Tag: HBO Latino

BRYANT JENNINGS vs. LUIS ORTIZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS  

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Press Release  For Immediate Release

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LIVE FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO IN VERONA, NEW YORK AND BROADCAST ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK® AND HBO LATINO® BOXING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland/HBO

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VERONA, NEW YORK (Dec. 17) – Fighters featured on the December 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino shows shared their final thoughts ahead of Saturdays fights at the final press conference today at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Former heavyweight world title contender Bryant “By – By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia was joined at the final press conference by his opponent Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz  (23-0, 20 KOs), who will clash in the main event on the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast on Saturday for the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.

Jennings and Ortiz were joined by co-main event fighters former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0, 21 KOs and Jason Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) who will battle Saturday in a 10-round super featherweight fight.

Also at today’s press conference were HBO Latino Boxing main event fighters Yuneski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) and Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) who will fight a 10-round light heavyweight bout; HBO Latino Boxing co-main event fighters “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) and former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-5, 22 KOs) who will battle in a 10-round middleweight bout; and former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs) and opponent Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) who will open up the HBO Latino Boxing broadcast in a 10-round lightweight bout. 

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference at Turning Stone Resort Casino:

BRYANT “BY-BY” JENNINGS, Former Heavyweight World Title Contender:

“Thank everyone for this fight and making this event happen. Preparation went as planned. I moved to Florida and had a great camp; it was a great environment. There will be no surprises on Saturday.”

LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” Ortiz, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion:

“I have worked very hard to be here, and I will not waste this opportunity. We will see on Saturday who is the best.

“I am a man of few words and will let my hands to the talking.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President at Golden Boy Promotions:

“To make the best fights you need to have great partners getting together that will make fair deals.

“These fighters are hungry and ready to brawl on Saturday. Bryant Jennings had a great performance at Madison Square Garden recently. Luis Ortiz is just as hungry. I want to thank Gary Shaw, HBO, Mario Serrano and everyone that has been part of this promotion. It has truly been a pleasure.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Business Partner at Golden Boy Promotions and Future Hall of Famer:

“2015 is the best year I will remember as a promoter. We’ve had excellent fights, competitive match ups this year. This is what boxing needs at this moment, and Golden Boy Promotions has been instrumental in helping deliver these entertaining fights to the fans. Jennings vs. Ortiz will be yet another one of those entertaining, high-action fights the fans want to see.”

MARIO SERRANO, Public Relations Director for Gary Shaw Productions:

“I want to thank HBO, Gary Shaw Productions, Golden Boy Promotions and the WBA.  With the WBA Interim title on the line, we at GSP believe Bryant Jennings will be victorious.  He has a new coach in John David Jackson and they are working harmoniously together.”

JOHN DAVID JACKSON, Trainer for Bryant Jennings:

“Thank you to Turning Stone Resort casino for hosting this event and to Gary Shaw Productions for making this event happen.

“Thank you to team Jennings, and to Bryant for being part of this team. Saturday, you’ll see. We will prove that we are the best.

“Bryant has worked hard this is what he wants and what he desires. He will be the heavyweight world champion of the world.

HERMAN CAICEDO, Trainer for Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz:

“Camp has been going well. We have been in camp for than more than a year. Luis lives in the gym – he doesn’t take a day off.”

“We have prepared well for this fight, and he has been doing his due diligence. I will not be surprised when he wins.”

“Luis has a lot of reasons to win and persevere. Saturday night, we will have the victory; it’s coming.”

LEE SAMUELS, Director of Public Relations at Top Rank:

“Thank you to HBO for all that they do for boxing. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions- everyone there is a great person and we have a wonderful relationship.

“This is a big year for Top Rank. Bob Aram is celebrating his 50th year in boxing- Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Herns, Roberto Duran, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, George Forman, and now here we are at Turning Stone Resort Casino for this very meaningful fight for us with Walters vs. Sosa.

“It will be a tough battle with two tough stars and big stakes for the winner.

“Nicholas is very powerful and had a great amateur career. This is his first time at 130 pounds, so we are not sure what we will see on Saturday night with him.”

NICHOLAS “AXEMAN” WALTERS, Undefeated Former World Boxing Association (WBA) Featherweight World Champion:

“As they say, 130 lbs. is his territory. I am willing to fight at whatever weight. I had an excellent training camp in Panama.

“We are going to be OK. I hope he is ready because we are going to put on a good fight. Thanks to HBO and all the promoters. I want to make a big statement for 2016-we are ready.”

JASON “EL CANITO” SOSA, Junior Lightweight Contender:

“Thank you to God; thanks to HBO for believing in me; thanks to Top Rank, Russell Peltz, and Golden Boy Promotions. Training camp has been great, and my game plan is excellent. I’m ready to give the fans what they want.

“Walters is coming in to my territory at 130 lbs. There is a big difference in this weight division compared to what he is used to. He will find out really quick what I am really all about.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing:

“It is great to be here at Turning Stone Resort Casino and is a pleasure to work with Golden Boy Promotions, looking to go great things together. Thank you to HBO as well. This will be a spectacular show.

“Yuniesky Gonzalez came up from Cuba, Mexico, and Florida to try and find a manager. He is an accomplished fighter, and I have tremendous high hopes for him. This will be a big fight between two warriors, and he is not going to disappoint.”

Yuniesky Gonzalez, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Thank you to God for giving me this moment. Thank you to my promoters, Star Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for everything.

“I feel good. I have the reality of Shabranskyy, but I feel very good. He is a good fighter, but I have come a long way and I am going to make a statement.”

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Undefeated Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Thank you. I am ready and it will be a great fight. I am ready to go.”

JOSHUA “GRAND MASTER” CLOTTEY, Former IBF Welterweight World Champion:

“Thanks to HBO for everything they have done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without them. I am ready for this opportunity.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA, Former WBA and IBF Featherweight champion:

“Thank you to God and thanks to HBO for trusting me. That is what I am here for, to give an exciting night. Thanks to SMS Promotions for having me here and to continue my promotional deals.

“Thanks to HBO for the opportunity, and we look forward to working with you in the future.”

HYLON “Kid Cosmo” WILLIAMS JR., Lightweight Contender:

“This going to be a great show on Saturday. I am glad to be here. I’ve come to do what I’ve come to do. Thanks to SMS Promotions for having me and for supporting me.”

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

 

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).

 

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.

MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV VOWS TO BRING EXPLOSIVE FIGHT TO ALEXANDER BRAND

Press Release For Immediate Release

HOUSTON, TX (December 2, 2015 ) Undefeated WBA #12 and WBC #13 light heavyweight contender, Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs), vows to bring an explosive fight to Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) when the two face each other this Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Osceola Heritage Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  The scheduled 10-round bout that will be shown live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

“First impressions last forever and I’m going make mine a memorable one with an explosive fight,” said Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov. “Fans can expect me to throw some big bombs, “B-52″ style, against Brand who I know is coming to fight.  Fighting on HBO is something I’ve been working toward since I became a professional boxer and I want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw and Lou Savarese for making this fight.  I’ll be looking to end the fight early, that you can bank on.”

“Savarese and I believe Bektemirov can become the next big star in the light heavyweight division.” said Gary Shaw. “He’s up against a very good fighter and he knows what’s on the line.  The fans are in for a treat this Saturday and I can’t wait to see “B-52″ drop some bombs.”

“There’s a nice buzz about this fight because both guys are going to leave everything in the ring come fight night,” said Lou Savarese. “Bektemirov has the opportunity to take his career to the next level with a victory and I believe he’ll come out on top.”

Tickets are priced at $60, $35 and $20, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com and http://www.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. 

MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV TALKS HBO DEBUT AGAINST ALEXANDER BRAND

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Press Release  For Immediate Release

HOUSTON, TX (November 23, 2015) Undefeated light heavyweight contender, Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs), returns to the ring December 5, 2015 at the Osceola Heritage Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  Medzhid will square off against Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout that will be shown live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Bektemierov, ranked WBA #12 and WBC #13, is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Savarese Promotions.  Alexander Brand will be a major step up in class for Bektemierov, definitely his toughest fight as a professional.  Training out of Houston, Texas, Bektemierov, gives his thoughts on fighting Brand on HBO, his first televised bout. 

“Against Alexander Brand, I will have to be at my best,” said Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov, who’s knocked out three of his last four opponents. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to show the world that I’m a real contender.  Gary Shaw and Lou Savarese did their part on getting me this fight on HBO, now it’s time to do mine.  They won’t be disappointed.  Everyone watching on television can expect to see a lot of bombs being thrown from me.  I’m always going to be gunning for the knockout early, but will be prepared to go the distance if I need to.”

“Bektemierov has been in the gym working on his craft since his last fight earlier this year,” said Gary Shaw. “He’s waited patiently for a chance to fight on television, and the fans watching on HBO are going to see B-52 drop some heavy artillery.  This is a real fight with two top level contenders.  Everyone should be tuning in, this is going to be a war.”

“Gary and I know this is a huge step up for Bektemierov, but we feel he’s got the talent and skills to become a world champion,” Lou Savarese said. “The fight will be shown to millions watching on HBO and we feel our B-52 can come out on top.  These are the type of fights that build the character of a champion.” 

Tickets are priced at $60, $35 and $20, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com and http://www.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. 

Herrera-Lundy, A Hidden Gem Awaits

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Mauricio Herrera (21-5 7 KO) is not a gatekeeper. There have been a few fighters over the past year who have foolishly selected him as an opponent thinking that was the case and right or wrong have escaped with a victory. 

Nicknamed “El Maestro”, meaning “The Teacher”, Herrera has been known to school an opponent or two only to see the decision go against him. The problem is, the judges have viewed Herrera more as the student, and themselves, a non-flexible school board voting against a referendum they dislike no matter how good it looks leaking a stench of political bureaucracy.

In his last fight eight months ago, Herrera faced undefeated rising prospect and boxing prodigy, Jose Benavidez. Giving up several inches in height and reach and twelve years in age, Herrera was thought to be a tough “test” for the kid with the solid amatuer pedigree, but not good enough to upset the apple cart…oops.

Herrera controlled the large majority of the rounds by walking down the youngster with excellent head movement and a stiff jab while destroying his body and landing big power shots as they presented themselves. Not surprisingly, according to Compubox, Herrera landed more and was the busier fighter connecting on 295 out of 870 compared to Benavidez, 250 out of 647.

After the scores were tallied, Herrera had lost his interim WBA light welterweight title which he had won in defeating Johan Perez. The scorecards for Benavidez were preposterous, the first, a mind boggling “what the hell fight were you watching- “ score of 117-111 , and two cards of 116-112. The kid had a few moments but surely not enough to take the title and warrant the scores that he received. Most everyone seated on press row had the fight for Herrera by a wide margin.  Consider the apple cart annihilated.

Two fights prior to the Benavidez fight, Herrera faced Philadelphia’s undefeated WBA/WBC light welterweight champion Danny Garcia in Puerto Rico. Garcia, of Puerto Rican descent, would be fighting in front of a partisan crowd but would need to be dominating. Again, enter Herrera, just the type of opponent that would be needed, a tough rugged pugilist who would be just dangerous enough to make for a good fight but not dangerous enough to pose a serious threat to the champion….right? 

Oops… Herrera, un-gatekeeper like, frustrated Garcia for most of the night with surprisingly fast hands, an active jab, committed body work, and sneaky power shots while negating Garcia’s signature left hook. Herrera appeared to do better than two of the judges gave him credit for but there he was again, a majority decision loser, 114-114, and 116-112 X2. Although Garcia outlanded Herrera in power shots, their percentage landed was roughly the same. Herrera almost tripled Garcia in jabs landed and held a slight edge in total punches thrown and landed.

This Saturday night airing on HBO Latino from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, Herrera faces another Philadelphia fighter, “Hammerin” Hank (Henry) Lundy (25-4-1 12 KO) for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight title. 

Lundy, like Herrera, has also seen his share of close bouts, albeit not as controversial. Lundy’s last fight was also in December where he lost to Thomas Dulorme by split decision and missed out on a chance to capture the WBO junior middleweight title. In the fight against Dulorme, Lundy showed his mettle after being knocked down early and battling back gallantly almost capturing the victory.

Back in 2013, Lundy lost a close unanimous decision to Viktor Postol, and prior to that fight a majority decision loss to Raymundo Beltran. Lundy’s first loss came by way of stoppage back in 2010 to John Molina Jr. by TKO in round 11, a fight he was actually winning handily at the time of the stoppage. Lundy is 3-3 in his last six fights and we have to wonder if the real “Hammerin” Hank will ever stand up. 

Interesting to note here is the history of the reach advantage/disadvantage as it relates to each fighter. For Herrera, he seems to struggle against fighters with a shorter reach as all of his losses (with the exception of Benavidez, which was arguably a win) have come against fighters with a shorter reach and those closely resembling that of Lundy. By comparison, all of Lundy’s losses with the exception of Beltran, have come at the hands of fighters with a longer reach, closely resembling that of Herrera. That said, whoever establishes their jab, which both fighters use to great advantage to set up the other aspects of their game, may be an early tell on how the fight may progress. 

Both fighters are mirror images of each other in some aspects. They both like to move forward and bang when needed while using an active jab, and committing to the body. Lundy will have the speed advantage, Herrera the higher work rate, Herrera the faster starter, Lundy stronger late. 

Herrera could benefit from backing Lundy up and asserting himself early while banking rounds and tipping the score cards in his favor. Lundy, moving inside the length of Herrera to throw punches in bunches and then defensively moving to defend against the relentless counter attack of Herrera may allow him to control rounds.  

Said Herrera-
“I feel great. I feel prepared and ready to beat Lundy and if he wants to brawl, box or do whatever, I’m ready. I feel there is a big possibility that I can stop him.”

Countered Lundy-
“He [Herrera] may have beaten another Philly fighter, Danny Garcia, but he’s got to realize I’m another type of animal. I’m a throwback fighter and on Saturday, Herrera is going to see what Hammerin’ Hank is all about.”

This could be a close fight and another scorecard fiasco. If this fight is a draw after the final bell,  they need to invoke the ESPN Boxcino tiebreaker format. Fight one more round for all the marbles and if it still is a draw, the fans decide the winner via social media vote. Just saying.

Herrera and Lundy are what is right about boxing, hard working blue collar fighters who work on their craft and come ready to give their all from the opening bell. 

A true crossroads fight for both and one that has the makings of something special. The “styles make fights” idiom can be used here with no apologies. When you pit two hungry fighters in against each other, each searching for that one career defining win and searching for respect, we may get something special.

The winner catapulted to contender status in the division, the loser, well, there’s always work for a gatekeeper, buyer beware.