Undefeated Brandon Figueroa Makes Homecoming Defense of Interim Super Bantamweight Title Against Argentina’s Javier Chacon

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Undefeated Brandon Figueroa Makes Homecoming Defense of Interim Super Bantamweight Title Against Argentina’s Javier Chacon in FS1 PBC Fight Night on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday, August 24 from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas

Unbeaten Rising Contender Stephen Fulton Jr. Takes on Undefeated Isaac Avelar in Super Bantamweight Showdown & Unbeaten Super Lightweights Darwin Price & Donovan Estrella Battle in Action Beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m. CT!

WESLACO, TX. (June 26, 2019) – Undefeated interim WBA Super Bantamweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will make a 12-round homecoming title defense when he takes on Argentina’s Javier “Chispita” Chacon Saturday, August 24 in the main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night on FS1 and FOX Deportes live from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising unbeaten Stephen “CoolBoySteph” Fulton Jr. in a 12-round super bantamweight attraction against fellow undefeated contender Isaac Avelar, plus another showdown of unbeaten fighters will see Houston’s Darwin Price taking on Donovan Estrella in a 10-round super lightweight fight.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Panterita Boxing, are on sale Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased through AXS.com.

“Brandon Figueroa is a fast-rising talent riding a six-fight knockout streak into this main event opportunity on August 24 in front of his hometown fans,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He will look to continue to solidify himself as a force to be reckoned with in the 122-pound division against a very tough veteran in Argentina’s Javier Chacon. Argentina has a long line of battle-ready warriors who have come to the states and had big success, as Chacon will look to accomplish by spoiling Figueroa’s homecoming. With the televised undercard featuring two battles of unbeaten fighters, this has all the ingredients for a can’t miss night on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

The 22-year-old Figueroa (18-0, 13 KOs) will be defending his title for the first time after capturing it live on FOX in April by stopping Yonfrez Parejo in eight rounds. He set up his title-winning performance by knocking out Moises Flores in the third-round of their January fight on FS1. Representing Weslaco, Texas, the younger brother of former world champion Omar has a six-fight knockout streak that he brings into the ring on August 24. He returns to fight in his home state for the first time since March of 2018, when he stopped Giovanni Delgado in seven rounds in San Antonio.

“It feels amazing to be bringing nationally televised fights to Bert Ogden Arena for the first time for my hometown fans,” said Figueroa. “I’m looking forward to this fight and I’m going to continue to knock people out and move up the 122-pound rankings. I’m facing an awkward fighter, but I believe there will be opening for me to attack his body, which is one of my strengths. It’s going to be a great atmosphere and I’m working hard like the fight is in two weeks. I’ll be more than ready on August 24.”

Representing Mendoza, Argentina Chacon (29-4-1, 9 KOs) has won four fights a row leading up to August 24, most recently winning a decision in May over Diego Sananco. Chacon has challenged top fighters including Anselmo Moreno and Jamie McDonnell in world title fights. He will make his U.S. debut on August 24 after having previously competed in his home country, the UK, Panama and Ghana.

“I’m looking forward to this great opportunity to fulfill my dreams of being world champion like my brother Julio Pablo,” said Chacon. “To get here, I had to win a tournament to find the best super bantamweight in Argentina. I was the underdog in every fight and still won each time. That’s what I’m going to do again on August 24. I will win when nobody thinks I can.”

The 24-year-old Fulton (16-0, 7 KOs) is a Philadelphia-native and defeated previously unbeaten fighters in five of his last nine contests while rising up the rankings and most recently defeated former world champion Paulus Ambunda in his first 12-round outing in May. He takes on the 21-year-old Avelar (16-0, 10 KOs) from Aguascalientes, Mexico who made his U.S. debut in March by defeating Juan Antonio Lopez.

“I’m excited about this fight because it’s two undefeated fighters clashing which will be a big statement for me,” said Fulton. “I’m planning to make him the sixth undefeated fighter that I beat. I’m in shape now and I know I’m facing a fighter who’s going to bring it and give everything he’s got. But I’m bringing the speed, power, pressure and intelligence that will show you why I’m a force in this division.”

“I feel great about this opportunity and I’m ready to take full advantage of it,” said Avelar. “I’ve studied Fulton and I know he’s a good boxer, but he won’t be able to handle the pressure I put on him. I’m a fighter who’s constantly on the go and ready to throw over a hundred punches a round. This is going to be a great fight for the fans, and may the best man win.”

Born in St. Louis and fighting out of Houston, Price (14-0, 7 KOs) made his 2019 debut with a stoppage victory over Luis Eduardo Florez in April. The 29-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2013 and will face off against Denver’s Estrella (13-0, 4 KOs), who turned pro the same year and is also yet to taste defeat. The 24-year-old most recently defeating Robert Rodriguez last November.

Welterweight Contender & Minneapolis-Native Jamal James Takes on Former World Champion Antonio DeMarco

Welterweight Contender & Minneapolis-Native Jamal James Takes on Former World Champion Antonio DeMarco in Front of Hometown Crowd Saturday, July 13 in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event Live from The Armory in Minneapolis

Plus! Heavyweight Clash Features Robert Helenius Taking On Gerald Washington While Top Prospect Karlos Balderas Faces Joshuah Hernández in Action Beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Now!

MINNEAPOLIS (June 12, 2019) – Unbeaten welterweight contender and Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James will battle former world champion Antonio DeMarco in a 10-round welterweight attraction that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature a 10-round heavyweight clash between Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius and Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington, plus unbeaten prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas will square-off against Joshuah Hernández in an eight-round lightweight bout.

James takes on the experienced and durable former champion DeMarco in his fourth-straight appearance at The Armory in his hometown. He will look to cement his status in the PBC within the most talent-rich division in boxing.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“One of the staples of boxing at The Armory, Jamal James is ready to make another statement in the welterweight division against the very tough former champion Antonio DeMarco,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “His fourth straight fight at The Armory will give James a chance to thrill his hometown fans once again, as PBC presents another night of action for the fans in Minnesota. With these two fighters’ styles, plus a loaded undercard of exciting fights, this should make for a great night at the venue and live on FS1.”

James (25-1, 12 KOs) has become a local favorite and most recently thrilled the Armory crowd in February with a stoppage victory over Janer Gonzalez on FS1. The 30-year-old has rolled off five consecutive victories since suffering the first loss of his career – a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in 2016. James has compiled three knockouts in his current win streak while defeating the likes of Diego Chaves, Abel Ramos and Jo Jo Dan.

“I love being able to fight at home at The Armory, especially against a fighter like Antonio DeMarco,” said James. “DeMarco has the skills and it is going to be a good step up and test for me. We have been chasing this title for the past year. Getting past DeMarco is the way to get there and that’s what I am going to do.

“Minnesota fans are a different type of fans. They come out and show support. Having a place like the Armory to fight is a dream come true. There isn’t a bad seat when it comes to fights. We sell the place out in the winter, and now getting to fight in July, I know it is definitely going to be jam-packed.”

A former lightweight world champion, DeMarco (33-7-1, 24 KOs) owns victories over Jorge Linares and John Molina Jr. in a career that has seen him face a cavalcade of champions and top contenders. Representing Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, DeMarco has gone the distance in every fight except against multiple-division champions Adrien Broner and Edwin Valero, and in 2017 he knocked out then-unbeaten Eddie Ramirez on FOX in the first round. Last October he went the distance and lost a close decision to unbeaten Maxim Dadashev.

“Here I come again!” said DeMarco. “I am going to win this fight and upset Jamal James in his hometown. I have the experience to get the victory and I’m going to use it to make this a great fight on July 13.”

Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, Helenius (28-2, 17 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on July 13 after establishing himself as one of Europe’s top heavyweights for several years. Born in Sweden and fighting out of Mariehamn, Finland, Helenius knocked out Erkan Teper in September to earn his place in the IBF rankings. The 35-year-old has won six of his last seven fights.

Washington (19-3-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who was a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran. Fighting out of Vallejo, California, Washington challenged heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in 2017 on FOX. He scored a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in 2018 on FS1 before losing to Adam Kownacki on FOX in January.

Balderas (8-0, 7 KOs) knocked out Luis May in April on FS1 as he continues to progress up the lightweight ladder. The 23-year-old from Santa Maria, California, was a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic boxing team and scored three stoppage victories in 2018. He will be opposed by the 23-year-old Hernandez (9-2, 7 KOs), who most recently defeated previously unbeaten Desmond Lyons in May. The Chicago-native bounced back from a loss to unbeaten Chris Colbert in January on FS1.

AHMED ELBIALI TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

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AHMED ELBIALI TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Photo Credit- Team Elbiali

Light Heavyweight Brawler Elbiali Duels Marlos Simões in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action This Saturday Night from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. 

LAS VEGAS (May 22, 2019) – Light heavyweight brawler Ahmed Elbiali will return to the ring, and for the first time with new trainer Justin Gamber, when he faces Marlos Simões in a 10-round showdown as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action this Saturday night from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by former super welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout returning to the ring to take on former title challenger Terrell Gausha in a 10-round super welterweight battle.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster.

Elbiali has recently began working with a new trainer in Gamber, who also trains super middleweight champion Caleb Plant, and will look to show his improvement in the ring this Saturday night. Here is what he had to say about his new trainer and more:

On training with new coach Justin Gamber:
“I’ve been learning a lot since I started training with Justin Gamber, which was about six weeks ago. Nothing against my old trainers, I just felt I needed a new look. Justin and I work well together and I’ve improved tremendously. I’m learning how to relax more in the ring, which has helped me keep my power in the later rounds of sparring. Justin is a great coach and together we are going to make some noise in the light heavyweight division.”

On his recent training camp:
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work for this training camp and I can see the difference compared to other camps I’ve had in the past. I’m working on the fundamentals of boxing, using my jab more and setting up my combinations. I know I have the power to knock out my opponents, but now I’m learning more how to set it up. Living and training in Las Vegas has been a big boost to my career because the sparring out here is second to none. I’m having a great training camp.”

On his matchup with Marlos Simões:
“I know Simões is a durable opponent who’s only been stopped once in his career. I’m expecting him to be in great shape. He’s had a lot of success in the ring, so I’m preparing for a guy who can really fight. I’m just going to go in there and execute my game plan.”

On when he will be ready for a world title shot:
“I want to get as many fights as possible this year and make a world title run in 2020. Of course, everything is predicated fight to fight, but that is the goal.”

On making his televised return on FS1:
“Fighting on FS1 is always fun and exciting. FS1 is the platform where us fighters get the most exposure while we’re coming up. You can’t compare any other network to FOX, where the whole world can tune in. It’s truly a blessing for me to be fighting on FS1.”

 

 

Unbeaten Heavyweight Onoriode Ehwarieme Set to Battle Rodney Hernandez in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1

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Unbeaten Heavyweight Onoriode Ehwarieme Set to Battle Rodney Hernandez in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action Saturday, June 1 from Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto, California – Live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Unbeaten Contender Jhack Tepora Takes on Jose Luis Gallegos & Former World Champion Marlon Tapales Squares Off Against Roberto Castaneda in PBC Prelims on FS2 & FOX Deportes at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

SAN JACINTO, CA. (May 14, 2019) – Unbeaten heavyweight Onoriode Ehwarieme will now face Rodney Hernandez in an eight-round attraction as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, June 1 from Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto, California.

The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by former two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” taking on exciting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in a 10-round battle.

PBC Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated featherweight contender Jhack Tepora in a 10-round showdown against Jose Luis Gallegos. Plus, former world champion Marlon Tapales squares off against Roberto Castaneda in a 10-round super bantamweight fight. With Tepora and Tapales, the Prelims telecast will see two rising contenders from the Philippines. Tepora ia closing in on a world title opportunity, while Tapales is seeking a title in a second division.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Soboba Box and Soboba.com.

Representing his home of Sapele, Nigeria, Ehwarieme (17-0, 16 KOs) was a 2008 Olympian who is unbeaten since turning pro in 2010. The 31-year-old has a 16-fight knockout streak heading into his U.S. debut, as he continues to seek a path to becoming the first Nigerian heavyweight champion since Samuel Peter. He will be opposed by San Jose, California’s Hernandez (12-7-2, 3 KOs), who defeated Nick Jones and then unbeaten LaRon Mitchell in 2018. The 30-year-old has battled heavyweight standouts Adam Kownacki, Michael Hunter and Efe Ajagba in a career dating back to 2011.

The 24-year-old Tepora (22-0, 17 KOs) most recently stopped Edivaldo Ortega in the ninth-round last July as he continued his climb up the featherweight ranks. Fighting out of Cebu City, Philippines, he is unbeaten since turning pro in 2012 and will make his U.S. debut on June 1. He takes on the 24-year-old Gallegos (16-6, 12 KOs), who was born in Chicago but now lives in Bakersfield, California. Gallegos had an 11-fight winning streak until losses in his last two bouts.

Representing Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, Tapales (32-2, 15 KOs) captured a bantamweight world title by knocking out Panya Uthok in the 11th round of a back and forth championship bout. The 27-year-old has since moved up in weight and most recently stopped Fernando Vargas Parra in his U.S. debut in February. He will face Castaneda (23-11-2, 16 KOs), who hails from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. The 27-year-old Castaneda is coming off a majority draw against Tyler McCreary in his last fight in March.

In non-televised action a pair of unbeaten prospects in Santa Maria, California’s Jose Balderas and Julio Garcia of Madison, Wisconsin square off in a bantamweight bout. Anthony Chavez of Redlands, California takes on Milwaukee’s Mike Fowler in a four-round super featherweight fight. Justin Cardona of Salinas, California meets Liberia’s Archie Weah in a four-round super lightweight bout. Undefeated Mexican featherweight Francisco Ochoa battles Phoenix, Arizona’s Jesus Aguinaga in an eight-round bout. Unbeaten Filipino featherweight John Leo Dato appears in a six-round bout and Garden City, California’s Jose Perez clashes with Los Angeles-native Mario Ayala in an eight-round featherweight bout.

Also in action, unbeaten Ukrainian super featherweight Viktor Slavinskyi meets Mexico’s Ernest Guerrero. Santa Maria, California’s Aaron Morales clashes with Mexico’s Robert Pucheta in a six-round bantamweight bout. San Antonio, Texas’ Robert Rodriguez battles Jose Rodriguez of Markesan, Wisconsin in a four-round bantamweight bout and Denver’s Shon Mondragon takes on Mexico’s Jose Fabian Naranjo in a six-round super bantamweight bout.

Former Two-Division World Champion Devon Alexander Takes on Exciting Welterweight Ivan Redkach

Former Two-Division World Champion Devon Alexander Takes on Exciting Welterweight Ivan Redkach in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event on Saturday, June 1 from Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto, California

Middleweight Contenders Hugo Centeno Jr. & Willie Monroe Jr. Clash in Co-Main Event & Unbeaten Heavyweight Onoriode Ehwarieme Battles Rodney Hernandez in Telecast Opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Next Week!

SAN JACINTO, CA. (April 25, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” will face exciting welterweight Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, June 1 from Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto, California.

The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature a 10-round clash of middleweight contenders as Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. faces Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr. in the co-main event. The action begins with unbeaten heavyweight Onoriode Ehwarieme in a 10-round clash against Rodney Hernandez.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale next week and can be purchased at the Soboba Box and Soboba.com.

“Devon Alexander could easily be 2-0 in his last two fights and has shown that he’s back to the form that made him a two-division world champion,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Working for the first time with the legendary Roy Jones Jr. in his corner, Alexander is poised for another championship run at welterweight. He’s going to have his hands full with all-action Ivan Redkach, who is hungry to prove that he’s grown into a welterweight contender in his own right. Combined with a 50-50 middleweight showdown between Hugo Centeno Jr. and Willie Monroe Jr., plus heavyweight knockout artist Onoriode Ehwarieme, this is shaping up to be a dramatic night on FS1 and FOX Deportes and live at Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto.”

“We’re looking forward to hosting this exciting championship match, this will be the first event of its kind in our all new event center,” said Jason Cozart, Assistant General Manager of Soboba Casino Resort. “We look forward to hosting many more bouts in the future.”

Alexander (27-5-1, 14 KOs) returned to the spotlight in February 2018, after a period of inactivity in which he sought treatment for an addiction to painkillers, and delivered in two exciting contests on FOX. After fighting to an action-packed draw against Victor Ortiz, he dropped Andre Berto in their August matchup before losing a narrow split-decision. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Alexander will train with the legendary Roy Jones Jr. in Pensacola, Florida for the first time for this fight. He has defeated the likes of Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and Jesus Soto Karass throughout an accomplished career where he won titles at 140 and 147-pounds.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring on June 1 on FS1 and FOX Deportes and bring a great fight to the fans at Soboba Casino Resort,” said Alexander. “As most people know, I’ve switched trainers to Roy Jones. Jr. Roy has accomplished everything in this sport and he’s teaching me to have fun again. He’s also helping me balance both my physical and mental game. I’m just excited to enter the ring with him in my corner and to fight my way back into world title contention.”

Originally from Ukraine, but now training in Los Angeles, Redkach (22-4-1, 17 KOs) has won back-to-back fights heading into June 1, defeating Brian Jones last June and Tyrone Harris in February. The 33-year-old is a training camp teammate of featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz and put together those recent victories after losing contests to John Molina Jr. and Argenis Mendez on FS1. The December 2017 battle against Molina saw both men hit the canvas in a firefight that garnered Fight of the Year recognition.

“This fight is very important to me and I appreciate the opportunity to compete against a fighter like Devon Alexander,” said Redkach. “I am always in the gym and ready to fight, but I am also preparing mentally for the challenge ahead and to be at my very best. Devon Alexander is a good fighter with a name people know, but after my performance on June 1, they will know me too.”

Representing his hometown of Oxnard, California, Centeno (27-2, 14 KOs) bounced back from a loss to Jermall Charlo in 2018 to defeat Oscar Cortes in February. The 28-year-old previously scored a highlight-reel knockout of Immanuwel Aleem on FS1 in August 2017 and won his first 24 pro fights.

The 31-year-old Willie Monroe, Jr. (23-3, 6 KOs) has shown the skills to compete at the elite level, having faced top middleweights Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders throughout his career. The 32-year-old from Rochester, NY holds victories over Gabriel Rosado, Brian Vera and Brandon Adams and has won back-to-back fights heading into June 1.

Representing his home of Sapele, Nigeria, Ehwarieme (17-0, 16 KOs) was a 2008 Olympian who is unbeaten since turning pro in 2010. The 31-year-old has a 16-fight knockout streak heading into his U.S. debut, as he continues to seek a path to becoming the first Nigerian heavyweight champion since Samuel Peter. He will be opposed by San Jose, California’s Hernandez (12-7-2, 3 KOs), who defeated Nick Jones and then unbeaten LaRon Mitchell in 2018. The 30-year-old has battled heavyweight standouts Adam Kownacki, Michael Hunter and Efe Ajagba in a career dating back to 2011.

PETER QUILLIN VS. CALEB TRUAX FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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PETER QUILLIN VS. CALEB TRUAX FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Click HERE for the Bout Sheet

Former Champions Peter Quillin & Caleb Truax Battle in Super Middleweight Title Eliminator This Saturday in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

                                   Photo Credit- Andrew Dobin/The Armory

MINNEAPOLIS (April 11, 2019) – Former world champions Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and Caleb “Golden” Truax went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in an IBF Super Middleweight World Title Eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Saturday from the Armory in Minneapolis.

Also in attendance at the press conference were top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jack Culcay, who battle in an IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator, and sensational prospect Joey Spencer, who takes on Osias Vasquez to kick off the telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Generals Hall at The Armory:

PETER QUILLIN

“I’m here to put on a great fight. That’s what we worked so hard to do on Saturday night. I’m excited to showcase my talents on FS1 and FOX Deportes and make a statement at super middleweight. “My wife just had a daughter, and that’s been my biggest motivation all training camp. I’m fighting for my family, not just myself. I’m hoping to inspire people who see my story and realize it’s not just about the fight, but about what we’re fighting for. I’m here to spread a positive message.

“When we’re in that ring, all I’m going to see is Caleb Truax, nothing else matters. I’m very fortunate to be here and have the chance to display my skills. He has to look good in front of his fans, and I’m just here to give the fans a good fight. There’s no pressure to do anything extra.

“The weather here kind of reminds me of back home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Going to new cities is kind of like having new places to conquer. I’m here with the right mindset that Minnesota is going to be a place I’m remembered and that I’ll have a great memory from.

“When I sparred Caleb I remember I knocked his headgear off and it flew across the ring, that’s the only thing I really remember from that. I knew our paths could eventually cross. I’ve had my eye on him and I was really happy for him when he won his title. I have a feeling we’re going to combine for a great fight.

“I have a very determined opponent and I’m fighting in his backyard. It’s a tough fight for both of us. I have to put my authority down on this fight and control it. It’s going to be hard with all his fans in there, but what I’ve always done is take negative circumstances, and turn them into positives.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I’m excited for Saturday night. It’s a big fight and important for me that I’m in the main event and in a title eliminator. I’m looking to earn a chance at another title and I know that I have to take care of business on Saturday to get there.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with Peter Quillin, a guy I’ve known and respected for a while. He’s accomplished a lot. I think that our styles are really going to clash and give the fans a lot of action and drama.

“Peter and I sparred a long time ago, back in 2012. I came away feeling confident that if we ever fought, I’d be able to get the job done. I don’t remember much of the specifics, but I felt confident from the experience. At the same time, I’m expecting an even better Peter Quillin on Saturday night and that’s what I trained for.

“I’ve tried to train a little bit smarter for this one. I need to focus more on recovery at this point in my career. I’ve had pretty much the same team around me for a while now. We do the old school training and work hard every day.

“The stakes are high for this fight. Whoever wins hopefully gets a crack at the title. It’s going to be tough for the loser to bounce back. If I want to keep fighting I have to leave Saturday with my hand raised.

“It’s a thrill to be in this fight and have it here at The Armory in front of my hometown fans. I saw the support that (fellow Minnesota-native) Jamal James got for his last fight, and I’m expecting more of that on Saturday. It’s going to be special and I’m going to take advantage.”

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

“I’m happy to be here for this world title elimination fight. This fight is important for my career to get back to where I want to go and to show what I am capable of.

“On Saturday night I’m going to put on a really good show and give the fans a beautiful fight. Everyone knows I always bring action and great technical skill. I am confident that I will be victorious on Saturday and go on to win a world championship.”

JACK CULCAY

“It’s nice to be here and I’m very thankful for this opportunity against Derevyanchenko. It’s a great honor for me to be in this fight against one of the best middleweights in the world. This the step that I was looking to take in my career.

“I’ve been sparring with Caleb Truax, and I feel it’s gotten me completely ready for this challenge. I’m going to show it in the ring on Saturday night. It’s going to be a lot of action and a lot of skill in the ring.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m really excited to be fighting on this card headlined by Peter Quillin and Caleb Truax. I want to thank everyone for the support, both my fans and my team for everything that’s gotten me here. We’ve worked really hard every day in training camp and I can’t wait to put on a show.

“The Armory is a great venue with great energy. I’ve fought here before and I’m looking forward to coming out and putting on another great performance for this Minneapolis crowd.”

LEON MARGULES, President of Warriors Boxing

“I’m excited to welcome everyone back to the latest PBC fight night at the armory. Those who have come to the previous shows have noticed that the crowds have gotten larger and larger. These shows are generating great excitement and Saturday is another example of a card loaded with elite fighters.

“It’s really a terrific treat to be promoting this card. It should be a great night of boxing for everyone at The Armory and watching on FS1 or FOX Deportes. This card is stacked from top to bottom and is set to deliver from start to finish.”

FORMER CHAMPION SERGEY LIPINETS STOPS TWO-TIME CHAMPION LAMONT PETERSON

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FORMER CHAMPION SERGEY LIPINETS STOPS TWO-TIME CHAMPION LAMONT PETERSON IN THRILLING MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FS1 SUNDAY NIGHT FROM MGM NATIONAL HARBOR IN MARYLAND

Once-Beaten Contender Anthony Peterson & Former Champion Argenis Mendez Fight to Split Draw in Super Lightweight Showdown & Super Welterweight Contender Jamontay Clark Recovers from Knockdown To Earn Unanimous Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Vernon Brown

Aaron Coley, Lorenzo Simpson and Cobia Breedy Take Home Wins
In PBC Prelims on FS1

                                                  Photos Credit- Kent Green

NATIONAL HARBOR (March 25, 2019) – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets (15-1, 11 KOs) stopped former two-division champion Lamont Peterson (35-5-1, 17 KOs)in round 10 Sunday night in an action-packed welterweight showdown that headlined Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

“I feel great about the statement I made to the welterweight division,” said Lipinets. “I just fought an excellent fighter. This let me know where I’m at in the 147-pound weight class. I went into deep waters and showed that I belong.”

The fight featured near non-stop action and a thrilling finish, already earning Fight of the Year buzz after its’ conclusion. Peterson only occasionally retreated in defense for a moment or two while Lipinets was determined to close off the distance, making sure he didn’t let Peterson use his reach advantage, while using his own varied attack on the inside to occasional success.

“You can see that I have no problem with the size,” said Lipinets. “Peterson is an excellent fighter with unbelievable skills and he’s showed me what I can really do.”

Peterson was dedicated to attacking the body, punctuating numerous combinations with vicious left hooks to the midsection. He was the busier fighter but was still taking shots from Lipinets’ combination of hooks, uppercuts and body shots. Eventually one of those shots appeared to change the tide of the fight, when a straight right from Lipinets connected and clearly hurt Peterson.

The counter put Peterson on his back foot and in survival mode for the final minute of the eighth round until hearing the bell. With the momentum sharply turning toward Lipinets through round nine and midway through round 10, Lipinets finally landed a sweeping left hook during an exchange that hurt Peterson and signaled that the end was near.

“It was back and forth and we were hitting each other with some good shots,” said Peterson. “It kind of just came out of nowhere at the end.”

Lipinets followed up and put Peterson on the canvas as the towel came in from Peterson’s corner, stopping the fight at 2:59 of round 10.

The exciting action fight featured both fighters throwing a career high number of punches, according to CompuBox. Both fighters landed a nearly identical number of power punches (189-188 for Peterson), with Lipinets landing 23 in each of the final two rounds.

“You’ve seen what I did at 140-pounds and now what I can do here,” said Lipinets. “I made a big jump in competition from my last fight to this one. My new trainer Joe Goossen gets all the credit. We’ve had an excellent camp with perfect sparring that taught me a lot and got me ready for tonight.”

“There were no easy days in our gym for training camp,” said Goossen. “I feel like we clicked together and he got the best out of me because he was so agreeable to my methods and the way I pushed him.

“I thought Sergey’s defense was very good tonight. His jab worked good and he put real pressure on. The left uppercut was a good shot for him and he used a variety of punches in this fight to get it done.”

After the fight. Peterson, along with lifelong trainer and fellow Washington, D.C.-native Barry Hunter, announced his retirement from boxing in front of his hometown fans after a career that saw him win titles at 140 and 147-pounds.

“It’s been a long career but today is the day,” said Peterson. “I’m thankful for the support. I love everyone here and I’m always going to support this area, but I’m sure it’s time for me to hang it up. I couldn’t go out in a better way here at home. This will be the last time you see me in the ring.”

The night also featured Anthony Peterson (37-1-1, 24 KOs), Lamont’s brother, as he fought to a split-draw against former champion Argenis Mendez (25-5-2, 12 KOs) in a back-and-forth super lightweight showdown.

Peterson established his movement early on as he looked to pick his spots to attack Mendez with combinations to the head and body. Peterson flashed good speed and was the busier fighter especially early, often putting Mendez on the defensive during flurries in the first half of the fight.

“I could have thrown more punches in the first half of the fight,” said Mendez. “I think that was the difference, but I don’t think you can win the fight on the run.I knew that I was on his home turf and it was in my mind to do a little bit extra. Peterson is a great fighter and he’s good for the sport so I knew that I had to push the fight.”

Mendez began the fight looking to counter, but picked up his offense working off of a jab that swelled up Peterson’s left eye in the late rounds of the fight. Mendez was able to land with left hooks and uppercuts to open up his offense as the fight went on.

“Last night was actually the first night I really studied Mendez’s fights and I knew he was good and slick,” said Peterson. “There were times I didn’t engage cause of his countering. I took my time and used my jab and moved.”

While Peterson held a robust 137 to 83 advantage in punches landed, it was only a six punch difference in power punches landed. After 10 rounds all three judges saw the fight differently, with one score of 96-94 for each fighter and the third judge scoring it 95-95 resulting in the split draw.

“I didn’t think it was a draw,” said Mendez. “I know every round was close, but I think I won the fight. I don’t want to say it was easy but I think I won comfortably. He was running the whole fight and I was trying to throw counterpunches and catch him.”

“I can’t be that disappointed because I didn’t lose, but I was just happy to fight in front of my fans,” said Peterson. “I’ve been out of the ring for a long time and I think did okay, but if the judges saw a draw they saw a draw. I’m not mad about it.”

Additional action featured super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark (14-1, 7 KOs) surviving an early knockdown to earn a narrow unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Vernon Brown (10-1-1, 7 KOs) after 10 rounds of action.

Brown scored the first big blow of the bout, landing a perfect counter right hook on the inside that sent Clark crashing into the ropes. Referee Kenny Chevalier ruled it a knockdown, determining that Clark had used the ropes to avoid hitting the canvas.

“He had the reach and I was trying to catch him. I was throwing my hook but I was a little off. I still think I won the fight. I caught him with the better shots. He was just slapping me with the hook and trying to catch up that way.

Clark was able to survive the onslaught and finish the round and appeared to recover until behing hurt again late in round four. From there, Clark began to increase his punch output, out working Brown on his way to a 162 to 97 advantage in total punches landed.

“I boxed a little bit better the last few rounds and used my height,” said Clark. “I made him miss and made him over reach. That was the game plan.”

Brown tried to do more work on the inside with big power punches that would hurt Clark and potentially end the fight. According to CompuBox, only 49 seconds on average per round were fought on the inside, allowing Clark to gain an advantage in the second half of the fight.

After 10 rounds the judges saw the fight close, but all three ruled in favor of Clark with totals of 96-93 twice and 95-94.

“I’ve been down before and I’ve seen the worst of the worst,” said Clark. “This was nothing. I just kept grinding. I got the win and now I’m going to sit down and see what’s next for me.”

“If they want to do it again, let’s do it again,” said Brown. “Let’s make it a 12 rounder. I don’t think he can survive 12 rounds with me. My coach knew that I needed the knockout but it’s still on to the next. I’m just going to go into the gym and work even harder.”

Prior to the main telecast, PBC Prelims on FS1 saw Aaron Coley (16-2-1, 7 KOs) win a split-decision over Brandon Quarles (21-5-1, 10 KOs) by scores of 77-75 for Quarles and 79-73 and 78-74 for Coley after eight-rounds of super welterweight action. Plus, undefeated prospect Lorenzo Simpson (3-0, 2 KOs)scored a unanimous decision by scores of 40-36 and 40-35 twice in his middleweight bout against Jaime Meza (0-1) and featherweight Cobia Breedy (13-0, 4 KOs) remained unbeaten with a technical decision over Fernando Fuentes (14-8-1, 4 KOs) by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice after the fight was stopped in round six because of a cut suffered by Flores from an accidental head butt.

Super Welterweight Contender Jamontay Clark Battles Unbeaten Vernon Brown on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, March 24 from MGM National Harbor In Maryland

Peterson Lipinets Header

Super Welterweight Contender Jamontay Clark Battles Unbeaten Vernon Brown on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, March 24 from MGM National Harbor In Maryland

Super Lightweight Jose Miguel Borrego, Middleweight Prospect Lorenzo Simpson & Super Welterweight Brandon Quarles Step In for Separate Bouts in PBC Prelims on FS1 Beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Now!

NATIONAL HARBOR (March 11, 2019) – Exciting super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark joins the Peterson brothers on a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes show on Sunday, March 24 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Clarkwill take on Vernon Brown of Chicago in a 10-round super welterweight match that will open the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. ET. Two-division world champion Lamont Peterson takes on former junior welterweight world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round welterweight match that will headline the show. Anthony Peterson, Lamont’s brother, battles former junior lightweight world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round junior welterweight bout that serves as the co-main event.

The Peterson brothers are an inspirational duo that rose from poverty and homelessness in Washington D.C. as children to become professional boxers and reach an elite level in the sport. They will be fighting as the main and co-main event in these nationally televised bouts for the first time since 2006 and will look to put on a show for fans just outside of their hometown.

The 24-year-old Clark (13-1, 7 KOs) was on an impressive roll, having defeated Domonique Dolton and previously unbeaten Ivan Golub, before his match against Jeison Rosario last August. Fighting out of Cincinnati, he dropped a tough unanimous decision to Rosario in the first loss of his career. He will be looking to bounce back against the 29-year-old Brown (10-0-1, 7 KOs), who had a busy 2018 with three victories – two by way of knockout.

The FS1 prelims broadcast will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and feature Mexican slugger Jose Miguel Borrego (14-2, 13 KOs) clashing with California’s Jerry Thomas (14-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight match. It will also see Brandon Quarles (21-4-1, 10 KOs) battling Kansas-native Aaron Coley (15-2-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout, plus Baltimore’s Lorenzo Simpson (2-0, 2 KOs) taking on Earl Henry (0-1-1) in a four-round super welterweight attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and HeadBangers Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting http://www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

12 ROUNDS WITH MARCOS HERNANDEZ By Lem Satterfield – Premier Boxing Champions

                                12 ROUNDS WITH MARCOS HERNANDEZ

Marco Hernandez March 23 Fight Rosario

Once-beaten middleweight says he’s ready to graduate from “The Contender” to title contention when he squares off with Jeison Rosario this Saturday on PBC on FS1.

By Lem Satterfield – Premier Boxing Champions

 

A lot has occurred in the life of Marcos Hernandez since he and Jeison Rosario fought to a draw in February 2018. It began when he was selected among 16 professional fighters to compete at 160 pounds on The Contender television series.

Hernandez, 25, 13-1-1 (3 KOs), earned a split decision over Danny Valdivia in May and a unanimous verdict over Quantavious Cash in November to finish behind champion Brandon Adams and runner-up Shane Mosley Jr.

This Saturday, February 23, he’ll square off against Rosario (17-1-1, 12 KOs) again, on the undercard of the WBC super middleweight title fight between Anthony Dirrell and Avni Yildirum at the Minneapolis Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The bout will be televised on FS1 (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

Has your Contender experience changed your life?
I made more money last year than I had in the past. You’re getting weekly checks while you’re there being filmed. There’s a winner’s purse and a loser’s purse, and when I got sent home between fights after being cut over my right eye, they gave me the loser’s side even though I didn’t fight. That was very generous of them.

Plus, I’ve received a lot of exposure. Once, in a hotel parking lot, there was this guy marveling at me, so excited to see me. That was a really cool feeling, having somebody so happy to see me. I have people coming to me at supermarkets wanting to take pictures. They know who I am now as a fighter. Beside Brandon Adams, I’m the only Contender who didn’t lose on the show.

Any regrets?
If I had the chance, I believe I would have beaten Shane Mosley if I hadn’t had to come home with the cut, but it’s time to move forward.

I wouldn’t say I feel any more pressure heading into this fight as a result of being on the show, but I do want to show I’m a better fighter than the one who faced Rosario before.

What is your proudest moment as a fighter?
Beating Kevin Newman on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor in August 2017. I lost my previous fight in March to Kyrone Davis by split decision.

Kyrone just out-boxed me. It’s a tough feeling to think you’re better than somebody but to lose, anyway. Against Davis, being honest with myself, my heart and mind weren’t in the ring with me.

You took your father’s [Joseph “Joey” Hernandez] advice and replaced him as a trainer with Henry Ramirez.
It was tough at first when my Dad first told me that I should find a new trainer. I thought he was giving up on me after losing one time. My mind was racing, but I got the call for the Newman fight, and my first camp with Henry Ramirez was great.

Being able to bounce back from that loss and fighting at a weight above 160 for the first time, I showed everybody a lot. I went up 10 pounds from 153 to 163, I bounced back against an undefeated fighter, and I did it on a Floyd Mayweather card, beating him handily and knocking him down in the last round.

What improvements have you made since the series?
My father was very good at molding me into the fighter I became, allowing me to develop into a well-rounded boxer.

Now, Henry Ramirez has tightened and refined some things within my style. I’m learning to sit down more on my punches, which is really translating into my power.

Continue Reading…

 

Marcos Hernandez & Jeison Rosario Meet in Rematch of Once-Beaten Contenders

Marcos Hernandez & Jeison Rosario Meet in Rematch of Once-Beaten Contenders Saturday, February 23 in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Plus! FS2 PBC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS Include Unbeaten Efe Apochi, Lightweight Justin Pauldo & Rising Prospect Money Powell IV In Separate Attractions Beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Former Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Dirrell Battles Top Contender Avni Yildirim for the Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in Main Event

MINNEAPOLIS (February 6, 2019) – Once-beaten contenders Marcos Hernandez and Jeison Rosario will rematch in a 10-round welterweight attraction as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 23 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell taking on top contender Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Championship.

FS2 PBC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and feature unbeaten cruiserweight Efe Apochi (6-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round fight against once-beaten Earl Newman (10-1-1, 7 KOs), plus lightweight prospect Justin Pauldo (11-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round fight against unbeaten Donovan Estrella (13-0, 4 KOs), and undefeated 20-year-old prospect Money Powell IV (8-0, 4 KOs) facing Javier Frazier (8-8-1, 4 KOs) in a four or six-round middleweight bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/and through Ticketmaster.

Non-televised action will also feature Bryant Perrella (15-2, 13 KOs) taking on Breidis Prescott (31-15, 22 KOs) in eight-rounds of welterweight action.

Hernandez (13-1-1, 3 KOs) and Rosario (17-1-1, 12 KOs) will rematch after fighting to a split-draw in their six-round bout last February. Hernandez is fresh off of wins over Quantavious Cash and Danny Valdivia on the reboot of “The Contender” series and is unbeaten in his last five fights. The 25-year-old from Fresno, California owns victories over then-unbeaten fighters in Kevin Newman and Thomas Hill.

Rosario has picked up three victories since the draw against Hernandez, including decision wins over Justin DeLoach and Jamontay Clark, plus a knockout of Juan Carlos Rodriguez Patino in November. The 23-year-old from the Dominican Republic is unbeaten since suffering his only loss to Nathaniel Gallimore in 2017.