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On April 22nd, one of the newest additions to Star Boxing's growing stable of undefeated fighters, Joe "The Future" Hanks, will make his debut fighting under the Star banner when he takes on Terrell Nelson on the undercard of Star Boxing's ESPN "Friday Night Fights" card at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT. Hanks-Nelson is scheduled for six rounds in the heavyweight division, and will be one of the featured undercard bouts of the evening. Headlining the card is Bayan "The Mongolian Mongoose" Jargal (15-1-3, 10KO's) taking on "Khanqueror" Breidis Prescott (23-2, 19KO's) in a ten round jr. welterweight showdown.

"His nickname speaks for itself. Joe has all the tools to be the future of the heavyweight division," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing. "He is a big, strong, fast and athletic heavyweight and has tons of potential. I've had my eye on Joe for some-time now. We are confident that by this time next year, Joe will be making some serious noise in the Heavyweight division."

Standing at 6'4" and weighing in at an average of around 240 lbs of solid muscle Hanks (15-0, 10KO's) not only looks the part, but also has proven thus far that he can be a true force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division, easily defeating his first fifteen foes. Only 28-years-old, Hanks gained valuable experience during his amateur days, sparring with such fighters as Heavyweight Champion, Wladamir Klitschko, Chris Byrd, Jameel McCline, and Larry Donald. As an amateur Hanks was a five-time Golden Gloves Champion, and was a National Golden Gloves semi-finalist in 2007. After the Nationals, Hanks promptly turned pro, scoring a 2nd round TKO over Joseph Rabotte on none other than a Star Boxing promoted card. Hank's first two pro fights actually came on Star cards, and if everything goes as planned, so will his championship fights, in The Future.

Hanks (15-0, 10KO's) vs. Nelson (8-11, 5KO's) is scheduled for six rounds in the heavyweight division. First bout is scheduled for 7:30PM. ESPN will begin live coverage of "Friday Night Fights" at 8PM ET with highly regarded prospect, 2007 Amateur World Champion and 2008 US Olympian, Demetrius Andrade (12-0, 8KO's) squaring off against Omar Bell (8-1, 5KO's) in an eight jr. middleweight match-up.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1 (800) 745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Tickets are priced at $80, $50 and $35. ESPN will begin live coverage of the event starting at 8PM ET.

ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com

MASHANTUCKET, CT (April 2011) – Taking time out of his fight week schedule, WBC welterweight champion, Andre Berto, spent part of his Thursday night making sure some aspiring pugilists had a very special Saturday night.

Berto joined a group of forty children, coaches, and parents from Middletown, Connecticut’s Champions of Life boxing program for pizza and soda and presented them all with t-shirts and tickets to Saturday night’s “East-West Showdown” from the MGM Theater at Foxwoods, which will be headlined by Berto defending his title against WBC #5 ranked, “Vicious” Victor Ortiz.

Such acts are not uncommon from Berto, who along with Victor Ortiz and Berto’s promoter, Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment, donated tickets to thirty students from Harlem’s Rice High School who attended the final pre-fight press conference.

“There is never a wrong time to give back and show support for adolescents who need it, even during fight week. The kids I met today want to be world champions, and I look forward to giving a championship effort and hopefully providing them inspiration to attain their dreams.”

Local referee Johnny Callas, who coaches the members of the Champions of Life program and its parent program, the Charter Oak Boxing Academy, saw the glean in his pupil’s faces as they received their gifts, posed for pictures, and formed a line for autographs with the champ.

“It’s very rare that a professional boxing promoter and champion of Lou DiBella and Andre Berto’s stature take a personal interest in the welfare of kids. Just like the last time they came to the area, DiBella Entertainment has supported Charter Oak Boxing Academy’s Champions of Life Boxing Program for disadvantaged urban youth and we can’t thank them enough.”

In March, Sergio Martinez had lunch with Monique McClain, a teen who had to leave school after being the victim of severe bullying. After leaving school, Monique joined the Champions of Life program to help rebuild her confidence. Martinez dedicated his fight with Sergiy Dzinziruk to Monique, even bringing her on stage at the post fight press conference to rally support for the anti-bullying cause.

For more information on the Champions of Life boxing program, please visit: http://thelionsdenct.com/index.php/champions-of-life/

For information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella. Follow Andre Berto on Twitter, @andreberto.

For information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, on twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing or Victor Ortiz @VICIOUSOrtiz.

Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing, Facebook at www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter www.twitter.com/hboboxing.

LAS VEGAS (April 2011) – WBA/IBA Light Heavyweight Champion Beibut Shumenov (11-1, 7 KOs) remains fully prepared to continue his history-making journey to unify the light heavyweight titles before the end of 2011 with one of the other 175-pound division world champions.

Shumenov’s dream suffered a setback in January when WBO titlist Juergen Braehmer pulled out of their unification title fight only a few days before their scheduled showdown in Kazakhstan. In only his 12th pro fight, Beibut was supposed to fight Braehmer (36-2, 29 KOs) in a world unification match, breaking what is believed to be the record for fewest fights in a major unification bout in which both featured fighters were world champions. The mark held by WBA cruiserweight king Evander Holyfield, who set the mark in his 15th pro fight against IBF champ Ricky Parky in 1987, is still within Shumenov’s striking range.

Shumenov, the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, has been on an unprecedented, accelerated pace since his pro debut only 3 1/2 years ago, defeating two world champions in his first eight bouts, Montell Griffin and Byron Mitchell. A year ago, Shumenov established the mark for fewest pro fights needed to capture a major World light heavyweight title, defeating Gabriel Campillo by decision for the WBA crown in his 10th bout, breaking the record of 15 set by Jeff “Hit Man” Harding in 1989.

“I don’t think about records,” Shumenov said. “I just want the challenge of fighting the best to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world in order to be considered the best. I have a lot more to accomplish in my career to even be mentioned in the same conversation as a future Hall of Famer like Evander Holyfield.

“I chose to fight Braehmer to unify the light heavyweight division, but he pulled out, refusing to be examined by the Kazakhstan Boxing Commission doctor, and breaching his contract. I put Braehmer in the rear view mirror and got right back on track successfully defending my titles against William Joppy, who I applauded for accepting the fight on such late notice. Now, I’m fully focused on collecting the other world light heavyweight titles.”

Joppy became the fourth world champion Shumenov has defeated in his relatively young pro career. Beibut also joined fellow world champion, Lucian Bute, and former superstar Felix Trinidad as the only fighters to knockout Joppy, when Shumenov floored his experienced opponent in the fifth and then finished him off with a vicious left hook to the body in the following round.

“My goal is to unify the light heavyweight division,” Shumenov repeated. “I want to fight the other world champions and I’ll be watching their upcoming world light heavyweight title fights with great interest. I’m trying to learn everything so I can be the best.”

Shumenov owns and operates the Las Vegas-based KZ Event Productions along with his brother, Chingis. In addition to promoting Beibut, Team KZ also includes three undefeated, world-rated boxers in WBA International Light Heavyweight champion Gayrat Ahemedov (16-0-1, 10 KOs), WBA rated No. 2 contender; WBA FEDALATIN Welterweight king Ravshan Hudaynazarov (14-0, 12 KOs), rated No. 9 by the WBA; WBA International Super Lightweight titlist Alexandr Zhuravskiy (11-0, 8 KOs), who is ranked No. 15 by the WBA.

“Beibut is a very special individual who has defied boxing logic since the very beginning of his career,” Shumenov’s head trainer Kevin Barry noted. “He has been instrumental in helping to develop the careers of Gayrat, Ravshan and Alexandr as a leader for them to follow. Beibut sets the standard and they try and keep up with him. Beibut Shumenov is priceless.”

Go online to www.KZEventProductions.com for additional information about Shumenov, KZ Event Productions or any of its fighters.

NEW YORK, NY (Apr. 2011) – International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Larry Hazzard will be the special guest speaker this coming Tuesday night (April 19), starting at 7 PM/ET) for RING 8’s monthly meeting at the historic Waterfront Crabhouse in Long Island City.

In addition, each 2011 New York Golden Gloves Tournament finalist has been invited along with a guest to attend Tuesday’s meeting, in addition to becoming an honorary RING 8 member throughout this year.

Hazzard started referring amateur matches in 1967 and pro bouts 11 years later. He refereed 40 world title fights featuring “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, Michael Spinks, Dwight Qawi, Sean O’Grady, Riddick Bowe, Matthew Saad Muhammad, and Pernell Whitaker, as well as non-world title fights with all-time greats such as Tommy Hearns, Alexis Arguello, Bobby Czyz, Leon Spinks, Iran Barkley, Hector Camacho, Marlon Starling and Donald Curry.

Hazzard served as commissioner of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board from 1985-2007. He was later appointed as chairman of officials, education, development and supervision for the International Boxing Federation.

“Larry Hazzard brings so much boxing experience from a wide variety of different positions,” RING 8 president Bob Duffy said. “He’s been a referee, commissioner and chairman of one of the major boxing organizations in the world. We’re honored to have Larry as our guest speaker. He was known for his full support for the safety of and health of boxers. What better way for our special New York Golden Gloves finalists to be introduced to what RING 8 stands for than listening to Larry Hazzard? We’re opening the door for these men and women who attend Tuesday’s meeting.”
Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, RING 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association -- hence, RING “8” -- and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting the less fortunate people in the boxing community that may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August.

Photo by: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
World Champ turned promoter Graham Earl has really pulled all the stops out for his second London show of the year - æRedemption DayÆ - at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday 7th May - by having not just one, but two, Southern Area title bouts co-headlining along with a seriously quality undercard, which is to such a high standard that it is likely to put most televised shows of the past year to shame.

GrahamÆs superb æCapital PunishmentÆ event in January was headlined by Paul MorbyÆs Southern Area Super Middleweight title defense against Daniel æThe SlickÆ Cadman, which was a closely fought affair that after ten hard fought rounds the Referee raised both protagonists hands aloft and declared the bout a draw which left an air of unfinished business for Morby and Cadman as well as the 1000 plus fans that packed into the world famous venue.

As such it comes as no surprise that for his May 7th show Graham has Morby-Cadman II co-headlining. ItÆs also seems apt Graham chose to name the event æRedemption DayÆ, as most ringside on the night, including myself, felt that Cadman had done just enough to wrestle the belt from MorbyÆs grip.

The æRedemption DayÆ title also sits well for co-headliner, which sees StreathamÆs Leon æSolidÆ Williams defend his Southern Area Cruiserweight Crown for the first time, against TitchfieldÆs Danny Couzens.

Back in February Williams suffered his first stoppage loss, in a non-championship battle with Blackpool based Slovakian Richard Turba, and is sure to be looking to redeem himself and keep his 2011 British title aspirations on track.

The main support for the double title header sees the welcome return of the sensational former English title challenger Michael Grant, who has just signed a promotional deal with Graham EarlÆs promotional business.

Now competing in the Lightweight division Grant will be looking to impress, after his year long sabbatical from the sport, as he has stated his intention to get straight back on the championship trail.

Former American Basketball star Emmanuel æMannyÆ Oshunrinde will be hoping that his return to York Hall will be more satisfying than his previous outing there.

Oshunrinde was clearly robbed of his first win on British soil when his shortened fight with Jahmaine Smyle was declared a technical draw, following the fight being stopped, in the first round, due to a serious cut over SmyleÆs right eye.

The cut to SmyleÆs eye, as well as a serious swelling below the right eye, were caused by the many solid and highly accurate jabs and punches Oshunrinde landed throughout the short encounter, however referee Ken Curtis bought into play the new technical draw rule rather than presenting Oshunrinde with the much deserved stoppage victory.

Graham also has his exciting Light Welterweight Terry Holmes out for his third professional bout, against a yet to be named opponent. Holmes has proved to be nothing short of sensational on his two previous outings and Graham has big expectations for the heavy hitting nineteen year old protΘgΘ from Stevenage.

Another big hitter, BelfastÆs Joe Hillerby, will also be getting his third outing. Hillerby, who debuted in October 2010, has made quite an impact on the scene. No surprise really, after all he is an all action heavy hitter with a knockout finish, as proved on his debut against Gavin Putney, which lasted just 43 seconds!

His second fight, against super tough Ryan Clark, lasted the full course and turned out to be one of the most action packed fights of the night at Graham EarlÆs excellent æCapital PunishmentÆ event back in January.

Lowestoft Featherweight Craig Poxton will be looking to get back to winning ways, following his loss to Youssef Al Hamidi a year ago.

Making their professional debuts at æRedemption DayÆ are BelfastÆs Mark Ginley, Heavyweight Scott Whyley and former Armed Services boxer Sam Standing, who will be joining his TKO Boxing Gym mates Williams, Grant and Oshunrinde on the show.

With GrahamÆs reputation of putting on closely matched all action bouts his æRedemption DayÆ event is sure to be one of the most exciting shows of the year so far.

Tickets for the Graham Earl Promoted æRedemption DayÆ event at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 7th May 2011 are now on sale and priced ú35 (Unreserved) or ú60 (Ringside).

For tickets call: 07960 850645, book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call in person at The TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA.

Photo by: Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing



Saturday, April 23; Telecast Begins Live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT
From Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles, Calif. SANTA FE SPRINGS,
Calif. (April 11, 2011) - After a spirited 60-minute media workout
Monday at the Activity Center here, former International Boxing
Federation (IBF) bantamweight champion Yonnhy Perez (20-1-1, 14 KOs),
of Santa Fe Springs, proclaimed himself fit and ready for his
important 12-round fight against two-division world champion Vic
Darchinyan (35-3-1, 27 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, in The Bantamweight
Tournament: Winner Takes All on Saturday, April 23 LIVE on SHOWTIME®
(10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Nokia Theatre L.A.
LIVE in Los Angeles.

In the tournament finals, Joseph King Kong Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), of
the Bronx, N.Y. will defend his IBF 118-pound title against undefeated
rising star Abner Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif.

Perez will be making his initial start since he suffered the lone loss
of his career on a 12-round decision to Agbeko in a rematch on Dec.
11, 2010. In his first defense of the title he took from Agbeko on
Oct. 31, 2009, Perez boxed a draw with Mares on May 22, 2010. All
three fights were on SHOWTIME.

"I want my title back and the best way to do that is to win my next
fight and then challenge the winner between (Joseph) Agbeko and
(Abner) Mares,'' Perez said. "Both Agbeko and Mares got a shot at my
title and they were great fights. A rematch against either would be
just as exciting as our first fights.

"I'm totally recharged and ready to win by knockout. When I win this
fight, I will be back in the game.''

(on his training camp)

"This training is distinctly different in that I have a lot of
motivation. I was able to train in Colombia (for six weeks beginning
in late February) and that motivated me so much. At first I trained
with my old trainer from my amateur days and then Danny Zamora (his
current trainer) arrived in Colombia to help me finish out the
training there.

"But the most important thing for me was being able to be with my
family during that time. That helped me immensely. My mind is on them
all the time, whether I am with them or not, so being able to be with
them was a major factor. I didn't have to wonder if everything was OK;
I was right there with them. That made me more calm and at ease.

"I am not making excuses but before my last fight, I did my entire
training camp in the U.S. and I felt so unmotivated because my mind
was with my family and there was nothing I could do about it. I was
mentally drained and the proof was in my flat performance against
Agbeko. He fought the perfect fight that night but I wasn't there
mentally. I wish I could erase the past and continue to the future on
a positive note, but I lost. Now, my confidence is back and I am ready
to win again.

"This has been my best training camp and I feel I have never been
better. Motivation is the key with me. I am still hungry and you will
see that when we fight. You'll definitely see an improved performance
from me. I feel really strong. I'll show you everything on April 23.''
(on the brash-talking Darchinyan's vow to win by knockout)

"Vic Darchinyan can make any comment he would like to make. It's a
free country and he has the right. (But) His words don't motivate me.
I get my inspiration and my motivation from my family.

"Darchinyan is a great fighter but he has faded in his last couple of
losses. Abner Mares put him at the door and I am going to put him out.

"The only thing Darchinyan has going for him is his power punch. I am
a natural bantamweight; he is not.''

(his prediction on Agbeko-Mares)

"I have much respect for Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko because they
are both great fighters. However, Abner Mares is a great friend of
mine and I believe he will win.''
PROMOTER KEN THOMPSON

"Training in Colombia has done wonders for Yonnhy. I've never seen him
more focused. He will show fight fans this on April 23 with an early
KO. You can take that to the bank."

Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25, are available online
at Ticketmaster.com, and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at (800)
745-3000. Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center Box Office.

On Friday, April 22nd, at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing will present that weeks ESPN "Friday Night Fights". Headlining the card is "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal (15-1-3, 10KO's) squaring off against the "Khanqueror" Breidis Prescott (23-2, 19KO's) in a ten round jr. welterweight showdown. Also featured on the card will be 2008 US Olympian, and highly regarded undefeated jr. middleweight prospect, Demetrius Andrade (12-0, 8KO's) taking on once beaten Omar Bell (8-1, 5KO's). If the two featured ESPN bouts aren't intriguing enough for you, Star Boxing's Publicist, Kevin Rooney Jr. will be making his pro-debut on the undercard.

The 26-year-old Rooney Jr., who graduated from Fordham University in the Bronx in 2007 and has been working for Star full-time since the summer of 2008, is trained and managed by his father, Mike Tyson's former trainer, Kevin Rooney Sr. After beginning boxing at just five years old, Rooney Jr. stepped away from the sport before coming back to it and returning to training after he came on board with Star.

STAR BOXING

"I always had the itch to get back into it, but when I started working for Joe (DeGuardia) and Star is when I really started to seriously think about it," says Rooney Jr. "I started training and took it one step at a time and now I am ready to take the next step."


"I always had the itch to get back into it, but when I started working for Joe (DeGuardia) and Star is when I really started to seriously think about it," says Rooney Jr. "I started training and took it one step at a time and now I am ready to take the next step."


While the typical fight night is a bit hectic for Rooney Jr. who handles all of the Public Relations, as well as many of the event coordination duties for Star, the April 22nd show will have him undoubtedly a bit more busy.


"Luckily for me my father's accent is Staten Island, Joe's is the Bronx, so I shouldn't get the two confused when I'm getting orders from both throughout the night," says Rooney with a laugh.


"He better end his fight quickly and be in and out of that dressing room before the next fight starts or we will have a real problem," jokes DeGuardia, CEO and President of Star Boxing, a former boxer himself. "All jokes aside, we couldn't be happier than to have Kevin make his debut on one of our cards. Working for Star, and the relationship we have built together the last three years it's only fitting."


"For those who haven't seen Kevin fight before, he has ability," adds DeGuardia. "I think a lot of people are going to be surprised when they see him in the ring. We are excited to see how far he can go with it. Besides the fact that he has his father's name and his father behind him, he is good looking Irish kid, with an exciting style, fighting out of New York. We are looking forward to start bringing in the Irish fan base, which is known to come out in armies to support their Irish fighters."


"I'm very excited for the opportunity to have my debut on one of Joe's cards," says Rooney. "Not a lot of people get to ever fight on such a high profile card, let alone make their pro-debut on it, so I couldn't be more thankful. I havSTAR BOXINGe been thinking about this day for a very long-time, and finally it's almost here. I have a lot of people coming out to show their support and I don't plan on letting them down."


Regarding his future in the sport, Rooney is optimistic.

"I'm working really hard every day in the gym. I feel myself maturing and improving each and every day. There are things that I obviously need to work on, but that's the great thing about this sport, you are always learning something new. While I might not have the biggest amateur background (Rooney Jr. had approximately 12 fights total from when he started as a young kid till now) I feel that I have one of the best trainers in the entire world in my father, and as long as I keep listening to him and keep working hard, the sky's the limit."


Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1 (800) 745-3000 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the Star Boxing office at (718) 823-2000 or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Tickets are priced at $80, $50 and $35. ESPN will begin live coverage of the event starting at 8PM ET.


ABOUT STAR BOXING:

Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since1992. Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit the official website at www.starboxing.com

Four of the world's most talented and exciting bantamweights participated in a media conference call to discuss The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All
on Saturday, April 23 LIVE on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight world champion Joseph King Kong Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs), of Accra, Ghana, will defend his title against the fast-rising, undefeated Abner Mares (21-0-1, 13KOs), of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, in the tournament final. Mares' WBC Silver bantamweight belt will also be on the line. In what will be a hotly contested 12-round co-feature, former two-division world champion Vic "Raging Bull" Darchinyan (35-3-1, 27 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, by way of Vanadzok, Armenia, and former IBF bantamweight world champion Yonnhy "El
Colombiano" Perez (20-1-1, 14 KOs), of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., by way of Cartagena, Colombia, will clash in a must-win tournament consolation bout. Tickets, priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 are on sale now and available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com and via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at STAPLES Center Box Office. Doors at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE open at 4 p.m. with the first non-televised undercard fight beginning at 5 p.m. PT. The Bantamweight Tournament Final: Winner Takes All is promoted by Don King Productions, Gary Shaw Productions, Golden Boy Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and is sponsored by Corona and DeWalt Tools.

Here's what the fighters had to say on Wednesday's conference call: You're both coming off disappointing defeats in the Semifinals. What do you have to
prove?

DARCHINYAN: In my last fight I showed skills for all 12 rounds and didn't go bombing for a knockout. But no more, I'm changing my style again. I'm going to knock out everyone in front of me. This time it's Yonnhy Perez, I'm just coming to knock him out. I'm just coming to destroy him. You will see. People talk about when I moved to bantamweight and say I'm not as powerful as I was at 115 pounds? You will see how powerful I am at bantamweight.

PEREZ: "I have nothing to prove. Everyone knows me; I'm a former world champion.
Right now I'm just concentrating on Vic Darchinyan. I feel 100 percent confident. On April 23 everyone will see a great fight. Yonnhy, the first time you fought Agbeko you won. What did you do wrong or what did you change in the second fight that you lost?

PEREZ: "In the first fight Agbeko came to fight and slug it out with me. In the
second fight Agbeko came to box. Agbeko fought a great fight and he beat me. I'm not taking anything away from him." Yonnhy, have you ever sparred with Vic or watched his fights?

PEREZ: "I've watched Darchinyan fight before because we work with the same promoters. Darchinyan is going to do his job and I'm going to do my job and, at
the end, the promoter is going to come out winning because whoever wins is from the same promoter. But we're going to give a great fight. Darchinyan is a great person and it's just part of the sport. We respect it and we're going to do 100 percent for the fans." Yonnhy, it seemed like you flattened out in the second half of the last fight. What was the reason for that?

PEREZ: "I was frustrated with the fight. Mentally, I was just down. The cut hurt me a lot. It was something that happened and it won't happen again. I'm ready for this fight." Yonnhy, how did going back to Colombia and training with your family help you for this fight?

PEREZ: "It was a great motivation for me because I was close to my family; I got to see my kids all the time. And that's the reason I'm fighting - I'm fighting for my kids. That motivated me and that why I feel like I'm ready for this fight."

Vic, what kind of impact do you think the Armenian community will
have on your fight?

DARCHINYAN: "I'm very excited to fight in front of the crowd. It's great to have because you get more motivated for the fight. I love to fight in America, I love to fight in California. I've never lost in California, I love it. The stadium is a nice
stadium, a fancy stadium. It's great to fight here." Vic, where do you see the fight ending?

DARCHINYAN: "I'm coming to knock him out. He's a good fighter, it's nothing personal, I'm just coming to knock him out. I'm just going to punch the left and the right with damaging punches. I'm just coming to destroy him. I'm looking for a knockout in the fourth round. Is it going to happen, I don't know. Yonnhy, how will you prepare for Vic and counteract his technique?

PEREZ: "I'm prepared for however Darchinyan comes out. If he comes out to slug I'm
going to slug with him. If he comes to box, I'm going box. I'm prepared for whatever Darchinyan brings to me. We're just ready."

Vic, you're fighting in a consolation fight. Are there any issues
with motivation?

DARCHINYAN: "I'm a professional and I'm concentrating on my next opponent. What's happened in the past stays in the past. I'm just looking forward to this fight." Yonnhy, can you answer the same question?

PEREZ: "I have motivation in my family. I fight for my kids so they're better off, my family back home, friends, everybody. I fight for my country and my family. I'm just taking this fight as another fight that I need to win to get to that title shot again." Who do you think is going to win between Agbeko and Mares?

DARCHINYAN: "I don't care about who's going to win. I just want to fight the winner.
I'm looking forward to my next fighter."

PEREZ: "Both fighters are great fighters. But my friend Abner Mares is going to win this fight and he'll be a world champion. I know how hard he's worked for it and
it's his time." Yonnhy, you've fought them both. Do you think you should be first up to challenge the winner of the tournament?

PEREZ: "I believe so. That's why I'm getting ready for this fight because I know that the winner of this fight will take the next step to getting a rematch with either fighter." Vic, what would you tell your Armenian fans?

DARCHINYAN: "Boxing is about excitement. I'm not coming just to win the fight; I'm coming to bring excitement. I want excitement. I want to fight bigger guys. I want to fight world champions. I want to just prove my point and show everyone how strong I am at the moment. I have my style, I am who I am. I'm just going to show
everything in the ring. You're going to see my punches and you're going to hear my punches." "On the other side of the world in Armenia, April 24 is a very big day for Armenia. It's the Genocide of Armenia. I want everyone to see this fight and see how motivated I am for this fight. All my team is going to come and remember 1915. It's a very big day for Armenia."

DARCHINYAN & PEREZ CLOSING COMMENTS:
PEREZ: "I just want to thank SHOWTIME for putting this tournament together. And I want to thank the promoters. This is a big event and hopefully there are more events that can follow this."

DARCHINYAN:
"I'm fighting on SHOWTIME. I want to do something special. I want to put all my exciting fights on Showtime. "

AGBEKO & MARES OPENINGCOMMENTS:AGBEKO: "I want to thank SHOWTIME for putting together this tournament. Abner Mares is a very good fighter but I know I'm the
best bantamweight in the world and I'm going to win on April 23."

MARES: "I want to thank SHOWTIME for giving me this opportunity to showcase myself. I'm prepared 100 percent for this fight. I'm really focused and I'm going as a champion and I'm defending my title, too. It's destiny. About a year ago this time I was training to fight Yonnhy Perez, who I fought on May 22 of last year. Now I'm ready to fight Joseph Agbeko on April 23. It's destiny, it's a year apart.
It's the same belt - I let it go once, it slipped away from my hands, and I got a draw. I shook it off and we worked harder. Now we have a second chance. Not many people get second chances and I'm just going to take advantage of it." Abner, is there anyone you've fought that you can compare style-wise with Agbeko?

MARES: "I've said it before, I don't like to study tapes or an opponent because you don't know what's he going to bring in. When he comes to fight you it could be
totally different. I've never faced a fighter like Joseph Agbeko - Agbeko is a complete fighter, he can box, he can bomb, he can do whatever he wants in the ring. Really, it comes down to whatever style he brings in - we have to work with it and adapt to his style."

Abner, can you talk about how that setback against Perez affected
you?

MARES: "A loss or even a draw, which motivates you more, it depends on the person. I took it really serious and went back and worked extremely hard. I had the chance to fight for a world title and I got a draw, which I pretty much consider a loss. I didn't get the title so I just went back in the gym and trained harder. Now I
have a second chance and I have to take advantage of it."

Joseph, how did the loss to Perez outside the tournament affect you?

AGBEKO: "After losing to Yonnhy Perez I learned a couple of lessons and I've been working very hard since then. I had the chance to get back with the SHOWTIME Bantamweight Tournament and I was able to reclaim my belt from Yonnhy Perez. The lessons I learned from the first fight are making me work harder and harder every day for the fight with Abner Mares."

Abner, did the Perez fight help you in any way with motivation
against Darchinyan?

MARES: "I think every fight that you fight you take something from it and you learn something from it. The Darchinyan fight was a really tough fight. The first couple of rounds didn't go my way. I was cut and I was knocked down. I think what really helped me there was just the motivation and the strength, mentally, that I had just thinking about my family and not thinking about losing. Just the strength - mentally, I never gave up and I always continued to go forward and never had a losing mentality. I think that was the key in that fight." How do you think your styles will mesh in this fight?

MARES: "I think it's going to be an exciting fight. Obviously, you've seen our styles and have seen us fight. We can both brawl, we can both box. It really just depends what we bring into the ring and how adapt to the styles. I like to give exciting fights. There are times, even Agbeko said, where you go toe-to-toe; I sometimes like that because it makes the fight interesting and exciting."

AGBEKO: "I think we both are skillful and we both are very aggressive. Abner
is a very strong guy and always like coming in and throwing a lot of punches. I can do the same. I believe it's going to be a very beautiful fight. There's going to be a lot of action in this fight. I think the smarter fighter is going to win this fight. We're going to fight with our body, our strength and our energy and I think the smartest fighter is going to win."