Garcia vs Vidal HIGHLIGHTS: March 4, 2023 | PBC on Showtime
Fast-rising teenager Elijah Garcia (14-0, 12 KOs) rose to the occasion in a massive step-up fight, dropping and stopping previously undefeated middleweight contender Amilcar Vidal, Jr. (16-1, 12 KOs) with a barrage of punches at 2:17 of the fourth round. Watch the KO HERE. From the opening bell, Garcia initiated a two-way action fight that came to a sudden end when Vidal was stunned by a right hand to the head and retreated against the ropes in search of cover. The 19-year-old Garcia sensed he had hurt his opponent and pounced, unleashing a flurry of punches that dropped Vidal and forced referee Jack Reiss to stop the fight. “This is what everyone dreams of, so this isn’t a surprise,” said Phoenix’s Garcia, who has now stopped six of his last seven opponents. “This is what I worked for since I turned pro so we’re going to keep moving forward one step at a time.” Through just three-and-a-half rounds of a back-and-forth affair, both fighters were bloodied and combined for 189 punches landed and 593 punches thrown. The power punches were the difference in the fight as Garcia landed 54 percent of his power punches to Vidal’s 46 percent. In the fourth round, Garcia landed 62 percent of his power punches including the all-decisive final blows. “I stay ready and mentally I’m strong,” Garcia continued. “I know mentally I might have lost the first couple of rounds, but I was breaking him down. He started backing up. He’s a great opponent. No disrespect to him. I caught him and I finished him. I’m not sure what I hurt him with, but I know I hurt him and for me being 19 I have the maturity to tell if they’re hurt or not.” After emphatically announcing himself to the boxing world in his national television debut, Garcia promised that his newly earned fans would be seeing plenty more of him. “I might become a champion before I’m 21 or 22,” he said. “I might be ahead of schedule.”
Hurd vs Resendiz HIGHLIGHTS: March 4, 2023 | PBC on Showtime
In a slugfest of a co-main event, power-punching Mexican Armando Reséndiz (14-1, 10 KOs) delivered a star-making performance, battering “Swift” Jarrett Hurd (24-3, 16 KOs) and spoiling the former unified 154-pound world champion’s comeback fight. The ringside physician stopped the contest five seconds into the tenth and final round due to a severe laceration on Hurd’s lip. The determined Reséndiz outworked Hurd, landing 280 of his 780 punches thrown, the most connected punches of any Hurd opponent. In the spirited middleweight scrap, Hurd had his moments on the attack, connecting on 228 of his 562 (40 percent) punches thrown. However, Hurd, in his first fight in 21 months, was unable to overcome Reséndiz’s pressure and volume punching. Reséndiz landed 206 power punches, eventually opening up a deep cut on Hurd’s lip that caused the fight to end. At the time of the stoppage, Reséndiz was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards. “I was visualizing this fight for so long, how I was going to win this fight,” Reséndiz said in the ring through SHOWTIME interpreter Felix DeJesus. “It was all about heart, but I know I can be even better and you’ll see what I mean in my next fight. I told everyone I was willing to go to war, I’m Mexican, after all. It was a strong, physical fight just like we expected. The results speak for themselves.” Hurd tried working his jab early, landing a total of 27 jabs in rounds three and four, but fighting for just the third time in over three years, Hurd faded as the rounds went on. In rounds six through nine, Reséndiz landed 106 power punches while limiting Hurd to 69 landed power punches. “I knew this was going to be a tough, toe-to-to fight based on our styles,” said the 32-year-old Hurd, who lost inside the distance for the first time in his career. “But I only had to make it one more round. I wish I could have finished it, but my lip was cut too bad. So, congratulations to Reséndiz. I definitely wish I could have continued. At no point was I hurt at all in that fight, but I have to respect what the doctors say and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Figueroa vs Magsayo FULL FIGHT: March 4, 2023 | PBC on Showtime
Brandon Figueroa captures the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title with a unanimous decision win over Mark Magsayo in an early Fight-of-the-Year candidate bout. In a thrilling contest between two former world champions desperate to return to world title glory, Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa improved round-by-round to win a unanimous decision over Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, capturing the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title “Man, I just went out there and wanted it and took the fight right to him,” said Figueroa. “I wanted this fight so bad. He came back a little, but once I hit him with a body shot it affected him and I put pressure, pressure, pressure on him.” In a fight that didn’t appear as one-sided as the judges’ scorecards, Figueroa (24-1-1, 18 KOs) won by scores of 117-109 twice and 118-108. SHOWTIME’s Hall of Fame unofficial scorer Steve Farhood saw the fight 114-112 in favor of Figueroa, with two Magsayo point deductions for holding the difference in the fight on his scorecard. Figueroa, who averages 92 punches thrown per round throughout his career, was limited to 54 punches thrown per round against Magsayo (24-2, 16 KOs). Figueroa threw 60 more punches than Magsayo but landed three fewer punches and the fighters were separated by more than four landed punches in just three of the twelve rounds. Figueroa started slowly and had to withstand Magsayo’s best shots early in the fight, demonstrating that he has one of the best chins in boxing. But Magsayo tired as the rounds went on and was twice penalized for holding in rounds eight and eleven, two points which ultimately proved fruitless. Figueroa, the former 122-pound world champion, is now in line to face WBC Featherweight World Champion Rey Vargas next. Vargas was ringside Saturday night. #BrandonFigueroa #FigueroaMagsayo #Boxing Visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for more info. SIGN UP FOR FIGHT ALERTS: https://pbcham.ps/FightAlerts FOLLOW US: https://twitter.com/premierboxing https://instagram.com/premierboxing https://www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions
Figueroa vs Fulton 2 FULL FIGHT: February 1, 2025 | PBC on Prime Video PPV
Former unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. (23-1, 8 KOs) captured the WBC Featherweight World Championship with an impressive unanimous decision (117-111 and 116-112 twice) victory over two-division world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa (25-2-1, 19 KOs) in their championship rematch. "It feels good,” said Fulton. “I'm a champion again and for everyone who doubted me, just keep supporting me how you've been supporting me, whether it's negative or positive.” "He won fair and square,” said Figueroa. “I'd love to fight him again, but right now I just have to go back to the drawing board and get the next one." Figueroa and Fulton met for a second time after their 2021 super bantamweight championship unification match stood out as one of the year’s best fights, won by Fulton via decision. In the rematch, the fighters returned to their familiar form, with Figueroa stalking Fulton and Fulton proving a deft counterpuncher. This time, Fulton appeared to be the sharper fighter throughout, cleanly landing to the head and body consistently, even during moments where Figueroa would appear to have an advantage when pushing Fulton to the ropes. In his second fight with trainer Derek “Bozy” Ennis in his corner, Philadelphia’s Fulton became a two-division world champion on the strength of a 35% connect rate on power punches and by out landing Figueroa 214 to 143. "I feel like he didn't let enough shots go like he normally would,” said Fulton. “I think he slowed down in this division. His punch output was down from our first fight. I capitalized off of that, used my jab and listened to my corner. His power wasn't anything different from the first fight.” Fulton’s fast start proved to be the difference on the scorecards, as he won the first four rounds according to all three judges. With a new world title reign under way, Fulton stated his intention to take his time before focusing on his next target. "I'm just gonna enjoy the victory and live in the moment,” said Fulton post fight. “Then we'll weigh our options."
James vs Palmetta FULL FIGHT: February 25, 2023 | PBC on Showtime
Minneapolis-native and welterweight contender Jamal “Shango” James (28-2, 12 KOs) returned from a 16-month layoff to thrill his hometown crowds and earn a unanimous decision victory after 10-rounds against Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta (18-2, 13 KOs) in the co-main event. “I’m pretty sure everybody can see that layoff affected me,” said James. “I had a lot of rust in me. My legs weren’t sharp, my punches weren’t sharp, but I’m glad I was able to get in there. I liked that because it’s pushing me mentally and it made me step up to the occasion.” “I thought it was an even fight,” said Palmetta. “I was the aggressor throughout against a former world champion, a taller opponent with longer reach than me.” In his first action since losing his WBA Welterweight Title to Radzhab Butaev in October 2021, James picked up his fifth career victory at the friendly confines of The Armory. Using his considerable height and reach advantage, James was able to control much of the action and contest the bout on his terms. “I was trying to adapt,” said James. “I definitely felt like I won the fight but I believe I could’ve done much better. I know that I’m a lot sharper. I know that my endurance is a lot stronger. I just had a lot of time off and my body is still getting back in shape. I’ll be back for sure.” “I also like to counter, but I ratcheted up the pressure in the second half of the fight,” said Palmetta. “Maybe it looked like Jamal James was superior in the first half because he kept being conservative and countering.” Palmetta had success countering James, but was unable to put together enough combinations or hurt James during the action. James’ edge was reflected on the scorecards, as he out landed Palmetta 193 to 111, including a 153 to 102 edge in power punches. James was also able to use a sharp body attack to keep Palmetta at bay, landing 68 throughout the fight, compared to just 20 from Palmetta. In round nine, a sharp right uppercut caused Palmetta to stumble and let to a raucous exchange that stirred James’ hometown fans. The crowd again rose to their feet as James and Palmetta whipped power punches throughout the final moments of round 10. James kept his perfect record at The Armory intact by wide scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice. “I know I can be a champion again because I was a champion before,” said James. “I have to stay focused. Stay in the gym and back and study this fight – my last two fights – and step it up. Thanks to everybody in Minneapolis for coming and showing me love.”
Matias vs Ponce FULL FIGHT: February 25, 2023 | PBC on Showtime
Despite a slow start, Subriel Matias turns up the heat and forces Jeremias Ponce's corner to wave off the fight after the conclusion of the fifth round of their IBF World Junior Welterweight Championship. Matias wins by TKO5 and improves to 19-1 (19 KOs). Power-punching Subriel Matias showed why he’s become one of boxing’s most vaunted knockout artists as he stopped the previously unbeaten Jeremias Ponce after four rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship Saturday night live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis. Puerto Rico’s Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) captured the title in an electric firefight that saw the two top-ranked super lightweights throw over 800 combined punches in five rounds according to CompuBox. For Matias, the victory culminated a long journey that had him away from his family for nearly a year as he trained in Mexico for his first title opportunity. “I'm on cloud nine right now,” said Matias. “I don't think I've woken up from this dream. Maybe I can tell you how it feels tomorrow, but right now, it's a dream come true. I wanted to work him from the first round on, because I knew he wouldn't have the same power as me as the fight went on.” Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) came out extremely aggressive and looked to swarm Matias early as he threw 96 punches in round one, out-landing Matias 28 to 11. Matias adjusted in round two, closing the distance and smothering Ponce to dull some of his attack while also finding spots for his own short power punches. "I thought it was an even fight, but one punch can change everything and that’s what happened,” said Ponce. “Subriel is a tough, strong fighter and I knew what he was capable of.” After landing a powerful left hand that hurt Ponce late in round four, Matias returned determined and sharp in round five, landing 47% of his power punches over the three minutes. In the waning moments of the round, Matias landed the decisive blows, a series of head and body shots that badly hurt Matias and put him on the mat. Ponce was able to make it to his stool, but his corner had seen enough and suggested that the fight be stopped, with the official result coming as a TKO at the end of round four. “I’m fine now,” said Ponce. “My team knows me, and they made the decision that they had to make. It hurts, but the most important thing is that I’m healthy.” “I wasn’t really surprised,” said Matias. “Once I saw how his corner reacted. I saw that (Ponce) was hurt in that fifth round. I thought that I was tentative in the first four rounds, so I came out with a different approach and mindset in the fifth.” After the fight, with his IBF belt in tow, Matias set his sights on a unification showdown against WBC 140-pound World Champion Regis Prograis. “Regis Prograis, I’m coming for you,” said Matias. “I’m the world champion now. I promise that I’m coming to hurt you. Prograis likes to talk the talk, but I have that same mentality. Let’s see who prevails. I want him to see that there are people crazier than him in this sport.”
Rodriguez vs Adorno FULL FIGHT: February 25, 2023 | PBC on Showtime
Elvis Rodriguez improves to 14-1-1 (12 KOs) following a majority decision win over Joseph Adorno in their super lightweight bout. Super lightweight contender Elvis Rodriguez (14-1-1,12 KOs) overcame a slow start to earn a hard-fought majority decision over the hard-hitting Joseph Adorno (17-2-2, 14 KOs) after 10 rounds. “Ring rust was definitely a factor,” said Rodriguez. “Maybe the struggle was more mental than physical in a way, but the important thing is that I overcame it.” After a couple of rounds feeling each other out, Adorno was the first to have success, showing a varied attack with hooks to the body and head. He punctuated a strong fourth round with several counter hooks right before the closing bell. In round five the action began to heat up, with Rodriguez starting to find a home for his offense as well, while still taking consistent return fire from Adorno. Rodriguez would eventually take control of the fight in the seventh round, landing a perfect right hook that badly hurt Adorno. Rodriguez followed up quickly and forced Adorno to the canvas to score the knockdown, although Adorno was able to stay in the fight and make it through the round. “I thought I had him once I landed that right hook, but he got up,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a warrior and a good fighter… The seventh round was huge, that’s when I truly started to win this fight. I have to give credit to Adorno for being savvy and knowing how to keep his distance before then.” Rodriguez rode that momentum through the rest of the fight, out-landing Adorno 52 to 33 across rounds seven through 10. The Freddie Roach-trained contender punctuated his victory in the final frame, landing a left that referee Jon Schorle ruled a knockdown, despite the objection from Adorno, who felt he was tripped during the exchange. After the 10 rounds Rodriguez emerged victorious on the judges’ cards, as one score of 94-94 was overruled by tallies of 95-93 and 97-91. Post-fight, Adorno expressed his belief that his early success was enough for him to earn a better result, while Rodriguez set his sights on the new 140-pound champion Matias. "I thought the judges were blind,” said Adorno. “I can't get a win with these judges. I don't know how you see the fight 97-91. I thought I won every round except the ones he dropped me. He never outworked me at all. I had the jab in his face and was snapping him to the body. He couldn't do anything. No way he won seven rounds. I thought 94-94 was okay because of the two knockdowns." “Like I said yesterday at the weigh-in, bring on the winner of the main event,” said Rodriguez. “And to my people in the Dominican Republic, just know that I’ll be back even bolder and even better next time.”
Matias vs Ponce HIGHLIGHTS: February 25, 2023 | PBC on Showtime
Despite a slow start, Subriel Matias turns up the heat and forces Jeremias Ponce's corner to wave off the fight after the conclusion of the fifth round of their IBF World Junior Welterweight Championship. Matias wins by TKO5 and improves to 19-1 (19 KOs). Power-punching Subriel Matias showed why he’s become one of boxing’s most vaunted knockout artists as he stopped the previously unbeaten Jeremias Ponce after four rounds to win the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship Saturday night live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis. Puerto Rico’s Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) captured the title in an electric firefight that saw the two top-ranked super lightweights throw over 800 combined punches in five rounds according to CompuBox. For Matias, the victory culminated a long journey that had him away from his family for nearly a year as he trained in Mexico for his first title opportunity. “I'm on cloud nine right now,” said Matias. “I don't think I've woken up from this dream. Maybe I can tell you how it feels tomorrow, but right now, it's a dream come true. I wanted to work him from the first round on, because I knew he wouldn't have the same power as me as the fight went on.” Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) came out extremely aggressive and looked to swarm Matias early as he threw 96 punches in round one, out-landing Matias 28 to 11. Matias adjusted in round two, closing the distance and smothering Ponce to dull some of his attack while also finding spots for his own short power punches. "I thought it was an even fight, but one punch can change everything and that’s what happened,” said Ponce. “Subriel is a tough, strong fighter and I knew what he was capable of.” After landing a powerful left hand that hurt Ponce late in round four, Matias returned determined and sharp in round five, landing 47% of his power punches over the three minutes. In the waning moments of the round, Matias landed the decisive blows, a series of head and body shots that badly hurt Matias and put him on the mat. Ponce was able to make it to his stool, but his corner had seen enough and suggested that the fight be stopped, with the official result coming as a TKO at the end of round four. “I’m fine now,” said Ponce. “My team knows me, and they made the decision that they had to make. It hurts, but the most important thing is that I’m healthy.” “I wasn’t really surprised,” said Matias. “Once I saw how his corner reacted. I saw that (Ponce) was hurt in that fifth round. I thought that I was tentative in the first four rounds, so I came out with a different approach and mindset in the fifth.” After the fight, with his IBF belt in tow, Matias set his sights on a unification showdown against WBC 140-pound World Champion Regis Prograis. “Regis Prograis, I’m coming for you,” said Matias. “I’m the world champion now. I promise that I’m coming to hurt you. Prograis likes to talk the talk, but I have that same mentality. Let’s see who prevails. I want him to see that there are people crazier than him in this sport.”
Goodman vs Aleem FULL FIGHT: June 17, 2023 | PBC on Showtime
In a brisk, active and entertaining battle, Australian Sam Goodman (15-0, 7 KOs) used his jab and aggression to out-work and upset previously undefeated Ra’eese Aleem by split decision in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator in the night’s co-feature. Goodman won by scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 112-116 to remain undefeated and move a step closer to a title shot, while Aleem dropped to 20-1 with 12 KOs. Despite Aleem’s dedicated body attack, the judges rewarded Goodman’s forward-moving charge, especially in the second half of the fight when Goodman seemed to rev his offense into another gear. After his corner told him to pick it up, Goodman out-landed Aleem 78-61 in rounds 8-12 and won five of the last six rounds on two of the judges’ scorecards. “That was tough early, he was awkward,” the 24-year-old Goodman said. “I’m so pumped, words can’t explain the work me and my team put into this. This is the start. My heart was through the roof [when I learned it was a split decision]. He’s a tough competitor. He comes in with awkward stuff. It was a big test. I knew early on I had to be smart and give him respect and I’d come through in the later rounds. We’re coming for those straps. We’re coming for them.”
PBC FULL FIGHT: Truax vs Brooks FULL FIGHT | June 17, 2023
Burley Brooks defeats Caleb Truax by UD in their 10RD light heavyweight matchup.