Former unified junior middleweight world champions Jarrett Hurd and Jeison Rosario battled 10-round split draw in a middleweight bout at the White Sands event Center in Plant City, Florida.

Each fighter won a card ny 96-94 tallies, while a third card was even at 95-95.

Hurd, 162.4 lbs is 25-4-1. Rosario, 164 lbs of Miami is 24-4-2.

Michael Angeletti won a 10-round unanimous decision over Geraldo Valdez in a banta,weight bout.

Angeletti, 117.9 lbs of Houston won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 12-0. Valdez, 117 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 16-2.

Dominic Valle remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Kevin Piedrahita in a junior lightweight bout

In round four, Valle began to bleed from the nose.

Valle, 130.6 lbs of Tampa won by scores of 79-73 twice and is now 10-0. Piedrahita, 131 lbs of Pereira, CA is 9-3.

Ivan Dychko remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Craig Lewis in a scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Dychko landed a big right that drove Lewis into the ropes for a knockdown. Later in the round, Lewis was deducted a point for losing his mouthpiece. Dychko then landed a big right hand that forced the referee to stop that bout at 2:05.

Dychko, 236 lbs of Pittsburgh is 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Lewis, 263.8 lbs of Detroit is 15-8-1.

Tristan Gallichan and Renny Mastrapa fought to a six-round draw in junior welterweight bout.

Each fighter took a card 58-56, 2hile a third card was even at 57-57.

Gallichan, 139 3/4 lbs of Florida is 5-0-2. Mastrapa, 138 lbs of Las Vegas is 3-1-1.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – November 20, 2023 — Undefeated super featherweight Julian Gonzalez will appear in his first headlining bout as he takes on Juan Antonio Lopez in an eight-round bout at The Wind Creek Event Center on Friday, December 8th in Bethlehem, PA.

The loaded card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Gonzalez, 22 of Reading, PA is 11-0-1 with nine knockouts. Gonzalez has established himself as a top-130 lb. prospect with wins over undefeated fighters Rosalindo Morales (9-0) and Johnnie Spell (8-0) with the latter coming on August 4th at The Wind Creek Event Center.

Lopez of Fort Worth, Texas, has a record of 17-15-1 with seven knockouts. The 29-year-old Lopez has wins over undefeated fighters Erick Lainez (1-0), Isaac Torres (5-0-1), Jerren Cochran (11-0-1) and Fernando Garcia (12-1). Lopez has faced 12 undefeated opponents. Lopez is coming off a loss to Richard Medina on May 20th in San Antonio.

A loaded undercard that will feature world champions, top contenders and top prospects has been assembled.

In a 10-round super middleweight fight, former two-time world title challenger, Jesse Hart (29-3, 23 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jeyson Minda (14-7-1, 8 KOs) in a super middleweight bout.

In eight-round bouts:

Former unified world champion, Jarrett Hurd (24-3, 16 KOs) of Accokek, Maryland will take on Tyi Edmonds (14-5, 9 KOs) from Meridian, Mississippi

Travon Marshall (8-1, 7 KOs) of Landover, Maryland will take on Roudley Lolo (6-1-2, 3 KOs) of Camp Hill, PA in a junior middleweight bout.

Paige Suchit (5-0 4 KOs) of Edmonton, Canada will fight Yusniel Abrahante (5-1, 1 KO) of Louisville, KY in a super flyweight contest.

Ernie Cuevas (7-0, 5 KOs) of Maudin, SC will take on Roberto Puchetta (11-24-3, 6 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico in a bantamweight fight.

In six-round bouts:

James Bernadin (10-2-1, 6 KOs) of Lancaster, PA collides Osvaldo Morales (5-3, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in a lightweight clash.

Thanjhae Teasley (8-0, 4 KOs) of Allentown, PA fights Xavier Madrid (5-2, 3 KOs) of Albuquerque, NM in a welterweight fight.

Shamara Woods (3-0) of Allentown, PA squares off with Micaele Nogue (2-4) of Egg Harbor, NJ in a super lightweight battle.

In Four-round Fights:

Francis Oran (4-1,2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA will take on Justin Maggi (0-0-1) of Frederick, Maryland in a cruiserweight bout.

Elijah Akana will make his pro debut against RJ Hayes (0-2) of Oneontha, NY in a heavyweight bout.

Gustavo Morales (2-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA fights Antonio Allen (1-15-2) of Philadelphia in a welterweight fight.

Tickets are priced at $50, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Brandon Figueroa won the WBC Interim Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Mark Magsayo at The Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.

In round four, Figueroa was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt.

In round eight, Magsayo was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Figueroa was cut over his left eye due to another accidental headbutt. In round 11, he was deducted another point for holding.

Figueroa, 125.8 lbs of Weslaco, TX won by scores of 118-108 and 117-109 twice and is now 24-1-1. Magsayo, 126 lbs of the Philippines is 24-2.

Resendiz Stops Hurd in 10th

Armando Resnediz stopped former unified junior middleweight champion Jarrett Hurd in the 10th and final round of their middleweight bout.

The fight was a high-volume, high-contact fight that was stopped five seconds into the final round when Hurd’s lip was severely cut.

Resendiz, 162 lbs of Mexico is 13-1 with 10 knockouts. Hurd, 159.2 lbs of Accokeek, MD is 24-3.

Elijah Garcia Stops Vidal in Four

19 year-old Elijah Garcia stopped Amilcar Vidal in round four of their 10-round middleweight bout.

In round four, Garcia landed a huge flurry that started by a right hook on the ropes that sent off 13 unanswered punch that put Vidal down, and the bout was stopped at 2:17.

Garcia, 158.6 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 14-0 with 12 knockouts. Vidal, 159 lbs of Uruguay is 16-1.

Former world title challenger Terrell Gausha stopped Brandon Lynch in round nine of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round nine, Gausha dropped Lynch with a short right. Seconds later, it was another right that put Lynch down again. Gausha finished off lynch with a series of overhand rights that put Lynch down for a third and final time, and the fight was stopped at 50 seconds.

Gausha, 156.6 lbs of Encino, CA is 23-3-1 with 10 knockouts. Lynch, 155.6 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 12-2-1.

Travon Marshall remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Justin DeLoach Dock in a scheduled eight-round welterweight fight.

In round three, Marshall dropped Dock with a hard right hand. Dock got to his feet, but the fight was called at 2:07.

Marshall, 145.6 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Dock, 147 lbs of Augusta, GA is 19-6.

In round one, Dock began to bleed from the nose.

Samuel Teah won a eight-round unanimous decision over Enriko Gogokhia in a junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Teah scored a knockdown when Gogokhia was off balance and Teah landed a right hand that that put Gogokhia on the canvas.

In round six, Teah started to swell under his left eye.

Teah, 141.6 lbs of Philadephia won by scores of 79-72 and 78-73 twice and is now 19-6-1. Gogokhia, 143 lbs of Woodland Hills, CA is 13-1-2.

Daniel Blancas remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Kynndale Prather in a scheduled four-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Blancas dropped Prather with a hard combination in the corner. Prather dropped Prather again in the round with another flurry and the bout was stopped.

Blancas, 168.2 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 5-0 with three knockouts Prather, 165.4 lbs of Kansas City, KS is 3-16.

ONTARIO, CALIF. – January 31, 2023 – In a matchup of all-action, high-powered former world champions, hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will meet Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif. topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is an intriguing clash of unbeaten young middleweights as Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia meet in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, February 1 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

“Saturday, March 4 will be headlined by an explosive clash of exciting styles, as Brandon Figueroa and Mark Magsayo are sure to go toe-to-toe to secure their standing in the featherweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Brandon looked spectacular in his featherweight debut last July, and Magsayo has the opportunity to regain his status after losing his title in a close fight last time out. With another certified action fighter in Jarrett Hurd stepping into the ring in the co-main event against the up-and-coming Armando Reséndiz, plus hungry young middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia in the TV opener, the stage is set for a thrilling night live on SHOWTIME and at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.”

The 26-year-old Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) was dynamic in his 126-pound debut, swarming and dominating Carlos Castro on his way to a sixth-round TKO on SHOWTIME in July 2021. The bout was his first since a 2021 Fight of the Year against Stephen Fulton Jr., which some observers thought ended in controversy after the majority decision loss for Figueroa. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s  relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him  become the first person to defeat former division champion Luis Nery in their championship clash on SHOWTIME prior to the Fulton fight. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC lightweight world championship.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring to do what I love,” said Figueroa. “I want to fight the best, so I’m very motivated to be up against a former champion at featherweight like Magsayo. I’m confident that we’re going to give the fans a great fight, because neither of us like to take a step back. This is my chance to really show what I’m capable of at 126 pounds and I’m just eager to dominate and prove it to the world.”

The Philippines’ Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs) became the latest champion from the boxing-rich nation in January 2022 when he outpointed boxing’s then longest-reigning male world champion Gary Russell Jr. to capture the 126-pound title on SHOWTIME. Magsayo will look to move closer to regaining that title on March 4, after he lost a narrow split-decision to Rey Vargas last July, despite dropping Vargas in round nine. The 27-year-old earned his first title opportunity by knocking out former champion Julio Ceja in the 10^th round of a fight he trailed on the scorecards in August 2021. Magsayo is trained by Freddie Roach in Southern California and owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles, in addition to a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“Figueroa and I both like to move forward, so everyone knows exactly what kind of fight this will be,” said Magsayo. “My goals are to give the fans the action they love and to regain my place in this division. I’m ready to face anyone they put in front of me. This is a true Mexican vs. Filipino style matchup, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring to perform once again.”

The 32-year-old Hurd (24-2, 16 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles in 2018, dropping longtime champion Erislandy Lara in the final round to win a close decision in a fight that was the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year. The Accokeek, Md., native would go on to lose the titles in one of 2019’s best fights, dropping a decision to Julian Williams. Hurd first became champion in February 2017 when he stopped former champion Tony Harrison in the ninth round, before defending the title against another former champion in Austin Trout. Hurd will return to the ring having most recently dropped a narrow split-decision against tricky veteran Luis Arias in June 2021.  

“Y’all must’ve forgot, but I’m back to remind you what ‘Swift’ Jarrett Hurd is all about,” said Hurd. “I’m in a new weight class and I’m looking to dominate like I did at 154 pounds. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on in the gym and display my talents on March 4. I know Reséndiz is going  to make the most of this opportunity, but I’m ready to make a big statement of my own.”

Reséndiz (13-1, 9 KOs) made a successful U.S. debut in April 2021, entering the fight with an eight-bout knockout streak before earning a decision victory over Quilisto Madera. A 23-year-old native of Nayarit, Mexico, he now fights out of Los Angeles. After dropping a decision to veteran Marcos Hernandez in September 2021, he returned this October to dominate Heber Rondon on his way to a second-round stoppage.

“I’ve been preparing very hard to take full advantage of the opportunity that I have in this fight,” said Reséndiz. “I have a great team in my corner and I know that they are getting the best out of my abilities. We’re all working toward the same goal and it’s going to result in a great fight for the fans. I’m fighting for my Mexican people and I’m not going to let them down.”

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Vidal (16-0, 12 KOs) now fights out of Las Vegas under the guidance of top trainer Bob Santos. The 26-year-old put together an impressive streak between November 2019 and November 2020, defeating three previously unbeaten fighters in a row, as he knocked out Zach Prieto on SHOBOX: The New Generation^®, Leopoldo Reyna and Edward Ortiz. Vidal followed that up with a decision victory over veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem in July 2021 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, and has added three more triumphs since then, including most recently winning a unanimous decision over Gabriel Omar Diaz last July.

“I am very happy to be back on SHOWTIME for my fourth fight in the U.S.,” said Vidal. “I’ve already beaten two undefeated fighters in America and I’m confident this will be the third time I take another fighter’s ‘0’. I’m thankful to my new trainer Bob Santos and my whole team for this opportunity. I’m training in Las Vegas and looking forward to putting my punching power on full display.”

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (13-0, 11 KOs) closed out 2022 in December with his fourth victory of the year, a second round KO of Cruse Stewart that streamed live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The 19-year-old has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 establishing himself as a rising prospect by knocking out his first six opponents and five of his last six.

“This fight is going to be a gateway for me,” said Garcia. “This is a great matchup on a big stage, and that just means more eyes and attention on me. I’m only 19 and I’m taking on an older undefeated fighter with more fights than I have. That just shows what kind of fighter I am. A win is going to open a lot of doors for me and soon everyone is gonna know what I can do.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FigueroaMagsayo follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

About TOYOTA ARENA

Toyota Arena, located in Southern California, built and owned by the City of Ontario, managed by SMG Worldwide, continues to win awards for the best entertainment venue in the region. The 225,000 square foot venue can accommodate capacities up to 11,000 for concerts, family shows, and sporting competitions. The arena features 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of refreshment stands, merchandise kiosks, a VIP club and other fan amenities. Toyota Arena is proud to be recognized for cleaning and disinfecting to a higher standard to keep our space clean and safe for occupancy with a GBAC Star Accreditation. Toyota Arena hosts a variety of sporting competitions, concerts, family shows, special events, graduation ceremonies and community activities as well as private events. The Arena is home to Ontario Reign – AHL Hockey Team, and Empire Strykers – MASL Soccer Team and the Ontario Clippers – G league basketball team. Toyota Arena is the biggest and most modern arena within the region, an area with nearly 5 million people. It is located in the City of Ontario, California, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the I-10 Freeway. For more information visit Toyota-Arena.com

The most anticipated boxing exhibition, perhaps in history, took place tonight at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. YouTube sensation Logan Paul surprisingly took the 50-0, 12-time, five-division boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather the distance in an eight-round exhibition.  The brave YouTube star stepped to the 44-year-old retired Mayweather in the opening round ending the first round with a flurry at the end of the round, not many if any landed. The 26-year-old Paul intelligently used his size advantage on Mayweather, at times like a weighted blanket. Mayweather was able to counter punch the bigger Paul and landed a strong left hook in round four that seemed to show flashes of the Floyd Mayweather of old. There were times it looked as if the Champ was going to kick it up a notch and take out the younger Paul, but the young Maverick survived the biggest night of his life.  At the end of the day, it was about entertainment, and the crowd, although a bit disappointed they did not see a knockout, they did witness the greatest boxer of our era for perhaps the final time in a big-time boxing event.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER“He was strong, tough and better than I thought he was. I was surprised by him tonight. That was some good little work. 

“Even without much experience, he knew to use his weight to tie me up tonight. 

“I had fun tonight. I thank all the fans who came out, you’re all unbelievable.”
LOGAN PAUL“I don’t want anyone to tell me anything is impossible ever again. The fact that I got in here with one of the greatest boxers of all time, it proves the odds can be beat. Anyone can beat the odds and do great things in life. This is one of the greatest nights of my life, I’m happy.

“It’s an honor to share the ring with Floyd. He’s one of the GOATs. This is one of the coolest things ever.”

Badou Jack KO’s Late Replacement Colina in Four

Light heavyweight Badou Jack 24-3-3 (14KO) dropped Dervin Colina 15-1(13KO) 3 times in the fourth round to secure a KO win.  Jack was dominant from the opening bell, starting unusually fast, letting his hands go. Colina often held and was deducted 2 points for holding to avoid the attack from Jack.  Colina was a late replacement after Jean Pascal tested positive for a number of banned substances, perhaps Jack’s unusual early aggression was frustration stemming from Pascal’s positive tests, in which he was very vocally upset on social media.

Badou Jack

On the Jean Pacal rematch falling out…

“People can say it’s bad luck but this is all from God. And I just have to be patient. This is God’s plan.

“The game plan was just to outbox him. Everything else will come. Definitely, hit the body. He was a little soft in the body but give him respect. He came out on short notice. He was supposed to fight next week but this is a different level.

“My goal is to become a three-division world champion. I walk around very heavy. I’m about to be 38 this year and I don’t like to cut weight so I’ll get with my team and see what’s next.

“He was trying to hold a lot and survive. I fight better when I fight better opponents. I was a little sloppy. The world class fights are when I perform the best.”

Luis Arias Upsets Jarrett Hurd in the Rain in Miami

In a thrilling junior middleweight battle, Luis Arias fought the fight of his life with a hard-earned split decision victory over former unified 154-pound champion Jarrett Hurd 24-2(16KO). Arias 19-2-1(9KO) started fast and very aggressive from the opening bell, often landing an overhand right while coming forward. Arias baited Hurd into an early inside brawl when midway through the second round a torrential Miami downpour halted the action when Arias slipped on the wet CashApp logo in the center of the ring. The rain slowed and Arias went right back to work coming after Hurd mauling with overhand rights.  Hurd had his moments in the middle rounds while taking a lot of shots himself. In a wild 9th round after another rain clean-up, Hurd scored a knockdown, however, it was a slip from the wet canvas.  Arias went on to potentially win the 9th round.  Arias came forward in the final round looking to take Hurd out, both fighters took several shots including a big shot from Hurd at the final bell that appeared to drop Arias. The official cards read 95-94 Hurd, 97-93 Arias 96-93 Arias. 15Rounds.com scored 97-92 Arias.

Luis Arias

“I came in here and challenged the No. 1 guy at 154 pounds and we fought somewhere halfway and I was able to edge a decision. Props to Jarrett Hurd. You fought a great fight. Honestly, you could have had me out of there. I was definitely buzzed. If you would have found a way, I definitely would have gone down.

“He is a great fighter and like I told him afterwards, he came in here and fought his heart out. He definitely should have taken more time off with what he was dealing with outside of the ring.

“We’re here. I never quit on myself. People close to me were telling me to get a job and quit boxing. I just beat a former champion. Don’t ever give up on yourself.

“I would like to thank Ismael Salas as well. I came to him semi-late. About six or seven weeks and I needed to change something in my game plan to beat Jarrett. The things I was doing before would have gotten me a loss tonight. I needed somebody to just tweak a little bit and put my game up a little bit so I could beat this champion. Jarrett is a hell of a fighter and he’s not done.

“My key to victory was staying confident. Staying confident and sticking to the game plan. Knowing I’m the better fighter. Knowing I’m in better shape and I hit harder. I’m a better boxer and my defense is better. I’m better than him and I just proved it.

“The game plan was to jump on him, get the early lead and keep it. I felt like in the middle rounds I was wining the fight but you never know because I wasn’t the A-side in this fight. I buzzed him a lot especially on the inside. If we were fighting at 154, he would have gotten knocked out. Everybody knows it.

“I’ve been around the Charlos. They are great champions. I’m not going to sit here and call out [Jermell] Charlo. I have to earn my stripes. Had I beat Hurd at 154, maybe I could mention him. But I can’t. The goal is to go down to 154 pounds and fight a former challenger.”

Jarrett Hurd

“I’m not sure what went wrong tonight. I believe I won the fight. I had a knockdown. I could make a hundred excuses but it wasn’t a great performance.

“The plan coming out in the first round was to box. I wasn’t as confident in my feet as the rain came down, so I had to go toe-to-toe more. That wasn’t really what we trained for, so I was a bit sloppy.

“I’ll take the rematch at whatever weight. I know I’m the better man.”

Chad Johnson dropped in Exhibition

Six-time NFL Pro Bowler Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson showed up, and showed out in his hometown of Miami in a four-round battle with MMA and bare-knuckle veteran Brian Maxwell. The southpaw “Ocho Cinco” got off to a good start showing his boxing skills with footwork, athleticism, catching Maxwell with right hooks, and occasional straight left hands while avoiding Maxwell’s attack, most of the early rounds. The fight turned scrappy at times with Maxwell from Roanoke, VA who holds a combined record of 2-6 in MMA and Bareknuckle saw an opportunity to take his idol down.  Maxwell kept pressing and caught Johnson relaxing a bit in the final round and dropped the former Pro Bowler Johnson who got up to see the final bell. 15Rounds.com scored the fight 38-37 Maxwell.  The fight was declared a Spirited Exhibition by ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.

Johnson has been training in the offseason since high school and held his camp for this fight with the Charlo Brothers in Houston. Johnson said afterward he was happy to “Get this off of his bucket list” and “I am ready for Conor”.

Brian Maxwell

“Ask the world who Brian Maxwell is now. Brain Maxwell is here. Thank you, Chad. It was an honor fighting my idol and I appreciate it.”

Chad Johnson

“I had fun. I had two months to get ready for this and I want to thank God for keeping us safe out there. I want to thank Floyd, Leonard Ellerbe and my whole team for allowing me to check this off my bucket list. My life has always been about taking chances and doing crazy stuff and this is just one off my bucket list. It’s a message for a lot of people who are scared to fail, scared to lose, scared to take chances to go out there and live. Don’t be scared to fail, it’s okay. I don’t box. I fight but it ain’t in the ring so of course I was a little sloppy.”

Mayweather Promotions Adrian Benton improved to 5-0 (3KO) with a unanimous decision win over the hard-charging Pedro Cruz 1-1(1KO) fighting out of San Jose California. Cruz came forward the whole fight and found early success, finding the swift-footed Benton in a competitive scrap. Benton started timing Cruz with counterpunching and angles, separating with the lead as the fight wore on. By the fourth round, Benton was having his way with Cruz, who never stopped coming forward. The cards read 40-36 thrice.  I gave Cruz the second round.

Hard punching super lightweight Jean Carlos Torres 19-0 (15 KO) dropped Zack Kuhn 10-8-1 three times on his way to a destructive second-round knockout. A slow-starting first round quickly heated up when Torres started letting his hands go, dropping Kuhn twice in the first round. A ripping left hook from Torres immediately dropped Kuhn ending the fight at 41 of round two.

Highly decorated amateur and Mayweather Promotions rookie Jalil Hackett out of Washington D.C. took his talents to Miami, and made an impressive successful debut with an early first-round destruction over debuting Dallas, TX product Angelo Diaz.  Hackett came out firing, hitting Diaz nearly at will, and finally dispensed Diaz in the corner with a slick hook and straight right hand resulting in a knockout win 1:10 of round one.

The Floyd Mayweather vs Logan Paul event kicked off with competitive professional boxing as Buckeye, Arizona’s Dorian Mark Khan Jr 1-0 (1KO) who made his professional debut in hot Miami style with a TKO win over Jonathan Gray 0-4.  The southpaw Kahn was sharpshooting from round one, and aggressively progressed through round two dropping the game Gray who, by advisement of his corner did not answer the bell through for the third round.

MIAMI (June 4, 2021) – Fighters competing on the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV undercard previewed their respective showdowns during a final press conference Friday before they enter the ring this Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Friday’s press conference featured two-division champion Badou Jack and unbeaten Dervin Colina, who meet in the 10-round light heavyweight co-main event, and former unified champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and veteran contender Luis Arias, who square off in a 10-round attraction.

Also participating in the press conference was former NFL star Chad Johnson and versatile fighter Brian Maxwell, as Johnson makes his boxing debut in a special exhibition against Maxwell to kick off the pay-per-view telecast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Friday from the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry:

BADOU JACK

“I’m just thankful that I’m still fighting on Sunday night. Now we have a new opponent and it’s going to be the same outcome. I’m in great shape and I can’t wait.

“Colina is just another guy. I respect him for coming in and stepping up as a late replacement. But I was going to win this fight on Sunday whether it was Pascal or anyone.

“I’m very frustrated about Jean Pascal. But I’m a pro and I can adjust no matter who is in front of me. I’m disappointed because I won the first fight against Pascal and I waited 18 months to get my revenge.

“I have a little anger that might get taken out on Colina, but it’s nothing personal, just business that I’m here to take care of on Sunday night.

“I don’t really care about the title too much, I really just cared about getting that revenge against Pascal. I waited so long for this and I could have taken different fights while I waited.

“He’s an undefeated guy so he’s going to come in here with a lot of confidence looking to show off his power. We’ll be ready though regardless how he comes into the fight. I had great sparring like always, so I’m prepared for what he’s going to bring.”

DERVIN COLINA

“I’d like to thank Team Badou Jack for the opportunity. This is what I do. I was born for this. Come Sunday you guys will see what I do.

“I was scheduled to fight June 11 on a different card. The fight came a little bit earlier on June 6. But I’m ready to fight and there are no excuses for this fight. I’m coming to win at all costs. And you’ll see what I do on Sunday.

“I respect Badou and what he’s done in this sport, but I know that I have everything I need to shock the world come Sunday night.

“I have nothing to lose and that makes me dangerous. I’m going to leave everything in the ring and announce to the whole world that I’m a fighter you’re going to be hearing from.”

JARRETT HURD

“Everyone knows I have unfinished business at 154-pounds. I’m not looking past Arias though. This fight is just a stop at middleweight because I’m going back down to take care of that business.

“We’ve had an amazing training camp with my new trainer Kay Koroma in Colorado Springs. I have a chip on my shoulder. I think a lot of people forgot who I was. I had the best resume in the weight class. Come Sunday, I’m going to remind everyone who I am.

“It’s always strictly business and it’ll be the same on Sunday. Arias is obsessed with my weight and thinks I’m struggling. But he needs to focus on what he needs to do on Sunday night.

“I don’t know where I’m rated right now, but I’m the best fighter at 154 pounds. Showing that to the world is the goal on Sunday.

“We just took it back to the basics in training camp with my coach Kay Koroma. You can always learn more in the sport.

“I’ve been boxing for 15 years now and coach Koroma just helped me evolve the things I already knew. He’s got me not just coming forward and using my strength, but moving around and boxing a little bit.”

LUIS ARIAS

“I think the narrative is they needed an opponent for Jarrett Hurd, and I wasn’t looking so great lately. But people tend to forget I was 18-0 before I got my first blemish. When I was with Floyd Mayweather, I was 9-0 and that’s when I was most comfortable. That’s the mentality I’m taking into this fight.

“I’ve been around Floyd since December. I’ve been in Vegas training in the altitude, just like Hurd. I’m in tip-top shape for this fight and he still has to figure out how he’s going to fight.

“Now the boxing world is going to be watching this fight. I’m going to be on my Ps and Qs and he won’t have to look for me. He will have to pick and choose once he gets hit on Sunday what style he wants to fight.

“This is a must-win for me. This is a great name for my resume. I haven’t ducked anyone. I’ve taken every name that’s been brought to me. When his name came up I said absolutely. I’m ready and I’m an old-school fighter. I’d fight you in this backyard, that backyard, any backyard. On Sunday it will show.

“He’s the one who has got the issue with the weight. The fight doesn’t really make much sense at 160 because he’s not ranked and wants to go back down to 154. But it’s too big of an opportunity and too big of a card to complain about the weight. We’re going to put the gloves on and whatever he weighs, he weighs. This is going to be the best fight on the card.”

CHAD JOHNSON

“I feel really good. I’ve been using boxing to prepare for football throughout the years, but I’ve never done it to this magnitude. To prepare for an actual fight, is something new. I’m facing a guy who does this for a living, so I’m not taking this lightly at all.

“I was always nervous before every kickoff. So I’d be a fool to say I’m not nervous going into something where I’m out of my element.

“One thing I’m extremely good at, is when there’s lights, cameras and a crowd, is going in there and entertaining.

“I’ve been working with Jorge Masvidal a little bit, but the last few weeks have been in Houston with Jermall and Jermell Charlo. That’s where most of my work has been. I’ve been doing everything possible to make sure I look the part Sunday night.

“I’m out of my element, so of course I’m approaching this fight humbly. He’s coming to knock my head off. Football is something I did all my life, that’s why I walked the way I did. I can’t be arrogant and take this fight lightly.”

BRIAN MAXWELL

“I don’t know how my name came up for this fight. But like everyone has said, ‘Who is Brian Maxwell?’ That’s been a trending topic on every social media. But guess what? Today, you all know who Brian Maxwell is. And I’m excited about this. It’s a perfect matchup for me. It’s a perfect matchup for Chad. The best of both worlds. Coming from a fan. My hashtag on social media has become ‘Idols Become Rivals.’ And this is the perfect time and the perfect moment for me and him. Like I told him over the phone, I’m a huge fan. But the fanboy has gone out the window. Now we have to entertain and that’s what we’re going to do.

“This is an exhibition, so we are coming to entertain the fans and put on a show. But at the same time, we are two men who are coming in front of each other and have to fight. No matter the outcome, we’re going to put on a great fight.

“I’ve followed this man since Day 1. I know his every move. I’ve modeled myself after him and it’s like fighting myself. I’m going to be humble about this and we are going to put on a show for everyone.

“That has been the question, what round am I going to knock him out. I’m here to entertain and to have fun. This is a great opportunity.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We have a stacked undercard on Sunday night. I’ve promoted tons of events and this is one that I’m really looking forward to, because it gives us an array of great fights in addition to a little something different.

“I’m really looking forward to this card. South Florida has been buzzing since we announced this event. We can’t wait for the great crowd and the tons of fans tuning in from all around the world.

“When I think of Chad Johnson, he’s a showman. He does so many different things really well. He’ll be making his foray into the boxing industry in what should be a terrific bout against Brian Maxwell. Chad is looking to possibly steal the show, which is what he’s known for doing.

“Former unified champ Jarrett Hurd is a great champion and I’ve known him for many years. He’s looking to get back and make his mark where he left off. He’s let it be known that after this fight, he’s going to take control of the 154-pound division again. He’ll be up against Mayweather Promotions own Luis Arias and I’ve had the opportunity to witness Arias preparation firsthand. I can tell you right now he’s more than prepared to upset Jarrett.

“In the co-main, I can’t say enough about Badou Jack. He’s a great champion in the ring and a terrific example outside of the ring. He does so much to help people around the world and Floyd and I are really proud of him. We know he’s going to put on a great show Sunday.

“When it comes to this undercard, the fans are in for a great treat. It’s going to be nothing but action from top to bottom.”

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ABOUT MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL
Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com and FANMIO.com. The undercard will feature two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 10-round contest against the undefeated Dervin Colina, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in a four-round exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell.

For more information visit bit.ly/mayweatherpaul, www.SHO.com/sports, www.FANMIO.com. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromo, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromotions, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO.

NEW YORK – (May 25, 2021) – WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal andtwo-division champion Badou Jack, plus former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and veteran contender Luis Arias, previewed their respective showdowns on a virtual press conference Tuesday before they step in the ring as part of the SHOWTIME PPV undercard of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul taking place Sunday, June 6 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Pascal and Jack will meet for a championship rematch in the co-main event of the pay-per-view, while Hurd and Arias square off for a 10-round bout also on pay-per-view. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson making his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

JEAN PASCAL

“I’m very excited about the rematch. I’ve been training in Puerto Rico since December. I’ve been waiting this whole time for the rematch and I’m ready. I respect Badou, but he’s always whining after he loses. The judges said I won the fight and that’s it.

“The first fight, in the first six rounds I did everything well. I might have gotten a little overconfident. I took it a bit too easy after that. The fight got close because of that knockdown he got that wasn’t from a real punch. Without that, it wouldn’t have even been close. We’re going to settle this June 6 in Miami.

“I think I just have to pace myself a little better this fight. I got over excited because I’ve sparred with Badou before and know what I can do. I am a veteran, so I shouldn’t have gotten too excited like that. As far as knocking him down again in this fight, my mom taught me that anything you can do once, you can do twice.

“I do believe that Badou respects my power. If he doesn’t, then he better watch that fourth round again. But I also have skills with my power. I am naturally-gifted and I have the better skills. I was born for this sport and built to win.

“I really think the work in the gym will help so I don’t have ring rust. I’m a veteran. I’ve been here and done that. At this age, it’s better to have more rest than to be over trained. I had the right intensity in camp to make sure I’m not over trained. 

“He’s coming for revenge and I’m coming with bad intentions. It’s going to be a great show, so make sure you tune-in for this one.”

BADOU JACK

“I’m feeling great with my new trainer Jonathon Banks. Physically I’m in amazing shape and I can’t wait. Another week and a half and it’s all going to happen.

“This has been in the works since our first fight. Last year Floyd called me and said, ‘it’s on.’ Then the pandemic hit and it got pushed back. There is a reason there is a rematch, because everyone knows who won that fight. It’s better late than never. I was back in the gym Monday after the first fight.

“There were three judges and Julie Lederman had it for me and the two other guys had never judged a big fight before. We have two judges for this fight: the right hand and the left hand. That’s it. I’m very confident for this fight and I’m not worried about the judges. I know Jean Pascal is a warrior, and I’m a warrior. I’m just ready to fight.

“Looking at the past, yes, I need to start faster. Every fight, that can apply. I will listen to my corner, and we’re going to figure out how to win the fight. By any means we need.

“He can say whatever he wants about when I knocked him down. I hit him five straight times and he swung and missed and I hit him. That’s why he went down.

“This is going to be a firefight. We already know that. Tune in to this fight. Boxing is not a game and I’m going to show everyone that and try to steal the show.

“I’ve watched the last fight once or twice, maybe three times. I just need to make some small adjustments. You can always do better. I’m more confident than last time. I know we are both warriors. We’ve fought everyone. We’re the same age (Jack is 37; Pascal 38), even though I look a little bit better. I’m looking younger. Nobody has seen my birth certificate. I’m not really 37. I’m 27.”

JARRETT HURD

“Training camp has been great. I haven’t fought in a year and a half, so I had a chance to really take my time with this camp. I’ve had a lot of time to put in the work. I’m training with fighters like Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, Troy Isley and a lot more. We’re all out here working day after day.

“Arias is a great fighter. This is going to be the type of toe-to-toe fight I like. He’s going to be there in front of me and ready to fight. He’s never been stopped, so I’ll be prepared to go the distance.

“We’ve seen this story before from Arias. He talks a big game but look at his fights against top fighters. It doesn’t matter what weight I’m at, Arias knows what’s coming. I suffered a loss, but I got the win in my last fight and I’m on my way back.

“I just need a dominant win on June 6. Luis Arias can make it ugly, but I have to go win convincingly and let everyone know I’m back. I don’t want to win in a sloppy way, I want to look good doing it.

“He might think he’s catching me at the right time, but it’s not going to be a good time for him on June 6. I can box and I can bang, it doesn’t matter. We’ll decide on fight night which style I’m going to use. I know that I can beat him either way.

“I tried to work on my bad habits after my loss. I was a straight-forward guy who just came at you. I wanted to show in my last fight against Francisco Santana that I can use my height and range if I need to. I wanted to box all 10 rounds and I did that. 

“I still have too much unfinished business at 154-pounds. I have a lot of fights, including my rematch against Julian Williams, that I still want to get. I want to regain my titles. Me and Jermell Charlo is probably the biggest fight at 154 right now. I want to handle that before I move up in weight.”

LUIS ARIAS

“Camp has been excellent. I’m excited for the fight. I think this is a perfect fight and a perfect opportunity. It’s a great matchup. I’ve been working on the right things to make sure I’m one hundred percent prepared for this fight and I think I’m catching Jarrett Hurd at the right time. He’s switching styles. He really doesn’t know how he wants to fight.

“When this fight was brought to me, he was ranked No. 1 at the Ring Magazine at 154 and that’s part of why I wanted this fight. Leonard Ellerbe asked if I was willing to fight Hurd, and I said one hundred percent. It’s all about challenging yourself. This is another challenge and I never turn down a challenge. I’ve been in there with the best and there’s nothing that Jarrett Hurd can bring to the table that I haven’t already seen.

“A win puts me right back in the mix. I’ve always been just one step away from really getting into the mix with the big guys. My last couple fights have all been just one fight away from getting that world title fight. Once I beat Jarrett Hurd on June 6, I’ll be right there with the big dogs. He’s calling out Jermell Charlo and he wants to fight all these other big names, but he’s going to have to get through me. If he loses to me, I’ll be in position for the fights that he wants.

“It’s going to be a hard fight. If he wants to bang, we can bang. If he says he wants to box, he’s not the better boxer. But there’s only one way to find out and we’re going to find out in two weeks. I have to do everything that I can do to make sure that I show up and I impress.

“I’m still young and I’m still fighting my way through. I just needed to make the proper adjustments. I’m not going to be a desperate fighter. I’m going to go in there and fight the way I fight. I’ve always had championship-level fighting in me, but I just haven’t shown it. This is a perfect opportunity for me to show it.

“I’m coming after him. I have to win. He’s not going to have to find me. I’m going to be right there. If I have to box him in the middle of the ring or if I have to put my head in his chest and dog him out, then that’s what I got to do. From the opening bell to the final bell, if we make it to the final bell, I’m going to be on him. We’ll see what type of adjustments he makes, but I don’t feel he’s a better inside fighter than me and I don’t feel like he’s a better boxer than me.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“The world is buzzing about this whole event, including our terrific undercard with two great professional bouts. Hurd vs. Arias is going to be a scintillating bout. I’ve seen Luis up close and personal during this training camp and I know that he’s 100% prepared and ready to pull off the upset. Hurd on the other hand is looking to maintain his footprint in the 154-pound division and prove he’s the best at that weight.

“Pascal and Jack had a fantastic bout a year and a half ago on SHOWTIME. From the opening bell, those guys proved they are great warriors and we expect nothing less in the rematch on June 6. The fans are truly in for a treat on that night.

“The energy between these four fighters today has been incredible. As the promoter of this event, I’m excited, so I can only imagine what the fans are in for. Hurd and Arias are both looking to make a statement, and that’s going to roll right into Pascal against Jack, who are going to pick up right where they left off in their first fight.”

ABOUT MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL

Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com and FANMIO.com. The undercard will feature WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal vs. two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round rematch, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit bit.ly/mayweatherpaul,  www.SHO.com/sports, www.FANMIO.com. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromo, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromotions, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO.

NEW YORK – (May 6, 2021) – All-time boxing great and 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Floyd “Money” Mayweather will make his return to the ring as the undefeated, 12-time, five-division world champion squares off in an exhibition bout against social media sensation and pro boxer Logan “The Maverick” Paul, headlining a blockbuster SHOWTIME PPV event on Sunday, June 6. The anticipated clash pits superstars from two different worlds in a must-see showdown for sports and entertainment fans around the globe.

The event is presented by Mayweather Promotions, Fanmio and Mavathltcs and will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The pay-per-view event also will feature a pair of intriguing professional boxing showdowns, as WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal and two-division world champion Badou Jack meet in a 12-round rematch in the co-main event. Plus, former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd returns to the ring to face Luis Arias in a 10-round bout.

In a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against an opponent to be announced. After years of off-season training with Mayweather in Las Vegas, the man once named Chad Ochocinco will test his skills in the boxing ring and bring his unique brand of fan-friendly entertainment to the star-studded event.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, June 6.  Tickets for the live event at Hard Rock Stadium will go on sale next week with additional details regarding tickets and the pay-per-view telecast to be announced shortly.

Mayweather, who was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020, has a perfect 50-0 record with 27 knockouts. He racked up 12 world titles in five weight divisions during his illustrious career that spanned three decades. His brilliant boxing resume includes 24 wins over world champions, including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Alvarez. During his career, he was named the world’s highest paid athlete multiple times by Forbes, Fortune and Sports Illustrated. Mayweather has accumulated numerous “Fighter of the Year” awards, including five ESPY Awards and two Boxing Writers Association of America awards. His 2015 showdown with Pacquiao shattered the all-time pay-per-view television record with 4.6 million buys, a record that still stands. Mayweather last fought in a boxing exhibition on New Year’s Eve 2018 in Japan. His last professional boxing match was his 2017 stoppage win over Conor McGregor, the second biggest pay-per-view event in television history. 

As Mayweather dominated boxing en route to a perfect professional record and international stardom, Paul rose to fame on the internet. Paul, 26, welcomed the world into his life on various social media platforms including YouTube, where he has amassed more than 20 million subscribers. His legions of devoted fans supported him as he stepped into professional boxing in 2019 and sold out the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in his six-round debut against fellow YouTube star KSI. The Ohio native is a former high school wrestling standout and has been training for more than two years. Now, he readies himself to face an undefeated boxing legend. While Paul stands six inches taller than Mayweather and owns an 18-year age advantage, the social media sensation will be challenging the best boxer of his generation, in his arena.

Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KOs) earned a narrow split-decision victory over Jack in their December 2019 title showdown that saw both men hit the canvas. Prior to that fight, Pascal captured his interim title by handing Marcus Browne the first defeat of his professional career. Pascal scored four knockdowns in that fight, eventually earning a close technical decision when a cut suffered by Browne on an accidental head butt stopped the fight after eight rounds. The 38-year-old has been in the ring with the top fighters of his era during his brilliant career, including Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev, Carl Froch, Lucian Bute, and Chad Dawson. Pascal, who was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and now lives in Laval, Quebec, won his first light heavyweight world title with a unanimous decision over Adrian Diaconu in 2009.

Jack (22-3-3, 13 KOs) will look to avenge the razor-thin defeat he suffered to Pascal in their first match. Jack mounted an impressive rally on the scorecards that nearly turned the match in his favor. Born in Stockholm, Jack (who represented his father’s home country of Gambia in the 2008 Olympics) now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the 168-pound world title with a majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the belt three times before being handed a hard-fought majority draw against James DeGale in one of 2017’s best fights. In his first bout at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against then WBC champion Adonis Stevenson in May 2018. In his most recent outing, Jack won a unanimous decision over Blake McKernan in November 2020.

The 30-year-old Hurd (24-1, 16 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles in 2018, dropping longtime champion Erislandy Lara in the final round to win a close decision in a fight that was the unanimous 2018 Fight of the Year. The Accokeek, Maryland native lost the titles in one of 2019’s best fights, dropping a decision to Julian Williams. Hurd first became champion in February 2017 when he stopped former champion Tony Harrison in the ninth round, before going on to defend the title against another former champion in Austin Trout. Most recently, Hurd scored a unanimous decision victory over Francisco Santana in January 2020.

Born in Milwaukee, Arias (18-2-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since August 2019 when he takes on Hurd on June 6. The 30-year-old has faced some of the best in the middleweight division, including going the distance with former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a 2017 duel. Arias racked up wins in his first 18 pro fights after turning pro in 2012 and is now training in Las Vegas as he prepares for this fight.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.fanmio.com, the Official Digital PPV provider. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @SHOWTIMEBoxing, @MayweatherPromo and @Fanmio, and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions and @Fanmio.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

About Mayweather Promotions

Based in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions was established in 2007 by 12-time World Champion and undefeated boxing icon, Floyd “Money” Mayweather. Mayweather Promotions seamlessly promotes all forms of live entertainment. We are the past, present & future of sports & entertainment.

About Fanmio

Fanmio, an online platform that connects fans with celebrities by creating one-of-a-kind, online fan experiences, was founded in 2017 by its CEO Solomon Engel.  In 2020, Fanmio Boxing was born when Engel connected with 12-Time and Five-Division World Champion Floyd Mayweather and social media phenomenon Logan Paul to negotiate and sign their exhibition bout.  Now partnered with renowned boxing promoter Mayweather Promotions and leader in televised boxing SHOWTIME, Fanmio Boxing is the official digital pay-per-view provider of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul through its online platform www.fanmio.com as well as its mobile and smart TV apps which are available worldwide.

About Mavathltcs

MAV Athletics is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and sales of apparel, accessories, and services.

About Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium is a global entertainment destination that completed a $755 million, multi-year renovation privately funded by Managing General Partner & Chairman of the Board Stephen Ross to transform the iconic venue into the best Miami has to offer in world-class fare, art, culture and an elevated guest experience. Home to the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami college football, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, the Capital One Orange Bowl game, Jazz in the Gardens, Rolling Loud and the Miami Open presented by Itau, Hard Rock Stadium features world-class entertainment and demonstrates its versatility in hosting a wide variety of events. The stadium has hosted six Super Bowls (XXIII, XXIX, XXXIII, XLI, XLIV and LIV), the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl and five BCS National Championship Games (2001, 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2021). El Clasico Miami, the first meeting of soccer giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in North America, was hosted at the venue in 2017.

BROOKLYN– Former two division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-2, 21KO) cruised past fellow welterweight Ivan “The Killer Redkach (23-5-1, 18KO), earning a twelve round unanimous decision (118-110, 117-111×2) in the main event of a PBC-Showtime card from the Barclays Center. 

Philadelphia’s Garcia, who was fighting for the first time since April 2019, started slow, opting to fight a reserved and calculated fight.  But by the fourth, Garcia completed his data download and began pressuring the southpaw Redkach, letting his hands go.

Garcia, 31, continued to walk down the Redkach in the fifth and buzzed him with a huge right cross — the best punch of the fight up to that point — just as the round drew to a close.  

By the time the sixth rolled around, Redkach, whose power didn’t phase Garcia, was out of answers.  So Garcia carried on, peppering Redkach with sizzling right crosses and left hooks that came from all angles.  

As the bell signaled to start round eight, Garcia, smelling blood in the water walked across the ring to meet Redkach near Redkach’s corner, from which he barely moved after getting off his stool.  Garcia continued to best Redkach when the Ukranian decided to sink his teeth into Garcia’s shoulder during a clinch. This went unnoticed by referee Benjy Esteves, but Garcia knew it, and relayed the message.  

By the end of the same round, Redkach returned to his corner with dark red blood trickling down his bright red face to go along with his bright yellow and green hair.

Redkach deserves credit, though, for never giving up throughout the fight.  Even when it was clear to those on the other side of the ropes that all hope was lost, Redkach never stopped believing in himself.  Of course, Garcia made him pay for that belief, but it guided Redkach to the final bell.  

Tonight marked the eight time Garcia has fought at the Barclays Center, the Philadelphian’s home away from home.  Garcia’s second fight with Hall of Famer Erik Morales headlined the Barclays Center’s inaugural boxing event in 2014. 

Redkach is now 0-2 at the Barclays Center.  He was outpointed by current IBF Super Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer in 2016.  

A few months ago, it looked as if Garcia was in line for a big fight and hefty paycheck as he was slated to face unified welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. in 2020.  However, after Spence was injured in a single car crash, those tentative plans fell through and Garcia was forced to elsewhere. Now, with the win against Redkach, Garcia is again hoping to land a big fight and bigger payday, either against a healthy Spence or future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao.

After the fight, Garcia spoke about what could be next for him, “Either or (Spence or Pacquiao) either of those fights I would like to have. My style looks great with both fighters.”

When rating his performance tonight, the Philadelphia-native said, “I’m not gonna lie, I felt good, but I didn’t feel my best. I did lose a lot of weight for this fight, so maybe that played a factor. From a long layoff, and just losing so much weight. I lost about 25 pounds in eight weeks.”

And on the eight round shoulder bite, Garcia told Showtime’s Jim Gray, “He bit me. He said ‘Mike Tyson’ when he bit me. I said ‘Ref, he bit me.’ I thought I needed stitches or something. That’s my first time ever getting bit in a fight. Things happen though. I’ve been in a street fight before, so I did it all.”

Redkach also spoke afterwards, stating, “This was a very good experience for me. He never had me hurt and I was able to learn a lot. I’m thankful to be in this position that my team put me in and I’m going to keep growing from here.

“I’m going to get back in the gym and get stronger and better. I’m thankful for the experience against Danny Garcia. I’m going to be back and be much better.”

Hurd Drops Santana Late En Route To Wide UD 

In his first fight since losing his junior middleweight titles to Julian Williams last May, “Swift” Jarrett Hurd (24-1, 16KO) got back into the win column, sending veteran Francisco “Chia” Santana (25-8-1, 12KO) to the canvas once en route to a ten round unanimous decision (99-90×2, 97-92).  

Tonight marked Hurd’s first fight with head trainer Kay Koroma. Hurd, 29, parted ways with longtime trainer Ernesto Rodgriguez shortly after his loss to Williams.  Coming into the Santana fight Hurd promised viewers they would see a more defensive-minded fighter, and mentioned he wouldn’t mind winning wide on the scorecards once, as opposed to seemingly always finding himself in back-and-forth, “Fight of the Year” type slugfests.   

True to his word, through the first four rounds, the Maryland native Hurd wasn’t willing to engage in a firefight with California’s Santana, who dutifully marched forward trying to get inside Hurd’s reach to get off his punches.  Rather, Hurd was content with snapping jabs Santana’s direction, while also peppering in some straight rights and uppercuts to keep Santana guessing. 

But in the fifth, Hurd reverted back to old form, stood his ground, and challenged the 33 year-old Santana.  Having already tasted Chia’s power, a visibly bigger Hurd willingly exchanged with the much smaller Santana, landing flush straight rights, before unleashing two jaw-shattering right uppercuts.  

In the sixth Hurd began by continuing to dig in and exchange with Santana, but immediately went back to fighting the “defensive” style he spoke about pre-fight, inviting a chorus of boos from the Brooklyn crowd.  

Perhaps feeling a need to redeem himself, Hurd switched it up once more in the tenth and final round and fought that classic “Hurd”-style, leaning and imposing his bigger frame on Santana, while firing off sneaky uppercuts and huge hooks.  And sure enough, just as the clapper sounded to signal ten seconds remaining in the fight, Hurd connected with a vicious right uppercut that dropped Santana to his knees. The hard-nosed veteran, who has only been stopped once in his 34 fight career, beat referee Arthur Mercante Jr.’s ten count just as the final bell chimed.  

After his loss to Williams in May, Hurd declined to exercise his immediate rematch clause, thus pursuing a different avenue to get back to the top of the junior middleweight division.  Williams went on to lose the titles he won from Hurd to Jeison Rosario in Atlantic City earlier this month.   

Santana has now lost four of his last five contests.  

On his defensive style, Hurd said afterward, “We came out here and did what we wanted to do. The crowd didn’t love it, but you gotta understand, I got the unanimous decision and I did what I wanted to do.”

He continued, “There was definitely no frustration. We didn’t want to go toe to toe and we didn’t want to make this a risky fight. 

“We want the belts. We want the best. I’m not exactly sure what’s going to be the next move, but we want the belts.”

On the late knockdown, Santana said, “In the last round I wanted to come forward and close it hard, but I got a little bit careless for a second. In boxing you have to stay focused for every second of every round. He caught me with a good shot. 

“I just wanted to keep coming forward and give it my all. I know I was frustrating him at times, but it was a tall task and I don’t make any excuses.”

Fulton Works His Way Past Khegai, Scores UD 

In a battle between two previously unbeaten junior featherweights, highly touted Philadelphia prospect Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton (18-0, 8KO) scored a twelve round unanimous decision (117-111×2, 116-112) over Ukraine’s Arnold “Arni” Khegai (16-1-1, 10KO), resulting in Khegai’s first pro loss.  

In the early goings, the 25 year-old Fulton kept his jab in Khegai’s face, keeping the smaller fighter at a safe distance.  When Khegai was able to work his way past Fulton’s jab, the Philly native showed little desire to trade with the Ukranian and happily clinched time and again.  

But the pressure kept coming from the Los Angeles transplant, Khegai, who methodically marched forward in round three as he did the previous two rounds.  Except in this round, the 27 year-old began to close the gap a bit easier, scoring with hooks to Fulton’s body, while also finding a home for his right hand.   

As the third round wound to a close, Fulton again initiated a clinch.  But instead of obliging, a fed up Khegai body slammed Fulton to the canvas, earning a stern warning from referee Steve Willis.  

In the fourth, Khegai kept the heat on and towards the end of the round, Fulton made a mistake that might have tilted a close round Khegai’s way.  As the bell neared, with his back against a neutral corner, Fulton invited Khegai to fire away. Khegai did just that, and landed three big rights before Fulton’s failed attempt at spinning out of the corner with hopes to pin and punish Khegai.

Fulton halted Khegai’s momentum with a solid fifth round and started off the sixth by working diligently to Khegai’s body.  But the Ukranian just kept coming and eventually backed Fulton into a corner where he unloaded chopping rights that proved to be the round’s memorable blows.  

Fulton rallied with a big seventh that saw him hold his ground and become more aggressive.  The Philly fighter ceased retreating, and instead, dug in and let his hands fly, forcing Khegai to retreat for the first time in the contest.  Fulton kept his foot on the gas in the eighth, and continued to come forward and land on a tiring Khegai.  

By the tenth, it looked like Fulton had completely flipped the script, as the Philly fighter was now the one walking Khegai into a corner before unloading.

But the stubborn Ukranian wouldn’t go quietly, and in the eleventh, Khegai dug deep and once again pressed the action, bullying Fulton into a corner before landing big rights.  

At the end of twelve, all three judges scored the contest in favor of Fulton:  117-111×2, 116-112. 15Rounds.com scored the bout 116-112, Fulton.  

Keeshawn Williams Outslugs Gaku Takahashi En Route To UD 

In an eight round all-action welterweight affair, Keeshawn “The Next Big Thing” Williams (7-0-1, 2KO) bested Gaku Takahashi (16-11-1, 8KO), defeating him via unanimous decision (80-72, 79-73, 78-74).  

The fight certainly didn’t lack offense, as both fighters traded and landed their fare share of leather round after round.  However, it became clear early on that the 22 year-old Williams punches were heavier and thrown more precisely than Takashi’s, whose fists flew wide and were delivered with less pop.  

As the fight bore on, Williams punches took their toll on the 32 year-old Takashi, whose face brightened, while a cut opened over his left eye. 

But Takashi never stopped engaging, never backed up, and survived the full eight rounds.  

When the final bell sounded, though, Takahashi stood dazed and winded.  He was cognizant enough to exchange a slap of the gloves with Williams, but was too foggy to know which corner to return to.  Fortunately, Takahashi cleared a brief medical assessment administered by NYSAC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nitin Sethi, and was able to gather his bearings.

It was the third fight at the Barclays Center for the District Heights, MD product, Williams.  He previously TKO’d Mario Navarro last August and drew with Dennis Okoth in 2018.  

Takahashi, who fought just once in 2019, has now dropped four straight and hasn’t won since scoring a KO in Mexico in 2017. 

Lorenzo Simpson UDs Antonio Louis Hernandez 

In the first of three fights to be streamed on Showtime’s Youtube page, 19 year-old Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson (7-0, 4KO) grinded out and earned a six round unanimous decision (59-55×3) over fellow middleweight Antonio Louis Hernandez (2-11-1).  

It wasn’t as easy a night at the office for Simpson as the wide scorecards might suggest, but the Baltimore-born southpaw continually did enough round after round to edge his counterpart.  

Credit Hernandez, who’s more skilled than his record suggests, for not allowing Simpson to fight the fight he wanted to, making it more difficult than anticipated.

XXL Torres Lands Big, Scores KO2 Over Witkopf

In the first of seven fights from the Barclays Center, heavyweight prospect Steven “XXL” Torres (2-0, 2KO) brought the thunder, scoring a second round one-punch KO over Dakota Witkopf (1-2, 1KO).  

Less than halfway through the round two, a visibly winded Witkopf walked into a perfectly thrown Torres straight right that collapsed him to the mat where doctors soon crowded his sprawled body.  Upon hitting the canvas the referee waved off the contest, officially halting it at the 1:28 mark of round two.  

Prior to the knockout, Witkopf, who has a Mixed Martial Arts background, held his own and may have won the first round.  The 24 year-old Williamsville, NY native peppered Torres early in the fight left hands that landed without obstruction. 

Tonight was the second time the 6’7” Torres fought at the Barclays Center and his second early KO in as many as pro bouts.  The 21 year-old from Reading, PA scored a first round stoppage in his debut last month.  

BROOKLYN (January 23, 2020) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” García and hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday before they battle in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator that headlines action this Saturday, January 25 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured former unified champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring off before they compete in the 10-round super welterweight co-feature, plus unbeaten sensation “Cool Boy Steph” Stephen Fulton Jr. and fellow unbeaten Arnold Khegai previewed their super bantamweight title eliminator that opens SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Tillary Hotel in Brooklyn:

DANNY GARCIA

“It’s been a long, 10-week training camp putting in the hard work. We did everything we were supposed to do. We covered everything we needed and we’re ready to go. I’m glad I had a safe camp with no injuries, because you should see the best Danny Garcia on Saturday night.

“It feels great to be back at Barclays Center. This feels like my home away from home. My fans from all over will be here and I’m excited to show my skills for them. I feel like I have unfinished business in Brooklyn. On Saturday, we’re going to get the job done.

“Every fight from now on is a fight for my legacy. I’m a young veteran now. I feel great and I know that I’m one of the best fighters in the world. I’m here by popular demand. The rankings are what they are, so I just go in and do the fighting. I’m focused on showing the world that I’m a force to be reckoned with.

“I’m not Devon Alexander and I’m not any of the people that Redkach has knocked out. Don’t try too hard in there because you might knock yourself out.

“There’s no pressure on me. I just have to go in there and get this victory. Whatever the future brings I’m ready, whether it’s Errol Spence Jr. or Manny Pacquiao. None of it happens without a win on Saturday.

“My mind is fully focused on Saturday night. I trained 10 weeks for this fight and I can’t overlook him. He wants to have a breakout fight, but I’m prepared for what he brings to the table. After that, I’m ready for whoever wants to fight me.

“I think fighting Zab Judah in Brooklyn was my favorite at Barclays Center. He was from Brooklyn and we had a lot of bad blood, it was a crazy atmosphere. Every fight at Barclays Center has been a great experience though.

“I just have to stay locked in mentally, while also enjoying every minute of the buildup. You have to embrace every minute and make the most of it.

“It doesn’t matter who I beat or who I lost to, come Saturday night, Redkach is going down. I’ve worked too hard not to leave Saturday with this win.”

IVAN REDKACH

“I want to thank my team and everyone who was with me during training. This Saturday night I’m going to give everyone a great fight. Thank you to Danny for taking this fight, we’re going to put on a great show. You don’t want to miss it.

I had a very long camp for this fight. It was a really good camp. We had a routine that we worked on and we’re going to use it in the ring on Saturday night.

“Danny García is a good fighter, but I have a game plan. That game plan is going to end with me knocking him out. You’re all going to see it on January 25.

“I respect Danny García and what he’s done, but what I’m bringing to the ring will be the best performance of my career.

“It’s going to be a very exciting fight for the fans. Danny García has lost in the arena before and I’m going to make it happen again. This is going to be a very interesting fight.

“Fighting at welterweight lets me work on my skills and my strategy even more during training. I have more power and I feel like a smarter and more prepared fighter at this weight.

“I know that he picked me because I’m a southpaw, but I’m ready to give Danny a rude wake up. If he’s not 100% and focused mentally, he’s going to be in trouble when the bell rings.”

JARRETT HURD

“This is the second time I’m on a card with Danny García. We have two ‘Swifts’ on same card. I like to call it ‘Swift’ squared. We’re both bringing excitement and I’m sure it’ll be a great turnout. There’s definitely going to be a storm coming on Saturday, because I always bring it.

“I always come ready to fight. I know that Francisco Santana is going to bring his A-game and I can’t wait to get in there and compete.

“Julian Williams losing didn’t affect my motivation. I still have that same motivation no matter what. I’m focused on this fight and I wasn’t worrying about Julian’s fight. I’m sure he’ll bounce back again. We still have this task on Saturday and we haven’t thought about anything past it.

“I definitely want to get hit less, that’s first and foremost. I’m in a lot of Fight of the Year candidates, but I don’t want more of those back and forth fights. I want to control the fight and give a dominant performance Saturday and for the rest of my career.

“I’ve been working on using my height and reach in a different way. I usually use my size to pressure and walk guys down. I think now I can be the taller and rangier fighter in the ring. But at the same time I still have that pressure style in my back pocket.

“We still don’t know who’s the best at 154 pounds. I know in my heart that I’m number one and just had a bad night. I still want to stake my claim to that title.

“Even if I say I will be more defensive, I’m always going to bring the storm. I just have it in my heart to be an action packed exciting fighter.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“I want to thank Jarrett Hurd for giving me this opportunity. It’s going to be an honor to step foot in the ring with an elite fighter and a former unified champion.

“I said at the last press conference that no one gives me a shot to win. I was checking the betting spread and I’m a big underdog. They think I should just stay home, but everybody knows I come to fight. Regardless of whether I’m the underdog or not, I’m going to bring it.

“I love to fight. That’s what I come to do. I’m excited to be in a position to perform again on Saturday night. I’m going to give everyone a great fight when that bell rings.

“This is the biggest fight of my career. Like he said before, just because he lost, doesn’t mean that he’s out. He’s still an elite fighter in this division. Once you’re in the elite division, you have to have respect for every single person that steps foot in that ring. It just takes one punch to end the fight.

My motivation has always been there, because of who I’m facing in this fight. This is the biggest opportunity of my life. I get my motivation from my family and from my kids. It’s been a long sacrifice, but there are always great rewards after the sacrifice.

“You have to tune-in Saturday. The people have only seen a small portion of what I can do. I’m known as a guy who just comes forward. But I’ve been doing this for a long time and I think my experience will speak for itself on fight night. It’s going to be a hard task, but I’m prepared and ready.”

STEPHEN FULTON JR.

“I’m ready. There’s no secret why I’m here. They know everything about me. They know my style. So I know their game plan. Opponents always think they’re going to come in there and rough me up. But I can take care of everything he brings and I’m going to show it again on Saturday.

“It’s going to be the same as every other undefeated fighter I fought before. They lack the knowledge of fighting me and what that’s really like. They all try to fight me the same way, but no matter how they fight me, I find a way to win.

“I plan on being myself. I’m going to put on a great performance against another good fighter. When I’m cool, calm and collected, I cannot be stopped. It just naturally happens.

“Like he’s said, we’ll see it all in the ring on Saturday. We’re just talking now, but I can’t wait to get in there on this big stage and continue to make a name for myself.”

ARNOLD KHEGAI

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity and for everyone who helped to make this fight happen. You guys will get a great fight on Saturday night. I came here for the belt and we’ll decide it all in the ring on Saturday night.

“We will see what happens Saturday night. He can talk about his style and his competition, but none of it matters when we’re standing across from each other.

“This is a big opportunity for me. This is a step in my career to where I want to go. I’m going to give everything in the ring against a very good opponent.

“I will be the first fighter to defeat Stephen Fulton. It’s what we’ve worked on during training camp. I know that I have exactly what I need to take care of business in the ring.”

CHRIS DEBLASIO, Senior Vice President of Communications, SHOWTIME Sports

“SHOWTIME is in the midst of an excellent run, with eight live boxing shows across 10 weeks, featuring the biggest names in the sport. It began with Gervonta Davis, Jean Pascal and Badou Jack. It also includes Gary Russell Jr. and Guillermo Rigondeaux coming up, plus the men seated up here today.

“On Saturday we have a great mix of bouts. There’s three young prospect on our SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN show, featured globally on Facebook and YouTube. Then at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, we have three high stakes bouts. For different reasons each of these men up here today are in a must-win situation.

“For Fulton and Khegai, this is more than a chance to shine under the bright lights. This is a chance to earn a fight for a world title next. For Danny Garcia and Jarrett Hurd, these are two men in the top-five of the two deepest divisions in boxing. They need strong performances on Saturday night to maintain their status and regain their titles.

“Ivan and Francisco have the chance to break into the ranks of the elite on Saturday, and with a strong performance, win, lose or draw, they too can stay into the hunt for a world title. We have high stakes, intriguing fights up and down the card and we look forward to a great night on Saturday.”

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ABOUT GARCIA VS. REDKACH
Garcia vs. Redkach will see two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia take on hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 25 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured unified champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd battling Francisco “Chia” Santana in the 10-round co-feature, and unbeaten sensation Stephen Fulton facing fellow unbeaten Arnold Khegai in a Super Bantamweight Title eliminator. The Fulton vs. Khegai bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

BROOKLYN (January 22, 2020) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach showed off their skills at a media workout Wednesday before they battle in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator headlining action this Saturday, January 25 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The workout also featured former unified champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and Francisco “Chia” Santana, who battle in the 10-round super welterweight co-feature, plus unbeaten sensation Stephen Fulton and fellow unbeaten Arnold Khegai, who compete in a super bantamweight title eliminator to open SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn:

DANNY GARCIA

“Everything in training camp has been very smooth. Sparring, the diet and running, it’s all gone perfectly. We’re on weight and ready to put on a great performance Saturday.

“As a veteran, you learn during every fight that you have. I’ve been the underdog and won, I’ve been the top dog and won, and I’ve been in the biggest magnitude of fights. You have to fight every fight like it’s your last, because it could be. You never know what’s going to happen. You have to be 100% physically and mentally.

“This is a very important fight for me and my future. My future starts on Saturday night. I’ve already been in a lot of big fights in my career, so it’s nothing new to me. I know Redkach is hungry, but I know what it takes to win on this level and I’m hungry.

“I feel like I have unfinished business here in Brooklyn. This is my house and I plan on making a statement in front of my fans on Saturday.

“I’ve been boxing for 21 years. All of the big fights and all of the pressure, sometimes you get tired of it. Sometimes it takes something happening to wake you back up. I’ve fallen in love with the sport of boxing again. Sometimes you forget what made you love the sport in the first place. Fighting is what makes me happy though.

“My last camp before the Adrian Granados fight, I felt really good. I was happy again in this training camp. At this point in my career, I’ve been through it all already. I have to count my blessings and give my fans a great fight.

“My mind was set on a southpaw so after we couldn’t have the Errol Spence Jr. fight, I wanted the next tough southpaw. We’re not looking past Redkach at all, but we wanted the southpaw work for that fight or a Pacquiao fight. We’ll be all ready when those fights come up.”

IVAN REDKACH

“The biggest weakness I see in Danny is that he’s not taking this seriously. He’s counting on this as a tune-up fight, and that’s a big mistake. This is not going to be a tune-up fight for him.

“Like a lot of fighters, I’m usually in training camp focusing on cutting weight. Fighting at welterweight, I don’t have to do that. I feel strong and I’m going to put on a strong performance.

“Danny is already looking ahead to a fight with Errol Spence Jr. or Manny Pacquiao, but before he gets to them, he picked me. I know it’s because I’m a southpaw. But he’s going to get a rude wake up on fight night.

“This win will change my life and I’ve already worked my whole life to get to this moment. I want to win this fight and then the biggest fights at welterweight will be open to me. Right now I’m only focused on my fight Saturday night.

“I’m going to knock him out. That’s how I see this fight going. We’re going to leave it all in the ring and I’m going to come out victorious.”

JARRETT HURD

“I’m so focused on taking care of Francisco Santana. I can’t look past him. He’s a guy who comes forward. This is a fight where I want to see how things work out with my new trainer Kay Koroma, but Santana comes to fight just like Jeison Rosario did. I have to be on my toes.

“People say this is the new Jarrett, but I feel like it’s the old me and I’m just getting back to it. I used my defense and my height against Frank Galarza and other earlier fights. But when I was training for Erislandy Lara, I was developing this pressure style and we didn’t have enough of the fundamentals set behind it.

“I look back at my fights and it kind of scares me all the hits I was taking. I had back to back Fight of the Year battles. Those were back and forth fights. I don’t want those each and every year. I want to win in one-sided fashion.

“I was close to becoming undisputed champion at 154-pounds and that’s still a goal of mine. I want to accomplish that feat in this division before we move up. I know I had a bad night against Julian Williams, but it was just a small hiccup. I’m coming back for my number one spot.

“I’m not worried about the Julian Williams fight last weekend. I have to focus on January 25 or the same thing can happen to me. It just wasn’t his night that night. But he’s bounced back before and I’d count on him bouncing back again.

“There’s not too much of a difference for my training, other than being away from home. We’ve worked a lot on fundamentals with my new trainer. It’s not that we didn’t have them before, but we’ve focused on them much more. It’s not all about heart and will in a fight. Sometimes you have to get back to the basics.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“I always rise to the occasion before any training camp and we’ve had a great camp because we know what we’re up against. I’m about as big of an underdog for this one as I was before I beat Felix Diaz, so I have that same mentality. It’s not my first rodeo.

“You can never count out the underdog. You saw what happened last week in the Julian Williams vs. Jeison Rosario fight. I have the utmost respect for Julian, but if you have two good hands, anything is possible.

“When the opportunity presented itself to fight someone like Jarrett Hurd, I couldn’t turn it down. I’ve faced a lot of elite fighters, but I know they chose me for a reason. But I also picked him for a reason. I’m trying to display a side that no one has ever seen from me before.

“I think Julian Williams was just the better man when he got in there against Hurd. I’ve seen some stuff on film about Hurd that I can take advantage of, but he also has a lot of strengths. You’ll just have to tune-in on Saturday.

“I’m fighting the biggest 154-pounder out there, but we prepared with intense sparring. That’s the key because it’s the closest thing to a fight. I sparred with tall fighters and big guys who could push me around. I needed to get comfortable with that.”

STEPHEN FULTON

“A win on Saturday means everything to me. This is another undefeated fighter that I’m going up against. This is going to be the start of my stardom and this is going to boost my level all the way up.

“I’m going to end his winning streak on Saturday. I’m going to get the win for Philadelphia on Saturday. You’re going to see a little bit of everything Saturday. I’m going to put on a show and perform.

“People think they can pressure me and take me out of the fight. But I’m a mentally strong fighter first. I know that my opponent will bring a lot of aggression, but that alone will not beat me. He needs to show more if he wants to beat me.

“I’m knocking on everyone’s door. The whole super bantamweight division can come out and play. I’m putting them all in time out.

“This is the first time I really brought my weight down well ahead of a fight. I feel great and I have a lot of energy left to do everything I need. That aspect of my camp has been great.

“Philadelphia boxing is coming in full effect. I feel like we’re all working together in our own ways to lift each other up. We’re always in the gym and Saturday is another great opportunity to display our talents.”

ARNOLD KHEGAI

“I believe that I can land my power shots against Fulton. I can land the punch that will change the fight and I can do it in any moment. We’ll find out if he can stand up to the power on Saturday night.

“Fulton is a good fighter, but so am I. We’re both undefeated and very hungry. I think it should make this a great fight for the fans.

“I might be considered the underdog, but this is boxing. Anything can happen. We’re going to fight. It’s just the two of us in the ring, man vs. man. No one’s opinion matters.

“I trained for the first time in California with Marvin Somodio ahead of this fight. It was a great training camp and I learned a lot. I’ve been following all of his instructions and learned about the strategy it takes to win a 12 round fight.”

#

ABOUT GARCIA VS. REDKACH
Garcia vs. Redkach will see two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia take on hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 25 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured unified champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd battling Francisco “Chia” Santana in the 10-round co-feature, and unbeaten sensation Stephen Fulton facing fellow unbeaten Arnold Khegai in a Super Bantamweight Title eliminator. The Fulton vs. Khegai bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. (January 17, 2020) – Former unified 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd shared his thoughts on his ring return taking place Saturday, January 25 against Francisco Santana live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“This fight isn’t about making a statement,” said Hurd. “I just want to get the win and fight a great fight. I’m going to remind the boxing world what it’s like when I bring a storm to Brooklyn.”

The January 25 co-main event will be Hurd’s first fight with new trainer Kay Koroma. While Koroma trains fighters at the Alexandria Boxing Club in Virginia, not far from Hurd’s Maryland home, he is also an assistant coach for the USA amateur boxing team, having helped various boxers win Olympic medals.

“Camp has been going great with my new trainer Kay Koroma,” said Hurd. “We’ve been working on a lot of head movement and jabs. We’re strictly focused on boxing and working on all the areas where I have room to grow. He’s really opened my eyes to a lot of things.”

For the Accokeek, Maryland native, this will be his first fight training outside of his home area as a pro fighter. He has been in Colorado Springs training since January 2 and has experienced both the positives and negatives of camp away from home.

“The positives are that there’s literally nothing to focus on out here except boxing,” said Hurd. “No distractions at all. The only negative is you can get homesick. I miss my girlfriend and my family. Also, I just got a new puppy named ‘Bolt’ and I miss my little guy too.”

Hurd will be fighting again after losing his WBA and IBF 154-pound titles in May 2019 against Julian Williams. It was one of the most exciting fights of last year, and one that Hurd will hope to be running back soon, after a victory on January 25.

“The rematch with Julian Williams is what I always wanted,” said Hurd. “I had no intentions of moving up in weight. Unfortunately, the rematch just couldn’t happen sooner because of my circumstances.”

For his first fight back, Hurd will be facing a tough veteran in Francisco Santana, one who has faced other top 154-pounders, including Williams and Jermell Charlo, and who always comes forward and brings the fight to his opponent. If Hurd is unprepared, it will show against his hard-charging opponent.

“We just wanted a matchup to get back in the groove of things,” said Hurd. “I’ve been inactive for the better part of the last year. Santana being a smaller fighter, he will stay close and try to outwork me. I know he’s coming to win, so I’m not thinking about anyone but Francisco Santana. We’re going to work behind strategy and skills to get the victory.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

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ABOUT GARCIA VS. REDKACH

Garcia vs. Redkach will see two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia take on hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 25 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured unified champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd battling Francisco “Chia” Santana in the 10-round co-feature, and unbeaten sensation Stephen Fulton facing fellow unbeaten Arnold Khegai in a WBC Super Bantamweight Title eliminator. The Fulton vs. Khegai bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

BROOKLYN (December 18, 2019) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and hard-hitting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach went face to face for the first time at a press conference on Wednesday as they previewed their WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 25 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured former unified champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and Francisco “Chia” Santana, who will battle in the co-feature, and unbeaten sensation Stephen Fulton, who takes on undefeated Arnold Khegai in a WBC Super Bantamweight Title eliminator.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.comand barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Fulton vs. Khegai bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from Barclays Center:

DANNY GARCIA

“This is my eighth fight at Barclays Center and I’m excited to be back. I’ve fought in a quarter of the events here at Barclays Center, so you could say this is my house. I’ve had some historic fights in here. I love walking in the tunnels and seeing my pictures next to Jay-Z, DMX and Rihanna.

“Come January 25, this is going to be another great night of boxing. I know Ivan is coming to fight. We’ve followed each other’s careers. I know he’s hungry and he wants to show the fans that he belongs on this level.

“I’m excited to share the card with my Philadelphia brother Stephen Fulton, who I’ve known since he was a kid. Plus, Jarrett Hurd, who’s journey I’ve been watching. It’s been great and he’s going to show everyone that a loss doesn’t mean anything. Just like I have.

“I just think the culture here in Brooklyn is great and I fit right in with it. Lots of hip-hop and Puerto Ricans. It’s the perfect market and we just go together.

“If the top welterweights want to fight me, I’ll be ready whenever. Redkach makes a lot of sense because he’s a southpaw and that would have me ready for Errol Spence Jr. or Manny Pacquiao.

“We picked Redkach because he’s dangerous and we knew he’d be tough. I’m definitely not overlooking him. I’m training hard for this fight. For me, this is a big fight. If I overlook him, it could ruin everything. I want to show everyone I’m still one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world.

“Redkach has a big heart and he’s going to come forward. I think it’s going to be a really entertaining fight. I can’t overlook him.

“I always feel like I’m the best. They need me, I don’t need them. I’m one of the best fighters in the world and I’m going to be here for a while.”

IVAN REDKACH

“I want to give thanks to my team and everyone involved in making this fight and for believing in me, which give me the belief that gives me the strength to go in the ring and give it my all.

“This opportunity fighting at Barclays Center is huge for me. I accept the opportunity with honor and I want to thank Danny Garcia for taking the fight.

“My friends and family provide me with the will to win. That support, along with my experience, is what I’ll need to win this fight.

“I want Danny Garcia’s fans to all come out on January 25 because you’re going to see a great fight and you’re going to be welcomed into the Ivan Redkach family.

“The victory over Devon Alexander was important because he was a well-known opponent. Winning in the fashion that I did catapulted me to where I am right now.

“Danny made a mistake if he thinks this is a tune-up. I’m going to give everyone a great fight and we’ll see what happens on January 25.

“Training alongside Leo Santa Cruz was great motivation. I’m going to knock Danny Garcia out. That’s the plan. Simple.

“I’m training very hard because this fight is extremely important to me. I have to give the best performance of my professional career.

“The energy in the building on January 25 is going to give me the extra motivation to not only put up a great performance, but to leave Brooklyn with the victory.”

JARRETT HURD

“This is my first time doing interviews since I fought Julian Williams. Last time I was up here I was an undefeated fighter and then I suffered my first loss.

“We had the rematch set up for this December, but with me going through a switch in trainers and still in the process of searching, I wasn’t in condition for it. It was the hardest thing possible to not take the rematch, much harder than taking it.

“I’ve been training in Colorado with Kay Koroma and getting away from everything. We’re focused strictly on boxing. I cut the hair off too because I was just ready for a change. The work so far is showing me how much work I have left to do and how much room I have to grow.

“I will stay at 154-pounds and fight for my titles again. I’m not looking past Francisco Santana because he’s a great fighter. I’m working hard to get back to the old me.

“This is the fighter who was put in front of me. He has the style that we were looking for with my having my first fight with my new trainer. I had some time out of a gym after the Williams fight but now we’re going strong toward January 25.

“I would never say I overlooked Julian Williams. There’s no excuses. Julian was the better man that night. When I look back there were probably some things that could have affected me, but Julian deserved to win the fight.

“I don’t know if I’m a better fighter now, but the loss opened my eyes to some things. My new coach has really opened my eyes to some things that I need to work on. Using my jab more and my footwork specifically.

“I’m not thinking about anyone but Francisco Santana. I look back at my fights and realize that I won those fights on pure heart and determination. We’re doing things different this time and working behind strategy and skills.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“Jarrett Hurd is a good solid fighter who’s accomplished a lot. This is my Super Bowl. When someone calls and presents an opportunity like this, you can’t turn it down.

“To fight against one of the biggest names in the division, that’s hard to say no to. Of course I’m going to step up to the plate and on January 25 I’m going to show everyone the definition of never giving up on a dream.

“I’ve had setbacks like Jarrett and I’ve picked myself up and rose to the occasion time and time again. On January 25 I’m going to fight with every ounce of spirit that I have in me so I can go on and become a world champion.

“Jarrett has himself with a new team and when a fighter feels refreshed, you know he’s going to come out strong. I expect nothing less.

“I know that everyone is giving me zero chance come fight night. But that’s okay. I read the comments and what people say. It’s all good. My team believes in me and I believe in myself.

“I’m a big welterweight and people tend to forget that I started my career as a super welterweight, but back then I was self-trained. I used to fight on a couple weeks’ notice and was bouncing from gym to gym. When I met coach Joseph Janik, it all changed and we’ve been together about a decade now. He was the missing piece to my puzzle.

“I’ve often said it’s not how you start a race but how you finish it. I know it’s not an easy task, but I look forward to these big challenges. It will test me as a fighter and a human being. I want to show the whole world my definition of never giving up.

“The minute I stop learning, that would be the time I need to hang them up. I’m still learning and we’re still getting better at our craft. It’s a big challenge. He’s the monster of the division, but this is a great opportunity for me. Sometimes you have to face the monster head on.”

STEPHEN FULTON

“I’m from Philadelphia and Khegai used to live there, but I truly live in Philadelphia. It runs through my blood. That’s how I’m going to carry on and go about this fight.

“This is not the first undefeated fighter I’ve fought. It will be the seventh that I’ve fought and beat. Six have already fell and I don’t know why these guys keep taking these fights. You’ll see what I’m talking about on January 25

“This means a lot to me, but I’m not a rookie. I don’t look at this like something that will bring my nerves up. This is normal to me. I always get things the hard way.

“People like me have been working hard our whole lives. This opponent is no different than anyone I see walking the streets of Philadelphia. I’m always ready.

“Fans should expect a wonderful and intelligent boxing game plan. Khegai is coming to rumble. He thinks he’s stronger than me, but he’s not stronger or smarter than me. No one in my weight class will out think me.”

DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions, Khegai’s Promoter

“Arnold is taking this fight very seriously and he’s going to be arriving in training camp today with Joe Goossen.

“Arnold made his us debut in Philadelphia and I know there will be a lot of fans from Philadelphia here. There’s also a great community in Brooklyn with people from the Ukraine and Russia who will be supporting him on fight night.

“We’re excited for this opportunity and we’re looking forward to making this a great night on January 25.”

CHRIS DEBLASIO, Senior Vice President of Communications, SHOWTIME Sports

“Next week, we will begin a run of eight live boxing events in 10 weeks on SHOWTIME featuring many of the biggest stars in the sport. In Atlanta, on Saturday, December 28, Gervonta Davis, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Badou Jack and Jean Pascal will compete in two world title fights. On January 10, Claressa Shields, the No. 1 star in women’s boxing, faces Christina Habazin for a unified 154-pound world title. Rising star, Jaron “Boots” Ennis will also be on that card. And, of course, on January 25, we are excited to present two of the biggest stars in the sport, Danny Garcia and Jarrett Hurd, both former unified world champions, both fighting in important, must-win fights to begin a new chapter in their careers.

“SHOWTIME is proud to continue our tradition of televising important, competitive and meaningful world championship boxing in 2020, our 34th year in the business, with these excellent fights and this great series of events.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

BROOKLYN (December 16, 2019) – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” García returns to the ring to take on hard-hitting slugger Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in a 12-round WBC welterweight title eliminator Saturday, January 25 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the co-feature, former unified 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd will return to battle all-action Francisco “Chia” Santana in a 10-round super welterweight contest, plussensational super bantamweight Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton will face undefeated Arnold Khegai in a 12-round WBO Super Bantamweight title eliminator to open SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

García’s blend of power and sublime boxing skills has made him one of the most popular boxers of the last decade and secured him as a box-office fixture at Barclays Center, where he holds the record for the largest crowd for a boxing event. He set the benchmark when 16,533 attended his welterweight title unification match against Keith Thurman on March 4, 2017 in a bout that aired in primetime on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS. The fight against Redkach will be Garcia’s eighth appearance at Barclays Center.

“Barclays Center fan-favorite Danny García is back in Brooklyn as he continues his quest for the top spot in the welterweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Danny has been in the biggest fights at Barclays Center and on January 25 there are sure to be fireworks when hard-hitting Ivan Redkach looks for a career-defining win. Redkach has upset the odds before and there’s no doubt he’ll leave it all in the ring with this opportunity to move closer to a world title fight. Combined with a former unified champion known for action fights in Jarrett Hurd, plus a rising star in Stephen Fulton, this card is loaded with intrigue from top to bottom.”

“Danny García and Jarrett Hurd are two of the biggest stars in the sport because they have consistently taken on the toughest challenges and they are always in all-action, exciting fights,” said Stephen Espinoza, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “On January 25, both men are fighting to maintain their place at the top of two of boxing’s deepest divisions in important, must-win fights. Add in two undefeated, promising contenders in the opener and we have the recipe for an explosive night of fights on SHOWTIME.”

“We’re thrilled to host our first boxing event of 2020 by welcoming Danny García back for his eighth fight at Barclays Center and have Jarrett Hurd return to the arena where he’s had some memorable victories,” said Keith Sheldon, EVP of Programming and Development for BSE Global. “Danny specifically has built an enthusiastic fan base in the borough, becoming one of the most popular fighters in our arena, and we can’t wait to see his supporters out in full force as he steps back into our ring against Ivan Redkach.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DSG Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Fulton vs. Khegai bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

García (35-2, 21 KOs) is the latest in a long line of great boxers from Philadelphia who have made their mark on the sport. His run through the super lightweight division and two-year reign as a unified champion is one of the most impressive in modern history as he defeated a string of champions, including Nate Campbell, Kendall Holt, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Zab Judah and Lucas Matthysse.

After dominating the super lightweight division, the 31-year-old García moved up to welterweight where he won the vacant WBC title with a unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero in 2016. He lost a split decision to Thurman in a unification match in 2017 and dropped a narrow unanimous decision to Shawn Porter for the WBC title in 2018. García and many pundits thought he won both those matches. In his last fight, García scored a spectacular knockout victory over Adrian Granados on April 20 to get back into position to regain the welterweight crown.

“I’m very excited to be headlining another SHOWTIME card and to go back to Barclays Center, my home away from home,” said García. “I can’t wait to step in the ring in Brooklyn and give fans the Danny García show. I watched a few of Redkach’s recent fights and he had a great knockout win over two-time champion Devon Alexander. So, I know he’s a tough fighter and competitor who I expect to bring the best out of me, and he’s someone who deserves this opportunity. But January 25 is tax season, so I’m going to have to tax him and pay him with a reality check.”

Redkach (23-4-1, 18 KOs) has his sights set on winning a welterweight title and will face the toughest challenge of his career when he steps in against Garcia. The 33-year-old Redkach, who was born in Shostka, Ukraine and now lives in Los Angeles, is accustomed to stern tests. He started boxing as an amateur in Ukraine where he had over 300 fights. When he turned professional he traveled to Mexico to train and develop the “Mexican Style” – a style that emphasis standing in the pocket and throwing hard shots to the body.

Things started out slowly for Redkach, but soon he began to hold his own in Mexico and prevailed, earning the nickname “El Terrible” from his training partners. Redkach won 14 of his first 18 professional fights by stoppage and has won three in a row, including most recently knocking out former world champion Devon Alexander in June.

“I’m very motivated to take a massive step in my career and get closer to becoming world champion against a strong and accomplished fighter like Danny García,” said Redkach. “I have been to a lot of Danny’s fights and now I get the chance to test myself against him. I am training very hard so that I am the best that I have ever been on January 25. I’m going to shock the boxing world just like I did against Devon Alexander. I’ve never been this hungry before and I’m confident I will win this fight.”

The former WBA and IBF champion at 154-pounds, Hurd (23-1, 16 KOs) returns to action for the first time since losing his belts via decision against Julian Williams in one of 2019’s best fights. The 29-year-old from Accokeek, Maryland captured his first title by stopping current WBC titlist Tony Harrison in 2017 and then added the WBA belt by defeating Erislandy Lara in 2018’s consensus Fight of the Year. Hurd earned his title opportunity by going on a run of knocking off unbeaten fighters including Frank Galarza and Oscar Molina, and also owns a successful title defense against Austin Trout at Barclays Center in 2017.

“Just because I fell back, doesn’t mean I fell off,” said Hurd. “I’m back and excited to fight at Barclays Center for the third time. I’m bringing the storm back on January and I’m going to make a statement everyone is going to see. You’re not going to want to miss this fight and the best Jarrett Hurd anyone’s seen.”

Santana (25-7-1, 12 KOs) has taken on the toughest challenges at 154 and 147 pounds and has made his name with an all-action action style throughout a long career as a contender. The 33-year-old will look to bounce back from a close decision loss to Abel Ramos in March, in a fight where Santana dropped Ramos in the second round. Prior to the setback against Ramos, the Santa Barbara, California native was coming off of a victory over Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz in April 2018. Santana has faced former champions Jermell Charlo and Sadam Ali while also owning a six-round draw against Julian Williams in 2011.

“This is a great opportunity for me against a fighter like Jarrett Hurd,” said Santana. “When you get an opportunity like this, it’s hard to turn it down. My job is to rise to the occasion and have the best moment of my career on fight night. This is my Super Bowl. When I last fought at 154-pounds, I was basically self-trained. Now I have my coach Joseph Janik training me and I really think he’s the missing piece of the puzzle for me. I’m going to go in there and leave it all in the ring January 25.”

The 25-year-old Fulton (17-0, 8 KOs) has made a rapid rise through the super bantamweight ranks with superb boxing skills, befitting a slick fighter from Philadelphia. Lately Fulton has shown flashes of power that have caught his opponents off guard. In his last fight he stopped Isaac Avelar with a body shot to end their fight in the fifth round on August 24.

Fighting out of Odessa, Ukraine and training for this fight in Los Angeles, Khegai (16-0-1, 10 KOs) will make his third start in the U.S. on January 25, after a successful U.S. debut in in May 2018 when he defeated Adam Lopez on the prospect developmental series ShoBox: The New Generation. The 27-year-old has already been victorious twice in 2019, stopping Haidari Mchanjo in March and most recently winning a unanimous decision over Vladimir Tikhonov in August on ShoBox.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

Julian Williams outpunched Jarrett Hurd in a tremendous battle and won a 12-round unanimous decision to win the WBA/IBF Super Welterweight titles at the Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax, Virgina.

The fight was a terrific battle that saw Williams land hard shots from the outside.  In round two, Williams landed a hard left in the inside that sent Hurd to the canvas.  Hurd was hurt, but he came back to land some vicious shots, and the fight was on.    Williams fought Hurd’s fight, and surprisingly pounded the bigger man on the inside.  Williams subtle moves to not only land his own power shots, thwart any momentum that Hurd could sustain.

In round six, Williams started to swell around the left eye.  That did not seem to be much of a problem, because every-time he would eat two or three, he gave back four or five and divided those shots between the head and body.

In round eight, Hurd began to bleed around his right eye.  Hurd tried to turn things around in the late going, but Williams stood in and fought Hurd and solidified his lead as he was dominant in the 2nd half of the fight.

Williams, 153.8 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 116-111 and 115-112 twice to become a unified world champion with a record of 27-1-1.  Hurd, ,153.8 lbs of Accokeek, MD is 23-1.

Mario Barrios stopped Juan Jose Velasco in round two of their scheduled ten-round super lightweight bout.

Barrios dropped Velasco with a hard left to the body in round two, and he could not beat the count at 1:16.

Barrios, ,143 lbs of San Antonio, Texas is 24-0 with 16 knockouts.  Velasco, 143 lbs of Argentina is 20-2.

Matt Korobov and Immanuwel Aleem fought to a 10-round majority draw in a middleweight bout.

Korobov was announced the winner via majority decision in the ring, but later changed if re-reading the scorecards.

Korobov took most of the early sessions, and he rocked and cut Aleem with a hard left in round six.  Aleem had a good last couple of rounds, but it was too little, too late as Korobov won by scores of 95-95,97-93 and 95-95

Korobov, 160.8 lbs of Russia is now 28-2-1  Aleem, 159.6 lbs of East Meadow, NY is now 18-1-2.

“I didn’t feel like he was doing enough. I was trying to use my range. He was just touching me. I realized when I started hitting him that he didnt have the gas.,’’ Aleem said. “I am faster than people think. I see open shots better than people expect. I made a statement tonight and I want to keep making statements.”

“I felt heavy and not totally sharp enough. It was hard to react and stop him from going inside. I have things to work on.,’’ Korobov said. “He was tougher than I expected. He wasn’t as strong as Charlo, but he is a really good fighter. He kept coming forward. He wasn’t afraid. He just kept throwing punches.”

Follow all the action as Jarrett Hurd defends the IBF/WBA Junior Middleweights titles against Julian Williams.  The action kicks off at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with Matt Korobov meeting Immanuwel Aleem followed by Mario Barrios taking Juan Jose Velasco

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Round 1: Jab from Williams…Hard jab

Round 2 Left inside from Hurd…Left from Williams… Hard right…Hard right…LEFT AND DOWN GOES HURD..Hard flurry on the ropes..

Round 3 Hard left from Williams..Right..Hard uppercut from Hurd..Big left from Williams..Big right from Hurd..Double right

Round 4  Body shot from Hurd..Counter uppercut from Williams..Right uppercut…left..Right and good body shot..

Round 5 Uppercut from Williams..left and right to the head..Right from Hurd..Uppercut..Blood from the lip of Hurd..Big combination

Round 6 Hurd coming out fast…Its a war..Williams swelling under the left eye..Flurry from Hurd..combination from Williams..Big uppercut…uppercut..

Round 7  Jabbing from Williams..Good right..Counter from Hurd..

Round 8 Hard combination from Williams..Hard body shot..Beautiful combination..Body shot from Williams..Hurd cut badly around the right eye

Round 9 Huge uppercut from Williams…Big left..

Round 10 Great body shot from Williams..Big left hook…

Round 11 Hurd lands a right to the head..right to the body..Right and left….Uppercut from Williams..3 punch combination..Left hook from Williams

Round 12 Williams landing some uppercuts…Left hook..uppercut..Hard lands 2 body shots and a right hand..Body shot from Williams..

116-111, 115-112 twice FOR JULIAN WILLIAMS

Round 1 Body shots from Barrios…

Round 2 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES VELASCO….HE DOESN’T GET UP AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Left from Korobov..

Round 2  Korobov working the body…left

Round 3 Good body shot from Korobov..Counter from Korobov..Counter left hook from Aleem..Right from Korobov

Round 4 Korobov drops Aleem with a left but ruled it came behind the head..Korobov lands a right to the body..left

Round 5 Right hook from Korobov

Round 6 Hard left hurts and cuts Aleem..Hard right..Left

Round 7 1-2 from Korobov..

Round 8 Good left from Korobov (Uppercut)

Round 9 Good left hook from Aleem

Round 10  Body shots from Korobov..Good right from Aleem and another

96-94 ALEEM AND 95-95 TWICE…MAJORITY DRAW

ARLINGTON, VA. (May 9, 2019) – Unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams previewed their showdown at a final press conference on Thursday evening before they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday night from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Also squaring-off at the press conference and stepping into the ring Saturday in action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT were unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco, who meet in a 10-round fight, and middleweight contenders Matt Korobov and Immanuwel Aleem, who battle in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Arlington, Virginia:

JARRETT HURD

“This has been a great week. This is the homecoming I always wanted. It’s even better than I imagined and I can’t wait to step into the ring.

“You can tell a lot about a fighter when you see them in the lead up to a fight. Julian Williams looks confident and he looks ready. It’s going to be a classic on fight night.

“It’s been fun to have this support from the city and my hometown. It’s fueled me. The love and support motivated me in the gym to make sure I go out there and put on a show.

“I’m a big 154-pounder but I know how to cut the weight and get it off right. We’re still eating and we’ll be strong come fight night.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I really don’t think too much about fighting in his hometown. I’ve fought on the road my whole career. I just focus on the fight, not what’s going on outside of the ring.

“We touched on a lot of different things in training camp. We left no stone unturned. It sounds cliché and I’ve never said this before, but this was the best camp I’ve ever had. I’m ready to go get this win.

“I just see a man over there. His crowd can’t fight for him. That’s all it’s going to be Saturday night.

“The jab is always a key. It’s the most important punch in boxing and it’s the key for me no matter who I fight. I always work with bigger guys in camp so the size is going to be nothing new.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“We focused on being explosive in training camp. Working with Virgil Hunter was great as always. This is a big opportunity and I’m excited to put on a great show for these fans.

“He’s a hungry fighter. That’s the main thing. He’s tasted defeat and he doesn’t want to again. I’m blocking his path. On Saturday night, he’s not getting past me.

“I’m getting stronger and better every camp. There’s not too much to say, but I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring Saturday.”

JUAN JOSE VELASCO

“The fight against Regis Prograis was very tough and important for me. I want to be champion of the world and it showed me what I need to do to achieve that goal. I’m going to put what I learned on display Saturday.

“We’ve watched him and we know what he’s capable of doing. We know we have to be prepared to get this victory.”

MATT KOROBOV

“I took the fight against Jermall Charlo as a win because people know me better now and know where I stand in this division with my performance on short notice. I’m happy to be back and have this fight. My team did a great job preparing and we’ll be ready on Saturday night.”

IMMANUWEL ALEEM

“My trainer George Peterson has always stressed to train year round. We’re not part time fighters. I’m always in the gym working. When the fight comes, we’re always prepared.

“Korobov is another opponent who’s in my way to becoming a world champion. I’ve gotten some good work with southpaws to get ready for him and I feel fully prepared.

# # #

ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS
Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

FAIRFAX, VA. (May 7, 2019) – Fight week is here for the world title showdown between unified 154-pound world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams as they headline Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia live in primetime beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.z

Both fighters have shown that they are ready and poised heading into this weekend’s fight, as displayed on last week’s international media conference call when they went back and forth ahead of this highly anticipated super welterweight match.

“My confidence level is sky high,” said Hurd, a Maryland-native who will be defending his title in his home region for the first time since becoming a world champion. “I want to make it one-sided all the way through. I have a different game plan for each fight. You never know what style I’ll bring out.”

“My confidence doesn’t come from his vulnerability,” said Philadelphia’s Williams. “My confidence comes from my own ability and what I know I can do in a boxing ring. He’s been able to overcome any vulnerabilities he has, but he hasn’t faced me yet and hasn’t overcome what I bring to the table.”

Hurd has been embraced by his DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) home, partnering with the Washington Redskins and appearing at events all over the area including the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade, the Broccoli City Festival and an MLS game for the D.C. United.

“When I first heard it was official I’d be fighting at home, it meant everything to me,” said Hurd. “Winning the world title was always a dream of mine and I accomplished that two times. Now I just want to defend it in front of my people. It’s the perfect time to come home and it’s going to be a special night.”

For Williams, he looks at the positive spin of fighting on his opponent’s home turf, “I see it as a good opportunity,” he said. “I don’t really think too much about how difficult it would be to fight him in his hometown. I just need an arena and some gloves. Just ring the bell, that’s all I’m thinking about.”

The 29-year-old Williams is riding a four-fight winning streak since losing his first shot at the 154-pound title in 2016 against Jermall Charlo. With strong wins over Ishe Smith and Nathaniel Gallimore included in that streak, Williams can culminate his climb back to the top on May 11.

“I knew 100% that I would get another shot,” said Williams. “I know that I’m a top 154-pound fighter. I just had to get back in there and keep fighting. You can’t stay down too long. You just get back up on the horse. I knew this time would be coming.

“I think that all of my fights have prepared me for this opportunity, not just the Charlo fight. I learned from the 21 fights I had before that too. The Charlo fight gave me a chance to go back to the drawing board and work on a bunch of things. I have championship experience and that’s invaluable.”

In April 2018, Hurd unified 154-pound titles by defeating WBA titlist Erislandy Lara in a thrilling contest that saw Hurd drop Lara in the final round to edge the decision on the scorecards. It was the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year, including recognition from the BWAA, ESPN, Sporting News and more.

“For me to be in a Fight of the Year against a fighter with Erislandy Lara’s style, I must be an exciting fighter,” said Hurd. “When fans tune-in to watch me, they know the fight is usually action-packed. I go out there and leave it all in the ring and give it my all every time.”

Both fighters appear geared and ready for an exciting and dramatic contest for 154-pound supremacy live in primetime this Saturday night.

“A lot of fighters say they had a good training camp, but this has really been the best camp of my life,” said Williams. “I did some different things and I added some difference pieces. We’re prepared for a really good fight and we’re prepared to win.”

“I don’t want this fight to be close,” said Hurd. “I’m trying to get the recognition that I work hard for. I think I have a better resume than guys at the top of the pound-for-pound list. I’m going to come out and prove it Saturday night and make a statement on FOX.”

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

# # #

ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS
Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at
FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,
www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

TEMPLE HILLS, MD. (May 1, 2019) – Unified and undefeated IBF and WBA 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd held a media workout at his gym in Temple Hills, Maryland on Tuesday as he prepares for his hometown return in a title defense against top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams Saturday, May 11 that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see Hurd return to defend his titles in front of a hometown crowd for the first time since becoming a world champion. A native of Accokeek, Maryland, this is Hurd’s first fight in the region since his 13th pro victory in 2014 that took place at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

Here is what Hurd had to say Tuesday from Hillcrest Boxing Gym in Temple Hills, Maryland:

JARRETT HURD

“We always work on different things in camp, whether it’s preparing for southpaws in the past or orthodox in this fight. You have to do everything to your right as far as movements against an orthodox guy so we made the transition to that for the last couple of camps starting with the Jason Welborn fight.

“I want to be undisputed champion at 154-pounds. The plan is to go after the WBC belt next. I’m inspired to do it and I see it right in front of me.

“I feel strong and the shoulder is 100 percent. In sparring and hitting the bag, I forgot I even had surgery. That’s how good I feel.

“I’ve watched some of Julian’s recent fights and his last two fights have been on the same cards I’ve been on. It’s almost like it’s meant to be. We were lining up to face each other and here we are.

“My defense is getting better, but what people have to understand is that I kept stepping up the competition I was facing. So of course I got hit more, but if you look at the stats, my opponent got hit even more than me. Because of my style it looks like I take a lot of punches. I expect to get hit in this fight but, I’m ready to hit him more.

“It’s hard to tell what type of fight this is going to be. I want to say that he’s going to try to box, but I said that about Erislandy Lara and we saw that he stood toe-to-toe with me. Because of my size, I don’t really think Julian Williams is going to try to do that. He’s going to try to get his shots off and score points and make it through 12 rounds.

“I always said that one day I wanted to be the guy who when I got to this position, would give back to the area here. I want to be the face of the DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia). When you come here and talk about boxing, you’re talking about me. I’ve got the city behind me and I couldn’t be any happier about it.”

# # #

ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS
Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Ray Flores
We’re excited to have the media from all over the world joining us for this conference call as we get set for PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes, Saturday May 11 from the Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

The FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast starts 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. Talk about an incredible main event, with IBF and WBA 154-pound World Champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd defending his championship and making his homecoming against hungry top contender, Julian “J-Rock Williams of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Also we have a tremendous co-feature, unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario El Azteca Barrios goes head to head against Argentina’s own Juan Jose Velasco, in a 10 round matchup.

Plus, middleweight contender Matt Korobov vs. Immanuwel Aleem. It’s all a part of the televised act on PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes. Tickets for the event, it is all being promoted by TGB Promotions along with Swift Promotions.

They’re going quickly. They’re all on sale now and they can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Now we want to go ahead and bring in one of the promoters for Saturday, May 11, a man who knows boxing like nobody’s business. One of the best mind in the history of the sport. Please welcome my dear friend. The President of TGB Promotions, Mr. Tom Brown.

Tom Brown
Thank you Ray. Thanks everyone for joining us for this conference call for what I believe will be an extremely exciting fight presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Jarrett Hurd established himself as one of the breakout stars in boxing and now will have the chance to showcase his talents as he makes his first defense in front of his hometown fans.

But he does have a stiff test in front of him in Julian Williams, who since his only defeat in a world title challenge against Jermall Charlo has wrapped up four wins in a row. And Williams has never shied away from any challenge.

It’s going to be a fantastic main event for the viewers at prime time to enjoy on FOX and FOX Deportes. I’ve been looking forward to this fight now since back on December 1 when both guys fought on the same card in STAPLES Center and as a matchmaker, I just think it’s a great fight.

With the combination of their styles it’s a very intriguing match-up and should make for an entertaining and exciting fight. So now I’ll throw it back to Ray to introduce the fighters and get this call started. Thank you very much.

R. Flores
Thank you so much Tom. It gives me great honor and pleasure to bring on a guy who represents his home city of Philadelphia. Trained by a fantastic trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards, he’s 29 years of age.

He has rattled off four straight victories including impressive performances against former champion Ishe Smith and hard hitting Nathaniel Gallimore. When you think of a Philadelphia fighter, this man is so emblematic of that. He’s tough. He’s exciting.

He comes forward. He breathes what Philadelphia boxing is all about. And he’s no doubt looking to accomplish his lifelong dream and become a champion on Saturday, May 11. Please welcome Julian J-Rock Williams. Julian, do you have opening comments?

Julian Williams
How you doing guys out there? Thanks for having me. Training’s going good. have a really good training camp. A lot of fighters say they had a good training camp but it’s really been the best training camp of my life.

I did some different things and I added some different pieces and we’re prepared for a really good fight. But most important we’re prepared to win on May 11.

R. Flores
Thank you very much, Julian. Now we’ll meet the man that will be standing across the ring from Julian Williams on Saturday May 11. He’s undefeated in 23 bouts. Twenty-three victories, 16 of those coming by way of knockouts. He’s the IBF and WBA 154- pound World Champion and is trained by Ernesto Rodriguez.

He won his first World Title by halting Tony Harrison over two years ago down in Alabama in February 2017. He unified the titles after defeating the very tough and crafty, the former World Champion Erislandy Lara.

In that fight Jarrett Hurd had to drop Lara in the final round to get the decision victory recognized. It was the 2018 fight of the year by the BWAA, ESPN, Sporting News and countless others.

This guy just comes forward and throws punches in bunches. He is a phenomenal example of what it is to be a professional and a world champion. Representing Accokeek, Maryland, please welcome “Swift” Jarrett Hurd.

Jarrett Hurd
Thank you. Appreciate you guys having me today. Training camp is going well. This is the first time I’ll be holding my full training camp here in my hometown. Usually I’m used to travelling.

This is the first time I’ve fought at home since 2014 and I’m super excited. I can feel the fan base and how they support me already before the fight comes.

Q
I just wanted to get an update and see, is your shoulder 100%? And have you had any issues with that?

J. Hurd
The shoulder is 100%. It was 100% going into my last fight. We just wanted to test it out with Jason Wellborn. And it’s been like a year now since the injury so my shoulder’s surely 100% now.

Q
Did that tune-up fight sort of accomplish what you wanted it to accomplish?

J. Hurd
Yes, we just wanted to go out there and use the left hand a little. Work behind the jabs and see if it held up well. And actually it held up pretty well. So I definitely accomplished everything that we wanted to do.

Q
Can you talk to me about where the change came where now it’s important for you to have a fight in your hometown as opposed to travelling?

J. Hurd
Well yes the change came because coming up I was just only known in my area so I wanted to fight in other states and places to pick up a fan base, a bigger fan base worldwide.

I defended my title two times out of the area. I always wanted to bring the strap to my hometown and defend it there. So that’s when I wanted to come back home.

Q
What is, in your opinion, the most dangerous thing that Julian brings to the ring against you?

J. Hurd
The most dangerous I would say is his inside game. He has a great inside game. People maybe underestimate it a little bit.

But he does great things inside with his hands and how he places his shots. He sneaks them in there. He does a lot of good work in the inside. He also works good on the outside but his inside work is the most dangerous.

Q
What are your thoughts about coming to fight him in his hometown where he’s very excited to have this title defense?

J. Williams
I think it’s a good opportunity. I didn’t really think too much about how difficult it would be to fight him in his hometown.

I just need an arena and some gloves. Man, just ring the bell. I didn’t really think too deep into having to fight him in his hometown.

Q
Do you feel that the Charlo fight in some way prepared you for the second opportunity? And how much does it mean to you to have achieved the fact that you’re now getting a second opportunity?

J. Williams
Well I think all the fights in general prepared me for this opportunity. The 21 fights I had before that, I think everything that I went through within my professional career prepared me for this moment.

I knew 100% that I would get another shot. I believe I’m at least a top ten 154-pound fighter in the world. I just knew I had to get back in there and just keep fighting.

You just get back up on the horse. You just can’t stay down too long. So I just got back in there and got a couple of wins. I knew this time would be coming.

Q
If you’re able to come to his hometown and win the fight and win the title, what would that mean for you in your mind? And how would that really change your life?

J. Williams
It definitely would change my life as far as the conversation goes. Definitely more financial stability. It would definitely change my life. It’s going to mean a lot.

Q
When you were proposed to fight in your area, what was your reaction and what does it mean to you?

J. Hurd
It was my hometown so it was everything. To win the world title was great. It was always a goal of mine to become world champion but I accomplished that two times.

I just wanted to defend it in my hometown. So to be able to get this opportunity to bring it back here is special. Now we’re able to get things down with the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax. Virginia is good enough so I’m just happy that people that couldn’t make it out to the fight that were in other states can make it to this.

Q
Is the goal in our mind still to fight for the WBC title by the end of the year regardless of who it is? Is that the case or you just want to take it fight by fight and see what happens?

J. Hurd
We’re not looking past Julian Williams. All that could be stopped next weekend if I don’t get past him.

There was a wrench in the plans when Jermell Charlo took a loss. A fight with him I don’t think about no more because he’s still got to get past Harrison the second time. I’m not more focused on fighting him. I’m more focused on getting WBC.

So if he does win I’ll be looking forward to fighting him and if Harrison wins, I’ll be looking forward to fighting Harrison too.

Q
Do you want to become the undisputed champion? Do you just want the WBC and then move on? What are the goals for you at 154 pounds?

J. Hurd
I definitely want to be undisputed. It all depends because I’m such a big junior middleweight. Every fight is getting more and more difficult to make the weight.

Even though I come in under weight and was 152 when I fought against Wellborn, it’s just that I’m putting on more weight in between fights and even though I’m making it, to me I don’t think it’s healthy to be dropping that amount of weight for a fight.

Even though I’m light, I still feel strong. And I think there’s more opportunity for me at 160. There’s a lot of people who want to see a bigger fights there for me. I want to wait for the WBO after I win the WBC but if the opportunity isn’t presented to me, I’ll move up.

Q
So in line with what you just said, would it be fair to say within the next 12 months we’ll see Jarrett Hurd at 160 pounds?

J. Hurd
That’s hard to say. It all depends. That’s hard to say. I want to say no because I’d rather stick around for the WBO and the WBC. I want to say no, but if it looks like it’s not going to present itself in any way, then maybe so.

Q
There have been a lot of big fights at welterweight this year so far. There are a few more scheduled and likely to happen. Have you had your eyes on that division? Are you hoping to get any of those guys when they come up?

J. Hurd
I don’t think about that man. I got a fight coming up May 11. I haven’t thought about the welterweights. I haven’t even thought about 160. I just focus on 154 and fight and just go out there and have fun.

Q
With the accomplishments you’ve had and the next few years being a unified champion now, do you think you deserve consideration on pound for pound lists? And do you think you’re being overlooked?

J. Hurd
I do. Everyone with a pound-for-pound list has their opinion on who is top ten and top five. But I can’t really say anything on that. I do feel like I’m overlooked. I am a champion with two titles. I think my resume is better than some of the guys on the pound-for-pound list. For me, I know I’m up there in the top five, no question.

Q
It is a goal or an aim to make your fights one sided from the start of the fight? Or are you happy to make it a war because you think that will work in your favor?

J. Hurd
No, I want to make it one sided all the way through. I don’t want the fight to be close. I don’t want it to be a war. I want it to be all me when I get in there. It’s definitely not a game plan to go into fights and make them action packed and toe-to-toe like that.

I want the fight to be all one sided. But I have a different game plan for each fight and it just so happens that the guys I’ve fought in the past I’ve needed to use pressure and toe-to-toe action.

We’ll see when I get in there. You’ll never know what style I’ll bring out.

Q
Julian how have you grown from your title fight against Jermall Charlo and as a fighter? Has it changed mentally the way you approach a fight?

J. Williams
Well it doesn’t necessarily change the way mentally I approach fights. But I think I definitely grew from that fight. Every experience is a learning experience. I think I’ve got a championship level of experience and that’s invaluable.

I got a chance to go back to the drawing board and work on a bunch of things after that fight.

Q
As Jarrett has shown vulnerability in his last number of fights, what is your level of confidence going into this fight? Are you going to be the one to finally take his titles?

J. Williams
Well my confidence doesn’t come from his vulnerability. My confidence comes from my own ability and what I know I can do in a boxing ring. He’s been able to overcome his vulnerability and everything he’s faced.

Q
Jarrett, in terms of confidence level, how much did your last fight against Jason Wellborn get you in a mindset where you feel confident enough to take on the Julian Williams’ of the world where you’re not going to have any doubt about having any side effects or any potential issue with the shoulder?

J. Hurd
My confidence level is sky high. The Wellborn fight only was brought up because of the surgery. I didn’t plan on having a fight of that caliber. I just wanted to get into the groove of fighting right-handed fighters.

Because I was coming off of two fights fighting southpaws, I wanted to have a right-handed fighter before I go into unification. But since I had to get surgery on the shoulder, that’s when the fight with Wellborn came up.

I just want to get in the groove and fight right handed fighters. Most champions are right handed, so it was more so trying to get back into the groove of fighting right hand fighters.

The Julian Williams’ fight probably could have come sooner if I didn’t get the surgery.

Q
How much did watching Tony Harrison pull off what a lot of people would consider a big upset remind you that you’re expecting everyone’s best and come fight night anything can happen?

J. Williams
When Harrison won I was kind of upset because I didn’t think they were going to have the big Hurd vs. Charlo matchup but then, as two days past, I thought about it and said, “why do I care?”

Q
What’s different about the Julian Williams fight of May 2019 compared to when you fought Jermall Charlo in 2016? Are you hungrier now then you were back then? Are you more experienced?

J. Williams
I’m not going to say I’m any more or less hungry. I’m not a hungry fighter, but I do think I’m more experienced. Experience is invaluable so I’m definitely more experienced.

Q
Do you feel like you’ve kind of become the forgotten contender just because of your one loss at the championship level?

J. Williams
I don’t know if I’m forgotten like some of these sports writers or experts might say. I wasn’t going to let that happen. I know how boxing works. Losses happen. Knockouts happen. Just because you take a loss that doesn’t mean you can’t come back and be a great fighter.

I don’t know if I got forgotten. I don’t see too many guys coming to pick on me. Nobody’s beating down my door. So I think maybe a little bit underrated, yes. Have I been forgotten? I’m not going to say forgotten.

Boxing’s got a way of pushing people out that takes a loss. And it’s like, oh, they’re done. The loser’s always done. And boxing’s not about undefeated records. I think a career should be judged as a whole, when the career is finished.

Q
What’s motivating you in this fight? Is there a certain chip on your shoulder based off what people have been saying?

J. Williams
I’m motivated by the glory, the titles, and the money. Everybody has an opinion so I don’t really care or dig too far into people’s views on the fight. I can’t get into that because if I do, I’ll be on social media until 3 in the morning every night.

I have to take those things in stride. And after I win the fight on May 11th, then everybody’s going to run back and say “he’s a great fighter.” I just want to cash my check and see my kids. That’s it.

Q
Jarrett how’d you all feel about the fact you still like at home and are a family man as showcased on last weeks’ Inside PBC Boxing show?

J. Hurd
Great, man. I’m not ashamed of living at home. I can go out and tell the world I love being at home. It’s been working for me. I’m barely at home so I’m not paying mortgage on a house that I’m not in and that’s a way to save money.

The money that I touch, my money, is money to invest to make sure when I do retire and I’m ready to move out, that I will be secure.

So no, I’m not ashamed. I love being at home. I didn’t plan on staying this long but it’s working for me.

Q
Do you feel like now is the perfect time to come home?

J. Hurd
Oh yes, definitely. This is the perfect time to come home. In bringing the fight home, I’m getting so much love from my city alone. I’m an ambassador for the Redskins. A lot of the sports teams bring me up to sponsor things like that.

I’m trying to get the recognition that I work hard for. It couldn’t be on a better place than on FOX to showcase my fight here. This is perfect timing.

Q
What does it mean to you to get the Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier Fight of the Year Award?

J. Hurd
Listen, it’s crazy. I was just talking about it the other day. I said man, for me to be in a Fight of the Year against a fighter that everyone looks at kind of says it’s boring because it could be so one sided and things like that.

For me to get into a fight against someone like him, I said I must be an exciting fighter. That’s what everyone says. When they tune in the fight is actually packed. Because of my vulnerability maybe, and because they like to see fighters get hit.

I’m super happy. That’s a great accomplishment for me to receive such an award. I go out there and leave it all in the ring and give it my all every time.

Q
You have a distinctive hairstyle and so does a recently acquired wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. Does anybody come up and say hey, look it’s Odell Beckham? How do you feel about the fact that at least a few people have noted that?

J. Hurd
Oh yes, man. I get that all the time. It’s funny. Everyone almost everywhere says I look like that wide receiver. It’s funny because I have never met Odell Beckham until I saw him at Gervonta Davis’ fight versus Hugo Ruiz. And he said, what’s up and he acknowledged me and I said everybody kept on saying I was you. It was kind of funny man. I told him he has to show me a bit of his footwork.

R. Flores
Thank you very much. That concludes the conference call. Thank you so much to the media. Don’t forget PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes. Jarett Hurd vs Julian Williams. 154-pound World Championship. Thank you so much. We’ll see you next week during fight week.

# # #

ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS
Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com
and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

FAIRFAX, VA. (April 9, 2019) – Undefeated rising featherweight Stephen Fulton will take on former world champion Paulus Ambunda in a 12-round showdown that headlines PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and will also see hard-hitting Ahmed Elbiali (18-1, 15 KOs)in a light heavyweight bout, plus exciting 19-year-old prospect and Baltimore-native Lorenzo Simpson (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round middleweight attraction that will be a TV swing bout.

The event is headlined by unified and undefeated IBF and WBA 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd defending against top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams in PBC on FOX action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

Non-televised action features undefeated Romanian Alexandru Marin (17-0, 11 KOs) taking on former world champion Luis Concepcion (37-7, 26 KOs) in a 12-round super flyweight attraction, unbeaten super lightweight prospect Greg Outlaw (7-0, 2 KOs) in an eight-round fight and super middleweight contender Demond Nicholson (21-3-1, 20 KOs) in a 10-round contest.

Rounding out the card are bouts featuring once-beaten Dravontay Rawls battling Colombia’s Jonathan Perez in an eight-round lightweight showdown, unbeaten Aaron Anderson in a four-round super welterweight fight against Peru’s Carlos Galindo and Mark Duncan battling Kevin Womack for six-rounds of super welterweight action.

The 24-year-old Fulton (15-0, 7 KOs) fights out of Philadelphia and defeated previously unbeaten fighters in five of his last nine contests. He made his 2019 debut in January, stopping Marlon Olea in round five. He takes on Namibia’s Ambunda (27-2, 11 KOs), who previously captured a bantamweight world title by defeating William Prado by decision in 2012. He enters this bout on a three-fight winning streak, including 12-round decisions in his last two fights.

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ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS
Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

NATIONAL HARBOR (March 24, 2019) – – Unified and undefeated IBF and WBA 154-pound “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams previewed their recently announced showdown at a press conference Sunday before they meet in primetime in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action on Saturday, May 11 at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, March 28 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

Here is what the fighters had to say Sunday from MGM National Harbor in Maryland:

JARRETT HURD

“It was very important to fight at home because that’s what everyone has been asking for. I’m excited to have the opportunity and I can’t wait to step in the ring.

“All of my fights are classics. I know that ‘J-Rock’ has been watching me and that makes him dangerous. He’s coming in with a good game plan and we’ll see what it is on fight night.

“Jermall Charlo is a big puncher and he landed some shots that got Julian out of there, but Julian was right in that fight. It was kind of back and forth action until Charlo landed those shots, but Charlo was hurt in that fight too.

“The fighter that I am, I wanted to go out there and close the show against Erislandy Lara. I thought I was up, but it’s not in me to just go out and survive. I’m glad I did because it got me the win.

“I’m going to be victorious on May 11. I’m looking for a decisive win. I’m not saying I’m going to to get the stoppage, but it will be convincing that it went my way.

“Tony Harrison beating Jermell Charlo definitely threw a monkey wrench into the plan coming off of surgery. I’m going to go after the WBC belt regardless of who has it, but first I have to take care of Julian.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I’m not Erislandy Lara, I’m going to fight a completely different fight than he did. I’m going to do whatever I have to do to win. That’s the kind of fighter Hurd is, so that’s the kind of fighter I have to be.

“I think I’m going to win in a classic. We’re probably going to have to do it a second time it’ll be so good.

“My motivation are those two belts on the line. Any kind of fight with Harrison or Charlo and Hurd has nothing to do with me. I’m focused on what I have to do.

“I had to get over the loss quick. You can’t dwell on that. Am I going to mope? No, it’s who’s up next? I can’t even put it into words how hungry I am.

“Hurd is definitely a really exciting fighter. He gives that extra each fight, but I’ve seen some things. I have a way of wearing guys down myself. I wore Nathaniel Gallimore down fighting off my front foot and I think I’ll do the same to Hurd.

“I don’t know if there will be extra pressure on him fighting at home. You have to ask him. I know when I fight at home I don’t feel any extra pressure. When the bell rings, a fight is a fight.”

# # #

ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS
Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

FAIRFAX, VA. (March 21, 2019) – Unified and undefeated IBF and WBA 154-pound “Swift” Jarrett Hurd will defend his titles against top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams live in primetime in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action on Saturday, May 11 at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Plus, unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, March 28 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

“Jarrett Hurd has established himself as one of the breakout stars in boxing, and now he’ll have a chance to showcase his talents in front of his hometown faithful,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He will have a stiff test from Julian Williams, who since his only defeat has racked up win after win to show that he is still squarely in the elite class of the division. This is setting up to be a fantastic main event for viewers in primetime to enjoy on FOX and FOX Deportes. With ‘Swift’ making his first hometown title defense, the crowd at EagleBank Arena is sure to deliver a raucous atmosphere.”

Hurd vs. Williams is one of the best matches that can be made in the super welterweight division as two of the division’s young, hungry fighters square off on the march toward an undisputed world title.

Hurd (23-0, 16 KOs) has already picked up two titles with heart-pounding victories in one of the toughest divisions in boxing. He began his run when he stopped Tony Harrison for a ninth-round knockout to capture the IBF title in 2017 on FOX. He successfully defended the title with another victory when he became the first person to stop former world champion Austin Trout. The 28-year-old picked up the WBA title with by dropping Erislandy Lara and earning a split decision in the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year last April.

A native of Accokeek, Maryland, Hurd will be fighting in front of his hometown fans when he takes on Williams and is returning to fight in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area for the first time since a 2014 win at Constitution Hall in D.C. He most recently delivered a knockout victory over Jason Welborn in his last fight on December 1.

“I couldn’t be happier to be fighting at home for the first time as a champion,” said Hurd. “My hometown has been asking me to bring the championship back home and now I can. Julian Williams is a tough opponent and I don’t see him as a stepping stone. He’s crafty, technical and fundamentally sound. I want to go out and get a decisive win and show that I’m on a different level than everybody else in the division.”

Williams (26-1-1, 16 KOs) never backs down from a challenge and he has fought his way back into contention for his second world title shot. He has ripped off four straight victories since losing to Jermall Charlo in a world championship match in 2016. Included in that run were impressive victories over former world champion Ishe Smith and contender Nathaniel Gallimore. The 28-year-old from Philadelphia is coming off a knockout victory over Francisco Javier Castro on December 1.

“Jarrett Hurd is a good, strong fighter that’s really hot right now,” Williams said. “This is a hometown fight for him, but Philly isn’t that far from Virginia. I’m looking forward to putting on an exciting fight for all of the fans on FOX, and most importantly winning those titles and showing the world that I am the best in the 154-pound division.”

Barrios (23-0, 15 KOs) has grown into a brilliant super lightweight contender after starting out at 130 pounds. The 5-foot-10 fighter from San Antonio, Texas, has carried his power with him up the ladder as demonstrated by stopping his last seven opponents, including victories over Naim Nelson and Jose Luis Rodriguez on FS1. He enters the fight with Velasco after a knockout victory over Richard Zamora in his last fight on February 9.

Velasco (20-1, 12 KOs) picked up the nickname “The Pitbull” early in his career because of his aggressive style. It has served the 31-year-old resident of Buenos Aires, Argentina well throughout a career in which he’s only tasted defeat once. He suffered the first loss of his career in his last fight when he was stopped by Regis Prograis on July 14. He will be looking to rebound against another rising unbeaten fighter in Barrios.

The 36-year-old Korobov (28-2, 14 KOs) lost a hard-fought decision to Jermall Charlo live on FOX in a middleweight championship match on December 22. He was a late replacement and gave Charlo a tougher fight than many experts expected. Even though he came up short, the Russian-born fighter, who now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, served notice to the rest of the division that he is still a threat to top 160-pounders.

Aleem (28-1-1, 22 KOs) will have been out of the ring for nearly a year when he steps in against Korobov. The 25-year-old is coming off a sixth-round knockout victory over Juan De Angel in his last fight on May 19. Korobov presents a major challenge for Aleem of Richmond, Virginia, who suffered the first loss of his career when he was stopped by Hugo Centeno, Jr. in August 2017 on FS1, following a career-best win over then unbeaten Ievgen Khytrov.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES –Forget Anthony Joshua. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury still have some unfinished business.

A Wilder-Fury draw in a terrific fight Saturday night at Staples Center made a rematch a lot more likely than a big money date with Joshua for either heavyweight.

Both Fury and Wilder showed great resilience, power and – in the end – guts in a bout that was close most of the time.

In the final three minutes, both fighters fought their way out of trouble and defeat.

Wilder needed at least a knockdown. He got it with a concussive right-left combo. For a fleeting second, it looked as if Fury would not get up. Wilder went to a neutral corner, rolled his shoulders and smiled.

But the celebration was premature. He, like everybody else, had underestimated Fury, who about a year ago was about 150 pounds heavier than he was at opening bell for Showtime pay-per-view bout.

Fury got up, avoided the loss, survived for another day, another shot at Wilder. Judge Alejandro Rochin of Mexico scored it 115-111 for Wilder. Robert Tapper of Canada scored it 114-112 for Fury on a card initially announced at 114-110 and then corrected. The third card announced was from judge Phil Edwards, who scored it 113-113. Edwards is from the UK, Fury’s home country. UK fans filled Staples Center. They probably wanted to give Edwards his Brexit papers. But they, too, probably want a rematch

“Let’s do it,’’ said Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs), who kept his World Boxing Council belt. “In the UK, wherever. Wherever there’s the most money.’’

If the Staples crowd reaction was any indication, both Fury and Wilder can expect raise. Wilder was guaranteed $4 million, according to the California Commission. Fury collected a $3 million guarantee. The crowd screamed for more, especially through the six final rounds.

In the early going, Fury appeared to be in control. Wilder missed and missed with his big wind-up shots. But in the ninth, Wilder’s feared power touched Fury just enough to knock down the Manchester City fighter for the first of two times.

“With two knockdowns, I thought won the fight,’’ Wilder said.

But the clever Fury made Wilder looked awkward with agile footwork. It often left Wilder looking like a windmill, swinging his arms aimlessly, above and short of Fury. All the while, Fury mocked him.

“Listen, I got knocked down twice,’’ Fury said. “But I got up twice and won the fight.’’

The argument will continue. The only answer rests in a rematch.

Hurd’s body shot ends Welborn’s upset bid

Jarrett Hurd calls himself Swift. Make that Swift To Respond.

Just as it looked as if Hurd (23-0, 16 KOs) might lose his junior-middleweight belts in a significant upset, he rallied, throwing a wicked body shot that finished the UK’s Jason Welborn (24-7, 7 KOs) at 1:55 of the fourth round.

The aggressive Welborn had been rocking Hurd with repeated shots from head to body through three-plus rounds. Then, Hurd, of Accokeek, MD, decided to go to work. He got it done with one punch.

Luis Ortiz ends dull fight with 10th-round stoppage

The Staples crowd booed. But Luis Ortiz didn’t hear their impatience until the end. Finally, however, the Cuban heavyweight did what could have been done five rounds earlier. He stopped Travis Kauffman of Reading, Penn., midway though the 10th and final round with a succession of punches.

Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) also knocked down Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) in sixth, eighth and earlier in the 10th. For Ortiz, there’s been talk of a rematch with Deontay Wilder, who was waiting in his dressing room waiting to defend his WBC title against Tyson Fury. Wilder got up from a knockdown and stopped Ortiz in the Cuban’s only loss.

UK heavyweight Joe Joyce opens pay-per-view card with first-round stoppage

Joe Joyce opened the Showtime pay-per-view part of the Fury-Wilder card at Staples with a UK accent. Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs) also kept it short and sweet, scoring a first-round stoppage of Newark heavyweight Joe Hanks (23-3, 15 KOs).

Joyce landed a right that forced Hanks to hold on to the ropes. Without those ropes, he would have been on the canvas. It should have been scored a knockdown. It wasn’t, but it didn’t matter. Seconds later, Joyce landed left, dropping Hanks, who was flat on the floor with no chance of continuing in a that ended at 2:25 of the first.

Guerrero wins comeback bout in a swift stoppage

It didn’t take long for Robert Guerrero to start his comeback. To be exact, he got it done within two rounds against overmatched Hungarian Adam Mate (28-13, 21 KOs). In winning a second-round stoppage, the 35-year-old Guerrero (34-6-1, 19 KOs) scored a knockdown in the first and two more in the second, unleashing three reasons to think his comeback has a real chance at succeeding.

Wilder family stays unbeaten with a Marcellos victory

The Wilders kept the 0 in the family midway through a card Saturday that would end with Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight title defense against Tyson Fury in a Showtime -pay-per-view bout.

Marcellos Wilder, Deontay’s little brother and a big cruiserweight, went to 3-0 (2 KOs) with a unanimous decision of David Damore (1-4-3) of Bakersfield, Calif. Marcellus, whose record includes two KOs, flashed some of Deontay’s power, knocking Damore through the ropes in the second round.

Light-flyweight Jessie Rodriquez stays unbeaten, wins unanimous decision

Jessie Rodriquez, a San Antonio light-flyweight trained by Robert Garcia, was quick and accurate, an overwhelming combination in a one-sided decision over Josue Morales (8-9-3) in the second bout on a card featured by the Wilder-Fury heavyweight title fight.

Philadelphia light-middle weight Julian Williams scores quick stoppage

It was never a question of if, just when. The when was early. A stronger Julian Williams (25-2, 16 KOs), a Philadelphia light-middleweight, sent Mexican Francisco Javier Castro (28-9, 23 KOs) crashing into the ropes. Seconds later, Castro was unable to defend himself in a bout stopped at 2:40 of the second round.

First Bell: UK featherweight Isaac Lowe wins fifth-round stoppage in opener to Fury-Wilder card

UK fans were still singing outside Staples Center when a UK fighter struck an opening key that they hope to hear throughout Saturday.

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe (16-0-3, 6 KOs) opened the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder show with a matinee victory, landing undefended strikes to the head and body that floored Argentine Lucas Rafael Baez (33-17-5, 17 KOs) twice in the fifth round. At 2:11 of the fifth, the non-televised bout was over in a stoppage that left a dazed and slumped over on a stool for a couple of minutes before he could leave the ring under his own power.

LOS ANGELES (November 20, 2018) – For those fighting in the blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, this year’s Thanksgiving will come during the tail end of training camp for their respective matchups. While the fighters may not be able to surround themselves with their loved ones or enjoy a traditional holiday meal, they still have plenty to be thankful for.

Fighters who are competing in the Wilder vs. Fury SHOWTIME PPV and SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION from STAPLES Center discussed what they are most thankful for this time of year. The SHOWTIME PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The night kicks off with SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME and on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

The event is headlined by a heavyweight world championship showdown that pits WBC champion Deontay Wilder against lineal champion Tyson Fury on SHOWTIME PPV®. The PPV undercard features unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks. In action on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION are former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and hard-hitting Alfredo Angulo in a super middleweight clash. Non-televised action will see the return of former multiple-division champion Robert Guerrero.

Here is what the fighters said they are thankful for this holiday season:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’m just thankful for my beautiful family – my wonderful children and my beautiful lady. I’m just so thankful for all the positive energy that I’ve been receiving from my family. This is the happiest I’ve been in my life – career wise and in my personal life. I don’t have any drama and I’m ready to go December 1.”

TYSON FURY

“I’m most thankful for being alive, for being healthy and for being in a right mind. Business and jobs are very unimportant when you’ve got no health. You can be a billionaire but dying inside. It’s all irrelevant if you haven’t got your health. Because your health is your wealth. I’m very qualified to say it because I’ve been in some tough positions before. I’m just thankful to be alive.”

JARRETT HURD

“I’m thankful for my family, my team, my health and the chance to get back in the ring and do what I love on December 1. Unfortunately, no Thanksgiving for me this year. I think I’ll even be on the plane on the holiday, which is fine for me so I don’t get the urge to eat. I’m also going to do a Turkey Drive in my community and make sure that I’m giving back as much as I can.”

JASON WELBORN

“2018 has been my year. I’m thankful for my family – my wife, children, my dad and my Mom who looks over us all.

“I became British Champion in 2018, defended my title and now I’m going to shock the world in L.A. to cap a wonderful year.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“First and foremost, I’m thankful for my daughter’s health and well-being, along with my whole family. I know that in boxing, there are no holidays. Thanksgiving will be whenever it lands and whenever I have the opportunity for it. Boxing is my first love and I’m happy to be training even during this time of year.”

TRAVIS KAUFFMAN

“I’m thankful for this opportunity against Luis Ortiz; I’m thankful for my family and my three children, plus the blessing of having another baby on the way.

“I’m away from my family training in Texas and I’ll be sticking to my meal plan through Thanksgiving. This isn’t the first Thanksgiving I’ve missed though, it’s just a part of this sport. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m staying focused on that. After this fight is over, I’ll make sure I get a Thanksgiving meal.”

JOE JOYCE

“I am thankful for the people I have in my life, my mum, my dad and my brothers. I’ve got a great team and my career is just taking off. I am also about to be a part of a huge event on December 1st so for all this I am very thankful.”

JOE HANKS

“I’m thankful for family, friends and the ability to help provide for my family doing by doing what I love.

“I am actually going to have a little turkey on Thanksgiving. That’s part of the whole heavyweight lie. I’m still sacrificing every day in camp and I’m looking forward to the fruits of my labor. We’ll give up Thanksgiving to have a good Christmas.”

ALFREDO ANGULO

“I’m thankful for many things this year, but at the very top of that list are my wife and kids and especially my newborn son, Alfredo Angulo Jr., my biggest blessing. I’m thankful to my team for the opportunity to compete in this great fight in December. I’m going to repay with a huge win.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“During the holidays, I’m always grateful that I’m able to spend time with family and friends. In addition, I’m grateful for all the blessings boxing has brought me, especially this latest journey that I’m excited to start on December 1.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions, @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

NEW YORK (November 15, 2018) – Unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd and Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz hosted separate media workouts in Washington, D.C. and Miami on Thursday for their upcoming matchups on Saturday, December 1 on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Hurd returns to the ring to defend his IBF and WBA belts against Jason Welborn in his first bout since becoming unified champion, while Ortiz takes on Travis Kauffman in a 10-round heavyweight attraction. The PPV undercard also features rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks. The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury heavyweight championship showdown.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

The Accokeek, Maryland-native Hurd, who unified titles against Erislandy Lara in April on SHOWTIME, was joined at the Hillcrest Boxing Gym in Temple Hills by his trainer Ernesto Rodriguez and fights for the first time since undergoing rotator cuff surgery.

Ortiz, along with trainer Herman Caicedo, held his media workout at Caicedo Sports Training Center in Miami ahead of another opportunity to enter the ring and earn a potential rematch against Deontay Wilder after they engaged in a memorable heavyweight clash in March on SHOWTIME.

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

JARRETT HURD

“I can’t wait to get in there on December 1 and show everybody that ‘Swift’ is back at 100 percent. I’m expecting to show my versatility. I’ve shown that I can walk guys down and that I have a full tank of gas through 12 rounds. This time I want to show that I’m also strong defensively and can use my range and height.

“I’m going to really focus on using my jab in this fight. I want to establish that punch and also test out my rotator cuff and prove to everyone that I’m feeling great.

“Jason Welborn is a former British champion and I know that he’s going to be game. He’s coming off of two good wins against Tommy Langford. I know Welborn is going to leave everything in the ring because he has nothing to lose.

“The target is definitely on my back holding two titles. I’m in the position I want to be in. When you’re at the top, everybody is coming for your spot.

“The win over a long-reigning champion like Erislandy Lara solidified in everyone else’s mind what I already knew. Now I’m getting the respect I deserve.

“I showed against Lara that I can dig deep and pull out a win late if I need to. I have that inside of me. I also showed that I have power in both hands because usually I get a knockout with the right hand, but I was able to put Lara on the floor with a left.

“My goal for 2019 is to definitely get one more belt, and I’d also like to fight at home. I definitely want to fight Jermell Charlo for his WBC belt. Unification is what the division needs. I know for sure that me and Charlo both want this fight.

“Every time I’ve had an opportunity presented to me in this sport, I’ve taken full advantage of it. My family pushed me through all of the tough moments and helped get me to where I am today.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m 100 percent ready for this fight. We never stopped working after my last fight and I’m going to show it on December 1. I love staying active. I just want to keep fighting and showing off my skills.

“I’ve only taken off about a month total since fighting Wilder in March, so I still feel sharp and like my training is just continuous. The training stays the same, and once we get the opponent locked in we can focus on a game plan.

“Travis Kauffman is a strong fighter who came up fighting in Philadelphia. I know that’s he’s a tough guy who’s going to come to fight and I’m going to be prepared it.

“I think that my performance against Wilder and since that fight have warranted a rematch. I had Wilder hurt, I just made mental mistakes during the fight. I was fatigued, but I did not get knocked out flat. The referee did his job, but I feel that I did enough to merit another shot. I’ve worked hard to correct the mistakes I made and in a rematch, it would be a different ending.

“Wilder vs. Fury will be an interesting fight. Wilder is fighting someone taller than him for the first time and that could make it go a lot of ways. But I really do believe Wilder is going to win and win by knockout.”

ERNESTO RODRIGUEZ, Hurd’s Trainer

“Training camp has gone very well. It was a bit different for this camp because of the injury but I think everything has been completed and right now we’re just sharpening up so we can peak fight week.

“I laid off of some of the shoulder strength and conditioning that I would usually do with Jarrett because of the injury. We had to do that to let the shoulder heal. He still got in all of his normal strength and conditioning.

“I think Jason Welborn is going to try to come forward and impose his toughness. He has everything to gain in this fight. I think he’ll throw hard shots and try to rough it up. He may just run into a punch and get knocked out, or we’ll pick him apart and stop him late.

“I think what makes Jarrett Hurd so special is his demeanor. He’s a humble kid who works hard and knows what he has to do. Every minute he’s in the ring he’s aware of what he has to do. He communicates well and he follows instructions as well as any fighter I’ve trained throughout the years.”

HERMAN CAICEDO, Ortiz’s Trainer

“Luis Ortiz went through the experience of what happened in the Wilder fight and that’s the best way to overcome it in the future. He lived it, he breathed it and now, he’s going to go out and earn a chance to change the outcome.

“We have no excuses for the way the Wilder fight ended. I thought Ortiz was doing fine, but Wilder’s punches certainly had an effect. It’s heavyweight boxing, so being knocked down first in the fifth round definitely drew from the power supply.

“Unfortunately when he let everything go in the seventh round against Wilder, and almost knocked Wilder out, that drained him completely. Wilder was able to recover and capitalize. But we now know what we have to do in a rematch.

“Ortiz told me that when he first buzzed Wilder he really saw it all right there. He saw himself with the WBC championship. He saw himself knocking out Anthony Joshua and becoming undisputed champion. So he decided to go for it all right there.”

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NEW YORK – November 9, 2018 – The most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. in more than 15 years will feature an undercard lineup of stellar fighters including the return of a unified world champion and two of boxing’s hardest-hitting heavyweights.

Undefeated, unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd along with heavyweight title contender Luis Ortiz and top heavyweight prospect Joe Joyce will fight in separate bouts on the SHOWTIME PPV® undercard of the Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz heavyweight blockbuster event presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, December 1 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Hurd (22-0, 15 KOs) returns for his first fight since unifying the super welterweight division earlier this year to defend his IBF and WBA titles against British Commonwealth champ Jason Welborn (24-6, 7 KOs). Hurd, who edged Erislandy Lara in a leading candidate for 2018 Fight of the Year in April on SHOWTIME, will enter the ring for the first time since undergoing rotator cuff surgery as he targets another title unification in 2019.

Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) will continue his quest for a second shot at a heavyweight world championship as he takes on American Travis Kauffman (32-2, 23 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Ortiz went toe-to-toe with Wilder in another contender for Fight of the Year in March on SHOWTIME and returns for his third bout of 2018 with his sights set on a rematch with Wilder.

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME PPV, 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist and unbeaten heavyweight Joe Joyce (6-0, 6 KOs) will face his sixth opponent of 2018 when he meets Joe Hanks (23-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

“This fan-friendly undercard features two participants from 2018 Fight of the Year candidates, Jarrett Hurd and Luis Ortiz, along with one of the hottest rising talents in the heavyweight division,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Heavyweight boxing has re-captured the world’s attention and both of these potentially explosive fights will help shape the future of the division. Jarrett Hurd emerged as one of boxing’s most exciting fighters in unifying the super welterweight division in 2018. Now, he returns from a significant injury to risk his titles in his quest to become undisputed 154-pound world champion.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

Hurd, who hails from Accokeek, Md., floored Erislandy Lara in the final minute of their unification showdown to earn the narrow split-decision victory over the divisions’ longest-reigning champion. Following the bout, Hurd underwent surgery and subsequent rehab to repair a rotator cuff. Hurd won the IBF title with a TKO of Tony Harrison in 2017 and handed Austin Trout his first loss via knockout later that year. The 28-year-old is known for his all-action, fan-pleasing style that had seen him record seven straight stoppages prior to his decision win over Lara.

“’Swift’ is back and Christmas is coming early,” said Hurd. “This is the perfect way to get ready for 2019. I expect it to be a big year with big fights that the fans will love. I’m locked in right now and ready to put on a great performance against Jason Welborn. Tune in on December 1, because I promise you it won’t go 12 rounds.”

Jason Welborn, from West Midlands, England, will make his U.S. debut on the heels of two wins over previously once-beaten Tommy Langford for the British middleweight title in 2018. Langford now moves back to the 154-pound class, where he has faced Matthew Macklin and Liam Smith in all-British encounters.

“Jarrett Hurd is a big talent who holds all the belts and I respect the challenge he poses,” said Welborn. “I was a huge underdog against Tommy Langford in May and I came through and shocked Britain. In December, I’m going to shock the world. I’ve been in training camp since my last fight and I’ve already been preparing for Hurd’s style. This is my time.”

The 39-year-old Ortiz returns to STAPLES Center for his second consecutive fight in Los Angeles after scoring a second-round knockout of Razvan Cojanu in July. In a March, Ortiz nearly had Wilder out on his feet in the seventh until he ultimately succumbed to Wilder’s power in the 10th round, suffering the first loss of his professional career. A consensus top-5 heavyweight, Ortiz will look for another knockout as he hopes to earn a rematch with Wilder in the revived heavyweight division.

“I feel blessed to be on the Wilder vs. Fury card and competing on a huge night of boxing in front of a full house,’’ said Ortiz. “In my last fight at STAPLES Center the fans showed me so much love and I can’t wait to be back. I know Travis Kauffman has a good record and I know he’s definitely got heart. If all goes as expected and Wilder puts Fury to sleep like I think he will, I want another shot at him ASAP. It will be an epic rematch between me and Wilder.”

Kauffman, of Reading, Penn., is coming off a majority decision over Scott Alexander in May in which the two heavyweights traded first round knockdowns. Kauffman is 14-1 (1 NC) in his last 16 fights with the sole loss coming to Amir Mansour in March 2017.

“I’m looking forward to stepping up and challenging myself in an exciting fight,” said Kauffman. “Luis Ortiz is the second best heavyweight in the world next to Deontay Wilder. But I’m the toughest fighter you’ll ever face. This is my chance to prove that I’m a great fighter and I’m excited to do it on this huge stage.”

The 6-foot-6 Joyce, of London, England, has started his professional career with a 100 percent KO rate after turning professional in 2017 at the age of 32. An accomplished amateur, Joyce claimed the super heavyweight silver medal for Great Britain at the 2016 Olympic Games. Joyce, who trains in Big Bear, Calif. under renowned trainer Abel Sanchez, made his U.S. debut in September with a fifth-round knockout of Iago Kiladze.

“It’s an honor to be part of this huge event and I give a lot of credit to Joe Hanks for stepping up and taking this fight,” said Joyce. “Hanks has a good record, but I am coming to take him out. If everything goes to plan and I come through this fight as I should, I am ready for a big fight early next year to show that I’m a force in this division.”

Hanks, of Newark, N.J., started his career with a 21-0 run before suffering consecutive losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2013 and Derric Rossy in 2014. After a three-and-a-half-year layoff following the loss to Rossy, Hanks, who lives in downtown Los Angeles, has recovered his form and returned to score a unanimous decision over Joel Caudle and a first round knockout of Terrence Marbra in consecutive fights.

“It feels good to be in the mix and getting exposure with the top heavyweights,” said Hanks. “I bring speed, athleticism and power to this fight. I’ve got a lot of great experience in my career sparring against guys like Deontay Wilder and Wladimir Klitschko, so I’m comfortable against a guy like Joe Joyce. I live in Los Angeles now and this is going to be like fighting in my front yard. I’m going to be feeling good on fight night.”

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Unified junior middleweight world champion Jarrett Hurd is recovering from Rotator Cuff surgery, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Preparing for the Lara fight I had a slightly torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder,” Hurd said. “I was receiving cortisone shots to numb the pain but that was only temporary. Now the issue is taken care of. Thank you to everyone that wished me luck on my procedure (Monday). Be back soon.”

“Obviously, the injury became intolerable and (the surgery) had to be done,” trainer Ernesto Rodriguez said. “He expects to have physical therapy. As of now, no actual date (for his return is known) since (surgery) was just performed (on Monday).”

By Jimmy Tobin-

Jarrett “Swift” Hurd defeated Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara by split decision at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday night, consolidating a little hardware and his claim to the division’s crown. More importantly, Hurd and Lara managed this junior middleweight sorting in a manner befitting a rematch were not one of the brothers Charlo ready to determine the class of the division. Hurd’s reputation for belligerence already precedes him, but incredibly Lara too was responsible for salvaging a mostly dismal card in a mostly vacant arena on mostly Sunday morning.

Why did this card, one that seemed somewhat promising, need salvaging? In the opener, Julian Williams went the distance with pedestrian Nathaniel Gallimore, showing recovery enough in his three fights since being decapitated by the other brother Charlo to become a mandatory for another remarkable beating, this time at the fists of Hurd. In the equally forgettable co-main, James Degale avenged by ugly decision his loss to Caleb Truax, proving that he is barely better than the fighter who lost to Truax in December. As for the version of Degale that drew with Badou Jack? That fighter is no more. And after all this, a Lara fight that began at 12:30am on the east coast?

Yet while rightfully maligned for his brand of inaction, Lara fought Hurd with an aggression he typically spares even his most overmatched opponents. He drew many a proverbial line in the sand, and when Hurd shuffled inexorably through it, threw not to escape Hurd but to punish him. When the punches landed—as they tend to against the ironically monikered “Swift”—and Lara again moved beyond reach, instead of preserving that range he readied himself to impose once more this aggression-tax.

This was not a man sublimating his instincts, mind you, as Wladimir Klitschko did in his valiant defeat to Anthony Joshua. It would be wrong to recast Lara on the basis of his performance Saturday night—he was courageous, yes, but fell short of endearing. Because Lara owed his decision to stand and fight his most imposing opponent yet to age, to the absence of a viable alternative. And, of course, to Hurd, who gladly let Lara draw those lines in the sand, believing full well that at some point the fight Lara dared Hurd to bring would be the only one unfolding—and that that fight, made earnestly as all Hurd fights are, would be too much for a fighter with aging legs and a negative style. There is no choice when options are removed, and even had Lara chosen (rather than been forced) to fight more doggedly, the price of stalling Hurd was clear enough to make a spectator await expectantly the fight’s second half.

It was over the last six rounds that Lara, whatever the camera angle, slowly disappeared, his dimensions seemingly shrinking with his prospects for victory. He became lost under Hurd’s shoulders, pinned away from view behind Hurd’s back. Glimpses of Lara first skipping, and then slipping, and finally tripping away from his looming opponent, revealed a fighter more and more broken the more infrequent his escapes. No surprise then, that the midround moment when they were longest and most clearly separated, when Hurd floored Lara in the eleventh, was the one that delivered Hurd the victory. That knockdown, a protracted crumpling of the legs, not chin, one born of attrition more than power, provided Lara his longest respite.

Yet Hurd did not have his way with Lara, at least not entirely, something that should not be lost in how he carried the action. His way reflects his physicality, his ability to absorb punishment as much as administer it. Because it is near impossible to believe a fighter can be coached to take as many flush punches as Hurd, as though wager of his chin were a calculated risk instead of simply a flaw uncorrected or ignored. Lara hit him hard, cleanly, and for a few rounds with impunity, and Hurd shrugged off convincingly that abuse, though it was difficult to watch him take leather and not think about how every Margarito meets his Mosley. Interviewed after the fight, future Hurd opponent, Jermell Charlo, quite rightly observed that Hurd cannot fight Charlo as he did Lara, that the penalty for closing distance behind his chin that night could be one Hurd might have to wake up from to fully appreciate.

Not that Hurd is likely to heed any such warning. He is not one to deny his opponent’s success because their success has yet to eclipse his own, and perhaps because he interprets their success as proof that every fight, regardless of its beginnings, turns inevitably in his favor. Yet one gets the sense there is less arrogance at work here than honesty, that Hurd appreciates the cost of imposing his advantages and thus sees no reason to deny it. A fighter whose primary and most mischievous tools are left hooks to the body and rear uppercuts doubled, even tripled, and who accepts all consequences of this, is honest. And honesty, a trait especially endearing and uniquely instantiated by volume punchers, is reflected not only in Hurd’s work but in its result: an ass whoopin’.

Hurd’s attempt to grind down the boxer Charlo, to confirm the matchmaker’s formula, will be one to watch. And if it isn’t next, because that makes too much sense, the least they can do is slate it for the day the broadcast starts.