Veteran Contender Andrzej Fonfara Withdraws from Fight Against Edwin Rodriguez Slated for Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, March 9 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California – Hard-Hitting Abel Ramos and Battle-Tested Francisco Santana Step in for Co-Featured Showdown

CARSON, CALIF. (February 14, 2019) – Veteran contender and two-time title challenger Andrzej Fonfara has withdrawn from his match against Edwin Rodriguez that was scheduled to be part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, March 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Stepping in as the replacement co-feature is a 10-round, all-action welterweight showdown between hard-hitting Abel Ramos and battle-tested Francisco “Chia” Santana. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter making his first title defense in primetime against mandatory challenger Yordenis Ugas.

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

The 31-year-old Fonfara announced that he is retiring from boxing, prompting him to withdraw from the fight against Rodriguez on Wednesday.

“There is no more enthusiasm and above all no more of the motivation and adrenaline that gave me the desire to go into the ring and compete,” Fonfara said. “I am healthy. Everything is okay. But I no longer have the heart for boxing.”

Ramos (23-3-2, 18 KOs) has put together four technical knockout victories since losing a hard-fought majority decision to welterweight contender Jamal James in front of James’ hometown crowd in Minneapolis on April 13, 2018. The 27-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona proved against James that he’s a formidable opponent for anyone in the 147-pound division.

Santana (25-6-1, 12 KOs) needs an impressive victory over Ramos to remain a force in the welterweight division. The 31-year-old Santana of Santa Barbara, California is coming off a majority decision over the always-tough Felix Diaz and owns victories over then unbeaten fighters Eddie Gomez and Kendal Mena.

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

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

Andrzej Fonfara retires

Former light heavyweight title challenger Andrzej Fonfara announced his retirement, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m fine physically, but I don’t have my usual desire to give boxing the 100 percent it deserves,” Fonfara said in a statement on Tuesday. “I want to thank all who helped me through this crazy, great ride.”

WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter Makes First Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger Yordenis Ugas Saturday, March 9 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event From from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, Calif.- 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

CARSON, Calif. (January 24, 2019) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter will make his first title defense in primetime as he battles mandatory challenger Yordenis Ugas Saturday, March 9 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes live from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see Porter defend his title after defeating Danny Garcia in an exciting September clash to capture the WBC belt. He will face Cuba’s Ugas, who has worked his way to this position with an impressive string of eight-straight victories leading up to March 9.

The action also features a duel between two hard-hitting brawlers as Andrzej Fonfara and Edwin Rodriguez meet in a 10-round cruiserweight match in the co-feature, while heavy-handed slugger Efe Ajagba steps up to face experienced veteran Amir Mansour in an eight-round heavyweight attraction in the televised opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale Monday, January 28 at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com

“Shawn Porter is one of the most charismatic and exciting fighters in the sport and he’s sure to light up the screen on March 9 on FOX and FOX Deportes,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “After winning a hard-fought close decision over Danny Garcia in September to capture the title, he will again have his hands full, this time with Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas, who has taken the division by storm, defeating top contenders and prospects to put himself in this mandatory position for his first world title. It’s a matchup of styles that is sure to generate a memorable night.

“In addition, Andrzej Fonfara and Edwin Rodriguez are heavy-hitters known for being in electric matchups and I expect both to leave it all on the line in this showdown to see who moves back closer to the championship ranks. With sensational prospect Efe Ajagba rising up the heavyweight division, he will look to secure another knockout on this March 9 card that is set to deliver from top to bottom.”

Porter will defend his title just over a month after Keith Thurman and Manny Pacquiao defend their 147-pound championships in separate clashes, and one week before Errol Spence Jr. puts his welterweight belt on the line against Mikey Garcia on FOX Sports PBC PPV, as we near finding out who will rise to the top of boxing’s deepest and most-exciting division.

The 31-year-old Porter earned the Garcia fight with a dominant stoppage of former world champion Andre Berto, which he followed up by defeating tough contender Adrian Granados. This followed Porter’s memorable title clash against Keith Thurman in 2016, which drew Fight of the Year praise and was narrowly won by Thurman.

Originally from Akron, Ohio but now living and training in Las Vegas, Porter became a welterweight champion for the first time in 2014 when he defeated Devon Alexander. Although he lost the belt to Kell Brook, Porter rebounded two fights later with a high-profile win against four-division champion Adrien Broner.

“We’ve already been in training camp for a few weeks working on conditioning and building up the fundamentals,” said Porter. “Ugas is a strong, aggressive fighter who’s responsible with his defense. He’s a Cuban fighter and I know he won’t waiver from that. It’s going to be up to me to get him to drop his hands, take some risks and then land my shots. It should make for a very entertaining fight and I can’t wait to get back in the ring and do what I do best.”

March 9 concludes a long road traveled by Ugas (23-3,11 KOs) from Cuban amateur star, to nearly out of the sport, and now on the cusp of a world championship. The 32-year-old won Bronze at the 2008 Olympic games and was 15-1 as a pro before suffering back-to-back losses in 2014. A 28-month layoff followed, with Ugas eventually deciding to return to the ring for a battle against then unbeaten prospect Jamal James.

Ugas not only defeated James in August 2016, but he followed up the win by stopping another unbeaten prospect in Bryant Perrella just over a month later. Now living in Miami and training in Las Vegas, Ugas triumphed in title eliminators against Ray Robinson last February and Cesar Barrionuevo in September on the undercard of the Garcia vs. Porter fight.

“This is a huge opportunity to make my dreams come true of becoming a world champion on FOX,” said Ugas. “Shawn Porter is a great champion and someone I respect. On March 9 when the bell rings, I’m willing to leave it all on the line, so the fans shouldn’t miss this one. It will be a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender. I can guarantee that and you will hear the words ‘and the new!”’

Fonfara (30-5, 18 KOs) established himself as a rugged contender in the light heavyweight division with some solid victories, including his most notable triumph over Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. He fought Adonis Stevenson twice for the light heavyweight world championship, losing the first time by decision in 2014 and losing by TKO in 2017. In his last fight on Feb. 17, the 31-year-old Fonfara of Radom, Poland, who now lives in Chicago, scored a TKO victory over Ismayl Sillah.

“I’m excited because I’ve trained a long time to get a fight and now we have a date and a great opponent,” said Fonfara. “I know Rodriguez is a strong fighter. He moved up to the cruiserweight division like me, so I think this is a 50-50 fight. It’s a good fight because me and him are tough fighters. We like to go to war. I know Edwin from Houston because I trained there a couple of times. He and I are good friends with Artur Szpilka. There’s no animosity and once we fight and I beat him, we can go out have a beer and talk.”

Rodriguez (30-2, 20 KOs) has demonstrated the ability to end a fight with a single punch, which adds intrigue every time he steps into the ring. The 33-year-old Rodriguez was born in Moca, Dominican Republic before moving to Worcester, Massachusetts. In his last fight he scored a unanimous decision over Lionell Thompson on Feb. 17, 2018.

“I feel great and I feel confident heading into this fight,” said Rodriguez. “Fonfara is a great fighter and so am I. It’s going to be very entertaining for the fans. I bring it and he brings it. I’ll adapt as the fight goes on and I’ll be ready for the best Fonfara.”

Nigeria’s Ajagba (8-0, 7 KOs) gained notoriety last August 24 at the Armory and on FS1 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. The 24-year-old won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified. In his last fight Ajagba, who lives in Stafford, Texas and trains with Ronnie Shields, knocked out Santino Turnbow on December 22.

Mansour (23-3-1, 16 KOs) is a tough veteran who has battled some of the top contenders in the sport, including Dominic Breazeale, Gerald Washington and former cruiserweight world champion Steve Cunningham. The 46-year-old southpaw from Wilmington, Delaware is looking to rebound from a loss to unbeaten Filip Hrgovic in his last fight on September 8.

Stevenson, Pascal, and Bullets Both Spare and Spent

By Jimmy Tobin-

There was an infomercial of sorts at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Saturday night. In a rematch undesirable and undesired, Adonis Stevenson did away with Andrzej Fonfara in brutal fashion, requiring but twice the time a part-time construction worker needed one year ago. If ever you needed proof that Stevenson remains a bridge too far for Fonfara…ah, but you didn’t need such proof did you? Stevenson remains one of the best fighters in the division, your eyes can tell you that. Yet however successful, his has been a forgettable reign (which should sit just fine with a promoter who can keep Deontay Wilder belted).

If the broadcast was salvaged at all from relegation to the formality scrapheap (which is not to suggest it was) the co-main is to thank. There, Jean Pascal fought off yet again the creeping shadows of irrelevance in dropping a majority decision to Eleider Alvarez. True to form, Pascal left a little more of himself in the ring; and while what remains of him can barely be stretched effectively over three minutes let alone twelve rounds, it was enough to make a showboat, not a killer, of Alvarez. Pascal succeeded then, in making Alvarez look mediocre—which is audition enough for Alvarez to become the ninth successful defense of Stevenson’s title.

But a Stevenson hit piece this is not, at least not quite.

“Superman” made clear his intentions in 2015—after another two-hour infomercial—when an HBO microphone was put in his face with the expectation that he would utter a specific name and Stevenson swerved. Offer whatever apologies you wish, attribute blame wherever you like—that moment encapsulates Stevenson’s championship run, his conduct since then only reinforces the message, and no number of Fonfaras, Sukhotskys, and Karpencys, however savagely chilled, will convince people otherwise.

He is fighter enough to change all of that with a left hand on the right chin and to suggest he is anything less is to watch him with more than your eyes. The number of light heavyweights who can absorb Stevenson’s Sunday punch may not be exceeded by the number of fighters who can keep him from landing it. He knocked cold the only man to beat him, has gotten off the canvas to win, and responds to adversity as the fighter with greater firepower should, which means that Stevenson, if matched as a champion should be, will provide many a spectacle. He remains a nightmare proposition, but for the opponents that matter only ever a proposition.

That is something that cannot be said of Pascal. Nor was it ever really said of him, there being so few stretches in his career when he was not trying himself against men able to find him wanting. He faced another such opponent in Alvarez and watching Pascal lay on the ropes setting transparent traps, winging counter left hooks too slow to land, lunging with lead crosses carried on unsteady legs, provided the only compelling action on Saturday. Barring the lone scorecard meant to preserve him as a viable future opponent for Stevenson, Pascal’s efforts were more endearing than effective. That has been true for a few nights over his career, one that is marked more by high profile losses than victories.

It is easy to romanticize and recast aging fighters, to allow a more charitable view of them the more punishment they absorb; even the objectionable ones seem less so in their increasing absence. Pascal is as deserving as any of such a treatment, and should likely be treated to it the next time a younger, stronger man shortens his night. Yet that reimagining is unnecessary. There is almost always drama in a Pascal fight because he is an athlete above all else, which has resulted in a fighter who takes a goodly amount of punishment and responds by trying to light up everyone in front of him. Nor do you get shorted on toughness with Pascal. Take a break from defending Kell Brook and revisit the night Pascal turned back a then-rampaging Adrian Diaconu while fighting nine rounds with a broken bone in his shoulder.

No, Pascal has never quite been elite, evidenced by his record against Bernard Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev (a meager 0-3-1 with two stoppage losses), but such are the consequences of flying too close to the sun. A sober appraisal of his time in the ring cannot be anything but complimentary, and of the two Haitian-Canadians on the broadcast Saturday, it is Pascal whose career is most endearing. It is also the one more difficult to replicate (an unfortunate reality considering that boxing would be better off for having dozens of Pascals). Again, this is not to romanticize his career, only to suggest to remember it accurately. Pascal has long suffered from mischaracterization.

Entertaining at something approaching the highest level, Pascal never shied from a challenge, never shied even, from a beating, and more and more those seem like fundamental criteria worth evaluating a fighter by. Where a fighter ranks in his division, how many titles he’s won, how often he has defended them, his standing with a major network or promoter, even how many tickets he sells—all of these details can mislead. And if there is anything to be learned from the proliferation of televised boxing in recent years it is that restricting your viewing to those fighters who are earnest and able in their violence, those who with some frequency place themselves in contests where the outcome is unclear at the opening and subsequent bells, deprives you of little.

Still, even if boxing is becoming more and more concerned with fabricating instead of cultivating excellence, it feels foolish to suggest that Pascal is the last of a dying breed. Such platitudes are out of place in a sport as resilient as ours—there will always be a need for men like Pascal, and those men will be found. This one feels right though: the spent bullet is preferable to the spare one.

Stevenson destroys Fonfara in 2

Adonis Stevenson destroyed Andrzej Fonfara in round two to defend his WBC Light Heavyweight title at Bell Centre in Montreal.

Stevenson dropped Fonfara in round one with hard left. Stevenson almost finished Fonfara off in the first round as he pummeled him all over the ring. Stevenson came out in round two by landing four hard straight lefts and Fonfara’s trainer Virgil Hunter stopped the bout 28 seconds into the frame.

This was Stevenson’s 2nd win over Fonfara as he won a unanimous decision in 2014.

Stevenson is now 29-1 with 24 knockouts. Fonfara is now 29-5.

Eleider Alvarez won a 12-round majority decision over former world champion Jean Pascal in a light heavyweight bout.

Alvarez won the fight with better activity and used an effective jab to set up flurries. Pascal had some success fighting in small spurts, but it was Alvarez who took the fight by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 114-114.

Alvarez is 23-0. Pascal is 31-5-1.

FOLLOW STEVENSON – FONFARA LIVE!!

Follow all the action as Adonis Stevenson defends the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in a rematch with Andrzej Fonfara. The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM with a light heavyweight battle between Eleider Alvarez and former world champion Jean Pascal.

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12 rounds WBC Light Heavyweight Title–Adonis Stevenson (28-1, 23 KO’s) vs Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Stevenson*	10	TKO											10
Fonfara	8												8

Round 1: Straight left from Stevenson…HARD LEFT AND DOWN GOES FONFARA..Straight left..Big left backs Stevenson up..Hard left hurts Fonfara..Hard left and Fonfara is in bad trouble

Round 2 3 lefts snaps the head back and FoNFARA’S CORNER STOPS THE FIGHT

12-Rounds–Light Heavyweights–Eleider Alvarez (22-0, 11 KO’s) vs Jean Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Alvarez	9	10	9	10	10	10	9	9	10	9	10	10	115
Pascal	10	9	10	9	9	9	10	10	9	10	9	9	113

Round 1 Alvarez lands a jab..Good counter right from Pascal..Left and right…Right from Alvarez

Round 2 Good over hand right from Alvarez…Hard jab..Pascal Holding on..2 uppercuts to body from Alvarez..Jab..Lead left from Pascal..Good combination from Alvarez..

Round 3 Alvarez lands a right over the top..Good counter right from Pascal..Right..Furious exchange

Round 4 Hard 1-2 from Alvarez..Jab…Left hook..3 jabs..

Round 5 Alvarez lands a combination..Hard jab..2 jabs and a right..double jab..Jab..

Round 6 Good right from Alvarez..Jab..

Round 7 Right from Alvarez..Pascal lands a body shot..Good right

Round 8 Alvarez lands 2 jabs and a left hook….Body and right to head from Pascal..Double left hook..Right and body work..Body..Short right from Alvarez

Round 9 Right from Alvarez..Huge uppercut..Flurry on the ropes..3 punch combo from Pascal..Body and head shot..Lead right..Hard left hook from Alvarez…Jab

Round 10 Counter right from Pascal..Double jab from Alvarez..Counter left from Pascal…Left from Alvarez..Right from Pascal..

Round 11 Hard right from Alvarez..Good combination..Jab

Round 12 Left from Alvarez…Jab..

114-114….117-111 and 116-112 for Eleider Alvarez

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. ANDRZEJ FONFARA II FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES,

MONTREAL (June 2, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara had a tense faceoff during Friday’s weigh-in for their 175-pound rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre.

Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) weighed-in at 174 ¼ pounds while Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) measured a ready 173 ½ pounds for their rematch of an all-action 2014 showdown in which both fighters scored knockdowns.

“I’m as strong as ever,” said the southpaw Stevenson. “I know he’s dangerous, I know he’s tough. He has a new trainer and he’s going to do everything he can to take my title. But I’m going to go for the knockout. I’m going to show him I don’t only have the left, I have the right, too.”

Fonfara promised he’s improved since their first meeting both physically and mentally under new trainer Virgil Hunter.

“I’m the smarter guy now, and I have more experience,” Fonfara said. “I’m ready mentally and physically to take his belt. I’m here to put Stevenson down and become the new light heavyweight champion.”

WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez and former 175-pound champ Jean Pascal both measured 174 ½ pounds for their co-featured bout that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Both Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs), the mandatory challenger for Stevenson’s WBC belt, and Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs) are aiming for a shot at the winner of Saturday’s main event.

Final Weights & Commission Officials:

WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Adonis Stevenson: 173 ½ pounds
Andrzej Fonfara: 174 ¼ pounds
Referee: Michael Griffin; Judges: Nicolas Esnault (Canada), Omar Mintun (Mexico), Humberto Olivares (Mexico)

Light Heavyweight Bout – 12 Rounds for WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Championship
Eleider Alvarez: 174 ½ pounds
Jean Pascal: 174 ½ pounds
Referee: Alain Villeneuve; Judges: Richard DeCarufel (Canada), Rodolfo Ramirez (Mexico), Jack Woodburn (Canada)

ADONIS STEVENSON vs. ANDRZEJ FONFARA II FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

MONTREAL (May 30, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson and Andrzej Fonfara sounded off at the final press conference on Tuesday at Montreal Casino for their 175-pound rematch this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre.

WBC Light Heavyweight No. 1 contender Eleider Alvarez and former 175-pound champ Jean Pascal also faced off for their co-featured bout that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Both Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) and Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) scored knockdowns in their all-action meeting in 2014, the only time Stevenson has been down in his eight world title fights since winning the WBC belt in 2013. While the local Montreal favorite was pushed the distance in his first bout with Fonfara, he has scored knockouts in five of his seven title defenses and stated on Tuesday that he expects a knockout in the rematch.

Since the close loss to Stevenson in 2014, Fonfara has picked up wins against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Nathan Cleverly and Chad Dawson, and enters the rematch with a new trainer, the renowned Virgil Hunter.

Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs) is undefeated and the mandatory challenger for Stevenson’s WBC belt, but he’ll face the toughest test of his career in Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs), a former WBC 175-pound champion who has faced some of the world’s best light heavyweights over the past decade.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:

ADONIS STEVENSON
“I’m ready because I know Fonfara is dangerous. We’re not underestimating him. I’ve prepared for everything, everything he brings in the ring I’ll be ready for it.

“I’m training for the knockout. Emanuel Steward always told me ‘knockouts sell.’ When I get in the ring I’m going for a knockout. It’s not an option for me to go 12 rounds.

“I train for 12 rounds, and if it goes 12 rounds he’s going to get punishment the whole time, but I definitely am going for the knockout.

“I see some things I can exploit in the ring.

“I won the first fight, and I know him very well. I know what he can do. I know he changed trainers. Virgil Hunter brings a lot of experience, I know he trains Andre Ward, and I know he’s very intelligent.

“I know Andrzej Fonfara from 12 rounds in the ring. He can’t change his style right now. He may show some improved defense, but after a couple of rounds it will be the old Fonfara.

“This fight will be different. I expect a knockout. I hurt my hand in our first fight, but now I’m fully healthy and I expect to knock him out.

“I know Fonfara is training hard to take my belt. I know he’s a tough fighter, and I know it’s not going to be easy for me.

“My goal is to unify the titles with the winner of (Sergey) Kovalev and (Andre) Ward. I want the unification, but if not I’ll make my mandatory. If Ward wins I want to fight him, if Kovalev wins I want to fight him. I’m ready.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA
“I’m a much smarter fighter now. Mentally, I’m much strong and smarter.

“I bettered myself. Virgil (Hunter) has taught me a lot of new stuff. Some things worked in my last fight with Chad Dawson, some things didn’t. But that was our first fight together. Now I’m ready to show everything in this fight.

“I’ve had a lot of success against southpaws. I like fighting them. Chad Dawson was a southpaw, so the last two fights, the last four months, we prepared only for southpaws.

“I’m ready for the best Stevenson.

“My camp went well. Sparring was great. It’s my second full camp with Virgil Hunter and we’ve improved a lot since the first fight.

“I can’t make the same mistakes I did in our first fight. I must fight much smarter.

“Stevenson only has a good left hand. He’s the champ and he’s a good fighter, but his boxing isn’t amazing. He’s not easy, but he only has basic boxing skills. We must cut his left hand and be ready to throw my right. We need to control him.

“I must start good in the first round and let him know that I’m here to win the fight. And I’ll be the new champion.

“I’m always a fighter that goes forward and pushes guys back, but I am now ready to fight backwards if I need to. I’ll show the best Andrzej Fonfara this time.

“I’m going to win the fight. A world title is the only thing I’ve never had. I’ve imagined raising my hand after the fight and becoming the new WBC champion.”

“I’m ready to take the title. My time has come.

“I’m ready to be the new world champion and I’ll do that Saturday night. He wants the KO, and I want the KO, too.

“I respect him because he’s the champ. I came here to show that, this time, I’m the better fighter.”

ELEIDER ALVAREZ
“He has a lot of experience, but experience can be negative sometimes. He’s experienced, but he has negative experiences and losses, too. I don’t think it will be a factor Saturday night.

“My style will be an advantage. I’m taller, I have a longer reach, and a better jab. My footwork is better, too. So I think my style is my advantage.

“I’m fully ready for my title shot. I’ve been ready for 18 months, but for some reason it didn’t happen. I’m ready to face everybody. I’m probably in the toughest division in boxing right now, but once Stevenson comes I’ll be ready.

“I didn’t wait 18 months to become a world champion for nothing. I won’t give a victory to Pascal. I’ve waited for 18 months for my chance and I won’t give it to Pascal.

“Sparring with him (Pascal) is an advantage, but it was a long time ago and now he’s changed teams. So I don’t know what he’s done in his training camp this time.

“Marc (Ramsay) taught me some tricks, but I already know Jean Pascal because I trained with him and sparred with him for a while. It’s an advantage to have Marc, but it can be different and you never know what he’ll bring to the ring this time around.”

JEAN PASCAL
“Winning is the only option for me.

“I’ve been in some battles, but my tank is still full.

“I’ve faced way better opposition than him. I’ve been there, done that on the big stage. This is a big, big fight, and I’ve been here before. That’s the thing with experience – you can’t buy experience. You have to live it, and I’ve lived it many times. I’m ready to be on the big stage once again.

“Training camp went really well. I was with Roy Jones Jr. and Stephane Larouche and we stayed in Montreal for the whole camp. We had no injuries and we’re ready to go on Saturday.

“Sparring with Alvarez isn’t really an advantage for me. The last time we sparred was like two or three years ago. I know him, but he knows me also. I actually have two strikes against me – he knows me well, but his coach knows me by heart because he’s my former coach. But none of that matters. I’ve done my homework and I know what to do in the ring.

“Right now my focus is on Alvarez. After the referee raises my hand and we’ll see what’s next.”

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Video: Adonis Stevenson vs. Andrzej Fonfara: Full Fight | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Faces Andrzej Fonfara in Championship Rematch That Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday, June 3 Live on SHOWTIME from Bell Centre in Montreal

MONTREAL (April 21, 2017) – WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson will take-on hard-hitting Polish contender Andrzej Fonfara in a rematch of their 2014 slugfest on Saturday, June 3 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, live on SHOWTIME from the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Televised coverage will also include a matchup of top light heavyweights as WBC number-one contender Eleider Alvarez (22-0, 11 KOs) faces former world champion Jean Pascal (31-4-1, 18 KOs) with both men looking to get a shot at the winner of the main event next.

Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) and Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs) battled at Bell Centre on May 24, 2014 as Stevenson was able to survive a knockdown late in the fight to win a decision and defend his belt for the third time. Both men threw huge shots all the way until the final bell and will look to pick up where they left off on June 3.

“I’m very excited for this rematch with Fonfara, but it is going to be a short night for him because they don’t pay me for overtime,” said Stevenson. “I’m very happy to be back in the ring for my first fight of 2017. I can’t wait to fight in front of my hometown fans at the Bell Centre. The first time I fought Fonfara was at the Bell Centre in 2014 and now we’re back doing it for a second time. I will put on a great, exciting show for the fans in my hometown, and for the fans on SHOWTIME.”

“I feel good that I’m back here after three years,” said Fonfara. “I’m ready for revenge. I’m a different fighter physically and mentally. I’ve shown in a couple of fights that I’m a better fighter. It’s a great opportunity to get the rematch and be a world champion. The last fight against Chad Dawson gave me experience because it was very technical. But really all the fights since then – Julio Chavez, Jr., Nathan Cleverly and even Joe Smith – have helped me prepare for Stevenson again. I changed my team, got a new coach and a trainer, which makes me physically and mentally where I need to be for this fight. I don’t have a problem fighting in Montreal. I love Montreal. It’s a beautiful city with beautiful people. It will be a great night of boxing and I’m sure that I will be victorious on the night of June 3.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Group Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced from $80 to $350, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666) or at Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980.

“This is one of the best shows in Quebec in a long time,” said Yvon Michel, President of GYM. “It’s the kind of event that will inject some adrenaline into boxing in Quebec. We have two fights that could be main events anywhere in the world and on any network. Adonis will defend his title for the eighth time. To be a world champion for four years is exceptional. Fonfara has a style that can give Adonis some problems.’

“In the co-main event we have a former world champion in Pascal who still believes he can be world champion. He will have a tough assignment with Alvarez, a fighter who just proved he belongs with the best in the world with his win over Lucian Bute. If he beats Pascal he will have beaten two of the best stars that Canada has ever produced in back-to-back fights. He will prove to be a threat to anyone in the future.”

“We’re really looking forward to taking on Stevenson at the Bell Centre in Montreal on SHOWTIME,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing, Fonfara’s promoter. “Andrzej was just 26-years-old when they fought last time and it was a big step up for him. We believe he’s now ready to win because he has gained a significant amount of experience in matches with Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Nathan Cleverly and Chad Dawson. We’re thrilled to be given the opportunity to fight Stevenson for the world title for a second time.”

Stevenson won the world light heavyweight title in June of 2013 in Montreal, via a sensational 76-second, first-round knockout over the then-undisputed king of the division Chad Dawson. The impressive victory earned Stevenson “Knockout of the Year” and “Fighter of the Year” accolades. From there, Stevenson went on to record stoppage victories over Tavoris Cloud and Tony Bellew in addition to the decision over Fonfara. Born in Haiti, but fighting out of Quebec, Stevenson defended his title twice in 2015 before making the seventh defense of his belt in an exciting firefight with Thomas Williams Jr. that ended with a fourth-round knockout for the reigning champion. The lineal 175-pound champion trains out of the late Emanuel Steward’s Kronk Gym with his head trainer Sugar Hill.

Now training in Oakland with Virgil Hunter, Fonfara enters this bout coming off of a 10th-round stoppage victory over former world champion Chad Dawson in March at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The fighter out of Warsaw, Poland bounced back from his defeat to Stevenson with a TKO victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and a decision over Nathan Cleverly in a 2015 Fight of the Year contender. The 29-year-old won his first 13 fights after moving up to light heavyweight in 2010 including wins over Gabriel Campillo, Glen Johnson and Tommy Karpency.

A 2008 Colombian Olympian fighting out of Montreal, Alvarez worked his way into the mandatory position for the WBC title with victories over Isidro Ranoni Prieto and Isaac Chilemba in 2015. He followed those up with wins over Robert Berridge and Norbert Dabrowski before his most recent matchup that saw him deliver a sensation fifth round knockout over former world champion Lucian Bute.

Originally from Haiti, Pascal and his family moved to Canada when he was a child and began boxing at the age of 13. He would eventually become one of the most accomplished fighters from Montreal. Pascal became a world champion in 2009 when he defeated previously unbeaten Adrian Diaconu. He would go on to defend the title three times, including a victory over Chad Dawson. After losing his title to Bernard Hopkins, Pascal has picked up victories over Lucian Bute, Yuniesky Gonzalez and most recently Ricardo Ramallo in addition to two challenges of former unified world champion Sergey Kovalev.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, @Andrzej_Fonfara and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Stevenson to defend Light Heavy crown in rematch against Fonfara

Light Heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson will defend his title in a rematch against Andrzej Fonfara, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“It’s now official,” Stevenson wrote on social media. “June 3rd rematch against Andrzej Fonfara in Canada. The undercard will be interesting as well.”

Yvon Michel, Stevenson’s promoter, told ESPN that Stevenson’s next fight will indeed come against Fonfara, though he was noncommittal on the date or which television network would carry it.

“The fight with Fonfara is agreed upon, but still contracts (need) to be signed,” Michel said. “Place and dates still in negotiations. (We) will have confirmation about the network early next week. I am expecting a terrific fight. Last time there was a lot of drama in the course of the 12 rounds.”

Seanie Monaghan was not pleased to hear that Stevenson was not going to fight him.

“Well it seems I got jerked again. Fight with Stevenson is off,” he said. “I honestly always kinda doubted it was gonna happen. Was he gonna fight an undefeated guy? No, he fights a guy he beat already who just got KO’d in one round. No wonder nobody respects this punk (expletive). Whoever I get next is in trouble.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA BACK IN THE GYM TRAINING WITH VIRGIL HUNTER, WAITING FOR NEXT CHALLENGE

BAY AREA, CA (March 29, 2017) – WBC #7 light-heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs), is back in the Bay Area, CA, training with Virgil Hunter. After scoring a technical knockout in his last fight against former world champion, Chad Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), Fonfara is ready for the next challenge as he looks to get back into a world title fight.

“I took a few weeks off to rest my body, but now I’m ready to get back in the gym training with Virgil Hunter,” said Fonfara. “I’m making the proper sacrifices, coming to California with no fight date, because I know in this sport your name can be called at any time.”

With a possible date looming, Fonfara feels he’s back on track to fight all top contenders in the light-heavyweight division.

“I’m in a great position being ranked in number seven by the WBC.” Fonfara continued. “I just want to stay sharp and be ready for any fight that might come my way. Training with Virgil now is only going to make me a better fighter. I’ll be ready for anyone that my team puts in front of me.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA EYES TOP TEN CONTENDERS, BADOU JACK SPECIFICALLY

CHICAGO, IL (March 9, 2017) – After stopping former world champion, Chad Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), with a stunning tenth-round TKO, WBC #8 light-heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs), is welcoming challenges from everyone in the top ten.

“I’m looking forward to my next fight and the possibilities that have opened up with my victory over Chad Dawson,” said Andrzej Fonfara. “My main goal is to avenge my loss to Joe Smith Jr., but if I can’t get him in the ring, then I’m looking to face anyone in the top ten of the light-heavyweight division.”

With the light-heavyweight division loaded with talent, Fonfara seeks a meaningful fight with one of the top contenders, more specifically, former WBC super-middleweight champion, Badou Jack (20-1, 12 KOs), who recently vacated his world title at 168 pounds.

“Badou Jack seems like the perfect opponent, but I must warn him, this is not the super-middleweight division,” Fonfara continued. “Badou Jack has never faced punchers like those fighting at 175 pounds. He must earn his shot to a world title fight, just like I did when I was coming up. This makes for a perfect opportunity for us to fight, with the winner moving up the rankings.

Thurman defeats Garcia via split decision; unifies welterweight belts

BROOKLYN–Keith Thurman took a split decision from Danny Garcia to retain his WBA and win the WBC Welterweight titles in front of 16.533 boisterous fans at Barclays Center.

The fight did not have the action that the pre-fight hype signified that there would be, but it was a close competitive fight at a high level.

Early on it looked to be a slugfest as there were several toe to toe instances for which both had their moments. The fight turned into a chess match with Thurman looking to move around and pick his spots to engage. He built up a nice lead and then decided to step up his moving to more of a track meet and almost gave away the fight as two judges ruled in favor of Thurman by 116-112 and 115-113 scores while Garcia took a card 115-113.

Thurman, 146.2 lbs of Clearwater, FL is 28-0. Garcia, 146.5 lbs of Philadelphia suffers his 1st blemish and is now 33-1.

THURMAN:
“The judges are judges. I thought out-boxed him. I thought it was a clear victory, but Danny came to fight. I knew when it was split and I had that widespread, I knew it had to go to me.

“I was not giving the fight away. I felt like we had a nice lead, we could cool down. I felt like we were controlling the three-minute intervals every round. My defense was effective – he wasn’t landing.”

“This is my dream coming true. Ben Getty believed in me before I knew that I had the ability to become a champion. He said that I was destined for greatness. He made me dedicate myself to the sport of boxing.

“I knew that today would be the day I accomplish my dreams. People know I fought my way up the amateurs. This was the first time I fought a real undefeated fighter and I demonstrated my skills tonight. I made my team proud.

“You’re not just fighting your opponent sometimes, you’re fighting the judges. They have their own perspective. I know I was backing up and being defensive, I feel like a lot of Danny’s power punches were ineffective. I was controlling the fight from the outside. There were some rounds that I was dominating. I knew that I had pulled ahead. We felt like we definitely earned the victory tonight.

“There might have been one left hook to the body that he landed that I felt. But we know how to endure these punches. This isn’t just about out-boxing an opponent, you have to take a punch too. Danny was well-grounded and he had some awkward head movements. He’s a world class fighter. We just had to make adjustments.”

GARCIA:
Thoughts on split decision:
“I came up short tonight. I thought I was the aggressor. I thought I pushed the pace. But it didn’t go my way.

“I thought I won and I was pushing the fight. But it is what it is.

“He was trying to counter. I had to wait to find my spots.”

“It was a tough fight. I thought I came back strong. I thought I won the fight. It was close, but I thought I did enough to win.

“It is what it is. I can’t cry over anything, I’ll come back strong like a true champion. I would love to have a rematch to get my titles back.

“I knew running would be his game plan. Everyone knew that was his game plan. I thought I won and that’s it.”

ANGEL GARCIA
“Keith ran half the fight. Boxing is about hitting, not running. Danny tried to be the aggressor, but Keith was moving around too much.”

DAN BIRMINGHAM
“We knew we had the fight won. Keith was still scoring while he was backing up – sticking and moving.

“We know Danny is a great fighter and there was a lot of great back and forth, but Keith was the better man tonight.”

Erickson Lubin earned a mandatory title shit with a 4th round stoppage over Jorge Cota in a junior middleweight bout.

Lubin landed a crushing over hand left that sent Cota crashing to the canvas. Cota got to his feet, but the fight was s stopped at 1:25

Lubin, 153.8 lbs of Orlando, FL is 18-0 with 13 knockouts. Cota, 153.8 lbs of Sinaloa, MX is 23-2.

ERICKSON LUBIN
“I baited him with the jab. I knew he was going to come with the big shots early. I put a few tricks on him, I landed that overhand right and it was night-night. I put my hands down to bait him in, I did a squat and then it was night-night. I was ready to follow-up with a right but he was already out.

On an opportunity to potentially become the youngest world champion in boxing:
“That would mean a lot to me; that would mean a lot to Orlando, Florida.

“This is my second time knocking someone out in front of Ray Leonard. He’s one of my favorite fighters of all time. It’s an honor to do this on CBS.”

Richardson Hitchins made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppae over Mario Perez in a welterweight bout.

Hitchins dropped Perez in the 1st with a right hand. Seconds later, it was a left that dropped Perez and the fight was waved off at

Hitchins, 141 lbs of Brooklyn is 1-0 with 1 knockout. Perez, 141.2 lbs of Baja, Mexico is 1-1.

Sergey Lipinets stopped Clarence Booth in round seven of a scheduled 8-round junior welterweight bout.

Lipinets dropped Booth in round seven and finished him off with a flurry in the corner at 1:33.

Lipinets, 140.6 lbs of Beverly Hills, CA is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Booth, 140 lbs of St. Petersburg, FL is 14-3.

SERGEY LIPINETS
“We had a short camp for this fight so it took me a little while to relax. Once I got loose, I did what I wanted to do.

“I’m the mandatory for the IBF title. I’m going to wait for my shot and from then on we’ll just see who is willing to fight us.

“I’m still developing my style. I want to please the crowd. It’s an honor to be on a show like this. I’m not a fluke. Ever since I’ve fought professionally, I’ve only fought tough opponents.

“I had him hurt. He could have kept going based purely off of will but he would have just gotten hurt more. He’s better off this way and can fight again.”

CLARENCE BOOTH
“I thought it was an early decision. I was alright. He got me with a decent shot. But I was fine when he came rushing at me.

“I thought I was in the fight. He’s a strong guy, but he didn’t really hurt me. I thought I was right there with him.”

Andrzej Fonfara basically ended the career at the top level of former light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson by stopping him in the 10th and final round.

Fonfara dropped Dawson in round nine, and finished him off with a hard flurry in the corner at 28 seconds of round ten.

Fonfara, 176.8 lbs of Chicago, IL is 29-4 with 17 knockouts. Dawson, 176 lbs of New Haven, CT is 34-5.

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

tonight, but he didn’t do anything to surprise me and he never hurt me.

tonight. I just want to thank all of my fans back from Chicago and here in New York, and I can’t wait to come back even stronger. “

CHAD DAWSON

Andrzej Fonfara Training Camp Quotes

BROOKLYN (February 28, 2017) – Exciting heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara has wrapped up training camp and is ready to battle former world champion Chad Dawson on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, in front of the passionate Polish boxing fans in Brooklyn.

The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that serves as the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Broadcast coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battling once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what Fonfara had to say about his first training camp with Virgil Hunter, his matchup and more:

On his recent training camp with Virgil Hunter:
“Virgil Hunter and I had a great final few days of training camp. All the sparring and training is finalized and now we are focused on making weight. My body feels rejuvenated and I’ll be at my best going into this fight.”

On facing former world champion Chad Dawson:
“Chad Dawson is a very skilled fighter who has won at the elite level. He’s a former world champion who’s been in the ring with the best fighters in the division. I know he will be a difficult challenge, but I’m confident I’ll be victorious.”

On the long layoff since his last fight:
“I felt it was a good thing to take some time off after my fight with Joe Smith. I was able to reflect on my performance, and make the move to start training with Virgil Hunter. I incorporated Pilates into my training regimen and I feel great. My mental focus is sharp. Everyone will see the improvement in my performance.”

On the current state of the light-heavyweight division:
“The division is filled with many great fighters. In my opinion, Andre Ward is the pound-for- pound champion. For top to bottom the division is loaded with great talent. My goal is to win this fight, and march back toward a world title fight. I know with hard work that I can accomplish that feat.”

On fighting in Brooklyn at Barclays Center…
“I’ve always dreamed of fighting in New York and now that will become a reality. There is so much history of boxing in New York and I just want my debut to be a memorable one. I’m sure the fans there will be filled with energy so I’m ready to entertain them with a tremendous night of boxing.”

# # #

ABOUT THURMAN vs. GARCIA
Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia is a welterweight world title showdown between undefeated 147-pound titlists. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battles once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @DannySwift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Andrzej Fonfara in Full Swing With VADA Testing

BAY AREA, CA (February 16, 2017) – In preparation for his upcoming fight with former world champion, Chad Dawson (34-4, 19 KOs), Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) is in full swing with his mandated VADA testing. The 10-round bout is set for March 4th, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn NY, on the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia, undercard.

Fonfara, who recently hired Virgil Hunter, 2012 BWAA Boxing Trainer of the year, gives his thoughts on the importance of drug testing in boxing.

“Today I had my mandatory VADA testing and I feel good about it.” said Andrzej Fonfara, the current WBC #9 rated contender. “I think it’s very important that all fighters be tested for PED’s.” “We all put our lives on the line when we step in the ring and everyone knows boxing is a very dangerous sport. People die in the ring and for someone to have an advantage by taking drugs, should not be tolerated. I believe cleaning up the sport of boxing is a good thing, one that all fighters should applaud.”

Exciting Matchup Between Polish Light Heavyweight Contender Andrzej Fonfara & Former Three-Time World Champion Chad Dawson Highlights Night of Undercard Action Saturday, March 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (February 9, 2017) – Exciting Polish contender Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) will meet former world champion Chad Dawson (34-4, 19 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight attraction as part of an exciting night of non-televised undercard bouts on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Broadcast coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battling once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout.

“Fonfara vs. Dawson is the definition of a crossroads fight,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Former world champion Chad Dawson needs a signature win to reignite his career. Fonfara is coming off a shocking knockout loss. Fonfara should have the support of New York’s strong Polish community on March 4 at the Barclays Center. This is a significant light heavyweight fight and a terrific addition to a strong undercard.”

A popular Polish-fighter who has fought out of Chicago for most of his career, Fonfara will make his New York debut in front of the many Polish fans in Brooklyn. Now training in Oakland with Virgil Hunter, Fonfara will look to bounce back from a defeat to Joe Smith Jr. and work his way towards a second world title opportunity, after he dropped Adonis Stevenson in a decision loss for his world title in 2014. The 29-year-old has impressive recent victories including becoming the first fighter to stop Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., when he blasted out the former champion in nine rounds in 2015, and a follow-up victory over current light heavyweight titlist Nathan Cleverly that was a 2015 Fight of the Year candidate and saw the fighters break Compubox records in the division for number of punches landed (936) and thrown (2524) in a fight.

A former world champion at light heavyweight, Dawson returns to the ring looking to earn another world title shot. The 33-year-old owns victories over former world champions Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver and Tomasz Adamek and is coming off of victories over Shujaa El Amin last year. The New Haven, Connecticut-native has fought professionally since 2001 and was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights on his way to becoming a two-time world champion. His victory over Hopkins in 2012 made him a three-time champion and he will now work his way towards a chance to become a four-time world champion.

The two-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS broadcast will be just the second primetime boxing presentation on the CBS Television Network in nearly 40 years. It is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and produced by SHOWTIME Sports® for CBS Television, both divisions of the CBS Corporation.

FONFARA SCHEDULED FOR MARCH RETURN, FEELS CONFIDENT WITH VIRGIL HUNTER IN HIS CORNER

(BAY AREA, CA) February 7, 2017 – Light heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) is enjoying his time with new coach, BWAA 2012 trainer of the year, Virgil Hunter. The two have been working together at for the last few months and Fonfara says he’s learning new training methods with Hunter, that are helping him improve his game.

“Virgil is a great coach and I feel this was the right move to take my career to the next level.” said Andrzej Fonfara, the WBC #8 rated contender. “Right now, Hunter has me doing some crazy drills and I can see how its making me better in the ring.”

Fonfara is scheduled to return to the ring in March against an opponent TBA. This bout will be his first fight in 2017, a match he’s looking forward to, since losing his WBC International light heavyweight title to Joe Smith Jr.

“Against Smith, I got caught with a good punch.” Fonfara continued. “It can happen to anyone. I feel I’ve learned a lot since then and I’m confident that’ll I’ll be able to march forward to a world title opportunity. I’m going to take it one fight at a time. With Virgil in my corner, I feel I can beat anyone that is put in front of me. In march, everyone will see an improvement in my fighting style.”
.

Andrzej Fonfara Enters The World of Pilates for Training

BAY AREA, CA (January 26, 2017) – Light heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (28-, 16 KOs), has entered the world of Pilates as he plans to take his career to new heights. Born in Poland and training in Bay Area, CA, with coach Virgil Hunter, Fonfara believes his Pilates regimen will improve his boxing career on many different levels.

“I just started doing Pilates as part of my workout routine.” said former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara. “I felt I needed to do something different in my boxing training and Pilates fit right in. The workouts are very challenging. My stamina and balance feels better. Overall I feel like a new fighter. I know I have what it takes to get back on top. My goal is to get back in the win column and continue my march toward a world championship.”

Right now, negotiations are being discussed for his next fight. Look for Fonfara to return to the ring in March, most likely against a top contender. Right now Fonfara is currently ranked WBC #8.

Smith stuns Fonfara with 1st round knockout

Big underdog Joe Smith Jr. scored a stunning first round stoppage over former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in a scheduled 10-round Light Heavyweight bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Smith knocked Fonfara down with a booming overhand right. Fonfara was hurt bad, and after Smith landed eight punches, landed a crunching left hook that was followed up by a right that sent Fonfara to the deck and the fight was stopped at 2:32.

Smith of Long Island, NY is now 22-1 with 18 knockouts. Fonfara of Chicago is now 28-4.

Rau’She Warren wrestled the WBA Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated Juan Carlos Payano in a rematch of their controversial bout in August.

Warren of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 115-113 twice and 114-114 and is now 14-1. Payano is 17-1.

Erickson Lubin remained perfect with a 3rd round stoppage over Daniel Sandoval in a scheduled 8-round Super Welterweight bout.

Lubin rocked Sandoval with a hard combination and snapped Sandoval’s head back repeatedly until te bout was stopped at 2:36 of round three.

Lubin, 153 1/2 lbs of Orlando, FL is now 15-0 with 11 knockouts. Sandoval, 158 lbs of Guadalajara, MX us 38-4.

In a battle of previously undefeated middleweights, Maciej Sulecki stopped Hugo Centeno in the final round of their scheduled 10-round bout.

In round nine, Cenetno began to bleed from the nose. In the final round, Sulecki landed a perfect right that sent Centeno to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:06.

Sulecki of Poland is 23-0 with 8 knockouts. Centeno of Oxnard, CA is 24-1.

Alex Martin remained undefeated by winning an 8-round split decision over Juan Carlos Abreu in a welterweight bout.

In round eight, Abreu dropped Martin with a right hand.

Martin of Harvey, IL won by scores of 78-74 and 77-74 while Abreu took a card 76-75.

Martin is 13-0. Abrue of the Dominican Republic is 19-3-1.

Jose Quezada remained undefeated by winning a 6-round split decision over Cameron Krael in a welterweight bout.

Quezada won by scores of 58-56 on two cards and one card read even at 57-57 and he is now 11-0. Krael is now 8-11-2.

JOE SMITH JR.

“There’s no feeling like this. I’m happy to take this victory back home to New York to all my fans.

“I’ll talk to my promoter but I’m hoping for another big fight to get myself to a world title.

“Now everybody knows who I am. This is the best thing that could have happened.

“Once I started hitting him and pushing him back he fell away and left himself open for the right hand.

“I thought this would be more of a fight, but I took him out early and it feels great.

“He was punching and I knew he leaves himself open. I was just looking for the punch and it landed.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

“He is a heavy puncher. He hit me with a great punch. It happens.

“I threw some good punches, but I got too comfortable. I didn’t see the punch coming. That made it a great punch.

“I’m disappointed because I thought I would win the fight but it is boxing. I will rest and get back in the ring. I’ll get back to work.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN

“This feels great. It’s unbelievable. Payano came to put on a great fight but I came out victorious. It was a good fight. If he wants the rematch, we can do it again.

“I was comfortable that I had won the decision. He came to fight and he stayed active. My corner just told me I had to answer back.

“We wanted to make him miss and make him pay. I definitely made him miss a lot. He was just staying busy. I bobbed and weaved. I pressed him enough to where I could take over. Barry Hunter told me I had to take the last round and I got him cut.

“My corner just kept telling me to work. I knew I was in control but I just had to step on the pedal at the right time.

“I want to take it to another level. A third fight could be really big. I want Warren-Payano 3 in Cincinnati. If not I’ll go after all the other champions.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“I wasn’t able to completely follow my game plan. At moments I was able to do what we trained for, but not enough. I hurt my rib early in the first two rounds and it made it difficult to grab and breathe. I take nothing away from him.

“I was courteous enough to offer the rematch right away and I hope that I get reciprocated the same way.

“Rau’shee was pretty much the same as last time. I fought his pace and I didn’t follow my plan. I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do and he was able to prevail. I think I gave the fight away and Rau’shee won the fight.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“I felt great. He’s a veteran so I wanted to take my time and get him out of there by chipping away. I saw that he was hurt with a hook. I saw that it cut him and I wanted to rush him. A flurry of punches and the ref stopped it.

“I’m looking at going higher in the rankings. My team knows I’ll fight everybody. They have to stop me from fighting people cause I’ll say yes to anyone. I just want a title and I’ll do anything to get there.

“I’m still working. I feel great right now. I’m excited to get back in the gym. I didn’t hurt anything. I just want to keep going from here.

“I will fight anybody. I’m not a ‘turkey,’ I’m a ‘pilgrim.’ Everybody is on my radar.”

DANIEL SANDOVAL

“He threw a good combination and I stopped throwing punches, so the referee did what he had to do.

“The referee had the best vantage point and I agree with his decision. Lubin was the better fighter tonight.”

MACIEJ SULECKI

“It was a milestone fight for me. This could give me a chance to fight for the middleweight world title.

“I’ve always thought of myself as a technical fighter. I just needed a small adjustment to move the technique to power. That is exactly what happened when I moved to America.

“This is unbelievable. It’s hard to put into words. Fighting on the biggest stage in American television is amazing.

“I knew from the beginning that I was going to dominate. I needed a couple of rounds to get my timing. Once I got my timing, I knew that I was physically and mentally better than this guy.

“I want to fight Daniel Jacobs. I think that would be a great fight.”

HUGO CENTENO JR.

“I had trouble making weight. I don’t want to make excuses. He did what he had to do, but I felt like I couldn’t do what I wanted to do.

“I felt sluggish by the fourth round. The fatigue set in hard. I wanted to finish the fight. I work hard for it. It is what it is, but I can’t wait to get back in the ring again.”

Andrzej Fonfara, Joe Smith Jr., Juan Carlos Payano, Rau’shee Warren, Erickson Lubin, Daniel Sandoval, Hugo Centeno & Maciej Sulecki Final Press Conference Quotes

CHICAGO (June 16, 2016) – Light heavyweights star Andrzej Fonfara and hard-hitting Joe Smith Jr. went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring Saturday, June 18 on Premier Boxing Champions on NBC from UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and features a world title rematch between Juan Carlos Payano and Rau’shee Warren plus rising star Erickson Lubin battles Mexico’s Daniel Sandoval. PBC coverage switched to NBCSN at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and will see unbeaten middleweights Hugo Centeno Jr. and Maciej Sulecki square-off.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Star Boxing, are priced at $201, $101, $61 and $41, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available atwww.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

The fighters faced-off at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza and spoke with media about their upcoming primetime bouts. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

“I want to thank everyone who brought this show to Chicago. I’m ready. We’ve had a very long camp. I’ve had great sparring after traveling two weeks in Big Bear and three weeks in Houston. The rest of our camp was in Chicago and it was outstanding.

“I’m ready for this opportunity. Joe Smith is a young guy who is here to beat me. I have to show him I’m a better fighter in the ring. What we say now doesn’t matter, we’ll see everything on Saturday night.

“I’ve been in a lot of fights, I’ve been the favorite and I’ve been the underdog. I know this is a big fight for Joe Smith and that he’s trained very hard. He is going to be very motivated but I will be too and I will be ready on fight night.

“Each fight is different. I can’t give him a lot of space to punch. I want to wear him down and finish him. I’m taking it round-by-round to get the win.

“I know he has a big punch, because he wins fights by knockout. But who has he knocked out? The guy who was a little bit better, Will Rosinsky, he went the distance. He has heavy, wide punches and we will be ready for him.”

JOE SMITH JR.

“I’m very excited for this fight and opportunity. I’m here to prove myself to all those who think I shouldn’t be here. I’m taking the victory home. I want to prove it to the world.

“I’m amped up to get in the ring with a high quality fighter like Andrzej Fonfara and put on a show.

“Our styles are going to make for an exciting fight. I expect a war, but I’m prepared for anything. All I know is, I’m going to end the night with my hand raised.

“Ever fight I go into the ring with the same mentality. Everything is on the line and I want to prove myself to the world.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“I have come very well prepared. I knew that Raushee was a tremendous fighter before our first fight and I’m looking forward to the rematch.

“I’ve had a great camp and I’m thinking very positively. I know at the end of the night I will have my hand raised in victory.

“I know Warren has to say that he thinks he won the fight and maybe he really does think that. It doesn’t affect me. That’s the reality of it. He can keep saying it, but it doesn’t matter.

“When I won the fight, I knew there would be some controversy. He was whining the second the fight ended. I’ll give him 10 rematches and it won’t change the result. There aren’t many elite 118-pounders out there, so who knows, we may fight again after this.

“I’m very experienced so I will not be bothered by the big stage. I’ve fought huge international opposition. We’re both warriors and we’ll be completely focused. At the end of the day I will win the fight and leave no more controversy.”

RAUSHEE WARREN

“I had a whole year to train to get ready for this. I want to let everyone know that I’m coming to take the title. I’m not playing around.

“I doubt it’s going 12 rounds. I want Payano to know that. I’m going out to get what I deserve. I feel like I won it the first time and I’m coming to take it home.

“I’ve adapted to the professional ranks. People like Adrien Broner and Lamont Peterson have helped me get to this level. I want to reach my peak. There is still work to be done. I have to go in there and pick my shots well and get the victory.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“I want to give my condolences to everyone who lost loved ones in the Orlando shootings. Orlando is my hometown and I’m dedicating this fight to them.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to fight in Chicago and on this great stage. I’ve had a great training camp. I’m ready to light this city up like Michael Jordan.”

DANIEL SANDOVAL

“It’s an honor to be on a card of this magnitude, there are a lot of great fighters here and it motivates me very much to be on this stage.

“I come very well prepared. I’m focused and ready to bring home a victory for all of Mexico.”

HUGO CENTENO JR.

“I appreciate being here in Chicago. It’s a great opportunity and a great fight. We’re weeding out the middleweights and making it to the top. It’s the best fighting the best.

“We’re going to leave it all in the ring on Saturday and we’re ready to go. No excuses.”

MACIEJ SULECKI

“I’m very happy to fight in Chicago in front of all the Polish fans. I’m in very good shape. I’ve worked very hard with my coach and I’m ready.

“Centeno is a good fighter. But I’m a better fighter. I will show you a win and I will show you who I am on Saturday.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing
follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @JC_Payano, @RausheeWarren, @EricksonHammerL, @WarriorsBoxProm, @StarBoxing and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, wwwFacebook.com/StarBoxing and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Andrzej Fonfara, Joe Smith Jr., Juan Carlos Payano, Rau’shee Warren, Erickson Lubin, Daniel Sandoval, Hugo Centeno & Maciej Sulecki Media Workout Quotes

CHICAGO (June 15, 2016) – Fight week kicked-off in Chicago on Wednesday for Premier Boxing Champions on NBC taking place this Saturday, June 18 at the UIC Pavilion headlined by light heavyweight bruiser Andrzej Fonfara battling hard-hitting New Yorker Joe Smith Jr.

Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and features a bantamweight world championship rematch between Juan Carlos Payano and Rau’shee Warren plus rising star Erickson Lubin battling Mexico’s Daniel Sandoval. At 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT, PBC coverage switches to NBCSN and will feature a battle of unbeaten middleweights as Hugo Centeno Jr. takes on Poland’s Maciej Sulecki.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Star Boxing, are priced at $201, $101, $61 and $41, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

Wednesday’s media workout took place at Oakley Fight Club in Chicago as the fighters showed off their skills for the media heading into fight night.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

“I’m in great shape right now. Camp went very well. We had great sparring and conditioning. I’m definitely ready to fight.

“We’ve seen a couple of his fights. He’s a young, tough guy. I know that I must win the fight. I’m prepared and I will be victorious.

“I expect this fight to be a real battle. I’m not going to stop throwing punches. I will control the ring and find my spots. I definitely want to give my fans the knockout.

“Fighting in Chicago is a great motivation for me because I have such outstanding support here. I always want to entertain my fans so they keep coming back to watch me perform.

“I was the underdog my whole career. Now in this position, it’s even better. I’m motivated by being in this position. I know my opponent feels overlooked and that will add to his motivation, but I’m ready.”

JOE SMITH JR.

“We’ve done some traveling in camp to get excellent sparring and overall it’s just been a great camp. I’m excited to be here and ready to get in the ring. I’m happy to have this opportunity because I worked so hard for it. I’m looking to put on a show.

“This is a big chance and if I win I can open up a lot of doors. I just need to do what I do best and hopefully I’ll be in a world title fight next.

“I love representing Long Island and New York. I want to bring a title back home.

“I’m going to give it my all and at the end of the night I should come out on top.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“People can expect a great fight with the same result as the first matchup. I will come out the victor.

“As far as any controversy from the first fight, it was a close fight. I could have made it easier but nevertheless it was what it was.

“At the end of the day, I am the world champion and I took the fight to the challenger. That alone warrants a win. Warren connected at a high percentage but mostly with small body shots that didn’t affect me.

“Warren is the second best fighter in the division and I have no bad feelings towards him. I respect him as an accomplished amateur, but this is not the amateurs. This is a 12-round battle and the same result will come on Saturday night.

“I’ve prepared in the same fashion that I always do. I train all out and I give it my all in the ring.

“I understand my mistakes from the first fight and I know they’re corrected coming in. I’m sure Rau’shee has made his own adjustments. No matter how many times we fight, it will be this same kind of exciting battle.

“I’m going to prevail as the world champion that I am. I will show that there really was no controversy. I’m going to be decisive and make sure that the judges will have no option but to give me each round.

“I’ve been on the big stage before so there is no extra pressure on me. I believe I’m the underdog in this fight but with a win I can show how great I really am.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN

“This camp I’ve been sparring with a lot of bigger guys and guys with similar styles to Payano. This camp overall has been great. There’s been a lot of energy in.

“I’ve been getting ready for this since the first fight. That’s going to be the biggest difference from the last fight.

“I’m expecting Payano to try to prove himself. He’s going to bring his all and put it all on the line, just like I will.

“It’s been such an unbelievable camp working in D.C. with Lamont Peterson and his coach, Barry Hunter, along with my coach, Mike Stafford.

“This fight is going to be different. I know it. I’m coming in there to fight. He might think he has the blueprint, but it’s a different story every time. I don’t know if this fight is going 12.

“This is going to take my name up to another level. The world can see me fight. People are ready for the rematch and they’re excited to see what we bring to the table.

“I’m going to do what I do. I’ll feel him out, then take control. It’s important to stick to my plan. I’m not thinking about anything else but me and Payano.

“I’m ready to bring something different. If he misses, I’m going to make him pay. He brought the dog out of me last fight and it will be out again. I have a lot to bring to the table.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“Training camp was great. I had a lot of time to improve my game and I feel like this Saturday I will be more than prepared. I’m planning on putting on a show.

“I always want to be in tough matchups. It’s been tougher every time and I’ve still come out victorious. That won’t change on Saturday. I’m moving up the ladder and I’m ready.

“I’ve always known I would get here because I believe in myself and my team believes in me. I’m chasing that world title.

“I picture myself breaking my opponent down. If he makes a mistake I’ll knock him out early. No matter what, I’m going to dominate the fight and come out victorious.”

DANIEL SANDOVAL

“I’m very happy with training. It’s been a great camp and now I’m just getting ready to weigh-in and get in the ring.

“The kid is a good fighter. He’s young and skilled but I know that I am going to get this victory.

“I’m a Mexican. Mexicans are hungry and we want to win. I have better technique and I’ve done my studying. I’m going to come forward and win the fight.”

HUGO CENTENO JR.

“I’m really excited. I feel strong and ready for fight night. Fortunately, I was able to have a nice long training camp with Eric Brown.

“There’s been a long layoff but now we’re here and ready to keep it going. I’m a gym rat. So I’ve been in the gym for six months. The layoff won’t hurt me, I just love to get in the ring.

“I’m an aggressive boxer, but if I have to mix it up on the inside I will happily do it. I like to fight smart, I’m a lanky fighter and I can fight right handed or southpaw.

“I’m an aggressive boxer, but if I have to mix it up on the inside I will happily do it. I like to fight smart, I’m a lanky fighter and I can fight right handed or southpaw.”

“My opponent is about my size and it should be a really good matchup. We’re both undefeated which should make it fun. Honestly, I don’t think he’s fought someone at my caliber yet, but we’ll see on Saturday.”

MACIEJ SULECKI

“We’re going to find out how hard this fight is when I get in the ring. Only then can we see what my opponent really can do.

“No matter what, there can only be one winner and it will be me. I will win decisively.

“I’ve only seen one of his fights. He has a come-forward style and he’s tall. It won’t be about him though. It’s going to be about what I can do in there.

“I’m not a guy who thinks about how each round will go. But I have a general idea of what I want to do and how I want to get the victory.”

Exciting Light Heavyweight Star Andrzej Fonfara Takes On Hard-Hitting Joe Smith Jr. In Primetime Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Saturday, June 18 from UIC Pavilion in Chicago (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)

CHICAGO (May 13, 2016) – Power-punching fan favorite Andrzej Fonfara (28-3, 16 KOs) will enter the ring against no nonsense New Yorker Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. (21-1, 17 KOs) on Saturday, June 18 in a 10-round primetime battle that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC from UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will feature a bantamweight world title rematch that sees current champion Juan Carlos Payano (17-0, 8 KOs) take on three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee “Nuke” Warren (13-1, 4 KOs) as they rehash their rivalry that began in August 2015 when Payano won a narrow split-decision to retain his title. Also featured on the telecast is rising star Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (14-0, 10 KOs) who faces powerful Mexican Daniel Sandoval (37-3, 34 KOs) in a super welterweight contest.

“I think that this fight Smith is a great challenge for me and I do not underestimate him,” said Fonfara. “He is young and hungry and he wants to use this fight and my name to show the world his skills. He’s coming to Chicago for victory and glory. I have to show him that I am stronger, more experienced and most importantly, a smarter fighter. I have to win this fight because it will open the door for me to rematch Adonis Stevenson.”

“I’ve been working very hard and for many years towards an opportunity like this,” said Smith Jr. “I am grateful to Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for helping to get me here. This fight is going to change my life and no one is going to keep me from winning.”

Payano and Warren first fought in Florida where Payano retained his title via split decision with scores of 113-111 twice for him and 115-109 for Warren. The fight featured consistent action and some controversy. Payano was deducted a point in round three while Warren lost two points in round nine for an intentional foul. At the end of the fight, both men raised their hands believing they had won and now they look to settle the score in Chicago.

“I knew this rematch would be offered and it’s been a waiting game since I beat him the first time,” said Payano. “I feel like I won convincingly, but some people feel otherwise. I’m very excited about fighting him again and this time I’ll beat him even more easily. Fighting on NBC is a great privilege and it’s a great place to showcase my talents. I am coming in humbled by this opportunity.”

“I’ve been waiting for this rematch since the moment we got out of the ring the first time,” said Warren. “I’m happy it’s finally coming up on June 18. Until that day is here, there is nothing else on my mind. I’m real sharp right now. I’m going for the knockout. It didn’t go my way last time, but I’m bringing home the belt this time.

“Every fight is big for me, whether I’m televised or not, because I always give it my all,” said Lubin. “But fighting in primetime on NBC is a big opportunity for me and I know it will bring something out of me. I have to perform. It’s up to me to go out and showcase my talent so I can keep moving up the ladder. Daniel Sandoval is a veteran who can prepare me for a world title shot. I’m more than ready and this fight will put me one step closer.”

“This is a very good fight for me and I’m excited,” said Sandoval. “I know if I come to the U.S. and beat Lubin, my name will be big and there will be another great Mexican fighter on the map. I know Lubin is the top prospect in the U.S. right now and a very fast southpaw. He is all the things you wouldn’t want to go up against, but it’s boxing and I’m Mexican. I’ll fight anybody, anytime, anywhere.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Star Boxing, are priced at $201, $101, $61 and $41, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

“Warriors Boxing is excited to bring PBC on NBC to the Windy City,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Chicago’s favorite son, Andrzej Fonfara, always thrills fans with his non-stop fighting style. Joe Smith Jr. has been destroying his competition in New York and also brings a fan friendly ‘seek-and-destroy’ style to the fight. The main event should be explosive. When you add up-and-coming superstar Erickson Lubin and if Payano vs. Warren II live up to their prior Fight of the Year candidate, it will be a can’t miss night of boxing.”

“I am truly looking forward to this main event,” said Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing. “Smith and Fonfara are both very exciting fighters and I expect a thrilling war. Their styles will have Chicago rocking with enthusiastic Irish fans for Smith and Polish fans for Fonfara. The electric atmosphere will be a treat to everyone watching on NBC and I expect big things from Joe Smith Jr.”

Fonfara returns to the ring after defeating Nathan Cleverly in October at UIC Pavilion in a fight that garnered Fight of the Year consideration and saw a record number of punches landed (936) and thrown (2524) for a light heavyweight fight in CompuBox history. Prior to that, the 28-year-old became the first person to stop Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and lost a decision to world champion Adonis Stevenson in a fight that saw both men hit the canvas. From Warsaw, Poland but training out of Chicago, Fonfara will fight in the Windy City for the 20th time when he enters the ring in primetime on June 18.

Representing Long Island, New York, Smith Jr. will bring his heavy hands to primetime as he looks for his 16th straight victory on June 18. The 26-year-old was a highly decorated amateur who won the 2008 New York Golden Gloves with a victory over Seanie Monaghan. A member of the Local 66 Laborers Union between fights and the oldest of eight siblings, Smith Jr. picked up his most impressive victory of his career so far when he defeated veteran Will Rosinsky in a hotly contested battle in Brooklyn. He followed it up with a second round stoppage of Fabiano Pena in April and is set for his toughest challenge in June.

The two-time Dominican Olympian Payano will defend his title for the second time since winning a technical decision over Anselmo Moreno in September 2014. The accomplished amateur won gold at the 2006 Central American and Caribbean games with victories over McJoe Arroyo and Yoandris Salinas. The unbeaten 32-year-old defeated Jundy Maraon, Jose Silveria and Luis Maldonado on the way to his title shot.

A three-time U.S. Olympian from Cincinnati, Warren is determined to make the most of his second shot at a world title. The 29-year-old turned pro in 2012 and picked up victories over veterans Jose Luis Araiza, Javier Gallo, German Meraz and Jhon Alberto Molina leading up to the first world title shot. Another fighter in veteran trainer Mike Stafford’s stable, Warren was the first member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team to earn a world title shot and will look again to become the first member of that team to capture a world title.

A highly-regarded prospect with an exciting style, the 20-year-old Lubin has burst onto the scene looking to engage and finish opponents early. Fighting out of Orlando, he has already taken down experienced veterans including Orlando Lora, Ayi Bruce, Michael Finney and Norberto Gonzalez. He was sensational in November 2015 when he knocked out Alexis Camacho on NBC and in January he headlined his first card and dominated Jose De Jesus Macias in his first 10-round bout.

A winner of 18 of his last 19 fights, Sandoval enters this fight coming off of stoppage victories over Grady Brewer and Francisco Villanueva. The 25-year-old has won his previous two starts in the U.S. with decision victories over Richard Gutierrez in 2014 and Larry Smith in 2012 and will look to take down the undefeated Lubin on June 18.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing
follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @JC_Payano, @RausheeWarren, @EricksonHammerL, @WarriorsBoxProm, @StarBoxing and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Fonfara outlasts Cleverly in a war

Andrzej Fonfara won a terrific 12-round unanimous decision over Nathan Cleverly in a Light Heavyweight bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.

Cleverly landed the quicker combinations early Fonfara came back and landed thudding shots inside that caused Cleverly to become a bloody mess from his nose in round 7. The two traded on the inside and for the better part of the fight they no stood no further then a few inches from one another.

Fonfara landed a staggering 474 of 1413 punches while Cleverly landed 462 of 1111.

Fonfara of Chicago won by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113 and is now 28-3. Cleverly of Wales is now 29-3.

Kohei Kono retained the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decsision over former three-time champion Koki Kameda in a historic battle of Japanese fighters.

Kono seemed hurt in round two, but he was able to land a perfect right that sent Kameda to the canvas. In round three, Kameda was deducted a point for low blows. Moments later, Kameda was deducted another point for a low blow.

In round seven, Kameda was cut over the right eye. In round nine, Kono was deducted a point for holding Kameda’s head down.

Kono won by scores of 116-108, 115-109 and 113-111 and is now 31-8-1. Kameda is 31-2.

Follow Kono-Kameda; Fonfara – Cleverly LIVE round by round

Follow all the action as Light Heavyweights Nathan Cleverly and Andrzej Fonfara engage in a 12-round Bout. The action kicks off at 9 PM ET with a WBA Super Flyweight title bout between Kohei Kono and Koki Kameda

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12 Rounds Light Heavyweights–Andrzej Fonfara (27-3, 16 KO’s) vs Nathan Cleverly (29-2, 15 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Fonfara	9	9	10	10	9	9	10	10	9	10	10	9	114
Cleverly	10	10	10	10	10	10	9	9	10	9	9	10	117

Round 1 Fonfara starting fast..Good combination from Cleverly..Uppercut snaps back Fonfara’s head..

Round 2 Nice combination from Cleverly..Uppercut..combination..Combiation..

Round 3 Great action on the inside

Round 4 Nice uppercut from Cleverly…Little right from Fonfara..

Round 5 Good right from Cleverly..

Round 6 Nice left from Cleverly..Body shot and left hook..Fonfara lands 2 big shots at the bell

Round 7 Fonfara lands an uppercut..Cleverly bleeding from the nose..

Round 8 Fonfara landing heavy shots

Round 9 Cleverly lands 8 in a row

Round 10 The fighters have broken the compubox record for Punches landed and thrown for a Light heavyweight bout

Round 11

Round 12 Big right from Cleverly

115-113, 116-112 twice for Fonfara

RECORD BREAKING PUNCH STATS

474- 1413 for Fonfara; Cleverly was 462- 1111

12-rounds WBA Super Flyweight Title–Kohei Kono (30-8-1, 13 KO’s) vs Koki Kameda (33-1, 18 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Kono	10	10	10	10	9	10	10	10	8	10	10	10	117
Kameda	10	8	8	9	10	9	9	9	10	10	9	9	110

Round 1

Round 2 Left from Kameda..Kono seems hurt..Kono takes a knee from a low blow..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES KAMEDA…

Round 3 KamedA DEDUCTED A POINT FOR LOW BLOWS. KAMEDA DEDUCTED ANOTHER POINT FOR A LOW BLOW

Round 4 Rights from Kono

Round 5 Flurry from Kameda..Left

Round 6 Kono lands Insert shortcodea hard right

Round 7 Kameda is cut on the right eyelid..

Round 8 Kono lands a couple of rights and an uppercut

Round 9 KONO deducted a point for holding Kameda’s head down. Big right from Kono

Round 10 Trading combinations on the inside

Round 11 Right drives Kameda back

Round 12 Kono lands 2 rights..

115-109, 116-108, 113-111 for KONO

Kono landed 362-1039 punches; Kameda 317-769


ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL


ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL


ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL

Fonfara to fight Cleverly on October 16 in Chicago

Andrzej Fonfara will take on Light Heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly on October 16 in Chicago and will be televised on Spike TV, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m excited to return to my hometown of Chicago on this big fight night against a world-class fighter like Nathan Cleverly,” said Fonfara, 27. “This will be a tough fight for both of us. Cleverly is a solid fighter, and it’s no fluke that he was a world champion and that he defended his belt so many times. Our fighting styles guarantee that everyone can expect fireworks on Oct. 16th.”

“I want this fight (against Cleverly) to be a quick stop on my way to a rematch with Adonis Stevenson,” Fonfara said.

“This is a major platform for me to prove that I am more than capable of becoming world champion again,” Cleverly said. “If I beat Fonfara, it’s a doorway fight to the world title and establishing myself as one of the best light heavyweights once again.

“Fonfara is a good fighter. He’s tall, has power and has moved up through the levels in his career. I am looking forward to coming over to Chicago, and I am very confident that our styles will blend well for a really exciting fight.”

Video: Mark Kriegel Interviews Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. & New Trainer Robert Garcia

Fonfara stops Chavez Jr. after nine

Andrzej Fonfara stopped Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. after Chavez could not continue after round nine of a scheduled 12-round Light Heavyweight bout at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Fonfara dominated the action and dropped Chavez for the first time in his career from a perfect left hook in round nine. Chavez tried to fight back but he quit on the stool following the round.

Fonfara, 171 1/2 lbs of Chicago, IL is now 27-3-1 with 16 knockouts. Chavez, 172 1/2 lbs of Culican, Mexico is now 48-2-1-1.

Amir Imam won a 10-round unanimous decision over Walter Castillo in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Castillo was cut around the left eye in round five.

Imam, 140 lbs of Pompono Beach, FL won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 17-0. Castillo, 138 lbs of Managua, NIC is now 25-3.

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. vs. ANDRZEJ FONFARA AMIR IMAM vs. WALTER CASTILLO OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR.: 171 ½ Pounds

ANDRZEJ FONFARA: 171 ½ Pounds

AMIR IMAM: 140 Pounds

WALTER CASTILLO: 138 Pounds

SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHO EXTREME:

OSCAR ESCANDON: 121 ¾ Pounds

MOISES FLORES: 121 ¼ Pounds

OMAR CHAVEZ: 159 Pounds

RICHARD GUTIERREZ: 158 ½ Pounds

(SHOWTIME EXTREME Swing Bout)

FABIAN MAIDANA: 146 ¼ Pounds

CORY VOM BAUR: 145 ½ pounds

# # #

“Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara”, a 12-round light heavyweight bout co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Amir Imam faces Walter Castillo in a 10-round jr. welterweight showdown. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets for the event are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @andrzej_fonfara, @StubHubCenter and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezFonfara, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. VS. ANDRZEJ FONFARA, AMIR IMAM VS. WALTER CASTILLO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (April 16, 2015) – Popular Mexican superstar and former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and dangerous brawler Andrzej Fonfara participated in the final the final press conference Thursday at Crowne Plaza Hotel LAX, just two days before Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader.
Chavez (48-1-1, 32 KOs) of Culiacan, Mexico, and Fonfara (26-3, 15 KOs) of Chicago by way of Radon, Poland, will meet in the 12-round light heavyweight main event live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Chavez will make his eagerly awaited return to the ring and first start for new trainer Joe Goossen.

Also participating in today’s press conference was undefeated top 10-ranked super lightweight Amir Imam (16-0, 14 KOs), of Davie, Fla., by way of Albany, N.Y. who will put his unblemished record on the line against fellow power-puncher Walter Castillo (25-2, 18 KOs) (25-2, 18 KOs), of Managua, Nicaragua, in the 10-round co-feature on SHOWTIME.
On SHOWTIME EXTREME® (8 p.m. ET/PT) this Saturday, WBA Interim Super Bantamweight World Champion Oscar Escandon (24-1, 16 KOs), of Tolima, Colombia, will make the first defense of his 122-pound title when he faces undefeated Moises “El Chucky” Flores (22-0, 1 NC, 16 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico.
In the SHOWTIME EXTREME co-feature, Omar “El Businessman” Chavez (32-3-1, 22 KOs), of Culiacan, the younger brother of Chavez, Jr. and son of legendary Julio Cesar Sr., will face Richard Gutierrez (28-15-1, 17 KOs), of Arjona, Colombia, in an eight-round middleweight fight. Also featured on the telecast, time permitting, will be a six-round match between unbeaten Argentine welterweight Fabian “TNT” Maidana, of Santa Fe, Argentina, the brother of former world champion Marcos Maidana, who’ll be opposed by Cory Vom Baur (2-2, 0 KOs), of Vancouver, Wash.
Tickets for the event co-promoted by Goossen Promotions and Chavez Promotions are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, and are on sale online at AXS.com.
What the fighters, trainers and executives said Thursday:
JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR., Former World Champion
“I had a great training camp. I feel better than ever. I am ready for the fight.

“I know that this is a new weight class for me. I realize that Fonfara is very tough and bigger than me, but I am up for the challenge.

“I have worked on my boxing during my one year off, and I am very excited and motivated to get back in the ring.

“I have worked so hard for this fight because I am fighting in a new weight class. I must punch harder, so I have focused on getting stronger during this training camp.

“I have a great chin, I know how to take punches and my conditioning is great. A lot of fighters can take a punch, but I can take multiple punches and not be hurt.

“I think that Andrzej Fonfara is one of the best fighters in the light heavyweight division. Inside of boxing, everyone knows who Fonfara is. He knocked down one of the best boxers in the world in Adonis Stevenson.

“Fonfara is disciplined in the ring, but he doesn’t vary his punches.

“I understand that my dad didn’t want me to take this fight. I had bigger names I could’ve fought, but I think that Fonfara is a great challenge for me and I like the challenge.

“I would like to thank SHOWTIME for making this fight happen.”

ANDRZEJ FONFARA, World Title Challenger
“I’m prepared very well and I’m ready for this fight. It’s been a great camp like always. I train hard for each fight. I’m a tough boxer who is feeling great. The weight is good and everything is perfect.

“I must put everything into Saturday night and I will win the fight.

“I must look even better than I did against Stevenson. Everyone said I looked good, but I lost the fight. I didn’t want congratulations because I did not win the fight. But this time I will win the fight. I’m ready for a decision or for a knockout.

“I’m ready with a couple of plans. I don’t want to run around the ring, I want to fight tough. I’m going to use my jab and my right hand, which is my best punch.

“I’m not worried about what his father said about not fighting me. Chavez Jr. wants to fight and I will show him that his father was right.

“It doesn’t matter how I win, I want to win this fight and get my rematch with Adonis Stevenson.

“Chavez Jr. is a great fighter. He uses a lot of combinations and has a powerful punch that I must be ready for. I want to show the whole world how good I am when I win this fight on Saturday.

“If I get the chance, I’m going to knock him out. It’s boxing so you never know what will happen. I want to box round-by-round and win this fight.

“I lost the fight with Stevenson but I showed that I was a good boxer. I’m a much smarter fighter now because of that experience. That was a fight at the top championship level.

“It doesn’t matter what Chavez Jr. says at a press conference, we’ll be in the ring Saturday and everything will happen there.

“Fan’s can expect heavy punches, knockdowns and a great fight.”

AMIR IMAM, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender
“I’m confident going into this fight because of how I train. I have put my heart and soul into this sport since I moved to Florida three years ago. I left everything behind to better myself.

“I’m going to stay smart and composed in there and do everything I can to get the win.

“I don’t feel like I need the knockout to come away with a successful fight. But, you better believe that if there is an opportunity to knock him out, then I will take advantage of it.

“In 2015, I want to become a world champion. This is my breakout year. A lot of people have been buzzing about me. I want to become the WBC world champion, that’s what I’m heading for.

“I know he’s [Castillo] a good opponent, he’s got a great resume, and he’s coming to fight. He has a great record, so that alone shows what he’s capable of. Come Saturday night may the better man win.

“I’ve boxed styles like [his] plenty of times, but you never know, he could come out different Saturday night.

“I’m ready to put on a great show for the SHOWTIME audience.”

WALTER CASTILLO, Super Lightweight Contender
“I’m coming here to fight. I can tell you one thing, Amir Imam made a big mistake by taking this fight.

“I’ve fought a lot of tough fighters; my two losses were by decisions where I feel I was robbed. I’ve fought better fighters than Amir has.

“Come Saturday, I’m going to announce to the whole world that Walter Castillo is here to stay and he’s going to be a world champion.”

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ SR.
“Being in Los Angeles is like being in Mexico for me; I have had many great memories. I became the world champion for this first time here and my son also became the world champion for the first time here, too.

“Julio definitely has a very difficult fight ahead of him.

“If I was Julio’s manager, I wouldn’t have taken this fight. Fonfara is a difficult and tough fighter.

“My son wants to fight fighters of quality and wants credibility in boxing.

“Julio has worked and trained very hard for this fight .He has the capability to win and we expect that it will go very well.”

JOE GOOSSEN, Chavez’ Trainer
“Julio has a window here the next five, six, seven years that he can capitalize on.

“I think he’s left the childish stuff behind, and we’re all guilty of being childish.

“I think that Julio has surprised his father with his determination heading into this fight.
He’s got a left hook to the liver that just sends a shock through your body.

“He’s not soft. He’s a real fighter. I have been around enough fighters to know that he’s a real fighter. Number one, he has the never-say- die attitude in there.

“We’re up against a very well-schooled, blue collar, workmanlike fighter in Fonfara.

“He is an athletic, improvisational fighter, in that you don’t know where everything’s coming from.

“I’ve watched a lot of Fonfara tape, and he pretty much repeats what he does, but he repeats it well.

“This is going to be a battle. You’ve got two contrasting styles and personalities.

“Julio has 51 fights under his belt. He’s no rookie and he comes from a great bloodline. (In the short time I’ve been with him, it has been) more of an association than a dictatorial effort between the two of us.

“Based on former camps, he’s never really extracted himself from comfortable surroundings and put himself in a position where he is completely isolated like he was in Lake Tahoe.”

SAM COLONNA, Fonfara’s Trainer
“Fonfara could turn it up whenever. He could be down on the scorecards and one punch he throws could change someone’s world. He’s proven in the past that he has power in both hands.

“The styles in this fight are perfect for each other. When people ask about the fight I say it could go either way, it depends on who catches the other first.

“I’m looking for Fonfara to dominate, but Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a warrior, he comes to fight, he knows how to go to the body like his father used to, so we’ve been working on all of these strategies.

“A knockout win would be a dream come true to me. That’s what I’ve been looking for all these years. Winning this huge fight would change everything for Fonfara and myself.

“This camp that Andrzej had was the best we’ve ever had. He worked hard, he had time to train and there’s no excuses.

“We’re coming to fight a war. Don’t forget that wars are won by strategy.

“People say to listen to your father. His father told him not to take this fight, but he took it anyway and that was a mistake.

“I see this fight not going past 10 rounds, with us getting the knockout.”

STACY MCKINLEY, Imam’s Trainer
“Amir has always trained very hard, but I did see a change in him in this training camp after the last fight. He has stepped up his training by two levels.

“He learned a lot about his fight against [Fidel Maldonado] under the bright SHOWTIME lights at the MGM Grand.

“Amir is always confident going into each fight, but he made a mistake in the Maldonado fight. He rolled his right hand and forgot about the left hand and was knocked down. He had to pay for his mistakes but it’s all a learning experience, he still has only 16 professional fights under his belt.

“Castillo has a great jab and good combinations. A guy like that throws a lot of punches, but there is a technique to breaking down a fighter like that.

“We can’t spend a lot of time on the ropes, and we must go after his body because his body is weak. Castillo is going to get knocked out on Saturday.

“I think that Amir is going to open up a lot of eyes on Saturday.”

# # #

“Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara” is a 12-round bout that takes place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).