Jermell, Jermall and a problem of timing

By Bart Barry-

Saturday in Brooklyn on Fox, in the debut of a new business model by which the PBC receives money for presenting its fighters on public airwaves instead of paying to do so, Houston super welterweight Jermell Charlo got decisioned by Detroit’s Tony Harrison, controversially, and Houston middleweight Jermall Charlo decisioned Russia’s Matt Korobov, uncontroversially. Another uncontroversial point: Neither Charlo exceeded expectations.

Either the Brothers Charlo are the future of prizefighting or they’re a couple more in an eyeless promotional group’s attempt to manufacture by dint of hardwork and stubbornness future pay-per-view stars, b-less a-sides, in strict adherence to a moribund business model that made a very few folks very rich some years ago. Saturday neither solved that riddle nor brought the riddle any nearer its conclusion, featuring, as it did, a public-airwaves broadcast sans knockouts. For he is an elusive consumer indeed who’ll say in 2020: “Let me pay $80 to see the two brothers I saw on that Fox show at the end of 2018.”

One can fixate on scorecards, like we’re told to do after every single title match that ends with a final bell, or one can concede he’d not be fixating on scorecards were the favored fighters good as commentators promised him they’d be. Or just as possibly these are the musings of a pundit who missed the narrow Charlo window by virtue of poor timing.

If a search of Google Drive be trustworthy I began covering the Brothers Charlo from ringside about 10 years ago. Jermell Charlo decisioned a lad named Juan Serrano in Houston’s Toyota Center some hours before Juan Manuel Marquez memorably hooked, lined and sank Juan Diaz. Charlo’s record was 6-0 (3 KOs) and his opponent’s was 2-5-1 (2 KOs), and yet the fight was an entertaining one because Charlo’s opponent, despite having no power of his own, walked directly through Charlo’s punches. Four months later I began a report of Charlo’s match with Federico Flores in Tucson like so: “Light hitting or otherwise, Jermell Charlo’s got class.”

In 2012, on the undercard of Garcia-Morales 1, Jermall Charlo (9-0, 5 KOs) made that Saturday’s second match in an empty Houston arena against Sean Wilson (5-9, 1 KO) and did not fell him but did stop him. A year later, I covered Jermall in the gymnasium of a small San Antonio college, on a Golden Boy copromotion card, and while a better journalist would take the time to divine whom Charlo fought that evening it’s more fun to share this: When the match was near enough to publish a bout sheet that bout sheet read Charlo (11-0, 7 KOs) vs. T.B.A.

For some stark contrast, there’s this: Vasyl Lomachenko just made his 12th prizefight, in May, and won a world title in his third weight division.

I covered the Brothers Charlo a halfdozen times from ringside and came away from the experiences unable to discern which was who and struck by how little stopping power either’s fists comprised. Sometime after that PBC launched as a venture and I used its indifference to unbought media like an excuse not to perform what acts of diligence previously got me to watch the Charlos.

Imagine my surprise, then, when writers whose opinions I respect began writing unironical accounts of Houston’s lion twins’ savage dismantling of fellow prospects. Was it enhanced matchmaking, or an enhanced training regimen? Yes, it was/were.

But now I do wonder about any newly aspiring aficionados who came upon the Brothers Charlo for a first time Saturday night. No matter how little expertise an American male actually enjoys about our beloved sport, very few American males are more than a nationally broadcasted knockout or controversial decision away from amplifying loudly and confidently whatever they heard they saw. They’ve seen Tyson highlights enough on YouTube to know what’s important and trust their guts in all matters of sanctioned violence. While they may infer a faint affiliation between a promoter and the network for whom that promoter acts as an exclusive supplier of prizefighting talent they trust that network’s commentating team much more than the scorekeepers who turn in official tallies – in a wonderfully American way that confers more legitimacy on any authority whose bribe is right out in the open:

“The judges are on the take.”

“So are the commentators who make you think that.”

“Yeah, but they’re getting paid to give their opinions.”

Which is why Jermell’s getting decisioned by Tony Harrison brought so much more outrage from Fox viewers than Jermall’s 11-rounds-to-1 favoring on an official scorecard published by the son of Fox’s unofficial scorekeeper. The first event was unforgivably offscript while the second aligned neatly with what viewers got promised they’d see.

The bent of most boxing viewers is such that if you don’t give them a violent catharsis they’ll tend to make one, with judges and referees topping their lists of wouldbe victims. If they say they’re leaving because of corrupt officiating they’re not leaving. If they actually do leave trust it’s this: There wasn’t enough violence. That is a problem for any boxing broadcaster but particularly a problem for those who align themselves exclusively with PBC, as PBC does not specialize in violence but rather promise and potential and charisma and skills. For more than a decade the Brothers Charlo have shown lots of all four, and so?

Bart Barry can be reached via Twitter @bartbarry

Jermall Charlo Decisions Matt Korobov, Retains WBC Interim Middleweight Belt

BROOKLYN, NY — Jermall Charlo (28-0, 21KO) did what his brother failed to do one fight prior and retained his WBC interim middleweight, earning a unanimous decision against Matt Korobov (28-2, 14KO) in the main event of a nationally televised PBC broadcast on FOX in front of 9,177 fight fans at the Barclay’s Center.

It was not as easy as Vegas bookmakers suggested, posting Charlo as a 15/1 favorite against Korobov before the public bet that down to about 11/1 at fight time.

Initially, Charlo was slated to battle Willie Monroe, Jr., but a VADA test revealed elevated testosterone in his urine, and the WBC refused to let Monroe go through with the fight. The 35 year-old Korobov who was already training for an 8 round contest on the undercard got the call.

Nothing came easy tonight for Charlo, who had trouble with his veteran counterpart. In the early rounds, the southpaw Korobov proved unintimidated by the Ronnie Shield’s-trained Charlo, and displayed a willingness to exchange with the champion, not afraid to eat a Charlo shot to land one of his own. In fact, through the early portion of the bout, Korobov was getting the better of the 28 year-old champion. Not only was Korobov dodging the devastating right hand Charlo possesses, he was landing straight lefts of his own, finding his target with alarming regularity.

As the fight wore on, though, Charlo began to wear down Korobov, a 2008 Russian Olympian, and his punches began to land more frequently. By the later rounds, Korobov started to slow .

In the 12th, Charlo hurt Korobov badly with two rights, putting him on unsteady legs, and prompting referee David Fields to assume a position in which it looked like he may step in to stop the fight. Korobov survived that mini onslaught, though, and even fired back shots of his own by round’s end.

In the end, it went to the cards where judge Larry Hazard, Jr. turned in abysmal score of 119-108, and Steve Weisfeld and Max Deluca, 116-112, all for the champion.

The win marked Charlo’s first successful defense of his title since winning it against Hugo Centeno, Jr. in April.

Korobov’s only other professional defeat came in his only other world title fight, a TKO loss to Andy Lee in 2014, a fight in which many thought Korobov was winning when he got stopped.

The loss also snapped a four fight win streak for Korobov.

Tony Harrison Stuns Jermell Charlo, Wins WBC Jr. Middleweight Title

Tony Harrison (28-2, 21KO) shocked the Barclay’s Center and the boxing world winning the WBC junior middleweight title against previously unbeaten Jermell Charlo (31-1, 15KO) via a controversial unanimous decision.

Judge Robin Taylor scored the bout 116-112, while Ron McNair and Julie Lederman had it 115-113 for the new champion Harrison.

From the onset, Charlo set the tempo. He was lion, the aggressor. At the sound of the opening bell, Charlo pressed the action, coming forward, forcing Harrison, who wore tiger-striped trunks, to fight off his back foot.

During the first quarter of the contest, Harrison seemed more interested in gathering information as opposed to winning rounds, as he rarely let his hands go, and instead cycled around the ring. Harrison’s punches early in the fight seemed to be thrown only to keep Charlo off him, as opposed to inflicting any damage.

In the fourth round, Harrison began to find a rhythm. Still fighting going backwards, Harrison was able to slip wide Charlo shots and then land his own return-fire. In the fifth, Harrison landed a flush right hand that seemed to have caught the attention of the champion.

It seemed as if Charlo regained control in the mid-to-late rounds, simply by bringing the action to Harrison. Charlo, who was making his fourth title defense since winning his belt against John Jackson in 2016, landed the more powerful shots down the stretch, and even had Harrison, in a bit of trouble in the tenth.

Each time Harrison found himself in danger, he weathered all storms and snuffed out subsequent attacks. In the end, credit Harrison fought an efficient, calculated, and discipline contest. The 28 year-old was not baited into wild exchanges with the more powerful Charlo and successfully countered him enough to steal rounds on judges cards.

The scorecards came as a surprise to those in the arena and on press row, however, as most saw the contest for Charlo and viewed the judge’s cards as an early Christmas gift for Harrison. 15rounds.com had the fight wide for Charlo, 117-111.

A Charlo win would have set up a potential mouthwatering unification clash with fellow junior middleweight titleist, Jarrett Hurd. Now, however, it seems more likely Charlo-Harrison II will appear on the 2019 PBC schedule.

“They took that fight from me. I was pressing the action. He didn’t win that fight,” a rightfully bitter Charlo said after the fight. “I’m going to get my belts back. I still want Jarrett Hurd.”

Harrison, who fought once before for a world title, losing via TKO to Hurd last February, also spoke after the fight.

“I dictated the pace. That’s what champions do,” he said. “He wound up for big shots and I kept my defense tight. All we worked on was defense. I kept my composure and I did what champions do.

He went on, “I got back to my corner after every round. They told me to just keep doing what you’re doing. You’re dictating the pace. I dictated the pace. That’s what champions do. Champions don’t just try to knock people out. That’s all he wanted to do. I dictated it. I used my jab. I dictated the fight. That’s what champions do.”

Breazeale Blasts Out Negron In 9th In Spectacular Fashion

Heavyweight Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-1, 18KO) scored dramatic one-punch KO against Carlos Negron (20-2, 16KO) to kick off the nationally televised portion of Premier Boxing Championship’s night of fights on FOX.

The big boys brawled, as the 6’7” Breazeale and his 6’6” counterpart exchanged early and often. In the opening rounds, the Puerto Rican, Negron found success by firing crisp and impactful jabs that kept Breazeale at safe distance. Breazeale’s early successes came when he was able to work his way in past the jab to get off his own shots.

Action intensified as the third round came a close. Negron bullied Breazeale to the ropes, firing off shots just as the bell sounded ending the round. The big Puerto Rican threw a bonus one-two clearly after the bell sounded, however. Breazeale responded with an extremely late right of his own. The after-the-bell exchange earned both boxers a talking to from referee, Arthur Mercante, Jr.

Fireworks exploded again toward the end of the fourth neared, with Negron landing another one-two, only to have Breazeale, a former 2012 US Olympian, shoot a straight right down Broadway as the bell dinged, snapping Negron’s head and sending him staggering backward.

Breazeale kept his foot on the gas in the fifth, completely swinging the momentum in his favor. The following round was more of the same with Breazeale continually besting Negron, whose once effective jab was no longer being whipped forth with any zip. With no jab to deter him, Breazeale was able to get in range and unload time after time, slowly wearing Negron down.

In the ninth round, after stalking and battering Negron around the ring a bit more, the California-native Breazeale unleashed an overhand right that detonated on the left side of Negron’s head, awkwardly collapsing his body, which ultimately found itself on both knees with the chest partially through the ropes and the head sticking out of the ring. Mercante, Jr. didn’t need to issue a 10-count and immediately stopped the bout at the 1:23 mark of the 9th round.

Breazeale’s lone blemish on his record remains his 2016 KO loss to Anthony Joshua in London.

Negron’s only other career loss came in 2011 courtesy of Colombian heavyweight Epifanio Mendoza, who was then KO’d by Breazeale less than 3 years later.

On the punch that ended it, “I was setting up that right hand all night. Since the third round I noticed he dropped his left hand when he took a step to the left, and that’s what I got him with,” Breazeale said after the fight. “I landed the big shot.”

After the contest, Breazeale, who was fighting for the first time in 13 months, engaged in a “stare down” of sorts and exchanged words with WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder, who was sitting ringside.

“I’m next in line for Deontay Wilder, I’m coming for him,” Breazeale said added during his post-fight interview. “I’ve been waiting for him and I did what I had to do. I’m ready for him now.”

Presumably, if for some reason a rematch between Wilder and Tyson Fury doesn’t materialize, a Wilder-Breazeale fight could be the next, most realistic, and arguably easiest made bout.

Quarles Earns 10-Round UD Over Manuel

Brandon “Bulldog” Quarles (21-4-1, 10KO) outwilled and outlasted Todd Manuel (17-17-1, 5KO) earning a unanimous decision in a gritty ten round lightweight affair. It was a hard-fought battle that witnessed action of every variety — on the inside, the outside, and in all four corners of the ring. Both fighter’s had their share of success, while also finding themselves on the receiving end the other’s padded fist. For the most part, it was the 32 year-old Quarles who pressed the action, walking forward and letting his hands go. Manuel, who was coming off back to wins against opponents with a combined record of 13-10-2, tried to stick and move — dig in his feet, throw a few punches, and slide out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, that strategy wasn’t foolproof or all that effective and Quarles continued pressured was impactful enough to tip rounds in his favor. At the end of ten, all three judges scored in favor of Quarles, 98-92×2 and 97-93. The win makes it 8 in his last 9 for Quarles. His last defeat came in March 2017 via split decision against Tyrone Brunson in Philadelphia.

Barthelemy Wins Comeback Fight, Stops Frankel In 3

Former two division world champion, Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (27-1, 14KO) stopped hard-nosed veteran Robert Frankel (36-20-1 8KO), earning his first victory since suffering his lone defeat in March. The 32 year-old Cuban defectant, who now lives and fights out of Miami, outclassed his lightweight counterpart from the onset, peppering Frankel throughout the fight, and eluding most leather thrown his way. Eventually, midway through the third round, Barthelemy backed Frankel into a neutral corner and refused to let him out. Fists flew fast and furious as the slick former champion flurried shots to the body and head, forcing Frankel into a shell. At the 2:38 mark of the third round, referee Shada Murdaugh stepped between boxers and called a halt to the contest. The result gets Barthelemy back in the win column after dropping a close decision to Kiryl Relikh in March in a rematch of a fight won by Barthelemy in May 2017.

Duncan Makes Quick Work Of Cervera

Much like the night’s opening contest, Clarksburg, MD’s Mark Duncan (2-0, 2KO) needed less than one round to finish off his opponent, California’s Ray Cervera (0-4) in a middleweight contest originally scheduled for four rounds. Duncan, 31, overwhelmed Cervera from the opening bell, smothering him with shots, forcing his 27 year-old counterpart to take a knee about a minute into the contest. Referee Gary Rosato inaccurately ruled that Duncan hit Cervera below the belt and allowed Cervera time to recover. No matter to Duncan, however, as once the fight resumed, he picked up where he left off, and unloaded on Cervera again, finishing him off with a right to the body and a left to the chin. Rosato waived the fight off before finishing his ten count. The time of the stoppage was 1:52 of the first round.

Apochi Makes It 6KOs In First 6 Fights

Nigerian cruiserweight Efetobor Apochi (6-0, 6KO) needed only 2:26 to dispose of Eric Abraham (5-4, 2KO) in the opening contest of a night of fights from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center that will culminate when the Charlo twins, Jermell and Jermall, defend their titles later this evening on FOX. The 31 year-old Apochi, a former Nigerian amateur standout who now trains under the tutelage of Ronnie Shields in Texas, now sports a perfect 6-0 record, with all wins coming inside the distance.

FOLLOW CHARLO – KOROBOV; CHARLO – HARRISON LIVE

Follow all the action as Jermall Charlo defends the WBC Interim Middleweight title against Matt Korobov. The action starts at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with the WBC Super Welterweight title bout between Jermell Charlo and Tony Harrison. The action kicks off with a heavyweight contest between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

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12-ROUNDS–WBC INTERIM MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE–JERMALL CHARLO (27-0, 21 KOS) VS MATT KOROBOV (27-1, 13 KOS)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
CHARLO	9	9	10	9	10	9	10	10	10	10	10	10	116
KOROBOV	10	10	10	10	9	10	9	9	9	9	9	9	113

Round 1: Korobov lands a straight left

Round 2 Counter from Korobov..Hook from Charlo..Lead left from Korobov..Combination.

Round 3 Nice right to body from Charlo..Hard left from Korobov..

Round 4 Big left Korobov..Right Hook..sneaks in another left..Good left

Round 5 Jab from Charlo..Good left hook

Round 6 Counter hook from Charlo..Straight left/right uppercut from Korobov

Round 7 Good Right from Charlo..Left from Korobov..Combination from Charlo.

Round 8 Good exchange in center o the ring..Jab from Charlo

Round 9 Charlo lands a right..2 jabs and a straight right..

Round 10 Combination from Charlo…Right..Good right

Round 11 Lead left from Charlo..Left from Korobov..right from Charlo..Left..Counter hook..Jab..Good hook from Korobov..

Round 12 Right hook rocks Korobov..Huge shots staggering Korobov..Left from Korobov..Big right from Charlo

119-108…116-112 TWICE FOR JERMALL CHARLO

12-ROUNDS–WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–JERMELL CHARLO (31-0, 15 KOS) VS TONY HARRISON (27-2, 21 KOS)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
CHARLO	10	9	10	9	10	10	10	9	9	10	10	10	116
HARRISON	9	10	9	10	9	9	9	10	10	9	9	9	112

Round 1 2 big rights from Charlo

Round 2: Harrison looking sharp with his punches..

Round 3: Charlo beating Harrison to the punch..Combintion from Harrison

Round 4 Big Right from Harrison

Round 5 Hard counter right stuns Charlo..Right from Charlo..Jab from Harrison..Right hand buckles Harrison

Round 6 Straight from Charlo..

Round 7 Hard right from Charlo..Combination from Harrison….Big left from Charlo

Round 8 Good left hook from Charlo..Nice left from Harrison..Jab

Round 9 1-2 from Charlo..Counter right from Harrison..combination..Right from Charlo..Left from Harrison

Round 10 Right from Charlo..

Round 11 right hook from Charlo..Great left uppercut..Jab and body shot for Harrison

Round 12 Big left hurts Harrison..Charlo following with a barrage on the ropes..Harrison hold on..Short left hook from Harrison..Big right from Charlo..

116-112; 115-113 TWICE FOR TONY HARRISON

10-Rounds-Heavyweights–Dominic Breazeale (19-1, 17 KOs) vs Carlos Negon (20-1, 16 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Breazeale*	10	9	9	9	10	10	10	10	KO				77
Negron	9	10	10	10	9	9	9	9					75

Round 1 Jab from Breazeale..

Round 2 Good right from Negron..Right from Negron..right to body..Negron jabs to body..Right

Round 3 Good 3 punch combination from Negron..Good right hurts Negron..Negron is cut over left eye..Right from Breazeale…Negron lands a big left to body..left to body

Round 4 2 jabs from Negron..Big left..left to body..Right..Right from Breazeale…Right..Body shot from Negron….2 Big rights wobble Negron at the bell

Round 5 Hard left from Breazeale..

Round 6 Right from Breazeale..Jab..Good left hook

Round 7 Big left from Negron..left hook/right hand from Breazeale..Good right..Uppercut from Negron

Round 8 Body work from Brezeale..Left uppercut

Round 9 HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES NEGRON…FIGHT OVER

PBC ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

BROOKLYN (December 20, 2018) – Before they enter the ring in primetime this Saturday, December 22, fighters competing on the blockbuster Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes event went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference for their matchups at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The event is headlined by the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC interim middleweight championship bout against Matt Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

In the spirit of the season, fighters were joined on stage by Santa Claus as he too prepares for his biggest night of the year. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Barclays Center GEICO Atrium:

JERMALL CHARLO

“Once I heard about the new opponent, I knew that we had work to do. Nothing I can do about someone who was unprofessional. I didn’t put my head down; I knew that we’d make another fight. I’m glad that Korobov stepped up to the plate. I think it’s going to be a great fight.

“Every fight is tough. I’m not sleeping on this guy. I’m sleeping this guy.

“This is a great chance for me to put on for my fans and my people. There’s no disappointment. Korobov is a different kind of fighter than Willie Monroe, but I am prepared to fight against any style.

“I’m one of the guys at middleweight that’s been getting overlooked. People think I might not have done enough in the division, but that’s only because I haven’t got the chance to fight the best out there.

“I have to figure out a different game plan for each fighter I step in with. I know he’s coming to fight and I know he’s bringing anything he possesses into the ring to beat me. It’s my duty to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“Me and my brother are both hungry. We want the fans and everyone to know that we’re the best in the world. Sooner or later the rest of the world will know it.

“Korobov was on the undercard so I know that it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. I’m well prepared for the challenge. I’m going to get in there and show my professionalism Saturday.”

MATT KOROBOV

“I respect that Jermall Charlo took this fight and I’m going to try to show my best on Saturday night. I have watched Jermall’s fights and because he has a title I know he has a lot of quality skills.

“I have the skills to make this a great night for myself. I am going to bring everything I’ve got. I spent some time outside of the ring but the whole time I was preparing for a moment like this and I’m going to make it count.

“I’m very excited and happy about this event and being in this fight. This was such a big opportunity that I was immediately telling my team yes. This is what all my work has been leading to.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“Everyone will see Saturday night that I’m just different than these other guys. I’m going to get in there and do what I have to do for 12 rounds. If I do that, Jermell Charlo should prevail. I’m going to put my life on the line like every time I step into the ring.

“I’m a hungry fighter. All the talk on the outside, that makes me want to destroy my opponent. I’m going to choose to be dominant and go out and destroy this guy.

“Now that we’re here, me and my brother have big opportunities. We can’t drop the ball. This is important to us and we’re going to take advantage of it. It’s only right that me and my brother close out this year.

“I want to go first on fight night. I want to take everything that I’ve been building up and put it on display Saturday night.

“I’ve had a great camp and I have nothing to worry about. I’m not going to let Tony Harrison stand in the way of what I’m looking to accomplish. These fighters can’t punch with me, they can’t box with me, and at this weight division, I know I’m the best.

“People doubt that I’m the best at 154-pounds and that fuels my fire. These other fighters are just in my way.

“I look at every fight as 0-0 for both guys. I don’t care about any extra stuff going on. We’re both coming to fight and we’ll see who wins.”

TONY HARRISON

“I’m just looking forward to a good outing on Saturday night in front of a great crowd in Brooklyn and a big audience on FOX. It’s going to be a great fight and an explosive matchup.

“I think that Jermell is a more technically sound fighter than Jarrett Hurd, but I’ll be able to answer better after Saturday night. I can’t get caught up in comparing them now.

“I’ve worked really hard to be more consistent. More consistent in training, so that I can have great performances every time I step into the ring.

“I don’t feed into any outside noise or voices. My preparation was great. This is the best camp I’ve ever had. The pedestal is high for Jermell Charlo; he has pressure to put on a certain type of performance. I’m just going to relax and do what I train to do and that’s fight.

“There’s nothing I want more than a rematch with that Jarrett Hurd. All roads lead to Jarrett Hurd for whoever wins this fight.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“I think fighting a guy like Carlos Negron is a stepping stone to getting the fight with Deontay WIlder. He has similar size and stature, so it’s like a rough sketch for the title fight. I want to stay in rhythm and dust off any cobwebs there may be so I’m active and ready when the Wilder fight comes.

“Carlos Negron is a big guy and someone that size is going to have a good jab. I know he has a strong amateur pedigree. We have similar records and we stand eye-to-eye. This is the first time I’ve fought someone his stature and size. But I don’t think he’s fought the same quality of opponents like I have at the pro ranks.

“This is the heavyweight game and one punch can change everything. I plan on landing that punch on Saturday night.

“This is a guy who stands tall and has boxing skills. He’s an ‘ABC’ fighter. He throws a lot of 1-2s and that’s what Deontay Wilder does too. I’m only chasing the belt because Deontay Wilder is running.”

CARLOS NEGRON

“I will fight on Saturday and they’ll see a very different and new Carlos Negron on that night. I’m coming to bring a great fight for all of the fans.

“I know that this is a chance I have to take advantage of. I’ve prepared to hard to waste this. I respect Breazeale but I believe I have the skills to dominate this fight.

“Fighting on the big stage will not affect me. Through my amateur career, in the pros and in sparring I’ve faced the best of the best and this will be no different. This is my opportunity to show that I’m a championship fighter, and I get to do it in front of the whole world.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“It’s certainly an exciting time for the sort of boxing and we are proud to host the first night of the new multi-year alliance between PBC and FOX. The buildup to this fight has been unprecedented. These stars have been promoted like never before with cross-promotion on FOX’s biggest programming.

“Jermall and Jermell, we have built a great relationship over the last couple of years. We’re thrilled to see you fighting on the same card at Barclays Center and we hope it’s the first of many.

“I want to commend Matt Korobov for stepping in last minute and accepting this great challenge. For Tony Harrison, this is your third time at Barclays Center and you’re undefeated in your previous fights. The televised opener between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron will set the tone for the evening. Brooklynites love their heavyweights and we welcome you to Brooklyn.

“This will be the first of many great nights of BROOKLYN BOXING™ on the FOX networks. We’re excited for this great fight card, I wish everyone a great holiday and look forward to seeing you on Saturday night.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

PBC ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

BROOKLYN (December 19, 2018) – As fight night approaches, fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event showed off their skills at a media workout at world famous Gleason’s Gym before they step into the ring on December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday afternoon in Brooklyn:

JERMALL CHARLO

“Professional athletes have to be ready for anything. I’m ready for whoever is in the ring against me and whatever he brings. We’ll see who is at their best on Saturday night.

“This is a headlining card for the Charlo Twins and we’re ready to put on a show for our family and our fans. I’m ready, I’m sure Korobov is ready, so let’s get it on.

“I know that Korobov has been training because he was on the undercard. I’m thankful he accepted the fight and I just hope he’s done everything right to prepare for this fight. I’m doing it right, and now we’re going to fight.

“Brooklyn is one of my favorite places to fight. This is familiar territory here. I’m going to prove once again that I’m one of the best in the world.

“I don’t know Korobov but I know that every fight is difficult. You never know what these fighters are doing. I’m a professional and I continue to make it look easy.

“I have a weapon that no one has been able to figure out. Once they do, I have a whole bunch of other weapons. I’m 28-years-old, I’m having the time of my life beating these guys down. Sooner or later, I’m going to get the megafights that everyone wants.”

MATT KOROBOV

“It was a surprise to get the call for this fight. I was sleeping and preparing for my second workout of the day. But I was training hard already so I accepted right away.

“I’ve been preparing as hard as I can to make everything go exactly how I want it to on Saturday. It’s short notice but we’ve made the proper adjustments to the fight plan and we’ll be ready to make it happen in the ring.

“I don’t pay any attention to outside noise or anyone who doubts me. I’ve been preparing for this all of my life. This is my second opportunity to become a champion and I’m going to make the most of it. I’m going to show everything I’ve got.

“I have to be the best version of myself on Saturday night. I’m going to take all of my amateur and pro experience and mix it up to make a great performance.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“I feel really good right now. Everything is on point and where I need it to be. It’s fight week and it’s time to show out. I’m going to show up and put on for Lions Only. There’s nothing more that I can ask for than to be here to show everyone my abilities.

“I’m excited to show my skills again. This is big for me. I have an opponent who has the mindset to come in and dethrone me. He wants to stop the show, but it’s not over yet.

“I know that he needs to maintain his composure while trying to win a fight. Tony Harrison is a tall, rangy fighter but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. He knows who he’s dealing with. My experience cannot be overlooked.

“This training camp has been incredible. I’ve locked in with my coach and I’ve worked hard so that I’m fresh and at my best. I can’t wait to step into the ring on December 22.

“I hope Tony Harrison is at his best. There are certain things that he does well and we just need to make adjustments when we get in there. If he wants to box, we can box but if he wants to bang, we can be the aggressor.

“Brooklyn has become the new pinnacle of boxing for a lot of fighters and especially for me specifically. I’m winning with knockouts here and I’m excited to get in the ring at Barclays Center once again and do what I have to do.”

TONY HARRISON

“Camp was amazing. I don’t think it could have gone any better. Based on all my other camps, I know that I’m absolutely ready for this fight. Now it’s just the anxiousness of waiting.

“I’m working on staying very composed right now. This is another day in the office for me. We’re just waiting to see how Saturday plays out.

“This isn’t my first time fighting on the big stage at Barclays Center so I won’t let the emotions overcome me. No matter who I’m facing or what the platform is, I’ve been fighting my whole life. This is second nature to me.

“I really had the time heading into this fight to have a camp as great as I had. I’ve had the opportunity to get some amazing sparring in. Everyone came in and really competed. It was tough work.

“I’m just going to come in and do my job. When I become champion I’m going to get that same respect from everyone.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“Whether it’s in sparring or in primetime, I’m always going to bring it. This is a big platform on FOX so I have to show up. The lights are on you and I can’t wait.

“I’m excited right now because I’m chasing Deontay Wilder. I want that WBC title. I have this fight ahead of me, but I have to beat him to get what I really want. I want to fight for the biggest prize in the sport.

“I stopped Eric Molina last year at Barclays Center to become the WBC mandatory and I’m just trying to keep winning while I wait my turn.

“I’m a crowd-pleasing fighter. I keep the fans on the edge of their seats. I can move for my size and I have knockout power. I’m looking for the knockout shot every single time.”

CARLOS NEGRON

“We’re prepared for what Breazeale and anything he can bring into the ring. He’s a tough opponent but I’ve trained too hard not to leave it all in the ring.

“This has been a great training camp. I had tremendous sparring that pushed me to another level. I’m excited to get out there and show it all on fight night.

“This should be a great fight for fans. I’m planning on being aggressive and bringing the fight to him. I hope he’s ready for it, because I don’t want any excuses after the fight.”

# # #

Jermall Charlo vs. Willie Monroe Jr. & Jermell Charlo vs. Tony Harrison International Media Conference Call Transcript

Ray Flores
On behalf of PBC we’re very excited about next Saturday, December 22, at Barclays Center where we have Jermell Charlo defending his championship against Tony Harrison. Also Jermall Charlo in action defending his title against Willie Monroe, Jr.

PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 ET/5 PT. I also want to mention that next Saturday’s event is being brought to you by TGB Promotions along with Lions Only Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

What an early holiday gift for fight fans in the New York area. Tickets start as low as $50 and their own sale now. They’re going quickly. Ticketmaster.com, Barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. We have a dynamic night of action. I also have to mention PBC on FOX will open up with the heavyweight showdown featuring 2012 United States Olympian Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

But right now we have the privilege of being joined alongside an undefeated world champion who is coming off a win over Austin “No Doubt” Trout, from Houston, Texas I want to go ahead and welcome the world champion, the WBC Super Welterweight Champion of the World, Jermell Charlo.

Jermell Charlo
I just want to say you know I’m super thankful to be on this card and I’m glad the world got the chance to recognize the talent that we all have.

R. Flores
This young man who is from Detroit, Michigan. He’s very hungry. He’s a former world title challenger. He’s coming off of three straight victories in a row, please welcome, Tony “Super Bad” Harrison.

Tony Harrison
Hi everybody. Oh man, like I said it’s a pleasure for me to get back on this stage. It’s rare you see a challenger get two shots at a title and I want for Jermell being the champion that he is for giving me the opportunity, you know this is a great fight for the fans.

This shows the world champion you’re dealing with in Charlo. To take a fight like this you know he’s something and on December 22, I know it’s just going to be a dynamic fight. The abilities are going to be unlimited in the ring.

So I’m just looking for a great night. Like you said, I’m glad he made it out of camp healthy and I made it out healthy. He’s probably in great shape. I’m in great shape. There’s no excuses on this side and hopefully there’s none on that side and we just going to put on a good night of fighting.

Q
Jermell, if you get past Tony Harrison, how likely is that you’re going to face Jarrett Hurd in the future?

J. Charlo
Hurd is another fighter that we’re looking to fight in 2019. He wants to fight someone else possibly in his hometown and build up a little bit more. I don’t know why it took him forever to get ready for that fight, but you know I guess it happens to some people.

Q
Is this something we can expect in the future that you and your brother will be fighting on the same card?

J. Charlo
It could be whatever the fans want to or the fans and the people want to think. Normally we fight on cards together. We’ve done this a lot in our careers so it’s comfortable. But we like to build our legacy separately. We both took a fight at the same time so it was perfect and it was on the same card.

Q
Jermell, what do you remember from Tony Harrison’s performance against Hurd, particularly in the maybe the first half of the fight when he may have been doing better in the fight. What do you remember from that?

J. Charlo
I’m not Jarrett Hurd. My skills of boxing are way different. My style of boxing is different and I definitely don’t really care what he did. I remember paying attention to that fight in the dressing room and I was rooting for Tony because he came out like the dude wanted to win.

And that’s what I like about Tony. And I like for fighters to come in there with that mentality of fighting and wanting to win. And I know that’s where he comes from and that’s what he possesses. So you know he was winning in the beginning of the fight, whatever happened, happened. That was all she wrote.

Q
How has that respect between you and your opponent been maybe different in some sense than some of your previous fights?

J. Charlo
You guys will see on the 22nd, when we come out to fight, people have certain ways that they feel certain times. I don’t care about how much somebody respects me or how much they don’t respect me; I’m going to still treat both fighters the same.

I have to defend myself in every manner that I can and it doesn’t matter if they act properly, it can be a respect and all that be done and said, but it’s about the fight game and about what’s really been built inside of me. I’m not worried about all the respect right now.

He can be respectful and all of that. He’s coming to take my title and that’s messing up my legacy and that’s a whole different ballgame for me. That hunger is a different kind inside of me, it means different to me. I hope everyone is safe and I hope it doesn’t cause too much damage, but I’m coming. I defend it with my life on the line.

So if he feels that same way, it’s going to be an exciting fight for the fans. It will be a good fight for the PBC and for whoever is watching. At the end of the day my life is at risk when I’m in that ring every time.

Q
Is there perhaps anymore added pressure to have to deliver a memorable performance in front of wide audience on FOX or are you kind of approaching this fight kind of the same as any other?

J. Charlo
As any other fight. Regardless what TV network is promoting this fight or putting this fight on, I’ve been there before. I’ve done this before and I have to continue to do what I do. So yes, I’m super excited about FOX being such a marquis television network that allows more to see what we do.

I wish that a lot of people were able to see this beforehand, then they would have a little bit more respect for me and what I do. So I’m glad that we got this opportunity.

Q
Could you maybe kind of talk more about you what’s been different about this particular camp compared to others?

J. Charlo
I’ve taken a lot of time to settle down within myself you know. I have everything I want, everything I need and so there’s no point of this disobedience to any of my people. And I look at my coach a little bit different in this camp. He’s like a father figure to me now. He’s not a father figure, but when I go up to Dallas to do my training and stuff, I definitely pay attention to everything he’s doing and we’re well plugged in with each other. We connect really well.

The greatest thing is he let me do me, he let me be me in that ring. Regardless of anything, if I feel like throwing a certain punch. “Hey coach look listen I’m going to talk about this one punch that I think I can throw well because my body allows me to do it.” And so those are the things that I’ve been doing differently. I’m going to pull some tricks out the hat, its’ going to be different.

Q
Tony, has that been any extra motivation for you especially now that you have a chance to kind of right the wrong that you weren’t able to win the world title in your last attempt?

T. Harrison
Man I’m not even thinking about Jarrett Hurd, that fight was years ago. I left that fight right where I left it. I moved on. I fought four times after that. I don’t need no more added motivation. I’ve got a family I got to feed. I’ve got people that’s rooting me on. And just with me, I’m competitive in my own without nobody else. So I want to do it for me. I want that fight back with Hurd just as bad as Jermell wants it for the first time.

So in order for me to get the fight I got to win the title. I know for sure I won’t get it again. So for me, I just keep doing what I’m doing man. But I left that in the past. I had a great training camp two months — two months and two weeks’ worth is actually the longest I’ve ever trained for a fight. Basically it costs five weeks, four weeks or something like that. I feel good, body feels good. I’m focused on December 22, I’m focused on Jermell. I’m focused on the WBC title and I just want to give a good show.

Q
Are you going to dedicate this fight to the Kronk Gym and Adonis Stevenson for all that’s happening with him and his trauma out in Canada?

T. Harrison
It doesn’t have to be a a guy from Kronk. This is a rough sport that we in. Just like Prichard Colon, I pray for everybody to make it out of that ring safe and go back to their families. It hit a little more home that I do know that guy that’s in that situation.

This sport is so dangerous. I pray each and every day. I pray for my opponents before I walk in there and I fight them. So, it’s a dangerous sport we in and I think we all know what we signed up for when we signed up. But that never hurts you less when you see somebody in those conditions. So I’m praying for him and I’m praying for Adonis I’m praying for his family.

Q
Have you done anything different in training camp to make sure that you will be able to box as good as you do the first half in the second half?

T. Harrison
Only on December 22, you’ll be able to tell. I think the other times I think I just over trained. I usually get in these big fights and then I tend to want to climb Mount Everest in one day and I think that’s what been happening.

This time like I said I’ve been the guinea pig for my stable. We don’t have any world renown trainers or a city that’s more recognize than the other. Like I said, I’ve been the guinea pig. We’ve been learning as a group, together, this whole way. So I think they’ve gotten better with how my body is and knowing how my body feels.

We’ve done everything together and as a unit and as a team. Nobody is to blame man. But we’ve all been working together and trying to figure this out a day a time and that’s all we can do.

Q
How different is this from any of your other fights? And has it been taxing? Has it been overwhelming?

J. Charlo
No it’s not overwhelming. Because actually whenever you put a camera in my face or you put a camera in my brother’s face. We want to be on cue with everything and on point. So it can be overwhelming. The only thing they can do is just push you to be in better shape and make you want to go harder. We always doing something different. Me and my brother are twins. And the thing about being a twin is that’s automatically something that you have to show the world, the world has already seen. They got their eyes looking just because I was a twin. And that’s something I’ve dealt with.

Every time you go to the grocery store with Mom you ask somebody, “Oh are those twins you know?” The attention was always there, they always looking to know who was older. They always want to know do I feel the same thing my brother feels? A lot of these questions is no. I’m my own man and I try to do everything in the world to separate, so people can understand the difference between us. But as well the things that I love about being a twin. And there’s things I take with the punch.

Being into fashion and being into certain marketing things. Knowing the business behind boxing is greater than just getting in the ring and fighting. It was my brother’s idea to go a large facility where people would’ve enjoyed being around us for our Houston workout. And put a ring in there build a ring and have special guests — Floyd Mayweather. I’m thankful for him being able to fly in and everyone know Floyd flies on jets and different things. So for him to come in and do this for us was major. He sees something different in us and speaking with him yesterday he could see the fire and the throb that we really have in the world. And I’m glad they’re getting a chance once again to see to put this one and do this for the world. This is big for us in our city. You know this is big for us in our legacy and our careers and everything that we build in the future.

R. Flores
All right. Thank you guys very much to Jermell and Tony for going ahead and I want you first Jermell if you want to give some closing comments as you get set for a big title defense coming up next Saturday with PBC on FOX. So Jermell the floor is all yours.

J. Charlo
I’m just thankful for allowing me to be able to show my skills and my talent. This is something that God placed in my life in and I’m able to do this. I got a family myself, I’ve got a son that looks up to me that watches. He’s nine years old. And I know he’ll be paying attention to this very closely. I know Tony got a family. And I just pray that everybody is safe, but come the 22nd I come to bring destruction again and to build my legacy. And I hope that the world gets a chance to capture the moment.

T. Harrison
We almost a week away. This is one of the best jams I’ve been in. I applaud Jermell for being the champion that he is and taking this fight like this. Knowing I’m not Trout, I’m not Lubin, I’m not Hatley and he sees that I bring a different kind of dynamic to the ring. I ain’t 21 I’m not 20. I’m not going to do all the jawing. I’m not going to even go there. I’m thankful that he made it out healthy. Thankful I made it out healthy. And come December 22, he got something I need. He got something I want. I’m coming to get it.

R. Flores
Tony, thank you guys very much that was Jermell Charlo and Tony Harrison. Now we shift our attention towards the main event. And if you guys remember at the press conference the main event was determined because of a coin flip with heavyweight stand out and heavyweight legend Gerry Cooney at Barclays Center. But we’re going to get set for Jermall Charlo vs. Willie Monroe Jr. That is for the interim WBC Middleweight Championship of the World. Don’t forget tickets are going quickly. It’s PBC on FOX next Saturday December 22, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

But now we’re set for Willie Monroe Jr., who is a terrific fighter. With a record of 23 wins just three defeats. He’s won two straight victories from Rochester, New York please welcome Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr. Willie if you have opening comments?

Willie Monroe Jr:
This is the opportunity we’ve been looking for. It’s a blessing and I can’t wait.

R. Flores
And now we’ll get set for the champion out of Houston, Texas. He has 78% knockout percentage. He’s undefeated 27 wins, no losses, 21 wins coming by way of knock out. Please welcome Jermall Charlo.

Jermall Charlo
I’m ready to go. Welcome me back to Brooklyn, I get a chance to fight basically in Willie’s hometown. So I know a lot of people expecting this fight is going to be fireworks.

Q
Austin Trout said that after he lost to you that Gennady Golovkin, Canelo Alvarez, those guys need to get you then rather than later because you’re only going to get better. Do you feel he’s correct?

J. Charlo
Right now, my main focus is Monroe. Wise words from Austin Trout but it’s a matter of time. I’m really just learning on the job at the same time, being in this position and being at the top level. So sooner or later I’ll get my shot.

Q
Did it take you any time to acclimate yourself to middleweight?

J. Charlo
Most definitely. My first fight at 160, the guy had a hurt leg. It didn’t give me the chance to show the fans and the people around boxing what I was made of. But fighting Hugo, he only had one loss and him being a bigger guy than me, knowing that, let me know that I had a future at 160.

Now I’m fighting Monroe who has experience at 160 and he’s a big guy also, but not a statue. So it’s going to be a tangle. It’s going to be a tussle. But I’m learning like that 160 pounds is just like 154 pounds. My body’s constantly growing. I’m filling out at 160. I feel good. This is probably my one of my most fun and best camps that I’ve had because I got a chance to experience it twice already.

Q
What’s the upside of fighting on national TV as opposed to premium or streaming networks?

J. Charlo
Well, the upside is that everyone in the world gets a chance to see it for free. It’s almost like it’s there for the people and it’s not like an option where you have to have money. This’ll be at all bars around the world because normally bars don’t play HBO or pay-per-view and stuff like that where they have to buy expensive cable offers.

It’s a chance to fight in front of the world, and it’s something I always dreamed of. But I would’ve never thought it would come this soon.

Q
Willie Monroe, Jr. doesn’t have a very high knockout percentage. Are you expecting to just walk through him?

J. Charlo
No, not at all. When a fighter is criticized by his knockout ratio, things like that, you kind of tend to think that okay now he’s going to try to develop power, more snap or something like that, things you have to watch out for. So he’s not like a wild guy. He’s a southpaw, a technical mover, real slick boxer. So there’s going to be some times in there where I might have to really export the game plan that we have for him. So no, I’m not expecting to walk out and just have an easy fight. It’s going to be a big fight, for me and Willie both.

Q
Willie, you fought through world champions in the past. How does Jermall Charlo compare to Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders?

W. Monroe
That’s something I can’t answer yet. We haven’t fought yet. So I’ll be able to tell you how he compares to those guys after the 23rd.

Q
Are you a better fighter since losing to both Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders?

W. Monroe
I think I am. But then again, like I said, that’ll be proven on the 22nd.

Q
Willie, do you think that there’s an element of being overlooked in this fight and just used as a stepping stone so that he could position himself for a fight with Golovkin?

W. Monroe
No. It’ll play is in my favor if I use it right. People pretty much do what they’re told to do. People like who they’re marketed. Certain fighters are marketed and a lot of people don’t actually know a lot about any of us fighters.

It’s like football and basketball. One day they’re a Lakers fan, they next day they’re a Golden State fan, next day they’re a Knicks fan. My job is to keep focusing on the task at hand.

Q
How disappointed were you with the results of the Saunders fight? And did you go out of your way for this particular training camp to prepare for a different result for Jermall on the 22nd?

W. Monroe
I wouldn’t say I went out of my way but we did what we have to do to prepare for two totally different fighters. You put together a game plan for what you have to deal with.

The whole Saunders thin leading up to the fight and what I had to deal with in London, you know what I mean, leading up to the fight, you know, had a lot more to do with who had my back. But I make no excused and I’m ready for December 22.

Q
Jermall, this question is for you. How good was the experience last night to partake in that toy drive with Floyd and all that that entails for your Houston community?

J. Charlo
It was great. The community came out. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. came out. A shout out to him. Shout out to the people. We raised awareness and we got toys to the kids who aren’t fortunate enough to get toys for Christmas. Just to see the smiles on people’s faces.

I got work to do. And that was my motto for this fight. I appreciate everybody’s support. The major thing was that we got the job done and we got the toys.

Q
How important is it for you to look good and avoid overlooking what’s obviously a very motivated Willie Monroe, Jr.?

J. Charlo
We don’t overlook anyone. There’s no such thing. Every fighter’s a hard fight. That’s how I’m coming into this fight. Willie Monroe, Jr. has been in there with great guys. But this is a different fight. Every fight is a different fight. You can’t even look at my last fight and say that I’m going to fight the same way.

It’s how I make my adjustments according to changes. I’m ready to go. This what we do. That’s how I make a living for my family. I put out for my legacy. So at this point I’m ready to go. I’m ready to go. Next week, on Saturday, you guys will get a chance to see again what I’m made of.

Q
After this fight, do you have any desire or plan to have your – have a fight in 2019 take place in Texas? Or are you comfortable fighting in Brooklyn?

J. Charlo
I’m most definitely comfortable fighting in Brooklyn. But the ultimate goal is to fight here at home in front of my fans, in front of my people. But like I’ve never really been on that side of it. So I don’t have any say so to that as of right now.

Besides, you know, TGB Promotions is doing great in Brooklyn, and that’s where we’re campaigning there right now. I know I got a place at home and I’ll be able to make the fans happy sooner or later. But right now, my focus is to keep fighting where the fans are and where they’re happy at.

Q
Do you kind of feel like you’re being overlooked by those Golovkin and Canelo?

J. Charlo
Man, it’s god’s time. It could be something that I want or something I’m ready for at the time. But it’s all a matter of time if I fight him now or I fight him later, I’m only getting wiser, stronger, faster and smarter. So they’re going to have to deal with that as it comes. But hopefully those fight happen for me sooner or later.

But right now, my main focus is Monroe. And that’s what we got on the 22nd. So I’ll let those guys take care of what they’re doing on their campaigns with Canelo and them and Golovkin. But sooner or later, they got to answer to Jermall Charlo.

Q
Now that you’re fighting in New York instead of having to go overseas to face Billy Joe Saunders, has there been kind of any difference in the mood around training camp?

W. Monroe
One thing that’s been different is that I’m thankful to PBC because I fought twice already going into a championship fight where in the other position where I went over to London I fought on HBO as the co-feature to Canelo when he fought Liam Smith. And I was supposed to have been fighting maybe four months after that. And I didn’t fight until a year after that, which was the Billy Joe Saunders fight. And while I was under the promoter I was under, there were two different times where I would go – it was the time where I was off 13 months, and the time that I was off 12 months, not due to anything that I was doing. That’s just the business.

I was making a point to keep me busy. And a fighter like me who fights off skill, intelligence, moving, you need to keep a fighter like me busy so I can stay sharp.

You have different type of fighters. You have the fighters who rely most on power. You can give them a long layoff because they have what’s called a game changer. They may be somebody may be able to out sharp them for four or five miles, but then they come through their power, and it may even the odds.

But when you have a guy like me who fights a super-intellectual style, you need to keep me busy.

We had the money to actually put together a great camp. We’ve fought twice, we’re coming off of two wins, so we’ve been busy. And I’ve been able to pay the sparring partners accordingly so they stay around.

We had about three different cruiserweights, both amateur and pros. Just to exaggerate the height and the quote, unquote power advantage that Jermall has.

I was able to sit down, put things together and create a camp accordingly, rather than just coming off of just being in shape and going in there and fighting off of what I know. So that would have put together a great camp, accordingly.

So I think that will play a huge amount of favor. This is the first time ever in my whole career that I’ve been able to do this, that I’ve been able to put together a full camp with the right sparring, after bringing these guys in to spar and have a great schedule.

So under those circumstances, I feel like that just boosts my confidence into who I am and what I can do all around. I mean, I’m sure Jermall and his team has put together a great camp, I just can’t wait to see what happens on December 22. I know him as a fighter, I’m also a fan. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen myself.

Q
What is it that you see in Jermall Charlo that you think you’re going to capitalize on?

W. Monroe
I’m not going to talk about that. We ain’t going to talk about what I’ll try to capitalize on. That’s like giving away the game plan. I just want to be in the mix. Because you’re in the mix, you can come out as champion. When you’re dealing with a promoter that’s just holding you, holding you, holding you, and then try to make a little money off of you, it’s hard to really gauge and really work and get into a mold.

I just like to fight. That’s just been me since I was a kid. I love to fight, I love to contend, I had a 142 amateur fights. I wish I had 100 more. Fighting is just what I love to do.

If you’re the big guy on campus that everybody’s saying no one can beat, then I want to try my chances against you. I was pretty much still a kid when I fought Golovkin. I was a 19 and 1. And that was really early in my career, but I been let to fight. I don’t turn down no fight. I don’t turn down anything.

And just as a challenge, I love to challenge myself. I’m just very ambitious and vigorous like that. And I mean, what Charlo has done in the box appropriate, you can’t deny it.

Q
Do you think the pressure is on him?

W. Monroe
The pressure’s more on him. I’ve seen the comments that I’m a stepping stone fight. I’m this, I’m that. But like I said earlier, the fans say what they say and then when you win then it’s “Oh, I knew you could do it.” Or I knew you was this, I knew you was that.

A lot of fans like the bandwagon, so a lot of that really doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t shake me either way because come December 22 it’s going to be me and him in the ring. Can’t nobody help me. Can’t nobody help him, no matter what’s said on the inside or outside. Jermall Charlo has to execute his game plan the best way to beat Willie Monroe, and Willie Monroe has to execute his game plan the best way to beat Jermall Charlo.

And December 22, we’ll just have to see who executes their game plan the best.
Q
Is there any question for you because the world is going to gauge you versus Gennady and your performances against Monroe?

J. Charlo
I’m focused on the 22nd. Do you hear where Willie saying? He’s had a great camp. I’m glad I’m able to put other fighters in position and to be able to make the type of money at this stage and at this level. I’m glad that everything is where it won’t be any excuses. And then on the 22nd, I’d better show the world why I’m so explosive. Why Golovkin and all those others don’t really want to take this high risk.

Q
Did the fact that this is on network TV take anything away from the camp? Or did you remain more focused than ever because of the limelight?

J. Charlo
No. No. None of this stuff bothered me. You get cameras every fight. The light is there. My future is bright. It’s always right in front of me. I’m not worried about none of the talk and none of the so-called this, so-called that.

I’m here to fight, man. I’m here to fight the best out there. I didn’t get the best fighter out there to fight me so I’m taking a fight with a guy that’s right there in the rank and he’s with me. So look, we’re going to make a show, we’re going to make him do what he do.

Brooklyn, the 22nd, that’s all I care about right now.

R. Flores
Thank you very much. Before we let them go, Willie, we’ll start off with you. If you have any final comments before you get set for, you know, your match of next Saturday for PBC on FOX from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, December 22nd.

W. Monroe
I just want to say thanks to everybody that’s part of this. Thanks to FOX. Thanks to PBC. Man, our prayers and wishes to every fighter. A lot of people talk a lot of stuff on the outside, but they don’t realize just how dangerous this boxing really is.

So all prayers and blessings to every fighter on the card, man. And I’m elated, thankful man. It’s five days after my birthday, a few days before Christmas. I keep reiterating that. So I’m blessed, man, and thank you guys for considering Willie Monroe and thanks for the opportunity and I promise I won’t disappoint on the 22nd.

J. Charlo
We got another one. We got work to do. We’re going to stand up. Houston, stand up. Everybody that’s on the phone lines, I want to thank them. PBC on FOX, this is bigger than pay-per-view. Like Willie said, you all don’t realize what we do, we’re putting our life on the line to entertain the world, so that’s what we’re going to do and we promise not to let you down with a great fight. And my hands will be raised after this fight and it’s going to mean so much to me, so I can’t wait to get in there.

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Jermall & Jermell Charlo Plus Willie Monroe Jr. & Tony Harrison Talk Holiday Memories and Traditions Ahead of Respective Primetime Showdowns Just Days Before Christmas

BROOKLYN (December 11, 2018) – As the holiday season ramps up with Christmas just around the corner, twin champions Jermall and Jermell Charlo, plus Willie Monroe Jr. and Tony Harrison discussed their favorite holiday memories and traditions while preparing for their respective showdowns on Saturday, December 22 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The Charlo twins have intertwined holiday memories from growing up in Houston and not even Christmas could stop the legendary competitiveness of the twins.

“My biggest childhood memories from Christmas was that my brother and I would get bikes and then disassemble them to see who could put it back together better,” said Jermell. “We didn’t tighten up the bikes enough so they would fall apart and we would have to walk home. But we really wanted to see who was the better mechanic and who could put together the cooler bike.”

“My brother and I were definitely concerned about our toys on Christmas,” said Jermall. “We would have a big dinner with our whole family and it felt like everyone loved buying the twins gifts. It was always competition to see who had the better toys. I love that now I can give my kids that same feeling on Christmas morning.”

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Monroe’s family, which includes his pro boxer father who defeated Marvin Hagler, was close knit throughout Monroe’s childhood. Now he relishes the opportunity for his own family to be involved in those special times, even if he spends the weeks leading up to Christmas focused on his task December 22.

“I’m a family guy and the holidays have always been about togetherness for us,” said Monroe. “Gifts were just a small part of it. It was all about communing as a family. It was cool to have family during the holidays, and now that I’m older and have my own family, it’s a truly special affair.

“I understand that training through the holidays is for the greater good. I would rather miss a Christmas or two so that my family could have great Christmases for years and years after. I’m sacrificing to reach that goal for my family.”

Detroit’s Harrison has already spent part of his holiday season giving back, as he hosted a Holiday Toy and Grocery giveaway this past weekend that helped serve nearly 400 people in his community. After a grueling training camp, Harrison is hoping to bring home the ultimate Christmas gift for his family.

“The holidays in the Harrison household are a real family affair,” said Harrison. “It’s a time to get together, reconnect and do all the stuff we don’t normally get a chance to do. My family really does their thing in the kitchen and I can’t indulge like that, so I made sure I was out training in Colorado during Thanksgiving.

“This Christmas is going to be special. All I want is the best present of all, to beat Jermell Charlo on December 22 and bring that belt home to my two-year-old son Tony Jr., and four-month-old daughter Jaia.”

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo battling Willie Monroe Jr and WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo taking on Tony Harrison. Televised action also features a heavyweight attraction between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

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FOX SPORTS AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS DELIVER ADDITIONAL KNOCKOUT PROGRAMMING

LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions today announce exciting preview programming leading up to the FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT on Saturday, Dec. 22, including the PBC COUNTDOWN and PBC FACE TO FACE shows. Before Jermall Charlo defends his WBC Interim Middleweight title against top-rated contender Willie Monroe, Jr., and Jermell Charlo makes the fourth defense of his WBC Super Welterweight championship against hard-hitting former title challenger Tony Harrison on Dec. 22, fans can watch these shows to learn more about the boxers and what motivates them heading into these title fights.

“These boxers are incredible athletes with amazing stories,” Charlie Dixon, Executive Vice President of Content, FOX Sports, said. “With the PBC COUNTDOWN and PBC FACE TO FACE shows, viewers get to learn more about the boxers’ drive and desire to be the best in the world, and will become emotionally invested in them before their fights on December 22.”

The programming kicks off on Saturday, December 8, with PBC COUNTDOWN: JERMALL CHARLO VS. WILLIE MONROE JR. premiering on FOX at 11:00pm ET/PT. In this episode, the show goes behind the scenes at home, and in the ring, with middleweights Jermall Charlo of Sugarland, Texas and Rochester, New York’s own Willie Monroe Jr. It’s an up-close look as each prepare in their own way for the upcoming fight for Charlo’s crown.

The premiere is immediately followed by PBC COUNTDOWN: JERMELL CHARLO VS. TONY HARRISON at 11:30 PM ET/PT on FOX, which follows Jermell Charlo and Tony Harrison as they prep for their WBC Super Welterweight title fight.

The following week, PBC FACE TO FACE: JERMALL & JERMELL CHARLO premieres on FOX Saturday, December 15(2:30 PM ET). Hosted by FOX Sports Boxing Insider Mike Coppinger, Jermall and Jermell discuss the origins of their brotherly competition and their long roads to stardom ahead of their upcoming title fights.

With the recently announced deal, the FOX broadcast network and FOX Deportes will feature 10 marquee fight nights in prime time each year, while FS1 and FOX Deportes will telecast 12 fight nights annually. The Emmy Award-winning FOX Sports production team will produce more than 175 hours of original PBC boxing content per year across its channels, including the PBC COUNTDOWN and PBC FACE TO FACE shows prior to all fights.

All PBC on FOX Sports programming and events will be streamed live on the FOX Sports app. Follow @PBConFOX on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on FOX Sports, visit FOX Sports Press Pass.

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1, FS2; FOX Sports Regional Networks, their affiliated regional web sites and national programming; FOX Soccer Plus; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, including FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About Premier Boxing Champions
The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

Quotes from the Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Press Conference – Charlo Twins Headline as Unbeaten Jermall Charlo takes on Willie Monroe Jr. While Jermell Charlo Defends Against Tony Harrison

BROOKLYN (October 25, 2018) – Twin brothers and world champions Jermall Charlo and Jermell Charlo took part in a press conference in Brooklyn Thursday to announce their fights that kick off a new season of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes live in primetime on Saturday, December 22 at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

With twin titans entering the ring in back-to-back fights, a coin toss was conducted at the press conference by legendary heavyweight Gerry Cooney to decide who would be the main event. With a call of heads on the WBC commemorative coin, Jermall won the right to enter the ring last on fight night as he takes on Willie Monroe Jr., while Jermell will battle Tony Harrison.

The PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, go on sale Friday, October 26 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Saturday, October 27 at noon ET. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Barclays Center GEICO Atrium:

JERMALL CHARLO

“I got a good chance to see Monroe up close when I commentated his last fight. He looked good and I knew this was a possibility. I’m excited that it’s here and I have someone to perform against.

“Monroe has tested himself against some of the best fighters in the world and that motivates me even more. He’s faced the fighters that I want to get in there with, so I see this as an opportunity to measure myself against their performances.

“This is our first show with Lions Only Promotions for me and my brother and we’re really excited to have the opportunity. We’ve worked hard to get this thing going and we’re ready to show everyone all we can do.

“We always dreamed of fighting on the same card like this with each other. We love winning together. It’s been like this all of our lives and it’s another chance for us to show-off together on December 22.

“I’ve worked so hard to make it to this point where I’m able to be in this position. I promise on December 22 I’m going to bring something explosive that Willie Monroe is going to remember for the rest of his life. The Charlos have their own show. Mama, we made it!”

WILLIE MONROE JR.

“I’m glad that Jermall took this fight. He was commentating my last fight and I knew then that this was a fight I definitely wanted a lot. I’m going to take the most of it and leave no doubt that I deserved this chance in the first place.

“My team has really stuck through with me and now I’m at such an exciting time in my career. I know that I have the tools to get the job done on December 22. It’s my second time fighting at Barclays Center and I know none of the bright lights are going to affect me.

“I’m at a great time in my career. I have the opportunities in front of me and a path to making the most of it. It’s just time for me to show up. I know what I have to do against one of the top fighters in the world. We’re going to make it happen.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“Tony Harrison is a great fighter and I’m happy to be up against him. There are a lot of great fighters in this division and he’s another quality one. He’s dropped 21 fighters, so we know he has power. I feel like I’ve faced the much tougher competition and I’m going to show it on December 22.

“I love Brooklyn and I’m excited to be on the first PBC on FOX show of this new deal. You can forget the critics because this is going to be a great fight. Me and Tony Harrison are coming to fight. It’s going to be two strong explosive guys leaving it all out there.

“It’s great to have our own Charlos card. We’ve already been in training camp working hard for this one. Now we’re going to lock in even more and I know we’ll be at our best on fight night.

“We’re driven by our legacy. Right now we’re going to keep increasing out levels in this sport. We know that the biggest fights are in our reach. We’ve always been competing against each other and trying to lift each other up.

“This is something big for the Charlo twins and Lions Only Promotions. We’re going to do what we always do, and that’s bring it on fight night with some heat and flavor. We understand that part of boxing. It’s going to be an exciting night for Brooklyn.”

TONY HARRISON

“I’m excited to be back here at this spot fighting at Barclays Center again. I’ve been so resilient in this sport. I haven’t talked my way into this fight. I have been ready for any fight offered to me and it was no different with this fight.

“Sometimes there are things you have to do for yourself and this fight is one of them. In my heart I know I’m supposed to be here and I know what I’m capable of. Charlo is a true champion for taking this fight and he obviously has a great team around him. He applies pressure to himself to keep competing on this level each time and I respect that.

“We’re both very competitive and that defines us as fighters, so I believe that’s going to add up to make this a truly explosive fight. I was honestly surprised that he took the fight, and I commend him as an athlete. He knows the danger in this fight that he’s taking.

“I’ve been at this level before. I’ve taken my bumps and bruises. I’ve always came through as a true champion and all of it has led me to where I am right now. On December 22, I guarantee I’m going to show up and leave it all in the ring.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Jermall’s Trainer

“It’s a pleasure to be here, especially with a great fighter like Jermall. I’m looking forward to fight night. Jermall trains so hard every day. He knows this is going to be a tough fight and he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“I hope everyone comes out and enjoys the show, because Jermall is grinding each day to be at his very best. He’s a special fighter and he never cheats us in the gym. This is going to be a night you don’t want to miss.”

DERRICK JAMES, Jermell’s Trainer

“This is going to be a great fight. We know who Tony Harrison is and what he’s about. He’s very tough and he comes to win. I thought he was up on the cards when he faced Jarrett Hurd and now he’s going to challenge Jermell, so we could start to have a chance to see how everyone stacks up at the top of this division.

“We’re going to come in shape and be ready. This is going to help build us up to what’s next for us and what our long term goals are. Make sure you come out and see what we’re going to bring into the ring on fight night.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“I’m thankful to everyone for being here for this announcement of a sensational show that will take place here at Barclays Center. It’s an honor to be here to kick off this FOX series on December 22.

“This is going to be another high quality card at Barclays Center. They were recently named PBC’s official East Coast venue and we’re thrilled to start that agreement with this fight.

“Both of the Charlos have fought at Barclays Center before, and Harrison and Monroe have also fought here, with all of them combining for a perfect record. There’s something about this building that brings out the best in fighters and we can’t wait to see what’s in-store from these great fighters on December 22.”

STEVE BECKER, Vice President of Production for PBC on FOX

“FOX Sports is very excited to be kicking off their new partnership with PBC live on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with these exceptional fights. This is free TV on FOX and FOX Deportes and we’re excited to have these matchups step into the ring on December 22.

“FOX has a long tradition of covering combat sports and we look forward to continuing that and highlighting the stellar lineup of PBC boxers, as we start a new era of boxing.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“We’re truly honored and thrilled to host the first PBC on FOX event as part of this new partnership on December 22 in Brooklyn. We are the new mecca of boxing and I’m very proud of it.

“Jermell and Jermall have both experienced incredible success in this building and I’m excited for them to co-headline this card. It will be historic for you and this building. We consider you members of the BROOKLYN BOXING family. I have a twin in the same industry as me, so I understand what it means to be recognized on the highest level with alongside your brother.

“Willie Monroe you’re a tough competitor and I’m confident you will put on another great show here. It’s also an honor to have Tony Harrison here with us and fighting back at Barclays Center. I look forward to seeing everyone on December 22. This is truly a holiday gift to all of Brooklyn and we anticipate a huge crowd.”

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

World Champions Jermall Charlo & Jermell Charlo to Defend Titles on FOX & FOX Deportes in Primetime Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN (October 25, 2018) – Twin brothers and world champions Jermall Charlo and Jermell Charlo will kick off the new season of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes live in primetime on Saturday, December 22 at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. The Charlos are two of the hottest young rising stars in boxing today and they made history in 2016 when they became the first twin boxers to ever hold titles simultaneously in the same weight class.

Jermall Charlo will defend his WBC interim middleweight title against top-rated contender Willie Monroe, Jr., while Jermell Charlo makes the fourth defense of his WBC super welterweight championship against hard-hitting former title challenger Tony Harrison. Jermall’s fight will serve as the main event of the show after he won the coin toss at today’s press conference to determine which Charlo twin will close the show.

The exciting night of action will also see WBC mandatory challenger and 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale battle Carlos Negron, a member of the Puerto Rican boxing team at the 2008 Bejing Olympics, in a 10-round heavyweight attraction that opens the FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

“The Charlo twins at the top of a boxing card always brings excitement and entertainment,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In recent memory there haven’t been any twin world champion boxers to have the ring presence of the Charlos. Jermall will be tested by the slick southpaw skills of Willie Monroe, Jr. and Jermell will face a tough challenge from Tony Harrison, who also has his eye on winning a world championship. Heavyweight Dominic Breazeale is a throw-back battler who is never out of any fight, but he’ll have his hands full against Carlos Negron, who has an Olympic pedigree. It’s going to be a special night for those at Barclays Center and those tuning into the primetime broadcast on FOX and FOX Deportes.”

“FOX Sports is excited to be kicking off this new deal with the PBC on Saturday, December 22 with these exceptional fights,” said Mark Silverman, President, National Networks, FOX Sports. “Over the next four years, we’re looking forward to highlighting the PBC’s stellar lineup of boxers and telling their amazing stories.”

“It’s fitting for Barclays Center to close out its strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming with a major fight night televised in primetime on FOX,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “As a twin myself, I understand how special it is to achieve career milestones alongside your brother, and I am looking forward to seeing Jermell and Jermall bring their unique brand of excitement to boxing fans in Brooklyn. With the inclusion of a top heavyweight bout in Breazeale vs. Negron, the card will deliver on the BROOKLYN BOXING guarantee of competitive matchups, featuring 50/50 fights and the sport’s best personalities.”

This will be the third fight for each Charlo twin at Barclays Center, as they enter December 22 a combined 4-0 with four knockouts at the venue.

The 28-year-old Jermall Charlo (27-0, 21 KOs) is one-minute older than his identical twin brother and won his first world title a year earlier than Jermell when he scored a devastating third round knockout of Cornelius Bundrage to win the IBF 154-pound title in 2015. Born in Richmond, Texas and growing up in Houston with Jermell, Jermall still trains in Houston with renowned coach Ronnie Shields. He successfully defended his 154-pound title three times, including a devastating knockout of top contender Julian Williams, before moving up in weight to campaign at middleweight.

Jermall proved to be just as dominant at 160 pounds as he was at 154 pounds when he made his middleweight debut by stopping Jorge Sebastian Heiland in the fourth round of their July 2017 bout. Jermall became the interim WBC middleweight champion with a second round knockout victory over Hugo Centeno, Jr. in his last fight on March 3.

“I’m very excited and the fire is lit to be back in Brooklyn,” said Jermall Charlo. “It’s great to be headlining a big show with my twin brother in Brooklyn. It’s going to be an exciting night of boxing. Willie Monroe is one of those fighters that will get me to the level I need to for all those great fights. And believe me, we’ll get them. This is a fight that he’s been asking for and it makes it special to know he’s keying in on me. Everybody knows what I come for. I’m going to knock him out. I’m going to be as explosive as I can and close the show. The journey begins now in Brooklyn.”

The 31-year-old Willie Monroe, Jr. (23-3. 6 KOs) has shown the skills to compete at the elite level, but the slick southpaw will face a tough challenge when he goes up against the hard-hitting Charlo. Fighting out of Rochester, N.Y., Monroe will be fighting for the second time in his career at Barclays Center after he scored a unanimous decision over Carlos Galvan on March 3. He followed that up by beating Javier Francisco Maciel by unanimous decision on Aug. 24 and has faced top middleweights Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders throughout his career.

“I’ve been in this position before and it won’t faze me on December 22,” said Monroe. “This is my third shot at a title, I’m the third Willie Monroe from my family in the line, and having already fought twice for the title, I know that the third time is going to be the charm. There’s a job to be done and nothing about it will be easy. Jermall Charlo is right up there with my past opponents Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders, so it’s another tough outing. But it’s definitely a challenge that I’m up for and a challenge that I think I can conquer.”

Jermell Charlo (31-0, 15 KOs) joined his brother as a 154-pound world champion when he scored an eighth-round knockout over John Jackson in 2016 on the same night his brother defended his own 154-pound title. The 28-year-old had previously had previously picked up wins over Vanes Martirosyan, Joachim Alcine and Gabriel Rosado before securing the world title opportunity. The world title fight against Jackson was also Jermell’s first fight training in Dallas with Derrick James, where he will be training for this fight.

Since earning the title, Jermell has successfully defended three times, He delivered sensational highlights-reel knockouts of Charles Hatley and Erickson Lubin in 2017 before putting Austin Trout on the canvas three times in June on his way to a decision victory. This fight represents Charlo’s opportunity to tighten his grip on the 154-pound division.

“This is a super fight for me, bigger than any fight, because I get to be on a big show with my brother and we get to showcase our talents together,” said Jermell Charlo. “On December 22, there’s nothing on after us. After we fight the fans go home and we’ll have put on a great show. I’m working with my trainer Derrick James and we’re getting ready to be built up and not just for Tony Harrison. We’re trying to unify. We’re coming for everybody in the division. I’m super stoked to be with my brother and opening this first show on the new deal between PBC and FOX.”

The 28-year-old Harrison (27-2, 21 KOs) is a top contender in the 154-pound division who looks to make the most of his second shot a world title. Fighting out of Detroit, Harrison has strung together three straight victories since losing to unified 154-pound champion Jarrett Hurd in 2017 on FOX. Harrison’s most recent performance saw him pick up a decision victory over former world champion Ishe Smith in Smith’s hometown of Las Vegas. Harrison owns knockout victories over Sergei Rabchenko and Fernando Guerrero and hopes to emerge with a world title in his toughest test since facing Hurd.

“Based on my last performance against Ishe Smith, I feel like I’ve earned this opportunity,” said Harrison. “Jermell Charlo is a terrific fighter. I like his attitude toward the sport and his skills in the ring, and I expect to face him at his best. But that just gets my competitive juices flowing. It’s going to be skill-for-skill, and there will be a lot of back-and-forth rounds from round one on. It’s going come down to who is best at sticking to their game plan. It’s hard to get opportunities in this division so I’m going to go in there and leave it in the ring and make it an exciting fight.”

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team at the London games, Breazeale (19-1, 17 KOs) has fought his way into the mandatory contender’s slot in the WBC rankings with impressive knockout victories in his last two fights. After losing a heavyweight title fight against Anthony Joshua in 2016, the 33-year-old knocked out then unbeaten Izu Ugonoh in a February 2017 war before stopping former title challenger Eric Molina in November that year. The Glendale, California-native also owns victories over Amir Mansour, Fred Kassi and Yasmany Consuegra.

“This will my first time back at the Barclays Center in the 13 months since I beat Eric Molina and I’m excited to show the fans that I’m here to stay,” said Breazeale. “Carlos Negron is a big guy and a fellow Olympian. I want to show that I don’t have any ring rust. I’ve been out of the ring, but I’ve lived in the gym and I can box, press the pedal to the metal and get the knockout when the opportunity arises.”

Fighting out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Negron (20-1, 16 KOs) won his first 13 pro fights after turning pro in 2009 following his stint at the 2008 Olympic games. The 30-year-old has won seven straight fights by knockout including a December 2016 stoppage of then unbeaten Cristian Galvez and a dominant performance in June 2017 where he dropped Derric Rossy twice on his way to the TKO victory.

“I’m thankful to have this opportunity and for my team that always been there for me,” said Negron. “Anyone who knows this sport knows how hard a task it is and I’m working hard every day to win this fight. When I was offered Breazeale I said yes right away. I want to be the first born and raised Puerto Rican heavyweight champion and on December 22 I will fight with honor, heart and pride. I’m going to announce a new heavyweight in the mix.”

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

Ishe Smith vs. Tony Harrison Media Workout Quotes

Nov. 17, 2017, Las Vegas,Nevada — weighin — for Mayweather Promotions – Cosmopolitian
— CHRIS FARINA – Mayweather Promotions

LAS VEGAS (May 9, 2018) – Fight week events kicked off Wednesday with a media workout for the Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce card headlined by former world champion Ishe Smith taking on super welterweight contender Tony Harrison this Friday, May 11 from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.

Coverage on Bounce begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten cruiserweight Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti, who participated in Wednesday’s workout, meeting Lateef Kayode for 10 rounds of action.

Tickets for the event, which is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions, begin at $25, are on sale now and will be available at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

ISHE SMITH

“I’ve been in there with some great fighters throughout the year. My mentality is that no fighter is going to beat me who’s been stopped every time he’s stepped up. I have to do whatever I can to make sure that happens.

“This is the first time in my career that I’ve had a strength and conditioning coach for two fights in a row. I feel really good right now. I hate clichés and I hate saying this is the best camp of my life, but I really do feel like this is one of the best camps I’ve had. I felt like that last fight too, but I know I’ll sound like everybody else

“What motivates me is watching guys like LeBron James who have been doing this nearly as long as I have, and they’re still at the top of their game. That kind of longevity is what I strive for and that’s because I live that life inside and outside of the gym.

“I’ve been training for three months for this fight and I just want a fair shake on fight night. I thought the scorecards in the Julian Williams fight were terrible. I can’t control it but it’s definitely something I want to avoid on fight night.

“Nobody has put on for Las Vegas like I have. I’ve done everything in my career the hard way. I took Cornelius Bundrage’s belt in his hometown. I’m not going to be beat on Friday night.

“I’ve been in this game two decades and I’ve seen the highs and the lows. If everything works out, I’ll be victorious on Friday night. I’m ready to go on the road and take on anyone.”

TONY HARRISON

“Every time I step into the ring I’m extremely motivated. I’m fighting to feed my family. I’m from Detroit so we go through wars all the time. I was ready to jump on this fight as soon as they asked me about it.

“This is a fight that will get me back to a world title fight. This can get me right back into a title eliminator. What better place to do it than the boxing capital of the world? Everybody who fights wants to be in the main event fighting in Las Vegas.

“Ishe Smith has been in a lot of tough fights and he’s fought most of the top guys in the division. If I can get him into some danger, I want to see how his will is at that moment. I’m going to push him from round one and I think it makes for a good fight.

“It’s part of my mental game to make him work round after round. If I see him slow down, it will make me push more. I appreciate what he’s done, but I don’t know how much more he has left. I want to be a champion like he was.

“Being the first person to stop Ishe would be an opportunity I have to take. It would make a statement. But if I go the distance, it would answer all of the questions the critics have had about my motor. I’m going to be fresh until the end of this fight.”

ANDREW TABITI

“I’m excited to put on a good show and take care of a solid durable opponent. I know that my time is coming and this another chance to show off my skills.

“Once I fight the top tier cruiserweights, they’re going to see what I’m capable of. I basically used Steve Cunningham’s game plan against him. I’m very adaptable.

“I’m focused on showing a versatile side of my boxing skills. I’m not going straight for the knockout. I want to show people that I have boxing IQ and the ability to knock anyone out in the ring. I want to show both sides of my skill set.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“It’s always important to have great fights like this to Las Vegas. With Ishe Smith being a native it’s even better. This is a good fight that could put Ishe back into the thick of things. People don’t raise their hand to fight Ishe. I think Ishe has a second wind right now and he’s refreshed at this point in his career.

“Ishe doesn’t fight like he’s 39. There isn’t going to be anything that Tony Harrison can bring that Ishe hasn’t seen. Ishe has picked it up and I think the rest of the division knows that. It’s a deep weight class with a lot of possibilities out there. He has the ability to beat anyone out there.

“The future is very bright for Andrew TAbiti. It’s all in his hands. He has all the attributes that you need. He has a good team around him and it’s just a matter of finding ways to help him get to the next level. This is a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills against a very durable, tough guy in Kayode. Tabiti is looking to make a statement to all the other cruiserweights out there. He’s a guy they’re going to have to deal with in the very near future.”

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Ishe Smith & Tony Harrison Training Camp Quote

LAS VEGAS (May 3, 2018) – Former world champion Ishe Smith and 154-pound contender Tony Harrison spoke about their respective training camps and upcoming matchup just over a week before they square off in the Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce main event Friday, May 11 from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.

Coverage on Bounce begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten cruiserweight Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti meeting Lateef Kayode for 10 rounds of action.

Tickets for the event, which is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions, begin at $25, are on sale now and will be available at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

Smith, a native of Las Vegas fighting in his hometown, shared thoughts on his training camp at the Mayweather Boxing Club while Harrison, a former title challenger, gave insight into the work he’s put in at the Superbad Gym in Detroit.

Here is what the fighters had to say:

What kind of problems does your opponent pose?

Ishe Smith: “I look at all of my opponents the same honestly. Tony is a good kid and a good fighter who’s fought for a world title. He had a lot of hype behind him back in the day before suffering his first loss. I’ve been in this game for so long and sparred so many future and current Hall of Famers, I look at each opponent the same.

Tony Harrison: “I know that Ishe is a rugged fighter who likes to get inside, and that sometimes causes things like accidental head butts and also just makes for a grittier fight overall. He’s willing to dig deep and get muddy. He comes in with a lot of experience, which you can never take lightly.”

How do you expect this fight to look?

TH: “I’m just going for the win, but if I have a shot to stop him I’m going go for it. I want to be the first one to do what nobody else has been able to do, and that is stop Ishe Smith. I think doing that would put me right back in the conversation at the top of the division. But I’m just going in there to win by any means necessary against an experienced opponent.”

IS: “Well my biggest opponent at my age, with the wisdom I’ve gotten, is the man in the mirror. I have to make sure that man is ready to fight. That will dictate the direction this fight goes. I’ve been on a roll of showing up ready to fight recently. If I’m proud of that man in the mirror, it’s going to be a memorable fight,”

How has this training camp gone? Have you made any recent adjustments to your camp?

IS: “I’ve had a nearly 20-year career but until now, I’ve never had a strength and conditioning coach for two consecutive fights. Being able to stay with one guy for the Julian Williams fight and then having him again, that’s going to be key. It helped me last fight and it’s going to keep me going forward.”

TH: “This camp has been amazing. This has been the first camp that I’ve felt like I haven’t overdone it and run my body into the ground. I’ve always tried to go over and beyond what I’ve needed to do. This camp has just been more calculated and methodical. I’ve gotten rest when I needed it. I feel great.”

Who have you been sparring with and what have you been looking to get from your sparring partners?

TH: “The atmosphere at the gym has been at a world championship level. My sparring partners have been a really versatile bunch of quality fighters. We’ve done work with U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell, Leon Lawson, William Williams, Lanardo Tyner, Antonio Urista and a couple others. I think we’ve covered just about whatever Ishe could throw at me on May 11.”

IS: “I’ve sparred everybody you can think, especially for this camp all of the guys on the Mayweather Promotions team. I’ve been sparring big guys, little guys and I’ve even joked with Andrew Tabiti about getting in there with me. I’m really having fun and enjoying my time in the gym.”

Do you think the 12-year age gap will make a difference in this fight? Why or why not?

IS: “Absolutely not. He’s been knocked out twice. I’ve never been stopped. I do a good job of ignoring the outside noise. Age is nothing but a number. It’s totally different when you’re actually in the ring with me. I’ve always been about challenging myself. I live a fighter’s life inside and outside of the ring. I’m set up to deal with anything that’s thrown my way in this game.”

TH: “I don’t really know how he lives his life, so I’m not really sure how his age may or may not play a factor. But I’ll be coming in at an aggressive pace, and then we’ll see how things play out. It’s a mystery for now though until we get in there and figure him out a bit. But he looked good and fresh against Julian Williams and Williams is one of the top guys in the division. So I think he’ll be confident coming off of that performance, but I’ll be ready for him.”

What kind of improvements have you made in recent fights and how will you implement that in the ring on May 11?

TH: “My main thing is my confidence. I don’t think anybody can beat me when I’m at the top of my game. When it’s fight time, I’m able to implement that and motivate myself. I know in my heart that these guys can’t beat me.”

IS: “I’ve been able to develop a really strong support system in my life that’s helped my career stay strong. By using that and treating my body well, I’ve been able to last. This recent work with a new strength and conditioning coach has really been a game changer and I think can take me to another level in this portion of my career.”

What can a win on May 11 do for you going forward? Who would you like to go after next with a win on May 11?

IS: “A win on May 11 is the only option. I want to have my hand raised at the end of the night. The win can mean a lot. Julian Williams was in a title eliminator after beating me, so I know anything is possible. I have to win. It just means everything to me. I’m never going to look past what’s on my plate. No dessert for me until I finish my dinner.”

TH: A win against Ishe would get me back to the truly meaningful fights, championship fights. I’d love another shot at a title holder like Jarrett Hurd. The goal is to get back to the top to face the best fighters in this stacked division.”

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Former World Champion Ishe Smith Battles Exciting Contender Tony Harrison in 154-pound Clash that Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce Live on Friday, May 11 from Sam’s Town in Las Vega

LAS VEGAS (April 20, 2018) – Former super welterweight champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith will battle top 154-pound contender Tony Harrison in a 10-round match that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce on Friday, May 11 from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, top contender Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti will meet Lateef Kayode in a 10-round cruiserweight attraction. Smith and Tabiti, both Las Vegas residents, will be fighting on their home turf and looking to impress their hometown fans.

Tickets for the event, which is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions, begin at $25, are on sale Monday, April 23 at 12 p.m. PT and will be available at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

“Mayweather Promotions has had a busy year thus far and the momentum isn’t slowing down with May 11th at Sam’s Town Live right around the corner,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This venue is certainly one of the local properties that we enjoy working with and have made it our home over the past few years.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Ishe Smith back in the ring after the stellar performance that he put on against Julian Williams to close out 2017. I know that he is physically and mentally prepared to take on Tony Harrison and will not disappoint. Andrew Tabiti is a young talented fighter that is on track to have a bright future. He will look to build upon his flawless record in the co-feature against Lateef Kayode on May 11.”

The 39-year-old Smith (29-9, 12 KOs) became the first Las Vegas-born boxer to win a world championship when he defeated Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight title by majority decision in 2013. He lost the title by split decision to Carlos Molina in his next fight before earning another title shot against Erislandy Lara in 2014, that he lost lost by decision. Smith most recently dropped a competitive contest on Bounce against Julian Williams last November.

“I picked up right where I left off from my last fight. I’m back in camp. I didn’t take any time off since my last fight,” Smith said. “This will be the second fight in a row where I am bringing in a strength and conditioning coach. I credit my strength & conditioning coach, who played a major role in my last performance being one of my career best. It was no question, before I had a date I was back working with my team. I feel younger, I feel great – I’m the modern day Benjamin Button. I felt great in my last fight and I’m going to continue to bring it.

“I don’t feel like I’m approaching 40, I actually feel younger and in the best shape of my life. This camp I’m focused on not leaving anything into the judges hands like last time. I can’t allow another bad call against me. It’s time for me to make a statement, dominate, and get this guy out. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I’m going to make him fight my fight.”

Harrison (26-2, 21 KOs) is a heavy-handed 154-pound contender from Detroit, Michigan who has put together two strong victories since suffering a KO loss to unified super welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd in 2017. Harrison most recently scored a KO victory over George Sosa on Feb. 17 in El Paso.

“It’s about time for me to get back into the loop. This is a tough fight against Ishe, who is coming off of a good performance for himself against Julian Williams,” Harrison said. “I’ve been wanting to fight Ishe since my early days as a pro, and this is exactly the kind of fight that I need. This is definitely going to be a good one.

“Ishe is almost 40 years old, but that makes no difference to me. Ishe’s been a world champion, and in order for me to become a world champion, I’ve got to go through one. It’s a difficult task, and there is definitely no way that I’m taking Ishe lightly. I’m the ultimate competitor, and there’s not a fight in the world that I wouldn’t take. I’m ready to lay it all on the line in this fight, and that’s what makes it all worthwhile when I get the win.”

Tabiti (15-0, 12 KOs) has used his punching power to make a steady climb up the cruiserweight ladder. The 28-year-old, who was born in Chicago and now lives in Las Vegas, took a major step forward in his last fight when he scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over former world champion Steve Cunningham on Aug. 26. A win against the veteran Kayode will further solidify his position among the top cruiserweight contenders.

“My last fight I showed everyone that I’m a smart boxer,” Tabiti said. “I think a lot of guys expect me to just go in the ring and knock guys out but I feel like it’s important to show that I’m versatile. I can box with you or I can use my power and get a guy out.

“This camp, my goal is to focus on targeting the body plus using the IQ I gained from my last camp and fight. This guy is older, he’s coming off two losses, he’s on his way out, but I can’t overlook him. My last opponent was a lot older so I’m going to take the tools and experience and put it all together to bring the fans a great performance.”

The 35-year-old Kayode (21-2, 16 KOs) is looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses, including a unanimous decision loss to Keith Tapia in his last fight on Sept. 23. Kayode, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria and now lives in Hollywood, California, dropped down to cruiserweight after his match against heavyweight Luis Ortiz was declared a no contest due to Ortiz failing his post-fight drug test for performance enhancing drugs in 2014. His last victory was a unanimous decision against Nick Kisner in 2015. That paved the way for a shot at the cruiserweight world title later that year, which he lost by knockout to Denis Lebedev.

“Tabiti has absolutely no experience compared to me and his opponents have been less than formidable,” said Kayode. “I will show him why I’m in a completely different class of fighter!”
# # #

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ERISLANDY LARA, JERMELL CHARLO & JARRETT HURD SUCCESSFULLY DEFEND 154-POUND TITLES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLEHEADER SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

BROOKLYN, NY–BROOKLYN (Oct. 15, 2017) – WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy Lara knocked down previously unbeaten Terrell Gausha en route to a 12-round unanimous decision in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday on SHOWTIME at Barclays Center.

The Premier Boxing Champions event featured three world title fights in the stacked 154-pound division, a lineup including five fighters ranked in the top 10, and four in the top five.

The southpaw Lara used a precise jab to set up a sharp left hand in the sixth defense of his world title. The supreme technician, known for his elusiveness, put on a clinic as expected. He fought mostly in the pocket and picked apart the 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha, a Cleveland native getting his first shot at a world title.

Lara landed 45 percent of his power shots and threw 200 more total punches in the bout that was scored 116-111 and 117-110 twice.

“We want to give a lot of credit to Gausha. He’s an Olympian and he came to fight,” Lara said. “I take the rhythm of the boxing match and that’s when I take over. He’s fighting with the best in the division. He’s not a stupid fighter, but he knew who he was facing today.

“I’m ready to box anyone that comes my way. I’m the best boxer at 154 pounds and I won’t shy away from anyone that wants to fight me. I’ll box whoever, just line them up. I’m not afraid. I have proven that I’m a true champion. I’ll fight (Jermell) Charlo if I have to. We are friends, but business is business.”

One of the most anticipated fights of the year lasted only 2:41 seconds as WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo knocked out Erickson Lubin with a brutal right uppercut to the chin in the opening round in the second of three 154-pound world title fights. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2yoXIU6

While the matchup of young, undefeated Americans was regarded as one of boxing’s best fights in a year of marquee matchups, Jermell Charlo had other plans. After feeling each other out Charlo, the twin brother of undefeated former champion Jermall, unloaded a strong right uppercut that the highly touted Lubin leaned into. With Lubin struggling to return to his feet, referee Harvey Dock waived off the contest and helped a dazed Lubin return to his corner.

“They were giving him a lot of attention,” a fired up Lubin told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray. “I was quiet the whole time. They said they were going to come take my title. I had to defend it. They didn’t know what I was brining into this and I think (Lubin) was worried about the wrong things.

“We’re going to unify. The other champions want to fight me and I’ll take any of them. Give me another title. I want Hurd. Hurd just won. Give me Hurd.”

The 22-year-old Lubin, boxing’s consensus 2016 prospect of the year, had his hopes of becoming the second youngest titlist in boxing dashed in less than three minutes.

“I’m fine. He caught me with a blind shot. I didn’t see it coming. He landed it. I felt like when I got up I could have kept fighting, but it’s boxing. It happens.

“I’m young and I’m hungry. I know I’m one of the best out there. He caught me with a blind shot that I didn’t see. Like I said, it’s boxing. I’m just going to remain hungry, get back in the gym and become the champion I know I am.

“I’m young and have plenty of fight left in me. This is just a minor setback. I’ll be back sooner than later and hungrier than ever.”

IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jarrett Hurd became the first person to stop veteran former champion Austin Trout with a 10th round technical knockout in the first defense of his world title in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

The 27-year-old Hurd did what Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and Jermall Charlo could not after the ringside doctor stepped in to stop the bout following a brutal closing 20 seconds of the 10th frame.

The Accokeek, Md., native often neglected defense in the early rounds and fought back after a slow start to wear down the toughest opponent of his career. The championship affair shifted in the sixth as Trout tired and Hurd picked up his output of power shots despite a bloody cut over his left eye. Trout was practically saved by the bell in the 10th round and trainer Louie Burke did not protest as he was advised that the fight should be stopped.

“It’s most definitely tougher to defend the title than win it,” Hurd said. “I’m always the one that comes on stronger at the end of the fight. We knew we were going to wear Austin Trout down in the later rounds and eventually stop him. My cut made me a little better with my head movement.

“Team Swift, we don’t run from anyone. I’m ready to unify. 2018 is the year for unifications. It doesn’t matter who it is. I’m ready to fight anyone.”

Hurd had a 89-31 edge in power punches landed over the last three rounds and connected on 43 percent of his power shots over 10 rounds.

Trout was taken to Lutheran Hospital for observation after the bout.

Saturday’s telecast will replay on Monday, Oct. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

Julian Sosa remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over Erick Daniel Martinez in a welterweight bout.

In round three. Sosa dropped Martinez with a hard right hand.

Sosa is now 10-0-1. Martinez is 14-10-1.

Tony Harrison won an eight-round unanimous decision over Paul Valenzuela, Jr. in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Valenzuela was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round five, he was deducted a point for hitting Harrison on the break.

Harrison, 156 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 80-71 and 78-73 on two cards, and is now 25-2. Valenzuela, 1558.8 lbs of Santa Rosalia. MEX is 20-6.

Cindy Serrano won an eight-round split decision over Edina Kiss in a super featherweight bout.

Serrano, 128.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 79-73 & 78-74, while Kiss took a card 78-74.

Serrano is now 27-5-3. Kiss, 127.8 lbs of Budapest, HUN is 13-6.

Chrodale Booker remained undefeated by winning a eight round unanimous decision over Malcolm McAllister in a battle of undefeated super welterweights.

In round seven, Booker landed a hard left hook that knocked Mcallister between the bottom and second ropes.

Booker, 154.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 79-72, and 78-73 twice and is now 8-0. McAllister, 151.8 lbs of Long Beach, CA is now 9-1.

Richardson Hitchins remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over Jordan Morales on a welterweight bout.

Hitchins, 143.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0. Morales, 142 lbs of Pennsylvania is 2-3.

George Arias stopped Mario Heredia in round six of a scheduled eight round heavyweight bout.

It was a back and forth brawl, and Heredia could not continue.

Arias, 230 lbs of Bronx, NY is 9-0 with five knockouts. Heredia, 288.8 lbs of San Diego, CA is 14-6.

Wilder stops Washington in 5; Retains Heavyweight title

Deontay Wilder was patient, but he retained the WBC Heavyweight title with a 5th round stoppage over previously undefeated Gerald Washington at The Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

It was Washington who controlled distance over the first 4 rounds with his jab. In round five, Wilder landed a booming right that sent Washington to the canvas. Washington was on shake legs, and Wilder punctuated the bout with a flurry that was capped off by a left that forced referee Micheale Griffin to stop the bout at 1:45.

Wilder is now 38-0 with 37 knockouts. Washington is 18-1-1.

DEONTAY WILDER

“I knew he was going to come in excited to fight for a world title. I just kept calm and found my rhythm. I really knew he was going to tire out, and when he did I took advantage.

“It was all about timing. I’m very smart when it comes to using different tactics in the ring.

“Fighting here in Alabama is a blessing. The people here show up to support me and I love them for it. I’m always going to support and be here for my Alabama family. To see the crowd’s response tonight meant a lot to me.

“As I’ve been saying, I’m looking to unify the division. I think it’s critical to have one fighter and one champion, and that’s Deontay Wilder. Let’s hope Joseph Parker is ready for me because I’m definitely ready for him.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“I just got a little impatient. I was trying to go for it. It was an even boxing match. I could have kept it like that and kept it boring. I don’t know why I fell asleep there. I guess I lost a little focus.

“I caught him with one shot when he was coming in. But instead of me keeping that play going and keep pushing him back and keep him in control by keeping him in the center of the ring, I tried to get on him. I was trying to play a little counter punch role and catch him coming in. He just caught me.

“It’s just an experience. You have to follow the game plan and stay focused, stay patient. You may not get all the shots you want in the beginning, but you have to play the game all the way out and then things will start to happen.”

Jarrett Hurd came from behind to stop Tony Harrison in the 9th round to capture the IBF Junior Middleweight title.

Harrison dominated the 1st 6 rounds by boxing and moving, not letting Hurd get into any rhythm. The fight changed in round seven as Hurd landed some power shots and the body language on Harrison began to change, In round nine, Hurd landed a perfect counter right that sent Harrison to the canvas. Harrison got to his feet and spat out his mouthpiece and the fight was waved off at 2:24.

Hurd is 20-0 with 14 knockouts. Harrison is now 24-2.

JARRETT HURD

“We wanted to take our time with him because Harrison can box and move. But every time he fights he wears down toward the end.

“During the sixth round, he caught me with a good shot inside my left eye. But I managed to fight through it and get the win.

“It feels great to be a champion. I’ve never had a feeling this great before. It’s pure Accokeek power. I can finally pull my pants up now. My pants were falling down, but I finally got my belt.”

In a Heavyweight slugfest, former world title challenger stopped Izu Ugonoh in round five of a scheduled 10-round bout.

After Ugonoh dominated the 1st two frames with mainly hard body shots, Breazeale landed a left hook in round three that sent Ugonoh to the canvas. Ugonoh came back in the round to stagger and hurt Breazeale. In round four, Ugonoh jumped on Breazeale, and landed a hard right that sent the former title challenger to the canvas. When it looked like Ugonoh was back in control, Breazeale started round five with a cruunching right that sent Ugonoh to the canvas. Ugonoh was hurt, and Breazeale saw that and landed three more hard blows that sent Ugonoh through the ropes and the fight was stopped at 50 seconds.

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“It took a little time for me to find my pace, but eventually I found my Rhythm. Izu came in in great shape and with guns blazing. He came at me with some stuff that I wasn’t expecting. Him being the lighter guy I wasn’t really expecting the power he possessed.

“I was able to connect some big shots tonight, especially with my right hand. You see what happens when I put him down and he never really recovered.

“Coming off the loss to Joshua, this win puts me right back in there. This is what I’ve always asked for. My team does an incredible job of getting me any fight I ask for, and I wanted to fight an undefeated guy like Izu. He’s a big, strong, athletic guy.

“Tonight, the story was about me having the heart of a lion, getting knocked down, but getting right back up to finish this fight.”

IZUAGBE UGONOH

“I expected that I was going to knock him out. I believed I would accomplish that, but he didn’t surprise me with anything. I was landing some good shots to both his body and his face.

“Breazeale showed a lot of heart though, and I think that his experience really helped him. I think a fight like Anthony Joshua really helped him realize that he could take anything and win the fight. He did that tonight.

“Honestly, I just got tired. I gave him what I had and then I got tired. When he came back at me I wasn’t able to keep up and finish through on my game plan.

“The plan was to really use my double jab, and I’m not making any excuses. This is the fight game. This was a great opportunity for me, a big step up, and I was hoping to get it done. I didn’t, but that is part of sports. I’m not used to losing, but that time came today. I’m still a dangerous man to fight.”

Breazeale is now 18-1 with 16 knockouts. Ugonoh is 17-1.

Tugstsogt Nyambayer remained perfect by dropping Jhon Gemino four times and finishing off in the tenth and final round of their super featherweight bout.

In round three, Nyambayer landed a perfect right that Gemno on the canvas.

In round six, it was a chopping right hand that put Gemino on the deck. Seconds later, it was another right that Gemino down. Nyambayer sent Gemino down in the tenth round. A moment later, a hard combination had Gemino in trouble and the bout was stopped at 1:05.

Nyambayer is now 8-0 with 8 knockouts. Gemino is 15-8-1.

FOLLOW WILDER – WASHINGTON LIVE

Follow all the action as WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder defends his title against Gerald Washington. The action begins at 8 PM with an IBF Junior Middleweight title clash between Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd. The action begins with a Heavyweight tussle between Dominic Breazeale and Izuagbe Ugonoh

NO BROWSER REFRESH–THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

12 Rounds–WBC Heavyweight Title–Deontay Wilder (37-0, 36 KO’s) vs Gerald Washington (18-0-1, 12 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Wilder *	9	9	9	10	TKO								37
Washington	10	10	10	9									39

Round 1: Jab from Washington..

Round 2 Right to body from Washington

Round 3 Jab from Washington..Jab..left to body

Round 4 Right from Wilder..

Round 5 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES WASHINGTON…WILDER ALL OVER WASHINGTON,,BIG LEFT AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

12-Rounds–IBF Junior Middleweight Title–Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KO’s) vs Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Harrison	10	10	10	10	10	10	9	9					78
Hurd*	9	9	9	9	9	9	10	10	KO				74

Round 1 Left from Harrison

Round 2: Right from Harrison

Round 3 Jab from Harrison..Good right..Good combination

Round 4 Jab from Harrison..Combination..

Round 5 Quick shots from Harrison..Good uppercut from Hurd…rocks Harrison

Round 6 Combination from Harrison..Right Hand..Jab..Hook and right..Body

Round 7 Jab from Harrison..Hard right from Hurd..Body shot from Harrison..Big right from Hurd..

Round 8 Right from Hurd..Big uppercut..

Round 9 Body shot from Hurd…uppercut..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES HARRISON…FIGHT OVER

10-Rounds–Heavyweights–Dominic Breazeale (17-1, 15 KO’s) vs Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-0, 14 KO’s)
ROUND	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	TOTAL
Breazeale*	9	9	10	8	KO								36
Ugonoh	10	10	8	10									38

Round 1 Ugonoh lands a double jab and right..Body shots..Body shot and another..

Round 2 Hard Body shot from Ugonoh..Hard right to the body…Hard right and a jab

Round 3: Big right from Ugonoh…BIG RIGHT FROM BREAZEALE DOWN GOES UGONOH..Bg Right from Brezeale..Bight right Ugonoah…Brezeale is hurt..Wild right lands..Huge right..Body shot..Big right from Brezeale at the bell

Round 4 Ugonoh lands a left…Body.. anda hook,,,BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES BREAZEALE..

Round 5 HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES UGONOH…BREAZEALE ALL OVER UGONOH AND DROPS HIM THROUGH THE ROPES…THE FIGHT IS OVER

Deontay Wilder, Gerald Washington, Tony Harrison & Jarrett Hurd Media Conference Call Transcript

Lou DiBella
Thank you everybody for joining us. This is a call for a really big fight card on Saturday, February 25 at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.

The show will be PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes, the main event — the Heavyweight Championship of the World — the WBC Heavyweight Championship between Deontay Wilder and Gerald Washington.

The FS1 broadcast will begin at 10:00 pm ET/7:00 pm PT. That will follow the FOX and FOX Deportes’ broadcast of the main show — which will begin at 8:00 pm Eastern Time and 5:00 pm Pacific Time.

It’s a terrific, terrific card. The opening bout for television will be between Dominic Breazeale and Izuagbe Ugonoh — a terrific matchup in the Heavyweight Division; Breazeale, a known commodity, a heavyweight contender; one loss when he challenged Anthony Joshua for Heavyweight Title.

Izuagbe Ugonoh is pretty much an unknown to the U.S. fight fans. This is his first fight in America, he’s better known abroad. He’s really the unknown commodity in the Heavyweight Division — an undefeated heavyweight with 14 KOs and a 17-0 record. You know, if he can get past the seasoned contender Breazeale, then he’s going to prove himself to be a major factor in Heavyweight Boxing. So that’s a really significant fight.

Our co-feature of the evening is what we’re going to start this call with. And today, that co-feature became much more significant.

All the boxing pundits, all the boxing writers, the fans, they knew that Tony Harrison against Jarrett Hurd is a terrific matchup; Harrison, out of Detroit Michigan, 24 wins, 1 loss, huge puncher, 20 KOs; Jarrett Hurd, 19-0, 13 KOs out of Maryland; one of the fastest rising guys in the 154-pound division.

With Jermall Charlo, today, moving up to 160-pounds, this fight is now for the IBF Junior Middleweight Championship of the World. So we knew we had a great fight going in; now we have a much more significant fight going in.

So the heavyweight fight will open the FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast at 8:00 pm. It will be followed by this co-feature which is now the IBF Junior Middleweight Championship of the World between Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd.

I’m going to introduce first Jarrett Hurd who is with us on the line right now. Jarrett is 26 years old, turned pro in 2012, started boxing at the age of 15. He stopped former World Title Challenger Jo Jo Dan in six rounds in his last fight. He stopped 13-0 Oscar Molina in the 10th and final round in a co-main event of Thurman-Porter. He stopped 17-0 Frank Galarza in six rounds on ShoBox on November 14, 2015.

Those are the fights that got him into this position — one of the hottest 154-pound contenders in the world today, and an extremely high-quality fighter attempting to win a world title on February 25.

My pleasure to introduce Jarrett Hurd.

Jarrett Hurd
How’s it going? I just want to thank God and Al Haymon, my team, and PBC and everyone for this opportunity.

You know, (IBF) is now on the line and I treat this fight, the same as I treat every other fight — protecting my own wins and building my legacy is the most important thing to me. So going to this fight, it’s nothing different. I have the same mindset as I’ve always had.

Like you mentioned, it’s rising stars at 154-pounds. I don’t plan on slowing that down anytime soon. Come February 25, there will be a storm in Birmingham, Alabama and a new champion at 154.

Q
How did you find out that, in fact, this fight with yourself and Tony was going to actually be for the vacant title, and what was your immediate reaction?

J. Hurd
Lou was already in the talks. Today was just the day that they finally put it out there for everyone to see. It was already in the talks and we kind of had a couple of conversations that Jermall Charlo was going to vacate. We just wanted to get it finalized then.

I knew if it wasn’t this fight, my next fight I was fighting for IBF so I knew 2017 was going to be a big year for me.

This is what all boxers dream of, to fight for the world title. I was super excited. We were jumping around the gym. We knew this day was going to come. It came faster than I expected but I’m ready.

Q
Do you think that your power might ultimately be the difference in this fight or is it going to be, in your mind, more of a boxing match?

J. Hurd
Oh yes, the power is going to definitely have a lot to do with it. I don’t think that’s going to be the main factor, I feel I’m the more skillful boxer. He got put down by Willie Nelson, and he also got put down by Fernando Guerrero. He should not be able to take my big shots.

We’ve got a game plan to go out there with skills, we know we’ve got to watch out for his power. The main thing we want to do is take that away from him. So once we get that going, the fight is going to be in my favor.

Q
Can you just give me your thoughts about how significant it is to you to not only get these kinds of fights but to be in front of this kind of audience?

J. Hurd
It’s great. I feel like that the fight last year with Oscar Molina was one of the biggest cards that there was in 2016; Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter. And it’s those big lights and me fighting under the bigger lights that gets me going. They say you get nervous or butterflies and you get off your game game, but I feel like I’m ready.

And this opportunity for the world to get to see on free TV, that’s a big opportunity for me to get my name out there.

L. DiBella
It didn’t look like the lights bothered you in Brooklyn, Jarrett.

Q
Can you just discuss when did you first hear about Jermall vacating and what was your initial reaction when you heard those rumors?

J. Hurd
I probably was told about this maybe three weeks prior to now. I didn’t expect it to happen this fast but, the route that I went, the level of competition I was fighting, it put me to this point where I am today.

We were sitting down in the gym and we got the call, and Al was telling me like, “I told you it was going to be here Jarrett. This is it, this is what you worked for.”

I went home and ran a couple of miles that night, thinking about it because I know that sometimes for people it could be a once in-a-lifetime opportunity. So I don’t want to take it for granted, man.

On the 25th, I’m going to show exactly how hard I’ve worked and it’s finally going to pay off for me.

Q
Was that how it was explained to you that it was pretty certain that he would vacate, or that was just a rumor at that point?

J. Hurd
No, I wasn’t certain it was just a rumor; it was possible. It was because he mentioned that in his fight with Julian Williams. But it wasn’t for certain, and it was just something that was mentioned and talked about like he may be vacating. We don’t want to put it out to the media, but it’s basically a possibility.

L. DiBella
Jermall pretty much was indicating for a while that it was his intention to get out of the division. And I think that both Jarrett and Tony knew that it was inevitable, but neither one of them was sure it would be in time for this fight.

Q
What’s your opinion about Jermall moving up?

J. Hurd
I think him moving up was a better decision for him to be safe. He couldn’t make the weight, going to fights not quite 100% — especially as a champion and the caliber of fighter that’s going to be coming him. I think he should have moved up if he couldn’t make the weight. And I think there’s some real fights up there at 160 that he can find.

So I don’t think it was a bad decision. Jermall Charlo is a great champion. I was looking forward to — after this fight — fighting him. But him moving up, I’m a big fighter at 160, I’m going to have to move up eventually, so maybe one day we’ll still meet.

L. DiBella
Jarrett, I have a quick question for you.

Jarrett, you’re a real nice guy, like you’re very approachable to fans and people. But on this particular call, you wanted to be alone with the press and answer your questions alone, and you didn’t want to have any interplay with Tony. I think you said that you didn’t want to really talk to Tony until you talked to him in the ring.

You want to mention and talk just a little about that because I think that’s sort of interesting?

J. Hurd
I’ve just always been the guy who doesn’t get involved in trash talk as much as Harrison is. He’s kind of loud and outspoken. I don’t know how the conversation would have went.

I’m not the type of guy that would go back-and-forth with someone. The time comes when the time comes. But right now, I’m just focused on training and I didn’t want to play the mind game and try to talk. It’s not going to be factor for anybody, but I just didn’t want to get too much into that. I just want to focus on the fight and I’ll see him in Alabama.

Q
If you win this title, would you look forward to possibly bringing a title fight to the MGM National Harbor in Maryland?

J. Hurd
That actually was my plan. After this fight, I was going to try to ask if I could bring a hometown fight, after winning the belt, because I haven’t been fighting at home lately.

Now I know I have a lot of people coming out, but fighting at home is something different, man, bringing somebody new in. Just to be able to be a World Champion and fight here at the MGM National Harbor, that’s definitely a goal of mine. I can’t wait to achieve it.

L. DiBella
And just quickly before I introduce Tony, tickets for this event start at $25. They are on sale right now at Ticket Master by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com. There are Valentine’s Day ticket promotions that have been extended until this Friday, for the premium seats.

Good seats still available and we have very affordable seats still available. So anybody in that Alabama area or anybody that can drive to Alabama, join us because this is unbelievable card on Saturday the 25th.

One last time, the FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast will begin at 8:00 pm ET, 5:00 pm PT. So that will be the tripleheader featuring Breazeale and Ugonoh, Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd for the IBF Junior Middleweight Title, and Deontay Wilder and Gerald Washington for the WBC Heavyweight Title.

And then that will be followed on FS1 by a broadcast that begins at 10:00 pm ET/7:00 pm PT.

So without further ado, I’m going to introduce that I’ve always been a big fan of; he’s a huge puncher, out of the Fighting City of Detroit Michigan; has a 24-1 record with 20 big KOs. His last win was an explosive ninth round stoppage of Sergey Rabchenko on July 30 at Barclays Center. Three consecutive wins since his only loss to Willie Nelson — which was in July of 2015. He comes from a fighting family. Both his dad and granddad were pro-boxers.

So a man who is going to be fighting Jarrett Hurd for that IBF World Title on February 25, Tony Harrison.

Tony Harrison
I’ve got a lot of sparring rounds on this body, a lot of miles on the track on this body, and mentally, I just want to punch him.

L. DiBella
When did you find out that this would be for the title and how do you feel about that?

T. Harrison
I just found out today. I had the understanding that it was already an eliminator. So I wanted to go see the Julian Williams and Jermall Charlo fight.

Then I waited, which is my longest period — eight months — of not fighting. Thinking at the end of the rainbow was every boxer’s dream.

Then it turned out that I had to fight again for another eliminator. So it was kind of discouraging for me to have to sit and wait that long, without something in between, thinking that pot at the end of the rainbow was the golden ticket. It obviously wasn’t.

Then Al called me and makes a guy from Detroit’s dream come true. And I was the happiest guy when I found out.

So the wait was worth it. My pop has always told me; patience is a virtue — be patient. And I was patient enough. Today was a good day to have a man named Al Haymon.

Q
I just wanted to know from you, how much did that loss put you off the schedule that you had in your mind, and then what have you learned since then now that you actually have the title shot that you wanted back then?

T. Harrison
I honestly never had a schedule in my head. I’m just here from Detroit. Man, they never give us nothing. Even at the part with Willie Nelson, I was talked about but, you know what I mean? I wasn’t in the top 10 of any sanctioning body.

So for me, it was just keep doing what you’re doing. Eventually you’re going to kick your door down. So for me, it wasn’t about them giving me anything.

So it wasn’t a schedule for me; I just wanted to take whatever they put in front of me, I told them, “Yes.”

As for my defeat, I went back to the drawing board. It gave me the realization that winning or losing, they are going to talk about you. The crazy thing is I got more talked about when I lost than I got when I won.

It put me in a mindset of myself to just do what you got to do to win. You don’t have to be that die-hard Mexican-style fighter, get hit, get hit, knock somebody out, you don’t have to do that to make money and to feed your family.

So at the end of the day now, it just put me in a mindset of training hard and just be in the best shape possible and make the adjustments as you go along.

From that loss, a lot of people probably would have stuck their heads down. I got right back in the gym and I started working hard.

From Cecil McCalla, to Fernando Guerrero to me knocking him out, to me fighting Sergey Rabchenko who was ranked by every single sanctioning body, before I fought him, and I wasn’t ranked in one.

But like I said again, I take on challenges as a competitor, and everything happens for a reason. So I kept my head high, I kept working and now I’m right back in it. The second time should be my best time.

Q
What are your thoughts about having to deal with a guy like Jarrett Hurd’s power?

T. Harrison
I’m probably been in better shape than when I’ve been fighting anybody else. But statistically speaking, he just fought Jo Jo Dan who was naturally a smaller guy, and he got touched up. He fought Oscar Molina who was an Olympian but didn’t have anyone on his resume and then he fought Frank Galarza.

So all those guys were really made for him to take advantage of. He hasn’t fought nobody this fast, this strong and this smart. I’m going to show this guy how seasoned I am. They don’t realize that I have more knockouts than this guy has fights.

So for me, my confidence is at an all-time high fighting a guy like Jarrett Hurd. Jarrett Hurd, , he’s been sensational. But part of being a competitor is fighting the best. And if Jarrett Hurd’s name is mentioned and everybody is mentioning Jarrett Hurd and they don’t want to fight Jarrett Hurd, then Tony Harrison will.

Q
Do you think Hurd has been built up on prospects?

T. Harrison
He’s been built up on the guys that they had questions about. With the fights that Jarrett Hurd won, they were reasonable opponents, very, very very reasonable. So I’m not discrediting anything he’s done. They put them in front of him, he beat them. He earned the shot just like I did.

So very, very credible guys but, to my point, I think Jarrett Hurd wasn’t even the number three guy; they bumped him up to number 3, so he didn’t earn it.

So in my head, I’m already going in as the stronger fighter. Everything they gave me, I earned. I earned my shot. And then I was going to earn it again from Jarrett Hurd without the title. I was going to have to earn it again with another mandatory shot.

They didn’t bump me up nothing. They didn’t push me up, they didn’t give me nothing. I earned it. Everything that they’ve given me, I earned it. And I was going to earn it again whether for a title or not. I told them yes to Jarrett Hurd and it was supposed to be for the eliminator, another eliminator that I had already fought.

I’m taking it the hard way. I never had a problem taking this the hard way because I was going to earn it again. You know what I mean?

L. DiBella
Well, Tony, it could all pay off – it could all pay off on the 25th because if you come out of that night with a victory, you’re the new IBF Junior Middleweight Champion of the World. So I look forward to seeing you in Alabama.

T. Harrison
And I appreciate it. Thank you, thank you so much, man. It’s a dream come true. And like I said, haven’t forgotten Detroit.

L. DiBella
Now we’re going to move on to the main event of the evening on the 25th the Heavyweight Champion of the World, Deontay Wilder against Gerald Washington for the WBC Title.

As almost everyone on this call knows, Deontay is already coming off a big win this week so it’s been quite a week for Team Wilder. And he didn’t get the chance to beat up Povetkin in Russia because Povetkin cheated, but we did get the chance to beat him in a Federal District Court in New York, and we did that.

So, you know, funny enough, as things happen, we have another opponent for Deontay in Birmingham, Alabama on the 25th, and that opponent tested positive for a performance enhancing drug.

So as a result of that, the fight fans and the people of Alabama are actually going to get to see a better fight against an opponent who is a clean guy and a much more interesting person — Gerald Washington; 6’6, 34 years old, “El Gallo Negro”, born to an African-American dad and a Mexican-American mom; ranked number 8 by the WBC; hopes to become the first Mexican-American World Heavyweight Champion; has a number of good wins in a row.

But his back story is really interesting. Here’s a man that’s been four years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter mechanic serving his country. He attended the University of Southern California where he played tight end and defensive end of the football team; was a member of the practice squads for the Seattle Seahawks and the Buffalo Bills so he’s a hell of an athlete. And if you’ve seen him in person, he’s a huge man.

And as big and imposing a guy he is to look at, he’s a real man’s man and a really nice person, and it’s been a pleasure to get to know Gerald a little bit in recent months.

I want to acknowledge my co-promoter on this Heavyweight title fight — TGB Promotions — and it’s always a pleasure to work with them and my friend Tom Brown.

And without further ado, “El Gallo Negro” Gerald Washington.

Gerald Washington
We’re very excited for the opportunity. Man, it’s a dream come true and I look forward to fighting Deontay Wilder in his backyard, for the WBC title. It’s an amazing opportunity for me and we are ready to take the challenge on.

L. DiBella
Great. And on this call, we are all going to be together on the call and the fighters will be available to answer questions together after I get a chance to introduce a man I’m extremely proud to be able to work with.

He’s a credit to the sport as well as the most exciting heavyweight, in my mind, in the world. He has knockout power and a knockout ratio unlike anybody else’s; “The Bronze Bomber,” Deontay Wilder.

Deontay Wilder
I’m feeling good man. If you all didn’t know it’s been a long, long week. But I’m feeling great. I’m always excited when it’s time to fight. I’m back home again in Birmingham, Alabama, I’m feeding my people. taking one step at a time to unify the belts in the division. I’m overwhelmed, I’m excited, I’m ready to go.

Hey, how difficult was this for you to come back from, those two fights that got cancelled and then you had to fight a new guy that you weren’t prepared for?

D. Wilder
I want to say it was really tough. But, maybe more so mentally, knowing that I’ve got a fight coming up and all that and changing opponents. It’s been a whole big mess.

It’s been a whole big mess but it’s been a good mess because we won. And that brings a little bit more excitement to my energy towards the fight. It’s like a booster. And if you’re not prepared for certain things, then it maybe could distract you or knock off your focus on the test that lies at hand.

But fortunately with me, I’m very strong-minded, I’m mentally strong. And I know things happen and you’ve just got to be able to adjust. I’m very good at adjusting and rolling with the punches of things. So here we are now.

Q
How tough is that to prepare for a short-term opponent?

D. Wilder
Well, it’s just all about your game plan really. It’s all about your team and what game plans they have for you.

I have been through this before. There aren’t too many things that I haven’t experienced yet in my career. I’ve dealt with this before earlier in my career, actually in my debut.

Maybe a couple of days before the fight, my opponent got changed up, a different weight, a different style, a different size, a different height. I was fighting an orthodox opponent but they didn’t even tell me nothing about the guy being a southpaw. So everything changed, but in the ring, I had to adjust and I had to deliver.

What can you do in these situations? It’s a learning process. With everything you go through from the start to the finish is a learning process and brings you experience.

So I am going to look forward to fighting Gerald Washington in Birmingham, Alabama and giving the folks that are going to be watching and the people that are going to be in the audience a great show.

Q
How do you view him having to be present at a trial while he is preparing for you in this fight?

G. Washington
First of all, I would like to congratulate him on that. It wasn’t his fault the situation happened like that but big props to him and his team for getting through that.

We are preparing for the best Deontay Wilder that there is. I am not going to get caught up with that other stuff that is going on. I am worried about the Bronze Bomber and everything that he is bringing. Everything that he has learned along the way. I have got to be prepared for that.

He is a hell of a fighter. I have got to put it all on the line that night. This fight is very important to me and it is going to take everything I’ve got.

Q
Gerald what gives you confidence on this matchup against Deontay?

G. Washington
We all know Deontay Wilder is a big strong knockout puncher. He has been in there. He has the Olympic experience. He has been in there with all the pros, in the sparring camps and stuff like that and he has learned a lot along the way.

I can’t focus too much on what Deontay Wilder is bringing to the table. I have just got to make sure that my game is tight and my game is strong and able to challenge Deontay Wilder.

I have got to come prepared mentally and physically and just put it all on the line. Like I said, it is going to take a mixture of everything. Everything that I know to go up against him.

I only have 14 amateur fights. I only have 19 professional fights. I don’t have all that experience that this guy has. So it is going to take a lot of smarts for me and just like you said mental toughness to get through this.

Q
I would like to know from your point of view how disruptive was it to your training schedule to have to be up in New York while you sat through the trial with Povetkin?

D. Wilder
First off it was sad it had to go to that distance. With the whole situation, it was just ridiculous. Thank God that it is over. It is behind me. We can move forward with it because it was a very stressful situation.

It comes a point in time where things don’t always go as planned in your life and you have got to understand that everybody deals with things in their life that makes them feel some type of way.

So with that being said, although I had to go through so many different things, even with the weather. I almost got sick out there because it was so cold. Trust me it was a mess.

But at the end of the day I had to stay focused. People don’t understand this business that we sign up for. Can’t have no pity. Can’t be sorry for yourself.

When you train you must focus. You must stay focused on the test they are about to hand you if not, then you will get injured. You will get hurt.

So that being said, I must stay focused. Whoever gets in the room no matter who they are, no matter what their record is, nothing. Because at the end of the day, they still have two hands, they have two feet and they come to fight.

And you must respect a fighter that comes to fight and sometimes they feel they have nothing to lose. When you the champion, when you the champion people feel like you have more to lose because you have got that title.

I go in with a mentality that I don’t have nothing to lose because I am not looking to lose nothing. That is just my mentality. I have been through so much, nothing has been given to me.

Nothing has been given to Deontay Wilder. So with that being said, nothing is going to be taken from me. So I must stay focused. I must. I must. It is an absolute must to stay focused. And if you can’t stay focused this is the wrong business for you.

Q
Were you able to train when you weren’t sitting in court? Can you – what was the deal with your training while you were away?

D. Wilder
I was up there for a week and a day. But we still had time to get training. I brought Mark with me so we had time to get training. But you know sometimes we didn’t. You know I am going to be honest but sometimes, the weather prevented a lot of things.

We had a snowstorm up there. It was very cold. The roads were icy. Sometimes the trial would be long. You know it would be tiring just to be up in there.

Just to hear the bitter and batter going on. Which this case was a common sense case. We didn’t need evidence really it is a common sense case.

But you know we had to go through a lot of things but I think we managed to do the things that we needed to do to continue to keep training for this fight.

Most of all, my mindset was still in the right place.

Q
What are your thoughts about having two guys in a row test positive against you?

D. Wilder
I replayed it back in my head, these guys as taking these drugs and stuff. I was shaking my head. It is sad. It is sad for the sport and I just hope something even more can be done about this situation before it ruins the sport of boxing.

I think the WBC is doing a fabulous job in bringing the doping program and having these fighters to sign up and if they don’t they are off the rankings. But I also would like to see it going to second gear.

I want to see some punishment done. I want to see if you do this, if you put steroids or anything that has your body doing what it is not naturally supposed to do I think you should not only get suspended but maybe indefinitely.

We need to put something on this. This case right here was the first step and then all these other fighters know that there are consequences to your actions that will be applied to if you decide to use.

But there need to be something else even deeper than taking his money. They need to take their career away from because this is ridiculous. I just tell myself always use myself as an example. I am naturally strong without weights. Without training. With anything I am God given, Alabama country strong. I have always been that way.

But just imagine if used anything to enhance my body. Did you see my fight with Szpilka? Just imagine if I had something in my body. That man would have been dead because I thought he was dead. It is a lot of these guys doing it.

You know that is going to be up to them to get their selves right. Get their act right because when they come in this fight business nobody is playing around man. You know it is just ridiculous and it is just sad.

I hope it just gets cleaned up. Everybody get cleaned up that way we can continue with this great sport of boxing. And people can get the fights that they want to see.

I just hate to see that we have such great fighters out here and some of the fights are not going to happen because they want to use. Just like Povetkin and me.

I was looking forward to that fight. I was looking forward to going to Russia. Defending my country, United States against Russia. What better country to defend your country than with Russia.

I was looking forward to that but I couldn’t do it because of somebody’s actions. So before they mess up this sport they need to clean it up.

Q
My understanding was you already were preparing for a different fight before this one came up. Is that the case?

G. Washington
Yes, I was. I didn’t know for sure when the day was or who the opponent was going to be or anything like that. I stay in the gym all the time. It wasn’t a matter of that but it was funny how I made a post about that.

I said to Deontay I said, I just put it on my Instagram. I said, hey if anything happens, I am right here. And something did happen. It was crazy man. But it happened and I am grateful for the opportunity.

And I am glad that we stay in the gym, we stay prepared and we stay working on our stuff. We always stay right there striking distance away.

Is it all the time that we would have like to prepare for a World Championship fight? No. I am sure we would have liked a fuller camp. But it is okay. We are all right right now. We are where we need to be and we are ready to go.
Q
You were one of those guys that is trying to make that jump from football to boxing. Can you just talk about the differences? And do you think you can be the guy that can get over the hump and win that world title?

G. Washington
Yes, there are a lot of differences. I was just telling somebody the other day, the cool part about it is walking into the stadium with your teammates.

You feel like you have got a little army right there. You lock arms. You are in the tunnel and you are swaying back and forth it is war time. Let’s take it outside. War time. Let’s take it outside. You got a hundred guys doing that. You get on the field you are ready to rock.

When you step in to that ring you are in there by yourself. You are in there by yourself man. You still got your team but when that bell rings you have got to go to war by yourself man.

So you have got to be prepared physically and mentally. You have got to be ready to go. You have got to be ready to fight back and stand your ground and go to work.

I learned a lot lessons along the way. This is going to be another one. My learning never stops but this is a great opportunity for me and I feel that I am ready for this right now.

This came at the right time. God put me in this position and you know with all those failed drug tests and injuries and all the stuff that happened. All that stuff that happened for me to be here. I am here right now.

I am putting in the work and me and my team we put together a great plan and we are having fun. Now it is time.

Q
How tough was this seeing what for you is a pretty long layoff? And were there any ways that you could work to get better with your left or anything when you were rehabbing?

D. Wilder
It really hurt me to my heart that I couldn’t fight. Anybody who knows me knows that I don’t just love this sport I am in love with it. I am really in love with this sport. I am obsessed with boxing.

I eat, breathe and sleep it. You know I do it all, this is my life. This is not a hobby for me. This is a lifestyle for me and I address it accordingly. I take it very, very seriously.

So when I can’t do something I love it really hurts me a little bit. And my motivation is my children. I have got four beautiful, intelligent children I love to death and I am doing it for them. All this is for them. Daddy don’t want to be in boxing long.

I want to accomplish my goals and dreams and I am out of here. I am doing it for them. And I am going to stick by that.

But when I can do it and I can’t provide and I can’t feel like I am taking a next step forward instead of backwards it kind of gets me down. It gets me sad a little bit.

But you know I know a man that is always with me and he will never forsake me and that is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have been through a lot in my life and every step of the way he has always been there for me.

Every step has always been a learning process for me. An experience for me. So I am very thankful that the things that happened for me and to me. Even with the broken hand and stuff like that because it allows me to build an even better relationship with my love.

For me I was on everything. I still continued to work on the right hand. The left was the jab. See where it is positioning. Different situations that would may face with different opponents.

I still work on everything over and over and over and over and over because I want it to be muscle memory. When I feel like I am not learning no more in this sport I am out.

This is a dangerous sport man. Every time I fight I always ask myself the question. Do you really want to do this? Do you still want to do this? Do you really want to go and get your head hit by big guys with these small gloves?

I ask myself that question every fight. But at the end of the day I am still here because I am in love with it. It is just like a woman. A man can do so much to her but she still there because she loves him.

That is how I am with this sport. So I am looking forward to testing out my hands and my bicep and I am looking forward to bringing more skills to the table with the left hook and stuff like that. So I am looking forward to the fight overall.

Q
How much with your legacy as you get more involved? Because like it has been written document how much you stay active. How much of you wanting to be active is it the fact that you are getting these defenses each time you bring out another wrinkle that nobody has seen before?

D. Wilder
Well at the end of the day it is about getting your hands ready whether you look good or bad. At the end of the day the objective is to win. Whether it is an ugly win or a pretty win. That is what we try to do.

Of course we try to look good while we do it. As far as my legacy is concerned, I am planning on big, big things for me for now and in the future.

When I structured my career, I look at Muhammad Ali which is my all-time favorite and an idol of mine and what he has done for this sport. He was a real life hero.

He was the true definition of a true champion. Wasn’t afraid of nobody and wasn’t scared to go to where you were. Even if was your backyard and that is the things that I want to do.

I want to travel to different countries and defend my title. Whether it is in their backyard or I will go to a country they love and I will make it my backyard.

I want to do those things. That belt says the Heavyweight Champion of the world. You can be complacent in United States of America.

So that is my footsteps that I want follow. Muhammad Ali, what he has done for boxing inside and outside of the ring. I think about all the attributes and the efforts to do those things.

People just relate to me everywhere I go. People relate because the thing about people, they know lies when they see it. I come straight forward and honest with everybody and people love me. My attitude, my personality, we fighters always get stereotyped with people all over.

Fighters are some of the best, coolest guys ever. And after the sport business-wise I want my career – I am looking forward for my career to be like Larry Holmes. A businessman. Somebody that invests and did the right things. So when it is time for me to leave, Deontay will not be returning or looking back.

Q
Does this Povetkin type situation make you leary to go to somebody’s backyard?

Also, is it a big deal to unify those belts by the end of 2017?

D. Wilder
Not at all. Povetkin is just one man. He is one out of many. I can’t focus my mind over one man out of one country doing certain things. We know certain people, certain countries that are going to attempt to do certain things.

That is why the VADA does the testing. People that is out there, the companies that is out there. That is why we hired them to do what they do.

VADA is one of the best. They make sure everything is straight. We all want just a fair playing field. So I can’t fault, what Povetkin did towards what my goals are and accomplishments that I want to achieve.

We take every fighter seriously no matter who they are. No matter what they have done. Even if they’re 1 and 0. They can be 0 and 1. We take them very, very, very seriously because this game is a very, very serious sport. It is the hurt business.

People get in there and try to knock your head off I know that’s what I try to do. Knock his head off. We are taking Washington very seriously. We don’t care what kind of experience he has or where he came. We are taking him as if he is the champion and I am the challenger.

So I always say that I never look past a fighter. But I do look through a fighter. I window shop a little bit. I don’t think that is too awful to do. Window shop a little bit.

So when I window shop, you know, I see that whoever has the title that is what I want. Let Joshua and Klitschko do their thing.

Win those two belts. And at the end of the year, we combine two and two. That is four belts in all in unified division. One man, one face, one title. That is Deontay Wilder. That is what I see coming.

Gerald, what do you want people to know about you and what you are bringing to the table?

G. Washington
I am just here to fight. I am here to fight man. I am coming to get this. Deontay Wilder is taking me seriously because I am coming. I am coming with everything I have got. I am working hard. I am training hard. I am preparing myself well.

I am doing everything that I have got to do. I don’t care about none of that extra stuff. February 25th and that is it man. I don’t have to explain nothing. All I know is I am working. I am working and I am going to be ready.

Q
Deontay, how much does it feel good to be able to put that belt on the line one more time in Birmingham where you got all the support and vanquish another person coming to your backyard as you are the Heavyweight Champion of the world right now?

D. Wilder
Man I tell you it is just a phenomenal feeling man. To be able to see my people and when I say about my people I am talking about my state.

I am talking about everybody around in the State of Alabama because this wasn’t a boxing state. This state wasn’t built for the boxing. You know it was football and basketball, mostly football.

But it was one opponent at a time and me and my long time trainer Jay Deas, we had a discussion and said we are going to fight here one day. And that one day and that dream became a reality. And then one day it came and now here is what the fourth time?

I have brought millions upon millions of dollars to this state. You know I love my state. I love where I am from. There is no place like home.

A lot of fighters can’t fight at home. They can’t do this. So whenever the opportunity comes about that I can fight home. I can fight in my state and let ye people eat here I am going to do it. It is an enjoyable feeling.

Sometimes you can lose focus at times because you are from here. Everybody loves you. Everybody wants to call you. Everybody wants to be around you. Everybody want tickets. You know that are little things that come with it.

But with that being said, you still have to have focus and you still mentally have to control everything that is around you and have a great team that control you as well too when you don’t feel like doing certain things you know.

You can’t be nice all the time. Sometimes people have got to understand that I have got a mission that I must accomplish and if I don’t accomplish that then you are not going to be around. If I lose you are not going to be around. Let’s face it.

All these people in my face. If I lose, it is going to be real quiet with the champ you are the best talk. And then they are going to turn it into an I told you. It was just a matter of time.

So we understand all aspects of the situation. But I am loving it. I love Alabama and this is one of many that we are going to do.

Q
Tell us why you think you can win this fight and take the title from Deontay?

G. Washington
It’s just a matter of all the work that I am putting in. I have been getting here in the gym, the training just sparring. Just putting it all together, what I am saying is that I always have boxing in my mind.

I know Deontay Wilder. We all know what he brings to the table. He is big, strong, knockouts. We fighting in his backyard. We know all that.

Well we can’t get caught up in that. That is going to be there. That is going to be there and we just got to focus on us. Focus on our game. Make sure we are tight, physically and mentally. And we prepare for this moment.

That is all that matters to me. Only had a month time to prepare and but I am ready to go. I have learned the lessons in the gym and I had hard lessons. But you need those hard lessons when you are growing as a fighter.

You have got to go through that stuff to understand what is going on because you get in there and you have got a full sense of what is going on. Reality checks. This sport will teach you a lesson when you need it.

So everything that was supposed to happen. I am glad for the lessons. I am glad for all the great talent and meeting my trainer John Pullman. We having fun and we are learning. It is not always going to go the way you want it to go and we learn from that and we get better.

Q
Deontay other than the obvious thing of experience what do you think your advantages are in this fight against Gerald?

D. Wilder
Just my state of mind. Outside of the ring we all know I am Deontay Wilder. I am the nicest person in the world you know. I call myself a giant teddy bear.

But when I get in the ring I am the Bronze Bomber. And the Bronze Bomber, he is a different person. I am glad I am so happy that I can change between the Bronze Bomber and Deontay Wilder. Some people can’t.

If Bronze Bomber got loose in the streets it won’t be something nice. When I am in the ring all I think about is knocking my opponent’s head off. Getting him out of there. Hurting him. Putting pain to him. I will have no mercy. I will have no pity.

Until I knock him out or do what I got to do that’s when I feel sympathy for my fighters because, I know they have a family. I know there is somebody’s son or sometimes be the father. I understand that. I am a family person as well too.

But they are in front of me on their feet it is a different story. And I have been mentally, I am always mentally strong over all these fighters. I really feel that I can’t be beat. That is just the mentality I have.

Knowing that every man can be beat we are not immortal. Nobody is God but that is just the mentality I bring in the ring that I am the lion of this jungle. I call the ring the jungle. I am the king of it.

And I approach myself accordingly like that. I am very vicious in the ring. I am a savage in the ring. I have no remorse for fighters in the ring. I really do that because this is the hurt business. You are trying to do the same thing to me what I am trying to do to him. And that is win.

And when it is winning you do whatever it takes. By all means necessary to win. And that is what I go in there too.

So it is a lot of things I could say but overall I think my mental state of mind. I think my mental state of mind is always stronger.

Q
Does the fact that this fight is on FOX on a Saturday night, primetime, you are going to have millions of people watching this. Does this give a little added incentive to try to make a statement during this fight?

D. Wilder
Yes, I enjoy fighting on FOX. I enjoy fighting on free TV giving the people something to see,. I always think about people, whether they watch it or not. I always think that they want to see knockouts.

People when they see the heavyweight division, they want to see knockouts. They want to see excitement.

I have always been exciting even if the knockout didn’t come out I have always been exciting and I have always put my feelings into my fighting. And my motivation is my children and I have always carried them in my thoughts and in my heart with me in the ring.

So with that being said, I am looking forward to this fight. I am just looking forward to everything. I can’t wait. This is my comeback party off my major injury on my hand and bicep which is feeling great. I can’t wait to test it out. I am just happy that I am back in the scene.

Being able to do something that I love to do where I am the happiest. I just thank God for this opportunity this moment. I am very grateful.

Q
Do either of you want to make a prediction for the fight? Deontay?

D. Wilder
Like I just said, I go for the knockouts.. At this point in time in my career I am very relaxed now. Earlier when I first came out of course I was wild. You know my last time is Wilder.

I was wild. But now as I started getting experience and bigger fights. I kind of have slowed down and just relaxed and wait on the opening and stuff like that.

But you know to answer your question now and for anybody who has the same question in the future. Deontay Wilder don’t play games. Deontay Wilder comes to destroy the man that is in front of him. So I think that answers your question.

Lou DiBella:
Okay well thanks everybody for joining us. And we look forward to seeing you if not on February 25th in Birmingham, Alabama then we hope you will be tuned into FOX and to FOX Deportes at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on February 25th to see this great card headlined by the WBC Heavyweight Championship between Deontay Wilder and Gerald Washington.

Thank you Deontay and thank you Gerald. And also thank to Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd for having joined us on this call.

So plenty of tickets are still available. The tickets are really affordable and, you know, there are loads of $25 seats available. So anyone who can get down to Birmingham, Alabama we hope to see you there.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.

Clash Between Hard-Hitting Tony Harrison and Undefeated Jarrett Hurd Is Now For The Vacant IBF Junior Middleweight World Title

BIRMINGHAM, AL (February 16, 2017) – The stakes have been raised in the already highly-charged junior middleweight showdown between Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs). The clash between Harrison and Hurd has been elevated to a battle for the vacant IBF 154-pound world title and is part of an exciting night of action Saturday, February 25. on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes.

The title become vacant after titlist Jermall Charlo dropped the belt to move up to middleweight to seek bigger challenges in a new division.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT live from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama and is headlined by undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his title in his home state for the fourth time, as he faces undefeated contender Gerald Washington.

“These guys have already shown their mettle by agreeing to fight each other – No. 2 versus No. 3 – for the No. 1 spot,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Having this match be for a world title is a great reward for two young guys who have shown a willingness to face each other.”

“Boxing writers and fans are already buzzing about Harrison versus Hurd, an explosive matchup,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The winner will now be the IBF champion, bringing greatly increased significance to what should already be a war.”

The 26-year-old Harrison comes into this fight after scoring an explosive ninth-round stoppage of Sergey Rabchenko in July that put him in line for the world title. Harrison, who took down Cecil McCalla, Fernando Guerrero and Rabchenko in his last three contests, faces a tough challenge in the undefeated Hurd. The Detroit-native was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights and recorded 10-straight knockouts between 2013 and 2015.

“I’ve been waiting on this for a long time. This the biggest shot of my life. It’s like my son being born all over again,” Harrison said. “This just made the fight that much more interesting. As a boxer this is what you dream of – the day you fight for a world title. Santa came early. We’re both 26 years old. It’s a dream come true for both of us. It doesn’t change the approach. It just makes it much sweeter and puts that much more respect on the winner of this fight.”

“This is the moment every boxer dreams of, becoming the world champion,” said Hurd. “I finally get that opportunity on the big stage – on the Deontay Wilder heavyweight championship card and on FOX in prime time on national TV. I’m blessed. I want to thank everyone for getting me to this point. Tony Harrison is a great fighter. It’s not going to be an easy fight. Tony Harrison is top-level competition and I’m a top level competitor. Two great fighters going after something they want. But I have to say my pants are falling and I need my belt.”

Hurd fights out of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C. and is perfect since entering the pro ranks in 2012. The 26-year-old defeated three straight unbeaten fighters, including a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Galarza in 2015 and a 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina in the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter card in June 2016. Most recently, Hurd stopped former title challenger Jo Jo Dan in the sixth-round of their fight in November of last year, positioning himself to fight for the title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com,www.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.

Hard-Hitting Tony Harrison Battles Undefeated Jarrett Hurd in World Title Eliminator & Top Heavyweight Dominic Breazeale Faces Undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh on Saturday, February 25 Live on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes

BIRMINGHAM, AL (January 24, 2017) – A pair of exciting matchups come to primetime network television on Saturday, February 25 as rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs) meet in a 12-round world title eliminator and Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (17-1, 15 KOs) takes on undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight showdown as part of an exciting night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action.

“This is the guaranteed fight of the night on February 25,” said Harrison. “This fight is do or die for me and I’m going to remind everyone how gifted I am. Fighting on a network like FOX and FOX Deportes is a blessing. I have deep roots in the south and I’m looking forward to fighting on a card with the big champ Deontay Wilder. Hurd is my toughest opponent to date and the winner of this will catapult themselves to the top of the division. You don’t want to miss this fight.”

“This is a big fight for me to get in the number one position for a world title,” said Hurd. “This lines up a world title shot for me and I’m not going to take it for granted. The time has come for me to step up and overcome this obstacle. Tony is a tall guy who likes to move around and he has some nice power. He’s a good fighter and I’m expecting a tough fight. This is a great position to be in and I’m going to work hard to take advantage of it.”

“I’m very excited to return to battle once again in Birmingham, Alabama and on FOX and FOX Deportes,” said Breazeale. “It’s a new year for me and I have great expectation for 2017. It all starts with a victory on February 25. I know my opponent is going to come prepared to protect his perfect record, but I’m going to be ready to do anything to get the victory.”

“I’m really looking forward to my first fight in the United States,” said Ugonoh. “I’m expecting a tough fight from Dominic Breazeale. He always comes to fight and I know I have to be ready for anything that he can bring to the ring. It’s really an honor to fight on the same card as the heavyweight world champion, Deontay Wilder. It’s exciting to be fighting on FOX and FOX Deportes in primetime on U.S. television and I’m going to make the most of it.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing in association with Bruno Event Team and TGB Promotions, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.

“As a promoter and as a fan, I can’t wait for the Harrison-Hurd title elimination fight,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd are two of the hardest hitting, most exciting young contenders in the super welterweight division. Fans can expect fireworks when they clash in Birmingham. The heavyweight fight between Breazeale and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh is also a battle of punchers and is a significant matchup in an increasingly competitive heavyweight division. Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes will have great supporting bouts for Deontay Wilder and the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.”

“These two co-featured bouts perfectly compliment the heavyweight world title fight in the main event,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “All four top contenders are in position for much bigger fights with a victory, making this a true must-see event.”

The 26-year-old Harrison comes into this fight after scoring an explosive ninth-round stoppage of Sergey Rabchenko in July that put him in line for the world title currently held by Jermall Charlo. The winner of his last three fights, Harrison faces a tough challenge in the undefeated Hurd after he took down Cecil McCalla, Fernando Guerrero and Rabchenko in his last three contests. The Detroit-native was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights and recorded 10-straight knockouts between 2013 and 2015.

Hurd fights out of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C. and is perfect since entering the pro ranks in 2012. The 26-year-old defeated three straight unbeaten fighters including a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Galarza in 2015 and a 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina in the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter card in June 2016. Most recently, Hurd stopped former title challenger Jo Jo Dan in the sixth-round of their fight in November of last year and he will now look to solidify his spot at the top of the 154-pound rankings on February 25.

After representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, Breazeale steadily improved and moved up the rankings before an unsuccessful challenge to Anthony Joshua for his heavyweight title in June. Prior to that, the Glendale, California-native picked up victories over veteran competition in Yasmany Consuegra, Fred Kassi and a stoppage of Amir Mansour on FOX in January of last year. Before switching to boxing, Breazeale was a quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado.

Born in Szczecin, Poland to Nigerian parents, Ugonoh is a former Polish kickboxing champion who took up boxing in 2010. Ugonoh is trained by Kevin Barry, the trainer for current heavyweight titleholder Joseph Parker, who Ugonoh trained and sparred with on his way to the world title. The 30-year-old will be making his U.S. debut after scoring knockout victories over Ricardo Ramirez and Gregory Tony in 2016 while fighting out of New Zealand.

MIKEY GARCIA RETURNS ON SATURDAY, JULY 30 FOR STACKED NIGHT OF BOXING ON SHOWTIME® AND SHOWTIME EXTREME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

Mikey Garcia (208x138)
BROOKLYN (June 28, 2016) – Undefeated former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia will return to the ring after a two-and-a-half-year layoff on Saturday, July 30 in an exciting night of boxing on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME EXTREME that is one of the strongest cards ever assembled at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Garcia, who won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight, will fight former world champion Elio Rojas in a 10-round bout in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature of the Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton event presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, once-beaten 154-pound contenders Tony Harrison and Sergey Rabchenko will meet in a 12-round IBF Junior Middleweight Eliminator. Harrison and Rabchenko will square off for the No. 2 mandatory challenger spot to IBF titlist Jermall Charlo, who successfully defended his crown on May 21, and undefeated contender Julian Williams, who earned the No. 1 mandatory position on March 5, both on SHOWTIME. Harrison vs. Rabchenko is the sixth matchup in 2016 between top 154-pound fighters, a lineup showcasing three world title fights and three title eliminators in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

The combined record of the six fighters on the SHOWTIME telecast is an impressive 162-4-1 with 113 knockouts.

An all-Brooklyn showdown between welterweight technicians Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and Gabriel “Tito” Bracero highlights the undercard action on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME. The 10-round welterweight bout is a matchup between a former two-division world champion, Malignaggi, and a fellow Brooklyn native, Bracero, coming off the biggest win of his career when he knocked out Danny O’Connor last October.

A 10-round matchup between once-beaten lightweight Ivan Redkach and streaking Tevin Farmer, a winner of 14 straight, will open the SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast live at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

The July 30 event at Barclays Center comes on the heels of last Saturday’s potential Fight of the Year thriller between Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter, a back-and-forth slugfest at a that generated the top grossing live gate and second-highest attended boxing event in venue history.

“This is the strongest card from top to bottom, that I have promoted at Barclays Center,” said DiBella Entertainment President Lou DiBella. “Every single fight is significant and competitive, and this is a great follow up from the tremendous success that boxing had with Thurman-Porter this past weekend.”

“This will be our 19th boxing event, but from top to bottom it’s arguably our best card yet,” said Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment CEO Brett Yormark. “We are excited to welcome undefeated Santa Cruz and Frampton to Brooklyn for the first time, a fight that could rival Barclays Center’s epic Thurman-Porter bout for Fight of the Year. It’s also a pleasure to welcome Brooklyn’s own Paulie Malignaggi back to Barclays Center for the fifth time and to host the return of Mikey Garcia after a two and a half year hiatus. July 30 is going to be another big night for BROOKLYN BOXING.”

“We are excited to be part of Mikey Garcia’s return to the ring. Before the layoff he was among the top-10 pound-for-pound and among the most popular fighters in boxing. We know he is determined to reclaim his place among the elite,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “SHOWTIME has distinguished itself by delivering the most compelling matchups and, hands down, the most important events in boxing all year long. There is no other network as committed to the sport and the July 30 event, from top-to-bottom, is a prime example.”

MIKEY GARCIA vs. ELIO ROJAS
“I expect to pick up right where I left off,” Garcia told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray last Saturday on CBS. “I was a world champion, I was undefeated, and I still am. I didn’t leave because I was injured. I think I’ll come back even better. I’m hungrier now than I was before.

“I just have to get one fight in. This first fight with Elio (Rojas) will be somewhere between 135 and 140 pounds, but I want to fight at 135 and win a title there. I want to win a title there and keep going after champion after champion. Now that all that (uncertainty) is behind me I look forward to the next stage of my career. This next stage of my career will be what people remember me for.”

“Mikey Garcia is a great fighter,” Rojas said. “I want to thank him for this opportunity. We are both former WBC World Champions and I expect a great fight. However, all of the talk surrounding this fight has been about Mikey’s comeback and his future plans. I am no tune-up. This is also about me coming back and fighting again. He may be looking past me, but I am fully focused on him and securing the victory. I will do whatever I have to do to win, so I can move on and regain my world championship.”

Garcia (34-0, 28 KOs), of Ventura, Calif., is 28-years-old and in the prime of his career. Once considered one of the top young boxers pound-for-pound in the world, he will make his first ring appearance since he retained the WBO 130-pound title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Burgos on Jan. 25, 2014. Garcia, the brother of renowned trainer Robert Garcia, has been victorious by knockout in 10 of his last 12 fights and holds impressive victories over Roman “Rocky” Martinez, Juan Manuel Lopez, Orlando Salido and Bernabe Concepcion.

Rojas (24-2, 14 KOs), of San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, won the WBC featherweight world championship in 2009 with a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Takahiro Ao in Japan. The 33-year-old successfully defended the title against Guty Espadas Jr. in 2010, before losing the belt via unanimous decision to Jhonny Gonzalez in April of 2012. Since the loss to Gonzalez, Rojas moved up to lightweight, where he defeated Robert Osiobe in August 2014.

TONY HARRISON vs. SERGEY RABCHENKO:
“I’m thrilled to return to the ring on this big stage for my first fight in Brooklyn, and I’m ready to put on a show,” said Harrison. “Fighting for a world title is my dream and I know that I have a challenge in front of me. I’m working hard in camp to get another knockout and to make my mark on the division.”

“This is the start of realizing my dream,” Rabchenko said. “America is the Mecca of boxing so it is a huge privilege for me to be asked to fight there. American fans like to see knockouts and I like to knock people out, so I think they will like what they see. I think I can build a fan base there. I am hungrier than ever. I have not seen much of Harrison, but I am ready for anyone. People say he is a very good fighter with good power. I’m not worried. I have good power as well and I think I will have too much for him.”

At just 25-years-old, Harrison (23-1, 19 KOs) has showed tremendous promise. He manufactured a 10-fight knockout streak from 2013 to 2015 and proved he could recover from a loss when he dominated Cecil McCalla for 10 rounds in October 2015 and stopped Fernando Guerrero in impressive fashion in March.

Fighting out of Belaraus, Rabchenko (27-1, 20 KOs) is looking to put himself squarely into world title contention when he makes his U.S. debut on July 30. The 30-year-old is coming off of stoppage victories over Walter Calvo in May 2015 and a Miguel Aguilar in February.

SHOWTIME EXTREME:

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI vs. GABRIEL BRACERO:
“I feel truly blessed to have yet another opportunity to fight in Brooklyn,” Malignaggi said. “I have known Tito a long time and I know he always comes to fight. We will give the Brooklyn fans a great appetizer before the terrific main event later that night in Barclays Center.”

“I’m looking to make a statement by winning this fight,” said Bracero. “Paulie and I have been friends since the amateurs and I’m thankful to have this opportunity, but he’s had his run. Now it’s time for me to have mine. This fight is going to change my life.”

A former world champion at 140 and 147-pounds, the 35-year-old Malignaggi (35-7, 7 KOs) will return to the ring to fight at Barclays Center for the fifth timel. He has faced a slew of big names throughout his career and has been victorious over the likes of Zab Judah, Vyacheslav Senchenko and Pablo Cesar Cano. Born and raised in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, “The Magic Man” was victorious twice fighting in his birth country of Italy last year after unsuccessfully challenging unbeaten Danny Garcia in August.

Another Brooklyn-native, Bracero (24-2, 5 KOs) comes off of a sensational one-punch knockout of rival Danny O’Connor in their rematch last October. The 35-year-old owns victories over Dmitry Salita and Pavel Miranda in addition to his first triumph over the previously unbeaten O’Connor in 2011.

IVAN REDKACH vs. TEVIN FARMER:
“I am extremely happy to be back in the ring on a big show in New York,” Redkach said. “There are so many Ukrainian fans in New York and I am thrilled to have their support and will put on a great show for them. I want to thank Leo Santa Cruz and his team for having me in their camp as we both prepare ourselves to put on tremendous performances come July 30.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this fight,” Farmer said. “This is my Barclays Center debut and it is going to be a spectacular performance. I have called out anyone and everyone in the 130 pound division to no avail, so now I’m moving up to 135 to take on Redkach, one of the most feared punchers in the division. Redkach is an aggressive guy and I know he is coming to fight, but there is no way I leave that ring without my hand being raised. This is a fight where I can and I will make a major statement. I’m willing to fight whoever they put in front of me to inch closer to a world title opportunity and July 30 is another step in that direction. I tip my hat off to Redkach for giving me this fight, but this is my time to shine.”

Born in Ukraine but fighting out of Los Angeles, Redkach (19-1-1, 15 KOs) began boxing at the age of six and has put together an impressive career since turning pro in 2009. The 30-year-old owns victories over Tony Luis, Sergey Gulyakevich and Yakubu Amidu. Mostrecently, Redkach knocked out Erick Daniel Martinez in October 2015 and fought to a draw with Luis Cruz in April.

Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, Farmer (24-1-1, 5 KOs) has won 14 bouts in a row since dropping a contest to unbeaten world champion Jose Pedraza in 2012. The 25-year-old has come on strong in recent years, upsetting previously unbeaten fighters such as Emmanuel Gonzalez, Angel Luna and Camilo Perez. Farmer dominated veteran Gamaliel Diaz in March and will make his Barclays Center debut on July 30.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

# # #

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

JULIAN WILLIAMS KNOCKS OUT MARCELLO MATANO, CALLS OUT WORLD CHAMPION JERMALL CHARLO SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME®

BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 6, 2016) – Julian Williams secured the IBF’s No. 1 position at 154 pounds and called out Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo after an impressive seventh-round TKO of Italian Marcello Matano Saturday on SHOWTIME from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa. VIDEO OF WILLIAMS CALLING OUT CHARLO: http://s.sho.com/1UJo5bp

The undefeated Philadelphia native put on a clinic, breaking down his opponent from the opening bell until referee Gary Rosato stepped in to protect a defenseless Matano (16-2, 5 KOs) at 2:24 of the seventh. Williams (23-0-1, 14 KOs) utilized a steady diet of combos, jabs and body shots in the middle rounds to weaken Matano and set up the big shots to close the show in the seventh. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/1QzbBBb

Williams landed 59 percent of his power shots, including a staggering 76 percent in the deciding seventh.

“Maybe people will think they saw a chink in the armor tonight,” Williams said. “Maybe guys will come out from under the rock and get some of this West Philly work.

“Jermall has been watching my performances. Him and his brother know exactly who I am. He needs to fight or vacate now. He needs to step up, but he’s already laying his groundwork and making excuses.

“Step up and fight me. It’s two of the best junior middleweights in the world. It’s about greatness. I want to be great. All of you turkeys at 154 pounds, let’s fight.”

After the fight, Matano took issue with the stoppage.

“He was pretty fast with his jab, but I felt like I was just getting into the fight,” Matano said. “I felt the punch, but I felt like I could have kept going. I have a warrior heart and I never want to quit.

“I’m going to go back to Italy and take a little rest, then I’ll be right back in the gym. It was a wonderful experience coming here to America. I got to fight a top-echelon fighter and I feel like I belong.”

Avtandil Khurtsidze, a human brick wall barreling forward, upset previously unbeaten middleweight contender Antoine Douglas with a thoroughly dominating 10th-round TKO. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/21er63g

The 35-year-old “mini-Mike Tyson” plowed forward from the opening bell until the TKO at 0:33 of the 10th. The 6-foot Douglas had no answer for his 5-foot-4 opponent, a Brooklyn-based native of Georgia who is looking to become the first world champion from the former Soviet nation.

Khurtsidze (32-2-2, 21 KOs) hurt Douglas (19-1-1, 13 KOs) with a big left in the opening seconds of the third round, sending the 23-year-old face forward through the ropes. Somehow, Douglas recovered from the first knockdown of his career and fought himself back into the fight. The Washington, D.C., native rallied to win the fourth and the fifth rounds, and the all-action sixth could have gone either way.

Khurtsidze opened the seventh with a monstrous one-punch left to floor Douglas, who again somehow survived the round on failing legs as Khurtsidze threw over 100 total punches. Khurtsidze, who showed unbelievable stamina to push the pressure throughout, started the 10th with a relentless attack, forcing referee Benjy Esteves to stop the fight at 0:33 of the with Douglas defenseless against the ropes.

“I knew he was going to get tired,” said Khurtsidze, who took the fight on less than three weeks notice. “I felt like I was going to catch him. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not strong.

“I knew he was going to be hungry. But I also knew that I was going to beat him. It was short notice but I did everything I could in the time we had. I stayed in the gym and stayed sharp.

“Whoever they put in front me, I’m ready for them. I love fighting. I’ll fight anybody.”

Douglas had entered the fight as a fast-rising 160-pounder on the cusp of a title shot.

“I feel OK,” Douglas told SHOWTME Sports analyst Steve Farhood after the fight. “He definitely dictated. He definitely had a better day today. It’s not discouraging, we just weren’t able to execute. Naturally, I’m crushed. It’s back to the drawing board.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, middleweight contender Tony Harrison looked impressive in a sixth round TKO over former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero.

Harrison (23-1, 19 KOs) was the aggressor from the outset, jabbing at range to set up his favorite weapon – a powerful right. The Detroit native floored Guerrero with a big right with 15 seconds to go in the second round. The southpaw got up, but looked hurt and was saved by the bell.

Guerrero (28-4, 20 KOs) had his moments in the fourth and fifth rounds after some heedful advice from his corner, but he couldn’t get inside to escape Harrison’s powerful right. It was a clean left hook midway through the sixth that ultimately finished Guerrero. After Harrison dropped Guerrero with the left, the Dominican Republic native beat the count but had no legs and went back to the canvas after four more consecutive shots from Harrison, forcing referee Gary Rosato to stop the bout at 1:56 of the sixth.

“I threw punches back and I finished the rounds stronger than him,” said Harrison, who landed 57 percent of his power shots. “I dominated the fight. My dad kept telling me to put the hook behind the right hand and if I had listened to him better I could have gotten the knockout much quicker.

“I was backing him up. My game plan was to take advantage of the fact that southpaws don’t fight well going backwards. I tried to just keep putting him back and discouraging him. I told everyone I was taking the fight to him. What’s not to like about me? I’m exciting.

“I want big fights, I want to go back to Detroit and I want the Willie Nelson rematch.”

Said Guerrero: “I wasn’t on today. He wasn’t faster than me, stronger than me or more skilled. I just locked up. I wasn’t listening to my corner, I didn’t do anything tonight.

“It just happens. Sometimes you have a bad day. Today was as bad as I could ever imagine.

“We’ll go back to the drawing board. I didn’t do what I was supposed to do. We trained so hard. He wasn’t as fast or strong as we thought he’d be. Today was a bad day for me to have a bad day.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas, @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

Video: Tony Harrison

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

Williams_Matano Weigh in
IBF 154-Pound Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds
Julian Williams – 154 Pounds
Marcello Matano – 150 ½ Pounds

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds (WBO International Middleweight Title)
Antoine Douglas – 158 ¾ Pounds
Avtandil Khurtsidze – 160 Pounds

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Tony Harrison – 156 ¼ Pounds
Fernando Guerrero – 156 ½ Pounds

NON TELEVISED BOUTS
Ievgen Khytrov 159.3 – Kenneth McNeil 158.4
Joey Dawejko 242 – Ytalo Perea 250
Amir Shabazz 173. – Hakeem Atkinson 172.2
Chordale Booker 150.4 – Antonio Allen 150.6
Terrence Williams 161.5 – Anthony Miller 159.5

Here is what the fighters had to say Friday

JULIAN WILLIAMS:
“He obviously has a dream, and I have to respect his dream. It’s my job to break his dream.

“No one wanted to fight me. But this guy accepted it, he came here and he’s in my way.

“This is the biggest fight of my life. I win this and I fight for a title this year.

“People don’t want to see us dance around for 12 rounds. They want to see action.

“We opened camp on Nov. 9. We’ve been waiting for this fight and now it’s finally here.”

MARCELLO MATANO:
“My dream has always been to fight for the world title. Now, I’m almost there.

“People may not be familiar with me, but champions can be born everywhere.

“On paper, Williams is a better fighter, the favorite. But will he be able to translate his skills in the ring? That’s the question. I will be the more active fighter. I’ll push the action and frustrate him.”

ANTOINE DOUGLAS:
“We’re coming to win. With the work we put in, we’re ready for anyone. We prepare the same way

“I just plan to go out there and win. Any guy with two hands is dangerous. We just have to fight out fight.

“This guy is so aggressive it’s going to hurt him. We know he’s going to keep coming but we’re going to keep our hands in his face.

“I haven’t made it yet. I’m still hungry. I know I need to win this fight to move on to the next step, to get my shot at the title.”

AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE:
“We’re going to be aggressive. Once he feels the power he’s going to change his game plan. Once we take his jab away it’s going to be difficult for him.

“This is a huge opportunity for me. I have to win. Losing isn’t an option.

“There’s never been a world champ from Georgia. If I win this fight, I’m that much closer to becoming that first champion.

“I sparred with Marcus Browne, (Ievgen) Khytrov, (Sergiy) Derevyanchenko. We had a great camp and now we’re ready to fight.”

“Mike Tyson is my favorite fighter. I model my style after him.”

TONY HARRISON:
“I don’t want to leave any questions. I don’t want to go 10 rounds with Fernando Guerrero

“I want to be back to where I was before I lost. To get back where I was, I have to win impressively. I think winning this fight gets me back to where I was.”

FERNANDO GUERRERO:
“I haven’t felt this good mentally and physically in a while. I’m more well-rounded now.

“This is my natural weight. When I was fighting at middleweight I was always the smaller fighter.

“Tony has some speed and he was a real good amateur, but I’m a veteran professional. I’m going to take him out of his comfort zone.”

Saturday, March 5

5:30 p.m. SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENTS CENTER DOORS OPEN
Location: 77 Sands Blvd.; Bethlehem, PA 18015

6:45 p.m. FIRST BOUT

10:00 p.m. SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION BROADCAST BEGINS

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
Fight night credentials can be picked up on Saturday, March 5 from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Backstage Entrance. Proper personal photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

ANTOINE DOUGLAS TO FACE AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE IN MARCH 5 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® CO-FEATURE

NEW YORK (Feb. 23, 2016) – Undefeated middleweight contender Antoine Douglas will face hard-hitting Avtandil Khurtsidze in the co-feature of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Khurtsidze (30-2-2, 20 KOs) steps in to face GH3 Promotions’ Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout for the WBO International title after Sam Soliman pulled out of the fight last week with a knee injury.

Khurtsidze, of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kutaisi, Georgia, has won eight straight – including six by knockout – since dropping a controversial decision to then-unbeaten Hassan N’Dam in a bout for the vacant interim WBA World Middleweight Title in Paris in 2010.

Khurtsidze was scheduled to face N’Dam in a rematch last November 21 in Paris, but the event was cancelled following the tragic November 13 terror attacks in France. The rematch with the former world champion was to be contested for the IBF No. 2 spot at 160 pounds.

A pressure fighter, Khurtsidze was also slated to fight last week on a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing event and has been training since the fight with N’Dam was called off. The 36-year-old, who has also campaigned at super middleweight, is coming off a knockout victory over Melvin Betancourt last August.

“Avtandil is a world class guy, a former silver titlist and has been at the top of the division for years,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a great opportunity for him and a huge step up for Douglas. Avtandil had been on his way to France to fight for the No. 2 ranking against N’Dam when the tragic terrorist attacks hit Paris, which was a terribly unfortunate situation for all. Now, he looks to impress in this fight against the highly regarded Douglas. The winner of this bout moves up significantly in the middleweight world rankings and will be in line for a major fight in the 160-pound division later this year.”

In the main event of the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader, Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154 pounds. In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

UNDEFEATED JULIAN WILLIAMS TO FACE MARCELLO MATANO IN IBF SUPER WELTERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR SATURDAY, MARCH 5, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Julian Williams
NEW YORK (Feb. 10, 2016) – Undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154-pounds in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

In the co-feature, fast-rising middleweight contender Antoine Douglas will take on former world champion Sam Soliman in a 10-round middleweight bout. In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.

“This upcoming fight will be the biggest fight of my career,” Williams said. “I’m chomping at the bit to get back out there. I am taking my opponent very seriously and I refuse to let Marcello Matano stop me from being a world champion.”

“This is a dream come true,” said Matano. “I’ve been working for my whole life for a real opportunity to make to the top level and I will not let Julian Williams take it away. What will happen when Williams has to go to the championship rounds? Will he be ready? I know for sure that I will. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I will do all I can to grab it.”

“Facing a former world champion like Sam Soliman is a great opportunity for me,” Douglas said. “The plan has always been to keep moving forward, and to do it successfully. This is that next step, and I’m ready for it. I’ve grown and learned so much fighting on ShoBox and it’s a beautiful thing to continue to progress and move to the next level.”

“This is an important fight for me,” said Soliman. “I had three opportunities on the table and I chose Douglas believing it to be a better fight for ranking, and it’s a challenge I’m excited to take on. From what I have seen, Douglas is a very talented fighter, which will make for a good fight. I am in great shape and looking forward to fight night.”

“I’m excited and eager to showcase my abilities to the world again,” said Harrison. “I’d advise fans to arrive early because I don’t plan to be in the ring long. I’m knocking this guy out. I know Guerrero is coming in with a chip on his shoulder and I can’t overlook him. I brought my uncle into camp and I think that’s going to give me the edge that I’ve needed to get over the hump. I’m putting the whole division on notice!”

“It’s warrior time,” said Guerrero. “We are going to have a war. This is going to be non-stop action. This fight will lead to big things for me. I’m used to fighting guys that are bigger than I am. I’m at my more natural weight and I’m looking to do great things in this division.”

“I’m thrilled to promote this great show on March 5,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “This is a great card from top to bottom with some future champions looking to show the world that they are ready for the next level. I am honored to have Julian Williams headline this card. He put on an explosive performance in his last bout at the Sands and I am sure he will be looking to do the same on March 5.”

One of the most promising and highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams (21-0-1, 1 ND, 13 KOs) will headline for the first time on SHOWTIME. He’s stepping up after honing his skills and steadily ascending the ranks after five fights on SHO EXTREME. The 25-year-old shut out longtime contender Joey Hernandez last April, followed that with a sixth-round stoppage of Arman Ovsepyan in June and closed the year by stopping Orlando Lora in the first round in September. The Philadelphian has also picked up victories over Joachim Alcine, Eliezer Gonzalez and Freddy Hernandez in his young career and looks to earn his first title shot with a win on March 5.

Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) is a former Italian super welterweight titlist. He’s registered four consecutive wins since the only loss of his career, including victories in three scheduled 12-round fights. The 29-year-old is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over fellow-Italian Nick Klappert in October 2015. Like Williams, he fought three bouts in 2015, although he logged 31 total rounds compared to just 17 for Williams.

Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has been impressive in five consecutive victories since he boxed to a draw when he was just 21 years old with former world title challenger Michel Soro in July 2014. The former top amateur has won his last three fights by knockout, including a sixth-round KO of previously undefeated Thomas LaManna and a fourth-round TKO of veteran Les Sherrington last November in his fifth appearance on ShoBox: The New Generation. On the prospect developmental series, the 23-year-old Douglas has graduated from unproven prospect to undefeated contender and is now ranked No. 4 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBA. Douglas is promoted by GH3 promotions.

Soliman (44-13, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, is vastly more experienced than Douglas, having competed in four world championship fights. The 42-year-old held the IBF Middleweight World title before suffering a debilitating knee injury and losing via decision to Jermain Taylor in his first title defense in October 2014. Soliman, who is 9-2-1 since 2008, won the IBF crown with a decisive 12-round decision over Felix Sturm in 2014. The Australian, who fights at a relentless pace and can be awkward at times, will look to bounce back from a close, 10-round split decision loss to Dominic Wade last June on ShoBox.

At just 25-years-old, Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) has showed tremendous promise as he recorded a 10-fight knockout streak from 2013 to 2015 and proved he could recover from a loss when he dominated Cecil McCalla for 10-rounds in October. The Detroit-native will look to make it back-to-back victories as he continues his ascent towards championship contender status. He has picked up knockout victories over Antwone Smith, Tyrone Brunson, Bronco McKart and Pablo Munguia in the last two years.

A former world title challenger, Guerrero (28-3, 20 KOs) returned to his winning ways in 2015 with victories over Abraham Han and Daniel Souza Santos. The 29-year-old lives and trains out of Los Angeles but grew up in Maryland after being born in the Dominican Republic. The veteran owns victories over Ishe Smith, Derrick Findley and Gabriel Rosado in a pro career that dates back to 2007.