PHILADELPHIA (October 13, 2016) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) will make his first appearance in his native Philadelphia since 2010 as he takes on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas (25-2-1, 13 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. The bout will be Garcia’s final hurdle before a planned massive showdown with unbeaten champion Keith “One Time” Thurman scheduled for the first quarter of 2017.

In keeping with his desire to give back to the community, Garcia is teaming up with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive, collecting most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables. Fans are being encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold will be donated and provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need. More information on these efforts and how you can get involved will be announced shortly.

Garcia, a two-division world champion, will battle Vargas in a 10-round non-title bout in his first fight since his exciting win over Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in January. Garcia insisted on staging the fight in his hometown and using the event as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for the less fortunate in the area.

“My dad and I wanted to get one more fight in before the end of the year and there was no doubt in my mind it had to be in Philadelphia,” said Garcia. “My team got it done and it’s a great feeling to fight at home over the holidays. I’m excited to use this opportunity to give back to the community and put on a show on November 12. This city means everything to me. I hope everyone comes out, but shows up with cans of food too. I’m gearing up for a big fight with Keith Thurman next year that’s going to be a can’t miss event. First, I’m going to fight for my city on November 12.”

“Things happen when you work hard and I’m so excited about this opportunity,” said Vargas. “Garcia is a great fighter and he cleaned out the 140-pound division and now he is champion at 147. A win would change my life and everyone around me. This is my time. I can’t fail. This is going to be a Rocky story in Rocky’s town.”

Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round bout against once-beaten super welterweight contender Jorge Cota (25-1, 22 KOs) and former world champion Javier Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) battling undefeated Omar Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.

“This win will put me one step closer towards winning a world title,” said Hurd. “The win over Oscar Molina was a big opportunity that has opened a lot of doors and was a great experience. Cota is a tough veteran with a high knockout rate. He is a little wild and I have to look out for that. I’m going to go out there to land nice shots and stick to my game plan.”

“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to fight a good undefeated fighter,” said Cota. “I know that I have the power and skills to beat anybody out there. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and get the victory on November 12.”

“I’m only thinking about winning heading into this fight,” said Fortuna. “Douglas is a good fighter who moves very well. I’m looking forward to this challenge on November 12. I will be a world champion once again.”

“This is the type of fight that I need if I am going to be a champion,” said Douglas. “I plan on putting on a crowd pleasing performance. Fortuna is a decent fighter and I’m going to have to break him down. He is good for four or five rounds but then he slows down. I’m going to set him up to take him out in the later rounds.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.

Garcia returns to headline in his hometown as a two-division world champion who has picked up major victories over top fighters including Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah on his way to 31 professional victories. The 28-year-old earned a vacant welterweight world title in his last bout when he won a toe-to-toe battle with former world champion Guerrero in Los Angeles taking his professional record to 32-0.

The 27-year-old Vargas enters this bout on a five-fight win streak including three stoppage victories including his most recent outing, a 10-round decision over Juan Armando Garcia in May. Born in Columbia, his family left to find a better life when he was 15 years old and after a brief stay in New York City, they moved to the Toronto suburb of Mississauga. Vargas enrolled at a boxing gym early on and learned discipline while adapting to his surroundings. He turned pro in 2010 after just 12 amateur bouts and was undefeated in his first 16 fights while fighting out of Canada.

Hurd fights out of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C. and is perfect since entering the pro ranks in 2012. The 26-year-old has faced three straight undefeated fighters including a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Galarza in 2015 and a 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina in the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter card in June. The exciting boxer puncher will look to continue his climb to a world title on November 12.

A powerful puncher sporting an 88 percent knockout rate, Cota made his U.S. debut in August of 2015 and upset Cuban Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson while knocking him down twice over the 10 round bout. The fighter out of Sinaloa, Mexico is entering this fight with nine straight wins, including six by way of knockout. The 27-year-old will be making his first ring appearance of 2016.

An amateur standout that participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 27-year-old Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Carlos Ivan Velasquez, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. He took down the highly regarded Bryan Vasquez to earn a super featherweight world title in May of last year. Representing La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna bounced back from a defeat to Jason Sosa to stop previously unbeaten Marlyn Cabrera in September.

An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in his last two outings when he defeated contender Frank De Alba in a step up fight last December and followed it up with a seventh round knockout of Alexei Collado in June. The 25-year-old has picked up four victories since the beginning of 2015 and will face his toughest competition to date when he battles Fortuna.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

About Philabundance
Philabundance is the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, serving more than 90,000 people each week in nine counties in PA and Southern NJ. Of those served, thirty percent are children, sixteen percent are seniors, and adults served include students, the working poor and single parents. In 2015, Philabundance rescued more than 10 million pounds of food and distributed 28 million pounds through its own distribution programs, and a network of 350 agencies. A one dollar donation provides two meals – Give now or learn more at Philabundance.org.

GILROY, CA (January 29, 2016) – With the PBC (Premier Boxing Championships)
debuting boxing back on NBC and FOX, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-4-1, 18 KOs) remains the highest viewed TV fighter in the sport. In fact, Guerrero’s fights with Keith “One Time” Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs) and Danny “Swift” Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) are two of the most watched boxing matches in the last 17 years.

In March of 2015, Thurman vs. Guerrero on NBC peaked at 4.2 million viewers, making it the most viewed fight telecast since 1998 when Oscar De La Hoya fought on the FOX network. This past weekend, Garcia vs. Guerrero on FOX peaked at 3.5 million viewers, making Guerrero the most watched fighter in boxing.

Known for bringing excitement to the ring, Robert Guerrero is your modern day gladiator. His fights are never boring and his relentless attack is what makes boxing appealing to the average sports fan. His tenacity and aggressiveness translates to great television.

Last Saturday Robert Guerrero once again proved he’s the peoples champion, giving the fans what they deserve, an all action fight. With the PBC showcasing their stars on network television, boxing is heading to the glory days of the 80’s and 90’s. Guerrero is happy to lead the way.

“Everyone knows when I step in the ring, I’m going to bring an exciting fight to the fans.” said Robert Guerrero. “Being a warrior is in my blood, it’s the meaning of my last name in Spanish. It brings me great joy to know that the PBC is generating a tremendous amount of new fans with all the fights they’re showing on network television. Boxing is back like never before and I’m happy to be spearheading the movement.”

By Bart Barry-

Saturday at Staples Center, Philadelphia welterweight Danny “Swift” Garcia decisioned Californian Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero by unanimous if narrow scores of 116-112. Both men adhered to sound strategies, and the spectacle was entertaining, benefitting as it did from a televised undercard stuffed with b-side quitters (jaw, tongue, hand, elbow). The match’s result enabled a hotly anticipated event of some sort in the fall, and the captain of The Money Team, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, himself, presided over about 2/3 of the main event from ringside, providing one member of the telecast an incredible opportunity for autographs.

The PBC’s struggles with authenticity continued unabated. Garcia-Guerrero, a fair and competitive fight conducted at a level three above most PBC fare, nevertheless felt somehow inauthentic – as if the combatants were in 20-ounce gloves.

Before prizefighting was scripted, back when Richard Schaefer lacked the managerial acumen to do what Al Haymon successfully did last year, Danny Garcia made a pair of matches with Mexican Erik “El Terrible” Morales, and whatever their druthers, Golden Boy executives stood by while Garcia twice beat their guy. The first fight happened in Houston, and Morales, six fights in an illadvised comeback, missed weight widely, got dropped in round 11, but nevertheless did unexpected things enough for Golden Boy to try again for their chance to promote Morales as a legendary champion (not long after Top Rank’s promotion of former Golden Boy partner Marco Antonio Barrera fizzed to its end). Garcia corkscrewed Morales in the canvas during the rematch, one that placed a blemish of unseriousness on both Golden Boy’s and New York’s PED Police badges, and that ended Morales’ career on a note sour as the meat that contaminated the many drug tests he failed till he passed one.

However obviously Golden Boy wanted a Morales victory, however comically they stretched rules in efforts that failed, the Garcia-Morales fights never felt inauthentic the way Saturday’s did, the way PBC cards ever seem to. The rounds went by – and this may speak to an interest in either fighter that does not endure – and little happened to excite viewers, and this may be an offsetting sort of reaction viewers have to the potent inauthenticity of PBC commentators, as if, in search of a mental sort of homeostasis while watching a PBC card, viewers turn down the credulousness settings on their HDTVs – or it might be something quite different actually: their eyes fatigued by squinting to see whatever the hell the commentary crew is on about through the undercard, PBC viewers’ gazes glaze during the main event and their minds go off to graze on nostalgic happenings of yesteryear, be they Garcia’s starching Amir Khan or Guerrero’s icing Martin Honorio.

It was that 2007 fight, right there, a Guerrero co-main in Tucson that preceded Juan Manuel Marquez’s undressing of Rocky Juarez, that brought a stitch of annoyance to Saturday’s viewing, when one of the commentators who was not a fighter continued to stress the talent disparity between Garcia and Guerrero. Talent was simply the wrong word, though exactly the word one might choose if he didn’t know who Guerrero was till a series of music videos preceding “The Ghost’s” 2013 match with Floyd Mayweather (who was in the building Saturday, who was in the building Saturday, who was in the building Saturday).

Before Guerrero became a popup ad for Christ and cancer survivorship, he was a very good, if somewhat overhyped, flyweight, and that is worth reiterating because it belies the apparent disparity in talent Guerrero suffered across from a career junior welterweight like Garcia: At 126 pounds, Guerrero put men to sleep faster than Garcia did at 140. Guerrero turned from boxer-puncher to brawler as he climbed weightclasses because it improved the probability of his consciousness at the ends of welterweight matches.

That was strikingly apparent Saturday, as Garcia graciously ceded large amounts of ring estate for a possibility of putting Guerrero at the end of a righthand lead. At distance, Guerrero had nothing but chin to match Garcia’s fist, and both men knew it. Guerrero was solely successful inside Garcia’s punches; if there were a miscalculation in the match, it was not Guerrero’s but Garcia’s – “Swift” overestimated the devastation his crosses and hooks would wreak when they did land and came within a round or two of needing the very homerun for which he kept swinging.

Fighters gain weight on their chins more than their fists, generally, and Garcia, while still possessed of concussive pop at 147, is not the same puncher he was at 140, a debilitation offset mostly by the experience he acquired fighting championship-caliber men in his pre-PBC years. Whatever Keith Thurman, now as much a salesman as a prizefighter, opines of his own power, the chance of his blasting Garcia before Garcia blasts him is long indeed – not because Thurman lacks talent for the trick but because, unlike Garcia who fought real men in real matches as a real underdog before the PBC pardoned him from doing very much of that, Thurman went from prospect to PBC without proving he has the wiles for unfastening another champion.

Guerrero marked a genuine challenge for Thurman, an opponent that required Thurman’s best to win a safe decision. For Garcia, Guerrero was a showcase opponent of sorts, a knownguy Garcia never worried might beat him, a Money Team-made celebrity Garcia would either look spectacular smashing to pieces or else decision without worry. Guerrero brought more violence than anticipated, and Garcia appeared grateful for it, appreciative of the reminder their 36th minute together gave him: A promotional b-side in a rigged affair who nevertheless believes he will win and fights like it – I remember that feeling!

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Danny Garcia won the WBC Welterweight title with a hard fought 12-round unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Garcia landed the harder shots with both hands as he gave ground from the charging Guerrero.  Garcia landed some flush shots but it did not deter Guerrero as he tried to make it an inside fight.  Guerrero wasn’t that effective as Garcia painted him with hard right’s and left hooks.

Garcia, 146 3/4 lbs of Philadelphia won by 116-112 scores on all cards and is now 32-0.  Guerrero, 146 3/4 lbs of Gilroy, CA. is 33-4-1.

Sammy Vasquez scored a stoppage over Aaron Martinez after round six of their scheduled 12-round Welterweight bout.

Vasquez pushed the action with Martinez not offering much in return.  Following round six, Martinez bowed out of the fight, citing an injured left elbow.

Vasquez, 147 lbs of Monessen, PA is 21-0 with 15 knockouts.  Martinez, 147 lbs of East Los Angeles is 20-5-1.

Even though he was dominated, Dominic Breazeale remained undefeated as Amir Mansour did not come out of his corner for round six of their scheduled 10-round Heavyweight bout.

Mansour came out aggressive and in round three, he landed a right hook to the head that sent Breazeale to the canvas.  Breazeale landed some decent shots but Mansour rocked Breazeale in round five with a hard straight left and a right hook.  Mansour worked very hard and was easily ahead but did not come out of the corner after the 5th round.  Mansour said he could not close his mouth and may have injured his jaw.

Breazeale, 252 3/4 lbs of Alhambra, CA is 17-0 with 15 knockouts.  Mansour, 218 lbs of Penns Grove, NJ is 22-2-1.

Follow all the action LIVE  as Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero fight for the vacant WBC Welterweight title.  The action begins at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with a Heavyweight attraction of former U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale knockout Amir Mansour that will be followed by a Welterweight fight between Sammy Vasquez Jr. and Aron Martinez

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Round 1 Guerrero putting the pressure on..Straight left to body

Round 2 Quick left from Garcia…right..left hook..

Round 3 Body shot from Guerrero..right..Nice left hook..Right to the body…

Round 4 Guerrero working on inside..Garcia lands a body shot..right to body…left..1-2…Uppercut from Guerrero..

Round 5 Long left from Guerrero..Right from Garcia..Garcia starting to swell under his right eye..Straight right from Garcia..looping right…

Round 6 Uppercut and right from Garcia…Left …Quick right…Right to chin..quick left hook..lead right..2 big rights and left at the bell

Round 7 Big right from Garcia..right…

Round 8 Right from Garcia at the bell

Round 9 Straight right from Garcia..left hook..big left hook..Lead right…sneaky right

DANNY GARCIA WINS ON ALL CARDS 116-112

Round 10

Round 11 Big right from Garcia..Body work and left hook to head..Guerrero lands a left..nice flurry from Garcia..Good uppercut..

Round 12 Left hook from Garcia…straight left from Guerrero..left..Good action to close it out

Round 1 Straight left to body from Vasquez..

Round 2 Combination from Vasquez…Vasquez lands in the corner..Martinez telling Vasquez to come on…

Round 3 Left from Vasquez

Round 4 Right hook from Vasquez..Right from Martinez..

Round 5 Vasquez being aggressive

Round 6 Vasquez lands a left….MARTINEZ QUITS IN CORNER

Round 1 Mansour comes out swinging…Jab to the body…Breazeale lands a right..Mansour lands a hard left..Left to body

Round 2 Right and left from Brezeale…Hard left hurts Breazeale…Hard right hooks rock Breazeale

ROUND 3 BIG RIGHT HOOK TO TOP OF HEAD AND DOWN GOES BREAZELE…Hard jab…right hook..Big uppercut from Breazeale

ROUND 4 Mansour jabs to the body..Right from Breazeale…Jab

Round 5 Huge right from Mansour…Right…Body work..double right hook…right hook..Right from Breazeale..Straight left from Mansour..

ROUND 6 MANSOUR DOESNT GET OUT OF CORNER…FIGHT STOPPED

Latino rivals Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero are all set to go to war tomorrow night in their Vacant WBC World Welterweight title showdown, televised exclusively live in the UK on BoxNation from 1am.

Garcia and Guerrero collide at the famous Staples Centre in Los Angeles with Floyd Mayweather’s former title up for grabs and British hero Amir Khan looking to face the winner next.

It pits the fiercely proud fighting nations of Puerto Rico and Mexico head-to-head once again with Garcia of American-Puerto Rican decent and Guerrero of Mexican-American heritage in the potential thriller.

The fight exploded into life this week when Garcia and Guerrero nearly came to blows at the press conference, but it wasn’t the two silent but battled hardened warriors, it was their fathers, who are also their trainers.

“He (Angel) wants to act like he is, but he’s not. They ought to let us go for a round, but then they’ll have to stop it because I’ll hurt him. I will hurt him.” stormed Ruben Guerrero, a former professional fighter in the 1980s.

“(Ruben) is going to remember Jan. 23 for the rest of his life. It’s going to be his new new year.” Retaliated Angel Garcia.

Former four-time world champion Garcia says he’s fired up for his shoot-out against Guerrero and feels fantastic at 147 pounds after moving up from 140 pounds where he struggled to make the weight and risked his unbeaten record against Mauricio Herrera last March.

“I feel a lot better. I’m happier now. When I fought at 140, I was always mean while trying to cut weight. I was never in a good mood,”

“I feel blessed. It’s an opportunity for me to kick off the year in nice fashion, and to be in the first big fight of the year in the headliner. I can’t wait to get in there and showcase my skills.”

“This is another fight that is going to make me a bigger star.” Said Philadelphian Garcia.

Guerrero, out of Gilroy, California, will put everything on the line in a final shot at glory against Garcia. He’s lost two of his last four fight, but that was against superstars Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Keith Thurman and he ended both fights on his feet.

“Having the world title on the line just adds fuel to the fire,” he said. “We’ll find out Saturday night how it all plays out.” Said Guerrero.

(Quotes from boxingjunkie.usatoday.com)

The action packed card will also include unbeaten welterweight prospect Sammy Vasquez Jr. facing hard veteran Aron Martinez, plus heavyweight hope Dominic Breazeale takes on Amir Mansour.

Live coverage will start on BoxNation at 1am. To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, Freeview 255, TalkTalk 415, online or app) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

– Ends –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.
For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 20, 2016) – Golden Boy Promotions has a great reputation in the sport as one of the leading promoters as well as a skill for creating and promoting world champions and boxing superstars. Having worked and promoted multi-divisional world champions including: Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Erik “Terrible” Morales, Juan Manuel “Dinaminta” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco Antonio “Baby Face Assassin” Barrera, Sugar Shane Mosley, Canelo Alvarez, Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse, Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares, Randy “El Matador” Caballero, Abner Mares, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, Danny “Swift” Garcias, Keith “One Time” Thurman, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, Leo “Terremoto” Santa Cruz, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, and Adrien “The Problem” Broner. In 2016, Golden Boy Promotions is looking to the future to usher in the New Era of Boxing spearheaded by current WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs).

For 2015, Golden Boy Promotions received extraordinary media acclaim for exciting fights year-round and was awarded the honors of Promoter of the Year, Event of the Year, Fight Cards of the Year, Fight of the Year, Fighter of the Year, and Knockout of the Year. Also, top prospects Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs), Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chingonsky” Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KOs), Jason “El Animal” Quigley (9-0, 8 KOs), and Diego De La Hoya (13-0, 7 KOs) not only graduated into contender territory, but also received honorable mentions for Prospect of the Year while Shabranskyy debuted at number nine on the light heavyweight pound-for-pound list.

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs), also debuted on the pound-for-pound list at number five in the heavyweight division after defeating former world champion challenger Bryant “By-By” Jennings via seventh-round technical knockout. Other fighters on the divisional pound-for-pound list include Canelo Alvarez, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (23-0-1, 17 KOs), Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares (40-3, 27 KOs), Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins (55-7-2, 32 KOs), Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs), Sadam “World Kid” Ali (22-0, 13 KOs), Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (22-5, 7 KOs), Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs), Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (23-0, 15 KOs), Ronny Rios (25-1, 10 KOs), David Lemieux (34-3, 31 KOs), Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson (30-4, 26 KOs), and Jayson “Star” Velez (23-1-1, 16 KOs).

Golden Boy Promotions’ top picks for “Fighters to Watch in 2016” include (in alphabetical order):

WORLD TITLE CONTENDERS:

WBA International Welterweight Champion, Sadam “World Kid” Ali

Sadam “World Kid” Ali: A member of the 2008 United States Olympic team fighting out of Brooklyn, New York, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (22-0, 13 KOs) impressed boxing fans with his unanimous decision victory over Francisco “Chia” Santana in April, 2015 that earned him the WBA International Welterweight Title and also made him the mandatory challenger for the WBO Welterweight World Championship.

Randy “El Matador” Caballero: Indio star Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) hit the heights of the boxing world in 2014 when he defeated Stuart “Stuey” Hall for the vacant IBF Bantamweight World Championship. In 2015, forced Caballero to vacate the title, however, 2016 looks promising for the fighter as he prepares his big return to the ring on February 5 against Ruben Garcia at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano: Already a respected welterweight contender after bouts against the likes of Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Mexico’s Pablo “El Demoledor” Cesar Cano (29-4-1, 21 KOs) kept his march to a world title going in 2015, as he went unbeaten in three bouts against Jorge “Pantera” Silva, Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu and Silverio “Chamaco III” Ortiz.

Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos: The mandatory

WBC Featherweight World Championship Mandatory Challenger, Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos

challenger for the WBC featherweight world title, Celaya, Mexico’s Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (23-11, 13 KOs) started his journey to become a champion very differently in 2014. Coming off a loss to Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado in February 2014, Castellanos followed it up with a dominant victory over Ronny Rios in October 2014, stopping the then-unbeaten prospect in the fifth round. Castellanos continued to show his power in January of 2015 facing the warrior Rocky Juarez for the chance to win the WBC Silver Featherweight title and become the mandatory challenger for the WBC Featherweight World Championship. Both fighters showed a lot of heart and put on one of the bloodiest fights of 2015, but it was Castellanos’ dominance that was on display as his powerful jabs, brutal uppercuts and well-timed counter-punching knocked down Juarez in the fifth and twice in the 10th round to win via unanimous decision with scores of 118-106, 118-106 and 118-107. Now, Castellanos is the WBC Feather World Championship mandatory challenger.

Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera: One of the truest warriors in the sport today, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (22-5, 7 KOs) continued to show his supreme boxing skills and heart in a decision win over “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy in July to win the vacant NABF Super Lightweight title, and in 2016, big things are expected from Riverside’s “El Maestro” once more.

Tureano Johnson: A native of Nassau in the Bahamas, 31-year-old Tureano Johnson (19-1, 13 KOs) proudly represented his nation in the 2008 Olympics, making it to the quarterfinals in Beijing. In 2010, he turned professional and soared up the middleweight ladder before a controversial 2014 loss to Curtis Stevens. Undeterred, Johnson has since won five fights, four by knockout, and is one of the newest members of the Golden Boy Promotions roster. In his first fight since signing with Golden Boy Promotions, Johnson gave the fans a thrilling performance in the undercard of Gennaday Golovkin vs. David

Antonio “Relentless” Orozco

Lemieux at Madison Square Garden on October 17, 2015. Johnson faced Ireland’s Emmon O’Kane for the IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator, knocking down O’Kane twice in the first round and winning the fight via unanimous decision with scores of 118-108, 117-109, 119-107. Now the Nassau native is next in line for a shot at the unified middleweight championship in 2016.

Antonio “Relentless” Orozco: Unbeaten as a professional, San Diego’s Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (23-0, 15 KOs) made his move to the elite level of the super lightweight division in 2015. In May, Orozco defeated fellow rising star Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor in Phoenix, but the best was yet to come, as he decisioned multi-division world champion Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto in their October bout at StubHub Center.

Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz: On Dec. 19, at Turing Stone Resort Casino inVerona,New York, Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (24-0, 21 KOs) defended his WBA Interim Heavyweight World Championship against one of the toughest fighters in the division, Bryant “By – By” Jennings in a fantastic display of boxing skill with a dramatic seventh round knockout of the former world champion challenger Jennings. Ortiz, dominated the fight early on with powerful hooks, uppercuts and jabs that kept him in

WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion,
Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz

control of the pace throughout the 12-round heavyweight brawl. The victory allowed Ortiz to keep his undefeated status but also made a loud announcement to the boxing community that a new heavyweight threat had arrived to the division. This fight catapulted Ortiz on the heavyweight pound-for-pound list debuting at number five.

Michael “The Artist” Perez: Undefeated since 2012, exciting New Jersey native Michael “The Artist” Perez (23-1-2, 11 KOs) had one of the biggest years of his career in 2015, as he decisioned always toughMiguel “Aguacerito” Acosta in January and then knocked out Luis “Chespi” Sanchez in six rounds in July to win the vacant NABO lightweight title.

Ronny Rios: After suffering the first loss of his career to Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in 2014, Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios (25-1, 10 KOs) came back more determined than ever in 2015, and his performances in defeating Sergio “El Frio” Frias and previously unbeaten Jayson “Star” Velez proved that this 25-year-old was ready for prime time again.

USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart-Chingonsky” Shabranskyy

Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chingonsky” Shabranskyy: People might have troublespelling the name of Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (15-0, 12 KOs), but among boxing fans, his name spells action, and he continued to deliver the goods in 2015, moving to 15-0 with wins against Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson, Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena, Paul “Pay Per View” Parker and Yunieski “El Monstro” Gonzalez, the latter three foes owning a combined 34-1-1 record and breaking him into the top 10 light heavyweight rankings on USA Today’s Boxing Junkie and ranking number 12 on the WBC’s rankings.

Patrick Teixeira: Brazil’s best boxing import since beloved former champion Acelino Freitas, unbeaten southpaw Patrick Teixeira (26-0, 22 KOs) fought twice in the United States in 2015, impressing fans in New York and California with knockouts of Patrick Allotey and Don Mouton that sent a warning to his fellow 154-pound fighters that he was here to stay.

CONTENDERS TO WATCH:

Manuel “Tino” Avila: Fairfield, California’s Manuel “Tino” Avila (19-0, 8 KOs) has long been one of the most exciting prospects on the local scene, and in 2015, he made his name on the national scene with wins over Erik Ruiz, Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas and Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza, the Salinas fight earning him the interim NABF super bantamweight title.

WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion,
Diego De La Hoya

Diego De La Hoya: Highly-touted super bantamweight Diego De La Hoya (13-0, 7 KOs)made the jump to eight and ten-round bouts in 2015 and he continued to impress every step of the way en route to five more victories. In September, De La Hoya won his first pro title, decisioning against former world title challenger Jesus “Estrella” Ruiz for the vacant WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight belt.

Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr.: A member of the 2008 United States Olympic team, South El Monte, California’s Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) won his first professional title in his fifth victory of 2015, as he impressively stopped Hugo “Olimpico” Partida in December to win the vacant NABF featherweight title and an honorable mention as one of ESPN.com’s 2015 Top 20 Rising Stars.

KeAndre “Black Magic” Gibson: 24-year-old welterweight undefeated fighter, KeAndre “Black Magic” Gibson (14-0-1, 6 KOs), who now makes his home in Las Vegas, has become quite popular with impressive victories over John Nater, Jose Hernandez and Nelson Lara. In his second fight of 2015, Gibson faced Jorge Ramos in an eight round fight winning the bout via unanimous decision in the undercard of Canelo-Kirkland on May 9.

Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez: East LA’s Frankie “Pitbull” Gomez (19-0, 13 KOs) is known for his exciting style and powerful punches. He is the owner of 13 knockouts in three rounds or fewer and can also box, as shown in his near-shutout victories over longtime contenders Vernon “Ice Man” Paris in July of 2014 and Jorge “Pantera” Silva in October of 2015. A decorated amateur who won the 2009 United States Championship and earned a Silver medal in the 2009 World Championships, Gomez is ready to face the top opposition in the division and chase his dreams of a world championship in 2016.

Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez: A former WBC Youth World Lightweight champion,

Abraham “Chamaco” Lop
Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez (25-3, 21 KOs) picked up two early knockout wins in 2015, halting David “Nene” Rangel and Hevinson Herrera to set up a big 2016 for the Mexico City native.

Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez: Featherweight standout Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez (19-0-1, 14 KOs) returned from three years away from the sport in 2015 and the El Puente product picked up where he left off with knockout victories over former Ghana Olympian Alfred “The Stinging Bee” Tetteh and Jorge “King” Diaz and a draw against Juan “El Pez” Carlos Martinez.

Marcelino “Nino” Lopez: The latest star to emerge from the boxing hotbed of Argentina, Buenos Aires’ Marcelino “Nino” Lorenz (32-1-1, 17 KOs) continued dominating the local scene in his home country, but in October of 2015, he finally got the chance to introduce himself to United States fans when he knocked out David Rodela in three rounds at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez: Los Mochis, Mexico native Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (32-1, 26 KOs) continued romping through the lightweight division in 2015, adding to his stellar record with a decision over Edgar “Lupillo” Ramirez and knockouts of Daniel “El Mulato” Valenzuela and Cristian “Veneno” Lopez.

NABF Lightweight Champion, Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero

Marvin “Cachorro” Quintero: Born in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, but now making hishome in Tijuana, Marvin Quintero is a former world title challenger whose first title fight was a razor-thin split decision loss to Miguel Vazquez in 2012. Since then, the 29-year-old southpaw has won two fights by knockout over Carlos Sanchez and Cesar De la Mora. In September of 2015 the veteran fighter proved he still had what it takes to chase championship gold when he defeated Puerto Rico’s Jeffery Fontanez via fifth-round knockout to gain the NABF Lightweight Title.

PROSPECTS TO WATCH:

Damon Allen: 23-year-old Philadelphian Damon Allen (8-0, 3 KOs) stepped through the ropes twice in 2015, stopping Luis “Yeye” Rodriguez in three rounds at home in Philly before making his Los Angeles debut in November with a decision victory over Oscar Santana.

Nick Arce: Hard-hitting 19-year-old Nick Arce (6-0, 6 KOs) didn’t stick around long for his five wins in 2015, as he knocked out each of his opponents before the final bell. This power and finishing ability has made this featherweight a must see for California fight fans, and the rest of the country should get introduced to him in the coming year.

D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard

D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard: 2015 was a pivotal year for Maryland supermiddleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (11-0, 7 KOs), and he passed his tests with flying colors, showing that he could box as well as bang in decision victories over Josue “Chiquilin” Ovando, Juan Carlos “Chiflado” Rojas and Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena.

Ivan “Striker” Delgado: Keeping a steady pace throughout 2015, 25-year-old lightweight prospect Ivan “Striker” Delgado (8-0-1, 2 KOs) won five more bouts, and with fans packing the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles to see him fight on the LA Fight Club events, the future is bright for this up and comer.

Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez: 20-year-old Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (12-0, 11 KOs) added four more wins to his perfect pro record in 2015, and while he went the distance for the first time against Darryl Hayes in June, he closed out the year with a pair of second-round knockouts of Luis “Lichito” Lizarraga Jr. and Alejandro Ochoa.

Joet Gonzalez: Former amateur standout Joet Gonzalez (12-0, 6 KOs) is finding his way onto many hot prospect lists after a 2015 campaign that saw him go 4-0 with three knockouts. Included on that slate is a third-round KO of 12-0-1 prospect Marcos Rios in November.

Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis: A swift and ferocious striker, the undefeated Rashidi “Speedy”

WBA Fedecentro & WBC Interim Latin Welterweight Champion,
Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis

Ellis (14-0, 11 KOs) has repeatedly showcased his skills to audiences, most recently with a fourth-round technical knockout victory in Puerto Rico over Victor “Pambele” Gonzalez in March 2015 to claim the vacant WBA Fedecentro and the WBC Interim Latin Welterweight titles. Ellis won his three previous fights via technical knockout, defeating Joseph De los Santos and Joanthony Vazquez in Puerto Rico and Jose Martinez in the Dominican Republic. Later in 2015, Ellis played a key part in the training camp of Golden Boy Promotions fighter and now WBC, RING Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez. The 22-year-old Ellis trained with Canelo as a sparring partner in preparation for Alvarez’s November 21 super fight against Miguel Cotto. After “Speedy” put Alvarez to the test with his notoriously fast fists in training camp, Alvarez defeated Cotto via unanimous decision.

Travell “Black Magic” Mazion: 20-year-old Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (10-1, 10 KOs) is one of the top prospects in boxing, a fact evidenced by his a perfect professional record and knockout ratio, ending six fights in the first round. Now ready for his biggest year yet, Mazion is looking forward to start off the year strong in 2016.

Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete: Now making his home in Los Angeles, 27-year-old Colombia native Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (12-0, 5 KOs) was a stellar amateur before turning professional on May 24, 2013 with a four-round decision victory over Cristian Ciciliano. Two more wins would follow in 2013 for Negrete, but it was in 2014 that he began to get noticed in his adopted home state of California, as he stepped up to the plate four times and hit it out of the park with each appearance, decisioning unbeaten Carlos

Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa

Medina and stopping Pablo Cupul, Gabriel Braxton, Salvador Perez. 2015 proved to be a
busy year for Negrete as he fought five times winning all his bouts via decision excluding the most recent in December, where he defeated Ernesto Guerro via third-round technical knockout.

Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa: After winning the first nine fights of his professional career onthe east coast, Brooklyn’s Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (13-0, 6 KOs) took his show on the road in 2015 and he continued to show off the skills that have made him a top prospect as he picked up four wins, including a big victory in Los Angeles over David Rodela and Alejandro “Soma” Rodriguez.

Jason “El Animal” Quigley: Former Irish amateur star Jason Quigley (9-0, 8 KOs) began his professional career in the United States in 2014, and he never left, learning his craft in Southern California. In 2015, Quigley scored five more wins by knockout before decisioning Marchristopher Adkins on November 20 and earning an honorary mention by Boxing News Magazine UK as one of the top prospects in the sport.

Julian “El Camaron” Ramirez: 22-year-old southpaw sensation Julian Ramirez (15-0, 8 KOs) kept piling the wins on in 2015, with his victories over seasoned veterans Raul “Bule” Hidalgo and Hugo “Olimpico” Partida setting Los Angeles’ “El Camaron” up for even bigger bouts when 2016 rolls around.

Lamont Roach Jr.

Lamont Roach Jr.: Washington D.C.’s Lamont Roach Jr. (9-0, 3 KOs) nearly doubled his
professional experience in 2015 with four victories that proved this 20-year-old super featherweight prospect is the real deal and a fighter to watch in 2016 and beyond.

Emilio Sanchez: Popular 21-year-old featherweight Emilio Sanchez (10-0, 7 KOs) had a busy year fighting in Golden Boy Promotions’ LA Fight Club series, going 5-0 with three knockouts at downtown Los Angeles’ Belasco Theater. The wins helped build Sanchez’ following and set the stage for another big year in 2016.

Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr.: Hailing from San Antonio, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) has been fighting since 2007 and during that time has won eight national championships. In 2012, he qualified to attend the Veles Cup in Kurgan, Russia and took the gold medal in his weight class and was selected as one of seven to go to the 2016 Olympic trails. Decinding instead to become a professional boxer and sign with Golden Boy Promotions in 2014, Tanajar Jr. is now the owner of an undefeated record of 4-0 with three knockouts. Tanajara will look to continue his winning streak in 2015 when he fights on Feb.5.

ABOUT GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. The company has also promoted some of the top boxing events in the history of the sport including De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Mayweather vs. Canelo and other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan-favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley. For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @GoldenBoyBoxing.

HOLLISTER, CA (January 14, 2016) – With fight week just days away, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero hosted a media workout in the Bay Area Wednesday to discuss his primetime welterweight world title showdown with Danny “Swift” Garcia on Saturday, January 23 that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The stacked card features a welterweight battle between undefeated Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez and Los Angeles’ Aron Martinez plus a heavyweight attraction pits 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale and rugged contender Amir “Hardcore” Mansour. Televised bouts begin at 4 p.m. PT inside of the arena.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

The media day took place at the Hollister Boxing Gym and featured Guerrero’s father and trainer Ruben Guerrero. Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“All the hard work is done. We got one more day of sparring before we head out to Los Angeles next week. My dad and I are putting the final touches of our game plan together. We had great sparring and everyone is going to see a great fight on FOX January 23.

“Danny Garcia is very confident coming into this fight. He said he’s going to knock me out in five rounds. His dad said they’re bringing the storm to California. They both said it’s going to be the Danny Garcia show, so we’ll see. All I know is I’m coming to fight. I’m going to do all my talking in the ring with my fists.

“The Garcia’s can try to downplay the Mexican vs. Puerto Rican rivalry all they want, but the fact is, this rivalry has been the cornerstone of great boxing matches since before I was born. We are both born in America, but our roots go back to Mexico and Puerto Rico, so expect the rivalry to continue. I can’t wait to silence all the critics who are writing me off.”

RUBEN GUERRERO

“I respect Danny Garcia and his father Angel. Together they are undefeated. They feel invincible. Our motivation going into this fight is to give them their first loss. Everyone thinks my son is washed up, but they will see that he still has a lot left in the tank. Training camp is almost done and Robert knows what he has to do. It’s time to send a message to the welterweight division.

“I come from a big family and we all had it rough growing up working in the fields. We Mexicans have never had anything given to us. We had to work hard to get what we want. It’s time to represent all the hard working Mexicans going through the struggle. Robert is ready to represent La Raza. You better believe the Chicanos are going to be deep at STAPLES Center. My son is coming to throw down!”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

PHILADELPHIA (January 14, 2016) – Before they travel across the country for their Saturday, January 23 showdowns, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour held a Philadelphia media workout Wednesday to discuss their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes bouts taking place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Garcia faces former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in a welterweight world title fight while Mansour takes on 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale in heavyweight action. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a welterweight battle between Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez and Aron Martinez.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

The workout took place at Garcia’s DSG Boxing Gym and the undefeated star was joined by his father and trainer, Angel Garcia. Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

DANNY GARCIA

“I’m just focused on Robert Guerrero because at the end of the day, that’s the task in front of me. None of the stuff in the future can happen if don’t get the job done.

“I feel like I’ve faced some real good fighters. We just want to keep winning fights and getting bigger fights.

“It’s almost impossible to predict the future in boxing. That’s why I don’t get ahead of myself. If the opportunity is in front of me, I’m going to take advantage of it.

“I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today. It’s just about taking it one fight at a time to get to where we want to be.

“This is my first fight being a father and I’m dedicating it to my daughter. I’m wearing pink and black for her. I named her Philly because of how important the city is to me. I’m the first Latino boxing champion from Philly and I wanted to name her something that was important to me.

“I represent everybody. I’m from Philadelphia, we’re all the same here. There’s not just one ethnicity. Where I’m from, we’re all cool.

“I knew the opportunities would come and that I’d be fighting for a title eventually. There’s nothing like a championship fight, it’s just a different atmosphere.

“We’re eating right, dieting right. We were already training like this was a title fight and now it’s come to fruition. I fought Morales for a belt and now I’m fighting another Mexican warrior in Guerrero.”

AMIR MANSOUR

“I expect Breazeale to come to fight. Looking at his prior fights, he doesn’t back down. That’s what I like. I don’t think that he’s going to run. He’ll engage and it’ll be an interesting fight.

“Breazeale is a tall guy but he’s nothing different. You just have to train hard and focus on the task at hand.

“I prepare to fight. I don’t prepare to run from a guy. I’m preparing to strategically target my opponent’s weakness. I don’t think he’s faster than me, I don’t think he’s stronger than me, he’s just taller than me.

“I don’t think this fight is going the distance. I’m always going to predict that I’m going to be the winner. I really want to get this guy out of there and not leave it in the judges hands.

“This isn’t my first time on the big stage. A win is a win. We’re all one punch away from success and one punch from failure. Any win is a blessing.

ANGEL GARCIA

“We’re going up there the same way whether it was for a belt or not. Hungry and we’re coming back with that treasure.

“After he wins that belt, I’m going to call my son the undefeated champion of the world yet again.

“My son now knows that feeling of being a family and you never really know that until you’re a father. He’s always been humble but now he’s really doing it for his daughter. Now he can live the rest of his life to make sure her and her kids and grandkids will be okay.

“Danny still trains the same. When we’re in camp, it’s camp. It’s all about Danny Garcia. Him and me do it like we’ve always done.

“Danny had his mind on 147 for a while. We should have gone right to 147 after Matthysse but I wanted him to take his time. We’re where we want to be now.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

Ray Flores
First of all, I want to send a Happy New Year to all the media and everyone that is joining us on the conference call. I’m really excited about Fight Week on FOX in Los Angeles. I could not think of a better way to kick off 2016 than the fight that we have on January 23 at STAPLES Center promoted by TGB Promotions.

It is Premier Boxing Champions Live on FOX and FOX Deportes on January 23 from STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is Fight Week and you get two fights that week – TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FOX Sports 1 and BOXEO DE CAMPONES is on FOX Deportes. It is on Tuesday, January 19 at the Club Nokia at LA Live.

Looking at what we have on January 23, it is just going to be a tremendous matchup between two amazing welterweights and two of boxing’s biggest stars as you have Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, along with their fathers who are training them — Angel Garcia and Ruben Guerrero. They’re going to be joining us on the call in only moments.

I want to let you know tickets are still available. Get them now because we have been doing very well in regards to tickets. When you’re talking about the Garcia-Guerrero matchup, make sure to use the hashtag PBC on FOX.

Also on the card, we have another sensational welterweight matchup between the Iraq War Veteran Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez Jr. against Los Angeles fan-favorite — a man that endeared himself last year, Aron Martinez. Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes — also features an outstanding heavyweight bout between 2012 United States Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour.

Fight Week kicks off on Tuesday, January 19, Club Nokia in LA Live. The main event is 2008 United States Olympian and Southern California favorite Javier Molina — squaring off with undefeated prospect Jamal James.

Right now, we are going to welcome in one of our main event fighters. This hasn’t been easy for the fighters that have been training around the holidays, but they made the sacrifice anyway and have put themselves in tip-top condition.

First of all, we want to bring in, with the record of 31-0 with 18 wins coming by way of knockout, the former kingpin at 140 pounds campaigning and fighting at welterweight for the second time in his career. Looking at his resume, he has victories over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. He’s a star, he’s a rising super star, and he’s looking to have a big 2016, which is why he is kicking it off with this.

But before we get into this man, I want to bring in one of the promoters for what we’re going to be having on January 23 who is going to be promoting the event, from TGB Promotions, let’s bring in Brittany Goossen Brown.

Brittany Goossen Brown
Hello. I’m speaking on behalf of my father, Tom Brown, who’s actually in a meeting at the moment. But on behalf of all at TGB Promotions, we are really excited to be returning to the STAPLES Center and partnering with FOX for another great event.

On this call today, we have two of boxing biggest stars, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. They’ll be answering your questions in a minute.

Along with them, on this card we have a welterweight showdown between undefeated Sammy Vasquez and LA’s Aron Martinez. Tickets start at $25. They’re available at AXS.com. And the first televised bout will be at 4:00 pm on FOX.

This Fight Week on Fox in LA kicks off with TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS, which will be at Club Nokia at LA Live on the 19th. Those tickets also start at $25 and are also available at AXS.com. Doors open for that at 5:00 pm, the first televised bout at 8:00 pm.

It’s really going to be an action-packed week of boxing and we are very proud to be a part of it.

R. Flores
Premier Boxing Champions couldn’t visualize a better partner than what we have with those at FOX. They have been tremendous and the shows on Fox Sports 1 have been terrific.

FOX is known for having big events; the NFL, Super Bowls and big NASCAR events. Now we have Premier Boxing Champions on January 23.

It gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce John Stouffer of FOX.

John Stouffer
On behalf of everyone at FOX, FOX Sports and FOX Deportes, we’re excited for the return of boxing to the FOX Broadcast Network after almost 20 years. We’re thrilled to be working with the PBC to bring the highest level of boxing back to the masses on Saturday, January 23, free on FOX and in Spanish on FOX Deportes.

This will be a tremendous conclusion to a thrilling week of boxing here in LA, kicking off with the great action on FS1 and Fox Deportes. We wish all the boxers the best of luck and can’t wait for Fight Week.

R. Flores
I completely agree with the sentiments of John. We mentioned as well, Premier Boxing Champions is about putting boxing back on free TV. And these fights that we have on January 23 and January 19 are sure to capture the imagination of the public.

All right, let’s get back to business in regards to one of our main event fighters. As I mentioned, wins over Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Zab Judah, Lamont Peterson and Erik Morales. Fighting out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an exciting style, and man-oh-man, he has vowed to put on a terrific 2016.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the former world champion. He is joined alongside by his father, Angel Garcia. Here is Danny “Swift” Garcia.

Danny Garcia
Thank you guys for having me on, I appreciate it. I want to say good afternoon everybody and thank you for having me on this conference call.

I’m very excited to be showcasing my skills January 23 at STAPLES Center live on FOX. I think it’s a great opportunity for the fighters to showcase their skills in a new audience. I want to thank FOX and I want to thank all my fans all around the world for making this happen.

Team Danny Garcia is training hard and we’re focused, we’re mentally prepared and we’re ready for January 23 and we can’t wait.

Q
Danny can you talk about training camp and balancing that with the holiday season?

D. Garcia
I’ve done this before. I’ve trained on the holidays before throughout my career. It’s nothing new.

Once I got the fight date in my head, it’s kind of like there are no holidays for me. So it wasn’t hard for me to stay focused. I trained just like any training camp. And me and my dad, we train hard every day. “The holiday is no holiday” is kind of a saying to us.

Q
What are the goals for you this year? And what do you think this fight can do for your future at 147?

D. Garcia
I think it’s a great fight, I think it’s a great fight for the fans. Two fighters who like to fight. So I think this is going to be an interesting fight and a great matchup.

This is just another fight to prepare myself for a fight for a world title. So I’m ready right now. Every fight in my career that’s going on now is going to be a big fight for me.

Q
12 months from now, where do you see yourself?

D. Garcia
I want to remain undefeated and hopefully be a champion if the opportunity comes up. We’re just taking it one fight at a time for right now and that’s how I did my whole career and that’s how I’m going to keep doing it

Q
When you’re in a fight, does that ever come across your mind when taking a risk or being a little more aggressive? Does that like weigh on you like don’t be too aggressive to risk something like that?

D. Garcia
No, not at all. I’m a fighter who takes risks all the time. I want to entertain the crowd. I have the ability to play it safe if I want too, but it depends on how I feel that day. But everybody knows that Danny Garcia likes to take risks.

When I’m in a fight, I’m just playing round by round; I’m not really worrying about a record or things like that.

Q
How does your body feel with moving up in the weight? You saw the power in your last fight. Do you feel like there’s anything different going from 140 to 147?

D. Garcia
To be honest with you, I feel a lot better. I’m happier now. When I fought at 140, I was always mean while trying to cut weight. I was never in a good mood. I think that’s why a lot of times I would go in there and just fight.

But now I’m able to think more; I’m able to be a lot smarter. My punches are crispier and my stamina is better. I’m able to run more, run more miles, train harder; more endurance. So I may have had the energy at 140 and do that, so at 147 so I just feel a lot stronger and I have more stamina.

Q
Do you see yourself being more active?

D. Garcia
Yes, I would love to stay active; I would love to stay active. But, you know, that my team’s job. I’m a fighter so whatever my team wants, I’ll do. So if they want me to fight two times or three times or four times, then that’s what I’m going to do.

But as for now we’re focused on January 23.

Q
With PBC giving you a lot of exposure, are you focused on just winning the fight or putting on a show with this national space so people can know outside of boxing who Danny Garcia is?

D. Garcia
It’s a Danny Garcia show. I’m always looking to put on a great show, and to go out there and give the fans an exciting fight because at the end of the day, I’ve got to give the fans their money’s worth.

So I’m going there and giving the fans their money’s worth in a great fashion and a smart explosive fashion.

Q
What kind of challenge does Robert present?

D. Garcia
I’m looking forward to – I know he’s going to come ready, but we’re ready. I’m looking forward to a challenge. I’ve prepared myself for a challenge every day, day-in and day-out. So I expect nothing but a great fight and a great performance by me.

Q
What are your goals at 147?

D. Garcia
We’re taking it one step at a time. The goal is to become a world champion again — my second division of being a world champion. So we definitely want to be a world champion again. And when the opportunity arrives, we’ll take advantage of it.

Q
Can you talk of what the difference is in approaching a fight as the underdog with nothing to lose compared to the undefeated favorite with a lot to lose?

D. Garcia
I always approach my mind with the same mindset and it’s just a winner’s mindset. I’m not really too concerned about being the underdog or the promoted fighter or favorite.

I always approach my fight mentally that I’m going to win. I never feed into the politics of the sport or who people think is going to win or going to lose. I prepare myself to be the best Danny Garcia at every fight, and that’s what I prepared myself to do for this fight.

Q
I know you’ve gone on record saying that you didn’t it to be a Puerto Rico-Mexico kind of fight. But here in LA, it becomes that. We just went through that with Cotto and Canelo.

D. Garcia
It is what it is. Whatever the fans want to take it as or whatever the promoters want to do with it, it is what it is. I have a lot of fans and I have a lot of friends out there in Los Angeles, California.

I feel like I represent everyone; Americans and things like that and a lot of Mexican-Americans. I’m an American-Puerto Rican.

So I feel like if you’re born in American and you’re Latino, I think it’s all the same. So that’s how I’m feeling and that’s why I just feel like I represent all the Latinos.

Q
Is there a different feel when you fight in LA, when you go down to STAPLES Center?

D. Garcia
It’s a great feeling; it’s a great atmosphere. I fought there once before with Kendall Holt. I was on the undercard.

LA is where stars are born. So I’m looking forward to going out there and having a star performance.

Q
What do you feel your advantages are over Guerrero going into this fight?

D. Garcia
I just feel like I’m the better fighter. I’m one of the best fighters in the world., I got to go in there and be the best Danny Garcia and have a great performance.

Q
Have you seen where and learned anything from watching any of Guerrero’s past fights?

D. Garcia
I definitely watch the fights because at the end of the day, you know, I’m a boxing fan too and I just like to watch boxing.

I watch those fights and I see the things he likes to do and the things he doesn’t like. I’m just preparing myself for anything.

Q
Do you feel you have to make a statement?

D. Garcia
I’ve just got to go in there and get the job done like I always do. I’m not really worried about what’s next on the agenda or anything like that. Our main focus is to get the job done and that’s what we’re preparing ourselves for. Then we can talk about future opponents after the fight.

Q
Do you want to make any predictions for this fight?

D. Garcia
I’d like to say Danny Garcia wins by TKO. Round five.

Q
Did you think that Robert came back a little bit too soon for that Martinez fight and that perhaps is why he looked bad?

D. Garcia
I’m not really too sure. He might have underestimated the guy and not realized it was going to be that tough of a fight., I’m expecting a great Robert Guerrero and I’m focused on Robert Guerrero. I’m focused, I’m training hard. So I’m prepared for whatever I’ve got to do to get this victory.

Q
Kenny Porter has said he had called you out and you ducked the fight with Shawn Porter. Would you care to address that at all?

D. Garcia
I’ve never ducked anybody in the sport. This is actually my second fight at 147. So it wouldn’t even make sense to duck anybody.

I addressed the situation before when he called me out and I had my comments and he had his comments, and it was what it was. Danny Garcia doesn’t duck anybody.

Q
If the opportunity does present itself and even though the report states that it did, but if the opportunity does present itself, it’s something that you would be interested in, a fight with Shawn Porter?

D. Garcia
Yes, no doubt. I want to be a champion. If he’s a champion or there’s a belt up for grabs, then we’ve got to make it happen.

But as of now, I’m focused on Robert Guerrero and he is the task ahead. Can’t let nothing sidetrack me; I’ve got tunnel vision. I’m ready for this fight.

R. Flores
Angel, could you just give us some thoughts on training camp before we switch over?

Angel Garcia
Well yes. The time has been great, there’s no injuries. Danny is looking good. He’s got great sparring partners, as a matter of fact we spar in a few minutes today. He’s looking great. January 23 the world will see again, as Danny said, the Danny Garcia Show. It’s not the circus coming to town, Danny Garcia Show is coming to town.

So California LA, get ready because we coming like a tornado. Right now they’ve got a storm out there, all this rain and all that. You know who’s causing that? We are.

So January 23, fans get ready baby. STAPLES Center on January 23. Love you guys.

R. Flores
Danny back to you for closing comments and then Robert Guerrero.

D. Garcia
I’m very excited for this upcoming fight January 23rd. Like my dad said, we’ve put a lot of work in the gym. It’s been a long, hard camp preparing ourselves for any situation. I can’t wait to go out there, show my DSG west fans a great fight.

R. Flores
Danny, thank you very much. We really appreciate it. We look forward to fight week with Danny Garcia and his father, Angel Garcia. As mentioned, fight week kicks off in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 19th, Club Nokia, PBC on FS1, Javier Molina and Jamal James.

We are excited and couldn’t pick a better place than STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Thank you to all the fans in Southern California for supporting PBC and the entire staff at STAPLES Center as well.

Let’s bring up a man who is representing the Bay Area, fighting out of Gilroy, California. He has won a world championship in multiple different weight divisions. Any time he steps inside the ring, it’s always electric, it’s always a show. He puts forth everything that he has and that much more. With victories over Andre Berto, Selcuk Aydin and Aron Martinez, anybody that’s been put in front of him he’s fought and he has given everything. Not only is he a former world champion, but his wife is a world champion in her own right, having defeated cancer and she’s been cancer free for quite some time now.

Ladies and gentlemen, he’s joined alongside by his father and his trainer Ruben Guerrero, it gives me a great honor and pleasure to introduce the former world champion who is without question excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to fight Danny Garcia on FOX on January 23, ladies and gentlemen here is Robert Guerrero.

Robert Guerrero
Hello everybody, how are you guys doing? I’m excited to be here and ready for your questions, so shoot away.

R. Flores
Robert, before we have open it up for questions I want to touch base with you. We heard some of the media during the conference call asking and pretty much saying that you’re the underdog. How do you react to the fact that Danny is the favorite in this fight?

R. Guerrero
That don’t bother me at all. My whole life I’ve been an underdog, since I was a kid. My family was always an underdog, having to work out of a field and come up strong and get to what where we got. It’s just a way of life for us. A lot of us Latinos out there, that’s the way it is. We come from poverty and work our way to the top. We’ve always been with our back against the wall and always been an underdog. We never look at that being a favorite, we just come and get the job done.

Q
Could you talk about a little bit how being a boxer has shaped your faith?

R. Guerrero
It’s just that fight and that struggle, getting through everything day in, day out. That hard work. When you go back and you look in the Bible, God says to put out as much as he put into you. That’s what I do every day I’m in the gym. This is a sport where anything can happen. One punch could change your whole life. It brings you closer to God. Everything else I’ve been through, you put God first all the time and that’s how we live.

Just being in the ring and knowing what’s God done for me and my career and my family and how far he’s taken us by having that faith in him, it’s incredible. It’s incredible. STAPLES Center Los Angeles main event on FOX against an undefeated fighter like Danny Garcia, it truly is a blessing from God to be able to be in the position that I’m in and the circumstances that I’ve had to face to be in this position also. The only way you can overcome everything is by having faith in God.

Q
Could you talk a little bit about the positive and negatives sides of being kind of a public religious figure?

R. Guerrero
There’s always a positive to everything, no matter what the negative is. You get the people out there who test your faith and who judge you and try to tear you down. But, when you’re a believer in Christ, you put him first. Nothing else matters to you. You work hard and you do what you got to do and you let your actions speak for you and what God’s blessed you with.

That’s one of the things that we’ve always done. And I try to not overstep our boundaries and try not to be out there forcing the Lord’s word down people’s throat. You let it come and you let people see how much you’ve prospered and how good God is in your life.

Q
Do you think that you did come back to soon after the Keith Thurman fight to fight Aron?

R. Guerrero
I have no excuses. And, you know what? I came back; it was three months after the fight. I think somewhere around there; it was back in camp. Aron Martinez is a tough guy. Everybody saw his last fight and what he did. He came out rough and tough and did his job.

I think I have no excuses. I went out there and got the job done, he gave me a tough fight, and I’m not going to take anything away from Aron Martinez because he trained his butt off and came and did what he did and got the job done. So I have no excuses for that fight. You just got to get back on top of it and work hard.

Q
How did your body feel heading into that fight and coming out of the fight?

R. Guerrero
I felt a little drained and worn out. Not so much of the fighting, but I had other situations going on in my life at home and emotional stuff. It all adds up. But like I said, there’s no excuse. Aron Martinez came to fight and that’s what he did. I sucked it up and bent down and showed that true grit and got through the fight and pulled a victory off.

Q
What are your thoughts on Danny?

R. Guerrero
He’s been in some close fights. That’s the decision of the judges; that’s their job to do that. But, you’re just as good as your last fight. That’s what you look at. He came in and got the job done and stopped him. He cracked the wall through a division. Now it’s time to step in with me and that’s what we’re focusing on. We put a great game plan together and we’re excited to get out there and execute it.

Q
When you see that as a fighter that you’re fighting a guy who’s younger, he’s undefeated, does that give you a little more edge and if you do beat him does it make it that much sweeter for you?

R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely it makes it sweet to give somebody their first loss. It’s shows what a true champion is to see what they do after they lose and their adversity and their back against the wall. I’m excited to be getting in there with an undefeated Danny Garcia because I get that shot like everybody else gets that shot, to crack that zero and put a one there. It’s exciting.

Q
How important is your record finishing out?

R. Guerrero
It’s about trying to make yourself a better fighter. To come back strong and finish out your career with a strong output. It’s about becoming a world champion again and also attracting that Hall of Fame.

Q
I want to ask you about the whole — Danny didn’t want to make it a big deal about its Puerto Rico versus Mexico — but you know the fans always get so involved in it. You’re on the West Coast here, you know what it’s like, right?

R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely. Whether you like it or not it’s a rivalry and it’s been a rivalry in boxing and soccer and you name it for years. That’s what it comes down to, that’s what makes our two cultures so competitive at boxing. It’s because of that rivalry. Mexicans want to be better than Puerto Ricans in the game. In my honest opinion I think Mexicans are better in the game. It’s time to come out and show what I still got left and what I can do.

Q
Nowhere better to do than STAPLES Center right here in LA, right?

R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely. Where most of my Mexican fans are, all those Latinos out there, all those — I like to call them Chicanos out there — because that’s what we are.

Q
What advantages do you see you have over him?

R. Guerrero
There’s always that southpaw stance, being a volume puncher, a guy that throws a lot of punches. Plus being at 147 a little bit longer than him it’s all an advantage. The key is using those advantages and capitalizing on them and taking advantage of them. We got to go out there and execute the game plan and make it happen.

Q
You fought some of the top guys in the world at welterweight; Mayweather, Keith Thurman, Andre Berto and all of that. What have you learned from those fights that you could use against Danny Garcia?

R. Guerrero
You got to get better sparring. For the last couple of fights I’ve just been fighting with guys that are not even pushing me in the gym and getting me 100% ready. Guys that I can do what I want to do with in the ring. It just doesn’t cut it. It just doesn’t cut it.

That’s one of the biggest things that I’ve noticed in my training camp, is not having that solid sparring that’s going to take you to that limit and make you better, sharper, faster. Keep your eyes sharp, and be ready to make those exchanges where you do something wrong they’re going to make you pay no where you’re going to do something wrong and the guy’s going to shell up and just try to survive in the ring. You need those guys that are going to push you and make you better.

Q
Does the time in between fights give you time to heal up and get sharper better?

R. Guerrero
Not so much heal up. I always take good care of my body and I come out of these fights not really damaged too much. I mean, I do a lot of damage in the ring to guys and don’t take a lot of it. It’s a matter of me sitting back and analyzing everything that’s gone on in my training camps and my career and what I need to do, what adjustments I need to make in the gym to get back to where I need to be. I think we made those adjustments and I’m excited to get back out there and make it happen.

Q
Do you want to make a prediction for this fight?

R. Guerrero
Prediction; I’ll come in to fight. I’m coming to fight. Only God knows what’s going to happen and all I can say is I’m coming to win and put out my best performance I can put out and make it happen and become a champion in the welterweight division again.

Q
When we had Danny on the line, Danny made a prediction. I don’t know what your thoughts on his. He said he’s going to TKO you in the fifth round.

R. Guerrero
All I got to say is if that’s his prediction, come to do it. Because I’m coming to fight. I’m always up for that challenge and I love it because I know he’s coming to fight, too. If he’s coming to KO me in the fifth round, that means he’s coming to fight.

Q
Where do you see this putting you back in the rankings and how important is this fight to beat the undefeated with a lot of hype behind him in Danny Garcia?

R. Guerrero
This throws me right back in. There’s lot of hype behind Danny Garcia coming at 147 pounds. There’s a lot of big talk that he’s the next star in boxing that’s going to take over. Like he says himself, stars come to Hollywood. He’s a big star in the sport and I’m not going to say he’s not because he’s been doing what he’s had to do. He’s undefeated; he’s taken out a lot of top guys. His resume is great.

I think this is a tremendous fight for me to get back on top and to get back in the ranks. To show the doubters and the media and everybody out there that Guerrero got a lot left in him. I’ve been 100% prepared for this fight fight. We got that out of the way and it’s time to take care of business on the 23 and I’m excited about it.

Q
Do you think Danny is adding in the factor that he’s not going to be the bigger guy this time?

R. Guerrero
I think he’s going to be a lot bigger than people expect. Being at 140 for the amount of time he was and coming up to 147 pounds, he’s feeling great. He’s feeling strong, he’s feeling bigger. He just walked through Paulie Malignaggi and I know he’s expecting to walk through me. So he predicted the fifth round, a knockout. So he’s feeling great about himself. That just excites me, because I know he’s coming at his best and he’s feeling his strongest and he’s coming to fight. It’s exciting to know how he’s coming to fight.

R. Flores
Robert as we get ready to conclude the conference call, we really appreciate the time and looking forward to seeing you on fight week in Los Angeles. Did you have any closing comments for the media?

R. Guerrero
I’m just excited to be back in the ring. It’s great to be in such a big event, especially here at home in California, at STAPLES Center, in the heart of Los Angeles. I’m excited about that. Also with this great undercard with Aron Martinez who’s a local Los Angeles fighter also who’s coming up strong. It’s going to be an exciting card and I’m excited.

Everybody says that they had the best training camp ever that they’ve had in I don’t know how long. I’m just going to tell you I had a great training camp. I’m excited about this fight; I’m in great shape, feeling good. I can’t wait; I had great sparring. I can’t wait to get into that fight and show the world Guerrero’s still here. I got a little bit derailed and now I’m back on those tracks and it’s time to go full steam ahead.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

London (7 January) – An exciting Latino fistic explosion between warriors Danny Garcia and Robert Guerrero will be screened exclusively live on BoxNation on Saturday 23 January.

Garcia, the former unified World Super-Lightweight Champion, and Guerrero, a former four weight World Champion, collide at the Staples Centre, Los Angeles, over twelve rounds in an expected thriller.

The addition of Garcia v Guerrero adds to a red-hot January on the Channel of Champions alongside top live domestic and international action with British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh (22 January) and the return of fearsome Russian Sergey Kovalev (30 January).

For the 31-fight unbeaten Garcia, of Puerto Rican decent, he’s taking the hard route to become a two-weight world champion by facing in only his second fight at welterweight, a hard and relentless adversary in Guerrero.

The 27-year-old big-hitter from Philadelphia vacated his titles last year to make the move up and knocked out former WBA World Welterweight Champion Paulie Malignaggi in nine rounds and is now ready to trade blows with his rival.

“Guerrero comes to fight, and he’s faced the best in the sport. This is a huge opportunity for me to show why I’m a star, and there’s no better place to do that than in Los Angeles, where stars are born.” Said Garcia.

All-action Mexican-American Guerrero, holds the edge over Garcia in rounds and has extended former pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Keith Thurman in world title challenges.

Coming back from the Thurman loss, 32-year-old Guerrero outpointed Aaron Martinez over ten rounds and is looking to get back to a winning run and towards a sixth world title. He’s anticipates a war with his Latino rival.

Guerrero, from Gilroy, California, said, “If there ever was a fight that defined the word ‘war,’ it’s this fight,” Guerrero said. “I guarantee this is going to be a historic fight. A Mexican-American vs. a Puerto Rican-American, it’s a bitter rivalry,”

“Danny Garcia is a great champion, and I know we’re going to put on a tremendous show January 23. It’s going to be fireworks—and I can’t wait!”

The action packed card will also include unbeaten welterweight prospect Sammy Vasquez Jr. facing hard veteran Aron Martinez, plus heavyweight hope Dominic Breazeale takes on Amir Mansour.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said, “Garcia v Guerrero is the first live international fight on BoxNation of 2016 and we’re delighted to add this potential thriller to the January schedule for our subscribers. Ryan Walsh starts the year for us with his British Featherweight title defence against Darren Traynor and then the ferocious punching, top ten pound-for-pounder, Sergey Kovalev, ends the month defending his WBO/IBF/WBA World Light-Heavyweight titles against Jean Pascal. Then into February, we’re looking forward to the huge WBO World Lightweight title showdown between Terry Flanagan and Derry Matthews. It’s the start of another big year on the Channel of Champions and we’re excited to be delivering our subscribers even more live domestic and international action in the coming months.”

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, Freeview 255, TalkTalk 415, online or app) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com

– Ends –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.
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LOS ANGELES (January 7, 2016) – Undefeated lightweight Alejandro “El Charro” Luna (19-0, 14 KOs) will meet Mexico’s Alan Herrera (34-7, 22 KOs) in a 10-round bout as part of a full night of undercard action on Saturday, January 23 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The event is headlined by the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes telecast that features three exciting contests in primetime. In the main event undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero battle in a 12-round welterweight bout. Preliminary action on FOX begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star Sammy “The Sergeant” Vasquez taking on Los Angeles-native Aron Martinez, plus a matchup between heavyweights Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

Additional undercard action features South Korea’s Min Wook Kim (12-1, 10 KOs) in a junior welterweight attraction and 22-year-old Mexican-American Luis Bello (6-3, 2 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout.

Rounding out the exciting night of fights is the pro debut of Los Angeles’ Sergio Quiroz in a six-round super bantamweight affair, cousin of undefeated star Leo Santa Cruz, Antonio Santa Cruz (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bantamweight fight and Huntington Park, California’s Jose Gomez (4-0) in four-rounds of featherweight action.

At just 24-years old, Luna has already put together an impressive 19 professional wins since turning pro in 2010. Fighting out of Bellflower, California, he defeated former world champion Cristobal Cruz over eight rounds in June and knocked out Sergio Lopez in August to close his 2015. Before 2015 he had put together victories over experienced fighters Daniel Attah and Sergio Rivera while knocking out six of his last nine opponents.

Opposite Luna will be the battle-tested Herrera out of Sinaloa, Mexico. Herrera was featured in a 2014 Fight of the Year candidate in Pittsburgh against hometown favorite Monta Meza Clay. The outstanding two way action inside of the ring thrilled the electric crown and nationally televised audience as both men showed incredible bravery before the fight was stopped in the 10th and final round. Herrera has won his last two fights and is coming off of a knockout of Isaias Cabrera.

A pro since 2010, the 28-year-old Kim dropped his debut but has reeled off 13 wins since then. After fighting in his native South Korea and China for the first several years of his career, Kim knocked out Lizandro De Los Santos in Mexico in March before stopping Luis Alberto Pelayo in his U.S. debut in July.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

LOS ANGELES (December 9, 2015) – Before undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (31-0, 18 KOs) and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-3-1, 18 KOs) face-off in a 12-round welterweight showdown on Saturday, January 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles they met Wednesday for a press conference at the Conga Room at L.A. Live to formally announce their primetime battle.

Garcia and Guerrero will headline the televised action on the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes fight card beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Undefeated rising star Sergeant Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez (20-0, 14 KOs) and Los Angeles-native Aron Martinez (20-4-1, 4 KOs), who will meet on January 23 in the FOX co-main event, were also on-hand at Wednesday’s press conference.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable fees and service charges, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at STAPLES Center.

Here is what the participants had to say at today’s press conference:

DANNY GARCIA

“I want to thank California for accepting me and giving me the chance to showcase my skills at STAPLES Center.

“Training camp has been going well. We already started sparring. I feel a lot stronger at 147-pounds. The world hasn’t seen the best of Danny Garcia yet, but they’ll see a fresher, faster, stronger and smarter fighter on January 23.

“I’m from Philadelphia, but I feel like California is my home because they say this is where the stars come. And I’m a star.

“I’m going to go out there and set the tempo. I’m going to back him up. If I have to move around and use angles I will. I’m going to stick to the game plan.

“I’m looking to fight anybody at 147. I believe I will be a champion in this new weight class. This is another step for me towards taking over the welterweight division.

“There are always going to be critics. It’s not a source of motivation. My motivation is to go out there, train hard and win the fight. I want to make my family proud and be the best person I can be.

“Anything can happen on any day. I have to prepare myself for all of the outcomes. The way I prepare myself, I feel like nobody can beat me.

“I represent all Latinos. In order to be a star you have to come here and do it. No matter where you come from, great fights are what you want.

” Come January 23 I’m going to go out there and give the fans a great fight.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“It’s a blessing to be in the position that I’m in. This is going to be a great fight. We know that Danny comes into every fight ready to win.

“A lot of people are writing me off, but I’ll come in 100% prepared to take the win on January 23.

“This isn’t do or die for me, but it is a big fight. The fans love fighters and that’s what I am. As you saw in my fight with (Keith) Thurman, I come to fight.

“I’ve got to take advantage of this opportunity. If I want to get back on top then this is step one. This is a pivotal point in my career.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Danny and Angel, but on fight night I’m coming ready to do business. We can be friends after. I’m excited to fight on FOX.”

SAMMY VASQUEZ

“This is because of everything I’ve been through in my life. Now I’m standing here living a dream.

“I know come January 23 this is going to be a tough fight. Aron has faced many world champions. He had a close split decision with Robert Guerrero as well.

“Honestly, it’s easier to be fighting outside of my hometown of Pittsburgh. I’m so busy when I’m there and I try to give everyone attention. I appreciate having that fan base though. They’ve been with me from the beginning.

“The fans are who builds you up. Having those fans has allowed me to get to where I am today.

“I’m looking for fireworks. He’s definitely the type of fighter that’s a step-up for me, and that’s what I’ve been wanting. I’ve been saying I’ll fight anyone the put in front of me. Now he’s in front of me, and it’s my time to shine.

“I’m coming into his back yard, but this isn’t my first time doing that. I’ve done this before and come out victorious.”

ARON MARTINEZ

“I’m happy to be fighting in my hometown. I grew up here. I can’t wait to fight in front of my people.

“Friends are asking me what it’s like to be the underdog. I tell them I’m always the underdog. That’s what makes me work harder.

“I cannot let this man come here and beat me in my hometown. It’s a dream come true to be fighting at STAPLES Center, and I’m going to take full advantage of the opportunity to add this win to my legacy.

“Hopefully Sammy Vasquez is ready because I’ve trained very hard to get here. I plan to train even harder now, have a great camp right here in the capital of boxing, and finish preparing myself.

“I think this fight is going to steal the show. It’ll be fireworks!”

ANGEL GARCIA, DANNY GARCIA’S FATHER AND TRAINER

“We’ve got to take Robert Guerrero very seriously because we know he’s coming to win against Danny.

“Danny is 31-0 and I’m going to make sure nobody takes that zero away from him.

“The Puerto Rico-Mexico rivalry will heat up. Danny is the best Puerto Rican fighter out there and we’re excited for the chance to prove it January 23 at STAPLES Center.”

RUBEN GUERRERO, ROBERT GUERRERO’S FATHER AND TRAINER

“We’re having a strong camp. This is going to be a war.

“Danny Garcia is a good fighter. He can punch. So we’ve got to be ready for all of the things that he’ll bring to the table.

“We have a good game plan and are looking forward to facing Danny at STAPLES Center. We just want to put on a great show on FOX and prove to the world what we’re capable of.”

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift @GhostBoxing, @SammyV2112, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

It will be a battle of world champions on the Fox network on January 23, 2016 when Danny Garcia takes on Robert Guerrero on the first bout on the network in nearly 20 years, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I’m excited to be fighting in prime time on Fox and to get back in the ring in such a big way,” Garcia said. “I know people are going to say this is a Puerto Rico versus Mexico matchup, but I fight for all Latinos and I have the fan-friendly style to back it up. Guerrero comes to fight, and he’s faced the best in the sport. This is a huge opportunity for me to show why I’m a star. There’s no better place to do that than in Los Angeles, where stars are born.”

“Garcia and Guerrero are two of the toughest guys in the sport today,” said Tom Brown, whose TGB Promotions is promoting the card on behalf of PBC. “They leave it all in the ring every time out and they’re going to give the great Los Angeles sports fans a memorable night of action. There’s no better way to start off the New Year and no more suited venue for it than Staples Center.”

“If there ever was a fight that defined the word ‘war,’ it’s this fight,” Guerrero said. “What a great way to kick off the return of prime-time boxing on Fox. I guarantee this is going to be a historic fight. A Mexican-American versus a Puerto Rican-American — it’s a bitter rivalry. Danny Garcia is a great champion, and I know we’re going to put on a tremendous show. Jan. 23, it’s going to be fireworks, and I can’t wait.”

“We’re thrilled to present the first professional boxing on Fox in almost 20 years with Premier Boxing Champions’ exciting prime-time Saturday shows,” said David Nathanson, the Fox Sports head of business operations. “With the success of the PBC’s Tuesday night boxing series on FS1 and Fox Deportes, we knew boxing would make a great addition to Fox alongside the Fox Sports portfolio.”

The second edition of ESPN’s Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN presented by Corona Extra (PBC on ESPN) series—featuring Danny García vs. Paulie Malignaggi and Daniel Jacobs vs. Sergio Mora—on Saturday, Aug. 1, delivered the largest boxing audience on ESPN since 1998 (5/22/98 Bronco McKart vs Ronald Weaver).

An average audience of 1,073,000 viewers (P2+) watched the event – up 34 percent and 55 percent among P25-54 from the July 11 PBC on ESPN event. The telecast also peaked during the main event with nearly 1.5 million viewers according to Nielsen.

Upcoming PBC on ESPN Schedule:
Date

Time (ET)

Featured Bouts

Location

Networks

Sat, Aug 29

10 p.m.

Leo Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs)

Staples Center, Los Angeles

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

By Bart Barry-

Saturday in Brooklyn, Philadelphia welterweight Danny “Swift” Garcia laid waste to the remnants of Brooklyn’s Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi in a PBC main event distributed by ESPN, home of Rosie “Amazingly Knowledgeable” Perez and Teddy “The Sandcastle” Atlas. It was not a particularly suspenseful affair, an absence of suspense being the one flaw in the PBC’s revolutionary new Inevitable Outcomes matchmaking model, but it worked just fine as a vehicle for saying goodbye to Malignaggi and hello to Garcia – the newest monster in PBC’s welterweight stable.

Garcia is an excellent fighter whose recent aversion to worldclass opposition does not wholly subvert his pre-PBC accomplishments. After going-in tough as any fighter in the world, 2011-2013, Garcia has paused to let his PBC coworkers catch up, and it’s not his fault those coworkers, having accomplished fractionally so much, have paused in synchrony.

Whatever one opines of the PBC or Al Haymon, it’s hard to fault Garcia or Malignaggi for their employment with the promotional/managerial/booking agency. Neither guy was exactly fast-tracked by other meaningful promotional entities at any time in his career. Garcia was actively cheered against by his then-promoter Oscar De La Hoya in fights against Erik Morales, Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse, and before that Malignaggi was used by Top Rank like a subterranean detonation site in his 2006 humbling by Miguel Cotto, a pay-per-view main event that featured a ring barely larger than a Rikers Island isolation cell and a canvas spongier than what nurses might’ve used to bathe Malignaggi during his subsequent hospital stay. Whatever it might have required for Malignaggi to keep Cotto away from him nine years ago, Malignaggi didn’t have an ounce of it, and after Cotto shattered Malignaggi’s face he went to work peppergrinding the pieces. Hard as it was to like Malignaggi before that night, it was nearly impossible to believe he deserved everything Cotto did to him.

Though it was never quite clear what ingredient of Malignaggi’s showing against Cotto would go better in a mix with other elite competition, Malignaggi’s enduring appeal to New Yorkers kept him drawing crowds enough to get him another chance, one in which he managed to outbox a granitechinned South African named Lovemore Ndou and attain the IBF’s junior-welterweight title. So long as Ricky Hatton could touch 140 pounds at least 15 minutes of each year, though, nobody in the world, not even in the IBF, thought Malignaggi was the premier junior welterweight, and so, when Malignaggi had his rematch with Ndou it was on Hatton’s undercard in Manchester, and it was memorable only for Malignaggi’s airheaded idea to wear Alien braids in the ring, braids his corner had to shear from his air head, midfight.

Unsurprisingly, Hatton stopped Malignaggi on the next card they shared, and then Texan Juan Diaz decisioned Malignaggi in Texas, exactly the way Malignaggi said he would, and, well, that was an outrage. A Texan in the White House had only recently presided over the ruination of world’s economy, tempers were not subdued, and when Malignaggi whined to HBO’s cameras afterward – he’d lost the fight on two fair scorecards so he fixated on the outlier – digital outrage ensued. This was during a bumbling transitional period for American media: Having rolled its eyes at reporting on the internet for a decade, it took seriously the world wide web long enough for the rest of the country to begin rolling its eyes at reporting on the internet – a reaction that continues as unabated, today, as the slideshows that catalyze it.

The outrage over Paulie’s robbery brought a rematch in Chicago, since HBO didn’t know what to do with its investment in Malignaggi or Diaz, and Malignaggi’s vindicating unanimous decision over Diaz got him warmed-up and fed to Amir Kahn five months later in a match whose delicious absurdity retains its tanginess even, lo, these five years since it happened. Malignaggi was 0-2 (2 KOs) against excellent fighters, and 1-2 against good ones, and if he’d been from anywhere but the media capital of the world, he’d have been lucky to get a chance on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” – where commentator laureate Teddy Atlas doubtless would have crafted and repeated and repeated a semicoherent metaphor about relocating sandcastles on a disappearing beach, long before Saturday’s spoken-word performance. Because caricatures of Yankee fans apparently are underrepresented in prizefighting, though, Malignaggi merely upgraded promoters, from a then-Golden Boy Promotions- and now-PBC-puppet promoter to the genuine article, Richard Schaefer, who helped him get a welterweight title to lose to Adrien Broner but also a commentating job with Showtime, a then-Golden Boy Promotions- and now-PBC-puppet programmer.

Malignaggi is a bright guy, and so he surely maintained no illusions about the purpose of his last two assignments, though even he must’ve been a little taken aback by the ferocity with which Shawn Porter hornworked him in 2014. The purpose of Saturday’s appearance was to welcome Danny Garcia to the welterweight division with a knockout win over a savvy veteran, and Malignaggi satisfied the requirement ably as a grinning hostess at a Yelp-reviewed eatery in gentrified Brooklyn – it’s still early, but unless Luis Collazo jealously returns to the canvas within 27 days, there’s a fair chance Malignaggi could win August’s PBC Employee of the Month.

Whatever buffoonery Malignaggi has performed while self-promoting on social media or at media events created for social media, he is an excellent commentator and knowledgeable interview. To make a robust living as a prizefighter whose hands, even when healthy, were not very good at punching, Malignaggi had to see details better fighters missed; this made him, again, the rarest of professional athletes-cum-commentators: one whose expertise extends beyond himself. He had a very good career and will not be missed in a prizefighting ring.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Follow all the action LIVE from Barclays Center as former world champions Danny Garcia and and Paulie Malignaggi get it on in a 12-round Welterweight bout. The action begins at 9 PM ET with a Middleweight world title bout between Daniel Jacobs and Sergio Mora

12 ROUNDS–WELTERWEIGHTS–DANNY GARCIA (30-0, 17 KO’S) VS PAULIE MALIGNAGGI (33-6, 7 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Left from Garcia..Straight right..10-9 Garcia

Round 2 Left from Garcia..Jab from Malignaggi..Counter right from Garcia..Malignaggi lands cmbo to the body..19-19

Round 3 Left from Garcia..Combination on the ropes..MALIGNAGGI CUT OVER RIGHT EYE..29-28 Garcia

Round 4 Malignaggi lands a left to the body..Straight right..Left from Malignaggi..Combinatiom from Garcia at end of round..39-37 Garcia

Round 5 Jab from Malignaggi..Jab from Garcia..right and jab from Maligaggi..Right from Garcia..48-47 Garcia

Round 6 Right over the top from Garcia..Jab from Malignaggi..Left and right from Garcia..58-56 Garcia

Round 7 Right from Garcia..Counter right from Malignaggi..combinaton finished with a right from Maliganggi,..67-66 Garcia

Round 8 Counter right from Malignaggi..Hard right to the body from Garcia,,,right and left..Hard left hook to the head..Big right,,77-75 Garcia

Round 9 Hard jab from Garcia..Hard 3 punch combination..Follow combination and referee Arthur mercante jr stops the fight

12 ROUNDS–WBA MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–DANIEL JACOBS (29-1, 26 KO’S) VS SERGIO MORA (28-3-2, 9 KO’S)

Round 1 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MORA..HUGE LEFT FROM MORA AND DOWN GOES JACOBS..Jacobs lands a right..Body shot from Mora…Right from Jacobs…10-9 Jacobs

Round 2 Right from from Jacobs..COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES MORA…MORA HURT HIS FOOT AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

8-ROUNDS–JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS–PRICHARD COLON (14-0, 11 KO’S) VS MICHAEL FINNEY (12-3-1, 10 KO’S)

Round 1 Body shots from Colon..Combinations to the head…10-9 Colon

Round 2 Colon lands a left to the body…exchanging right. HUGE RIGHT FOLLOWED UP BY A BIG COMBINATIONS DROPS FINNEY AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) presented by Corona Extra will feature live coverage on ESPN and WatchESPN on Saturday, August 1 from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center of two 12-round fights: a welterweight bout between undefeated Junior Welterweight champion Danny “Swift” García (30-0, 17 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs); and a middleweight bout between Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) and Sergio “Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs).

ESPN Deportes also will televise the doubleheader live as part of its Noche de Combates series and ESPN International will present live coverage across its networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim.

Host Marysol Castro, blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas and reporters Todd Grisham and Bernardo Osuna comprise ESPN’s commentary team. In addition, Hall of Fame boxing writer and ESPN boxing contributor Nigel Collins will provide social media content, insight and analysis.

In a special appearance on PBC on ESPN, actress and boxing enthusiast, Rosie Perez, will interview each boxer. Perez, called the “First Lady of Boxing” by Hall-of-Fame commentator Al Bernstein, has served as Grand Marshal for the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights on ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-host.

Atlas’ Fight Plan:
Atlas will demonstrate what each fighter needs to do to win in his “Fight Plan.”

Fighter backgrounds:
García, a Philly native, at 25 holds the WBA World Junior Welterweight title. A United States Olympic Alternate, he compiled a 107-13 amateur record before turning pro in November 2007. Malignaggi, 34, was born and raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, turned pro in 2001 and won world titles at junior welterweight and welterweight. Jacobs, 28, was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn and raised in the borough. He made his professional debut in 2007 on the undercard of the Mayweather-Hatton fight in Las Vegas. His nickname “Miracle Man” is derived from his having survived a battle with cancer in 2011. Mora, born in East Los Angeles and raised in L.A., is Mexican-American. He was the first ever winner of the television series The Contender and is a former WBC Light Middleweight champion.

Additional Highlights:
ESPN3 and the ESPN.com boxing page will provide live coverage of Friday’s weigh in at 5:15 pm on SportsCenter, with Tessitore and Atlas providing commentary. ESPN3 will also stream live coverage of the 8-round junior lightweight undercard matchup between Omar Douglas and Frank Santos de Alba on Saturday at 8 pm.

ESPN.com will provide comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-fight features, videos and blogs from ESPN’s Dan Rafael, Brian Campbell, and Nigel Collins and ESPN.com’s boxing program “Making the Rounds”.

PBC on ESPN debuted on ESPN July 11 and peaked at nearly 1.2 million viewers. The PBC series was created for television by Haymon Boxing and features top-level fights between many of boxing’s biggest names.

PBC on ESPN Upcoming Bout: Saturday, August 29, at 10 p.m. ET

Location
Networks
Leo Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs)
12 rounds, Featherweight
STAPLES Center, Los Angeles
ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

BROOKLYN (July 28, 2015) – With just days to go until Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN fighters enter the ring for their Saturday, August 1 showdowns at Barclays Center, catch up on what the fighters have been saying in the weeks leading up to fight week.

Saturday’s headlining event is the 147-pound debut of Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) as he takes on two-time world champion out of Brooklyn, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with Brooklyn’s middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) as he defends his title against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $120, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 855-GROUP-BK.

Here is what the fight participants have had to say from their media conference call and Garcia’s media workout:

DANNY GARCIA

“I’m not really concerned about Paulie, at this point in my career if I’m 110% percent ready, I feel like I can adapt to anything and find a way to win.

“It feels great to be at 147. For the first time in a long time, I could worry about training to get better and not training to lose weight. I’ve been fighting at 140 my whole career.

“I’ve been the underdog before, I’ve been the underdog before and I won. I can’t listen to none of that stuff after just going through each fight like I was, mentally prepared, physically prepared going in and get the job done.

“We added things to our workout now. We added a lot of explosive workouts, a lot of agility, a lot of footwork, a lot of things to making you more explosive, things I couldn’t do at 140 because I didn’t have the energy for it. But now the extra weight is really helping me.

“I’m very confident. I faced a lot of good fighters. I faced a lot of great fighters in my career. I have a lot of experience. I was a big 140-pound fighter. I’ve never faced a 140-pound fighter who was taller than me or who looked better than me.

“But I feel like at 147, you’re going to see a more athletic Danny Garcia and be able to use my legs more, using my jab more and see punches clearer. When you drain yourself as hard to see punches, then you get hit with a lot of dumb punches because your vision is not clear.

“I feel like my vision is going to be a lot clearer and be able to move my head, see the punches better, use my feet. And I think I’m going to be a champion at 147, too. I know so.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

“I think styles make fight. From a style point of view there are things that I feel like I’ll be able to do against Danny. But I also expect Danny had made some adjustments since those fights.

“You get to the point when you’re not in the ring for a while. It’s going through my mind that maybe I don’t want to fight. But as time went by and I started working out again, I started realizing that it was something I missed. It was something I was still craving. I wanted to be back in there.

“If we’re going to talk about the layoff, people are going to talk about the fact that, I haven’t fought for a long time. But in reality, I actually haven’t trained this consistently in a decade, literally a decade.

“I do feel the sharpness in a gym. I do feel the timing is really good. Obviously my weight has come down. So, that’s a good feeling knowing that I have to drop a lot of weight during the training camp just working on the sharpness and keep getting better.

“I’m not looking at it as having any advantages. It’s just a matter of matching of my skills to his skills.
“I can’t really tell you exactly how I’m going to play it out until I’m in the ring myself. I plan on being the best me possible. I plan on being the sharpest me possible. And right now, in training, I feel really good. The plan is to flow this training camp into a sharp night on August 1st.”

DANIEL JACOBS

“It’ll be against the most experienced guy I’ve faced thus far. I’m looking forward to testing my challenge against this slick, crafty veteran in Sergio Mora.

“So there’s not a lot of fear as far as power is concerned but where he lacks that he makes up in his craftiness and his slickness and awkwardness and sometimes he does engage in the action as well.

“The test with Sergio Mora is – whether that he can be stopped or whether or not I can go the distance with him, he’s never been stopped before, so it will be icing on the cake to be able to not only to defeat him but to stop him in the match.

“I feel like I have a lot more advantages than he does in the fight. But whatever my advantages are and whatever gets me going, will be the deciding factor for me I would stick to. So if it’s my speed, then I’ll stick to using my speed. If it’s my power, backing him down, showing him what a real middleweight feels like, then that’s what I would do.”

SERGIO MORA

“I think I’m going to be an underdog for this fight again, fighting the younger, stronger champion in his hometown. So defeating him is going to be tough with all the cards stacked against me and that’s something that I grown used to and accustomed to.

“This is going to be a really exciting card because he’s in his hometown and defending the world title. I’m hungry for that world title and I know that I’m going to have to be extra sharp and do a lot more than just have a close victory in his hometown. So I’m going to have to press action and go out of my comfort zone and I think he’s going to have to go out of his comfort zone, which is going to make an interesting fight for everybody.

“I just continue educating people about the sweet science and letting them know that power is not the number one aspect you need to be successful it’s your agility, techniques, your defense, body shots, the strategy, it’s following that strategy it’s hard.

“Like I said, I think he possess everything that I don’t. But I have the experience. I think I take a better shot from experience with Danny and I think I follow my game plan more than Danny. A lot of boxers especially a lot of young athletic fighters they go out of their game plan and once they see that it’s not working. As a veteran, I know that it’s not working initially.”

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.com and www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

PHILADELPHIA (July 22, 2015) – Two of Philadelphia’s top fighters held a media workout Tuesday as Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs)and Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs) prepared for their respective Premier Boxing Champions headlining events in August.

Garcia, who was joined by his father and trainer Angel, will be looking for his record fifth main event victory at Barclays Center on Saturday, August 1 when he takes on former world champion, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight battle on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN at 9:00 p.m. ET/6 :00 p.m. PT.

Cunningham, a two-time world champion trained by Naazim Richardson, is set for a 12-round heavyweight showdown with former light heavyweight world champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike taking place Friday, August 14 at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Prudential Center in Newark.

Tickets for the August 1 event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Swift Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $120, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 855-GROUP-BK.

Tickets for the August 14 event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and facility fee and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.

Here is what the fighters and their trainers had to say Wednesday:

DANNY GARCIA

“There’s no reason to go back in my career. The sky is the limit. It’s 147 for me now. I definitely feel a lot stronger.

“I’m able to work on things now later in camp. Before I would just be coming in to lose weight. Now I’ve had great nutrition throughout camp. My legs are there and I’m faster. It’s all going to fall into place on August 1.

“I’m not really concerned about Paulie, at this point in my career if I’m 110% percent ready, I feel like I can adapt to anything and find a way to win.

“I couldn’t cut the ring off the way I wanted to at 140. Now I have more agility and I can really corner people, use the jab and control the fight.

“My weight is great. I’ve been really disciplined with what I eat. I’m staying sharp and building muscle. I believe I could have been a welterweight two years ago.

“He’s from Brooklyn, I’m from Philly. The fight makes perfect sense. All the Italian fans, the Puerto Rican fans will be coming in to see a great fight. He’s a former 147-pound champion, it’s going to be a great fight.

“There’s no pressure on me. I just want to go in there and be Danny Garcia, a smart Danny Garcia.

“I feel like my style matches up great with anybody at 147. I’m ready for Paulie Malignaggi. I know he’s coming into his hometown. It’s a big fight for him so I just have to be completely ready.

“I moved up to 147 to fight the best fighters. Whatever the best fights are, that’s what I want.

STEVE CUNNINGHAM

“When we were offered this fight, we took it right away. Not that I think It’s going to be easy, because no fight is easy until you go in there and make it look easy.

“I’m going to do what I do. I put in the work in the gym and then I do work in the ring. The fans are going to enjoy what they see and we’re going to come out victorious.

“All I know is my situation. My back is against the wall. I want to be the heavyweight world champion and I want to be great in the sport. Fighting guys like this and beating them is what makes me great. Even as a two-time champion, my back has always been against the wall.

“There’s so much talent in Philadelphia, there has been for generations. You come to the city and see the stars. Philly is a rough city, it’s a tough hardcore city and you need to be cut from a special cloth to come out of the city and be successful.

“People came together for a cause to try and help my family. The boxing community got us to Pittsburgh in time for my daughter Kennedy to get her heart transplant. Indebted doesn’t event match how we feel, I owe the boxing community everything and I wish I could pay them back double. What I can do is continue to stay in shape and prepare right and give everyone the fights that they want to see.
[On his 9-year-old daughter Kennedy’s heart transplant which took place seven months ago in Pittsburgh]

“We’re going to take everything we’ve done in past camps and fine-tune it for this fight. Naazim has the plan and we’re going to execute it. It’s not just going to be outworking him, I’m a veteran too. I’ve been in the lion’s den and won.

“I don’t underestimate anybody. I just prepare and we’re prepared for the best Antonio Tarver we’ve ever seen.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny Garcia’s Father & Trainer

“Danny’s going to be ready on August 1 to show the world that he’s ready. The power is there. He’s coming like a lion in the night. He’s going to eat everybody up at 147.

“At the end of the day, you gotta fight. He’s not going to win running around. We’re coming to smash you.”

NAAZIM RICHARDSON, Cunningham’s Trainer

“With Steve you have to gauge the camp differently. He comes into camp in such good shape; he lives it because he’s in this shape year round.

“He’s in such good shape, he throws your timing off. There are things that you want to do, but you don’t have to because he’s there. He’s already looking very good in camp.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.com, www.PruCenter.com, www.dbe1.comand www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCente,@PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSport and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenter,www.facebook.com/ESPN , www.Facebook.com/PruCenterand www.Facebook.com/Spike.
Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

Lou DiBella
Thank you very much for joining us for this call for the PBC on ESPN show on August 1 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The show will be live on primetime on ESPN on Saturday, August 1st, with coverage beginning at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT.

The main event of the evening is Danny “Swift” Garcia against Paulie Malignaggi. The opening fight is a middleweight title bout between Danny Jacobs and Sergio Mora.

August 1 is the second PBC card on ESPN and the first one is going to be Keith Thurman against Brooklyn’s Luis Collazo. That’s going to be on July 11th in Tampa, Florida.

Tickets for August 1 are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45 and are on sale now. They’re available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, you can call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or to get group tickets from Barclays Center, 800-GROUPBK.

The opening bout is a terrific fight. Danny Jacobs is an inspirational fighter but also a super talented middleweight that’s risen to championship stature and holds the belt. He’ll fight at Barclays Center for the fourth time.

Danny rise from cancer to vie over the champion has been well documented. But frankly, at this point, he’s beaten that illness and he wants to focus to be on his boxing career and on being the best he can be and he’s taking on a huge challenge on August 1 in Sergio Mora, legitimately one of the best middleweight contenders out there and known very well as the winner of NBC’s “The Contender” Series a number of years ago. Sergio is a former world champion at super welterweight, looking to add a middleweight crown to his resume.

He owns victories over Ishe Smith, Peter Manfredo Jr. and Vernon Forrest and enters this fight on a five-fight win streak. And he most recently defeated Abraham Han in February of this year on ESPN.

So first, I’ll let Sergio Mora say a few words before we go to the champion.

Sergio Mora
Hey, guys. Well, I’m excited to be fighting on my first PBC card. It’s been a long time coming. The last time I fought for a world title was seven years ago and I was able to defeat Vernon Forrest as a 4-1 underdog.

I think I’m going to be an underdog for this fight again, fighting the younger, stronger champion in his hometown. So defeating him is going to be tough with all the cards stacked against me and that’s something that I grown used to and accustomed to.

There’s nothing bad I can say about Daniel Jacobs, absolutely nothing. I look for something negative to say and I can’t. The guy has overall talent. He’s far younger, faster, stronger and hits harder than me and he has more momentum coming his way. He’s on a nine-fight win streak and he beats me in that as well. I have five-fight going for me.

But the thing that I can say is that he hasn’t faced opposition that I faced. I think he’s an emotional, athletic fighter. I’m a cerebral, intelligent, strategic fighter.

This is going to be a really exciting card because he’s in his hometown and defending the world title. I’m hungry for that world title and I know that I’m going to have to be extra sharp and do a lot more than just have a close victory in his hometown. So I’m going to have to press action and go out of my comfort zone and I think he’s going to have to go out of his comfort zone, which is going to make an interesting fight for everybody.

I’m very confident coming into this fight. I’m very happy on the team that I’m with now and this opportunity. I’ve always wanted to fight in Brooklyn. I always wanted to fight in a mega arena like Barclays Center. I’m blessed to have this opportunity and part of this PBC movement. Thank you.

L. DiBella

Thank you, Sergio.

And now to the champion, Brooklyn’s own, Danny Jacobs.

Daniel Jacobs

Well, after Sergio’s intro, what more can I say? That’s pretty cool.

I’m excited to have an opportunity to be back at Barclays Center a second time around as a champion. So this will be my second title defense. It’ll be against the most experienced guy I’ve faced thus far. I’m looking forward to testing my challenge against this slick, crafty veteran in Sergio Mora.

I’ve always said that I’m just trying to get that experience most importantly. It’s important to me as a young champion, I’m not where I want to be as a fighter thus far. You’re still growing, you’re still learning. I’m looking at this as just a really starting test. I’m trying to really gain as much experience as I can in fighting such a crafty, slick veteran.

He’s been in this position before. So, he’s already accustomed to being in this position and being an underdog but I can’t take him lightly even though he will be an underdog and even though people will pick me as a favor to win. I’m looking at him as the most devastating opponent that I’ve had thus far coming up to middleweight.

So there’s not a lot of fear as far as power is concerned but where he lacks that he makes up in his craftiness and his slickness and awkwardness and sometimes he does engage in the action as well. So I’m looking forward to it. It’s really a starting test but something that I’ve been preparing for a while of any camp even though I’ve been working and doing my broadcasting which I’m very happy to announce. I’ve been keeping in the gym. I’ve been keeping fit and I’m really looking forward to this test and have it at Barclays I think there’s not a better place in the world I have. So I’m looking forward to testing my skills against a crafty veteran.

Q
I’d like both of you to address when you receive this negative attention on Twitter and such, how do you deal with it and what’s your response to it.

S. Mora
Well, listen, I’ve been dealing with this negative criticism for my entire career. It’s something that followed me. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a reality show winner or because people hate the way that I go in to fight and I can’t knock people out. I’m sorry I wasn’t born with power. You need to be born with power. If I have a way where I can ingest power and knock out and what people want to see into my arsenal, then I’ll do it, but I can’t. I was born the way I’m born. I got to do what I can with my abilities.

I think I’ve come a long way with all the other athletes that lack power and I think that makes me an even better fighter. It made me evolve into a different type of boxer. So these are the things that boxing needs to understand and the fight fans need to understand that, “All right, well, listen, he’s fighting a guy with a lot of power but how come the guy with no power is actually doing better than the guy with power? Because this is the sweet science and that’s how I become a champion.

So it doesn’t bother me. I just continue educating people about the sweet science and letting them know that power is not the number one aspect you need to be successful it’s your agility, techniques, your defense, body shots, the strategy, it’s following that strategy it’s hard.

So I’m happy to answer those questions for people that don’t know. But people that do know, get over it.

Q
Danny, what about you responding to people who want you to fight Golovkin? That say he isn’t tough enough, how do you deal with that stuff?

D. Jacobs
I’ve learned since my return back. I’ve got a lot of criticism on my position – why I’ve been facing people who wanted me to step up, people who wanted me to get in position to fight who they want me to fight. I’m passed that point. Now what I care about – well, not to the extent where I don’t care about what the fans think but, if you support me, I look at it as, you understand the process, you understand that it’s not going to come when you wanted to come and if you’re a fan of the sport and if you’re a fan of myself, then you just go along with the journey.

I want to step up. I want to be able to get in there with the best of the best. But obviously, with everything going on in the sport of boxing right now, I’m not really in control of certain things, you know. I may control who I step in there with but to a certain degree. So I really don’t tend to get into things like that. I do what I do. I stay ready. As a champion, I conduct myself inside and out of the ring. Whoever I’m in there with I give my best. If you are a fan of the sport, then you’re going to like the fights regardless. It’s all about putting on a show. That’s what I’ve been doing – I felt like I’ve been put in good fights.

Q
Is it a challenge for you that you want to take on to be the first person to stop Sergio Mora or is it pretty important for you to finally go the distance to go 12 rounds?

D. Jacobs
I’d essentially wanted to go 12-rounds with Truax. I intentionally wanted to go 12-rounds with Truax. Because I felt like I could stop him a little bit earlier, maybe like in the 6th round but it was something that I wanted to prove to myself and knowing that I can go a full strong 12 rounds is something that I’m very confident with now and I feel like I’m answering my question. So, the test with Sergio Mora is – whether that he can be stopped or whether or not I can go the distance with him, he’s never been stopped before, so it will be icing on the cake to be able to not only to defeat him but to stop him in the match.

But, he’s a crafty veteran and if I can take a win over a guy like that, a win is a win to me. But at the end of the day, what the fans want to see is knockouts. What the fans want is spectacular fights. So my thing is if we could just produce a fantastic fight and a competitive fight, I’m content with that. A knockout is just icing on the cake. But it’s something that I’m looking for but if it happens, I’m pretty sure I know how to get the job done.

Q
What do you think about his boxing skills? How do they match up with yours especially over the course of a 12-round fight?

S. Mora
That was a great question you asked Danny, by the way. I think he answered perfectly. I would want to knock someone out like me, you know, because it puts something on your resume that Vernon Forrest and Sugar Shane Mosley, two Hall of Fame greats haven’t been able to do. So that was a great question.

Like I said, I think he possess everything that I don’t. But I have the experience. I think I take a better shot from experience with Danny and I think I follow my game plan more than Danny. A lot of boxers especially a lot of young athletic fighters they go out of their game plan and once they see that it’s not working. As a veteran, I know that it’s not working initially.

There’s a beginning, a midgame and an end game, kind of like in chess. But you just got to stick to what you practiced and don’t go out of your element and normally things go well for me. That’s how I’m going to continue doing.

Of course, I’ve changed some things in my strategy. I’ve changed some things in my arsenal and the way I see opponents and I go about it. But ultimately, it’s still Sergio Mora – still the guy that has that ability to upset a champion and that’s who’s going to be fighting August 1st.

Q
Can you talk about your perspective on having it been a long time since you were at this level in terms of a belt being available to you?

S. Mora
Well, anyone who’s been around the game for more than ten years or not even then. Anyone who’s been around the game will know that this is a political game. And if you’re not with the right side, you’re on the wrong side. And then even if you are on the right side, there’s another side I think that are right and they’re going to be butting heads.

Very political business and I think I turned a lot of people off when I fought Shane Mosley and an uneventful fight but I took all the blame for that and then after that, I was forced to go to Texas to fight a Texan. And I came up short against Brian Vera and then that just really hurt my career.

I was getting all the bad media, I wasn’t getting the right offers and that’s a good reason why fighters retire because they don’t have the offers coming in and it can be really depleting and depressing. I decided to go back to the drawing board and start off with a new team, have a new focus and I realized the change in the boxing as well, the same people that were in charge of courts in 2010, 2012, they’re not in charge anymore. There are new players in the game, there are new dates in the game and there’s new opportunity.

So because of all this new stuff that’s been added to the world of boxing, a person like myself has been able to make the comeback and I’m in a really good place and I am appreciative.

Q
Sergio, do you feel that you get a bit of a bad wrap?

S. Mora
In my head, in my stubborn, ignorant head, I’m undefeated. I thought I beat Brian Vera both of those times and I beat Vernon Forrest the first time. He beat me the second time. That’s an even draw, you know. So in a way, no one has really dominated, no one has really beat me convincingly. So in my head, I’m undefeated. There’s no rubber match to see who really has more wins over the other guy. But in reality, Vernon beat me the second time, I beat him the first time.

It’s a crazy business. People are waiting for you to just come down.

Q
So when you take a look at Danny’s record, what is your take on what he’s accomplished or what you think of his ability?

S. Mora
Well, exactly what you guys thought. I think with special talent and he got a piece of a world championship and he’s recognized as a champion. So, everything that people thought of him came true. Now that he’s on top, he needs to fight top fighters. I don’t think he’s faced the opposition that I faced and other champions have faced. I think that’s the only thing that he’s limited in.

So I’m going to be the best name on his resume and we’re going to see how he’s going to be able to handle a guy as crafty like me and a former champion like myself. So it’s a bit of success for him and it’s the best for me fighting a young, hungry champ.

Q
When you look over your resume of opponents you faced in your career so far, does he poses perhaps the most formidable test of your career given his experience and his crafty nature?

D. Jacobs
Well, absolutely, coming into this thing I even said that I mentioned that he’s the most experienced fighter that I will be stepping in the ring with. The former world champion, beating the likes of Vernon Forrest, Shane Mosley, a couple other guys. He has that experience. He knows what it is to go the distance. He knows what it is to be in a dogfight. I’m a young champion and I haven’t seen those things thus far, right, you know.

I’m content – well, not content but, I’m okay with the fact that I have fought those guys, those topnotch but that’s what I’m looking forward to is a ladder. You can’t skip the ladder. You can’t skip any steps, or you’ll fall.

So we take in a step by the time and we stepping up and every time you’re going to see great opposition. I’m just looking forward to this one. I don’t take him lightly whatsoever. I clearly mark him as one of the toughest, craftiest most experienced guy that I have faced.

Q
Daniel, what is going to be the thing that gets you over the top and helps you win this fight?

D. Jacobs
I don’t know what will be the main thing. But I feel like I have a lot more advantages than he does in the fight. But whatever my advantages are and whatever gets me going, will be the deciding factor for me I would stick to. So if it’s my speed, then I’ll stick to using my speed. If it’s my power, backing him down, showing him what a real middleweight feels like, then that’s what I would do.

But it’s all about adjusting and getting in there because, you know, not a lot of things may work according to the game plan. So you got to go to Plan B, Plan C and so on and so forth. So I’m just looking forward to seeing what works for me, figuring it out because it is a puzzle, it is a chess game when you fight a guy like Sergio and just making it work. I think that’s what a true champion does is just adjust and get the job done.

Q
What are you doing in training camp to get away from that label of spoiler and be directly concentrated on winning that title from Danny Jacobs?

S. Mora
Yes. I’ve been labeled the spoiler. I’ve been labeled a lot of names that I actually consider as a good thing, you know. You could see it as positive or negative. You come in the positive things that I’m going to go in there, I’m going to spoil Danny Jacobs’ plans and spoil his promotion plan and spoiler for the fans is the negative that I’m going to come in and win. I decided to go in there – when the fight with Mosley and Vera, I decided to change my style a bit and I actually engaged a little bit more and be a little bit more offensive and take more chances to go for the knockout. But I think I’ve done that. You know, in my last five fights, I knocked down three of my opponents. So I’ve kept my word and I got this opportunity to fight for a world title again.

With Danny, I’m going to do the same. I’m going to try to go out there and do the same thing that got me into this position. I’m showing them that I can be and I can be crafty. I mostly want to let them know that, “Hey, listen, I got this other side to my game too that I added to that slickness and that craftiness.” Danny also mentioned, if that’s not working, then I got to go to Plan B and C. I’m going to give him different looks just like he’s going to give me. But I’m an excited former champion and waiting to be a new champion August 1st.

Q
Talk about the kinds of sparring partners you have into camp.

S. Mora
Yes, I like to have heavier sparring partners, harder punching sparring partners. But it’s not about the power because me and my sparring partners aren’t going to go in there and hit me with that power. So I like hitting guys with slickness, with speed, just in case Danny comes in there and he shows me a different style, I got to be ready for that. So I got younger guys, stronger guys, powerful guys, big guys, elusive guys and I like to mix it up.

Q
You’re a tremendous fighter, and the same time, you are great announcer, can you talk about seeing that light at the end of the tunnel and a career after boxing?

D. Jacobs
Well, thank you sir I really, really appreciate that. To answer your question, yes, that’s the game plan. To be able to talk and give my side on a national level. So one opportunity I don’t take for granted that I’m enjoying doing is giving me a different perspective on a sport that I love. And it’s something that it can set me up for the rest of my life as something to do post-boxing. But, obviously not straying away from the main task at hand, boxing obviously is what I love to do and just the forefront. So I’m 110% focused on what we’re doing actually inside the ring.

But on my spare time in between fights, it’s something that I also like to do and stay busy. But the most part is just building the brand. That’s what we’re doing. We’re building the Danny Jacobs brand and I’m having fun doing it but I’m taking it seriously because, you know, boxing is a very short road and I’m going to fall back on this as well.

So just trying to take everything serious and trying to give the best that I have and seeing that it’s been working thus far. So God has definitely blessed me and I’m just looking forward to everything in the near future. This opportunity to fight Sergio is a heck of an opportunity for me in my mind. I think it’s one heck of a step-up as well.

So I’m just looking forward to what life has in store for me and my career in the future.

L. DiBella
We’re going to move on to the main event of the evening right now. But once again, this is Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN from Barclays Center on August 1. It’s primetime in ESPN, coverage beginning at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT. Tickets are from $250 down to $45 available at BarclaysCenter.com, Ticketmaster.com, the Box Office at Barclays or by calling Ticketmaster or calling Barclays Center.

The main event is a classic Philadelphia versus Brooklyn matchup, featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars. And it’s a must-win situation for both fighters when Danny “Swift” Garcia takes on Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi. It’s 12 rounds at welterweight at 147 pounds.

Interestingly, both of these fighters participated at Barclays Center inaugural boxing card in 2012.

Danny Garcia, the former Unified Welterweight Champion, made five defenses Junior Welterweight Champion, made five defenses of his belt. It’ll mark Danny’s official move up to welterweight and his fifth appearance at Barclays Center. On his last fight, he had a really tough win and a really hard-fought fight with Lamont Peterson.

On August 1, he has his hands full with Paulie Malignaggi, former Welterweight and Junior Welterweight World Champion, has a record of 33-6. It’s Paulie’s fourth fight at Barclays Center. He defeated Pablo Cesar Cano and Zab Judah there and he lost close split decision to Adrien Broner.

Paulie, do you want to start by saying a few words?

Paulie Malignaggi
Thank you, Lou. Yes, I’m just really feeling blessed to have the opportunity. It was an opportunity that I didn’t see coming my way after pulling out of the O’Connor fight earlier in the summer and then now trying to back up into the fall. I’m just really trying to sit back and enjoy the summer more so than training and whatnot.

This kind of opportunity just fell into my lap. It was unexpected. But I’m all about competing against the best. As surprised that I was, it was also an opportunity I couldn’t say no to. It’s a chance to, be back in the main spotlight with that kind of a fight, be at the forefront which are the kind of fights that I crave, anyway, and the kind of fights that really get my adrenaline flowing and get me motivated.

I’m fighting one of the best fighters in the world today at any weight. Like Danny Garcia, it’s a motivation to test myself against the best. I always want to test myself against the best, and so here I am.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Paulie. Danny “Swift” Garcia, still undefeated, 30-0 with 17 KOs. Danny?

Danny Garcia
How are you guys doing? First, I want to say good afternoon to everybody. I hope everybody is having a good day. Thanks for having me on this conference call.

August 1st this is going to be another great night at Barclays Center. It’s my fifth fight there and my first fight at 147. So I feel like this is a great matchup, stylistically, to the fans all around the world.

Come August 1st, I’m going to be ready. I’m working hard. I’m training hard. I can’t wait to get in there, showcase my skills and in the weight class.

Q
How do you feel, Danny, now moving up to welter?

D. Garcia
It feels great. For the first time in a long time, I could worry about training to get better and not training to lose weight. I’ve been fighting at 140 my whole career.

I just feel felt like losing the weight was affecting my performances, mostly in the later rounds of big fights because I will use a lot of my energy losing weight. I think I’m just going to – I’ve been feeling a lot stronger and a lot better at 147. I think I should have been moved up maybe after the Mattysse fight.

But I’m here now and I feel good. I feel strong. I’m training hard. And we’re working on new things just to get faster and stronger at 147.

Q
Did the weight loss hurt you against Lamont Peterson you think?

D. Garcia
I’m not making any excuses. He had a good game plan. I just didn’t feel strong at that weight class anymore.

Before, when I hit guys, I could feel the power going through my arms. And when I land a shot, I knew I would hurt them. I just didn’t feel strong at the weight class no more. I just felt like I was hurt myself. I just didn’t feel as strong at 140 anymore.

Q
Paulie, just talk about getting back in the ring after the Porter fight and this opportunity for you.

P. Malignaggi
I feel blessed just to get the opportunity and to get a chance to continue to test myself against one of the best fighters in the world.

You get to the point when you’re not in the ring for a while. It’s going through my mind that maybe I don’t want to fight. But as time went by and I started working out again, I started realizing that it was something I missed. It was something I was still craving. I wanted to be back in there.

This year, in particular, has been different than a lot of years. I’ve always had my fight and then I’ve gone right back into just hanging out. I’ve spent almost the entire year in the gym. And I’ve been able to balance it out with all my travel with my commentating. I was in Sadam Ali’s camp for his fight.. I went right into my own training camp for Danny O’Connor and I got cut just two weeks before that scheduled fight. Then I got a call for this fight not long after that.

I’ve spent a large chunk of the year in the gym, which is something that hasn’t happened in a long time. And I feel sharp before that. If we’re going to talk about the layoff, people are going to talk about the fact that, I haven’t fought for a long time. But in reality, I actually haven’t trained this consistently in a decade, I mean literally a decade. Since I fought Miguel Cotto, I started making pretty good money after that and I haven’t stayed all year in the gym. Before that, I was in the gym all year, you know.

I didn’t even mean to do it by design. It’s not like I said, “Oh, this year, I’m going to spend the whole year in the gym.” I didn’t – it’s not something I planned. It’s just something that ended up happening going from one camp into another camp, into another camp. And I guess it’s just an accident.

But I do feel the sharpness in a gym. I do feel the timing is really good. Obviously my weight has come down. So, that’s a good feeling knowing that I have to drop a lot of weight during the training camp just working on the sharpness and keep getting better.

Q
Was there ever any serious consideration about retiring after the Porter fight or was that just suddenly flowing around out there?

P. Malignaggi
It wasn’t even something I considered. It was just something that I felt like I was going to do, you know. I just felt like, I don’t really want to do this, in the time, the way I felt, where my mind was at. And it was just something I didn’t want to do anymore.

So I think that’s probably the best thing that happened to me in terms of thinking it like that. Not talking about the loss, but in terms of my mindset in that moment was probably the best thing because if you start to tell yourself you’re going to have a layoff and you’re going to come back, in the back of your mind, you’re never going to take that time off the right way. You’re going to be thinking about you should be back in a gym or when is the right time to get back in the gym.

But because I wasn’t thinking that, I was just thinking, “You know what, I’m done,” I gave myself plenty of time to kind of rejuvenate a little bit before I got back in the gym. And then I just decided, “Hey, you know what, I miss this. I want to get back in the gym.”

So I think the change of my mind was probably a good thing as opposed to just telling myself, “You know what, I’m going to take some time off and then come back.” I really didn’t think I was going to come back. So when I took the time off, it was really like a time that I was legitimately, in my mind, feeling rested and got myself rejuvenated without even realizing it. And then by the time I got back in the gym, it was like to try rebuilding a new me, so to speak.

Q
Did you think that this might be too much of a stepup after you’re going to be fighting Danny O’Connor after the long layoff?

P. Malignaggi
I was actually surprised. First, I didn’t realize Danny was actually going to move to welter right away. I figured like he was having trouble making the junior welterweight limit. But I had heard rumblings that he still wanted to stay a junior welter for a little longer.

I was surprised just in general that he’s moving to welterweight. And then I was surprised, coming off the layoff, I thought maybe that we’ll get somebody else, instead of me to fight Danny.

When I got the call, I was surprised. But it was almost like pleasantly surprised. And not because I don’t respect Danny because I do, I got a lot of respect for Danny and family and his father and everything, but I’m a competitor. I haven’t had a big fight in over a year. So it’s just like, man, this is an opportunity for me to kind of put myself back in the mix with one really good performance as opposed to slowly getting back in the mix over the course of three, four fights.

I’m 34-years-old. I’m not 24. So I don’t really have that kind of patience anymore. At the same time, when I got the call, I also realized how good I had felt in the gym sparring and how good I’ve been feeling in the gym just getting shaped or whatnot. So I felt like I could just flow right into another training camp, because I hadn’t taken that long a time off after I had been cut for the O’Connor camp. I actually still kept training.

So my weight was still good. It kind of made sense on a lot of fronts. I didn’t tell myself, “Oh, it’s a big step-up after a layoff.” I didn’t look at it like that. I looked at it from more of a positive perspective.

Q
Are there any health concerns for you or just heading into this fight?

P. Malignaggi
I don’t ever think about this stuff, man. You have to have a short memory in boxing. And that applies to both when you look good and when you look bad. So whatever has happened to you in the past, it doesn’t matter whether it was good or bad. You can’t take that in the ring with you in your next performance. You’re starting a new chapter every time you step in the ring for round one in your next fight.

So I know as far as round one, it’s a new chapter for me. And so I don’t consider, I don’t think about what’s happened to me in the past, whether it was good or bad. But it’s something that I haven’t thought about in a long time and it doesn’t go through my mind.

Q
Danny is this an effort for you to feel what a 147-fight feels like?

D. Garcia
This is a fight my manager wanted. He gave me the call. He made this fight. And like any other fight, he did ask me, “Hey, do you want to fight this guy?” And then we say, “Yes, we want to fight this guy.”

So I didn’t go say, “Gee, I want to fight Paulie because he’s not a big puncher,” you know, because, power is just one of the many skills you need in boxing. I don’t choose the opponent. I don’t hand choose the opponent. But I think that overall, this is going to be a great fight.

Q
And what are you looking for this fight to do in terms of advancing your career should you win the fight? What would be next for you? What are you aiming to do in this division?

D. Garcia
I don’t know what’s next. Obviously, one fight at a time. I got a task in front of me. I got to go in there 110% mentally and physically prepared and just get the job done. Then after that, we can see what’s next for us.

Q
Paulie, how do you view a fighter like Danny, a former champion, coming up from 140 to 147?

P. Malignaggi
Oh, I think he’s a phenomenal fighter. I even told Danny myself, early on, I wasn’t high on him. But, I know when he was in the prospect stages, he was beating some really good names and he was hitting a harder road up and a lot of prospects to do, in terms of a guy he has to fight. And he grew on me. I started realizing I’m not looking at this kid the right way. This kid is actually good on a lot of fronts, both from a physical perspective and from a mental perspective, really strong.

I’ve always had a lot of respect for him. But in terms of 140, 147, he’s no different than me. I was a junior welterweight champion; I moved into welterweight. So from that front, I don’t even look at myself as a bigger guy or anything. As a matter of fact, he moved up to welterweight at a younger age than when I moved up to welterweight, you know. So his body grew into the division a little sooner than my body grew into the division.

So I think from that point of view, we both have that in common that we’re both ex-junior welterweight. So from a physical standpoint, I’m not looking at it as having any advantages. It’s just a matter of matching of my skills to his skills.

Q
Moving up to 147, do you really feel like you’re going to be able to put a staple on a lot of people’s mouths to shut them up about all the criticism that comes with Danny Garcia?

D. Garcia
That’s just boxing. Because I’ve been the underdog before, I’ve been the underdog before and I won. And there was like, “Oh, he got lucky.” So it’s either I’m the favorite or the underdog. I can’t listen to none of that stuff after just going through each fight like I was, mentally prepared, physically prepared going in and get the job done.

If it’s good enough for the media and it’s good enough for the fans, I’m happy. I’m still happy because, it takes a real man to go in there and put gloves on and fight another man for 12 rounds. It takes a lot of discipline. It’s usually hard work for ten weeks straight waking up every day, doing the same thing, sweat, blood, tears, all that stuff.

So I would love for the fans and the media to love me. But, it is what it is, they’re tough on me and that’s what keeps the chip on my shoulder and that’s going to make me train hard every day.

Q
Do you see your craftiness advantages that you may have over him that Danny may have a little bit of difficulty with skilled boxers?

P. Malignaggi
I think styles make fight. From a style point of view there are things that I feel like I’ll be able to do against Danny. But I also expect Danny had made some adjustments since those fights.

When it comes to the Lamont Peterson fight, as I was watching that fight and Lamont started turning things around, I started thinking, maybe Danny, he got in his mind after the first three, four, five rounds that this was the kind of fight this is going to be all night.

And when you kind of get into that role in your mind where, hey, man, this is going to be at a slow pace fight and you’re going to go through the motions in the fourth round. And then suddenly the script gets switched on you; you weren’t ready.

I felt like Lamont almost caught Danny in a sleep. And so from there, I don’t know that Danny would make a mistake again. The pace was so slow early on. I felt like I put myself in Danny’s shoes and I said, “You know what, if I was Danny, I would probably be thinking two, three, four rounds. That’s it. This is the kind of fight we’re going to fight for 12 rounds. So I wouldn’t be ready when suddenly he got turned off. Because if in your mind you put in – if you put in your mindset that’s how the fight is going to be and then things switched, then you kind of get caught sleeping.

So I felt like maybe it was a learning experience for Danny. But as far as from the stylistic point of view, yes I like the way my boxing skills match up to his. I’m sure there’s things he feels he can do to me as well. And that’s kind of why we get in the ring, we compete with each other and you match up skills. But I’m sure both of us have certain advantages over the other that we’re both going to try to apply once the bell rings on August 1st.

Q
Do you see that as a must-win situation for you especially coming off the loss with Shawn Porter?

P. Malignaggi
I think it’s more must-win for me as far as my own boxing career is concerned. I think there’s no question that from my professional boxing career, not my commentating career; take everything else aside. For the life of my professional boxing career to continue, I feel like this is a must win for sure. I don’t think that there’s much of a must-win for Danny as it is for me.

At this level, they’re all – you always feel like it’s must win because you’re always in the mix for a bigger fight if you can win. So it’s always must win. But in reality, I feel like the burden falls on me more than Danny for it to be that kind of must-win.

But it’s also nothing new to me. I’ve been written off before. My career was supposed to end in 2009 when I went to Houston, Texas. I just came off the Ricky Hatton loss and I went to Houston to fight Juan Diaz. And no matter what I said in the press conferences, no matter what I’ve said in interviews, I remember just within one year they just kind of felt like this was going to be the end of my career. And so I had to go in there and prove it myself that it wasn’t yet, you know.

So I had everybody – if I allowed myself to listen to what everybody says, I would have long gone a long time ago because you figure, you teach everybody their lessons and then it happened again in 2012. I got sent to Ukraine. I hadn’t really had a big fight in a couple of years and people just thought I was again sent to Ukraine as a fight just to make a little bit of money and be done. I was surprised that everybody was thinking about me like that again. I was like, “Wow. These people really don’t learn their lesson, you know.”

And so I went to Ukraine and I’d come back with the WBA Welterweight title at that time. And I was able to turn things around again from – in my career. And those are really two key situations because losses in those two fights would really have erased me from the sport.

So I found myself again in this kind of situation. I’m not travelling to anybody’s hometown this time. I’m fighting in my own hometown. But it’s the same situation. It’s kind of the same thing. No matter what I say going into this fight, people are still going to look at it the same way that I’m the opponent and I’m the guy that Danny beats and this is my last fight and I’m just taking this for a payday and all this stuff.

So if I hadn’t already been through this, maybe I would worry about it. I remember in 2009, going to Houston, being kind of worried about it, complaining about all kinds of stuff and just not really knowing what I was walking into. I was walking into a dark room. But I’m not walking into a dark room on August 1st. I know exactly what’s going on. I know exactly what the rumblings are in the boxing world. And I know exactly what everybody is saying about the fight.

Regardless, it doesn’t matter. None of it matters. I go in the gym; I do my work every day. I know my mindset. It’s focused. It’s ready. And I know I’m going there to do work on August 1st. And nobody’s opinion is going to matter when the bell rings. But you can’t take people’s opinions in the ring with you, again, whether they’d be good or whether they’d be bad. Nobody’s opinion comes in the ring with you. It has absolutely no bearing on who wins each and every single round.

Q
Danny, what things have you been able to do this time around doing training that you could not do in the past because you had to make 140?

D. Garcia
We added things to our workout now. We added a lot of explosive workouts, a lot of agility, a lot of footwork, a lot of things to making you more explosive, things I couldn’t do at 140 because I didn’t have the energy for it. But now the extra weight is really helping me. I’m eating – I’m adding more meals to my base to make me stronger, like before I had to skip meals. I was always weak.

Q
When we’re thinking about this, your training in the gym, do you 100% know how good you’re going to be as far as the sharpness and what you have left at 34? Or does it remain to be seen, you’ll only know on fight night?

P. Malignaggi
Fight night you can feel any which way. You can have a good camp but sometimes have a bad night. You can have a bad camp and have a good night. You don’t know how you’re going to be on fight night until you wake up the morning of the fight.

But I will say this, I’m having a good camp. And it mainly has to do with the fact that I’ve flown from one camp to another to another and I’ve been able to keep working on my skills and keep working on my sharpness. My weight has stayed low because of the fact that I have consistent training, consistent sparring.

I really like the way I’m feeling right now. I like the rhythm that I’m in when I’m in the gym. I like the flow. We’re just going to try to bring this sharp camp into the fight.

Q
Do you believe that you got the fight because they believed that you were a faded fighter?

P. Malignaggi
I didn’t go that deep into thinking. When I got the call, I was just surprised. Rhen I got the thinking, like, man, that’s a big fight. Any competitor wants big fights and wants to be in the limelight and wants to be on the big stage. I was wondering if I would ever get a chance to fight on this stage again.

I was more just surprised than anything else. I didn’t really go into thinking as to why I got the fight or why I got offered the fight or whatnot. I think that’s more your guys’ job. And I’m sure they let me know about it on Twitter and in the media why I’ve got this fight. Even if I didn’t think about it, just seeing what everybody says about it, I kind of get the gist of it.

If that’s the reason I got offered the fight, it’s the same reason I got offered the Juan Diaz fight in Houston in ’09. It’s the same reason I got the Vyacheslav Senchenko fight in Ukraine in 2012. And my confidence comes from me knowing I have the mental capacity to not let that kind of pressure bother me and have the mental capacity to just go into my zone and eliminate all the negativity from my mind.

Danny said earlier he would love the media and the fans to love him. I couldn’t care less whether anybody loves me or hates me. And I think the body of my work throughout my career or the things that I said, the things that I do, shows that I could care less whether anybody loves me or hates. I go out there to do a job. I’m a competitor. I love competing. I love the adrenaline rush of combat at the highest level and testing myself against the best fighters in the world.

That’s why I do this. I love to fight – I love to see where I’m at. And on August 1st, I’ll show myself.

Q
Danny, where is dad, Angel Garcia?

D. Garcia
My dad is doing well. Right now, he’s at a shop. He owns and runs a business. Angel is just being Angel right now. I won’t see him until 5 o’clock. Only the Lord knows what he’s doing right now.

Q
I would say some of the best work that you have done in the ring is by out-foxing heavy-handed opponents. How much of the old fox are we going to see? How is he again against Danny Garcia?

P. Malignaggi
I think for the most part, people know Danny’s style, people know my style. We’re going to make some adjustments to each other, both as part of the game plan and once we see each other in the ring.

I can’t really tell you exactly how I’m going to play it out until I’m in the ring myself. I plan on being the best me possible. I plan on being the sharpest me possible. And right now, in training, I feel really good. The plan is to flow this training camp into a sharp night on August 1st.

Q
How long have you been thinking about the move up to welter?

D. Garcia
I believe right after the Matthysse fight I wanted to move up. I felt like that was a perfect time for me to move up because I beat the best 140-pounder at that time. I had beat Khan and then I came back and beat Morales and Matthysse.

I beat two of the best 140-pounders, so I feel like it’s time for me to go up to 147. But they had different plans for me. Me and my team, we decided to stay at 140 for a little longer to see how it played out. I just wasn’t fully strong at the weight class anymore. I just wasn’t fully strong anymore. So I felt like it’s time for me to go up to 147.

Q
How confident do you feel that you can become world champion again against the likes of Thurman, Kell Brook, perhaps a rematch against Amir Khan?

D. Garcia
I’m very confident. I faced a lot of good fighters. I faced a lot of great fighters in my career. I have a lot of experience. I was a big 140-pound fighter. I’ve never faced a 140-pound fighter who was taller than me or who looked better than me.

I was just squeezing my body down to 140. And I feel like I’m going to be a way better fighter at 147 and be able to use my legs more. At 140, I felt like I wasn’t strong no more, so I just had to walk forward all night and knock my opponents out.

But I feel like at 147, you’re going to see a more athletic Danny Garcia and be able to use my legs more, using my jab more and see punches clearer. When you drain yourself as hard to see punches, then you get hit with a lot of dumb punches because your vision is not clear.

I feel like my vision is going to be a lot clearer and be able to move my head, see the punches better, use my feet. And I think I’m going to be a champion at 147, too. I know so.

L. DiBella
With that, thank you, everybody, for joining us for this PBC on ESPN call.

Again, it’ll be Danny “Swift” Garcia against Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, and Danny Jacobs against Sergio Mora in the opening bout at Barclays Center, August 1, primetime on ESPN, coverage beginning at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT.

# # #

In addition to the evening’s main event and co-main event, select undercard bouts will be carried live on ESPN3. ESPN Deportes will also televise the fight live as part of its Noche de Combates series and ESPN International will present live coverage across its networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim. Live coverage will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.com and www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

BROOKLYN (June 15, 2015) – Undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) will take on Brooklyn’s own Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) at Barclays Center as Premier Boxing Champions will be live in primetime on ESPN on Saturday, August 1 with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“It’s going to be a great fight against Paulie on August 1st,” said Garcia. “I’m looking forward to getting in the ring again, in my fifth appearance at Barclays Center, and putting on a great show for the East Coast fans in attendance and the fans watching all over the world. By the end of the night, I will still be the undefeated Danny ‘Swift’ Garcia. To all of the fans that love me, I love you too. This is for you.”

“Although I have a ton of respect for Danny and his father Angel, both for what they’ve accomplished in the ring as well as the bond they share as father/son, I, like them, am a competitor through and through and in this sport it’s all about testing yourself against the elite. So I look forward to defending my home turf of Brooklyn and matching my skills against Danny’s at Barclays Center on August 1.”

“August 1 will mark Danny Garcia’s first fight as a true welterweight,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “It’ll take place at Barclays Center, in the backyard of Brooklyn’s Paulie Malignaggi. This high quality PBC matchup on ESPN is a must-win situation for both fighters.”

“We are excited to host a third outstanding Premier Boxing Champions event and our first ESPN fight in Brooklyn,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “Danny Garcia always puts on a great show and there’s no bigger fan favorite in Brooklyn than Paulie Malignaggi. With this fight, we are continuing to establish Barclays Center as the premier boxing venue in the country.”

“This classic Philly versus New York match-up featuring two of boxing’s biggest stars is exactly why ESPN is televising Premier Boxing Champions,” said Brian Kweder, senior director of programming and acquisitions at ESPN. “Danny Garcia has laid waste to the junior welterweight division and instead of easing his way into the welterweight division, he’s fighting a former world champion in Paulie Malignaggi.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale Wednesday, June 17 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Thursday, June 18 at noon. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

In addition to the evening’s main event and co-main event, which will be announced shortly, select undercard bouts will be carried live on ESPN3. ESPN Deportes will also televise the fight live as part of its Noche de Combates series and ESPN International will present live coverage across its networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim. Live coverage will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider.

Now in his fourth year as a world champion, Philadelphia’s Garcia will return to headline at Barclays Center for a record fifth time. Garcia last fought in Brooklyn on April 11 defeating Lamont Peterson in a rousing 12 round majority decision. The 27-year-old has taken down some of the biggest names in boxing on his way to an undefeated record, including Amir Khan, Erik Morales, Lucas Matthysse and Zab Judah.

A former world champion at 140 and 147-pounds, the 34-year-old Malignaggi will return to the ring to fight at Barclays Center for the fourth time as a professional. He has faced a slew of big names throughout his career and has taken home victories over the likes of Zab Judah, Vyacheslav Senchenko and Pablo Cesar Cano. Born and raised in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, “The Magic Man” will step into the ring for the first time since April 2014.

The first live Premier Boxing Champions on Primetime ESPN (PBC on ESPN) telecast, from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., will feature a star-studded 12-round welterweight matchup between undefeated Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) and Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs) when the series debuts on ESPN on Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. The opening fight will showcase a 10-round junior middleweight matchup between undefeated Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) and Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs). Read more.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.com and www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Danny Garcia relinquished his WBC Super Lightweight championship.

“Danny’s weight situation forced his decision to fight at welterweight,” the WBC said.

The vacancy will set up a fight between Viktor Postol and Lucas Matthysse.

“We like the fight,” said Eric Gomez, vice president of Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Matthysse. “We’ve contemplated this happening. Matthysse is all-in.”

Said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank, Postol’s co-promoter, “Obviously we’re not shocked by what happened with Garcia. We knew Danny Garcia was never going to defend his title again. We look forward to making the fight with Matthysse. It’s a great fight stylistically and we’ll get a deal done as soon as possible. It’s a really interesting fight.”

Following the loss by IBF Jr. Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson to Danny Garcia this past Saturday night, the IBF will strip Peterson and has ordered Cesar Cuenca and IK Yang to vie for the vacant belt according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The fight between Cuenca and Yang, should a deal be made, could take place on Top Rank’s next card in Macau, which is scheduled for July 18

Follow all the action live as it happens from Barclays Center as world champions Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson square off in a welterweight contest. The action begins with a middlweight fight between WBO champion Andy Lee and Peter Quillin. The action begins at 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PT.

12 ROUNDS–WELTERWEIGHTS–DANNY GARCIA (29-0, 17 KO’S) VS LAMONT PETERSON (33-2-1, 17 KO’S)

Round 1 Good straight from Garcia..right..counter right..10-9 Garcia

Round 2 Garcia lands a combination..left..20-18 Garcia..

Round 3 Garcia forcing action..30-27 Garcia

Round 4 Garcia lands a right…40-36 Garcia.

Round 5 Garcia lands a right..Good right..Peterson gets in a right..50-45 Garcia

Round 6 Garcia lands a left to the body..3 punch combo..straight right..Counter left from Peterson..60-54 Garcia

Round 7 Garcia lands a right to the body…2 more hard shots…Peterson lands a combination on the inside..70-63 Garcia

Round 8 Good right from Garcia..Hard body shots from Peterson..hard right…79-73 Garcia

Round 9 Garcia lands a right..Good right from Peterson..4 punch combo from Garcia..Big right..Good right from Peterson and another…Hard right from garcia at the bell….89-82 Garcia

Round 10 Peterson sneaks in a right hand..left hook..98-92 Garcia

Round 11 Garcia lands a right to the body and head..jab from peterson..wicked right..2 hard rights..107-102 Garcia

Round 12 Big right from Peterson..big left…great action down the stretch…116-112 Garcia

114-114…..115-113 twice Garcia

12 ROUNDS MIDDLEWEIGHTS–ANDY LEE (34-2, 24 KO’S) VS PETER QUILLIN (31-0, 22 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Counter right from Lee…Qullin landed a right..HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES LEE…Big Left hook…10-8 Quillin

Round 2 Qullin lands a right..great exchange…20-17 Quillin

Round 3 They are trading hard shots..Quillin lands a big right…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES LEE..Straight left from Lee. Lee bleeding from the left eye..Left from Lee…30-25 Quillin

Round 4 Lee lands a jab..39-35 Quillin

Round 5 Hard left hook by Quilin sets off a furious exchange..49-44 Quillin

Round 6 Lee lands a coundter right hook…58-54 Quillin

Round 7 Sneaky left from Lee..Left from Quillin..BIG RIGHT HOOK AND DOWN GOES QUILLIN..66-64 Quillin

Round 8 Quillin lands a hard right..76-73 Quillin

Round 9 Left from Quillin..Right hook from Lee..straight left..Jab from Quillin..85-83 Quillin

Round 10 2 hard rights from Quillin..Straight left from Lee..Straight left..left from Quillin..95-92 Quillin

Round 11 Right from Quillin..105-101 Quillin

Round 12 Quillin lands a right..straight left from Lee…Solid right from Quillin..115-110 Quillin

113-112 Quillin…..113-112 Lee…113-113 A SPLIT DRAW

BROOKLYN–In a battle of 140-pound titleholders, Danny Garcia got off to an early lead and had to grind out a 12-round majority decision over Lamont Peterson in an over the weight-limit bout at Barclays Center.

Garcia came forward and landed a few good right hands in each round. That was a feat in itself as Peterson continually circled around the rings in an attempt to stay out of harms way.

After not doing much of anything over the first seven rounds, Peterson started to sit in the pocket and land some solid shots in round eight. The evidence of his work was shown on Garcia’s face as some swelling started to form around his right eye. Garcia came back to have solid round’s in ten and eleven. Garcia had to hold on over the leat four minutes as a desperate Peterson came forward and landed some hard combinations on a reeling Garcia. One could only think if Peterson would have started a round or two earlier, he may have been able to squeak out the fight for himself as the scores read 115-113 twice for Garcia and 114-114.

Garcia, 142.2 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is now 30-0. Peterson, 143 lbs of Washington, DC is 33-3-1.

Peter Quillin scored two knockdowns and had to get off the deck himself yet had to settle for a 12-round split draw with WBO Middleweight champion Andy Lee

In round one, Qullin landed a perfect right hand that sent lee to the canvas. He finished up the round by landing a flush left hook. In round three, they came out throwing hard shots then Qullin landed a hard right while stepping on Lee’s foot that sent the Irishman down for a 2nd knockdown. Lee started to bleed from his left eye in the round.

In round seven, Lee landed his big right hook that sent Quillin to the deck.

Down the stretch both guys tried to land big shots and were successful in spots.

Each guy won a scorecard by 113-112 and a 3rd card read even at 113-113. Quillin, 160.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 32-0-1. Lee, 159.6 lbs of Limerick, IRE is now 34-2-1.

Quillin could not win the title as he came over the 160 pound limit at Friday’s weigh in.

Errol Spence Jr. remained perfect by scoring a 4th round stoppage over Samuel Vargas in a scheduled 10-round Welterweight bout.

Spence dropped Vargas with a right hook in round two. Spence continued to pound away at Vargas until the bout was stopped at 1:45 of round four.

Spence, 146 1/2 lbs of Dallas, TX is now 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Vargas, 146 lbs of Toronto, CA is now 20-2-1.

Marcus Browne stopped Aaron Pryor after round six of their scheduled 10-round Light Heavyweight bout

In round three, Pryor began to bleed from the nose. Phryor continued to punish Pryor and outlanded 76-18.

Browne of Staten Island, NY is now 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pryor of Cincinnati, OH is now 19-8-1.

Number-one ranked contender Viktor Postol remained perfect by scoring a 8-round unanimous decision over Jake Giuriceo in a Welterweight bout.

Postol, 143.8 lbs of Kiev, UKR won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 27-0. Giuriceo, 142.8 lbs of Youngstown, OH is now 17-3-1.

Prichard Colon remained undefeated by stopping Daniel Calzada at 1:38 of round nine of their scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Colon was getting the better of the action throughout the bout when the fight was stopped.

Colon, 148 lbs of Orocovis, PR is now 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Clazada, 148 lbs of Denver, CO is now 11-14-2.

Former world champion Luis Collazo returned to score a 2nd round stoppage over Chris Degollado in a scheduled 8-round Welterweight bout.

Collazo floored Degollado in round three with a perfect right hook and then finessed it off with a flurry at 1:46 of round three.

Collazo, 147.8 lbs of Brooklyn is now 36-6 with 19 knockouts. Degollado, 149 lbs of Monterrey, MX is now 10-5.

Heather Hardy and Renata Domsodi had their scheduled 8-round Jr. Featherweight bout cut shor when Domsodi suffered a cut due to an accidental headbutt at 1:57 of round three.

Hardy, 122 lbs of Brooklyn is 12-0 with 1 no-contest. Domsodi, 120.6 lbs of Budapest, HUN is 11-6, 1 No-contest.

Ryan Burnett remained undefeated by scoring a 1st round stoppage over Stephon Mcintyre in a scheduled six-round Jr. Featherweight bout.

In round one Burnett dropped Mcintyre from a body shot for the 10 count at 2:59 of round one.

Burnett, 118.8 lbs of Belfast, Northern Ireland is now 8-0 with 7 knockouts. Mcintyre, 121.8 lbs of Atlanta, GA is now 2-8-2.

Spence dropped Vargas in round two from a straight left.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson are quick to say they aren’t fighting for redemption Saturday night at Barclays in Brooklyn.

Fair enough. It’s called prize fighting. Going into the ring for redemption is little bit like going to the bank to pray. There’s a pretty good chance you’ll leave broke.

“I don’t see this as redemption,’’ Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) said of the first bout after a forgettable year for both fighters. “This is a great match-up.’’

Potentially, it is in a 143-pound fight that will also provide an early, yet significant, look at whether Al Haymon’s PBC (Premier Boxing Champions) can sustain its initial success in its second appearance on NBC (8:30 pm ET/ 5:30 pm PST).

“For me, there’s no redemption, either,’’ Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) said. “No redemption for me. What’s in the past is in the past.’’

But the problem is what lurks in that immediate past. In 2014, both fought. Both won. But the buzz was gone.

Garcia, an emerging star in 2013, escaped with a split decision over Mauricio Herrera and a stopped an over-matched Rod Salka. Peterson, coming off a scary knockout loss to Lucas Matthysse in 2013, beat Dierry Jean and Edgar Santana.

Go ahead and trash the redemption angle, but the task Saturday night is to re-awaken interest in each and perhaps re-introduce them as potential players for whatever happens post-Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao on May 2.

Neither would – or even could – talk much about whether they might be fighting for a chance at the winner.

“I’m not worried about fighting Floyd Mayweather at all,’’ said Peterson, who has a full beard and some wisdom to go with it. “That’s a long shot from here. He maybe has one more fight after this. So, I won’t hold my breath on that. Not worried about it.’’

For the most part, Garcia said the same thing, although he it was clear that the Mayweather-Pacquiao possibility interested him a lot more than redemption.

“At the end of the day, it’s always a fighter’s dream to fight Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather,’’ Garcia said. “Everybody wants to fight the best fight. So maybe in the future, of course.’’

The 143-pound catch weight is a clear sign that they’re positioning themselves for a shot at the 147-pound winner between Mayweather and Pacquiao.

But catch-weights are boxing’s version of a catch-22. It’s a dilemma without an escape clause. It was done at the urging of Garcia, who at 27 is having a tougher time getting to the junior-welterweight limit of 140.

The catch-weight means neither Garcia nor Peterson will risk their titles. Garcia has the WBC and WBA belts. Peterson has the IBF version. It also means they won’t have to pay a sanctioning fee to any of the acronyms, which show up with a Mardi Gras-like belt in one hand and bill in the other.

But it also means criticism. Ruslan Provodnikov promoter Artie Pelullo took a shot at the catch-weight. In another fight with Mayweather-Pacquiao implications, Provodnikov meets Lucas Matthysse on April 18 in Verona, N.Y., on HBO in a junior-welterweight bout with no title at stake and no catch-weight in the contract.

“They don’t want to have anything at risk,’’ Pelullo said of Garcia-Peterson. “It’s a dangerous fight for both guys, but not like Provodnikov and Matthysse.

“They’re putting it all on the line, because they’re still fighting 12 rounds. It’s 140 pounds. There is no title, because we don’t have one. I’m telling you both kids would put there title out (there) if they had (to).’’

But Garcia and Peterson don’t have to. Their task is to re-build their public profile. If nobody knows them, those titles are beyond redemption anyway.

NEW YORK (April 8, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions on NBC main event fighters Danny “Swift” Garcia, Lamont Peterson, “Irish” Andy Lee and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin met with “Chopped” judges Chris Santos, Scott Conant and “Chopped” host Ted Allen today at Santos’ trendy New York City restaurant Beauty & Essex, in advance of their bouts this Saturday, April 11 at Barclays Center.

Click HERE for photos from today’s event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,
www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and
www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.

PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2015) – As fight week nears for the second installment of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC (8:30 pm ET/5:30 p.m. PT), undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia held a media workout in his hometown of Philadelphia in preparation for his showdown with fellow world champion Lamont Peterson on Saturday, April 11 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

Check out what Garcia and his father and trainer Angel had to say on Wednesday.

DANNY GARCIA

“Training is going well, I’ve done everything I have to do and I’m still focused. It’s a week and a half until the fight and I’m ready to go. If the fight were tomorrow I’d be ready.

“It’s a big fight and it’s the fight that the fans wanted. We’re going to give the fans a great night of boxing on NBC and it’s time the show the world that Danny Garcia is the star of NBC.

“We have common opponents like Khan and Matthysse and we’ve had different results. They say styles make fights so those results don’t matter. Well, my style is to kick his butt.

“I know that this second PBC on NBC show is going to be even bigger and I just feel blessed to be a part of it and I can’t wait to go out there and showcase my skills.

“I’m ready for whatever Peterson brings. If he tries to box then I’m going to go with that and if he wants to fight, I’ll be ready. I’m not going to go in and just try to knock his head off, I’m going to be Danny Garcia.

“I’d love to be fighting on the biggest stage in boxing against the Mayweather and Pacquiaos, but for now it’s just about taking it one fight at a time, this is history in the making.

“A lot of things have changed for me in the last few years, everybody knows me now. A lot of people look at you different now but it doesn’t make my head bigger, it just motivates me to work hard.

“I love Brooklyn, it’s my fourth fight at Barclays Center and I’m looking to make it 4-0 on April 11.

“This is a blessing for the sport of boxing. Millions of fans haven’t had the opportunity to watch boxing on primetime in years and this is great for the sport.”

ANGEL GARCIA

“I’ll give Peterson credit for putting the gloves on. He thinks it’s going to be an easy night for him. He sees himself already on top of the mountain. It’s not going to happen like that, we’re going to ruin his party.

“I want Peterson to act confident and come forward. They’re talking like Danny isn’t special but he lost to the guys we beat.

“It doesn’t matter what anyone says as long as Danny is in here putting in 100 percent every day. It’s all about April 11.

“We’re not going to train for eight weeks to go in there and worry about what Peterson is going to do, we’re going to do what we have to do. We train to go in there and win on April 11.”

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.

STAMFORD, Conn. – March 31, 2015 – One of America’s iconic big-event broadcast voices, Bob Costas, will serve as a special contributor for NBC’s Saturday, April 11 primetime telecast of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC, it was announced today.

Costas, host Al Michaels, and blow-by-blow announcer Marv Albert will work together on a broadcast for the first time ever on the PBC on NBC show Saturday, April 11 live at 8:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Costas will present a feature on the long and storied history of boxing in New York.

Returning to their native New York for the telecast (Albert and Michaels are from Brooklyn, Costas from Commack, Long Island), the trio is synonymous with the biggest events in sports – combining to work 25 Super Bowls, 25 NBA Finals, 23 Olympics, 19 World Series, and numerous championship boxing events on television and radio.

“We are thrilled to have three of sports’ all-time broadcasting heavyweights – in prominence, not weight – working together on TV for the first time,” said Sam Flood, Executive Producer, NBC Sports and NBCSN. “Appropriately, these three are teammates on a primetime NBC boxing telecast.”

“While I have done many broadcasts with Al and with Marv, this is a one-time opportunity to work on the same broadcast with two of the all-time greats, plus it’s a chance for me and Al to renew our ongoing debate with Marv as to which was the greater cinematic achievement – BASEketball or The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh,” said Costas, who at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games became U.S. television’s first 10-time Olympic primetime host (Jim McKay hosted eight times for ABC).

“I never could have imagined this,” said Michaels, who in 2015 on Sunday Night Football begins his record 30th consecutive season as the play-by-play voice of the NFL’s premier primetime broadcast package. “And to have it all happen close to where we all grew up makes it that much more special. Very, very cool.”

“It is an honor to be a part of this group,” said Albert, who has been the most recognizable national voice of the NBA since 1990 in addition to his 37 years as the radio and TV voice of the New York Knicks. “I’ve always had great admiration for the work that Al and Bob have done through the years, and I’m proud to call them friends.”

Michaels, Albert, and Costas will be joined on the telecast by analyst and six-time world champion “Sugar” Ray Leonard, corner analyst B.J. Flores, and reporter Kenny Rice.

The Saturday, April 11 PBC on NBC primetime show features four boxers with a combined 127-4-1 record and 80 KOs – undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) vs. Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs), and middleweight champion “Irish” Andy Lee (34-2, 24 KOs) vs. Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs).

Following is an additional look at the legendary sports broadcasting trio working its first event together.

TALE OF THE TAPE

As play-by-play announcer or host, on television or radio, Costas, Michaels and Albert have each worked the Super Bowl, Olympics, NBA Finals and World Series on multiple occasions. Following is a breakdown

Announcer
Events worked
Bob Costas
11 Olympics, 11 NBA Finals, 7 Super Bowls, 7 World Series
Al Michaels
10 Super Bowls, 8 Olympics, 8 World Series, 2 NBA Finals
Marv Albert
12 NBA Finals, 8 Super Bowls, 4 Olympics, 4 World Series

MEMORABLE CALL

AL MICHAELS — “Do you believe in Miracles? Yes!” – 1980 Winter Olympics, U.S. Hockey team defeats Soviet Union in semifinal

MARV ALBERT – “Yes, and it counts!” – Numerous NBA telecasts

BOB COSTAS – “The New York Yankees…World Champions….Team of the Decade…most successful franchise of the century.” – Final out as Yankees sweep Braves in 1999 World Series

GREAT TRIOS

While we will resist the temptation to compare the Costas-Michaels-Albert broadcasting trio to the equally esteemed Three Tenors (José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti), following is a sampling of great sports trios that at least one of the three has covered:

LeBron James-Dwayne Wade-Chris Bosh – Led by the All-Star trio, the Miami Heat advanced to four consecutive NBA Finals, winning two (2012 and 2013).

Greg Maddux-John Smoltz-Tom Glavine – From 1993-2002, the pitching trio led the Atlanta Braves to the playoffs every season, won three National League pennants and captured the 1995 World Series title.

Troy Aikman-Emmitt Smith-Michael Irvin — Nicknamed “The Triplets,” the Hall of Fame quarterback-running back-wide receiver combination led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in four seasons (1992-95).

Magic Johnson-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar-James Worthy – The Hall of Fame Los Angeles Lakers trio advanced to six of seven NBA Finals from 1983-89, winning three titles with each earning NBA Finals MVP honors once.

Wayne Gretzky-Mark Messier-Jari Kurri – The Hall of Fame Edmonton Oilers front line trio won four Stanley Cups in five years between 1984-88.

“Sugar” Ray Leonard-Thomas “Hitman” Hearns-“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler – Hall of Fame welterweight/middleweight trio captured 15 boxing titles in late 1970s and 1980s.

Larry Bird-Kevin McHale-Robert Parish – The Hall of Fame front court led the Boston Celtics to three NBA titles and two additional trips to the NBA Finals in the 1980s.

Pete Rose-Joe Morgan-Johnny Bench – Stalwarts of the “The Big Red Machine,” led Cincinnati Reds to three consecutive National League pennants, winning the World Series in 1975 and 1976.

Willis Reed-Walt Frazier-Dave DeBusschere – Trio led the New York Knicks to the franchise’s only two NBA titles in a four-year span (1970 and 1973).

The debut PBC on NBC telecast on Saturday, March 7 averaged 3.4 million viewers, ranking as the most-watched professional boxing broadcast in 17 years (“Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Night” on FOX, 5.9 million, Mon., March 23, 1998). The PBC on NBC debut also led NBC to a Saturday primetime victory among Adults 18-49, with a 1.08 rating in the demographic.

NBC and NBCSN will present 20 live “PBC on NBC” boxing events in 2015. Within the 20 live shows, NBC Sports Group will present more than 50 hours of PBC coverage, including NBCSN pre- and post-fight programming for NBC telecasts. The Premier Boxing Champions series is created for television by Haymon Boxing. The PBC on NBC will feature many of today’s brightest stars, in their most compelling matches.

All PBC on NBC shows will be streamed live on NBC Sports Live Extra via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is available for desktops at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app is available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play and Windows Store.

This is my twelfth year as a professional boxer. I’ve shared the ring with some accomplished boxers in that time; world champions Danny Garcia and DeMarcus Corley, world title challengers Delvin Rodriguez and Pablo Cesar Cano, European champion Jason Cook and British champion Lenny Daws. Anyone would say, some of the best of my era.
Fighting and winning in five different countries. St Lucia, USA, Germany, Luxembourg and England. It’s easily said, but believe me, seriously hard to accomplish. Many might say that these achievements are worthy of recognition, and some might even applaud.

It is a sad fact that very few British fighters come to America and hold their own, they tend to drown! The Americans don’t yet respect British fighters, but I’m one of a select few that has won their very hard earned respect.
Most fighters prefer the comforts of staying at home. I’ve found out that by going out to alien territory, with none of my fans in the arena, has brought the best out of me. Behind enemy lines!
When I started boxing in 1988 my dream was always to fight in America.
To fight the very best and to be at my best. As an 8 year old kid my dream was unthinkable. How was I going to do this? I’m from a poor and neglected part of London, CRIME filled, with low ambitions and opportunities very few and far between.
I’m living my childhood dream now. The number one fighter in the world is my boss.
Very few people set a goal and actually achieve it. THROUGH THE YEARS the dream has gotten bigger and bolder. At first the naysayers laughed at me but now many cheer me, and to my surprise and pleasure, some even take the time to inform me “just how great I am doing and how far I’ve come”.
I have to say that I’ve done nothing in my life that has surprised me, as I’ve always pushed myself despite the lack of financial backing, I’ve found a way.
A kid from Paddington, England witnessing greatness on a day to day basis. The brilliant private workouts I get to witness AND I get to see Floyd Mayweather at work. I get to pound the streets of Las Vegas with him. He gives me advice and tells me he’s got my back.
The years of sacrifice, determination and hard work have got me here. Don’t ever tell me I can’t do something. I’ve already made the impossible possible, and HERE WE GO AGAIN.
It still amazes me just how many people appear to ‘dislike’ Floyd Mayweather, it’s usually because they do not know him, and they will never know him because they dislike him.

Washington D.C. (March 26, 2015) – A little more than two weeks in advance of his highly anticipated bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) hosted media at the Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Washington, D.C. Lamont, his brother Anthony and Lamont’s trainer, Barry Hunter, took some time out of their training schedule to discuss Lamont’s Premier Boxing Champions showdown against Danny “Swift” Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) on April 11.

Below please find notable quotes from the event, which was attended by print, broadcast and online media outlets from around the region:

Lamont Peterson, Super Lightweight World Champion

“The plan might be to just go out there and fight him. Regardless of how I choose to fight, I feel like I can win. I do have quicker feet, but I can use them to do other things too. I can go forward. I don’t always have to be going backwards. I will stick to the game plan, but we don’t know what the game plan is right now.

“My mentality always shows in the ring, especially in the late rounds. You ask a lot of your body in that ring and a lot of times it goes to what it knows. So your personality definitely comes out, and I think that’s where I shine more than other fighters. The later rounds are when I normally take over the fight. A lot of the time I wish we could go more rounds.

“The fans wanted to see this fight so I wanted to make sure that it happened. I never really call out names or talk about who I want next. I leave it up to the fans and to the media because there are lots of fights that the fans want to see that never happen. At the end of the day, I’m fighting for the fans and the media so why not fight who they want me to fight?

“I’m just looking to take the things I do well and execute, and then I’m looking to take away the things Garcia does well and force him to do the things he doesn’t do well more often. I don’t look at any one previous fight of his and think ours is going to go that way.

“I’m a better fighter. He’s definitely a counter-puncher and we’re looking to make sure that we don’t get countered the way some others have been.

“There have been ups and downs in the camp. Sometimes it’s time to pull back and relax, but sometimes it’s time to work hard. Overall I feel great. A lot of people say this, but this has been my best training camp ever and I’m happy where I’m at right now. I’m ready to fight.

“This is the biggest fight for me. After this there’s nothing left to do in the weight class. I’d like to move up after this next fight.”

Barry Hunter, Peterson’s Trainer

“Lamont is a very versatile fighter. He’s been in the ring hundreds of times. He can box. He can fight both inside and outside. He can strategize, but he can also be very aggressive.

“Danny is a solid fighter. He doesn’t do one or two things great, but he does a lot of things well. There are some things though that we’ve seen in him that we think we can exploit and we’re going to go out there with the intent to do so. Overall I think Lamont is a better fighter.

“There’s only a few big names left at 140, everyone else has moved up to 147. So Lamont’s way of thinking was that the only way this fight made sense at 140 was if he could face Danny Garcia. This was more about giving the fans what they want to see. This is going to give fans a great free fight again on national TV.

“NBC is a true sports network. They have NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and the only sport that was missing was boxing. Boxing used to be on every network and they had legendary fights with legendary fighters. It wasn’t always about a belt either. Then things changed, but this gives us a chance to bring boxing back to the true fans.”

Anthony Peterson

“I’m not nervous about watching this fight. I’m just going to sit back and watch. Lamont’s so ready.

“Danny is an extraordinary fighter. It’s in his DNA, but Lamont is so focused I’m confident he’s going to win.

“Lamont learned to fight protecting me on the streets.”

# # #

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $150, $100, $80 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.

Kelly Swanson
Thanks, everybody, for joining us. We’re delighted to be on the phone with you today to talk about a wonderful show happening on Saturday, April 11th. We have on the call today Danny Garcia, the Unified Super Lightweight Champ; Lamont Peterson, the Super Lightweight Champion; Andy Lee, the Middleweight Champ; Peter Quillin, former middleweight champion; Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment; and Brett Yormark, the CEO of Barclay Center. So, before we get to the fighters, I’d like to introduce Brett Yormark and he’s going to say a few words.

Brett Yormark
Thank you, Kelly. I appreciate everyone joining us today. Obviously, we’re very excited to be hosting a great event on April 11th at Barclay Center. It’s our eleventh professional boxing card in Brooklyn, and our goal from day one was to bring prime time, best-in-class fights to the borough of Brooklyn. When I look back on all the events we’ve hosted to date, I truly believe this is the best that we’ve ever hosted.

I want to thank Lou DiBella and his entire team for bringing this strong card together and for giving us an opportunity to again put the Barclay Center on a global stage. I also want to thank Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions for giving us an opportunity to partner with them on what I think will be an incredible night here in Brooklyn, but also a night that people will be able to watch boxing primetime live on NBC.

Obviously we’re thrilled to have Danny Garcia back in our building. The Barclay Center has truly become his home away from home, and of course I’m a big fan of Peter Quillin. Peter is a Brooklynite. He has had some of his finest moments at the Barclay Center and obviously we’re looking forward to a great night from Peter on the eleventh as well.

But most importantly, I want to thank everyone for joining today. I want to thank all the fighters, and we’re really excited about April 11th. So thank you very much.

K. Swanson
Okay, great. Thanks, Brett. Now at this time I’d like to introduce Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment, to tell you a little bit more about the show and introduce the fighters. Lou.

Lou DiBella
Thank you, Kelly. I’m thrilled to be involved in this show and I want to thank PBC for the opportunity to be the promoter and thank Brett and his team, because the Barclay Center is really incredible to work with – a tremendous venue to watch boxing. And the fans are going to get an opportunity, if they come out to the Barclay Center, to see a great night of live boxing. Ringside seats were released to the public in the last twenty-four hours, so if you call Ticketmaster or go to the Barclay Center box office, there are tickets available: $300 ringside; $200, $150, $100, and down to a $50 extremely affordable seat. And this is a night where four champions will be fighting. You know, they’re champion against champion in both TV matchups, and network television and primetime is the way I grew up on boxing. You know, that’s how I got introduced to guys like Mohammed Ali as a young, young child, and Hagler, Kearns, Leonard, Duran, Tyson. These guys all had the benefit of exposures on network television. The PBC on NBC 8:30 p.m. Eastern time on April eleventh, the second NBC primetime boxing show, we’re looking to continue the momentum right now that boxing has going forward. You know with Mayweather-Pacquiao on the horizon and the introduction of boxing to so many new platforms and networks, getting involved once again, it’s exciting times for boxing and we’re very happy to be part of it.

The first fight that we’ll be televising on NBC, the opening co-feature, will feature a young man that I’ve worked with for a number of years, Andy Lee, the pride of Limerick, Ireland, and at this point the pride of all of Ireland. Andy scored some sensational knockouts in recent years including the traumatic knockout of Matt Korobov in which he won his world belt title belt. And his first defense is about as big as it can get against a young man who I promoted a number of times early in his career, out of Brooklyn, New York, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin. Peter was a champion himself. This is truly a match between two terrific fighters and figures to be explosive in the ring, and I’m very excited that this is the type of fight that is going to be showcased at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, but also for a national TV primetime audience on NBC at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time.

So, I’d like to start by introducing Andy Lee, one of the most respected and well-liked guys in the sport, a tremendous gentleman inside and outside of the ring, but all of a sudden has discovered this explosive punching power that he hopes to use on April 11th when he fights Peter Quillin. Andy, can you say a few words?

Andy Lee
Thank you all for joining me on the call today. I’m training extremely hard here in Beausoleil in Monaco, France and I’m looking forward to coming to New York again and defending my title and fighting Peter Quillin. So, I look forward to seeing you all on April 11th.

L.DiBella
Andy, could you say a few words about what’s going on with your trainer Adam Booth and how Adam has you working in the south of France right now, what you’re training camp’s been like?

A .Lee
Well really since my last, I was back in the gym, since January 12th I’ve been over here, haven’t really taken much time off over Christmas period and I continued working on the same things we were working on since before the Korobov fight. And I’m in good shape, I’m pushing very hard, pushing through the usual thing and we’re here in South France, a beautiful place and a great setting and a great fight club to train and I’m going to the gym every day and the sun is shining and you’re looking at the ocean and the sun rises every morning when you wake up, it’s beautiful. It’s a great motivator when you go to the gym.

L. DiBella
Kid Chocolate, I know you’re training in sunny Santa Monica. Would you like to say a few words, Pete?

Peter Quillin
Yes, I want to, first and foremost, I want to thank God and for the opportunity to be taking fresh breaths of air. I want to also thank Al Haymon who made this opportunity possible to be on nationwide network on NBC with PBC. I also want to thank Lou DiBella who’s the promoter, East Coast promoter on the East Coast card promoting such a great event. You know, me and Lou were number of years together and I’m very happy to start out my career with him and be back in the mix where he can promote another fight of mine and I’m just very thankful. I want to thank everybody, all the hard working people that’s involved with making this call possible.

I’m just very thankful. Training has been going very, very good. You know, I’m not the type of guy to take a lot of time off, period. I’m just in the gym all the time; focus and fit and ready to go. California is nothing different besides me being here all the time and training; being away from my family, my friend who is now almost seven months old. And you know it’s been motivating to see me being a father now and I also became a link of my family now that my uncle passed away of cancer, so I have a lot of motivation within this fight.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Peter. We’re going to open it up for questions. We have two highly-motivated fighters, two guys at the top of their game in what figures to be an incredibly competitive and explosive matchup and I think this is what boxing is all about. And the questions are open to you guys.

Q
First question is for Andy Lee. Andy, I’d like your scouting report on Peter Quillin. What do you think his strengths and weaknesses are and how do you think you’re going to beat him?

A. Lee
Peter’s a very good boxer, undefeated and so that brings its own confidence with it. And he’s a good athlete, a good puncher and a good boxer; he’s a good all-around fighter. And what I won’t say anything about his weaknesses, hopefully I will expose those on the fight but I have a lot of respect for him, he’s a good fighter, and we’ve always been respectful towards each other outside of the ring as well. So, I think it’s going to be, what you have is you have two big middleweights, big for their weight, and two genuine punches, and also two very good boxers. So we match up pretty well as far as our physique and everything. I think it will come down to whoever implements their plan better on the night. And yeah, we have a plan and we’re working on it and hopefully do it on the eleventh.

Q
Question: did you break training at all to have a little celebration for St. Patrick’s Day or did you stay at home and not miss curfew?

A. Lee
Unfortunately, no, there was no celebration this year, but I always seem to be fighting around the St. Patrick’s Day time so I never really get to celebrate it, but there’s plenty of time for that when I retire in the future. No, there was no, I didn’t even realize it was St. Patrick’s Day until twelve p.m. on the day, and I caught myself and I reminded myself it was St. Patrick’s Day.

Q
Peter, how you doing? I’m checking to see what you think Andy Lee’s strengths and weaknesses are as a boxer.

P. Quillin
I think very high of Andy and I think his only weakness is those two losses that he had, which could be a great thing for him because you know I had never lost and never taken defeat, but I feel like everybody has taken a defeat has to learn something positive about their self. And, you know, as you can see in his previous fights that Andy is reinventing himself and I think those losses helped him catapult to being the champion now. So, I think all around this is a great fight for people to see because you have a guy who is very determined to win as me as a challenger now and you have the champion that’s dedicated enough to say that he wants to secure his championship and give a good a victory with that [indiscernible].

Q
What’s your prediction for the fight, Peter?

P. Quillin
The winner, the best man will raise their hand, and that could be either me or Andy. I’m not going to boast and brag about how powerful – I am an animal, you already know that, and I don’t go in no fight thinking I’m a loser, but it’s just really about the fans with this fight and giving them what they need. A good fight is worth anybody losing.

Q
Andy, do you have any disappointment that you’re not fighting a world championship fight in Ireland?

A. Lee
Not really. Hopefully if this fight goes well, after this fight that could happen, but obviously this opportunity came up to fight Peter and it was for, obviously for financial reasons it was a very good decision to make, but also for a boxing standpoint, my career on the whole, to fight Peter Quillin, the undefeated former champion, beating him will catapult me you know, into this, make me one of the stars of boxing. Like I could have fought in Ireland and fought somebody comfortably, picked an opponent and it would have been a big deal in Ireland and that’s a great thing to be, but if I fight and beat, if I beat Peter on April 11th, I’ll be a global star in boxing and people will have to start to really acknowledge what I’ve been doing, especially for the last year or so. So that was one of the reasons why I took the fight. Of course it’s a great, great opportunity to fight an American fighter on national TV, but beating Peter Quillin takes me to the next level and puts me on the top level of boxing.

Q
So I’m trying to gauge here, was it a hard decision or was it a relatively easy decision to make, the fight here?

A. Lee
It was, it was a relatively easy decision. If I would have fought in Ireland, there would have been a lot of, you know, promote, and it would have been a good thing and it still will be, there will be time for that in the future, but this is a great opportunity and you don’t know how long your career is going to be and how long it’s going to last and while it was there, I took it. I don’t have any regrets.

Q
Andy, do you always have just the utmost confidence that no matter how things are going, you could be down, eleven rounds to zero, possibly, that that right hook could rescue you if you landed it the right way?

A. Lee
Not to say anything like to brag or anything but at no time did I ever think I was going to lose either fight and I knew that at some stage we’d have to trade. And with a power like Harry, I know that at some point anybody, with anybody, we’re going to have to trade a 12 round fight and you can’t you know, there’s going to be an exchange at some stage. And I just know if I land at the right time with my power, I can knock anybody out and that does give you great confidence.

But in saying that, I’ve always considered myself a technical boxer and that’s always what I’ve been proud of and proud of myself I’m being. So, people may have got the wrong impression of me, especially in the last two fights, as [indiscernible] fighter who comes from behind, but I’m very much a boxer and that’s what I pride myself on being.

Q
Peter I’m wondering are you at all disappointed it’s been such a long layoff since your last fight?

P. Quillin
No, I mean, that comes with the territory of being a boxer that you could have things mapped out and planned out in your head, but that don’t necessarily happen, you know. When I’ve seen my fight, my uncle on his deathbed with cancer, I’ve seen what a fight really looked like. That was a real fight. That was a fight that he had no control over, preparing for, nothing. He laid in the bed in his own head thinking about having cancer. And I’ve seen him fight through that until he had no more left in the tank to fight with.

So, what that taught me is no matter how long you’re taken out of the fight, the fight is all in your head, so you know it’s about you controlling the fight in your head. And I’m able to go out there and prepare for the best fight. There’s no cancer here, so I just have to just make sure that I do what’s worth while I’m here on Earth and just do my best and that’s all, that’s all I’m worth.

Q
Peter, what was your uncle’s name and when did he pass?

P. Quillin
His name is Eric Munson. He died almost five weeks ago. I don’t know the exact date, but I do know I couldn’t attend his funeral because I was here in camp. So, you know, it’s a really hard thing for me not to be part of, but everything comes with some type of sacrifice in life and I knew when I had met, when I’d seen him the week before I came to camp, I went to go see him with my son because I thought it was very important for my son to be able to see him and he’d seen my son, and the week after he died and passed away and I was already in camp. My family just, I told them how much I would just like come there and they were like, “Well, he would have wanted you to stay in camp and get ready for you fight.” And he told me he was proud of me and now I just when you endure all the things that I had to endure before the camp to just be motivated for this fight.

Q
Do you come into this feeling as though you are still the champion and you’re fighting a good challenger like Andy Lee or do you feel like you come into the fight and you’re there to basically take back what you believe is yours in the first place?

P. Quillin
No, I’m actually going to let Andy Lee have that pressure on him to be able to perform like the champion. I’ve done that three, four times with having the belt. Now that’s up to him to do the same thing and have that pressure. I had that pressure. Now I have pressure being the challenger and I’ve been here before, so I’m going to do nothing no different besides what I’ve learned as being a champion to go in here as a more polished challenger and going in there and try to be a two-time champion.

Q
Do you have any regrets about giving up the belt under the circumstances under which you gave it up?

P. Quillin
I never have regrets in life. If you have regrets in life, then you kind of punish yourself and I never have regrets in life. I think the decision I made was vacating my belt for my family; you know, my uncle passing away with cancer and being there with him and being the endless hours of talking and being there with him and being there with my family and my son, you can never get that time back, and I think in that moment I became bigger than the belt. And I think that right now, with me having the opportunity again to fight for the same belt and come back in there and make more money than what people can expect I can make, it let me know that my name is whole weight in this game and I am just going to continue to do what I usually do and that is be Kid Chocolate.

Q
Peter, you just talked about making the big money. How big a deal is it to be able to get your belt back and be able to go get the big names in the division?

P. Quillin
Well, let me just say, first and foremost, that’s why people thank Al Haymon so much because he’s able to know what we’re worth as fighters. Fighters are mistreated, misused, and abused all the time. And I think that I’m one of the few that really, really appreciate what Al Haymon has done for fighters, because I not only can live really good but I also can do the right things with my money to make sure that I can retire with money in the bank and do the things that athletes are supposed to do with their money when they’re making big money. So I want to say, first and foremost, I am very thankful for that.

And I’m also thankful for I then came to the full circle myself being a man and being a father and being inspired to know that, you what I’m saying, when you’re making this kind of big money that you got to just be thankful. So I’m thankful to fight for the belt for the second time. I’m thankful to make the money I’ve been making, but we work so hard for money but money burns so easy, so you got to really know what your value is. And sometime my value goes beyond what the money can give me.

Q
You had, a difficult year sitting out and everything, my condolences to you about your uncle, how much emotion will it be to have your hand raised?

P. Quillin
I think all together I let that emotion out already when I became the champion the first time when I beat Hassan, where it was like my faith paid off for me. I had so many people tell me I couldn’t do it or I’d seen so many people that was ahead of me looking like they was going to be champion before me, and I’d been putting all the hours and effort into boxing. And when my time paid off, it was for me to cry and understand it was worth all that time. So this time it just, it’s part of the story, I vacated the belt and now we got a guy which people thought Korobov, who was a helluva challenger but then now we got even a better challenger in Andy, a better fight now because he proved to everybody he beat Korobov and now it’s like me fighting, now it’s like I get the better half of the belt. And it’s like a fight worth for the fans to see.

So, altogether, man, the politics of boxing I don’t get too much in tune with that. I just worry about what’s in front of me and Andy Lee’s in front of me right now and he’s looking to come in there and try to beat me and catapult himself to superstardom and that thing can happen if I allow it to. And myself, I have to tell myself why these things cannot happen.

Q
How much are you trying to make it a boxing fight, you’re known for being the better technical fighter, and not getting into a slugfest?

P. Quillin
Well, altogether, I think of me and Andy Lee stepping in the ring and we have a chemistry together. That’s what makes a good fight is like the chemistry is what we have, like the game plans that we work in camp and whatever he’s working on, when we get in the ring we just now competing with that game plan and we’re trying to figure each other out, that’s going to make a good fight and that’s going to make the chemistry of the fight. So, I could say all the things, I could say I could knock Andy out and I could say all these things that I don’t even know. All I can know is Peter “Kid Chocolate” is willing to get in there with Andy and try my best, keep continue behind the game plan we working on in camp right now. And if that works then you all are going to see an explosive fight with two guys that definitely got powers. Andy Lee got twenty-four knockouts and I have twenty-two and this is I fight that, like I said, you really can say all the things you want to say about it, but you really won’t know until you see April 11.

Q
Peter, what does it say about Andy to you, though, that you’re fighting a guy who, in a sense you’re fighting a guy who that you’re fighting a guy who has shown that he really doesn’t know how to lose despite the fact that he has two losses on his record?

P. Quillin
Well I look at it like this. You know, when the guy has losses on the record, he has proven to himself not to lose again. That can either put a person back into that mind state where they lost and give up easy or you can fight through that and say, no, this is why I’ve been here before and I cannot do this again, and fight for himself and tell himself why he wants to be a winner, but like I don’t have the pressure of that. All I have the pressure is just saying, I just got to do what I’ve continually been doing for thirty-one fights and that’s finding a guy, figure a guy out right then in that ring and regardless what he’s coming in there to try to do, I try to make it look like nothing and continue to be the explosive, pure boxer that I can be. And like I said, man, you know, we working on these things endless and repetition is everything when we’re in camp. We’re working on these things over and over again just to make sure that I have the best chance to be a two-time champion of the world.

Q
What does it mean to you that, to have that opportunity to become a two-time champ, once again fighting for a title in Brooklyn where you won your first title?

P. Quillin
Well, I’m not too big on just like having my story and my legacy all made up in my head and what we want for ourselves. I just look at it as you know for me, like being a spiritual man, just looking at it as an opportunity from God to have a great story that I can inspire the kids, inspire elderly people, I can inspire other boxers, I can inspire in them that they can do great things within themselves if they truly believe. So, I think that is the majority of what I get out of it is that I am able to inspire so many people by what I do and you never, I would have never thought that it could ever be this great.

Q
Peter, I know three years ago you wanted this fight, I believe Lou actually was putting on the shows with Sergio Martinez in Madison Square Garden and they were looking for opponents, Andy Lee. You were campaigning for that fight. How grateful are you that the fight didn’t happen then and you’ve got an even bigger fight now?

P. Quillin
You know, HBO, the fight couldn’t be made at that time and for whatever reason, man, what I learned is about this sport, man, there’s so many people talking about you ducking and jabbing this person and all of that sometimes when we give up all our lives to do something and we can think so animalistic like I got to go in there and fight this guy to prove that these people is not really about that. It’s really a business where people actually feed their families and pay their bills. So, you got to have, make sure you working with the best people.

I think Lou is definitely a great person to be working with because he is a really business minded person. If you ever witness him, he’s always on the phone talking boxing, always talking business. You know, I can never say that the fight never happened then because it wasn’t meant to happen at that time, but it’s meant to happen now and that is why the fight is April 11th.

Q
Andy, if you want to answer the same question?

A. Lee
I remember when the fight was proposed at the time and Manuel turned the fight down because he felt and I felt that I should have been fighting Sergio Martinez,and he put me in a fight with Peter Quillin, which in our eyes was the harder fight than fighting Sergio. And at the time Quillin was an up-and-coming guy like me, so he wanted me to have the hard fight on the undercard and Matt and Sergio had the glamor fight. So, for those reasons we turned it down. And like I said, it wasn’t because I didn’t want to fight Peter. This fight being made here proves there’s no fear in that the fight and the fight was made pretty easy I guess between Lou and Al Haymon.

Q
Andy, when we spoke a few weeks ago you mentioned the names of your sparring partners you were working with that were coming from England. When I looked them up, at least two of them, one’s a cruiserweight and the other’s a lightweight. What does that tell us about your preparations or how you expect to fight? I mean, are you going for power again?

A. Lee
Well, the tall guys and right-handed guys, they’re somewhat similar in size to Peter, and that’s what you look to replicate in your sparring partners. You look for them to have a similar size. And they’re physically strong guys. Like I said, they’re similar to Peter, so that was why I got those right in.

Q
Peter, you’re fighting a big powerful southpaw with knuckle power and you mentioned the two fights that Andy has lost, but the two fights he lost, he was actually ahead on points. Is that going to be an influence on your preparations? How do you expect to fight him? Are you going to try to knock him out or are you going to try to out point him, because obviously he is a very technical fighter.

P. Quillin
I want to ask you, if you were a chemist and you was putting a formula together and the formula you say you were going to put together, if you miss a measurement by one bit and you don’t actually have the chemistry with that, is something going to bad happen. I can say what I’m going to do now but it’s actually when you get in the ring, you learn what you can actually do.

I’ve never been that type of fighter who I can say, I’m going to go in and I’m going to throw a million jabs at Andy and see what he does then. I’m not that kind of fighter. I say the chemistry of me and Andy Lee will make the great fight that we’re going to put on. It’s not about the losses he took. I’m totally different than every other fighter he’s ever faced, and I’m pretty sure the same for Andy. He’s not like no other guy like I ever faced.

If you start comparing guys to guys you done fought, then you already, to me, lost the fight. I look at Andy Lee, and I respect him enough to say he was able to do a lot of things a lot of guys couldn’t do even with two losses, and that’s become a champion of the world. So, I give him that much respect to say that he’s able to go out there and be a champion and put on a show, but Kid Chocolate has done that over and over again. I’ve been the champion already. I vacated the belt.

Anytime I do something like that, it becomes big news. So it’s like I’m going here and fight Andy Lee, and it is going to be another part of my story or it is going to be a part of his story, and we’re going to create this together with the chemistry. So for you to see how I’m going to fight, you’ve got to tune in April 11th. You know what I’m saying? I think that’s all I can really say about that.

Q
Peter. Are you still throwing those Hershey’s Kisses before a fight when you enter the ring?

P. Quillin
I’m actually going to be throwing a chocolate sponsored by a chocolate company right there in Barclays Center. If you all tune in and you all wait to see, then you all get to see what kind of chocolate that is. I’m very thankful to be able to have people who reach out and support me for all the great reasons why I fight. You all just need to stay tuned, and if you’re there in attendance, I hope you catch one of those chocolates because it’s coming straight from the heart.

K. Swanson
Pete, before we go, could you please announce and spell your uncle’s name one more time for the media?

P. Quillin
Yes. My uncle’s name is Eric Munson. That’s ERIC, last name Munson, MUNSON. My uncle was my father figure when my dad went to prison. He was the most important person to me in my whole life, and I’m inspired to be a great man like he was. I can never tell you all how I felt about that whole losing my uncle because this is the first time I ever lost somebody so close to me that I’m really compassionate to anybody who has a family member that’s struggling with cancer.

I want to tell those people is that no matter how much that person is fighting with cancer, you fight with those people until they don’t have no more to fight with and continue to do that because that’s the way, inspire each other to keep on living and do the right thing while we’re here on earth and we have a breath.

K. Swanson
Okay, great. I’m going to reintroduce Lou DiBella and to say good-bye to Andy and to Pete. Thank you so much. We appreciate your time and then, Lou, turn it over to the main please.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Andy. Thank you, Peter.

I think the key for this event on April 11th and for this fight, and frankly, for both fights is that the outcome of these fights are in doubt. I believe in my champion Andy Lee, but I also know that Peter Quillin is a great champion himself, an undefeated fighter. These are two of the best middleweights in the world and two of the best fighters in the world and they both have power, both explosive and the real winners are going to be the fans that come to Barclays Center or tune into PBC on NBC.

On that note, the same thing is true of the other main event, the fight that’s going to close out the NBC show between undisputed Danny Garcia, a champion, and Lamont Peterson a champion. These guys are two of the best fighters fighting between 140 and 147 pound weight classes. They’re going to be in there in a long-anticipated fight. Both of them are putting everything on the line, and it figures to be a tremendous fight in the ring. People are debating about who’s going to win this one, and that’s what you expect from a great fight, that people are going to debate about who’s going to win the fight. I think that’s why this April 11th show at Barclays Center on PBC is so exciting for fans.

So I’d like to start by introducing undefeated champion, Danny Garcia.

Danny Garcia
Alright, cool. I want to thank you guys for having me on. I’m very excited for April 11th. I’m training real hard and come April 11th; I’m going to give the fans another tremendous fight, and I can’t wait.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Danny, and it’s a pleasure for me to be able to be involved in this fight between two terrific fighters like you and Lamont. Mr. Peterson, you want to say a few words? I know you have your own thoughts about this fight.

Lamont Peterson
How everybody doing? I’m just excited, man. I’m just ready to go. I’m excited about the fight, and I’m hoping who comes out and they watch it on TV, enjoys the fight.

Q
Do both of you guys see this as a chance in your own way for redemption? You’ve both taken a bit of heat from the public, fairly or not, for various things in the past, but now you’re finally fighting each other and, honestly, it’s a terrific match up. Do you both see this as a shot for redemption, if not personally, then in the eyes of the public?

D. Garcia
I don’t see this as redemption. This is a great match up. I’ve faced a lot of great fighters in my career and every fight that I’ve fought in my career was for a reason. Like you said, the media has been tough, but, hey, this is boxing. It is what it is. And come April 11th, you’re going to see Danny Garcia at his best. He’s going to be prepared and the fight’s going to be what it is.

L. Peterson
For me there’s no redemption either. No redemption for me. What’s in the past is in the past. At the end of the day, as you all keep saying, it’s a great match up, it’s a great fight, that’s why I wanted to make the fight happen.

Q
Danny, when you try to envision how this fight goes, I’ve seen you in fights where you come out and you’re able to blast guys out of there and you’re a big puncher, other fights where you’ve boxed against your opponents. Lamont is known as a boxer. In your mind, are you going to be the guy that makes this fight in terms of going and being aggressive to him?

D. Garcia
Every fight is a different fight. Like you said, sometimes I go out there, chase them down and sometimes I have to make adjustments and box my opponent like I boxed Matthysse. Every fight is different, and I prepare myself in the gym for the worst. If we got to sit there and bang it out for twelve rounds, then you got to bang it out. But if I’ve got to chase him down, then I’ve got to chase him down. I just got to make adjustments like a true champion does, and April 11th, I can’t wait.

Q
Although it’s an excellent match-up, there’s nobody disputing that, it’s not for the World Championship in the weight class, 140 pounds. My understanding is that you and your team decided that it was best for you to fight a few pounds heavier than 140. Can you tell me your side of that and why this is at 143 as opposed to being for, whether for the 140 pound recognized championship of the world?

D. Garcia
In order for the fight to be done in the time we had for it to be done, that’s the weight we had to fight at. At the end of the day, I feel like this is still a fight that the fans want to see. This is still a big fight no matter with the belts or without the belts. So I think the fans are going to, I think if the media just lets it go already and just accept the fight that it’s going to be a big fight without the belts. Come April 11th, I guarantee the media and the fans won’t even be talking about that anymore because the fight will be so good.

Q
Are you having trouble though making 140? Was that basically the reason to do it three pounds heavier?

D. Garcia
I’ve been at 140 since I was an amateur, since 2006, and I’ve put a lot of strain on my body making the weight. So it was best for me to fight at this weight. I mean, on my last fight I fought at the 143 catch weight and I’m not saying that I can’t make 140 again, but with the time off since August, I just don’t want to cheat the fans, I want to give them my best. And like I said, in order for the fight to be made, this is the weight I had to be at.

Q
If that’s the case and you are going to be on your way to welterweight sooner than later, did you contemplate or think about doing something that lots of fighters have done, vacate the titles officially, let somebody else fight for them and then decide you’re going up in weight or was vacating part of your plan?

D. Garcia
No. You know, right now I have to just stay focused on April 11th. I’m not really worried about what’s going to happen next. Either I’m going to defend them in the summer time or like you said, vacate them. Right now, it’s Lamont Peterson at 143 pounds April 11th, and all I can say is it’s going to be a great fight, a tremendous fight.

Q
You guys are two of the best, if not the top two guys in your 140-pound weight class. He does have the win against Lucas Matthysse. You got knocked out by Lucas Matthysse. Do you think there’s any correlation of what might happen in the fight with you and Danny based on the way you’ve both competed against a common opponent not too long ago?

L. Peterson
At the end of the day, you should know, it makes no difference. You can match it up many different ways, different fighters, it never makes any sense. If that was the case then-There’s many situations and incidents throughout boxing history tell you that that makes no difference. A boxer, you get hit good, you could get hurt and you could get knocked out. That’s just part of the game and something that I have to accept and just move on. I have, and I’m just focused on Danny Garcia.

Q
My understanding is that, Lamont, you would have been perfectly fine fighting at 140, no problem, but this is not at that weight class. What’s your perspective on that? Are you cool with that, or would you rather have been just in a fight where the belts are at stake?

L. Peterson
I’m cool with it. At the end of the day, you really don’t, too many titles, too many this, that, too much, at the end of the day you have two young top fighters that’s willing to fight each other. A lot of times I know the fans want it their way, the way they want it to be, but sometimes you just have to just chalk it up and just look at it, it’s a good match-up. We know what this fight means and I just hope that they can push that aside and enjoy the fight and not worry about it. To me, they’re not overweight; could have been 147 pounds, 45, any, it could have been 38.

Q
Do you have aspirations in the future to fight at 147?

L. Peterson
Yes, I do. Making 140, I always make it and I’m comfortable with making it, but I always think about when I’m passing the 140 pound scale and I’m going down into the 45’s and 44’s and just thinking about how strong I feel at 147 pounds, not to think about, man if I move up I’ll be much stronger, I’ll be much faster. Things like that. I look forward to it in the future, but right now I’m still fighting at 140 pounds.

Q
Do you see yourself as being on a short list with opponents for Mayweather and Pacquiao in the future and does this affect you as far as the pressure is concerned in this fight?

L. Peterson
I’m not worried about fighting Floyd Mayweather at all. That’s a long shot from here. He maybe has one more fight after this, so I won’t hold my breath on that. Not worried about it. Never think about it. Just continue with my career and right now focus on April 11th.

D. Garcia
I’m not worried about the fight, either. I’m focused on the task ahead. Maybe in the future, but as of right now, at the end of the day it’s always a fighter’s dream to fight Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather. Everybody wants to fight the best fight. So maybe in the future, of course, but right now, I’m focused on April 11th.

Q
Danny, what was your first thought when you were offered to fight Lamont, who also has a great track record as a professional?

D. Garcia
It’s a fight, the fans want it. When it was offered to me, I said, yeah, why not. Did you backtrack in my career? I never ever turned an opponent down. I never turn anybody down. The first person to always say, “Hey, Dan, you want to fight?” Danny fights them. Other than that the fans wanted it, the media wanted it, so it’s a great fight.

Q
Lamont, also to you, what was your first thought when you were offered to fight Danny?

L. Peterson
It was a good feeling to get the chance to fight Danny Garcia. He’s considered to be the best guy at the weight class. I just want my shot at that crown; belt or no belt. But, at the end of the day, fans wanted to see the fight. A lot of times, I never turn fights down. You never really see me call fighters out. I just leave it in the hands of the fans, the media. And normally when they say they want me to fight someone, my manager and my team ask me who I want to fight, I pretty much pick on who the fans and the media want.

Q
Also, Danny, what do you see in the positives of Lamont that you have to be really careful of in the ring?

D. Garcia
Yeah. I just have to go in there as a champion, as a fighter, and I just got to go in there and make adjustments. Be smart, and I know when Danny Garcia is 110% ready that nobody can beat him. I’m training hard. I’m doing what I’ve got to do. I’m not leaving anything in the gym. I’m ready. Come April 11th, I’ve got to go in there and make adjustments.

Q
Lamont, just one last question. What do you see in Danny that you have to be really cautious of come fight time?

L. Peterson
This is boxing. I’m really not worried about anything. That’s just my personality; that’s just me. At the end of the day, Danny’s a champion, he’s a top fighter. We’ll go in there and we’ll fight. No worries. No pressure. I’m just a person who loves to fight, and I’m happy to be fighting Danny Garcia. So, a lot of times, you won’t see no fear or anything, you’ll see me smiling and happy to even be in the ring fighting.

Q
Is there anything you didn’t know about each other that you might have learned when you both fought on the same card last August?

D. Garcia
I wasn’t paying attention because I was warming up, and I was getting my hands wrapped and things like that. But, it’s a fight and at the end of the day I’ve got to be prepared for whatever and I’ve got to go in there and make adjustments, be smart, name my big punches and get the win.

L. Peterson
After I fought, of course, you know, drug testing, so I was in the back in the dressing room taking care of that business and, of course, the fight didn’t last that long. So by the time I was done with that, the fight was over, so there wasn’t much to learn.

Q
What were your thoughts on the first PBC on NBC show on March 7th and how surreal was it for you to watch that knowing that you guys were up next?

D. Garcia
Oh man, it was amazing. Just the whole set up, the whole production. Everything was amazing. The way the fighters walked out. The backdrop. It was just great, it was great for boxing. I’m just happy to be a part of it. I’m happy that I get to showcase my skills on NBC to the new fans out there who are going to be watching for the first time. The many of the fans are going to be watching for the first time. I just have to go in there and look good and win over these millions of fans.

L. Peterson
For me, I’m happy for every fighter that’s going to participate in the event, because so many times people are saying boxing is dead, and I truly do not believe boxing is dead. I believe that boxing was put on the back burner. Seems like right now, boxing is going to get much-needed attention, and I’m just happy for everyone that gets a chance to participate in this movement.

Q
Danny, this question is for you. With you already beating people like Matthysse and Amir Kahn, how much would adding Lamont add to your legacy? We know you’re very particular with who you fight and the way you fight them, so is that part of the Danny Garcia plan?

D. Garcia
No. I think this is, out of the list of champions that I faced before, I think this is even bigger for my legacy because here’s the champion. He’s faced great opponents, he’s faced great fighters too. I think stylistically this is going to be a great fight, and it’s big for my legacy, so I’ve got to go in there and make sure I go in there and hand him my business.

Q
Danny, do you think that big experience will help you for this, you know it’s not pay-per-view, with it being on actual TV?

D. Garcia
Yeah, of course. I’ve been on some cards and I headlined some cards that the intensity, the atmosphere was so, it could break your will if you’re not built for it. Like you said, the Mayweather card, that was huge. I think everything that I’ve been through in my career, every fight that I faced, it’s just leading me up to this. Gave me the experience and built me up for this moment and all the moments that come in my career.

Q
What does Lamont possess that’s got you in the gym working on because we haven’t seen you in a while, add to your game?

D. Garcia
He’s a champion. He’s a champion, and I’ve got to go in there and prepare. Can’t take anyone light. I never take anyone light. I’m running every day. I’m training hard. I’m disciplined. I’m sacrificing. I’m doing everything I always do. I’m just more experienced, I’m stronger, I’m smarter. I’m just training hard, and I’m worrying about the things Danny Garcia has to do to get better in the gym every day. And sharpening up my skills and my tools to make sure that on April 11th, I go in there and handle business.

Q
My last question is for Lamont. Lamont, would you consider this the biggest fight of your career and what did you learn from the Matthysse loss that you can apply in this big level high-profile fight?

L. Peterson
I’m going to answer you back, but there’s nothing I could take from the Matthysse fight for this fight; two different styles; two different people. To me, it’s different.

To answer your first question, it’s all about how you prepare for a fight. I just know that right now, I just feel like it’s my time and right now I just feel like all the setbacks from the Matthysse, the losses and things like that, you learn from them. I feel like right now everything is put together at the perfect time, and I’m confident everything is right on line and in position. Everything is real great and can’t wait until April 11th.

K. Swanson
Okay. I think that was our last question. Lou, do you want to wrap it up for us, please?

L. DiBella
Thank you, Danny, and thank you, Lamont. We’re looking forward to a great fight on April 11th, and we’re looking forward to a great card of PBC on NBC on April 11th. Once again, tickets are available at Barclays Center Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets. Ringside seats, great seats got released today to the public. People should call and get your ringside seats if you’d like them. They’re $300 for ringside, $200, $150, $100, and there are $50 seats.

We hope to see everybody in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. We’re looking forward to a great audience and to introducing new fans to the great sport of boxing, the sport of kings, on April 11th when NBC showcases its second PBC card on NBC.

Thanks, you guys, for joining us and see you on April 11th.
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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now.Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.BarclaysCenter.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DannySwift, @KingPete26, @KidChocolate, @AndyLeeBoxing, @RealLuisCollazo, @NBCSports and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BKBoxing.