BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 22, 2017) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) will meet once-beaten Omar Douglas (17-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, April 4 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features an eight-round showdown between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (10-0, 5 KOs) and Luis Rosario (8-0-1, 7 KOs) plus Bethlehem’s Frank DeAlba (21-2-2-, 9 KOs) taking on Massachusetts-native Ryan Kielczweski (26-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction.

“I have to give Omar Douglas credit for taking this fight,” said Cherry. “We’re both very hungry, so I think this is going to be entertaining for the fans. Omar is coming off of a loss so I know he needs this win. We both come with speed and power. It’s going to be fireworks on April 4.”

“I’m looking forward to a great fight on April 4,” said Douglas. “I have a good experienced opponent in front of me. This fight will show my full arsenal, because I know he’s going to bring pressure. I can box or come forward. I plan to use my jab to win rounds and get this victory.”

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 atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., enters this fight after a victory of Haskell Rhodes in June of last year and is 11-1 since 2009. His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds and his title challenge in 2015 against Jose Pedraza in which he dropped a split decision. Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson and will look to take down another contender on his way to another title shot.

Fighting out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas looks to bounce back after losing a narrow decision to former world champion Javier Fortuna in November. The 26-year-old impressed in his previous two outings when he defeated De Alba in a step up fight in 2015 and followed it up with a seventh round knockout of Alexei Collado in June 2016. Douglas has had his last five fights in Pennsylvania after an amateur career that saw him become a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Glove champion.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Fulton is coming off of a 2016 that saw him stop previously unbeaten Adalberto Zorrilla and Cristian Renteria. The 22-year-old is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014 and will be looking to make it a perfect 11 wins in 11 pro starts when he enters the ring on April 4.

A pro since 2013, Rosario fights out of Cidra, Puerto Rico and was unbeaten in his first six bouts before making his U.S. debut in June 2015 with a third-round knockout of Aaron Hollis in Alabama. He followed that up in Cincinnati with a fourth-round stoppage of Aaron Hollis and most recently he won an eight-round decision over Saul Hernandez.

The 29-year-old De Alba had a 19 fight unbeaten streak snapped in December 2015, when he dropped a narrow majority decision to unbeaten Omar Douglas, but he has rebounded with four straight victories since. His last win came over German Meraz in February and he will be fighting for the fourth time at Sands Bethlehem on April 4.

A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 27-year-old Kielczweski has an exciting style and always makes competitive fights. Born and raised in Quincy, MA., he won his first first 22 pro fights and enters this contest a winner of four of his last five outings. Most recently he scored a first round knockout over Francisco Medel in December 2016.

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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.

READING, PA (February 15, 2017) – A showdown between exciting heavyweight contenders Travis “My Time” Kauffman (31-1, 23 KOs) and Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (22-2-1, 16 KOs) headlines action on Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce Friday, March 17 from Santander Arena in Reading, PA.

Televised coverage on Bounce begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature former title challenger Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) taking on once-beaten Omar Douglas (17-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout plus former two-time world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-8-1, 13 KOs) will enter the ring in a 10-round cruiserweight attraction. The most recent Premier Boxing Champions – The Next Round on Bounce (Fri. Feb. 10) reached 1.5 million viewers and delivered series records for viewership.

Reading’s Kauffman and Philadelphia’s Mansour will meet in a 12-round battle of Pennsylvania-rivals who are looking to go through the other on their way to a world title shot.

“I am very excited for this fight on March 17,” said Kauffman. “I am training very hard, and I’m ready to take care of business. This win will get me to the next level. Amir is a tough fighter who has never been in a bad fight. He is a desperate fighter who knows this is his last chance to retain his spot as a heavyweight contender, so I expect to see the best Amir Mansour. I will be very sharp. I expect a better performance than I had against Chris Arreola.”

“This is a fight that the heavyweight division needs,” said Mansour. “This is two top quality facing off against each other. I am the toughest fighter that he has ever faced, but he is not the toughest fighter that I have faced. I will say that he is one of the best boxers in the heavyweight division. He has tremendous boxing skills, and I am looking forward to mixing it up with someone who can box and fight.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at the VF Outlet Box Office at the Santander Arena, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com.

A local attraction fighting out of Reading, Kauffman is the son of longtime trainer and promoter Marshall Kauffman. Kauffman won his first 18 pro fights and put together a 12-fight winning streak before dropping Chris Arreola in a split decision loss that was later ruled a no decision. Kauffman most recently stopped Josh Gormley in two rounds at the Santander Arena in September of last year and he will return to the arena looking to increase his status in the heavyweight division.

An exciting pressure fighter, the 6-foot-1 slugger Mansour is experienced and primed for an opportunity at the best in the division. He went 20-0 before losing a 10-round decision to Cunningham in a fight in April 2014 in which he dropped the former cruiserweight world champion twice. In his next start, Mansour knocked out Kassi in the seventh round. In 2015, he outpointed Joey Dawejko across 10 rounds in May and fought to a draw against unbeaten Gerald Washington in October. His last outing saw him knock down then unbeaten Dominic Breazeale before being forced to withdraw due to an injury.

Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., enters this fight after a victory of Haskell Rhodes in June of last year and is 11-1 since 2009. His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds and his title challenge in 2015 against Jose Pedraza in which he dropped a split decision. Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson and will look to take down another contender on his way to another title shot.

Fighting out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas looks to bounce back after losing a narrow decision to former world champion Javier Fortuna in November. The 26-year-old impressed in his previous two outings when he defeated contender Frank De Alba in a step up fight in 2015 and followed it up with a seventh round knockout of Alexei Collado in June 2016. Douglas has had his last five fights in Pennsylvania after an amateur career that saw him become a five-time Pennsylvania Golden Glove champion.

Representing the great fight city of Philadelphia, Cunningham returns to action after an exciting challenge of cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Glowacki in April. Twice a world champion as a cruiserweight, he defeated Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in 2006 to capture his belt before defending his title against Marco Huck via a twelfth-round TKO. He became a world champion again in 2010 when he stopped Troy Ross in the fifth round. The experienced veteran also owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Amir Mansour and Natu Visinia and scored a knockdown of Tyson Fury in a losing effort during their 2013 bout.

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

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.

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

PHILADELPHIA (November 1, 2016) – Undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia held a media workout at his gym in Philadelphia on Tuesday as he prepares for his Premier Boxing Champions on Spike showdown with Colombia’s Samuel Vargas taking place Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

Also in attendance at Tuesday’s workout was undefeated rising prospect Omar Douglas, who battles former world champion Javier Fortuna in PBC on Spike action that same night.

Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd against former title challenger Jo Jo Dan in a super welterweight attraction.

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 during this promotion with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive, collecting most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables. Fans have been encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold has been donated and will provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need.

Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:

DANNY GARCIA

“It feels great to be fighting at home. This is what Philadelphia needed. We’re a fight town. I feel like people don’t know that all over the world. We have a great history and a lot of world champions from here, and they’ve been kind of been overshadowed. It’s an honor to be able to bring a fight back to these fans.

“It’s very important to give back. I’m so happy to have the opportunity. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner I’m sure we’ll be making a big impact. There are a lot of families in Philadelphia who really need it and I’m glad I can help.

“I’m very lucky to be where I am. It takes a lot of hard work, but you also need the right timing. My dad and I had a vision. We never gave up on that vision. We’ve been through so much in life, we didn’t want to stop till we reached our goals.

“The city of Philadelphia needs a champion. They need someone to give them a hometown show. There’s a lot of excitement with the Eagles and Sixers right now, and I’m going to give them another thing to cheer for.

“It’s a very short trip for me to the arena so I’m happy about that. I feel comfortable. I’m in my own backyard. We’re planning to make sure Vargas is very uncomfortable.

“I love seeing these young kids from Philadelphia on the card. I love giving them an opportunity to get fights in front of their hometown fans too. There are a lot of doors opening up for young fighters from Philadelphia and I love that I can be a part of it.

“I know Billy Briscoe (Vargas’ trainer) will have some tricks. We’re very familiar with each other and I know what kind of trainer he is. He’s never prepared to face someone like me.

“I’ve watched the tape on Vargas. He’s a gritty fighter. He’s definitely a tough guy who won’t give up. I have to be ready. I’m going to have to be prepared. I feel ready to go.

“I had to grow into 140-pounds before I started knocking people out. This will be my third fight at welterweight and I think I’m going to feel as good as I have in my career. That’s why we’re ready to take on the best.”

OMAR DOUGLAS

“This is just a task. I’ve been preparing for this moment all my life. Ever since I was eight-years-old. Not to take anything away from Fortuna, but he’s a gatekeeper in the division. I have to get through him to get to what I want.

“Camp has been camp. It’s rough at times but it’s part of the process. I embrace it all though. I love being in camp. I’m bored when I’m not at camp so I’m definitely happiest when I’m in the gym.

“My weight is on point and on target. We’re just slowing it down and getting ready to make sure I’m peaking on fight night.

“Being able to fight in Philadelphia means the world to me. This is where I started my boxing career. I’ve been coming up the highway from Delaware to fight since I was a kid. Now a win here can propel me to another level.

“Fortuna is where I want to be at. I want to get through him. I can’t look past him. I’m focused on Javier Fortuna and writing another chapter in my story.

“You can expect a very exciting fight on November 12. Hopefully he’s everything that people claim he is. I know that I am and I’m definitely going to come out on top.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

“There are people in this country who don’t have food. My parents were farmers when they came to this country. When I was a child I was hungry. I ran around with no shoes and I wore my brother’s clothes. The first thing Danny and I do when we get in the ring is say a prayer and bow our heads for the kids in the world with nothing to eat. I always told Danny and my family to appreciate whatever we have gotten. We’re using our position now to make a difference.

“Danny is completely ready for this fight. He’s healthy and on track to make weight. We’ll be in the ring on November 12 and I think that if Samuel Vargas comes to fight and stands toe-to-toe with Danny, we’re going to end the night early.

“We’ve brought in a lot of young prospects and guys with more experience for Danny to spar. I try to mix it up on Danny and keep him 100 percent ready. We can’t take anything away from Vargas though. I know Danny is a very talented fighter and he gives me what I want. He’s always learning.

“We don’t watch a lot of tape. My job is not to watch the opponent, it’s to train Danny Garcia. You can’t forget about what your fighter does well.

“These are big things for Danny. He’s the champion and he should be on exciting cards like this. We’re looking to keep building and building his career.

“We’re keeping Danny focused. He knows that he can’t underestimate anybody. We take every opponent very seriously. The 32 people that he fought before were taken just as seriously as Vargas. We don’t change anything or take anything away. I make sure his circle is tight and that camp is focused.

“I’m happy because headlining in Philadelphia is Danny’s dream. What makes Danny happy makes me happy. That’s what it’s about at the end of the day.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fin

PHILADELPHIA (October 27, 2016) – Former world champion Javier Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) and undefeated rising contender Omar Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) are set to meet in a pivotal matchup as both men look to make a statement when they meet on Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike action.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and is headlined by undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia taking on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas. Also featured in televised action is undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd battling former title challenger Jo Jo Dan. Garcia is teaming 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.

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.

The former champion Fortuna and the unbeaten Douglas will meet in a 50-50 fight that could put the winner in a position to fight for a world title soon. Fortuna is known for his aggressive style while Douglas looks to impress against his toughest opponent to date.

Here is what the fighters had to say about training camp, each other and more:

How has training camp gone for this fight?

Javier Fortuna: “I’m having an excellent training camp. We’re working hard and figuring out how to break down my opponent. Hector Bermudez does a great job and I’m very comfortable training here in Boston. I’ve gotten great sparring with guys like Will Madero and Alden Whatley. I’m going to be just as strong in the final round as I was in the first.

Omar Douglas: “Training has been going very well. I was already working and staying sharp, because I knew a big fight was on the horizon. Training in Delaware with Douglas Petitford has been great for me and I’ve had incredible sparring. I’ve been in there getting rounds with (2016 U.S. Olympian) Gary Antuanne Russell and a veteran in Hank Lundy.”

What do you think of your opponent and how do you see this fight going stylistically?

JF: “Douglas is a prospect who has looked pretty good coming up. He wants to get to where I’ve been. He might be looking past me. I think that his style my style perfectly. I’m going to have openings and I just need to take advantage.”

OD: “Fortuna is a very decent and explosive fighter. He’s a former world champion and I expect him to stand up and get back what he thinks is his. He wants his rematch with Sosa and we are in each other’s way. He’s a frontrunner in the ring. He will try to start strong and I am prepared for whatever he brings to the table. Whether he boxes or fights me. I will make adjustments.”

What kind of problems does your opponent pose?

JF: “The only problem that he will pose is if he doesn’t show up and fight. I’m ready for anything he can bring, so I hope he’s ready to give the fans a show.”

OD: “Me moves well. I can’t let myself get off-balanced trying to chase him. He’s awkward but I know that my jab will neutralize his strengths.”

What are you looking for in the future if you can get the win on November 12? What are your goals for 2017?

JF: “I want to fight the best that are out there. My first choice is a rematch with Jason Sosa so that I can win my belt back. I’d love to fight Vasyl Lomachenko. I don’t think he’s fought a guy quite like me yet.”

OD: “I want to fight for a world title. That’s the goal. He is a former champion who just lost his title and 2017 is my year to make a run for a title.”

How have you improved as a fighter since your loss? Do you believe a win over Douglas proves you’re still on of the best in the division?

JF: “I have learned a lot of things since I lost. My defense and my confidence in myself has improved. If I can beat a guy who is 22-0 and make it two wins over previously unbeaten fighters, then I think I’m right back in contention. He’s still considered a prospect so I think whoever wins will be a contender at the top of the division.

How does fighting in Philadelphia motivate you, having fought there in the amateurs and being from nearby Delaware?

OD: “In the amateurs I was one of the only guys from Delaware. I had a lot of obstacles. I’ve been fighting against Philly’s best fighters for years. Philadelphia is where I achieved my first goals in the sport and it will always be special to me to fight in Philly.”

Why do you believe you’ll be victorious on fight night?

JF: “With the work that I’ve been putting in, I know that I will be ready on fight night. I’ve been through too much not to leave the ring victorious.”

OD: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life and I believe I am the hungrier fighter. He doesn’t want it as badly as I do. I’ve been waiting in the shadows for a long time. I have all the skills necessary to get the job done.”

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. Ten dollars from every ticket sold will go to Philabundance, feeding 20 people in need per ticket.

PHILADELPHIA (October 13, 2016) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (32-0, 18 KOs) will make his first appearance in his native Philadelphia since 2010 as he takes on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas (25-2-1, 13 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. The bout will be Garcia’s final hurdle before a planned massive showdown with unbeaten champion Keith “One Time” Thurman scheduled for the first quarter of 2017.

In keeping with his desire to give back to the community, Garcia is teaming up with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive, collecting most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables. Fans are being encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold will be donated and provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need. More information on these efforts and how you can get involved will be announced shortly.

Garcia, a two-division world champion, will battle Vargas in a 10-round non-title bout in his first fight since his exciting win over Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in January. Garcia insisted on staging the fight in his hometown and using the event as a vehicle to raise awareness and money for the less fortunate in the area.

“My dad and I wanted to get one more fight in before the end of the year and there was no doubt in my mind it had to be in Philadelphia,” said Garcia. “My team got it done and it’s a great feeling to fight at home over the holidays. I’m excited to use this opportunity to give back to the community and put on a show on November 12. This city means everything to me. I hope everyone comes out, but shows up with cans of food too. I’m gearing up for a big fight with Keith Thurman next year that’s going to be a can’t miss event. First, I’m going to fight for my city on November 12.”

“Things happen when you work hard and I’m so excited about this opportunity,” said Vargas. “Garcia is a great fighter and he cleaned out the 140-pound division and now he is champion at 147. A win would change my life and everyone around me. This is my time. I can’t fail. This is going to be a Rocky story in Rocky’s town.”

Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd (18-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round bout against once-beaten super welterweight contender Jorge Cota (25-1, 22 KOs) and former world champion Javier Fortuna (30-1-1, 22 KOs) battling undefeated Omar Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.

“This win will put me one step closer towards winning a world title,” said Hurd. “The win over Oscar Molina was a big opportunity that has opened a lot of doors and was a great experience. Cota is a tough veteran with a high knockout rate. He is a little wild and I have to look out for that. I’m going to go out there to land nice shots and stick to my game plan.”

“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to fight a good undefeated fighter,” said Cota. “I know that I have the power and skills to beat anybody out there. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and get the victory on November 12.”

“I’m only thinking about winning heading into this fight,” said Fortuna. “Douglas is a good fighter who moves very well. I’m looking forward to this challenge on November 12. I will be a world champion once again.”

“This is the type of fight that I need if I am going to be a champion,” said Douglas. “I plan on putting on a crowd pleasing performance. Fortuna is a decent fighter and I’m going to have to break him down. He is good for four or five rounds but then he slows down. I’m going to set him up to take him out in the later rounds.”

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 www.LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.

Garcia returns to headline in his hometown as a two-division world champion who has picked up major victories over top fighters including Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi and Zab Judah on his way to 31 professional victories. The 28-year-old earned a vacant welterweight world title in his last bout when he won a toe-to-toe battle with former world champion Guerrero in Los Angeles taking his professional record to 32-0.

The 27-year-old Vargas enters this bout on a five-fight win streak including three stoppage victories including his most recent outing, a 10-round decision over Juan Armando Garcia in May. Born in Columbia, his family left to find a better life when he was 15 years old and after a brief stay in New York City, they moved to the Toronto suburb of Mississauga. Vargas enrolled at a boxing gym early on and learned discipline while adapting to his surroundings. He turned pro in 2010 after just 12 amateur bouts and was undefeated in his first 16 fights while fighting out of Canada.

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 has faced three straight undefeated 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. The exciting boxer puncher will look to continue his climb to a world title on November 12.

A powerful puncher sporting an 88 percent knockout rate, Cota made his U.S. debut in August of 2015 and upset Cuban Olympic silver medalist Yudel Jhonson while knocking him down twice over the 10 round bout. The fighter out of Sinaloa, Mexico is entering this fight with nine straight wins, including six by way of knockout. The 27-year-old will be making his first ring appearance of 2016.

An amateur standout that participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 27-year-old Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Carlos Ivan Velasquez, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. He took down the highly regarded Bryan Vasquez to earn a super featherweight world title in May of last year. Representing La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna bounced back from a defeat to Jason Sosa to stop previously unbeaten Marlyn Cabrera in September.

An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in his last two outings when he defeated contender Frank De Alba in a step up fight last December and followed it up with a seventh round knockout of Alexei Collado in June. The 25-year-old has picked up four victories since the beginning of 2015 and will face his toughest competition to date when he battles Fortuna.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

About Philabundance
Philabundance is the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, serving more than 90,000 people each week in nine counties in PA and Southern NJ. Of those served, thirty percent are children, sixteen percent are seniors, and adults served include students, the working poor and single parents. In 2015, Philabundance rescued more than 10 million pounds of food and distributed 28 million pounds through its own distribution programs, and a network of 350 agencies. A one dollar donation provides two meals – Give now or learn more at Philabundance.org.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 29, 2016) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) defeated contender Lydell Rhodes (23-2-1, 11 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-92, 97-93 X 2) in a 10-round super featherweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla. who trains out of St. Pete Boxing Club with welterweight champion Keith Thurman, got off to an early lead in the second round, landing a left that stumbled Rhodes briefly.

A former football standout and wrestler in high school, who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes made the fight physical and ugly early.

Rhodes said, “He held and a lot which made it tough to get in a rhythm.”

“He was slick,” answered Cherry. “So I held because I didn’t want him to get in those quick shots.”

A sloppy round five saw both fighters slip to the canvas, but neither was ruled a knockdown. What became a wrestling match continued rounds six through 10, with clinching and grappling throughout.

Moments before the final bell, Cherry stunned Rhodes, cementing what would become his unanimous victory.

Cherry said, “I thought it was a great fight. I was in a tough fight tonight and I am glad to come out with the victory.”

A discontented Rhodes expressed, “It was a heck of a fight. I wanted to back him up in the later rounds but he was strong. It was an ugly fight, but I believe I won. I don’t agree with the decision. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Cherry concluded, “Training and sparring with Keith (Thurman) was great. He’s so strong and it helped me in this fight. We were both training for big fights at the same time and it helped me increase my strength and pick up this win tonight, without a doubt.”

Televised coverage kicked off with unbeaten Omar “Super O” Douglas (17-0, 12 KOs) stopping Cuban Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (19-2, 17 KOs) in the seventh round of their scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

A fast-rising star out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas jumped out to an early lead, controlling the action in the first frame. Douglas continued moving Collado around the ring in round two, forcing a frustrated Collado to clinch, which resulted in both fighters awkwardly stumbling to the canvas.

The Miami native Collado came out aggressive in rounds three and four, outworking Douglas and winning him the pair of rounds on all three judges’ scorecards.

However, Douglas settled in throughout rounds five and six. His jabs to the body proving an effective deterrent to Collado’s aggression and furious pace he displayed in the earlier rounds.

The end came in the seventh round as Douglas landed a left hook to Collado’s head that stumbled Collado, forcing him to take a knee and never get back up.

“I noticed that he has his head in the middle and that is unusual for a tall guy,” said Douglas. “So I was focusing on the right hand up the middle. I was able to finish him with a hard right, left, right combination.”

Collado acknowledged, “He hit me with a good left hook and that broke my nose. I feel it was a close fight though, and I was in the fight up until he got me, but he is a good fighter.”

Douglas agreed with Collado’s assessment of the competition adding, “It was a tough fight, but I had a great camp and that showed tonight. I think I need one or two more of these kinds of fights and I will be ready for a title shot.”

The second televised bout showcased unbeaten prospect Antonio Russell (7-0, 5 KOs) securing a unanimous decision (60-54, 59-55 X 2) victory over Jamaica’s Rudolph Hedge (10-4-3, 4 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight showdown.

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

BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 7, 2016) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (34-7-2, 19 KOs) and quick-fisted contender Lydell Rhodes (23-1-1, 11 KOs) will compete in the 10-round lightweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on Tuesday, June 28 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten featherweight
Omar “Super O” Douglas (16-0, 11 KOs) battling hard-hitting Cuban Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (19-1, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

“I know Rhodes is a good fighter and I am preparing for a tough fight,” said Cherry. “I am still pushing towards a world title. I learned that when you fight for a title, you have to knock out the champ. I’m not giving up. I’m still here and think this will be a great fight. This is what boxing needs, two great fighters going at it.”

“I have been waiting for a fight like this for a long time,” said Rhodes. “Cherry is a warrior who has never been stopped. I will be the first person to stop him. I have to go out and dominate against a guy who has fought many world champions. I believe if I do that, it will push me towards a world title shot.”

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 at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

“This is a terrific show headlined by a great crossroads fight between Edner Cherry and Lydell Rhodes,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Cherry is looking for another title shot and with a win Rhodes will get right in the mix. This should be an outstanding night of fights in Bethlehem and on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., is a former world title challenger who is 10-1 since 2009. His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds and his title challenge last October against Jose Pedraza in which he dropped a split decision. Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson and will look to take down a contender on his way to another title shot.

A multi-sport athlete who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes looks to rebound on June 28 from his first blemish at the hands of unbeaten Sergey Lipinets. The 28-year-old recorded four victories in 2014 including triumphs over Miguel Angel Huerta and John Nater before fighting to a draw in 2015 with Jared Robinson in addition to the fight with Lipinets.

An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in the TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS main event in December 2015 when he defeated contender Frank De Alba in a step up fight. The 24-year-old had already beaten Daniel Attah in 2015 and previously took down veterans Anthony Napunyi, Jean Javier Sotelo and Osnel Charles and he will again fight strong competition as he seeks a world title shot in the near future.

Fighting out of Miami but originally from Cuba, Collado turned pro in 2008 and was victorious in his first 18 pro bouts before a decision loss in 2014. The 28-year-old owns victories over veterans Edgar Riovalle, Franklin Varela and Jose Saez and most recently stopped Gyci Lorenzo in February.

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