BETHLEHEM, PA. (September 19) – Unbeaten super lightweight Mario Barrios (20-0, 12 KOs) defeated Naim Nelson (13-4, 1 KO) via seventh round TKO in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

The fast-rising star Barrios of San Antonio started the bout throwing multiple combinations to the head and body of Nelson of Philadelphia. He kept his distance and stayed patient, but did not get to showcase all of the tools in his arsenal as the fight took a turn in the third round when Nelson went to the canvas after hurting his left shoulder by throwing a hook. That was ruled a slip and he dropped to his knees again after throwing another punch, but after being examined by the ringside doctor, it was determined that Nelson could continue.

Barrios was not deterred and continued to move forward, apply pressure and control the action into the fourth round. By the fifth, Nelson’s work rate dropped significantly, which Barrios took advantage of by battering the Philadelphia-native against the ropes. Throughout the sixth, Barrios stalked Nelson around the ring while Nelson tried to work through his apparent shoulder injury, countering with the right where he could. In the end, Barrios sent Nelson to the canvas with a hard left hand causing Referee Gary Rosato to wave off the bout at 1:41 of the seventh round. The victory over Nelson marks Barrios’ fourth straight stoppage – all of which have taken place since he started working with renowned trainer Virgil Hunter.

“I apologize to the fans of Pennsylvania as I wanted to put on a show tonight,” said Barrios. “After I caught him, he was trying to survive. He was moving around. I did not concentrate if he hurt his shoulder or not.

“I just want to keep moving along and get better. I want to fight again before the end of the year if possible and I know I will put on a show in my next fight.”

“I was doing well and I had him, but I hurt my shoulder,” said Nelson. “I thought I was doing a good job, but my shoulder just hurt too much. This is a sport and injuries happen.”

In the co-feature, lightweights Thomas Velasquez (9-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia and Tyrome Jones (4-2, 1 KO) of South Bend, Ind. Tyrome Jones fought to a draw in a fast-paced six-round bout. Velasquez, who is mentored by former world champion Danny Garcia, started the fight going to Jones’ body and stuck with that plan throughout. As the fight wore on, Jones turned up the heat and listened to his corner who told him to stay busy and aggressive. Velasquez landed multiple straight left hands in the fourth that stung Jones, but the Indiana-native was able to counter with several straight lefts of his own. The sixth and final round showcased hard-fought action from both pugilists with Jones throwing several hard lefts with Velasquez countering with his own flurries of shots finishing the fight strong. In the end, the judges ruled the bout even 59-55 for each and 57-57.

“I had to use the jab in this fight as well as my double-jab and body shots were working well,” said Velasquez. “This was a great learning fight and I felt that I won. I can’t wait to get back in the gym, apply what I learned and get back in the ring again soon.”

“This was a tough fight against an undefeated guy who came in confident,” said Jones. “I countered very well and I got to him. I feel that I won the fight, but sometimes the judges don’t see it that way.”

The opening bout saw light heavyweights Earl Newman (10-0-1, 7 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY and Paul Parker (8-2-1, 4 KOs) of Toledo, OH fight to an eight-round draw. Parker made it awkward for Newman in the first two rounds by starting out strong, moving forward, diving in and staying busy. However, Newman came out of the corner swinging in the third, throwing a left hook that forced Parker to tap the canvas with his glove although it was not ruled a knockdown by referee Benjy Esteves.

Neman worked his right hand throughout the fourth round, ready to counter Parker’s shots. Newman drove Parker back with a left hook in the fifth and continued to put pressure on the Ohio-native throughout the round. The two-time New York Golden Gloves winner continued to press forward and walk down Parker in the later rounds, but was unable to finish strong enough to be victorious as the judges scored the bout 79-32 (Newman), 77-75 (Parker) and 76-76.

“After a year off I felt rusty,” said Newman. “I saw the punches, but I did not react as well as I wanted to. That being said, I kept pressuring and landed more to the body. I felt I won the fight. Now it is back to the drawing board. I definitely can’t be inactive for a long time again.”

“He is a great fighter,” said Parker. “I listened to my corner and followed the game plan. He caught me with some good punches, but I landed more. I wobbled him and I was busier. I really feel that I won the fight. I want a rematch”

In Non-Televised action:

Juan Sanchez won a four-round unanimous decision over Gorwar Karyah in a featherweight bout.

In round one, Sanchez scored a knockdown on a right hand.

Sanchez, 124.9 lbs of Bethlehem. PA won on two cards 39-36 and took a third card 40-35 to raise his mark to 3-0. Karyah, 125.8 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-1.

Ryan Wilczak took out Devin McMaster in just 95 seconds of their scheduled four round junior middleweight bout.

Wilczak scored two knockdowns and finished McMaster off with a hard left hand that sent him on his back.

Wilczak, 154.3 lbs of Scranton, PA is 5-0 with three knockouts. McMaster, 152.9 lbs of Allentown, PA is 1-3.

Antonio Russell stopped Cristian Renteria in round three of a scheduled six-round bantamweight bout.

In round three, Russell drilled Renteria with a right hook that sent him to the canvas. Renteria got to his feet but referee Benjy Esteves stopped the bout at at 1:26.

Russell, 117.8 lbs of Washington, DC is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Renteria, 120.2 lbs of California, MX is 7-6.

Antuanne Russell battered tough Jesus Lule before stopping him at 2:37 of round one of their scheduled four round super lightweight bout.

Russell hit Lule with some vicious combination’s, yet the veteran Lule continued to take the shots. Finally a ripping flurry of punches to the head had referee Benji Esteves stop the bout.

Russell. 138.5 lbs of Washington, DC is 2-0 with 2 knockouts. Lule, 139.7 lbs of Fort Myers, FL is 11-24-1.

Jeffrey Torres remained undefeated by stopping Latorie Woodberry in the first round of their scheduled four round super lightweight bout.

Torres floored Woodberry in round one with 2 lefts to head and one to the body, Woodberry went down again from a right hand. Torres ended things with 2 more lefts to the body that sent Woodberry down, and referee Gary Rosato stopped the bout at 2:37.

Torres, 140.4 lbs of Hartford, CT is 4-0 with 2 knockouts. Woodberry, 141.8 lbs of Roanoke, VA is 1-5-1.

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

HAYWARD, Calif. (September 15, 2017) – Unbeaten rising contender Mario Barrios shared his thoughts on training camp and more as he nears his showdown against Naim Nelson that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, September 19 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature an eight-round matchup between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (11-0, 5 KOs) and Adam Lopez (8-0, 3 KOs) plus undefeated prospect Earl Newman (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Paul Parker (8-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Here is what Barrios had to say heading into his September 19 showdown:

On his recent training camp with Virgil Hunter in California…
“Right now, we are finishing up the final days to training camp. All the sparring is complete and I’m 100% healthy going into this fight. My weight is good and Virgil and I have been working harmoniously since he became my lead trainer a few fights back. This will be our fourth fight together and I’m learning a lot, especially with my jab. The improvement will be evident when I step into the ring on fight night.”

On facing Naim Nelson in his hometown…
“In this sport, sometimes you have to go into someone’s backyard, and battle them on their home turf. I know he’ll have a lot of his fans in attendance, but that has no effect on me and my game plan. My goal is to go into this fight, set the pace from the opening bell and come out victorious. By the end of the night, everyone in the building will have respect for me.”

On fighting in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes…
“It’s great to be fighting on FS1 and FOX Deportes once again, especially in the main event. The exposure I get from fighting on a national stage like this is great for my career. I’m just grateful to my team and everyone involved who put this fight together. I always shine on FS1 and Fox Deportes, and this fight is not going to be any different. I’m ready to take my career to the next level.”

On fighting at super lightweight for the fourth time in his career…
“The move to 140 pounds has be a tremendous blessing to my career. I feel really strong and I can see myself fighting at this weight class for a few more years. My body is filling out just fine and my power is coming up with me.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (September 5, 2017) – Unbeaten rising contender Mario Barrios (19-0, 11 KOs) will battle Naim Nelson (13-3, 1 KO) in a 10-round super lightweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, September 19 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature an eight-round matchup between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (11-0, 5 KOs) and Adam Lopez (8-0, 3 KOs) plus undefeated prospect Earl Newman (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Paul Parker (8-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight attraction.

“I’m thrilled to be fighting once again on FS1 and FOX Deportes, especially as the main event,” said Barrios. “I have a tough hometown fighter in Naim Nelson standing in my way. My goal is to be explosive and give the fans a great performance. I’m very thankful for all the opportunities that have come my way and I’m going to take full advantage of the situation come fight night.”

“I am at a different stage of my career now,” said Nelson. “I have experienced losses, but I learned you have to keep on fighting. I am the best and most experienced guy Barrios has fought. He’s is a good fighter and has a good coach in Virgil Hunter. He is tall and that’s what jumps out about him. But being tall is not everything. I am training hard and I expect a great fight from him.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

A tall fighter for his division at more than six feet, the 21-year-old Barrios picked up seven victories in a jam-packed 2015 in which he stopped five opponents inside the distance and followed it up in 2016 with three more victories, including a 12-round decision over Devis Boschiero in July. The San Antonio native began his 2017 campaign with a stoppage victory over Yardley Suarez on the Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia undercard in Brooklyn in March and followed it up with a knockout victory over Jose Luis Rodriguez in June. He makes his third appearance on FS1 and FOX Deportes on September 19 and his first as the main event.

The 27-year-old Nelson won his first 12 pro fights before dropping a decision to former world champion Mickey Bey in December 2015 but bounced back with a decision victory over Carlos Velasquez. Fighting out of nearby Philadelphia, Nelson has recently challenged top contender Alejandro Luna and last fought in Bethlehem against Tre’Sean Wiggins in April.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Fulton defeated previously unbeaten Luis Rosario in April after a 2016 that saw him stop then unbeaten Adalberto Zorrilla and Cristian Renteria. The 23-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014 and will be looking to make it a perfect 12 wins in 12 pro starts when he enters the ring on September 19.

The 21-year-old Lopez has beaten fighters with a combined record of 13-0-1 in his last three fights including a victory in July over Paul Romero. Fighting out of Glendale, Calif., Lopez has picked up four victories this year as he prepares for his toughest opponent to date and his first fight on the east coast.

A former New York Golden Gloves champion, Newman has shown impressive power in stopping seven of his first ten opponents since turning pro in 2014. The 26-year-old out of Brooklyn is coming in off of a victory over then once-beaten Leo Hall and a stoppage over Dustin Craig Echard last year. Newman has fought professionally since 2014 and won his first eight fights in his first two years as a pro.

Representing Toledo, Ohio, Parker has challenged top contenders Sullivan Barrera and Vyacheslav Shabranskyy sandwiched around a victory over Lionell Thompson in 2016. The 32-year-old has fought professionally since 2012 and won his first seven fights before stepping up in competition.
# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

TRENTON, NJ (July 10, 2016) – Undefeated rising super featherweight contender Mario Barrios (16-0, 8 KOs) defeated former title challenger Devis Boschiero (39-5-1, 21 KOs) by unanimous decision (120-107 X 3) in the 12-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes from Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

From the opening bell, Barrios asserted himself as the aggressor, landing his jab at will and finding his distance early.

Barrios said, “Initially my game plan was to work the jab and see what would open (Boschiero) up. But as the rounds went by he didn’t seem like he was going to come at me. He just didn’t seem to want any action.”

A very tall super featherweight at more than six feet, the 21-year-old Barrios proved difficult for the stocky Boschiero to reach. However, near the end of the second round, the experienced Italian found a rare opening and landed several punches that briefly put Barrios on his heels.

In round three, Barrios regained control and coasted throughout the middle rounds, largely due to Boschiero’s hesitation to engage.

“It was pretty frustrating. I came out to put on a show for the fans, and unfortunately it seemed like my opponent was just trying to survive,” said Barrios. “I can try to press the fight all I want, but if he doesn’t want to fight it’s not going to happen.”

Boschiero, who challenged for a world title in 2011, added, “I had trouble finding my range tonight. He was tougher to hit than I expected.”

In round 12, Barrios scored the only knockdown of the fight, but Boschiero was able to get back to his feet and used the final seconds of the fight to execute his best combination of the night.

“I got to him in the final round,” said Boschiero. “But the opportunities were there when they weren’t in previous rounds.”

A victorious Barrios said, “This was my first 12-round fight, and it felt good to get the experience, I just wanted more intense action. But an ESPN main event takes my career to the next level. I’m just hoping for my shot at the title.”

Televised coverage kicked off with undefeated prospect Eddie Ramirez (14-0, 9 KOs) handily defeating Californian contender Jessie Roman (20-3, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-92, 99-91 X 2) in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.

Ramirez, a Chicago Golden Gloves champion, settled in early and controlled the bout from the outset. Ramirez said, “I felt like I was in control and like I was getting hit a lot less than he was.”

In the third frame, the fighters locked up for a thrilling exchange on the ropes, Ramirez landing the harder of the punches.

A frustrated Roman said, “He was landing a lot of combinations, but he never hurt me.”

Ramirez opened up the fourth round with a furious flurry, but Roman fought back with a hard left hook of his own, shocking Ramirez.

“He did catch me with a couple of clean hooks when I let my defense down,” acknowledged Ramirez. “That was my fault, but nothing that hurt me very bad.”

The middle stages of the fight saw Ramirez, the busier more precise fighter, steadily distance himself on the judges’ scorecards.

“I was prepared for tonight because I had a really long training camp,” said Ramirez. “I’ve been ready to fight since mid-June. I was just in great shape.”

Roman didn’t seem as game and admitted, “I gassed out a little bit in the end. I haven’t fought in a year and I think some of my struggles tonight were due to that. My timing was off a little bit too.”

Roman didn’t give up though, landing a barrage of shots near the close of round nine, reminding Ramirez that he was in for a fight. However, it was too little too late as Ramirez coasted to a comfortable victory.

Ramirez concluded, “”Fighting on ESPN is like a dream come true. As an amateur, I always envisioned myself on this network. So this feels like a great accomplishment, and I’m leaving with a lot of new fans tonight.”

# # #

The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.sunnationalbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Boxer_Barrios, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.