Rejuvenated Antonio Tarver Calls out David Haye

TEAM TARVER (L-R) -- Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso, Milo Thornton, Antonio Tarver, Jr., Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver, world-rated light heavyweight Yunieski Gonzalez, head trainer Orland Cuellar and cut-person Angela Mitchell.  (pictures by Don Sheperd) TAMPA (Dec. 18, 2014) - All five-time world champion Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) wants for Christmas is a signed contract to fight former two-division world champion David Haye (26-2, 24 KOs), ideally, during the first-quarter of 2015. Tarver had been sending direct tweets for the past six months to Haye, who hasn't fought in more than two years, without receiving a response. Coming off last week's impressive seventh-round knockout of veteran Johnathan Banks (29-3-1, 19 KOs), Tarver has taken off the proverbial gloves and he is now publically calling out Haye, who insists, once again, that he is coming out of retirement. "In a perfect world I will be fighting Haye early next year," Tarver said. "He keeps insisting that he's the second-biggest name in the heavyweight division I need him to be my set-up guy to beat in order for me to get a world title shot against Wladimir Klitschko. Haye has one-punch knockout ability and he's aggressive. Once I beat him, though, I want Klitschko. I will come to England and knockout Haye, knock him out cold. I'm 46, and I don't want to go through 12 guys like (Chris) Arreola, (Eddie) Chambers or (Steve) Cunningham to get Klitschko. He's waiting for me to lose so he doesn't have to fight me. I'm calling out Haye to get Klitschko. He talks a lot but the boxing world will see if Haye's serious about fighting again. Tarver vs. Haye is a huge fight in London. "I'm a star and I want to get paid. None of these cats know how to really promote a fight like Antonio Tarver. I'd prefer to fight Haye in Las Vegas but I'll come to England to KO his ass! I have the most powerful adviser in boxing, Al Haymon, and I've told him I want Haye next. If Haye announces he's coming out of retirement to fight somebody else, I'll be at that press conference to embarrass him, the same way I had to get my (Roy) Jones (Jr.) fight. I'm a throw-back fighter who can make a pay-per-view bonanza fighting Klitschko and the way to get that fight is by knocking out Haye. I doubt he'll fight me because he knows he can't beat me. I want David Haye in the UK! "No heavyweight can outbox me. They will have to knock me out to beat me and nobody's ever done that. I will become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history to cement my legacy. I'm coming for Klitschko after I KO Haye. I'm going to shoot a real-life Rocky movie with me chopping down Klitschko." Tarver also had some terse words for critics who complained during and after his recent fight that Banks was a weak opponent and their fight was a snoozer until the final round. "I hit him with a quick 1-2 and then he wouldn't stand in front of me because he felt my speed and power early," Tarver explained. "He didn't want to get hit with my counter-punches. I wish he had opened up and fought but he didn't exchange blows. Boxing is the art of self-defense but I don't see fighters today using their heads. Boxing is chess not checkers. I can box but, when I pick that lock like I did in the seventh round, I can knockout any heavyweight in the world. I don't think I was hit with one good punch. My reflexes and timing, even at 46, are second to none." Tarver initially suffered a now-fully-healed fractured thumb to his left hand, closer to the wrist, postponing the original September 29th fight date versus Banks. Tarver remained in the gym and put in the proper time and effort to stop Banks. "We created tough sparring sessions to prepare him for Banks," Tarver's head trainer Orlando Cuellar commented. "We knew Banks was dangerous and that he could crack. We just kept training and Antonio had to overcome a lot of physical obstacles during camp. He just kept going. He tried to do the impossible and did it. He showed a lot of movement, the ability to explode, and tremendous ring generalship. He sure didn't look 46 the way he cracked Banks. And he'll be 50-percent better in his next fight. "Antonio showed his dedication to improve in the gym. We had a good game plan but he had to do everything he worked on in the fight. His timing was good and he won every round. Banks came out planning to jump on Antonio but he tasted his power in the first 30 seconds and he then didn't want any part of it. He honestly exceeded what I expected and I didn't realize how good a finisher he is." If Santa Claus delivers a contract for him to fight Haye, he may as well give Tarver another display case, as well, to store the world heavyweight title belt Antonio plans to capture in 2015.

Antonio 'Magic Man' Tarver Not concerned about ring rust

Returns Thursday night on ESPN2 vs. Johnathon Banks in California

MIAMI (Dec. 8, 2014) - Five-time world champion Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver (30-6, 21 KOs) won't be concerned about rust this Thursday night when he fights for the first time in more than a year against veteran Johnathan Banks (29-2-1, 19 KOs). Tarver-Banks is a 10-round heavyweight fight, presented on a Goossen Promotions card, airing live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. Tarver suffered a now-fully-healed fractured thumb to his left hand, closer to the wrist, postponing the original September 29th fight date versus Banks. The 1996 U.S. Olympian has had only five fights in the last six years. "I'm not concerned with rust," the cagey southpaw said. "If I'm rusty, it will only be until I'm hit. I've been trying to wear off ring rust with intelligent sparring but that's not like getting reps of a fight. "I have to beat a solid heavyweight with power like Banks to get where I want to be. I will become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history! He will be surprised by a lot of what I bring into the ring." Tarver has been training at the Brazilian Rocky Fight Club in Miami for the past three months to prepare for Thursday's fight with Banks, who trained world heavyweight champion Wladmir Klitschko for his recent knockout win over Kubrat Pulev. "I always stress to my fighters in the gym for them to work in rhythm and not be sluggish," Tarver's head trainer Orlando Cuellar explained. "Sluggishness and not fighting in rhythm are what shows when there's ring rust. You always worry about rust. I can honestly say Antonio hasn't looked rusty but, working in the gym and actual fighting are two different things, and we really won't really know until this week's fight. Antonio has always told me that he's not a good gym fighter but that, once the bell rings for the first round, he's a great fighter. "This is the first fight we've worked together and Antonio has done everything I've asked of him in training for the last three months. He took five days off to be examined by his personal doctor and other than that he's been working hard, even when he wore a cast. The first four weeks were tough for him because I train my fighters to stop and drop their opponent. It's high intensity work, much harder than most fighters go through, but he's given his all in workouts and sparring. With our experience, his as a fighter and me as a trainer, I expect nothing less than the best from Antonio. It'll be much easier for both of us, training-wise, for his next fight." The 46-year-old Tarver, fighting out of Tampa, was one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters during a 4-year, 9-fight stretch between 2002-2006, in which he had a 6-3 record, defeating Roy Jones, Jr. in two of three, splitting a pair with Glen Johnson, defeating Montell Griffin, Eric Harding and Reggie Johnson, and losing to Bernard Hopkins. Banks, 32, has been out of action even longer than Tarver, having last fought June 23, 2013 in a 12-round loss by unanimous decision to Seth Mitchell. ""Every fight is independent in itself," Tarver noted, "so, I can't say I've fought anybody like Banks. I have fought a lot of guys with power who know how to box. Everybody has two hands and two feet but he can only use one hand at a time. I simplify things. I will be in my best shape and I won't be surprised by whatever he brings into the ring." INFORMATION: www.OfficialAntonioTarver.com  @MagicMan5XChamp

Tony Penecale's Hopkins vs. Kovalev Preview and Prediction

HOPKINS   vs.    KOVALEV

** In-Depth Preview and Analysis **

By: Tony Penecale

Bernard Hopkins has been too old for over a decade now.  During the 6^th round of B-Hop’s virtuoso performance against Felix Trinidad in 2001, HBO analyst George Foreman remarked that the then-36 year old Hopkins was too old to keep his pace and expected the younger man to fight back and score a knockout.  A few rounds later, it was Hopkins scoring the knockout.   

He was supposed to retire at 41 after upsetting Antonio Tarver.  

Yet, he is still here.  

He is no longer “The Executioner,” but instead christened himself “The Alien” as a tribute to his other-worldly conditioning and abilities when most other gray-beards are sitting in a recliner with a sagging belly and creaking body parts.  Win this fight, and they might change his name again to “Ponce De Leon” as he may have successfully discovered the Fountain of Youth!

Standing in the way is a feared, seemingly-indestructible punching machine known as Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev.  23 of his 25 victories have been via KO.  He has only gone past the 6^th round a total of three times.  His style resembles a tribute to Ivan Drago.  So far, whatever he has hit, he has destroyed.  He now takes on a difficult stylistic challenge.  Hopkins has been competing on a championship level for over 20 years.  Kovalev fought is amateur debut when he was 11 years old, in 1994, only a few months before Hopkins won his first world title.  Helping him in his quest to defeat his legendary adversary is trainer John David Jackson who lost to Hopkins in a 1997 title fight and also worked as an assistant trainer for him a few years ago.

Can “The Alien” put on another other-worldly performance on his way to the Hall-of-Fame?  Or, will this finally be the time that Father Time uses the dynamic fists of “The Krusher” to prove that youth can never be defeated?

AGE, RECORD, AND STATS

Hopkins:                  

Age:  49 years old

                                    Record:  55-6- (32 Knockouts)

                                    Height:  6’1”

                                    Weight:  172   ** Weight for last bout (04-19-14)

                                    Reach:  75”

Kovalev:                  

Age:  31 years old

                                    Record:  25-0-1 (23 Knockouts)

                                    Height:  6’0”

                                    Weight:  174   ** Weight for last bout (08-02-14)

                                    Reach:  72”

RING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Hopkins:                  

IBF Middleweight Champion (’95-‘05)
WBC Middleweight Champion (’01-‘05)
WBA Middleweight Champion (’01-’05)
WBC Welterweight Champion (’97-’99, ’00)
WBO Middleweight Champion (’04-’05)
Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion (’01-’05)
IBO Light Heavyweight Champion (’06-‘08)
Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Champion (’06-‘08)
Ring Magazine #1 Rated Pound-4-Pound Boxer (’02-’05)                                                                      

Kovalev:                  

                                    WBO Light Heavyweight Champion (’13-’Pres)

                                   

                                                                       

STYLE

Hopkins:         

No longer the fighter who would apply pressure from the opening bell, winging right hands and left hooks until his opponent succumbed. That version of Hopkins evolved several years ago into the patient boxer-puncher seen today. Uses footwork and works angles well to keep opponents moving and off-balance, dictating the pace with his jab and opening up opportunities for his sharp straight right and left hook. Once in close, will attack the body and use rough-house tactics on the inside, including low blows and elbows. Is also a very tough and physically strong fighter. While still in top-notch condition, is no longer able to fight hard for three minutes a round and he compensates by picking his opportunities.

Kovalev:         

Boxing behind a high guard and applying constant pressure, Kovalev uses his jab as a range-finder, before unleashing his right hand, either in straight or overhand fashion.  Once in close, Kovalev will wing left hooks to the head and body, often with devastating results.  He fights at his best when moving straight in. While he doesn’t have great lateral movement, he is able to cut off the ring, forcing opponents to engage him in confined spaces.  Can be robotic in the ring and sometimes gets too square to his opponent.

STRENGTHS

Hopkins:      

* Student of the Game – There is not a style today that Hopkins hasn’t seen. From his early career in Philadelphia clubs all the way to his PPV main events, Hopkins has faced and defeated all types of world-class opponents.  A master ring strategist, Hopkins has the ability to adapt his game plan to counter whatever he faces in the ring.

* Defense – Trying to land a clean punch, much less a combination, on Hopkins is like trying to hold water in your hands. Hopkins will block, slip, and parry most punches that come his way, but his best defensive maneuver is the “shoulder roll” where he will make his opponent miss by rolling with the punch and then fire back with a right hand or uppercut at his wide-open adversary.

* Confidence – Hopkins believes that he can handle any opponent at any weight. He is fearless in the ring and will not back down. Often times, his steely demeanor and unrelenting focus will have opponents unnerved and already beaten when they step into the ring.

Kovalev:         

* Power – Kovalev is a total wrecking machine with bone-crunching power in both hands.  Kovalev is capable of hurting his opponent with a single right hand or left hook and his power is equal to both the head and body.

                           * Killer Instinct – Once an opponent has been hurt and Kovalev smells blood, the fight is usually over.  Kovalev swarms his wounded prey and bludgeons them with a two-fisted attack until he finishes the job.

                           * Intimidation – Kovalev’s devastating power and steely demeanor often has opponents in complete fear of him, most of them beaten before the bell even rings.  His intimidation factor resembles that of a young Mike Tyson.

WEAKNESSES

Hopkins:    

 * Age – It may only be a number but it is still a fact that Hopkins is only a few months shy of turning 50 years old.  He has defied Father Time multiple times over the past decade but as his reflexes diminish just a little bit, he puts him in harm’s way against a dangerous adversary.

* Controversial – Hopkins is no stranger to controversy and will often say things that rankles not just opponents, but promoters, officials, and fans.  He also has a dirty reputation as a fighter, often bending or breaking the rules and over exaggerating any fouls or retaliation against him. 

 * Fading Power – Once known as “The Executioner”, Hopkins changed his nickname to “The Alien” since he hadn’t executed any opponents inside the distance in over 10 years.  He has stunned a few opponents and scored an occasional knockdown, but every one of his victims since September, 2004 has seen the final bell.

Kovalev:         

* Inexperience – This is the biggest moment in Kovalev’s career.  He is graduating from competing against solid but unspectacular opponents to going up against one of the craftiest boxers ever, one that is a master of mind games and a sure 1^st ballot Hall-of-Famer.  Kovalev has never gone past the 8^th round as a professional and he is facing a fighter who is a master of dragging opponents into the deep water and forcing them to drown.

                           * Cuts – Kovalev is usually the one dishing out the punishment but that does not mean he has not suffered damage.  He has sustained cuts over both eyes.  In each occasion, they were the result of headbutts, a tactic that Hopkins is not shy about initiating.

                           * Focus – Kovalev is preparing for this bout while his wife is preparing to give birth to their first child.  He has openly spoken about wishing he could be there for the birth.  He has also stated that he is not looking to score a knockout and has also said “win or lose” indicating he may have doubts going in against a legend.

PREVIOUS BOUT

Hopkins:          (04-19-14) Hopkins added another title belt to his amazing collection by beating the inexperienced but awkward Beibut Shumenov.  Hopkins controlled the action and boxed well, flooring Shumenov with a perfectly-timed right hand in the 11^th round, en route to a split decision win.

Kovalev:          (08-02-14) Kovalev had to rise from a 1^st round flash knockdown and did so impressively by destroying Blake Caparello in the next round.  Kovalev scored a knockdown with a body shot and followed up by pounding Caparello twice more to the canvas, forcing a referee stoppage.

3 BEST PERFORMANCES

Hopkins:         

* Felix Trinidad (9/29/01) – Hopkins was the IBF and WBC middleweight champion coming into this unification bout but he was overshadowed by the Puerto Rican superstar and a 3-1 underdog going in. While he promised to match Trinidad in a rough and dirty fight, he shocked everyone, especially Trinidad, by boxing early and building a commanding lead. Trinidad was visibly frustrated going into the latter half of the bout and attacked without abandon. Hopkins took full advantage and punished Trinidad with a variety of power punches, wobbling him at the end of the 10th before finishing him in the 12th to become the unified champion and owner of the Sugar Ray Robinson trophy.

* Glen Johnson (7/20/97) – At the time, it looked like this bout was a masterful win over a boxer with an undefeated albeit padded record. It has become more impressive considering that Johnson has since won versions of the light heavyweight title and scored a spectacular knockout over Roy Jones. Johnson came into the bout with an impressive punch, solid chin, and rugged determination. But it was all Hopkins from the opening bell as he dished out a frightful beating on the inside. Hopkins continued the assault each round, forcing the referee to visit Johnson’s corner several times, before finally halting the contest in the 11th.

* Antonio Tarver (6/10/06) – This was billed as Hopkin’s retirement bout and he was stepping up to a big challenge, taking on the naturally larger light heavyweight champion.  Hopkins, coming off of two decision losses to Jermain Taylor, was an underdog coming in, with many of the experts predicting a Tarver win, citing that Hopkins looked lethargic in his last several bouts.  The Hopkins that stepped into the ring against Tarver was a muscular 174 and he looked rejuvenated, outboxing and outfighting Tarver throughout, scoring a flash knockdown, and dealing out punishment over the last three rounds, forcing Tarver to hold on to the final bell, only to see Hopkins seize his title with a one-sided decision.

Kovalev:          * Nathan Cleverly (08/19/13) – Kovalev won the WBO Light Heavyweight title with an impressive destruction over the undefeated Cleverly in front of his hometown fans.  Cleverly had some success early but Kovalev scored two brutal knockdowns in the 3^rd round before finishing the job early in the 4^th round.

                           * Gabriel Campillo (01/19/13) – Campillo had an impressive showing, losing a disputed decision in a title bout against power-punching Tavoris Cloud.  Kovalev didn’t let Campillo escape the 3^rd round, battering him to the canvas three times and scoring the KO win.

                           * Darnell Boone (06/01/12) – Boone had given Kovalev his toughest bout in their first encounter.  He took him the full 8 rounds and lost a close split decision, only by a single point.  The rematch two years later was a different story as Kovalev demolished Boone in 2 rounds.

                          

QUESTIONS

Hopkins:          * Will Father Time finally catch up to Hopkins?

* Can Hopkins handle Kovalev’s power?

* If hurt, will Hopkins look for a way out?

Kovalev:          * Is Kovalev awestruck by Hopkins?

                           * How will Kovalev react if the fight goes to the late rounds?

                           * Can Kovalev adapt to Hopkins frustrating style?

                          

PENECALE PREDICTION

Hopkins will open the bout on his toes, circling Kovalev, probing with his jab and pivoting on angles.  Kovalev will look to cut off the ring, moving in behind his jab, trying to find the range on his right-hand missile.  Hopkins will feint and move and be content to allow the 1^st round to be a tepid affair with Kovalev landing only 7 punches to his 4, none from either man with any consequence.

Kovalev will come out aggressively to start the 2^nd round but find Hopkins especially elusive.  Hopkins will pivot to his right and fire a lead right hand that will land.  He’ll grab Kovalev with his left and spin behind him while driving a short left into his face.  Kovalev will retaliate with a few long range left-right combinations, but will again find Hopkins out of range.

Throughout the 3^rd through 5^th rounds, a pattern will start to develop with Kovalev not respecting Hopkins offense but again finding his defense to be his Kryptonite.  Kovalev will rush in with another left-right combination, but Hopkins will duck low and force a clash of heads with Kovalev getting the worst of it, blood streaming from a gash over his left eye.  As the bell rings, Hopkins will smile and taunt his opponent.

Inspired by the sight of his opponent’s blood, Hopkins will become more assertive in the 6^th round, looking to land his own right hand and open the gash wider.  After landing a solid punch, the fighters will tie up in a clinch, with a frustrated Kovalev landing 2 looping shots behind the head, prompting Hopkins to audibly complain, and then retaliate with a blow several inches below the belt.  Referee David Fields will warn both fighters for their infractions.

Kovalev will finally break through with a good right hand in the 7^th round.  The punch will cause Hopkins to wobble a bit, and another right hand will knock him back against the ropes.  Kovalev will pursue and Hopkins will counter with his own right hand off the ropes and grab a clinch, taking a few moments to say a few words to his opponent.  As the action resumes, Kovalev will try to focus his right hand to the body, hoping to sap the strength of his geriatric adversary.  Hopkins will also change his strategy and pivot to his left and take the opportunity to rip a left hook over Kovalev’s low right hand, followed by a short right hand.

With Kovalev sitting on his stool as the bell is about to ring to start the 8^th round, Hopkins will continue to play mind games, hopping off of his stool and doing jumping jacks.  Kovalev will grab a few extra deep breaths and move in to continue his attack.  He will land another hard right hand, forcing Hopkins to grab him and shake his head, indicating to the crowd that he is not affected by those shots.

Seemingly the fresher fighter, Hopkins will start to follow his double jab with a chopping right hand.  He will knock Kovalev off balance in the 9^th round but not seriously hurt him.  Kovalev will try to land his own counter punches, but with that tactic not being his strong point, he will only have limited success.

Hopkins will continue to box well through the 10^th and 11^th rounds, using angles and walking his straight-forward opponent into an endless array of counter right hands.  The cut over Kovalev’s eye will open up and begin to again leak blood into his left eye.  Unable to see the right hands coming at him, Kovalev will be caught with several flush shots.

Going into the final round, Hopkins will announce to himself, his corner, his opponent, and the crowd that he is going for the knockout.  He will land another 2 right hands and a left hook before being caught with a flush counter right hand the forces him to clinch and rethink his strategy.  Over the last minute, he will play it more cautious and at the final bell, he will throw his hands in the air.  Kovalev will also raise his hands but carry the look of defeat in his eyes.

Lawrence Layton will score 117-111. Clark Sammartino will score 116-112, and Carlos Ortiz will turn in a curios 114-114 scorecard.  The winner by Majority Decision will be Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins.  The always loquacious Hopkins will give another classic interview where he talks about the possibility of dropping down to middleweight to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., fighting until he is 60 and also the thought of bulking up to heavyweight and wrestling the heavyweight title from Wladimir Klitschko.

Lewkowicz: Escandon vs. Cave is a WBA Super Bantamweight Elimination Bout

Winner to Face Champion Scott Quigg Next Year Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, promoter of Colombian slugger Oscar Escandon and Canadian southpaw Tyson "Prince of Hali" Cave, wishes to correct erroneous reports about the pair's upcoming showdown. Escandon (23-1, 16 KOs) and Cave (22-2, 6 KOs) will meet on Thursday, December 11, in one of the featured bouts when Goossen Promotions returns to the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, for "NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS" a three-hour ESPN Boxing Special, televised LIVE on ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. "The fight between Oscar Escandon and Tyson Cave is not for the Interim title, it is a 12-round World Boxing Association Super Bantamweight Eliminator," said Lewkowicz. "The WBA has already approved that the winner of this fight will then face the champion, Scott Quigg, next year." Advance tickets starting at $55.00 can be purchased through the Pechanga Resort and Casino website (www.Pechanga.com) or by calling 1-877-711-2946. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m. with the first bell at 5:00 p.m.  Headlining the event will be the return to Pechanga and ESPN of former junior middleweight world champion Austin "No Doubt Trout (27-2, 14 KOs) of Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 10-round clash against tough Mexican veteran Luis "Slayer" Grajeda (17-3-2, 13 KOs). In the televised co-main event will be a 10-round heavyweight clash featuring two-time former heavyweight world title challenger and longtime Southern California fan favorite Cris "The Nightmare" Arreola (35-4, 31 KOs) against an opponent to be announced.   Also appearing at "NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS" in a 10-round heavyweight battle will be former light heavyweight world champion Antonio "The Magic Man" Tarver (30-6-1, 21 KOs) of Tampa, Florida against an opponent that is also to be announced. Among the world class fighters rounding out the card in separate bouts are: former world champion and winner of The Contender Season One, Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora (26-3-2, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles; former world title challenger Edwin "La Bomba" Rodriguez (25-1, 16 KOs) of Worcester, MA; former super bantamweight world champion Rico "Suavecito" Ramos (23-4, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles; 2012 U.S. Olympian and hot light heavyweight prospects "Sir' Marcus Browne (12-0, 9 KOs) of New York City and Ahmed Elbiali (8-1, 7 KOs) of Cairo, Egypt. Additional information on the undercard bouts will be announced shortly. For more information on Goossen Promotions follow them on Twitter and Facebook @GoossenBoxing and view their new website at www.GoossenPromotions.com which will be launched in the near future. About Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the western United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino. The Pechanga Resort & Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Pkwy in Temecula, California. ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.