Tag: Yonfrez Parejo

Former Two-Division Champion Danny Garcia Delivers Dominant Performance With Seventh Round Stoppage of Adrian Granados

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Former Two-Division Champion Danny Garcia Delivers Dominant Performance With Seventh Round Stoppage of Adrian Granados in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday Night from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Heavyweight Contender Andy Ruiz Jr. Defeats Alexander Dimitrenko By TKO After Round Five
&
Unbeaten Brandon Figueroa Stops Yonfrez Parejo After Eight Rounds to Capture Interim 122-Pound Title

PBC Fight Night Extra on FS1 & FOX Deportes Features Victories for Jeison Rosario & Alfredo Angulo, Plus Still Unbeaten Prospects Karlos Balderas, Omar Juarez & Rolando Romero.

Photo Credits- Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions 

CARSON, CALIF. (April 20, 2019) – Former two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (35-2, 21 KOs) dropped Adrian Granados (20-7-2, 14 KOs) three times before stopping him in round seven Saturday night in a welterweight showdown that headlined Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

“I’ve said it before, when Danny Garcia is at his best, nobody can beat him,” said Garcia. “I had gotten a little comfortable in the past, but I put my 110 percent into this fight and when I do, I beat everyone.”

Garcia got his offense started early, deflecting a right hand from Granados in round two and throwing a perfect left hook counter that dropped Granados for the first time in the fight. Granados continued to push and tried to change the tide, but an overhand right at the end of an exchange by Garcia sent Granados down for the second time in round two.

“It felt good landing that big left hook,” said Garcia. “I was proud of my performance. I thought I did a great job tonight.”

“He was very sharp in the exchanges,” said Granados. “That’s where he was catching me. I knew that’s what I had to avoid. But the toughness in me is always ready to go. I was willing to engage.”

Granados tried to find ways to slow Garcia’s momentum, but while trying to crowd Garcia he was too often caught with power punches on the inside. Round four saw Granados begin to bleed heavily from the nose and in round five Granados was dropped for the third time, this time from a combination Garcia delivered while he had Granados on the ropes.

“The way to make a statement tonight was to stop him,” said Garcia. “The game plan was to break him down. I have too many tools. I couldn’t let him hang around with me.

“He wanted to get closer to me and make it a dogfight. But I surprised him when I stood with him and banged to the body. Then I started making him miss and that’s when I stopped him.”

In round seven, Garcia landed 48% of his power punches according to CompuBox, and after buzzing him several times, unleashed a flurry while Granados was on the ropes that forced referee Thomas Taylor to stop the bout 1:33 into round seven.

“He caught me with some good shots but I really thought I was fine,” said Granados. “I think the referee was a little over-protective. I had a plan to go the whole fight and they stopped me on my feet. I was still catching him with shots. I was still dangerous and looking for a big shot to change the fight. The referee had to do his job though and I understand it.”

With the win, Garcia will look for more big fights with fellow elite welterweights.

“I hope I didn’t scare Manny Pacquiao away,” said Garcia. “I’d love a rematch with Shawn Porter or Keith Thurman, or a fight with Errol Spence Jr. I’m back!”
The co-main event featured heavyweight contender and Southern California fan-favorite Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. (32-1, 21 KOs) scoring a TKO victory over Alexander Dimitrenko (41-5, 26 KOs) after five rounds of action in their heavyweight showdown.

Ruiz flashed the exceptional hand speed that has defined his career, landing hard combinations to the head and body of the taller Dimitrenko. Ruiz stalked Dimitrenko, controlling the center of the ring and picking his spots to unload.

“He started slowing down and I could see the face he made when I hit him with body shots,” said Ruiz. “I just stayed disciplined and focused. I couldn’t get too anxious. I just wanted to break him down until the tree fell down.”

Dimitrenko tried to use his jab to keep Ruiz at bay and was able to cause a welt under Ruiz’s right eye as the early rounds went on. It was not enough to keep Ruiz from coming forward and in round five he began to pile up the punishment, punctuated with hard right hooks that snapped Dimitrenko’s head back.

“We worked on slipping his right hand and coming back with my own,” said Ruiz. “I missed with a few of them but I stayed busy. I focused on just getting the job done.”

After the fifth round, and on the advice of Dimitrenko’s corner, referee Ray Corona stopped the bout before round six could commence. Ruiz was comfortably ahead on all three scorecards and set his sights on another top heavyweight contender for his possible next opponent.

“For my next fight there’s somebody like me, a chubby exciting fighter I want,” said Ruiz. “Adam Kownacki I’m ready, let’s do this.”

The opening bout on FOX saw unbeaten top contender Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa (19-0, 14 KOs) earn the Interim WBA Super Bantamweight title by stopping Yonfrez Parejo (22-4-1, 11 KOs) after eight rounds of action. Parejo did not answer the bell for round nine, forcing referee Jerry Cantu to stop the bout while Parejo was in the corner.

“This is an amazing feeling and a dream come true,” said Figueroa. “I can’t wait for what’s coming next.I thought I was going to finish him the next round. He had lasted pretty well but once I put the pressure up to another level, I knew he wouldn’t be able to continue.”

The 22-year-old Figueroa used his signature pressure early and often, walking through effective shots Parejo landed in the early rounds to establish his position in the fight. Parejo had success landing hooks while Figueroa was exposed on the inside, but was unable to avoid the return fire, especially the body shots that eventually led to the end of the fight.

“He threw a lot of strong shots to the body and I felt my legs go at the end of the last round,” said Parejo.”He’s very strong but sometimes flat-footed and I was trying to take advantage of that. He was too strong tonight.”

Figueroa began to throw even more combinations in the late rounds, nullifying the offense that Parejo was trying to get going. His most prolific rounds were rounds four and five, where he landed 31 and 41 power punches respectively. After a one-sided round eight where Figueroa out landed Parejo 33 to 15, it had become clear that Parejo didn’t have enough on his punches to stop the onslaught. The referee stopped the bout after consulting with Parejo before the start of the ninth round, officially giving Figueroa the victory.

“My conditioning was amazing and I felt strong every round,” said Figueroa. “I’m next in line and I’m ready for anyone.”

After the card on FOX, PBC Fight Night Extra on FS1 and FOX Deportes was headlined by Jeison Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs) winning a split-decision over Jorge Cota (28-3, 25 KOs) by scores of 97-93 for Cota and 96-94 and 97-93 for Rosario in a 10-round super welterweight bout

The FS1 portion kicked off with highly-touted prospect Rolando “Rollie” Romero (9-0, 8 KOs) knocking out Andres Figueroa (9-5, 5 KOs) 1:27 into round four of their lightweight fight. Rising unbeaten and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (8-0, 7 KOs) remained perfect by stopping Luis May (21-14-1, 8 KOs) at 1:07 of round four in their lightweight battle and super lightweight prospect Omar Juarez (3-0, 1 KO)earned a unanimous decision by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 after four rounds against Dwayne Bonds (3-2-1, 1 KO).

DANNY GARCIA VS. ADRIAN GRANADOS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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DANNY GARCIA VS. ADRIAN GRANADOS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Former Two-Division Champion Garcia Battles All-Action Contender Granados in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event This Saturday Night from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Photo Credits-  from Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions

LOS ANGELES (April 18, 2019) – Former two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and welterweight contender Adrian “El Tigre” Granados went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before the square-off this Saturday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Also squaring-off Thursday were heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. and Alexander Dimitrenko, who meet in a 10-round bout, and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa and Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo, who meet in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title that kicks off the broadcast 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.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel Gateway:

DANNY GARCIA

“Motivation is no problem for me because I’ve always loved competing. I love to fight and I love boxing. I want to give my fans around the world a great show. This is all for my legacy right now.

“It’s fight time, it’s on. The talking is done, the hard work has been put in and I’m confident. I’m going to show the world what I’m about on Saturday night. This is nothing new to me, it’s another day at work.

“I’ve been shining for a long time. I’m going to show why I’ve been around on Saturday and leave no doubt about this win.

“This is a big fight for me. I have to go in there and show the world I’m one of the best in the sport. I need to look good.

“We worked harder and worked smarter in training camp. My body is bigger and stronger now. I’ve grown into a true welterweight. I feel great.

“At the end of the day, styles make fights. We’ll see who the better fighter is on Saturday night.”

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“This win would mean a lot to me. It’s a huge fight and a big opportunity. A win against Danny can catapult me to where I belong. That’s what I’m coming to do in this fight.

“It’s going to be an exciting fight. The preparation is done. Camp went great. I’m ready for war on Saturday night.

“I want a dominating and exciting victory. I’m here to show I’m a real player in the welterweight division.

“I think the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry makes it a great fight. Plus, we both come from tough neighborhoods in Chicago and Philadelphia. I’m proud of who I am and where I’m from and we’re both going to represent for we’re from.

“I’m not underestimating Danny because I know we both had to go through a lot to get here. But we made it here through hard circumstances and we’ve turned those circumstances into positives.

“I think Danny is my toughest opponent. He’s accomplished a lot in the sport and he’s taken advantage of the opportunities he’s gotten. This would be the biggest win of my career and I’m looking forward to doing that on Saturday night.”

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“I’m really happy to be here in this position. Everything in my past is behind me and I’m so happy to be in this fight and position for even more after Saturday.

“I’m just hungrier and more motivated than ever now. With Manny Robles training me, I’m taking camp more seriously and I’m more dedicated to accomplishing my dreams. My dream is to be the first Mexican heavyweight champion. I’m going to make history.

“We’ll see how fast he is and who’s faster on Saturday. He has a longer reach but I believe I have the faster movements. He’s trying to take money from my family and I can’t let that happen.

“I just need stick to my game plan and chop him down. The combinations and body shots will be key. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

“I’ve come a long way to get in this shape. I just have to stay disciplined and put in the hard work and I’ll be fighting for a world title soon.”

ALEXANDER DIMITRENKO

“I’m glad to be here and I’m looking to make a war. It was the best training camp that I’ve had. I’m fit and ready to win. I will give not just my best, but everything to win this fight.

“This is nothing new for me. I know have to fight against smaller guys. It’s no problem for me and I’m very comfortable.

“I’m looking forward to fighting here in Southern California and show the fans all over what I’m about.

“I know people say he’s fast but I’m not slow either. I’m ready to prove what I can do on Saturday night.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I’ve been preparing every fight for a big fight. I’m thankful for this opportunity and everyone who is behind me and has supported me. I’m here for a reason and I’m going to prove it on Saturday night.

“The pressure, the inside game, the body shots and my relentlessness will be too much him. I don’t think he can handle it for 12 rounds.

“I think that everything I do well, is going to become a problem for him. I’m prepared for a tough fight but I’m ready to put on a show.

“It feels amazing to be on this stage and fighting at this venue. I’m representing for my hometown, but also for my Mexican culture. On Saturday they’re going to see that I’m another great Mexican fighter.

“This was definitely one of my stronger training camps. We did a lot of work on my legs and strengthening them. It puts a little more pop in my punches. The conditioning was important too because I know this guy isn’t going to go down easy.”

YONFREZ PAREJO

“I’m very happy to be in this fight. We had a great training camp. We know Brandon is a very tough fighter, but he’s not going to get in the way of my dream of being world champion.

“I worked very hard in training camp because I know Figueroa likes to bring pressure. I don’t think he’s faced an opponent like me and I’m going to show everyone what level I’m on.

“I expect a very hard fight, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I’m always prepared for any challenge and this is no different. I have everything it takes to become champion of the world.

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“These fighters had tremendous camps and they’re ready to go. Both of these guys look ready to handle their business. These guys are in their primes and that should make it a great fight.

“I see this fight ending in a knockout. Danny knows what’s at stake and he wants to put on an impressive performance. He has a big stage to do it. Stylistically he’s facing a young hungry guy in Granados who is going to press and come forward. It’s going to mesh very well and it’s a fantastic fight that’s not going the distance.

“There’s nothing easy about this fight. Danny has to go in there and establish respect from the beginning and dictate the pace. Granados is a young, exciting fighter, but Danny has to have the mentality that he’s on a different level than Granados.

“These guys need to stay in the moment and make sure they don’t look towards future fights. I don’t believe they will. Granados has nothing to lose, but Danny has a lot of motivation himself. Both of these guys want even bigger and better things in the near future.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA TRAINING CAMP NOTES

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BRANDON FIGUEROA TRAINING CAMP NOTES

Unbeaten Super Bantamweight Contender Figueroa Prepares to Face Yonfrez Parejo for WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Title Saturday, April 20 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Action From Dignity Health Sports Park in
Carson, California

WESLACO, TX. (April 11, 2019) – Unbeaten super bantamweight contender Brandon Figueroa is on a rapid ascent in the 122-pound division and shared his thoughts on his rise and his matchup against Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo that takes place Saturday, April 20 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Trained by his father Omar Figueroa Sr. at their gym in their native Weslaco, Texas, Brandon credited their hard work in the gym as leading to his most recent and impressive victories, knockout wins over Moises Flores and Oscar Escandon.

“I feel like my power has really come together in the last year,” said Figueroa. “We’ve worked hard on my positioning when I throw my punches, especially to the body, and the results have shown up in my fights. I’m more aggressive and my punches are just more in-tune.

“My confidence has continued to grow as well with these performances. Winning these fights the way I’m winning them has given me a boost and I’ve taken that into training camp. It’s given me that energy to fight even better and believe in myself even more.”

Figueroa can capture an interim 122-pound title with a win on on April 20, but he first must get by a durable opponent in Parejo, who has challenged former champions Ryan Burnett, Hugo Ruiz and Zhanat Zhakiyanov.

“I’m facing a game opponent who’s fought a lot of great fighters,” said Figueroa. “I know he’s a boxer who likes to jab and move. He’s going to give me the straight right-left hook combo, so I have to attack the body. It’s going to be a chess match to see how he deals with my pressure.”

With this win, Figueroa could set himself up for even more significant bouts at the end of this year, a path that the 22-year-old envisions will eventually lead him to multiple weight-divisions.

“I can only take it one fight at a time, but I believe I’m going to be on that world class level soon,” said Figueroa. “Everything is going the way it’s planned and I know if I stay focused and take care of business, I’ll be fighting for a world title by the end of the year.

“The plan would eventually be to move up and continue to challenge myself at featherweight and even beyond that. I want to reach the top of several divisions. But that’s for the future, and I can’t look past April 20.”

The younger brother of unbeaten former world champion Omar Figueroa, Brandon made his pro debut in 2015 as an 18-year-old on the undercard of his brother’s fight against Ricky Burns. As he grew into a world title contender, Figueroa has made his own name in the sport.

“I’m still proving myself in every fight,” said Figueroa. “I don’t mind being talked about with my brother at all, but I think I’ve proven I’m more than Omar’s little brother. I’m proud of what we’ve both accomplished and the legacy we’re creating in Weslaco and the boxing world.”

Riding a five-fight knockout streak into April 20, Figueroa plans to put on another signature action-packed performance for fight fans watching on FOX and FOX Deportes and at Dignity Health Sports Park.

“I’m going to be the same Brandon Figueroa who comes forward and relentlessly attacks the body,” said Figueroa. “This is one of the biggest fights of my career with this title on the line. I feel strong and ready. I can’t wait for April 20.”

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.

 

 

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.