PHILADELPHIA – Former two-time world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia scored the “2018 Knockout of the Year” with his ninth round stoppage of Brandon Rios, in February 2018.

Garcia, rebounding from his first-ever defeat as a professional, wore Rios down with his heavy artillery before blasting out the former champ with two knockdowns in round nine. The second knockdown was a picture-perfect overhand right to the jaw that sent Rios crashing to the floor, and ultimately ended the fight.

After a five year drought at the Briscoe Awards, Garcia’s KO of Rios earned him his fifth overall Briscoe Award, and his first for the best knockout.

The awards, named after Philly middleweight boxing legend Bennie Briscoe, have been recognizing the best achievements of the Philly boxing scene since 2007.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia (1100 Pattison Avenue), 1-4 PM.

Tickets for the Briscoe Awards cost $10 each, and can be purchased in advance at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

PHILADELPHIA (September 4, 2018)–This Saturday night, September 8th. Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price from Sicklerville NJ steps into the ring once again on the undercard of the Danny Garcia vs Shawn Porter bout at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn NY.

Price, who is signed to Mayweather Promotions, and has perfect with a record of 6-0 with five knockouts, is scheduled to fight Mulapi Enjani (4-5-2, 2 KOs) of San Diego, California in a scheduled 6 round super flyweight bout

“I’m really excited to get back into the ring and to do so against a worthy opponent. Don’t let the record fool you. Enjani can fight. He puts a lot of punches together, but you can’t hit what you can’t see. I’m going to do what’s necessary on September 8th to get the win, and to continue my quest to become a world champion. My father and I have an excellent game plan, and I will execute that, and then enjoy the main event”.

Price is managed by D and D Management and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (March. 1, 2018)- Undefeated and world ranked welterweight contender Taras Shelestyuk is ready to go big game hunting in 2018.

The 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner from Sumy, Ukraine, who now fights out of Los Angeles, California, has won the major regional titles, and he feels he has been overlooked by the perceived elite of the 147 pound division.

Shelestyuk, 16-0 with 10 knockouts, continues to work on his craft while he waits for a major fight to materialize.

“I want to fight Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Errol Spence or the winner of the Jeff Horn – Terence Crawford fight,” said Shelestyuk.

“I know that I have the skills and pedigree to beat those guys. I just need my opportunity, and I know that will be coming soon. I have been working hard in the gym, and I sparred with Viktor Ortiz for his bout with Devon Alexander, as well as WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castano.”

Shelestyuk also has been helping with the career of his wife Alina. Alina is a runway model, who has done numerous photo shoots in Los Angeles.

Shelestyuk is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Off-Television action:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

Philadelphia (November 12, 2016)–One of the featured undercard bout’s of tonight’s anticipated card that will feature undefeated welterweight champion Danny Garcia taking on Samuel Vargas, will see Milton Santiago, Jr. “(15-0-3 KO’s)look to remain perfect when he take on veteran Claudio Rosendo Tapia in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

The bout, which will take place at the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University, will be the 20 year-old Santiago’s 3rd start of 2016,

This year, Santiago has stepped up the competition to face battle tested opponents that has given the young fighter from Philadelphia so much needed in-ring knowledge.

“I know Tapia has a long resume of 28-16-4,”said Santiago of Tapia, who has faced nine undefeated opponents which includes world champion Jesus Cuellar and world title challengers Fernando Saucedo and Mattias Rueda.

“I have fought experienced guys before, and I have been in with veterans. I have prepared very well for this fight and I have been sparring with Danny Garcia.”

When asked about fighting on such a high-profile card in his hometown, Santiago is eager to put on a great performance.

“This is a blessing and a great opportunity. I know my time will come, but I am taken one fight at a time. Fight by fight.”

Santiago knows that 2017 could be a big year and by the end of next year, he feels that he will be ready for bigger opportunities.

“I feel that I am 4 or 5 fights away from starting my way up the rankings.”

I am just so excited for Saturday. I will be fighting on a big card in front of family and friends. there are lots of great fighters and with a big crowd, this will be tremendous exposure for me and I am looking for a great fight.

PHILADELPHIA (November 10, 2016) – Undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and Colombia’s Samuel Vargas went face-to-face Thursday afternoon, one day before they weigh-in for their Premier Boxing Champions on Spike main event showdown taking place Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.
Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd battling former title challenger Jo Jo Dan plus former world champion Javier Fortuna taking on unbeaten Omar Douglas.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200. Garcia has teamed up with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive and raise money throughout the promotion. For more information on how to get involved, visit the event’s webpage HERE.

Here is what the participants from Thursday’s event at the Clarion Hotel had to say:

DANNY GARCIA

“I’ve dedicated my life to the sport of boxing and I’m proud to be on a card like this. It’s amazing to be fighting in my city with my home base there to support me.

“This is a great opportunity for me. Giving back is very important to me and my family. I have my whole family, including my daughter Philly here with me. It just adds to the excitement leading up to the fight.

“Training camp has been amazing. We had a really smooth camp. I’ve stayed disciplined and taken care of everything I have to do. I’ve been running and sparring and preparing for anything. I took no shortcuts.

“I’m feeling good and I’m happy to bring my fans in Philadelphia a fight. I’m looking forward to bringing more fights back here to Philadelphia. This is a fighting city where it all started for a lot of great fighters.

“I’m really excited about this undercard. I know the fans are going to really love it. I hope those fighters take full advantage of their opportunity to fight on a card like this.

“I know people are excited about the Thurman fight. I understand that and I’m going to be pumped up for that one too. But I’m not looking past anybody. I’m fully focused on putting on a show at home and doing what I have to do to beat Vargas.

“There’s not too much to say but I’m really excited to fight. I hope all the fans come out and see what they’ve been missing in Philly. I’m going for the knockout.”

SAMUEL VARGAS

“I had four weeks of intense training in Miami. We were at the Fifth Street Gym and they made us feel at home. I got great sparring and I feel ready to fight.

“This is a fight that I have to be 100 percent ready for. I have to mentally be prepared for battle. Then I just have to execute the plan.

“Danny is a champion for a reason. He does everything well. We just have to find a way to win.

“My trainer, Billy Briscoe, has done an amazing job of working with me and keeping me motivated. It’s been a really good camp.

“I’m looking for the upset that night. Everyone wants to see Danny fight Keith Thurman, but I’m looking to make myself known. I feel confident.

“All I have to do is go up there and do my job. Don’t miss it, because it’s going to be a memorable one.

“I have to dictate the pace of the fight if I want to win in Philadelphia. I have to win decisively. I have to be a smart fighter and I’ll be ready.”

JARRETT HURD

“I’m trying to let everyone know I’m here. I’m here for everyone in the 154-pound division and I’m here to stay. I’m not a guy who’s just going to work my way up but not win a title. My goal is to win a world title.

“It feels really good to be on a Danny Garcia card. We’re both ‘Swift’ so I’m glad fans will have a chance to see two really entertaining fighters on the same card.

“The opponent switch didn’t leave us a lot of time to prepare for a southpaw, but we’re used to the style. Training camp was really great and I’m just excited to get in the ring.

“I really want to thank my trainer, Ernesto Rodriguez, because he’s been with me since day one. We always talked about fighting on cards like this.

“A fight of this magnitude it’s always a good thing. I’m happy to fight on a card of this magnitude. I hope that everyone enjoys the show on Saturday night.

“All-year round we prepare for changes like this. Sometimes you get an opponent who is orthodox but he comes out southpaw. We’re always prepared for things like this.”

JO JO DAN

“I’m thankful to Hurd for accepting this challenge. I’m looking to make a great fight. I’m in great shape and I have no doubt this is going to be an exciting night.

“Hurd is a great fighter. He has an undefeated record and he’s younger than me, but I’m not worried about it. He likes to fight and switch styles. So I know I will have to be ready for anything.

“My training camp was very good. There are no injuries and I’m very thankful to be healthy. I’ve been in the gym a very long time.

“I have a good strategy for this fight. I’m planning on getting in there and testing him out. I think I’m going to have a really good performance.

“When I got the call about this fight I was already in really good shape. I expect it’s going to be an exciting fight for the fans.

“My original weight is still 147-pounds, but this is a great opportunity and I jumped on it. I believe I’m ready to make a splash.”

JAVIER FORTUNA

“I promise you that this fight will not go 10 rounds. I’m telling everybody. I’m going to knockout Omar Douglas.

“My team works so hard and we’re not going to stop until I’m a champion again. Douglas is the next guy I need to get rid of.

“I’m very honored to be a part of a card of this magnitude, especially with one of the best fighters in the world in Danny Garcia.

“I’m coming to fight Douglas on his turf and I’m going to give him a boxing lesson. I’m prepared and I’m ready to go on November 12.

“I’m confident in myself and confident in my team. We’ve prepared extremely well. My goal is to continue to get back to where I was. I want to be a champion once again.

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

“Danny is 100 percent prepared. Camp went perfectly. He’s hitting hard. I just pray every day that he doesn’t kill anybody in the ring. These aren’t the ‘Looney Tunes.’ This is real right now. Vargas is in with the champ of the world.

“We’re going to worry about Sam on Saturday. We’re going to get the job done. Because I know what Danny brings to the table.

“I think Danny is the top welterweight in the world. Danny is going to be undefeated, still, after November 12. Sam is going to come in and work. But it’s not going his way.”

BILLY BRISCOE, Vargas’ Trainer

“We went to camp and we prepared to the best of our abilities. Sam knew what he had to do and he took care of everything that he could.

“There’s not too much to say. We understand that we’re fighting a great fighter like Danny. He’s a tremendous fighter and he has great trainer in Angel.

“We’re going to be ready. Sam has put in the hours in the gym that are necessary. We’re looking for a good show and a big shock.”

PHILADELPHIA (November 9, 2016) – Days before he enters the ring to fight in his hometown, undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia opened up his DSG Boxing Gym to media on Wednesday as he prepares to face Colombia’s Samuel Vargas in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

Coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd battling former title challenger Jo Jo Dan plus former world champion Javier Fortuna taking on unbeaten Omar Douglas.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200. Garcia has teamed up with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive and raise money throughout the promotion. For more information on how to get involved, visit the event’s webpage HERE.

Here is what Garcia and his father and trainer, Angel had to say Wednesday:

DANNY GARCIA

On Keith Thurman being ringside on the Spike announcing crew…
“He will just get an up close and personal look at what will happen to him in March. I hope he’s paying attention.

“I am excited to give the Philly fans a great fight. This is an opportunity to give back and that is most important to me. I’ve been training really hard and I’m going to give 100 percent for my city.

“I am just going in the ring and be myself. Seek and destroy. I am taking this one round at a time. I’m looking to be smart and break him down. When the opportunity comes, I’m taking it and putting on a show.

“I am not looking past this fight. I have tunnel vision and have never looked past anyone. I know he is coming to win, but I am ready mentally and physically to get the job done.

“This is going to be a great night. It’s an exciting card from top to bottom. Young local fighters getting a chance to show their skills is great for the sport and great for Philadelphia.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

“Thurman may be on the outside looking in on Saturday, but he’s going to see what he has in store for him in March.

“Billy Briscoe (Vargas’ trainer) is another Philly guy like me and I know he’s going to try his best. But they’re fighting the champ and they know they have their hands full. He may think he knows our game plan but he really doesn’t.

“I’m excited for Danny to be fighting at home. It’s a great opportunity to give back. I’m expecting Danny to look great in the ring and get the win.”