PBC – Page 12 – Standing-8

SHAWN PORTER VS. YORDENIS UGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

WBC Welterweight World Champion Porter Makes First Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger Ugas in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event
Saturday Night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
(8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT)

Photo Credits-Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

CARSON, CALIF. (March 7, 2019) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and top welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they battle in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday night from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Also squaring-off at Thursday’s press conference and competing in PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes action Saturday were hard-hitting welterweights Abel Ramos and Francisco “Chia” Santana, who meet in a 10-round attraction, and unbeaten heavyweight Efe Ajagba and veteran Amir Mansour, who battle in an eight-round attraction to kick off the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

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Porter Ugas March 9 Sean Michael Ham TGB Promotions

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Photo Credits-Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Marriott Los Angeles Airport:

SHAWN PORTER

“This is special. I feel great and I’m ready to go. I’ve done everything that I need to do so that I’m ready for this point right now.

“I’m sure Ugas has looked at what I do in the ring and sees how tough and rough it is to fight me. He thinks he’s the better boxer and has more technical skills, which is fine with me. He can say what he wants, but the talking is done after today.

“We wanted something different for this fight and we had worked with Barry Hunter from a distance for a while. I think my dad (Kenny Porter) would agree that going out to their gym in Washington, D.C. was one of the best moves we’ve made in boxing.

“Keith Thurman, Errol Spence Jr. or Manny Pacquiao. Those are all big fights that people want to see. If this fight goes the way we want it to go, those guys are the goal for the next fight.

“I think he’s going to try to clinch with me and also try to catch me coming in. But I’ve been down that road before and I’m going to show you something different on Saturday. I’m more than comfortable that we’ll be ready to make all the necessary adjustments.

“People want to see knockouts. That’s the best way to solidify a win. We’ve seen things not go my way before on close scorecards. We’ve worked on adding some more power and we’ll see on Saturday if it all comes to fruition.

“I’m looking forward to this fight going differently than last time I fought at this venue, against Kell Brook. I’m going to make sure it goes my way this time, but there’s no added pressure because of it. It’s total focus on getting this job done the best way that I can.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m full of pride to be here today in this great fight. This is the opportunity I’ve wanted and I’m going to take full advantage.

“I am 100 percent better technically than Shawn Porter. It’s going to make this a great fight on Saturday and we’re going to give the fans an incredible night.

“Shawn and I sparred a couple years ago but I’m a way different fighter than I was then. You’re going to see an elite fighter on Saturday.

“I am taller than Shawn, but in the ring, there isn’t a big difference. If he prefers to fight taller fighters, I actually think that will be to my advantage. I’ll show you why on Saturday.

“This is a very evenly-matched fight. I’ve come a long way and now people are giving me the credit that I deserve and that I worked so hard for.

“Being in this position is very motivating for me. Especially because of this big platform in the main event on FOX. I’m going to do what I do best and what I love to do the most.”

ABEL RAMOS

“I’m feeling really good. Training camp has gone well. I’m excited to be on this big event and I’m ready to put on a show for all of the fans.

“It’s going to be hard to avoid staying in the pocket and brawling. Whatever comes up in the fight, we’re going to be ready to execute. I believe I have the better boxing skills. My advantages come on the outside. That’s what we’ve seen from the videos.

“We both have fought a lot of tough guys, early in our careers as well. We’ve been in against top guys again and again. We’re pretty even from that standpoint.

“Whenever they offer me a name, we always say yes. I look at some tape first, but I’m always going to accept any challenge in front of me.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“At the end of the day, it’s a fight. We all know how this sport is. It’s a sport of surprised and it can end in the blink of an eye. I have to be prepared physically and mentally. Expect fireworks

“This is going to be an action packed fight. We have similar styles and similar records. Abel and I are both considered fighters who just need one more extra push to get the recognition that we deserve. We both get a great chance to display ourselves on Saturday. This is our chance to be seen.

“You have to adjust during a fight. That’s what makes a fighter special. On Saturday night I’m going to have to make the proper adjustments to make this my own fight and come out with a victory.

“I was a self-made fighter until I started working with my trainer Joseph Janik. We’ve been working together for 10 years now. When he first met me, people said I couldn’t crack a bag of peanuts. All it took were some minor adjustments to get going on this career I’ve had. I’m still learning and I can’t wait until Saturday.

EFE AJAGBA

“People keep telling me this will be my first step up, but I consider every fight a step up. I’m looking forward to giving people a great show. I’m ready to knock him out in any round.

“This opportunity to fight on this card against Amir Mansour is a big one for me. I’ve got work to do on Saturday and I’m prepared to get the win.

“I used to play a lot of soccer when I grew up in Nigeria, but anyone can play football, not everyone can box.

“Every time I step into the ring I know it’s going to be my biggest challenge so far. Ronnie Shields and our team have gotten me into great shape to be at my best Saturday night.”

AMIR MANSOUR

“I’ve had an opportunity to train and prepare for this fight and I feel great right now. I’m not a fighter to make excuses but I wasn’t as prepared as I needed to be for my last fight.

“I’ve never fought the tomato cans. Ajagba is going to have a tough night. He’s going to have to perform at his highest level and I’m just going to do what I normally do.

“I’ve always fought the best and taken on any challenge. Ajagba better be taking me seriously because I’m going to bring something he’s never seen in the pros. I’m here to win, not lay down.”

Former Two-Division Champion Danny Garcia Battles All-Action Adrian Granados on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX

Former Two-Division Champion Danny Garcia Battles All-Action Adrian Granados on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes on Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

Plus! Heavyweight Contender Andy Ruiz Jr. Faces Alexander Dimitrenko & Unbeaten Super Bantamweight Brandon Figueroa Takes on Yonfrez Parejo in Interim WBA 122-Pound Title Fight To Kick Off Action Beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Now!

CARSON, CALIF. (March 7, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia will battle hard-hitting veteran Adrian Granados in a 12-round welterweight bout that will headline the live prime time event presented by Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly StubHub Center) in Carson, California.

Heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. takes on Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round bout in the co-feature and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa battles Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title that opens the primetime FOX broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with DSG Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or at the Dignity Health Sports Park box office from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“Danny Garcia is one of the preeminent boxers of this generation,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He’s a champion through and through. His resume is a veritable ‘Who’s Who?’ of the best at 140 and 147 pounds over the last 10 years. He’s hungry to get his title back and he’s willing to go through anyone to do that. Adrian Granados is a tough competitor looking to join the championship ranks and Danny represents the most direct route. It’s the kind of clash that makes for entertaining matches. The fans at Dignity Health Sports Park and watching on FOX and FOX Deportes on April 20 are in for a treat.”

“Danny Garcia knows that he¹s going to have to be on his A-game, as a victory over Adrian Granados puts him back in position to regain his welterweight championship,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Adrian Granados is a fighter thatalways comes to put on exciting fights and holds nothing back against his opponents. The action leading up to the main event is sure to be crowd pleasers. I expect the fans in attendance to bring the energy to Dignity Health Sports Park and those tuning in on FOX and FOX Deportes will be fully entertained as well.”

Garcia (34-2, 20 KOs) has fought and defeated many of the most formidable opponents at 140 and 147-pounds spanning two generations-Erik Morales, Zab Judah, Kendall Holt, Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Paulie Malignaggi and Lamont Peterson among them. Six of his seven opponents in the welterweight division were former or current world champions and 12 of his last 16 opponents overall carried the same distinction. Included in that run was a headlining performance live on FOX in January 2016, when he defeated Robert Guerrero to capture his welterweight title in Los Angeles. Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, the 30-year-old most recently lost an exciting and narrow decision to Shawn Porter in their September title fight.

“I cannot wait to get back in the ring and put on the Danny Garcia show once again,” said Garcia. “Granados was talking a big game when we first announced the fight and I plan on proving him wrong on April 20. The Southern California fans have always treated me right and I’m excited to give them a great fight.”

Fighting out of Cicero, Ilinois, Granados (20-6-2, 14 KOs) has made a name for himself by delivering tough, action-packed fights against top fighters in the sport, including Shawn Porter and Adrien Broner. The 29-year-old burst onto the scene by shocking then unbeaten Amir Imam via a stoppage victory in their 2015 clash. After a fight last June against Javier Fortuna that ended in a no contest, Granados picked up two-straight knockout wins heading into this matchup.

“This is a huge fight for me and definitely one of the most important in my career,” said Granados. “I’m looking to dominate, look impressive and control the fight. I’ve fought in Southern California before and I’m looking to take advantage of the great Mexican crowd. This is Mexico versus Puerto Rico and Chicago vs. Philadelphia. It’s territorial on a lot of levels and you can expect us to leave it all in the ring.”

Fighting out of Imperial, California, Ruiz (31-1, 20 KOs) was a two-time Mexican national champion at super heavyweight as an amateur, before embarking on a pro career that saw him win his first 29 fights. The 29-year-old lost a close majority decision against Joseph Parker in their 2016 world title fight and rebounded with victories over Kevin Johnson and Devin Vargas last year.

The 36-year-old Dimitrenko (41-4, 26 KOs) is a longtime heavyweight contender who has challenged top fighters throughout his career. Born in Russia but fighting out of Hamburg, Germany, he most recently lost to Bryant Jennings in a back and forth fight in August and owns wins over Derric Rossy, Adrian Granat and Miljan Rovcanin.

The 22-year-old Figueroa (18-0, 13 KOs) most recently delivered a dominant performance in 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 five-fight knockout streak that he brings into the ring on April 20.

A former interim champion and title challenger at bantamweight, Parejo (22-3-1, 11 KOs) will look to make his mark at 122-pounds when he battles Figueroa on April 20. The 32-year-old from Venezuela lost a bantamweight world title fight to Ryan Burnett last March, but rebounded to most recently defeat Benjamin Mendoza in February. He won an interim title by stopping Luis Hinojosa in 2014 before losing a split-decision the following year to former champion Zhanat Zhakiyanov.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

SHAWN PORTER vs. YORDENIS UGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

WBC Welterweight World Champion Porter Makes First Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger Ugas in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday Night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

Photo Credit- Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

CARSON, CALIF. (March 6, 2019) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and top contender Yordenis Ugas held a media workout Wednesday at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica as they near their title showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Also participating in the media workout were Abel Ramos and Francisco “Chia” Santana, who meet in a 10-round welterweight attraction as part of the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

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Here is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

SHAWN PORTER

“I feel great. This is exactly where I want to be. I can’t wait to get into the ring. Last week was peak week for training camp. Everything went beautifully and here we are.

“I’ve watched a lot of Ugas’ fights, even going back to his amateur days. I know what he can bring to the ring. He throws punches like a Cuban fighter. When they turn their punches, they do it a little differently. I’m training my mind and my eyes to be prepared for that.

“We’re in a beautiful place right now. Training in Washington D.C. was great. That was my first camp with Barry Hunter and the Headbangers Gym. To get in the ring and spar with Lamont Peterson, who I’ve looked up to for a long time, was really special.

“We’re going to see on fight night what kind of differences you’ll see in my game. We worked on a lot of different things for me and to get ready for Ugas. I think power is really going to come into play. We really were able to focus on that. That might be something new that you see. If I get an early knockout, it’s not because Ugas can’t take a punch.

“I don’t think Ugas has fought at the top level as a professional. In order to not underestimate him, you have to understand he fought at that highest level consistently in the amateurs. I know he’s training to be ready for this kind of environment.

“I’m looking forward to fighting on FOX. I know there are going to be some new people watching because they heard about PBC. I know I’m ready for it.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“We’ve just been working the same way we always work and are just ready to fight. I’m obviously facing a top-tier fighter and a legitimate champion. So I’m here ready to compete and ready to fight and win this world title. This is going to be a great match up.

“Shawn Porter is a great fighter and strong guy. We are both clashing, come forward fighters so we are going to stand in the ring and see who is going to go backwards first.

“I’m expecting a very tough fight. Shawn is known for that. That’s how he became a world champion. But I’m a world-class fighter, looking to become a champion and I’m going to leave it all in the ring.

“I have my game plan and know what I have to do. Shawn is a going to be strong, but I’m stronger.

“It’s a good thing I came from the Cuban national team, because I got to fight all styles from all kinds of countries. There are a lot of tough guys in the amateurs and the pros and I’ve seen what they all can bring.

“I am an aggressive fighter and I’m going utilize that style on Saturday. Shawn is a little bit more difficult when he moves around in the ring. His boxing ability is underrated. But I’m prepared to do what I have to so that I can become champion.”

ABEL RAMOS

“Dealing with Santana’s pressure will be the biggest challenge and it’s what I’ve prepared most for. I’m going to use my movement and use my jab to keep him on the outside.

“I feel strong and comfortable at 147-pounds. I definitely think this is the division I want to fight in going forward. There’s a lot of talent at welterweight and that’s the place I want to be.

“I can mix up my styles. I can fight inside and fight on the outside. I usually try to establish the boxing and as the fight goes on, you see me brawling.

“My competitive spirit will be on display Saturday. I’m facing a tough fighter who I know is going to come forward. He’s a fighter who you have to be prepared to fight for all three minutes of every round.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“Each fight I go in with the mentality that it is a ‘do or die’ type of a fight. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career and my life, so to be here I am blessed and honored. For those that know me, they know I am never in a dull fight, so expecting nothing less.

“A victory will elevate me to the next stage to fulfill my dreams, which is every fighter’s dream, in fighting for a world title. Not every fighter gets to fight for a title, let alone win one. I want to be able to say to my daughter or my son, who is going to be born next month, that I’m a world champion and to never give up on your dreams. If their daddy can do it there is no excuses for them not to.

“We both have two hands, two gloves and we all know that boxing can end in a blink of an eye. I prepare myself to be my best and come out to fight and come out with a win. What I did with Felix Diaz about a year ago, I came in as a big underdog. I used that and it fueled me.

“It is an amazing feeling fighting on FOX with all eyes on us. This fight is available nationwide. Everything is coming together and going in the direction we want it to go.”

QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM MEDIA WORKOUTS FEATURING ERROL SPENCE JR. IN DALLAS & MIKEY GARCIA IN RIVERSIDE, CA.

Unbeaten Welterweight Champion Spence and Undefeated Four-Division Champion Mikey Garcia Square-Off in PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event Saturday, March 16
from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

David Benavidez Joins Spence in Dallas while Chris Arreola Participates in Garcia Workout in Riverside Ahead of Respective Pay-Per-View Showdowns

Photo Credit from Dallas (Benavidez & Spence): Renato Rimach/TGB Promotions

Photo Credit from Riverside, CA.: Luis Mejia/TGB Promotions

ARLINGTON, TX. (March 5, 2019) – IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. and four-division world champion Mikey Garcia hosted separate media workouts in Dallas and Riverside, CA. respectively on Tuesday as they near their historic showdown that headlines the first Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spence hosted media at World Class Boxing Gym in Dallas and was joined by undefeated former super middleweight champion David Benavidez, who takes on J’Leon Love in PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View action. Garcia’s workout also featured heavyweight fan-favorite Chris Arreola, who participated in the workout at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy and will face Jean Pierre Augustin in Pay-Per-View action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for this showdown, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Here is what the fighters and more had say Tuesday from the two media events:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I’m really excited for this fight, especially to have it at AT&T Stadium. I’m 100% focused and ready for next week. This fight is going to have a bigger crowd, be more electrifying and will just be an amazing event overall.

“A lot of times when I’m in AT&T Stadium watching the NFL games, or watching Pacquiao fights or Canelo fights, the jumbotrons are so big that you get caught up looking up even when you’re ringside. It’s great because there isn’t a bad seat in the place with the jumbotron.

“This is definitely one of those crossover fights for me. Garcia is the biggest name to date that I’m fighting on American soil. It’s just great being so young in my career, fighting in my first pay-per-view and fighting with a guy like Garcia who brings over a different fanbase.

“You can tell how I looked ten weeks ago compared to how I look now. I’m not overlooking Garcia. I’m in tip-top shape, slim and ready. The difference is that now in a pay-per-view fight you have to be more dedicated and focused to promote the fight, showing that you are a star in boxing and sports media.

“If you know me and you know my boxing style, you know I’m never in a boring fight. Even if it’s just me beating up my opponent, or them just being hurt, I’m always going to try to stop my opponent and put on a spectacular performance.

“I put that pressure to look great on myself, not just because I’m undefeated or because everybody says this about me, I do it for myself to put on a great performance and a great show. I want to do that so great guys can look at me and think about if they want to fight me or not. That’s why a lot of guys don’t want to fight me.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“A lot of people underestimate the power when they face me. They don’t see my physical size as a threat. But you know they feel the power once we’re in the ring and definitely change their minds.

“(I wanted to fight Spence) because he’s the best right now in the (welterweight) division. I want to make a statement. I want to make a mark, and you know I have to do that against the best.

“I believe I’m a better fighter overall. When it comes to footwork, I think I have the better footwork. When it comes to speed, I think I have better speed. When it comes to defense, I have better defense. With timing, I have better timing. All of these things are what will help me win this fight. The only thing that he has going for him that’s apparent is the size, height, weight and reach.

“I’ve always said I’m better than him. Not by a lot, but just enough to beat him. He also reminds me of myself in a lot of ways, the way he fights, the way he is. He does everything well, good footwork, good speed, controls the fight at his distance that he likes… In a lot of ways, it resembles the way I fight. But I still feel that I’m better in every one of those ways and that’s what I’m betting on.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I’m extremely excited to be fighting in front of 40,000-plus people in the co-main event on March 16. It’s like a dream come true fighting at AT&T Stadium.

“I’m looking forward to going in and getting a knockout… I’ve been training extremely hard. Three months of training for this camp. It’s been good. I have like six pounds left to lose, so I haven’t struggled with the weight at all. I’ve been on a diet for at least three months now. The work has been done in and outside of the ring. Everything has been perfect leading up to this fight and I’m extremely ready.

“It was difficult (losing my title). I beat myself for that belt. In 2019, we are not taking any steps back, only forward.

“There are a lot of good fights I know that can be made. So, I am very excited to do my part and hopefully face-off against Anthony Dirrell, Caleb Plant or Callum Smith at the end of the year. I’m already in line to fight for the WBC title, but I’ve got to first take care of my job with J’Leon Love.

“Love is a good boxer, a counter-puncher. He’s been in the game for a while now. But like I said, I’m ready for anything. I’ve studied him a lot, so I’m just ready for anything he presents.

“I want to become the undisputed champion (at super middleweight). That’s my ultimate goal. Then I can talk about moving up. Right now, I want all the belts.”

CHRIS ARREOLA

“Right now, my career is all about putting in the work and my legacy. I’m not in this anymore for money. I love money, but I’m comfortable. I’m here for legacy. I want to leave something behind… I’m chasing a title.

“I feel mentally sharper now. Mentally I’m just relaxed in the ring. Some people are amped the whole round. But no, I know how to relax and work the ring and work my fight.

“The main thing this time around is I’m fighting a lefty and the first three or four times being in the ring sparring it’s a little different. It’s different angles and different punches… So that’s the main thing that’s probably the hardest part is lefties and getting used to it.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“I just think Errol is so hungry and he has the ability to be great. The way he adjusts in the fights and he really sets the tone. Most of all, his fights have been one-sided. Regardless who he’s fighting against, how great they are, what their record is, what they said they’ll do to him, he’s just been able to have one-sided affairs. Hopefully we can have the same thing in this fight.

“This has been a tremendous training camp. I’ve seen how hard Errol has worked and how motivated he is. He’s extremely confident, and rightfully so. On March 16, I know Mikey is going to come prepared, but so are we. Whatever Mikey brings into the ring, we’re going to have the answer.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother & Trainer

“Mikey has been there before in many championship fights. Obviously, this is the biggest challenge against a bigger, heavier guy. But at this point in training, I think we’re in great shape. We know (Errol) is going to be the heavier guy in the ring, but he’s not going to be the better or smarter guy.

“We’re going to fight a technical fight, especially in the first few rounds, to figure out what Errol Spence is brining into the fight. But if we have to back him up and fight on the inside, then we’re going to do what’s necessary.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“FOX is really putting their weight behind boxing, and you’ve seen what that meant for other sports. When UFC got involved with FOX, you saw how it elevated the sport of MMA and UFC… FOX is doing the same thing now on the boxing side and I really believe it will elevate boxing. It brings the general market to this sport, and I think that’s what we’re going to see here with this pay-per-view.

“When you have a fight like Spence and Garcia, boxing fans know about it. Sports fans know about it. But the general market doesn’t really know about it. So, I think if you can market towards the general market it just opens up the flood gates as it relates to pay-per-view. And that’s the advantage FOX has compared to an ESPN.”

LAMONT PETERSON & ANTHONY PETERSON WASHINGTON, D.C. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

LAMONT PETERSON & ANTHONY PETERSON WASHINGTON, D.C. MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Lamont Peterson Headlines Against Former 140-Pound Champion Sergey Lipinets &
Anthony Peterson Clashes with Former Champion Argenis Méndez in PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action from MGM National Harbor in Maryland

Photos from Victor Holt/TGB Promotions

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 5, 2019) – Two of Washington, D.C.’s most accomplished and recognized boxers, Lamont Peterson and Anthony Peterson, held a media workout in their hometown Tuesday as they near their respective showdowns taking place Sunday, March 24 in PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes action live from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Lamont will take on former 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets in the main event, while Anthony faces former champion Argenis Méndez in the co-main event of the telecast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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/.

Here is what Lamont, Anthony and their longtime trainer Barry Hunter had to say Tuesday from the Bald Eagle Boxing Annex:

LAMONT PETERSON

On his fight against Lipinets…
“I always have an idea of how it’s going to go, but we’re prepared for whatever. I think overall it should be a fun fight.”

On his 14-month layoff…
“I wanted to rest the body. It’s been a long career. I’ve been boxing for 25 years, doing it professionally for 15 years, pretty much straight through. Only injuries have held me back. I just wanted to take some time to relax, and if my body was able to recover and come back close to what I was or better, then I was going to go on.

“I feel rested and good now and just took some time to learn my body more. I want to get better, though. If I lose, then that means the game is asking more from me. So, I have to give it more if I say I want to be at the top and one of the best fighters.”

On fighting in front of his hometown crowd on March 24…
“It’s been a while, so it’ll be a good feeling to be fighting back at home. For the first time ever, I’ll be fighting on a card, my brother is fighting on the card and my nephew is fighting on the card. I knew this day would probably happen, but I’m happy that it’s this time around.”

ANTHONY PETERSON

On his March 24 opponent…
“Argenis Méndez is a world-class fighter. I like his style and he’s a good dancing partner. He doesn’t shy away from work. He’s not awkward, he’s going to be there. And if you look at the list he’s fought the better caliber of fighters. He’s been on the world-class stage before, and that’s going to be good for me to knock him off. What I want to do is go in there, put on an outstanding performance and make a statement that I deserve that world championship.”

On his 14-month layoff and always staying ready…
“I stay in shape. I don’t have any kids. I’m not a clubber, or anything like that. If you follow me on Instagram, I’m in the gym every day twice a day motivating people. Even in the streets, I try to get people to workout because there’s health issues out here with people having strokes, heart attacks, high cholesterol and high blood pressure at the age of 30. That’s staggering to me. So, I try to do my part to help out, get in shape and be positive.”

Lamont Peterson Victor Holt TGB Promotions

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On working with WBC Welterweight Champion Shawn Porter during training camp…
“It was beautiful. Shawn brought a different type of energy. He’s a real good guy, very spiritual and positive. Nothing negative to say and he’s always in a good mood. He never complains or talks back to the coaches. He showed a good example of how a champion is supposed to handle himself.”

BARRY HUNTER, Trainer of the Peterson Brothers

On the significance of March 24 for both Peterson brothers…
“March 24 is going to be big and it means a lot because a win for Lamont would put him right back in the thick of the running with the top of the 147-pounders. For Anthony, this is a long time coming. Myself, like so many others, thought he deserved a shot a long time ago. Nevertheless, your time is your time. So, he’s going to go out there and take care of business on the 24th and that should put him in line for a world title fight.”

On Lipinets…
“I think he’s a good, durable fighter, but I don’t think he’s special. I think that he’s a guy that does a lot of things well. And he fights in the Eastern European style, which is a style that Lamont faced a lot in the amateurs. I think he’s a good guy, but I just don’t think there’s anything special about him.”

On Méndez…
“I have a lot of love for Méndez. He’s a good man. In fact, him and Lamont hung out together at a basketball game years ago. He’s definitely a solid fighter. He was a good amateur fighter, very skillful and a win against Méndez would put Anthony in line for a world title shot because he’s a former world champion.”

Multiple-Division World Champion Robert Guerrero & Former Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar Enter the Ring In Separate Matches to Lead a Packed Undercard on Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

Multiple-Division World Champion Robert Guerrero & Former Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar Enter the Ring In Separate Matches to Lead a Packed Undercard on Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter Makes First Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger Yordenis Ugas in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event.

CARSON, Calif. (March 4, 2019) – Multiple-division world champion Robert Guerrero returns to the ring to battle Colombia’s Hevinson Herrera in a 10-round welterweight bout, while former featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar duels Colombia’s Carlos Padilla in an eight-round lightweight bout to lead a packed undercard on Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The event is headlined by PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show that will see WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter making his first title defense in primetime against mandatory challenger Yordenis Ugas in the main event of the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Televised prelims on FS1 feature undefeated bantamweight prospect Damien Vazquez battles former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in an eight or 10-round attraction, while unbeaten welterweight prospect and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis will face once-beaten Sammy Figueroa in an eight round showdown on the telecast beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

In other undercard action, undefeated lightweight Rolando Romero (7-0, 6 KOs) meets Nicolas A. Velazquez (10-4, 3 KOs) in a four or six-round match that will be the TV swing bout on the FOX telecast and unbeaten featherweight Isaac Avelar (15-0, 10 KOs) clashes with Juan Antonio Lopez (12-5, 4 KOs) in a six or eight-round match that will be the TV swing bout on the FS1 prelims broadcast.

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

The 35-year-old Guerrero (34-6-1, 19 KOs) has a rich career filled with intriguing matches against some of the best boxers of this generation – Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia – and has won titles at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and welterweight. Fighting out of Gilroy, California, he will be taking on Herrera (24-16-1, 18 KOs) following a knockout victory over Adam Mates in December.

Cuellar (28-3, 21 KOs), who is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, won an interim featherweight title by defeating Claudio Marrero in 2013 that was eventually made the regular title as he made five successful defenses. He dropped the title the next year with a split decision loss to Abner Mares and followed that up with a TKO loss in a junior lightweight championship match against Gervonta Davis last April. The 33-year-old Cuellar is seeking to get back into the world title picture but first will have to get past Padilla (16-9-1, 10 KOs).

In other undercard bouts unbeaten super featherweight Viktor Slavinskyi (7-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Angel Morrell (11-11-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round match, super featherweight prospect Jose Perez (6-1, 2 KOs) battles Carlos Trevino (6-13-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout, unbeaten super lightweight prospect Ruben Rodriguez (4-0, 2 KOs) meets Jeremiah De Los Santos of Brownsville, Texas, who will be making his pro debut in the four-round bout.

Rounding out the action is unbeaten super lightweight prospect Justin Cardona dueling Phillip Bounds in a four-round affair, plus a pair of lightweights will be making their pro debuts as David Gomez of Huntington Park, California battles George Carranza in a four-round fight and Gabriel Muratalla of Fontana, California steps in for a four-round lightweight fight against Bryann Perez.

ERISLANDY LARA & BRIAN CASTAÑO FIGHT TO HIGHLY COMPETITIVE SPLIT-DRAW IN TITLE FIGHT SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

Heavyweight Slugger Luis Ortiz Earns Unanimous Decision Over Christian Hammer, Eduardo Ramirez Scores Ninth-Round TKO of Bryan De Gracia In Telecast Opener.

Watch The Encore Presentation Monday At 10 P.M. ET/PT On
SHOWTIME EXTREME®

All Photo Credits- Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

BROOKLYN (March 3, 2019) – Former 154-pound world champion Erislandy Lara and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castaño fought to a highly competitive split-draw Saturday at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. With the draw, Castaño retains the WBA belt in what was the toughest test of his career against the longtime top 154-pounder in Lara. The judges scored the fight 115-113 (Castaño), 115-113 (Lara) and 114-114.

Castaño (15-0-1, 11 KOs), who was fighting in his first U.S. main event, held a large advantage in power connects (181-103) while Lara (25-3-3, 14 KOs) found success landing his left hand down the middle on his way to a 34 percent to 27 percent advantage in power accuracy.

In the close, difficult-to-score fight, five of the rounds were separated by three or fewer connects and three of those rounds favored Lara. In the final two rounds, Castaño ramped up the pressure and connected on 44 punches, while Lara landed only 24 punches across the championship rounds. Castaño won the final three rounds on all three judges’ scorecards. Without doing so, the Argentine would have lost his belt.

After the hotly contested fight, both fighters have options, including a rematch, in the talent-rich super welterweight division.

“I know I won the fight. I feel I was robbed,” a disappointed Castaño told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray. “If he wants the rematch, I’ll give him the rematch. I waited for him this time so I can wait for him again if he wants the rematch. I would give him the rematch if he wants. I can also go ahead and fight any other champion that wants to fight me. I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me. Hurd or anyone else.”

Lara, on the other hand, felt he did enough to claim the belt: “I thought I won the fight by landing the more accurate and effective punches. Castaño came to fight but he never hurt me and I hurt him. All I can do is give the fans great fights and that’s what I’ll continue to do. I have a lot of fight left in me and I’m not going anywhere.

“If we have to fight him again, I’ll fight him. Hurd or Castaño. Anybody, I’ll have the rematch with both.”

In the co-feature, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs) earned a unanimous decision victory over a game Christian Hammer (24-6, 14 KOs). Although the judges scored the fight 100-90 and 99-91 twice, both men fought through bloody noses at different points in the fight and both were stunned in a back-and-forth second round.

Ortiz, who earned his third consecutive victory since dropping a thrilling slugfest with WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder one year ago, is now looking for another world title shot.

“The fight wasn’t what I was expecting,” said Ortiz. “It was a hard fight and my corner really had to work with me. After I got the rhythm, I heated up a little bit. Every heavyweight out there should know that I still have it at 40-years-old. Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, I’m ready.”

Although Hammer fought with more energy and with more resolve than in previous fights with other top-tier heavyweights Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin, Ortiz used his superior technique and skills to eventually cruise to the lopsided decision. Ortiz averaged 45 jabs thrown per round and landed 61 jabs to just 20 for Hammer, while also connecting on 49 percent of his power punches. Ortiz made a conscious effort to attack Hammer’s body with 33.6% of his total connects (45 of 140) coming via body shots.

“I fought a fight that I hadn’t for years, which is box and work,” said Ortiz. “So I’m not disappointed I didn’t knock him out because I showed some of my boxing skills tonight.”

“Ortiz is a very good and experienced fighter,” said the 31-year-old Hammer, who was making his American debut. “He’s technical and smart but he’s not as intimidating as people say he is. I respect Ortiz but I don’t think he’s the best fighter I’ve ever faced.

“I’m very confident going forward. I know that I can go the distance with anyone and I’m willing to fight anyone. People thought I’d get knocked out but I proved them wrong.”

In the telecast opener, Eduardo Ramirez (22-1-3, 9 KOs) caught Bryan De Gracia (24-2-1, 20 KOs) with a vicious right uppercut in the ninth, stunning his opponent and suddenly breaking open a close fight. Ramirez pounced on the dazed De Gracia and unleashed a wave of punches which forced referee Benjy Esteves to call the fight at 2:10 of round nine.

The southpaw Ramirez, of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, was trailing on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage according to two out of three judges (the third had it even). Ramirez, known to grow stronger in the later rounds, connected on 36 punches in round number nine, by far his highest connect total on the night. Although De Gracia was the more aggressive fighter, the Panamanian failed to consistently land punches. De Gracia was accurate on just 27 percent of his power punches, while Ramirez landed 38 percent of his.

“I definitely knew it was close but my corner kept telling me to keep going and going, and that’s when I caught him,” said Ramirez, who was fighting with a heavy heart following the passing of his grandfather. “I didn’t just come here to fight. I came here to do something and I did it.”

With the win, Ramirez is now in line to face WBA (Regular) Featherweight World Champion Can Xu and will be looking to challenge for a world title fight in the deep featherweight division.

In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN action that streamed live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page, Edwin Rodriguez (31-2, 20 KOs) won a 10-round cruiserweight fight via unanimous decision over Mitch Williams (16-7-3, 11 KOs) by scores of 96-94 twice and 98-92. Coverage on social media also saw Antonio Russell (13-0, 11 KOs), younger brother of WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr., stop Jose Maria Cardenas (16-4, 13 KOs) 22 seconds into the sixth round of their bantamweight fight. In the opening bout of the digital presentation, Leduan Barthelemy (14-0-1, 7 KOs) remained unbeaten with a unanimous decision over Miguel Angel Aispuro (11-7-2, 7 KOs) by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 in their eight-round super featherweight attraction.

Shawn Porter vs. Yordenis Ugas International Media Conference Call Transcript & Audio Recording

Click HERE for Audio Recording

Ray Flores
We greatly appreciate the media for calling in for today’s conference call as we get set for next Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park here in Southern California in Carson.

As we prepare for PBC on FOX, the WBC Welterweight Championship of the World, “Showtime” Shawn Porter making his first defense against the challenger Yordenis Ugas, originally from Cuba.

It is going to be a tremendous night of boxing as we go live at 8:00 Eastern, 5:00 Pacific Time, local time for the fans in Southern California, all brought to you by TGB Promotions. Tickets are selling fast. They start as low as $50. If you don’t have your tickets, you can purchase them on AXS.com.

Without further ado, it gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce a man who has been promoting for a very long time and been a part of some of the biggest events in the history of boxing. He knows the sport. He loves the sport. He has a passion for the sport and no doubt next Saturday, March 9 PBC on FOX it will be an historic night here in Southern California.

Please welcome the President of TGB Promotions, my dear friend, Mr. Tom Brown.

Tom Brown
Well thank you Ray. Good afternoon and welcome everyone. The Dignity Health Sports Park is the premier boxing outdoor boxing venue in the United States. I’ve said this before but it’s worth mentioning, three out of the last six Ring Magazine and Boxing Writers Association Fights of the Year have all been at the Dignity Health Sports Park.

They weren’t all fights of the year going into the show. Something happens at that arena when fighters walk down that tunnel. It’s like gladiators walking into the coliseum.

We have an outstanding card from top to bottom and I’ll turn things back over to Ray to get things going with fighters. Thank you.

R. Flores.
Thank you very much Tom. And before you meet the main event fighters, I want to let you know what is a part of our televised broadcast with PBC on FOX brought to you by TGB Promotions.

Again we go live 8:00 Eastern, 5:00 Pacific Time. We have Francisco Santana going head to head against Abel Ramos, a matchup in the welterweight division.

Also Efe Ajagba, who’s undefeated, a heavyweight out of Nigeria goes head to head against Amir Mansour so it’s a triple header loaded for PBC on FOX. Now let’s meet the challenger in our main event of the evening.

This guy who’s certainly gone ahead and has been on a roll coming off a win over Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo on September 8 at Barclays Center. Twenty-three victories. Just three defeats. A 42% knockout percentage to his credit. Please welcome Yordenis Ugas.

Yordenis Ugas
Hi to everybody here on the call. I want to thank the promotor Tom Brown and I’m just very, very excited to be on FOX.

R. Flores
Thank you very much Yordenis. And now we meet the champion who is making the first offense of his World Championship. You want to talk about exciting fighters in boxing? I look at this man.

The Welterweight Division has always been one of the most loaded divisions and one of the most exciting divisions in all of boxing. And this man brings excitement every single time out.

Aside from that he loves the sport. He owns 29 wins and 17 of those by knockout. Just two defeats and one bout even, having most recently captured the WBC Welterweight Crown by defeating Danny Garcia in a tremendous fight on September 8th.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the champion, “Showtime” Shawn Porter.

Shawn Porter
Ray, thanks for such a humbling introduction. What’s up everybody? We’re almost there and I’m sure Yordenis is feeling good and excited. I am as well. Let’s do it.
you would like to ask a question at this time, please press star one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to ask a question at this time, please press star one on your telephone keypad. Our first question is coming from (Carlos) from Fight Sports. Please go ahead.

Q
Yordenis did you think that at any point throughout the break from boxing you had, that you would get to this point and challenge for a world title on such a big stage?

Y. Ugas
Well, absolutely. I always knew in my heart that I could fight at this level and be at the highest level. I needed a little break away from boxing.

I needed a change of scenery, a change of coaches and a better way to stay focused. And those other losses, they were majorities and splits. I did feel I won some of those fights but I still needed a change. And now I’ve got the change and feel perfect.

Q
What about your skills that makes you think that you can defeat Shawn Porter on March 9?

Y. Ugas
Because I’m a competitor at the highest level whether, it’s the amateurs or the pros now and I just know it. I know I’m prepared mentally. I know I’m prepared physically.

But on March 9 I’m going to have the chance to show the world why I’m one of the best welterweights in the whole world and better than Shawn Porter. You’ll see that on March 9 yourself as well.

Q
Do you consider this the biggest fight of your career? How do you compare this title opportunity to your experience at the Olympics?

Y. Ugas
100% this is the biggest fight of his career. This is my first chance at a world title fight. Since the age of nine years old I’ve been boxing and this is what I’ve always dreamt of.

So obviously this is the biggest fight of my career and I’m prepared. The Olympics are a huge thing too but that’s for amateurs. That’s in the past. Right now winning this World Title is the main focus for me. And nothing’s bigger than that, not the Olympics or anything else right now.

Q
Shawn, how do you measure the risk of facing Ugas when a loss could derail potentially massive fights against Pacquiao, Spencer or a Thurman rematch?

S. Porter
I’m going to ignore that perception of this fight, even that perception of Yordenis Ugas. Every fight is a dangerous fight. Every fight is a must win fight and for anyone that doesn’t realize that, it starts when you turn professional.

You do the best you can to put yourself in line to win every fight, to climb the ladder and get to the point where I’m at right now. I didn’t do all that and look at all those fights like they were must win fights and then get here now and look at this fight like it’s any different.

This fight is just like my very first fight. It’s just like my second, my third and my last fight. This is a must win fight and it’s definitely a dangerous fight, but they are always going to be dangerous when you get in the ring with the high level caliber fighters that I fight.

I’m simply saying then that every fight is a dangerous fight. Every fight is a must win fight, as far as this being low risk, high reward, I’m going to get paid what I deserve to get paid.

Outside of that, this is another fight that I have to win and do what I have to do. So after the fight I expect my hand to be raised and move on from there.

Q
How satisfying was it for you to surprise the naysayers with that performance against Danny Garcia?

S. Porter
I’m not going to downplay it like it wasn’t satisfying. I think first and foremost it was satisfying to be able to perform like that against Danny Garcia and win a unanimous decision like that but at the same time yes, to be able to prove to other people out there who think that I have just one level to my game.

It was definitely an opportunity to show everyone out there that I have more and if you thought that was it, wait until you see me against Yordenis Ugas.

Q
So this fight is going to be at a venue that used to be known as the StubHub Center. And the last time you fought there you actually lost your IBF Title in a close decision to Kell Brook. So just wondering if it holds a personal significance for you if you’re looking at some type of vindication that way or it’s just another venue to you?

S. Porter
You know what? I love the venue. Actually I’ve maybe been there just maybe once or twice since my fight. I think twice since my fight. And certainly yes, understanding, when I went there to fight Kell Brook, I was very, very excited to have that fight there.

It didn’t go the way I wanted it to go. So this is definitely another opportunity for me to not only shine but have all the feelings that I expected and wanted to have the first time around. So yes, it’s definitely in my mind and definitely something I’m looking forward to.

Q
Do you had an appreciation for Shawn giving you a title shot in his first defense?

Y. Ugas
I’m just excited. I respect Shawn Porter. I know he’s had a rough road, just like I had a rough comeback. Always on the other side of the ring against the A-side.

I’m just excited. I’m motivated. It’s my first chance to become world champion. I’m prepared to show everyone in the ring and come March 9 I’ll be world champion.

Q
Does he feel like as great as it’s been like no one really has seen the best of him yet?

Y. Ugas
I really don’t feel you’ve seen the best of Yordenis Ugas. I feel like every day I’m growing as a fighter and as a person. I’m learning more things. I’m getting stronger.

I feel like every day I’m improving. And like I said, I just want to reach my height and on March 9 face a great champion like Shawn Porter. On March 9 I’m looking to climb that old mountaintop and keep going from there.

Q
For Yordenis, what has changed from two losses in a row in 2014 to where he stands now as a legitimate, top welterweight contender?

Y. Ugas
I just felt like I needed a change of team and just a change of lifestyle, a different view. Moving to Las Vegas and working with Ismael Salas I kind of just went back to being the old Ugas that I always was.

It was just boxing only and let everything else play its role. So I think a lot has to do just with changing the scenery and getting good input in his boxing career.

When you think positive and do positive things, positive outcomes occur and that’s what I’ve been doing lately.

Q
Was part of this run moving up to welterweight? Did he suffer like severe confidence loss? Or did it just give him more motivation to keep going, try again to make sure he got somewhere?

Y. Ugas
Obviously in boxing weight is fundamental and when you struggle with weight, sometimes you want to be the bigger, stronger guy height wise but you don’t think about how it can affect your body during the fight.

Obviously the 140-pound limit really affected my body. I’m pretty big for 147 let alone 140. But that’s in the past. Now obviously when I step to 147 I’m undefeated. I feel good. I feel strong.

Mentally after those two losses, I just took a step back and just in my mind I just kept telling myself, don’t worry. Your chance is going to come. Your chance is going to come.

With the good change of team and change of atmosphere. I’m at the weight I need to be. I feel ready to go and I’m excited for this opportunity.

Q
Shawn, can you appreciate what this guy’s gone through to get to this point?

S. Porter
Oh definitely. Honestly man, Yordenis and I, we aren’t enemies by any means. We don’t dislike each other. He’s after something that I have and I’m trying to keep something away from him.

At the end of the day, our backgrounds are quite similar. Our struggles in life are a little similar. Our adversities have brought us to the point that we’re at right now.

So 100% I understand Yordenis. I understand where he’s from. And at the same time, this is a sport. What we do is we fight to win. And I understand he’s going to come in here and do that and I’m looking forward to it man. Honestly, I really am.

Q
You’re in a situation where like if you win a lot of people aren’t going to give you a whole lot of credit maybe and if you lose, it’s like, he lost to a guy I never heard of. How do you square that in your mind?

S. Porter
You square it by not losing. You square it by doing what I do which is, going out there, being energetic, throwing a lot of punches, throwing the right punches, making the right moves, a responsible defense and just being me.

That’s how you handle that. Once the fight’s over, in the end, my hand’s raised. Anyone who’s going to complain or not respect what I did that night, that’s their problem. That’s not my problem at all.

We put ourselves and our lives on the line and anyone that’s not willing to respect that just based on who we’re in the ring with, then they don’t have a good understanding of boxing.

So that’s not my job. My job isn’t to convince people that I’m getting in the ring with a tough fighter. My job is not to convince people that this guy can take everything I have. It’s my job to get in there and make sure that he doesn’t do that and hopefully dazzle the crowd along the way.

All the rest of it, and this is just something I don’t focus on and don’t care about.

Q
Have you allowed yourself to think about a possible next step for some big fight or has it just been Ugas on your mind?

S. Porter
Obviously it’s been Ugas for a number of weeks now. But before Ugas, before I knew I would be fighting him, the list was very short. It was Keith Thurman. It was Errol Spence Jr. It was Manny Pacquiao when I heard he was signed to come along with PBC which is pretty awesome and it’s still that way.

We’re not going to look past Yordenis Ugas. We’re going to respect everything the man can bring in the ring. We’re going to send it right back at him, look to win this fight and then after that look to see who else is out there and willing to get in the ring with me.

Q
When you’re approaching this fight, is there a different mindset that you have to go through now that you’re the one with the target on your back versus say you gunning for a title like you did against Danny Garcia for the vacant WBC title your last time out?

S. Porter
No, there’s no different mindset. I think maybe if anything there’s just excitement. It’s like you said, I’ve been here before so I’m excited to make another title defense.

I think that is something that’s special, something that you have to do once you win a title. So I think maybe if anything, I’m just looking forward to being able to put that label on what we’re doing March 9, which is making the title defense. I’m definitely looking forward to making it a successful one.

Q
Does that excitement, does part of it come from the fact that you’re fighting the main event of a boxing card on FOX where audience has a potentially much larger than your previous fights?

S. Porter
It all adds to it. It all becomes one big ball of excitement that you have to kind of hone in on and turn that energy into the right energy that you need for the fight.

That’s the best part about it for me, man. I enjoy opportunities to perform in front of big crowds and I enjoy opportunities to do what so many people hope to do. I hope to fight March 9 in front of thousands and thousands of people and even more than you would normally expect from a network standpoint.

I’m looking forward to being successful and moving on from there but yes, definitely all of it just kind of combines into this one big ball of great energy that I look forward to.

Q
Here’s a fun question. If your Cleveland Cavaliers end up in these top three slots in the draft, for the NBA, who do you want them to take?

S. Porter
My barber said, we’re marching towards Zion (Williamson). That’s what we’re looking at man. That’s the guy Cleveland is looking at.

Q
So I’m just wondering what kind of fed into moving camp from the Porter Hy Performance Center and spending some time in D.C. for this fight?

S. Porter
A lot like Yordenis. Yordenis said he had to get out and change his program. And not that our program was flawed but we just felt like we needed a little bit more than we had been getting here in Vegas.

And my dad said, hey Barry Hunter, what can we do? We want you to come out. And Barry said, “Man, I’ve got everything in house. All the sparring you need, all the training you need, all the recovery you need. It’s all right here, come.”

And that’s exactly what we did. We put in a great couple of weeks out there in D.C. and now we’re back in Vegas finishing it off in the good weather. And God bless, while we were out there it snowed here.

Now that I’m back though, the weather’s great and definitely looking forward to tapering off as the end of this week comes. And Barry will be out here with us in L.A. soon enough and we’ll get ready to rock-n-roll.

This is what we do and we do it as a team. Anybody out there that doesn’t know me, I played football and one of my favorite parts of football was the team and the comradery.

So I make sure that my team is set and we’re locked and loaded and ready for any and every one that they put in front of us. And collectively, myself, my dad and my whole team, we’re ready and we’re counting down and we’re looking forward to it.

Q
Does this seem like a new challenge to you that motivates you in a new way?

S. Porter
Every fight’s a challenge. Every fighter is going to fight differently. I think you hit the nail on the coffin when you aid that we knew how Danny was going to come.

We prepared for that and he came exactly how we thought he would and wanted him to. And it played into our hands. Same goes for Yordenis.

We trained for Yordenis. We’re expecting him to come a certain way at us and we’re prepared to fight the right fight to be successful. So I think that we are very prepared and we’re very ready for Yordenis.

As far as his being a different type of challenge, like I said before, every fight’s a challenge. But he fights a different type of fighting style than most guys that I fight, so I think second to him would be Adrian Granados in terms of being aggressive.

So we have a pretty good idea of how we expect him to come and if he doesn’t come that way, we’ll be ready for some adjustments. We got great sparring and we got a lot of different looks.

Q
Yordenis is at more fight nights than most fighters, is he may be studying how guys move in between fights or camps? Or just picking up on world class boxing, if he’s at a championship fight? Is this something to be taken away from taking all of these fights in person?

Y. Ugas
I love being at the fights just because this is my world. Boxing is my life. It’s everything for me. It’s always been.

I just love being at the fights personally just to watch the fights and attend them and be part of this world.

I’ve got a picture perfect memory of fights ten years ago that I’ll talk about. Like it’s all I do all day. I study fights on You Tube and basically if I’m not going to fights, I’m studying fights all day.

R. Flores
All right, well we want to thank both Shawn Porter and Yordenis Ugas for their time as they continue final preparations for March 9 with PBC on FOX.

Before we say bye to them we want to go ahead and open up the floor to you, Yordenis Ugas first for closing comments. Yordenis.

Y. Ugas
I just want to thank obviously everyone involved here at PBC on FOX and just everyone who’s helped put this fight together. On March 9 you’re going to get a great fight, an exciting fight, a war, a great world champion and someone looking to be a world champion.

So I’ve got a destiny that I’ve got to fulfill and March 9 is my opportunity to do that. So make sure everyone tunes into FOX. You’re not going to want to miss this fight. This is going to be a throwback old school type war. Thank you guys.

R. Flores
I want to thank Yordenis Ugas. Now I want to turn the floor over for final comments to the champion, Shawn Porter. Shawn.

S. Porter
I’m just going to mimic what Ugas said. I think that this is a fight that people are expecting to be exciting. It’s definitely going to be all that and more.

I appreciate Yordenis for stepping up and being the next guy in line. I understand what that is. I understand what that feels like. I’m look forward to the challenge and I’m looking forward to defending this belt with honor and keeping it around my neck and around my waist. So we’ll see you guys soon and God bless you guys out there.

ERISLANDY LARA VS. BRIAN CASTAÑO, HEAVYWEIGHT LUIS ORTIZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Former Champion Lara Challenges WBA Super Welterweight Champion Castaño Live On SHOWTIME® This Saturday from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

BROOKLYN (February 28, 2019) – Former world champion Erislandy Lara and WBA Super Welterweight Champ Brian Castaño went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they headline action this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

At the press conference, Cuban heavyweight Luis Ortiz faced off against Christian Hammer, as they near their 10-round showdown, while once-beaten contenders Bryan De Gracia and Eduardo Ramirez stared each other down before their 12-round featherweight clash that kicks off SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

All Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

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

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn:

ERISLANDY LARA

“Everyone knows what I bring to the ring and you will see me at my best on Saturday. This fight means a lot to me and I’ve prepared with that mentality.

“I had a great fight against Jarrett Hurd. There was a height and weight difference on fight night but that whole experience is history now. My focus is on Castaño and making this another great fight. It’s great to be a part of awards like Fight of the Year, but now I have to move on to what is next.

“This is my third time fighting at Barclays Center and its always extra motivation. We’ll see what happens on Saturday but I’m prepared for anything my opponent brings to the ring.

“I’m excited for this fight. I’m just ready to fight. It’s great to have another chance to fight for a world title and work toward getting my top spot back.

“Everything in this fight is going to be important. My experience, the styles of the fighters and our power. It’s all going to play a big role in this fight.

“I just want the biggest fights. There are a lot of great fighters at this weight and around it. I’m going to be ready for anyone who steps up to the challenge.

“I’m here to win and show everyone that I’m the best 154-pounder in the world. I’m going to take a big step in cleaning out the division on Saturday. I’m going to be at my best and bring home the victory.”

BRIAN CASTAÑO

“I breathe boxing and people are going to see that on Saturday night. I’m going to show them that I’m a great boxer and I’ve prepared to beat the best.

“There’s nothing left to say, on Saturday night, it’s going to be a war. The best fighting the best. This is a truly elite super welterweight I’m facing and that’s what I want. I want to face the best.

“A fight is a fight. It doesn’t matter who is in front of me. Lara is a great fighter, but we have to beat him to get where we want to go. This is the path we’ve chosen to get to that ultimate goal.

“I think Lara and I are both very well-conditioned and well-prepared for this fight. I’m in the final stages of my work for this fight. All of the toughest and hardest work is already done.

“I’m anxious to get in the ring and hear that first bell. I can’t wait to go in there and get to work on Saturday night.

“I worked so hard for this fight because I know how much is at stake. I’ve been looking for this fight, even before Lara lost to Hurd. Luckily everything came together for me to fight Lara on Saturday.

“I am a crowd-pleasing fighter. I’m going to be aggressive. That’s just my style. But I can also adapt to my opponent. You have to do different things to win a fight of this caliber.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“Everybody knows I don’t talk a lot and prefer to make my name in the ring. On Saturday you’re going to see what I do best and that’s throw punches. That’s my job.

“This is a big fight for me to prove that I deserve another shot at the title. In my heart I still believe I had that fight against Deontay Wilder in my hands. It was mine to win. Hopefully he will step up and face me again.

“Christian Hammer says that he’s coming to win so he better come with a lot of energy. I’m ready for him and anyone else who steps up to the challenge.

“I fight for my family and I bring that passion into the gym every day. You will see it in the ring Saturday night. I hope that Hammer has prepared because I’m leaving it all in the ring like I always do.

“My focus is completely on Christian Hammer. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I know what it takes to be at my best. After this fight, I’ll see where we’re at and see which of the top heavyweights will be available to me.

“I don’t know how I’m going to win on Saturday, but I’ll leave with my hand raised. I don’t know how, but I’m going to do everything to make it happen.”

CHRISTIAN HAMMER

“I’ve had great preparation and I’m here to win. I feel good and I’m ready to deliver a great performance.

“I will always be ready to take on the biggest challenges. I have great preparation in camp, working with lots of strong power southpaws and also fighters who can box. I’m ready for anything Luis Ortiz comes with.

“I’m completely focused on this fight. I’m here to cancel his plans for a Wilder rematch. I’m going to put myself in a position for even more big fights.”

BRYAN DE GRACIA

“I’m very happy to be here in this position. This is a great opportunity for me to show my skills on a big stage here in Brooklyn.

“This is going to be an action fight. We both want to prove that we have what it takes to fight the best in the division. I’m not going to let him stand in my way of getting to where I want.

“You’re going to see a great event on Saturday night. We put a lot of effort into this fight and you’ll sense it in the ring on Saturday night. I hope Ramirez comes very prepared.”

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“I’m going to save my words and bring the action into the ring on Saturday night. I’m going to get this victory.

“I’m ready for this challenge. This is a big moment for my career. I’m very thankful to everyone who helped me get to this big fight and this moment.

“My style is to be aggressive. I bring the classic Mexican style into the ring. He better be prepared because I’m coming to take this fight.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“This is another terrific card at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Once again its Premier Boxing Champions bringing the greatest stable of fighters in the world to the fans as part of a major card on SHOWTIME.

“This is a significant card with competitive fights. If you’re a fight fan, these are the fights you want to see. There will be good action and the fights will lead the winners to somewhere bigger.

“The winner between De Gracia and Rodriguez should be very competitive, there are tough guys and they’re ready to throw down. The winner of this fight has a significant matchup ahead down the road.

“Nobody wants to fight ‘King Kong’. Luis Ortiz is one of the scariest guys in the division. Christian Hammer is a fighter who is capable of going into the ring with the greatest heavyweights in the world and putting a durable and competitive fight. One of these big guys is going down.

“The main event is a great fight. Castaño is a tremendous fighter but he has his hands full Saturday night. Lara is an elite fighter and one of the hardest guys in boxing to beat. He’s capable of making adjustment in the ring to win. For every young fighter there is a championship moment, and on Saturday it’s put up or shut up time for Brian Castaño against a truly top-level fighter.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“We are thrilled to be back at Barclays Center. This is an all-action card of intriguing fights. Really, we are highlighting maybe what are three of the most interesting and deepest divisions in boxing right now: super welterweight, heavyweight and featherweight. Those of you who are regular viewers of SHOWTIME Boxing will recognize the names and these are the three of the divisions that SHOWTIME has focused on over the last several years because they are exciting and they are filled with great talent.

“The 154-pound division is one of the deepest and most exciting in boxing. [Lara-Castaño] is a fight-fans’ fight with longtime star Erislandy Lara taking on newcomer Brian Castaño, who has generated quickly a lot of buzz among those who think he might be the next big thing. In our co-feature we have fan-favorite Luis “King Kong” Ortiz. Again, the heavyweight division is now as exciting and interesting as it’s been at any point in the last 20 years. Our opening fight is in the featherweight division. This is another deep, talented division where SHOWTIME has over and over again showcased the best fighters and the biggest fights.

“Bryan De Gracia is here to make a name for himself and if you don’t know him, this is a fight you should pay attention to. Eduardo Ramirez has only one blemish on his record and that’s a decision loss to champion Lee Selby. He’s from Los Mochis, Mexico. For those of you who know anything about Los Mochis, there’s something in the water there because they just turn out great boxer after great boxer.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“We are excited to welcome everyone back for our second PBC fight of the year. I’m excited to welcome back to town great Cuban fighters who have shown all their skills here before. The last time Ortiz was here, it was probably the most exciting fight we’ve had here at Barclays Center when he fought Deontay Wilder.

“I want to welcome Brian Castaño and Christian Hammer to Barclays Center for the first time. You’ll get a taste about what boxing in BROOKLYN BOXING is all about.

“We think that this will be the best year yet for BROOKLYN BOXING. We want to bring the best fights right here to Brooklyn and do it in a way that’s continuous. Saturday night should be very exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

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

12 ROUNDS WITH MARCOS HERNANDEZ

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.

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