lizbeth Crespo for coming to El Paso. I’ve had problems in the past getting opponents here who are ready. She looks ready to go and we’re going to put on a great show.
 
“This is such a talented card full of world class fighters. If the fans show up, we’re going to keep having big events like this in El Paso.”
 
LIZBETH CRESPO
 
“I am thrilled to be here. It’s an honor to be fighting Jennifer Han. She’s the queen of El Paso and I’m excited to fight her in her backyard.
 
“I’m focus and determined to win this fight. I’ve had a wonderful training camp and I’m looking forward to taking home the victory for Argentina.”

S-8 Quick Look….Spence v. Peterson

Rising star Errol Spence Jr. (22-0 19 KO) will give veteran and former two division champion Lamont Peterson (35-3-1 17 KO) a shot at his IBF Welterweight World Title on Saturday night from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This will be Spence’s first defense of the title that he captured in Kell Brook’s back yard. Peterson relinquished his WBA Welterweight strap in order to be able to knuckelup with Spence.

Tape Tales

Spence Jr. Age-28,  Height- 5’9 1/2, Reach- 72″, Southpaw

Peterson-  Age- 33 Height- 5’9, Reach-72″, Orthodox

Last 3-

Spence- (3-0)

5-27-17 TKO 11 over Kell Brook

8-21-16 KO 6 over Leonard Bundu

4-16-16 TKO 5 over Chris Algieri

Peterson- (2-1)

2-18-17 UD over David Avanesyan

10-17-15 MD over Felix Diaz

4-11-15 Loss- Danny Garcia MD

Common Opponents May Provide A Bit Of Clarity

None/none of note.

And The Winner Is…

The resume is all Peterson, having fought some of the best fighters in their prime, Lucas Matthysse, Danny Garcia, Amir Khan, Victor Ortiz, Timothy Bradley Jr. The experience alone for Peterson should allow him to have at least some moments in this matchup. Both are at different stages in their respective careers, Spence a rising star, Peterson seeming to have missed opportunities along the way.

In the past two years Peterson has fought once and comes in facing one of the top P4P fighters in the game. This will not end well. Peterson does not have the power to keep Spence honest. What Peterson does have is the boxing skills to create puzzles for the champion but Spence has shown that he adapts quickly to his opponents and with a stong boxing skill set of his own will overcome anything that Peterson provides. The difference is that Spence has shown the ability to hurt his opponents be it over the course of the fight or at any given time. It is the speed and movement of Spence that masks his power. Peterson may have some slight success with the jab but Spence will attack him to the body forcing him to deviate from his plan.

Spence has shown that he does not rush his attack and is perfectly content admiring his body of work over several rounds before he makes the decision to turn things up. It is at these moments that you see Spence starting to land with bad intentions. He’s like a shark that smells blood, he will walk his opponent down, work them to the body on the ropes, and land blistering combinations to the head.

Spence will respect Peterson but will drop him early forcing Peterson to fight mostly defensively the rest of the way. That said, Peterson is a game warrior and will try to change the course of the fight but his power output will be negated by Spence’s power input.

Spence by 8th round stoppage.

Lamont Peterson is dangerous and Errol Spence Jr.’s trainer explains why

Premier Boxing Champions
PBC Jabs: January 18, 2018
 
 
Former world champion Lamont Peterson is a dangerous opponent and Errol Spence Jr.‘s trainer knows it! This week on PBC Jabs, we chat with Derrick James, who reveals what makes Peterson such a threat for Saturday night’s welterweight title showdown on Showtime.

Plus, Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz are back on the schedule for March 3rd … for REAL this time.
PBC Jabs: January 18, 2018
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Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Defends Against Undefeated Contender Luis Ortiz Saturday, March 3 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER DEFENDS AGAINST UNDEFEATED CONTENDER LUIS ORTIZ SATURDAY, MARCH 3 FROM BARCLAYS CENTER 
IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY
 PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS
 
Tickets on Sale Tuesday, January 16 at 10 A.M. ET
 
BROOKLYN (January 12, 2018) – Another blockbuster boxing event will come to Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®, as unbeaten heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defends his title against unbeaten contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz on Saturday, March 3 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Wilder-Ortiz is a long-awaited matchup of undefeated, consensus top-five fighters facing off in the resurgent heavyweight division and marks Wilder’s third appearance at Barclays Center.
 
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and go on sale Tuesday, January 16 at 10 a.m. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Wednesday, January 17 at noon.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome the heavyweight champ back to Barclays Center for his second-consecutive fight after a big first round knockout of Bermane Stiverne in our ring last November,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Deontay’s long-awaited bout with Ortiz is sure to be one of 2018’s best matchups.”
 
Wilder returns to Barclays Center after most recently scoring a sensational first round knockout of Bermane Stiverne on November 4, 2017 and previously delivering a highlight reel knockout of Artur Szpilka in January 2016. America’s only reigning heavyweight champion will look to put on another unforgettable performance when he faces his toughest opponent to date in Ortiz.