Adames Stops Williams in 9; Retains Middleweight Belt

Carlos Adames stopped former unified world champion Julian Williams in round nine to retain the WBC Interim Middleweight Title at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In round nine, Williams started to bleed under his right eye. Later in round nine, Adames started to dominate and landed some hard punches on the inside that had Williams reeling. Referee Mark Nelson stopped the fight at 2:45 while Williams was actually throwing a punch.

Adames, 159.6 lbs of Comendador, DR is now 23-1 with 18 knockouts. Williams, 159.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 28-4-1.

Erickson Lubin stopped Luis Arias in round five of their 10-round super welterweight fight.

In round five, Lubin dropped Arias with a left hand around the ear. It looked like Arias beat referee Zachary Young’s count, but Young ruled otherwise and the fight was over at 2:11.

Lubin, 156.6 lbs of Kissimmee, FL is now 25-2 with 18 knockouts. Arias, 155.8 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is 20-4-1.

Ferando Martinez made the second defense of the IBF Super Flyweight title with an 11th round stoppage over Jade Bornea.

The time of the stoppage was 29 seconds for Martinez, 114.6 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG who is now 16-0 with nine knockouts. Bornea, 115 lbs of General Santos, PHL is 18-1.

Burley Brooks upset former world champion and hometown native Caleb Truax via 10-round light heavyweight bout.

Brooks, 174 lbs of Dallas, TX won by scores of 98-91 and 96-93 twice and is now 7-2-1. Truax, 174.8 lbs of Osseo, MN is 31-6-2.

Former world champion Jerwin Ancajas stopped Wilmer Soto in round five of their eight-round super bantamweight bout.

In round four, Ancajas hurt Soto bad that was deemed for a standing eight count.

In round five, Ancajas landed four vicious right hooks to the body that put Soto down to a knee and the fight was stopped.

Ancajas, 121.8 lbs of Panabo City, PHL is 34-3-2 with 23 knockouts. Soto, 120.8 lbs of Canaletc, COL is 22-13.

Mickel Spencer and Lyle McFarlane fought to a no-contest in round three after an accidental headbutt caused a cut over the left eye of McFarlane.

The time was 1:31 of round three. Spencer, 141.4 lbs of Linden, MI is 3-0, 1 NC. McFarlane, 141.4 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 2-1, 1 NC.

CARLOS ADAMES VS. JULIAN WILLIAMS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

MINNEAPOLIS – June 22, 2023 – Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames and former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams traded barbs at Thursday’s final press conference before they trade blows in the SHOWTIME main event this Saturday, June 24 in a Premier Boxing Champions event at The Armory in Minneapolis.

Thursday’s press conference also featured fighters competing on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®undercard including super welterweight contender Luis “Cuba” Arias, who meets Erickson “Hammer” Lubin in the 10-round co-main event, plus super flyweight world champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez and unbeaten Filipino contender Jade Bornea, who battle for Martinez’s IBF world title in the telecast opener.

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

Adames was welcomed by the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night at Target Field as he exchanged a glove and jersey with Twins starting pitcher Pablo López before the Twins hosted the Boston Red Sox. Adames also met with fellow Dominican and visiting Red Sox superstar Rafael Devers, gifting him a personalized glove. (Click HERE for Devers and Adames photos from Matt Krohn/Major League Baseball)

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Minneapolis:

CARLOS ADAMES

“I’ve been in the gym training hard with a spectacular team. Williams is bait on a hook ready to get devoured by the big fish. He should know that he’s in a bad spot right now.

“I can feel him shaking. If you’re hesitant, it’s because you don’t know what you’re getting into. I want him to tell us how he really feels.

“I’m here to give a great fight to the fans of Minneapolis. I’m very thankful to be fighting here and to be embraced by the city.

“If you’ve seen me hurt, that’s because you have bad eyesight. I’m right here and I’m gonna be at my best on Saturday night

“If you like this back and forth, you’ll love the fight. I’m glad this was fun, but I want everyone to know that I’m bringing my best. Julian has no idea what he’s getting into. I’m gonna overwhelm him.

“I’m going to have to be steady in the ring and work a lot, especially early. I’m going to be patient, follow my game plan and the win is going to come because of how steady I am in the ring.

“Even though the fans in the Dominican Republic are far away, they motivate me to win not just for myself, but for all of them.

“It was great to meet Pablo Lopez at the Twins game. Baseball has always been part of my life, and to be embraced for my accomplishments at the highest level of boxing by a first-class franchise like the Twins meant a lot to me. Minneapolis is a great sports town, and I hope Twins fans come out to enjoy a great fight on Saturday night as well.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I’ve watched tape on him and he’s not unbeatable. He’s a good fighter, but I’ve seen him down, I’ve seen him tired and I’ve seen him hurt. He’s no boogeyman.

“This fight can definitely rejuvenate my career. I don’t think people fear him yet. He only hit the scene last year. All that about him being avoided is just talk.

“I’m not letting Adames know anything and I don’t have to say anything. We’re gonna show up and settle it in the ring like men on Saturday night.

“This dude is a bully. I don’t have to go back and forth with him and argue about what we’re gonna do. I’m gonna show up on Saturday night. Believe it.

“I’m locked in. I know what this is and I know what he is. It’s gonna show up in the fight. I’m a man and you cannot scare me.

“I’m going to deliver a spectacular performance on Saturday night. The fans can definitely expect that. I’m getting my hand raised.”

LUIS ARIAS

“I think for this fight, all the pressure is on Lubin. We have to see what he’s like. He’s got a lot of questions he has to answer.

“I’m the worst type of fight for Lubin. We’re gonna find out immediately how that chin is holding up because I’m in dog shape. So I’m coming to make my statement and put my name in the mix.

“Once I knock Lubin off, that’ll be two top contenders I’ve knocked off. It’s all about timing. My title shot is coming. After Saturday night, you’re gonna see that I’m a top dog. You’re gonna have to mention me among the best in the division.

“Lubin is not Superman. He’s a human and he’s gonna have to figure out if he can bounce back. I know exactly how him and his team train. I sparred two world champions getting ready for this fight. I was sparring Adames. So there’s nothing that Lubin can do that I haven’t seen before.

“Saturday I’m gonna show who the real Luis Arias is. I’ve had a great training camp for this fight and I’ve had my mind set on Lubin for almost a year. I’ve been ready for this fight. You’re gonna see a prime, fresh Luis Arias.”

FERNANDO MARTINEZ

“It’s not gonna be easy for him. He’s going to have to lay It all out in the ring to win that belt. For me, this is the battlefield. The fans are going to be the winner.

“He thinks he’s hungry, but I’m hungrier. I’m going to put on a show and prove to everyone that I’m not only the champion, but I’m the champion who’s going to be here for years to come.

“The fans here are going to see that I’m the ‘mini Mike Tyson’. You’re going to love watching me fight. I’m going to go out there and give the best that I have. You’re not gonna want to miss one second of this fight.

“I’m going to keep fighting until the final bell. I’ve prepared hard and I know that I’m prepared to be at my best on Saturday night.”

JADE BORNEA

“For me this is the most important fight of my career. I’ve sacrificed everything in the last year to earn this chance to take on the reigning champion.

“This has been my dream. I’ve worked so hard to become world champion. I’m not going to give an inch. I know that I can’t waste this opportunity to become world champion.

“I am ready for anything that Martinez brings to me in the fight. I’ve prepared for this for a long time, so I know exactly what I have to do.”

# # #

ABOUT ADAMES VS. WILLIAMS

Adames vs. Williams will see hard-hitting Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames battle former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams in the 12-round main event of action live on SHOWTIME^® Saturday, June 24 from The Armory in Minneapolis in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Luis “Cuba” Arias squaring off in the 10-round co-main event. Super flyweight world champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez will put his IBF title on the line against unbeaten Filipino contender Jade Bornea in the telecast opener.

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

FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS AND TOP PROSPECT HIGHLIGHT THREE-FIGHT SHOWTIME BOXING® COUNTDOWN SHOW THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 24 AT 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

MINNEAPOLIS – June 21, 2023 – Three showdowns featuring the return of two former world champions and an exciting rising prospect will highlight the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN live streaming presentation this Saturday, June 24 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Action live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and is topped by former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax taking on Burley Brooks in a 10-round light heavyweight clash. The lineup will also see former world champion Jerwin Ancajas duel Colombia’s Wilner Soto in an eight-round super bantamweight attraction, and all-action super lightweight prospect Mickel Spencer facing Lyle McFarlane in a four-round bout. The live stream is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell.

These fights precede a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader headlined by top middleweight Carlos Adames defending his Interim WBC Middleweight Title against former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams in a telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

A native of Osseo, Minn., Truax (31-5-2, 19 KOs) will return to fight at The Armory for the third time on Saturday night, as he looks to thrill his hometown fans in his first action since dropping a January 2021 world title fight to Caleb Plant by decision. Truax captured a 168-pound world title in December 2017, traveling to the U.K. to upset James DeGale and bring the belt back to The Gopher State. He will be opposed by the 27-year-old Brooks (6-2-1, 5 KOs), a Dallas-native who is guided by award-winning trainer Derrick James. Brooks began his career with six victories before losing narrow decisions to Marco Delgado and Cameron Sevilla Rivera. Most recently, Brooks fought Rivera to a split-draw in August 2021.

The 31-year-old Ancajas (33-3-2, 22 KOs) steps back into action after dropping a pair of decisions in world title fights against Fernando Martinez February and October of 2022. Fighting out of Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, Philippines, Ancajas won the 115-pound title in a lopsided unanimous decision victory over McJoe Arroyo in 2016 where he dropped his opponent in the eighth round and cruised to victory. Ancajas would go on to make nine successful defenses of the title before running into Martinez. He will take on the 32-year-old Soto (22-12,12 KOs), who most recently lost a decision to Jonathan Rodriguez in March. A native of Canalete, Colombia, Soto has faced a slew of top fighters throughout his career, including former unified 122-pound champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev.

Spencer (3-0, 2 KOs) is the younger brother of exciting super welterweight Joey Spencer and turned pro in August 2021 with a unanimous decision victory over Eliseo Villalobos. The 19-year-old from Linden, Mich., most recently wowed the crowd at The Armory in February with a sensational first-round stoppage of Margarito Hernandez. He faces the 26-year-old McFarlane, who fights out of Tulsa, Okla., and enters this fight having won back-to-back contests.

The non-televised undercard will feature super middleweight Shawn McCalman (12-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round fight taking on Bo Gibbs Jr. (23-3, 9 KOs), super featherweight prospect Robert Meriwether III (3-0, 2 KOs) battling Ezra Rabin (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round attraction, and Cincinnati’s Ray Robinson (1-0) dueling Ryan Raglin (3-9-1, 3 KOs) in a four-round featherweight showdown.

# # #

ABOUT ADAMES VS. WILLIAMS

CARLOS ADAMES TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – June 20, 2023 – Top middleweight Carlos Adames will aim to make his case as the sport’s best middleweight when he defends his Interim WBC Middleweight Title against former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams this Saturday, June 24 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“My time will come where I will show the world that I’m the best middleweight,” said Adames. “A dominant victory on Saturday night will ensure me a fight with Jermall Charlo to see who the real WBC middleweight champion is. It’s been very difficult to get the big names in the ring with me, but I just have to keep winning.”

The 29-year-old Adames (22-1,17 KOs) has been on a tear since moving up to middleweight in 2021, including a close but decisive decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko and most recently a third-round KO of Juan Macias Montiel in October. The Dominican fighter now training in Las Vegas has thrived in another training camp under top trainer Bob Santos.

“I had an incredible training camp in Las Vegas with my coach Bob Santos,” said Adames. “We put in a lot of hard work and got some excellent sparring with some very good fighters. My road work was taken to the next level, with a lot of running in high elevation. I’m eating the best foods and feeling great.”

Saturday night will see Adames battle perhaps his most accomplished opponent to date in the former unified 154-pound Williams, a Philadelphia-native who defeated Jarrett Hurd in one of 2019’s best fights to capture WBA and IBF titles. Although Williams only made his middleweight debut in November with a unanimous decision over Rolando Mansilla, Adames knows the danger that Williams presents.

“I see Williams as a dangerous opponent,” said Adames. “He’s a former world champion who has a lot of experience and he has nothing to lose at this point in his career. I’m expecting a tough fight, but I feel I’m the better fighter in every aspect. I feel I can break him down and end the fight in the middle to late rounds.”

Since losing a 154-pound title fight in 2019, Adames has worked his way up the 160-pound division and will now step into the ring for his first SHOWTIME main event on Saturday night, with the goal of closing the show early and in dominant fashion.

“This is another great opportunity to showcase my talent on the big stage,” said Adames. “SHOWTIME is where the stars are born. I can’t wait to show my people back in the Dominican Republic, and here in the U.S., all the hard work that we put into this camp. This is my first main event on SHOWTIME and I’m going to take full advantage of the situation. My goal is to win by spectacular knockout.”

# # #

ABOUT ADAMES VS. WILLIAMS

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Luis “Cuba” Arias squaring off in the 10-round co-main event. Super flyweight world champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez will put his IBF title on the line against unbeaten Filipino contender Jade Bornea in the telecast opener.

TOP MIDDLEWEIGHT CARLOS ADAMES DEFENDS INTERIM TITLE AGAINST FORMER UNIFIED CHAMPION JULIAN WILLIAMS SATURDAY, JUNE 24 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE ARMORY IN MINNEAPOLIS IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT

MINNEAPOLIS – June 2, 2023 – Hard-hitting Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames will battle former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams in the 12-round main event of action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, June 24 from The Armory in Minneapolis in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Luis “Cuba” Arias squaring off in the 10-round co-main event. Super flyweight world champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez will put his IBF title on the line against unbeaten Filipino contender Jade Bornea in the telecast opener.

“Saturday, June 24 will see three high-stakes matchups play out in the ring, topped by rising middleweight star Carlos Adames looking to take out hungry former champion Julian Williams, who has his eyes set on championship gold in a second division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “With Erickson Lubin and Luis Arias squaring off, the winner will be in prime position for a 154-pound title shot, while Fernando Martinez can send a message to the rest of the super flyweight division with a decisive victory against the undefeated Jade Bornea. This lineup shapes up to deliver another electric night at The Armory in Minneapolis.”

Adames (22-1, 17 KOs) has become a force in the middleweight division as he nears a chance to earn a world title opportunity at 160 pounds. Adames scored a career-best victory by overcoming top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in December 2021 and followed that up by knocking out Juan Macias Montiel in the third round to capture his interim belt last October. The 29-year-old Adames was born in Comendador, Dominican Republic and now lives in Washington Heights, New York. He established himself as a contender with a slew of victories over the likes of former champion Carlos Molina, Frank Galarza, Joshua Conley and Alejandro Barrera, with his only defeat coming by narrow decision in a 2019 154-pound title fight against Patrick Teixeira.

“I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m ready to defend my interim WBC middleweight title against Julian Williams, who we all know is a very tough fighter,” said Adames. “I’ve worked tirelessly to earn my way in the sport and I’m ready to prove I belong at the top of the middleweight division. I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills on SHOWTIME, and I’m determined to put on a great performance for the fans. On June 24 The Armory in Minneapolis will be electrifying. I’m coming to win.”

Philadelphia’s Williams (29-3-1, 16 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. The 33-year-old dropped the titles in his first defense, losing to Jeison Rosario in January 2020, before coming up on the short end of a narrow decision to Vladimir Hernandez in October 2021. He most recently returned to his winning ways last November, dominating Rolando Mansilla at The Armory on his way to a unanimous decision.

“Training has been going great and I’m extremely well-prepared for this fight,” said Williams. “I’ve just been grinding and making the best of everything that I have. I haven’t seen that much of him, so I’m preparing for anything Adames can bring. A win on June 24 would mean everything. This is what I strive for. It’s been a little choppy, but I’m just looking forward to a tough fight in Minneapolis.”

The 27-year-old Lubin (24-2, 17 KOs) will return to the ring after going toe-to-toe in one of 2022’s best fights, which saw him trade knockdowns with fellow contender Sebastian Fundora on SHOWTIME in April 2022. Heading into the Fundora fight, Lubin had put together an impressive six-bout winning streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017, a run that included triumphs over Jeison Rosario, Terrell Gausha and Ishe Smith. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013 and became one of the youngest prospects to ever appear on the developmental series SHOBOX: The New Generation and soon after was named “Prospect Of The Year” by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I’m looking forward to making my return on SHOWTIME,” said Lubin. “Every fight is important and I treat them all the same. This one is no different because I’m coming in with a chip on my shoulder. I’m planning to dominate Luis Arias so I can get my rematches with Jermell Charlo and Sebastian Fundora. I want to avenge my defeats and that starts with a big performance on June 24. It’s ‘Hammer’ time on SHOWTIME.”

A native of Milwaukee who now trains out of Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions’ Arias (20-3-1, 9 KOs) most recently dominated Jimmy Williams in May 2022 on his way to a unanimous decision. Arias had scored a career-best victory in June 2021, as he earned a decision over former unified champion Jarrett Hurd on the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV undercard. Arias has also battled former champion Daniel Jacobs and owns a draw against veteran contender Gabriel Rosado.

“I’m back on the big stage and this time I’m staying here for the long haul,” said Arias. “I’m planning on bringing an all-out war as soon as the bell rings. June 24 has a great lineup, but this fight will definitely steal the show. I want to thank Floyd Mayweather and the Mayweather Promotions team for getting me this opportunity. I’m coming to make the most of it. War is coming!”

The unbeaten Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) became the first world champion promoted by his countryman, former two-division world champion Marcos Maidana, with a scintillating victory over Ancajas on SHOWTIME in February 2022. The 31-year-old from Avellaneda, Argentina made the most of the opportunity, landing a division record 421 power shots of the 427 total punches landed to secure a unanimous decision victory over Ancajas. They rematched in October 2022, with Martinez putting on an even more convincing performance to retain his title via unanimous decision.

“This is going to be my first time fighting in Minneapolis and I hope the fans know that I’m coming to put on a show for them,” said Martinez. “My goal isn’t just to win, it’s to show that I’m getting better and that I’m on my way to my goal of unifying the titles.”

Fighting out of General Santos City in the Philippines, Bornea (18-0, 12 KOs) will fight in the U.S. for the second time on June 24 after earning a decision over Ernesto Delgadillo in their January 2020 clash. Since then the 27-year-old has added three victories, including a pair of 2022 triumphs that saw him best Mohammed Obbadi in January and Ivan Meneses in August. A pro since October 2014, Bornea is part of a boxing family as his twin brother Jake also fights professionally.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity ever since I turned pro,” said Bornea. “I have watched Martinez twice fight against my friend and countryman Jerwin Ancajas, so I know his style well. On June 24, I am going to win that title and bring it back to the Philippines where it belongs. I’m thankful to my whole team for this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”

# # #

Early Results from Minneapolis (Morrell Jr. – Yerbossynuly)

David Morrell Jr. retained the WBA Super Middleweight title with a 12th round stoppage of challenger Aidos Yerbossynuly at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Morrell bloodied and battered a tough and game Yerbossynuly all over the ring. The fight could have been stopped on several occasions.

In round 12, Morrell dropped Yerbossynuly with a perfect left hand. Yerbossynuly was deducted a point for holding. Later in the round, another left dropped Yerbossynuly again and the bout was stopped at 2:34.

Morrell, 166.5 lbs of Minneapolis, MN is 8-0 with six knockouts. Yerbossynuly, 167.25 lbs of Almaty, KAZ is 16-1.

Yerbossynuly left the venue on a stretcher to the hospital.

Brian Mendoza stopped former unified world champion Jeison Rosario in round five of their 10-round middleweight fight.

In round two, Mendoza dropped Rosario with a left hook to the body. In round five, Mendoza landed a vicious right uppercut that planted Rosario on the canvas. Rosario tried to get up, but fell back on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 35 seconds.

Mendoza, 159.25 lbs of Las Vegas is 21-2 with 15 knockouts. Rosario, 160 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 23-4-1.

Fiodor Czerkaszyn remained undfeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Nathaniel Gallimore in a middleweight bout.

Czerkaszyn, 158.75 lbs of Warsaw, POL won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 21-0. Gallimore, 158.25 of Des Plaines, IL is 22-6-1.

Andre Dirrell stopped Yunieski Gonzalez in the 10th and final round of their light heavyweight bout.

At the end of round nine, Dirrell unleased a big flurry punches which made referee Dave Smith administer an eight-count. In round 10, Dirrell continued the assault on the bloody Gonzalez and Smith stopped the bout at 1:37.

Dirrell, 174 lbs of Flint, MI is 29-3 with 19 knockouts. Gonzalez, 174 lbs of Miami is 21-5.

Former unified world champion Julian Williams won a eight-round unanimous decision over Rolando Mansilla in a middleweight bout.

In round five, Mansilla was deducted a point for spitting out his mouthpiece.

Williams, 159.5 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-71 and 79-72 twice and is now 28-3-1. Mansilla, 158 lbs of Parana, ARG is 18-12-1.

Kent Cruz and Enriko Gogokiha fought to their second consecutive draw in a super lightweight bout.

Gogokhia took a card 78-74. That was overruled by two 76-75 scores.

Cruz, 143 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 16-0-3. Gogokiha, 141.5 lbs of Woodland Hills, CA is 13-0-2.

LONGTIME CONTENDER ANDRE DIRRELL AND FORMER UNIFIED CHAMPION JULIAN WILLIAMS TO RETURN IN SEPARATE BOUTS, PLUS UNBEATENS KENT CRUZ AND ENRIKO GOGOKHIA REMATCH SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® BOXING COUNTDOWN SHOW

MINNEAPOLIS – November 1, 2022 – A jam-packed three-bout lineup of exciting undercard attractions featuring a longtime contender, a former unified world champion and a pair of unbeatens will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page this Saturday, November 5 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis preceding SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

The SHOWTIME Boxing COUNTDOWN show, hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT podcast hosts, Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, starts at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and is topped by longtime contender Andre Dirrell matched tough in a 10-round light heavyweight clash against hard-hitting Yunieski Gonzalez. The action also includes former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams taking on Argentina’s Rolando Mansilla in an eight-round middleweight affair, plus unbeatens Kent Cruz and Enriko Gogokhia will duel in an eight-round super lightweight rematch of their split-draw in February kicking off the streaming presentation.

The streaming fights lead into SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. looking to thrill his hometown crowd against unbeaten mandatory challenger Aidos Yerbossynuly.

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

A bronze medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games, Dirrell (28-3, 18 KOs) rose to the top of the super middleweight division during an impressive run in his career that included a victory over then-unbeaten Arthur Abraham and decision defeats to Carl Froch and James DeGale. The Flint, Michigan-native has won back-to-back fights via knockout since moving up to light heavyweight, stopping Christopher Brooker most recently in July 2021. He takes on Cuba’s Gonzalez (21-4, 17 KOs), who has challenged top light heavyweights including Gilberto Ramirez, Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Jean Pascal. Now fighting out of Miami, Gonzalez won three-straight bouts before losing to Ramirez in a December 2021 slugfest.

Philadelphia’s Williams (27-3-1, 16 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. The 32-year-old dropped the titles in his first defense, losing to Jeison Rosario in January 2020, before coming up on the short end of a narrow decision to Vladimir Hernandez in October 2021. He will take on Mansilla of Parana, Entre Rios, Argentina, Mansilla , who looks to rebound from back-to-back defeats against Cesar Mateo Tapia in May and Derrick Colemon Jr. in September. Mansilla (18-11-1, 8 KOs) has fought professionally since 2013 and was unbeaten in his first 11 fights.

The 29-year-old Cruz (16-0-2, 10 KOs) and 31-year-old Gogokhia (13-0-1, 8 KOs) fought to a split draw in their February clash, with Cruz hitting the canvas twice, as they both look to leave no doubt in the rematch. The St. Louis-native Cruz had bounced back from a 2018 draw to Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez with triumphs over Travis Hartman and Erik Humberto Castillo before the Gogokhia fight. A former kickboxing pro, Gogokhia is a native of Georgia but now resides stateside in Woodland Hills, California and had stopped five consecutive opponents before facing Cruz.

The non-televised undercard will also include unbeaten super featherweight Demler Zamora (9-0, 8 KOs) battling Texas-native Clay Burns (10-13-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round fight and unbeaten Cuban prospect Yoenis Tellez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight attraction against California’s Dario Guerrero-Meneses (1-2-1).

Rounding out the lineup is Kazakhstan’s Ablaikhan Zhussupov (2-0, 1 KO) facing Arkansas-native Demarcus Layton (8-3-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout, a four-round super featherweight duel between Jose Perez (10-1-2, 4 KOs) and Angel Luna (15-11-1, 8 KOs) and welterweight prospect Maximus Garland (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round contest taking on Alex Cortez.

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ABOUT MORRELL JR. VS. YERBOSSYNULY

Morrell Jr. vs. Yerbossynuly will see unbeaten WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. return to action against undefeated mandatory challenger Aidos Yerbossynuly in a 12-round duel that headlines live on SHOWTIME Saturday, November 5 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former unified champion Jeison Rosario taking on veteran contender Brian Mendoza in a 10-round middleweight attraction in the co-main event, plus unbeaten middleweight Fiodor Czerkaszyn battles the hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

Wildly Wonderful: Fury knocks out Wilder

LAS VEGAS – It was wild. Wildly chaotic. Wildly sloppy. It careened from reckless to dangerous, from crazy to classic.

Wildly wonderful.

In the end, the wild victory belonged to Tyson Fury, who scored a knockdown in the third round, got up twice in the fourth, scored another knockdown in the tenth and finished exhausted Deontay Wilder in the eleventh.

The end, the closing blow, at 1:10 of the eleventh Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena was appropriate for a heavyweight title fight that included just about everything.

Amid the chaos, it was clean and crisp. It was a right hand that traveled through midair looking like an orbiting projectile.

It landed, ground zero, on the side of Wilder’s face. He was out. Unconscious, he fell along the ropes and onto the canvas, a wild man in name only.

For Wilder, there was some cruel irony that the end would come at the end of Fury’s right hand. The right was his defining weapon. It’s how he climbed to the top of the division. In the end, it his rival’s right that brought him down, toppled him and perhaps his career.

“I hope he goes down in history as a great fighter,’’ Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs) said during an interview in the middle of the ring moments after the fourth. “I hope.’’

Fury won’t have to hope about his place in history.

“Like the great John Wayne said: Iron and steel, baby,’’ Fury said.

Wayne, iron and steel endure. So, too will the memory of this, Fury’s defining triumph.

“I have never seen a heavyweight fight like this,’’ said Fury co-promoter Bob Arum, who promoted the great Muhammad Ali. “Two tremendous warriors.’’

Fury might not be the most refined heavyweight. He’s not Ali. But he ranks as one of the smartest ever in the fabled division. At 6-foot-9 and jiggly, nobody would pick him out of a lineup as a world heavyweight champ. He doesn’t look the part.

Even against Wilder (42-2-1, 41 KOs), his midsection shook like Jello. But it shook because he was bouncing on his toes, resilient as ever after knockdowns that might have been the end of any other heavyweight.

At times, it looked as if it might be enough for Wilder to win the third fight in a turbulent trilogy with Fury. He hurt Fury in the fourth, knocking him down for the first time within those three minutes with the deadly punch.

But Fury got up, looking composed as he sat down on a stool with Wilder’s likeness emblazoned on top of it. Fury sat there, looking as though he knew he would eventually flush Wilder away in defeat.

He could see the doubt, then fatigue in Wilder’s eyes. With patience and then power, he would finish him. And he did.

“Don’t ever doubt me,’’ said Fury, who retained his lineal and World Boxing Council titles. “When the chips are down, I will always deliver.’’

There was no post-fight reaction from Wilder. He was taken to the emergency room at a Las Vegas hospital. There was no immediate word on his condition.

Frank Sanchez wins unanimous decision

There was controversy. When is a knockdown really a knockdown? Who knows? There appeared to be no answer in a strange seventh round of a heavyweight bout between Frankie Sanchez and Efe Ajagba.

In the end, it didn’t matter. Sanchez made sure of it. He had all of the other answers. Foot speed and accuracy were enough for Sanchez (19-0, 13 KOs) to score a unanimous decision over Ajagba (15-1, 12 KOs) in the final fight before the third step in the Fury-Wilder trilogy.

In the seventh, a long right from Sanchez appeared to put Ajagba onto one knee. The Cuban heavyweight quickly followed with a left uppercut that put the Nigerian on his butt. But there was no count, no point reduction, no nothing from referee Mike Ortega.

It was as if it didn’t happen. Truth is, it had no impact on the result. There’s no doubt about Sanchez’ victory.

Helenius wins sixth-round TKO

There were low blows. There was confusion. In the end, there was only Robert Helenius.

Helenius (31-3, 20 KOs), a Swede who sparred with Deontay Wilder at his Alabama training camp for Saturday night’s third fight with Tyson Fury, emerged from it all with a victory over Polish heavyweight Adam Kownacki (20-2, 15 KOs). Officially, it was a TKO at 38 seconds of the sixth round. Initially, it looked to be a disqualification of Kownacki for throwing a low blow.

A low blow from Kownacki in the third sent Helenius to the canvas in evident pain. Helenius had been dominating most of the fight, which started with him landing a big right onto Kownacki’s left eye. By the third round, it looked as if the eye was swollen shut.

Jared Anderson rolls on, scoring second-round TKO

He is being hyped as the heavyweight of the future. That future got a little closer Saturday night in the first fight on an all heavyweight pay-per-view card featuring Fury-Wilder.

Jared Anderson (10-0, 10 KOs), of Toledo OH, rocked and rolled all over Russian Vladimir Tereshkin (22-1-1, 12 KOs), leaving him dazed, defenseless and defeated within just two rounds.

Anderson fired a succession of punches, a blend of power and speed, all while moving forward. Tereshkin never had a chance. Referee Kenny Bayless ended it, a TKO, with the Russian standing motionless and helpless at 2:51 of the second round.

Berlanga survives knockdown, wins decision.

Edgar Berlanga‘s apparent ride to a world title suddenly took a couple of unexpected turns. Both took him to places he’s never been. Never heard.

First, there was the canvas. He was knocked flat on his back.

Then, there were boos.

In the end, Berlanga escaped with his unbeaten record (18-0, 16 KOs) intact. He won a decision, unanimous on the cards but not so unanimous in a crowd gathering for the Fury-Wilder heavyweight collision. He beat a tireless Argentine, Marcelo Coceres (30-3-1, 16 KOs), whose ceaseless movement confused him throughout 10 rounds. Then, there was Cocere’s right hand. That nearly stopped him.

The right put Berlanga down in the ninth of 10 rounds. He got up, surprised and perhaps embarrassed. But he was never able to really elude the right or catch Cocere’s with a clean shot of feared power. But he did enough, at least in the judges’ eye’s. All three scored it 96-93

Julian Williams loses split decision

Julian Williams started fast. Faded late.

In the end, he fell, losing a split decision to bloodied, yet resilient Vladimir Hernandez in a junior-middleweight bout, the fourth fight on the card featuring Fury-Wilder.

Williams (27-3-1, 16 KOs) , a former 154-pound champion, was in control early. He cut Hernandez (13-4, 6 KOs)badly. Blood streamed from a nasty wound at one corner of Hernandez’ eye. The Mexican looked beaten. But he wasn’t. He began rocking Williams with precise shots midway through the 10-rounder. At times in the final two rounds, Williams looked exhausted. Hernandez saw the fatigue. So did a small crowd. So, too did, two of the judges. On two cards, it was 96-94 and 97-93 for Hernandez. On the third, it was 96-94 for Williams.

Robeisy Ramirez wins a yawner

It was a unanimous decision. A unanimous bore, too.

Featherweight Robeisy Ramirez (8-1, 4 KOs) put on a performance that made Guillermo Ringondeaux look exciting. Still, it was enough for a 99-91, 97-93, 99-91 decision over Olrando Gonzalez (17-1, 10 KOs on the Fury-Wilder undercard..

Ramirez is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, including a victory over Shakur Stevenson in the gold-medal bout at the 2016 Rio Games. He must have put Stevenson to sleep with his slick, no-risk tactics. No wonder nobody watches Olympic boxing any more.

Featherweight prospect scores shutout in debut

Bruce Carrington, a potential featherweight prospect from Brooklyn, scored a shutout in his debut.

He won, beating Cesar Cantu (3-2, 1 KO) in a professional introduction that was a unanimous success on the scorecards and to the handful of fans seated at T-Mobile a few hours before the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder heavyweight title fight. He won, 40-36, on all three cards.

Carrington’s combination of power and hand-speed repeatedly rocked Cantu, a tough Texas who somehow stayed on his feet throughout the four rounds.

First Bell: Heavyweight Viktor Faust wins third-round TKO

LAS VEGAS — It started early. It ended early.

A heavyweight card featuring Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder began with a heavyweight matinee
Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

Unbeaten Ukrainian Viktor Faust (8-0, 6 KOs) flashed his power quickly, knocking Mike Marshall (6-2-1, 4 KOs) off balance and forcing him to slip in the second round of a scheduled eight. A round later, Faust finished the job, scoring a crushing knockdown of Marshall, of Danbury, CT, down. Marshall was dazed and done, a TKO loser at 1:49 of the third.

OCTOBER 9: EDGAR BERLANGA-MARCELO ESTEBAN COCERES & JULIAN WILLIAMS-VLADIMIR HERNANDEZ ADDED TO LOADED FURY VS. WILDER III CARD AT T-MOBILE ARENA

LAS VEGAS (September 20, 2021) — Brooklyn’s newest young knockout prodigy and a former unified world champion from Philadelphia will see action Saturday, Oct. 9 at T-Mobile Arena in preliminary bouts before the highly anticipated heavyweight trilogy grudge match between WBC and lineal heavyweight world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and former heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder.

Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga will fight former world title challenger Marcelo Esteban “El Terrible” Coceres in a scheduled 10-round showdown for the vacant NABO super middleweight belt, while Julian “J-Rock” Williams will face Mexico’s Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round junior middleweight bout in his first fight since losing his title belts.

Berlanga-Coceres and Williams-Hernandez will be televised live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, FS1 and FOX Deportes, and simulcast on ESPN+. Preliminary bouts will stream live on the ESPN App and FOX Sports App starting at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

The all-heavyweight Fury vs. Wilder III ESPN+ and FOX Sports PPV bonanza begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features 2016 Nigerian Olympian “The One and Only” Efe Ajagba squaring off against fellow unbeaten Frank “The Cuban Flash” in the 10-round co-main event; the highly anticipated 12-round rematch between Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius and Adam “Babyface”Kownacki; and the eight-round PPV opener featuring 21-year-old sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson versus Russian veteran Vladimir Tereshkin.

Tickets for Fury vs. Wilder III are on sale now and can be purchased at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by Top Rank, BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.

Berlanga (17-0, 16 KOs), the Brooklyn-bred puncher with Puerto Rican roots, became one of boxing’s most talked-about fighters by scoring first-round knockouts in his first 16 fights. The 2020 Prospect of the Year, he’s walked to the ring with mentor and multi-platinum hip hop artist Fat Joe and become a social media sensation with his highlight-reel stoppages. The knockout streak ended in April, as Berlanga knocked down Demond Nicholson four times in eight rounds and had to settle for a unanimous decision. Coceres (30-2-1, 16 KOs), from Argentina, challenged Billy Joe Saunders for the WBO super middleweight world title in November 2019 and was nearly level on the scorecards before being knocked out in the 11^th round. He last fought in June, knocking out Nelson Nicolas Rosalez in the second round.

Berlanga said, “I am thrilled to be fighting on the Fury-Wilder III card, and I am coming do what I always do, which is to steal the show and knock out my opponent in devastating fashion. Coceres is in for a rude awakening on October 9. Do not get up for a snack when I’m fighting. It’s going to be a short, brutal night. Count on it.”

“Berlanga can say what he wants about making it a short night or whatever. The biggest talkers are usually the most insecure,” said Coceres. “I know what I bring to the table. I’ve been in there with the better fighters, while he’s feasted on a diet of nobodies. In my mind, it won’t be an upset when I beat this kid. On October 9, it is man versus boy, and that boy is in for a rude awakening.”

Philadelphia’s Williams (27-2-1, 16 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. The 31-year-old dropped the titles in his first defense, losing to Jeison Rosario in January 2020. Williams had been riding a five-fight winning streak going into the Rosario matchup, in which he added victories over former champion Ishe Smith and hard-hitting contender Nathaniel Gallimore to his ledger. He returns to action on Oct. 9 against the 32-year-old Hernandez (12-4, 6 KOs). Originally from Durango, Mexico, Hernandez now lives in Denver, Colorado, and most recently earned a decision victory over longtime contender Alfredo Angulo in August 2020.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to compete on this amazing card,” said Williams. “I’m excited to be getting back in the ring and starting my journey back to the very top of the division.”

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to get back in the ring on October 9,” said Hernandez. “I expect Julian Williams to be prepared like I am to give the fans a great fight. I have been doing nothing but staying ready and training since my last fight. I promise that I’m going to bring the action when that bell rings.”

Preliminary bouts include a 10-round featherweight bout between two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez (7-1, 4 KOs) and unbeaten Puerto Rican prospect Orlando “Capu” Gonzalez (17-0, 10 KOs), heavyweight phenom Viktor Faust (7-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder against Mike Marshall (6-1, 4 KOs), the pro debut of former U.S. amateur star Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington in a four-round featherweight contest against an opponent to be named, and junior welterweight standout Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs) versus Victor Vazquez (11-5, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.toprank.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @trboxing, @TGBPromotions, @TMobileArena and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/trboxing.

Super Welterweight Contender Carlos Adames Faces Alexis Salazar in Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios SHOWTIME PPV Undercard Action This Saturday, June 26 from State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions Event

ATLANTA (June 22, 2021) – Super welterweight contender Carlos Adames will take on Mexico’s Alexis Salazar in a 10-round showdown on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard this Saturday, June 26 from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Adames vs. Salazar replaces the previously scheduled Julian Williams vs. Brian Mendoza fight, after Williams was forced to withdraw because of an elbow injury.

The event is headlined by four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis as he seeks a title in a third weight class against unbeaten WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at https://www.ticketmaster.com.

A native of Comendador, Dominican Republic, Adames (19-1, 15 KOs) fights out of New York City as he seeks to earn a second shot at a world championship. The 27-year-old defeated a slew of contenders on his way to a 2019 title shot that he lost by narrow decision to Patrick Teixeira. Adames defeated former champion Carlos Molina, and contenders Frank Galarza, Joshua Conley and Alejandro Barrera to earn that opportunity at a title.

The 25-year-old Salazar (23-3, 9 KOs) rides a 15-fight winning streak into this matchup. Most recently, Salazar earned a unanimous decision over Ruben Barajas in their December 2020 clash. Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and now fighting out of Norwalk, Calif., Salazar will fight in the U.S. for the sixth time Saturday night. His previous stateside outing saw him dominate Abraham Cordero to earn a unanimous decision in May 2019.

The non-televised undercard will feature Cuban contender Leduan Barthelemy (16-1-1, 8 KOs) meeting unbeaten Viktor Slavinsky (12-0-1, 6 KOs)in an eight-round super featherweight fight, former title challenger Andres Gutierrez (38-2-1, 25 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight attraction, unbeaten prospect Dalton Brodie (1-0, 1 KO) competing in a four-round super middleweight duel against fellow-unbeaten Trever Bradshaw (1-0) and undefeated Washington, D.C. born prospect Stacey Selby (2-0, 2 KOs) entering the ring in a four-round super lightweight bout.

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. BARRIOS

Davis vs. Barrios will see four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis set his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Super welterweight contender Carlos Adames will take on Mexico’s Alexis Salazarin a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

VIDEO: ERICKSON LUBIN VS. JEISON ROSARIO AND JULIAN WILLIAMS VS. BRIAN MENDOZA VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE

ERICKSON LUBIN VS. JEISON ROSARIO AND JULIAN WILLIAMS VS. BRIAN MENDOZA VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

ATLANTA (June 17, 2021) – Top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and former unified champion Jeison Rosario, plus former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Brian Mendoza previewed their respective showdowns during a virtual press conference Thursday before they enter the ring on the Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios SHOWTIME PPV undercard Saturday, June 26 from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Lubin and Rosario will meet in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, while Williams and Mendoza square off for a 10-round super welterweight showdown on the pay-per-view telecast. The telecast also features hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov stepping in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in the opening bout at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:

ERICKSON LUBIN

“This has been the best camp of my life. I know it sounds cliché, but it really has been. I’ve been in the gym since my last fight. I made a few mistakes in that fight, but Kevin Cunningham and I have been at it since last year and we’re coming to make a statement.

“This is a stacked card and we’re excited to be a part of it. I’m ready to show everyone that I’m the best fighter in this division.

“This is going to be a fan-friendly fight. I can mix it up, box or bang. Rosario always comes forward. The fans are going to love it. I’m not the fighter who tries to find an easy way out. I’m looking to make a statement.

“I think that I’m a totally different fighter than when I trained with his coach, Herman Caicedo. Me and Kevin have worked on a lot of things that regular southpaws don’t have. I’m coming in with a game plan that’s like a jigsaw puzzle. I think this is the wrong fight for Rosario to take coming off a knockout loss.

“This fight comes down to who wants it more and who prepared better. I have power too. He’s got to have the skills and have his mind there. I know I’m ready mentally. I can’t wait to fight.

“I gained a lot of experience fighting Nathaniel Gallimore and Terrell Gausha. Those are top contenders. I don’t want any tune-up fights, that’s why I took this fight against Rosario. I gained a lot of confidence and everything is clicking for me right now.

“When I become world champion, I want to be able to say that I’ve beat all the top guys in the division. That’s just how I am. I’m a competitor. Make sure you tune-in on June 26.

“It doesn’t matter if I knock Rosario out or if I don’t. My job is to look good and come out victorious. I’m going to go in there and show the world that I can make anyone in this division look bad.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“I feel very healthy and very strong. It’s been a great camp so far and probably one of the best camps I’ve had in my career. I’m already at the weight and I am ready to go. The Jermell Charlo fight is the past. That’s over with. This is a new camp and I feel very strong. We’re moving forward.

“I changed trainers just because I was looking for a change. Not necessarily because I lost, but because it was just the right timing. Unfortunately, it came with a loss, but that was not the reason for the change. We’ve known each other for some time. I know Herman Caicedo’s style. It’s no nonsense. No excuses. It’s all or nothing and that’s what I wanted moving forward.

“First and foremost, I have the power to knockout Lubin and anybody in the 154-pound division. The camp that I’ve had, and the little tidbits of southpaw knowledge that I’ve picked up on, make me confident that I can knock Lubin out.

“What happened in the Charlo fight was the fluke. Me winning the titles was not the fluke. I’m going to show everybody that I will bounce back from that loss and win my next fight. I have no problem taking this fight. It’s not a mistake at all. This is what we do. We fight. I’m very excited for June 26 and I expect Lubin to bring his best.

“I actually watched the Charlo fight for the first time last night. Obviously, I learned from my mistake and worked to correct it in this camp. I’m looking forward to showing what I’ve learned from that defeat on June 26.

“At 154 pounds, I can knock anybody out. I have seen some of Lubin’s fights just as a fan and he is a great fighter. It’s not easy to land shots on him or land a home run shot. So that’s not the game plan. Obviously, there is a game plan and if I do land on him, I feel that I can knock him out. But I won’t just go in there trying to land a shot on the chin.

“I’m the type to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself. This is another opportunity to get right back in the picture and fight for a title, so you have to take this. Not everybody would. Erickson did and I’m cut from the same cloth. It’s the opportunity and the pride of fighting the best.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“Camp is going really well. I’ve been out in Las Vegas with SugarHill Steward grinding and putting in the work. The fans can expect an explosive performance and a victory for myself on June 26.

“I just have to be myself on June 26. I think I’m more skilled than anyone else in the division and I plan on proving that again against Brian Mendoza.

“I’ve known who Brian Mendoza is. I expect him to get beat. He’s a decent fighter, but victory is the only thing on my mind.

“I don’t want to talk about what happened before the Rosario fight because it’s in the past. I don’t want to make any excuses. It wasn’t that I didn’t focus or train hard. Right now, I’ve had a great camp and I’m prepared to win.

“With me, you’re always going to see a hungry and focused fighter in the ring. I don’t know if I’ll look much different. I think with a new coach it takes some time for the changes to start setting in.

“I went through a four-week training camp before my fight in December was cancelled because I got COVID-19. It was almost a full camp and it definitely kept me motivated going into this next training camp for this fight.

“I’m the best fighter in the division. I just lost, that’s all. LeBron James and Michael Jordan had bad nights, I can have a bad night too. I’m still the best in the division and I’m anxious to get back in the ring.”

BRIAN MENDOZA

“Training camp has been going great. I’m out here in Las Vegas, too. I’ve just been grinding. This is a very big opportunity for me and I plan to take full advantage of it. Everybody can expect one hundred percent and everything I have in me.

“It’s not about looking back at the one blemish on my record and crying about what happened in the past. There’s always a million excuses behind the scenes, but it is what it is. I learned from that loss and you guys have seen the change in my performances since that fight and how I was more comfortable at 154 pounds in my next fight. I feel like this next fight will pull out even more from me. You guys will see another big jump in my skill level on June 26.

“I do feel that I have everything to gain in this fight and nothing to lose. I keep telling people on fight night that you’re not going to see somebody that’s just happy to be here and happy to get to this point. I have big goals and this is the perfect fight. So you’re going to see me coming with everything I have and coming for the victory. I have everything to gain.

“I feel like I’m catching Julian Williams at the right time because of where I am in my career. It’s about me. This is the right time. I’m 27-years-old and I’ve been a pro for many years now. I just feel like the schooling that I’ve had is really starting to come out and I’m hitting that next level. I’m not worried about what’s going on with Williams. I know he’s still coming with everything he has to prove that he still has it and that he’s still in the mix.

“A lot of people get to this point and they get a big fight like this and they think they’ve made it. They get happy just to be here, but you won’t see that at all with me. I’ve always visualized being at the top of this sport and climbing to the very top. I’m taking full advantage of this opportunity and you’re going to see somebody very hungry on June 26.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a really terrific card from top to bottom. Julian Williams is one of my favorite fighters. He’s a former unified champion who’s going to take on the tough Brian Mendoza. Williams is looking to make a big statement that he’s still a force and that he’s ready to get back in the mix with the other top 154-pounders.

“The co-main event could be a main event on its own. With Lubin and Rosario, we’re really excited to see who will emerge from that fight ready to challenge for a world title once again. We can’t wait for June 26.”

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. BARRIOS
Davis vs. Barrios will see four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis set his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams returns to the ring to take on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.

AUDIO: Lubin/Rosario; Williams /Mendoza Press Conferences

FOUR-TIME WORLD CHAMPION GERVONTA DAVIS SEEKS TITLE IN A THIRD DIVISION AGAINST UNBEATEN SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION MARIO BARRIOS HEADLINING A SHOWTIME PPV® SATURDAY, JUNE 26 IN A PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT LIVE FROM STATE FARM ARENA IN ATLANTA

ATLANTA (May 19, 2021) – Four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis will take on a career-defining challenge as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view undercard will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams returns to the ring for the first time in 18 months to take on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.

One of boxing’s biggest stars at just 26-years-old, Davis moves up to 140-pounds for the first time in his career as he aims to add super lightweight champion to his stellar resume. Davis has already captured titles at 130 and 135-pounds. With a victory, Davis will hold world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few fighters in history, including Henry Armstrong and Canelo Alvarez. Standing in his way is the undefeated 25-year-old Barrios, who owns a 9-0 record with eight knockouts during his 140-pound reign while holding a six-inch height advantage over Davis.

“Gervonta Davis is looking to become a three-division world champion, and has a big undertaking in front of him in challenging Barrios for his WBA title at 140-pounds,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Barrios is a warrior, and this is going to be Davis’ toughest fight to date. Atlanta, be ready for a show on June 26!”

Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) delivered a highlight-reel knockout in his last fight, producing another sensational and memorable performance that has made him a popular draw throughout the country. Davis stopped four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz with one powerful uppercut in that October 2020 fight and put Santa Cruz down and out for the first time in his illustrious career. Promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Davis will make his second headline appearance on pay-per-view as he has asserted himself as a must-see headline attraction in his first pay-per-view

Davis first burst onto the scene with an explosive knockout victory over Jose Pedraza to win the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title in a star-making performance on SHOWTIME® in January 2017. At the time, he became the youngest world champion in boxing at age 22. The Baltimore-native also owns knockout performances in world title fights over Jesus Cuellar in 2018 and Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2019. The 2019 triumph over Gamboa came at a sold out State Farm Arena, during a year that also saw him fill venues in his hometown of Baltimore and Southern California.

“I’m excited to make history on June 26 in Atlanta and become a three-division world champion,” said Davis. “Atlanta welcomed me with open arms for my fight against Gamboa and I couldn’t wait to come back and headline a spectacular SHOWTIME PPV card. Mario Barrios is an undefeated champion, but he hasn’t ever faced anyone like me before. Moving up to 140-pounds is a big challenge but I’ve been working hard in camp and I’ll be ready. Thank you to my whole team for making this historic boxing event possible. Make sure you get your tickets early because this fight is definitely selling out! Keep supporting me and I’ll fight for you!”

Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) captured his 140-pound championship in September 2019, scoring two knockdowns and fighting through a cut to win a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov. The San Antonio-native trains in Oakland, Calif., under the guidance of renowned coach Virgil Hunter. In his most recent outing, Barrios knocked out Ryan Karl in the sixth-round of their clash on the pay-per-view undercard of Davis vs. Santa Cruz.

Standing nearly six-feet tall, Barrios debuted as a pro at super bantamweight in 2013 and had success moving up the rankings in the super featherweight division. His first 140-pound bout came in 2017 and saw him increase his power from his previous performances. At super lightweight, Barrios has scored knockouts in every fight except the title-winning performance against Akhmedov, where his power was still on display with a pair of knockdowns.

“Fighting on SHOWTIME PPV is a dream come true and an opportunity that I’m going to take full advantage of,” said Barrios. “Gervonta Davis is a pound-for-pound champion and it’s going to be an honor sharing the ring with him. This fight is my shining moment and the pinnacle of the boxing world, on the biggest stage possible. Boxing fans around the globe will be watching this fight and I’m coming to shock the world. To all my Mexican fans, I’m going to bring this historic victory home for La Raza.”

The 25-year-old Lubin (23-1, 16 KOs) has put together an impressive five-bout winning streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017. In his most recent outing, he defeated U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha by unanimous decision in September of last year. Prior to the victory over Gausha, he became the first person to stop former champion Ishe Smith, in addition to a dominating victory over Nathaniel Gallimore in October 2019. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin is trained by acclaimed coach Kevin Cunningham as he continues his quest toward another title opportunity. After a stellar amateur career, Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013, eventually being named “Prospect Of The Year” by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I’m so ready for this fight and we’ve been working hard in preparation for Rosario,” said Lubin. “This fight is another step closer to getting that world title shot. Coach Cunningham and I have a great game plan in place. We know this is going to be a tough fight and the fans are going to see a much-improved version of myself. I’ve taken my training to the next level during this training camp. Rosario is a former world champion who I know is going to bring his best, which is going to make for a great night of boxing. This card is stacked, but I’m going to steal the show with an incredible performance. I will not be denied, I’m coming out on top. It’s Hammer Time!”

Rosario (20-2-1, 14 KOs) will look to climb back into world title contention after losing his 154-pound belts to Jermell Charlo in their September 2020 clash. The 26-year-old captured the WBA and IBF belts by stopping Julian Williams in one of 2020’s biggest upsets. Born in the Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Rosario rode an eight-fight unbeaten streak into the showdown with Williams, including victories over 154-pound contenders Jamontay Clark, Justin DeLoach, Jorge Cota and Marcos Hernandez. Coming into the Charlo matchup, Rosario had established his power by earning a stoppage victory or scoring a knockdown in seven of his previous nine contests.

“I make no excuses for losing the fight to Charlo, but that was then, and this is now,” said Rosario. “I have turned to a new page in my career with my new trainer Herman Caicedo. I will not lose again, especially in this fight against Lubin. He’s a great contender, and I respect his abilities, but I will knock him out on June 26.”

“This has been the longest layoff of my career, so I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Williams. “Mendoza is a decent fighter. I’ve even been in the gym with him and he’s a good guy. But on June 26, it’s going to be all business. I just need to come out on top. He doesn’t have anything that I haven’t seen before. I know he’ll be ready because this is like the Super Bowl for him. So I know he’ll be ready, but I’ll be ready too. If I’m able to get the win, then it’s on to bigger and better opportunities. But I’m definitely not looking past Brian because I know how seriously he’s taking this fight.”

Mendoza (19-1, 13 KOs) earned a career best-victory in his last outing, beating veteran contender Thomas LaManna by unanimous decision in August 2020. The 27-year-old has fought professionally since 2014, with his only defeat coming by a narrow split-decision in November 2019 against Larry Gomez. Mendoza was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he won two New Mexico Golden Gloves Championships as an amateur, and currently fights out of Las Vegas.

“This fight against Julian Williams is just the fight I’ve been waiting for,” said Mendoza. “I’m planning to take full advantage of the opportunity. Julian Williams is a great fighter, but after June 26, the whole world is going to know that I belong at this level.”

Born in Uzbekistan and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Akhmedov (8-1, 7 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympic games. The 30-year-old turned pro in 2017 and won his first seven pro fights, with six coming by knockout. His lone blemish came in an action-packed title fight against Mario Barrios in September 2019, where he was able to survive two knockdowns to make it a close fight, before eventually losing by decision. Most recently, Akhmedov blasted out Ray Perez in the first round of their September 2020 clash.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring for a big fight on June 26,” said Akhmedov. “I’ve been training hard to get another shot at the title. I know that if I make a big statement and defeat a former world champion in Mendez, I expect my next fight will be for the title. I’m always in exciting fights that fans love, and this matchup is going to be no different.”

A former super featherweight champion, Mendez (25-6-3, 12 KOs) has a reputation for providing stiff challenges to the sport’s best and has proven to be a durable contender at 140-pounds, including his most recent outing that saw him drop a split-decision to Richardson Hitchins last December. In 2019, Mendez fought to back-to-back draws against super lightweight contenders Anthony Peterson and Juan Heraldez. Born in San Juan de La Maguana, Dominican Republic, Mendez now fights out of Yonkers, N.Y. and owns victories over Eddie Ramirez, Ivan Redkach and former titlist Miguel Vazquez. He has also gone toe-to-toe with former champions Rances Barthelemy and Robert Easter Jr.

“I am ready for anything Akhmedov brings and then a world title fight after,” said Mendez. “I believe that I beat Hitchins in my last fight, even though I was coming off a long layoff. I’m in great shape right now. Akhmedov is a hard puncher, but the fans are going to see me shine against him. There is a lot left in my tank and that will be obvious to everyone on June 26.”

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J Rock’s swing in the Banana hammock

By Bart Barry-

Saturday at Philadelphia’s Liacouras Center in a super welterweight title-unification fight broadcast by Fox, Dominican slugger Jeison “Banana” Rosario beat-down Philadelphia’s Julian “J Rock” Williams, stopping Williams in round 5 and snatching his WBA and IBF titles the right way.

In the beginning it had all the trappings of a
homecoming coronation – slick graphics, venue, dazzling biography, management
organization, Watson, sycophantic commentary team – and then a curiosity turned
up in the corner labeled Designated Opponent right about the time introductions
got made.

Sampson Lewkowicz.
His is not a flawless eye for talent but it’s very close, and multiples
better than PBC’s. Most famous for his
effective discoveries of Manny Pacquiao and Sergio Martinez, for seeing past
their blemished records, a few years ago Lewkowicz
saw which of the Hermanos Benavidez had the true upside, and when he was right
and promoter Top Rank wasn’t and tried to poach their ways out of such
shortsightedness, Lewkowicz went to the mat with them and won. Lewkowicz, an Uruguayan, of all things, sees
qualities other talent scouts do not.
His stable is not huge or assembled at premium prices but comprises a
type of prizefighter you’d be foolish to schedule for a homecoming showcase.

Which is exactly what PBC did, of course. There’s more to this story, surely, depending
which lens you watch it through – a bout of flu in camp or a hellish style
matchup some sage or other warned somebody about – but there’s exactly no
chance the braintrust at Fox on PBC on Fox, “preeminent” though they be,
anticipated what befell Williams.

What told very early on and does not portend well
for Williams in the rematch is how little Williams’ flush punches affected
Banana. Despite what trickeration drives
replay selection between rounds Williams’ technically proper rightcross
counters did nothing to shortcircuit Rosario’s attack or even much dissuade it. Had Williams sliced open Rosario’s eyelid or
had Williams’ own eyelid proved more durable things might have gone differently,
but that’s all in a fight, and if Williams’ sight problems came via reopened
scar tissue, as explained during the broadcast, if in other words Williams was
already accustomed to fighting through blood in his eyes, he sure didn’t act
like it.

Let us not pile on Williams for the sins of his
management company, though; good people opine Williams is good people. It’s hard to cheer against him as it is to
imagine his becoming a world titlist in a different boxing ecosystem – the
enduring lesson of Pacquaio-Thurman.

In his fascinating book “The Soul of the Ant” suicidal
19th-century South African poet Eugène Marais posits a termitary, the
laboriously constructed habitat of what termites Marais studied for a decade,
functions as an organism little different from the human body, stretching his
metaphor to include termites of ferocious mien acting like white blood cells
whilst constructionworker termites act as red blood cells. Whatever modern reductionists have proved or
disproved about this metaphor in a century since its publication, it is
wellbuilt as it is imaginative, with cells, in the form of near-mindless
termites, racing through their termitary to ensure its health, like blood
racing through human veins and arteries.
It calls to mind a similar if more modern metaphor of the world wide web
acting as our species’ brain whilst its billions of cells labor away oblivious
of our contribution to its thoughts or thinking.

So let us stretch these stretched metaphors to
include in our beloved sport’s ecosystem (ostensibly red) blood cells like
Sampson Lewkowicz and Jeison Rosario, cells scheduled for anonymity all their
days till an unscheduled tear happens in boxing’s protective membrane and
suddenly they burst out in violent spurts.
Rosario, dropped thrice at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in 2017
by Nathaniel Gallimore a year before J Rock decisioned Nate the Great, was
essential as he was replaceable; boxing needs such men to make coronations for
other men but doesn’t expect them to be memorable to any but their friends and
family.

What do you know about, say, Herb “Gorilla” Siler?

He was a 20-12 heavyweight who died 19 years ago
and surely beloved to someone even while anonymous to all but a handful of
aficionados. Too, he was the first
knockout of Cassius Clay’s prizefighting career – four years before there was a
Muhammad Ali. Essential as he was
replaceable in boxing’s ecosystem, Gorilla is a permanent part of The
Greatest’s resume even though men like Tony Esperti and Jimmy Robinson were
just as likely to make the same history had their schedules properly coincided.

Let coincidence neither lose an idea like: At
26-1-1 eight months ago in Virginia, J Rock was the homecoming b-side for
undefeated titlist Jarrett Hurd, raised but 30 miles from the EagleBank Arena
where Hurd’s coronation was to happen. A
less cynical scribe, then, should marvel at PBC’s marvelous matchmaking,
bestower of rich parity, rather than mock the organization for apparent
incompetence.

Well. In my
defense I watched Saturday’s match live on Fox in the hopes of seeing J Rock do
something ultimately decisive in a competitive scrap. The scrap was competitive and something
decisive surely did transpire.

I’m on the Banana wagon now, while we wait for
whatever Naoya Inoue does next.

Author’s note: Hearty congratulations to us! As
announced late last week, 15rounds.com was the 2019 home of not only our
sport’s co-best exemplar of courage, Marc Abrams, but also our sport’s co-best
exemplar of benevolence, Norm Frauenheim.
Two, more-deserving winners cannot be found.

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Rosario shocks Williams in five to win Unified Jr. Middleweight Titles

PHILADELPHIA–Jeison Rosario won the IBF/WBA Junior Middleweight titles with a shocking 5th round stoppage over reigning champion and hometowner Julian Williams at The Liacouras Center.

It was an action filled fight that had Williams boxing and countering well early. He was cut over his right eye in round two. Rosario started walking in and getting to Williams in that 2nd round, and that was a foreshadowing of things to come. Rosario started being the bully and hurt Williams in round four. Williams was hurt again in round five from a flurry of punches that had him holding. Rosario capped that off by hurting Williams with a hard uppercut and right that sent him prone into the ropes that forced referee Benjy Esteves to stop the fight at 1:37.

Rosario of the Dominican Republic is 19-1 with 17 knockouts.

“As soon as I stepped into the ring, I knew he could not hurt me,” said Rosario. “I knew that my power was affecting him right away. This is a big victory for me and for the whole Dominican Republic.” “Rosario was the better man tonight,” said Williams. “It was a great homecoming for my fans and I’m sorry I let them down. What went wrong tonight needs to and will be fixed. We’re going to an immediate rematch and we look forward to returning the favor.”

“I’m so emotional in this moment right now,” said Rosario. “When I lost my last fight I said I will never lose again until I become champion of the world and that’s what happened tonight. I came prepared. I knew before the fight that I was going to win it.”

“I have to give a lot of credit to my team,” said Rosario. “I had a 16-week training camp and that prepared me for this. My life is changed forever and I can support my family in a whole new way. I realized that I was going to win, once I was offered the fight. I knew that if I made the sacrifice, that I would do what I did tonight. I knew it 16 weeks ago.”

“I wasn’t surprised he was so good,” said Williams. “I told everybody he’s a real fighter. I have to accept it. The cut blurred my vision a little bit but it wasn’t the reason why I lost. He was the better fighter tonight. We’ve got a rematch clause. I’ll see him again soon. I’ll be back.”

Chris Colbert won the WBA Interim Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former champion Jezreel Corrales

In round 10, Colbert landed a little left that sent Corrales to the canvas.

Colbert, 129.8 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 117-110 twice and 116-111 to stay perfect at 14-0. Corrales, 129.4 lbs of Panama is now 25-4.

CHRIS COLBERT

“He was a great fighter. People don’t realize that, because he had a bad decision against Ladarius Miller. But he’s a great fighter. He’s very awkward. He’s slick and fast. It was hard to catch him because he was running, but he came to fight. I take my hat off to him.

“I had confidence coming into the fight. I knew I was going to dominate the fight and I told you all that before the fight happened. He was running and I was trying to catch him, so I told my corner, let’s have a dog fight. We got 12 rounds. I’m in shape. You see, I didn’t sit down one round. I’m in shape and I came to fight. I wasn’t going to leave without this title.

“I’m not ducking nobody and not dodging nobody. I’m here to fight and I’m here to stay.

“The strategy was to use my jab like I did and try to set up my punches. But he’s very awkward and has good distance. Slowly but surely I decided to stop boxing, close the distance and get on him. I knew he couldn’t out throw me, I’m from Brooklyn.”

JEZREEL CORRALES

“I did my job in there. My strategy was to hit and not get hit. I felt like I made him struggle for a lot of the fight.

“The knockdown wasnt from being hurt, it was my balance. Our feet got tangled and I lost my balance.

“I came in here to win. We both did our jobs, but the judges scored his pushing more than his punching.

Joey Spencer remained undefeated with an easy six-round unanimous decision over Erik Spring in a super welterweight bout.

Spencer, 153.9 lbs of Linden, MI won by shutout margins of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 10-0. Spring, 155 lbs of Reading, PA is 13-4-2.

JOEY SPENCER

“SI was in there with a cagey, long southpaw. And to be honest, when a guy is fighting as cagey as he was, it’s really hard for a guy with my style to just pull something out of nothing. He was a real defensive guy.

“At the end I really just pressed him, said I’m going to finish strong, and hit him with some good shots and if I had done that in the first or second round, I would have ended it early.

“I’m glad to get the six rounds in. Experience is everything. You’re only as good as your next fight. I’m happy to get in there and get some good experience and I did my thing and got the shutout.

“I’m going to stay busy this year. I’m going to have a four-fight year. This is one of four. We’re looking to bring some excitement and have some fun.

ERIK SPRING

“I was waiting too much. I thought he would come in and engage more and I was looking counter him but he stayed on the outside.

“I was more impressed by his speed then his power. He’s a talented fighter but I could have been more effective.”

Jorge Cota stopped Thomas LaManna in round five of their scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

Cota was active with his hands, and was able to get inside and land some crisp shots on LaManna. LaManna would get home with a right from distance, but it was few and far between the hard shots that Cota was landing that eventually bloodied the nose of LaManna.

The bout was stopped at 1:22 of round five after another hard flurry forced the corner of LaManna to call a halt to the fight.

Cota, 153.2 lbs of Sinaloa, MX is 30-4 with 27 knockouts. LaManna, 153.3 lbs of Milville, NJ is 28-3-1.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over Preston Wilson in a welterweight bout.

Mielnicki, 146 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 4-0. Wilson, 146.1 lbs of Parkersburg, WV is 6-4-1.

Romuel Cruz remained undefeated with a 1st round stoppage over Julio Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.

Cruz dropped Garcia twice, and the fight was stopped after the 2nd knockdown, and the time was 2:56.

Cruz, 122.2 lbs of Arecibo, PR is 4-0-1 with two knockouts. Garcia, 122.3 lbs of Madison, WI is 3-4.

Kyrone Davis stopped Antonio Todd in round four of a scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

Davis landed some hard shots that had Todd reeling back. A big follow up flurry forced the stoppage.

Davis, 159.3 lbs of Monmouth, DE is 15-2 with six knockouts. Todd, 157.3 lbs of Atlanta is 7-3.

2016 U.S. Olympic Team Member, Paul Kroll took out Marcel Rivers in round four of their scheduled eight-round welterweight bout featuring Philadelphia natives.

In round three, Kroll dropped Rivers with a hard left hook. In round four, Kroll dropped Rivers twice with perfect right hands. The fight ended with Kroll battering Rivers on the ropes. The time was 49 seconds.

Kroll, 148.8 lbs is 7-0 with six knockouts. Rivers, 147.2 lbs is 7-3.

Norman Neely remained perfect by stopping ivermatched Larry Knight in the opening frame of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Neely landed about 10 unanswered punches that sent Knight to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Neely, 241.8 lbs of Paterson, NJ is 5-0 with five knockouts. Knight, 250.1 lbs of Birmingham, GA is 4-23-1.

Miguel Angel Roman Jr. made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Antonio Lucanne in a bantamweight bout.

Roman dropped Lucanne in round three from a combination that was finished with a right hand.

Roman, 118.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-35 and 39-36 twice to go to 1-0. Lucanne, 119.7 lbs of Mount Vernon, NY is 0-3.

VIDEO: Julian Williams -Jeison Rosario Weigh In

VIDEO: Julian Williams -Jeison Rosario Final Press Conference, January 16, 2020

JULIAN WILLIAMS VS. JEISON ROSARIO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

PHILADELPHIA (January 16, 2020) – Unified 154-pound champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams went face-to-face with hard-hitting contender Jeison Rosario Thursday at the final press conference before Williams makes his homecoming title defense this Saturday, January 18 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

Thursday’s press conference also featured unbeaten rising star Chris “Prime Time” Colbert and former champion Jezreel Corrales, who meet for the Interim WBA Super Featherweight title in the co-main event, and top super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer and Erik Spring, who compete in the televised opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at http://www.liacourascenter.com/events (direct link HERE) or by calling 800-298-4200.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday at the Liacouras Center:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“This is going to be an exciting night of boxing. I don’t need to say too much, but I’ll definitely let my hands do the taking for me on fight night.

“I’m preparing myself to face a tough good fighter and I’m preparing myself for a win. This is a great opportunity to put on a show right here in Philadelphia.

“I know this is extremely significant for my community, but I’m so locked in on the fight, I haven’t been able to really think about it too much. On Monday I’ll be able to think about the significance, but none of it will affect me during the fight.

“I’m thankful to be in this position to bring my titles back to my city, but I’m not thinking about it or letting it distract me from Rosario I’m locked in on fight night and having my hand raised.

“There must be something in the water here in Philadelphia. There’s so many great champions from here. Philadelphia is small too, but there’s a long line of history and it keeps getting passed down from generation to generation. I’m just happy to be one of them.

“I’m all about setting goals. That’s how you keep moving forward. My goal was to become the world champion. That was my goal since I was a kid. I achieved that and now I created new goals. I’m just as hungry now as I was when I first started this sport. I can see these next goals in front of me now.

“He keeps saying we’re going to have a war, because he can’t do anything else with me. There’s nothing in the ring he can do to bother me. I’m coming to step on him. I’m coming to dominate and win in spectacular fashion.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“Hello Philadelphia, I’m excited to be here for this fight. This is an opportunity I’ve been working so long for and I’m going to take full advantage of it.

“I feel strong and confident. There’s no pressure on me and I’m very motivated. This is nothing new for me, coming to my opponent’s backyard. I haven’t fought in my home country yet, so this won’t phase me at all.

“When I had my loss, that was when my career really started. That was a different stage of my career. I’ve gotten better and better and this fight is really the first time I’ve had a full training camp for a fight. I’m excited to show everyone my improvements.

“I’m coming for war. That’s my mentality. I don’t have a prediction. I’m going to give it my best and give everyone a war. At the end of the day, I’ll have my hand raised.

“I had a great training camp and I’ve worked hard from even before we knew we had this fight. I knew that one day my opportunity would come. This is what we’ve waited for.

“I’m ready to leave it all in the ring. We trained every day so we I know exactly what I have to do when that bell rings. His fans can’t fight for him, so there’s no way he will beat me.”

CHRIS COLBERT

“I always work hard. This is just going to be another day for me. I’m one of the baddest young fighters out here, and I’m going to show it Saturday night.

“Corrales had a world title before and he’s not getting it back from me. I’m sending him back to Panama empty handed.

“I bring the style and the flair and you’ll see it all on Saturday. I’m going to be put on a great performance and become WBA champion. That’s the plan.

“Saturday night is just another fight for me. I have to do what I have to do. Belt on the line or not. I don’t feel like there’s anything he can bring to stop me. I bring the speed, the power, and I’m smart. Nothing he’s doing can stop me.

“I feel like I was more about punching and moving before. I would punch and move at the same time. I always knew I had some type of power from sparring. But I’m sitting down on my punches more to make sure that these guys respect me. I have to go in there and show him what I’ve got.

“I love the bright lights. I played football before I boxed and I always wanted to be a star. I’m going to go out there show the world why I call myself ‘Prime Time’. I’m looking to steal the show. That’s what I’m going to do come Saturday night.”

JEZREEL CORRALES

“I’m grateful to be here in the United States fighting on this great card. I’ve had a great camp and I’m moving forward and working hard to make the most of this opportunity.

“I have all the equipment and all of the tools I need to fight him and beat him. I know that he’s a great fighter, but so am I. I’m going to come out of this with the belt.

“We’re leaving it up to fate now. We worked hard and we’re ready to put on the best performance of my career.

“I’m not worried about any of his trash talk or anything he says up here today. We’ll settle it in the ring with our fists.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m super excited to be here. I’m happy to be fighting on Julian’s card and to be here with so many great fighters. Last year was great, and I’m looking forward to my 10th win on Saturday. I’m planning to make 2020 even better. I worked hard all year last year and I’m looking forward to it paying off.

“I can’t wait to put on an exciting performance Saturday night. I don’t have any pressure on me. The only expectations I’m trying to keep are from my family and the man upstairs. I just train hard year round, we don’t take any breaks. We’re always training and I’m ready to go in there and show off.

“I would say this is the year where I become a contender. I worked hard last year so that I’ll be a contender by the end of this year. I’m ready. We’ve worked on a lot of things and this year I’m hoping to show that and shine starting Saturday night.”

ERIK SPRING

“I want to thank my team that helped me get this fight against Joey Spencer. It’s a great opportunity for me. Saturday night I’m going to pull of that upset. Don’t miss it.

“The odds are what they are. I prepared and had a solid camp. People think I’m an underdog but I think I’m the big dog. Come Saturday night we’re going to see.

“I don’t know if Joey has faced anyone like me. We’re going to find out in the ring because I’m ready to do anything it takes.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS VS. JEISON ROSARIO
FIGHT WEEK MEDIA SCHEDULE
All Times Are Eastern
(as of 1/14/20)

                                      Friday, January 17

                  5:00 p.m.                   OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
                              Location: Liacouras Center - Lobby*
                   5:00 p.m. - Media/Fan Arrival
                                   5:30 p.m. - Undercard Weigh-In Begins
                                                       6:00 p.m. - Televised Weigh-In Begins

**NOTE: All media will enter through the Broad Street Entrance for Thursday and Friday’s events and check in at the designated media table. TV trucks are permitted to park in front of the building. Additional parking information is available here

                             Saturday, January 18

                                                            4:00 p.m.    LIACOURAS CENTER DOORS OPEN

                                  4:05 p.m. FIRST FIGHT BEGINS   

                                              6:30 p.m.   FS1 TELECAST BEGINS         

                                        8:00 p.m.  FOX BROADCAST BEGINS

JULIAN WILLIAMS PHILADELPHIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

PHILADELPHIA (January 8, 2020) – Unified 154-pound champion and Philadelphia native Julian “J-Rock” Williams showed off his skills and previewed his upcoming hometown title defense at a media workout Wednesday, as he prepares to face hard-hitting Jeison Rosario Saturday, January 18 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Temple University’s Liacouras Center.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at http://www.liacourascenter.com/events (direct link HERE) or by calling 800-298-4200.

After winning the title in one of 2019’s best fights against then unbeaten Jarrett Hurd, Williams will fight in his hometown for the first time since 2011 when he competes on January 18. Here is what Williams and his trainer, Stephen Edwards, had to say Wednesday from James Shuler’s Memorial Boxing Gym in Philadelphia:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

On training and fighting in his hometown…

“I try to just block myself from the world… Especially with a hometown fight, people are pulling you 50 different ways, tickets, asking me stupid questions. It’s crazy, so I just try to block myself from the world.

“It’s not about enjoying, it’s about winning. I don’t care about enjoying. You’re not supposed to enjoy camp. It’s supposed to be a grind.”

On what he expects out of Rosario…

“Rosario brings ambition to the table. I think he’s an ambitious kid. I don’t think it’s a difficult fight (for me), to be quite honest. I just think it’s a matter of being focused and on top of my game, and I think I’ll take care of him. I don’t think it’s difficult, though. He’s a decent fighter. We’re not going to make him out to be Ray Robinson.

“He has put together a good string of wins, and he’s tough and he’s coming to win. So that’s more important than anything. He has the ambition to win, so you can’t underestimate him.”

On growing up in Philadelphia…

“Seeing all the stuff that I saw growing up (in West Philadelphia) made me hungry, made me want to get out and make a better life for myself. All you have to do is walk outside and go down Lancaster Ave. If that’s not motivating for you then nothing will.”

On his celebrity now that he’s a world champion…

“I’ve got a little more notoriety now. To be honest, I stopped thinking about it because I want to stay focused on the task at hand. The task at hand is being pound-for-pound best in the world. I’m not satisfied with just being the best super welterweight in the world. I’m just not satisfied with being unified champion of the world. Why sell myself short when I have the drive and the ability to be the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world? I’d be selling myself short. I’d be leaving millions of dollars on the table.”

On the history that he made for himself and Philadelphia when he defeated Hurd…

“I’m one of three men (from Philadelphia) who can say they’re a unified champion of the world.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS, Williams’ Trainer

On Rosario’s abilities…

“At this level, everybody can fight. (Rosario) is a good-looking fighter. He can punch. He’s just a good fighter. He’s got a lot of the same characteristics as Hurd and Charlo. He’s big and strong. It’s a good fight.”

On why this opponent for this fight…

“We thought we were going to be fighting Hurd (again), so we got a guy that’s kind of like Hurd because we didn’t know if Hurd was pulling out of the fight.”

On being Julian’s manager and helping advise him on real estate…

“If (Julian) buys a house I’ll tell him if that’s a good property, or sometimes he messes up, but the cool thing is that he’s got the money to make up for all the mistakes now.”

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ABOUT WILLIAMS VS. ROSARIO
Williams vs. Rosario will see unified 154-pound champion and Philadelphia-native Julian “J-Rock” Williams make a homecoming defense against hard-hitting contender Jeison Rosario Saturday, January 18 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Temple University’s Liacouras Center.

Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star Chris “Prime Time” Colbert taking on former champion Jezreel Corrales for the Interim WBA Super Featherweight Title and top super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring to take on Erik Spring in a six-round showdown

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

JULIAN WILLIAMS VS. JEISON ROSARIO PHILADELPHIA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

PHILADELPHIA (December 3, 2019) – Unified 154-pound champion and Philadelphia-native Julian “J-Rock” Williams and hard-hitting contender Jeison Rosario went face to face at a press conference Tuesday as they previewed their showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, January 18 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

Williams will make a homecoming defense of his WBA and IBF titles after taking the belts from Jarrett Hurd in their May battle that is a frontrunner for 2019 Fight of the Year. It is Williams first fight in front of his hometown crowd since 2011, while the Dominican Republic’s Rosario brings an eight-bout winning streak into his first world title fight.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated rising star Chris “Prime Time” Colbert taking on former champion Jezreel Corrales for the Interim WBA Super Featherweight Title as the co-main event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at http://www.liacourascenter.com/events (direct link HERE) or by calling 800-298-4200.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Temple University’s Liacouras Center:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“It took a lot for us to get the title. We had some bumps in the road. But me and my team, we just kept battling and fighting through. We finally got our breakthrough fight and got the titles, and we wanted to bring the titles right back to Philadelphia. It’s amazing to have this opportunity to come back home and perform in front of my home crowd.

“Rosario is a really good fighter and I’m not just saying that. They’ve been matching him tough and he’s been coming through fights he wasn’t supposed to win. I’m expecting a really tough fight and for him to be in shape. He’s got 36 minutes to change his life forever. I was in his exact same position very recently. It would be extremely arrogant for me to think I can’t lose.

“I’ve been training hard like I always do. I’m in extremely great shape. On January 18, I’m going to win. I don’t know how, but I’m going to come out on top.

“I haven’t actually thought about fight night and what it will feel like. I can only imagine it will be amazing seeing the people who have watched me fight since I was a teenager. I’m pretty sure as it gets closer to the fight, I’ll start thinking about it and it will give me an extra push in camp.

“Our approach is not like the new age way. This is the microwave era, everything’s got be quick and glossy, but that’s not the way boxing is supposed to be. In this era there’s a lot of pressure to be undefeated and act a certain way. But we see boxing as just like life. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and we just take it all in stride.

“I watch a lot of boxing so I’ve seen this run that Rosario is on and I’ve seen his loss. He’s been on a good streak so I immediately knew this would be a good fight. I know he’s going to try to come and take my belts.

“I can see the look in his eye and it reminds me of the look I had in my eye earlier this year against Hurd. I know he’s got a game plan to beat me, so I have to be fully prepared.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“I’m excited to have this fight and thankful to Julian Williams for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. He’s the best 154-pounder in the world but we’re coming January 18 to take the titles back home to the Dominican Republic.

“We’re working hard to put on a great fight and we want everyone who watches this fight to get their money’s worth. We’re going to scrap it out all the way through.

“Philadelphia is known for tough fighters and tough fights and we’re going to give them more of that on January 18. We’re not going to leave anyone disappointed who watches this fight.

“This fight means everything to me. Ever since a kid I’ve been fighting. All of those years combine to one night on January 18. We’re preparing very well to take advantage of the moment. This all started when I was eight-years-old and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“The loss that I had made it so that I can stand here right now. It made me realize what I needed to do. I had the skills, but I had to learn the work ethic. I learned what I was supposed to do and how I was supposed to be training.

“My loss was really a blessing. If I had never lost, I would have never trained the way that I am now and I wouldn’t be the fighter that I am today. I’m just getting better and I’ll be at my absolute best on fight night.

“On January 18, it’s going to be like a ‘Rocky’ movie, we’re going to scrap it out from start to finish. I’m going to end up as the new Rocky in Philadelphia that night.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS, Williams’ Trainer

“We finally made it back home with the title after we had to go on the road to get it. A lot of people didn’t think we’d come back with it, but Julian took care of business. It was a big deal for us to get a chance to return back home and give our fans who have supported Julian a chance to see him live and in person.

“I think it’s going to be a really good fight. We’ve been watching Rosario for a while. They might think they’re sneaking up on us, but they’re not. He’s a really good fighter with some really good victories. We don’t believe in underdogs, because when two men get in the ring anyone can win.

“I’m really proud of what Julian did and I think he’s going to put on a great performance on January 18 and I expect Jeison to come to fight as well.

“I think Julian is the best 154-pounder in the world. So there aren’t any opponents I think Julian couldn’t handle. Rosario hit the lottery. Julian is better when he feels threatened, so I know that he’s going to train hard and do everything he needs to do.”

LUIS PEREZ, Rosario’s Trainer

“The people in Philadelphia have been very nice and we’re happy to be here. We worked very hard to get to this position and earn this opportunity. Most of all, we want to thank Julian for giving us the fight. We appreciate it and we have a lot of respect for him.

“We know we’re the underdog and we embrace it. Williams knows himself how to go to the champions’ hometown as the underdog and we’re planning to do the same.

“We’re training hard for a great fighter like Williams. We’re going to leave it all on the line. We won’t leave January 18 saying what we could have done better. We’re doing everything in our power to give the best performance.

“We think Julian is the best fighter in the division and we embrace the positon we’re in. It’s going to be a great fight for the city of Philadelphia because we always come to fight.”

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Unified 154-Pound World Champion Julian Williams Makes Philadelphia Homecoming Title Defense Against Hard-Hitting Jeison Rosario Saturday, January 18 in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event & on FOX Deportes from Temple University’s Liacouras Center

PHILADELPHIA (November 27, 2019) – Unified 154-pound world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams will defend his WBA and IBF titles in a Philadelphia homecoming against the hard-hitting Jeison Rosario on Saturday, January 18 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes live in primetime from Temple University’s Liacouras Center.

The action will also feature undefeated rising star Chris “Prime Time” Colbert taking on former champion Jezreel Corrales for the Interim WBA Super Featherweight Title as the co-main event of the broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale Friday, November 29 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased at http://www.liacourascenter.com/events (direct link HERE) or by calling 800-298-4200.

“Julian Williams earned one of 2019’s most thrilling victories in May against Jarrett Hurd, and there’s no better way for him to follow that up than by defending his WBA and IBF titles in front of his hometown fans in Philadelphia,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The great fight fans in Philadelphia are in for fireworks because Jeison Rosario hits hard and he comes to pull off the spectacular upset, and he only needs one punch to do so. Combined with the addition of one of boxing’s best young stars in Chris Colbert in his toughest test to date against Jezreel Corrales, FOX PBC Fight Night will be must watch from start to finish on January 18 at Liacouras Center.”

Philadelphia’s Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) captured his world titles in a FOX main event in May when he upset Jarrett Hurd’s homecoming defense in a fight that is a frontrunner for 2019 Fight of the Year. Williams took full advantage of his second title opportunity with a spirited performance and an impressive game plan that negated the hard-charging and physically bigger Hurd.

The 29-year-old will now headline in his hometown, marking the first time he’s fought in Philadelphia since a 2011 victory over Eberto Mendoza. Williams earned his title opportunity by winning four-straight fights after a defeat to Jermall Charlo in 2016, including wins over former champion Ishe Smith and Nathaniel Gallimore.

“This is going to be great having a homecoming fight back in Philadelphia,” said Williams. “I’m excited for the crowd that’ll be at the Liacouras Center and to be back fighting on FOX. I haven’t fought in Philadelphia since 2011, so I can’t wait to get back in the ring in front of all my people. Rosario is a good fighter and I’m very familiar with him. I know he packs a solid punch and that he’s been on a tear ever since his lone loss to Nathaniel Gallimore. So he’ll be a stiff test for me, but I’m prepared to win. Most of all, I’m just excited to defend my titles and as a unified champion in front of my hometown crowd.”

Born in the Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs) will take an eight-fight unbeaten streak into his first world title fight on January 18. The 24-year-old has taken down a slew of contenders and rising prospects including Jamontay Clark, Justin DeLoach and Mark Anthony Hernandez, all of whom were either stopped or knocked down against Rosario. Most recently, Rosario won a decision over veteran contender Jorge Cota in April.

“I’m very thankful and excited for this opportunity,” said Rosario. “I’m going to take advantage of it. I plan to bring these titles back to the Dominican Republic by knockout, but if I have to go 12 rounds, I’m ready. I learned a lot from my first defeat, and it will never happen again. I also want to thank PBC, my promoter Sampson Boxing and my manager Caesar Mercedes for putting in this position. I can’t wait to make the most of it.”

One of boxing’s top rising prospects, Colbert (13-0, 5 KOs) showed off his emerging power with a sensational one punch knockout of Miguel Beltran Jr. in the first round of his most recent fight in September on FS1. The 23-year-old from Brooklyn, New York had an impressive amateur career and has already taken down three unbeaten fighters in his short pro career. He will look to kick off a big 2020 on January 18 after earning four wins in 2019.

“This is the stage that I’ve been waiting for,” said Colbert. “My last fight was the co-main event on FS1 and now we’re moving up to FOX. It’s time to show out! I’m going to show the world what the hype behind me is all about and prove that I’m a soon-to-be champion of the world. All I know about Corrales is that he’s a former champion who’s going to bring his A-game, but I’m looking to get him out of there. I’m excited to be back in Philly and I’m definitely going to have my crew and fans coming down from New York to show support.”

The 28-year-old Corrales (23-3, 9 KOs) will look to rebound after a narrow split-decision defeat to Ladarius Miller in July. Fighting out of San Miguelito, Panama, Corrales won a super featherweight title in 2016 when he went to Japan and knocked out Takashi Uchiyama before winning a decision in their rematch. He also owns victories over current 130-pound champion Rene Alvarado and Robinson Castellanos.

“Colbert is a good fighter but he’s not ready for what I can do in the ring,” said Corrales. “I’m going to show that I’m still one of the best in the division. This is a great opportunity to prove that. I’ve been training hard to be the best Jezreel Corrales. Thank you to my whole team for helping me get this fight. You’re not going to want to miss my performance on January 18.”

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Williams decisions Hurd in war to win unified Super Welterweight Titles

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

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

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

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

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

“I am just overwhelmed. This is such a great feeling. I outclassed him. I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Williams. “Maybe I wasn’t ready for the title the first time I got the shot. I took the loss. I took it like a man and the whole world doubted me. I went into this fight a five to one underdog.’’

“This is a dream come true. I have been waiting for this for years. I never ditched the gym. I never got into girls or left the gym. I am from the streets, but I was never in the streets. I was in the gym practicing my craft.

“The only people that believed in me were my team, but all I can say is ‘and the new’!”

“It didn’t really change my strategy. It was just a flash knockdown. It caught me by surprise. I wasn’t really hurt,’’ Hurd said.

“He wasn’t easier to hit than I thought. He was crafty and he had heavy hands. I just stayed poised. I listened to my coach and I just worked,’’ Williams said. “He couldn’t hurt me. I saw everything he was throwing. I knocked him down. The game plan was to win however I could. I adapted on the fly. We knew he had certain tendencies and worked on his tendencies.

“I wasn’t able to get off. I can’t really call it right now. I have to go back and watch. I was loading up on my shots instead of just letting my hands go,’’ Hurd said. “J-Rock was just the better man tonight. There’s definitely a rematch clause in our contract and I’m going to go for it. I’m going to come back better than I was tonight.’’

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

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

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

“I saw him opening up every time he would step in. I knew one of the body shots was going to do it and I found the sweet spot,’’ Barrios said. “We weren’t expecting it to end that quickly. I wasn’t predicting a knock out, but I knew I had the power to do it and stop him.”

“I was very confident. I had a great camp. I can’t thank Virgil Hunter and the team for the preparation for this fight. We knew he was vulnerable with body punches and that was something I work on regardless. It is one of my favorite shots. I have been working on it since the amateurs.”

“I want a world title shot. I am always in the gym. I am always ready. I want all the smoke at 140. I want any of the champions. And I’m ready to bring a big fight to all my hometown fans in San Antonio.’’

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOLLOW HURD – WILLIAMS LIVE

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

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12-ROUNDS–IBF/WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–JARRETT HURD (23-0, 16 KO’S) VS JULIAN WILLIAMS (26-1-1, 16 KO’S)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
HURD	9	8	10	9	10	9	9	9	9	9	10	9	110
WILLIAMS	10	10	9	10	9	10	10	10	10	10	9	10	117

Round 1: Jab from Williams…Hard jab

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Round 9 Huge uppercut from Williams…Big left..

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

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

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

116-111, 115-112 twice FOR JULIAN WILLIAMS

10-Rounds-Super Lightweights–Mario Barrios (23-0, 15 KO’s) vs Juan Jose Velasco (20-1, 12 KOs)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Barrios*	10	KO											10
Velasco	9												9

Round 1 Body shots from Barrios…

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

10-Rounds–Middleweights–Matt Korobov (28-2, 14 KO’s) vs Immanuwel Aleem (18-1-1, 11 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Korobov	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	9	9			98
Aleem	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	10	10			92

Round 1 Left from Korobov..

Round 2 Korobov working the body…left

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

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

Round 5 Right hook from Korobov

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

Round 7 1-2 from Korobov..

Round 8 Good left from Korobov (Uppercut)

Round 9 Good left hook from Aleem

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

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

JARRETT HURD VS. JULIAN WILLIAMS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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

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

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

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

JARRETT HURD

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

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

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

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

JULIAN WILLIAMS

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

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

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

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

MARIO BARRIOS

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

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

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

JUAN JOSE VELASCO

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

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

MATT KOROBOV

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

IMMANUWEL ALEEM

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT! QUOTE HIGHLIGHTS FROM JARRETT HURD vs. JULIAN WILLIAMS MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

UNIFIED 154-POUND CHAMPION JARRETT HURD MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

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

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

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

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

JARRETT HURD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

JARRETT HURD VS. JULIAN WILLIAMS INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

Unbeaten Rising Featherweight Stephen Fulton Takes on Former World Champion Paulus Ambunda in Main Event of PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA on FS1 & FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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JARRETT HURD VS. JULIAN WILLIAMS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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

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

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

JARRETT HURD

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

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

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

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

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

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

JULIAN WILLIAMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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