Steve Upsher ready for any and all comers at 135 & 140 lbs

Pittsburgh, PA (January 8, 2015)--After competing against fighters as much as two weight divisions out of his natural Jr. Welterweight division, Steve Upsher (24-4-1, 6 KO's) is ready to move back down and take a run at the best Jr. Welterweights in the world.   In 2014, Upsher put up a great effort in falling short against former world champion Andre Berto.  In his two previous bout, Upsher fought natural Jr. Middleweight Eddie Gomez and former Welterweight champion Luis Collazo.   "Basically I have never lost at 140 pounds.  My only losses were at 135 and I avenged that loss.  Gomez is a natural 154-pounder; Berto and Collazo are former Welterweight world champions.  All of the fights had contracted weights of 150 pounds," said Upsher.   "I am naturally a 140 pounder.  In those fights, I was eating Dairy Queen on the week of the fight just to get up to the weight.  And i was still only about 145 pounds."   With the move back down to Jr. Welterweight, Upsher has the confidence that he can compete at the highest level.   "I am willing to fight anybody.  I just want the promoters to make the reward worth the risk.  The cards are always stacked against me because I don't have a promoter.  I see some of these guys who are being moved and I know that they can't carry my jockstrap, but because they have a promoter they are all getting the right fights."   After fighting just one time in each of the past two years, Upsher wants to be more active.   "I am ready to fight three or four times this year and hopefully people will see that I am a talented fighter.  I just want an opportunity from a promoter and heck if I don't perform then they can drop me.  I just want that chance."   "Michael Perez has a chance to fight on Fox Sports 1 in Philadelphia on January  20th but his team turned down the fight saying I was too dangerous of a fight. Seriously this is a man's game.  Either s*** or get off the pot.  Stop all the picking and dodging  and fight.  The sport would be a whole lot better that way and it would weed out the gimmicks and pretenders!"

GOLDEN BOY LIVE! CELEBRATES "THE ALIEN" WITH STELLAR FIGHT CARD FROM THE 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 20th T

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY BERNARD HOPKINS FIGHT CARD TO FEATURE ERIC HUNTER VS. RENE ALVARADO Tickets on Sale Now! LOS ANGELES (Dec. 26) - On TUESDAY, JANUARY 20th, Golden Boy Promotions will celebrate Bernard Hopkins' 50th birthday with a night of boxing fit for a legend. This special Golden Boy Live! installment is set to give fans something to celebrate along with the "The Alien's" landmark moment. The night of fights will air on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes live from the 2300 Arena in Bernard's hometown of Philadelphia. In the main event, Philly's own Eric "The Outlaw" Hunter (19-3, 10 KOs) faces highly regarded Nicaraguan junior lightweight contender Rene "Gemelo" Alvarado (21-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the super lightweight co-main 10-round event, rising junior welterweight star Michael "The Artist" Perez of Newark, New Jersey looks to extend his current unbeaten streak to eight fights, he will face a to be announced opponent. Plus, Opening the televised action is Washington, D.C.'s undefeated fighter Lamont Roach Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight battle against an opponent yet to be named. "I'm so excited that Golden Boy has decided to honor my birthday in this way," said Hopkins. "The best present that they can give me is to bring a great night of fights to my hometown and give Philly boxing fans something to celebrate." Hopkins, fresh from his hard-fought 12-round title fight with Sergey Kovalev on November 8, turns 50 on January 15th. "The Alien" will attend the event held in his honor and will be featured on the television broadcast. Hunter vs. Alvarado, a 10-round featherweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Joe Hand Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Mexico - Live It To Believe It!  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 5:00 p.m. PT. Tickets for the event are priced at $75 for ringside, $50 for general reserved and $35 for reserved corner are on sale now.   Tickets are available by calling(215) 364-9000, online at www.wanatix.com or at 2300 Arena, 2300 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia, PA 19148. Hard-nosed Philly native Eric "The Outlaw" Hunter (19-3, 10 KOs) is a popular local hero who is ready to make his name on the national and international scene. Unbeaten in four of his last five fights, the 28-year-old won the USBA title last March with a win over Yenifel Vicente and in his most recent outing, he stopped 11-1 prospect Daniel Ramirez in six rounds. Managua, Nicaragua's Rene "Gemelo" Alvarado(21-3, 14 KOs) has won four of his last five bouts, most recently bouncing back from an upset loss to Rocky Juarez by defeating Juan Pablo Sanchez for the WBC International title in October. Eager to get back into the title race in 2015, the 25-year-old wants to deliver the kind of performances that guarantee a shot at the 130-pound crown. Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Michael "The Artist" Perez(21-1, 10 KOs) is excited to take the trip to Philadelphia for what is close enough to be called a home game. With a record of 6-0-1 in his last seven bouts, the 24-year-old is coming off of two successful defenses of his WBA Fedelatin Title in 2014 when he defeated Jorge Romero and Jared Robinson. Currently ranked sixth in the world by the WBA, Perez wants to make a statement in his first fight of 2015 that he's ready for a shot at the world championship. Undefeated newcomer, Lamont Roach Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) is quickly becoming an exciting fighter to watch in the sport. Hailing from Washington D.C., Roach Jr., scored a knockdown and dominated a four-round decision over Puerto Rico's Alexander Charneco in his Dec 6 bout. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1,www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Swanson_comm,@FOXSports, @FOXSports1, @FOXDeportes, @JoeHandPromo and, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes, www.facebook.com/JoeHandPromotions and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @JoeHandPromo

ADRIEN BRONER OUTDUELS EMANUEL TAYLOR IN AN INSTANT CLASSIC ON SHOWTIME®

Don’t Miss The Replay Sunday At 9 a.m. ET / PT on SHOWTIME^® & Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME; Available SHOWTIME On Demand & SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®

Click HERE For Photos

Credit:  Stephanie Trapp / SHOWTIME

Tom Hogan / Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Sept. 6, 2014) – Adrien Broner and Emanuel Taylor put on a show for “The Problem’s” 8,115 hometown fans in attendance at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, brawling to a close, unanimous decision (115-12, 116-111 twice) for Broner that was arguably one of the best fights of the year. 

The main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader was a tactical, inside fight from the beginning.  Taylor (18-3, 12 KOs) was effective in the early rounds, coming out with an aggressive game plan that surprised the favored Broner and had him backing up against the ropes.  The fight was even after six rounds, but as Taylor’s energy waned, Broner (29-1, 22 KOs) took control of the bout. 

With the crowd on its feet in a classic 12^th round, Broner closed out the bout with an exclamation point.  The three-division world champion set up Taylor with a tremendous flurry then floored him with a perfect left hook for the first knockdown of the night with just 20 seconds left in the fight. 

“You have fake champs who don’t want to see them in a tough fight, but I’m still pretty,” Broner said.  “I want to thank Emanuel Taylor for coming to Cincy to fight me.  He put up a hell of a fight.  I knew he was going to be tough.”

In just his second fight at 140 pounds after capturing titles at 130, 135 and 147, Broner was looking to prove that he’s still an elite fighter after a tough loss to Marcos Maidana in December 2013. 

“I came from the bottom so I know what it feels like to be there.  We’re still pushing to get back to the top. 

“I said my next fight should be Matthysse and he can get it.  If it was up to me I’d fight him with this cut on my head tonight.”

A massive underdog going in, Taylor put on an impressive performance that earned the respect of his outspoken and colorful opponent. 

“I came to his hometown and I gave him a good fight,” Taylor said.  “In the 12^th I just got caught.  I was trying to do what I had to do to keep it close and I got caught. 

“Everyone underestimated me.  Everyone thought I would get stopped in the early rounds, but I put up a good fight.  Tonight just wasn’t my night and he walked away with the home victory.”

Argentinean power-puncher Lucas Matthysse scored a quick knockout of previously undefeatedRoberto Ortiz with a lethal liver shot at 2:45 of the second round.

In an anticlimactic ending to a bout that had the promise of a war, Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) landed a short left hook to the body that sent Ortiz to a knee to catch his breath.  The Mexican spit out his mouthpiece and appeared to be working the count until the final split seconds.  But referee Benji Esteves halted the contest at the count of 10 despite the fact that Ortiz was on his feet and proceeding to stand up straight.  

“I did get him really good on the body,” Matthysse said through a translator.  “But if he was ready to get up I was ready to fight.  It was not what I expected, but this is what I have now.  And now I challengeDanny Garcia to stop being a chicken, to stop fighting little boxers and come and fight me. 

“If Garcia doesn’t come then I’ll have Adrien Broner.  I’ll have anybody.”

Ortiz (31-1-1, 24 KOs) was clearly disappointed and disagreed with the ref’s count. 

“I thought I was up at nine,” Ortiz said through a translator.  “He definitely hit me with a good shot, but I was up at nine.  I could have got up at seven.  I was just, as you said, milking it.  I was in good position to continue this fight and I want a rematch.”

SHOWTIME ringside reporter Jim Gray asked Esteves his thoughts on the stoppage.  Esteves, who did not want to make a comment on camera, told Gray that he thought Ortiz was OK to continue but that he did not beat the count.

It was an early birthday present for Andre Berto in the opening bout on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, with the former welterweight world champion bouncing back from a lengthy layoff and shoulder surgery with a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Steve Upsher.  The bout was scored 99-91 by all three judges. 

Berto, who turns 31 on Sunday, showed no lingering signs of discomfort following after nearly 14 months out of the ring after suffering a shoulder injury in July, 2013 against Jesus Soto Karass. 

Working for just the second fight with defensive specialist Virgil Hunter, Berto (29-3, 22 KOs) came out from the opening bell with his familiar aggressive attack.  Upsher (24-4-1, 6 KOs), who was moving up from 140 pounds, had his moments, but Berto’s power and accuracy were the difference as the former champ landed 61 percent of his power shots. 

“I’ve been off for a while but everything fell into place pretty well,” Berto said.   “I definitely wanted to get the rounds in.  After the first round I felt like I could hit him whenever I wanted to.  Virgil has been making sure my jab was on point and my boxing skills were on point. I’ve always had power and speed, but he’s been making me stick to the boxing skills a bit more. 

“The welterweight division is wide open and there are a lot of options out there.  I’d definitely like to fight some of the guys that I took Ls (losses) from.  I appreciate those ass-whoopings I got but now it’s my time to get mine.” 

On SHOWTIME EXTREME, Michael Perez (22-2, 10 KOs) won a convincing unanimous decision victory over previously once-beaten Jared Robinson (15-2, 7 KOs), scored 98-91, 97-92 twice. 

In the opening bout on SHOWTIME EXTREME, undefeated bantamweight prospect Rau’Shee Warren (12-0, 3 KOs) scored a dominating unanimous decision victory (100-89 three times) over veteran Jose Luis Araiza (34-9-1, 25 KOs). 

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will replay this Sunday at 9 a.m. ET / PT on SHOWTIME^® and Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available On Demand and on mobile devices via SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®. 

# # #

ABOUT “BRONER VS. TAYLOR”

Broner vs. Taylor, a 12-round super lightweight bout, was held on Saturday, Sept. 6 and was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Star Boxing. In the co-main event, Lucas Matthysse faced Roberto Ortiz in a 12-round super lightweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Pepe Gomez’s Cancun Boxing.  In the televised opener, former welterweight world champion Andre Berto will faced Philadelphia’s Steve Upsher in a 10-round welterweight match-up.  The event was sponsored by Corona and AT&T and took place at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio live on SHOWTIME immediately following "ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2" Episode 2 premiere at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. The event was also available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts on SHOWTIME EXTREME aired at7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @AdrienBroner , @RobertoMassa24, @USBankArena and  @SHOSportsfollow the conversation using #BronerTaylor, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

FIREWORKS IN CINCINNATI: ADRIEN BRONER vs. EMANUEL TAYLOR FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® Tripleheader 
This Saturday, Sept. 6, LIVE From U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati

Click HERE For Photos

Credit:  Stephanie Trapp / SHOWTIME

Mark Zerof – Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Sept. 4, 2014) – The Adrien Broner show continued on Thursday during the final press conference for Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati. 

“The Problem” debuted “Bronish,” his own style of trash talking translated by fellow Cincinnati native and undefeated prospect Robert Easter, Jr.  Then he reverted back to English and called out Lucas Matthysse.  Just a few minutes later, he put his arms around the throat of his opponent on Saturday, Emanuel Taylor, while facing off for media in attendance. 

In other words, typical Adrien Broner. 

Broner (28-1, 22 KOs) and Taylor (18-2, 12 KOs) will meet in Saturday’s 12-round super lightweight main event, live on SHOWTIME^® immediately following the premiere of "ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2" Episode 2 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

In the co-feature, former WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse(35-3, 33 KOs) will square off with Mexico’s highly touted and unbeaten Roberto “Massa” Ortiz (31-0-1, 24 KOs) in a 12-round bout for Ortiz’s WBC Silver Super Lightweight Title.  Opening the telecast will be the return of former welterweight world champion Andre Berto (28-3, 22 KOs) against Steve Upsher (24-3-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout.

ADRIEN BRONER:

“I really don’t know how to say it.  I could say it in English, I could say it in Bronish – I’m just going to kick your (expletive). 

“You know you’re not going to win.  He’s not coming to win; he’s just coming to not get stopped.  I’m going to stop this guy.  He’s shaking right now.  He already knows what’s up. 

“This isn’t a joke.  There should be three winners on Saturday: two ABs (Adrien Broner and Andre Berto) and then my next opponent, Lucas Matthysse.  That’s what’s happening.

“He knows what he’s in for.  Everybody knows what they’re in for when they fight a guy like me.  But, at the end of the day, I’m going to be victorious. 

“He didn’t get under my skin, but he invaded my space.  I’m a man and you have to respect me.

“I’ve been motivated to knock him out since this fight was announced.  I’m at home, this is my homecoming.  This is what I do at home.”

EMANUEL TAYLOR:

“This fight can change my life.  That’s how important it is. 

“For the record, Broner – you’re not knocking me out.  I’m not going to let a 135-pound fighter who’s been fighting midgets his whole career knock me out.  It’s not happening. 

“You say you’re going to knock me out?  Don’t get tired trying to knock me out because that’s your (expletive). 

“I’m not going to let anyone disrespect me.  He’s all talk.  I don’t really do much talking, but I have to stand up for myself and go back at him.  I’m going to do what I have to do.

“He was saying, ‘I’m going to beat your (expletive), I’m going to beat your (expletive).’  Let me see it.  Do it. 

“This happens in boxing.  Fighters get heated, words get exchanged. 

“I’m definitely motivated to knock him out.  He’s a slouch.  I’m going to get in there and give him an (expletive) whooping. 

“I’m going to do this in his hometown of Cincinnati.  You’ll see.”

LUCAS MATTHYSSE:

“Mexico has some of the best fighters in the world, but this Saturday they made a mistake fighting me.

“You’re going to see the best you’ve seen from me this Saturday.  I’m going to take full advantage of it.

“It’s going to be a war.  Whenever you have a Mexican fight against an Argentinean fighter you always have a war. 

On if he feels pressured to top his last fight:

“Not at all.  I’ve prepared well for this fight, I’m in shape and I’m ready to go.  I’m here to win.

On Adrien Broner calling him out:

“I hope it’s true and it’s not just talk like he always talks.”

ROBERTO ORTIZ:

“Whenever Mexico and Argentina get in the ring it’s always a war.  If he’s looking to beat me this won’t be his day.  He’ll have to fight me in Mexico and try to beat me there.

“I know what I have ahead of me and I know it’s going to be a tough fight.  It’s my first time fighting in the U.S. and I’m going to take full advantage of it.

“I’m just happy for this opportunity.  I’m very happy, very motivated to win and become a known fighter in the U.S. after my first fight here. 

“There’s really no difference fighting here vs. Mexico.  I’m well-prepared.  This is probably the biggest fight of my career but I’m ready and I’m going to give it my all.

On Broner picking Matthysse to win:

“Everyone says that because they aren’t familiar with my style, they aren’t familiar with me.  People are going to get familiar with me and they’ll get to know me after this fight.

“I’ll fight with anyone.  When I beat him, I’m looking to fight the best in the world and eventually become a world champion.”

ANDRE BERTO:

“It feels good to be back.  I’ve been through a lot this year, but I’m focused like I haven’t been in years.  I’m in shape and I’m looking forward to a tremendous fight.

“This is going to be the beginning of something great. 

“I know Steve is coming to make a name for himself, but you need to understand something – in this past year I’ve been through some (expletive) and someone is going to have to pay for it.

“I’m coming up hungry right now.  I’ve been out for some time dealing with an injury and I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring.  I’m hungry like I haven’t been in a long time.

“It’s a little different not fighting in the main event but I’m just happy to be here.  Just a few months ago I didn’t even know if I was going to recover from the shoulder surgery.  It’s just a blessing to be back in the ring and fighting on SHOWTIME.”

STEVE UPSHER:

“This is a big fight for both of us – whoever wins determines a lot for both of us after this.  I’m relatively a nobody as far as everyone here is concerned.  Berto has made his name, but on Sept. 6 I’m going to make mine.  I’m going to shock everyone.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN:

“This is my Cincinnati debut and I’m ready to put on a show.  I have to knock my guy out just like Adrien.  You’re going to see a lot of speed, power and a lot of fun.  It’s Band Camp time.”

DALE MALLORY, Ohio House District 32 Representative

“This event puts us back on the map.  When you come to Cincinnati you expect a fight. 

“This was the birthplace of gloved boxing, the first place to ever hold a gloved boxing event.  And we’re going to put on yet another great boxing event this Saturday.”

# # #

ABOUT “BRONER VS. TAYLOR”

Broner vs. Taylor, a 12-round super lightweight bout, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6 and is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and R&R Promotions in association with Star Boxing. In the co-main event, Lucas Matthysse faces Roberto Ortiz in a 12-round super lightweight bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Pepe Gomez’s Cancun Boxing.  In the televised opener, former welterweight world champion Andre Berto will face Philadelphia’s Steve Upsher in a 10-round welterweight match-up.  The event is sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will take place at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio live on SHOWTIME immediately following "ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2" Episode 2 premiere at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. The event will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts in SHOWTIME EXTREME will air at 7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast.

Tickets, priced at $128, $78, $53 and $28, are on sale now and are available by calling Ticketmaster at800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.comm. Tickets will also be available at the U.S. Bank Arena Box Office.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @AdrienBroner , @RobertoMassa24, @USBankArena and  @SHOSportsfollow the conversation using #BronerTaylor, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.