SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 23, 2024) – This Saturday, August 24, 2024, undefeated super featherweight rising star, Robert Guerrero III (2-0, 1 KO) will make his highly anticipated USA debut at the Alzafar Shrine Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas. The son of former multiple division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Guerrero Jr. is set to face Jesus Cortinas (0-0-1, 0 KOs) from San Antonio, TX, in a scheduled 4-round super featherweight bout.

The event, promoted by Triple A Promotions, has already sold out, but fans can still catch all the action as it streams live, free of charge, on ABC affiliate KSAT.com and KSAT+. Doors to the event open at 6:00 pm, with the first bell scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Robert Guerrero III is excited to showcase his talent on American soil for the first time. “Making my USA debut is a dream come true,” said Guerrero Jr, who is trained by his grandfather Ruben Guerrero. “I’ve been working hard to prove myself, and I can’t wait to step into the ring and perform at my best. I bring an exciting style to the ring and I’m definitely going to let my hands go.”

Robert Guerrero Sr., who has been training his son with his dad, expressed his pride in the young fighter’s progress. “Robert has been working tirelessly to make a name for himself,” said Guerrero Sr. “He’s focused, determined, and ready to take on the challenge this Saturday.”

Guerrero II is particularly thrilled that his fans back home in California will be able to watch his fight live. “It means everything to me that my supporters in California can tune in and be part of this journey. I’m grateful for all the love and support, and I promise to make them proud.”

By Mario Ortega Jr. –

One month removed from Robert Guerrero’s unanimous decision win over Andre Berto, the next generation of fighting Guerreros from California’s Central Coast are poised to make their mark as they showcase their talents before their home state fans in the coming days. On January 30th, Jesse James Guerrero will take to the ring in San Jose. Getting the jump on his cousin, Victor Guerrero returns to the ring to make his United States debut this coming Saturday night as he takes on Matthew Monroe at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Sacramento. 

Guerrero (6-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Morgan Hill, California launched his pro career in Mexico in 2019. After years of plying his trade on the road, the young Guerrero is excited to showcase his talents before his local supporters this weekend. 

“Sacramento is only about two hours from my hometown of Gilroy, so I have a lot of family and friends that are going to come out and support,” says Guerrero. “It pushes me that little extra to put on a performance for everyone out there and to make them proud. Obviously, fighting out there in Mexico, it was a pretty long drive, but right there in Sacramento, that is pretty much my backyard, so I am grateful to Upper Cut Promotions for this opportunity and having me on the card. I am ready to make my hometown proud and I am very excited.”

By design, Guerrero would have made his debut in the States last year, if it were not for a bit of bad luck. As can be the case, several fights fell out on short notice. Guerrero’s last scheduled bout in November was canceled by the threat of rain in Fresno. 

“It is just part of the game,” explains Guerrero. “Fights get canceled. I just get ready and stay in the gym. I train year-round. I stay out here in Vegas, training with a lot of the big names out here. I got a lot of good work and I feel that I have improved, even though I didn’t get to fight and show the people [those improvements.] On January 20th, I am ready to show what I have been working for and that all this training has been for a reason.”

Despite not getting the opportunity to add to his official record in 2023, Guerrero continued his development as a fighter by gaining ring experience in the gym with top fighters and trainers. “I have been training out of Pound 4 Pound in Vegas and they have a lot of good guys there,” says Guerrero. “I was in camp with Carlos Adames this summer, getting him ready for one of his fights. I got a lot of good experience working with him and learning from him. I was grateful to be a part of his camp. I was also working with Sports Illustrated Trainer of the Year Bob Santos as well. So being in there with those experienced guys, I feel like I learned a lot. I feel like I added a lot of tools to my arsenal and now I am ready to show out.” 

Guerrero, the grandson of respected trainer Ruben Sr. and nephew of former world champion Robert, is trained by his father and former fighter himself Victor Guerrero Sr. Many of the most successful fighters in recent history have been trained by their fathers. At times it can be a difficult dynamic to navigate, but the young Guerrero is grateful to have his father guiding him.

“For the most part it has been great,” explains Guerrero. “We are undefeated right now and we are going to keep the streak going. There’s times that we bump heads, but that is only natural for a father-son. My dad pushes me and I like that he pushes me. There have been things that I wasn’t comfortable with yet and he shows me and guides me. He’s been in the ring as well, so he understands what to expect. Me and my dad’s relationship, we’ve always been close but sharing the sport of boxing together brings us even that much closer. I am thankful to have him in my corner. We are going to keep on rising from this fight on.”

Victor is just one of young pugilists the Guerrero family has in the pipeline. “It is exciting,” says Victor. “We’ve got Jesse. His fight got pushed back to the 30th, but he’s been training extremely hard. He was in camp out here in Vegas too for a little bit. We’ve got my cousin, little Robert, he’s on the come up as well. He should be turning pro in March, so I am excited for that. We can’t really get work like that in the ring, because I am a little bigger than them, but I go with them when they get sparring and they are coming along really good. I’ve even got my little brother Andre, he just turned twelve yesterday, so he’s a little guy, but he’s coming up too. We are the next generation and we are ready to take over the sport of boxing. Pretty soon the whole world will know who us Guerreros are.”

In addition to making his home state debut, Guerrero will be taking on a southpaw for the first time as a professional on Saturday. However, Guerrero feels well prepared as he heads into battle against Monroe. 

“I’ve been sparring a lot of southpaws out here in Vegas,” explains Guerrero. “That is the good thing about Vegas, you see every type of style: southpaws, orthodox, awkward guys. I’ve been sparring a few different southpaws here and my uncle Robert is a southpaw too, so he’s been showing me some things on how to move with a southpaw, what to do and what not to do. So I feel really good and confident going into this fight. I am just ready to go.”

After a year of training without the reward of stepping into the ring under the bright lights, Guerrero is primed and ready to get his career rolling again beginning this Saturday in Sacramento. 

“After this fight, we are going to just keep going,” says Guerrero. I have a fight lined up in San Jose after this one, so I will probably take a couple days off and then get right back to it. I hope to fight at least 4 or 5 times this year to help make up for the fights I didn’t have this past year. I want to stay active and I want to stay busier. That’s the goal this year. In 2024 we are going to come out with a bang.”

Tickets for the event, promoted by Upper Cut Promotions, are available online at uppercutpro.com 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at [email protected] 

Valenzuela Knocks Out Colbert in 6

In the night’s co-feature lightweights Chris Colbert and Jose Valenzuela met in an anticipated rematch that was dominated from wire to wire by Valenzuela. Colbert was blitzed in the first and hit the canvas early, needing to shift to survival mode to make it to the first bell.

Colbert had moments, and stood in valiantly for the duration of the bout but continued to eat power shots consistently with little resistance. 

The action culminated with a devastating hook at 1:36 of round six that left Colbert laying motionless for more than a minute. The Brooklyn product was eventually able to rise to his feet and leave the ring under his own power, but would take home a KO6 loss to rival Valenzuela in the WBA eliminator.

al3nzGuerrero Decisions Berto

Showtime boxing veterans Robert Guerrero and Andre Berto met in a rematch ten years in the making to kick off the Showtime Boxing swans song at the Minneapolis Armory. 

The meeting, as one would expect of two 40 year old combatants off of long layoffs, lacked the fireworks of the original classic, but Guerrero was able to bring the crowd to a rise in the fifth with a flurry behind a shoveling uppercut.

Berto continued to stalk Guerrero from a crouched guard but was not able to fire off the trademarked fast twitch muscle power punches that propelled him to elite ranks in his fighting prime. The two continued to trade spirited exchanges into the late rounds with Guerrero primarily getting the better of Berto. The fight was rounded out with an embrace dripping with mutual respect between the two former world champions and Showtime PPV headliners.

Scorecards read 98-92, 99-91 all in favor of “The Ghost”, Robert Guerrero.

Alberot Puello def  Ector Madera via UD

Super Lightweights Alberto Puello and Ector Madera engaged in a tactical affair, with the former cruising to an easy victory. Puello worked the rust off of a long layoff cleanly, and was sharp behind a jab, creating distance and comfortably picking away at the Stockton, CA native Madera.

Scorecards showed a comfortable margin for Puello at 80-72 twice and 79-73

Kyrone Davis (18-3-1) def  Cruse Stewart (8-3) UD 77-75

Kyrone Davis and Cruse Stewart engaged in a methodical battle for the center of the ring, trading flurries in the pocket, with Cruse opening strong in the first two rounds, but showing some fatigue in the middle rounds. Davis affirmed his presence with steady jabbing to put Stewart on the backstep as the fight entered the later rounds. 

Davis was off his stool well before the beginning of the final round, signifying a preserved stamina heading into the fight’s conclusion. Stewart valiantly pressed forward with combinations, and even brought the Minneapolis crowd to their feet with a late rally, likely winning the round, but was ultimately smothered before a knockdown could be scored to bridge the scorecard gap. 

Davis prevailed with a 5-3 win on all three cards.

Lawrence King (13-1) def Alex Theran (23-13) KO4 (18 seconds)

Lawrence King battered Alex Theran to the body with a crisp and sustained two fisted attack to move to 13-1. Theran absorbed the onslaught through three rounds but was clearly weakened by the offensive assault. King overwhelmed Theran 18 seconds into the fourth, scoring a knockout after dropping Theran prompting a halt to the action.

Michael Angeletti(10-0)  Def Angel Contreras (13-9-2) UD 78-74 (3x)

Michael Angeletti and Angel Contreras traded shots in a back and forth affair over eight rounds. Contreras was game and had his moments, but Angeletti controlled the action, banking 6 rounds en route to an easy decision to remain undefeated.

Joey Spencer (17-1)  UD Marcio Bzowski (11-25-4) 60-54 on all cards.

Joey Spencer  controlled the pace of the bout for 6 rounds with a steady attack. Bzowski showed signs of fatigue but remained sturdy and could not be put away. Spencer advances to 17-1.

Charles Harris Jr(now 8-1) rtd Marlin Sims(8-3)

The referee waved off the action after Simms’ second knee in the 6th round. Sims took a glove to the eye resulting in obstructed vision. Harris hit a visually impaired Sims with a barrage that prompted a second knee, bringing a halt to the action in the 6th round

MINNEAPOLIS.- December 8, 2023 – Undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. will battle knockout artist Sena Agbeko headlining action live on SHOWTIME^® on Saturday, December 16 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will feature exciting contenders Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela in a 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator as they rematch in the co-main event, and WBC Flyweight World Champion Julio Cesar Martinez defends his world title against unbeaten contender Angelino Cordova. Plus, in a special attraction telecast opener, all-action former world champions Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Andre Berto will square off in a 10-round welterweight rematch. The show will be the final boxing telecast from SHOWTIME SPORTS^® after 37 years.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“David Morrell has built a truly dedicated fanbase in Minneapolis and will look to show his legions of fans, and fans around the world, why he’s undeniably one of the most dangerous super middleweights in the sport,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “It’ll be bombs away in the main event because Sena Agbeko comes to end fights early and will look to inflict damage for as long as the fight lasts. With three more highly competitive fights on the SHOWTIME undercard, fight fans will be in for another loaded night of action on December 16.”

A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (9-0, 8 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene. The 25-year-old recently scored a violent first-round knockout of Olympic Bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in their April clash. He captured an interim title by dominating then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight. Morell, who trains in Texas with renowned coach Ronnie Shields, added two dominant knockout victories in 2022 as he stopped Kalvin Henderson in June before a 12th-round TKO of the previously unbeaten Aidos Yerbossynuly in November. December 16 will mark Morrell’s sixth appearance at The Armory, and his fourth headlining slot.

“It’s a great honor to be fighting in the main event on SHOWTIME’s final show, especially in Minneapolis at The Armory where I call home,” said Morrell. “I’m going to bring my best effort forward and give the fans a spectacular performance worthy of this occasion. I specifically asked for the Sena Agbeko fight because he was saying I was avoiding him. Now that the fight is on, I’m going to punish him. I’m dedicating this fight to my family and all the fans that will be watching this event.”

Originally from Ghana and now fighting out of Nashville, Tennessee, Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) enters this fight having won his last five contests and 13 of his last 14. The 31-year-old won three times in 2022, including earning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Isaiah Steen last October on SHOBOX: The New Generation^®. The only blemish on Agbeko’s record since 2014 is a decision loss in 2021 against top 168-pound contender Vladimir Shishkin. Most recently, Agbeko stopped Bruno Leonardo Romay in two rounds in October.

“This fight against Morrell is career defining for me as it will determine where I stand in the super middleweight hierarchy of boxing,” said Agbeko. “With 30 fights under my belt, it’s now or never, and more than anything, it’s an opportunity to be etched in the history books, so it is absolutely important to me that I win. I’m very happy to have this opportunity to fight for the WBA belt on SHOWTIME where I’ve fought throughout my career. My objective is to win and end the year on a very high note and also use it as a catalyst to even greater fights next year against the very best in the division. Fight fans should definitely expect a thriller to end the year.”

Representing his native Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (17-1, 6 KOs) bounced back from a first-round knockdown in the first fight against Valenzuela to emerge victorious with a 95-94 score on all three cards, a decision disputed by Valenzuela and others. The 27-year-old will hope to repeat the victory and establish himself as a top contender at 135 pounds. Colbert entered the first fight off a hard-fought defeat to former super featherweight world champion Hector Luis Garcia in February 2022. After a decorated amateur career, Colbert turned pro in 2015 and took out three undefeated fighters in his first eight bouts. Since then, he took care of a slew of former champions and contenders including Jezzrel Corrales, Jaime Arboleda and Tugstsogt Nyambayar to establish himself as a potential future world champion.

“I’m happy to be back to quiet this sucker once and for all,” said Colbert. “I’m going to show him that there are levels to this boxing game. See you on December 16.”

The 24-year-old Valenzuela (12-2, 8 KOs) appeared to have Colbert hurt and nearly out after the first round knockdown in their first fight. He will look to finish the job if presented the opportunity in the rematch. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela would have earned a big bounce back victory had he finished Colbert, following a September 2022 defeat to Edwin De Los Santos. Valenzuela, who turned pro in 2018, was sensational prior to that loss, including a first-round knockout of former world champion Francisco Vargas in April 2022 and a five-bout knockout streak before earning his first 10-round decision in a victory over Deiner Berrio in September 2021.

“Training camp is going great so far and I’m preparing really hard for this fight,” said Valenzuela. “I’ve improved a lot. I’m very excited to come back, put it all on display and settle the score when we get into the ring on December 16.”

Trained by the renowned Eddy Reynoso, Martinez (20-2, 15 KOs) first captured his flyweight world title with a ninth-round stoppage of Cristofer Rosales in his stateside debut in December 2019. The 28-year-old has gone on to defend the title five times, besting previously unbeaten opponents Jay Harris and Samuel Carmona, while most recently stopping Ronal Batista in May. A native of Mexico City, Martinez’s only blemish since a split-decision loss in his pro debut was a decision loss to future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez in March 2022.

“I’m very excited to return to the ring and I’m having a great training camp to prepare for this fight,” said Martinez. “My goal is to unify titles in this division next year, and I know that I have to beat Cordova to reach that goal. I’m fully focused on him right now, because I can’t get the biggest fights without being impressive on December 16. I’m planning to deliver a spectacular performance.”

The 28-year-old Cordova (18-0-1, 12 KOs) earned a career-best victory in his last outing, as he bested former world champion Angel Acosta on his way to a 10-round unanimous decision victory in April. A native of Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela, Cordova has yet to taste defeat since debuting in 2017, with a draw in just his fourth fight as the only blemish. He made his U.S. debut in June 2022, defeating Axel Aragon Vega by decision before the triumph over Acosta.

“I’m blessed to have this great opportunity to fight for the WBC world title,” said Cordova. “I want to thank Miguel Cotto and the rest of my team for their support. It’s a dream come true. I have worked very hard for this fight on December 16 and I’m ready to show my skills and become the new WBC Flyweight World Champion.”

Guerrero (37-6-1, 20 KOs) is a three-time world champion who has won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight, and has fought a stacked lineup of elite fighters, including Floyd Mayweather, during a superb career. The Gilroy, California native most recently defeated former champion Victor Ortiz in August 2021, running his current winning streak up to four. His 2012 triumph over Berto saw him drop his opponent in rounds one and two on his way to earning the interim WBC welterweight title. That win led directly to the Mayweather fight, as Guerrero would eventually go on to challenge other great welterweights of the era including Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.

“I won my first world title on SHOBOX, so it’s an honor to be fighting on the last SHOWTIME Boxing event,” said Guerrero. “I’m ready to give the fans another great performance. Everyone knows that when I step into the ring, it’s going to be all action. Berto and I already went to war once, and now we’re gonna meet again. At the end of the day, the fans are gonna win.”

A long-time mainstay of the sport who’s delivered memorable moments, fights and knockouts again and again, Winter Haven, Florida’s Berto (32-5, 24 KOs) returns for revenge against Guerrero, who edged him out via decision in their all-action 2012 brawl. A 2004 Olympian representing Haiti, Berto twice held a 147-pound world championship, first winning the WBC belt with a 2008 stoppage of Miguel Angel Rodriguez. He would go on to defend the title five times, and reclaimed his status by winning the IBF title over Jan Zaveck in 2011. Berto owns victories over Victor Ortiz, Devon Alexander, Josesito Lopez and has challenged Floyd Mayweather and Shawn Porter in a career that has seen Berto engage in numerous Fight of the Year bouts.

“I’m excited to be performing again and to help close out a legendary chapter of SHOWTIME boxing,” said Berto. “This rematch with Robert Guerrero has been looming in my spirit for years. It’s a fight that I always wanted to get back before I left this game. I’m the type of man who loves to right his wrongs, the same way that I did with Victor Ortiz. I’ve had a hell of a camp and I’m looking forward to putting on a hell of a performance on December 16.”

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

LAS VEGAS – Father Time came knocking Saturday night. He looked a lot like Yordenis Ugas.

Manny Pacquaio couldn’t stop him.

Pacquiao, still a timeless legend, finally ran into that inevitable moment. The clock said it’s time to move on, time to do something else. Maybe a campaign for the Filipino presidency will be his next fight. Maybe he can go on to be a 43-year-old President. Then, he would be a young man all over again. But at 42, he’s old and finished as a fighter.

There are no more opening bells left on his calendar. Just another birthday in December. Pacquiao would not say what he plans to do next. But he didn’t have to.

Ugas punches told him again and again throughout 12 rounds.  Nearly every round included signs that Pacquiao’s days as a fighter are over. Ugas scored a unanimous decision, 115-113 on one card and 116-112 on two.

Ugas’ power moved Pacquiao backwards and sideways. At times, he looked awkward in trying to stay away from the Cuban, who was a late stand-in for the younger, stronger Errol Spence Jr. Mostly, the Filipino Senator looked stationary, a target for Ugas, a welterweight who is a step or down the welterweight ladder from Spence and Terence Crawford.

“My legs were tired,’’ Pacquiao (62-8-2, 31 KOs) said after his first fight in 25 months. “I just couldn’t move.’’   

It didn’t take long to see that Pacquiao has only moved into middle age.

“Manny, Manny, Manny.” The chants were from a crowd that remembered a younger man. They started long before opening bell. They echoed through the jammed T-Mobile Arena, loud enough to be heard on the Vegas’ strip and maybe on the streets of Manila.

In the first round, Pacquaio predictably pursued early, backing up the bigger, broad-shouldered Ugas. There was some immediate uncertainty evident in Ugas body language. Pacquiao’s foot speed and punching angles have bewildered just about everyone he has faced for more than two decades. Initially, it looked as if Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) would be just another confused face. Pacquiao has seen a lot of them. Beaten most of them.

Near the end of those first three minutes, however, Ugas landed a big body shot. For a split second, it was almost like flipping as switch. Pacquiao froze. Those feet, ever fleet for so long, suddenly quit moving. Ugas a sent message, to both Pacquiao and himself. Pacquiao knew Ugas had the power to hurt him. Suddenly, Ugas was emboldened, knowing his size and strength were enough to offset Pacquiao’s diminished skillset.

For the rest of the bout, Pacquiao seemed to fight in desperate spurts. He’d rock Ugas, but never really hurt him. Ugas would respond, always countering with a big jab or an overhand right. Increasingly, the Cuban knew it was his fight. He’d smile at Pacquiao as if to say the fight and the 147-pound belt belonged to him.

“Most of all, I want to thank Manny Pacquiao,’’ Ugas said through a translator. “I want to thank him for what he has given me.’’

A gift from Father Time.

Guerrero scores dull decision over Victor Ortiz

It was a fight between ex-champions. Victor Ortiz-versus-Robert Guerrero might have worked Triller. But on a traditional boxing card featuring Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas, it just didn’t work.

There were boos throughout the 10 rounds.

There were cheers, but only in the end

Guerrero (37-6-1, 20 KOs) won, scoring a unanimous decision over Ortiz (32-7-3, 25 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena. In what looked to be a capacity crowd waiting for Pacquiao-Ugas, it was also unanimous, unanimously happy that it was finally over.

Mark Magsayo scores 10th-round KO

Call it a double down, two right hands that put Atizapan de Zaragosa onto the canvas and kept him there for a couple of scary moments in a devastating 10th-round knockout in a World Boxing Council featherweight eliminator Saturday on the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card at T-Mobile.

Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs), a Filipino who had Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach in his corner, ended any chance of an upset on the cards. Zaragosa (32-5-1, 28 KOs), of Mexico, surprised Magsayo, knocking him down in the fifth. In the end, however, Magsayo’s power said it once. Said it again. Said it all.  

Carlos Castro delivers dramatic KO of Escandon

In the first round, he survived. In the middle rounds, he had to be stubborn. Then, he had to be resilient. Then, he was sensational.

Phoenix featherweight Carlos Castro (27-0, 12 KOs)did it all Saturday night in his first pay-per-view appearance on the Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas undercard at T-Mobile Arena.. First, he endured a bug punch. Then, he recovered.

Then, he won by knockout with a whirlwind of punches that left former contender Oscar Escandon exhausted, dazed and beaten.

At 1:08 of the 10th, it was official: Castro  was the KO winner and a proven contender at 126 pounds. 

Escandon (26-6, 18 KOs) rocked Castro in the closing seconds of the opening round. Then, it looked as if Castro was in for a long night. But he regained his footing and his wits. Then in a wild seventh, he gained momentum and kept it with a long jab and slick skillset. Escandon looked confused. He lunged and missed with a punch that sent him crashing onto the canvas like a kid doing a belly flop.

In the final round, Castro pursued and delivered a whirlwind-like finish with a beautiful succession of punches for a defining victory, the biggest thus far in his emerging career. 

-Mexican featherweight Angel Contreras (11-4-2, 6 KOs) upset any chance that John Dato (14-1-1, 9 KOs) might warm up the ring for fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao in the final fight before the pay-per-view telecast for the Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card. Contrerras beat Dato, handing him his first loss and flooring the Filipino in the third-round of an eight-round  unanimous decision.  

California lightweight Mikel Clements (1-0) leaped into his pro debut on a major card, lunging to land punches through four head-rocking rounds for a unanimous decision over Eliseo Villalobos (1-2) of Simi Valley, CA.

The Pacquiao-Ugas undercard resumed after a long break following the tripleheader beginning like a guy waking up from a nap. It was a yawner. Super-middleweights Burley Brooks (6-2-1, 5 KOs) of Dallas and Cameron Rivera (9-6-4 of Fife, WA fought to a dull draw. Neither could gain an edge or even momentum in the six-rounder. 

The Manny Pacquiao-Yordenis Ugas card started with a triple-header, an afternoon matinee, before the fans were allowed into T-Mobile Arena Saturday.

Behind closed doors and in front of empty seats, Mexican lightweight Jose Valenzuela (9-0, 6 KOs), drawing first blood in a one-sided assault for a fourth-round TKO of Donte Strayhorn (12-4, 4 KOs) of Cinicinnati.

In the second bout, power-forward-sized heavyweight prospect Steve Torres (5-0, 5 KOs) of Reading, PA, landed early and often, scoring a first-round TKO of Justin Rolfe (6-3-1, 4 KOs) of Fairfield, ME.

In the third bout, Detroit lightweight Frank Martin (14-0, 10 KOs) outscored, outpunched and overwhelmed Ryan Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs) enroute to a unanimous decision over the fighter from Quincy, MA.  

LAS VEGAS (August 13, 2021) – Former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero previewed his upcoming showdown against fellow all-action brawler “Vicious” Victor Ortiz before they square off on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

The two former world champions are known for their aggressive styles and have been in numerous Fight of the Year candidates throughout their storied careers. On August 21 they meet looking to score a victory that will put them back in position to vie for a world title once again.

Here is what Guerrero had to say about the matchup, training camp and more:

On his upcoming matchup with Victor Ortiz:

“This fight has been a long-time coming, as I remember it was mentioned years ago, but never happened. I am excited for this bout since we both need a win, and the fans are very familiar with both of our styles. Victor Ortiz and I are both exciting fighters, and everyone knows this is going to be a fan friendly dog fight. Fighting Victor is the type of bout that got me excited to have a full professional training camp. I’m grateful to be fighting on this huge FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View card, and I’m going to give it my all.”

On his recent training camp with coach and father Ruben Guerrero:

“I have been working very hard for this camp, in fact, my father Ruben and I took camp to Las Vegas and brought along some young fighters to keep me motivated. I’ve been getting good sparring with DJ Zamora III, who is very fast. I’m feeding off all the young fighters that are training with me, and that is what keeps me fresh. You need to be around hungry fighters who are motivated to stay at this level, because it is easy to lose focus if it’s just you in the gym.”

On returning to the ring after a long layoff:

“At this point in my career, it is about getting the best fights. I got the rust off and now it’s about getting fights that get me and the fans excited. Everyone knows that when I fight, I bring it, and Victor Ortiz is an exciting fighter as well. I am at a point where I have done a lot in the sport, so I am not going to be fighting every other month like when I was a prospect. When you know how to fight, a layoff isn’t always a bad thing.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“A win here puts me in a position to get in contention for a world title, and that should be the goal of everyone who is fighting, to win a world title. If you’re not fighting to win a world title, you shouldn’t be in the sport. I want to win at least one more world title before it’s all said and done. It’s a lofty goal, but I believe in myself.”

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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. UGÁS
Pacquiao vs. Ugás will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz meet in a 10-round welterweight duel, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battle former world champion Julio Ceja in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated contender Carlos Castro will take on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round featherweight attraction that kicks off the pay-per-view.

How to Watch the Saturday, August 21, FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Fight
Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas
Main Card: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

TV: Available on all major U.S. & Canadian PPV providers, including
Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.);
as well as Rogers, Bell, Shaw, SaskTel and TELUS (Canada)

iNDemand is serving as the cable and telco distributor in North America.

Streaming: FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com

Suggested retail price: $74.99 (U.S. & Canada)

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

LAS VEGAS (August 12, 2021) – Former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz will meet in a 10-round welterweight duel on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugás FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Also on the pay-per-view, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battles former world champion Julio Ceja in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated contender Carlos Castro will take on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round featherweight attraction that kicks off the action at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The evening is headlined by eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás, as Ugás makes the first defense of the same title that Pacquiao had previously won by defeating Keith Thurman in his last fight July 2019.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

Guerrero (36-6-1, 20 KOs) is a three-time world champion who has won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight, and has fought a stacked lineup of elite fighters, including Floyd Mayweather, during a superb career. The Gilroy, California native returned from a 2017 defeat to Omar Figueroa Jr. to win his last three contests. After stopping Adam Mates in December 2018 and Hevinson Herrera in March 2019, Guerrero most recently won a unanimous decision over Gerald Thomas in September 2019.

Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs), a former 147-pound champion, will return to the ring for the first time since a February 2018 draw against two-division champion Devon Alexander. The 34-year-old native of Garden City, Kansas, who now lives in Ventura, California, has faced some of the top names in the 147-pound division during his career. Ortiz won the welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Andre Berto in April 2011, before losing the title to Floyd Mayweather.

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (22-0, 15 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila and most recently knocked out Pablo Cruz in four rounds in April 2021, following his U.S. televised debut in October 2020 that saw him defeat Rigoberto Hermosillo on FS1. The 26-year-old fights in the U.S. for the fifth time overall on August 21 and against his toughest competition to date in the former champion Ceja. Magsayo owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Jose Robles Olvera, and a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

A former super bantamweight champion, Ceja (32-4-1, 28 KOs) will move up to featherweight as he seeks an opportunity to capture a championship in a second division. Ceja’s 2019 saw him engage in two action-packed battles, dropping a June contest to former champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and most recently fighting unbeaten super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa to a draw in November. The 28-year-old captured his 122-pound title with a stoppage of Hugo Ruiz in 2015, and has also challenged for a bantamweight title throughout his career.

Castro (26-0, 11 KOs) has climbed the rankings since turning pro in 2012 as he seeks a shot at a world championship. The Phoenix-native added two victories in 2020, defeating Jesus Ruiz in February before stopping longtime contender Cesar Juarez in four rounds in July. Castro was coming off a 2019 campaign that saw him score three victories, including 10-round unanimous decision triumphs over former title challenger Genesis Servania and veteran contender Mario Diaz.

A native of Ibague, Colombia, Escandón (26-5, 18 KOs) has faced a slew of top contenders and champions including featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. and super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa, plus hard-hitting contender Tugstsogt Nyambayar. Escandón captured an interim title in 2016 when he knocked out Robinson Castellanos to earn his world title shot against Russell. Most recently, Escandón scored a first-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Jhack Tepora in December of 2019.

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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. UGÁS
Pacquiao vs. Ugás will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz meet in a 10-round welterweight duel, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battle former world champion Julio Ceja in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated contender Carlos Castro will take on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round featherweight attraction that kicks off the pay-per-view.

How to Watch the Saturday, August 21, FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Fight
Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas
Main Card: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

TV: Available on all major U.S. & Canadian PPV providers, including
Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.);
as well as Rogers, Bell, Shaw, SaskTel and TELUS (Canada)

Streaming: FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com

Suggested retail price: $74.99 (U.S. & Canada)

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

LAS VEGAS (August 3, 2021) – Three exciting matchups have been added to the stacked FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard headlined by eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao facing unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás will square off against Argentina’s Fabián “TNT” Maidana in the co-main event, while former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz will meet in a 10-round welterweight duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battles former world champion Julio Ceja in a 10-round attraction.

“This is a fantastic pay-per-view undercard that is worthy of the highly-anticipated main event between Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr.,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Yordenis Ugás has established himself as an elite fighter in the star-studded welterweight division, and he will have to make sure he comes at his best for the always tough Argentine, Fabián Maidana. Robert Guerrero vs. Víctor Ortiz is a real treat for boxing fans as two of the sport’s most exciting veterans will battle looking to prove themselves ready for one more run at the world title. And in the opening bout, the extremely promising featherweight contender Mark Magsayo of the Philippines will be up against his stiffest test to date in the former champion Julio Ceja.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

The 35-year-old Ugás (26-4, 12 KOs) has established himself as an elite welterweight since returning from a layoff in 2016, and was elevated to world champion in January after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos last September. Ugás, who is from Santiago, Cuba and now lives in Miami, Florida, was on an eight-fight winning streak before losing a narrow split-decision to Shawn Porter in a world title fight in March 2019. The Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“Everyone knows I’m a warrior and will fight anyone on any given day, so when they presented me with this fight against Fabián Maidana, I accepted with no hesitation,” said Ugás. “I’ll be defending my WBA title and the world will see why I am must-see T.V. This will be one of the best FOX Sports PBC pay-per-view events in recent history with some of the biggest names in boxing, all fighters who are known for leaving it all in the ring. I know one thing for sure, I’ll be letting my hands fly with bad intentions on August 21. I also want to dedicate this fight to all the brave men, women and children who are fighting for their freedom in Cuba. Patria y Vida!”

Born in Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana (18-1, 13 KOs) will look to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, former two division champion Marcos Maidana, and become the latest Argentine world champion on August 21. The 29-year-old was unbeaten in his first 16 pro fights, capping off that run with a knockout of Andrey Klimov in July 2018. Since dropping a January 2019 decision to Jaider Parra, Maidana has bounced back with a knockout of Ramses Agaton in September 2019 and a 10-round decision victory over Carlos Cordoba in April of this year.

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for all my life,” said Maidana. “I’m thrilled to be part of such a huge fight card. I’m a man of few words, so all I can tell you is that Ugas is a great fighter but you guys will see the ‘TNT’ I have in each hand exploding on Ugas’ face on August 21.”

Guerrero (36-6-1, 20 KOs) is a three-time world champion who has won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight, and has fought a stacked lineup of elite fighters, including Floyd Mayweather, during a superb career. The Gilroy, California native returned from a 2017 defeat to Omar Figueroa Jr. to win his last three contests. After stopping Adam Mates in December 2018 and Hevinson Herrera in March 2019, Guerrero most recently won a unanimous decision over Gerald Thomas in September 2019.

“It’s great to be back in the ring, especially on a big card like Pacquiao vs. Spence,” said Guerrero. “It was an honor to kick off the first PBC fight on network television and here I am once again, ready to put on a spectacular show for the fans. Víctor Ortiz and I were always on a collision course to fight, and now it’s finally happening. One thing I know for sure, we are going to throw blows and the fans are going to see an all-out war. My time out of the ring has only fueled my desire to give the fans a great fight. Everyone should order this pay-per-view and get their popcorn ready, because it’s going to be fireworks from top to bottom.”

Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs), a former 147-pound champion, will return to the ring for the first time since a February 2018 draw against two-division champion Devon Alexander. The 34-year-old native of Garden City, Kansas, who now lives in Ventura, California, has faced some of the top names in the 147-pound division during his career. Ortiz won the welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Andre Berto in April 2011, before losing the title to Floyd Mayweather.

“I am thrilled to be back in the ring on this Pacquiao vs. Spence Jr. pay-per-view undercard August 21,” said Ortiz. “Robert Guerrero is a legend who I’ve always admired. I look forward to competing against him and giving fans the toe-to-toe battle they’re expecting. I’ve had a great camp and I’m so excited to be part of this enormous event. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, I’m ready to make history again!”

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (22-0, 15 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila and most recently knocked out Pablo Cruz in four rounds in April 2021, following his U.S. televised debut in October 2020 that saw him defeat Rigoberto Hermosillo on FS1. The 26-year-old fights in the U.S. for the fifth time overall on August 21 and against his toughest competition to date in the former champion Ceja. Magsayo owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Jose Robles Olvera, and a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“This is going to be a very good matchup against a world class fighter in Ceja,” said Magsayo. “I have been waiting for a chance like this and I am thankful to my whole team for this opportunity. It’s a dream come true to be on the undercard of my number one idol, Senator Manny Pacquiao. On August 21, I’m going to show people what I can do. This is going to be a classic Philippines vs. Mexico war.”

A former super bantamweight champion, Ceja (32-4-1, 28 KOs) will move up to featherweight as he seeks an opportunity to capture a championship in a second division. Ceja’s 2019 saw him engage in two action-packed battles, dropping a June contest to former champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and most recently fighting unbeaten super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa to a draw in November. The 28-year-old captured his 122-pound title with a stoppage of Hugo Ruiz in 2015, and has also challenged for a bantamweight title throughout his career.

“I’m back and I’m more than ready to return to the ring,” said Ceja. “A Mexican vs. a Filipino is always guaranteed to be an exciting bout. I have even more motivation than ever being on a card headlined by Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr.. This fight is going to get me back into contending for a championship where I belong.”

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

GILROY, CA (July 31, 2020) – The nephew of Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, 16-year old Jesse James Guerrero, is set to make his pro debut this Saturday, August 1, 2020, at Papas and Beer in Rosarito, Mexico. Jesse James will campaign in the flyweight division.

Ruben Guerrero Sr. will be guiding the corner of his grandson with son Ruben Guerrero Jr. Jesse James has been working hard for his debut, sparring with the likes of Oscar Escandon and others in preparation for this fight.

“I know I have big shoes to fill following in the steps of my uncle Robert,” said Jesse James Guerrero. “My goal is to create my own path and become something special in this sport. I’ve been working with my grandfather for the last twelve months and I feel I’m ready to fight, even though I’m only sixteen years old.”

“We put in a lot of hard work going into this fight,” said Ruben Guerrero. “Jesse is a very hard worker and I know with pro experience he can make a name for himself. The plan is to build him up in Mexico before he turns eighteen and can fight in the States. I’m expecting to see him execute our game plan when we step in the ring tomorrow.”

GILROY, CA (December 11, 2019) – After winning three fights on his comeback trail, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (36-6-1, 20 KOs) is ready to step up in competition. The former multiple division world champion is looking to step in the ring with any of the big names at welterweight in the upcoming 2020 year.

“In 2020 I want to step up and fight any of the big names at welterweight,” said Guerrero. “I wouldn’t mind stepping in the ring with Mikey Garcia, who I think is one of the best fighters in boxing. I’ve always respected Mikey and I think that would be a good fight for the fans. Manny Pacquiao is another big name that I can see myself fighting. I also wouldn’t mind doing a rematch with Danny Garcia.”

In 2013, Guerrero fought Floyd Mayweather Jr., followed by some tough fights with Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia to name a few. The Ghost always gives the fans their money’s worth and he’s looking to do the same in the upcoming year.

“Everyone knows I always come to fight, who ever it is,” Guerrero continued. “I feel the time off during my lay off did my body some justice as I needed the proper rest. I’ve won all my comeback fights and now its time to step up. Given my track record, I feel I’ve earned the right to be in a big fight. 2020 is going to be a big year for me and I’m ready to take on all the big names.”

Errol Spence Jr. meets Shawn Porter in a Welterweight Unification Title bout.  There will be two world title bouts that highlight the undercard.  Anthony Dirrell defends the  Super Middleweight Title against former champion David Benavidez.  Mario Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov meet for the WBA Super Lightweight Title.  Josesito Lopez takes on John Molina Jr.

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Porter trying to work on the inside..Left from Porter..Left from Spence..Combination..

Round 2 Good right from Porter…Counter from Spence…Right from Porter..Right..Left from Spence..

Round 3 Left to body from Spence…Jab..Good right from Porter..Left from Spence..Spence warned for low blow…left from Spence

Round 4  2 hard rights from Porter..Good body shot from Spence..Good left..2 lefts from Porter..Bog left…Porter being aggressive..Left hook..Combination..Left from Spence..

Round 5 Counter left from Spence..Counter from Porter..Good left from Spence..Counter..Counter from Porter..Left from Spence..Left..

Round 6 Spence landing hard shots on the ropes..Nice right from Porter..

Round 7 Porter lands a jab..Right..Left to the body..Good left to body from Spence..left uppercut to body..Body shot and combination from Porter..Hard right to the body

Round 8 Good left from Spence..Nice right from Porter…Counter left and right from Spence..

Round 9 Hard uppercut from Porter…Hard right inside…

Round 10  Good body shot from Spence..Hard flurry on the ropes..Good action on the ropes..Spence cut on right eyebrow from accidental Headbutt

Round 11 Good right hook from Spence…LEFT AND DOWN GOES PORTER..Toe to Toe action…Good right from Porter

Round 12 Right from Porter..Left hook from Porter..Big right from Porter..Good right…Both guys standing and throwing in the middle of the ring

221-172 Punches in favor of Spence

116-111 Spence…115-112 Porter….116-111 Spence

Round 1 Right from Benavidez..Right to body from Dirrell

Round 2 Right to body from Dirrell..Right from Benavidez..Straight right from Dirrell..Right…Jab from Benavidez..3 punch combination

Round 3 Counter right from Benavidez…Body/Head combination..Right on the ropes..Hard left

Round 4 Right from Dirrell..Hard combination on the ropes

Round 5 Benavidez lands a 5 punch combination..

Round 6 Body shot from Dirrell..Dirrell cut around his right eye…CUT FROM A PUNCH

Round 7 Doctor looking at the cut…Right from Benavidez..

Round 8 Body shot from Benavidez…2 lefts..left to body..2 hard head shots

Round 9 Jab from Benavidez..4 punch combination…Body shot..Benavidez battering DIRRELL AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1:Right from Akhmedov..Left uppercut from Barios..

Round 2 Right from Barrios…Left to body from Akhmedov..

Round 3 Right hook from Akhmedov..2 rights from Barrios..Body

Round 4 Barrios lands a straight right…DOUBLE HOOK AND DOWN GOES AKHMEDOV…Right from Barrios..Left from Akhmedov

Round 5 Right from Barrios…Left from Akhmedov..And another

Round 6 Body shot from Akhmedov..Counter right from Barrios..Left

Round 7 Left from Akhmedov..Right to body…Jab…Barrios cut over the left eye

Round 8 Right hook from Akhmedov…Jab from, Barrios..Jab to the body..Jab.Counter right

Round 9 Akhmedov comes forward…Left..Good right from Barrios..

Round 10 Counter left and combination from Akhmedov…left..Good Jab..God straight left..Big left drives Barrios back

Round 11 Double left from Akhmedov…left…Akhmedov pressuring..Another left..

Round 12 INSIDE RIGHT..DOWN GOES AKHMEDOV

114-112, 115-111, 116-111 FOR BARRIOS

Round 1 LOPEZ LANDS A RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MOLINA…Right fr4om Molina..Overhand right staggers Molina….BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES MOLINA..Big right

Round 2 Lopez lands a flush right..2 Rights…Left from Molina..Big right from Lopez..

Round 3 Right from Lopez..

Round 4 Left from Lopez..Hard jab..

Round 5 Right from Molina.Right hand…Right Hand/Left Hook..Right..

Round 6 Hard shots by both guys…Good right from Lopez..

Round 7 Left from Molina..Right from Lopez..DOUBLE LEFT AND RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MOLINA..

Round 8 Big right from Lopez…REFEREE STOPS THE BOUT

Round 1  Guerrero working

Round 4 combination from Thomas  Jab from Guerrero

Round 5  Jab from Guerrero  body combination left to the body  uppercut

Round 6 Guerrero lands a left

Round 7 Body work from Guerrero..Straight left..Guerrero outlanding Thomas 74-29

Round 8 Combination from Guerrero…1-2..Straight left..Inside left

Round 9 Thomas pushing the action..Has Guerrero on the ropes

Round 10 Inside right hook from Guerrero..3 Punch combination…Lett from Guerrero

Round 1 Spencer lands a left hook..BIG RIGHT DOWN GOES GANBERDELLA…BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES GAMBERDELLA AGAIN

Round 2  HUGE COMBINATION..LEFT TO BODY AND DOWN GOES GAMBERDELLA..Big live shot…Huge Barrage from Spencer.

Round 3 BIG BARRAGE OF PUNCHES AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Errol Spence Jr. and Shawn Porter thrilled the crowd at Staples Center in Los Angeles in a unification bout that saw Spence walk away with both the IBF/WBC Welterweight titles via thrilling split decision in a terrific action contest.

The fight did not lack action as Porter pushed the fight, but that left him open for some great body work from Spence. Porter was able to get inside and throw and occasionally land some hard overhand rights that would land flush on the side of the head of Spence. Spence’s work was made up mostly of solid counters and good work along the ropes.

The two took turns being the boss and taking rounds. The fight seemed to be sealed in round 11 when Spence landed a short left hand that sent Porter to a knee. The two pleased the crowd one more time as the fought at a furious pace for the last three minutes of the bout.

Spence, 147 of Dallas, TX took two cards 116-111 while Porter won on a card by a 115-112 tally.

Spence is 26-0. Porter, 147 lbs of Akron, OH is 30-3-1.

“It feels good to win,” said Spence. “This is a lifetime dream. It shows hard work pays off. Thanks Shawn Porter, my whole team and all my Texas people for coming out.”

“Shawn Porter is a rough and awkward fighter,” said Spence. “I didn’t get off what I wanted to. He’s a true champion. He made it tough.”

“He’s a strong kid,” said Porter. “We both came in to do the job. I think I had a little more than what he expected, but he handled it. Congratulations to him and his team. We’re proud of what we did.”

“I think that knockdown was the difference,” said Porter. “I couldn’t come back to the corner with my head down after that.”

“All my punches have bad intentions,” said Spence. “By boxing Mikey Garcia, I wanted to show people I could do it with that style. Porter was throwing a lot. I wanted to show I was the bigger and stronger welterweight.”

It looks like Spence will now defend against Danny Garcia.

“It was a top dog fight tonight,” said Garcia. “I want you next Errol. It was a tough rugged fight. Shawn Porter is a tough fighter. I’m here to say I want next.” “My how the tables have turned,” said Spence. “I’ve told my team, you line them up, I’ll knock them down.”

David Benavidez regained the WBC Super Middleweight title with a 9th round stoppage over Anthony Dirrell.

In round six, Dirrell was cut over the right eyelid from a straight right hand from Benavidez.

The opened up the floodgates for Benavidez as he started to slowly breakdown and eventually batter Dirrell in the 9th frame until the bout was stopped at 1:39.

Benavidez, 167.6 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 22-0 with 19 knockouts. Dirrell, 167.6 of Flint, MI is 33-2-1.

“Everything just fell in place perfectly,” said Benavidez. “From the suspension to all the big fights I’ve been in. All of that helped me out in this fight. I did not make a mistake or open myself up more than I needed to. I worked behind my jab and got the stoppage. Things are going to get better and get tougher and I’m ready for the challenge.”

“He hit me with a clean shot,” said Dirrell. “That’s my first time ever being cut by a punch. It opened up. There was nothing I could do about it. I couldn’t see the whole fight after that. My corner did a good job on it, but I really couldn’t see.”

“There are so many emotions coming at me at once,” said Benavidez. “We put so much hard work into this training camp. We left home and were away from everything. But I had the dream to become the youngest two-time super middleweight world champion and I made my dreams come true.”

“I would have kept going in there,” said Dirrell. “I’m not quitting against anybody. Everyone saw I didn’t go down. My legs were still strong, but I couldn’t do anything about it.  “We’re going back to the drawing board. I’m still fighting. We won’t end on a loss. You can put anybody in there with me.”

Mario Barrios captured the WBA Super Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Batyr Akhmedov.

Mario Barrios captured the WBA Super Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Batyr Akhmedov.

In round four, Barrios dropped Akhmedov with a double left that was followed by a right. Akhmedov made a hard charge over the next several rounds, and wound up outlanding Barrios by over 100 punches.

Barrios sealed the fight with a hard right hand in round 12 that sent Akhmedov to the canvas.

Barrios, 140 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 116-111, 115-111 and 114-112 to go to 25-0. Akhmedov of Uzbekistan is 7-1.

“I knew this was going to be a war,” said Barrios. “He was getting dirty in there but the Mexican warrior in me was not going to let this opportunity pass me by. I dug deep and got the victory.” 

“The plan was to gradually grow the activity,” said Akhmedov. “I knew that I had to win by a wide margin. After the first knockdown, I knew that I had to add activity more quickly than I had planned. So I started being more aggressive. I did everything I could to try to stop him.”

“I promised my city of San Antonio that I would bring this title back home and I did it,” said Barrios. “The judges see better than I can from the ring,” said Akhmedov. “I did everything I could. I thought I won the fight. They decided that he won the fight. When I watch the fight I’ll be able to tell you what it looked like. My job is to do everything to win. The judges are supposed to judge correctly. “I tried to do everything I could. I was told that I wouldn’t be able to handle his experience, but he was on the ropes most of the fight. I beat him up and I thought I won the fight.”

Josesito Lopez stopped John Molina Jr. in round eight of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout,

In round one, Lopez dropped Molina twice. 1st with a right and then seconds later with a body shot. Lopez won most of the rounds, but Molina was dangerous at times as he landed hard rights from time to time.

In round seven, Lopez landed a double left that was followed by a right that sent Molina down for a 3rd time. In the eighth, Lopez landed a couple more hard shots, and the bout was stopped.

Lopez, 146.6 lbs of Riverside, CA is now 37-8 with 20 knockouts. Molina, 146.2 lbs of Covina, CA 30-9.

“We both carry power in our hands so it wasn’t a surprise someone went down,” said Lopez. “It easily could have happened to me with the power he has. I was able to catch him early, find openings and get the finish.”

“You can never take the fight out of a fighter,” said Molina. “I have a never say die attitude and I have my whole career. It was a tough fight, but the better man won tonight.”

 “I knew he wasn’t going to quit,” said Lopez. “He’s a warrior. I had to keep on the pressure. I was thinking that hopefully the ref and the team made the right call to finish it at the right time.”

“I wanted to keep going at the end,” said Molina. “I thought I was still coherent and could still move well. But you can’t go against what the referees say.”

“There’s a lot more ‘Riverside Rocky’ left,” said Lopez. “Robert Garcia has turned my career around. I’m a race car and like NASCAR, I’ve got a whole team behind me. I’m a top 10-level fighter. I’m going to give any fighter and any world champion a run for their money. I want memorable fights and I want the best.”

Former world champion Robert Guerrero won a lackluster 10-round unanimous decision over Jerry Thomas in a welterweight bout.

Guerrero146.8 lbs of Gilroy, CA is now 36-6-1. Thomas, 146.6 lbs of St. Marys, KS is 14-2-1.

“I want to get back into those bigger fights,” said Guerrero. “I moved around and stayed smart in there tonight. The goal was to stick to the game plan and I did until the end of the fight, but then I got right back on it. You just have to keep working out the kinks and that’s what I’m going to keep doing.”

Joey Spencer remained undefeated by stopping Travis Gamberdella in round three of their welterweight bout.

In round one, Spencer was dominant, and dropped Gambderlla twice. In round two, Spencer came out like gangbusters and dropped Gamberdella with a big left to the body.

In round three, Spencer landed a huge combination, and the bout was stopped at 53 seconds.

Spencer, 155.8 lbs of Linden, MI is now 9-0 with seven knockouts. Gamberdella, 155 lbs of Revere, MA is 5-1-2.

“The body shots weren’t really the plan going in,” said Spencer. “I started off with head shots and he was taking those well. I put one downstairs and I instantly saw it affect him badly. I knew it was a wrap. I was going to keep going to the body.”

“I thought the referee was going to stop it in the second round,” said Spencer. “When he let him go I took a deep breath and made sure not to punch myself out. I stuck to my jab and let the rest take care of itself.”

“I’m so happy with the improvements that I was able to show tonight on the big stage,” said Spencer. “I’m really excited for what’s to come.”

Fabian Maidana dismantled Ramses Agaton with a 1st round stoppage in a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Maidana floored Agaton in the opening seconds with a hard right hand. Maidana sent Agaton down again the opening frame with a body shot. Maidana finished the deal with another body shot that put Agaton down, and the fight was stopped at

Maidana, 146 lbs of Margarita, ARG is 17-1 with 13 knockouts. Agaton, 147 lbs of Mexico is 21-11-3

Leon Lawson III stopped Alan Zavala in round three of a scheduled eight-round super welterweigt bout.

Lawson dropped Zavala hard with a right hand in the corner, and Zavala stayed on the seat of his pants for the 10-count at 2:27.

Lawson, 157.4 lbs of Flint, MI is 12-0 with five knockouts. Zavala, 157 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 15-7.

Alfonso Olvera scored an upset by winning a eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Amon Rashidi in a welterweight bout.

Olvera, 147 lbs of Nogales, MX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74, and is now 14-6-3. Rashidi, 146.3 lbs of Dallas, TX is 7-1.

In a battle of Dallas based featherweights, Juan Antonio Lopez decisioned Fernando Garcia.

Lopez is 15-7. Garcia is 12-2.

LAS VEGAS (September 18, 2019) – WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter, WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell and former three-time world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero hosted a media workout in Las Vegas Wednesday as they near their respective showdowns taking place Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Porter will headline the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View in a highly anticipated welterweight title unification against Errol Spence Jr., while Dirrell defends his belt against unbeaten David Benavidez in the pay-per-view co-main event as part of action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Guerrero will take on Jerry Thomas in a welterweight attraction that highlights FS1 PBC Fight Night Prelims preceding the pay-per-view and beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the September 28th event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Barry’s Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

SHAWN PORTER

“Shawn Porter is going to leave the ring with two belts. I’m going to hit him. I’m going to hit him hard and I’m going to do things you’ve never seen anyone do against Errol Spence.

“I’m expecting there to be adversity for Errol. There’s going to be a moment where he realizes he’s losing this fight. He has to be solid psychologically. I don’t know if he’s going to be in the ring. I believe I have the advantage there and that I know how to get into his head.

“I think Errol’s confidence is natural like mine. But I think that he’s fed his confidence to the point where some arrogance has come out. I think he’s going to show that in the fight early on. He’s going to have to adjust. Once he recognizes that, I expect the arrogance to go out the window and that he’ll have to figure it out.

“I’ve never seen Errol go through any adversity in the ring. I don’t think anyone has been able to challenge him the way I can challenge him. I’m really looking forward to it.

“There’s a combination that comes from Shawn Porter that you can’t get anywhere else. It’s the speed, power, agility and intelligence. You have to make a lot of adjustments on the fly and be ready. I’m hard to prepare for. Spence probably has one or two things that he’s expecting, but it’s not going to go that way.

“I’ve been in Errol’s position before and I know what it’s like to think that all I had to do was show up and be me. I’ve gotten to a point where I realize now that I have to do more.

“I don’t think there’s too much to figure out with Errol. The game plan is to make him make the adjustments. Things don’t always go to plan, but I still think I know what he wants to do in there. He’s not going to give you a lot to adjust to, but what he does do, he’s supreme and he’s great at.

“Southpaws always bring the best out of me. I’m young again. You’re going to see the best Shawn Porter.

“I think Errol has a lot more to lose in this fight. He’s never had to deal with a loss, and most people aren’t expecting him to lose. He’s in the perfect position being considered a top welterweight. But from my perspective, I just have absolutely no intention on losing.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“This is going to be a good fight. David Benavidez is a warrior and I don’t take anything away from him. But I know that I have all the tools to beat him. He’s never fought someone like me. Everyone he knocked out, he was supposed to knock out.

“I have everything I need in my arsenal. I’m versatile. I can switch it up if I need to. If I need to sit in the pocket, I can. If I need to box, I can. I just don’t think Benavidez is what everyone makes him out to be.

“I’m going for the knockout. I go for the knockout in every fight. If it doesn’t happen, I can still go 12 rounds and come out victorious.

“This win would build my legacy. Some people expect me to lose, and I’m happy about that. This just takes my career to another level.

“I’m not looking past this fight. I’m focused on David Benavidez. After this fight I can talk about unification or whatever. Put first I have to take care of David.

“A loss is a loss no matter which way you put it. Whether you lose by a mile or half a round. That’s in the past and we’re only focused on the future. There’s an undefeated 22-year-old fighter trying to take what I’ve got.

“You put all the work in when you’re in the gym, then you have to leave everything in the ring. We trained too hard to not do that. I’m very confident. At the end of the day, the fans are going to win.

“I’ve seen Benavidez fight before. My coaches have watched him closely and will come up with the game plan. He’s quick, but we’ll be ready.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“I feel great right now. Everything has been going smoothly and I can’t wait to just go to work out there. All the hard stuff is done, now it’s just maintaining and staying ready.

“I’m excited for this opportunity. I’m well prepared and ready to go. It’s like any other fight. You leave no stone unturned, execute your game plan and do what you have to do to win.

“The fans are going to get what they always get from me. I’m going to come to fight, take care of business and leave everyone with something to remember.

“In a lot of my fights, I just walked guys down. I’ve had guys like Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia fighting just to hang in there, and I wasn’t even fighting to my full potential. I was just walking them down. But my skills are boxing, that’s how I fought at the lighter weights. I got away from what I was good at.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. PORTER
Spence vs. Porter pits unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. against WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter in a 147-pound title unification that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell facing unbeaten former champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez in the co-main event, unbeaten contenders Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov battling for the WBA Super Lightweight title, and rugged veteran Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and brawler John Molina Jr. competing in a 10-round welterweight fight.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand 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 & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (September 12, 2019) – Mexican Independence Day and boxing have gone hand in hand for generations, with Mexican and Mexican-American champions routinely competing in the biggest fights around this time of year. In anticipation of their own fight night on Saturday, September 28 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, closely following this weekend’s celebrations, David Benavidez, Mario Barrios, Josesito Lopez, John Molina, Jr. and Robert Guerrero shared their memories of the holiday and country’s proud fighting tradition.

Benavidez and Lopez, who train in Southern California, will take part in a Mexican Independence Day event this Sunday, making appearances at the Que Buena (KBUE) Fiestas Patrias Celebration taking place at the Los Angeles State Historic Park at 2:30 p.m. PT.

Photo Credit: Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
The co-main event of the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View will feature 22-year-old former world champion
David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez looking to regain his title when he takes on WBC Super Middleweight world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell.

For Benavidez, along with trainer and father Jose Sr., and his brother and welterweight contender Jose Jr., boxing and the holiday have always gone hand in hand with memories of watching the legends of the sport in the ring.

“Around every Mexican holiday in our house, whether it was Cinco de Mayo or Mexican Independence Day weekend, I just remember there was always a big fight to watch,” said Benavidez. “My father is from Mexico and he came here when he was only 10-years-old. He’s the one who brought me up around the sport of boxing from a very young age, and now everything in our lives is about boxing.

“We definitely treated those big fights like holidays. Nothing in our household really mattered except boxing, so big fights around the holiday weekends were always huge for us. I know Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. fought around Mexican Independence Day a lot. Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez also stand out in my memory of those big fights around the holidays. Watching all of them influenced me to be the fighter that I am today.

“Watching those big fights with the great Mexican and Mexican American champions gave me so much motivation because I saw how all the Mexican people supported them. Mexican Independence Day is about warriors defending their own, so it was great to see those fighters competing for their honor. I haven’t had the chance to fight on that weekend yet but I feel that I am going to show the boxing and sports world why I deserve to be there one day.”

Photo Credit: Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
The pay-per-view will also feature unbeaten rising contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios as he takes on fellow unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov for the WBA Super Lightweight title. Barrios has taken on his ring name to honor the fighting spirit of his heritage. He reflected on the pride of Mexican Independence Day and what that nickname means to him.

“So many big fights go down on Mexican Independence Day weekend,” said Barrios. “Growing up, my sister and I made it a tradition to always get together with our family and friends to watch those fights.

“Boxing is one of the main things that brings our family together. I remember watching guys like Erik Morales and Marco Barrera on Mexican Independence Day. Those classic fights always bring back some good memories of being together.

“‘El Azteca’ is what I go by these days and it’s because of that Mexican warrior in me. The Aztec civilization originated in Mexico and I’m proud of my ancestry. Fights this time of year mean a lot to all Mexican fans and that makes it even more important that I have my best performance on September 28. This is just that season when you know a big fight is happening and I’m ready to be a part of it.”

Opening the pay-per-view is a showdown between all-action veterans Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and John Molina Jr. The 10-round super lightweight attraction features two Mexican-American fighters who have shown trademark heart and passion in numerous memorable fights throughout their careers, including fights on Mexican Independence Day Weekend.

“In my family, boxing has always been a big part of our heritage and we use it to celebrate Mexican Independence together,” said Lopez. “Growing up, I first started competing as an amateur because it brought my family together. I created unity through the excitement of my fights. I definitely remember us all getting together to watch the legends like Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. In fact, the first time Morales and Barrera fought, they made me realize that boxing was what I wanted to do for a living. I was only about 16 years old at that time, but watching those two gladiators put the exclamation point on me wanting to become a professional fighter. Seeing how great they were, gave me the motivation to work hard in this sport.

“Mexican Independence Day weekend always seems to be a weekend full of boxing. Now, to fight around this weekend as a professional, it’s a great feeling and a celebration with all our family getting together, whether it’s to support me or whoever else is fighting, and just for all of us to celebrate boxing together. Even to this day, I love how all my family and friends gather to watch and support my fights. It means a lot to me.”

Molina’s holiday memories are also tied to family, boxing and the Mexican fighting tradition.

“Spending time with my family and friends is the best part of any holiday,” said Molina Jr. “I love celebrating the holidays and just being with the people I care about. Mexican Independence Day weekend is always a huge fight weekend. I definitely remember Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and his fan-friendly style. Oscar De La Hoya was also a treat to watch and he was really ‘the man’ in my era when I was coming up.

“The Mexican style is something to be proud of. You come forward and take one to give one in order to inflict your damage. Other people even try to emulate our style and everyone knows the fans appreciate our style instead of all of the dancing around each other.”

Lopez and Molina previously fought on Mexican Independence Day weekend, with Lopez competing four times on the weekend, most notably against Canelo Alvarez in 2012, while Molina lost a close decision to Humberto Soto in an exciting 2014 battle on the Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 undercard.

“I’ve fought on Mexican Independence Day weekend a handful of times and it’s always a good weekend to fight,” said Lopez. “I haven’t felt any added pressure in the past, though. At the end of the day, it’s me inside the ring fighting another man.”

“The fight between myself and Josesito Lopez will put the Mexican style on full display,” said Molina Jr. “We’re very similar guys. We’ve both earned everything that we’ve ever received in this sport. We’re going to set the bar really high on September 28.”

In FS1 PBC Prelims preceding the pay-per-view, former three-time world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero will take on Jerry Thomas in action that begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Guerrero has had an accomplished career and will look to write another chapter in a storied career that’s seen him become one of the most accomplished Mexican-American fighters of his era.

“I just remember always watching all the big fights on that Saturday of Mexican Independence Day weekend,” said Guerrero. “My whole family would get together at my house and enjoy the fights. It was definitely a fun time with family and to this day we will still get together to watch those fights whenever we can. The fight that stands out the most to me was the classic war when Julio Cesar Chavez beat Meldrick Taylor. What an incredible fight.

“Everyone knows I have that warrior Mexican blood flowing through my veins and that’s why you see me go to war in the ring. Mexican Independence Day will always be a time for boxing’s great warriors and spending time with family.”

Tickets for the September 28th event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. PORTER
Spence vs. Porter pits unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. against WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter in a 147-pound title unification that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell facing unbeaten former champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez in the co-main event, unbeaten contenders Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov battling for the WBA Super Lightweight title, and rugged veteran Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and brawler John Molina Jr. competing in a 10-round welterweight fight.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand 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 & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (August 13, 2019) – IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBC Welterweight World Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter went face to face Tuesday in Los Angeles at a press conference to preview their 147-pound championship unification that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Also in attendance at Tuesday’s press conference, and competing in pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony Dirrell and unbeaten former champion David Benavidez, who meet in a 168-pound title fight, unbeaten contenders Mario Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov, who battle for the WBA Super Lightweight title, and rugged veteran Josesito Lopez and brawler John Molina Jr., who battlein a 10-round welterweight fight.

The event also featured former three-time world champion Robert Guerrero and unbeaten super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer, who compete in separate attractions as part of FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Guerrero will face Jerry Thomas in a 10-round welterweight bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday at the open to the public event from STAPLES Center in Star Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This is going to be an amazing event. The co-main event could be the main event on any normal, but this main event is going to be fire. You know it’s man down when I get in the ring and we’re going to show you just that on September 28.

“Shawn is a warrior who always comes to fight and leaves his heart on the table. He always comes ready, but I’m in shape and ready for him too. We’re both always in exciting fights and that’s what we’re going to give the fans.

“You’ve seen my growth over the years to where I’m fighting in bigger and bigger stadiums and headlining the pay-per-views. Now I’m in a unification fight, which is what I’ve wanted for a long time.

“I know Shawn will keep this same energy on fight night. It’s going to be an amazing moment when I get this knockout at STAPLES Center.

“This is what I’ve been waiting for. I had to be on the sidelines and watch Shawn fight Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia, but now I’m in that group. I have the opportunity to fight these top guys and make my name known.

“My whole thing is that I’m looking for the stoppage. I want to make a statement that I’m clearing out the division. I want Manny Pacquiao and all of the top names in this division.”

SHAWN PORTER

“This fight demands this kind of excitement and energy that we have here today. We’re coming to the STAPLES Center for these fans, because they give us the energy that we need.

“Being in this position is amazing and I love it. I’ve always looked forward to opportunities like this and I’m going to bring this same energy into the ring.

“I know what’s about to go down. I know how great and how special this fight is going to be. The closer we get, the more excited I get. We will be prepared for it.

“People don’t understand the level that Errol and I are on. He’s expecting the same thing I’m expecting. We’re both training to go 12 hard rounds and out class each other. It’s all about that one moment, and I know I have what it takes to make that moment all mine. I’m looking forward to it.

“It was only a matter of time until this fight happened. I’ve been patient my entire career and never rushed anything. For me, this fight is happening on time. He’s amongst the elite of this division now and will be after September 28 no matter what.

“When I beat Errol Spence Jr., it doesn’t mean he’s going away. He’s still elite. But I’m going to take care of him September 28 and go after Manny Pacquiao. That’s the plan.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“Benavidez is a come forward fighter who throws a lot of punches. You can frustrate him and do what you need to do to counteract that though.

“I’ve had some tough fights and people think that because of those fight, Benavidez is going to beat me. I feel otherwise. I’m the champion. I’m older and smarter and I’m going to go in there and defend my title successfully.

“I’m an experienced fighter. I’ve been doing this for 25 years going back to my amateur days. He’s only 22-years-old and he can’t possible know what I can do. He’s going to find out on September 28.

“I can’t only rely on just my experience. I have to throw punches and go in there to execute my game plan.

“Him going for the knockout definitely excites me. We’re going to give the fans something to see. They’re coming to see a knockout and I’m planning to give it to them.

“Being an underdog is great, it motivates me. I’m fine with it because I can prove everybody wrong at the end of the day. It’s about making history, and you can’t make history if you don’t go in there and take a chance.

“I’m ready. We’ve been wanting this fight for over a year. Now it’s here and we’re both ready to go. I’m looking for the knockout and I know he is too.

“I know that I can take a punch, but we’ll see if he can. He’s been dropped before, as have I. I’ve come back from worse than that though. We’re both warriors and we’re both going to be ready to give the fans something to see.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“Anthony Dirrell is a tough, rugged fighter who has a lot of experience and has been in there with the best. He has height and reach like I do. We’re putting together a good game plan.

“Fighting in Dallas in front of 50,000 people was definitely one of the biggest fights of my life, but I feel like it’s just getting better and better from there.

“It’s a dream come true fighting at STAPLES Center. I’ve always dreamed about fighting here in front of all my people. It’s going to be like I’m fighting at home.

“The winners of this fight are going to be the fans. It’s going to be a great fight and I want to steal the show and put on the fight of the night.

“I have the opportunity to become the youngest two-time super middleweight world champion in history. I’m working hard to do my best to give the fans an action packed fight and accomplish my goals.

“There’s a lot of motivation for me because he has my title. We have respect outside the ring, but none of that will be in the ring. We’re both going for the knockout and it’s going to be a war from round one.

“There are a lot of things that I can do. I can box on the inside and I can brawl. I think Anthony Dirrell is going to want to make it a brawl and stay in there with me. That’s how he fought his last fight and we know there’s a lot we can do if he brings that style.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“Fighting on a card like this is a dream come true. This will be my third fight at STAPLES Center and I always get a lot of love in Los Angeles. It’s always an exciting experience and I’m looking forward to it again.

“I’m fighting for a title and I’m not going home to San Antonio without it. I know that he’s going to bring everything he’s got. This will be my toughest opposition by far, but that won’t change anything on September 28.”

BATYR AKHMEDOV

“This a great opportunity for me to be part of such a momentous card. I’m grateful to my whole team for getting me this opportunity and I’m training to take full advantage.

“On September 28, it’s going to be a great fight. I’m going to start writing my history in this fight by winning this title.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I’m excited to be a part of this great card. It’s been seven years since I had that great showing at STAPLES Center against Victor Ortiz, and it’s a great feeling to be back.

“I’m going to put on a show, just like I did my last time fighting at STAPLES Center. I’m going to deliver another great performance.

“Expect fireworks. We’re going to start this pay-per-view off right and get things ready for the rest of this card. It’s going to be a night you don’t want to miss.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

“Here we go again. It’s going to be another exciting fight. This is a long time coming for the both of us. We both have a never say die attitude and that’s what you’re going to get on fight night.

“Make sure you’re there on September 28, because you’re going to enjoy this fight. We’re both going to leave it all in the ring, just like everyone expects us to.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“I’m excited to be back on this stage again. We have two great champions in the main event and it makes for an exciting night from top to bottom.

“I just wanted to say something about the shooting incidents that have happened in our country. One of the incidents happened in my hometown in Gilroy, California, so a portion of my purse is going to go to the victims of that tragedy.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m really happy and honored to be a part of this card with all of these great champions. I can’t wait to go out there and put on a show.

“It’s amazing just to be in the building, let alone to be fighting on a card like this. I’m really excited to give all the fans a great show.”

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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand 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 & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (August 13, 2019) – Former three-time world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero battles Jerry Thomas in a 10-round welterweight match and sensational undefeated super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer appears in a six-round attraction in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The 90-minute prelims show begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT and will serve as the lead-in to the highly anticipated FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View headlined by the welterweight title unification showdown between IBF champion Errol Spence Jr. and WBC champion Shawn Porter. WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Dirrell defends his title against undefeated former champion David Benavídez in the co-feature, while unbeatens clash when Mario Barrios takes on Batyr Akhmedov for the WBA Super Lightweight title and hard-hitting veteran sluggers Josesito López and John Molina, Jr. meet in a 10-round welterweight bout in pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased AXS.com.

“An already great card just got better,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Robert Guerrero and Joey Spencer will provide the perfect lead in to the Pay-Per-View event. Guerrero has one of the most distinguished careers in boxing and he has never been in a bad match. Spencer is at the beginning of a career that promises to be spectacular. Combined with the other fights on the pay per view telecast, this is going to be an all-action show.”

Guerrero (35-6-1, 20 KOs) has won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight, and has fought a stacked lineup of elite fighters during a superb career. The 35-year-old Guerrero is from Gilroy, California and is coming off a stoppage victory over Hevinson Herrera on March 9 after previously scoring a TKO win in December 2018.

“It feels great to be back in the ring, especially fighting in front of my fans at STAPLES Center,” said Guerrero. “I had a couple tune up fights and now I’m stepping up in competition. My boxing skills will be on display and I’m ready to take that next step to a big fight. I’m in great shape and I’m ready to let my hands go. Lastly, I’m dedicating this fight to the victims of the Gilroy mass shooting and I’ll be donating a portion of my purse to their fund.”

Thomas (14-1-1, 8 KOs) has won three straight bouts since losing the first match of his career against Danny O’Connor in 2016. Thomas of St. Marys, Kansas is coming off a TKO victory over Brad Robison in his most recent fight last May 19.

The 19-year-old Spencer (8-0, 6 KOs) turned pro last year after an impressive amateur career and scored knockouts in his first six fights. Fighting out of Linden, Michigan, Spencer continued his unbeaten string in his most recent match when he scored a hard-fought unanimous decision over Akeem Black in June on FOX.

“It was really exciting to find out that I would be on a card of this magnitude,” said Spencer. “I just want to keep becoming a better pro each time I get in the ring. This experience is a big part of it. I’m working crazy hard each day to improve my stamina and pace and get to my maximum level. I’m looking forward to showing people what I can do, one fight at a time.”

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand 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 & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

CARSON, Calif. (March 4, 2019) – Multiple-division world champion Robert Guerrero returns to the ring to battle Colombia’s Hevinson Herrera in a 10-round welterweight bout, while former featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar duels Colombia’s Carlos Padilla in an eight-round lightweight bout to lead a packed undercard on Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The event is headlined by PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show that will see WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter making his first title defense in primetime against mandatory challenger Yordenis Ugas in the main event of the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Televised prelims on FS1 feature undefeated bantamweight prospect Damien Vazquez battles former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in an eight or 10-round attraction, while unbeaten welterweight prospect and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis will face once-beaten Sammy Figueroa in an eight round showdown on the telecast beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

In other undercard action, undefeated lightweight Rolando Romero (7-0, 6 KOs) meets Nicolas A. Velazquez (10-4, 3 KOs) in a four or six-round match that will be the TV swing bout on the FOX telecast and unbeaten featherweight Isaac Avelar (15-0, 10 KOs) clashes with Juan Antonio Lopez (12-5, 4 KOs) in a six or eight-round match that will be the TV swing bout on the FS1 prelims broadcast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com.

The 35-year-old Guerrero (34-6-1, 19 KOs) has a rich career filled with intriguing matches against some of the best boxers of this generation – Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia – and has won titles at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and welterweight. Fighting out of Gilroy, California, he will be taking on Herrera (24-16-1, 18 KOs) following a knockout victory over Adam Mates in December.

Cuellar (28-3, 21 KOs), who is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, won an interim featherweight title by defeating Claudio Marrero in 2013 that was eventually made the regular title as he made five successful defenses. He dropped the title the next year with a split decision loss to Abner Mares and followed that up with a TKO loss in a junior lightweight championship match against Gervonta Davis last April. The 33-year-old Cuellar is seeking to get back into the world title picture but first will have to get past Padilla (16-9-1, 10 KOs).

In other undercard bouts unbeaten super featherweight Viktor Slavinskyi (7-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Angel Morrell (11-11-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round match, super featherweight prospect Jose Perez (6-1, 2 KOs) battles Carlos Trevino (6-13-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout, unbeaten super lightweight prospect Ruben Rodriguez (4-0, 2 KOs) meets Jeremiah De Los Santos of Brownsville, Texas, who will be making his pro debut in the four-round bout.

Rounding out the action is unbeaten super lightweight prospect Justin Cardona dueling Phillip Bounds in a four-round affair, plus a pair of lightweights will be making their pro debuts as David Gomez of Huntington Park, California battles George Carranza in a four-round fight and Gabriel Muratalla of Fontana, California steps in for a four-round lightweight fight against Bryann Perez.

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ABOUT PORTER VS. UGAS
Shawn Porter vs. Yordenis Ugas is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event that will see WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter defending his title for the first time against top-ranked contender Yordenis Ugas Saturday, March 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a duel between two hard-hitting brawlers as Abel Ramos and Francisco Santana meet in a 10-round welterweight match in the co-feature, while heavy-handed slugger Efe Ajagba steps up to face experienced veteran Amir Mansour in an eight-round heavyweight attraction in the televised opener.

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 & 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 14, 2018) – Former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and former heavyweight title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola will make their ring returns as part of an exciting night of undercard action presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, December 1 live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The event is headlined by a heavyweight world championship showdown presented by Premier Boxing Champions 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.

Additional undercard action will see Deontay Wilder’s brother and unbeaten prospect Marsellos Wilder (2-0, 2 KOs)in a cruiserweight attraction. Plus, an IBF Minimumweight World Title showdown will see Westminster, California’s Carlos Licona (13-0, 2 KOs) take on the Phillippines’ Mark Anthony Barriga (9-0, 1 KO) while unbeaten featherweight Isaac Lowe (15-0-3, 5 KOs) competes in an eight-round bout. Undefeated light flyweight prospect Jesse Rodriguez (7-0, 4 KOs) battles Mexico’s Alex Aragon (10-2-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout and hard-hitting British light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde (17-0, 16 KOs) is also in action.

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.

One of the sport’s most fearless warriors, Guerrero (33-6-1, 18 KOs) will return the ring for a 10-round welterweight attraction in his first action since July 2017. Representing the Bay Area and fighting out of Gilroy, California, Guerrero’s championship run began at featherweight in 2006 and went through a memorable 2012 triumph over Andre Berto for an interim welterweight championship. Along the way Guerrero has challenged and often engaged in memorable wars against the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.

Born in Los Angeles, Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KOs) fights for the first time since challenging for Wilder’s WBC title in 2016 and will match up against Houston’s Maurenzo Smith (20-10-4, 13 KOs) in a 10-round attraction. Arreola previously battled Bermane Stiverne in two exciting heavyweight title fights and former champions Vitali Klitschko and Tomasz Adamek. He owns victories over Eric Molina, Jameel McCline, Joey Abell and Seth Mitchell throughout his career.

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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.

Los Angeles – Today, FOX Sports announces former multiple-division world champion Robert Guerrero and longtime boxing trainer Virgil Hunter join the broadcast team as analysts for PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: ORTIZ VS. ALEXANDER live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Feb. 17 (8:00 PM ET), from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

Guerrero and Hunter team with blow-by-blow announcer Sean Grande calling the fights. Kate Abdo hosts the broadcast. On FOX Deportes, Jaime Motta joins blow-by-blow announcer Jesse Losada to call the action in Spanish.

The main event features a 12-round matchup between former welterweight world champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (32-6-2, 25 KOs) and Devon Alexander “The Great” (27-4, 14 KOs). In the co-main event, unbeaten contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (16-0, 10 KOs) faces Rogelio “Porky” Medina (38-8, 32 KOs) in a 12-round 168-pound world title eliminator. In addition, 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (3-0, 3 KOs) takes on Jorge Rojas (4-2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round matchup.

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

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Los Angeles – Today, FOX Sports announces multi-division and current 135-pound world champion Mikey Garcia (@mikeygarcia) and former multiple division world champion Robert Guerrero (@GHOSTBOXING) join the broadcast team as analysts for PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: SANTA CRUZ VS. AVALOS live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Oct. 14 (7:30 PM ET), from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Garcia and Guerrero team with blow-by-blow announcer Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) calling the fights. Brian Kenny (@MrBrianKenny) hosts the broadcast.

On FOX Deportes, Jaime Motta (@MottaJaime) joins blow-by-blow announcer Jesse Losada to call the action in Spanish.

The sixth installment of PBC ON FOX and FOX Deportes is headlined by sensational three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs), who defends his featherweight world title against Chris Avalos (27-5, 20 KOs). The co-main event features four-time world champion Abner Mares (30-2-1, 15 KOs) defending his 126-pound championship against once-beaten Andres Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs).

The television broadcast opens with an exciting 10-round match featuring undefeated rising junior welterweight contender Eddie Ramirez (17-0, 11 KOs) versus former world champion Antonio DeMarco (32-6-1, 23 KOs).

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

For more, visit FOX Sports Press Pass, www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.ringstar.com, www.tgbpromotions.com, and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/RingstarSports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

GILROY, CA (July 17, 2017) – After giving fans some of the most thrilling fights in boxing, which spanned over sixteen hard fought years, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is announcing his retirement.

“First, I want to thank God for allowing me to have a wonderful career. I’m a kid from a small town in Gilroy, California, who made it to the mountain top of the boxing world. When I was a young kid growing up, I always believed in myself, but never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a small-town kid like myself, would be fighting in front of millions of fans.”

“I was blessed to win multiple world titles in four-divisions. A boxer’s career is a long and tough road. Many tears were shed, lots of blood, and tons of sweat. Many miles were traveled, thousands of rounds sparred, none were easy and nothing was ever given to me. I earned everything I got the old fashion way. I never ducked anyone and fought the best fighters in the world. I fought my way through every obstacle to make sure my fans enjoyed every second, of every round, of my fights.”

“I competed at super-bantamweight (122 lbs.) and won world titles across multiple weight classes, closing my career at welterweight (147 lbs.), fighting the big guys 25 pounds heavier. A good friend always told me I was God’s warrior, born to fight. I enjoyed every minute of every war. I represented my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with the bible verse Acts 2:38 on my trunks. If I reached one person and brought that person closer to Christ, then it was all worth it.”

“I want to thank some very important people in my career starting with the most important person, my wife Casey, who has been with me every step of the way, my soul mate, my sweetheart, the one and only love of my life. My father/trainer Ruben Guerrero Sr. He’s the one who started it all and made me the man I am today, and the champion I was in the ring. He’s one of the best trainers in the world and I hope to be working side by side with him in the future. My mother Marcy Guerrero for being a great mother and supporter. My co-manager Bob Santos for all the sacrifices he made to get me to the top…I will always remember the early days when we made the most with very liitle. He always had my back and looked out for me like I was his brother. His wife Diane Santos who did a lot of secretarial work for me during my whole career. Both my grandparents on Martinez and Guerrero sides for believing in me. My brother’s Sammy, Ruben Jr., Victor, Randy and especially Eric, who has been with me my whole career, my shadow every step of the way, my right-hand man. My mother and father in-law, Shelly and Cary O’neal. My cutman Ruben Gomez. My good friends, Pastor Mark Wilson, Dave Castro, Pastor Chris Avila, John Mersho, and Albert Guarado. My uncle Russel Sr., Russel Jr., Uncle Ricky, Hector Catano and Greg Amundson. I want to thank my co-manager Luis Decubas Jr. for taking my career to the next level. Santos and Decubas Jr. are more than managers, they are family to me. My publicist Mario Serrano, who has also been with me the whole ride, he is also family to me. All the fans and the community who stuck by my side when my wife was battling cancer…I will never forget the love you showed. There are so many people who have helped me, if I leave anyone off, thank you for everything.”

“In closing, I want to thank the most special man I’ve ever met in my boxing career, and possibly lifetime, a man who always does what’s best for the fighter, a man who has changed the sport of boxing, a man who has helped bless me and my family with a great life, and that person is my advisor Al Haymon. Not only is Al Haymon a spectacular advisor, he is a wonderful human being as well, a great man, and someone who cares. In a sport where most managers, promoters, and trainers turn their back on a fighter, when they no longer can perform, or are no longer beneficial to their interest, Haymon stands tall. Love and loyalty is tough to find in the boxing game, but for any boxer looking for it, you don’t have to look far, reach out to Al Haymon. I want to thank everyone, the fans included. I hope you guys appreciated the guts and glory I left in the ring. God bless you all.” ~ Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero

UNIONDALE, NY – There was no ring rust evident for Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa (27-0-1, 19KO), who returned to action after a nineteen-month layoff. The native of south Texas walked through former four-time world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-6-1, 18KO), dropping him five times inside three rounds to score a TKO victory. The welterweight fight, which was witnessed live by 7,492 fans, headlined the first night of boxing inside Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum since Mike Tyson’s eight-and-a-half-minute demolition of Steve Zouski 31 years prior.

It was a fight viewed by many as a “must win” for both former world champions. Guerrero was coming off two straight defeats, three in his last four contests. Figueroa, of Weslaco, TX, was returning to the ring for the first time since outpointing Antonio DeMarco in December 2015.

The first of the scheduled ten rounds went to Guerrero. The Gilroy, CA native, applied pressure, pressed the action, and landed the more significant shots. Figueroa, who reunited with trainer Joel Diaz for the first time since 2014, seemed a bit hesitant to let his hands fly in the opening round, perhaps reluctant to test his oft-injured hands. All perceived caution went out the window in the second round, however, when both fighters willingly traded violent blows.

At the sound of the bell signaling round two, Guerrero, a southpaw, came out of the corner and immediately crowded Figueroa’s personal space. It was a move welcomed by Figueroa, who has always excelled as an inside fighter. The two were engaged in a close-range exchange when a Figueroa left uppercut snapped Guerrero’s neck back and collapsed both his legs, dropping “The Ghost” to his knees. A gutsy Guerrero beat the ten count and surprisingly charged forward, bull-rushing Figueroa and landing head whipping shots of his own. The tide turned once again when Figueroa landed two short rights behind Guerrero’s ear that sent him to his knees for the second time in the round. As the frame neared conclusion, Figueroa dug a right to the body, followed by two lefts to the head hat sent an already-unsteady Guerrero, to the mat again.

In the third, Guerrero came off his stool as if shot from a cannon, racing to meet Figueroa and uncorking vicious shots that landed cleanly. But momentum quickly swung back Figueroa’s way, and another perfectly placed uppercut dropped Guerrero for the fourth time. Sensing he could end the fight, “El Panterita” pounced on the wounded Guerrero and planted two left hooks to the liver that sent “The Ghost” to the mat for the fifth and final time. Referee Ron Lipton called a stop to the contest at the 1:34 mark of the third round. It was the first time in his career that Guerrero has been stopped.

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

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

According to CompuBox, Figueroa landed 47.6% of his punches, and 55.5% of his power punches.

The South-Texan went on to state that he intends to drop back down to 140 pounds and fight once more this year.

For Guerrero, who was transported to Nassau University Medical Center after the bout as a precaution, the stoppage marked his third consecutive loss, and fourth in his last five matches and will certainly leave him contemplating his future in the sport.

Browne Powers Past Monaghan To Win “Battle of the Islands”

In a light heavyweight bout featuring two undefeated former sparring partners, Staten Island’s Marcus Browne (20-0, 15KO) scored a second round TKO stoppage victory over Long Island’s Seanie Monaghan (28-1, 17KO). Browne, a former US Olympian and three-time Golden Glove winner, came out firing with ill intentions from the opening bell. Less than a minute into the fight, which was scheduled for ten rounds, Browne caught Monaghan with a straight left that sent him crashing to the mat. The Irish-American beat he ensuing ten count, but was still reeling from the knockdown once back on his feet. Sensing an opportunity to end the fight early, Browne charged forward and applied pressure, unleashing a barrage of punches on his injured opponent. Fortunately for Monaghan, Browne landed a hard left below the belt, which allowed Monaghan to take a few minutes to recover before action resumed, and he ultimately escaped the round.

Monaghan never seemed to recover from the early knockdown, however, and in the second round he once again found himself being battered by the southpaw, Browne. Early in the second round, Browne landed a short right hand behind the ear that offset Monaghan’s equilibrium. Browne then followed up with rights and lefts that met their target without resistance. At the :40 mark of the second round, referee Steve Willis jumped between fighters and stopped the contest.

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

“I told Seanie afterward that I was thankful that he took the fight and stepped up to the plate. I hope he gets back in the ring to bounce back from this loss,” Browne added.

Monaghan reciprocated the mutual respect.

“Marcus has always been a fast starter. He always comes out very fast. I thought I was ready for the speed, but he is very skilled,” Monaghan said. “It was an honor for me to represent Long Island. I knew that it was a big task tonight. Marcus is even faster than in sparring.

“I’ll be alright though, I’m happy to lose to a guy the quality of Marcus Browne.”

Polska Power: Kownacki Blasts Szpilka, Stops Him Inside Four

In an all-Polish heavyweight showdown, undefeated Adam Kownacki (16-0, 13KO) scored an upset TKO victory over former heavyweight title challenger, Artur Szpilka (20-3, 15KO). It was set to be a crossroads bout of sorts, with Kownacki taking a step up in the level of competition, while Szpilka was attempting to rebound from his failed title challenge against Deontay Wilder in January of 2016.

The fight, which was scheduled for ten rounds, was the first of the three fights televised on FOX and thanks to a legion of Polish fans on hand to support Kownacki, the Polish-born, Brooklyn transplant, the Nassau Coliseum was electric. The sea of red and white sang, chanted, and encouraged their fighter throughout the bout, perhaps giving Kownacki an emotional boost on his way to victory.

The fight plan for Kownacki was simple: walk down Szpilka, let hands fly.

For a fighter in superior condition and twenty pounds lighter than his counterpart, Szpilka was touched far too easily.

Kownacki’s steps were slow, albeit efficient and calculated. But Kownacki doesn’t present his opponent any puzzles. He’s a volume-punching heavyweight who throws punches while coming forward. Despite knowing this, Szpilka could not escape Kownacki’s range and continuously found himself being battered by thudding lefts and stiff straight rights.

Halfway through the fourth round, Kownacki caught Szpilka with a huge right hand that rocked that sent Szpilka stumbling and disarmed his defense. With his hands at his side, Szpilka ate left after right and right after left until he crumbled to the canvas. Szpilka rose to beat Arthur Mercante’s ten count, but Kownacki quickly applied more pressure, delivering an uncontested combination to Szpilka’s face, until Mercante stepped in to halt the contest. The time of stoppage was 1:37 of the fourth round.

It was the third loss of Szpilka’s career, and the third time he has been stopped, the other two coming courtesy of Wilder and Bryant Jennings.

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

He continued, “Whatever he was doing, I was ready for. I worked for four weeks with Tomasz Adamek in Poland and then four weeks here so it was really an ideal camp. I was able to really just focus on boxing and put myself in this position.”

A visibly dejected Szpilka also spoke after the match. “I wish Adam the best going forward. This is a very hard moment for me,” he said. “I’m going to rest now. This was not how I wanted this to go and I’m very disappointed.”

Jamal James Rebounds From First Loss, Outpoints Jo Jo Dan

Jamal “Shango” James (21-1, 9KO) bounced back from his August 2016 loss against Yordenis Ugas to score a unanimous decision victory over veteran Jo Jo Dan in a ten round welterweight contest. James used his height and reach advantage to dictate the distance at which the fight would be fought. Dan, a crafty southpaw who has shared the ring with Kell Brook and Jarrett Hurd, did his best work when he was able to get inside James’ reach and hammer at his opponent’s body. Those moments were few and far between, however, and James comfortably outpointed his counterpart.

Judge Robin Taylor 99-91, Glenn Feldman 98-92, and Kevin Morgan 97-93.

“My range was working perfectly. I knew he was going to be tough and he was a little tougher than I thought,” James said afterward. He continued, “I was catching him with nice clean shots, but he kept coming. I knew he was going to keep coming forward. He started moving his head and made me miss a couple times. I was trying to avoid a big shot but he did get me with some body shots.”

As for what his future holds, James said, “I want to get at least one or two more fights this year and then really explode next year and set myself up to be a top contender.”

Brandon Figueroa Cruises To Unanimous Decision Win

The first of the night’s fights televised on FS1, saw junior featherweight Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa (13-0, 8KO) battle veteran Fatiou Fassinou (28-8-3, 15KO) in an eight round contest. Figueroa, younger brother of Omar Figueroa, outworked Benin’s Fatiou Fassinou bell to bell en route to a unanimous decision victory. Cut from the same cloth as his older brother, Figueroa also subscribes to the theory that “offense is your best defense.” The Heartbreaker smothered Fassinou, landing 242 of his 596 punches.

All three judges scored the bout in favor of Figueroa, 79-73 and 78-74 twice.

The fight marked Figueroa’s first time fighting east of the Missippi, with all his previous bouts taking place in Texas or California. For Fassinou, it was his second time fighting in the United States and his second time failing to pick up a victory. He suffered defeat at the hands of Matt Remillard in July 2016.

“I knew that he was a flashy fighter that was going to have a lot of speed and movement,” Figueroa said after the match.” He continued, “I wanted to break him down. He took my punches well. I think he won a round or two. I needed to catch my breath and I was hoping to stop him late. Either way, I got the win and I’m happy.”

Seize the Day: Patrick Day Shines In Win

In front of hometown fans, Long Island’s Patrick Day (14-2-1, 6KO) scored the biggest win of his professional career when he outpointed Eric “Baby Faced Assassin” Walker (15-1, 8KO), handing Walker his first professional defeat and snatching his WBC Continental Americas title in the process.

After a relatively quiet first round, action picked up in the second and never slowed down. Early in the second, Day bullied Walker back to the ropes where he unleashed a barrage of body shots, clearly demonstrating he had the power to impose his will on Walker. Conversely, Walker realized Day’s defense, at times, can be suspect, and found success firing straight rights over Day’s outstretched jab.

In the third, Day started to get the better of fiery and borderline reckless exchanges. Day carried built-up momentum into the fourth round where he knocked Walker to the mat courtesy of straight right, which also opened a cut above the Assassin’s left eye.

To his credit, Walker kept letting his hands fly, engaging in exchanges and leaving himself vulnerable to punches from a fighter he already knew could hurt him. And hurt him some more, Day did. Although Walker had his successes in the later round, it was Day who continued to land the more damaging punches throughout the duration of the bout.

At the conclusion of ten rounds, judges John McKai and Glenn Feldman 96-93, while Robin Taylor scored it 95-94, all for Day.

15rounds.com concurred with McKai and Feldman, scoring the fight 96-93, Day.

Monterrosa Sneaks By Rainone In US Debut

The opening bout of the evening saw Colombian Fidel Monterrosa (38-13-1, 30KO) outpoint local veteran Tommy Rainone (26-8-1, 6KO) in a six round junior welterweight contest. It was a successful US debut for Monterrosa, who has previously shared the ring with hard-nosed Mexicans Antonio DeMarco, Pablo Cesar Cano, and Humberto Soto.

In truth, both fighters would likely agree it was a lackluster performance by each of them. However, it was Monterrosa who was pressing the action, forcing Rainone to fight going backward. Simply on aggression alone, Monterrosa banked enough rounds to pull out the victory.

In the final round, both fighters received a one-point deduction from referee Ron Lipton. Monterrosa, who resides in Ecatepec, Mexico, received his deduction for headbutts, while Rainone, a native of Rockville Centre, NY, lost a point for holding.

Julie Lederman and Kevin Morgan scored the fight 58-54, and Alan Mays saw it 57-55 all for Monterrosa.

GILROY, CA. (July 5, 2017) – Former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is hard at work preparing for his main event showdown with unbeaten Omar Figueroa that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a matchup of unbeaten light heavyweights Marcus Browne and Seanie Monaghan plus an all-Polish heavyweight showdown between Artur Szpilka and Adam Kownacki.

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

See below for what Guerrero had to say about training camp, his July 15 showdown and more:

On his recent training camp:
“I feel great going into this fight. Me and my dad have been working really hard on all aspects of my game. I hired a new CrossFit coach, Greg Amundson, and he’s gotten me in great shape. Everyone will see an improvement in my all-around game. With my back against the wall going into this fight, I did everything possible in camp to be ready for Figueroa.”

On facing another undefeated fighter in Omar Figueroa:
“I’m always looking to battle the best possible fighters out there and Omar Figueroa is no different. He’s undefeated and looking to take his career to the next level but I have other plans. Figueroa has a come forward style that I’ll be prepared for. Stylistically, we both like to go for it so fans should expect to see a lot of hard shots being thrown in this fight. It’s going to be a war.”

On fighting in front of a national TV audience on FOX & FOX Deportes:
“Fighting on FOX and FOX Deportes again is going to be incredible and I can’t wait to let my hands go and give the fans the entertainment they deserve. This fight is going to be one those fights where everyone will be on the edge of their seat. The fans deserve to see non-stop action from the opening bell, and this is going to be that type of battle. Everyone tuning in will witness a great action-packed fight.”

On traveling to New York to fight in front of the east coast fans:
“This will be my second time fighting on the east coast. The fans out there love boxing so I’m expecting a rowdy crowd. I love that we are fighting on neutral territory. I just want to put on a great show and come out victorious with my hands raised.”

# # #

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

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

Indio, CA (June 26, 2017) – South Texas’s Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa, a former lightweight world champion, heads into training camp on a balmy 118-degree day in Indio, CA, home to his trainer Joel Diaz and his new boxing home-base since January. Figueroa re-enters the boxing ring on Saturday, July 15 when he takes on former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in the 147-pound main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in the first boxing event at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The break that Figueroa took saw him embracing his Weslaco, Texas home, which sits right on the border to Mexico. It was a reset that had been coming for a fighter who fought in both Mexico and the U.S. as an amateur before turning pro after his first semester in college.

“Boxing is a very jealous sport. You do it 100% or you don’t do it at all,” said Figueroa explaining his 18-month break from the ring. “After my last fight I felt that I needed a break – time to be a father, a son, a brother and a friend. I needed the time to heal my body, mind and soul. I fought with broken hands, I fought world-class athletes; having fought since I was 6, I wanted to take a break and just be human. So I took a year off to heal from the injuries, be with my family and friends, be a father and just be me.”

It’s a break that Diaz, who Figueroa first trained with three years ago, agrees with. The two made a plan during his break to have the young fighter come from his Weslaco, TX home to California for an extended training period in preparation for his next fight, as well as set up his camp.

“It’s necessary to take time off,” said Diaz. “Sometimes fighters work too hard in training or in the action that they bring to the fights. Omar is the type of fighter that brings a lot of action to his fights and it takes a toll on his body. He’s an all-out fighter so he needs that time off to recuperate and restart himself. This break in his body and mind helped him recover from that strain so that he could come back and start fresh again. ”

Figueroa faces a tough opponent in Robert Guerrero when he steps back in the ring. Not only is Figueroa fighting above his normal weight-class, but he’s also fighting a former world champion across multiple weight-classes known to be a tough and cunning opponent.

“Guerrero is one of the toughest challenges for any boxer. He is a tough fighter, he doesn’t back down and he doesn’t quit,” said Figueroa. “You have to go into the fight knowing it’ll go the full 12 rounds and there won’t be any easy moment in the fight. But I’m prepared for that, it’s what I’ve been training for and it’s who I am.

“I’m excited and grateful to be part of bringing boxing back to the Nassau Veterans Coliseum and I plan to set a high standard. When you have fights in this arena, you know they are going be memorable,” added Figueroa.

See below for additional quotes from Figueroa and Diaz:

Omar Figueroa quotes:

On changing camp to Indio, CA and working with Joel Diaz:
“January 1 I was back in the boxing mode. Training, running, focusing on diet and getting ready and into camp. The break has given me more focus and the opportunity to change my camp up.

“I am back training with Joel Diaz in Indio, CA and have been going back to Texas to see my family. My dad will always be my father and a big part of my career, but I felt that when I ended my break, I wanted to change my program and go back to Joel. This is our first fight back and I’m looking forward to it in many ways.”

On training camp:
“My health and the time training have been great. I’m getting more and more excited for the fight as I’m getting prepared for it. It’s on my mind.

“I’m older, I’m wiser, I have been through this before and know what not to do. It’s the wisdom that comes with experience.”

On taking time off:
“It bought me the tranquility and peace of mind that I’m good, I’m healthy, I’m ready for this. This is what I want. I was missing this. I’ve never been more mentally ready for a fight than now.”

On his future:
“I don’t plan ahead; I don’t look to next fights. I look at the now and think about future fights after this one. I want to make sure I’m healthy.

“I don’t get ahead of myself with boxing. I am a boxer, a former world champion, I love and believe in the power of this sport, but I don’t let it rule my life.”

On training with his brother, Brandon Figueroa, in Indio:
“It helps me, we push each other. My family is very competitive so it helps to have someone like that training with me. It helps to have Brandon here as well as my cousins; we push each other to the limits. We live together, we train together, and we make sure we are the best we can be.”

On fighting for the first time in New York and his expectations:
“This is my first time fighting in New York, I expect the New York crowd to be ready for a good fight, because that’s what they’ll see from me.

“I want to be known for good shows. It’s what we get paid to do as fighters. I showcase the technical side of boxing and add a lot of entertainment behind how I fight, so that’s what the fans get.”

The role that Mexico, Texas and California play in his career;
“I feel like I get the best of all the worlds. I love Mexico – I go there all the time; I plan to go there after the fight. I love California, it’s taught me a lot, the people, the culture, the boxing here is phenomenal; and obviously Texas is where I grew up and it’s made me who I am. I love the opportunities that I get and the things I get to do, who I get to do it with and where I get to do it. ”

Joel Diaz, Figueroa’s Trainer:

On Training Camp:
“Training camp has been going great, we’ve had no problems like we have had in previous camps with injuries. His hands are healthy, his weight is good and overall he’s healthy. I think the layoff he took helped him a lot, he wants to get back in it and you can tell he’s motivated. It’s a great camp, great atmosphere and that’s what matters.”

On what he’s focusing on:
“Omar Figueroa is a fighter. He’s never going to change. My job is not to change him but make him better. He has a unique style that shows to everyone he’s a very effective puncher and it’s my job to get him in the right condition so he gets hit less, because he’s a risk taker. You wont see much change on the style, you’ll see the same action Omar that people want to see.”

On training both brothers
“They push each other; Omar being the oldest really pushes his brother. They train in two different weight classes and it’s good that they see the work they do amongst each other. They push each other in conditioning and in the ring. It’s good having them together.”

On his role as trainer:
“I’m in this sport for the fighters, my pride and my work. I take a lot of pride in what I do and I am not trying to fight for a trophy nor am I in it for myself. I’m in it for my fighters. This is work and I’m here to take full responsibility for the fighters in my program. I’m here to make my fighters champions in life, not just the ring.

“It took me years of hard work and effort, and now that I’m here I have to work harder, keep my same values and work to stay there.”

# # #

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

PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes is headlined by a matchup between exciting former world champions Omar “Panterita” Figueroa and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero on Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. July 15 will also be the first boxing event at the Coliseum since Mike Tyson headlined in 1986.

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

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.FOXsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.FOXdeportes.comwww.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/FOXsports and www.facebook.com/FOXdeportes. www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

Lou DiBella
Thanks, everybody for joining us for the main event conference call for the PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show on July 15th live at 8:00 pm Eastern Time, 5:00 pm Pacific Time on FOX and live at NYCB Live home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum oin Uniondale, New York.

This’ll be the first boxing event on Long Island – first major boxing event at the Nassau Coliseum – in 31 years. The last event was on March 10th, 1986. It was headlined by Mike Tyson. For anyone that hasn’t been to NYCB Nassau Veteran Memorial Coliseum, it’s a gorgeous venue.

Opened with a Billy Joel concert a couple of months ago one of the really, really, really beautiful new venues in the world and if you had been at the Nassau Coliseum before, this is a tremendous upgrade over the old building and I want to introduce the CEO of Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment Brett Yormark, a man who’s responsible for rebuilding this great venue and bringing boxing back to Long Island, big-time boxing back to Long Island. Brett?

Brett Yormark
Thank you, Lou. Appreciate everyone being on the call. Robert, thrilled that you’ll be headlining the card out at NYCB Live Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum with Omar. As Lou said, this fight effectively has been 31 years in the making. Big-time fights left Long Island many, many years ago and we’re thankful to be playing a small role in bringing back boxing to Long Island.

Everyone knows the impact that Brooklyn Boxing has had not only on the industry but obviously here in Brooklyn at Barclays Center and the great fights, the compelling matchups, all of that and more, people will experience at a very high level on July 15th when we open-up Brooklyn Boxing on Long Island for our fans.

We’re so thrilled to be a part of it, very excited about it. Ticket sales are going extremely well. It’s a great card from top to bottom and what I think I’m excited most about this card is I think it just very, very fan-friendly. Lots of action is anticipated so it should just be a great night from top to bottom of Premier Boxing Champions at the Coliseum.

So thank you Lou for all your support. Robert, thrilled that you’ll be with us on the 15th, same with you Omar and looking forward to seeing you both in a couple of weeks.

L. DiBella
Thanks, Brett. The tickets start at $50 and they’re on sale now. They can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, nycblive.com by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Ticketmaster box office at NYCB Live so you can purchase them at the Nassau Coliseum.

It’s a terrific card as Brett said from top to bottom, an action card and all three fights televised fights on FOX should be brawls. There’s what I’m calling the Polish heavyweight championship between Artur Szpilka and Adam Kownacki who is right now the best Polish-American heavyweight. That’s been a very big anticipated bout in the Polish community and should be a brawl.

Seanie Monaghan, the pride of Long Island, lives about a stone’s throw from the Nassau Coliseum fighting Marcus Browne, one of the top young 175-pounders in the world in a fight that has great interest for Long Island and this main event between Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero really can’t miss. This really does figure to be an all-action, all-out war.

Both these guys are warriors. Both of them come forward and throw. Neither one of them is a runner. They’re both really, really true warriors in the historic sense of the great Mexican and Mexican-American fighters. Robert Guerrero is a six-time world champ.

He’s held titles in every organization. He’s been a champ in four divisions from featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight all the way to welterweight and this fight will be contested in the welterweight division.

He has a tremendous resume, went the distance with Floyd Mayweather, Thurman and Garcia, wins over loads of recognizable names, really one of the true champions of his generation. He’s trained by his dad Ruben Guerrero and Ruben would you like to say a few words?

Ruben Guerrero
Yes, man, all I got to say is that, I want to thank everybody that’s going to be tuning-in to PBC this is going to be a great fight. It’s going to be a war like you said. This is going to come down to a war so we’re doing what we got to do.

We’re going to be ready and that’s all I got to say is we’re going to be super ready for this fight and this is a fight we want and it’s going to be great for the fans and they can’t miss this fight because like you said, it’s going to be a great fight, a tremendous fight. They both can fight.

L. DiBella
Agreed, these are two guys that really can fight and two guys that need this win and two guys that are going to throw down really, really hard and frankly Robert Guerrero’s never done anything his whole career but throw down. He’s a 110 percenter as I call them, the kind of guy that never gives less than everything he has and has always been in good fights, a true champion. My pleasure to introduce Robert Guerrero.
Robert Guerrero
Great, thank you Lou, appreciate those words. I’m ready to go, I’ve just been training hard, been doing what I got to do, been studying a lot of film, Omar’s a tremendous fighter, he’s a barnburner.

He comes to fight all the time and he’s very awkward, the way he switches positions, his footwork, the type of pressure he puts and the volume of punches he puts out so he’s one of the guys you got to be super ready for.

If you’re not ready for him, he’s just going to pound you down into the mat. With that being said I’m that same type of fighter. I’m the same type of fighter that comes in very great shape, who throws a lot of punches and loves to throw fastballs all the way to the end.

It’s going to be a barnburner; I think a lot of people are excited for this fight. I’m excited for it because I know Omar’s the type of guy that doesn’t run, when guys come out of Texas, they come to fight all the time so it’s going to be exciting.

It’s exciting to be back in the ring especially on FOX, the new venue out there in Long Island, I’m really pumped-up to be able to have the opportunity to come-out and fight on the East Coast and I know I have a lot of fans out there and it’s going to be a treat especially getting in the ring with a guy like Omar who comes to fight.

I’m excited for this. I’ve been training hard like I said and I’ve been doing all the homework I need to do. Some fights I come-up short, it comes down to lack of preparation and for this fight I’m going to be very prepared for it and like you said Lou, this is a must-win for both of us so I can’t wait to get out there in July and take care of business.

Q
Robert, you mentioned you lost some fights because of a lack of preparation before. What would be different this time?

R. Guerrero
Getting back to the basics, it’s like in any sport, you got to come back to the basics and not just, have an ego and just think you’re going to move everybody down and put that pressure and just knock somebody out.

When I came-up to 147 pounds, I had something to prove. Everybody’s saying that I’m crazy, I’m too small for the weight class so it went to my head thinking hey, I got to mow these guys down. I got to show them I’m big enough to be here and bad enough to be here and it’s not a smart fight.

My father tells me things in the corner and just it’ll go in one ear and out the other and I would do what I want and that comes down to you know, lack of preparation, mentally, just blocking stuff out and just going where you got to be smarter than that in the ring and use your head so we went back to a lot of things we’d been doing before in the ring.

What got me there, what got me to be able to get up to the 147 pounds and right through different weight divisions so getting back to those basics and using your God-given abilities is what gets you there to the show and if you don’t use them, you throw them out the door. You go back to square one

Q
Are you aware of how people perceive you as a fighter and what’s your mindset?

R. Guerrero
Oh, most definitely, when they start calling you the gatekeeper, that makes it start, you’re an opponent, pretty much, for the guy to make that next step. So it comes down to like I said lack of preparation and not being 100% prepared like I should, listening and doing what I have to do in the gym.

Listening to my father in the ring, what to do and just it comes down to that, but actions speak louder than words and all I can do is just show the world what I’ve been working on.

Q
Where will the big fights be going to Barclays or Nassau?

L. DiBella
I’ll take that one. I think that you’re going to see a lot. You’re going to see the same kind of volume of fights you’ve been seeing in Brooklyn at Barclays Center and for a card that makes sense for Nassau and Long Island and depending on date availability there’s a second venue that’s a great venue for boxing also.

I think it’s going to be a case-by-case basis but I wouldn’t expect less volume than you’ve seen previously. I think you’re going to see huge fights with the same kind of frequency at the Barclays Center.

Nassau’s another great venue run by great people and people we work with regularly and the best in the business and this’ll be the first I think of many shows at Nassau but don’t expect anything fewer at Barclays.

Q
Robert, you’ve had a nice long break here, it’ll be almost a year in-between fights. How much as that helped you and how much did you need a break like that?

R. Guerrero
It helped me a lot. It helped me a great, great deal because being able to regroup and rest your body. I’m in my 30s now, you got to be smart about things and take care of your body and before, I would just go all out training hard and do things that you push over the boundaries.

It’s being smart about things and then also to be able to look back at everything and regroup, what I was doing wrong, the preparation and really assessing everything in my career and what took that left turn and getting right back on path where I’m supposed to be.

And it just really helped out a lot and being ready for this next fight. I’m having a great camp so far. I’m excited. I felt great. My body feels good. I’m doing a lot of things that I haven’t been doing in a long time so I’m going to be ready for this fight and I’m excited for it.

Q
What are some of the things that you hadn’t been doing that you’re doing now?
R. Guerrero
Using my head. Using my head in the ring, being smart about things, just like I said earlier with the other question was not listening in the corner just wanting to mow people down, getting out there and just trying to make a statement and prove a point to everybody that I can fight at 147 pounds.

The welterweight division is stacked, you got all these guys, everybody’s putting their skills to work and you’re the one that’s just coming-in and just trying to mow guys down. It doesn’t work with the type of talent that’s at 147 pounds right now.

Q
You mentioned earlier about the words gatekeeper and opponent being used as it pertains to you. How much motivation is that given you as you train for this fight?

R. Guerrero
Oh, it gives a lot of motivation, you want to be known as one of the top fighters in the division and one of the best and to be categorized as a gatekeeper or the stepping stone for this guy, if this guy if he can get past this test he’s on his way.

No, you want to be the guy that they’re on their way to, so it does motivate you. It gets you excited, gets you out there to work hard and really look back at everything and think about what you’ve been doing in the ring and being smart about things so it really does light a fire under you.

You get a lot of fighters who go out there and say oh, I’ve had the best camp ever, this and that and I’ve been doing this and blah, blah, blah but 90% of the time the adversity is not there they don’t change anything.

They just keep going about their thing so when your back’s against the wall and you got to fight your way out that’s when you got to use your head. You got to be smart. You got to say hey, let’s see what’s going on, let’s see why we’re in this corner and let’s take care of business.

Q
Robert, Figueroa is obviously a relentless guy who’s always coming forward and everything. Have you kind of assessed him as a fighter or maybe what some of his strengths and weaknesses are?

R. Guerrero
As far as Figueroa being a fighter, he’s a very tough guy. Volume puncher, can take a good punch, puts a tremendous amount of pressure but there’s a lot of flaws in his style, there’s a lot of flaws you can capitalize on but that being said the type of style he brings makes things very awkward for other guys.

The way he switches and with the amount of pressure he puts and the volume of punches he puts out, it makes it tough for fighter to adjust to that and really get on his game plan. He’s a tough guy, he comes to fight, throws a lot of punches, he’s very awkward, it’s about putting your game plan together and being smart and not letting yourself fall apart during the fight.

Now I noticed a lot of fighters that he’s fought, with the amount of pressure and punches he throws and his awkwardness, they tend to fall apart, as they go through the fight and then, you know, they start to lose their game plan and, you got to be really headstrong in there and be able to you know, stay on your game throughout the whole fight.

Q
He’s only fought at welterweight one time, it was a little lower than the welterweight limit. How much of an advantage do you feel that is for you?

R. Guerrero
You can say it’s an advantage or it depends how he steps in the ring. You can say you have the advantage because I’ve had more fights at 147 pounds but then also you can say hey, you know what? I’ve had some wars at 147 pounds.

With him coming from the lighter weights, coming up, he’s more fresh, he’s had some time off, he’s been training so hey, you know what? Time will tell how it’s going to go down in the ring.

Q
What do you think he’s thinking moving up to fight you and is that a mistake if he’s thinking that this is going to be an easy fight toward the end?

R. Guerrero
I don’t think he’s thinking it’s going to be an easy fight, knowing my background and how I come and what type of fighter I am, but when I jumped-up in weight and fought Aydin it was one of those things where I had a spectacular fight.

I was on my game, I was boxing good, I was inside good, outside I was moving and hit him with some shots, hurt him, I mean, it was a great war and Aydin being such a big puncher, strong guy who mowed guys down and bullied them, it kind of went to my head where you know, hey, I can do this. I can stand there and trade with these guys. I can mow these guys down.

This guy Aydin right here, nobody wanted to fight him and I came and just took him out, put it on him, you know, I think that fight kind of hurt me mentally where I thought I was unstoppable and I’m just going to mow through guys and you’ve seen a glimpse with it also too after that with Andre Berto where I just walked him down and just punished him.

And those type of fights right there, moving-up to 147 really kind of I think mentally made me just say you know what, I’m big and bad and now I can walk anybody down and then you run into guys like Thurman who are the biggest guys in the weight class who are big punchers.

Like I said before in the earlier question where you know, the type of talent that’s at 147 pounds, you can’t do that. You’ve got to be smart and you got to be able to go out there and take care of business and put your skills to work.

Q
Do you think he’s thinking the same thing or do you think he’s looking at you as the easier of other of all of other potential choices at this weight?

R. Guerrero
No, I think he’s looking at this fight as, I’m a fighter, I come to fight, no matter what it is.

I think that’s the reason why he’s preparing very well. We were trying to make this fight earlier this year and they said they needed more time to prepare and so it got moved and it’s one of those things where I think knowing he’s at 147 pounds in his previous fight, know like hey okay, now these guys are bigger.

Now I got to change some things up so I think he’s going to be very prepared for this fight and he’s coming to fight. He’s coming ready, especially training with Joel Diaz, I know his guys.

I fought a few of his guys before and they come to fight and he gets his guys very prepared and ready to rock and roll and not just prepared as in a boxing way but they’re prepared to go to war so I know it’s going to be a great fight.

Q
Do you need to be a little bit of a boss in this fight, show him that he’s in a new weight class with you guys that are perhaps stronger than he’s faced before?

R. Guerrero
I think I just got to come out and do my job, come out and work and put my game plan together during the fight. Keep everything together throughout the fight and, you know, come do my job, just come 100% ready and prepared.

I know every time I get in that ring, it can change in a heartbeat where one or two punches changes my whole attitude and it’s like now I got to show this guy, but it’s about being smart and using my head in the ring and that’s what I’m going to do.

Q
Do you think this is going to be a fair gauge of what you have left to offer the sport?

R. Guerrero
Oh yes, most definitely, this fight right here’s going to show a lot and it’s going to show a lot to the fans, it’s going to show a lot to the boxing world, getting in there with a young Figueroa who loves to come and exchange and throw a lot of punches and who loves to just abuse the fighters and put it on them.

It’s one of those fights where you know, like I said before, action’s going to speak louder than words. It’s time to just show them what I got a lot left and I got to come and take care of business fight night but this does lead to the bigger picture where to get back into the title contention but you got to take care of business first with Figueroa to be able to take that next step.

Q
Let’s say hypothetically you win on July 15, what do you envision say, in the next 12 months?

R. Guerrero
It’s funny you say you don’t want to look past but every fighter does no matter what. Every fighter’s looking beyond that horizon, what are the possibilities and there’s huge possibilities.

There’s a lot of big fights out there, there’s a lot of championship fights out there. A great thing being Al Haymon and PBC he’s not scared to mix it up and throw fighters in with tough guys and make the fights.

I’m excited that I’m in this position and this fight right here, it’s going to get me over that horizon to see what’s up next, what’s next in my career so fight night we got to take care of business.

Q
Do you think you have it in you to fight a smart fight against Omar Figueroa yet at the same time provide that entertainment factor that always comes with every Robert Guerrero fight?

R. Guerrero
My name Guerrero means warrior so you just never know what happens. You never know what happens within that ring and sometimes you got to change it up, the game plan’s not working, sometimes it’s just like hey, listen, we got to go to war, we got to go to war.

Let’s go to war but, it’s taking this time I had off like I said before I was able to regroup and look at everything, assess everything, my career, how I’ve been fighting, stuff I’ve been doing wrong in the gym, stuff I’ve been taking advice here, taking advice there, doing this, doing that, just everything that comes along with it and I’ve been able to regroup and put it together and God willing everything goes great and we can do it fight night.

Q
You spoke about using your head with these guys but ironically with Omar’s style, do you like your chances to mow him down since it’s likely he’s going to kind of keep it toe to toe and keep the pressure on you as opposed to being a pure boxer?

R. Guerrero
Oh yes, don’t get me wrong, I was just kind of saying I’m using my head don’t mean I’m going to be able to be here on my toes prancing around and moving and moving, I’m there to fight.

I’m here to fight and when it comes down to talking about using my head, I’m talking about putting on my skills to use and doing things that I haven’t done in the boxing gym, listening to my father in the corner on taking advice on what I need to do and what I need to change-up.

But don’t get me wrong, using my head I was never that type of dancing around, moving around boxer. I’ve always been that type of boxer where I’ll stand there in the pocket, and stuff like that so yes, don’t get me wrong. I’m not there to run around move and shake and bake. I’m there to fight.

Q
Fighting in New York, does it bring any extra excitement for you or is this a case of once you’ve been in one ring, you’ve been in all of them?

R. Guerrero
Yes, you hit it right on. Once you’ve been in one ring and done it for a long time and you’ve been different places, out of the country to fight and a whole bunch of different places, it comes down to just being ready and knowing how to get in there and take care of business. I’m excited to be coming-out to the East Coast and doing it.

Q
Do you view this as your final opportunity for a serious run at a world title?

R. Guerrero
No, you know, I think it’s at a critical point where you got to take care of business. Anything can happens in boxing, that’s the one nice thing about the type of fighter than I am, you’re always relevant in your division because you ain’t no pushover. You come to fight so every fight, you got to take it like it’s your last and you got to be ready.

Q
Ruben, do you feel just as much pressure for a victory just from a training perspective for your son?

Ru. Guerrero
Well, I never feel pressure, this ain’t our first bout, we’ve been there already but we’re warriors, we’re Guerreros man and once we get in that ring, it changes to a whole different ballgame.

We’re coming ready to fight, we come prepared. My son gets ready and all I’ve got to say man is we’re going to prove to the world where we’re going to be at for the next fight, man.

We’re fighting the top-tier young kid, young buck, but it all comes down like my son said it comes down to skills and listening to me and we’re going to have a defense for this kid and everybody is going to be surprised when we get in that ring.

We’re not coming just to fight, we’re coming to win and we’re coming with a smart plan and the world’s going to see what we’re all about. We’re going to be back in the game, we’ll be back in the talk and I’m confident that we’re going to win, and as he said we’re Guerreros man and we’re coming to win.

R. Guerrero
I’m just ready to go. I’m excited for the fight. How’s it going, Omar? See you July. I’m excited, I’m excited and I can’t wait for the fight. I’m excited about this fight it’s a big opportunity on FOX and we’re going to be ready. We’re going to be ready to take care of business and see you guys fight night and let’s get it on the road.

L. DiBella
Now I’m going to turn this over to Team Figueroa, you know, Omar 26-0-1 with 18 KOs, former WBC lightweight champion and he moved-up to welterweight in 2015, got a load of good wins, real warrior, the same kind of vein as Robert and this figures to be an all-out brawl as we’ve been saying.

He’s got one of the best trainers in the business, a guy that I have tremendous respect for, I think there’s very few better right now in boxing than Joel Diaz and Joel do you want to say a few words?
Joel Diaz
Well, thank you guys for having us here. Like Robert said, we’re there to put-up a great fight. Omar has been here since the beginning of the year, he took care of his issues.

He had a little bit of issues and took some time off, well deserved. He had a great career already. Omar is the type of fighter that people want to see as well as Robert Guerrero, they come to fight.

That’s why I think this fight it separates fights for the fans. Omar and Robert I think they’re going to give the fans what they want to see, a great exciting fight and, preparation for Omar Figueroa oh, it’s been great.

His weight is not an issue anymore. He’s been doing really, really well. In the past I know he had a little bit of injuries on his hand in training and that’s what we focused on, maintaining them, maintaining them so he’s healthy.

He’s 100%, have no injuries whatsoever so for July 15th, Omar Figueroa will be 100% ready to give the best of his ability and come back with a victory. I want to say thanks to Robert Guerrero, he’s such a professional person, you know, it’s been a while to see him and I’m looking forward to seeing him July 15th.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Joel and now with a record of 26-0-1 with 18 KOs the former WBC lightweight champion, one of the best young welterweights in the world, a guy who’s a warrior in the truest sense like Robert Guerrero which is why this is a can’t-miss fight. My pleasure to introduce Omar Figueroa. Omar?

Omar Figueroa
First off want to say thank you guys for having me on and thank you to Robert Guerrero and his camp for accepting the fight and hey, I’m at a loss for words when it comes to how excited I am to be back and I’ve missed everything that has to do with this. I’ve been on big stage before and, at the same time it’s something that I crave.

I’m not about the whole spectacle about boxing. I feel like I enjoy it in a pure form. I like the challenge. I like the adrenalin rush that I get. The bigger the challenge, the better and the thing that happened was that the challenges were getting to be too big because I wasn’t able to prepare for fights properly or I had injury and I had this and I had that.

And it was just getting to a point where I was killing myself just to be on that stage and at that level and that’s why I took this break. I’m back now. I’ve been training here with Joel since January and it’s been great. I feel great. My body is healed. My mind if relaxed and that is all I could ever ask for so July 15th I should be at the top of my game. If not, close to it.

Q
Are there any plans to adjust during the fight and Joel also have you worked on the Plan B just in case, you know, Robert Guerrero’s effective moving and throwing a lot of punches?

J. Diaz
Well, we work for every style, when we’re in the gym, we prepare for Plan A, Plan B, Plan C if it’s necessary because things change. You can prepare for one style and that night he can change but if Robert Guerrero decides to come forward and make it a fight, he’s going to have a war because, he’s stepping in the ring against one of the most aggressive fighters that I’ve known and that’s Omar Figueroa.

And if he decides to box as well, Omar’s been in the ring with the boxers, brawlers, there’s nothing Omar has not seen in that ring that we cannot be prepared for so whatever Robert Guerrero decides to do, we’ll be ready.

Q
Omar, as you’re getting a little older, are you concentrating a little more on power punching maybe a little less and putting a little more behind the punches?

O. Figueroa
Well, the thing is that I couldn’t put more behind my punches because my hands were just a wreck so I had to make-up for that lack of power with volume as you said and everything has to have this sort of equilibrium so I wasn’t able to put the power behind my punches, the speed like totally effective.

So I made-up with work, I worked harder to get the points that I needed to win the fight so I don’t know how my hands are going to feel. I am reluctant to go 100%. We’ve debated different things that we could do so that I can mentally just feel comfortable and let go of my hands but it’s something that lingers, my hands feel great and I can punch a wall right now with full force but mentally I won’t allow myself to do so.

So it’s something that like Joel says once you get into the fight, we’ll see what Guerrero’s going to bring to the table and we’ll adjust accordingly.

Q
And Omar even though you’ve had tremendous success in your career thus far, the feeling is you haven’t gone as far as you potentially could, are you aware of that? Where did you think you would be at this particular stage compared to where you are now?

O. Figueroa
Definitely, nobody knows what I’m capable of more than myself. Honestly, once I started having my injuries I kind of stopped thinking too far ahead. I never did that. I always liked to focus on the task at hand and especially like I said with the injuries, it kind of brings a little back down to Earth and it’s to see your life as it truly is and so I was taking it one fight at a time.

I’m just grateful that I’m able to be at this stage and perform at this level and to have the honor of being in the ring with these kinds of guys and to work with, one of the top trainers in the world is just I’m just grateful for the opportunity that I’m getting. I’ve worked by ass off to be here and I’m just taking advantage or trying to at least.

Q
Have you looked at all past Robert Guerrero some of the possibilities that could be awaiting you?

O. Figueroa
No, sir. The only thing I’ve looked at past Guerrero was going and getting a hot dog and maybe some pizza there in New York City.

Q
Omar, first of all this is Father’s Day coming up what does that mean to you?

O. Figueroa
Well, it means that yet another Father’s Day I’m going to spend here training away from my kids and at the end of the day I got to, look at the bigger picture and know that I’m doing this for them and I talk to my kids often on the phone and my daughter immediately the first thing she does is tells me that she loves me and I always see my son as well.

So I know that I’m missed. They know that this is a sacrifice for everybody but I know that at the end of the day that it’ll all be worth it.

Q
Do you see any similarities between either the careers of the guys you’re fighting or in terms of Robert being a southpaw and DeMarco being a southpaw?

O. Figueroa
There’s actually a big, big difference for each one. The preparations that the way the preparation happened for each fight. For Ricky Burns I didn’t do any boxing training whatsoever. I had a fractured hand. For DeMarco I had a messed-up elbow and I got sicker before the fight and right now I’m feeling great. My body is totally cooperating with me and so preparation has been different as well.

I feel great. The weight shouldn’t be a problem and it’s just you never know what training camp’s going to bring. It always has little surprises for us so hopefully it doesn’t surprise me too bad and we get to make it to the fight in one piece and as close to 100% as possible and I don’t know.

I’ve always said, I’m excited to see what I’m able to do in the ring when I’m close to 100% at least and it just hasn’t happened yet so I’m hoping this’ll be the one.

Q
So this is would you say in terms of how healthy you’ve been in your last four or five fights, how healthy are you compared to those fights? Is this the healthiest you’ve been or close to the healthiest?

O. Figueroa
Yes, it’s the healthiest I’ve been. This is the healthiest I’ve been since 2013 that year that I had my I had two first-round knockouts and then I had fight of the year with Arakawa but the difference is that in the Arakawa fight I fractured both of my hands in that fight so I mean, before the fight for the preparation like I said this is as healthy as I’ve ever been.

Q
Do you predict that it’ll be a brawl just like Lou DiBella said at the beginning of the calls?

O. Figueroa
Well, that’s what they all say. They all say that they’re going to stand in the middle of the ring and go toe to toe and blah, blah, blah but it tells a different story once you start getting hit. It’s like Mike Tyson says, everybody has a plan till you get hit.

So I feel that things will change once he steps in the ring with me and he sees how hard I hit and how effective I am on the inside and then it’ll be more of me chasing after him for a few rounds hopefully. Hopefully I’m right.

Q
So do you feel as though you’re going to back him up and if you do back him up, have you seen him in any fights at this weight being effective in retreat?

O. Figueroa
I have not. That’s something Joel and I have to discuss and go through, see what the plan’s going to be. We prepare it like he says we prepare for every style, we’re ready for whatever comes our way and normally like everyone knows I go forward. I don’t know, we’re going to have to figure that out as a team.

Q
Omar, did it kind of ease the pain watching your brother Brandon develop in the ring for the past year because I know you’ve been a constant presence in his career?

O. Figueroa
Yes, no, I mean, if it’s kind of been bittersweet. It’s made me miss the fight game but at the same time it’s kind of eased my worries having him in the spotlight, having him go through what I go through and I was kind of living vicariously through that so it did help and actually what was one of the reasons why I decided to take that break physically because I wanted him to be in the spotlight.

I needed that break regardless but he can shine and take advantage of the opportunities to prove he hasn’t taken anything for granted, so it’s better for me.

Q
Why Robert Guerrero after a 17, 18-month layoff?

O. Figueroa
Oh that wasn’t my decision. <y team already knows that I don’t care who I step in the ring with so I tell them you guys find fighters that’s your job. My job is to train and fight and put up a good show and your guys’ job is to make sure that things go well and when it comes to the other side of boxing. So I don’t really delve too much into that side and my team handle their job and that’s it. That’s as far as I go when it comes to any of that. Q Do you see yourself as a welterweight going forward or given the trend you feel like you can even campaign at 140 at some point in the future if it makes sense? O. Figueroa No, I’m trying to go down to 140, it’s like you said, it’s been a while since I stepped in the ring so, once I get down to 147 and whatnot, I try to linger around there, not get to heavy and get back down to 140 in the future. Q Have you done anything experimental for your hands such as changing gloves or wrapping them differently or to something more cutting edge like looking at different technology that might be out there? O. Figueroa No, there really isn’t much I can do, from trying-out different way to wrap my hands, different padding, different gloves, aside from that really all I did was give my hands time. I mean, I’ve done some crazy stuff before. I’ve gone to some experimental doctors before that believe in all this different kind of medicines and they’ve injected this sort of monkey blood on my hand. I’ve had acupuncture. I’ve had all sorts of crazy stuff done to my hands in the past but that has been, you know, three-four-five years since I’ve done that. I’ve stuck to more I guess conventional methods, not that they didn’t work or anything. At that point when you’re desperate and you just want healthy hands, you’ll do anything to have them. But no, aside from like I said just trying out different padding, different ways of wrapping them, being careful, that’s one thing that I do too. I am which I actually I get in trouble for. Joel gives me shit for not, you know, going all out in sparring and whatnot and he goes back to the good old days when I dropped everybody in a round or two and I tell him, I mean, I wish I could do that but things are different. L. DiBella Okay, well that was the last question guys so thank you all for joining us. Again, Omar Figueroa vs Robert Guerrero, Sean Monaghan versus Marcus Browne, Artur Szpilka against Adam Kownacki, PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes, 8:00 pm Eastern Time, 5:00 pm Pacific Time at NYCB’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, Saturday, July 15th, 2017. So it’ll be the first fight in Nassau Coliseum in 31 years, ticketmaster.com, nycblive.com or the Ticketmaster box office at the Nassau Coliseum. Thanks you all for joining us and we hope to see you there. # # # Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app. PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes is headlined by a matchup between exciting former world champions Omar “Panterita” Figueroa and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero on Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. July 15 will also be the first boxing event at the Coliseum since Mike Tyson headlined in 1986. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848. For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.FOXsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.FOXdeportes.comwww.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/FOXsports and www.facebook.com/FOXdeportes. www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

LONG ISLAND, NY (May 23, 2017) – A matchup between exciting former world champions Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa (26-0-1, 18 KOs)and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-5-1, 18 KOs)headlines an action-packed night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, July 15 in the first boxing event at the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the first boxing event at the Coliseum since Mike Tyson headlined in 1986.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and showing fans what I’m known for – exciting fights,” said Figueroa. “I’ve been quietly training and preparing in Indo, California with Joel Diaz and now it’s time. I’m looking forward to a great fight with Robert Guerrero on July 15 in front of a New York crowd. I can’t wait to show everyone at the Coliseum and on FOX and FOX Deportes what ‘Panterita’ is all about.”

“Both me and Omar Figueroa like to bang on the inside, which should make for great entertainment, but Omar is going to find out on July 15 that he’s facing a man who has his back against the wall and is going to leave everything in the ring,” said Guerrero. “I’m going to give the millions who’ll be watching on FOX and FOX Deportes a fight to remember. This is going to be a classic Mexican war and I’m coming out on top.”

The FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast will see unbeaten contender “Sir” Marcus Browne (19-0, 14 KOs) battling undefeated Long Island native and fan favorite Seanie Monaghan (28-0, 17 KOs) in a light heavyweight showdown.

“I have fought more times at Barclays Center than anyone, so it’s exciting to get to fight in a new venue not too far from home,” said Browne. “We might be in Seanie’s immediate backyard, but I’m just down the block, so he really isn’t any more at home than I am. I know he’s a hard-nosed fighter with a come-forward style. I’m preparing for a tough opponent. A win won’t come easy, but we have to take care of business. I am just ready to display my talent on national television and continue my climb toward a world title.”

“It is a dream come true to be fighting at the Coliseum, which is literally right next to the track where I run every day,” said Monaghan. “It is an honor to represent Long Island in the first boxing event held at this venue in 31 years. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time, and I feel that this bout will bring a new chapter in my career. I have a lot of respect for Marcus Browne, but let the best man win. On July 15, I am putting everything on the line.”

Also televised in prime time, Artur Szpilka (20-2, 15 KOs)meets Adam Kownacki (15-0, 12 KOs) in an all-Polish heavyweight showdown that promises fireworks.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and give my fans another exciting fight,” said Szpilka. “With two Polish heavyweights fighting, you know there will be power and pride on display. I’m training harder than ever to get this victory in front of the great Polish fans in New York. This will be my first step towards getting back to fighting for the heavyweight world title.”

“I can’t wait to fight again,” said Kownacki. “Most of my past fights were at Barclays Center, so fighting at the Coliseum will be a new and exciting experience. I am training very hard. A win on July 15 puts me one step closer to becoming a world champion. Szpilka will not stand in my way.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE beginning Friday, May 26 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.

“Boxing’s grand return to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is going to be wall-to-wall action,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes main event between Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero is destined to be a bloody slugfest. The co-featured bout between Staten Island’s light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne and Long Island’s undefeated ‘Irish Rocky’ Seanie Monaghan will bring the heat on a summer night in Long Island. While Marcus and Seanie will bring in a big local crowd, the heavyweight grudge match between Poland’s Artur ‘The Pin’ Szpilka and Polish American Long Islander, by way of Brooklyn, Adam ‘Baby Face’ Kownacki will pack the house with Polish fans. As a Long Islander, I am proud to promote the first fight card at Nassau Coliseum in 31 years. July 15 will be a fun, action-packed night of boxing entertainment from beginning to end; the remainder of the card will be stacked with old-school brawls including local talent.”

“The Coliseum has a rich history in boxing, having hosted notable fights with the likes of Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Gerry Cooney, among others,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We are thrilled to build on the sport’s heritage on Long Island, and to bring boxing back to the venue 31 years later with a major event on network television.”

A high volume puncher with an exciting style, Figueroa has returned to training with Joel Diaz in California leading up to this fight and looks to make his presence felt on July 15. Representing Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa is undefeated since turning pro in 2008 and won a lightweight world title by defeating Nihito Arakawa in a 2013 Fight of the Year standout. He followed that victory up with successful defenses against Jerry Belmontes and Daniel Estrada. The 27-year-old most recently defeated former world champions Ricky Burns and Antonio DeMarco in his last two outings.

Born and raised in Gilroy, Calif., Guerrero is always in exciting contests having gone toe-to-toe with Danny Garcia in a FOX main event in 2016 and Keith Thurman sandwiched around a hard fought victory over Aron Martinez. Prior to 2015, the 34-year-old picked up victories over Andre Berto, Secluk Aydin and Michael Katsidis while winning world titles in multiple divisions. The brawling warrior has been in several “Fight of the Year” candidates throughout his career, including a memorable brawl in Southern California with Yoshihiro Kamegai in 2014, and he also challenged former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather in 2013.

The undefeated Browne enters this fight after an electrifying performance in February that saw him drop former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. before knocking him out in round six. The 26-year-old defeated previously unbeaten Radivoje Kalajdzic in April 2016 after a big 2015 that saw him defeat veteran contenders Gabriel Campillo, Aaron Pryor Jr., Francisco Sierra and Cornelius White. The 2012 U.S. Olympian fights out of Staten Island, New York after an exceptional amateur career that saw him win the 2012 U.S. Amateur Championship at light heavyweight.

One of the most popular fighters representing Long Island, Monaghan looks to solidify his first world title shot when he faces Browne on July 15. Monaghan competed in the 2009 New York Golden Gloves before turning pro, reaching the final before dropping a memorable contest to fellow Long Island-native Joe Smith Jr. He has yet to taste defeat in as a professional while battling a slew of veterans eager to test his championship mettle. Monaghan added two more victories in 2016 as he stopped Janne Forsman in five rounds and beat Fernando Castanedo in December.

The always entertaining Szpilka returns to the ring after a defeat at the hands of heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder in 2016 as he attempts to get back on the path towards world title contention. The aggressive-minded 6-foot-3 Szpilka, had a four-fight win streak entering the Wilder bout as he picked up a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion Tomasz Adamek in 2014 and stoppage victories over Yasmany Consuegra, Manuel Quezada and Ty Cobb in 2015.

A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, five of Kownacki’s last six victories have come at Barclays Center and he now hopes to bring that winning mindset to the Coliseum. Originally from Poland but now living in Brooklyn, Kownacki stopped previously once-beaten Joshua Tufte in January of this year after 2016 saw him earn a stoppage of Jesse Barboza in June and a decision over Danny Kelly in January. He will take on the toughest test of his career in his countryman Szpilka.

# # #

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

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.comwww.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of suddenly red-hot welterweight David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta, says big changes are on the way for his cab-driving Argentinean fighter.

On Saturday night, Peralta (26-2-1, 14 KOs), a 70:1 underdog, came out of retirement to win a surprise 12-round split decision over former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

The victory, televised nationally on PBC on Spike, has changed 33-year-old Peralta’s fortunes in the talent-rich welterweight division.

“He is no longer a cab driver,” laughed a happy Lewkowicz, post-fight. “David came out of retirement to take this fight when I offered it to him. Now his life will change. He will go back to being a full-time fighter and I will find him another big fight to win.”

Lewkowicz, credited with discovering Manny Pacquiao and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez among many others, says his Argentinean fighter was taken lightly because he had never fought outside his homeland, but he knew what he could do.

“David is very talented fighter and very tough,” said Lewkowicz. “We knew Guerrero was in a tough battle against him, but no one else did. And I thank the great champion Robert Guerrero for giving him the opportunity. He and his team have our utmost respect.”

Lewkowicz says he will get to work finding Peralta another big opportunity as soon as possible.

“You have to like David. He is very humble and honest and he fought his heart out and now everybody knows his name. He’s a special fighter and I’m very happy to be his promoter. He was only retired because he thought nothing would ever happen in his career. He’s back now and he’ll be in the gym full-time. His cab can wait. I will find him a big fight against another top contender and try to get him in line for a world title shot. Or if Robert Guerrero feels like he wants an immediate rematch, we would give it to him. He gave us the chance.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

David Peralta took a 12-round split decision over former world champion Robert Guerrero in a welterweight bout at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

In round three, Peralta was cut over the right eye from what was ruled a punch.

Peralta, 147 lbs of Argentina took two cards at 116-112 and 115-113 while Guerrero took a card a 115-113.

Peralta is now 26-2-1. Guerrero, 146.7 lbs of Gilrouy, CA is 33-5-1.

“I came to fight and I knew I would win. He is a very good fighter but I hit him with the
harder shots.

“Yes, I want to fight bigger names now, no way I’m going to retire now. I’ll be ready again to fight soon, this was no joke and I can beat a lot of great fighters.”

Said a disappointed Guerrero, “I thought I clearly won the fight. For the judge to say I lost eight rounds sounds crazy to me. Peralta was very awkward but I felt I won. I won the rounds when I boxed. This is very disappointing but I’ll be back, that you can count on.”

Freddy Hernandez won a 10-round unanimous decision over faded contender Alfredo Angulo in a super middleweight bout

In round five, Angulo landed a right hand that opened up a cut over the left eye of Hernandez.

Hernandez, 163 lbs of Mexico City, MX won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and now is 34-8. Angulo, 164 lbs of Mexicali, MX s 24-6.

Said the happy Hernandez following the fight, “I felt great, I know I clearly won the fight. This weight is too big for me, I’m not a super middleweight or a middleweight. He still punches hard but I hit him harder tonight.

“I have a great deal of respect for Alfredo, tonight the people saw two real Mexican warriors.

2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha won a 10-round majority decision over Steven Martinez in a super welterweight bout.

Guasha, 155 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 97-93 twice and 95-95 and is now 19-0. Martinez, 154 lbs of Bronx, NY is 16-3.

Said the happy winner Gausha, “He was aggressive but I was able to solve him. This was a real test and just what I needed, I need the competition to be the best and become a world champion.”

“I wasn’t surprised by the one scorecard for a draw, it was a close fight but I definitely won.”

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (August 25, 2016) – Former multiple division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Argentine slugger David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring Saturday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features a pair of exciting contests as exciting puncher Alfredo Angulo faces veteran Freddy Hernandez while unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha battles the Bronx’s Steve Martinez.

The Premier Boxing Champions fighters were joined by Bellator MMA fighters participating in Friday night’s Bellator fight that is part of back-to-back nights of combat sport action on Spike as at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Tickets for the August 27 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $31, $58, $108 and $203, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“I got a chance to size him up today. I saw how tall he is. Picking my spots – seeing where I have to go. After looking at him, I know he’s coming to fight. I’m expecting a war.

“Like all Argentine fighters, I know he’s got that hunger to prove he’s worthy of this big opportunity and make the most of it.

“The weigh-in is tomorrow and I’m just ready to fight. I’m focused and the fans can expect to see me leave everything in the ring like always.

“I’ve seen some tape on him. He’s one of those guys that is durable. A durable tall, lanky guy. His height is going to help him.

“I am expecting a tough fight for sure. This is like a world title shot for him. I don’t know what he is going to bring to the table and that is exciting for me.”

DAVID EMANUEL PERALTA

“This is the biggest fight of my career. It is very important. I have to go out there and put on a great show.

“I want to go down the same path as Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse. They were given great opportunities in their careers and took advantage of them. I am going to take advantage of this opportunity.

“This is an opportunity to learn. Every fight and fighter is different. I have watched Guerrero fight, but every fighter is different. I have a gameplan to beat him.

“I am well prepared. I came here to fight. I am prepared to go the distance. I am going to throw a lot of punches, move around and be ready to get the decision.”

ALFREDO ANGULO

“I’m very excited to fight on Saturday night against Freddy Hernandez.

“With two Mexican warriors in the ring, the fans will be the true winners.

“I was off for a while but with my new trainer, Ramon Quirote, I feel much stronger and will fight like ‘El Perro’ of old with the same passion.

“The fans have always been great to me and I can’t wait to put on a performance for them.

“Right now I’m only focused on Freddy Hernandez then we will see who I can fight next.

FREDDY HERNANDEZ

“I’m anticipating a really great fight. I’m prepared, he’s prepared. It’s going to be a battle.

“Fans can expect someone that will step into the ring with attitude and bravery. I’m a guy that doesn’t hold back and Angulo better be ready.

“What’s my secret weapon? Chocolate cake.

“I’m just ready for this fight. I worked hard and any time two Mexicans get into the ring, it’s fireworks.”

TERRELL GAUSHA

“I had a different experience with the Olympics. I missed the trials. I was taking time off from boxing. I lost the passion for it a little bit and I took some time off, but I was able to fight for a spot on the team, and I wont every fight I was in leading into the Olympics.

“I am excited for this fight. I trained really hard. Sometimes you have to take chances. I am ready to be aggressive and I am ready to change up my style in order to counter him.

“I know this is going to be a tough fight. It is going to be my toughest fight to date. It is important for me to take a step up and show the world what I can do.

“I appreciate my fans for sticking with me. Without fans, there would be no boxing. I appreciate my fans and I want to go out there on Saturday night and give them a great show.

STEVE MARTINEZ

“Our fight is going to steal the show. I think its really competitive and exciting. We’re hungry. We came here to execute the game plan and win. It is going to be explosive.

“We trained hard. This is a big opportunity. This is a change-up fight for me and my team. We are focused – its tunnel vision until Saturday. On Spike you’re going to see that after our fight, he won’t be undefeated anymore.

“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. It is going to open up big doors for me.

“My parents are big boxing fans. I watched boxing all my life. The minute I walked into the boxing gym, I never looked back.

“I don’t put any pressure on myself. We are going to execute the gameplan, win and represent the Bronx.”

# # #

FIGHT INFORMATION:
Tickets for the August 27 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $31, $58, $108 and $203, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @GhostBoxing @@SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (August 15, 2016) – Former multiple division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-4-1, 18 KOs)will bring his exciting style to the ring as he look to put on a show when he he headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Spike against Argentine slugger David Emanuel Peralta (25-2-1, 14 KOs) Saturday, August 27 from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features a pair of exciting contests as exciting puncher Alfredo Angulo faces veteran Freddy Hernandez while unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha battles the Bronx’s Steve Martinez. PBC on Spike is part of back-to-back nights of combat sports on Spike as Bellator takes the stage Friday night in Anaheim.

Tickets for the August 27 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $31, $58, $108 and $203, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

Guerrero, along with his trainer and father Ruben Guerrero, have put together another successful camp in the Bay Area as Robert looks to earn another opportunity at the top fighters in the sport. Here is what Guerrero had to say about his matchup, training camp and more:

On fighting in a special weekend edition of MMA and Boxing on Spike…
“It’s going to be a great weekend of fights on Spike. On Friday, you got top level MMA fighters like Benson Henderson throwing down. He’s always giving the fans their money’s worth. On Saturday, you got Alfredo Angulo and myself, who always bring excitement to the ring. We’re never in boring fights. All in all, there’s going to be a lot of action packed fights that weekend. Everyone should be tuning in that’s for sure.”

On his recent training camp…
“There’s been a lot of hard work that’s been put into this recent training camp. My dad and I have been grinding daily to get ready for this fight. It’s been a productive camp though. I got a lot of rounds sparring with top guys. I’m in tip top shape and ready to go.”

On facing tough Argentine David Emanuel Peralta…
“Anytime you’re facing a fighter from Argentina you know you’re in for a tough fight. Peralta knows this is his chance to make a name for himself so I know he’s coming with his very best. He’s had a lot of time to prepare for this fight but I’ll be well prepared for anything he brings. He’s going to realize once he’s in the ring with me that I’m not some washed up fighter like some may think. I got plenty of fight left in me and Peralta will find out what I’m all about on August 27th.”

On the importance of coming out victorious…
“It’s very important that I win this fight at all cost. The welterweight division has plenty of good fighters that I want to get in the ring with. So it’s a must that I win this fight. I’m not taking Peralta lightly. I’m coming to win and win impressively.”

On fighting in Anaheim at the Honda Center…
“Anytime you’re fighting in Southern California, you know the fans are going to be passionate about the fights. They love to see a lot of action and that’s exactly what they’ll see when I step in the ring. The Honda Center is a top level venue where the fans will all have a great seat. I’m looking forward to fighting in front of the SoCal fans once again.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @GhostBoxing @@SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (July 26, 2016) – Former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Mexican brawler Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha participated in a press conference in Santa Monica Tuesday hosted by Spike in advance of the Premier Boxing Champions and Bellator doubleheader August 26 and 27 from Honda Center in Anaheim.

PBC on Spike takes place Saturday, August 27 in an event headlined by the former multi-division weight champion Guerrero as he takes on Argentine slugger David Emanuel Peralta. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features the hard-hitting Angulo battlingveteran Freddy Hernandez plus the unbeaten super welterweight Gaushagoing up against the Bronx’s Steve Martinez.

Tickets for the August 27 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $31, $58, $108 and $203, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

The event took place at the Spike headquarters in Santa Monica as the PBC fighters discussed the exciting weekend of action along with the Bellator fighters. Here is what the PBC fighters had to say Tuesday:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“I want to get back in there with the top guys. All the fights are there. I have to get back in that position. I have to get them to stand toe-to-toe with me.

“I don’t need to prove anything to myself. I know I can fight. I come in and work hard every day. I have to go and prove it to the fans. The fans are what makes us. I have to prove it to everybody watching that I’m there at the top level.

“We definitely want a rematch with Danny Garcia. If I don’t get that, it’s anyone at 147 pounds. The guys are all there and I’m ready to battle.

“You have to be able to be ready for anything in the ring. I know Peralta is going to be dangerous and at his best. I’m not looking past him.

“Training has been going great. I have my team together and we’re working hard. We’re staying focused and ready to get the job done.

“I have a tough guy in front of me on August 27. I have to take care of him and leave no doubts so that I can get in there against the top guys again.

“I think boxing and MMA can co-exist because everybody likes to watch people beat each other up. People like guys getting put down and getting back up. It’s nice to have the two events back-to-back and I’m happy to be the guy out there putting on a show for the fans.”

ALFREDO ANGULO

“I want to show people that ‘El Perro’ is back and that I still want to compete in the biggest fights. If I work hard, I think that I can have an opportunity by next year for a title shot.

“I have a great team in training and we’re working hard for this challenge. I want to put on a great show for the fans. I want fans to remember my fights and I think this will be the best fight of the night.

“Two Mexicans fighting is always a great fight. We have a lot of experience and we’re both going to come forward and fight with our hearts.

“This will be a great night of boxing. I’m confident no matter who I fight. I bring my heart to the ring and fight for my fans until the last bell.”

TERRELL GAUSHA

“I’m going to go out there and try to be victorious. This is a tough opponent. Once I dominate this guy I think I’ll be closer to a title shot.

“I think I’m ready for a title shot soon. I want to go out there and take care of this guy and show that I’m ready to take over the division.

“This is a great chance to showcase my talent. The fans are what’s most important. You want to be the guy that people see and take a liking to.

“I don’t need to call anybody out. My way of doing it is by my performance. I’m a laid back and humble guy. I will fight anybody though. It’s a yes to any name.

“I know a lot about Steve Martinez. We were in the amateurs at the same time so we really came up together. He’s a tough fighter and a very good test for me. On paper he’s the toughest opponent I’ve faced in the pros.

“One thing about me, I make adjustments in the ring. Who knows if he’s going to try and switch it up? I’m ready for anything he has.

“I see myself being smart in the ring. Winning each round and picking this guy apart. I’m sharper and faster. I’m going to outclass him. I’m training hard trying to get him out of there.

“It’s cool to see us combining boxing with MMA and shedding light on each other’s sport. It’s a really tough sport and I take my hat off to all of those guys. But my thing is boxing and I’m sticking to it.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @GhostBoxing @@SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

ANAHEIM, CALIF. (July 20, 2016) – Former multi-divisional world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-4-1, 18 KOs) meets Argentine slugger David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta (25-2-1, 14 KOs) in 10-rounds of welterweight action that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Saturday, August 27 from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features hard-hitting Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (24-5, 20 KOs) battling veteran Freddy Hernandez (33-8, 22 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight matchup of Mexican brawlers plus 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (18-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line against the Bronx’s Steve Martinez (16-2, 13 KOs) in 10-rounds of super welterweight action.

“I’m very excited to get back in the ring,” said Guerrero. “This is an exciting time for boxing fans across the world. It’s a blessing to be fighting back in Southern California. My opponent is a tough fighter from Argentina. Everybody knows that fighters from Argentina always come to fight, so I must be prepared and I’m expecting a war. All combat sports fans should be tuning in to see this all-action fight between two warriors. Expect to see fireworks like in all of my fights.”

“I’m thrilled to enter the ring and fight in front of the passionate Southern California boxing fans for the first time,” said Peralta. “Guerrero is a great fighter and a former world champion and I’m training very hard to be victorious on August 27. This is a great opportunity for me and I’m going to take full advantage.”

Tickets for the August 27 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $31, $58, $108 and $203, plus applicable fees, and are on sale Thursday, July 21. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

Born and raised in Gilroy, California, Guerrero is always in exciting contests having gone toe-to-toe with world champions Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman sandwiched around a hard fought victory over Aron Martinez. Prior to 2015, the 33-year-old picked up victories over Andre Berto, Secluk Aydin and Michael Katsidis while winning world titles in multiple divisions. The brawling warrior has been in several “Fight of the Year” candidates throughout his career, including a toe-to-toe clash in Southern California with Yoshihiro Kamegai in 2014, and will hope to again invigorate fans with a thrilling battle against the hard-charging Peralta.

A hard fighting Mexican battler born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico but fighting out of Coachella, Calif., Angulois looking for another big victory in front of his Southern Californian fans. Always ready to challenge the best in the sport, the 33-year-old has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best fighters in the world and holds knockout victories over Gabriel Rosado, Joachim Alcine and Joel Julio while most recently earning a knockout victory over Hector Munoz in August. Angulo returns to take on Mexico City’s Hernandez, who enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he earned victories over Norberto Gonzalez, Luis Grajeda, Eliezer Gonzalez and Said El Harrak before making his 2016 debut with a victory over Orlando Lora. He faces the 26-year-old Martinez from the Bronx who most recently stopped Jorge Melendez in the second round.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @GhostBoxing @@SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

New York, NY, July 16, 2016 – The most action-packed, hardest-hitting weekend in sports this summer will be not be in Rio – but in Anaheim – as Spike Sports presents two world-class events on back-to-back nights. Bellator MMA’s Benson Henderson (23-6) and Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (25-3), two of the most exciting mixed martial arts fighters in the world, do battle on Friday, August 26 (10:00pm-12:00am ET/PT). The action continues the next day with Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-4-1) taking on David Emanuel Peralta (25-2-1) on Saturday, August 27 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT). Both events will emanate from Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

Benson Henderson has fought and beaten many of the best fighters in the world. His impressive resume includes victories over: Frankie Edgar, Donald Cerrone, Gilbert Melendez, Nate Diaz, Jim Miller and Bellator’s Josh Thomson. But “Smooth” has never faced an angry “Pitbull” in one of the most important fights of his life.

Patricio “Pitbull” Freiere is a former featherweight world champion who is stepping up to lightweight in the biggest challenge of his decorated career. In a Shakespearean twist, a win over Henderson would put him in line for a title shot against recently crowned 155-pound champion Michael Chandler, who scored a brutal knockout over Patricio’s brother to secure the division’s crown. But to avenge his brother’s loss, he must first defeat the highly-regarded “Bendo.”

Henderson is also in need of a big win as his recent Bellator debut was spoiled by welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov. The hard-hitting Russian scored a unanimous decision victory in a five-round brawl against Henderson this past April at “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson.”

Robert Guerrero is among the biggest names in boxing today, having fought the sport’s marquee names like Floyd Mayweather. A former world champion in multiple weight classes, he owns signature victories over Andre Berto and Joel Casamayor. But now Guerrero is on a quest to return to the top of the welterweight division beginning with this matchup on August 27. He must defeat the hard-hitting Argentinian slugger David Emanuel Peralta to see his dreams of sitting atop the division realized once again.

The tripleheader also features all-action slugger Alfredo Angulo (24-5)taking on battle-tested Freddy Hernandez (33-8)in a battle of Mexican brawlers. A fan favorite in Southern California, Angulo enters this fight coming off of two knockout victories and he will look to make it three in a row when he steps into the ring on August 27. A veteran of many exciting 154-pound contests, Angulo is looking to continue to make noise in the middleweight division against Hernandez, who has won his last three fights heading into this showdown.

Rounding out the night of televised fights is 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (18-0) putting his undefeated record on the line against the Bronx’s Steve Martinez (16-2). Fighting out of Cleveland, Gausha has risen up the rankings with five victories in 2015 and a seventh round stoppage of Orlando Lora in April. Now he will test himself against against the dangerous Martinez, who has recorded knockouts in 13 of his 16 victories.

Tickets for the August 27 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $31, $58, $108 and $203, plus applicable fees, and are on sale Wednesday, July 20. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

About Bellator MMA:
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Premier Boxing Champions:
Premier Boxing Champions is a live boxing series created for TV and cable by Haymon Boxing. The series features the greatest array of international boxing talent in all weight divisions, with fighters representing over 10 countries including the United States and Mexico. From former Olympians to Champions of all nationalities, the series can be seen on over ten networks in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the UK.

About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing.

GILROY, CA (February 17, 2016) – The “California Boxing Hall of Fame” is happy to announce that multiple division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, will be one of its 2016 inductees. The ceremony will take place at the Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center in Studio City, CA on October 22, 2016.

“The Ghost” who once fought at super-bantamweight (122 lbs) successfully moved up several weight classes to compete at welterweight, winning multiple world titles along the way, becoming one of boxing’s most notable warriors. Still active today, Guerrero has plenty of fight left in him and wants nothing more than to get the fans more great fights. He is thrilled to be part of the 2016 class of inductees.

“To be inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame is a great honor,” said Robert Guerrero. “I have to thank my family and team for getting me to where I’m at today. I couldn’t have done it without them. As fighters, we put our lives on the line every time we step into the ring, and we do it for the love of the sport. The fans are the ones who benefit from our sacrifices and that’s what it’s all about. I love boxing and I want to let the fans know that I’m always going to give it my all every time I fight. To be part of the 2016 inductees is unbelievable.”

WHAT: 2016 California Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies

WHEN: October 22, 2016
Starts at 11:00 am

WHERE: Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center “Empire Room”
12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: (818) 755-5000
Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel Phone: (818) 769-4700

Ticket Information
Luncheon Ticket – $75.00 (tax, tip incl.)
Send check payable to – California Boxing Hall of Fame
c/o Don Fraser
10516 Addison St, North Hollywood, CA 91601

For Advertising Information – Call (818) 761-4887 or Email: [email protected]