CARSON, CALIF. (October 5, 2015) — To the Viktor belong the spoils. The boxing world went Postol on Saturday night as VIKTOR “The Iceman” POSTOL (28-0, 12 KOs), from Kiev, Ukraine, put his stamp on the boxing landscape scoring a 10th-round knockout victory over former interim world champion Lucas “La Máquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs), from Chubut, Argentina, to capture the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight world title. Postol and Matthysse, world-rated No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, fought in front of a standing room only crowd of 7,025 fight fans at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The fight was televised live as the main event of HBO Boxing After Dark®. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and promoted by Top Rank®, Postol, who has spent extensive time training with Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao, took charge of the fight at the outset and dominated Matthysse en route to a near-perfect display of boxing skill and raw power.
The fight will be replayed Tonight! at Midnight ET/PT on HBO2 and Tomorrow! at 11:15 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. The fight will be available on the HBO NOW and HBO GO platforms.
VIKTOR POSTOL, WBC super lightweight world champion
“I was a small boy, 12 years old, when I first went into a boxing gym. Even then my ultimate goal was to win a world championship. I later made a decision to leave the Ukraine and go to America which is the Mecca of Boxing. I went right to the Wild Card Gym. Freddie Roach became my trainer. This was our third fight. It was Freddie and his trainers who taught me the small things to work on and become stronger as a professional boxer. I am a world champion because of Freddie, the world’s best trainer. I mean that. At the Wild Card I did everything he told me to do each and every day. Now I am bringing home a WBC green world championship belt. The people of Ukraine will be so proud. I beat a very strong, powerful champion to win the title.”
FREDDIE ROACH, Hall of Fame Trainer
“Before the last round I told our corner that our opponent was very tired and ready to go out. He was coming in with his head leaning down. We told Viktor, ‘Now is the time for a right uppercut and a left hook.’ Viktor is a good student of the game. He followed the game plan perfectly. This was, really, one of the greatest wins of my career.”
BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Promoter
“Viktor Postol will be a real force in the 140 and 147 pound divisions. He had a terrific fight tonight. He will be hard to beat. Top Rank will have some big very fights for him.”
Premier Boxing Champions celebrates Hispanic heritage month
LAS VEGAS – October 5, 2015 – The history, heritage and heart – la historia, herencia y corazón – of Hispanic fighters is celebrated and showcased in the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) boxing series seen on CBS, NBC & NBCSN, ESPN & ESPN Deportes, FS1 & Fox Deportes, Spike, and Bounce in the U.S. With nearly 30 million viewers to-date, PBC has become one of the fastest growing sports series on broadcast and cable networks in the U.S. since its launch. During Hispanic Heritage month (September 15-October 15), the PBC is proud to salute the many Hispanic boxers, trainers, coaches and staff working in its series.
From Mexican fighters like Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Sammy Vasquez, Omar Figueroa, Robert Guerrero, Josesito Lopez, Chris Arreola, cand Jose Lara, to Cuban fighters Erislandy Lara, Peter Quillin and Rances Barthelemy, Dominican fighters Javier Fortuna, Juan Carlos Payano and Edwin Rodriguez, Puerto Rico’s Carlos Velasquez, Puerto Rican/American Danny Garcia and more, PBC fighters have met fans, discussed their heritage and helped to share their many inspirational stories on their boxing journey during Hispanic Heritage month.
“As a Mexican-American, it is important for me to share my culture, my heritage and my dedication to this sport with my fans. Boxing is in my blood and it’s an important part of my culture. It’s exciting to be joining other Latino fighters in bringing the sport to more of our fans on free tv,”said Leo Santa Cruz, three division champion.
“As a fighter, we fight for all different reasons but something that connects us is our pride for where we come from and who we fight for. I’m proud to be of Puerto Rican descent and everything it means to be part of the Puerto Rican culture. It’s a blessing to be able to follow in the footsteps of great Puerto Rican fighters and share with the world how proud I am of my roots,” said Danny Garcia, undefeated champion.
“I fight for my fans and they know that I was born in Mexico, live in the United States but call both home. This month is important to me to show everyone the pride, heritage and story of our lives that make us who we are. From the music I listen to when I train, to the culture and traditions I celebrate, I’m proud to be Latino, proud to be Mexican and proud to be in the PBC,” said Abner Mares, three division champion.
“My journey to the U.S. represents hope, freedom and being a champion. Coming from Cuba, I have a great respect and love for this country, however my Cuban heritage and culture will always be with me. Latinos have contributed so much to the sport of boxing, and through the PBC, I’m proud and glad to be able to have it showcased on TV across the U.S. and Latin America for everyone to see and hopefully be inspired by,” said Erislandy Lara, current Super Welterweight champion.
“Hispanic Heritage month is a time when to show the great achievements that Latinos have accomplished worldwide,” said Robert Guerrero. “Our heritage shapes us and it is passed down from generation to generation; in boxing, our heritage, the pride and alma of the sport, represents just that – the commitment and science that has been taught and passed down. I’m proud to be Latino, I’m proud to be part of the history and new traditions of boxing. And most importantly I’m proud to be a Mexican Warrior,” said champion Robert Guerrero.
“It’s important for everyone to know their heritage, who they are, where they come from. As a Mexican American and a proud armed services veteran, I am my heritage and also the future. Culture brings us together and boxing is a way for me to continue the great story of Hispanic athletes,” said Sammy Vasquez, undefeated fighter.
“I was born in the U.S. to parents from Mexico. I am a proud Mexican American who wears both cultures and countries on his sleeve. My heritage – my parents, my grandparents and my loyal fans- are vital to me. It’s who supported me in my career in boxing, and helped teach and show me the dedication, hard work and knowledge that makes me the man I am today. I am proud to be able to fight on the PBC where people of all races, language and interests can watch me push the sport further,” said Heavyweight boxer Chris Arreola.
The Premier Boxing Champions will continue to highlight fighters from around the globe on its website www.premierboxingchampions.com The site will continue to highlight fighters from around the globe that are shaping one of the world’s most popular sports.
For a full schedule of all PBC fights go to www.premierboxingchampions.com