PHILADELPHIA – Former two-time world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia scored the “2018 Knockout of the Year” with his ninth round stoppage of Brandon Rios, in February 2018.

Garcia, rebounding from his first-ever defeat as a professional, wore Rios down with his heavy artillery before blasting out the former champ with two knockdowns in round nine. The second knockdown was a picture-perfect overhand right to the jaw that sent Rios crashing to the floor, and ultimately ended the fight.

After a five year drought at the Briscoe Awards, Garcia’s KO of Rios earned him his fifth overall Briscoe Award, and his first for the best knockout.

The awards, named after Philly middleweight boxing legend Bennie Briscoe, have been recognizing the best achievements of the Philly boxing scene since 2007.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia (1100 Pattison Avenue), 1-4 PM.

Tickets for the Briscoe Awards cost $10 each, and can be purchased in advance at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

By Bart Barry-

Saturday on DAZN in a prizefight between formerly good lightweights matched 15 pounds and nearly so many years past their primes Mexican Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto decisioned American Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios by wide Mexican scorecards in Tijuana. Probably the cards were unfair to the American’s activity and ineffective aggressiveness, yes, but they were precise reflections of the difference the men shared in class. A blessing on such uncommon precision.

What surprised mostly, for being unobstructed by either man’s reflexes, was how markedly better Soto was than Rios, better in a way which caused one’s mind to race backwards and color his memories with doubt’s shadow. Whosoever won the match on an honest card wasn’t relevant to nary a spectator; that sort of determination required a calculus of activity and generalship and sundry other considerations properly dispensed of by any aficionado who knows knockouts matter more than the aggregate value of every other outcome. Perhaps Rios did enough to unsteal some of the rounds Soto otherwise stole, and perhaps it means naught either way.

What mattered Saturday was the clarity of the disparity, as it were, the entire levels, much less details, which separated the combatants’ skillsets. Rios shone as an object lesson in what a toughguy can do in a region and sport whose every participant is not a toughguy and how much it helps, too, if you speak English and once used it to give premium broadcasters juicy soundbites. Soto, conversely, showed how strikingly competent a prizefighter had to be to come out Mexico when he did.

Soto, one can be forgiven for not realizing, lost his first world title challenge – getting nearly shut-out by Joan Guzman in their WBO super featherweight tilt – the same year Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez fought for the WBC’s title in the same weightclass. Soto was 10 years and 52 scraps into his prizefighting career without so much as a ticket for the Pacquiao-Marquez-Barrera-Morales lottery.

Soto didn’t get out Mexico without he lost a fourtime. There’s an element of craftbuilding there, though, American prizefighters, even a generation before today’s, rarely endured. Early losses on American resumes were a blemish cursed for getting a fighter blacklisted from television. In Mexico, though, where an undefeated record courted suspicion much as it evinced prospective greatness, fighters like Soto realized the only chance to make a fortune in prizefighting was as a world champion, and if you deserved to be such a thing there were avenues enough to attain it, and if you didn’t deserve it then you didn’t deserve it and the only way to know was to fight and fight.

Little in the Soto dossier looks like a wellmanaged prospect cherrypicking a madefortelevision title. Meanwhile, one border and 16 pounds away Andre Berto was saturating HBO’s airwaves with a six-defense run as the WBC’s welterweight titlist, even while sympathetic pundits agreed he probably wasn’t ready to fight other titlists in his same weightclass. You got onthejob training, in other words, as an American prospect, complete with generous cable contracts and inflated rankings, even while your fanbase couldn’t fill a Tijuana cinema much less a bullring.

Onto this scene exploded Brandon Rios with his 2011 stoppage of Miguel Acosta. Four months later Rios was on HBO obliterating Urbano Antillon, a oncepromising prospect ruined by SoCal gymwars, and five months after that, in December, Rios was back on HBO missing weight and fighting someone named John Murray, a man who’d qualified for his title shot by getting knockedout that July. Seriously. By now there was little limit to the silly things experts were saying and scribes were penning about Rios’ otherworldly feats of chin and fist.

Then came the Richar Abril debacle on HBO. Rios missed weight again and got outclassed in every sense of the word – and only Adalaide Byrd happened to notice. Rios got his toughman matchup after that, making a trilogy with Mike Alvarado, and a lot more money from HBO, interrupted only briefly by his being heavybagged in China by a rehabbing Manny Pacquiao who dropped to Rios a total of perhaps 30 nonconsecutive seconds of the 2,160 the men spent together.

All the while somehow persisted the myth Rios was a prodigious infighter, a man who knew well how to mill on the inside, which he did not. I recall distinctly a gaggle of smug South Texas doofuses (a doofusi?) helping me understand how badly I misunderstood my own eyes during Rios-Abril, a match wherein Rios routinely set his head behind Abril’s left shoulder and winchcranked a lefthanded lob (to replicate the power of this shot, raise your left hand, make a fist, and flex your left bicep, then pull your fist into your cheek). Because every Mexican is a tough infighter.

Except Rios is a Mexican-American infighter, which, as Soto showed so ably, is a lesser breed. The opening rounds of Saturday’s match looked like a YouTube video of a fat American partyanimal picking on the wrong Mexican abuelito in a bordertown cantina. Rios had nothing but the rude force of (relative) youth; there wasn’t a single element of fighting Rios did well as Soto, and if Soto’s cultural norms precluded clowning he nevertheless appeared surprised by how easy Rios was to hit and make miss. Exhausted a minute into the fight Soto still managed to hit Rios whenever and however he wished for the 35 that followed. Rios’ generally overrated, if likable, trainer, Robert Garcia, beseeched Rios stop allowing Soto to win every round with merely 10 seconds of exertion, but Garcia must’ve known what Rios didn’t bother telling him which was the difference in class be so vast Soto probably didn’t need more than five seconds of roundly exerting to do it.

The evening’s biggest losers were its oddsmakers, pros who usually know better, for having installed Rios as a wide favorite fighting a Mexican in Mexico. Guess lots of folks believed those HBO press releases way back when.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Brandon Rios says his clash with Humberto Soto is the final hurdle between him and a fourth World title fight as they clash at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez in Tijuana, Mexico on Saturday February 23, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW PRICED FROM $165 (MEXICAN PESOS) HERE

Rios returned to action in stunning fashion in Kansas in November, stopping Ramon Alvarez in the ninth round of a pulsating contest live on DAZN.

‘Bam Bam’s’ return to the ring has been inspired by a promise made to his daughter to become a World champion once again, and a big all-Mexican clash with Soto is just the type of fight that will light a fire under him to produce a performance to land a huge fight next.

“It feels nice to fight back in Mexico,” said Rios. “Especially right now with everything that’s going on, all the politics. Not only that, but it’s good to give the Mexican fans a great show, they get see me live which is awesome.

“I’m fighting a guy that lives in Tijuana. He’s from Mexico, so I’m pretty sure the crowd’s going to be on his side, 100 per cent, but it feels good to be back out in front of Mexican fans. I’m ready to go and show the world that I’m ready to get back to the top again.

“I have some fans from LA going over the border to watch the fight, but I’m pretty sure he’s going to have more support. Anything can happen though, at the end of the day it’s not about who has what, it’s about me and him in the ring.

“The main decision for me to come back was when I was watching a fight on TV and I told my wife ‘Baby, that can still be me. I can still do that shit. I know I can still do that shit.’ I just had bad camp, bad habits. She told me ‘I’m going to let you do what you want to do, you’re a grown man. But if you come back, you’ve got to promise me you do it right.’ None of the half-assed shit, with the dieting, and all that. So, I thought about it for about a day or two, and I had the urge for it.

“I got my first fight and it was great, and the second one with Danny Garcia which wasn’t all that – shit happens in boxing. And then I got to meet Eddie Hearn who gave me a three-fight deal thanks to him.

“Nobody was really paying attention to me anymore, and Eddie gave me an opportunity, and I really appreciate that. I’m fighting my second fight with him, and I can’t wait to go again.

“My main target is to get a title shot. Not only the reason why, is because I promised my little girl. She does karate. I told her, if you become a black belt, you give me that title. When I become a champion again, I give you my belt.

“We made that promise, and I don’t want to break her heart, so that’s why I want to be a champion again before I retire. I keep my word. Every day, I kid you not, she says ‘Dad, remember you promised me?’ Every day. I come to the gym today, she’s asking me if I’m bringing back a title. That’s 100 per cent my drive.

“You know what, it could be soon. It could be my next fight, who knows with Eddie Hearn. For now I’m just concentrating on this guy. I’m ready for whatever falls next.

“Soto is a veteran, he’s 30 years old. he knows some tricks, he’s a former three-time World champion, so we’ve got to be ready for whatever he brings. That’s why I’m working so hard to correct the mistakes.

“Working with Matchroom Boxing and being on DAZN, they’ve giving me fights back-to-back which is great. I haven’t got that wasted time, rested time, they’re giving me fights right away. I’m grateful and happy to be a part of the team. I’m ready to get back to the top.

“It’s going to be a great fight. You’ve got a three-division former champion Soto comes to fight, very talented and very skillful, he’s a big counter puncher. Then you’ve got myself, Bam Bam, who comes to brawl and always gives the fans a good show, but what always makes a perfect fight is a counter and brawler. There’s always going to be punches thrown, always something going to happen.”

Rios and Humberto clash in an all-Mexican affair, in association with Zanfer and Paco Presents, on a huge night of action in Tijuana.

There’s a stacked undercard in support of the main event, led by the rematch between Jose ‘Gallito’ Quiniro (20-2-3 9KOs) and Joel Cordoba (7-4-2 1KO). The Mexicans shared a draw in a Christmas cracker in December and will return to the same venue as that clash to find a winner this time.

Alexis Espino makes his professional debut on the card, with the 19 year old Las Vegas native and decorated amateur itching to get life in the pro game underway on a proud night for his Mexican family. Diego Pacheco (1-0 1KOs) made his debut in this arena in December with a stoppage win, and the talented teen fights for the second time in the pros on Saturday.

A trio of unbeaten Mexicans complete the current line-up in the shape of 2016 Olympian Joselito Velasquez (7-0 6KOs), Omar ‘Pollo’ Aguilar (11-0 10KOs) and Sulem Urbina (8-0 1KO).

Matchroom Boxing USA will promote its first show in Mexico as Brandon Rios and Humberto Soto will clash in an all-Mexican affair at the Municipal Auditorium Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana on Saturday February 23, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW PRICED FROM $165 (MEXICAN PESOS) HERE

Rios vs. Soto is in association with Zanfer and Paco presents.

Former World Lightweight king Rios (35-4-1 26KOs) returned to winning ways in style in November, stopping Ramon Alvarez in the ninth round of their high octane clash in Mulvane, near KS, pocketing a 26th win inside the distance in his 40th pro fight.

‘Bam Bam’ will look to further his claims for title shots in 2019, and the American-Mexican believes the love from the fans will roar him to victory and onto his goal of regaining his World title stats as he boxes in Mexico for the first time since September 2009.

Former two-weight World ruler Soto (68-9-2 37KOs) has other ideas though, with the Mexican hero heading into the bout on the back of two wins on his return to the ring in 2018. Soto, Los Mochis born but whom now calls Tijuana home, admits his glittering career is on the line on February 23, and that means ‘La Zorrita’ will put everything on the line against Rios.

“I’m grateful to Eddie Hearn for getting me on a card early in the year,” said Rios. “I want to stay active so I can get closer to my goal and becoming a Champion once again.

“Man, I’m excited to fight in Mexico, I haven’t fought there in ten years. The Mexican fanbase has supported me since day one and everything I give in the ring is for my family and my fans, who have never let me down.

“I’ve been staying busy in the gym, so I’m ready to give the fans a great fight. The fights the fans love to see!”

“I cannot wait for February 23,” said Soto. “I am so excited for this great opportunity in a city that feels like my second home.

“I know that this fight is a ‘do or die,’ that is why I am very motivated and training really hard. We know that we have a tough opponent in Brandon Rios, a true warrior, but so am I. This will be a war and I will be ready to win!”

There’s a stacked undercard in support of the main event, led by the rematch between Jose ‘Gallito’ Quiniro (20-2-3 9KOs) and Joel Cordoba (7-4-2 1KO). The Mexicans shared a draw in a Christmas cracker in December and will return to the same venue as that clash to find a winner this time.

It’s a huge night for two youngsters making their first strides in the paid ranks. Alexis Espino makes his professional debut on the card, with the 19 year old Las Vegas native and decorated amateur itching to get life in the pro game underway on a proud night for his Mexican family.

Rangy teenage sensation Diego Pacheco fights for the second time in the pros after a first round KO win on his debut in Tijuana in December. Pacheco cleaned up in the amateur ranks as an eight-time national champion and number one ranked Middleweight in both America and Mexico, and the 17 year old turned over on the back of recent stand out victories in the 2017 National Junior Golden Gloves and the 2018 USA Junior Olympic Nationals.

A trio of unbeaten Mexicans complete the current line-up in the shape of 2016 Olympian Joselito Velasquez (7-0 6KOs), Omar ‘Pollo’ Aguilar (11-0 10KOs) and Sulem Urbina (8-0 1KO), with more to action be added.

“I’m excited to be in Tijuana on March 23 for our first Mexican show with a real old school shoot-out between Brandon Rios and Humberto Soto,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Brandon stole the show in Kansas recently on DAZN against Ramon Alvarez and there should be real fireworks in this one.

“It’s a stacked card with a tasty rematch between Jose Quiniro and Joel Cordoba, unbeaten Mexicans in Olympian Joselito Velasquez, Omar Aguilar and Sulem Urbina, and the return of our 17 year old star Diego Pacheco along with Robert Garcia trained Alexis Espino who will also make his debut on the card.”

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Jarrell Miller stopped Bpgdan Dinu in round four of their scheduled 12-round heavyweight fight at The Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas.

It took Miller a couple round to get going, and then in round four he dropped Dinue twice. The 2nd knockdown was for the 10-count at 2:45.

Miller, 315.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 23-0-1 with 20 knockouts. Dinu, 237.4 lbs of Romania is 18-1.

Claressa Shields retained the IBF and WBA as well as claiming the WBC Middleweight titles with a ten-round unanimous decision over Hannah Rankin.

Shields, 159.6 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 100-90 on all cards is now 7-0. Rankin, 158.6 lbs of Glasgow, Scotland is 5-3.

Nico Hernandez remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Josue Morales in a flyweight bout.

Hernandez, 112.4 lbs of Wichita, KS won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73, and is now 6-0. Morales, 113 lbs of Houston is now 8-8-3.

Hernandez landed 120-519 punches. Morales landed 62-293.

Brandon Rios scored a 9th round stoppage over Ramon Alvarez in a junior middleweight war.

The two traded heavy shots in close with Rios seizing control in the 8th round, where Rios hurt Alvarez at the end of the frame. The fight ended with a hard combination on the ropes at 38 seconds.

Rios, 151.4 lbs of Oxnard, CA is now 35-4-1 with 26 knockouts. Alvarez, 151.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 27-7-3.

Luis Arias and Gabriel Rosado fought to a spirited 12-round draw in a middleweight bout.

In round 12, Arias was cut over his right eye.

Each fighter took a card 116-112 and a third card read even at 114-114.

Arias, 159.4 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 18-1-1. Rosado, 158.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 24-11-1.

Anthony Sims stopped Colby Courter in round two of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Sims dropped Courter three times, and the fight was stopped at 40 seconds.

Sims, 170 lbs of Indiana is 17-0 with 16 knockouts. Courter of Misourri is 13-13.

Nikita Ababiy registered his 2nd consecutive 1st round stoppage as he got rid of Javier Rodriguez in their scheduled four-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Ababiy dropped Rodriguez with a hard right hand. Moments later, it was a body shot that was followed by a left that sent Rodriguez down, and the fight was stopped at 1:48.

Ababiy, 159.4 lbs of Brooklyn is 2-0 with two knockouts. Rodriguez, 154 lbs of Nebraska is 3-7-1.

Jeremy Nichols dropped Jeremiah page four times en-route to a first round stoppage in a scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Nichols dropped Page with a body shot. Moments later it was a flurry of punches that sent Page to the canvas. Page was sent down for a third time with a hard over hand right. Seconds later, the fight was finally stopped after a left sent Page down for a 4th a final time at 2:34.

Nichols, 155.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 9-1-1 with three knockouts.

Manny Thompson won a six-round unanimous decision over Leroy Jones in a super middleweight bout.

Jones dropped Thompson in the 1st frame. Jones was deducted a point for a low blow in round three.

Thompson, 173.4 lbs of Wichita, KS won by scores 59-54 twice, and 57-55 to raise his mark to 8-0. Jones of St. Louis, MO is 3-5.

Heavyweight star Jarrell Miller continues his rapid rise, Claressa Shields defends her IBF, WBA and WBC World Middleweight titles against Hannah Rankin and Brandon ‘Bam Bam’ Rios comes home in an all-Mexican clash in a huge night of action at the Kansas Star Arena and Casino in Mulvane, Kansas, on November 17, live on DAZN.

Miller has stepped up his pursuit of World title action and the unbeaten Brooklyn banger is fresh from demolishing Polish legend Tomasz Adamek inside two rounds in Chicago earlier in October to move to 22-0-1 with his 19th KO win, and his opponent for his fight on November 17 will be unveiled at a press conference in New York on Saturday evening.

Shields became a two-weight World ruler on home turf in Detroit in June in just her sixth pro fight with a points win over Hanna Gabriels to add the IBF and WBA straps at 160lbs to her IBF and WBC Super-Middleweight belts she claimed in August 2017 and defended in January.

‘T-Rex’ puts the Middleweight straps on the line against Scotland’s Rankin (5-2 1KO) who crossed the pond once again for a World title shot having challenged Alicia Napoleon for the WBA Super-Middleweight title in August in Long Island, NY, having picked up the WBC Silver Middleweight belt two months earlier in Scotland.

A stacked card in support of the World championship battles sees a homecoming for Rios, the former Lightweight World ruler and Welterweight title challenger who was born in Garden City, Kansas. ‘Bam Bam’ Rios (34-4-1 25KOs) is hunting a route back to World title level, and that leads him into an all-Mexican showdown with Ramon Alvarez (27-6-3 16KOs), the older brother of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez looking for his own win on the big stage to set up a title shot in 2019.

A crunch battle at Middleweight sees Luis Arias and Gabriel Rosado clash. Arias (18-1 9KOs) is back in action after tasting defeat for the first time in his career against former World ruler and IBF title challenger this weekend Daniel Jacobs, and this is a must-win for the Wisconsin man if he wants to mix with the best names in the red hot 160lbs division. Rosado (24-11 14KOs) has twice boxed for the World title at Middleweight, and the Philadelphian is back in the ring after a year out following a return to winning ways in October 2017 when he stopped Glen Tapia in Las Vegas.

There’s more local flavor on the card in the shape of exciting young Wichita star Nico Hernandez, the 22 year old Team USA 2016 Olympic bronze medalist laces them up for the sixth time in the paid ranks, with four of his five wins to date coming inside the distance.

Three-weight World champion Ricky Burns is back in action on the bill and the Scottish ace (42-7-1 15KOs) is looking to return to the top table once again.

“Kansas is going to be wild!” said Eddie Hearn. “It’s another stacked card topped by Jarrell Miller who is making a real charge in the Heavyweight division. There is an all Mexican war between Kansas own Brandon Rios and Canelo brother Ramone. Luis Arias and Gabe Rosado go to battle with a potential World Middleweight title shot on the line.

“Off the back of huge network ratings, Claressa Shields defends her World titles against tough Scot Hannah Rankin. Kansas hero Nico Hernandez defends his title and three-weight World champ Ricky Burns also stars. This arena is going to fill up quick and we look forward to another stacked card on DAZN.”

Information on tickets will be released at tomorrow’s press conference.

Deerfield Beach, FL (September 10, 2018)—Welterweight Brandon Rios is short an opponent for his return to the ring on September 22nd and Roberto Garcia is ready to step right in.

“I’m ready to go,” said Garcia. “I’ve just finished a two-week sparring session with Shawn Porter, so I’m itching to return to the ring against Rios. Let’s make it happen.”

Both Rios (34-4-1, 25 KOs) and Garcia (41-4, 24 KOs) are coming off losses. Rios got stopped by Danny Garcia in the 9th round on Feb. 17 and Garcia lost a unanimous decision and his silver middleweight title to Martin Murray on June 23.

“Garcia has always wanted to fight Rios,” said manager Lee Holliday. “It’s an intriguing fight of former champions. I have spoke to the WBC about Garcia fighting for the 154 pound WBC Wilver Belt and received an absolute yes that they would endorse Roberto Garcia for that challenge. Winning the WBC Welterweight Silver belt would certainly open the doors to face WBC current champion, Jermell Charlo.”

Las Vegas (July 24, 2018) – Former World Champion Brandon Rios has confirmed that he will appear and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the fourth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday September 15, 2018 from 10am to 5pm
, during Mexican Independence weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated rematch between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin, that will take place later that evening.

Rios will once again appear at this years’ Expo at the Supreme Boxing booth, and will be signing gloves, photos and have merchandise for fans to enjoy. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as “Bam Bam”. For more info on Supreme Boxing go to (http://supremeboxinginc.com).

Brandon Rios is an 11-year pro, and currently a contender at Welterweight Division. He is a former WBA Lightweight World Champion, Latino WBO Champion, WBO International Champion and Lightweight NABF Champion. Nicknamed “Bam Bam”, Ríos is known for his highly aggressive pressure “throwback” style and a warrior’s mentality with formidable punching power and excellent chin, which makes him an exciting boxer to watch. Rios challenged some of the top fighters in his career such as Manny Pacquiao, Tim Bradley, Mike Alvarado and Danny Garcia to name a few.

Rios Joins, David Benavidez, José Benavidez, Badou Jack, Mia St.John, Jessie Vargas,
Erik Morales and Fernando Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last three Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next couple of months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: [email protected]

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Danny Garcia scored a 9th round stoppage over Brandon Rios in a scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

It was a fan-friendly fight with Garcia dominating the action with right hands and body work in the middle of the ring.  Rios kept on coming and landed some good right hands when he was able to trap Garcia on the ropes, but those moments were few and far between.

In round nine, Garcia landed a booming right hand to the jaw that bent Rios over back and falling to the canvas.  Rios got to his feet, but he stumbled toward referee Kenny Bayless, and the fight was stopped at 2:25.

Garcia, 146.5 lbs of Philadelphia is now 34-1 with 20 knockouts.  Rios, 146.5 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 34-4-1.

“I felt the ring rust a little bit in the beginning,” said Garcia, who recorded the 20th knockout of his career. “He’s a good inside fighter and he was giving me some good uppercuts. I felt good, it was a good nine rounds. He came to fight. I came to box, I did that. I came to bang, and I gave the fans what they wanted – a knockout.

“I just noticed when I was getting my punches off he was standing right in front of me and I just let it go. As soon as I got the fight in the middle of the ring where I wanted I landed good shots. I was just letting my hands go and the punch landed.”

“The loss was tough. I have the mindset of a winner,” Garcia said. “I hate losing. I took it like a true champion and I bounced back like a true champion.

“I would love the rematch with Keith Thurman. It’s on him. Whenever he’s ready we’ll fight.”

“I’m mad. I don’t like going out like that,” Rios said. “I’m a warrior, I got back up and I wanted to continue. I guess they stopped it but I’m mad. I’m mad because I got up.

“I was doing good. I got lazy with the jab and he came over with the right hand and he caught me. I’m a warrior. I’m still in the game. I didn’t think he did much to hurt me. I think it was closer than what he thought it was. He just caught me with a lucky punch. I was ready to continue.”

David Benavidez retained the WBC Super Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Ronald Gavril in a rematch of a fight from September, also won by Benavidez.

Benavidez landed hard and crisp shot that backed up Gavril.  Gavril was able to get in a good shot, but he wasbeing out landsed three and four to one in most occurrences. In round four, Benavidez rocked Gavril with a hard right.  In round five, Gavril began to bleed from his nose.

Benavidez had Gavril in trouble in several rounds over the second half of the fight, but Gavril showed an iron chin, and kept in trying until the final bell.

Benavidez, 167 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 120-108 twice and 119-109 to remain perfect at 20-0.  Gavril, 167.25 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is now 18-3.

“I knew he was going to come aggressive. He’s a one-trick opponent,” Benavidez said. “I knew I could jab and box him all day. When I saw the opening I took it. I didn’t knock him out though – he’s a tough son of a gun.

“Both my hands hurt but I have that warrior’s mentality so I kept pushing.

“I want to be the best in division. So whoever they put in front of me that’s what I want to do.

“He tried to box me on the outside,” Gavril said. “It was good fight. He was the better man tonight. What can I say? I want to go back in the gym and come back stronger.”

Yordenis Ugas punched his ticket to an eventual title shot scored a 7th round stoppage over Ray Robinson in a schedule 12-round welterweight fight.

In round one, Ugas landed a hard right that dropped Robinson.  At the end of round four, Robinson dropped Ugas, but the punch came after the bell, and Robinson was deducted a point.

In round seven, Ugas landed a perfect right hand that sent Robinson to the canvas.  Robinson was shaken up, and Ugas saw that so the Cuban jumped all over Robinson by landing seven hard right hands in the corner before referee Robert Byrd stopped the bout at

Ugas, 147 lbs of Santiago, CUB is 21-3 with 10 knockouts.  Robinson, 146 lbs of Philadelphia is 24-3.

“I felt like I was the stronger fighter by far and he didn’t hurt me. He lost a point for hitting me after the bell sounded, and knocked me down, but even that didn’t hurt me. He was very awkward and his style threw off my timing.

“Luckily I was able to land body shots that I knew were hurting him. I was able to dictate the pace and we never in trouble.

“I want Errol Spence next. Everyone wants Errol.”

Follow all the action from The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas as former two-weight champion Danny Garcia takes on former lightweight champion Brandon Rios.  The exciting co-feature will be a rematch between WBC Super Middleweight champion David Benavidez defending against Ronald Gavril.  The card opens at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT with a welterweight elimination bout between Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson

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Round 1: Garcia lands a jab..body shots..1-2..Combination..Double left

Round 2 Left hooks from Garcia..Combination..Jab from Rios..

Round 3 Double left hook to the body from Garcia..Counter..combination..Over hand right from Rios..Hard right from Garcia..Right from Rios..Double left hook from Garcia.

Round 4 Jab and right from Rios..Lead right from Garcia.Right..right uppercut from Rios…Ripping right from Garcia..and another..Big right and Rios smiles at Garcia

Round 5 Garcia lands a big right..Good left hook from Rios..2 right uppercuts..Right uppercut on inside..Check left hook and hard uppercut from Garcia,,,over hand right…Lead left uppercut..Combination..Right from Rios..Garcia comes back with a right

Round 6 Rios lands a short right and left..Counter right from Garcia..Right uppercut on inside from Rios..Short left..Garcia lands a jab

Round 7 Good exchange..Garcia lands a jab to the body..Hard right..lead right to the body..Good combination..Counter left hook..right..3 punch combination..Counter right..Body

Round 8 Rios lands 2 uppercuts on the inside..3 punch combination from Garcia..Right uppercut on inside by Rios..good body work..double jab from Garcia..right/left combination…Right from Rios..Body..Garcia lands a combination to the face..Counter left from Rios

Round 9 Garcia lands a combination to the body..right to head..double left hook..Garcia lands a short left to the body..Big Right..right cross..HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES RIOS…RIOS STUMBLING TOWARDS REFEREE KENNY BAYLESS AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Benavidez backs up Gavril with a right.  Over hand right..Body work from Gavril..Benavidez lands a jab

Round 2 Gavril lands a jab to the body..Benavdiez lands a right and left hook..Jab..Double jab/right hand to the body..Right..Left uppercut..left hook..Piston-jab..Body from Gavril..Counter right from Benavidez..1-2..Hard combination..Body shot from Gavril

Round 3 Right from Benavidez..Combination from Gavril..Uppercut from Benavidez..Right to body from Gavril..Combination from Benavidez..lead left

Round 4 Huge right rocks Gavril..Flush right..Combination..double right..2 big uppercuts..4 punch combination..1-2..Gavril attacking the body..combination

Round 5 Uppercut from Benavidez..Jab from Gavril..Right on the ropes from Benavidez..Left uppercut..Jab..Right backs u Gavril..Jab..Blood from the nose of Gavril..Nice right from Gavril..

Round 6 Good right from Gavril..6 punch combination from Benavidez..hard right and left..Right to head from Gavril..left to body..right to head..Jab from Benavidez..

Round 7 Gavril lands a combination..Benavidez lands a combination

Round 8 Right from Gavril..Sweeping left hook from Benavidez..jab to the body..Left uppercut..Left hook to the bidy..Right to the body..flush shots

Round 9 Jab from Benavidez..triple jab..left hook..left ti the body..Ripping body punches..Gvaril lands a combination on the ropes..

Round 10 Combination from Benavidez..

Round 11 Doctor checking out Gavril..3 punch combination from Benavidez..

Round 12 Right from Gavril..Right..right..Benavidez jabbing

Benavidez landed 315-942 punches…Gavril 176-757

Round 1 Robinson lands a counter left..Counter right from Ugas…HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ROBINSON..Nice combination from Robinson..counter from Ugas

Round 2 Ugas lands a right to the body..Straight right..Right uppercut..Right..Right hook from Robinson..Counter right from Ugas

Round 3 Nice combination from Ugas..Good left from Robinson..Sweeping right..Counter left..Right to body..Right from Robinson

Round 4 Trading jabs to the body..Good combination from Robinson..Counter right from Ugas..Check hook from Robinson..Right from Ugas and a body shot..Right..Counter right..Right behind the guard..Body..Straight backs up Robinson..Good exchange..Robinson lands a right that drops Ugas after the bell..ROBINSON DEDUCTED A POINT

Round 5 Right to body from Ugas..Right..right hook from Robinson..Right..Right to body and combination..Short left from Robinson..

Round 6 Counter right from Ugas…Right to body..Right to body

Round 7 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ROBINSON…UGAS ALL OVER ROBINSON..7 HARD RIGHTS IN THE CORNER AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator

Danny Garcia – 146 ½ pounds

Brandon Rios – 146 ½ pounds

Referee: Kenny Bayless; Judges: Dave Moretti (Nev.), Glenn Trowbridge (Nev.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

WBC Super Middleweight World Championship

David Benavidez – 167 pounds

Ronald Gavril – 167 ¼ pounds

Referee: Russell Mora; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Nev.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Julie Lederman (N.Y.)

IBF Welterweight World Title Eliminator

Yordenis Ugas – 147 pounds

Ray Robinson – 146 pounds

Referee: Robert Byrd; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Dave Moretti (Nev.), Steve Morrow (Calif.)

FLASH QUOTES:

DANNY GARCIA:

“I have to go in there and prove myself, just like I do every other time. It’s the underdog on top. That’s how I go. I got that chip on my shoulder and I’m going to out there and perform and get the job done.

“I’m going to do what I want to do. It’s the Danny Garcia show. Prediction: Danny Garcia on top – I’m going to put him to sleep.”

BRANDON RIOS:

“I can win fighting my style, hell yeah. That’s how I won my world title. He’s nobody special. Everyone thinks he’s something special. He’s nobody special. I’m ready for that guy.

“When I do it right, when I’m disciplined and I’m concentrated and I’m focused, I’m an animal. I’m going to win this fight. At the end of 12 rounds, I’m winning.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ:

“I have a game plan for you guys to see on Saturday night and I’m going to show you – I’m going to get the knockout.

“You’re going to have to tune-in to see. It’s going to be a war like I’ve been telling you all along.”

RONALD GAVRIL:

“I believe I won the first fight with the knock down. I’m ready for the rematch. I’m ready 100 percent. I’m coming to hurt him. I’m not coming to play.

“He knows me. Everyone knows me now. I only trained four weeks for the first fight. This time I had eight weeks. My prediction: the new WBC Super Middleweight Champion.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 15, 2018) – Two-division world champion Danny Garcia and former world champion Brandon Rios faced off Thursday at the final press conference for their WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator this Saturday, February 17live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Garcia, who returns for his first bout since a unification showdown with Keith Thurman, promised to put on a show, while a confident Rios assured he was 100 percent prepared for what he deemed a “make or break” fight.

Saturday’s co-main event stole the show Thursday as undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavidez promised to send top-rated contender Ronald Gavril into retirement in their anticipated rematch of a thrilling 2017 split-decision. Gavril, who floored Benavidez in the final minute of their Fight of the Year nominee, promised a different outcome in Saturday’s rematch.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight contenders Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson facing offin an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say from Rhythm & Riffs Lounge in Las Vegas:

DANNY GARCIA
“I took a little under a year off just to enjoy my life. I’ve worked hard my whole life; I’ve been boxing for 20 years. I just wanted to be a regular person and let my mind rest, spend time with my daughter and enjoy some of my money.

“More than anything, I just felt like I needed the rest. It wasn’t about the hunger because I’ve always had passion for the sport. I love boxing. I love the competition.

“I’m back now and I’ve been in camp for three months. I’m training hard. I feel great and I feel confident.

“It was a close fight against Thurman. I walked out of there with no injuries. Thurman was the one with the elbow injury, so he took more punishment than me. I could easily be unified champion of the world right now. At the end of the day, I’m a champion. That’s my mindset. What doesn’t break me, makes me stronger.

“It feels great to be from Philly right now. The atmosphere is crazy. When the Eagles won the Super Bowl, it felt like I won. They motivated me to go out there and do what I have to do.

“It’s the Danny Garcia show so I’m going to go in there and do what I want to do. I’m going to dictate the pace. If we want to bang, we can bang. If we want to box, we can box.

“I’ve faced fighters that came straight at me before. I’ve faced fighters that moved. I’m prepared for whatever. I’m a young veteran in the sport and what made me a true champion is adapting to anything and overcoming adversity. If I have to overcome adversity on Saturday night, then I’m going to do that because that’s what I was built for.

“I need to get a victory on Saturday night. I can’t overlook anybody. I’ve seen some crazy things happen in boxing. One punch can change everything, so I’m just focused on Saturday night.”

BRANDON RIOS
“I’m ready 100 percent. I’m ready to give the fans an exciting show and that’s what I’ve prepared for. That’s my style. I always come forward and I come to fight. We ain’t dancing, we’re going to be fighting.

“Robert Garcia has always been my brother. He’s a brother from another mother. It felt great to be back with Robert Garcia and I’m just ready for the fight now. Him and Donald Leary have me confident in myself, and that’s the most important thing.

“I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity. This can make or break me. I’m doing everything right in training and dieting. I usually say I can’t wait until weigh-ins but this time I can’t wait until Saturday.

“There’s no weight issue at all. I’m perfectly on-weight right now. I’m perfectly fine health-wise, there’s no injuries. I’m 100 percent ready.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“I’m going to put Gavril into retirement after this fight. I’m going to knock him out. This is going to be the fight of the night so you guys don’t want to miss it. He’s not going to want to box again after I get done with him.

“He dropped me but I wasn’t hurt at any point of that fight. I got back up and smiled. I did not feel his power at all.

“It wasn’t a tough decision to give him a rematch because it was a great fight. I just want to give the fans the fights they want to see. They said the first one was a war, let’s make this one a war too.

“I’m not offended by Gavril’s talk because he’s a good fighter. This is just more hype for the fight and more motivation for me to go in there and make it a war.

“This time, there’s going to be a little bit more boxing. I really want to put this guy away so in order to do that, I need to step up every part of my game.”

RONALD GAVRIL
“In the first fight, I proved to everybody that I have the skill and the power to be the best in this division. I thought that I won the fight, especially with the knockdown. So now, I had more than eight weeks to prepare for this fight when I only had four weeks for the first fight. I’m better now.

“I was not surprised Benavidez gave me the rematch because it was such a good fight. I think Benavidez talks to much. He said before the first fight that he was coming to stop me in four rounds or five rounds. He cannot stop me. And now, he said the same thing before this fight. He can’t do that. Why do you think he got a new fitness coach?”

YORDENIS UGAS
“Moving up from 140 to 147 in 2016 has been great for me. Putting on the extra weight only makes me stronger.

“I’m ready to fight Robinson. I feel 100 percent and after I fight him on Saturday, I’m looking forward to fighting (Errol) Spence if I’m successful.

“I’m going to jump on the fact that I have length and reach on him. I have the height advantage. I can find a way to come in and attack the body first.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. It’s an eliminator so I’m going for the win on Saturday night.”

RAY ROBINSON
“At one point, I used to put a lot of pressure on myself because of my name. I put so much pressure on myself that I even think I lost a couple fights. I look up to Sugar Ray Robinson, but I’m here to put my own footprints in the sand.

“I have learned from every fight and gotten better every fight as a pro and as a person. I have a great team now and they have only added to my craft.

“I feel confident. I did all of the hard work in the gym with my team. This is the easy part. I can box with a blindfold on. That’s the one thing I know how to do – fight. On Saturday, all of my hard work is going to pay off.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 14, 2018) – Two-division world champion Danny Garcia and former world champion Brandon Rios hosted a media workout in Las Vegas on Wednesday ahead of WBC Welterweight World Title Eliminator this Saturday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-main event, undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril meet in a rematch of their thrilling September 2017 bout in which Benavidez won the vacant title by split decision.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight contenders Yordenis Ugas and Ray Robinson facing off in an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say from House of Blues at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Wednesday:

DANNY GARCIA

“I’m just hungry for this fight. At the end of the day I have the passion for boxing, and I love the competition. That’s what motivates me and that’s what has motivated me to get back in there and get back on top. It all starts on Saturday night.

“I can’t worry about what [Brandon] is doing. At the end of the day I know he trained his heart out for this fight and this is an opportunity of a lifetime for him. This is a big fight for me. I have to go in there and show that I’m one of the best fighters in the world. I just have to go in there and be Danny Garcia.

“It’s great to be back here in Vegas. This is a big-fight atmosphere and it just motivates me. I feel good and I can’t wait to go in there and fight.

“I’m going to do a little bit of everything, it just depends how I feel. I’m gonna bang, I’m gonna box. I’m going to back him up. I’m going to do everything.

“I try to knock everyone out in the first round. I’ll go and get that check. Twelve rounds or less. I’d like to get it done in under eight or six. But if not I’ll go 12 rounds. I have a great team and I’ve been training hard.

“I don’t blame Keith Thurman for not wanting to fight me again. I wouldn’t want to fight me two times in row. My journey and my superstardom start again on Saturday night. My job then is to show the work and that I’m still one of the superstars of this sport.

“I’m 29 years old and in the prime of my career. It starts now. I’m ready to get back on track.

“I represent Philly wherever I go. I represent all Latinos all around the world. When you’re a world champion boxer you represent everyone around the world.

“He likes to bang…let’s do it. I feel like I’m the stronger man and there’s no need to back up. If that’s what it takes to get the job done.”

BRANDON RIOS

“I’m ready. I’ve been training really hard and I’m focused and dedicated to the boxing game. In the past I was immature and just being a kid and being a dork and just going with heart and balls – that’s what I was doing it with. But now I want to get back to the top and I know what it takes to get there.

“I don’t care what the critics say because at the end of the day that’s what they are, just critics. It’s all good. I can tell you right now I’m in shape. I’m on weight already.

“Everyone knows the way I fight. Going all out is my style. I’ll walk through brick walls to get the victory. Everyone will see on Saturday night the new and improved Bam Bam.

“Think about why I looked like [crap] after my last fight. I’ve been through wars after wars and wars in my previous fights, and that takes a toll on your body. It happens. And I realized it and I took a step back and I wasn’t doing it right with dieting and training. I was doing it with heart and balls.

“Now I feel rejuvenated and fresh. So you will see the new and improved Brandon. I feel young and not war-shot, or whatever you guys want to call it. I want to go out there and prove everyone wrong. I’m going to prove every one of you wrong. There’s going to be a smile on my face when I win this fight and I will put up my middle finger to all of you.

“Danny’s a strong fighter and he has power in both hands. He’s a great counter-puncher. One thing I like is he doesn’t move or run, he likes to bang it out, and that suits my style better. But if he does run, we’ll be ready for that too. I sparred with young guys, so I’m ready.

“Thanks to all of you guys for calling me out, and calling me a cherry, or whatever. I love it. It’s all good. That’s the chip on my shoulder I got. I’m not a cherry, I might be a wild berry, but I’m not a cherry.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“The preparation we had for this camp was amazing. Three months in training camp, we made a lot of changes for this fight and we’re ready to go in there and take care of business.

“Winning the title changed my confidence but it changed my work too. Now I know everybody is gunning for my title and I don’t want to let it go. All the work and sacrifice it took for me to get this – I’m not going to let it go.

“I feel very strong. The weight is good. I feel amazing and you guys are going to see it come Saturday.

“I don’t think Gavril can do any better than he did in the last fight. He’s a one trick pony and he doesn’t have many tricks left, he’s getting old. We’ve been working on a lot of different styles for this fight and I feel more than ready.

“I’m very motivated. I stayed very dedicated to this training camp. I’m ready to go in there and play no games. I’m going to do what I say and I’m going to knock Gavril out.

“I feel I could have done better in the first fight. Having everybody tell me Gavril should have won and him talking a lot of smack, it’s the motivation and drive that I needed to train the way I did in this camp.

“The sickness during the first fight took a lot out of me but my mentality is that I’m a warrior and I’m always going to push through it no matter what. This time, we didn’t have any injuries or sickness so I can’t wait to put on a show on Saturday.

“This is the first time I’ve really had a chip on my shoulder. All the hard work it took for me to get this belt, and people say it was just given to me? No way, I’m going to go in there and show why I’m the youngest champion in the super middleweight division.

“I want to become the best in the division. I want to earn every victory and fight the best. I would love to fight the World Boxing Super Series winner. I’ll be ready for anybody. I worked so hard to get this, nobody can take it from me.

“I’m thinking it will be a knockout around Round 5. It’s going to be a combination of the body and chin. It’s not really looking for the knockout, it’s just setting it up. I’m not going in just throwing haymakers, but I’ll set it up and if it comes, it will come in spectacular fashion.”

RONALD GAVRIL

“I trained a little bit different this time. I had way more time than the first fight to prepare. Last time was four weeks, this time I had a full 10 weeks. I have done a lot of rounds of sparring and a lot of work related to this fight.

“I learn after every fight. From the first fight against Benavidez, I learned even more because it was a tough, tight fight.

“His people tried to make him a superstar before he fought me. I don’t know what people said after the first fight, but they should wait until after the rematch. I’m the stronger fighter.

“The difference in this fight is going to be who boxes smarter. I feel I’m the smarter fighter because if I need to box, I box; if I need to put pressure, I put pressure. I can adapt.

“I think this is going to be the fight of the year. It’s going to be special. The fans should all come see this fight because it’s going to be amazing with two warriors.

“I’m not looking for a knockout. I’m looking to win every round. But I also don’t want to leave it in the judges’ hands like last time, so we’ll see what happens Saturday.

“I’m ready to win. It would be a dream come true. This is why I came here to America from Romania.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“We are both good fighters. But I am ready to put on the fight of the night for the fans and I will be victorious.

“I’m more than ready to get back in the ring. I know what’s at stake. This is a title eliminator and it is the biggest fight of my career. I’m ready to get even better and show the world that I’m ready to be at that top tier of boxing.

“Because of the intensity of this fight, I think it has the potential to be the fight of the night. This is going to shine over all the other fights.”

RAY ROBINSON

“Training camp was perfect. My team did everything to prepare me for this fight. I dotted every ‘I’ and crossed every ‘T’ for this fight. This was one of the best camps I’ve had and I’m excited to get in the ring on Saturday.

“Carrying Sugar Ray’s name is obviously a pleasure. Growing up, I had a lot of pressure on myself with my name being Ray Robinson. Sometimes I think I even lost fights because I put too much pressure on myself having that name. So now, I make sure I don’t put too much pressure on myself.

“This is the type of fight that I roll out of bed for. You get tired of fighting regular guys. I’m an old school fighter – I love fighting guys that look good on paper and nobody knows who’s going to win and it’s up to his camp and my camp. I haven’t been this excited for a fight in a long time.

“I expect hell. That’s how I’ve been preparing. If it’s anything less than that, he’ll be sorry. That’s how I’ve been training – like we’re fighting for a world title. I’m going to bring all the hardship I’ve had in my life into this fight on Saturday night.

“I’m an old school fighter. I’ll fight people in their grandma’s back yard if I have to. It doesn’t matter who I’m fighting. I’ll just do it Kimbo Slice-style. Once we conquer Saturday, we are supposed to fight Errol Spence and even if that doesn’t happen, we’re looking for a world title. Errol Spence, (Keith) Thurman, I’m ready to rock.

“Every time we put the gloves on, we want to do something special. Especially with this fight being on SHOWTIME, we just made sure we prepared the right way. But it doesn’t matter if it’s on TV or not, we still have to put on a good fight.

“Each fight that I have is a stepping stone in my career. This is no different just because it’s in Vegas. I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself and blow this up and make it bigger than what it needs to me. Vegas, the crowds, the lights – that’s all cool and dandy but at the end of the day I still have to do my job.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 14, 2018) – Fans can enjoy a six-fight boxing feast this Saturday as Premier Boxing Champions presents two shows on separate networks from two locations, showcasing matches in the welterweight and super middleweight divisions – two of the hottest divisions in the sport – on February 17.

The evening will kick off with former welterweight world champions Victor Ortiz (32-6-2, 25 KOs) and Devon Alexander (27-4, 14 KOs) in a true crossroads battle live in primetime in the main event on FOX and FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Also in televised action on the show, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (16-0, 10 KOs) will clash with Rogelio “Porky” Medina (38-8, 32 KOs) in a 12-round IBF super middleweight title elimination bout and sensational 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (3-0, 3 KOs), a first generation Mexican-American, will take on Jorge Rojas (4-2-1, 2 KOs) in a lightweight match.

Following that will be a spectacular tripleheader live on SHOWTIME that will be headlined by former two-division champion Danny Garcia (33-1, 19 KOs) battling former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (34-3-1, 25 KOs). In televised undercard attractions, 168-pound champion David Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs) will defend his title against Ronald Gavril (18-2, 14 KOs) in a rematch and Yordenis Ugas (20-3, 9 KOs) takes on Ray Robinson (24-2, 12 KOs) in an IBF 147-pound title elimination bout.

“Boxing fans are in for a real treat on February 17 as six exciting bouts will unfold in two shows on two separate networks. There are no NFL games, no NBA games and no MLB games. So get ready to binge watch boxing all night,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “These shows include something for every boxing fans – crossroads battles, championship clashes, contenders climbing the ladder to titles and a sensational prospect embarking on a brilliant career. It should be a fun night for the fans.”

Both shows hold significance in the 147-pound and 168-pound divisions. Garcia, Alexander and Ortiz are all seeking to return to the welterweight championship ranks and Rios wants to stay in contention for his first welterweight crown. The 21-year-old Benavidez, the youngest current world champion, looks to be spectacular in the rematch with Gavril and continue on his ultimate goal of unifying the titles at 168 pounds, while Plant, Medina and Gavril are seeking to get to where he is now.

PHILADELPHIA (February 9, 2018) – One day after the city celebrated its first Super Bowl championship, two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia was joined by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Dannell Ellerbe at a media workout in Philadelphia as Garcia prepares for his welterweight world title eliminator against former champion Brandon Rios Saturday, February 17 live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The Premier Boxing Champions event also features undefeated super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril squaring-off in a rematch of their thrilling September 2017 bout in which Benavidez won the vacant title by split decision. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with , welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas battling Ray Robinson in an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

Here is what Garcia, Ellerbe, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Danny’s father and trainer, Angel Garcia had to say Friday from DSG Boxing Gym in Philadelphia:

DANNY GARCIA

“At the end of the day, everyone at welterweight has to prove themselves. The pieces will fall into place. Eventually we’ll all fight each other. I’m just going to keep taking it one fight at a time.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring. I feel rejuvenated. My body feels fresh. Training camp has gone really well and now it’s time to get in there and go to work.

“I learned from the Keith Thurman fight not to leave anything in the hands of the judges. It was a close fight that could have gone either way. I have to go for the kill, so it is what it is.

“I was just enjoying myself for a little bit after the Thurman fight. I knew that I’d be back so it was good to get some time with my family and away from boxing. Now I’m back and ready to go.

“This is a new chapter in my career. There are new obstacles to overcome. Just like I’ve always had in my career. I’m going to take it one fight at a time so I can get back to where I belong.

“Once you’re a champion, you’re always a champion. On February 17 I’m going to show everyone why I’m one of the best fighters in the world.

“I’ve had my best performances in Las Vegas against Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse. Las Vegas is where the stars fight so I’m happy to be fighting there again.

“I’ve been preparing for everything. I’ve been working on boxing and brawling; it’ll just depend how I feel when the fight starts. I’m going to be ready for 12 rounds regardless.”

DANNELL ELLERBE, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker

“Just to know how starving Philadelphia has been for a Super Bowl championship, and to bring the first one, it’s a great feeling. These fans give you energy and make you play better.

“It’s all love between the Philly athletes. We all show up for each other’s events and support each other. That’s really big to have a supportive community and I’m sure everyone will be rooting for Danny next Saturday.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

“Brandon Rios is not going to be an easy opponent. This is going to be a great fight. Rios is a very tough fighter. There’s no way this is going to be an easy fight and Danny knows that.

“Danny knows he can’t take anything lightly because Brandon Rios will be prepared. But he’s not going to win. Danny Garcia has never taken a beating; he gives them out.

“Brandon Rios better keep his hands up. We’ll be ready in one week for Danny Garcia to be at his best. You’re going to see him once again show his great skills.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Garcia vs. Brandon Rios is a great stylistic matchup. Rios is a very aggressive fighter who likes to put pressure on. Danny is a boxer-puncher, but I think you see that Danny really comes forward. He’s a guy who’s boxing skills are underrated.

“Danny Garcia has been a unified champion and shown he’s one of the best fighters in the world. Come February 17, he’s going to make a big statement. There’s a lot of justified talk about other welterweights, but Danny Garcia is a name in this division who is here to stay.

“The Benavidez vs. Gavril rematch is a fantastic fight. It’s a fight people have been looking for since the first time they faced off. I think it’s going to live up to what everyone has expected. I know Ronald has made some adjustments, and I’m sure Benavidez has made some too. I think it’s going to be an all-out war.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 7, 2018) – Former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios hosted a Los Angeles media workout Wednesday in advance of his welterweight title eliminator against Danny “Swift” Garcia Saturday, Feb. 17, live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), undefeated super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril square-off in a rematch of their thrilling September 2017 bout in which Benavidez won the vacant title by split decision.

In the telecast opener, welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas meets Ray Robinson in an IBF 147-pound title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from NGBA Boxing Gym:

BRANDON RIOS

“I’m training really hard and I’m ready to get back in the ring. My weight is perfect right now and I’m just ready to give the fans a great show.

“This is the kind of fight that I asked for because I know that beating a guy like Danny Garcia will mean a lot to my career and put me on the fast track to accomplish my goals.

“Danny has a lot of power on his hook. He throws it hard and is accurate. We’ve worked hard to prepare for this moment and I’m excited.

“Having Robert Garcia here makes me much happier in training. I love the instructions from him and Donald Leary, and I love having them as my corner. Sparring the young guys in Robert’s gym really has helped me. Those guys are hungry and always pushing to prove themselves. I have to keep elevating my game.

“As long as I beat Danny Garcia, I know that it puts me back to the top of this division. I’m here again and I’m doing it right this time. I want to make the most of this part of my career. I don’t want to ever wonder ”what if?'”

“I’m going to win. That’s my mentality. I’m going into this fight with that same hunger and drive to never be defeated. I’m going to do whatever I have to do to win this fight.

“We’re expecting to fight the best version of Danny Garcia. I know he had his first loss and wants his title back, so he’ll be prepared. I think we’re going to give the fans a great show.

“I feel rejuvenated and more mature than ever before. I’ve already been to the top. I just want to do things right this time so I can get back up there and stay there. I’m taking this camp very seriously to be at my best on February 17. I’m going to go out there and execute the game plan.

“We’re going to give 150 tickets to first responders of the Las Vegas incident last year and it means a lot to me and my whole team. Those men and women work very hard and put their lives on the line to protect us all around the world. It means a lot to me for them to come to this show.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Rios’ Trainer

“For this fight Brandon has been so motivated and training so hard. He’s very close to weight already and we’ve had more than enough rounds of sparring.

“Brandon is like my little brother and he’s definitely part of the family. I’ve always been in touch with him even when I wasn’t training him. When we agreed to team up again, the promise was that he had to stay healthy and train hard and show us that he wants to be champion again. Since that day, he’s been on a mission. He’s doing it the right way.

“Danny Garcia is a great two-division world champion. We expect him to be confident and I’m sure he’s training hard to get a good win. Brandon is going to be motivated to give everyone a great fight. His mind set is to go out and beat Danny Garcia and that’s what he’s going to do.

“Brandon is training hard to do what people don’t believe he can do. His confidence is like never before. I see the same Brandon that we’ve seen in the best moments of his career.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

PHILADELPHIA (January 31, 2018) – Philadelphia-native and two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia has thrived in the underdog role several times throughout a career that has seen him defeat a slew of top champions. Just like Garcia triumphed over Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse in two of his greatest wins, Garcia’s hometown Philadelphia Eagles will look to upset the odds this Sunday in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.

“When you’re an underdog, it’s all about using that energy and that anger to show the doubters that you can do anything,” said Garcia. “You just have to have that absolute belief in yourself and you can win anything.”

For the fighter who still lives and trains in his hometown, just like so many sports fans in the area, the Eagles bringing home a Super Bowl victory would be the culmination of childhood dreams.

“I’ve been watching the Eagles since I was a little kid,” said Garcia. “When I was little I moved to a neighborhood where football was really important and that helped me fall in love with the sport.”

Garcia has represented his city throughout a career that has saw him win titles at super lightweight and welterweight, while defeating top fighters such as Khan, Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Zab Judah, Robert Guerrero, Erik Morales and Paulie Malignaggi. Garcia fought in Philadelphia two fights ago when he delivered a knockout victory for his hometown fans at Liacouras Center at Temple University.

“There’s a toughness to Philly sports fans,” said Garcia. “‘Rocky’ helped mold that similar image of our people. I named my daughter Philly because it means so much to me to represent this city. Everything I do is for Philly. I’ve always dreamed about the Eagles winning the Super Bowl.”

Garcia hopes to be following up a Super Bowl victory for his hometown Philadelphia Eagles with a win of his own when he takes on former champion Brandon Rios in a welterweight world title eliminator Saturday, February 17 live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

“This is going to be a big month for Philadelphia,” said Garcia, “I think we’re going to beat New England 28-17. I still remember the first Super Bowl against New England like it was yesterday. That loss stuck with me and I know it has for the team and city too. This is our chance for payback.

“I can’t wait to see the Eagles win the Super Bowl and then I’m going to go out to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks, with Philly on my back, to beat Brandon Rios.”

Garcia vs. Rios headlines the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that also features the rematch between unbeaten super middleweight world champion David Benavidez and top-rated contender Ronald Gavril. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (January 9, 2018) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios went face-to-face for the first time Tuesday at a press conference in Los Angeles to announce their main event showdown taking place Saturday, Feb. 17 live on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also in attendance Tuesday were WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavidez and top contender Ronald Gavril, who meet in a rematch of their exciting world title fight from September in the co-feature of the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from the Conga Room at L.A. Live:

DANNY GARCIA

“I feel really good mentally and physically right now. My body is rested and ready to have a great 2018 starting February 17.

“You have to be focused to succeed in a fight like this and I think Brandon Rios knows that. I’m training hard so I hope he is too. I’m never going to take a fight off.

“This is a classic fight of a boxer puncher versus a brawler. I’m going to be prepared for everything and start 2018 off right. I have to be the fighter I’ve always been.

“I’m healthy and strong and ready to fight. I’m putting the loss to Keith Thurman behind me and moving forward. I have to focus on being Danny Garcia on February 17. I can’t press and try to do too much, I just have to get the win.

“We were both champions at the same time at 140-pounds and we didn’t get a chance to fight then, but it’s all about timing in boxing. Things tend to work out and now we’re ready to go head-to-head.

“I never back down and I know that Brandon Rios sees that in me. I always come to fight. It’s going to be a great matchup with our styles and our determination.

“I like watching the last three fights of my opponent. I think it gives me a good indication of what he’s going to look like on fight night. I’ve been watching tape of my last fight too so we can get a great game plan together.

“I felt like I fought a good fight against Thurman. He didn’t really engage. I thought after the fourth round he was basically shadow boxing. I don’t blame him because you have to be dumb to stand in front of me. We’ll make some adjustments and add to what I already do well.

“I haven’t been offered the Shawn Porter fight but I think that would be a great fight. He likes to come forward and I’m a great boxer and counter-puncher. I think the fans would love it, but Shawn Porter should be careful what he’s wishing for.”

BRANDON RIOS

“Everybody knows my style. I’m not here to dance, I’m coming to fight. I’m going in there with my heart out to show the world that I’m still one of the best out there.

“I feel strong and I feel rejuvenated. My body needed some rest because all of my fights are wars. It took a toll on my body and now I feel as good as ever. I’m ready to show the world a different Brandon Rios.

“You have to fight the best to try to be the best. Danny Garcia has been up at the top of this sport for a long time. I’m always ready for a test.

“I used to not always take training and my weight as seriously as I should have. I was young and dumb and I made mistakes. Those mistakes are in my past and I’m in great shape right now.

“I’ve been training really hard to have a full gas tank on fight night. I could have stayed retired but I still have it in me and there is still more I can get out of this sport. I truly love boxing and I’m excited to be back in a big fight like this.

“I’m always confident when I get in the ring. Having Robert Garcia in there is having my brother with me. It’s just another voice that I’m used to and that I trust.

“Being back in the ring was a little bit nerve-wracking but I was happy to get the ring rust off. I did what I had to do and was happy to get through that experience. I’m really thankful to be in this position to fight Danny Garcia.

“I’ve been ready to fight any of the top fighters. I waited and took my time because I knew I would fight whoever would step up. I got what I wanted and now it’s time to take advantage.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I have to make a statement on February 17. I’m leaving Mandalay Bay with the belt on my shoulder. I have to get the knockout and that’s what I’m looking to do.

“It’s been my dream since I was a little kid to unify titles and that’s what I’m working towards now. I want to be one of the best in the history of the weight class and I’m working very hard to accomplish that.

“I’m the youngest super middleweight world champion in history and I’m going to show Gavril why. I’m extremely motivated to look even better than last time and get the knockout.

“I grew up in the era where everybody fought everybody. There was so much energy and excitement with each fight and that’s what I’m looking to bring to fans. This is going to be a great fight that you don’t want to miss.

“I feel like I won the first fight clearly. Gavril thinks he’s going to come and knock me out now, but if he has so much confidence, he should have done that in the first fight. I’m training extremely hard right now to go in there and tear him up.

“The strategy of this fight will be a little bit different. We have some things that we’re planning. But it’s still going to be a war, because I want to be a fan friendly fighter. I’m hoping to steal the show.

“I’m the champion so I feel like I’m in a position to make some great fights in the near future. I want the winner of the World Boxing Super Series 168-pound tournament. I’m honored to be in the same column as the other champions and I can’t wait to get in the ring with them.

“I didn’t overlook Gavril the first time. I knew he was a contender and he came in tough and ready to fight. I know his style now so I’m going to go to work getting better. There were a lot of things I should have done in the first fight. I’m going to take advantage this time.”

RONALD GAVRIL

“I didn’t think he was as good as people said he was going into our first fight. He hadn’t fought any real fighters, so you saw what happened when he went up against one.

“I’m really happy to be here and be in this position for a rematch. I want to thank David Benavidez for agreeing to fight me. I thought that I won the first fight so I knew I wanted this immediately. I earned this rematch.

“I learned a lot from the first fight. I know what I have to do better this time. The strategy will be adjusted and I’ll work even harder in camp to be ready. I’m working on being the best I can mentally and physically.

“He’s a young fighter who still has a lot of things to learn. Right now he’s the champion, but he will have to be ready. This won’t be an easy fight for him. I’m going in there to hurt him and win the fight.

“I can do a lot of things better than in the first fight. I proved that I have the skills in the first match, and now I will improve to get the win. I am here for a reason. It’s not going to be an easy fight for him.

“I’m only thinking about David Benavidez right now. I’m putting everything into this rematch and getting the belt. When I win, the rest will take care of itself.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions is presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (December 21, 2017) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia returns to the ring to take on former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios in a welterweight showdown on Saturday, February 17 live on SHOWTIME at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-feature, boxing’s youngest world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will defend his Super Middleweight World Championship for the first time against Ronald Gavril in a rematch of their thrilling September 2017 bout in which Benavidez won the vacant title by split decision.

The card is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DSG Promotions. The Benavidez-Gavril rematch is co-promoted by Sampson Boxing. Tickets for the live event go on sale Saturday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. PST and will be available at AXS.com.

“I’m excited just to get back in the ring,” said Garcia, who was reigning world champion for the better part of six years dating back to his win over Hall of Famer Erik Morales in 2012 through March 2017. “I needed the time off to recuperate and let my body heal.”

Garcia (33-1, 19 KOs) was a unified world champion at super lightweight and welterweight and has fought and defeated many of the most formidable opponents in both divisions spanning two generations-Morales, Zab Judah, Kendall Holt, Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Paulie Malignaggi and Lamont Peterson among them. Four of his five opponents in the welterweight division were world champions and 10 of his last 14 opponents were world champions or former world champions.

“I was the reigning champion for six years, so I needed the rest,” continued the 29-year old Philadelphia fighter. “I’m ready to kick off the year in style and take over the welterweight division.”

In his last fight, a welterweight clash of world title holders, Garcia lost via split decision to now unified 147-pound world champion Keith Thurman in a hard-fought, exciting fight that aired live on CBS. The SHOWTIME BOXING on CBS broadcast drew the biggest boxing audience of the year, more than five million viewers which remains the largest audience to witness a primetime boxing broadcast since 1998.

Now, Garcia looks to re-establish his once dominant position at welterweight, a division that boasts more top-10 pound-for-pound fighters in the sport than any other weight class; fighters including world champions Errol Spence Jr., Thurman, Shawn Porter, Kell Brook, Lamont Peterson and more.

“What’s interesting in this fight with Brandon Rios is our styles. We both like to come forward. This kind of matchup will bring out the best in both of us. I’m excited to be back in Las Vegas. I’ve had some of my best performances and some of my biggest fights there. I beat Lucas Matthysse and Amir Khan in Vegas. You fight in Las Vegas, you’re a superstar,” added Garcia.

Like Garcia, Rios has fought many of the top welterweights of this era including world champions Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao. The hard-nosed slugger from Oxnard, Calif., has 34 wins, 25 by knockout. The 31-year-old Rios always comes prepared to battle. With an aggressive style and granite chin, he is one of the most entertaining boxers in the sport. In his last fight he scored a TKO victory over Aaron Herrera on June 11. A victory over Garcia, a top-10 welterweight in his own right, would immediately change the course of Rios’ career and demand that he be placed among the top-ranked in the division.

“I’m excited to prove my critics wrong again,” said Rios. “I’m bring a ‘Bam Bam’ Rios slugfest to my fans. Danny is a great fighter, but I will beat him just like I have beat others in the past. I am focused and will make this a classic Mexican-Puerto Rican battle!”

“SHOWTIME is poised to start the year with two crucial welterweight main event matchups,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports®. “Following the January 20th event pitting Errol Spence Jr. vs. Lamont Peterson, Garcia vs. Rios features two of the most battle-tested and ferocious 147-pound fighters in the world. Add in the Benavidez vs. Gavril II co-feature, a fight that is guaranteed to deliver dramatic action, and we are picking up right where we left off in 2017 delivering the most compelling and important matchups in boxing’s deepest divisions.”

“We’re looking forward to the action at Mandalay Bay Events Center in February,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. “Both Garcia and Rios are seasoned fighters that have faced the toughest competition in the welterweight division and they are both very hungry for a big win. The co-feature rematch between the youngest reigning world champion David Benavidez and challenger Ronald Gavril we already know will be thrilling. All four of these men have proven that they’ll put it all on the line in the boxing ring to leave no doubt about who the better man is. In addition, we are working on a crowd-pleasing undercard now. Everyone on this card will need to bring their ‘A game’ to Las Vegas in order to be victorious on February 17.”

“Danny Garcia is one of the most battle-tested, skillful boxers in the sport. What he did in running through the 140-pound division before moving up to welterweight is simply amazing,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “‘Bam Bam’ Rios is a throwback warrior. He never met a fight that he backed down from. Putting Garcia and Rios into the ring against each other promises nothing but fireworks in a match that should provide maximum entertainment for fans. It’s the kind of fight that belongs in Las Vegas, a classic battle that harkens to welterweight wars of the past. The first match between Benavidez and Gavril left enough room for doubt that a rematch should settle any remaining questions. I’d expect both boxers to come in with something to prove and that translates into a fan-friendly match.”

The 21-year-old Benavidez (19-0, 17 KOs) became the youngest reigning world champion in boxing and the youngest 168-pound champion in history at 20-years, nine months old when he scored a split decision against Gavril to win the super middleweight title on September 8. The bout featured multiple swings of momentum, thrilling exchanges and a wild 12th round. Benavidez and Gavril pushed each other to deliver the best performance of their respective careers thus far.

“I feel I won the fight,” said Gavril immediately after the decision. “I dominated the pace. I can’t say anything else… The only thing I can do is to ask for a rematch.”

On February 17, Gavril will get it.

“No excuses this time,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “The minute Benavidez finished the fight I requested the rematch-on behalf of the winner-for the sole reason that he needed to win by emphatically and not by split decision. I wanted the public to be able to have the rematch so that everyone will know who the best is. I expect this time Gavril will say that he’s really been beaten. As the youngest reigning champion in the sport today, I want no doubt that Benavidez is the better man. It was a great fight the first time and this time we’ll see who the best truly is. No excuses. No doubt.”

Fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz., Benavidez had scored 10 straight knockouts leading up to the match against Gavril. His eight-round KO victory over Rogelio Medina put him position for the vacant title.

“This is a fight that my father, my team and I decided to take again to show everybody that I’m really the champion and there’s more to me than just being the youngest world champion,” Benavidez said. “I feel like I’m the better fighter and I’m going to definitely show it this time. I learned from that first fight that he puts on a lot of pressure. He likes to throw at the same time that I’m throwing. There are a couple different approaches to take against that. It’s going to be a great night of fights. Danny Garcia and ‘Bam Bam’ Rios, these are two fighters I look up to in the sport and it’s an honor to fight in their undercard. My training has been going well. We decided to bring in a strength and conditioning coach and I feel really strong. I believe I’ll be very prepared.”

Gavril (18-2, 14 KOs) rose rapidly through the ranks by scoring seven straight victories including four by knockout since 2015. The 31-year-old Gavril was born in Bacau, Romania and now lives and fights out of Las Vegas. He fought a brilliant match against Benavidez, seizing control in the middle rounds and even dropping the young contender in the 12th with less than a minute left in the fight. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough as Gavril lost on two of the three judges’ scorecards.

“I can’t wait to get into the ring again and take that belt,” said Gavril. “I learned his game plan quickly during the first fight, I blocked it well then, and I plan to do the same again. He has fast hands and power, I won’t take that from him, but I am prepared for whatever plan he comes in the ring with. I know I have what it takes to win this time. Preparing for this fight the second time around has been different, training has been more intense, and my team is preparing me to take him out once and for all. I can’t let him win. Some people said I won back in September, and were surprised by my performance. I thought it was close, and I thought the knock down gave me the advantage to win. All I can do is be ready. I don’t think either of us will upset the fans on fight night. I want to thank Floyd Mayweather and Leonard for another opportunity against Benavidez. He’s a great fighter and tough competitor and this will certainly be a great fight.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MandalayBay and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

Phoenix, Arizona-based super middleweight phenom David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez spent some time behind the microphone last Sunday, while waiting eagerly for his potentially record-breaking world championship challenge.

Undefeated Benavidez (18-0, 17 KOs) did an admirable job serving as a Fox Sports 1 guest commentator for former champion Brand Rios’ exciting comeback victory over Aaron Herrera at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.

Benavidez is coming off a star-making eight-punch combination KO 8 of fellow contender “Porky” Medina at the Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.

The 20-year-old now waits for word on who he will face for the WBC Championship in his try to become the youngest super middleweight world champion in boxing history. Darrin Van Horn, who was 22 years, 8 months and 11 days old when he beat Lindell Holmes for the IBF super middleweight championship on May 18, 1991.

Meanwhile, highlights of Benavidez’s sensational victory over Medina continue to rack up views on YouTube. (Click HERE). At last count, the victory had garnered nearly 350,000 views. On the Premier Boxing Champions Facebook page, a similar video has 1.1 million viewers and on other pages, over 3.8 million.

“David is a talent at everything he does,” said his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “Thank you to the PBC and Fox Sports for allowing him to reach a dream and work as a commentator while he awaits his ultimate dream: to become the youngest champion in history at 168 lbs.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

LANCASTER, CA. (June 7, 2017) – Former world champion Brandon Rios hosted a large contingent of media at Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Van Nuys, California Wednesday as he prepares for his ring return this Sunday, June 11 against Mexico’s Aaron Herrera in the main event of a Special Edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes live from The Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.

Televised coverage begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT after the Mexico vs. USA World Cup qualifier on FS1 and FOX Deportes and will feature unbeaten Mario Barrios in a 10-round super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez and undefeated prospect Jose Miguel Borrego squaring-off against once-beaten Kevin Watts in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $30 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website: www.uavpec.com

Here is what Rios and his trainer had to say Wednesday:

BRANDON RIOS

“I’m just ready to get back to the top. I know that I have to climb the ladder and that’s what I’m here for.

“When I said that I was done, I was done. Eventually though I started getting that urge again, to get on that stage and perform on TV. My wife told me that if I wanted to fight again, I had to come back dedicated.

“It’s really cool to be fighting right after the Mexico vs. USA match. I’m a Mexican-American but I live in the United States so it’ll be USA vs. Mexico in the ring as well when I face Herrera.

“I know that I have a very skilled, tough opponent. He’s working with Juan Manuel Marquez and he’s very experienced. He’s faced some really tough opponents. It’s going to be a good fight to get back in the ring with.

“I felt like I needed a new voice in my corner. There’s nothing against (former trainer) Robert Garcia, I respect him and he got me to where I am today, but I felt like I got too used to that situation.

“I told (Rios’ trainer) Ricky Funez that I wanted to come back and have him train me and thankfully he was excited to work with me. We started working really hard and we took some time to get to know each other more and more.

“I Googled ‘Southern California boxing trainers’ and Ten Goose Boxing and Ricky came up, and I decided to hit him up. So I direct messaged him on Instagram and the rest is history.

“I feel like I’m in really good shape after working with a nutritionist for the first time. My nutritionist is with me 12 hours a day and it’s had me feeling great heading into this fight.

“I’ve always been a brawler, but I’m capable of boxing, especially with my inside game. The way I can deflect punches is a strength.

“I’m just ready to get back to the top. I know that I have to climb the ladder and that’s what I’m here for.”

RICKY FUNEZ, Rios’ Trainer

“Training Brandon was a good challenge for me but he has been disciplined from the very start. I laid it all out for him from the beginning, I just wanted a good response from him and he said he’s going to work hard.

“A lot of people said that he was done, and that motivated me. I’ve seen Joe Goossen bring fighters back like Diego Corrales and he’s my mentor in this sport. I’m working hard to push Brandon and get him to that level.

“Brandon is a stubborn fighter but he really does listen. He has a lot of tools and I think you’ll see that he hasn’t lost anything in that ring on Sunday.”

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LANCASTER, CA. (May 25, 2017) – Former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (33-3-1, 24 KOs) returns to the ring to take on Mexico’s Aaron Herrera (32-6-1, 21 KOs) in the main event of a Special Edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Sunday, June 11 from The Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.

Televised coverage begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT after the Mexico vs. USA World Cup qualifier on FS1 and FOX Deportes and will feature unbeaten Mario Barrios (18-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez (23-8-1, 13 KOs) and undefeated prospect Jose Miguel Borrego (11-0, 10 KOs) squaring-off against once-beaten Kevin Watts (11-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

“This is my first fight in Southern California in almost five years and I can’t wait to put on a show for those fans who have supported me throughout my career,” said Rios. “I’ve always given the fans a great show and I’m planning on picking up right where I left off and being better than ever when I get back in the ring. I’ve been training for a while in preparation for a great victory on June 11 on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

“This is a terrific opportunity for me to face a fighter the caliber of Brandon Rios,” said Herrera. “He’s had a great career and fought many champions and I look forward to giving him everything I have. Fighting Rios is a great test for me and I’ll be ready to pass on June 11.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $30 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website: www.uavpec.com

“Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes has come to epitomize all-action, fan-friendly matches, and this card fits perfectly into that mold,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Brandon Rios is never in a boring fight. After a long layoff, I expect him to come out firing against Aaron Herrera and I don’t expect Herrera, a rugged Mexican brawler, to back down. I’m also excited to see the progress of Mario Barrios, who is moving up to 140 pounds, and Jose Miguel Borrego, a dangerous power puncher. It promises to be another fantastic night of boxing for those at the Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California and those watching the PBC on FS1.”

After a stellar amateur career, Rios, an all-action brawler, went unbeaten in his first 27 pro fights before he stopped Miguel Acosta in 2011 to win a lightweight world title. The 31-year-old added victories over Richar Abril, Urbano Antillon and John Murray before winning two out of three fights in a trilogy against Mike Alvarado. The Oxnard, California-native has challenged top welterweights Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley and will look to work his way towards another world title show in the 147-pound division.

Fighting out of Yucatan, Mexico, Herrera enters this fight on a three-bout knockout streak since October 2016. The 28-year-old was unbeaten in his first 24 pro fights including 16 knockouts before challenging for a regional title in 2013. He fights in the U.S. for the fourth time on June 11 when he takes on Rios.

A tall fighter for his division at more than six feet, the 21-year-old Barrios picked up seven victories in a jam-packed 2015 in which he stopped five opponents inside the distance and followed it up in 2016 with three more victories, including a 12-round decision over Devis Boschiero in July. The San Antonio native began his 2017 campaign with a stoppage victory over Yardley Suarez on the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia undercard in Brooklyn in March. He continues his campaign at 140-pounds when he enters the ring on June 11.

The 30-year-old Rodriguez enters this fight on a three bout winning streak including a third round TKO win in April in his last bout. Fighting out of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Rodriguez will make his U.S. debut on June 11 having won seven of his last eight contests with his only defeat coming via a 10-round decision against unbeaten Felix Verdejo last April.

At just 19-years-old, Borrego has burst onto the scene displaying big knockout power as he made his U.S. debut in February with a first round stoppage and followed it by stopping John Delperdang in the seventh-round of a televised contest this April. Fighting out of Aguascalientes, Mexico, Borrego will fight in California for the first time since turning pro in 2015.

Born in Lancaster, California and fighting out of Los Angeles, Watts turned pro in 2013 and picked up victories over previously unbeaten Maximilliano Becerra plus once-beaten fighters Michal Chudecki and Manuel Damairias Lopez before suffering his first loss last September to unbeaten prospect Eddie Ramirez. The 25-year-old who has fought professionally since 2013 will look to get back in the win column in his hometown on June 11.

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Las Vegas (April 28, 2017) – Former World Champion Brandon Rios has confirmed that he will appear to Meet & Greet his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 3rd edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Cesar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Rios will appear for the first time at this years’ Expo at the World Boxing Council “WBC” booth as well as the Supreme / Hykso booth and will be signing gloves, photos and merchandise. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as “Bam Bam”. Fans will also be greeted with surprises by Rios and the WBC at this years’ Expo.

Brandon Rios is an 11-year pro, and currently a contender at Welterweight Division. He is a former WBA Lightweight World Champion, Latino WBO Champion, WBO International Champion and Lightweight NABF Champion. Nicknamed “Bam Bam”, Ríos is known for his highly aggressive pressure “throwback” style and a warrior’s mentality with formidable punching power and excellent chin, which makes him an exciting boxer to watch. Rios challenged some of the top fighters in his career such as Manny Pacquiao, Tim Bradley and Mike Alvarado to name a few.

Rios joins, Jorge Linares, Marcos Maidana, Jessie Vargas, WBA, Mayweather Promotions, Marco Antonio Barrera, Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Al Bernstein, Thomas Hearns, Kronk Boxing, WBC, Christy Martin, Mia St.John, Fernando Vargas and Joel Casamayor among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next few days leading up to the Event, there will be more announcements on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: [email protected]

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

TODD duBOEF: We are weeks away from this highly anticipated match between two Hall of Fame fighters. Tim has shown an incredible rebirth, beginning with his November fight in his union with Teddy Atlas. He did what no one had ever done, stopping Brandon Rios. He is motivated and a classy person inside the ring and a classy, classy person outside the ring. We are really excited to hear what he has to say and how he is preparing for this fight. He just found out today that Everlast has signed Tim (http://goo.gl/utpZTx). As he is winding down his training camp days I think it’s a good time to talk to him and Teddy.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Thank you very much Todd. I would like to thank Team Bradley because without them I wouldn’t have this opportunity once again. I want to thank my wife and I want to thank Teddy for coming on board once again. I want to thank Top Rank and HBO and all of the media for putting the word out that there is a real fight happening on April 9. Training camp has gone very well and we are ahead of schedule. I am ready to go 12 rounds right now. Training camp goes on every day. There is never a down moment. Teddy is always on me. He’s a guy that cares. He’s a guy that loves. He’s a guy that knows what he’s doing. He’s a guy that believes in what he’s doing and he’s a guy that believes in me. We are a dynamic duo and everyone should check it out on April 9.

You were beaten handily the second fight and many thought you lost the first fight. What do you think you can do this time to beat Pacquiao?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Well, everyone has their own opinion regarding the first fight. However way you want to look at it, it was a very close fight. The second fight, Pacquiao definitely won that fight hands down. I had the injury in the second round, which I actually told my camp about. This time around I have a new guy — Teddy Atlas — a guy that analyzes fighters for a living. That’s what he does — he’s an analyst and a trainer. The approach this time is going to be a lot different and I will be looking to exploit Pacquiao’s weaknesses.

Do you think you are getting Manny at the right time as he may have one foot already out the door?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: You may hope or think that but I am expecting the best Manny Pacquiao. I hear he is training hard. He is training six days a week and sparring ten rounds already. I hear he is highly motivated for this affair. He knows what is at stake. For me to depend on any thoughts of weakness of Pacquiao would be wrong. I have to count on me to prepare and be ready for the fight.

Are you tired of seeing him after 24 rounds and it being not so long ago?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I am not tired of fighting this guy. I just want to have the opportunity to definitely seal the deal, and that same opportunity for my family as well. It is an opportunity for my kids to talk about years from now with their classmates – that their father beat Manny Pacquiao.

What have you learned from Teddy in this camp that you may not have learned in the last camp?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I have learned a lot of things in this camp, but mainly the hardest thing for me is to remain focused at all times in the ring, in training. What I mean by that is no matter what is going on or no matter what is happening that day, I always have to be focused and I always have to be committed and concentrating through the whole training camp. That is there every single day that I show up to the gym – total concentration and total focus. Sometimes we fighters can have off days and lose concentration and get hit with a couple of shots – it could be a jab or not being in the right position at all times – you can’t have that with Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao is fast and he’s quick and he is always looking to take advantage of you.

What can you take from the first two fights?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I can take a lot from the first two fights. I could look at it a couple of ways – not even having a game plan in the first fight. I was fighting on my skills and experience. In the second fight I had the injury in the second round and after six rounds it was three rounds apiece. I think fundamentally I have a better chance to win this fight.

What do you think of the feud between Teddy and Freddie?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I don’t even pay any attention to that. The trainers train the fighters and the fighters get in the ring. I don’t pay any attention to that I just pay attention to my job. I have to prepare for a dangerous firecracker Filipino.

Are you learning about yourself a little bit more as you go through your second camp with Teddy? He is obviously forcing you to dig deep down – are you surprised in your ability to do so?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: No I am not really surprised at my ability to do so. I am what you call a perfectionist. I take my training and my boxing seriously. Teddy is a very serious guy too. He puts his heart into it and I feel the same way. I wouldn’t be a five-time world champion if I didn’t feel that way. I think the difference this time around is I have a game plan – I really do have a game plan. My game plan before was to avoid the left hand. Avoid the left hand and hit him with the right hand. Now, the game plan is a little more in detail. There are things that Manny Pacquiao does that I can take advantage of that I didn’t see before in watching film and breaking film down that Teddy has brought to my attention. I feel like it’s going to be a completely different fight than the first two.

What was your takeaway of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Pacquiao fought to the best of his ability. Mayweather is known for taking the air out of the ball – that’s the reason why he is the best in the world. He doesn’t let you do what you want to do and he’s able to do what he wants to do. Mayweather always has a way to keep the ball on his side of the court and don’t let you play with the ball. He’s able to do what he wants to do and not let you do what you want to do. He didn’t allow Manny Pacquiao to do what he wanted to do and he came out successful.

Do you expect Pacquiao to be the same that he was?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I’m sure his right hook will be better. But Manny Pacquiao pretty much does the same thing. He’s going to come forward and be the same Pacquiao we are always used to seeing being explosive with speed and looking to take guys out. He’s going to be the same dangerous Pacquiao we have always seen. I’m expecting a tough fight and I’m expecting a smart fight. I am not expecting any weaknesses from Manny Pacquiao.

Is there anything Pacquiao could surprise you guys with that would be out of the ordinary?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: No, he does pretty much the same thing – I don’t think there is anything out of the ordinary. I don’t think he’s going to do a new wrinkle right away. He’s been fighting the same way since I have seen him. He knows me but I think I’m going to be a little different this time.

Manny hasn’t knocked anyone out in a while do you think he has been fighting cautiously?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I don’t know what it is. He hasn’t knocked anyone out in a long time. It could be the weight class – he has been fighting at 147 pounds – it could be that, but I’m not depending on any decline of Manny Pacquiao. If I beat Manny Pacquiao I already know what is going to be said – “Oh he was old” – but I know Pacquiao is still great and he still can fight. I’m not depending on Manny Pacquiao to be weak. I think he is going to be stronger than ever. He’s going to be motivated and he’s going to be looking to taking my head off.

You are going to have to move to make sure he doesn’t dictate the fight…

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Yes, we have the game plan. I just have to go out there and execute the game plan. If I execute the game plan I will have no problem beating Manny Pacquiao just like I was able to beat Brandon Rios with the game plan. I trust everything that Teddy is telling me and teaching me. Teddy can instill everything that I need and I just go out and instill the game plan to win this fight. He has told me everything I need to know to win this fight and if I don’t go out there and do it I’m not going to win this fight.

Are you working together even more after the Rios fight?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Yes we are going off of what we started in the Rios fight. It’s funny you say that because after watching our sparring sessions or during sparring when I make mistakes I know exactly what I’m doing wrong before I am told. Teddy catches it and I do too at the same time and we correct it.

Is there anything you can to t help avoid the leg injuries you suffered in the last two fights?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I’m eating meat now so that’s a good thing. I’m back eating fish and chicken and a good steak every now and then and I think that has a lot to do with it. I just want to be able to fight this guy with a great game plan without being injured at all and see what happens.

Do you think this will be his last fight? Many are skeptical…

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: You know I don’t know and to be honest with you I really don’t care. If it is, so be it and if it isn’t then more power to him – whatever he wants to do. I don’t think about this being his last fight. I just know there is a fight on April 9. It’s a fight on April 9 that I want to win and I’m sure Teddy wants to win and we just have to do our job.

Can you evaluate Pacquiao before the Marquez KO and after?

TEDDY ATLAS: He has the same skill sets and the same dynamic abilities, speed, power – speed in his hands and speed in his legs. The same animal, maybe a touch more conservative and a touch more thoughtful since the last Marquez fight. That would be the only thing – he still has the same package of talent and the same moves.

What was your reaction to Pacquiao’s comments about gay people?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I don’t really want to get into any of that stuff. It’s pretty much irrelevant to boxing and what we are here to talk about – you can ask Pacquiao about that. But if you ask me a question about gay people – I love all people for what they are. I respect people for what they are. I judge people by their heart. If they just talk it and don’t show it then I don’t believe it – that’s what it’s all about. Show me. That’s the most important thing. I have a gay uncle that passed away and he had the biggest heart out of all of my uncles and I miss him to death and I still miss him today right now.

Is there some way you can avoid the leg injuries?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Overtraining – too much training on my legs. We don’t run like I did and we don’t do any of that stuff anymore. We’ve got it down to a science the way Teddy has this thing orchestrated. The way the workouts are spread out during the day and the proper rest, the rest at night, and the water intake – everything is all approved by Teddy – we are not making mistakes this time around.

Did the Vegan diet have any other affects on your body?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I need to fight a fight with two good legs so I said ‘darn it, I need to make a change.’ So I had to go back to eating meat. I feel the difference when I am in there fighting; I am recovering during my workouts. I think now I have all of the pieces to the puzzle. I have a great strength coach, I have a great nutritionist and I have a great trainer. I’ve got a great manager, which is my wife. I think I have all of my eggs in one basket – all the right pieces to the puzzle and it gives me the best opportunity to beat Manny Pacquiao.

How did the injuries limit you in the two fights?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Well, you are not only battling a dangerous guy and battling against yourself but you are battling against quitting. You think hitting is the easiest thing to do then it becomes the hardest thing to do. Quitting is not the easiest thing to do because quitting will stay with you for the rest of your life – you never get over it. It will always linger. That’s the hardest thing to do is to battle against quitting, letting go and fighting my fight and giving 110% no matter what is going on in that ring. That’s pretty much how I do it – never quit.

Did you see anything on film that you think led to Tim’s leg injuries?

TEDDY ATLAS: You never know going into a fight. Obviously if there was a slight injury going into the fight that was already leading into a problem with the leg. Obviously I wasn’t aware of that with Tim and with his camp if they had some prior problems going in maybe added to that situation. But when you are with a guy, I think Tim said it well, I think his diet and having more protein – the protein that comes from meat and fish – that very well may have been part of it, I’m sure it was part of it. Also you are dealing with a guy that if you do have a problem from a physical standpoint or the makings of a problem physically, maybe from the camp – you are dealing with a guy that gives you that kind of motion, that has the kind of wheels Manny has – it can put you out of position by adapting to him and staying with him and to adjust to him can put you in tenuous positions to defend yourself you are more prone to injury trying to stay with a guy like him.

Tim loves to train with a history of overtraining – how do you get the happy medium?

TEDDY ATLAS: First I understood that he had a 32nd birthday. I looked at the calendar and saw that he was 32 and it made sense to train a 32 year old – a five-time world champion – a little different than a 25-year old or 26 or 27. It is common sense just understanding with that kind of experience with those kinds of miles over the course of his career sometimes less is more. You do the same thing if you have a car – when it gets a little older you don’t take it on the highway 100 miles per hour – you don’t do that. You might bring it out fast on certain days but on other days you let it go at a more proper pace. It makes sense and I think sometimes in these fights there is tremendous pressure on everybody to be the most prepared. Sometimes you think the answer is to do more physical work and that’s where certain times you get comfortable – if I do more I’ll be OK. It’s like anything – there is a proper degree of everything. It’s a delicate balance – you have to pay attention to it and you have to understand it, be cognizant of it. You have to respect that. The human body is a very special machine and like any special machine it has to be worked properly. It has to be maintained properly. It has to be pushed properly and it has to be regulated properly. Too much of anything can be a negative. Like I said, you have to very aware of the right amount and what can be the wrong amount. I always say to him ‘we have an eight-week training camp, keep logs on the fire,’ we have to make sure that we will still have enough logs to burn at the end of training camp. That’s my philosophy.

When you heard what Manny said, did you think to yourself ‘this could be a distraction that we need?’

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Teddy can answer that

TEDDY ATLAS: Thanks a lot Tim. To me, it was similar to use a fighter on how they deal with adversity or how they deal with distractions. The prime example would be Floyd Mayweather Jr. His whole career has been full of what you guys would always ask before almost every fight at some juncture ‘do you think it will be a distraction’ and then he got past the fight and the next thing would happen, the next situation – ‘do you think it’s going to be a distraction?’ He’s able to live in a world of distraction; he liked to live in a world that is chaos for someone else. Some people have that ability, that mental toughness, whatever you want to call it. Manny has exhibited the same thing. Manny, throughout his career there has been many things around him. Whether it was a singing career – even though I didn’t think he was a great singer, a religious conversion or stronger beliefs to his religion which he was going through or the personal situation which everyone has; politics which he is involved in. Everybody asks and people forget now – none of that ever affected him, influenced him or affected him in a negative way. When that happened I will tell you I was one person that didn’t think it was going to be a distraction or an advantage to us at all. It’s another thing that at the end of the day, Manny will handle. Manny will get in the ring, when it’s April 9, and be a southpaw standing across the ring from us who is very fast with his hands and his feet and is very explosive, and that will be it.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: All I would say is ‘Dang, I hope he’s not messing up the promotion!’

Do you think your war of words with Freddie Roach is helping the promotion?

TEDDY ATLAS: No, I don’t think any of that stuff helps. It comes down to the professionalism of the fighters. They are the ones that the focus should be on. I didn’t ask for this to come about or to grow into the ways that it has. I made myself a promise and that was to be as restrained as I could be and with it when it was appropriate. When it was appropriate to respond, I responded but I did not fire the first shot across the bow and I waited awhile before I responded. If it helps the promotion, I’m not going out of my way – I’m never going to do things that I feel I am not comfortable with or embarrass my family or my fighter or put any of them in a poor light or position – I wouldn’t do that to promote a fight or help a fight but at the end of the day if some of those responses help the promotion that’s a good thing because without the promoters, I understood that since I started with Cus D’Amato always reminding me to help the promoters in any way you can because without that there is no place for your fighter to ply his trade. Again, it wasn’t in any thought that was I’m going to do this for this effect or to sell more pay-per-view buys – it was just a matter at some point my responding appropriately if I could under the circumstances. I could tell you now that I would have preferred that if it wasn’t initiated we wouldn’t have to talk about this at all and I try not to because the focus is the fighters. It’s the two fighters that get in the ring to take the risk. It’s the two fighters that have the most on the line and at the end of the day that should be understood.

You have been known for mostly training heavyweights – is there a difference training a welterweight?

TEDDY ATLAS: Yes, about 75 pounds (laughs). Other than that, sometimes heavyweights are a little bit more temperamental. I don’t know if that’s fair but it’s fair to me because I’ve been down that road and I find that they can be a little more temperamental sometimes – I don’t know if it’s proper to say privileged – but they are heavyweights. They don’t have to watch their weight, they get a lot of attention and the light’s been on them a lot and they’ve been brought up in a way where, I don’t want to say spoiled but all the things I just said you kind of get the idea. It makes sense – a guy that gets a lot of attention and everyone wants to see the heavyweights and to a certain extent when people think about the great sport of boxing they ask, ‘who’s the heavyweight champion? What happened with the heavyweight champs and how come they are all over in Europe? How come we don’t have more in America.’ So that question is asked, but it’s been the small guys like Timmy, like Mayweather and Sugar Ray Leonard back in the day too. There have been guys like Manny that have captured the attention of this sport to a great extent over the last few years that we haven’t done real well at the heavyweights at least on the America side. There’s always intrigue – there is always a curiosity in the big fights and they get that attention and coddled up to a little bit more where people pay a little bit more attention to them and that creates a certain temperamental balance that you have to deal with from an emotional side. Smaller guys haven’t had that coddling – they are just ready to go in and do what they’ve got to do. I think the way small guys are brought up with a little less of that attention sometimes they are a little less sensitive – put it that way. Although Timmy is a little sensitive (Bradley laughing), I will say that – but all in a great, great way. I guess at the end of the day, what I am trying to say, is that everyone pays their dues in this business, but the smaller guys may pay their debt to a larger amount. They may start paying it a little earlier.

How does it feel to be a full time trainer again?

TEDDY ATLAS: The timing is good that I don’t have an obligation to ESPN at this moment. I don’t have another ESPN fight until June it looks like so there was the gratuitous timing of that and I am appreciative that I don’t have to worry about that. I think, that aside, when you concentrate fully on the training you know it’s a worry business and concern business. When you have the trust of a fighter, something that is so difficult that can be so sudden and can be dangerous. When you have the trust and you have the responsibility of that, you don’t think about the relief of not having to do an ESPN show – when you are engrossed in the reality, that responsibility that you have of a person that puts his trus in your hands and you better not screw it up. At least for me, that’s on me every day – every morning and every night, ‘am I doing it right for this kid,’ and it’s a lot harder than doing broadcasting. I am very privileged and I’m blessed for the chance to do broadcasting, That they would let me do it, that ESPN would let me do it for 18 years now and the people out there would let me come into their living rooms – I’m blessed and I know that and that’s a responsibility too but it pales in the weight and the size of the responsibility and the burden of taking care of a fighter and caring about what’s going to happen with that fighter when he gets inside the ring and hope that for eight weeks you can get it right. You can have a football team and all of those coaches are great; and baseball and basketball but you could have four or five guys and things can go wrong and you still win the game. And if you don’t win the game, guess what? You go at it again the next day or the next week. We’ve got one shot at this – one person, one man – and that’s something to consider and it takes up your thoughts all day long when you are in camp. As much a responsibility that doing a broadcast is, it’s a lot heavier than that.

In Closing…

TODD duBOEF: It was terrific to hear from them. Obviously everybody can hear their voices and hear the enthusiasm that they’ve got something really good going on right now and you can talk to Monica and talk to Tim and hear it in their voice and see it in Teddy they are really getting prepared for this and they only have the last couple weeks to get ready. You are talking about a Hall of Fame fighter that is going to try and go out there and settle the score in the third fight. They are not taking anything for granted and I think we are going to see a terrific fight on April 9.

TEDDY ATLAS: We know what’s in front of us. We know the difficulty of what’s in front of us and we’ll be prepared for it

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I just want to thank my team again and my kids and my brother in law and everyone that helps make this possible for me. I want to thank Teddy and I want to thank his family and his kids as well. I want to thank my father. I want to thank Top Rank once again for believing in me and for bringing me back once again – our business relationship and our family relationship – we are a family. I love being a part of Top Rank and I love being a part of this promotion – they are a great organization and promotional company. HBO, the best in boxing – I want to thank them for bringing me back and believing in me and giving me this opportunity. And Manny Pacquiao. And tune in April 9 and after the fight we come out victorious.

# # #

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, the Manny Pacquiao – Tim Bradley championship event will take place on Saturday, April 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view undercard will feature World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight world champion “King” ARTHUR ABRAHAM defending his title against undefeated No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ, undefeated No. 1 WBO featherweight contender and two-time Mexican Olympian ÓSCAR VALDEZ defending his NABO featherweight title against former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight world champion EVGENY GRADOVICH and 2012 U.S. Olympian JOSE RAMÍREZ defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas super lightweight title against MANNY PEREZ. The Abraham vs. Ramirez world championship fight is co-promoted by Sauerland Event and Zapari Boxing Promotions.

Remaining Tickets to Pacquiao vs. Bradley are priced at $1,204, $804, $604, $404, $254 and $154, not including applicable service fees. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at mgmgrand.com or ticketmaster.com.

By Bart Barry

Saturday in a Thomas & Mack Arena that was not sold out, American welterweight Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley and his new trainer, Teddy Atlas, combined to retire American Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios after dropping him twice, in round 9. The fight happened on HBO, a network that completed its three-year and 180-degree perspective-pivot on Bradley by celebrating Bradley’s new choice of trainer and Bradley’s new trainer with the enthusiasm of a rookie talent recruiter selling a prospect to Google.

Yes, the makeover is exaggerated, but let us play along for a couple reasons like: Tim’s a good guy, and we don’t have much of a choice because we’re going to be fed a Bradley-Atlas-union feast long after we push ourselves back from the table, hands waving in sated, otiose resistance.

If there’s a gigantic difference between the marketing of the Bradley-Atlas relationship and the Miguel Cotto-Freddie Roach relationship, it is not apparent. Both trainer narratives brought electrical charges to stalled products: Cotto, having been decisioned by Floyd Mayweather and Austin Trout, was out of the pay-per-view business unless something more than cosmetic might be done. A few more tattoos, a lot more hotpink, a goofy boy friend’s weightloss, an unknown handler from Cuba, improved English – these were insubstantial product improvements when set against knockout losses to Antonio Margarito and Manny Pacquiao and a two-fight losing streak. Enter Coach Freddie: what chemistry! what trust! what rediscovery of the left hook! my goodness!

Those enhancements, along with an opponent on the downside of a six-loss career, and the new and improved product was done with infomercials and ready to ship. Cotto then blazed through the tissuepaper of Sergio Martinez’s knee(s), became the linear middleweight champion of the world and perfected his pronunciation of an English phrase he learned early in ESL tutelage: “A-side.” (The ‘SL’ in ESL may be inaccurate, we now learn: the nurses in the Rhode Island hospital where apparently El Gran Campeón Puertorriqueño was born surely brought English to the young man’s ears early.) All the Cotto product relaunch lacked was a mandatory title defense against a hopeless opponent, a chance to remind viewers Cotto reminded them of anyone from Mike Tyson to Benny Leonard, old timers, in other words, who reminded us of the old Miguel Cotto – neither the guy who took a knee against Margarito nor the guy pulped by Pacquiao but the warrior who cracked Paulie Malignaggi’s face – and Daniel “Real Deal” Geale strode on the set in June.

That match brought the hundredth or so chance for viewers to squint for insights at a fight whose outcome not one aficionado doubted. Anymore, an engaged aficionado, an endangered mammal whose ranks continue thinning as its hungerstrikers perish from malnourishment, gets encouraged by broadcasters to watch fights the way an NFL scout investigates combines or a Major Leaguer stares at his radar gun. Since the matchmaking and broadcasting are universally ironic – in the rhetorical sense of meaning other than what they state – aficionados, uniquely endowed with the talent and opportunities for cynicism, cynically derive from results whatever they expect to see.

It would be tragic if it were not, in its way, an intriguing adaptation: As if lifelong basketball fans deprived of watching their favorite NBA teams play one another derived, instead, fantasy basketball teams assembled according to height and vertical leap and whatever glowing commentary Charles Barkley had about players, and then set these fantasy teams loose on high school playgrounds, where they regularly mauled their teenage opponents, leaving the financially interested broadcasters of these contests to say of LeBron James dunking over a 5-foot-3 schoolboy freshman, “Looking at that dominant performance by James, one immediately thinks of Dr. J in the 1983 finals against the Lakers!”

Would such a derivative league survive? Doubtlessly it would. Would it thrive? Doubtlessly it wouldn’t.

None of this describes, quite, what happened Saturday, so much as it describes what might happen in Bradley’s next match, which will not be against Canelo Alvarez, of all absurd suggestions. Bradley beat down Rios more effectively than anticipated. But here we go again: Was Bradley disproportionately improved, or was Rios, career property of promoter Top Rank and its peerless matchmaking, disproportionately spent before the bell?

A quick memory might be instructive. The first time I interviewed Bob Arum, in 2004, I asked him if Top Rank could select a prospect on one criterion alone, what that criterion would be.

“Does he dissipate between fights?” said Arum immediately.

Setting aside how much smarter that answer is than what Richard Schaefer or any of Al Haymon’s subsequent puppets might say, it underlines boldly how closely Top Rank considers its fighters between matches, which is a roundabout way of imparting how unsurprised Top Rank likely was by how helpless Brandon Rios looked Saturday. That is not an indictment of Timothy Bradley or his new trainer. It really isn’t. They prepared for a much larger version of the Brandon Rios who, in 2011, blitzed both Miguel Acosta and Urbano Antillon, surely, and Bradley did in fact look better.

It’s a partial indictment, though, of the silliness that happened during the telecast, the spiraling embellishment that seems modern broadcasting’s default reaction to the predictable unevenness of uneven contests. Couched in the false humility of the conditional tense – could it be? would it have been? were it possible . . . – the intended seeding of the idea finds its roots and caretaking in whatever follows the humblefeint, slipping right past the viewer’s lowered guard. It’s not meanspirited mischief, no, but neither is it disinterested.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

LAS VEGAS –Timothy Bradley promised a victory. He also promised a whole new animal.

He delivered on the victory Saturday night. But he didn’t have to be a new species. The old one — the Bradley of a few years ago — was enough.

A Bradley with resurrected skills and a new trainer, Teddy Atlas in his corner overwhelmed a shopworn Brandon Rios, who had neither the skill nor the energy to counter a disciplined jab, side-to-side movement and — in the end – a left hook.

The hook dropped Rios in the ninth round in what would be the first salvo in his imminent demise. Seconds after Rios got off his hands and knees, Bradley landed two body shots, first up the middle and then one to Rios’ side.

Rios didn’t get up this time. He was done, a loser by knockout at 2:49 of the ninth.

For Bradley, it played out exactly as planned. Atlas wanted him to be patient. He said he wanted Bradley to take a piece out of Rios, round by agonizing round. If there was a new animal in Bradley, it was a piranha, Atlas said.

“I just did what Teddy said,’’ said Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KOs), who put himself back in line for rematch with Manny Pacquiao, perhaps in April.

Speculation about Pacquiao is is bound to be rampant for the next couple of weeks. But jubilant Arum had no doubt that Bradley had re-emerged as one of Top Rank’s stars.

“The best Bradley I’ve ever seen,’’ Arum said.

The same couldn’t be said for Rios, whose career appeared to be at an end.

“I think I’m done,’’ Rios (33-3-1, 24 KOs) said.

Rios might have been weakened by a battle to make weight.

Two tenths of a pound aren’t much, but they were enough to make a weigh-in last an hour longer than it should have Friday.

Rios stepped on the scale once, stripped off his shorts behind a strategically placed sheet and stepped on the scale again. Once, twice, shorts on, shorts off and he was still two-tenths heavier than the 147-pound mandatory for his welterweight bout Saturday night against Timothy Bradley at Thomas & Mack Center.

For the next 60 minutes, Rios found a bathroom, stood around a hallway outside of a ballroom at The Wynn and then headed back to the scale. Once, twice, shorts on, shorts off and this time the two tenths were gone, presumably flushed from the proceedings.

Actually, Rios said he could have saved everybody a lot of time had he been allowed an extra minute or two. In so many words and more than a few expletives, he said he was trying to get rid of the two-tenths when he was called off the stool and onto the scale.

“There was no drama,’’ Rios said then. “I’m ready.’’

Rios’ face looked a little drawn after the weigh-in. He’s no stranger to off and on the scale controversies. As a lightweight, he missed weight twice. The move up to welter was supposed to make things easier.

But Rios has never been about easy.

Not easy on himself or anybody else, especially after a loss that could force him to flush a lot more than just two-tenths.

Lomachenko dominates in 10th-round KO

It was the Vasyl Lomachenko show.

Murata gains further experience, stays unbeaten

 

Featherweight Marriaga dominant in taking unanimous decision

Colombian featherweight Miguel Marriaga flashed his world -class credentials early and often with a patient and précise performance for which there was no argument.

 

Michael Reed scored seventh-round TKO

Power and angles were a double-edged combo that Maryland junior-welterweight Michael Reed employed relentlessly.

Ruthlessly, too.

In the end, all of it overwhelmed Rondale Hubbert (10-4-1,6 KOs), a Minneapolis fighter who was knocked down early in the seventh and left hanging on the ropes from a succession of punches from Reed (17-0, 10 KOs) midway through the round of the second bout on the Brandon Rios-Timothy Bradley card Saturday at Thomas & Mack Center. Referee Kenny Bayless, stepped in, ending it at 1:09 of the seventh.

One punch opened show.

Egidijus Kavaliauskas threw it.

One minute into the first round of the opening bout on the Timothy Bradley-Brandon Rios card, Kavaliauskas (10-0, 9 KOs), a two-time Olympian from Lithuania and welterweight prospect in trainer Robert Garcia gym, landed an overhand right, knocking out Jake Giuriceo (17-5-1, 4 KOs) of Struthers, Ohio.

LONDON (6 November) – World champion Tim Bradley has vowed to dazzle this Saturday night against big punching Brandon Rios under the tutelage of new trainer Teddy Atlas.

The 32-year-old star has claimed he is a much improved fighter since joining forces with Mike Tyson’s one-time cornerman and that he is unfazed at anything the relentless Rios will throw at him.

“I don’t care what Rios is doing in his camp. I am only concerned about what I am going to do on fight night. I am absolutely, totally focused. I am not the same fighter I was before,” said Bradley.

“When Teddy came to camp he challenged me, not what I could do physically but my mental aspect of fighting. When Teddy came to camp he took a book of images of certain rounds I had fought previously.

“There were notes about what I did right and what I did wrong. No trainer of mine has ever prepared for a fight like Teddy has for me against Rios,” he said.

Two-weight champion Bradley, who controversially beat Manny Pacquiao in their first meeting before losing the rematch, his only loss to date, knows exactly what Rios is going to bring to the ring ahead of their fight, exclusively live on BoxNation.

“Rios can bring on the pressure all night long and we will deal with it. We are prepared for intense pressure. The only chance Rios has is a lucky punch and that’s not going to happen.

“Teddy Atlas brought in two sparring partners who have put pressure on me every single second for the last three weeks. Rios is living on a prayer and he knows it,” Bradley said.

“My game plan is to stay totally focused for 36 minutes of fighting. Rios fights hard, is relentless, can endure pain and look for one shot to hurt me.

“I want this fight badly. I plan to keep it in control my way. Teddy is full of wisdom. Together we are going to win this big fight,” he said.

The respected Atlas is also backing his man to show his maturity in the ring as he takes the reins for their first fight together since Bradley released long-time trainer Joel Diaz.

“We looked at a lot of videos of Rios to take a look at how he moves and his tendencies. We are not concerned about what is happening in the Rios camp because I’ve seen fighters have bad camps and fight well and have seen fighters who had great camps not perform on fight night,” said Atlas.

“Tim did his job to prepare for Rios. He knows what it takes and what we have to do to win on Saturday. Tim is ready to fight. We both know what needs to be done – total focus for 12 complete rounds – to win this fight.”

Former lightweight world champion Rios though has other ideas as he comes off a blitzing third round win against the tough Mike Alvarado earlier year.

29-year-old Rios is known for his all-action style and is ready to claim his second world title against his fellow Californian.

“We are ready for the best Tim Bradley, the one who beat Juan Manuel Marquez. I have been in camp in Riverside, California for three months. This is the Camp Zone,” said Rios.

“We brought in three kinds of sparring partners – a boxer, a brawler and a boxer-brawler. I want to get back on top in boxing. Bradley is in my way. Bradley is going to be my ticket back to the top,” he said.

Bradley v Rios is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app) this Saturday night. Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
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