BROOKLYN, NY – Errol Spence Jr. (23-0, 20 KO) successfully made the first defense of his IBF welterweight title by battering former two-division world champion Lamont Peterson (35-4-1, 17 KO) en route to a seventh-round stoppage victory in front of 12,107 fight fans at the Barclay’s Center.

It was as impressive of a title defense one could expect from the Desoto, TX native, who, except for a brief stretch in the third round, controlled the fight from the opening bell to it’s commencement.

In the early rounds, the 28-year old Spence was both patient and aggressive.  The former US Olympian used his jab to head and body establish distance between he and his counterpart.  Spence, a former 2012 US Olympian, would wait for a small opening, and then explode into Peterson before quickly retreating out of range.

In the third round, the 33 year-old Peterson began to engage more and midway through the frame landed a straight right the face of Spence, sandwiched between two thumping left hooks that landed behind the champion’s right ear.  Although Peterson showed signs of life, the round ultimately still belonged to Spence, who regained control and landed his shots before quickly retreating out of range.

In the fifth, Spence’s punches began to regularly penetrate Peterson’s guard.  After landing a sharp right hook, Spence unleashed a vicious left hook around Peterson’s defense that landed flush on Peterson’s temple, sending him crashing back to the mat.  Peterson beat referee Harvey Dock’s ten count, but was clearly still dazed.  Smelling blood in the water, the Derrick James-trained Spence stepped on the gas and continued to batter Peterson around the ring until the bell mercifully sounded.

In the sixth, “The Truth” picked up right where he left off in the fifth and immediately unloaded on Peterson, delivering a calculated and thorough beat-down for the round’s duration.

After the seventh round, a round that very much mirrored the two before, referee Harvey Dock, acting on advice from Barry Hunter and Peterson’s corner, called a halt to the contest.

It was Spence’s tenth straight win inside the distance and his first time in the ring since capturing his title via stoppage against Kell Brook last May.

The loss marked only the second time in Peterson’s career he was stopped.  The other TKO loss came courtesy of Lucas Matthysse in 2013.

Spence spoke after the fight, saying, “My coach came with a great game plan and I just followed through with it.  Keep my range, keep my composure.”

He continued, “I didn’t know I would dominate like that. I expected to get the knockout, but this was a great performance. We were facing a great fighter like Lamont Peterson and we did well in there.”

As for what’s next for Spence, the champion made his intentions clear.  “I want Keith Thurman. He has two of the belts and we both have big names. It’s an easy fight to make and I want it.”

Peterson also spoke afterward regarding his corners decision to stop the fight, stating, ““I always respect Barry’s decision. If he asks me to fight a million people, I will. If he asks me to stop. I will stop. I will never question his decision. I know he has my best interests at heart.”

Hunter echoed that sentiment, saying, ““It was really hard [to stop the fight], but if you know Lamont, you know he was not going to give up. So I had to stop it. At the end of the day this is my son right here. And there’s nothing more valuable than he’s well-being. If it comes to him or winning, I pick him. I care about him.”

As for Peterson’s next step, the 33-year old DC native, with over 280 professional bouts under his belt, admitted that retirement might be something for him to consider in the coming weeks.

Easter Scores Controversial Split Decision Win Over Fortuna

IBF lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. (21-0, 14 KO) earned a controversial split decision victory over crafty veteran southpaw, Javier Fortuna (33-2-1, 23 KO), in a twelve round bout that saw both fighters have their fair share of success.

Originally, the contest was slated to be for Easter’s IBF lightweight title, but Fortuna tipped the scales at 136.4 lbs. at Friday’s weigh-in — a pound and a half over the lightweight maximum – and was ruled ineligible to challenge for the belt.

Easter, who had a 5-inch height and 7.5-inch reach advantage, failed to box on the outside.  Rather, the Ohio native willingly walked forward to engage the much smaller Fortuna.  This played into Fortuna hands, who knew his best chance at landing anything significant would likely come via counterpunch.  If he were to score with any big left hands, he would need the 26-year old Easter to be a willing participant, and forego his reach advantage and engage.

And engage Easter did.  Time and time again, the 26-year old champion came forward and exchanged with his Dominican foe, willing to eat a left hand in order to deliver his own punches.

The 28-year old Fortuna had his best success in round seven as it drew to a close.  With his back against the ropes, uncorked a left cross that buzzed Easter and sent him in retreat.  The southpaw quickly followed up and landed another clean left before the bell sounded to end the round.

Easter did his best work when the fight was fought in the center of the ring, which wasn’t often.  Once he followed Fortuna to the ropes and the proximity between fighters got closer, both fighters had their share of success.  But when Easter could sneak shots in in the center of the ring, he scored.

At the end of twelve, judge John McKaie scored the contest 114-113, Fortuna.  Glenn Feldman and Kevin Morgan saw it the other way, scoring the bout 14-113 and 115-112 for Easter.

In the second round, Fortuna was deducted a point in the second round by referee Ricky Gonzalez after he repeatedly rabbit punched Easter behind the head.

For Easter, although he picked up the win, it was the second straight contest where he failed to impress and his second straight controversial decision.  In June 2017, Easter scored a unanimous decision over Denis Shafikov in a fight that many believed Shafikov to have won.

With the split decision ruling, the Sampson Lewkowicz-managed Fortuna suffered his second career loss.  The other came via eleventh-round TKO against Jason Sosa.

“It was a tough fight, he’s a former world champion for a reason,” Easter said afterward. “We made it tough trying to counter punch. He wasn’t throwing much and it made it difficult for me to chase this guy around.”

He continued, “I couldn’t get the knockout but we got the win and that’s all that matter. I knew he was going to run once he felt my power. He just wanted to grab and hold the whole fight.

Fortuna also spoke after the fight, saying, “The public knows what happened here. They booed because they know that I won this fight.

“If he’s a man let’s fight again at 135-pounds. I will definitely make the weight. I didn’t give myself enough time to train.”

Browne Blasts Ntetu, Destroys Him In One

Light heavyweight Marcus Browne (21-5, 16 KO) is beginning to make a habit of winning via early knockout.  Fresh off his two-round demolition of Seanie Monaghan last April, Browne picked up where he left off and destroyed Francy Ntetu (17-2, 4 KO) in just 2:15.

Midway through the first of a scheduled ten rounds, the ex-US Olympian Browne landed a clean one-two, right-hook, straight-left combo, that collapsed the 35 year-old Ntetu’s legs and sent him face forward to the padded mat.  Knowing he had wounded prey in front of him, Browne was relentless for the remainder of the fight.  The former 3-time New York Golden Gloves champion unleashed hell on Ntetu, who was unable to survive his southpaw counterpart’s onslaught.  After 27 year-old Browne put together one final string of unopposed punches, referee Arthur Mercante Jr. jumped between the two boxers to stop the bout at the 2:15 mark of the first round.

The fight marked the Quebec-native Ntetu’s second career loss, the other coming courtesy of unbeaten lightweight champion David Benavidez in 2016.

“I did not expect him to be that explosive,” Ntetu said. “He got me with his right hook and a straight left.

He continued, giving credit to his opponent.  “[Browne] is very explosive, congrats to him. He’s explosive, he’s fast, he’s smart.”

Browne also spoke after the match.  “We worked for this win. He walked into a sure shot and I made him pay,” he said afterward.  “The overhand left caught him and that was the beginning of the end for him. I knew he was hurt.”

As for what’s next for Browne?  “I need a world title shot. I’m ready to take on any of the champions. I don’t have any preferences.”

Blood, Guts, and Thunder:  Kownacki Stops Kiladze Inside 6

In an all-action slugfest that brought the Barclay’s Center crowd to their feet round after round, Polish-born Brooklyn heavyweight, Adam “Baby Face” Kownacki (17-0, 14 KO) sent Iago Kiladze (26-2, 18 KO) to the mat twice en route to a sixth round TKO win.

It was bombs away from the opening bell, which saw Kownacki charge forward and bullrush his fellow Brooklyn transplant.  The two fighters engaged immediately and seemingly didn’t stop until the final blow landed.

After weathering the initial Kownacki offensive, Kiladze was able to mount his own offense and opened a cut over Kownacki’s left eye midway through the first that immediately drew blood.

The second and third rounds played out much like the opening frame, with Kownacki letting his shots fly, and the Georgian-born Kiladze standing his ground, picking spots to fire back with his own fully-loaded punches.

But as the fight progressed, it was the 28 year-old heavyweight they call “Baby Face” who started getting the better of his opponent.  Perhaps sparked by adrenaline born from having hundreds of enthusiastic Polish fans chanting his name, or by the fact doctors were closely monitoring the state of his increasingly swelling eye, Kownacki fought each round with a sense of urgency — with a burning need to close the show in style.

In the fourth round, a straight right connected and put Kildaze on the mat.  Two rounds later, after raining down a barrage of heavy-handed shots, Kownacki unloaded a straight right that sent a dazed Kildaze stumbling backwards and to the canvas for the second and final time.  Although he beat referee Shada Murdaugh’s ten count, Murdaugh deemed that Kildaze was in no state to continue and called a stop to the fight at the 2:08 mark of the round 6.

Tonight’s fight was the first time Kownacki was back in action since scoring the biggest win of his career, a fourth round TKO of fellow Pole and former heavyweight title challenger, Artur Szpilka.

“I think I made the fight a lot harder than I should have,” Kownacki said after the fight.  “It’s another learning experience and I got the win. That’s all that matters.”

In his post-fight remarks, Kownacki also acknowledged his Polish supporters, stating, “I’m so thankful to all my Polish fans who come out and give me that extra support. I’m going to keep fighting for the fans and give everyone a great show.”

One Round Beatdown:  Price Destroys Ramos, Stays Unbeaten

Mayweather Promotions bantamweight prospect Dylan Price (5-0, 5 KO) displayed a full arsenal of weapons during his one round beatdown of Nestor Ramos (7-8-3, 3 KO).  Price, a Slickerville, NJ native showcased lightning-quick hand speed, launching fists at his Mexican counterpart from all kinds of crazy angles, smothering Ramos with gloved fists for what seemed like the entirety of the first round.  As it turned out, that would be the fight’s only round, as referee Shada Murdaugh, acting on advice from Ramos’ corner, stopped the contest between rounds.

The win makes it 5 stoppage wins in 5 fights for “The Real Dyl”, who is trained by his father, Dave Price.  The loss makes it six in a row for Ramos, who hasn’t earned a win since October 2014.

Anthony Peterson Cruises To Ten Round UD Victory

In just his second fight in the last twenty-seven months, Anthony Peterson (38-1, 24 KO) earned a ten round unanimous decision victory over fellow veteran junior welterweight, Luis Eduardo Florez (23-9, 19 KO).

Peterson, the younger brother of the night’s co-headliner, Lamont Peterson, was the non-stop aggressor, pressing the action all fight, walking forward, letting his hands fly, and battering his Colombian counterpart in the process.  To his credit, the hard-nosed Florez hung in to the best of his ability, and at times was able to sneak in clean counterpunches that momentarily halted Peterson’s momentum.  Florez’s small victories were few and far between, however, and the fight belonged to Peterson, who easily won every round.

After ten, all three judges cards scored a shutout for the DC native Peterson, 100-89 and 100-90, twice.

Peterson’s lone blemish remains a disqualification loss to Brandon Rios in 2010.

Golub Bounces Back From Defeat, Stops Munoz In 3

Ivan Golub (13-1, 12 KO) bounced back from his sole defeat last June and scored a third round TKO win over veteran Fidel Monterrosa Munoz (38-15-1, 30 KO) in a welterweight contest slated for 8.  After a second round that saw Golub on the mat, albeit never hurt, the Ukranian-born Brooklyn transplant came roaring back to put Munoz on the canvas twice in the same round.  In the third round, Munoz found himself on the mat four more times, only twice officially, and never from punches of serious consequence.  The Colombian was fighting on unsteady legs, and was unable to stand toe-to-toe with the eager southpaw.  After Munoz dropped to his knees his fourth time on the ground in a matter of minutes, referee Ricky Gonzalez stopped the contest midway through the round.

Gonzalez Makes Easy Work Of Serna

Ridgewood, NY native Matthew Gonzalez (3-0, 2 KO) bruised and battered fellow middleweight Alexander Serna (1-2, 1 KO) en route to a four round unanimous decision victory.  Gonzalez looked sharp and used his superior skill-set to have his way with Serna over the course of their twelve minute scrap.  In the end, all judges scored the obvious 40-36 shutout in favor of Gonzalez.

Williams and Okoth Fight To Draw

Welterweights Keyshawn Williams (1-0-1, 1 KO) and Denis Okoth (1-0-1, 1 KO) battled to a four round split draw in the first fight of a nine bout card from the Barclay’s Center that will commence when undefeated IBF welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. defends his title against rugged veteran, Lamont Peterson.

After four hard fought rounds, Judge Larry Hazzard Jr. scored the night’s opening contest 39-37 for the 24 year old Kenyan, Okoth. Robin Taylor saw it the other way, 39-37 for the 20 year old DC native, Williams.  Carlos Ortiz Jr. cemented the split draw result by scoring the bout even, 38-38, a score 15rounds.com agreed with.

Lou DiBella
Thanks for joining us. Greetings from the blizzard in New York City. I know that Marcus Browne and Adam Kownacki are both local right now, so they’re experiencing this insanity with me, and I guess a lot of you are also. So we’re going to try to warm up this blizzard afternoon and talk boxing for a little bit.

Errol Spence versus Lamont Peterson, terrific fight Saturday, January 20, 2018 on SHOWTIME, 9 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT, presented by Premier Boxing Champions and of course at the beautiful Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Tickets for the event are priced starting at 50 bucks, and they can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, the box office at Barclays Center or by calling 800-745-3000.

We have a terrific undercard, and we’re going to talk to the principals on that undercard on this call. We’re going to start with two gentlemen that are going to be in two fights that are going to start our televised evening off on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing’s Facebook page.

Marcus Browne, 20-0, 15 KOs in Staten Island, New York, coming off a sensational knockout of Seanie Monaghan, rated Number 3 by the WBC, 7 by the WBA, 6 by the IBF, 4 by the WBO. One of the rising stars at light heavyweight, making his 12th appearance at the Barclays Center and pretty much fighting and waiting out his chance for a huge fight and a world title fight that will be coming, I think, shortly in 2018.

But first he’s got to get past the tough Francy Ntetu. Ntetu is 17-1. His only loss was at the Barclays Center in a hotly contested bout with David Benavidez, the WBC 168-pound champion. The fight was stopped very controversially. Ntetu is a legitimate guy and a guy that’s going to try to test Marcus Browne.

But in getting in the ring with Marcus Browne, he’s getting in with one of the very, very best in the world. Marcus, want to say a couple words?

Marcus Browne
Thank you guys. How you doing? Most importantly, I’m just honored to be able to continue my career on the undercard with guys like Robert Easter, Jr., Adam, myself, and a couple other young fighters.

I know Francy’s a very tough, tough live game guy and we’re prepared for that. And we’re prepared for what he brings to the table. Come January 20, I just can’t wait to go to work, show my skills and continue that march towards the world title.

This is a guy that that’s definitely going to test me. He’s definitely going to be there all night and we got to convince him to not be there. That’s the plan.

L. DiBella
Thanks Marcus. Marcus has really been one of the cogs of the BROOKLYN BOXING® program at Barclays Center. This will be Marcus’s 12th appearance at Barclays Center. So he’s one of the fighters that’s brought the most in the building.

The other fighter on the stream telecast is one of the up-and-coming young heavyweights in the world. He’s already got a huge fan base with Polish fans and Polish-American fans. He’s got a history as a New York Golden Gloves fighter and a young fighter that’s been developed in the New York area, Adam Kownacki, 16-0, 13 KOs, out of Brooklyn.

Born in Lomza, Poland and he moved to Brooklyn with his family when he was 7-years old. Two-time Golden Gloves champion, rated Number 13 by the WBC. In his last fight, he had a sensational four-round knockout of world title challenger Artur Szpilka. That was on the same show that Marcus fought at at the Nassau Coliseum.

On the 20th of January, he’s going to take on a tough kid Iago Kiladze, Number 15 in the IBF. Kiladze is 26-1 with 18 KOs. This is really another step in the road for Adam toward a heavyweight championship opportunity. Adam?

Adam Kownacki
Thanks for the introductions Lou. I can’t wait to get back in the rings on January 20. I would say I’m very hard. I’m ready to shine and prove that I belong with the best heavyweights in the world. This fight will take me one step closer to being heavyweight champion of the world. I’ll prove it once again on January 20 that we’re ready to fight with these top-notch heavyweights. I’ll keep climbing up the ranks.

Q
Adam, how much do you feel that your win against Szpilka kind of legitimized you in being a heavyweight contender and show people that you might be ready for a title shot?

A. Kownacki
I think I showed that I’m ready to shine at the bigger stage. It took Deontay Wilder ten rounds to take Szpilka out of there. It took me four. So that was a big statement, and I’ll continue to improve on that statement on January 20.

Q
Obviously Deontay Wilder fights a lot at Barclays Center. It’s a place where you’ve also fought a lot. He’s probably going to fight there on March 3. But how much have you thought about the possibility of somewhere down the line maybe you challenging Deontay for the WBC title there?

A. Kownacki
My goal is to be world champion. Whoever has the title, that’s who I want. If it’s Deontay, then it’s Deontay.

Q
Marcus, what do you know about your opponent specifically since I know you just got him secured a couple weeks ago? But what have you been able to find out about him and what he brings to the table?

M. Browne
He’s a real scrappy guy in the category of a Sakio Bika kind of. He’ll make a fight ugly if you allow him to do it. Another thing is he throws a high line of punches and he’s real crafty. He may not look like what he seems in the ring on tape.

So I’m just prepared and ready for whatever he brings that night. And I’m just ready to implement our game plan that we have in order to break him down.

Q
Marcus, you obviously had a very good 2017 with some spectacular wins on your record. How important is it for you to kind of start this year off in a similar way and build toward a title shot later in the year?

M. Browne
It’s super important because at the end of the day this is the first actual big card of the year. I have to put the light heavyweights out there on notice that I’m here and I’m not playing.

Q
Marcus is there one guy more than the other that you want to fight or is it just whoever gives you the opportunity to fight for the title?

M. Browne
No, no one guy more than the other. I’m just ready and willing and waiting my turn for whoever gives me the chance at fighting. And I have no picks. I ain’t got no favorites right now. It is what it is. I’m at the point where you either eat or get ate, and I’m ready to eat.

Q
Hey Lou, can you speak on how far Marcus has come and maybe where he’s now in position to get a title shot later this year?

L. DiBella
I think when you look at the light heavyweight division there’s a tremendous demand for quality contenders, guys capable of taking on the top of the division. It’s sort of a division that’s got a little bit heavy at the top and there aren’t a lot of Marcus Brownes.

Marcus is one of the elite prospects in the division. But he’s past the point of prospects. He’s really at the point of contender right now just waiting for the biggest fight out there to materialize.

There’s some big light heavyweight fights on the horizon. Some of them I think will be announced fairly soon. I think in 2018 Marcus is going to get that huge opportunity. He deserves it because he’s really in that handful of top guys.

There are the champions and there’s like a handful of other guys out there. And those guys are all going to be competing in the next year and Marcus is going to get that opportunity. He’s also a professional. He knows he has to take care of business on January 20.

Ntetu, who’s moving up in weight for this chance, really doesn’t have anything to lose. So Marcus can’t look past that. He’s just going to go out there, do his thing. He knows that the title shot is waiting for him later this year.

Q
Can you speak on what Adam showed in the Szpilka fight, especially getting rid of him the way that he did and kind of opening some people’s eyes in that fight?

L. DiBella
I love Adam as a fighter. I’ve always loved Adam as a fighter. He’s a tremendously skilled boxer for a heavyweight. His natural build is not like King Kong. So people look at him and they tend to underestimate them. But what he has is everything – movement, speed, power, boxing skills.

This guy’s a legitimate heavyweight contender, like not like only just a prospect. He’s a legitimate heavyweight contender, and he showed that when he wiped out Szpilka. He didn’t just beat Szpilka, he destroyed Szpilka. No one expected that kind of victory.

Artur Szpilka was a perennial top 10, 15 kind of guy in recent years and a guy that everyone viewed as a tough, rugged heavyweight, certainly a huge test for a young heavyweight. Adam didn’t only pass the test. Adam blew him out of the ring.

In my mind, a couple of more performances like that just keeping the winning track he’s on is going to earn Adam a shot at a world title, particularly with the huge following he has in the Polish and Polish-American communities and the number of people he can bring out when he does eventually challenge for a title, particularly if that bout takes place at the Barclays Center.

Q
Against Szpilka, were you were sure that you were going to do what you did to him?

A. Kownacki
Yes, I told you that before it happened. I’m a man on a mission. That mission is becoming the first Polish, Polish-American heavyweight champion of the world. No one will stop me.

Q
It seems like you have a killer instinct in you that no one really sees until you like get into the ring. Can you talk about that?

A. Kownacki
Yes, as humbly as I can say it, I’m blessed with the talent that God has given me with boxing. I’m trying to build on this, maximize my potential and give my family a better life. But like you said, boxing is a war zone. We put our lives on the line when we fight. So it’s me or him, and I’m just going to keep putting the pressure on guys and making them fold.

Q
What have you heard from the Polish community since that fight? How much has that inspired you further?

A. Kownacki
A lot of doubters turned to believers. I was in Poland a month ago. The love I got there was ridiculous. I really liked that. I have to keep working hard, keep training hard and my goal is be world champion.

So I’m very focused on Iago Kiladze right now. I have to pass this next test on January 20 on my way to become world champion.

Q
Marcus, what does it mean for you to fight in your home state?

M. Browne
At this point, being an Olympian and just being an amateur who fought in different countries, the earth is my turf. Of course it’s cool to fight in New York and it’s a plus.

But it’s annoying at the same time because people ask you for tickets and things of that nature.

So I’m just at the point in my career where I’m just blessed to have the opportunity to fight in general. Fighting in New York is great though. It’s always a great thing to come out and see your people, your family and your friends. But where I’m at in my career right now and mentally, I really don’t care where I’m fighting honestly.

Piggybacking off of Adam, we’re all on missions. His mission is to be the first Polish heavyweight champion and mine is to be the first world champion from where I’m from. We’re on that mission and nothing going to stop that. Whether it’s fighting in New York, Guam, or Dubai, it doesn’t matter.

Q
Marcus, your last fight in Brooklyn, there wasn’t the definitive victory that you wanted. Do you want to return to Brooklyn and be more definitive than that?

M. Browne
Correct. There’s no pressure for me honestly. At the end of the day, we got the win and, everybody has their opinions and everyone’s entitled to their opinions.

But I’m just ready to go in there, implement our game plan, not put on a show for anybody, be defensively sound, be smart and take care of business and just break the tough guy down.

He doesn’t come to play. He comes to work and he’s a real live game guy. He’s not going to give you nothing so you got to take it. And that’s where I’m at with it mentally, physically and spiritually at this point in my career.

I don’t really have anything to prove to anybody. I’m going to just let my skills speak for themselves and not put pressure on myself to do anything that I don’t need to.

Q
But wouldn’t it be nice to keep that streak going?

M. Browne
Of course. It’s always good to knock this guy out. But like the great Bernard Hopkins always told me, take them how they come because they’re all not going to be that easy. So I’m just prepared. I’m prepared for however many rounds we’ve scheduled to fight.

If a knockout comes, it comes. I’ll be implementing our game plan and setting him up and doing what I got to do. I’m not forcing any issues. Because that’s when you get caught up with lunging and fighting outside of yourself and trying to impress people.

I’m going to just stay within myself and be the best Marcus Browne on January 20. I can’t wait to fight.

L. DiBella
One other thing to clarify. You said that Ntetu had been knocked out in his last time at Barclays Center. If you watched the fight, the fight was stopped in a tremendously controversial manner that caused the SHOWTIME announcers to call it one of the strangest stoppages they’d seen. No disrespect to the winner of the fight but I would say if Marcus was able to knock out Ntetu on January 20, he’d be the first person who ever did that.

Q
Marcus, you look really on the cusp of a major fight. If the two most likely fighters you’d fight I would assume would be Adonis Stevenson and Badou Jack. Just wondered if you could give your quick thoughts on each of those fighters.

M. Browne
Quick thoughts on each of those fighters. I’m super focused. I’m not super locked-in on Francy Ntetu at this point. I’m a fighter at heart. So I don’t see no special effects in either of those guys. Adonis is super strong. Badou is a work horse. He comes and he works.

But I don’t see any of them beating me personally. Speak to me after January 20. Then we’ll talk about it more. We can elaborate on it more, but at this point I’m focused on Francy. Those guys are definitely in my sights and I don’t really see nothing crazy impressive.

Q
Adam, can you talk about what we can expect in the fight with Kiladze? Kiladze had been a cruiserweight up until a few years ago. How will that affect your weight and what can we expect for this fight?

A. Kownacki
Like you said, Iago was a cruiserweight. I’m a real heavyweight, so he will feel the difference in the size. I plan to be around 250 come fight day. I’m in great shape though. Sparring ten rounds easily.

I put in great work with a lot of great guys. I’m going to have Bryant Jennings come spar with me. I’ll do what I did to Szpilka, get on the W and keep proving myself.

Q
Adam, where do you think you are in the heavyweight division? Because this year we’re going to see a lot of talk of various title fights, maybe unification fights and all of that. Where are you in the picture and what’s your timeline for getting a title shot?

A. Kownacki
I’m on top. It’s just a matter of time till I get my shot to prove it. That’s what my mind’s telling me. I think I’m the best heavyweight fighter. It’ll take fight after fight to prove it. Iago has it coming on January 20.

Q
Do you want to make a prediction for that fight with Kiladze?

A. Kownacki
Listen, like I always say, if I don’t knock him out, then I’ll take the punishment for ten rounds.

L. DiBella
So let’s start with Robert Easter. The IBF lightweight champion 20-0, 14 KOs, proudly represents Toledo, Ohio, where he’s got a huge following. A lot of his fans travel, so Robert I know we’re going to see a lot of your fans from Toledo there at Barclays Center on January 20.

This is his return to the Barclays Center for the first time since his fifth pro fight in 2013. He won the IBF lightweight title in September ’16 in a terrific fight against very talented Richard Commey. He defended that belt twice by unanimous decision since then.

Trained by his dad Robert, Sr., and he was a U.S. Olympic Team alternate in 2012. The IBF lightweight champion of the world and one of the best young fighters of the world, Robert Easter.

Robert Easter
It’s always a pleasure to fight in Brooklyn in front of my fans on the East Coast. I have a big fan base out there. You’re going to expect the same or even greater in this fight for me. Another victory, it may come by knockout. It may come by knockout.

Q
Do you feel like you are a little bit of a forgotten guy in your weight division and you want to wake people up to the fact that you shouldn’t be?

R. Easter
I wouldn’t actually say I’m the forgotten guy. I’m just the guy they don’t want to fight. You heard these interviews, these guys talking. They always bring up everybody else names except for mine. You cannot forget about me.

I’m tallest in the weight class, maybe the fastest and probably one of the strongest. Of course they’re not going to mention my name because they don’t want to fight me. I’ve been calling these guys out. I know they see that. So how can they not acknowledge that.

Jorge Linares and Mikey Garcia, they’re doing their thing. They’re winning these fights like champions supposed to. But it’s time we unify these titles like I’ve been trying to do.

Q
Can you tell me from your side of things how serious that discussion about fighting Mikey Garcia was and what that was about?

R. Easter
I wanted to fight. It was serious on my side. I wanted to fight. I didn’t care where at. I don’t care about any of that. I wanted to fight.

At first it was I didn’t produce enough fans or the fight didn’t make sense, which that didn’t make sense, and some other excuses the guy came up with. But like I said, I was ready to fight whenever, whatever, how much. It didn’t even matter.

We didn’t actually get an offer. I guess they made an offer towards him. Like I said, I didn’t really care.

Q
Do you feel like you’re just a huge favored in this fight against the smaller guy?

R. Easter
Yes. But, I’m taller than most of my opponents. That’s nothing new. Of course I’m the favorite. I’m the champion. And he’s a former world champion.

These guys haven’t faced nobody with the skills of mine so you’re going to see another great performance from me in this fight.

I would like to make the same statement I’ve been making and that’s why these guys are scared to fight me.

Q
How much longer do you think you can hold 135?

R. Easter
I can hold it just as long as they want me to. But like I said, I’m trying to unify these titles and then move up after that until my goal is reached. For now, I’m going to be at 135, giving these guys trouble.

L. DiBella
Javier Fortuna, 33-1-1 with 23 KOs. Born in the Dominican Republic. Now lives in Braintree, Massachusetts. Promoted by the illustrious Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing. He’s a former two-time, two-division world champion.

He was a champion at featherweight and at super featherweight. Now he’s moving up to lightweight to challenge Robert Easter, Jr. So translator, if you could ask Javier to say a few words please.

Javier Fortuna
Good afternoon. God bless everyone. I’m very happy and fortunate that Robert Easter gave him the opportunity to fight for the world title. Nevertheless, it will be the end of his reign. I know he has his fans. He’s a champion. My goal is to become world champion again.

Q
If you win this fight here against Fortuna, do you think it’s realistic that some of the other guys will give you the chance?

R. Easter
When I win this fight. I don’t know. I’ve been calling these guys out for a while. It’s kind of up to them. I’ve been sitting back, taking these mandatory fights and fights that really don’t make sense like unifying the titles will.

Hopefully all the champions meet up and fight. So when I win this fight, hopefully.

Q
If you aren’t going to get the chance to fight one of the other 135 guys, is it possible that you go up to 140 for your next fight?

R. Easter
I don’t know. We’re going to sit back and talk to my camp and we’re going to see what’s the best move after that.

Q
Looking at Fortuna, he’s obviously a leftie, is there anything that you have to do training-wise or that you have done training-wise in preparation for him?

R. Easter
I’ve been facing left-handers my whole career, amateur and pro. I have to make a few adjustments. That’s what professionals do when they get in the ring. That’s why I really don’t study tapes or nothing because they might not fight you the same as what they fought the last person or how they fought an orthodox fighter.

So it’s all about making adjustments once you get in that ring. Whenever I’m in the gym I always give it 110% and I always train till I ain’t got no more left in the gym.

Q
When you’re looking at this fight going into it, what’s the thing more than anything else that you want to gain from fighting Fortuna?

R. Easter
Just keep putting on like I’ve been putting on. He’s going out there making these statements, telling people that “I can’t be beat.” Not only him but these other fighters. As you can see, none of the champions are heading my way, so obviously I’m doing something right.

Q
Do you get a sense maybe the Mikey Garcia fight might not happen for you because he doesn’t necessarily want it for one reason or another?

R. Easter
I’m sensing that. But if both camps come to agreement, I’m hoping we can face off one day – not only Mikey though. You still have Jorge. You still have him. He’s still a champion as well.

Q
Are you looking at it may be like if Garcia decides to stay at 140 pounds that the Linares fight is a fight that you could make for your next fight assuming you win on January 20 also?

R. Easter
Of course. It doesn’t matter if he stayed or he didn’t. I still wanted that fight. Like I said, I’ve been ready to unify these titles for so long. I’ve been sitting back waiting not only on Mikey but the other champions. Flanagan, he has moved up. And now we have Linares.

Q
What do you think of Linares from what you’ve seen from him?

R. Easter
He’s a crafty fighter, fast, moves a lot, but nothing I haven’t seen before. He’s nothing special I haven’t seen before.

Q
Fortuna’s obviously said a lot of things over the last week or so about knocking you out and the referee’s going to have to save you and things like that. What do you make of it?

R. Easter
Those are things he’s supposed to say. He’s supposed to hype himself up, and he’s supposed to hype the fight up. But he and his camp knows the truth. They know what they’re getting themselves into. I don’t really have to trash talk. My work is done in the ring. January 20 we’re all going to see that.

Q
Javier what do you think about Easter and why do you thinks it’s a fight that you’lll be able to win by knockout, maybe some of the flaws or whatever you feel are weaknesses that Robert has?

J. Fortuna
So of course he’s a tall fighter but it’s also very convenient to me. I feel that he won’t be able to hold my punches, the power of them. In this fight I’ll come more focused than any other fight.

I want to tell Easter that hopefully, there’s no excuses with him or his camp. I want the best Easter that could possibly come to fight.

Q
Robert what’s your response to that?

R. Easter
Like I said, he’s supposed to hype himself up. I never have made excuses in the ring. My record is perfect. I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, and I’m winning these fights. He’s trying to get where I’m at. He’s trying to get another shot which is going to fail coming January 20.

Like I said, he’s supposed to hype himself up. All this talk, I don’t get into none of that. Everybody has a game plan till they get hit.

Q
Javier you’re viewed as an underdog in this fight. How much has that motivated you?

J. Fortuna
That does motivate me much more. It gives me the opportunity to concentrate that much more. I’ve been the underdog a few times. Like the Omar Douglas fight, I surprised everybody in his hometown.

I would have liked for this fight to be in Ohio. That would have been much better for me because I perform better under pressure.

Q
What do you think of Robert’s last couple of fights?

J. Fortuna
I figure he’ll be a little better now because if he comes the way he fought his last fight, he won’t reach the fifth round. He’s got to reinvent himself because if he doesn’t, he won’t go far.

Q
So Robert do you think that this is just hyping the fight, or do you feel he has the power to knock you out?

R. Easter
Of course they’re just hyping the fight. He has had power in the lower weight classes. But like I said, all that goes out the window once you get hit. Once he gets hit by what I’m bringing, then all that talking is going to go out the window.

He hasn’t faced nobody with the skills I have. He’s been knocked out for one. He’s telling me I got to reinvent myself. He has to reinvest himself. You know, that’s why he’s trying to become a champion again as you said. You know, so I’m already a champion. I’m already in the shoes he wants to be in.

January 20 we’re going to put the gloves on. We’re going to get in that ring and I’m going to come out victorious like I’ve been doing.

Q
Do you feel that you can put together an offer to those other parties like Garcia and Linares to bring the fight to your hometown where you are popular?

R. Easter
That’s just a lame excuse to say when I fight, I don’t produce enough fans. What does Lipinets do? No disrespect to him, but come on now. Everybody knows that is not true.

I have fans all over. My fan base is big, and it doesn’t matter we if we fought in a room with nobody. It shouldn’t even matter to both parties, is the money good and the contract’s good, then we should fight. I wouldn’t care about fighting in front of nobody because I know what I’m going to do.

Q
When it comes specifically to the Mikey Garcia fight, is there maybe something personal there because of your promotion/affiliation with About Billions and Broner having that last fight with Mikey? What is it that you see or seem that you feel that you can do better than your big bro?

R. Easter
This has nothing to do with AB. This has everything to do with Mikey being a champion at 135 and Jorge Linares being a champion at 135. It’s time to unify.

If I was that much of an easy fight for them, the fight would have been made. After the offer they gave Mikey, it would have been made. It just didn’t make sense. I don’t make no excuses. I’m coming to fight and they know that.

Q
Do you think that maybe Robert is overlooking you and can you capitalize on that?

J. Fortuna
I’m just trying to get in position to fight Garcia. January 20 there will be history made in Dominican Republic because from what Easter said about me being knocked out, that never happened to me. I’ve been hurt but that never happened to me, so he got to look out for that.

Q
So can you just express to us how comfortable you’re going to feel at 135?

J. Fortuna
I’m going to be super good at 135 because I am very close to weight and I’ve made that weight a few times already in the last couple fights. I feel a lot stronger and a lot more prepared for this fight.

Q
Robert, just wondering if you can talk about your connection to your fans in Toledo and if you expect a good turnout at Barclays Center?

R. Easter
My connection to my hometown fans, my fans is important. I try to respond to almost each and every person who reaches out. People be so amazed that I do say something back on Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat.

All my fans is real, especially my hometown fans. They love traveling to see me fight because they know where I come from. We all grew up together. I’m first hand here.

I’m one of the only things they got that’s still here, that’s hands on with them. So they come and show support. I love that they always step out whenever they know I’m fighting.

Q
You had good offensive performances in your last three fights but couldn’t get a stoppage. So Javier is a very tough opponent but I’m just wondering if you’re gunning for a knockout, if you’re motivated to try to get back on the knockout track?

R. Easter
Shafikov was a tough opponent. Richard Commey was a tough opponent. Cruz is tough. All these guys are tough. We’re preparing. We’re making adjustments in the ring. And if a knockout comes, it comes.

I’m not going to shoot for a knockout, but I know I’m going to set something up to where I can knock him out. But like I said, if it comes, it comes. But ain’t no way he’s going to beat me. He knows that. His camp knows that.

Q
Javier I’m just wondering why type of sparring you’re doing in preparation for this, if you’re fighting bigger guys? If so, what weight classes they’re coming from? Because there really aren’t many guys at 135 who are that tall.

J. Fortuna
All the fighters that are helping me out sparring they’re 135, 140 and they’re part of my team.
I understand what Robert is saying that he’s more skillful but he can have more skill. He could have whatever he thinks he have. But he’s not going to have my will to win. The only way I can demonstrate it is in the ring.

L. DiBella
I think that’s right and we’re going to get the answer in the ring when champion Robert Easter takes on the challenge of Javier Fortuna. I think we’ve done enough talking for a snowy Thursday afternoon. Thanks everybody for joining us. Robert, thank you. Thank you, Javier. We’ll see you both fight week. And thanks everybody in the press.

Once again, tickets are on sale Barclays Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com. We hope everybody joins us at the Barclays Center on January 20 for a great night of boxing presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

And if they can’t be there, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with the earlier bouts featuring Marcus Browne and Adam Kownacki to take place on SHOWTIME’s Facebook page stream and SHOWTIME’s YouTube channel. So I look forward to seeing everybody fight week and brave the storm.
# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BROOKLYN (December 22, 2017) – Undefeated 135-pound world champion Robert Easter will defend his IBF Title against former world champion Javier Fortuna in the co-main event of Errol Spence Jr. vs. Lamont Peterson live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) on Saturday, Jan. 20 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING® and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Easter vs. Fortuna rounds out the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader that features IBF Welterweight World Champion and 2012 U.S. Olympian Spence making his first title defense against former two-division world champion Peterson.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS, unbeaten light heavyweight Marcus Browne, from Staten Island, will take on once-beaten Francy Ntetu in a 10-round fight and undefeated heavyweight sensation Adam Kownacki, who fights out of Brooklyn by way of Lomza, Poland, will face once-beaten Iago Kiladze of Kiev, Ukraine in a 10-round bout.

The live digital offering will be exclusive in the U.S. on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

SHOWTIME is the only network to offer live streaming coverage of boxing on social media platforms in the U.S., having first done so in 2016 with the presentation of two heavyweight world championship bouts live on YouTube.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are priced starting at $50, and are on sale now. The Easter-Fortuna bout is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing and About Billions Promotions. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center or by calling 800-745-3000. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Easter (20-0, 14 KOs) will be making the third defense of his lightweight world title since he won it with a split decision over Richard Commey on Sept. 9, 2016. The 26-year-old Easter successfully defended the title twice in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio last year, defeating Luis Cruz by unanimous decision on Feb. 10 and then following it up with a unanimous decision victory over Denis Shafikov in his last outing on June 30.

“When I first won the title I knew that many obstacles would be thrown at me, but that’s what the game is all about,” Easter said. “I’ve successfully overcome them and defended the title in some tough fights and on January 20th we’re looking to do the same thing. I believe every fighter can give you problems, but professionals make adjustments and take over the fight. That’s what I’m going to do. I know he’s a former world champion looking to regain a title, but this time he signed up for the wrong guy. We always work hard and we’ve turned it up a notch since we found out who the opponent would be. I’m just excited. I’m ready to go today if I have to.”

Fortuna (33-1-1, 23 KOs) is returning to the scene of his first world championship victory when he defeated then champion Bryan Vasquez by unanimous decision for the 130-pound title at Barclays Center on May 29, 2015. Fortuna lost the title to Jason Sosa by technical knockout in Beijing, China on June 24, 2016 in a fight Fortuna led on the scorecards. The 28-year-old southpaw who fights out of Braintree, Mass. by way of Dominican Republic, has won four straight since his lone loss to get in contention for a title at 135 pounds, including triumphs over then undefeated fighters Omar Douglas and Nicolas Polanco.

“I’m just very gracious, appreciative and honored for the opportunity to fight for the world title again,” Fortuna said. “I feel really good about this fight. With God first I will be a world champion again. Easter is tall, active and he’s strong. But I feel like I’m stronger and I can punch much harder. Training is going smooth now, but the intensity will pick up as we get closer to the fight. ”

Browne (20-0, 15 KOs) has put together back-to-back impressive knockout victories to continue his rapid rise up the highly competitive 175-pound division. The 27-year-old southpaw knocked out Thomas Williams, Jr. in Cincinnati on Feb. 18, and followed it up with another stunning knockout victory over then unbeaten Seanie Monaghan in Long Island on July 15. The 2012 U.S. Olympian will look to put himself in position for a world title fight with a convincing win on Jan. 20.

Ntetu (17-1, 4 KOs) was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but lives and trains out of Quebec, Canada. The veteran won his first 16 pro fights, including victories over experienced challengers Milton Nunez and Oscar Riojas. Ntetu previously fought at Barclays Center in June 2016 when he went toe-to-toe with current super middleweight world champion David Benavidez before eventually suffering the first loss of his career.

Kownacki (16-0, 13 KOs) has made steady progress up the heavyweight ladder, scoring knockout victories in his last three matches. The 28-year-old Kownacki will be fighting for the sixth time at Barclays Center in his hometown of Brooklyn. In his last fight he knocked out former world title challenger Artur Szpilka at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. on July 15 in a matchup of top Polish heavyweights.

Kiladze (26-1, 18 KOs) will be fighting for a second straight time at Barclays Center after the 31-year-old scored a TKO victory over Pedro Rodriguez in his last fight on Nov. 4 in the non-televised undercard of Wilder-Stiverne II. The only loss of his career came via knockout to Youri Kayembre Kalenga in Berlin, Germany in 2013 back when he was fighting at cruiserweight. Kiladze is unbeaten since campaigning at heavyweight full time and looks to mark his arrival on the division on January 20th.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (31-1-1, 22 KOs) has renewed his long-term promotional agreement with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing.

From La Romana, Dominican Republic, the 27-year-old Fortuna has won two straight since dropping his super featherweight belt in a shocker against Jason Sosa in June 2016. He came back with an impressive two-round blowout of fellow Dominican Marlyn Cabrera in September 2016 and then, in November took the undefeated record of Delaware’s Omar “Super O” Douglas by unanimous decision.

“Sampson Lewkowicz is and always will be my promoter,” said Fortuna. “He has done right by me and my career at every turn. I will be world champion again with Sampson in my corner.”

Lewkowicz, who says he’s working on a big fight for Fortuna, says Fortuna has become like family.

“Javier is a son to me. I am honored to be his promoter and look forward to continuing to work for him. He is a great champion with many great fights left. After he won his first title, he told me we would work together for his entire career and he has kept his word. I will do everything to make him a champion again.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

PHILADELPHIA (November 13, 2016) – Undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (33-0, 19 KOs) put on a show for fans in his hometown Saturday night as he dropped and stopped Colombia’s Samuel Vargas (25-3-1, 13 KOs) on his way to a seventh round TKO victory in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

The dominant performance by Garcia officially setup a welterweight world championship unification showdown in March against Keith “One Time” Thurman, who was in attendance as part of Spike’s broadcasting crew. The two welterweight world champions met in the middle of the ring after the conclusion of the bout and began to set the stage for their explosive showdown.

“I just had to tell Keith that he’s next,” said Garcia. “I’m going to beat him down. There’s not much more to say. Keith is going to get what he asked for and now he’s going to face a big dog.”

“You have two big punchers meeting on March 4,” said Thurman. “I don’t see how the fight can go 12 rounds. I see myself as the best competition that Danny has ever faced.”

Garcia was sharp offensively and defensively Saturday night, making Vargas miss often and countering with powerful shots. He started slow but late in the second round, Garcia delivered an overhand right hand that sent Vargas tumbling to the canvas.

“I felt a little rusty,” said Garcia. “But I started putting my punches together well and came out with the victory. The overhand right knocked him down. It was just a well-timed shot.”

“I got beat up in there,” said Vargas. “It takes a lot of courage to come to North Philadelphia and fight the champ. It just wasn’t my night.”

Vargas continued to come forward and work, but Garcia was entirely in control, making Vargas swing at air while delivering shots of his own that kept him in command. In the seventh round, Garcia began to unload with a series of big shots that hurt Vargas on the ropes. This eventually prompted referee Gary Rosato to stop the fight 2:17 into the round.

“It was great to give back to my fans in Philadelphia,” said Garcia. “It was a long time coming. I’m just happy I was able to give Philly a great night. I’m a Philly champion and it was great to see guys like Allen Iverson and Meek Mill out here supporting. Most importantly it felt great to give back to those in need in my city.”

“Danny is a great fighter and a great person for his city,” said Vargas.

With the March 4 unification fight now set, boxing fans can look forward to seeing two of the best fighters in the sport put their undefeated records and world titles on the line.

“Danny can talk whatever he wants and Angel Garcia can say whatever he wants,” said Thurman. “They can talk smack all day. Danny is real flat-footed. I believe I’ll be able to be on the outside, see the wide punches and counter punch. They said he wanted the tune-up, now he’s ready to see me.”

“On March 4, fans can expect what they always get from me,” said Garcia. “It’s going to be fireworks. I’m a Philly champion. I have the heart of a champion and I’m coming to win and unify titles.”

The co-main event of the evening saw undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs) stop former title challenger Jo Jo Dan (35-4, 18 KOs) in the sixth-round of their super welterweight battle.

The smaller Dan sought to smother Hurd from the beginning and negate the previously unbeaten fighter’s advantage in reach and height. Hurd was unable to get full power behind his punches, while Dan tried to hit Hurd with short punches, mainly to the body.

“We knew he was a crafty southpaw,” said Hurd. “We wanted to take our time because we didn’t know how he would come out. We felt him out at first.”

“The weight was a big difference,” said Dan. “I took the fight on short notice and I’m a 147-pound fighter. He was too strong for me tonight.”

Things began to open up for Hurd in round two as he began to tee off on the head of Dan, including a thudding left that caused Dan’s nose to bleed. Hurd continued to pummel Dan, mixing in looping shots to the body with his devastating array of hooks and uppercuts.

“My defense was a little off because being prepared for a right hander,” said Hurd. “We fixed that in the last round and got the stoppage.”

The damage continued into the sixth round as Dan kept coming forward but was consistently met with hard shots from Hurd. The fight was finally called at 1:08 into the sixth round, on the advice of Dan’s corner.

“He was wobbly and shaky,” said Hurd. “I probably would have taken him out in the next round. There are a lot of great fighters in this division and whoever I can get in there with next, I’ll be ready for.”

“He’s a tough guy,” said Dan. “I gave him some tough shots and I took some good shots. At the end of the day this is boxing. I couldn’t do enough to get the win.”

The opening bout of the telecast saw former world champion Javier Fortuna (31-1-1, 22 KOs) survive an early knockdown to come back and earn a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Omar Douglas (17-1, 12 KOs) in their 10-round lightweight match.

Douglas got off to the better start, connecting with a straight left hand late in the first round that buckled the knees of Fortuna and sent him to the canvas.

“He got me cold in the first round,” said Fortuna. “I wasn’t surprised that he came out sharp. I worked very hard to come back.”

“The left hand was there for me so I took it,” said Douglas. “I knocked him down based on reflexes.”

Fortuna recovered nicely however, and used his movement and combination punching to fluster the less experienced Douglas. Fighting primarily out of the southpaw stance, Fortuna used his jab and followed up with flurries that score consistently.

“Every time that I was aggressive, I tried to follow it up with more punches,” said Fortuna.

Douglas tried to be patient and counter, but too often it led to the fighters getting tangled up instead of inflicting damage.

“He was grabbing me, but that’s the game” said Douglas. “That’s the game I signed up for.”

The final round saw Fortuna come out strong in an attempt to close the show with emphasis.

“I knew in the final round that I had to finish it well to make sure there were no questions,” said Fortuna.

The former champion connected at will on Douglas for much of the round, staggering him near the ropes with successive hooks. Douglas stayed on his feet but was unable to mount enough offense as all three judges gave the final round to Fortuna. In the end, the judges scored the bout 96-93 twice and 95-94 for Fortuna.

“I feel like I won the fight. The decision was absurd. He held me the whole fight,” said Douglas.

“I felt like I won just about every round after the first,” said Fortuna. “I want a rematch with Jason Sosa next. That’s a very big fight for me.”

In Off-Television action:

Titus Williams scored a 6-round majority decision over Antonio DuBose in a super featherweight bout.

Williams of Long Island, NY won two cards by tallies of 59-55 and 58-56 while a third card read even at 57-57.

Williams, 126.3 lbs is now 7-0. Dubose, 127.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 8-2-1.

Kyrone Davis stopped Carlos Gabriel Ozan in round three of their scheduled 8-round middleweight bout.

Davis dropped Ozan in round three with a hard barrage of punches. Ozan got to his feet, but stumbled back to the corner and the bout was stopped at 41 seconds.

Davis, 158.6 lbs of Wilmington, DE is 11-1 with 5 knockouts. Ozan, 155.7 lbs of Mendoza, ARG is 12-2.

Milton Santiago won a 8-round unanimous decision over Claudio Rosendo Tapia in a super lightweight bout.

Santiago, 137 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 16-0. Tapia, 135.8 lbs of Mendoza, ARG is now 28-17-4.

Thomas Velasquez won a 4-round unanimous decision over Raul Chirino in a super featherweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Velasquez, 129.9 lbs of Philadelphia and he is now 6-0. Chirino, 134.2 lbs of Miami, FL is 7-4.

Jeffrey Torres won a 4-round unanimous decision over Joseph Serrano in a battle of Philadelphia based lightweights.

Torres, 137.7 lbs won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Serrano, 136.9 lbs was making his pro debut.

Christian Carto kept his perfect streak going as he stopped Leonard Reyes in a scheduled 4-round bantamweight bout.

Carto registered a knockdown from body shots in round two. Later in the round, Carto continued the domination and the bout was stopped at 2:34.

Carto, 118.6 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-0 with all wins coming early. Reyes, 114.5 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 4-11.

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PBC on Spike was promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions.

PHILADELPHIA (October 27, 2016) – Former world champion Javier Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) and undefeated rising contender Omar Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) are set to meet in a pivotal matchup as both men look to make a statement when they meet on Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike action.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and is headlined by undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia taking on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas. Also featured in televised action is undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd battling former title challenger Jo Jo Dan. Garcia is teaming up with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive and raise money throughout the promotion. For more information on how to get involved, visit the event’s webpage HERE.

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

The former champion Fortuna and the unbeaten Douglas will meet in a 50-50 fight that could put the winner in a position to fight for a world title soon. Fortuna is known for his aggressive style while Douglas looks to impress against his toughest opponent to date.

Here is what the fighters had to say about training camp, each other and more:

How has training camp gone for this fight?

Javier Fortuna: “I’m having an excellent training camp. We’re working hard and figuring out how to break down my opponent. Hector Bermudez does a great job and I’m very comfortable training here in Boston. I’ve gotten great sparring with guys like Will Madero and Alden Whatley. I’m going to be just as strong in the final round as I was in the first.

Omar Douglas: “Training has been going very well. I was already working and staying sharp, because I knew a big fight was on the horizon. Training in Delaware with Douglas Petitford has been great for me and I’ve had incredible sparring. I’ve been in there getting rounds with (2016 U.S. Olympian) Gary Antuanne Russell and a veteran in Hank Lundy.”

What do you think of your opponent and how do you see this fight going stylistically?

JF: “Douglas is a prospect who has looked pretty good coming up. He wants to get to where I’ve been. He might be looking past me. I think that his style my style perfectly. I’m going to have openings and I just need to take advantage.”

OD: “Fortuna is a very decent and explosive fighter. He’s a former world champion and I expect him to stand up and get back what he thinks is his. He wants his rematch with Sosa and we are in each other’s way. He’s a frontrunner in the ring. He will try to start strong and I am prepared for whatever he brings to the table. Whether he boxes or fights me. I will make adjustments.”

What kind of problems does your opponent pose?

JF: “The only problem that he will pose is if he doesn’t show up and fight. I’m ready for anything he can bring, so I hope he’s ready to give the fans a show.”

OD: “Me moves well. I can’t let myself get off-balanced trying to chase him. He’s awkward but I know that my jab will neutralize his strengths.”

What are you looking for in the future if you can get the win on November 12? What are your goals for 2017?

JF: “I want to fight the best that are out there. My first choice is a rematch with Jason Sosa so that I can win my belt back. I’d love to fight Vasyl Lomachenko. I don’t think he’s fought a guy quite like me yet.”

OD: “I want to fight for a world title. That’s the goal. He is a former champion who just lost his title and 2017 is my year to make a run for a title.”

How have you improved as a fighter since your loss? Do you believe a win over Douglas proves you’re still on of the best in the division?

JF: “I have learned a lot of things since I lost. My defense and my confidence in myself has improved. If I can beat a guy who is 22-0 and make it two wins over previously unbeaten fighters, then I think I’m right back in contention. He’s still considered a prospect so I think whoever wins will be a contender at the top of the division.

How does fighting in Philadelphia motivate you, having fought there in the amateurs and being from nearby Delaware?

OD: “In the amateurs I was one of the only guys from Delaware. I had a lot of obstacles. I’ve been fighting against Philly’s best fighters for years. Philadelphia is where I achieved my first goals in the sport and it will always be special to me to fight in Philly.”

Why do you believe you’ll be victorious on fight night?

JF: “With the work that I’ve been putting in, I know that I will be ready on fight night. I’ve been through too much not to leave the ring victorious.”

OD: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life and I believe I am the hungrier fighter. He doesn’t want it as badly as I do. I’ve been waiting in the shadows for a long time. I have all the skills necessary to get the job done.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200. Ten dollars from every ticket sold will go to Philabundance, feeding 20 people in need per ticket.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On Saturday night in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the Sambil Commercial Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, former world super featherweight champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna returned to action with an impressive two-round blowout of fellow Dominican Marlyn Cabrera.

In his first fight since a surprise defeat last June to Jason Sosa that cost him his WBA World Super Featherweight Championship, Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) dropped Cabrera twice in the second round, eliciting the stoppage. It was Cabrera’s first loss as a professional.

Fortuna’s victory was one of three Sampson Boxing fighters to win Saturday night.

Undefeated 21-year-old Dominican super welterweight Jeison “Banana” Rosario (12-0, 9 KOs) destroyed formerly undefeated Carlos Jairo Cruz (now 17-1, 11 KOs) in two rounds and 22-year-old super featherweight Abraham “Super” Nova moved his record to 3-0, 2 KOs with a fourth-round knockout over Willy Morillo.

Fortuna looked sharp in his comeback bout, putting the explosive power and speed that makes him one of the most exciting fighters in all of boxing. With the victory over Cabrera in the books, the southpaw former champion will now be looking to regain his championship status.

Fortuna’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, says his fighter has two options to consider for his next fight.

“Next we will either look for an elimination bout for the IBF mandatory contender to fight Jose Pedraza or we will look to face the winner of Jason Sosa vs. Stephen Smith in Monaco on November 12,” said Lewkowicz. “Javier wants to be champion again and he’ll fight anyone to get there.”

Rosario, a recent Sampson Boxing signee to a long-term promotional agreement, is a former amateur standout with a wealth of boxing talent. Cruz stood no chance against the Santo Domingo-based slugger.

“Jeison is a future star and I’m happy to have him in my stable,” continued Lewkowicz. “I will get him a visa to fight in the USA and pay his IRS taxes, which I do for all my fighters.”

Nova, who was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, to Dominican parents, went 167-11 with 60 KOs as an amateur, winning the 2014 USA Nationals, the 2014 Independent World Cup in the Dominican, Gold at the 2014 Cheo Aponte Tournament, and the 2015 Olympic Qualifiers. He is also a five-time New York Golden Gloves Champion.

“Abraham went some good rounds and got the KO over a veteran with more fights,” said Lewkowicz. “I am happy with his performance and with the improvements he continues to show in every fight. He is a strong prospect with a bright future.”

About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

The comeback of one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, former WBA World Super Featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna, will begin on Friday, September 23, 2016.

Fortuna (29-1-1, 21 KOs) of Braintree, Massachusetts, via La Romana, Dominican Republic, will take on fellow Dominican Marlyn “Maravilla” Cabrera (22-0, 10 KOs) of Santiago de los Caballeros in a 10-round super featherweight battle to top promoters Sampson Lewkowicz’s (Sampson Boxing) and Cesar Mercedes’ (Manguita Promotions) night of world-class boxing at the Sambil Ballroom in Sambil Plaza in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and live on Dominican TV RNN.

27-year-old southpaw Fortuna won the WBA World Super Featherweight Championship in May 2015 with a 12-round decision over Bryan Vasquez and made a successful defense in September 2015 against Carlos Ivan Velasquez (TKO 10). But then in June of this year, Fortuna suffered a surprise TKO 11 defeat at the Capital Gym in Beijing, China, to unheralded challenger Jason Sosa of New Jersey. Winning fairly easily on all three scorecards, a tiring Fortuna was surprised and dropped by a spirited late-fight rally.

Undefeated and untested 29-year-old Cabrera will be coming to the ring with pulling off an upset on his mind. In his six-year professional career, he has already held the WBA Fedecaribe and Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Inter­Continental Featherweight Championships.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring,” said Fortuna. “I lost my championship and I’m going to beat whoever I have to beat to get it back. Cabrera is my countryman and I wish him a long successful career, but right now he is in my way. He has to go.”

Someone’s undefeated “0” must go in the 10-round “All Dominican” junior middleweight co-main event, as Jeison “Banana” Rosario (11-0, 8 KOs) of Santo Domingo will take on Santiago de los Caballeros’ Carlos Jairo Cruz (17-0, 11 KOs).

Rosario was last seen destroying then-undefeated countryman Rafael Lorenzo in two rounds in April. Cruz will be making his first ring appearance this year.

In two other significant match-ups, 25-year-old southpaw Wellington Arias Romero (11-0-1, 5 KOs), of Newburgh, New York, USA via Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will face 26-year-old Abrahan “El Indomable” Peralta (18-4, 13 KOs) of Nagua, Dominican Republic, in an eight-round super lightweight battle; and in an eight-round “All Dominican” lightweight showdown, undefeated Osvaldo Cabrera (11-0-1, 6 KOs) will take on power-punching Ramon De la Cruz (8-2-1, 7 KOs).

In the opening super featherweight four-rounder, future star Abraham “Super” Nova (2-0, 1 KO) of Braintree, Massachusetts, will look to continue his undefeated run in the professionals against Willy Morillo (2-2, 1 KO) of the Dominican Republic.

“It’s a great show with many ‘Dominican vs. Dominican’ fights. Dominican pride will be standing tall that night,” said promoter Lewkowicz. “Javier Fortuna is coming back strong after his first loss against an undefeated fighter. He is angry at himself for losing and wants the tough fights to get him back to the world championship. The other fights are all the top fighters the country has to offer against each other and we have my star of the future Abraham Nova, to open the show. I’m very proud to be part of this show and very happy to come back to the Dominican Republic with my long-time, loyal partner, Cesar Mercedez of Manguita Promotions.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

Javier Fortuna remained undefeated as he defended the WBA Super Featherweight title with a 10th round beatdown over Carlos Velasquez at the Palms Resort in Las Vegas.

Fortuna dropped Velasquez in round two from a combination to the head. Velasquez started to bleed from his nose in round four.

Fortuna continued to beat up Velasquez over the 2nd half of the fight and the fight could have been stopped anytime after the 8th round. In round ten, Fortuna came out with extra aggressiveness and landed a flurry of punches until referee Russell Mora stopped the bout 35 seconds into round ten.

Fortuna, 130 lbs of the Dominican Republic is 29-0-1 with 21 knockout. Velasquez, 130 lbs of Las Vegas is 19-2.

Fortuna landed 168 of 453 punches while Velasquez was just 51 of 287

Undefeated Jr. Middleweights Dominique Dolton and Oscar Molina fought to a 10-round majority draw.

Dolton won a card 97-93 while two cards read even at 95-95.

Dolton of Detroit, MI is 17-0-1. Molina of Norwalk, CA is 13-0-1.

Dolton outlanded Molina 145-134.

Andrew Tabiti scored a stoppage after round two over Tamas Lodi in a scheduled 8-round Cruiserweight bout

Tabiti dropped Lodi with a hard right in round two.

Tabiti of Chicago, IL is now 12-0 with 11 knockouts. Lodi of Bekescaba, HUN is now 16-6-2.

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 16, 2015) – Less than two weeks away from his Tuesday, September 29 super-featherweight world title showdown against undefeated world champion boxer Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), Carlos Ivan Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs) is gearing up for the fight of his life. He fights on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS headlined by Fortuna vs. Velasquez, a scheduled 12-round bout from The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Velásquez was born in Cataño, Puerto Rico where he and his twin brother both competed in amateur boxing growing up. He was a member of the 2004 Puerto Rican Olympic boxing team, but also won the featherweight title at the Central American and Caribbean Games. Training out of Las Vegas, NV with esteemed boxing trainer Roberto Norris, Velasquez shares his thoughts on training camp, fighting for Puerto Rico and fulfilling his dream of becoming a world champion.

On fighting for the Puerto Rican fans in this first world title opportunity:

“I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I love my countrymen and country. Becoming a world champion is something I’ve been working hard for my whole life. From coming up as an amateur and Olympian to now, I have dreamed about winning this title. The time has come to take my career to the next level. Being that this is my first world title shot, I’m fully prepared to show the world that I’m a great fighter and that I intend to bring the title back home to all my family, friends and fans on September 29th.”

On fighting undefeated world champion Javier Fortuna:

“Fortuna is considered one of the great fighters in the 130-pound division for a reason, he’s never lost. But he’s never been in the ring with a technical fighter like myself. He has a lot of flaws that we are going to expose.”

On his world title opportunity coming on FS1 & FOX Deportes:

“What can I say, I’m truly blessed to be fighting on PBC. FS1 and FOX Deportes are the new Tuesday Night Fight channels. TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS is great for the sport. I’m honored to be fighting in the main-event on a great network like FS1 and FOX Deportes. Boxing has now gone back to its glory days, and I’m ready to shine.”

On training with new coach Roberto Norris:

“I find myself in a comfortable position training with Roberto Norris, who is working great with the physical attributes that God has blessed me with. Being that Fortuna is a southpaw, a great game plan must be implemented, and Norris has a masterful strategy in place. The knowledge that Norris conveys is really making a difference in my approach. I’m confident I’ll be able to dictate the pace of the fight and negate anything Fortuna tries to impose.

On working with strength and conditioning coach Ángel “Memo” Heredia:

“Angel Heredia is one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in boxing. With all the work we’ve done, I’ve never felt stronger going into a fight. His techniques are second to none. My stamina will be at peak performance when I step in the ring. In addition, Memo brings a lot of experience to my corner.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage,
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In a crowd pleasing fight, Amir Khan made his case for a September fight with Floyd Mayweather by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Chris Algieri in a battle of former world champions at Barclays Center.

The fight was a back and forth fight early as surprisingly Algieri fought out of his norm as was the stalker. He has some solid success as he landed some hard rights and left hooks in between Khan’s flurries. The bout seemned even at the halfway point.

Khan started taking over and winning very competitive rounds. In round 10, Khan buckled Algieri with a solid right. The fought hard down the stretch with each gave giving it all as the final bell sounded.

Khan, 146.4 lbs of Bolton, England win by scores of 115-113 and 117-111 twice to raise his mark to 31-3. Algieri, 146.2 lbs of Huntington, NY is now 20-2.

AMIR KHAN

“I thought I worked well inside. I’ve never done a lot of work in the pocket like that and I plan to do more of that in the future.

“I give Chris a lot of credit. He came forward a lot more than we thought he would and he had a big chin tonight.

“Chris gave it his all tonight. This is the best Algieri we’ve seen in a long time, and if he’d have fought Manny (Pacquiao) that way he might have won.

“Everyone knows I want Floyd (Mayweather) next after all the talk about it, but when you wait and hope for something for this long it can set you back. I don’t want to overlook any other fighters, including Chris.

“My first show with PBC has been great. The New York crowd was awesome and really got into it. The promotion was excellent and I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

CHRIS ALGIERI

“I thought I pressured Khan well and got my touches. He definitely didn’t like it when I got into his body.

“I thought I hurt him several times, but Khan’s a cagey fighter and he spins off. I guess the judges liked that tonight. I would think the cleaner, harder shots would get a little more respect.

“I think PBC is fantastic. The focus is on the fighters, not the politics or the promoters. This is helping bring the sport back to boxing’s glory days of primetime events for the fans.

“I haven’t thought much about after this fight. I’m disappointed, but I’ll watch the film from this fight and we’ll go from there.”

Javier Fortune won the WBA Super Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Bryan Vasquez.

It was an entertaining fight with Fortuna looking to land the home run blow while Vasquez used his unortodox style was able to get through with some solid punches.

Fortuna, 130 lbs of La Romana, Dominican Republic won by scores of 117-111 twice and 116-112 to raise his mark to 28-0-1. Vasquez, 129 lbs of San Jose, Costa Rica is now 34-2.

JAVIER FORTUNA

“I’m very surprised that the fight went the distance. Vasquez is a strong fighter. After the fifth round, I was boxing to score points.

“I was never really hurt by Vasquez, but I hurt my own hand on his head.

“Vasquez didn’t really affect me throughout the fight. The swelling on my eye is from a headbutt.

“The biggest key to my success tonight was my training. Before this I didn’t have the stamina that I needed. However, after my work with Hector Bermudez leading up to this fight I was more than ready.

“Becoming a champion here in New York is huge for me. I’m very proud of my performance tonight.”

BRYAN VASQUEZ

“My style is to box and then move. Fortuna fought a smart fight tonight. He wouldn’t engage me and fight.

“Fortuna used his head and elbows a lot tonight, but I don’t want to use that as an excuse. I tried telling the referee, but nothing was done.

“I worked very hard for three months of training to get to this fight. I hope I won over some fans today because I fight to please them.

“Hopefully I get a rematch because this is not the end of my career, and I’d love the chance to take that belt from Fortuna.

“I want to thank PBC for this opportunity. It was great being a part of this show and I hope they’ll think of me again in the future.”

2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne remained perfect by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Cornelius White in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Browne, 175.2 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 15-0. White, 175 lbs of Houston, TX is now 21-4.

Keith Tapia scored an explosive 8th round stoppage over Leo Pia in the final round of their Heavyweight bout.

There was some solid action throughout until Tapia leveled Pia with a crunching left the plummeted Pia to the canvas and the fight was stopped instantly at 2:42 of round eight.

Tapia, 200.2 lbs od Santurce, PR is now 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Pia, 199 lbs of Wichita, KS is now 5-5-2.

Local favorite as usual was in an exciting fight and remained undefeated by winning a 8-round split decision over Noemi Bosques in a Featherweight bout.

Hardy won on two cards by scores of 79-73 and 77-75. Bosques won a card 77-75.

Hardy, 122.8 lbs of Brooklyn is now 13-0. Bosquez, 122.8 lbs of St. Petersburg, FL is now 8-3-2.

Wesley Ferrer slid by by winning a 6-round majority decision over Jose Miguel Castro in a Lightweight bout.

Ferrer dropped Castro in round one but Castro fought back and dropped Ferrer in the fifth. It was Ferrer;s work rate that won him the bout by scores of 58-54, 57-55 and 56-56.

Ferrer, 134.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 9-0. Castro, 134.4 lbs of Carolina, PR is now 4-4.

Chris Colbert made a successful pro debut by stopping Marquis Pierce in round two of their scheduled 4-round Featherweight bout.

Colbert registered a knockdown in the first round and pounded hard shots until the ref stopped the bout at 1:31 of round two.

Colbert, 122.6 lbs of Brooklyn is 1-0 with 1 knockouts. Pierce, 122.4 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 1-6.

Luis Franco scored a fifth round stoppage over Guillermo Sanchez in a scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 1:51 of round five for Franco, 130.8 lbs of Miami who improves to 13-1-1 with 9 knockouts. Sanchez, 132.6 lbs of Buffalo is now 15-16-1.

BOSTON (May 14, 2015) – Some of Boston’s most popular local fighters participated in media workouts yesterday at Peter Welch’s Gym in South Boston as they prepare for respective Premier Boxing Champions fights taking place in the coming weeks.

Exciting local favorites Ryan Kielczweski (22-1, 6 KOs), Javier Fortuna (27-0, 20 KOs)and Jonathan Guzman (18-0, 18 KOs) all worked out in anticipation of their bouts taking place Saturday, May 23 at Agganis Arena. Also in attendance was President and CEO of Murphys Boxing, Ken Casey.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Also participating is local welterweight contender Danny O’Connor (25-2, 9 KOs), who is preparing for his May 29 fight against Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (33-6 7 KOs) at Barclays Center.

Here are what the participants had to say at yesterday’s workout:

Danny O’Connor, Framingham, MA:
“I think the show is big but, for me, it’s just another fight with Paul. I’m excited about the challenge in front of me, matching my skills against somebody like Paul with his resume. I’m extremely focused. All the work is done here (in gym).”

Ryan Kielczweski, Quincy, MA:
“It’s really cool fighting close to home on such a big card with double world title fights. Someday, hopefully, I’ll be there. I’m focusing on my fight and when that’s over I’ll watch Edwin (Rodriguez) fight.”

Javier Fortuna, La Romana, Dominican Republic
“I feel super good and super confident. I’ve been training here (Boston) but haven’t seen much of the city. I expect a lot of fans there for me. I’ve been doing a lot of Spanish interviews. I await their approval of my performance.”

Jonathan Guzman, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
“I feel very, very good. I’m ready to fight, 19 for 19 (19 wins, 19 KOs). I have a lot of family living in Lawrence (suburb) of Boston) and I’ve been staying here (S. Boston).”

Ken Casey, President & CEO of Murphys Boxing
“Boston is a sports-crazed city with a lot of good local fighters. It’s a shame a show like this hasn’t happened here in a long time. Sometimes it just takes good fighters and the right promoter to help them. It’s the perfect combination now.”

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing got his Christmas present a day early this year, as former interim WBA World featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna has renewed his long-term promotional contract.

One of the sport’s most exciting knockout punchers, 25-year-old Fortuna (26-0-1, 19 KOs), from the Dominican Republic, is considered an irreplaceable member of the Sampson Boxing stable.

“This is my gift for this year, to continue working with a budding superstar like Javier,” said Lewkowicz. “He is on the verge of stardom and, like all my fighters, he is also like a son to me. I admire all of their loyalty and I wish them all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.”

Lewkowicz also says the future is looking bright once again for everyone in boxing and sends his warmest regards.

“2015 will be a great year for my fighters and for boxing and I want to wish all my co-workers and brothers and sisters in boxing my sincerest wishes for a wonderful holiday.”

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

Former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara won a 10-round unanimous decision over Doudou Nugumbu in a Light Heavyweight bout at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.

Fonfara, 176 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice ans is now 26-3. Ngumbu, 175 1/2 lbs of Congo is 33-6

Tomoki Kameda retained the WBO Bantamweight title with a 12-round split decision over Alejandro Hernandez.

Kameda, 117 1/2 of Mexico City, MX won by scores of 115-113 twice while Hernandez won a card 115-113.

Kameda is now 31-0. Hernandez, 118 lbs of Mexico City is now 28-11-2.

Javier Fortuna scored a 5th round stoppage over Abner Cotto in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Lightweight bout.

Fortuna was all over couple in the first couple rounds when Cotto landed a shot behind the head that put Fortuna on the canvas. The knockdown should not have counted but it and to add more confusion, Cotto was rightly docked a point. In round four, Cotto was docked another point for a low blow. The craziness continued in the round when Fortuna was deducted a point after he took a swing at Cotto and apparently missed him but Cotto went down like he was hit. Fortuna hurt Cotto for real in the next round as he landed a hard left that sent Cotto down on his stomach for the 10 count at 1:32 of round five.

Fortina, 129 1/2 lbs of La Romana, DR is now 26-0-1-1 with 19 knockouts. Cotto, 130 1/4 lbs of Agua Beunos, PR is now 18-3.

Final Punch stats: Fortuna 105-302. Cotto: 46-144

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MAIN EVENT – 10 Rounds
Andrzej Fonfara: 176 Pounds
Doudou Ngumbu: 175 ½ Pounds

WBO BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 Rounds
Tomoki Kameda: 117 ½ Pounds
Alejandro Hernandez: 118 Pounds

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS – 10 Rounds
Javier Fortuna: 129 ½ Pounds
Abner Cotto: 130 ¼ Pounds

Caleb Truax 166.5 vs. Scott Sigmon 160
Koki Kameda 115.2 vs. Omar Salado 116
Jamal James 145.5 vs. Cameron Kreal 147
Demond Nicholson 160.5 vs. Lekan Byfield 159.5
Eddie Ramirez 142.5 vs. Manny Brown 141.5
Semajay Thomas 144 vs. Paul Pindroh 143
Jose Felix Quezada 137.5 vs. Alfred Hall 142.5
Alex Martin 145.5 vs. Travis Hartman 148.5
Adam Kownacki 250 vs. Jamal Woods TBA

###

Homecoming: Fonfara vs. Ngumbu is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Warriors Boxing. In the co-main event, WBO World Bantamweight Champion Tomoki Kameda defends his title against interim WBO Bantamweight Champion Alejandro Hernandez in a 12-round bout, and opening the telecast, former interim WBA World Featherweight Champion Javier Fortuna will face Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition will take place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets for “The Homecoming” start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). They can also be purchased the night of the event. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com.

For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com, www.sports.sho.com and http://www.uicpavilion.com/pavilion, follow on Twitter at @andrzej_fonfara, @DoudouNgumbu, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. All bouts are subject to change.

CHICAGO (Oct. 30, 2014) – Virtually all corners of the world were represented at Thursday’s final press conference at the W Hotel in Chicago for this Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition tripleheader from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Warsaw, Poland native and Chicago favorite Andrzej “The Polish Prince” Fonfara (25-3, 15 KOs) will square off with Doudou Ngumbu (33-5, 12 KOs), of Toulouse, France by way of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the 10-round light heavyweight main event, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the co-feature, undefeated WBO Bantamweight World Champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda will make the third defense of his 118-pound title against interim titlist and mandatory challenger Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez. Hernandez (28-10-2, 15 KOs) is a native of Mexico City, Mexico, while Kameda (30-0, 19 KOs) is Japanese but has been training in Mexico since he was 15 years old. “El Mexicanito” translates to the “The Little Mexican” while “Payasito” translates to “Little Clown.”

The opening bout of the telecast pits the Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico. Undefeated contender, former interim WBA Featherweight World Champion and Dominican Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (25-0-1, 18 KOs), will take on Puerto Rican Abner “Pin” Cotto (18-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s final press conference:

FONFARA:
“I’m happy to be back here in Chicago. [Ngumbu] is a good fighter who should give me a tough fight, but I’m going to walk out the champion.

“I can’t wait to go in there and give the fans what they want to see – a good, tough fight.

“I’m going to box him a bit and use my jab, but if the knockout comes then I’m going to take it.

“I want another shot at a world title, but I have to beat this guy first and keep winning until I get another chance. I feel that I’m ready for another shot, but this guy stands in my way on Saturday.”

NGUMBU:
“This is a great opportunity for me and a great honor to fight on American soil. I trained hard to be perfectly fit for this fight and my opponent.

“It’s not a secret that Fonfara is a powerful puncher, but I’m not worried it. What happens in the ring on Saturday is the only thing that really matters. I’m not worried and I’m certainly not scared. I’m confident I have what it takes to defeat him.

“I did everything that I had to do while in training camp. I’ve trained very hard. And now I’m here to show the world that working hard pays off.

“I came all the way here to do one thing: win.”

KAMEDA:
“It’s my second time fighting here in the U.S. and I’m very excited to defend my belt again here.

“I’m Japanese, but I live in Mexico. I fight like a Mexican. Boxing fans better be ready, because Saturday night is going to be a true all-Mexican brawl.

“This is a fight for Japan, a fight for Mexico, a fight for all the Latinos. I respect my opponent a lot, but there is a reason I’m undefeated, there is a reason I’m the champion and I’m going to win the fight.

“We’re going to scream ‘Viva Japan,’ we’re going to scream ‘Viva Mexico’ and ‘Viva los Latinos’ for all the fans in the U.S.

“On Nov. 1, you are going to seem me eat up ‘The Little Clown.’

“No question, I’ll be looking for a knockout. There’s no other way to go.”

HERNANDEZ:
“I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to become a world champion. I’m ready to show that I’m the champion, not him.

“Tomoki is a good fighter. He’s fast and slick, but I am, too. I know his style, he’s predictable, and I’m ready to fight and take that belt away from him.

“He’s not a real Mexican. He wants to be a Mexican, but he’s Japanese. I’m the real Mexican here. I’m so Mexican that even the dirt under my fingernails is Mexican. Tomoki is Japanese, and he came to my country to learn from us, the Mexicans. But let’s not forget who the real Mexican is here.

“He comes here saying he represents Mexico and he’s not even Mexican. I don’t have to pretend. I’m 100 percent pure Mexican blood.

“I have my game plan ready. I’ve trained hard and I know exactly what I’m going to do in the ring — how I’m going to move, what type of punches I’m going to throw. I’m ready. This is my chance to shine and I’m not about to let it go.

“On Saturday night, I will win. I’ll be a world champion, a true Mexican champion.”

FORTUNA:
“I’m not really worried about him. I prepared very well and I hope he trained well, too. I don’t want any excuses when he lands on the floor this Saturday.

“He’s a good fighter and he has a good trainer, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me.

“He may have faced Dominicans before, but that was in the amateurs. It will be a lot different now that he’s a professional, and it will be a lot different when he gets in the ring with me.

“I have faced better fighters in my career than he has, no question.

“I’m not looking for the knockout, but if I connect a few punches and I see he’s hurt, I’ll just go for it. I’m going to work him. This is going to be the end of Abner Cotto.

“I studied Abner Cotto very well. Day after day and night after night, I studied him throughout training camp with my trainer, Hector Bermudez. I studied his strengths and his weaknesses. I’ve learned his ways, I learned everything about him and I’m ready to defeat him.

“At 130 or 135 pounds, wherever I see the opportunity to get a world championship, I’m going to seize it.”

COTTO:
“It won’t be an easy fight, but I’m going to do everything I can to make sure it doesn’t go the distance.

“I’ve faced Dominican fighters before so I’m not worried about him or his power. Beating Fortuna is an opportunity to put myself in the top three in the division.

“I hope he comes ready and we can give the fans a good fight. I know I’m ready.

“I have faced some of the best fighters in the world in this division. Fortuna doesn’t intimidate me, he doesn’t bring anything that I haven’t seen before.

“Some people say that Fortuna is very powerful and I that should be very careful, but I’m not thinking about that. I’m only focused on the power in my punches. I’m not going to let them get into my head.

“My Puerto Rican fans better be ready. I’m going to deliver on Nov. 1 and I’m going to make them very proud. I’ll put up a great show. I’ve had plenty of hard fights, tests and challenges and I’ve overcome them. On Saturday, my fans are going to see a different Abner Cotto.

“The key for my victory lies on being smart, patient and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. I plan on exploiting every little mistake that Fortuna makes.”

###

Homecoming: Fonfara vs. Ngumbu is a 10-round light heavyweight fight promoted by Warriors Boxing. In the co-main event, WBO World Bantamweight Champion Tomoki Kameda defends his title against interim WBO Bantamweight Champion Alejandro Hernandez in a 12-round bout, and opening the telecast, former interim WBA World Featherweight Champion Javier Fortuna will face Abner Cotto in a 10-round super featherweight bout. The SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition will take place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Ill., and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Tickets for “The Homecoming” start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). They can also be purchased the night of the event. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com.

For more information, visit www.warriorsboxing.com, www.sports.sho.com and http://www.uicpavilion.com/pavilion, follow on Twitter at @andrzej_fonfara, @DoudouNgumbu, @TomokiKameda, @SHOSports, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first non-televised bout starts at 5:30 p.m. All bouts are subject to change.

Javier Fortuna remained undefeated by scoring an entertaining 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Antonio Rodriguez in a Super Featherweight bout at the Tropicana in Las Vegas.

In round three, Fortuna scored a knockdown from a barrage of punches. Late in the round, Rodriguez cut Fortuna over his right eye. Just before the end of the bell, Rodriguez landed a left hand that sent Fortuna to the canvas but it was ruled a slip by referee Robert Byrd.

Although his eye continued to swell and was basically shut by the 9th round, Fortuna continued to box well and hit Rodriguez with a furious flurry of punches in the 9th that caused a cut over the left eye of Rodriguez.

Fortuna, 130 1/2 lbs of the Dominican Republic won by scores of 98-91 on all cards and is now 25-0-1. Rodriguez, 129 1/2 lbs of Ciudad, MX is now 26-5.

Luis Rosa remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Orlando Del Valle in a Super Bantamweight bout.

Rosa used his physical strength to grind out shots on the inside. Rosa had two blemishes as he was dropped in round five from a combination and deducted a point in round eight for low blows. the accumulation of blows forced a cut on the bridge of the nose of Del Valle.

Rosa, 121 1/4 lbs of New Haven, CT won by scores of 97-91, 97-92 and 98-91 and is now 17-0. Del Valle, 121 1.2 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 18-2.

Las Vegas, NV (5/30/14) – All of the fighters for tomorrow night’s HBO Latino double-header weighed in earlier today in Las Vegas. The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing, in association with Right Hook Promotions and will take place at the beautiful newly renovated Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The card which will air on HBO Latino network, as well the HBO2 service with English language commentary at 12 midnight (ET/PT), is headlined by former world champion Javier Fortuna (24-0-1, 18KO’s) taking on Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23KO’s) in a 10-round super featherweight match-up. In the highly anticipated co-feature top-rated super bantamweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13KO’s) will look to take a major step toward repositioning himself back among the elite of the 122lb. division when he faces highly regarded undefeated prospect Luis Rosa (16-0, 7KO’s) in a 10-round super bantamweight showdown.

Also appearing on the card in a special attraction 10-round middleweight bout will be former WBA junior middleweight world champion and “The Contender” champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) taking on once-beaten Samuel Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs).

Below is a complete list of tomorrow’s card with the official weights included.

RED CORNER BLUE CORNER

10 ROUNDS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Javier Fortuna vs. Juan Antonio Rodriguez
La Romana, Dominican Republic Puebla, Mexico
24-0-1, 18 KO’s 26-4, 23 KO’s
130.6 lbs 129.4 lbs.

10 ROUNDS – JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Luis Rosa vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle
New Haven, CT Bayamon, Puerto Rico
16-0, 7 KO’s 18-1, 13 KO’s
121.4 lbs. 121.4 lbs.

10 ROUNDS -MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Sergio Mora vs. Samuel Rogers
Los Angeles, CA St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
25-3-2, 8 KO’s 14-1, 8 KO’s
159 lbs. 158 lbs.

6 ROUNDS -JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Jesus Gutierrez vs. Pablo Becerra
Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV
11-0, 3 KO’s 7-4, 6 KO’s
136.7 lbs. 136 lbs.

8 ROUNDS -JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Rocco Santoumaro vs. Daniel Quevedo
Las Vegas, NV Los Angeles, CA
11-0, 1 KO 13-14-3, 8 KO’s
120.4 lbs. 121.4 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Donte Strayhorn vs. Joaquin Chavez
Cincinnati, OH Los Angeles, CA
5-1, 1 KO 6-12, 2 KO’s
136 lbs. 136.6 lbs.

Tickets are priced at $85, $65 and $37, plus applicable taxes and fees and will go on sale today, Monday, April 21. They will be available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034) starting today.

For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing).

Tweet this:LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodriguez & L.Rosa vs L.Del Valle! @HBOLatino

# # #

About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com
Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Take a Virtual Tour.

New York, NY / Las Vegas, NV (5/28/14) – This Saturday, May 31, DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing, in association with Right Hook Promotions, will present an exciting doubleheader headlined by former world champion Javier Fortuna (24-0-1, 18KO’s) taking on Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23KO’s) in a 10-round super featherweight matchup. In the co-feature, top-rated super bantamweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13KO’s) will look to take a major step toward repositioning himself back among the elite of the 122lb. division when he faces highly regarded undefeated prospect Luis Rosa (16-0, 7KO’s) in a 10-round super bantamweight showdown. Both bouts will be shown live on the HBO Latino telecast from the beautiful newly renovated Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to the HBO Latino telecast, the HBO2 service will air the doubleheader with English language commentary at 12 midnight (ET/PT).

Also scheduled to appear on the card in a special attraction 10-round middleweight bout will be former WBC junior middleweight world champion and “The Contender” champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) taking on once-beaten Samuel Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs).

While the bout against Rogers is off-tv, it is a very important fight at this point of Mora’s career. If he is to ever get another world championship opportunity, the 33-year-old Mora not only has to continue winning but do so in impressive fashion.

“We realize that just winning isn’t enough anymore,” said Mora. “Promoters and TV execs, even fans have changed the name of the game from the Sweet Science to ‘Entertainment’. Guys getting knocked out are getting more TV dates because they lose in grand fashion. I am not willing to lose, but in order to get the TV dates nowadays, I am willing to adapt to what is needed. Entertaining can be dangerous, but I chose a dangerous profession.

Mora is currently riding a two-bout winning streak, including an impressive and grueling10-round unanimous decision against Gregorz Proksa on ESPN in June of last year and a fifth-round TKO over Milton Nunez in November. The bout against Nunez was Mora’s first after signing an exclusive promotional contract with DiBella Entertainment. For the bout, Mora was much more aggressive and determined than he’d been in the past. Now Mora is hoping another impressive performance on Saturday night will push him closer to challenging for a world title.

“I had a great training camp, we had the proper time to prepare physically and work out a game plan, and we are ready to go. Ready to shine.”

Mora continued, “This is a risky fight for me. I am always in risky fights. You never see me in a stay-busy or walkover-type of fight. I am always in tough, but that is the reason that I am who I am.”

“I know that I have what it takes to win another world championship, I just need my opportunity. In a perfect world, I want Sergio Martinez. He is the #1 middleweight in the world, and we are both promoted by DBE, so it’s not so farfetched. If I can’t get him though, I would love to fight the undefeated and unproven Peter Quillin, or the man everyone seems to be scared of, Golovkin. I believe that I match up well with both of them and would love a chance to take their championship belts from them.”

First, Mora must take care of business on Saturday night.

Tickets are priced at $85, $65 and $37, plus applicable taxes and fees and will go on sale today, Monday, April 21. They will be available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034) starting today.

For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing).

Tweet this:LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodriguez & L.Rosa vs L.Del Valle! @HBOLatino

# # #

About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com
Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Take a Virtual Tour.

New York, NY / Las Vegas, NV (5/22/14) – Next Saturday, May 31, top-rated super bantamweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13KO’s) will look to take a major step toward repositioning himself back among the elite of the 122lb. division when he faces highly regarded undefeated prospect Luis Rosa (16-0, 7KO’s). Rosa-Del Valle is scheduled for 10 rounds and will be the co-featured bout on that evening’s HBO Latino telecast. The bout will take place at the beautiful newly renovated Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to the HBO Latino telecast, which is being headlined by former world champion Javier Fortuna (24-0-1, 18KO’s) taking on Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23KO’s), the HBO2 service will air the doubleheader with English language commentary at 12 midnight (ET/PT).

The bout on May 31 will be the second on the HBO network for the talented Puerto Rican Del Valle, and the WBC #5-rated contender is hoping for a better outcome than he had for his debut.

In 2012, Del Valle, a former amateur standout and national champion, was as hot a prospect as any in boxing. Having been featured on Dan Rafael’s ESPN.com’s 2011 “Prospects to Watch” list, a world title shot seemed imminent for Del Valle. With the national exposure he gained from two impressive performances on the Showtime network, Del Valle was looking to have his coming-out party when he took on former three-time and two-division world champion Vic Darchinyan in September 2012 on HBO.

Unfortunately, Del Valle was handed his first professional loss, in a grueling 10-round slugfest.

Del Valle got his career back on track following the loss to Darchinyan picking up two TKO victories in 2013. He was back in action in January of this year, but his bout against Ira Terry was stopped in the second round due to an accidental head butt.

Del Valle, who just recently became a father, is now ready to show the world that he truly is one of the best 122lb. fighters out there and is beaming with confidence ahead of his upcoming clash with the unbeaten Rosa.

“This training camp has been absolutely great. We are basically already on weight and I am feeling very strong both physically and mentally. If the fight was tomorrow, we would be ready to go,” said Del Valle.

Del Valle understands that this is a do-or-die fight at this point in his career, but he is as confident as ever going into the matchup.

“I have never felt pressure to perform going into a fight because this is what I was born to do. Every time I step into that ring, it is do-or-die, so this fight is no different from any of my others. I am ready to go, I just hope that Rosa is too.”

Regarding Rosa, Del Valle sees nothing that worries him going into the bout.

“Like I said, this is what I was born to do. I have been doing this for a very long time, between both my amateur and professional career. I have fought on the big stage before. I expect him to come in 100% and give it his all because after I win, I don’t want to hear any excuses from him or his camp, discrediting me or my victory. Whatever he plans on doing on May 31, I will be ready. He said that his performance is going to steal the show that night. The only thing that is being stolen is his ‘0’ by me and he knows it.”

Del Valle continued, “After I get this win, we are going after all of the big names in the 122lb. division. I am ranked fifth in the world and after this fight, I should move up even further in the rankings and be ready to take on any of the champions in the super bantamweight division. I am winning no matter what on May 31 and Luis Rosa and his team know it.”

The entire card is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing in association with Right Hook Promotions.

Also scheduled to appear on the card in a special attraction eight-round middleweight bout will be former WBA junior middleweight world champion and “The Contender” champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) taking on once-beaten Samuel Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs).

Additional Las Vegas boxing bouts and a complete list of the undercard will be announced soon.

Tickets are priced at $85, $65 and $37, plus applicable taxes and fees and will go on sale today, Monday, April 21. They will be available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034) starting today.

For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing).

Tweet this:LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodriguez & L.Rosa vs L.Del Valle! @HBOLatino

# # #

About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com
Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Take a Virtual Tour.

NEW YORK, N Y (April 21, 2014) – On Saturday, May 31, boxing returns to The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas with an exciting doubleheader featuring Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna taking on Juan Antonio Rodriguez and Luis Rosa against Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle. Tickets start at just $37 for the event, which will take place in the Tropicana Pavilion. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO Latino at 12 midnight EST ( 9 p.m. local start time in Las Vegas). In addition to the HBO Latino telecast, the HBO2 service will air the doubleheader with English language commentary at 12 midnight (ET/PT).

To view Tropicana Las Vegas hotel rates, visit www.troplv.com.

The main event will feature former world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (24-0-1, 18 KOs) taking on heavy-handed contender Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23 KOs) for 10 rounds in the super featherweight division. The co-feature will pit undefeated contender Luis Rosa (16-0, 7 KOs) against the once-beaten, top 10-rated Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (18-1, 13 KOs) for 10 rounds in the super bantamweight division.

This Las Vegas boxing event is being promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing in association with Right Hook Promotions.

“From top to bottom, this is going to be an exciting card filled with action-packed fights,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “Javier Fortuna has been flirting with stardom for a couple of years now, and an impressive showing on May 31further cements that. The co-feature is one of the absolute best matchups that you can possibly make at that weight. We are happy to be able to bring boxing back to The New Tropicana Las Vegas.”

“This doubleheader will be an exciting event, which will bring together four very exciting boxers who are ready to challenge the best of their respective divisions. I am very happy to bring this event to my hometown, especially to the recently transformed Tropicana Las Vegas,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting this event,” said Fred Harmon, vice president and chief marketing officer for The New Tropicana Las Vegas. “We look forward to welcoming the boxing community and their fans to our all-new resort and casino, and are delighted to provide our guests with this exhilarating entertainment option.”

Also scheduled to appear on the card in a special attraction eight-round middleweight bout will be former WBA junior middleweight world champion and “The Contender” champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) taking on once-beaten Samuel Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs).

Additional Las Vegas boxing bouts and a complete list of the undercard will be announced soon.

Tickets are priced at $85, $65 and $37, plus applicable taxes and fees and will go on sale today, Monday, April 21. They will be available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034) starting today.

For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment, facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent, twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing).

Tweet this:LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodriguez & L.Rosa vs L.Del Valle! @HBOLatino

Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna
Fortuna, a 24-year-old Dominican southpaw, was a hot prospect in 2012. Winning all three of his fights that year, Fortuna was included on Dan Rafael’s ESPN.com “Prospects to Watch” list. He also won the interim WBA world featherweight title that year with a unanimous decision victory over previously undefeated Patrick Hyland. The bout against Hyland was shown on the HBO PPV undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez IV and was Fortuna’s first exposure to the HBO network family. Training alongside middleweight kingpin Sergio Martinez, Fortuna followed up that performance with a devastating first-round knockout over Miguel Zamudio in April 2013, on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights.”Unfortunately for Fortuna, he had outgrown the featherweight division and lost his title on the scales. In his next bout, also aired on “Friday Night Fights,” Fortuna took on Cuban Olympian Luis Franco. In a bout that Fortuna seemingly dominated, he was held to a split decision draw, in what many viewed as one of the worst decisions of 2013. Fortuna has since won two bouts in a row, both by stoppage, and now the WBA #2 and WBC #7-rated super featherweight is looking for his first shot at capturing a piece of the super featherweight crown. To do so, Fortuna must first get by the hard-hitting and upset-minded Rodriguez, against whom Fortuna has a personal vendetta.

“I am very happy to be on HBO Latino and have a chance to redeem myself on national TV, especially in my second home of Las Vegas where I will bring pride to my beloved Dominican Republic. I will avenge the loss of my countryman Yenifel Vicente in devastating fashion with a spectacular knockout of Juan Antonio Rodriguez.”

Juan Antonio Rodriguez
Rodriguez, a 26-year-old former WBC youth featherweight champion, is riding a five-bout winning streak, with four victories coming by way of knockout, since dropping a 10-round decision to former IBF world champion Billy Dib back in 2012. In January of this year, Rodriguez made his U.S. debut as the co-feature on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights,” winning an eight-round decision over once-beaten Yenifel Vicente. Rodriguez knows that the fight with the highly regarded and top-rated Fortuna is exactly the opportunity he needs to move himself a major step closer toward challenging for his first world championship.

“This is the type of opportunity I have been waiting for. People in Mexico know how good I am, but after I beat Javier Fortuna on May 31 on HBO Latino, the entire world will see how good I am. My ultimate dream is to win the coveted WBC green championship belt, and a win over Fortuna moves me that much closer to achieving that,” said a determined Rodriguez.

Luis Rosa
Rosa turned pro back in 2010 at just 18 years of age and has steadily progressed along the way. Rosa was a perfect 4-0 in 2013 and opened up 2014 with his most impressive victory to date, a dominant eight-round unanimous decision over former top-rated contender Jorge Diaz on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” on January 31. Rosa is looking to feed off that momentum and have another breakout performance when he takes on Del Valle.

“I couldn’t be happier about this opportunity,” said the 22-year-old Rosa. “This is my chance to show that I am not only one of the best fighters in the 122-pound division but also for me to pick up my first title belt and to make a major jump up the world ratings. I respect Orlandito as a fighter, but this is my time to shine and there is no one who will stand in the way of that.”

Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle
A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the 27-year-old Del Valle was a stellar amateur and national champion before turning pro in 2008 and reeling off 16 consecutive victories and steadily moving up the ranks of the super bantamweight division. Then Del Valle met former three-time world champion Vic Darchinyan in his HBO debut, eventually dropping a hard-fought 10-round decision to the now resurgent contender. Del Valle has since put together two consecutive stoppage victories and is looking to once again throw his name into the title mix of the 122-pound division.

“A while back, it used to be all fun and hype for me, but not anymore,” said Del Valle. “May 31 is just another date and another fight for me to prove to the world the type of fighter I am. I am all business now, and come May 31, Rosa is going to find that out very quickly.”

# # #

About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com
Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today’s global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! Take a Virtual Tour.

Former WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (23-0-1, 16 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, scored a third-round TKO over Mexico’s Manuel Castro (12-3, 11 KOs) last Saturday (November 16) on the undercard of the Arce vs. Carmona event at the Domo of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

With Fortuna in complete control throughout, the referee finally stopped the fight after an unanswered barrage. Unfortunately, seconds before the action was halted, Fortuna was cut for nine stitches by a head butt.

Fortuna’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, says his 24-year-old fighter has found new focus, working with new trainer Hector Bermudez in Troy, New York.

“Javier looked very sharp in his first fight with Bermudez. He is ready to challenge anyone in the world at 126 or 130. With his new training techniques, he can do either division easily.”

Also on the undercard that night, fellow Dominican super featherweight Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez moved to 15-0, 15 KOs when Mexico’s Oscar Arenas (26-8, 23 KOs) did not answer the bell for the fourth round.

It was truly a breakthrough performance for Rodriquez in Mexico, as he won over the Mexican fans with his showmanship and power-punching fists. Entering the ring to boos, he left to chants of “You are Mexican. You are Mexican.”

“Braulio Rodriguez is a future star in boxing,” continued Lewkowicz. “He has the kind of TV-friendly, unorthodox style that people appreciate, even ones who don’t know him yet. He won that crowd over with his unique ability.”

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

Former WBA Interim Featherweight Champion and current WBC #8-ranked super featherweight contender Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (22-0-1, 16 KOs) will face Colombian veteran Jose Carmona (22-3, 12 KOs) on Saturday, October 19, at the Palacio de los Deportes in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The power-punching super featherweights will meet in the main event of a historic night of boxing, presented by promoters Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing and Cesar Mercedes of Manguita Promociones, that will also feature no less than three women’s world championship fights.

24-year-old Fortuna, from La Romana, Dominican Republic, will be looking to rebound from the only blotch on his professional record, a draw with extremely capable former Olympian Luis Franco in August of this year. Fortuna lost his interim title on the scale last April before destroying challenger Miguel Zamudio by way of terrifying knockout.

24-year-old Carmona won the WBA Fedebol featherweight title earlier this year with unanimous deicsion over Gustavo Sandoval. He is currently riding a four-fight winning streak.

Also that night in separate 10-round bouts, three different women from Santo Domingo: IBF Female Featherweight World Champion Daihana Santana (32-6, 14 KOs), IBF Female Super Bantamweight Champion Katy Pamela “La Super Baby” Wilson (18-1, 11 KOs), and former women’s super-bantamweight world champion Marilyn “La Cachorrita” Hernandez (24-9, 15 KOs) will either defend or challenge for world championships.

Scheduled for the undercard are Santo Domingo’s undefeated WBA Fedelatin Bantamweight Champion Jonathan Guzman (14-0, 14 KOs); undefeated Santo Domingo super featherweight KO artist Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez (14-0, 14 KOs), as well as several other local favorites.

Further opponents will be announced shortly.

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

The August 2 edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will feature undefeated former interim Featherweight titlist Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (22-0, 1 NC, 16 KOs, ESPN.com No. 10 ranked Featherweight) and Luis “La Estrella” Franco (11-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round Featherweight main event. Friday’s show from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla., will air live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN. The card is promoted by Warriors Boxing.

New Picture (8)
Watch Teddy Atlas and Joe Tessitore preview Friday’s main event

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside describing the action for ESPN2, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will present all the latest boxing news and highlights. Delvin Rodriguez, will call the fights with Pablo Viruega for ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights), while Leopoldo Gonzalez and Claudia Trejos will anchor the studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will present live interviews and reports for both shows.

Main Event:
California’s Fortuna, trained by Pablo Sarmiento (who also trains Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez), is coming off a first-round knockout win over Miguel Zamudio.

“Franco is very dangerous, but this fight will prove that Fortuna is the best Featherweight in the world,” Fortuna’s advisor Sampson Lewkowicz said. “When he wins this fight, he will challenge any Featherweight or Super Featherweight in the world.”

Miami’s Franco, a 2004 Olympian for Cuba, is looking to rebound from a 12-round split decision loss to Mauricio Munoz.

“Franco has prepared well for this fight and he’s training hard,” Franco’s trainer Jorge Rubio said. “I think we’re going to win the fight. Fortuna is a big puncher, but we’re going to be better than him in that fight.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s 10-round co-feature will pit former Welterweight titlist Kermit Cintron (33-5-2, 28 KOs) of Pennsylvania against Dominican Republic’s Jonathan “Muka” Batista (14-1, 7 KOs). Cintron is looking to get back to his winning ways following a 10-round draw with Adrian Granados in his last fight, while Batista scored a first-round TKO over Carlos Rodriguez.

Upcoming Schedule:

Date
Time (ET)
Main Event
Location

Networks
Fri., Aug 9
10 p.m.
Rustam Nugaev (24-6, 14 KOs) vs. José Hernández (14-6-1, 6 KOs)—10 rounds, Lightweights
Morongo Casino, Cabazon, Calif.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
Fri., Aug 16
9 p.m.
Andrzej Fonfara (23-2, 13 KOs) vs. Gabriel Campillo (22-5-1, 9 KOs)—12 rounds, Light Heavyweights
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
Fri., Aug 23
TBD
Argenis Méndez (21-2, 11 KOs) vs. Arash Usmanee (20-1, 10 KOs)—12 rounds, Jr. Lightweights
Turning Stone Casino, Verona N.Y.
ESPN2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN
*Schedule subject to change

Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook. Follow ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo. Also score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

On Friday, August 2, at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing and Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing (in association with Tony Holden Productions and the Buffalo Run Casino) will proudly present an ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised night of boxing featuring a high-octane featherweight explosion between two of the best fighters in the 126-lb. division.

In a 10-round main event with Fight of the Year potential, former interim WBA Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) of the Dominican Republic will face Miami via Havana’s Luis “La Estrella” Franco (11-1, 7 KOs).

And in the televised 10-round welterweight co-main event, former world champion Kermit “El Asesino” Cintron (33-5-2, 28 KOs) will take on tough Dominican Jonathan Batista (14-1, 7 KOs).

Tickets are priced at: Reserved: $25.00, Premium: $40.00 and Platinum: $60.00 and are available here or by calling The Buffalo Run Box Office (918) 542-7140.

One of boxing’s brightest young stars, 23-year-old Fortuna’s sledgehammer fists have helped him become known for producing highlight-reel knockouts. In his last appearance, the WBC #6, WBA #11 and IBF #5-rated slugger demolished world-rated Mexican Miguel Zamudio in 1:08 of the first round. Zamudio was unconscious for several frightening minutes after absorbing Fortuna’s whirlwind fury.

Amazingly fast and agile in the ring, 31-year-old Luis Franco has long been considered a blue-chip prospect in boxing. The 2004 Olympian and former amateur junior world champion has now reached a point where he must realize that potential. Franco came up short in his last fight, losing a close split decision in an IBF World Championship Eliminator against Argentina’s Mauricio Javier Munoz in Argentina. A victory over Fortuna, however, would propel the skillful Cuban back into the thick of the featherweight title picture.

33-year-old Kermit Cintron has returned to his natural weight of 147 lbs. and will look to continue his comeback. Cintron holds victories over the formidable Alfredo Angulo and Lovemore Ndou and once fought to a draw with pound-for-pound entrant and current middleweight king Sergio Martinez. Cintron’s only losses have come to the world’s best fighters and he remains a solid top contender with anvils in his fists and the will to return to boxing’s elite status.

Dominican boxer/puncher Jonathan Batista is part of the group of talented fighters coming out of his homeland and led by Fortuna. Batista’s only loss was a highly disputable decision to rugged African Emmanuel Lartei Lartey on the undercard of Fortuna vs. Zamudio. It was his first trip outside the Dominican Republic. In that fight, Batista showed solid defense and good hand speed, as he out-boxed Lartei Lartey for most of the fight.

“Fortuna vs. Franco looks like it could be an unforgettable fight,” said Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. “Fortuna is so strong it’s scary and Franco is unbelievably fast with a great chin. It’s the irresistible force against the immovable object. Something’s got to give and it’ll be a cliffhanger to see what happens. What we all already know is it’s going to be a fantastic fight.”

“Kermit Cintron is looking to become a champion again, but he will not get past my guy Batista,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “I have carefully put together a wave of boxers from the Dominican and they are all now coming of age. This victory over Cintron will be the first of many big name wins for Batista. They are both fearless fighters and it will almost surely be a war while it lasts.”

Tickets are priced at: Reserved: $25.00, Premium: $40.00 and Platinum: $60.00 and are available here or by calling The Buffalo Run Box Office (918) 542-7140.

On fight night, doors open at 7 pm.

ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it’s credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz would like to congratulate his fighter, Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) of the Dominican Republic for his sensational first-round KO over Mexico’s Miguel Zamudio.

Fighting in the main event last Friday (April 19) at the Tropicana Showroom in the Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City (and televised live worldwide on ESPN Friday Night Fights), Fortuna came out like a human buzz saw and dropped Zamudio twice, the second time rendering him unconscious for several frightening minutes at 1:08 of the first round.

Unfortunately, Fortuna was unable to made the 126-lb featherweight limit before the fight (he weighed in at 126.6 lbs) and lost his WBA Interim belt on the scale, but the performance against Zamudio was eye-catching enough to cement him as a major force in the division, title belt or not.

Fortuna’s promoter, however, says he’s disappointed in criticisms from those who said Fortuna and Zamudio didn’t belong in the same ring.

“How can anyone make that determination?” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “What Fortuna did to Zamudio is what he did to Yuandale Evans, who was undefeated and many thought was going to beat Fortuna. It’s the same thing he did to Cristobal Cruz, a former world champion. It’s what he did to Victor Valenzuela, who was 8-0. He did the same thing to Zamudio that he did to two of his last three opponents and there was no questioning their quality as fighters. It’s impossible to say based on what we saw if Miguel Zamudio belonged in there. Fortuna would do that to anyone in the division.”

Lewkowicz says Fortuna will continue to campaign at featherweight and he will be looking to help him regain his championship as quickly as possible in a high-profile fight.

“Javier was only .6 overweight, and it’s possible he could have lost the weight, but even though it cost me money I would not let him risk his health. My fighters are like my children. He will make the weight next time. I am putting a challenge out to the promoters of any world champ or any top featherweight to come and face Javier Fortuna. He is the best of the best at featherweight and he will do what he did to Zamudio to anyone. It really doesn’t matter who I put in front of Javier. They’re getting knocked out.”

Javier Fortuna 126.8 vs. Miguel Zamudio 125.4

(Fortuna automatically loses WBA interim World featherweight Championship due to not making the 126-poundlimit. He initially weighed 127. Zamudio can still win title if he wins.)

John Jackson 154.2 vs. Cerresso Fort 155

Jonathan Batista 147.6 vs.Emmanuel Lartei Lartey 144.6

Dean Burrel 137.2 vs. Vernon Alston 135.6

Anthony Young 147 vs. Rafael Montalvo 145.4

Date: Friday, April 19

Promoter: Sampson Boxing

Venue:Tropicana Casino & Resort (Tropicana Showroom)

TV: ESPN Friday Night Fights

Tickets for “Fortuna vs. Zamudio” are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Tropicana box office on fight night.

On fight night, doors open at 7:00 (approx.) and the action starts at 8:00. The Tropicana Casino & Resort is located at 2831 Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

The 12-round main event on the April 19 edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will feature an interim WBA Title fight between undefeated interim Featherweight titlist Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (21-0, 1 NC, 15 KOs, The Ring No. 10) and Miguel “Michael” Zamudio (24-1-1, 13 KOs). Friday’s show from the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, N.J., will air live at 10:30 p.m. ET (rather than its usual 9 p.m. start time) on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN. Friday’s show will later be televised Saturday, April 20, at 2:30 a.m. on ESPNEWS. The card is promoted by Sampson Boxing.

Commentators:
Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn), filling in for Joe Tessitore, will be ringside with Teddy Atlas describing the action for ESPN2 HD, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will provide the latest boxing news and highlights. Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodriguez will call the fights for ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights) with Leopoldo Gonzalez and Pablo Viruega in the studio.

Studio:
Friday’s studio show will recap last Saturday’s Junior Featherweight Championship fight between Nonito Donaire and Guillermo Rigondeaux. Rigondeaux, who defeated Donaire in a 12-round unanimous decision, retained his WBA Junior Featherweight title and added the WBO Junior Featherweight belt. The show will also discuss this Saturday’s Saúl Canelo Álvarez-Austin Trout Junior Middleweight title fight and the fight between Heavyweight contender Tyson Fury and former Cruiserweight titlist Steve Cunningham.

Main Event:
California’s Fortuna, a stablemate of Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, won the WBA interim Featherweight world title in December with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Patrick Hyland.

After the fight, ESPN.com boxing writer Dan Rafael wrote, “Fortuna has looked sensational in some of his fights and has scored some tremendous knockouts, including in his previous two fights – a first-round blowout of fellow prospect Yuandale Evans and a second-round stoppage of former Featherweight titlist Cristobal Cruz. Fortuna burst to a big lead over the first half of this fight, but Hyland hung in there and tried to make it a brawl. Hyland, who had never faced a quality opponent, showed toughness and a good chin but little else as Fortuna boxed circles around him.”

Mexico’s Zamudio, who is making his U.S. debut, won an eight-round split decision over Gilberto Bolanos in his last fight.

“I like the way Fortuna fights,” Zamudio said. “I respect him, but in the ring it will be totally different. This will be the first time that I’ve been to the United States. My dream is to be champion of the world, and I want to make my dream come true. I’m going to win this fight.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s eight-round co-feature will pit undefeated Jr. Middleweight “Sir” Cerresso Fort (16-0-1, 11 KOs) against 2008 Olympian John “The Rock” Jackson (15-1, 14 KOs). Cerresso is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision win over Dennis Sharpe, while Jackson won a first-round TKO over Ramon Pena in his last fight.

Opening Fight:

Friday’s card will open with a six-round bout between undefeated Welterweights Emmanuel Lartey (15-0, 8 KOs) and Jhonathan Batista (13-0, 6 KOs).

Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook. Follow ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo. Also score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.