Press Releases

DANIEL JACOBS VS. PETER QUILLIN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Published

9 years ago

December 3, 2015

DANIEL JACOBS VS. PETER QUILLIN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

“I feel like I have the skills to be the best out there. When I get this victory I want to keep fighting bigger and better opposition.” – Jacobs

“I see a determined man in Daniel Jacobs…I know what he’s coming to do Saturday night and I have to do it to him first.” – Quillin

Photo From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

NEW YORK (December 3, 2015) – Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin spoke to the media for the final time Thursday at a press conference in Manhattan before they enter the ring Saturday, Dec. 5, live on SHOWTIME^® at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The middleweight title showdown headlines a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar battling Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo. In action on SHO EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT), former world champion Chris Algieri faces Ecuador’s Erick Bone and Staten Island’s “Sir” Marcus Browne enters the ring against Francisco Sierra.

Further undercard action features popular Brooklyn contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy, former world champion Yuri Foreman and light heavyweight contender Will Rosinsky in separate bouts.

Tickets for the live event start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona. The Algieri vs. Bone and Rosinksy vs. Smith Jr. fights are promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

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

DANIEL JACOBS

“A lot of people have said this won’t go 12 rounds. But you never know how a fight will go. Sometimes a war is expected and a boxing match breaks out. You never know how a fight will go. We’re prepared for the best Peter Quillin, whether he’s coming forward, backwards or side-to-side we do what we have to do to get the victory.

“I’m in a comfort zone at Barclays Center with my friends, family and fans cheering me on. But I also like that he has his people cheering too. That’s extra motivation. Technically there are people in my backyard rooting for me to lose.

“Peter Quillin said he didn’t want to fight me, years ago. Because of our personal relationship he said he didn’t want to fight me. I respected his opinion but I didn’t agree. This was back when he was a champion.

“I feel like I have the skill to be the best out there. When I get this victory I want to keep fighting bigger and better opposition.

“I just need to keep fighting at the elite level for 12-rounds in matchups like this. I’m a fan of the sport and I want to be in there with all the top guys. That’s why I called out Peter Quillin.

“I’m expecting the best Peter Quillin. When you expect the best and it doesn’t turn out that way, I can rely on that preparation.

“We’ve both gone through intense training in order to make weight and be the best that we can be on fight night.

On his son Nathaniel’s birthday today “My son is one of the biggest boxing fans in the world. He understands the situation at hand. He says he doesn’t want me to come home, he just wants me to focus on the fight and celebrate after. For him to donate his birthday to me is the most incredible thing ever.”

PETER QUILLIN

“Everybody wants to be a part of something that’s bigger than themselves. Everyone on this dais gives me a reason to fight even hard.

“Daniel Jacobs. I want to thank you. You’re the champ and you called out the undefeated challengers. I come from nothing, so I’m thankful to have this light and this opportunity.

“My dad came here without shoes or a shirt, just a pair of pants. Now his son is fighting for a world title on this stage.

“Everyone on this stage fights with their own story. I just want everyone to give respect. We all fight for different reasons and we just want to have people support us for positive reasons.

“I’m glad I’ve made the decisions that I’ve made in life that have taught me to be a better man and a better person. Regardless of what the media says about me, I’m thankful for it, because it motivates me.

“I fight for the people that need strength. For everyone who comes here fighting for opportunities.

“This camp was different because of the heat. I was training like I was in Cuba. I’m in a great position to be successful right now.

“I see a determined man in Daniel Jacobs. He’s battled with something I could never tell you about, so I give him that respect. I know what he’s coming to do Saturday night and I have to do it to him first.

“My team is outstanding. We’ve been putting things together. We have a factory, which is the gym and all the workers assemble the product. I’m the product. Come Saturday night we’re going to put the product to use.

“I’m fit. I’m ready to go. The training has been A-1, steak sauce. The steak is nothing with out the A-1. I’m blessed and motivated. I’m so fired to get in there.

“Danny and I very cordial, but when I step into that ring I want to bring harm to him and he wants to do the same to me. So I don’t know if you can consider us friends if we want to do that to each other.

“I can talk about my game plan but I just want to fight. I’m smart. I can only win one round and one minute at a time. I’m learning everything about Danny right in that moment. Every second counts.”

JESUS CUELLAR

“This will be a great victory for Argentina. I know Oquendo is a great fighter, but I will be victorious on Saturday night.

“I want to make a statement on Saturday. Everyone in the division should watch out for me, because I am coming for the top spot. I’m too motivated, too strong and too talented to be stopped.

“I fight for my country, for my team and for my family. This is a great stage for me to showcase my talent against a talented fighter. I know he will be prepared but I will not be denied.

“We both have very aggressive styles so this will be an action-packed fight. There will be a lot of punches thrown and eventually, I will knock him out.”

JONATHAN OQUENDO

“I’m thankful to everyone for this opportunity, especially Jesus Cuellar for putting his belt on the line.

“I know how important this fight is for me. I know Cuellar has a very aggressive style and this fight is going to be a war. There will be blood in the ring.

“I’m ready for a war. I know he is a tough, strong fighter, but we’ve been in there before with guys like him. We’re ready for a 12 round war.“We’re confident because we’ve put in the work to get us here. Cuellar and I have the same style, the type of style that makes for a tough, exciting fight.

“This is my chance for a world title and I’m going to leave everything in the ring.”

CHRIS ALGIERI

“Barclays Center has become a second home for me. I’ve had some great performances there and I’m looking to have another sensational one on Saturday night.

“Make sure you get tickets to this. It’s an honor to be on a card like this with so many great fights and matchups. Being able to perform in Brooklyn with these other great fighters is truly special.

“Don’t miss my fight, because it’s going to be a sensational victory.”

ERICK BONE

“Boxing is about big surprises. Everybody knows in this sport, that everyone has one opportunity. This is my opportunity on Saturday night.

“I’m healthy, ready and excited to be fighting on Saturday. I’ve been in Brooklyn training for a long time now and it’s just a matter of waiting until it is my time to make my mark.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“I’m so thankful to have this opportunity to showcase my talent. I’m here to do what I have to do to get this victory. I’m ready to show out.

“This is a great card. I know both of these guys personally so I don’t really care who wins. May the best man win. The love is still the same, it’s tugging at me.

“Make sure you come out early because these fighters are putting it all on the line and it’s going to be a great night.”

HEATHER HARDY

“I’d like to thank Lou DiBella and Barclays Center for being so supportive of female boxing. It’s not very common so it really means a lot to have this spot to showcase my talent.

“I’m competing in a rematch with Noemis Bosques after we did eight rounds of toe-to-toe action back in May. It was really a war and I expect it to be a great battle.

“She wants to come back and get beat again, so make sure you get there early on Saturday to catch all of it.”

YURI FOREMAN

“It’s very exciting to compete amongst great fighters. Coming back is a great feeling for me, especially to be coming back as a Rabbi. For my observant friends, the fight starts early so for those who live a little distance from Barclays Center, you should start walking early and then take a train. I will be fighting after sundown, so it will all be kosher.

“I want to wish everyone good luck and much blessings. We’re all going to showcase our talent and skills. It’s going to be an exciting night of fighting.”

WILL ROSINSKY

“This is going to be a really good fight. Joe and I go back a long ways with sparring and we know each other very well.

“We’re not going to be feeling each other out. I’m expecting fireworks from the beginning and for all 10-rounds. Start to finish.

“He’s claiming to have one punch knockout power and I’m going to prove him wrong. I’m going to show him early that he’s in way over his head. It’s going to be a good win for me Saturday and I’m looking forward to it.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“This Saturday night we have a tremendous show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It’s “The Battle For Brooklyn” and a battle between two of the great middleweights in the world. The championship is on the line and bragging rights are at stake.

“It’s going to be an entire night of unbelievable boxing from the time that the doors open. I want to urge people to get tickets and get there for the whole night of fights.

“The undercard is really, truly unbelievable. Competitive fights and recognizable names are going to be in the ring all night. It’s the kind of undercard that boxing fans have been asking for, for a long time. We’re delivering great fights from the moment you walk in.

“People have asked me who I like in Jacobs vs. Quillin and I say I like both of them, because that’s the truth. Frankly, both can win and they bring some different things to the table. Daniel is a little bit faster but Peter is a hard-punching middleweight who knocks guys out. It’s a scary fight for both guys but I think they’re both supremely confident.

“This is one of those fights if you’re a fan, you really have to see. Make sure you see it live. Get your tickets for an unbelievable night of boxing.

“This is the kind of fight that boxing needs. A champion versus a former champion, who never lost his title in the ring. Just as a fan, I’m really excited to watch this fight.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Barclays Center

“Saturday night will be one of the biggest boxing events we’ve ever had at Barclays Center. It’s a huge week in Brooklyn and big night for boxing on Saturday.

“I consider both good friends who I would help whenever they needed. It’s going to be a special night for me, Barclays Center and most importantly, for Brooklyn.

“When you think about venues in this country, Barclays Center is at the top of the list when you’re talking about boxing and we’ve only been doing it for three years.

“Beyond the main event, there are some great stories to be told on Saturday night. When you think of Heather Hardy, Chris Algieri, Will Rosinsky, Yuri Foreman and of course Marcus Browne, who is fighting at Barclays Center for the tenth time and has certainly made it his home.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME SPORTS

“This will be SHOWTIME’s seventh event at Barclays Center, which is roughly half of the boxing at Barclays Center, and that is no accident. On top of being a first class venue, all of you know by now that Brett Yormark has made himself a fixture in boxing. I can’t think of a better venue for an event like this.

“It’s an interesting week for New York sports. It’s rivalry week with last night being Islanders versus Rangers at Barclays Center, Friday night is the Nets against the Knicks and Sunday is Jets versus Giants. Right in the middle of it, is the ‘Battle For Brooklyn.’ It’s another local rivalry and I think it’s going to be the most exciting matchup of any of these events.

“You all know Daniel Jacobs, the champion and Peter Quillin, the former champion. In his last seven fights, Quillin has recorded 15 knockdowns. When you have those kind of numbers, and I don’t do this often, but I guarantee we’re going to have exciting fight after exciting fight.”

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.

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Argentina

Three Punch Combo: What’s in the Cards for Spence, Kell Brook, and Cotto?

Published

7 years ago

May 28, 2017

Matt Andrzejewski

THREE PUNCH COMBO: Errol Spence Jr. scored an impressive knockout victory against Kell Brook on Saturday to take Brook’s IBF welterweight title. Both fighters now face interesting possibilities as they move forward in their respective careers.

Spence, who entered the fight with a lot of questions, not only showcased his tremendous skills but proved he has a very good chin as well as the willingness to dig deep when needed. He is without a doubt a future superstar in this sport. With momentum strong right now, he would be wise to be as active as possible even if not landing one of the big names his next time out.

I sense that Spence’s advisor, Al Haymon, will in fact get him back in the ring this summer. One name I would speculate as an opponent is Adrian Granados. Coming off a debatable loss to Adrien Broner, Granados has earned another shot at a top fighter. Granados is not a big puncher, but will put forth a good effort. The translation here is that he is someone that can be sold to the public as an opponent for Spence while bigger names are lined up, and also someone against whom Spence can in all likelihood look impressive once again.

After a summer tilt, I would expect to see Spence back in action towards the end of the year in a more substantial fight. Keith Thurman will still be on the mend at this point, recovering from elbow surgery, so that fight is out until next year. But Haymon has plenty of other welterweights and one that I suspect he steers toward Spence will be Lamont Peterson. Peterson is a name and has a belt. He also has a stated desire to want one of the big names next along with the payday that it would command. With Thurman out, this would seem the likely immediate path for Spence as such a fight would draw plenty of attention and be easy to sell.

As for Brook, he is going to need an extensive rest before restarting his career. He suffered a beating as well as an eye injury in September against Gennady Golovkin and then suffered another beating as well as injuring his other eye against Spence. After a rest, expect to see a tune- up bout followed by a massive fight in the UK against Amir Khan. The Khan fight has always been big and one of the reasons it has not been made is that it could frankly be made anytime with it still being a very significant event. Considering where both fighters are presently in their respective careers, the timing seems right for it to happen sooner rather than later. They both get a big payday and the winner gets well positioned for another big payday in what is a loaded territory at welterweight and junior middleweight.

Errol Spence Jr. and Kell Brook gave us a great fight on Saturday. While their career paths will head in different directions, expect to see both involved in big events once again down the road.

Miguel Cotto’s Future

Miguel Cotto announced this week that he would be returning to the ring on August 26^th to face Japanese brawler Yoshihiro Kamegai for the vacant WBO junior middleweight championship. Cotto, who split from his promoter Roc Nation last week, will work with Golden Boy Promotions for this fight which will be televised by HBO.

This is an interesting development in the career of Cotto. Reportedly HBO had not been interested in televising the proposed Kamegai fight unless it received assurances from Cotto that it would lead to a bigger fight to be televised by the network. Also, Golden Boy’s involvement in the promotion signals that they could be involved in Cotto’s future. Obviously, this would mean the opponent for a big fight for Cotto would come from under the Golden Boy banner.

The obvious choice for Cotto’s big fight opponent is David Lemieux. Lemieux has been chasing a fight with Canelo Alvarez. However, with Alvarez deciding to go after Gennady Golovkin, Lemieux gets left on the outside looking in. In need of a big fight for Lemieux, Golden Boy saw an opportunity with Cotto having been previously negotiating the Kamegai fight with Roc Nation. A fight between Cotto and Lemieux makes sense for both as Cotto wants a name who isn’t a slick boxer and Lemieux wants a big fight with the payday it commands as well as the opportunity to put a signature win on his resume to bolster his future ambitions.

But I also think Golden Boy has another potential plan for Cotto. Golden Boy’s main cash cow, Canelo Alvarez, is in a high risk, high reward fight with Golovkin in September. There is no rematch clause if Alvarez wins and, of course, a win by Alvarez cements him as a mega star in the sport. He will be eyeing a return in May 2018 during Cinco de Mayo weekend. With momentum behind him, Alvarez would be wise to seek a name opponent to further boost the event. A rematch with Cotto would not only do huge business but keep the momentum going. For Cotto, it would be a chance to avenge the loss from 2015 to Alvarez and give him one massive payday as his career nears a conclusion.

Miguel Cotto is determined to close his career out with something big and it appears likely he will get his wish.

Kudos to Golden Boy

When Golden Boy announced its new series on ESPN this winter, I was cautiously optimistic in the fights they would produce. I must say that the matchmaking thus far on this series has been superb and is getting even better with some recently announced cards. These are the types of televised shows the sport needs to generate some badly needed positive buzz.

On June 17^th, Pablo Cesar Cano takes on Fidel Maldonado in a junior welterweight contest. This fight is not only very evenly matched but can’t be anything except a slugfest given the styles of the two fighters. Cano is a high pressure fighter who is willing to exchange to get his own punches home. Maldonado has the ability to box, but often gets drawn willingly into wars. In 2015, he had a back and forth shootout with Amir Iman in a fight that got some talk in fight of the year chatter. As a matter of fact, round three was probably round of the year that year. Maldonado has a tendency to fire back when he gets hit and with Cano’s style Maldonado is going to get hit a lot. This one is guaranteed action and a perfect fight for television.

About two weeks later, Golden Boy returns with another ESPN card featuring a high stakes junior featherweight contest between Randy Caballero and Oscar Negrete. Caballero is an undefeated former bantamweight belt holder and is a very skilled boxer puncher. Negrete, also undefeated, has shown much improvement inside the ring in his last few contests. The styles of these two should mix well to provide an entertaining fight. It is also evenly matched, and with so much at stake we should see the best of both men inside the ring.

One point I harp on a lot is the importance of good matchmaking, especially in televised fights. Golden Boy is doing an excellent job so far with their new ESPN series providing high quality, well-matched fights. The boxing public is taking notice and Golden Boy deserves much praise in delivering excellent events for the fans.

Check out more boxing news on video at The Boxing Channel.

IBF welterweight title

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George Foreman Youth Center in Houston Hosts Amateur Event

Published

8 years ago

October 10, 2016

The Sweet Science

George Foreman Youth Center – -Starting with the ring of the bell on October 22nd, local area boxers will be fighting for a spot to represent the Gulf Coast Region at the USA Boxing National Championships & in International Travel.

Weight categories will include: Pee Wee 8-9, Bantam 10-11, Intermediate 12-13, Juniors 14-15, Youth 15-16, & Elite 18-40 in both Open and Novice divisions. Winners will represent the Gulf area at the 2016 USA Boxing Elite, Youth and Junior National Championships to be held in Kansas City Missouri December 4-10, 2016. This tournament is a sanctioned event through USA Boxing the National Governing Body of Amateur Boxing and is a feeder to National and Olympic recognition.

The George Foreman Youth and Community Center was founded 32 years ago in 1984 by Olympic Gold Medalist and 2-time heavy weight champion George Foreman. The GFYCC is dedicated to providing a safe and secure location for youth to participate in sports and after school activities.

“This year for the first time in Houston boxing history, we are developing an elite international youth boxing team,” said George Foreman, IV. “The team will be selected for the sole purpose of training and traveling to other countries to gain experience on an international platform and promote cultural diplomacy! Utilizing grant and donor funding this team will be representing the George Foreman Youth and Community Center and will be announced Saturday October 22, at the Gulf Region’s Boxing Championship. The team will be reviewed by my father, 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2-Time Heavyweight Champion, George Foreman Sr. The first international trip for this new Houston team is scheduled for Jan. 2017.”

Doors open for the Gulf Gloves Championships on Saturday October 22nd at 11:00 am with announcements and the presentation of the colors by the United States Army Houston Recruiting Command Baytown Beaumont Company at 12:45 pm. The national anthem will be performed by the internationally acclaimed Houston Brass Quintet! Boxing will begin at 1:00 pm. Championship finals will begin at 1:00 pm on Sunday October 23rd.

Media open workouts for Houston amateur standout boxers will be held Wednesday October 19th at the George Foreman Youth and Community Center at 2202 Lone Oak Road Houston, Texas 77093 at 4:00 pm.

Confirmed attendees for interviews will be:

George Edward Foreman IV: Son of 2 Time Heavy Weight Champion, President of Foreman Public Relations

Marlen Esparza: 2012 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist, 2014 Amateur World Champion, 2006 & 2016 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, Nine-Time USA Boxing National Champion.

Rocky Juarez: 2000 Olympic Games Silver Medalist, 1999 Amateur World Champion, WBC Silver Featherweight World Champion.

Raul Marquez: 1988 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, 1992 Olympic Games Quarter-finalist, IBF Light Middleweight World Champion.

Frank Tate: 1984 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, IBF Middleweight World Champion, NABF Light Heavyweight Champion.

Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz: WBA Lightweight World Champion, WBO Lightweight World Champion, WBA Super-Lightweight World Champion, IBF Lightweight World Champion.

“Sweet” Reggie Johnson: WBA Middleweight World Champion, IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion.

In addition to many Houston area professional boxers and Gulf Boxing Association alumni. Event is sanctioned by USA Boxing – Gulf LBC: 16-25-14268

George Foreman Youth Center / Check out more boxing news and videos at The Boxing Channel.

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Press Releases

Michelle Corrales-Lewis Named New CEO of NV Boxing Hall of Fame

Published

8 years ago

October 5, 2016

Miguel Iturrate

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2016) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) a non-profit charitable organization which donates to boxing-related causes, is happy to announce Michelle Corrales-Lewis as its new CEO/President. Respected boxing announcer, Rich Marotta, who founded the NVBHOF in 2012, steps down after devoting years of his life to get the organization off the ground.

With a number of boxing greats already inducted, which include world champion fighters, judges, coaches and promoters, the NVBHOF has rapidly established itself as prestigious group not only here in Las Vegas, but around the world. The NVBHOF has multiple fundraising events throughout the year, helping local boxing organizations fulfill their goals to keep boxing alive within the community.

“I took this organization as far as I could and I’m very comfortable where it is at today,” said Rich Marotta. “Michelle is on the scene in Las Vegas, has a myriad of contacts, both in business and with the boxing community, especially the fighters, and is more than ready to completely run the company. She is incredibly capable and has been an indefatigable agent for growth of the NVBHOF the past three years, taking on additional responsibilities each and every year. It brings me great pleasure to announce her as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.”

After serving as the NVBHOF Chief Operating Officer for many years, Michelle Corrales-Lewis, is thrilled at her new position within the organization.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Michelle Corrales-Lewis, widow of former multiple world champion and 2013 NVBHOF inductee, Diego Corrales. “Rich Marotta did a fantastic job building the organization from ground up. His immense work ethic is a great example of how I plan to continue the vision he set forth. My goal is to find a home for the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, one where fans from all around the world can visit on regular basis. The boxing community is filled with wonderful people that we will honor as inductees each year. I’m truly grateful for the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to me by my dear friend Rich Marotta.”

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