Julian "J Rock" Williams looking for big outing this Monday against former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez in Boston

For Immediate Release Philadelphia (March 13, 2014)--This Monday night at the House of Blues in Boston, undefeated Jr. Middleweight, Julian "J Rock" Williams (14-0-1, 8 KO's) will headline a card that will be televised live throughout the country on Fox Sports 1 when he takes on former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez in a 10-round bout. Williams of Philadelphia has been on quite a roll since linking up with adviser Al Haymon and boxing fans outside of Philadelphia are beginning to take notice. He is looking forward to the coveted national exposure this Monday night and to do it against Hernandez will be a good measuring stick for the 23-year old Williams. "I know who exactly who Freddy Hernandez is," Williams recently told www.fighthype.com.  "He is a tough game fighter who has been in with the top guys, and even though he has come up short, he has always given a good account of himself.  he held his own against Lara.  Some say Lara is the best in the division and one judge had Lara winning by only 1 point.  I thought he beat Delvin Rodriguez." Besides the aforementioned Lara and Rodriguez, Hernandez fought Andre Berto for the WBC Welterweight title and also has wins over former world champions DeMarcus Colrey and Mike Anchondo.  Hernandez has also fought world champions Luis Collazo and Demetrius Andrade. Williams has been coming into his own under the management of Haymon and the tutelage of trainer Stephen "Breadman" Edwards as the last three opponents combined record is 81-8 which includes an impressive three-knockdown performance decision over former WBA Super Welterweight champion Joachim Alcine.  In his bout Williams stopped Orlando Lora (29-4) in three rounds on December 7, 2013 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Williams has also let it be known that he will pay special tribute to the people of Boston on his trunks and his walk-out music.

FRIDAY AUGUST 16TH "CENTRAL COAST CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT" FROM THE CHUMASH RESORT CASINO

SANTA YNEZ, CA (August 13, 2013) - Another addition of the boxing series promoted by Gary Shaw Productions titled "Central Coast Championship" Night" makes it's return to the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif.

In the main event, local fan favorite Francisco Santana (16-3-1, 8 KOs), will defend his "Central Coast Championship" in a 10-round super-welterweight bout against former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez (30-5, 20 KOs).

Santana is riding a 4-fight winning streak and looks to continue his march toward a world title.  He understands Hernandez is a step up in competition and knows a win will advance his career to the next level.

"This fight with Hernandez is a big step up for me, but that's exactly what I've been asking for," said Santana. "Hernandez has been in the ring with some of the best fighters in boxing.  It will be a great opportunity to showcase my skills against a tough opponent and show the boxing world that I'm worthy of fighting for a championship.  We both like to come forward so this fight will be very entertaining for the fans. I can't wait to show everyone what I got."

King City's undefeated super-bantamweight prospect, Roman Morales (16-0, 9 KOs) will square off against an opponent TBA in the co-main event.  The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds and Morales' "Central Coast Championship" will be on the line.

Undercard Bouts:

Defending her "Central Coast Championship" will be Maggie Suarez (5-0-1) vs. Gloria Salas (3-8-1, 1 KO) in a 6-round super-flyweight bout.  Suarez is undefeated at the Chumash winning all her bouts by unanimous decision.

Heavyweights Franklin Lawrence (19-2-2, 4 KOs) and Darnell Wilson (24-17-3 20 KOs) will battle in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Abraham Lopez (3-1, 1 KO) vs. Abriel Jose Pebenito (2-6) collide in a 4-round Welterweight bout.

In a 4-round featherweight bout Pedro Duran (2-0, 2 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against Manuel Romero who'll be making his pro debut.

Jose Santamaria (Pro Debut) vs. Makani Sarellano (0-1) do battle in a 4-round Heavyweight bout.

Making their pro debuts will be  Zlatko Ledic (Pro Debut) vs. Henry Calles Jr. (Pro Debut) in a 4-round light-heavyweight contest.

Tickets priced $35, $45, $55, $65, and $75 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at www.startickets.com.  Doors open at 5 P.M, first fight starts at 6 P.M. 

ANDRADE READY FOR TITLE SHOT AFTER HERNANDEZ VICTORY

PHILADELPHIA  (January 30, 2013)--World ranked Jr. Middleweight Demetrius Andrade is now eying a world title opportunity after his impressive performance this past Friday night as he scored a shutout unanimous decision over former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez on SHOBOX: The New Generation.

The bout was held at the Paramount Theatre and Andrade’s promoters, Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing & JEG Boxing are now looking to make a title fight for Andrade a reality.

In the bout against Hernandez, Andrade was nearly flawless as he switched between orthodox and southpaw and Hernandez had no answer for any of the great skills that Andrade possessed.

In round six, Andrade pivoted beautifully and landed a hard right to the top of the head that sent Hernandez to the canvas. From that point on, Andrade showed the impressive arsenal that made him go from 2007 world amateur champion, 2008 U.S. Olympian and now top three world ranked contender.

Andrade won by shutout scores of 100-89 on all three judges score cards.

“That was the kind of performance that any fighter would want to have just before a title shot”, said Arthur Pelullo, CEO of Banner Promotions.

“Demetrius is clearly clicking on all cylinders now. He’s twenty-four years old and now is putting everything together at the right time. He has always been one of the most skilled fighters out there and all he needed was the experience. My partners Joe DeGuardia, Darren Libonati and I have him in position for a title shot. We will hope to fight the WBO champion Zaurbek Baysangurov this spring and we are already putting the wheels in motion for that shot”.

With the win, the native of Providence, Rhode Island upped his perfect mark to 19-0 with 13 knockouts.

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION VICTORY OVER FREDDY HERNANDEZ

Emmanuel Taylor Scores Sixth Round TKO Over Raymond Serrano

Friday, Jan. 26, Live on SHOWTIME^®,

The Paramount in Huntington, NY

Replay Will Air Tuesday, Jan. 29,
At 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®

HUNTINGTON, NY. (Jan. 26, 2013) – Demetrius Andrade (19-0-0, 13 KOs) of Providence, R.I. dominated Freddy Hernandez (30-4-0, 20 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico en route to a unanimous decision victory (100-89, all three judges) in the main event Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME^®.

In the first two rounds, Andrade started off slowly by assessing Hernandez’s ability. As the fight progressed, Andrade’s confidence grew and he knocked Hernandez to the mat in the sixth round. Andrade continued to pound Hernandez inside and used his height to his advantage.

“In the seventh round, ShoStats tell us that Andrade landed 65% of his power shots,” said Steve Farhood.  “That’s a scary number.”

It appeared as though the referee would stop the bout in the final rounds, but Hernandez showed a lot of heart and held on to finish all 10 rounds.  The sold-out crowd at The Paramount roared with excitement as the results were read.

In the evening’s co-feature, Emmanuel Taylor (16-1-0, 11 KOs) overpowered Raymond Serrano (18-2-0, 8 KOs) en route to a sixth round TKO.  According to ShoStats Taylor landed nearly double the amount of power punches (94-48) which led the match to be stopped at the 1:42 mark in the sixth round by referee Steve Willis.

“The one left hook rocked Serrano and that’s what made Willis (referee) get in there and say ‘I have to stop this’”, said Steve Farhood.

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside Steve Farhood and Raul Marquez. The executive producer of ShoBox is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing andRick Phillips directing.

ShoBox will re-air Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will beavailable on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today/Saturday, Jan. 26.

On Saturday, Jan. 26, The always-exciting, hard-hitting WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse (32-2, 30 KO’s), of Trelew, Argentina, will defend against confident, upset-minded Mike “The Silent Assassin” Dallas Jr. (19-2-1, 8 KOs), of Bakersfield, Calif., in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. In what will be an exciting co-feature, Selcuk Aydin (23-1, 17 KO’s), of Trabzon, Turkey, will be opposed by Jesus Soto Karass (26-8-3, 17 KO’s), of Los Mochis, Mexico, in a 10-round junior middleweight match.  Jermell Charlo (19-0, 9 KO’s), of Houston, Texas, collides withHarry Joe Yorgey (25-1-1, 12 KO’s), of Bridgeport, Pa., for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME telecast.

Live undercard fights will precede the telecast on SHOWTIME EXTREME (8p.m. ET/PT).

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, visit the website athttp://sports.SHO.com.

BIG WEEKEND FOR BANNER PROMOTIONS

Dzinziruk – Vera on ESPN Friday Night Fights; Andrade on SHOBOX & Yorgey fights on Showtime 

PHILADELPHIA, PA (JANUARY 25, 2013)—This weekend, fighters from Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions will be featured on all the major televised fight cards in the United States.

TONIGHT!! Banner Promotions will promote an edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights from the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.  In the main event, The NABO Middleweight championship will be at stake as NABO champion and perennial contender Brian Vera defends against former Jr. Middleweight champion Sergiy Dzinziruk.

On the undercard, WBO #11 ranked Light Heavyweight contender and undefeated Jackson Junior of Brazil will make his American debut when he takes on former United States Olympian Dante Craig.

ALSO TONIGHT at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York, former United States Olympian and world ranked (IBF #3, WBO #3) ranked Jr. Middleweight Demetrius Andrade takes on Freddy Hernandez in a ten round bout for the WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight title in a bout that will be the main event on Showtime’s acclaimed SHOBOX series. 

Finally on Saturday night, Harry Joe Yorgey will fight undefeated contender Jermell Charlo on Showtime World Championship Boxing Live from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

“This is a great weekend for us”, said Arthur Pelullo, CEO of Banner Promotions.

“We have a terrific ESPN show on Friday night with the winner between Dzinziruk and Vera will get a significant fight.  Sergiy has been a world champion and wants to get to that mountain top again while Vera has knocked on the door and has been so close in the past and he is very confident that he can breakthrough again and get a major victory”.

“As for Andrade, my partner Joe DeGuardia & I feel that this is a big test for Demetrius. Hernandez has been in with some of the best so when Demetrius comes through, we feel he will be ready for any title shot at Jr. Middleweight”.

“Finally on Saturday we believe in Harry Yorgey.  He has been waiting for the right fight to get back in the mix and when we offered this fight to him he jumped at it.  We know he is confident and we are confident he will put on a terrific performance and put his name right back in the Jr. Middleweight championship discussion”

THURSDAY’S SHOBOX FINAL QUOTES & WEIGHTS: DEMETRIUS ANDRADE & FREDDY HERNANDEZ, RAYMOND SERRANO & EMMANUEL TAYLOR

ShoBox: The New Generation Doubleheader Tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 25,

Live On SHOWTIME^® at 10 p.m ET/PT From The Paramount in Huntington, N.Y.

NEW YORK (Jan. 24, 2013) – 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade (18-0, 13 KOs), of Providence, R.I., puts his unbeaten record on the line against former world title challenger Freddy “El Riel” Hernandez (30-3, 20 KOs), of Lynwood, Calif., in the 10-round junior middleweight main event on ShoBox: The New  Generation   doubleheader  tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 25, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Junior welterweights Raymond “Tito” Serrano (18-1, 8 KOs), of Philadelphia, meets Emmanuel “Tranzforma” Taylor (15-1, 10 KOs), of Edgewood, Md., in the 10-round co-feature. The doubleheader is promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

Andrade and Hernandez participated in a public workout Thursday at Modell's Sporting Goods

in Times Square before joining the other fighters for the weigh-in at the New York State Athletic Commission Office in Lower Manhattan.

Tickets, priced at $50, $100 and $150, are available through Ticketmaster onlinewww.Ticketmaster.com or phone (800) 745-3000, through The Paramount Box Office (631) 673-7300, the Star Boxing Office (718) 823-2000 or on their website, www.StarBoxing.com.  Doors on fight night will open at 7 p.m. ET with the first bell at 8 p.m.

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts.  The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Weights: Andrade tipped the scale at 154.2 pounds, Hernandez, 154. Serrano weighed 141.6 pounds, Taylor 140.6.

What the ShoBox fighters said Thursday:

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

“It is important to win and of course people want to see a good performance.  I haven't done anything differently for this fight but I know he's a good fighter and I'm ready. 

“Now that I’m working with (new trainer) Virgil (Hunter) there’s a  little more structure going on and just having all the right resources. 

“Fighting on a premium television channel like SHOWTIME is a step up. I know my family will be coming and watching.”

FREDDY HERNANDEZ

“I have experience but he's young and I know that I'm the test and that I won't be an easy test for him.  I think a key is for me to fight him on the inside because he’s taller. I know that he likes to fight from a distance. 

“I’ve been training well like always but this time we’ve been working a lot more on movement so I think that will be good

“I am fighting for my wife (Alma Grajales) today because it’s her birthday.  And of course I’m fighting for my biggest motivation, my son (Freddy III).”

RAYMOND SERRANO

“This is a must-win in my career right now to be considered a contender. I know I want it to be impressive since I'm on SHOWTIME and it’s a big stage. I'm excited to be back. I miss the ring.

“It’s been a blessing for me to get the opportunity to be able to work with Barry Hunter. It’s just great training with him; they have a great team. 

“I made a mistake in my last fight and I paid for it. I worked hard at those mistakes and believe in myself. Basically I’m still working and training hard and I'm still the same fighter.‘’

EMMANUEL TAYLOR

“This fight means a lot to me. I've been working hard in the gym. I'm excited, anxious and nervous but I’m ready to show the world what I’ve got so I can keep going forward. 

“This fight is going to be really rough. I'm going to make it rough for him. The key is to use my jab at times and my overhead right.”

TALENTED DEMETRIUS ANDRADE TO GET FIRST REAL TEST IN THIS FRIDAY’S MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

Virgil Hunter-Trained Unbeaten To Face More Experienced Freddy Hernandez; Raymond Serrano Will Try and Bounce Back Against Emmanuel Taylor

In Co-Feature At Paramount Theater in Huntington, N.Y.

This Friday, Jan. 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME^®

NEW YORK (Jan. 22, 2013) –  One of the top prospects in boxing, the talented but untested Demetrius Andrade (18-0, 13 KOs), of  Providence, R.I., makes his first start for respected trainer Virgil Hunter when he faces aggressive-minded former world title challenger Freddy Hernandez (30-3, 20 KOs), of Lynwood, Calif.,  in the 10-round junior middleweight main event on ShoBox: The NewGeneration doubleheader this Friday, Jan. 25, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In a matchup of once-beaten junior welterweights in the 10-round co-feature at Paramount Theater in Huntington, N.Y., Raymond “Tito” Serrano (18-1, 8 KOs), of Philadelphia, meets Emmanuel “Tranzforma” Taylor (15-1, 10 KOs), of Edgewood, Md. The event is promoted by Star Boxing andBanner Promotions.

Hunter, the Boxing Writers Association of America 2011 Trainer of the Year, and Andrade, a world-ranked, 6-foot-1, 24-year-old southpaw, have been together for only a couple of months.

“All coaches get their fair share of calls, and I get some, too,’’ Hunter said. “Demetrius called me and we started talking. I’d been aware of him because he was an Olympian and knew he was a good kid, but once we met I was most definitely very pleased to make his acquaintance. I enjoy working with him.

“Demetrius’ dad did a terrific job with him. He’s a great kid with a great personality and he wants to succeed. I think he has unlimited potential and everything it takes to not only be a future champion but an ambassador for the sport. There’s really a lot of upside to Demetrius. It’s just a matter of time.’’

A former international amateur standout – Andrade (pronounced “Ann-Drade”) was the 2007 World Championships gold medalist at 152 pounds and represented the United States in the 2008 Olympic Games – continues to acclimate himself to the new surroundings in northern California.

"I've been training at Virgil’s private gym in Hayward, Calif.,’’ said Andrade, who owns amateur victories over the likes of current world champion Austin Trout and prospects such as Keith Thurmond,Danny Jacobs, Fernando Guerrero, Jack Culcay and Charles Hatley. “I knew Virgil from him being in the amateur program and I just reached out to him. He's a stand-up guy and everything’s going smoothly. We're just taking it one step at a time, just getting in shape for this fight.’’

Andrade has steadily ascended in the rankings since turning pro in October 2008. He’s currently rated No. 3 in the IBF and WBO and No. 8 in the WBC. He’s been carefully matched throughout his four-year career but owns a couple of noteworthy victories. He won his three fights in 2012 by knockout inside two rounds, including a second-round TKO over Alexis Hlores in his last start on Sept. 12.

But Hunter and ShoBox expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood agree that Hernandez will be the toughest foe to date for Andrade, who’ll be making his ShoBox debut. “On paper this should be his toughest challenge, when you consider the competition the other guy has fought,’’ Hunter said.

Said Farhood, “Demetrius Andrade, along with Gary Russell Jr., was chosen as Most Likely To Succeed from the 2008 U.S. Olympic team. On ShoBox, he's finally making that next step that will vaunt him from prospect to contender.

“Hernandez is a legit tough guy who's fought the very best. This is a real test for Andrade, a major step up. Andrade's been criticized for the level of his opposition, but part of that criticism stems from how easily he's beaten the fighters put in front of him.

“Hernandez will bring it, so if Andrade's as good as we think he is, he'll not only win, but shine.”

Offered Andrade, an athletic, versatile boxer with good skills and movement: “Freddy Hernandez is a great fighter, and we're going to put on a great show."

Hernandez fought four former world champions in a row – DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, MikeAnchondo, Andre Berto and Luis Collazo -- between February 2010 and October 2011. “El Riel” went 3-1, winning the final fight of the four-bagger with an exciting 10-round unanimous decision over southpaw Luis Collazo on Oct. 15, 2011.

The brother-in-law of current WBC featherweight kingpin Daniel “Ponce” De Leon, Hernandez, 33, lost his most recent outing to WBC No. 1 contender Erislandy Lara on a 10-round decision on June 20, 2012. The scores in a rough fight were 95-94, 98-91 and 99-90.

“I’m not much of a talker outside of the ring, I’d rather just let my fight inside do the talking for me,’’ said Hernandez, a boxer-puncher who may come out ultra-aggressive against the less-experienced Andrade.

Serrano, a 5-foot-8, 25-year-old, will be fighting for the first time since hooking up with trainer Barry Hunter, who also handles Lamont and Anthony Peterson. It is his first start since a devastating fifth-round knockout loss to Karim Mayfield in a pick ‘em bout on May 18, 2012, that ended with chaos in Serrano’s corner. World-ranked going in, he’d won all 18 of his fights since going pro in October 2007.

“I've been with Barry since about July,’’ said Serrano, an accomplished amateur and ambidextrous boxer-puncher who likes to work the body. “After I fought Mayfield, I took some time off and then I got with Barry. I train at his gym and spar with the Petersons. It's definitely stepped up my level of training. I've worked hard and feel it’s made me a stronger fighter.

"I haven't seen any of Taylor's fights, but I remember him from the amateur days. The guys in the gym know him from the amateurs and they're helping me prepare. I'm looking forward to starting the year off right. I learned from my mistakes. I want to accomplish my goal, and become champion of the world.”

Looking back at the Mayfield defeat, Serrano said, “I was surprised how easy it was for me to hit him. He's strong. He fought a good fight. He caught me with a good shot. I'll be back."

Taylor hails from a family of fighters. He was a top amateur before turning pro in March 2009. After opening with 14 consecutive victories, the 5-foot-7½-inch, 22-year-old boxer-puncher came up on the wrong end of a split eight-round decision to Prenice Brewer on Nov. 10, 2011. He regained his winning ways 11 months later when, in his lone bout since losing, won a six-round majority decision over George Dosa on Oct. 12, 2012. Taylor triumphed by the scores of 60-54, 58-56 and 57-57.

“I've been getting ready for this fight in Baltimore since Dec. 1,’’ he said. “I’ve worked hard in the gym and I’m ready to show what I’ve got. I’ve got a lot of styles. I can box or bang, but basically I usually box. It depends on the other fighter.

"I'm familiar with Serrano. I know him from the amateurs. He was in my region, so we fought in the same tournaments but he was a little older than me. He's a good fighter, a good boxer. I give him credit. But absolutely, I'm going to win the fight. I'm just going to use my jab and pressure, and that's what is going to win me the fight."

Tickets, priced at $50, $100 and $150, are available through Ticketmaster onlinewww.Ticketmaster.com or phone (800) 745-3000, through The Paramount Box Office (631) 673-7300, the Star Boxing Office (718) 823-2000 or on their website, www.StarBoxing.com.  Doors on fight night will open at 7 p.m. ET with the first bell at 8 p.m.

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former World ChampionRaul Marquez serving as expert analysts.  The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.