It's Chocolate Time! Peter Quillin ready to unify world middleweight title

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) middleweight champion Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin (29-0, 21 KOs) has officially arrived on the International boxing scene, after destroying challenger Fernando Guerrero (25-2, 19 KOs) en route to victory by seventh-round technical knockout in his first title defense, April 27 on Showtime Championship Boxing from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Now, the 29-year-old Quillin is one of the hottest boxers in the world, ready to unify the 160-pound division, assuming he can overcome some potential boxing politics in order to make a deal against one of the other major world middleweight title holders.

"I want to fight one of the other champions," Quillin said.  "Sergio Martinez would be my first choice, but he's injured and out for the rest of the year.  (Daniel) Geale is the IBF champion and that, right now, looks like the easiest unification fight to make."   

Unifications are difficult to make a for wide variety of reasons and, unfortunately, Quillin against any of the other world champions faces the additional problems stemming from animosity between rivals Showtime and HBO, as well as Quillin's promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, and Top Rank.  What Quillin has on his side, however, in addition to his rising popularity, is the fact that not only is he the only American-born world middleweight champion, but he's also the only American ranked among the consensus top 10 in independent rating systems. 

"We'll fight anybody in a unification or major fight," added John Seip, who co-manages Quillin with Jim McDevitt.  "Peter was awesome in his last fight. He really hurts his opponents with both hands.  He connected on 50-percent of his power punches against Guerrero and that's an astronomical number. Nobody in this division can handle him.  It's a numbers game, now.  The promoters and networks have to put egos aside and give fans what they want with Peter in a major fight.

"No offense to (Brian) Vera or (Marco Antonio) Rubio, but we're looking for much bigger fights.  Peter has earned the right to be a main event fighter.  He helped open-up Barclays Center and had a lot of fans there against Guerrero.  You don't make big money winning the world title belt; you do retaining it, and now it's time for Peter to reap the fruit of his labor. The biggest market in boxing is in America and a unification fight belongs here.  Martinez is out with injuries, (Julio Cesar, Jr.) Chavez won't fight us, Golovkin has a fight at the end of June, but Geale interests us."

The affable Quillin goes into animal status when he steps between the ropes and into the ring. He has developed into a monster counter-puncher with power in both hands, to go with a chameleon-like ability to adjust his style according to what's most advantageous in each particular fight, often surprising opponents who based their game plan on Quillin's previous fight, and he also possess an incredible chin that allows him to walk through punches.

In his last two fights, Quillin has recorded an amazing 10 knockdowns, four against Guerrero and six more last October when he ripped the WBO belt from previously unbeaten defending champion Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam (27-0).

"And one other knockdown in my fight before that (N'Jikam)," Quillin noted, "against Winky (Wright), making it 11 knockdowns in my last three fights. "I never want to lose and just work hard to win every fight. I challenge myself in training camp for every fight and I have great trainers - Eric Brown (boxing), Brad Bose (strength and conditioning) and Robert Garcia (nutritionist).  I'm improving every fight.  I've gained valuable experience, become more confident since becoming world champion, and feel very comfortable in the ring.  In my last fight, I showed improvement in ring generalship, composure, and even my interviewing skills.  I'm becoming the full package." 

It's Chocolate Time!

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PAULIE MALIGNAGGI VS. ADRIEN BRONER PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FAST-TALKING WORLD CHAMPIONS SET TO COLLIDE ON JUNE 22 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Saturday, May 4, an unforgettable day for boxing, kicked off with a Las Vegas press conference to officially announce the June 22 world championship showdown between two of the most colorful characters in the sport, WBA Welterweight World Champion Paulie "Magic Man" Malignaggi and Two-Division World Champion Adrien "The Problem" Broner at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®.

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, WBA Welterweight World Champion

"[To Broner] Now you're fighting a real fighter.  Real fighters punch back.

"He's coming up to a real weight class against a real man.  He's going to get hit a lot too.

"[To Broner] Guys like you, they're a dime a dozen.

"I am fortunate to get these kinds of opportunities and usually I'm able to upset the apple cart.

"Adrien is nothing more than a Floyd Mayweather wannabe.  He doesn't just fight like him.  He talks like him.  He breathes like him.  He needs to get his own character.

"He doesn't have his own personality.  It's a big insecurity.

"I didn't get my titles handed to me.  I had to earn them.

"What happens to Broner when it isn't easy?  He's never been put in that situation before.

"I thought this was the easiest fight they offered me.  They're giving me this ex-junior lightweight.  It was a no brainer.

"He has good speed and good timing, but his power is overrated.  A lot of what he does is overrated.

ADRIEN BRONER, Two-Division World Champion

"[On his June 22 fight] Everyone is saying 'He's going up in weight.  Is he going to be strong enough and fast enough to take on a world class world champion?'  I know Paulie is going to come out to fight like he always does, but this will be his fourth loss to a world champion.  He just keeps getting whooped by champions.

"I take him seriously, but he's a clown.  He's going to come out with big feet, dyed hair and a crazy outfit, but I'm going to punch him until his nose is red enough to complete out the outfit.

"I moved up for the opportunity to be a 23-year-old three-time world champion in three different weight classes.

"I call him a one handed bandit.  He's never thrown a right hand ever.

"On June 22, he's going to wish there's another corner he can run to.

"It's going to be a hell of a night.

"He's telling me to be more creative.  I don't have to be more creative.  I'm just going to mess him up.

"He isn't getting on my nerves.  This is boxing.

"All of the good fights at 140 were already matched up.

"He feels like I'm just a 135-pound fighter, but he's not on my level.

"It is going to be the 'AB Show.'

"He can really box.  I'm not taking him lightly.  No one just handed him that belt.

"It's going to be a hell of an event.  Paulie is going to bring his following.  I'm going to bring mine.  He's from Brooklyn; it's going to be a packed house."

"You guys will be surprised when you see me fight at 147."

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

"These two are not only two of the most exciting fighters in the sport, they are also two of the biggest talkers.

"This is champion against champion.

Malignaggi vs. Broner, a 12-round fight for Malignaggi's WBA Welterweight World Championship will take place Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.  The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, supported by Golden Boy Promotions' sponsors Corona and AT&T.  The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).  In the co-featured bout, Johnathon Banks will look to repeat his 2012 upset win over Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell as he defends his NABO and WBC International Heavyweight titles in a 12-round fight presented in association with K2 Promotions.  Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

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Floyd- "Tomorrow night is the night."

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Amir Khan vs. Julio Diaz Saturday, April 27 Immediately following Garcia vs. Judah

Immediately following the world championship doubleheader on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will be a same-day-delayed telecast of former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Amir "King" Khan (27-3, 19 KO's), of Bolton, England, against former World Champion Julio "The Kidd" Diaz, of Coachella, Calif., in a 12-round 143-pound catch-weight scrap on SHOWTIME Boxing: Special Edition. 

ABOUT "THE RETURN OF THE KING: KHAN VS. DIAZ":

"The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz" is a 12 round 143 pound catch-weight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by JD Sport, Maxi Muscle, Pasha and Hollywood Milkshakes.

 Fans in the United Kingdom can watch "The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz" live on BoxNation (Sky Channel 437 or Virgin Channel 546) at 7:00 p.m. BST. To subscribe, visit www.boxnation.com.

Fans in the United States can watch "The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz" on tape delay on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition immediately following the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING broadcast of Danny Garcia vs. Zab Judah. Highlights of 2012 British Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo's professional debut will also be shown during the telecast.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Danny Garcia vs. Zab Judah - Sat Apr 27 at 9PM SHOWTIME Boxing

On Saturday, April 27th, SHOWTIME Championship Boxing returns to Brooklyn as Danny Garcia takes on Zab Judah. Plus, Peter Quillin vs. Fernando Guerrero.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Episode 3 of All Access: Mayweather vs. Guerrero premieres TONIGHT at 10p ET/PT on Showtime

FACTS:"MAY DAY: Mayweather vs. Guerrero," a 12-round fight for Mayweather's WBC Welterweight World Championship and the vacant Ring Magazine Welterweight World Championship, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O'Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Star Trek Into Darkness and Valvoline.  The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV^® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.  The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).  Also featured will be WBC Featherweight World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon taking on Two-Division World Champion Abner Mares in a 12-round fight for Ponce de Leon's WBC Featherweight World Championship, former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz facing veteran Alexander Munoz in a 10-round fight for the vacant USBA Junior Featherweight Championship and rising star J'Leon Love squaring off against recent world title challenger Gabriel Rosado in a 10-round middleweight battle for the vacant NABF Middleweight Championship. 

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Father & Son - Boxing Champ Danny Garcia and His Father Angel Garcia - SHOWTIME

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Danny "Swift" Garcia vs. Zab Judah live on SHOWTIME® CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

ABOUT "GARCIA VS. JUDAH":

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia's Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona and AT&T.  In the co-featured attraction, WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin puts his title on the line against hard-hitting Fernando Guerrero in a 12-round fight.  The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

BOXING'S SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF WITH MARCOS MAIDANA VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ, ALFREDO ANGULO VS. ERISLANDY LARA & SAKIO BIKA VS. MARCO ANTONI‏

 BOXING'S SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF ON JUNE 8 AT

THE HOME DEPOT CENTER IN

CARSON, CALIF.  LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

MARCOS MAIDANA VS. JOSESITO LOPEZ

ALFREDO ANGULO VS. ERISLANDY LARA

SAKIO BIKA VS. MARCO ANTONIO PERIBAN

HIGHLIGHT NIGHT OF BOXING UNDER THE STARS

The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. will be the site of one of the most intriguing clashes of boxing's summer season, as Argentinean knockout artist Marcos Maidana faces off against Southern California favorite Josesito Lopez in a 12 round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Welterweight Championship in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader set for Saturday, June 8.

The tripleheader will also feature a 12-round junior middleweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a clash for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship between number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio "The Scorpion" Bika and Mexico's Marco Antonio Periban, the number four rated WBC super middleweight contender.

"If you're a fan of action fights, there is no better card to see than this one on June 8th,"said President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya.  "All three high-stakes bouts have the potential to be the main event and the winners who walk out of the Home Depot Center with their hands raised will know they've been in a fight."

"Like all of our recent fights, the fight between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez is a matchup in which there is no clear-cut favorite,'' said Stephen Espinoza, Executive General Manager and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. "You can make a legitimate argument for either fighter. Maidana is one of the most exciting fighters in any division, and he's facing an opponent, Josesito Lopez, who scored the biggest upset of 2012 and is now back in his most natural weight class.

"Top to bottom, this card is filled with fan-friendly, all-action fights. There is no question that Maidana vs. Lopez will be one of the most entertaining, hard-fought matchups of the year, and the Angulo-Lara and Bika-Periban are sure to be hotly contested and action-packed as well.''

"Outdoor boxing cards at The Home Depot Center's intimate 8,000-seat outdoor stadium continue to be annual highlights on the southern California sports calendar," said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of The Home Depot Center.  "With Golden Boy Promotions lining up this championship card, our fans are truly in for another great night of boxing."

"Josesito Lopez is a tough challenge, but I'm ready for everything he will bring to the ring on June 8th," Maidana said.  "Beating him is the next step to getting a world title shot and I know I'll get the victory."

"I fight my best at home, and with the fans in my corner on June 8^th, Maidana doesn't have a chance," said Lopez.  "He's going to push me hard from start to finish, but that's when I truly shine.  I promise this will be a great fight for the fans."

"Lara is one of Cuba's greatest talents, but I'll have the California fans on my side and I'm determined to do whatever it takes to win," said Angulo.  "This is the most important fight of my career and I will perform like it when the bell rings."

"Angulo hits hard and is a tough fighter making this a classic boxer vs. puncher match up," said Lara.  "I'm really excited for this fight.  Come June 8^th, I'm going to put on a boxing display and finally get the 'W' over a top fighter that has been taken from me in my past fights."

"I'm thankful to Golden Boy Promotions and the WBC for giving me this opportunity and I will make the most of it," said Bika.  "Ever since I turned pro, my only goal was to win a world championship and on June 8th, Marco Antonio Periban won't be able to stop me from getting that belt."

"I've trained hard, I've made many sacrifices and I feel that my time is now to become Mexico's next world champion," said Periban.  "Sakio Bika will be my toughest challenge, but I have the skills, determination and heart to beat him.  I'll beat him and become the first Mexican super middleweight world champion and make history for all of Mexico."

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.  The tripleheader will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).  Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions. Also featured will be a 12-round junior middleweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship between number one rated WBC super middleweight contender Sakio Bika and number four rated WBC super middleweight contender Marco Antonio Periban.  Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME Extreme at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast)

2012 was a busy year for former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Marcos "El Chino" Maidana (33-3, 30 KO's) as he began his quest for another world title, this one seven pounds north in the welterweight division.  After a rough outing in his 147-pound debut against current IBF Welterweight World Champion Devon Alexander in February, the Argentinean knockout artist bounced back with an exciting, Fight of the Year candidate eighth round technical knockout win over rugged contender Jesus Soto Karass before finishing things off in December by defending his WBA Intercontinental Championship with a third round knockout over Angel Martinez in his native Buenos Aires.  On June 8, the 29-year-old returns to fight in California for the first time since his breakthrough 2009 stoppage over former World Champion Victor Ortiz.

One of the toughest fighters in the fight game today, Riverside, California's Josesito Lopez (30-5, 18 KO's) has made a career out of beating the odds and he's not about to stop now.  The winner of several regional titles since turning professional in 2003, Lopez stunned unbeaten rising star Mike Dallas Jr. in 2011, stopping the highly touted prospect in seven rounds.  Two fights later, Lopez stepped in on short notice to face former World Champion Victor Ortiz in June of 2012 at STAPLES Center and scored a huge upset win, spoiling Ortiz' chance at a fight with Canelo Alvarez by halting him in nine rounds.  The victory set up a bout between Lopez and Alvarez last September.  Although he was giving up size and strength advantages to the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, Lopez's gutsy effort in defeat earned him praise from both fans and media alike.  On June 8, Lopez returns to 147 pounds to take on Maidana.

One of boxing's most popular warriors, Mexicali's Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo (22-2, 18 KO's) thrilled his avid followers in 2012, knocking out Raul Casarez and decisioning Jorge Silva in his first bouts after a year out of the ring due to immigration issues.  Now back in the ring and eager to take on all comers, the 30-year-old knockout artist will face his toughest puzzle to date in Cuba's dynamic Erislandy Lara.

A product of the legendary Cuban amateur boxing program, Erislandy Lara (17-1-2, 11 KO's) garnered a host of amateur titles and accolades before defecting and beginning his quest for gold as a professional.  Now living in Miami, Florida, the 29-year-old Lara rebounded from a highly controversial decision loss to former World Champion Paul Williams in 2011 to knock out Ronald Hearns and outpoint Freddy Hernandez, only to battle to a disputed draw with Vanes Martirosyan last November.  On June 8, Lara vows to keep the judges out of matters against Angulo.

A respected veteran who has earned his stellar reputation with a hard-nosed attitude and exciting fights, 2000 Cameroon Olympian Sakio Bika (31-5-2, 21 KO's) believes that after tough world championship bouts with Markus Beyer, Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward, his fourth shot at the belt on June 8 will be the one he capitalizes on.  The winner of three straight, stopping Alfredo Contreras and Dyah Davis and scoring a punishing decision win over Nikola Sjekloca, the 33-year-old "Scorpion" is ready to sting Periban and capture his first world championship.

Mexico City's Marco Antonio Periban (20-0, 13 KO's) has impressed fight game insiders and boxing fans ever since his pro debut in 2008 and less than five years later, he's on the verge of becoming a world champion and adding to his country's championship heritage.  The 28-year-old Periban went 4-0 in 2012 and got 2013 off to a sizzling start on March 16 with a second round knockout over Colombia's Samuel Miller to win the NABF Super Middleweight Championship.  Now he will look to add the WBC belt to his collection on June 8.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2021, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

OMAR FIGUEROA JR. VS. ABNER COTTO SET FOR APRIL 20 CO-FEATURE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS CLASH OF UNBEATEN LIGHTWEIGHTS TO BE TELEVISED ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

Over 30,000 fans packing the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, April 20 for the Super Welterweight World Championship Unification showdown between Canelo Alvarez andAustin Trout will have another reason to cheer, as the evening's co-main event will feature a clash of unbeaten lightweights when Weslaco, Texas' Omar Figueroa Jr. and Puerto Rico's Abner Cotto square off in an explosive 10-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight title live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®.

Canelo vs. Trout, a 12-round Super Welterweight World Championship Unification fight for Canelo's WBC title, Trout's WBA title and the vacant Ring Magazine title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo Promotions and Leija & Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona andAT&T. The co-main event will be a 10-round fight between undefeated prospects Omar Figueroa Jr. of Weslaco, Texas and Abner Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Championship which is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The fights will air live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with Canelo vs. Trout being presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).

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DANNY GARCIA, ZAB JUDAH, PETER QUILLIN & FERNANDO GUERRERO APRIL 27 WORLD TITLE BOUTS AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN WHICH WILL BE TELEVISED LIVE ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny "Swift" Garcia, Five-Time and Two Division World Champion Zab "Super" Judah, WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin and top middleweight contender Fernando Guerrero will hold an international media conference call to discuss their respective April 27 world title bouts at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York which will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Garcia vs. Judah, a 12-round bout for Garcia's Unified Super Lightweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored Corona and AT&T.  In the co-featured attraction, WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin puts his title on the line against hard-hitting Fernando Guerrero in a 12-round fight.  The

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Immediately following Garcia vs. Judah, Amir Khan vs. Julio Diaz, a 12-round 143-pound catch-weight bout, emanating from Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield, England, will air on tape delay on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition. Highlights of 2012 British Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo's professional debut will also be shown during the telecast.

DANNY GARCIA & ANGEL GARCIA PHILADELPHIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

DANNY GARCIA, Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

"He [Zab Judah] is just another guy in my way. They all say the same thing. They think they're going to beat me...until we get into that ring.

"Everything is going solid. This is one of my most solid camps. I'm running and sparring and looking sharper every day. We're running a perfect schedule.

"[On his rib injury that postponed the originally scheduled February 9 fight date] I got hurt sparring. Boxing is a contact sport. It's my first injury ever as a professional. I feel like there shouldn't be any questions. My team and I made the right decision.

"Zab is from Brooklyn, but I'm the hometown guy. I was in New York City a few weeks ago, and a lot of people told me they are rooting for me. I know the crowd is going to be for me that night. I'm the champ.

"I feel like I'm hungrier now than ever. Everyone wants what I have. I have to always be on my A game. If you think like a champion, act like a champion and walk like a champion, you are a champion.

"I'm not really concerned about anything [that Judah will do in the fight]. I know I'm going to be at 110 percent and in perfect shape.

"I've fought tons of southpaws in the amateurs and in the pros. It's easier for me because I can land my hard left hand and hard left hook.

"Experience doesn't mean anything when you get hit. It is about how you can take a punch. When you get hit and let your hands go, experience doesn't matter.

"I have to keep showing the world that I'm the best 140-pound fighter

"I think it's personal when you go into a fight and a man is trying to hurt you. It's always personal.

"[On the support of Philadelphia fans] It means a lot because Philadelphia is a fighting city. The support of the Latino community means a lot. There has never been a Latino world champion that has come out of Philadelphia. I have Latino kids come up to me everyday and thank me and say they look up to me. I want to keep holding it down for my city.

"Every fight, my fan base is grows. That's how it is supposed to be. I'm happy that my city's following me.

"I've been going to this gym since I was 10 years old. Everyone here knows me. Kids I grew up with tell me to keep doing my thing. They pay attention and recognize the hard work.

"140 [pounds] is a great division. I have been at 140 since the amateurs. I think I have two or three more left at this weight.

"You are going to see the best Danny Garcia on April 27. I am predicting a fourth round knockout.

"I don't really have anything to say to him [Judah]. I am going to do what I do best, and punch him in the mouth."

ANGEL GARCIA, Garcia's Father & Trainer

"Danny doesn't care what people say, but he is the champ.

"The truth hurts. Zab Judah fought Vernon Paris a year ago. Paris gave him nine rounds. Zab had his day. This is a new era of fighting. This is the Danny Swift era. He is the champion of the world.

"When Danny is fighting, I am in the ring with him. His opponent is fighting two spirits, not just one.

"The fighters needed someone to step up to the plate and SHOWTIME stepping up is the best thing that they ever did.

"Viva SHOWTIME!

"I train him, he fights them and Al Haymon picks them. At 140 pounds, no one can beat the champ.

"When it comes to the injury, things happen. He is on his A Game now.

"People say Danny is a basic fighter, but come on...he is the champion of the world.

"Danny went to college...he got his degree [in the ring]. A few more years he will get his masters.

"People are always going to talk. I don't care what they say. I know we're happy. Danny has more haters than lovers, but those are the people that are going to come see him. As long as they pay the money to see him, I'm happy."

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Mayweather vs. Guerrero tickets almost sold out

When tickets went on sale Tuesday, March 12 for the May 4 May Day Showtime PPV featuring Floyd "Money" Mayweather against Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., the public responded with a massive rush to the box office and online ticket outlets. Within twelve hours of going on sale, less than 1,500 seats remained for the Cinco de Mayo weekend event.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

TAVORIS CLOUD VS. JEAN PASCAL IBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY, AUG. 11, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

TAVORIS CLOUD VS. JEAN PASCAL

IBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

SATURDAY, AUG. 11, LIVE ON SHOWTIME^®

Cloud: “Pascal’s style and my style are perfect for each other;
It will be a hell of a fight”

Pascal: “This fight will not go the distance”

In front of a packed room of television cameras, radio microphones and sports writers at Restaurant 9-4-10 within Montreal’s Bell Centre, undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud (24-0, 19 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla., and popular hometown favorite and former World Boxing Council (WBC) light heavyweight titleholder Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16 KOs) held a press conference Wednesday to formally announce their upcoming world title showdown on Saturday, Aug. 11, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME® from Bell Centre.

There was a respectful but intense atmosphere to announce what could potentially be the division's best matchup in years between two young fighters in their prime. Hall of Fame promoter Don King, who promotes Cloud, waved Canadian flags while sporting his signature U.S. jean jacket throughout the press conference.

The co-feature will match Canadian knockout artist Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, (18-1, 15 KOs) of Montreal , against an opponent to be announced in a super middleweight bout.

At the press conference, SHOWTIME Sports® announced that future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins would be joining the Aug. 11 telecast as a special guest analyst. With his success in the light heavyweight division coupled with his firsthand experience traveling to Canada to take on Pascal and his legions of fans, Hopkins will offer a unique perspective and commentary to the viewers at home.

Here’s what the participants had to say Wednesday:

Tavoris Cloud:
“When I think about this fight, wow. Pascal’s style and my style are perfect for each other. It will be a hell of a fight. Nevertheless, I’m coming away with my title still intact

“I’m just glad to be here. Montreal is a beautiful place. I’m putting in a lot of hard work for this fight and on Aug. 11, I look forward to putting on a great show for you guys.

“Pascal could think he is the gatekeeper to bigger and better things for me, but I just come in and fight my fight.”

Jean Pascal:
“I have two words to say finally: I’m back. It’s been a long, long time but this show is going to be a great night for Quebec. I’d like to thank Yvon Michel, Greg Leon, Don King and Team Cloud for giving me a shot because I know I am a good boxer. He’s the champion and I really respect Cloud because he’s like me. He’s a good guy, a family man and he wants to fight the best.

“The reason why I took this fight is simple. It’s because of you guys, the fans. You want to see the best versus the best. I am the former world champion. He is the current world champion but unfortunately for him on Aug. 11, he is going to leave as the former world champion and I am going to be a two-time world champion.

“This man right here (Cloud) is dangerous. He is hungry but, with all due respect, I don’t think you are going to make your name on me. I know this is a big opportunity for you because I ‘m the door to success and big money.

“You’re a warrior like me and this fight will not go to the distance. I’m not saying that I’m going to knock him out. That’s not what I’m saying right now. I’m just saying it won’t go the distance which is why you have to tune in Aug. 11. I love challenges. I told Yvon, no tune up fights. Let’s face the guy at the top. That’s how I’ll get back on top. I hope Cloud comes in the best shape because I don’t want any excuses. And I won’t have any excuses either.”

Adonis Stevenson:
“I would like to thank SHOWTIME and Group Yvon Michel. I don’t have my opponent yet but he’s coming soon hopefully. Now the IBF champion is Carl Froch. It isn’t Lucian Bute anymore but I will be focused. Obviously, Aug. 11 is very important to me. I’d like to be the No. 1 (mandatory challenger for the IBF title) but no one wants to fight me. It’s always some reason. No money, no this, no that. I know that’s [untrue] but now I’ll just stay focused on the fight ahead of me.

“Emmanuel Steward is my trainer now. He is training Wladmir Klitschko and next week I will go to Klitschko’s camp and start my training there.”

Don King, Cloud’s Promoter:
“Bonjour to all the beautiful people of Montreal because this is like home to me. We had Sugar Ray Leonard here who changed the globe and took on Roberto Duran right here in Montreal. How did we get to Montreal? Because it’s one of the fairest cities in the world. We were looking for a neutral site and we picked Montreal. Sugar Ray Leonard came in and Roberto Duran beat him – because we got our fair shake in Montreal.

“Pascal has an opportunity now to take over for Bute (as Canada’s most popular fighter). Can he do it? He seems to think so but thunder is in the air. There will be lightning bolts striking so I don’t know. I think it’s going to be a devastating storm that night on Aug. 11.

“The Bell Centre is going to be the hour, the hour of the talk around the world. Not only is it going to be seen on SHOWTIME, it’s going to be seen around the world. It’s going to be a super extravaganza. It’s going to be a provocateur to titillate your taste buds. I know Pascal. I know how he has tried so desperately to be approved and respected by his fellow countrymen. So he is going to be giving everything he can and then some. And I know “Thunder” Cloud, he didn’t come up here to leave that (IBF Light Heavyweight) belt. Pascal is going to have to take it. And to take it, that means he is going to have to go up against the thunder the lighting and the rain.”

Yvon Michel:
“This fight is going to be not only the most important boxing event this year but I also believe that Aug. 11 will be the biggest sporting event of the year in Quebec.

“Each time we have a big event in Montreal, each time Jean Pascal is fighting, we have celebrities come out. For this fight will have the celebrity of celebrities, Don King, to co-promote the event. He is the only boxing promoter to be named one of the 40 most influential people in sports over the last 50 years by Sports Illustrated. And he is our prestigious guest here today.

“Tavoris Cloud and Jean Pascal have amazing power. Adonis Stevenson is the purest puncher I’ve ever seen. To have three guys with steel hands competing on Aug. 11, I think we’ll see two fantastic fights.”

Al Bonanni, Cloud’s Trainer:
“These are the two best light heavyweights in the world. SHOWTIME took the fight, not because they love us, but because these are the two best light heavyweights in the world. Unfortunately for Pascal, I have the best light heavyweight in the world.

“We’re training very, very hard. We started in Miami, Fla., five weeks ago and now we’re at Don King’s Gym in Ohio, across the river from here. So we can see Canada from where we’re training. Cloud could fight tomorrow. He’s 12 pounds off weight and ready to go. I thank you for the hospitality. I thank you for the money we’re going to make. And it’s going to be a great feeling to go back home with the belt again.”

Marc Ramsay, Pascal’s Trainer:
“I just really want to thank SHOWTIME, Don King and Group Yvon Michel for making this fight happen, to give us the opportunity to go straight back to the top. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’re going straight to the top.”


♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.