Callum Johnson stopped Seanie Monaghan in round three of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Monaghan was already bleeding above the right eye. In round two, Johnson dropped Monaghan with a right. Seconds later Johnson sent Monaghan to the canvas with a left hook. The bout was stopped 23 seconds into round three after a huge barrage of punches from Johnson.

Johnson, 173 lbs of Boston, ENG is 18-1 with 13 knockouts. Monaghan, 174 lbs of Long Beach, NY is 29-3.

Callum Johnson says his clash with Sean Monaghan on Saturday at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on Saturday March 9, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK, is a bigger fight than his World title challenge – as victory can lead to another World title shot, but defeat sends him to the wilderness.

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Johnson (17-1-0 12KOs) challenged Artur Beterbiev for the IBF World Light-Heavyweight title in the first ever live show on American soil on DAZN, and the pair put on a hell-raising shootout, with Johnson climbing off the canvas in the opening round to send Beterbiev to the deck in the second session.

The Russian champion rose from the floor to stop the Brit challenger in the fourth round to hold onto his belt and unbeaten status – but Johnson certainly made fight fans stand up and take notice of his ferocious power.

Johnson is back in the US for a crunch showdown with Monaghan (29-2-0 17KOs), with both men having one eye on the headliner Dmitry Bivol, who defends his WBA World Light-Heavyweight title against Joe Smith Jr.

A fight with the winner of that bout could be on the cards for the victor in the Johnson-Monaghan clash, but the Commonwealth Games gold medal man knows that defeat could be the end of the road at the top level for the loser.

“It’s a great opportunity to be straight back out in America and I think that there’s a good chance that if I win this fight, I’ll get another World title shot,” said Johnson. “There’s a lot on the line, probably more so than the Beterbiev fight because if I lose, where do I go? Victory leads to massive things – so it’s all on the line and I can’t wait.

“I did myself some favors in a way against Beterbiev but knowing myself and what I can do, I maybe underperformed in the end, I let occasion get to me and maybe his reputation got to me. I did myself proud and I think that the fans and DAZN saw what I can do which is why I am back here again.

“I showed glimpses of what I am about so now I want to be active and keep fighting regularly, because I went into the Beterbiev fight on the back of just 90 seconds of action in two years. No excuses, those are the cards I’ve been dealt, but getting this fight, get through it and I’ll be more active and show people what I can really do.

“I’m still disappointed to be honest. Everyone was telling me how well I did and what a great fight it was, we both went down and threw a lot of leather. No one gave me a chance against him so I shocked a lot of people but I still kick myself as I think I could have done better and when I put him down in the second, I felt I froze a bit. I learnt a lot from that mentally though.

“Winning puts me back out there and in the mix. People are talking about me at World title level now, not at British, European or Commonwealth level. I’m in that World title mix so only good things can come for me now.

“I have a young family at home so I want to buy a house and secure my kids future – that’s my number one goal. I want the biggest fights possible for the most money – it’s pretty simple.

“That British scene is great, but it’s not for me to say what the likes of Joshua Buatsi and Anthony Yarde are doing. Buatsi is only heading one way, and that’s to World level so that’s a fight that could come around – but it needs to be worth it both money-wise and for what would be on the line.

“There are big names at Super-Middleweight too that excite me if those fights could get made, I feel I could make 168lbs if the fight made sense. I keep my options open for the biggest fights with the most money, I’ve spoken to Joe Gallagher a few times about Super-Middle over the last couple of years, it hasn’t gone further than a chat, but I think it’s an option if the right fight is there.”

Johnson and Monaghan clash on a huge night of action at Turning Stone Resort Casino topped by two big World title fights, with Bivol meeting Smith Jr and Maurice Hooker (25-0-3 17 KOs) defending his WBO World Super-Lightweight title against Brooklyn’s Mikkel LesPierre (21-0-1 10KOs).

Kazakh amateur star Israil Madrimov (1-0 1KO) defends his WBA Inter-Continental Super Welterweight title against Frank Rojas (24-2-0 23 KOs), world-ranked heavyweight contender Sergey Kuzmin, (14-0 11 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Russia will battle Philadelphia based veteran Joey Dawejko, (19-6-4 11 KOs) and Otha Jones III makes his pro debut on the card.

Callum Johnson and Sean Monaghan will clash in a crunch Light-Heavyweight battle at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on Saturday March 9, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

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Johnson (17-1 12KOs) returns to the States following his first World title fight in October in Chicago against Artur Beterbiev, a wild shoot-out with the Russian champion where he hit the deck in the opening round, but returned the favor with interest in the second round before being stopped in the fourth.

The 33 year old former British and Commonwealth champion and Commonwealth Games gold medal man is straight back into a major showdown for the 175lbs division as he targets a second crack at the big prize in 2019, with the fight notably bolstering the stacked bill for WBA ruler Dmitry Bivol’s defense against Joe Smith Jr.

“I was gutted in the Beterbiev fight, I was gutted because I felt the occasion maybe got to me, but I still had good moments in the fight and I’ve learned a lot from it,” said Johnson.

“I know that if a second shot comes my way, I will be more than ready for it with the experience of Chicago behind me. Sean always puts everything into his fights and he badly needs this win, just like I do, so there should be fireworks.”

Irish-American Monaghan (29-2 17KOs) is in no doubt as to what is on the line in what he’s calling a ‘do or die’ fight for his career.

The New Yorker enters the bout gone the ten round distance with Sullivan Barerra in November, and the 37 year old sees a victory over Johnson as a must-win to keep his World title dreams alive.

“I’ve had my eye on Callum since before the Beterbiev fight,” said Monaghan. “He has a come forward pressure style and our styles should make for a fan friendly fight.

“I know these Brit’s always come in shape so I’m already working very hard. This is a fight I absolutely need to win. No excuses, it’s do or die for me.”

Johnson and Monaghan clash on a huge bill in upstate New York led by a World title double-header in the shape of Bivol’s clash with Smith Jr and Maurice Hooker puts his WBO Junior-Welterweight title against unbeaten challenger Mikkel LesPierre. Ohio talent Otha Jones III makes his pro debut on the card, with more undercard action to be announced.

New York, NY: Today at Mendez Boxing in Manhattan, Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) and “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (29-1, 17 KOs) addressed the media and faced off in advance of their Saturday, November 3 showdown on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch live from the Aviator in Brooklyn. Below are quotes and photos from the event:

Sullivan Barrera – Former light heavyweight title contender

On the fight this weekend:

“I feel good, I feel great. Ready to retire him.
I’m going to bring it, and someday become the number one light heavyweight in the world.”

Make or break fight:

“For sure. But I’ve put in a lot of work, and I’m going to be the better man.”

“Irish” Seanie Monaghan

On the fight this weekend:

“It’s going to be a tough one, man, but I’m ready for it. Mentally and physically, I’m ready for it. Barrera is what I call a deep-water shark. He’s been in deep before, he’s dangerous the whole time. He’s the kind of guy, he’ll get dropped, get back up, and fight even harder. I’m expecting to get my work cut out for me, but I’m ready to do what I gotta do to win.”

Make or break fight:

“One hundred percent for both of us, I say. That’s why we’re both gotta be in desperation mode. We both desperately need to win this fight. It’s going to show on Saturday night. Lucky for you guys, but not so lucky for us!”

About Barrera-Monaghan: The Saturday, November 3 card, headlined by Sullivan Barrera versus “Irish” Seanie Monaghan as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook, will take place at The Aviator Sports & Events Center in Brooklyn, NY. The event is promoted by Main Events. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets, priced from $125 to $50 are on sale and available through Eventbrite or by calling or emailing Main Events: 973-200-7050; [email protected].

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Kathy Duva – CEO, Main Events

“Good morning and good afternoon. Better late than never, right? We have had a long road to making this fight happen. I’m confident it will be worth the wait.

“As our fight poster says, this bout is “High Stakes” for both Sullivan and Seanie. This fight is a career make or break.

“The winner will be right back in the mix for a world championship in the competitive light heavyweight division. The loser will have a hard road ahead. With high stakes for the fighters comes high excitement for boxing fans.

“Tickets are on sale and priced so local fans can attend to see many regional New York based fighters along with Sullivan and Seanie including LeShawn Rodriguez and Ismael Villareal.

“We also have hard hitting middleweight Denis Douglin and even harder hitting heavyweight Cassius Chaney.

“Ticket prices start at just $50 and they are available through Eventbrite or by calling Main Events at 973-200-7050 or emailing [email protected].”

Derik Santos – Trainer of Sullivan Barrera

“Hello everybody. As you all know we have been to the top of that ladder, we had a misstep, but I still consider Sullivan to be the guy right under the champions. You just get back on that horse, do your training and we are right back at it, thanks to our promoters.”

Sullivan Barrera – Former light heavyweight contender

“Of course, this fight is very significant for my career. I had a misstep, but I want to get right back in the mix for another title shot.”

Kathy Duva

“I would like to give a shout out to Sullivan’s manager, Luis Molina. I know he usually prefers to stay silent, but we always know he is right there in the background. Sullivan has had a terrific career and continues to be a force in the division. I think that speaks volumes to his work ethic and the electricity we get from him every time he gets in the ring. We are looking forward to this one.”

PJ Kavanaugh – Manager of Seanie Monaghan

“I want to thank Kathy and Main Events for finally putting this together. We have been looking forward to this for quite some time. We understand it is a big fight and, as everybody knows, the winner will be right back in the mix for world championship opportunities.

“As Kathy said before, for the loser, it will be a tough road. It’s ‘High Stakes’ because everything is riding on this. We understand that Sullivan wants to get back on that horse and it is going to be up to Seanie to make sure he doesn’t. Come November 3rd, I think it is going to make for a great fight. I think the styles make for a great exciting fight. Both guys come to fight and both guys are very tough competitors. Sean has been training hard and he is not underestimating anything with Sullivan. We know his record speaks for itself.

“We are confident. Sean is confident. We are working hard, and hard work pays off. We are really looking forward to November 3rd and Seanie is ready to do battle. It is all on the line.”

Joe Higgins – Trainer of Seanie Monaghan

“We are very grateful to Main Events and the Sullivan camp. Seanie and Sullivan seemed to have a little Twitter talk back-and-forth back in the day, and it was only fitting that these two go at it in the ring.

“I think the bout is very evenly matched. For those of you who don’t know Sean, because he may not be the most popular athlete, but he has been in the top ten for a few years now. I can assure you, that has not been by mistake. We were ready for August 18th. We know things happen in boxing and we are glad that Sullivan is ok. We think this is going to be a fan-friendly fight. There is going to be no standing room in that arena.

“Seanie has been with me for 17 years. He has always done the work. He has always lived an itinerary life. He eats right; he sleeps. He does everything correctly. He has never been a problem for a promotion and we are not going to be one this time. I can assure you that he is going to be ready. This is really like two training camps we did back-to-back preparing for Sullivan. We did take a slight rest, but we think the batteries are charged. We are ready to go. We are finishing up strong.

“We expect a really tough fight from this guy. I am not going to say we didn’t study him, but we are ready for what ever happens that night. Whether it is a brawl, whether we are going to box, whatever you want. We think this is going to be an Arturo Gatti vs. Mickey Ward-type fight. In my eyes that could be blasphemy, because I don’t think I have ever seen anything else like that in boxing. I would not be surprised if these two fought each other two or three times and end up fighting each other for the title later on. This was always the game plan from Day One with Sean and me.

“With the amount of work, we have done over the years we’re really not surprised to be here. We are grateful, truly grateful, to Main Events and the Barrera camp. I am really glad that this worked out because this is the kind of fight that should happen for the fans.”

“Irish” Seanie Monaghan

“I want to thank Kathy and Main Events for giving me the opportunity. I want to thank Sullivan Barrera and his team for taking the challenge. I’ve got a lot of respect for him and his team. If you look at his resume, it speaks for itself. He’s one of the most dangerous guys in the world. There’s undefeated guys with better looking records than him, who would be a much easier fight than he is. He’s the kind of guy he takes everybody to deep water. He’ll get dropped, get up and fight even harder. That’s been on my mind this entire training camp. I know I’m going to have to push myself way harder than I ever have before to get past this guy. The poster has it right, this is a ‘High Stakes’ game for both of us. May the best man win.”

Kathy Duva

When Gatti-Ward was made, nobody expected Gatti-Ward. These are the kind of fights where that happens, where you have two fighters who have everything on the line and have styles that are complimentary. Everyone who watches this is going benefit. And it’s going to be on Facebook Watch. You don’t have to buy a subscription or pay anything. It’s going to be a great night.”

Question: Do you like the new live streaming platforms? Do you think it’s good for boxing?

Sullivan Barrera: “I think that’s a great idea. Everyone knows HBO is out of the game. Live streaming is the new king. It’s good for boxing people; I think that’s great.”

Seanie Monaghan: “Times are changing, and you’ve got to roll with the times. HBO boxing is gone now. Everybody and their mother is on Facebook every day of the week. We’ll get a lot of viewers, a lot of eyes on this. This is going to be he kind of fight people don’t want to miss.”

PJ Kavanaugh: “Seanie has a lot of fans in Ireland and also in the UK. It’s great they are getting the opportunity to watch this live.”

Question: This is a crucial fight for both guys. Sullivan, do you believe this is a make or break fight?

Sullivan Barrera: “Every fight is important to me. I know he’s tough. When we are brought together, I will bring my best fight Saturday. I’m trying to get another title shot and title fight. I think this is my opportunity.”

Question: Seanie, you seem to concentrate on stamina and movement. Is that something you’re going to try and incorporate?

Seanie Monaghan: “I have been known to get swept away with my emotions in a fight sometimes. I lose my temper sometimes. I feel stronger and tougher than a guy, I’ll try to bully him. This training camp I came to the realization I’ve been boxing for 17 years. I am a good boxer. I don’t have to get hit so much. I’ve been focusing on my boxing and my movement. You’ve got to use all the smarts you have against a guy as dangerous as Barrera. I’m going to put my best foot forward, and I’m going to show a new and improved version of me that night.”

Question: Sullivan, you lost to Dmitry Bivol and Andre Ward. What is it about their styles that troubled you the most? What about Bivol you couldn’t capitalize on?

Sullivan Barrera: “I’ve come back, I am strong, my mentality is strong too. I want to prove my heart in this fight. I lost to Andre Ward; I lost to Bivol. I’m training hard and I want to get back on track in my career. Both guys are tough light heavyweights. Ward is retired now. At this level, it’s like Gennady – Canelo. They had close fights. You can win, you can lose, it’s tough.”

Question: Sullivan, you’ve been in with a higher caliber of opposition than Seanie. Do you think it will help you in this fight?

Sullivan Barrera: “No, I don’t think so. He’s tough too. I’m just training hard at the gym. I’m listening to my coach. It’s good because I have tough fights before, but that doesn’t help too much because I am fighting with him, he’s tough. I will put in everything on Saturday.”

Derik Santos: “Every fight is like an original play, it has to play out. I think sometimes, sure, at the beginning when you are building up a fighter, you say ‘This guy has more experience.’ It might give him a slight edge. The guy across the ring has two hands, too. He’s trying to do the same thing. Maybe he hasn’t had the opportunity to show something. You can’t underestimate any of your opponents. We’re definitely not underestimating Seanie. You always have to remember every night is a night in itself.”

Question: A lot went back and forth between you two on Twitter. Is it personal?

Sullivan Barrera: “I don’t have nothing personal against him. That’s just boxing. It’s a great fight for boxing fans. You just do it, give the fans the great show. For me it’s nothing personal, it’s just sport.”

Seanie Monaghan: “There’s nothing personal here. As an athlete, as a warrior, you look at what the other guys are doing around you. I’ve seen Barrera fight, I’ve seen him get dropped and get back up and fight harder. I know what his resume is. I’ve got nothing but respect for him. Kathy (Duva) probably wanted more fireworks with the media conference here. But we’re not trash talking guys who are warriors. We’ll have plenty of action on that night in the ring.”

Question: Seanie, you’ve boxed twice at The Aviator, it’s a 25 minutes ride from your home where you have massive support. Do you feel it gives you an advantage?

Seanie Monaghan: “I feel very comfortable there, I’ve seen it already. I know what the locker room looks like. I know what the drive there feels like. There’s a level of comfort there.”

Question: Seanie, is this fight with Sullivan Barrera an opportunity to erase your one career loss to Marcus Browne?

Seanie Monaghan: “I’ve definitely got a chip on my shoulder. I was embarrassed by that loss. Maybe my head got a little bit too big for myself. I didn’t really even think it was possible; I’ve never been down in my life in the ring or even in sparring. I got put down with a shot and was kind of dazed. I learned a big lesson, I’ll never put myself in that position again. I’ll gather myself up and keep on fighting. I’ve seen Barrera do it many times. It was just a bad experience, but it’s probably better to have that experience going into a fight with Barrera than never having that experience before. I’m more seasoned and I took what I can from that, and I moved on.”

Question: Why didn’t the Joe Smith Jr. fight ever happen, and will it happen in the future?

PJ Kavanaugh: “We made many attempts to make that fight. Between the promoters not coming together and agreeing on purses, the money has been an issue, more so on their side than ours. We’ve made attempts to make it. I still think it’s a great fight to happen. In the past we wanted to do it, and, in the future, we want to do it. We love the fight. Hopefully we can make it happen. We’re moving on with the Barrera fight and that’s what we’re excited about.”

Question: Seanie, will a win over Barrera be the type of win that shows the division you are a legit contender?

Seanie Monaghan: “Absolutely. As far as rankings go, you see guys who aren’t even ranked get a title fight. It’s kind of all about being in the right place at the right time. But being ranked in the top five in the world and getting a big signature win against a guy like Barrera has to move my career forward in the right direction.”

Question: Are you overall concerned about any ring rust?

Seanie Monaghan: No, we’ve done multiple training camps for fights that all fell through. I was supposed to fight (Eleider) Alvarez in Canada, that kind of all fell apart, and he got a fight with (Sergey) Kovalev. I was supposed to fight Barrera in the summer, and that fell apart. I was supposed to fight Anthony Yarde in England, and that ended up falling apart, and now I’m back with Barrera. I’ve been in the gym the whole time and I’ve improved a lot this year. My one loss made me re-evaluate myself and re-evaluate my weaknesses and work on them. I’m coming out as the best possible version of myself I’ve ever been.”

Question: Sullivan, what did you learn from your loss to Dmitry Bivol?

Sullivan Barrera: “Every fight, you’re learning. With Bivol, that was a tough fight. I have experience, but every fighter is different. Every style is different. I’m learning by myself, at the gym, and waiting for another opportunity to fight for a title.”

Question: What is your opinion of Seanie Monaghan as a fighter?

Sullivan Barrera: “Seanie is a great fighter, a tough fighter. I think he is a good fighter for the boxing fans. We have the same style, we’ve going to make the fight fun for everyone.”

Question: Seanie, you have another chance to prove yourself. What have you done differently with this camp to prepare for Sullivan?

Seanie Monaghan: “With the loss to Marcus (Browne), it’s going to actually end up helping me in the long run. I took a learning lesson from that. I walked into the ring half asleep. I’ve been known to kind of be too calm before fights, I calm myself down in the locker room. I walked into that fight half asleep and the next thing it was over. I know how dangerous Barrera is, and I know I’ll be switched on as soon as the opening bell rings.”

Question: If you get past this fight, how interested are you in a rematch with Dmitry Bivol?

Sullivan Barrera: “Right now, I’m looking at Seanie, I have my mind focused on him. But yeah, my goal is a rematch. I think that night was not my night. Right now, I’m focusing on Seanie. I’m training hard for him. I hope in the future I have my rematch with Dmitry.”

Question: Do you want a knockout?

Sullivan Barrera: “He’s a tough guy. When you fight with a tough guy you never know what’s going to happen. When I walk into the ring for my fight, it doesn’t matter if it’s a knockout or a unanimous decision. I’m not looking for the knockout, I’m going to have fun with my fight.”

Question: What has Seanie done differently to prepare for this fight?

PJ Kavanaugh: The one thing I’ve observed, Seanie has really been working on his boxing skills. In his past his toughness has carried him through a long way in his boxing career. Joe has been working with him, bringing some new stuff to the table.”

Joe Higgins: “Seanie has always had some pretty decent boxing skills. But like he said earlier, sometimes he gets drawn into a brawl. We could tell you what we specifically trained for, and the fight could turn out to be something different. We have also prepared for that. Yes, we did work a lot more on boxing skills. I can’t really tell you exactly what we did, or I’d be giving the other guy my game plan. We worked very hard on his endurance. He’s stopped guys early and he’s also gone 10 rounds four or five times. So, we think we’re prepared for just about anything.

“All I can tell you right now, don’t be surprised when Sean exhibits some boxing skills. But if it turns into a war, he’s ready to do that in a heartbeat. The best thing though? We really, really truly focused a little bit more of the intangibles where our fundamentals are extremely sharp as we’re throwing multiple punches. We think that will make for a crowd-pleasing fight, and we think that might be the advantage if these guys start swinging with each other. That’s as far as I can go.”

Question: Will the winner of this fight face Dmitry if he is successful in his fight against Pascal?

Kathy Duva: “That’s certainly possible. Another possibility is if Sergey (Kovalev) is successful in his defense against Alvarez. If that doesn’t happen, maybe Alvarez. We have a really exciting division here. Everything is up for grabs. Adonis Stevenson turned 41 yesterday – happy birthday Adonis. We have a lot going on. Adonis is in a very dangerous fight on December 1st against (Oleksandr) Gvozdyk, who is a terrific young fighter.

“The floodgates are opening. There will be lots of title fight opportunities. One or both of these guys may get them. Could be the kind of fight where they both do so well, they both get the chance. I hope so, that’s the kind of fight where everybody wins. In the meantime, they both have a lot on the line. There’s a big opportunity out there for at least one of them. Which opportunity that is, I can’t tell you today. But I’m pretty sure there will be one.”

Question: What will it take to unify the light heavyweight division?

Kathy Duva: “Probably forAdonis Stevenson to lose. He’s been the impediment all along. So, I’ll be rooting for Gvozdyk. He wins, and then I see a straight line to unification here. In the meantime, only two guys can fight at once and the other champions will be looking for dance partners, and we have two possible candidates for them right here.”

Question: What version of Barrera do you think you’re going to see?

Seanie Monaghan: “I’m really not sure, but I’m preparing for a tough hard night’s work. From everything I’ve seen of him, he comes to fight and however hard you fight, he’ll match you. Every night when I’m laying in bed after putting in work, I put myself mentally in the position where I’m exhausted and I have to go out there and work even harder. I’ve been training my mind for this fight for a long time. Barrera’s a warrior. He’s a Cuban, all Cubans can box. He doesn’t necessarily fight like a Cuban. He’ll fight 110 percent. I know I’m going to have to fight fire with fire at some point, and I’m just getting myself ready for it mentally and physically.”

Question: Is this the best shape you’ve been in?

Seanie Monaghan: “Definitely, I could do 10 rounds standing on my head right now. I’ve got no injuries. I’m sure every pro athlete goes through their share of aches and pains. I’ve had a bunch of a nagging little injuries I’ve never really complained about, you just deal with them in training camp. This is the first time they’re all gone. I feel young, I feel healthy, I’m confident I’m in great shape. I’m just going to be ready to do whatever it takes.”

Question: How is the dynamic of your training camp and how has it been different?

Sullivan Barrera: “When we train, we always have a good training camp. I have my physical training. I think my condition for this fight is great. For every camp, but for this fight my condition is good.”

Question: When you look at Seanie, what do you see?

Sullivan Barrera: “He’s a warrior too. We both go to the front, I think it’s going to be a great fight. Because we have almost the same style.”

Question: There is pressure on both guys to win the fight. Do you feel the pressure? How do you cope with it?

Derik Santos: “From my standpoint, ever since I’ve been with Sullivan, there hasn’t been an easy fight. This is what we do. When you’re at the level with high-level trainers and high-level fighters, you were born to do this, and this is what you do. The reason why we’re still there is because we do it well. Every fight it’s the same amount of pressure to do well and win. There’s the same amount of danger. When you are a professional, you handle it.”

Joe Higgins: “Quite frankly, I think pressure is good. It doesn’t give you a chance to underestimate anything going into a fight. It makes you work harder. It makes you focus a little bit more. The bigger the fight, the more you’ve got to focus. So yeah, I think a little bit of nerves and pressure is good for these guys. I think sometimes if you’re a little too relaxed, sometimes you’re going in there with somebody you don’t fear. That’s when you let your guard down. I like for Sean to worry about the guy on the other side of the ring. Because that’s when I get the best out of him. I’m not so worried about the pressure. We’ve been doing this a long time. We’ve been on the stage a long time with filled arenas. If that doesn’t put pressure on you, trying not to let down your people, then nothing does. Because when you turn around, you see the entire room is for you. That adds the pressure. In Sean’s defense, he’s used to that kind of thing. Man, I think he feeds off it a little bit. Quite frankly, like I said earlier, I think the pressure is actually a good thing. It makes them worry a little bit more about the opponent, so they stay more focused.”

Seanie Monaghan: “Every fight your whole career is important. Anytime, you can catch a loss on the way climbing up the ladder and it will really set you back. So, every time you step in the ring there’s pressure. This will be my 31st fight. The stakes are very, very high and I’m very aware of that. It helped me push through the hard training moments and really dig deep in my training and get prepared for this.”

Sullivan Barrera: “For me, I don’t feel pressure. When I fought Andre Ward, I learned I want to have fun. That’s just my mentality. It’s one more fight, just that.”

Kathy Duva: “This light heavyweight main event will headline the Saturday, November 3 card as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook, live from The Aviator. The event is promoted by Main Events. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch on the Golden Boy Fight Night page beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Set a reminder on the Golden Boy Fight Night page.

“Tickets are priced from $50 to $125. They are on sale now and available through Eventbrite, by calling Main Events at 973-200-7050 or emailing

[email protected]. Thank you for joining us today and we hope to see you at The Aviator or online on Facebook Watch on November 3rd.”

Reminder to news media: The deadline to apply for Fight Week credentials is Friday, October 26, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Fill out the credential application at http://www.emcevents.com/BarreraMonaghan.

About Barrera-Monaghan: The Saturday, November 3 card, headlined by Sullivan Barrera versus “Irish” Seanie Monaghan as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook, will take place at The Aviator Sports & Events Center in Brooklyn, NY. The event is promoted by Main Events. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets, priced from $125 to $50 are on sale and available through Eventbrite or by calling or emailing Main Events: 973-200-7050; [email protected].

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Miami, Florida and Long Island, NY): Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) and “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (29-1, 17 KOs) hosted open media workouts on Friday, October 19, in advance of their upcoming main event at The Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, November 3, 2018.

Below please find quotes from both fighters and their trainers from Friday’s event.

Sullivan Barrera
Photo Credit: Roberto Illanes/Main Events

Click Here for Barrera Photos: Credit Roberto Illanes/Main Events

Click Here for Barrera Video – Credit Ed Keenan/Main Events

Quotes from Sullivan Barrera:

“I always come to fight. Every fight leaves a lesson. I took many lessons from the fight against (Dmitry) Bivol. I saw opportunities I did not take.”

“Come November 3rd, I will not allow any opportunity to slip, and capitalize on his mistakes. Derik (Santos, Barrera’s trainer) and I worked on all those details.”

Sean Monaghan
Photo Credit: Chris Hamlet/Main Events

Click Here for Monaghan Photos: Credit Chris Hamlet, Main Events

Click Here for Video – Credit Main Events

Quotes from Seanie Monaghan:

“Even though it was a long layoff, it has still been a productive year. I got a lot better just being in the gym all this time and working this whole time.”

“I didn’t even realize it. I did an interview with someone recently, and I realized I have been boxing for 17 years. Seventeen years is a long time. I have been in the gym a long time and every time I go there, I just try to get in the best shape possible.

“I have boxing skills. I use them in the gym all the time, but when I get in the fight, I always feel compelled to go brawl. There is another way to do things. I am smart enough. I am trying to box more and get hit a little bit less. I have reached a new level of maturity.”

“This fight is do or die for both of us. We both know what time it is. Me and Barrera have been talking trash to each other on Twitter for a while. We both respect each other but it is going to be two dogs with one piece of meat. I’ve got to feed my kids and he does too, so may the best man win.”

“I work out with a good group of young amateurs, and they keep me young. They challenge me in the sprints and motivate me.”

“We handled it the right way, I took my foot off the gas so, I wouldn’t over train. I’m in the best shape of my life, I know I say that at every camp, but this is legitimate, I’ve been legitimate. For months and months in preparing and it’s the best possible version of me there ever been.”

“Barrera is the man. He’s probably the most dangerous guy right below world champion level there is. His only two losses were to world champions, and he took them to deep water and gave them a hard time.”

“This is a giant test for me, and it’s do or die for both of our careers. The winner moves on to big things and the loser, you know it’s not looking good for them. We’re both in the same boat and we’re both looking for the same thing, so it’s going to be a battle.”

“I always expect the best version of whoever I’m fighting. I’ve learned through experience that when you watch a guy on tape and sometimes fight them, they don’t do what they did on the tape, and do something different. I’ve seen (Barrera) in a lot of fights. I’ve seen him hang tough with tough guys, and he’s as game as they come. As hard as you want to fight he’ll fight you back that hard, and he’ll get dropped and get up and fight even harder.”

“I’m mentally prepared for the long haul, mentally and physically I am ready to do whatever it takes and to dig as deep as I have to.”

Quotes from P.J. Kavanaugh, Monaghan’s Manager:

“Seanie knows he has a tough fight, he’s digging down deep and putting in a little extra. He started training camp way back. He’s faster on the track, he’s getting extra rounds sparring. He’s in the best shape I’ve ever seen him.”

“We’re working on some combinations for Barrera. Some things we think might work with him. They both like to come and fight.”

“Seanie knows how important it is for both of them. Like the poster says, it’s a high stakes fight. The winner moves on. The loser has a tough road.”

“He has the same hunger at this stage of his career he always has. He comes to fight.”

“We’re going to have a great atmosphere, a great time. He loves the home town crowd. He loves staying in his bed at night, being at home with his wife and kids.”

“Overall, Seanie has a reputation of being tough. He’ll brawl. In this camp, we’ve seen a lot more of his boxing skills. There’s definitely a wisdom about it.”

“We are very excited about Facebook live streaming this. It’s great for the sport. You’ll have people watching this worldwide. Seanie has a tremendous following in Ireland.”

?Reminder to news media: The deadline to apply for Fight Week credentials is Friday, October 26, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Fill out the credential application at http://www.emcevents.com/BarreraMonaghan.

About Barrera-Monaghan: This light heavyweight main event will headline the Saturday, November 3 card as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook, live from The Aviator. The event is promoted by Main Events. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets, priced from $125 to $55, go on sale to the public on Friday, October xx, and will be available through Ticketmaster or by calling or emailing Main Events: 973-200-7050; [email protected].

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Totowa, NJ – October 5, 2018 – Former WBC International Light Heavyweight world champion Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) returns to the ring to regain his standing as one of the world’s top light heavyweights. Barrera faces top five light heavyweight contender “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (29-1, 17 KOs) in the 10-round main event at The Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, November 3, 2018. The event is promoted by Main Events and will be streamed live via Facebook Watch as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series.

Tickets are priced at $125 and $100 for VIP ringside seats and $50 for general admission. They are available to purchase now through Eventbrite or by calling Main Events at 973-200-7050 or emailing [email protected].

Seanie Monaghan

Barrera vs. Monaghan was originally scheduled to take place on August 18 but was postponed when Barrera suffered an eye injury. Barrera has since recovered, and Monaghan remained available to put the bout back on the Facebook Watch series, a collaboration between Golden Boy Promotions, Facebook and Main Events, offered to fans around the world via live online streaming.

Barrera, 36, a native of Cuba who defected to the United States after fighting for the Cuban National Team, now lives and trains in Miami, Florida. He makes his return to the ring after taking WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol deep into the 12th round of their title fight in March before being stopped, by far the most difficult opponent of Bivol’s professional career. The WBC ranks Barrera fourth in the competitive Light Heavyweight division.

Monaghan, also 36, is a Long Island, New York native with proud Irish roots. He began his professional boxing career at the late age of 28 but quickly made up for lost time. After his first and only loss as a professional in 30 fights to Marcus Browne in July 2017, Monaghan started his comeback quest with a win in November 2017 and intends to make up for lost time against Barrera.

“Thank you to my team, my coach Derik Santos, my promoter Main Events, my manager Luis Molina, and thanks to Seanie Monaghan for taking this fight,” said Barrera. “As always, I’m willing to face the top guys in my division. This is another tough fighter. I look forward to November 3, and I’ll give the fans a great show. They will see me start to climb my way back up to facing the very best light heavyweights in the world.”

Barrera’s trainer, Derik Santos, said training is already underway for the fight. “We are working and are dedicated as usual. Thank you to manager Luis Molina and our promoter Main Events. Sullivan has gone into tough fights over the years and has consistently shown himself to be one of the toughest light heavyweight contenders in the division.”

Despite the pressure on them, Barrera and Santos maintain the same confidence and positive attitude that led Barrera to the top. “Train well and overcome, has been the directive since day one,” declared Santos. “Our expectations are the same today.”

Barrera is no stranger to Seanie Monaghan, and he’s looking forward to the matchup. “This fight is do or die for both of us. I’ve been going back and forth with Barrera on Twitter for a couple of years now. This will finally be our chance to settle it in the ring, no more talking,” said Monaghan.

Monaghan lost his father over the summer. He planned from that day to bring the late Davy Monaghan’s ashes back to his hometown of Navan in Ireland someday while wearing a title belt around his waist. His fight with Barrera is as much for his father as it is for himself.

In the ultra-competitive light heavyweight division, the talent pool is deep, and virtually every fighter ranked among the Top 15 contenders is a threat to the current titleholders. Main Events’ CEO and Barrera’s promoter, Kathy Duva, originally selected this high-stakes fight as a perfect fit for the Main Events-promoted card in the Golden Boy Fight Night series and remained resolved to make the fight happen after the cancellation.

“Expanding access to our fan-friendly fights around the world with online streaming technology is the latest chapter in the 40-year history of Main Events,” said Duva. “Boxing has always been able to adapt and stay current as a sport.”

Duva promised: “Technology has changed a lot in this world, but one thing will never change about Main Events: our determination to make the best matches and feature amazing athletes in the ring. We wanted Sullivan Barrera and Seanie Monaghan in the ring and were more disappointed than anyone when the original bout was postponed. We were determined to make this fight happen, because I know these guys will give everything they’ve got for their legacy, and for the fans.”

About Barrera-Monaghan: This light heavyweight main event will headline the Saturday, November 3 card as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook, live from The Aviator. The event is promoted by Main Events. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets, priced from $125 to $50 are on sale and available through Eventbrite or by calling or emailing Main Events: 973-200-7050; [email protected].

Media Credential Application Here

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Bethlehem, PA: Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) suffered an eye injury during a sparring session while training for his August 18, 2018 bout with Irish “Seanie” Monaghan (29-1, 17 KOs). To ensure Barrera is allotted ample time to heal before returning to the ring, Main Events has decided to postpone the Barrera-Monaghan fight.

The fight was slated to be the second installment in the Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch series live from Sands Resort Casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is unclear at this time whether Barrera will be healed in time for one of the remaining dates in the series. An announcement is expected soon regarding an alternate date, site and perhaps opponent for Monaghan.

Together with Golden Boy Promotions and Facebook, the decision was made to postpone the whole card, rather than make a last-minute substitute. One of the many advantages provided by the Facebook Watch platform is the ability to schedule flexibly – on any date or at any time – to make sure that fans are getting the fights they want to see and to protect the safety of the boxers.

Kathy Duva, Main Events’ CEO explained, “We were all very excited about the Barrera-Monaghan bout appearing on this exciting new series. Unfortunately, injuries happen. If Sullivan is not ready to face Seanie in time to appear on the series, we will do everything in our power to deliver another exciting and entertaining event. We’re thankful to be working with Facebook and Golden Boy on a series that gives us the ability to be flexible.”

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Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – July 13, 2018- Tickets are now on sale to the general public for the upcoming slugfest between Former WBC International Light Heavyweight world champion Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) and Light Heavyweight Contender “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (29-1, 17 KOs) in the 10-round main event at the Sands Bethlehem Casino and Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Tickets, priced from $105 to $55 and will be available through Ticketmaster, the Sands Event Center box office and by emailing Main Events at [email protected].

The event is promoted by Main Events and World of Boxing and will be streamed live via Facebook Watch as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series. Fans can catch all the action by clicking here.

About Barrera-Monaghan: This light heavyweight main event will headline the second live boxing card of the new Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook Watch, live from the Sands in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 18. The event is promoted by Main Events and World of Boxing.

Tickets, priced from $105 to $55, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster, the Sands Event Center box office and by emailing Main Events at [email protected].

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Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – July 10, 2018 – Former WBC International Light Heavyweight world champion Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) returns to the ring to regain his standing as one of the world’s top Light Heavyweights. Barrera faces top five Light Heavyweight Contender “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (29-1, 17 KOs) in the 10-round main event at the Sands Bethlehem Casino and Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 18, 2018. The event is promoted by Main Events and World of Boxing and will be streamed live via Facebook Watch as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series. Fans can catch all the fights by clicking here.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, July 13.

Barrera vs. Monaghan is the second live card of the recently announced Facebook series, a collaboration between Golden Boy Promotions, Facebook and Main Events, offered to fans around the world via live online streaming.

Barrera, 36, a native of Cuba who defected to the United States after fighting for the Cuban National Team, now lives and trains in Miami, Florida. He makes his return to the ring after taking WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol deep into the 12th round of their title fight in November 2017 before being stopped, by far the most difficult opponent of Bivol’s professional career. The WBC ranks Barrera fourth in the competitive Light Heavyweight division.

Monaghan, also 36, is a Long Island, New York native with proud Irish roots. He began his professional boxing career at the late age of 28 but quickly made up for lost time. After his first and only loss as a professional in 30 fights to Marcus Browne in July 2017, Monaghan started his comeback quest with a win in November 2017, and intends to make up for lost time against Barrera.

“Thank you to my team, my coach Derik Santos, my promoter Main Events, my manager Luis Molina, and thanks to Seanie Monaghan for taking this fight,” said Barrera. “As always, I’m willing to face the top guys in my division. This is another tough fighter. I look forward to August 18 and I’ll give the fans a great show. They will see me start to climb my way back up to facing the very best light heavyweights in the world.”

Barrera’s trainer, Derik Santos, said training is already underway for the fight. “We are working, and are dedicated as usual. Thank you to manager Luis Molina and our promoter Main Events. Sullivan has gone into tough fights over the years, and has consistently shown himself to be one of the toughest light heavyweight contenders in the division.”

Despite the pressure on them, Barrera and Santos maintain the same confidence and positive attitude that led Barrera to the top. “Train well and overcome, has been the directive since day one,” declared Santos. “Our expectations are the same today.”

Barrera is no stranger to Seanie Monaghan, and he’s looking forward to the match-up. “This fight is do or die for both of us. I’ve been going back and forth with Barrera on Twitter for a couple of years now. This will finally be our chance to settle it in the ring, no more talking,” said Monaghan.

Monaghan recently lost his father, and has plans to bring the late Davy Monaghan’s ashes back to his hometown of Navan in Ireland someday while wearing a title belt around his waist. His fight with Barrera is as much for his father as it is for himself.

In the ultra-competitive Light Heavyweight division, the talent pool is deep, and virtually every fighter ranked among the Top 15 contenders is a threat to the current titleholders. Main Events’ CEO and Barrera’s promoter, Kathy Duva, selected this high-stakes fight as a perfect fit for the first Main Events-promoted card in the Golden Boy Fight Night series. “We have delivered the best in boxing entertainment to the fans for 40 years,” said Duva. “What better way to start our next 40 years in business by expanding access to our fan-friendly fights around the world with online streaming technology.”

Duva promised: “Technology has changed a lot in this world, but one thing will never change about Main Events: our determination to make the best matches and feature amazing athletes in the ring. I know Sullivan Barrera and Seanie Monaghan will give everything they’ve got for their legacy, and for the fans.”

About Barrera-Monaghan: This light heavyweight main event will headline the second live boxing card of the new Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook, live from the Sands in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 18. The event is promoted by Main Events and World of Boxing.

Tickets, priced from $105 to $55, go on sale to the public on Friday, July 13 and will be available through Ticketmaster, the Sands Event Center box office and by emailing Main Events at [email protected].

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.

Terence Crawford retained the WBO Jr. Welterweight title with a 5th round stoppage over Hank Lundy at a sold out Madison Square Garden Theater.

It was a close fight early with Lundy getting in a few shots.  Lundy was cut above the right eye in round four from an accidental headbutt.  In round five, Crawford caught Lundy with a left down the middle that rocked the challenger.  Crawford jumped on Lundy and the two had a heated exchange with Crawford getting the better to the point where another left hand sent Lundy Spawling to the canvas in his corner.  Lundy got up to only eat a barrage of heavy punches that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 2:09

Crawford, 139.2 lbs of Omaha, NEB is 28-0 with 20 knockouts.  Lundy, 138.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 26-6-1.

Crawford Quotes

What did you tell Lundy after the fight?

I told him good fight and I appreciate him taking the fight

Cause I got my respect – I said he was going to respect me at the end of the fight and he was going to respect me today and I respect him back. He said good fight it’s all love and I appreciate it

Why do you get hit in eearly rounds?

Cause they are earlier rounds and we are feeling each other out. Once I make the adjustment I start touching him more

Seems like you have more power

I was killing myself to make 135 and it was taking a lot out of me. I want to thank got for the V.

I told everyone I got power in both hands and the boxing ability that I have and it’s going to take me a long way in this game

I never duck anyone and I’ll fight anybody. My manager will make the fights happen and and I will train and fight.

Hot-shot prospect, Felix Verdejo won a 10-round unanimous decision over Willian Silva in a battle of undefeated Lightweights.

Verdejo was solid throughout and won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

Verdejo, 135 lbs of San Juan, PR is 19-1.  Silva, 134.4 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 23-1.

Verdejo Quotes

“I felt very goodd uring the fight. My opponent moved a lot, but I did what I had to do and got the win”

“This is a new learning experience. I will learn from this and I will keep moving forward”

Julian Rodriguez remained perfect with an 8-round unanimous decision over King Daluz in a Super Lightweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Daluz with a right to the body in round seven and cruised home to the victory by scores of 80-71 on all cards.

Rodriguez, 141.6 lbs of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ is now 12-0.  Daluz, 140.4 lbs of Santa Cruz, Spain is 12-3-2.

Juan Carlos Torres remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Miguel Gloria in a scheduled 4-round Lightweight contst.

Torres scored a knockdown in round one and floored Gloria twice more in round two.  Gloria only lasted 20 seconds into round three before the fight was halted.

Torres, 136.4 lbs of Trujillo Alto, PR is 4-0 with three knockouts.  Gloria, 136 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 1-2.

Christopher Diaz was impressive in scoring a 4th round stoppage over Angel Luna in a scheduled 8-round Featherweight bout.

Diaz pummeled and rocked Luna in round three with heavy blows.  In round four, Diaz landed a booming right that basically knocked Luna out on his feet.  prone in the corner, Diaz unloaded two more blows and the bout was stopped at 2:42 of round four.

Diaz, 127 lbs of Barranquitas, PR is 15-0 with 10 knockouts.  Luna, 126.8 lbs of Santiago, DR is 12-2-1.

World ranked Light Heavyweight Seanie Monaghan tuned up Janne Forsman in round five of their scheduled 10-round bout.

Monaghan landed a flurry of body shots in round four that sent Forsmann to his knees.  Monaghan continued the assault until the bout was halted at 1:34 of round five.

Monaghan, 179.8 lbs of Long Beach, NY is 26-0 with 17 knockouts.  Forsmann, 177 lbs of Vassam FIN is 21-4.

Emanuel Taylor scored a sixth round stoppage over Wilfredo Acuna in a scheduled 8-round Jr. Welterweight bout

In round six, Taylor landed a blistering combination that featured a right uppercut and left hook that sent Acuna to the canvas and the fight was waved off at 2:59

Taylor, 143.8 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 19-4-2 with 13 knockouts. Acuna, 144 lbs of Minagua, NIC is 15-19.

CHICAGO — October 22, 2015 — For every loud proclamation that boxing is dead, that the demise of the sweet science is imminent, there is quietly whispered a story about a fighter who got up off the canvas to finish a fight, or an underdog who prevailed…it’s these stories that keep boxing fans captivated. One such story played out last Friday night in Brooklyn. Donovan George headlined TruTV’s Friday Night Knockout series, facing Seanie Monaghan in a bout scheduled for ten rounds.

In addition to noting Geoge’s incredible heart and resilience, most post-fight articles, as well as social media posts and tweets from fight night noted the ‘wincing’ that occurred every time George threw his right hand after it was broken during the second round. Begging the ringside doctor to allow him to continue, George took Monaghan’s onslaught through the remaining eight rounds, unable to mount a successful attack due to his broken hand. He wasn’t going to lay down and stop fighting, and he wasn’t going to be taken out of the fight.

The lead-up to fight night was punctuated with a promise from George to “clean out the Top Rank stable at 168 pounds,” first defeating Monaghan, and then setting his sights on Jesse Hart. In George’s eyes, the plan hasn’t changed. He and his promoter, Bobby Hitz, only hope that Monaghan has a desire to fight a healthy Donovan George.

“It was such a terrific fight that we hope Seanie will give us another shot,” said Promoter Bobby Hitz. “It is our hope that Seanie and Top Rank will do it. The fans want it, deserve it, and boxing needs it.”

Seanie Monaghan remaned undefeated as he scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Donovan George in a Light Heavyweight bout at the Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York

In round two, Monaghan suffered a cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt. George hurt his right hand in round three.

Monaghan, 174 1/2 lbs of Long Branch, NY won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 26-0. George, 175 lbs of Chicago, IL is now 25-5-2.

Brad Solomon won a 10-round unanimous decision over Ray Serrano in a Welterweight bout.

Solomon, 147.4 lbs of Louisiana won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 26-0. Serrano, 148 lbs of Philadelphia is 21-3.

LONG BEACH, NY (October 14, 2015) — The Pride of Long Beach, New York and undefeated No. 4 world-rated light heavyweight contender “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN and his opponent, Chicago knockout artist DONOVAN “Da Bomb” GEORGE, will hold their Official Weigh-in Tomorrow! Thursday, October 15, at The Park Sports Bar & Grill (20 West Park Ave., Long Beach, NY 11561.) Open to the public, the fighters will report at 3:00 p.m. and step on the scale beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Die hard Mets and Cubs fans, respectively, Monaghan and George faced off on the Long Beach Boardwalk today, each predicting victory.

“I can tell you now that on Friday night, in Brooklyn, my fists be playing T-Ball with Donovan George’s head. Some lucky fan in the cheap seats may catch it,” said Monaghan.

“I’m looking to mow down the heart of the batting order of Top Rank’s stable, beginning with “Irish Stew” Seanie Monaghan, followed by Jesse “Out of Work” Hart and Gilberto “Zero” Ramirez,” said George. “I can’t wait to personally welcome that bush leaguer Monaghan to the Majors with my heater. Only what I throw will be more than just a brushback.”

Monaghan (25-0, 16 KOs) and George (25-4-2, 22 KOs) will be battling in Brooklyn for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light heavyweight title This Friday! October 16, at AVIATOR Sports and Events Center (3159 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234). The 10-round fight will be televised live as the main event of the “MetroPC Friday Night Knockout on truTV,” beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round welterweight rumble between undefeated contender BRAD “King” SOLOMON (25-0, 9 KOs), of Layfayette, LA and Philadelphia’s RAYMOND “Tito” SERRANO (21-2, 9 KOs). The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank®, and produced in association with HBO Sports®. Find truTV on your TV: http://trutvishere.com/.

These four warriors boast a combined record of 96-6-2 (56 KOs) — a winning percentage of 92%, with over half of their combined victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank, remaining tickets to the Monaghan vs. George light heavy heavyweight championship event, priced at $100 and $50, may be purchased by calling (201) 864-9566.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or www.twitter.com/truTV. Use the hashtags #truTVBoxing to join the conversation on Twitter.

BROOKLYN (October 14 , 2015) — Undefeated contender BRAD “King” SOLOMON of Layfayette, LA and Philadelphia’s RAYMOND “Tito” SERRANO will step into the spotlight when they open the Friday, October 16 edition of the “MetroPC Friday Night Knockout on truTV” live telecast from Brooklyn’s AVIATOR Sports and Events Center (3159 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234), beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The Solomon vs. Serrano 10-round welterweight rumble is the co-main event to the NABO light heavyweight championship fight between the Pride of Long Beach, New York, “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN, risking his undefeated record and Top-Five world rating, and Chicago knockout artist DONOVAN “Da Bomb” GEORGE. The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank®, and produced in association with HBO Sports®. Find truTV on your TV: http://trutvishere.com/

These four warriors boast a combined record of 96-6-2 (56 KOs) — a winning percentage of 92%, with over half of their combined victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank, remaining tickets to the Monaghan vs. George light heavy heavyweight championship event, priced at $100 and $50, may be purchased by calling (201) 864-9566.

BRAD “King” SOLOMON (25-0, 9 KOs)

“I got in trouble when I was 17 and was sentenced to eight years in prison. But the DA said if I went in and got my GED and showed I was doing the right things he would reduce my sentence. So I joined the prison boxing team and began to fight. Some of the fights were against Lifers — who were never getting out of prison and who were the toughest fighters of all. They had nothing to lose. I was able to beat them.

“It was my mother who went to the D.A. to tell him I was doing good and was turning my life around. He came to see me and I was eventually let out of prison.

“I fought as an amateur and got a big win over future world champions Demetrius Andrade, Jessie Vargas and Danny Garcia.

“I’ve been waiting for a big network fight and now we have it on truTV. I know the importance of it. It will take me only a round or two to figure out Ray Serrano. I will box him, counter, mix it up, show my skills. This win will get me closer to what I really want – a fight on HBO”

RAY “Tito” SERRANO (21-2, 9 KOs)

“I’m a Philly fighter and a lot of Philly fighters have been on hard times, been in the ghetto, have no money. So when you walk into a Philly Gym you can find a hard fight real quick.

“My parents are from Puerto Rico. So when I fight I bring excitement, fans waving Puerto flags and me throwing hard punches.

“I knew who Brad Solomon was but not sure who he is now. Who has he really beaten? I’m trained by Buddy McGirt. Once Solomon feels my power on Friday night he’s going to change up his game plan real quick. I am smart in the ring with a good jab and with great punching power. It’s going to be ‘Tito Time’ on Friday night on truTV.”

THE OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN — WHICH IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY AT 3:00 P.M. AT THE PARK SPORTS BAR & GRILL (20 West Park Ave., Long Beach, NY 11561).

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or www.twitter.com/truTV. Use the hashtags #truTVBoxing to join the conversation on Twitter.

BROOKLYN (October 13, 2015) — A Mets-Cubs showdown has nothing on the upcoming Brooklyn brawl between Long Beach, New York’s undefeated No. 4 world-rated light heavyweight contender “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN and Chicago’s DONOVAN “Da Bomb” GEORGE. Monaghan (25-0, 16 KOs) and George (25-4-2, 22 KOs) will be battling for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light heavyweight title This Friday! October 16, at AVIATOR Sports and Events Center (3159 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234). The 10-round fight will be televised live as the main event of “The MetroPC Friday Night Knockout on truTV,” beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round welterweight rumble between undefeated contender BRAD “King” SOLOMON (25-0, 9 KOs), of Layfayette, LA and Philadelphia’s RAYMOND “Tito” SERRANO (21-2, 9 KOs). The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank®, and produced in association with HBO Sports®. Find truTV on your TV: http://trutvishere.com/.

These four warriors boast a combined record of 96-6-2 (56 KOs) — a winning percentage of 92%, with over half of their combined victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank, remaining tickets to the Monaghan vs. George light heavy heavyweight championship event, priced at $100 and $50, may be purchased by calling (201) 864-9566.

“I want to wipe out Top Rank’s stable. It starts Friday with “Irish Stew” Seanie Monaghan, the easiest fight of the three Top Rank fighters I’m declaring war on” said George. “Then I want to get my hands on Jesse “Out of Work” Hart. I want to shut his trap. Philadelphia hasn’t been a fight town in decades and Hart is softer than a tub of Philadelphia cream cheese. Finally, I want Top Rank’s Mexican darling Gilberto “Zero” Ramirez — a fighter who lives up to his ring name.”

“I know the Cubs have been suffering from the Curse of the Billy Goat but I didn’t know the goat could talk until I heard Donovan George’s comments today,” retorted Monaghan. “Poor Donovan is in for a shock on Friday night. It’s fitting that his professional demise will be in Brooklyn because ‘Da Bomb’ will leave as ‘Da Bum’ after I knock him out. The only thing Donovan will be wiping out are the cobwebs I put in his head.”

THE OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN — WHICH IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY AT 3:00 P.M. AT THE PARK SPORTS BAR & GRILL (20 West Park Ave., Long Beach, NY 11561).

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or www.twitter.com/truTV. Use the hashtags #truTVBoxing to join the conversation on Twitter.

BROOKLYN (September 24, 2015) — The Pride of Long Beach, New York, “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN, will risk his undefeated record and Top-Five world rating when he battles Chicago knockout artist DONOVAN “Da Bomb” GEORGE for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) light heavyweight title. Monaghan vs. George will be televised live from the Brooklyn’s AVIATOR Sports and Events Center (3159 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234) on Friday, October 16, as the main event of “The MetroPC Friday Night Knockout on truTV”, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will open with a 10-round welterweight rumble between undefeated contender BRAD “King” SOLOMON of Layfayette, LA and Philadelphia’s RAYMOND “Tito” SERRANO The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank®, and produced in association with HBO Sports®. Find truTV on your TV: http://trutvishere.com/

These four warriors boast a combined record of 96-6-2 (56 KOs) — a winning percentage of 92%, with over half of their combined victories coming by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to the Monaghan vs. George light heavy heavyweight championship event are on sale now. Priced at $100 and $50, tickets may be purchased by calling (201) 864-9566.

I’m taking this fight with Donovan George very seriously. I’ve never trained harder,” said Monaghan. “Each of us has been in exciting fights and the winner moves on to big opportunities. We’re both coming to win so expect fireworks right away.”

”Monaghan is a very good fighter but I’m not coming to New York to lose. I’m coming back to Chicago with a victory and Monaghan’s scalp,” said George. “And when I get done with him I’m going back down the 168 pounds to take care of Jesse Hart but my first order of business is on October 16 on TRU TV it’s going to be a great night.”

“The only thing going the distance in the main event will be the ring entrances,” said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank. “If the victory by knockout percentages for Seanie and Donovan are any indication, you can bet that the fans are in for an action-packed fight!”

One of the top boxing gate attractions in his native New York, Monaghan (25-0, 16 KOs) will be making his second appearance on truTV this year. He captured the WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title in 2012 via an eighth-round TKO of Romaro Johnson. He has successfully defended the title five times during his three-year reign and has won six of his last eight bouts by way of knockout. His most recent title defense was on truTV, on May 8, where he won a 10-round unanimous decision over 2000 Brazilian Olympian Cleiton Conceição whose previous five victories had come by stoppages. Monaghan is currently world-rated No. 4 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), No. 7 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 8 by the World Boxing Organization.

George (25-4-2, 22 KOs) has been a fan favorite in the Chicago area throughout his 11-year professional career. His aggressive style always makes for exciting fights, as his 88% victory by knockout ratio will attest. A former United States Boxing Association (USBA) super middleweight champion, all of George’s victories since 2013 have been by knockout.

Solomon (25-0, 9 KOs), a former WBA International welterweight champion, has a professional resume that boasts victories over Demetrius Hopkins, Anges Adjaho, Kenny Galarza, Pablo Vazquez and Ray Robinson. Together they had a combined record of 98-5-1 when he defeated them. In his last fight, Solomon won a 10-round split decision over Adrian Granados on May 2 on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather Jr – Manny Pacquiao World Welterweight Championship.

The resurgent Serrano (21-2, 9 KOs) returns to the ring riding a three-bout winning streak with victories over Wilfredo Acuna, Jerome Rodriguez and Jeremy Bryan. The Rodriguez and Bryan bouts were only five weeks apart in the beginning of 2015.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or www.twitter.com/truTV. Use the hashtags #truTVBoxing to join the conversation on Twitter.

NEW YORK–Nicholas Walters won a 12-round unanimous decision over Miguel Marriaga in a Featherweight bout at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The bout was to be contested for Walters WBA championship but he was stripped of the title on Friday as he checked in one pound over the Featherweight limit at Friday’s weigh in. Marriaga was eligible to win the title.

In round four, Marriaga landed three hard left hooks that got Walters attention. the action started to pick up in round five as Walters opened the frame with a combination. Marriaga fought back with some solid action of his own.

In round eight, Walters landed a chopping right to the head that stunned Marriaga. In round nine, Walters began to up the pace as he swiftly jabbed his way in and threw some good right hands and mixed in lefts to the body. At the end of the round, Walters landed a perfect right hand counter that sent Marriaga to the canvas. Marriaga made one final push in the final stanza as he landed a solid right that drove Walters back but it was too little too late for Marriaga

Walters, 127 lbs of Montego Bay, JAM won by scores of 118-109, 117-110 and 119-108 and is now 26-0. Marriaga, 125.2 lbs of Arjorna, COL is now 20-1.

“”fter two weeks I will decide if I will move up to 130.Whoever is the best is who I want to fight. I want to fight the best.Even though I couldn’t make the 126 I wanted to come here and give them a good show and that’s what I did. I hurt him a few times but it was late in the rounds.Amatuers and the pros are two different thigs. You can’t bring the amateurs to the pros. I am a lot more organized than I was in the amateurs.The crowd is used to people knocking down people. I have not fought in six months. He was a tough guy. I hurt him. I did hurt him. Some guys would go down but he is tough and he stayed up.In the last round I hurt him too, with a body shot. I was trying to get him out but I just couldn’t get him.” said Walters

“I got tired toward the end He is very strong. I felt like i was fighting a welterweight. I tried my best but he was just too good. he has got better since the last time we fought, ” Said Marriaga

Felix Verdejo was impressive as he scored two knockdowns en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Ivan Najera in a Lightweight bout.

In round two, Najera tried to make the fight but Verdejo opened up with some ripping combinations in the corner. In round three, Verdejo continued to land power shots to the head of Najera. In round four, it was more toe to toe action with the quicker Verdejo landed some perfect shots to the face but Najera not only took them but tried to fight back. Finally in round five, Verdejo was able to put the strong chinned Najera on the canvas with a perfect left hook. Verdejo went in for the finish but Najera was able to withstand a huge barrage of punches on the ropes.

At the end of round seven, Verdejo landed a perfect hook that sent Najera down for a second time. In round ten, Verdejo landed one booming right from the southpaw stance that drew a large reaction from the Pro-Verdejo crowd at the Theater.

Verdejo, 133 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 100-88 twice and 99-89 and is now 18-0. Najera, 131.4 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 16-1.

Verdejo landed 194-487 punches while Najera was 101-333.

Roy Jones – “Verdejo threw evrey kind of punch you could think of.”

Harold 100 – 88

How does 18-0 sounds?
Great, Im happy with the work we did tonight, I brought happiness to my Country and that its what I wanted to do.

You fought a warrior
Yes we knew he was a tuff opponent , with a lot of experience and we knew it was going to be tuff.

What went to your mind when you knock him and he would come back up?
I was relax, and I was concentrated in the fight, I was trying to hit him to see if it I could end it but , we had to go the long distance, but we did a good job.

How was it to hear you name and Puerto Rico at MSG/
I was awesome , I’m happy with the Puerto Ricans fans , Im proud to be Puerto Rican

You are being compare to Tito Trinidad
Its an honor to be compare with a star like Tito , someone who gave so much happiness to my Country , I will continue to work hard to get new goals

Whats next?
We have to see how my hand its doing , but we will continue to work hard for the future

Hand?
It was not 100 % but it was efficient
Yes that’s part of my job but we are happy with the work with did

Message for fans
Continue to support me, you will have Felix for a long time
Seanie Monaghan scored a 9th round stoppage over Fulgencio Zuniga in a scheduled 10-round Light Heavyweight bout.

In round two, they had a furious exchange with Monaghan getting the better of the action. Monaghan controlled the bout as he landed a power shots but Zuniga kept coming forward. Finally in round nine, the activity got to Zuniga wilted and Monaghan landed a punch to the back for good measure as Zuniga fell to the ground. The fight was then halted at 2:09 of round nine.

Monagahan, 175.8 lbs of Long Beach, NY is now 25-0 with 16 knockouts. Zuniga, 174.8 lbs of Padilla, COL is now 27-11-1.

George Arias scored a 2nd round stoppage over Eric Cason in a scheduled 4-round Heavyweight bout.

Arias scored a knockdown in round two and the fight was stopped after a follow up barrage.

Arias, 227.2 lbs of Bronx, NY is now 4-0 with 3 knockouts. Cason, 198.2 lbs of Davenport, IA is now 2-4.

Christopher Diaz win a 6-round unanimous decision over Marcello Gallardo in a Featherweight bout.

Diaz, 127 lbs of Baranquilla, PR won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 11-0. Gallardo, 126.4 lbs of Renton, WA. is mow 5-3-2.

Jason Sosa scored his 11th consecutive stoppage as he took out Santiago Bustos in round five of a scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout

In round two, Sosa pounded Bustos all over the ring with thudding shots with both hands.

In round five, Sosa landed a hard right that sent Bustos to the ropes. He then landed a blistering left and an uppercut that sent Bustos to a knee. Bustos got to his feet only to eat about five more shots that sent him to the canvas. he got to his feet but the fight was called at 2:20

Sosa, 130.8 of Camden, NJ is now 16-1-3 with 12 knockouts/ Bustos, 129.8 lbs of Palma de Mallorca, SPA is 7-7-1.

In the opening bout, Mike Reed remained undefeated by pounding out an 8-round unanimous decision over Luis Gonzalez in a Super Lightweight bout.

Reed, 140.2 lbs of Waldorf, MD won by shutout scores of 80-73 and 80-72 twice and is now 15-0. Gonzalez, 140.2 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 11-2-1.

Michel Soro scored a 4th round stoppage over Glen Tapia in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

In round four, Soro landed perfect right that rocked Tapia. Tapia was rubberly legged and ate a flurry of punches before eating 4 vicious shots and the fight was stopped at 2:10 of round four.

Soro, 153 lbs of France is now 26-1-1 with 16 knockouts. Tapia, 154 lbs of Passaic, New Jersey is now 23-2.

Seanie Monaghan remained undefeated by scoring a 10-round unanimous decision over Cleiton Concaicao in a Light Heavyweight bout.

In round two, Monaghan was cut over his right eye. Monaghan landed 193-630 punches. Concaicao was 157-521.

Monaghan, 174 lbs of Long Beach, NY won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 24-0. Concaicao, 173 lbs of Brazil is now 20-7-2.

NEWARK (April 8, 2015) — Local favorites and Top-10 contenders GLEN “Jersey Boy” TAPIA and “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN will headline an action-packed boxing card to be televised live on truTV at 10 p.m. ET – on Friday, May 8 from Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Tapia, who hails from nearby Passaic, will defend his NABO junior middleweight title against one-time world title challenger MICHEL SORO of France. Monaghan, the undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental light heavyweight champion from Long Beach, NY, will risk his undefeated record, title and No. 3 world rating when he battles 2000 Olympian CLEITON CONCEIÇÃO from Brazil. The four warriors boast a combined record of 91-8-3 (61 KOs) and a winning ratio of 89%, with over two-thirds of their victories by way of knockout.

Promoted by Top Rank®, tickets to the Tapia vs. Soro / Monaghan vs. Conceição boxing event will go on sale This Friday! April 10, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET. Tickets are available at $105, $60, $40 and $25, plus applicable taxes and fees, and may be purchased online at www.Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office beginning Monday, April 13, at 11:00 a.m. ET.

“It will be great to be in New Jersey fighting in front of my hometown fans,” said Tapia. “Freddie Roach and I have been working very hard in training camp to make May 8 a knockout of a homecoming.”

“I am very excited to fight at Prudential Center and live on tru-TV,” said Monaghan. “I am defending my title and I am delighted to fight at a great venue where my army of fans can come support me. I want to fight for a world title this year so watch me bring it on May 8 and show the world why I really deserve a world title shot.”

“Prudential Center is known as ‘The Rock’ and we expect this crowd to be just that – ROCKING,” said Carl Moretti, Vice President of Top Rank. “Fan favorites Glen Tapia and Seanie Monaghan as well as a host of undercard prospects including local rising star Julian Rodriguez, from Hasbrouck Heights, will make the feeling at The Rock like a Devils-Rangers game.”

Trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach and co-managed by Pat Lynch, Tapia (23-1, 15 KOs) enters this fight with six of his last seven victories coming by way of stoppage, including his last three. World-rated No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Tapia returns to the ring on the heels of his biggest professional victory, a third-round knockout of former Australian junior middleweight and middleweight champion Daniel Dawson to claim the vacant NABO junior middleweight title. The fight took place on March 7 in Macau, China, and the sellout crowd made up mostly of Chinese boxing fans joyously chanted “Jersey Boy! Jersey Boy!” as the referee raised his hand. It was the second time he hard-hitting Tapia has reigned as the NABO junior middleweight champion. Tapia first claimed the title in 2013 when he upset the previously undefeated contender Abie Han via an eighth-round TKO.

Soro (25-1-1, 15 KO), a native of Abidjan, Ivory Coast who now fights out of Villeurbanne, Rhône, France, enters this fight riding a three-year, eight-bout unbeaten streak with his last three victories coming by way of knockout, including two this year.
Boasting two-fisted power and experience against quality opposition, Soro is a former French and WBO European junior middleweight champion. The only blemish on his record was a 12-round decision loss to International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior middleweight world champion Zaurbek Baysangurov in 2012, though he did knock the defending champion down in the second round and staggered him in the fifth.

One of the top boxing gate attractions in his native New York, Monaghan (23-0, 15 KOs) will be making his 2015 debut. He captured the WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title in 2012 via an eighth-round TKO of Romaro Johnson. He has successfully defended the title four times during his three-year reign and has won five of his last six bouts by way of knockout. Monaghan is currently world-rated No. 3 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 6 by the WBC and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Conceição (20-6-2, 16 KOs), of São Paulo, Brazil, has scored his last five victories by way of knockout. His strong amateur background included being a member of the 2000 Brazilian Olympic team as well as being a two-time Brazilian National Champion. In his last fight, on February 20, Conceição scored a first-round knockout of Nei De Lima.

About Prudential Center
Prudential Center is a world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 10 nationally by Pollstar, Billboard and Venue’s Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and welcomes 1.75 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit PruCenter.com and Facebook, and follow @PruCenter on Twitter.

NEW YORK–Mikey Garcia remained perfect as he scored a 12 round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Burgos to retian the WBO Jr. Lightweight title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

It was a lackluster part for the most part. Burgos one shining moment came in round two when he landed a hard right hand that buckled Garcia badly. But Garcia rocked Burgos in round three and that shot seemed to make Burgos more hesitant to make anything happen. Garcia was able to settle down and box Burgos at his own pace and basically won every round there on after.

Garcia, 129.2 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 118-110 and is now 34-0. Burgos, 129 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 30-2-2.

Bryant Jennings scored a 10th round stoppage over Artuz Sziplka in a battle of undefeated Heavyweights.

The fight started off with both guys showing good movement for heavyweight.s In round twom Jennings started to get through with shots. He started to work the body throughout and landed a right hand to the body that sent Szpilka to a knee. Jennings kept up the dominance and dropped Szpilka with a short right and left. Sziplka got to his feet but it wasn’t long bfore a barrage of punches forced referee Michael Ortega stopped the bout at 2:20 of round 10.

Jennings, 225 lbs of Philadelphia is now 18-0 with 10 knockouts. Szipilka 223.6 lbs of Warsaw, POL is now 16-1.

“I came out here to put on a show and I think I accomplished that goal,” said Jennings. “Szplika is a very tough fighter and I give him credit for lasting as long as he did. After the first knockdown I didn’t think he would last much longer but he showed great heart and almost went the distance.”

“I’m ready to step up and challenge for a world title,” Jennings continued. “I’m going to take it one day at a time and see what my team presents me. I want to thank Gary Shaw, Antonio Leonard, James Prince and HBO for giving me this opportunity.”

“Jennings showed he’s a very talented fighter,” said Gary Shaw. “Boxing needs heavyweights that can close the show and Jennings proved that tonight on his HBO debut. I will talk with James Prince and Antonio Leonard to see what is next for Jennings. He’s the first American heavyweight in many years that has a legitimate shot to be the World Champion. The Polish Prince put up a great fight, but tonight it was all about the USA. Right now I’m very happy with Jennings performance.”

“Bryant Jennings is no joke,” stated co-promoter Antonio Leonard. “He’s going to take the heavyweight division by storm and I see him becoming a world champion very soon.”

“I know Jennings has the talent to take over the heavyweight division,” manager James Prince said. “Tonight he took a giant step toward a world title shot. Boxing fans here in the U.S have a heavyweight in Jennings they can rally behind. We are gunning for the best out there.”

Felix Verdejo scored an explosive just 21 seconds into his bout with Lauro Alcantar in a battle of undefeated Lightweights.

Verdejo landed the “6 inch left hook” right on the chin of Alcantar and he was splattered on the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Verdejo, 1346 lbs San Juan, PR is now 10-0 with 7 knockouts. Alcantar, 135.2 lbs of Agua Prieta, MEX is now 8-1.

Jesse Hart scored a six round unanimous decision over Derrick Frinley in a Super Middleweight bout.

Scores were 60-54 om all cards for Hart, 169 lbs pf Philadelphia and is now 12-0. Findley, 168.2 lbs of Gary, IN is now 20-12-1-1.

Alberto Marchado scored a spectacular 2nd round stoppage ove Nuwan Jayakody in a scheduled 6 round Featherweight bout.

Machado blasted Jayakody with a left hook that sent him to the canvas. Jayakody tried to get his feet but stumbled down and the fight was stopped at 1:34 of round two.

Machado, 126 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 6-0 with 4 knockouts. Jayakody, 125.8 lbs of Nittabuwa, Sri Lanka is now 2-4-1.

Francisco Vargas scored a 1st round stoppage over four round Lopez in a scheduled four round Weltereight bout.

Vargas drilled Lopez with hard right hook that him flat on his back and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Vargas, 149 lbs of San Juan PR is now 2-0 with 2 knockouts. Lopez, 146.4 lbs of Denver, CO is now 1-1.

Seanie Monaghan scored a 1st round stoppage over Matt Vanda when Vanda had to retire with a bicep injury. The time of stoppage was 2:51 for Monaghan, 175 lbs of Long Beach, NY who is 20-0 with 13 knockouts. Vanda, 173.2 lbs of St. Paul. MN 45-16.

Julian Rodriguez scored a 1st round stoppage over Neyeine Muang in a scheduled four round Super Lightweight bout.

The time was 1:51 for Rodriguez, 141.4 lbs of Hasbrouck Heights, Nj is now 3-0 with 2 knockouts. Muang, 141.2 lbs of Utica, NY is now 1-1-2.

Follow all the action as undefeated WBO Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley defends his title against four-division world champion and legend, Juan Manuel Marquez. The action begins at 9pm est / 6 pm pac with a 3 fight undercard featuring Orlando Salido battling Orlando Cruz for the vacant WBO featherweight title. 2 time Olympic Gold Medal winner Vasyl Lomachenko makes his much anticipated pro debut against Jose Ramirez. The show kicks off with a Light Heavyweight scrap between undefeated Seanie Monaghan and Anthony Caputo Smith.

12 ROUNDS–WBO WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–TIMOTHY BRADLEY (30-0, 12 KO’S) VS JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ (55-6-1, 40 KO’S)

Round 1 Marquez lands a left and uppercut..good left hook…Bradley lands a good body shot..10-9 Marquez

Round 2 Bradley lands a body shot..Counter hook..Hard right…left to the body..Jab..Left hook..nig right at the bell..19-19

Round 3 Bradley lands a left hook and left to the body..Counter right from Marquez..Bradley lands a left hook..Left from Marquez..Counter from Bradley..29-28 Bradley

Round 4 Bradley lands a right counter…Hard right drives Bradley back..
Bradley lands a jab and right to body from Marquez..1-2 from Bradley..39-37 Bradley

Round 5 Good left from Bradley..Marquez lands a right..Marquez lands 2 body punches..Right from Bradley after he flashed the jab..Good action with Marquez posing at the end of the round…48-47 Bradley

Round 6 Hard right from Bradley..Counter left from Marquez…good left hook..Bradley lands a left hook…Bradley lands a jab..Marquez lands a hard right..Bradley counters with a right..Bradley working the jab..58-56 Bradley

Round 7 Good jab and right by Bradley…68-65 Bradley

Round 8 Good left from Marquez..Hard right..Uppercut from Bradley..Good left hook..Marquez lands a body shot..body shot…right…77-75 Bradley

Round 9 Marquez lands a right..Hard right from Bradley..trading shots..Hard left lands for Marquez and right stuns Bradley…86-85 Bradley

Round 10 Hard rights rocks Marquez..good right..96-94 Bradley

Round 11 Bradley works the body..Marquez lands a left to the body…Marquez throwing and missing…106-103

Round 12 Hard right from Marquez..a little left to the head..Marquez lands a right..The two trade with Bradley landing a left that made Marquez stumbled at the bell…116-112 BRADLEY

115-113 MARQUEZ; 115-113 BRADLEY; 116-112 BRADLEY—BRADLEY WINS SPLIT DECISON

12 ROUNDS–WBO FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE–ORLANDO SALIDO (39-12-2, 27 KO’S) VS ORLANDO CRUZ (20-2-1, 10 KO’S)

Round 1 not much of anything...10-10

Round 2 Salido lands a body shot..good right and left..Good right hook from Cruz..20-19 Salido

Round 3 Salido lands an uppercut…Cruz lands a hook/..Hard right from Salido…Salido lands about his 4th low blow…Uppercut from Cruz…30-28 Salido

Round 4 Hard right from Salido..hard right..2 more rights..Combination from Cruz..Hard right from Salido and a combination..Good straight left from Cruz..40-37 Salido

Round 5 Cruz lands a right and a combination…49-47 Salido

Round 6 Hard over hand right from Salido…right 59-56 Salido

Round 7 HARD RIGHT AND LEFT UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES CRUZ…AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

10 ROUNDS–FEATHERWEIGHTS–VASYL LOMACHENKO (PD) VS JOSE RAMIREZ (25-3, 15 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Lomachenko LANDS A RIGHT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES RAMIREZ…10-8 Lomachenko

Round 2 Great combination from Lomachenko..Chants of MEXICO…MEXICO from the Crowd…Terrific combination..20-17 Lomachenko

Round 3 Lomachemko lands a good left at the bell…30-26 Lomachenko

Round 4 HUGE BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES RAMIREZ…FIGHT IS OVER

LOMACHENKO TKO 4 –2:59

10 ROUNDS–LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS–SEANIE MONAGHAN (18-0, 11 KO’S) VS ANTHONY CAPUTO SMITH (14-1, 10 KO’S)

Round 1 Monaghan lands a combination…10-9 Monaghan

Round 2 Smith lands a left hook…Monaghan lands an overhand right…trading uppercuts inside..Monaghan lands 3 uppercuts…good body shot..20-18 Monaghan

Round 3 Good right from Monaghan..Full brawl breaking out with Monaghan getting better…Monaghan drilling Smith with hard shots and FINALLY TONY WEEKS STOPS THE BOUT

MONAGHAN WINS VIA TKO 3 (2:39)

Timothy Bradley 146 – Juan Manuel Marquez 144.5
Orlando Salido 126 – Orlando Cruz 125
Jose Ramirez 126.5 – Vasyl Lomachenko 125
Seanie Monaghan 174 – Anthony Caputo Smith 175.5
Trevor McCumby ???? – Eric Watkins 175
Giovanni Caro ???? – Jun Doliguez 126
Alberto Herrera 147.5 – Mikael Zewski 147.5
Kenny Abril 146.5 – Brad Solomon 146.6