Saturday, January 20, 2018

Errol Spence Jr. Stops Lamont Peterson To Retain IBF Welterweight Title!



(Photos by Daniel Cork)

Inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY Errol Spence Jr. defeated Lamont Peterson by TKO one second into the start of the eighth round. Errol Spence Jr. came into this title fight with much respect for the former two division world champion Lamont Peterson. It was youth, power, and pure boxing ability that made the difference in this highly anticipated match-up. 

Spence started the fight using a solid game plan that his team put together. His punch output and placement of punches was the key to the domination of Peterson. Spence landed hard shots to the body and through the guard of Peterson in every round. The shots that Spence landed had bad intentions and showed they had a early effect on Peterson. In round five Spence landed a right hand then followed it with a short left hook behind the glove to knock Peterson down on the canvas for the eight count. Peterson survived the round and came out in the sixth trying to be a little more aggressive, but Spence added some angles and footwork to continue to hurt Peterson even more. After seeing his fighter take too many clean shots coach Barry Hunter put a end to the contest by waving it off. It was the overall power and boxing skills of Spence that made things more difficult for Peterson to win the fight. 

Errol Spence Jr. remains the unbeaten IBF welterweight champion with a record of (23-0, 20 KO's) while the veteran Lamont Peterson is now (35-4-1, 17 KO's).







Anthony Peterson Dominates Florez At The Barclays Center In Brooklyn!



(Photos by Daniel Cork)

Anthony Peterson of Washington, DC returned to the for the first time after a long layoff. His last bout was in April of 2016. Tonight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York he put on a solid performance against Luis Eduardo Florez of Puerto Libertador, Colombia in a 10-round super lightweight contest. Peterson landed body and head shots throughout each round to win all three judges over on the scorecards. The scores were 100-89 and 100-90 twice.

Anthony Peterson improves his record to (38-1, 24 KO's) while is now Florez (23-9, 19 KO's).






Keyshawn Williams Gets A Draw In New York!


(Photos by Daniel Cork)

DC welterweight Keyshawn Williams battled Denis Okoth of Siaya, Kenya to a split decision draw in their four-round bout inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Two judges scored the bout 39-37 apiece while the third judge had it 38-38. 

Both Williams and Okoth records stay the same at (1-0-1, 1 KO).



Friday, January 19, 2018

Spence Jr./Peterson Weigh-in Complete!


Errol Spence Jr 147 vs. Lamont Peterson 146.75

(IBF welterweight title)


Robert Easter Jr 134.5 vs. Javier Fortuna 136.8
(IBF lightweight title)

Note: Fortuna has two hours to drop 1.8 pounds.

Marcus Browne 175.75 vs. Francy Ntetu 174.5
Adam Kownacki 260 vs. Iago Kiladze 220.5
Kownacki 18 pounds heavier than he was in his previous fight.

Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Promoter: DiBella Entertainment
TV: Showtime

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Lamont Peterson Final Press Conference Quotes!

IBF Welterweight World Title Saturday, January 20 
Live on SHOWTIME 


Premier Boxing Champions presents world championship boxing. Undefeated welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and two-division world champion Lamont Peterson faced off at the final press conference before they battle for the IBF world title this Saturday, January 20 in the main event live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of Brooklyn Boxing.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 



ERROL SPENCE JR.
"This fight means everything to me. I still have a chip on my shoulder. I want to be the last man standing. I want to beat the top fighters in my division. Lamont is the one standing in front of me, so it's fight time.
"I think it's going to turn into a war. A lot of people have thought this would be an easy fight for me. But if you follow Lamont Peterson, you know this will be tough. He's always in great shape and has a lot of skills. IT might be a dog fight and that's what I wanted. He's the guy who wanted to fight and I said of course. It's going to be a rugged fight. Later on in the fights, he always gets rough and stands toe-to-toe.

"There might not be a lot of talking and bad blood between us, but you know that the two of us always give a great fight for the fans.

"I had to wait for my title defense and then I had a lot of guys not answer the call for this fight. I have a belt and I still have to call these other guys out. Lamont Peterson answered the call like a real fighter.

"In a perfect world I'd be unifying with Keith Thurman this year. I'm going to fight three times this year though. You don't get time back. I'm ready to strike now.

"I'm just excited to fight. I like to fight. I can't wait to be in front of those bright lights in front of the fans. Brooklyn is a great place to fight and my family from the area can come see me live. I can't wait to display my skills.

"A true champion can't fight everybody who calls them out, it's still a business. But a true champion fights other champions, especially when they're available. You can't avoid questions and try to delay a fight. You fight the next champion that's available, that's what a true champion does."


LAMONT PETERSON

"When I got into boxing, I had goals. First I wanted to be a National Champion, then a world champion as a professional, but the ultimate goal is to be in the Hall of Fame. With that being my goal, I wouldn't put myself in that conversation yet. With wins over a guy like Errol Spence and the other top welterweights, I think I'm right there in it. That's my goal and I'll give it my all to get there.

"If you left it to me I'd fight every month. That's how much I love the sport. I know a victory would help me get in the ring even more often. Sometimes if you lose at the top level, other top guys don't want to take a chance against you. I can fix all of that this weekend

"I don't worry about any negativity. My resume is written in the history books. All I can do is respect the opinion of others and work hard to get this win.

"I'm excited and looking forward to the skill level that's going to be displayed this weekend. It's going to be a rough fight for sure. But I look forward to the technique and skill level. Defense, offense and transitioning between the two. That's the part of boxing that I love.

"Errol even taking the Kell Brook fight was impressive to me. Most guys in his position take their time leading up to the first title shot, but he ended up fighting someone in his prime in his country. To will himself to that win was very impressive.

"When you get to the big stages and those big fights, you have to win more than you lose. I think if I can win some big fights these next few years my career will be in a good place."


ROBERT EASTER

"I have no concerns fighting a southpaw. I made my last fight hard, but this time I'm going to use my reach, my feet and my speed to dominate.

"I'm looking for a great performance. This is going to be the best Robert Easter the fans have ever seen. We prepared to dominate this fight.

"Javier Fortuna is an accomplished fighter but I don't know too much about him. I know what I came to do. I'm a world champion and everyone knows what I bring to the fight game. I won't leave without my strap.

"I'm ready to fight the best in this sport. I want to become the man at this weight and I know I have to beat the other champions to do that.

"Boxing is all about showing you're the best and fighting the best. I just want to fight these other champions in my weight class. I'm looking to stay healthy in 2018 and remain on top."


JAVIER FORTUNA

"I have no excuses on January 20. I hope he doesn't either. I will be taking that title to the Dominican Republic for my fans. I've been dreaming about it and I will take it.

"I have the style and the skills to beat Robert Easter. I know how to make sure his height does not affect me at all. Everyone will see it on fight night.

"I've prepared myself very well. I have a plan to win every round. If he's able to stand there, I'm going to break him down round by round.

"I am fighting for more than just myself and that is why I'll be successful. I am going to prove that I'm truly one of the top fighters in the sport.

"Robert Easter is a fighter I respect, but I believe I can defeat anyone in front of me. If he takes me lightly, it will go even worse for him. I've been training hard to make sure I'm at my absolute best on fight night.

"A win would be great for my country, my fans and my family. Winning this title is everything for me. That's why I'm here and I will not be stopped."


DERRICK JAMES, Spence's Trainer

"I started training Errol about nine years ago but I never really knew just how special he was until about a year or so into our training. I thought Olympics were definitely possible, because I didn't want to look too far ahead. Now that we're here, I think he can beat any of the top guys. I want him to be undisputed welterweight champion just like he wants to be.

"I never worry about comparing Errol to other guys in the sport. He's a hard puncher who breaks ribs and breaks faces. The longer the fight goes, the more pain he inflicts. I've never seen anybody who punches that hard.

"I think Lamont knew when he moved up to welterweight that this fight would be a possibility. It's time for us to go to work because I know Lamont and Barry Hunter are working on a game plan. They have a great team and I know Lamont will be ready for what we bring."


BARRY HUNTER, Peterson's Trainer

"We stay in the gym all the time. We didn't have to deal with the weight monster this camp. Weight issue can really derail a camp leading up to a fight of this magnitude. We didn't have to deal with any of that.
"There are several different things in Errol's arsenal that I think we can exploit. Errol will make adjustments though, so I think strategy will be a key in this fight.

"Lamont has always been a coach's dream. He's the type of athlete that you would love to coach. He does everything a coach asks of him. He will train until he passes out. All he wants is to work hard and compete."


LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

"This is a great night for boxing. The first January date of the year drums up a lot of excitement and we expect a great turnout on Saturday night at Barclays Center. It's going to be a great crowd and an exciting night from top to bottom

"Errol Spence Jr. is one of the best young fighters in the world testing himself against another great fighter in Lamont Peterson It's the best fighting the best. Lamont Peterson is a guy with a tremendous resume. If anybody thinks Errol is going to take Lamont lightly, they're mistaken and he would be too.

"Both of these main event fighters are lucky to have trainers who are real teachers. They are old school and two of the best. Derrick James and Barry Hunter know the game inside and out.

"Robert Easter is a beast, he's got reach, power and boxing ability. He's facing a guy in Javier Fortuna who is a confident former world champion. Javier has been talking a big game. He's talking about knockouts. You want to see a guy come into a fight like this with that kind of confidence.

"This year in boxing is starting out just like last year started, at Barclays Center with a great, even matchup like Badou Jack vs. James DeGale last year."


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

"In terms of representing the sport, you don't get any better than Errol Spence Jr. and Lamont Peterson. The professionalism of these guys is unmatched and they represent the best of the sport. I'm proud to have them on the network.
"You can't play boxing. You have to be dedicated and passionate. Those values are going to be reflected in the ring on Saturday.

"This is a special fight. These are the best in the sport. They're both top 10 guys. Errol Spence Jr. has grown up on SHOWTIME. He made his pro debut on ShoBox and won his first world title on SHOWTIME. This is Lamont's eighth appearance on SHOWTIME and he has one of the strongest resumes in the sport.

"Robert Easter and Javier Fortuna is another matchup of top 10 guys. What we're doing here is special. This isn't just another network doing boxing, this is the cream of the crop."


BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

"I'm really excited about Saturday night. We've been very fortunate to host the first big event of the year. There's an appetite to get back into the game and we're happy to be hosting it.
"I want to welcome back Errol and Lamont to Barclays Center. Both have been there before and we're thrilled to have you back. We're pleased that Robert has finally decided to take his show to Barclays Center and give the fans a performance. Last time Javier won at Barclays Center he won his world title and we're happy to have him back.

"We're going to create something great here in Brooklyn and it continues on Saturday night at Barclays Center."

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Lamont Peterson Fight Week Media Workout Quotes January 17!

ERROL SPENCE Jr. vs LAMONT PETERSON
IBF WELTERWEIGHT TITLE


Welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and former two-division champion Lamont Peterson hosted a media workout in Brooklyn on Wednesday ahead of their main event showdown this Saturday, January 20 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of Brooklyn Boxing, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter taking on former champion Javier Fortuna. Also unbeaten light heavyweight Marcus Browne and once-beaten Francy Ntetu, who meet in a 10-round bout, plus undefeated heavyweight Adam Kownacki and once-beaten Iago Kiladze, who step into the ring for a 10-round contest.


ERROL SPENCE JR.:

"I'm training for the Lamont Peterson that I know. He's a hard worker, he's hungry and he has a big heart. People shouldn't look past this fight because I'm not at all. Peterson is a great fighter who's seasoned.

"Everyone knows my style. The outcome usually is a stoppage. I won't be looking for it, but if it presents itself, I'll be ready to take advantage.

"I'm going to stick to my game plan. I can't be worried about anything my opponent does during training camp. I have to focus on what I do best and listen to my coach. My style isn't going to be effected by Lamont's training.

"I'm keeping the same mentality that I've always had heading into fights. Winning the belt helped get my name out there, but my mentality is still to grind and stay hungry and listen to my coach. Nothing is different, I still change diapers and everything else you'd imagine.

"There are so many guys in the welterweight division, I want to clean them all out. If I keep beating the top guys, I'll be the last one standing. I'm going to dominate like I've been doing.

"I'm not going to wait around for unification fights, I want to fight three times this year and I'll take on the best opponent who steps into the ring.

"I'll have to wait until I get into the ring to see how our power compares to each other. I'm the bigger guy but I don't think we'll really know until the first round. I'm going to stick to my game plan and adjust on the fly.

"I expect a 12 round fight and that's what I train for. You have to have a smart coach to make adjustments during the fight and capitalize off your opponent's mistakes.

"I know he's going to be difficult. He's a guy with fast feet who can come forward. He can basically do it all. I'm going to have to solve the puzzle."



LAMONT PETERSON:

"The hard work is over and now we're just fine-tuning and making sure everything is perfect for Saturday. It's been a great training camp that was tough at times, but that's exactly how we want it.

"Errol Spence is clearly a great fighter. I can see why people revere him in that way. But on Saturday, we're going to give him a fight and he's going to have to prove it.

"I don't have to worry about what anyone says about us leading up to this fight. I know Errol well and it happened that it was time for us to fight. This is what we do so we'll definitely give it our all on Saturday. My mentality is to win.

"I've been staying in the gym the whole time since my last fight. Even if I haven't been fighting, I've been sparring and keeping my craft sharp. You never know how long a layoff will be, so I made sure to keep my mind on boxing.

"I can't do anything but go in there and take care of my business. I can't control the judges or anything that happens outside of us fighting. I'm trying to win a fight and that's all I'm concerned about.

"I think the fans are really going to like this one. We may start out feeling each other, but I know from the way we both fight that it's going to turn into a war pretty quickly.

"There's nothing that I'm really looking to expose, but doing things at the right time during the fight will be key. Errol is a solid fighter across the board and we'll see what he brings on fight night.

"I'm looking for a victory. That's what I've trained for. It doesn't matter how I get the win. I'm determined to take home that belt."