One of boxing's biggest forces inside the ring and polarizing personalities outside of it, former long-time world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder continues to build on his historic legacy.
John Molina Jr. is a fighter who trains to Led Zeppelin and loves Persian food. Here's even more amusing and random facts about the man they call "The Gladiator."
1. He wants a Caucasian Shepherd named ‘Special Agent Oso.’
Just how did Danny Garcia, one of the world's top fighters, get his nickname? It's a story - with style.
Garcia has risen up the ranks fairly quickly to become one of the top 140-pound fighters in the sport. Known for his mean left hook, and his ability to move quickly on his feet, it’s no wonder the Philly native is called “Swift”.
But his boxing nickname was chosen at an early age and had nothing to do with his prowess in the ring.
Even at a young age, Garcia was known for his interest in fashion. As a stylish youngster, personal appearence and what he chose to wear were always important. He had an eye for style and it stuck with him ever since.
"One day when I was 12 or 13, I walked into the gym, wearing my usual getup, and someone looked at me and said, ‘look, it’s young swift. You always got that swag about you.’ From there, the name stuck," Garcia said.
Nowadays, what sets him apart is that he sets his own trends - and fashions - with his own DSG brand. It's a dream come true for him but more importantly, it's an important way for this talented athlete to share who he is outside the ring.
“Fashion is a big way I express myself, and I never conform to trends. I want to set my own style. It’s the way I fight too – I am my own person. I don’t answer to anyone but myself.”
Roberto "Hands of Stone" Duran was a hit at today's press conference kicking off the Premier Boxing Champions series on NBC.
Boxing legend Roberto Duran joined his former nemesis in the ring Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas "The Hit Man" Hearns at the announcement of the Premier Boxing Champions series on NBC.
Duran, who beat Leonard to capture a title in 1980, in a fight dubbed "The Brawl in Montreal," eventually surrendered it back to Leonard that same year with the famous "No Mas" fight.
These days, the legends reunited to talk about how the PBC was ready to bring boxing back to network prime-time television and back to cultural relevance.
Duran spent time after having fun and giving advice to the new crop of great fighters who were in attendance. Here's a few of our favorite moments from Duran's appearance.
Topics
In one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Lamont “Havoc” Peterson will determine who is the world’s best fighter at 140 pounds on April 11 as part of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC series.
The bout will air at 9 p.m. ET, headlining the second of 20 live PBC broadcasts on NBC and NBC Sports Network in 2015.
The unbeaten Garcia (29-0, 17 KOs) was first crowned world champion in March 2012, defeating Mexican legend Erik Morales in a 12-round battle.
He has defended his title five times since then: in a rematch with Morales later that year, and in hard-fought wins over Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Lucas Matthysse and Mauricio Herrera.
In his last fight, in August, the 26-year-old Philadelphia native knocked out Rod Salka in the second round in Brooklyn, New York.
Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) has held a share of the world title since defeating Khan in a heated 12-round clash in December 2011.
The 30-year-old Washington, D.C., native has defended his belt three times, the last coming in a 10th-round stoppage of Edgar Santana in August on the same card as Garcia’s victory over Salka.
Peterson has also turned back challengers Kendall Holt and Dierry Jean in title defenses.
140-pound champs Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson will battle in the ring on April 11.
Topics
In an explosive prime-time debut for the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC series, dynamic 147-pound title contenders Keith “One Time” Thurman and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero will square off in Las Vegas on March 7, 2015.
A fight for the ages: One Time and The Ghost.
The telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, kicking off the first of 20 live broadcasts on NBC and NBC Sports Network in 2015.
The undefeated Thurman (24-0) is a knockout artist, having gained 21 of his wins by early stoppage.
In his last fight, the 26-year-old Clearwater, Florida, native won a 12-round unanimous decision over Italian star Leonard Bundu in Las Vegas on December 13, 2014.
Guerrero (32-2-1) is a former four-division world champion with victories over acclaimed fighters such as Andre Berto and Joel Casamayor.
The 31-year-old Gilroy, California, native also went the distance with 147-pound champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in losing a 12-round unanimous decision in May 2013.
Guerrero engaged in one of the top fights of 2014, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Japan’s Yoshihiro Kamegai in a brutal, bloody contest in Carson, California, on June 21.
Also on the inaugural PBC on NBC card is a co-headlining fight between former three-division champion Adrien Broner (29-1) and 140-pound title contender John Molina Jr. (27-5).
