Unbeaten Omar Figueroa Drops Former Champion Robert Guerrero Five Times On His Way to Third-Round TKO

Unbeaten Omar Figueroa Drops Former Champion Robert Guerrero Five Times On His Way to Third-Round TKO in the Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday Night from NYCB
LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island

 

Unbeaten Marcus Browne Scores Dominant Second-Round Stoppage of Previously Undefeated Seanie Monaghan in Light Heavyweight Battle

&

Adam Kownacki Remains Unbeaten With Fourth-Round TKO Over Artur Szpilka in Matchup of Polish Heavyweights

 

Click
HERE
for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions

 

Click
HERE
for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

LONG ISLAND, NY
(July 15, 2017) – Unbeaten
Omar Figueroa (27-0-1, 19 KOs) returned to the ring in emphatic fashion with a third-round stoppage of former champion Robert Guerrero (33-6-1, 18 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from the
newly-renovated
NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The show was the first major boxing event to take place at the Coliseum in 31 years.

 

The former world champion Figueroa returned to the ring after a 19-month layoff and hardly missed a beat, as he sent Guerrero to the canvas five times over the three rounds and became the first fighter to ever stop Guerrero.

 

“We knew that it was going to be tough to accomplish but I had obviously trained to get the knockout,” said Figueroa.” With my hands finally being healthy, we knew
that it was actually possible.

 

After winning the first round on all three judges’ scorecards, Guerrero continued to fight Figueroa from the inside and attempted to punish him with power shots. However, it was Figueroa who landed the first decisive blow of the fight, a scorching left uppercut that sent Guerrero immediately to the floor.

 

“I haven’t fought this way in a long time because I didn’t have the power in my hands,” said Figueroa. “I’ll always find a way to come out on top though.”

 

Figueroa continued to attack, putting Guerrero down for a second time with a body shot and once more with a glancing shot right before the end of the round. Guerrero looked to blitz Figueroa to
start the third round and immediately had Figueroa cornered.

 

“After the first knockdown I knew that the instinct would kick-in for him and he’d go all out,” said Figueroa. “I thought it was going to be over after the first
knockdown of the second round but the ref let it keep going.

 

“I’ve been working since January so I’m going to take some time off,” continued Figueroa. “Then I’m going to get back into camp to get back to 140-pounds. I want
to be back in the ring by the end of the year.”

 

The unbeaten fighter was able to turn the tide quickly however, putting Guerrero down twice more with strong flurries before referee Ron Lipton waved off the bout 1:34 into the round. After
the bout, Guerrero was taken to Nassau University Medical Center for precautionary reasons.

 

Unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne (20-0, 15 KOs) continued to solidify his status as a world title contender with an electrifying stoppage of previously undefeated
Seanie Monaghan (28-1, 17 KOs) in the second-round of their light heavyweight battle.

 

Despite fighting in front of a friendly crowd in his native Long IslandMonaghan struggled from the start as a blistering left hand from Browne sent him to the canvas early in the first round. Monaghan was quickly in survival mode and was aided when referee Steve Willis halted the bout after deeming that Browne had connected with an accidental low blow while looking to finish his opponent.

 

“I could tell that I hurt him, but I didn’t want to rush and walk into anything,” said Browne. “I just took my time and allowed everything to fall into place.”

 

“It was an honor for me to represent Long Island,” said Monaghan. “I knew that it was a big task tonight. Marcus is even faster than in sparring. I’ll be alright though, I’m happy that if I had to lose, it was to a guy the quality of Marcus Browne.”

 

Monaghan was able to recover and eventually make it through the round, but Browne put his foot on the gas pedal to begin round two. Browne was able to trap Monaghan against the ropes and delivered a crushing series of body blows and chopping shots that caused Monaghan to hunch over. The onslaught eventually forced the referee to call a halt to the bout 40 seconds into the round.

 

“I’m honored and blessed to be a part of this event and I just want to move upwards and onward from here,” said Browne. “I want a date with Adonis Stevenson next. It’s amazing to have this kind of exposure on FOX and FOX Deportes. I loved the opportunity to make new fans tonight.”

 

“Marcus has always been a fast starter,” said Monaghan. “He always comes out very fast. I thought I was ready for the speed, but he is very skilled. I think he’s going to go a long way.”

 

In front of a large contingent of his hometown fans, Adam Kownacki (16-0, 13 KOs) put on an impressive performance against his best opposition to date by scoring a fourth-round TKO of former title challenger Artur Szpilka (20-3, 15 KOs) in their heavyweight showdown.

 

“I always knew that I had him,” said Kownacki. “From the first shot I hit him in the body, I knew he didn’t have enough. My pressure was too much.”

 

The fight began with both men looking to impose their styles as Szpilka attempted to establish his jab and evade his opponent, while Kownacki tried to trap Szpilka in a corner where he could tee-off with power punches.

 

Despite his left eye swelling up after two rounds, Kownacki was able to take the first bit of momentum by connecting late in round three with a series of power shots that appeared to at least shake Szpilka up.

 

As the fourth round began Kownacki wasted no time, landing a big punch that caused blood to start pouring out of the nose of Szpilka. While the former title challenger tried to keep his distance,
the heavier Kownacki was able to land a series of power punches that put Szpilka on the canvas.

 

“I have a great trainer and a great team that has gotten me into great shape,” said Kownacki. “I have to give them all of the credit. Whatever he was doing, I was
ready for.”

 

While Szpilka was able to get to his feet, Kownacki continued to keep the pressure on as another series of power punches, led by a strong right hand, sent Szpilka into a heap and forced referee
Artur Mercante to stop the bout 1:37 into the round. Kownacki landed 42 percent of his power punches in the decisive fourth round.

 

“It took Deontay Wilder and Bryant Jennings a lot longer to get him out of there,” said Kownacki. “But I still have things that I’m going to go back and fix. Once
I improve those aspects of my game I think that a lot of people are going to know me.”

 

“He hit me once with a good shot and after that I just never recovered,” said Szpilka. “I think it was a left hook. I’m going to rest now. This was not how I wanted this to go and
I’m very disappointed.”

Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos Omar Figueroa vs. Robert Guerrero, Marcus Browne vs. Seanie Monaghan & Artur Szpilka vs. Adam Kownacki 

Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes

Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 

Omar Figueroa vs. Robert Guerrero, Marcus Browne vs. Seanie Monaghan & Artur Szpilka vs. Adam Kownacki Tripleheader This Saturday, July 15 from NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on
Long Island

 

Click
HERE
for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

MANHATTAN (July 12, 2017) – Former world champions Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes tripleheader taking place at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

 

Also in attendance Wednesday and competing in televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were unbeaten light heavyweights Marcus Browne and Seanie Monaghan plus Polish heavyweights Artur Szpilka and Adam Kownacki.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,
www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE.
Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.

 

Additional action on Saturday begins on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature a welterweight matchup between Jamal James and Jo Jo Dan, plus unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa, brother of Omar Figueroa, who was in attendance Wednesday and will face
Eliezer Aquino.

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan:

 

OMAR FIGUEROA

 

“We know that Guerrero is a tough guy and it’s going to be a rough fight. We prepared really well to go 12-rounds and get the win.

 

“I love having my brother Brandon in camp and on this card with me. It gives me an opportunity to take my mind off of my fight and focus on Brandon for a bit. It really helps me cope with everything
leading up to a big fight.

 

“Training camp was amazing. We did a lot of sparring with lefties so that my footwork is down. Other than that I was just grinding every day and trying to get better.

 

“I’m really happy to have the team that I have. Joel Diaz and I work really well together because we have the same mentality, but he can tell me when I need to take a step back.

 

“New York is one of the places that has held historic fights. Being on that same stage as great fighters from the past is amazing. It’s one of those things that makes you feel like you made it.

 

“I know how hard Robert Guerrero has worked to get to this point in his career. I want to prove that I can be in the big fights that Guerrero has already had. I’ve had a long time off but I can’t
wait to get it on Saturday night.

 

“I feel like I have everything in my arsenal to make this a successful night. I’m looking to show all of the things I’ve been working with Joel Diaz on and give the fans a great fight to remember.”

 

ROBERT GUERRERO

 

“I’m expecting Omar to come to fight. He’s undefeated with a great record so if it’s not broken, I don’t expect him to change his style.

 

“You have to prepare for everything for a guy as awkward as Omar. I’m going to have to make adjustments in the ring. If I can stay focused I know I can get the victory.

 

“I’ve made a lot of improvements since the last time people saw me. There’s way too much talent in this division for me to just come forward and press. I’m in great shape and I’m ready to work behind my jab do everything I need to do to be successful in the ring.

 

“I’m blessed to be here and have this tremendous opportunity in the main event again on FOX and FOX Deportes. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the ring but I never stopped working in the gym.

 

“I’ve said before that I had to go to the drawing board but this time we erased everything and rewrote it. This layoff has really helped me get in great shape and I’m really excited to get in the ring. I’m ready to turn the page to the next chapter of my career and that starts with this fight.

 

“It’s an honor to be able to work with my dad every day. It’s an incredible blessing for me to have such a loyal team. My father treats me like a man just like he always has. He makes me a better fighter every time out. He knows me like the back of his hand.”

 

MARCUS BROWNE

 

“I’m ready to roll. I’m ready let my hands go and get in the ring and rumble on Saturday night. This is going to be a great night of fights.

 

“This is a big fight for me. It’s a great fight against a very determined and experienced fighter. Seanie is a veteran in this sport but he’s still hungry. He has a lot to lose, as do I. We’re both going to put it on the line.

 

“I’m excited to be part of opening up this new venue. There are a lot of different cultures that come together in Long Island and it should make for a great crowd.

 

“I think the timing that my career has progressed has been great. I’ve been going step-by-step and I feel like I’m on a good path towards a world title.

 

“I’m very familiar with Seanie from sparring together but I know that he’s a veteran who’s going to have a great game plan. Training camp has me ready and I’m going to be prepared to make adjustments.
I’m ready to lay it all out there.”

 

SEANIE MONAGHAN

 

“Training camp has been excellent. I’ve been sparring a lot of lefties and getting ready for this style matchup. This is probably the longest camp I’ve ever had and I feel great. I’m on weight right now and ready for this fight. This is the best shape I’ve ever been in.

 

“It’s very inspiring to be looking at the place that you’ll be fighting while you’re training. I do my hardest workout on the track right across the street from the Coliseum. It helps me dig deep while I’m suffering.

 

“This is going to be an interesting matchup. Marcus and I are pretty much opposites in the ring. I’m a righty and he’s a lefty. He’s a fast-starter and I’m a strong finisher. It’s my job to turn it into a battle of wills.

 

“I’m fully-charged physically and locked and loaded mentally heading into Saturday night. This is the caliber of opponent I’ve been looking to face for a while and I’ll be ready when the bell rings.

 

“This is my 29th time getting into the professional ring so I’m not concerned about the emotions that come with fighting at home. Any kind of energy that I feel, I’m going to use it for fuel in the later rounds when I need it.”

 

ARTUR SZPILKA

 

“I want to show that my loss was an accident and that I’m ready to put on a great show for the fans.

 

“We will see how hard this fight will be. That is up to him, because I will be ready to put it all on the line and get this win. People want to see emotions in the ring and we will see if Kownacki is ready for me.

 

“I have to take this fight very seriously. I am in the best shape of my career. I can’t take for granted that I’m going to go in there and knock him out immediately.

 

“I waited a long time for this return. I broke my hand after the Deontay Wilder fight but now I am back and 100 percent ready for this fight.

 

“Adam is like I was before. He’s working his way up this sport and he’s very hungry. I respect Adam and I wish him the best, but not on Saturday night.”

 

ADAM KOWNACKI

 

“This is a big stage and a great challenge for me. Now it’s time for me to show that I’m ready for this. I’ve never ducked a challenge and I never will.

 

“All the hard work is done. I feel great after a really strong training camp and now the fun part comes Saturday night.

 

“I sparred with (top U.S. amateur) Cam Awesome, who is a good mover around the ring so he’s definitely helped prepare me for what Artur is going to bring.

 

“It means a lot to be in a fight between two Polish heavyweights. We’re two of the best Polish heavyweights in the world and only one of us can wear the crown.

 

“This is my coming out party. I’m going to make a statement on Saturday. I’ve been patiently waiting for this chance and now I’m going to prove that I belong.

 

“Artur and I definitely have different styles. I’m more of a puncher and he’s more of a mover. I worked a lot in training camp on cutting off the ring.”

 

BRANDON FIGUEROA

 

“I feel like I’ve improved a lot during this training camp. I feel very strong and confident heading into this fight. It’s really exciting to be on a card like this with my brother headlining.

 

“I’m just going to take my career step-by-step and take it one fight at a time. Hopefully if I keep working hard and performing I can get a title shot. I just want to take every fight that I can so that I can perform in front of the fans and give them a great show.

 

“I feel very prepared and very confident heading into this fight. This is definitely one of the best camps I’ve had. I fight a lot of heavy guys in Joel Diaz’s gym and it helped me get perfectly prepared for this fight.

 

“I love fighting on television so that I can give fans a good show. I’m always hungry for the win and now being in New York is an added piece of motivation.”

 

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

 

“On Saturday big-time boxing returns to Long Island. It’s been 31 years since a big boxing show on Long Island and that show was headlined by Mike Tyson. Saturday night is going to be a great night
for boxing in the New York area.

 

“This show has three terrific fights coming to us on Saturday night. I love that this card has three fights where the outcome is up in the air and they’re all-action matchups.

 

“Artur and Adam are in something of a grudge match, with these two Polish heavyweights talking about this for over a year, and now it’s finally going to happen. This is an important heavyweight
fight. The loser takes a big step back.

 

“Marcus Browne is a young lion rising his way up the ranks at light heavyweight. Seanie has been waiting a long time for an opportunity like this. The winner of this fight is right there for a world title. These guys have been friendly in the past, but they won’t be friends on Saturday night.

 

“The main event is definitely a crossroads fight to some extent. I have tremendous respect for both Omar and Robert. Omar is returning to the ring against one of the most experienced and battle-tested fighters out there in Guerrero.

 

“This is going to be a good night for Long Island and everyone who watches this in person or on FOX and FOX Deportes is going to be in for a great night of fighting