Rodriguez overweight for Ward showdown

Super Middleweight Edwin Rodriguez was 2 pounds over the 168 pound weight limit for his Saturday fight with champion Andre Ward in Ontario, California according to Dan Rafel of espn.com

“We’re going to work on [losing the 2 pounds]. I feel pretty good,” Rodriguez said while still at the scale after being overweight. “I’m gonna work on it.”

“I think there’s a chance Edwin might not be able to make this weight again,” Lou DiBella, Rodriguez’s promoter, told ESPN.com. “He couldn’t lose another ounce. He couldn’t even spit.”

For missing weight, the commission fined Rodriguez 20 percent of his career-high $1 million purse. Of the $200,000 fine, half will go to the commission and the remaining $100,000 will be given to Ward, boosting his purse from $1.9 million to $2 million.

As part of a deal made with the Ward camp, Rodriguez is required to reweigh at 9 a.m. PT on Saturday and cannot be heavier than 180 pounds.

“It’s at his peril,” DiBella said.

“I’m greatly disappointed and I’m really annoyed,” DiBella said. “I’m not a hypocrite. I’ve been public about this situation with other fighters and talked about their unprofessionalism, and I’m not going to change my tune because he’s my fighter.

“This is the opportunity of your lifetime, this is everything to this kid and his family, and I’m greatly disappointed. I truly believe in him as a fighter and that he had a chance to do something great, and now he is in a situation where he can’t win the belt, and he has been docked money his family desperately needed, and I have a hard time believing he will be at his best. I have empathy if he simply couldn’t make the weight, but that doesn’t change the annoyance or disappointment or stop me from saying I’m sorry on behalf of his team to Andre Ward, Ward’s team, HBO and to the fans.”

Transcript For The BIGGEST BOXING CONFERENCE CALL IN CONFERENCE CALL HISTORY!

BOB ARUM: Welcome to the new global age, where fights take place around the world and promotions kick in as if we were still in Las Vegas. On Thursday and Friday we will have Radio Row broadcasting live from the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium inside The Palazzo Las Vegas resort. Thirteen national and regional radio shows are participating and we’ll have a whole host of great fighters from the past – guys who made this sport what it is today and as popular as it is today. George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Ray Mancini, Marco Antonio Barrera; and the stars of today — Tim Bradley and Mike Alvarado — in-person being interviewed on their views on Pacquiao vs. Rios and talking about their experiences fighting outside their own countries. The world is becoming a very, very small place. This event in Macao is making a huge impact in Asia and around the world. I thank all of the participants on today’s call, A lot of them have fought abroad throughout their career and you can ask them about their experience fighting in multiple time zones from where they trained.

Tim, what can Brandon Rios expect from Manny when he gets in the ring?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: First of all, he should expect to see Manny Pacquiao being very quick and very elusive and lots of feints in this fight. Manny Pacquiao dropped a lot of feints on me and it kept me off balance as far as shots. He is very difficult to hit at times too because he is always angling out. He’s coming in, he’s out, he’s angling out to the right or to the left. That’s what Brandon Rios should expect. He shouldn’t expect Pacquiao to come right at him. He is going to have to expect a lot of angles in this fight. Rios, if he is going to have a chance to beat Pacquiao he is going to have to close the distance. He is going to have to get close, stay close and punch. Pacquiao has a tendency to stay on the ropes with his hands high and stay in position to allow opponents to punch him at times and that will work in Rios’ favor. Rios likes to bring the pressure and throw uppercuts and body shots and I think that’s how he’s going to be effective in this fight. If he’s out too far, he’s doomed. If he can close the distance, he’ll be OK. And expect Pacquiao to come right back too … he has to have really good defense after he punches. And if he does that, he’ll be successful but if he allows Pacquiao to move on him and find angles … Manny has power in both hands, he can hurt you. I know Rios can take a punch but this is not Mike Alvarado – he is facing Manny Pacquiao who has speed and power.

George, you won your first title out of the country and defended it out of the country – what should Rios expect since he is making the long trip?

GEORGE FOREMAN: It’s going to be rough and that’s all there is to it because you can say to yourself ‘I am accustomed to it’ but you can be there for a month. I have been there for two weeks – it’s just not going to help you. You wake up at the wrong times. You eat at the wrong times. Pacquiao, because he lives in that area, boy it’s probably going to be a shut out if he is on his game at all.

Fighting in the morning – can you get over that – after being used to fighting in the evening?

GEORGE FOREMAN: It’s a challenge because like I said, it’s a thing you can’t control. It’s your body. Forget about the mental showdown. It’s a physical showdown. You really have to pick the fight out of the guy at 8 in the morning – it’s just not going to be the same.

Ray, Rios will be attacking and Pacquiao is coming off the knockout – do you think that will affect him?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: What Brandon Rios needs to do is not let Pacquiao forget about what took place in his last fight. Rios has to jump right on top of Pacquiao, because what happens is when you get knocked out in the fashion that Pacquiao was knocked out, it becomes like an Achilles heel. But if there is anyone that could block that out, Pacquiao is definitely the guy to do that. This fight depends on whose game plan, who dominates the other, takes control early in the fight.

Roberto, when you fought Ray Leonard, Ray was a huge star and very popular. Rios is now fighting a huge star that is very popular with the people. How does that play in the fight?

ROBERTO DURAN: First of all, the stars live in the sky. On Earth, everyone is an equal. Yes, Manny Pacquiao is a well-known star and he is not finished by any means. He is embarrassed by the Marquez loss and he feels that he needs to redeem himself. Brandon Rios needs to be very careful because I once was knocked out and I came back and won the title so by no means can you count Manny Pacquiao out – he is a very dangerous fighter. Brandon Rios needs to be intelligent in the ring, protect himself at all times because he doesn’t know where these hits are coming from. Manny Pacquiao is not finished in my eyes and I still believe he is one of the world’s most dangerous fighters in the world. I just give some advice to Brandon Rios – go in and attack and don’t be afraid and don’t hesitate because he can win if he fights intelligently. Manny Pacquiao is still a very dangerous fighter.

Do you feel the fighters will have a difficult time getting acclimated?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: Getting acclimated is one of the biggest obstacles along with facing Manny Pacquiao. In fact, Roberto Duran really described it and put things in perspective about what he said about this fight. Pacquiao is not finished even though he was knocked out in a viscous manner. If there was anyone that has the ability to come back, both physically and psychologically, it’s Manny Pacquiao. So Rios, having to become acclimated to being there, even though he is there now, it does take time. It’s an intriguing fight.

ROBERTO DURAN: I don’t think he’s going to have any problems as long as he is not extremely overweight and having to worry about losing a lot of pounds. I think Brandon will be just fine as long as he gets there in time. I have never been out that way so I can’t really say how it is but I think he will be just fine acclimating to the time zone.

BOB ARUM: Manny’s problem is not the weight in the sense that he has to eat five meals a day. A couple of weeks ago when I was in General Santos City he was down to 143 pounds – 4 pounds below the weight. Brandon has been used to fighting at 140 now he is fighting at 147 so he has no problem with the weight. So at least for this fight we don’t have to worry about the guys being overweight when they hit the scales.

Could you each make a prediction on the fight?

GEORGE FOREMAN: I think it’s going to be a 12-round decision and I give Pacquiao the hometown decision. How about a home-region decision.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I think Pacquiao will win although I give Rios a shot, a big shot. It’s not going to be an easy fight. I’m picking Manny because he is Manny Pacquiao.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I’ve got Manny Pacquiao by a mid to late round KO. Eight rounds.

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: I think it is a complicated fight for both of them. You have Brandon Rios who comes straightforward and will apply the pressure on Manny. Then you have Manny who moves around the ring very well and picks and chooses his spots and comes at different angles and is a very strong fighter with a lot of speed. It’s just going to be a tough fight for both of them.

How do you think Manny can deal with the distractions of the typhoon?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I want to offer my condolences first and foremost, and my prayers, to the victims of that horrible disaster. But Manny is a fighter and a warrior. He can – he will have to – block out everything and have tunnel vision going into the ring against Brandon Rios. I say intriguing because it’s a big question mark over that ring. Who goes into the ring that night with the mindset of winning and not thinking about other things.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I have had some things in the past during training camp, but Manny has a job to do and he needs to take care of his job first. Then after that he can go back and take care of everything else he needs to.

GEORGE FOREMAN: Just before I fought Michael Moorer there was a big tragic flood right here in the Houston area and I had to wade through waist-deep water to rescue my family. There were many deaths. But when it came time to put on the boxing trunks – it all disappeared.

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: Distractions play a big deal and in many Pacquiao’s situation, say if you train 100%, distractions could take away 40% of the training of all the work that you put in. Manny has to concentrate on one thing and that’s boxing. He does have responsibilities with the typhoon and everything, which makes it harder, but he can’t separate himself from being a boxer. If he tries to be a politician and a boxer at the same time, he’s going to be in trouble. In Brandon, he is facing the toughest and the most important fight of his life. That’s the type of fighter Manny is going up against, so I just say that Manny better be 100% focused as a boxer for this fight.

Freddie Roach said Pacquiao should retire if he loses, what do you think?

GEORGE FOREMAN: I think the hardest thing for any boxer is to retire. It takes a phenomenon really (laughter). You almost have to pull him [a fighter] out of there. We don’t like to retire. I don’t think that’s going to be in his mind and even if it was it will disappear quickly.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: It’s the hardest thing, like George said. After a loss, you try to fix that. You try to repair that. As a fighter, you go back. You go back time and time again. Even if you win, because that win becomes seductive – you go back. I wish both guys the very best.

Did you think about retiring after your first fight against Roberto Duran in Montreal?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I contemplated it, naturally, because of the physical fight. It was so physical and it just didn’t feel good. I went home and went on vacation and cleared my head and came back. It all depends on how you lose that last fight. That plays a significant role in your decision-making.

Do you think Pacquiao will fight Mayweather if he wins?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: Pacquiao-Rios, that’s what is important to Manny Pacquiao right now.

What do you remember with your first fight with Pacquiao?

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: What I do remember is fighting a guy I knew nothing about and a very explosive fighter. What I remember about other than losing the fight was he really beat me with the body shots. He was an extremely quick fighter that I was not prepared for. More than anything, Manny Pacquiao gained a lot of respect from the fans by beating me. Other than that, he continued his success – and by beating bigger guys. He threw logic out the door because everyone thought that a guy in a smaller weight would never beat a heavier guy. Manny Pacquiao has made himself a star and gave smaller fighters the idea that ‘hey, I can make it in the bigger weights.’ That’s the type of fighter that Manny Pacquiao is.

Bob, of all the international events you promoted, which one stands out the most?

BOB ARUM: The one that sticks out and is most comparable because it takes place in the same time zone is the Thrilla in Manila when Muhammad Ali faced off against Joe Frazier. That fight took place the same time that the Pacquiao-Rios fight will take place – around Noon Manila time. It was one of the greatest fights I have ever seen in my life. These guys went at it and Eddie Futch wouldn’t let Joe Frazier come out for the 15th round and Muhammad won the fight. What I remember most was going outside the Coliseum after the fight was over – we had just seen this unbelievable fight and the sun was the brightest that I have ever seen it and it was almost as if everyone was blinded by the daylight and it was one of the most memorable experiences I ever had in my life. It’s now almost 50 years from that date and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

What do you think Rios’ biggest concern should be?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I think the biggest concern should be that left hand of Pacquiao. Pacquiao has a huge left hand. He feints a lot and tries to lure you in. He will probably let Rios get off first. And he’s going to make him pay for every mistake he does. Rios has a tendency to lunge in so he better be careful because the left hand is definitely coming over the top so he better be aware of it. I told my manager Cameron Dunkin to let him know to stay away from that left hand.

Do you think Manny can overcome that knockout?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Absolutely – you saw me in my last fight and I overcame a brutal fight with Ruslan Provodnikov – I took a lot of punishment in that fight and suffered a concussion. I bounced back and I fought smart. I got hit with some shots in that fight and I was OK. The big thing is styles – styles make fights. We all know that and Rios definitely has a style that suits Manny Pacquiao – he comes forward and he’s face-first. He doesn’t care about defense. He gets his with big shots. But what Rios has to understand is that he never took a shot from Manny Pacquiao, who throws them with either hand. I’m telling you, I’ve been in the ring with this guy and what’s special about him is that he throws combinations and every shot is a death blow. Every shot is hard. Rios is going to have to be on his P’s and Q’s. Rios is a big puncher and I know he comes to fight but I think he’s a tad too slow for Pacquiao and I don’t think he has the power in his punch either, so…

What do you think about staying on your diet when you go overseas?

GEORGE FOREMAN: When I went to fight everything was cooked in the same fashion that as I received it when I was home. Maybe a little better so that won’t mean anything. Just like home but maybe a little better. When I went to Macao, the food was great. It was great.

BOB ARUM: George was over in Macao a couple of times and the food at the Macao was first class. It’s mostly western. Steakhouses, buffets all western food. I don’t think the food will be a problem for Rios and certainly not for Manny. I know Rios had a chef with him and I know Manny will have a chef with him. They both have suites that have kitchens so they can prepare their own food.

Ray did you bring your own chef?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: Well yes, I brought my mom and dad. Home cooked meals and never a problem.

Marco, you had to move your training camp for your first fight with Pacquiao – did it affect your training?

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: First I would like to say I am not making any excuses – Manny Pacquiao beat me clearly. Because of the distractions, I probably trained a total of 20 days for that fight. The first distraction was there was a fire in Big Bear and we had to evacuate training camp. Then after that I had to get evaluated – get my head checked by my surgeon in Houston – and that delayed some of the training camp as well. There were distractions but it just goes to show that you have to stay focused and how much distractions will really affect the outcome of a fight.

Tell us about your China fight…

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: What I remember most about that fight was asking myself, ‘do I stay in boxing or retire?’ I remember that there were a lot of boxing fans in China and they treated me really well. There are a lot of fans out there and Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios will both see that. The Pacquiao-Rios fight will be very entertaining for the fans. Two great fighters clashing.

In closing…

BOB ARUM: I want to thank all the fighters for being on the call. I leave for Macao tomorrow. I am looking forward to this event. It has world-wide significance and I hope that everyone enjoys Saturday night November 23rd because they are going to see a great show.

GEORGE FOREMAN: I look forward to a great fight. Both guys know this is a showdown for their career. I am going to make certain that everyone I know sees it because it’s going to be a great fight. I was distracted, that’s why I lost [in Zaire.]

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: I know it’s going to be a great fight – an explosive fight. A fight of styles and styles make fights. It is going to be a brand new type of public out there that is going to enjoy a great show. Americans and Mexicans, to them I say, do not miss this fight – it is the fight you want to see.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I just want to tell Bob that I want to be there next time.

BOB ARUM: We are going to continue to do big shows in Las Vegas but this is a new market in Macao and China and so we’ll be back on an number of occasions. Mark your calendar Ray, February 22nd is going to be the next big show at The Venetian Macao.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I am marking it down right now. I feel that Pacquiao is going to surprise the majority, even being knocked out the way he was it could be over, but it’s all about the mind. Pacquiao has incredible mind and confidence and conditioning. Rios is not just coming in to play – it’s going to be an incredible fight.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I came into the Pacquiao fight in the best shape of my life. I trained extremely hard for that fight. I remember it being around the 4th round – I was exhausted – after four rounds! I am in the best shape of my life and I am exhausted. Pacquiao drops so many feints on you and he keeps you so tense – he hits hard with both hands – you always have to be alert and it drains you as a fighter. With that being said I hope that Rios is ready for that because Pacquiao will make it seem like he’s coming in and he’s not. I think it’s going to be explosive and Bob Arum is giving the fight fans another great fight and another great promotion and for all the fans in China – I wish it was on U.S. soil – enjoy this great show that Top Rank is putting on and I can’t wait to see this fight – it is going to be exciting.

*************************************************

Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures “Grudge Match,” and Eva Airlines, Pacquiao vs. Rios will take place Saturday, November 23, at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. twice, in México, winning a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez and knocking out Daniel Valenzuela in the second round in 2008 and 2009, respectively. .

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios. Episodes two and three of “24/7 Pacquiao/Rios” premiere in prime time this Saturday, Nov. 16 (9:30 p.m.) and next Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, and twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

CELTUS SELDIN RETURNS TO BATTLE!! NOVEMBER 22 AT STAR BOXING’S “ROCKIN FIGHTS 11”–LIVE ON PANDAFEED.TV

NEW YORK: (November 15, 2013) Highly touted welterweight knockout artist Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin returns to action on Friday, NOVEMBER 22 in an eight round clash against battle tested veteran Gilbert Venegas featured at Star Boxing’s “ROCKIN FIGHTS 11” at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Fully recovered from a torn rotator and labrum, the 27-year-old Seldin brings his legion of fans to The Paramount for the seventh time defending his unblemished and hard hitting record of 11-0-0 (9KO’s).

“It’s been a long wait, my last fight was on FEBRUARY 22 and I had the surgery two months later” said Seldin of Shirley, New York. “The doctor said it was worse than Doc Gooden’s (Former MLB Pitcher or Former NY Mets and Yankees pitcher) who he also repaired. It’s basically an old high school injury which was never fully repaired.”

‘While I waited for it to be properly healed I ran every day and stayed in great shape. I couldn’t wait to get back.”

Stated Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing, “Along with being one of the premier prospects in the area, Cletus is also a very popular fighter. We’ve had calls into our office for many months asking about his return.”

“Also to his credit, he wanted to come back strong. It’s an eight round fight, right where he left off and he’s facing an experienced veteran who should give him tough opposition.”

Fighting out of Moline, Illinois, the busy Venegas, 12-11-4 (8KO’s), will be entering the ring for the eighth time in 2013.

“He’s been active and I know he’s a very game fighter,” continued Seldin, “but I think my power and pace of fighting will work to my advantage.”

“I’ll have been down here in West Palm Beach, Florida, training for almost five weeks. I’ve had great sparring with Randall Bailey and all the tough prospects over at Iron Mike Promotions’ Gym.”

“I love fighting at The Paramount, the atmosphere is terrific. Now that I’m healthy I want to stay active, fight as often as possible, hopefully get on TV and show the world how good I am.”

“ROCKIN FIGHTS 11″ is headlined by an exciting heavyweight clash between ‘The Fighting Pride of Queens, New York”, Vinny Maddalone and hard-hitting Houston native Maurenzo Smith.

Advance tickets for “ROCKIN FIGHTS 11” starting at $50, are available online through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com), the Star Boxing website (StarBoxing.com) and The Paramount Box Office, phone (631) 673-7300.

The Paramount is located at 370 New York Avenue in Huntington, New York. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:30 p.m.

ABOUT STAR BOXING

Star Boxing Inc. recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary (promoting pro boxing continuously since 1992). The company has produced some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star Boxing continues to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world rated contenders and young prospects. Star Boxing is proud that is has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry. For more information on Star Boxing, visit their official website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow them on Twitter @ Star Boxing and Facebook at Star Boxing.

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT:

Opened September 30, 2011 this 1,555 capacity live entertainment venue located in downtown Huntington, Long Island, features concerts, boxing, comedy, community and other special events. Booked by Live Nation, the Paramount has hosted over 150 events in its first year of operation and quickly established itself as the premier music venue on Long Island. Some recent acts to take the stage include Pitbull, Taking Back Sunday, The Pixies, Elvis Costello, Warren Haynes, Willie Nelson, Brand New, Goo Goo Dolls, Primus, Marilyn Manson, Korn, The Wanted, The Script, Panic! At the Disco and many, more.

ABOUT GOLD COAST BANK
“Long Islands Leading Community Bank ”

Headquartered in Islandia with additional branches located in Huntington, Setauket, Farmingdale, and Mineola, Gold Coast Bank is a New York State chartered bank whose popularity and sterling reputation stems from the strong, long-term relationships it has cultivated among its large and diverse customer base. A member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and one of Long Island’s financially strongest de novo banks, Gold Coast Bank has more than $170 million in assets and prides itself on providing businesses and individuals with quality lending and banking services. www.goldcoastbank-ny.com

ABOUT THE FOX HOLLOW:

Nestled upon 8 private acres of Long Island’s north shore is the Fox Hollow, which features a state of the art event venue, fine dining restaurant and an all-suite luxury boutique hotel. Owned & operated by the Scotto Brothers, their Above & Beyond philosophy in providing each & every guest with superior services and amenities is paramount. Visit the Fox Hollow online at www.TheFoxHollow.com & www.TheInnAtFoxHollow.com

ABOUT CAMELOT LIMOUSINE

Official Sponsor of the Paramount Boxing Series
Camelot Limos is a family owned and operated business located in Nassau County, with over 25 years of professional experience; serving satisfied clientele since 1984. The owners of Camelot Specialty Limos are very active in the business and play a major role in the company’s day to day operations. Camelot Specialty Limos, Inc. is an Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau. www.camelotlimo.com

ABOUT WBAB 102.3
LONG ISLANDS #1 ROCK STATION
The WBAB Long Island Rock’N’Roll Morning Show With Roger & JP! Weekdays 5:30am-10am
listen daily at 102.3 or online at www.wbab.com
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Fight Network Presents Enfusion LIVE from Holland this Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. ET

oronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, will present a live broadcast of Enfusion Live kickboxing entitled “Glorious Heroes” from Groningen, Netherlands this Saturday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. ET.

Fight Network’s live broadcast of Enfusion Live: Groningen will be aired nationwide in Canada, as well as internationally as part of Fight Network’s expansion on ZON in Portugal, Telenet in Belgium, D-Smart in Turkey, and ZAP in Angola and Mozambique.

In the featured bout, Laetitia Bakissy of France challenges Holland’s Rachida Bouhout for the Enfusion -64kg women’s championship.

Other fights include Russian Andrey Levandin vs. Georgian Romeo Gablaia, Surinamese Fabian Gondorf vs. Dutchman Martin Terpstra, Brian Douwes vs. Patrick Veenstra in a clash of Dutch combatants, Morroco’s Tarik Cherkaoui vs. Curacao’s Alva Remor , plus Syria’s Leon Zadeh vs. Holland’s Ali Zoubai.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

For More Information Contact:

Fight Network
Chad Midgley
VP Programming & Production
chad@fightnetwork.com
www.fightnetwork.com

About Fight Network:

Fight Network (www.fightnetwork.com) is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available on all major carriers in Canada, select countries in Europe and Africa, on TSN Radio in Canada via its program “Live Audio Wrestling,” and in North America via its programming on Sirius XM Channel 167 and its programming block on Pursuit Channel (www.pursuitchannel.com). Fight Network’s parent company Anthem Media Group also owns a significant interest in the Pursuit Channel and will be launching the Fantasy Sports Network (FNTSY) across North America in 2013.

NOVEMBER 16 – NBC FIGHT NIGHT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO WEIGH IN RESULTS

Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov, 222 lbs. vs. Garrett Wilson 204 lbs.

10 Rounds Heavyweight

Czar Glazkov
Photo credits to Mike Gladysz

Garrett Wilson
Photo credits to Turning Stone

Karl Dargan, 134 lbs. vs. Mike Brooks, 134.5 lbs

10 Rounds – USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title

Dargan and Brooks
Photo credits to Mike Gladysz

Isaac Chilemba, 174 lbs. vs. Michael Gbenga, 174 lbs.

8 Rounds – Light Heavyweight

Chilemba and Gbenga
Photo credits to Mike Gladysz

Andy Mejias, 166 lbs vs. Latif Mundy, 168 lbs.

6 Rounds – Super Middleweight

Mundy and Mejias
Photo credits to Mike Gladysz

Sevdail Sherifi, 200 lbs. vs. Quantis Graves, 200 lbs.

6 Rounds – Cruiserweight

Sherifi and Graves
Photo credits to Mike Gladysz

John Magda, 171 lbs. vs. Maurice Amaro, 173 lbs.

4 Rounds – Super Middleweight

Amaro and Magda
Photo credits to Mike Gladysz

Ticket Info: Tickets range from $25 to $70 and are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or Click Here to Purchase Tickets for Nov 16 Adamek vs Glazkov Fight at Turning Stone Resort & Casino.

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ABOUT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO:
A premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. Turning Stone was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the website at TurningStone.com.

ESPN’s Multi-Platform Coverage of Pacquiao vs. Ríos

Starting Monday, Nov. 18, ESPN will present multi-platform pre- and post-fight coverage of the 12-round Welterweight fight between Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) and former Lightweight titlist Brandon Ríos (31-1-1, 22 KOs). SportsCenter and ESPN Deportes will provide daily news and information throughout the week.
The fight, from the Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena, in Macau, China, will be distributed live on Saturday Nov. 23, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO-Pay-Per-View. As part of ESPN and HBO Sports’ boxing programming and marketing agreement, ESPN news and information platforms will have access to key content, including post-fight, in-ring interviews, press conference and weigh-in coverage, HBO’s behind-the-scenes reality series 24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos, and classic Pacquiao and Ríos fights.

Television

· SportsCenter:

o Bilingual boxing reporter Bernardo Osuna will be in Macau providing pre-and post-fight interviews and analysis.

o Interviews with both fighters Tuesday and Thursday during the 8 p.m. edition of SportsCenter and coverage of weigh-in on Friday.

· ESPN Deportes’ Semana de Campeones (Week of Champions):

o A Los Golpes: commentators Claudia Trejos and Julio César Chávez, Sr. will provide in-depth analysis and discussion of the fight from Los Angeles (Monday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.).

o Golpe a Golpe: Jorge Eduardo Sánchez, and Juan Manuel Márquez will provide coverage from Mexico of Friday’s weigh-in with Osuna reporting from Macau (Friday, Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m.). A special pre-fight show with Márquez, Sánchez and Osuna will air Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. coverage will continue on ESPN Deportes+, ESPN Deportes’ digital extension available via WatchESPN.com. Following the fights, ESPN Deportes will air a special post-fight show Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 a.m.

o SportsCenter, Capitanes, Radio Fórmula, Cronómetro, and Nación ESPN will have daily segments previewing the fight.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN): HBO’s Emmy-Award-winning all-access reality series, follows both fighters as they prepare for their Welterweight showdown (see schedule below).

Classic Pacquiao and Ríos fights (ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes): Both networks will reair Pacquiao vs. Marquez III and Ríos vs. Alvarado I. In 2011, Pacquiao defeated Márquez in their third fight, scoring a 12-round majority decision. In 2012, Ríos scored a seventh-round TKO win over Mike Alvarado. ESPN Deportes will also reair Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya. In 2008, Pacquiao scored an eighth-round TKO win over De La Hoya (see schedule below).

Digital/Print

· ESPN3 live coverage of press conference, weigh-in and Pacquiao vs. Ríos non-televised undercard fights: ESPN3 will carry Wednesday’s press conference (8:30 a.m.) and Friday’s weigh-in (6:30 p.m.) live on computers, smartphones, tablets, Xbox and Apple TV to fans who receive their Internet or video subscription from an affiliated provider. ESPN3 will also carry Pacquaio vs. Ríos non-televised undercard fights Saturday (7 p.m.).

· ESPN.com:

o Comprehensive coverage including pre- and post-fight features and blogs from Dan Rafael, Eric Raskin, Bernardo Pilatti, and Brian Campbell. Kieran Mulvaney will be on site in Macau providing pre- and post-fight stories throughout the week.

o “Fight Credential,” ESPN.com’s home page for all Pacquiao-Ríos coverage, updated with features, video, photos and social media from all platforms throughout the week and through the fight.

o HBO’s Face Off with Max Kellerman: Pacquiao-Rios. Both fighters square off debate-style with Kellerman serving as moderator.

o Tyson on Pacquiao- Ríos: Former Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson breaks down the fight between the two fighters.

o Live fight-night blog featuring analysis from Mulvaney and Campbell.

o Video previews and breakdowns from Making the Rounds, ESPN.com’s original boxing show.

· ESPN The Magazine:

o Features writer Tim Struby will be in Macau for a post-fight piece in ESPN The Magazine.

Social
· #TeamPacquiao and #TeamRios (@ESPN Twitter; fight week): ESPN will ask its Twitter followers why they’re for #TeamPacquiao or #TeamRios, and re-tweet the best replies.

Schedule of Pacquiao vs. Ríos Coverage across ESPN Platforms:
Date

Time (ET)

Coverage

Platform

Mon, Nov. 18

7:30 p.m.

A Los Golpes (from Los Angeles)

ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

8:30 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

10 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

Tues, Nov. 19

12 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

1 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

8 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

8 p.m.

Live Pacquiao-Ríos Interviews
SportsCenter

9 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

Wed, Nov. 20

1 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

8:30 a.m.

Pacquiao vs. Ríos Live Press Conference
ESPN3

6 p.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 1

ESPN2, WatchESPN

6:30 p.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 2

ESPN2, WatchESPN

9 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

Thurs, Nov. 21

12 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

1 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

7:30 p.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 1

ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

8 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

8 p.m.

Live Pacquiao-Ríos Interviews
SportsCenter

9 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

Fri, Nov. 22

1:30 a.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 1

ESPN2, WatchESPN

2 a.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 2

ESPN2, WatchESPN

2:30 a.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 3

ESPN2, WatchESPN

6:30 p.m.

Pacquiao vs. Ríos Weigh-in Live

ESPN3

6:30 p.m.

Golpe a Golpe (Weigh-in)

ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI GIVES THANKS AND VISITS WITH BROOKLYN YOUTH AT BARCLAYS CENTER

BROOKLYN, NY (November 15, 2013) – Last night, former Two-Time World Champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi attended a special Thanksgiving celebration at Barclays Center for community youth. Malignaggi joined the Brooklynettes, BrooklyKnight and LIU Brooklyn mascot for a special Thanksgiving meal for students from Project Mentor Development Council and Put Down the Guns Foundation (P.S. 161 chapter). The former Two-Division World Champion signed autographs, took photos and spoke to the youth about the importance of believing in yourself and following your dreams.

Malignaggi will see one of his dreams realized when he headlines a night of Brooklyn boxing at Barclays Center on Dec. 7 live on SHOWTIME (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) against fellow Brooklynite Five-Time Two-Division World Champion Zab Judah.

Malignaggi vs. Judah is a 12-round welterweight fight taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Super Judah Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T, Casamigos Tequila and Grudge Match. In the co-featured bout, Devon Alexander puts his IBF welterweight title on the line in a 12-round bout against Shawn Porter and Erislandy Lara defends his interim WBA Super Welterweight title in a 12-round fight against Austin Trout. The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT immediately following ALL ACCESS: Broner vs. Maidana which begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT. The telecast will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes and service charges, available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000 and at the American Express Box Office. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

BRANDON RIOS MACAO WORKOUT PHOTO GALLERY

Photo credit : James Dayap

VIDEO: NILSON – PINZON WEIGH IN

CHRIS EUBANK JR ADDED TO THE JAMES DEGALE UNDERCARD AT GLOW, BLUEWATER, NOVEMBER 16TH

London (15 November) Chris Eubank Jr will take to the ring against Frankie Borg over six, three minute rounds on the James DeGale undercard at Glow, Bluewater, Saturday 16th November, live on Channel 5 from 10pm.

The Brighton-based middleweight will be looking to impress the fans and record his 12th straight victory since turning professional.

However, in Borg, he faces a BBBofC Welsh Area middleweight champion, who will be looking to add the first blemish to Eubank Jr’s perfect record.

?The Cardiff man boasts eight wins and will be looking to make it nine against the son of the legend at Glow.

But the young middleweight prospect is eager to fight and will no doubt be looking forward to the challenge.

Chris fights on the undercard to James DeGale MBE’s WBC Silver super middleweight title defence against ‘Dangerous’ Dyah Davis at Glow, Bluewater on Saturday 16th November, featuring an all-star line up, live on Channel 5 from 10pm.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are still available to buy from the Hennessy Sports Box Office on 01925 755 222 or online at http://hennessy.ticketline.co.uk or alternatively by contacting Tickeline.co.uk online and by phone on 0844 888 4402 or via Ticketmaster.co.uk online or by phone on 0844 847 2500.

Official Public Weigh in details

FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER
AT 4.00PM

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

WEIGHING IN:

WBC Silver super middleweight champion
James DeGale MBE

Former NABF super middleweight champion
Dyah Davis

A SELECTION OF UNDERCARD FIGHTERS

Weigh-in Venue: The Plaza, Glow, Bluewater, Kent, DA9 9ST

Time: 3.30pm for 4.00pm start

All participants will be available for one on one interviews and photo opportunities.

Hennessy Sports would like to take this opportunity to advise the media and public of the official James DeGale MBE vs Dyah Davis weigh in, which will take place Friday 15th November in the lead up to their WBC Silver Title showdown at Glow on Saturday 16th November.

The weigh in is open to the public and a selection of the undercard will also be tipping the scales.

Tyson Fury meet and greet

SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
2.00PM – 4.00PM

Meet, greet, photo and signing opportunities:

Thames Walk, Glow, Bluewater, Kent, DA9 9ST

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Meet, greet, photo and signing opportunities: Thames Walk, Glow, Bluewater, Kent, DA9 9ST

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

Hennessy Sports would like to take this opportunity to advise the public of the Tyson Fury and Hughie Fury meet and greet.

The undefeated former British, Commonwealth and Irish heavyweight champion, Tyson, will be available to sign autograph cards and take pictures, alongside his younger cousin and first British fighter to win a Gold medal at the AIBA Youth Boxing Championships at super heavyweight, Hughie.

The young heavyweight stars will then be entering Glow to support James DeGale MBEas he defends his WBC Silver super middleweight title against tough American ‘Dangerous’ Dyah Davis.

Ticket Information

Tickets for November 16th are priced from £40 and are available to purchase from the following box offices:

Hennessy Sports Box Office on 01925 755 222 and online at: http://hennessy.ticketline.co.uk

Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 and online at: ticketline.co.uk

Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2500 or online at: ticketmaster.co.uk

www.channel5.com
www.maximuscle.com
www.L1quid.com
www.hennessysports.com

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.HENNESSYSPORTS.COM

KHAN HAILS STABLEMATE WARD AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST AND BACKS HIM TO SHINE ON RING RETURN LIVE ON BOXNATION

LONDON (Nov 15) – Boxing ace Amir Khan has hailed stablemate Andre Ward as one of the world’s very best, declaring that he’ll make an explosive ring return this weekend, live on BoxNation.

The super-middleweight world champion, who holds the WBA Super and Ring Magazine titles, makes his long-awaited return to the squared circle following an injury to his shoulder which has kept him out of action since September 2012.

Having seen Ward at close quarters, since joining up with trainer Virgil Hunter last year, who has honed the skills of the American since childhood, Khan is in no doubt that a revitalised and rejuvenated Ward will dismantle his so far unbeaten opponent, Edwin Rodriguez.

“Andre Ward is a tremendous fighter and one of the very best in the world. I think for any fighter going in against him it’s going to be very tricky. Edwin Rodriguez is undefeated but you’ve got to come with a lot more than that when facing someone like Ward,” said Khan.

“He’s the type of fighter who can make adjustments in the ring and isn’t one dimensional in his approach. After being out for so long I’m sure he’ll want to bounce back with a big win and a big performance, and I’m fully expecting him to come out and try and impress from the get-go.

“He’s looked really good in the gym and he’ll use the frustration from over a year out to his benefit come Saturday night,” Khan added.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion has also backed Ward’s unique ability to be just as proficient using his slick boxing skills from the outside as he is dealing with the roughhouse tactics often utilised by his opponents from close in.

Khan expects Rodriguez to deploy an aggressive, come-forward approach, which he believes will lead to his downfall.

“I think Rodriguez is going to try and take the fight to him from the start and see if there is any ring rust there. By doing that though he can get picked off and walk into a big shot,” said Khan.

“There’s a misconception that Ward doesn’t like to engage and get involved but he’s tough enough, and clever enough, to stand with Rodriguez and still get the better of the fight from the inside,” he said.

“Ward won’t be rushed and he’ll look to break Rodriguez down round-by-round before trying to close the show. It’s a great stage and chance for Rodriguez, which could spur him on, but I believe Ward will just have too much for him,” Khan stated.

A possible match-up for the 29-year-old from Oakland, California is a rematch with British bruiser Carl Froch.

Ward convincingly beat the man from Nottingham when they met in December 2011 but his recent triumphs over Lucian Bute and Mikkel Kessler, plus the bad blood between the pair, has led to calls for them to share the ring again, something which excites Khan.

“If Ward and Froch fought again it would be a huge fight, particularly in Britain. They’ve both excelled in the super-middleweight division and are the two leading names there now,” he said.

“They’re both world champions, so it’s a fight which definitely makes sense and one boxing fans want to see. I believe the fight would follow the same course as the first one. The thing is with Ward he’s very clever and smart, and can fight inside just as well as he does outside,” said Khan.

“Carl is an all-action sort of fighter and I think that plays into Ward’s hands because he can use his boldness against him. Ward would be more eager to try and get the stoppage in a rematch, because of some of the things which were said after the first fight, but there’s no doubt it would be a really exciting match up and occasion,” he said.

“The onus would be on Carl to take Ward into the trenches and force him to fight his kind of fight but that wouldn’t be easy to do because Ward is very disciplined and makes adjustments,” Khan declared.

Ward vs. Rodriguez is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) from 2am this Sunday morning. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Retiring Delaware boxer Mike “No Joke” Stewart to be honored during Friday Night Fights Nov. 22 at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

DOVER, Del. — Dover Downs Hotel & Casino President and CEO, Ed Sutor, will present to New Castle’s Mike “No Joke” Stewart, former USBA Junior Welterweight Champion, a plaque in recognition of Stewart’s accomplishments in boxing since beginning his professional career in July 1996.

“We feel that it is absolutely fitting to recognize the many contributions made by Mike Stewart to the sport of boxing in Delaware,” said Sutor. “At Dover Downs Hotel & Casino alone, Mike for a long time was the biggest draw on our cards and very often the headliner. He had, and still has, a huge following of fans and supporters who in no small way contributed to numerous sold-out boxing events here. We want Mike to know that we recognize his career accomplishments as noteworthy on the Delaware boxing scene and that he has earned our gratitude and respect for his commitment to the sport.”

Born in Columbia, Tenn., 35-year-old Stewart, Golden Glove winner in 1995, said that boxing as a youngster helped him stay out of trouble. “I’ve been boxing since 11 with my older brother, Richard. It opened a lot of doors for us coming up, and we met a lot of good people who wanted us to succeed.”

Stewart’s professional boxing career began on July 26, 1996, when in his debut he delivered a knockout punch in round 2 against Ed Daubert. That would be the beginning of a 30-fight unbeaten streak, which lasted until February 2002, when Dorin Spivey, then 28-2, received a 10-round split decision against Stewart.

Stewart won the USBA Junior Welterweight Championship title on March 21, 2003, in the Rollins Center with a seventh round knockout over Philadelphia’s Charles “Chucky T” Tschorniawsky. Stewart successfully defended that title against former world champion Terron Millet in June 2003 and former world title challenger Ivan “Mighty” Robinson in November 2003, both being stopped by TKO in the seventh and eighth rounds, respectively.

Having won all four of his fights in 2003 by knockout, Stewart was now a top-ranked contender in the International Boxing Federation. On April 3, 2004, Stewart travelled to Manchester, England, where he dropped a unanimous decision to interim IBF junior welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell.

Stewart returned to Philadelphia in June 2004 and stopped Carlos Antonio Escobar in seven rounds before again trekking to Manchester to face unbeaten Ricky Hatton in an IBF title eliminator on Oct. 1, 2004. Once again, Stewart’s world title aspirations would be placed on hold after Hatton defeated him in five rounds.

Undaunted, Stewart and his family went to California in 2005 to participate in “The Contender: Season Two,” which aired on ESPN. Stewart drew tough Ebo Elder in the first round, and knocked him out with a sweeping left hook in round 4.

Stewart endeared himself to millions of viewers when he explained how tough the win was for him because their families had become close. “His wife and my wife went shopping together. My kids played with his kids,” Stewart said immediately after the bout. Stewart would drop a decision to eventual champion Grady Brewer in the next bout. Still, the experience was a success considering the episodes featuring Stewart drew some of the highest ratings. “The Contender” television series was The Ring magazine Event of the Year for 2005.

By now, Stewart had 45 bouts under his belt. After going 3-2, with one no-contest in his next six fights, Stewart took an 18-month hiatus from the sport, during which he started his own construction contracting company.

Stewart returned to the ring at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino on April 24, 2009, and did not receive another loss until the final fight of his pro career in the Rollins Center on May 18, 2012, levied by Christopher Fernandez. Stewart retires with a Delaware record-setting 59 fights (48-8-3, 25 KOs), 12 executed at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.

On his retirement from the ring, Stewart says he still has work to do in the sport and currently sits on the Board for the Delaware Division for Professional Regulation in hopes of getting a boxing commission started in the state. “I believe in Delaware’s amateur fighters and their need to have the fan base to support them. I want to be there every step of the way with my guys. I continue to reach out to anyone who will listen about the importance of backing amateur shows in Delaware.”

Stewart will be presented with a plaque in his honor by Ed Sutor during the Nov. 22 card and will present the fight of the night trophy following the final bout. Stewart, proud Member of the Roofers Local Union #30 and the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local Union #332, resides in New Castle, Del., with his wife Lisa of 14 years and their two daughters, Brittney and Jasmine. “When a boxer can’t give one hundred percent to his craft, there is a big risk of getting seriously hurt. Lisa and the girls have made sacrifices for my career and supported my time away in the gym and the ring, and it does my heart good to now spend that time focusing on them.”

# # #

About Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Owned by Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: DDE), Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® is a premier gaming and entertainment resort destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Gaming operations consist of more than 2,400 slots and a full complement of table games including poker. The AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel is Delaware’s largest with 500 luxurious rooms/suites and amenities including a full-service spa/salon, concert hall and 41,500 sq. ft. of multi-use event space. Live, world-class harness racing is featured November through April, and horse racing is simulcast year-round. Professional football parlay betting is accepted during the season. Additional property amenities include multiple restaurants from fine dining to casual fare, bars/lounges and retail shops. For more information, please visit www.doverdowns.com.

Sdunek optimistic to make Alekseev his world champion number thirteen

There are just eight days to go until a new cruiserweight world champion will be crowned. At least, that is what trainer Fritz Sdunek believes. The 66-year-old has already coached twelve world champions and wants to make cruiserweight Alexander Alekseev (24-2-1, 20 KOs) number thirteen. “I think that the chances are pretty big. I am very optimistic as Alexander looked great over the whole period of sparring,” said Sdunek ahead of his prodigy’s mandatory title bid against IBF and RING Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (27-1, 13 KOs) on November 23 in Bamberg, Germany.

Sdunek knows that both southpaws are on par when it comes down to pure technical skill. But he sees two big advantages that will pave the way to victory for Alekseev. “Alexander has raw punching power, Hernandez not so much. In addition, Hernandez was injury bidden over the last years and this will be his first fight in over 14 months. He might be a bit rusty, which plays in our hands.”

However, Sdunek also knows that Hernandez is not a defending world champion for nothing. “There are certain things in this fight Alekseev must be wary of, especially Hernandez potent jab. He also throws a good uppercut that could spell danger.”

Hernandez vs. Alekseev will also be another meeting of the most renowned German coaches. However, Sdunek does not seem to care much to go up against his friend Ulli Wegner. “We met so often in the amateurs and also four times in the professional ranks that it is nothing special to me anymore. This is all about the fighters. The trainer who has his prodigy better prepared will win!”

Tickets for the big fight night at the brose Arena in Bamberg can be purchased at www.eventim.de and www.boxen.com.

Anthony Hardy moves forward; prepares for December fight

Horden boxing prospect Anthony Hardy (2-0) tangled with Chris Bennett (1-1) on October 19th – scoring a forth round knockdown and winning the fight on the scorecards.

Bennett was an equally-seasoned amateur and squared-up 1-0 pro (prior to the fight), and he gave a solid account of himself in a competitive opening three rounds. Hardy really got down to business in the forth and final round; decking the Newcastle resident and putting on an exemplar display of heart to lock in his undefeated record.

This bout, taking place at the Rainton Meadows Arena in Tyne and Wear, was scored a 39-37 decision victory for Anthony Hardy by the lone judge, Mark Curry. Bennett’s high-hopes were quickly marginalized from that of Hardy, who displayed his burgeoning boxing ability through multiple accounts in an all-around difficult outing.

In this fight, Anthony Hardy himself, along with fans, promoters, and media, were elucidated to the positive and negative qualities of Hardy, and “The Hitman” is working hard to accentuate the first of the two words. The passion and vehemence to win tooth-and-nail fights atop the British-title playing field as well as the ring savvy to back it up in the long run.

Celebration time is long over; now it’s time to move forward.

The team of Anthony Hardy expects high-level success from their fighter, and we expect him to satisfy these desires as the 21-year-old Hardy’s wins continue to accumulate. The victories over Bennett and Matt Seawright were only the beginning of what could be an extensive career run extending through the upcoming weeks, months, years, and perhaps north of a decade.

Anthony Hardy’s next fight is now scheduled, and will take place on another one of Phil Jefferies upstanding boxing shows. On December 7th in Newcastle, Hardy will look for win #3 at the Centre of Sport. In the main event Martin Ward takes on Gabriel Laryea for the vacant Commonwealth Bantamweight title.

Hardy is known for his crafty and astute style. With that said, he still mixes things up with high volume and awkward angles. He’s preparing for the December 7th as hard as he has the rest – even prior to knowing the name of his opponent. This is all in lead up to a domestic title bout sometime late next year, but until then, every performance has the same urgency as one win could ruin it all.

Follow Anthony Hardy on Facebook at Anthony Hardy – Professional Boxer and on Twitter at @Anth_Hardy11

ARFAN ‘MAJOR’ IQBAL PRIMED TO PUT ON A SHOW TOMORROW NIGHT AT GLOW, BLUEWATER, NOVEMBER 16TH

London (15 November) Arfan Iqbal is primed and ready to put on a show on the James DeGale undercard at Glow, Bluewater, this Saturday, November 16.

The 22-year-old light heavyweight is ready to put on a dominant performance when he takes on Swanley fighter Leon Senior.

Arfan is already hotly tipped to go a long way in the sport and undefeated former British, Commonwealth and Irish heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, recently labelled him “my secret weapon” when the Derby man joined Tyson in Belgium to help him prepare for David Haye.

Fast and powerful, Iqbal is ready to match the expectation and record his seventh straight win to his perfect professional record.

But, he will have to overcome Senior, 33, a man with home crowd advantage and looking to add the first blemish to the young prospect’s record.

A man who defended his BBBofC Southern Area light heavyweight title against Dan Woodgate last time out.

But Arfan won’t be overlooking any opponent as he looks to maintain his unbeaten record in style.

Iqbal fights on the undercard to James DeGale MBE’s WBC Silver super middleweight title defence against ‘Dangerous’ Dyah Davis at Glow, Bluewater on Saturday 16th November, featuring an all-star line up, live on Channel 5 from 10pm.

Official Weigh in details

TODAY (FRIDAY) 15TH NOVEMBER
AT 4.00PM

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
WEIGHING IN:
WBC Silver super middleweight champion
James DeGale MBE

Former NABF super middleweight champion
Dyah Davis

A SELECTION OF UNDERCARD FIGHTERS

Weigh-in Venue: The Plaza, Glow, Bluewater, Kent, DA9 9ST

Time: 3.30pm for 4.00pm start

All participants will be available for one on one interviews and photo opportunities.

The weigh in is open to the public and a selection of the undercard will also be tipping the scales.

Tyson Fury meet and greet

SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
2.00PM – 4.00PM

Meet, greet, photo and signing opportunities:

Thames Walk, Glow, Bluewater, Kent, DA9 9ST

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Meet, greet, photo and signing opportunities: Thames Walk, Glow, Bluewater, Kent, DA9 9ST

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

Hennessy Sports would like to take this opportunity to advise the public of the Tyson Fury and Hughie Fury meet and greet.

The young heavyweight stars will then be entering Glow to support James DeGale MBEas he defends his WBC Silver super middleweight title against tough American ‘Dangerous’ Dyah Davis.
Ticket Information

Tickets for November 16th are priced from £40 and are available to purchase from the following box offices:

Hennessy Sports Box Office on 01925 755 222 and online at: http://hennessy.ticketline.co.uk

Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 and online at: ticketline.co.uk

Ticketmaster on 0844 847 2500 or online at: ticketmaster.co.uk

www.channel5.com
www.maximuscle.com
www.L1quid.com
www.hennessysports.com

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.HENNESSYSPORTS.COM

JAMIE ARTHUR: ‘BRADLEY PRYCE HAS ALREADY BEATEN BETTER FIGHTERS THAN RABCHENKO.’

LONDON (Nov 15) – At the ripe old age of 32, Welsh enigma Bradley Pryce gets what will surely be a final bite at securing a title commensurate with his prodigious natural ability this weekend.

On Saturday evening, the one they call ‘Sugar Sweet’ challenges unbeaten Belarussian Sergey Rabchenko for the European light-middleweight crown in Vratsa, Bulgaria.

Watch the fight live and exclusive in the UK by tuning into BoxNation, The Channel of Champions, from 5.30pm Saturday night on Sky Ch.437/Virgin Ch.546. Join at www.boxnation.com

A multiple British junior champion at the lauded Calzaghe gym in Newbridge, the father of three reigned for three years on the Commonwealth light-middle throne between 2006-09, successfully retaining his claim six times.

However, a world title opportunity proved elusive, his motivation started to wane and he gradually drifted into the role of a high class journeyman, losing eight of his last 15.

Belatedly, Lady Luck has chosen to shine on him. When French southpaw Cedric Vitu withdrew with a wrist injury last week, Pryce was sufficiently close to the 154lb division cut-off to step in as a late-notice replacement. He does not intend squandering his good fortune.

In search of the inside track, boxing writer Glynn Evans hunted down the challenger’s trainer Jamie Arthur – himself a Commonwealth champion in both the amateur and professional codes – to discuss Pryce’s condition, state of mind and prospects of success.

“I’ve known Bradley since I was a 13 or 14 year old amateur and I’d spar him and his brothers, Byron and Delroy, plus Gavin Rees up at Enzo Calzaghe’s gym in Newbridge. Since then, we’ve always been around the Welsh boxing scene together.

Even back then, you could see Bradley had stacks of natural ability; a beautiful jab and great movement. He could really box. The ‘Sugar Sweet’ nickname was really apt. However, he often neglected that talent because he didn’t always put the hard graft in and, instead of using his technical gifts, he’d just have ‘tear ups’ and try to wear his opponent out.

I’ve always followed his career pretty closely. Then, about six months ago, Brad got wind that I’d set up a gym and was breaking into managing and coaching. He contacted me, asking if I could give him a hand. We’ve since had two fights together; his win over (ex ABA champion) Michael Lomax and a ten round points defeat to Torben Keller, an unbeaten prospect over in Denmark.

I view boxing very much as a business. Above all, Bradley is my friend, a nice kid. He’s had to come through so pretty shit times so I want to help him get as much money as he can from the twilight of his career so that he can use that money, plus the local celebrity status he’s acquired, to flourish in life after his boxing career comes to an end. And I want him to achieve that by boxing the way that he should; being savvy and using the fantastic skills and boxing brain that he has.

We all know that, in the past, Bradley had a reputation for being lazy and difficult to motivate. He used to revel in playing the fool and mucking about at the gym but I think the penny’s finally dropped.

Today he’s a different person, conducts himself as a professional athlete. I’ve got him training three times a day; up to 15 rounds on the bags and pads in the morning, circuits in the afternoon, running in the evening. He understands he’s not got too long left and he’s become very dedicated.

As his own body is aging, he knows there’s younger fighters about with more in the tank than him. So he needs to fight smarter; do what he should’ve done all along. We all know that he’s got a massive heart, never gives up and will have a fight with anybody. But now it’s crucial he uses his skills, applies smart pressure, dictates the range and distance. Once he throws his combos, he has to get himself back into a safe position, ready to go again.

He does it effortlessly in the gym but, come fight night, he can switch off. Unfortunately, you can’t always take the fight out of the dog. Bradley’s a natural warrior. It’s my role to make sure that he stays focused and disciplined throughout the fight.

Though Bradley had been performing very capably and had shown his toughness by lasting the distance against top middleweights like Billy Joe Saunders and Chris Eubank Jnr recently, we actually intended to drop him right down to welterweight for the final few chapters of his career. I think that’s where you’ll get the optimal performance from Bradley but then this opportunity arrived and it was too good to turn down.

I really care about Bradley so, naturally, I had reservations when the Rabchenko fight was offered, particularly given the short notice. I love his family and kids so I’m very mindful of him coming to harm. But this is a European title fight and Bradley’s old enough and wise enough to make his own decisions. I asked him ‘How much do you really want this?’ He had no hesitation in accepting.

Not many British prospects will risk themselves against Brad because he’s too big a danger. Win, lose or draw, this fight will put him in a better position financially to thrive in his life after boxing. And it’s not as if he’s going into the unknown. He’s taken Rabchenko 12 rounds before and only got beat because he was lazy.

I’ve studied tapes of Sergey, including Bradley’s previous fight with him (May 2011), and he’s a good European style fighter. He’s unbeaten, on the crest of a wave with a world title fight lined up next so he’ll be very confident.

Sergey’s nice and tight defensively, with good balance. He’s strong, works well behind his jab, can bang a bit with either hand and doesn’t waste much. He likes to trudge forward and get ‘in your face’. To have won a European title, he has to be a good fighter.

But regardless of what money we were offered, I’d not have advised Brad to have taken this fight if I thought he had no chance of winning. Brad’s fit and strong – mentally and physically – and together, we know boxing. There’s always ways to eliminate an opponent’s strengths and win a fight.

Earlier in his career, Bradley’s already beaten better fighters than Rabchenko and he’s also scored plenty of upsets – particularly against Eastern Europeans – when he was supposed to have no chance. I know from studying him in the gym that he’s got plenty left in the tank. It’s all about delivering on the night.”

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

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Sands China Donating to Typhoon Haiyan Relief Efforts

(Macao, Nov. 14, 2013) – Sands China Ltd. is assisting the Macao community’s efforts to provide disaster relief to those affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest tropical storms ever recorded, which made landfall in the Philippines Nov. 8, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

The company is spearheading several initiatives to raise donations to aid disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. The first is a cash donation of US$100,000 to the Macau Red Cross.

Additionally, to encourage team members to participate in the relief effort, Sands China will make a further Macau Red Cross donation, matching dollar-for-dollar the donations made by company employees to non-governmental organisations providing Haiyan disaster assistance, upon presentation of a valid donation receipt or bank-in slip. Moreover, Macau Red Cross donation boxes are being placed in the back-of-house staff areas at all Sands China Ltd. properties, to assist the individual donation efforts of Sands China team members.

Donation boxes will also be placed at the Cotai Arena on Nov. 23 during the Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios welterweight fight, as well as at the event’s live feed venues at The Venetian® Macao’s Milan Ballroom and the Bellini Lounge, giving attendees an opportunity to donate. Finally, 100 per cent of ticket sales revenue from the Milan Ballroom live feed event will be donated to the Macau Red Cross, with an additional dollar-for-dollar match by Sands China doubling the total donation amount. The event provides the public an opportunity to play a part in raising additional funds for the relief effort; ticketing information is available at www.venetianmacao.com/manny.

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About Sands China Ltd.
Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928, Sands China or the Company) is a Cayman Islands registered company and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is comprised of The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel, The Plaza™ Macao and Sands® Cotai Central. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s integrated resorts contain a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities, a wide range of restaurants, shopping malls, world-class entertainment at the Cotai Arena and the Venetian Theatre, and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s property development projects on Cotai have the goal of transforming it into Asia’s premier entertainment and business destination. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

Top Rank signs Falcao

Top Rank has signed 2012 Olympic Silver Medal winner Esquiva Falcao of Brazil according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We are thrilled that Esquiva has joined Top Rank. He has so much talent and we look forward to letting that talent shine on an international stage,” Top Rank president Todd duBoef said. “Brazil boasts a robust media market and a rabid fan base. There is a reason why Brazil is hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. We look forward to using those platforms in promoting Esquiva.”

QUOTES FROM THE NBC 11/16 ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON’ PRESS CONFERENCE

VERONA, NY – A press conference was held today at the Turning Stone Resort Casino to announce the reconfigured card for Saturday afternoon’s NBC Fight Night in the Afternoon boxing show.

Vyascheslav “Czar” Glazkov will take on last minute sub Garrett Wilson of Philadelphia in the ten-round main event. Meanwhile, somebody’s “0” has to go when Long Island’s Mike Brooks faces Karl “Dynamite” Dargan in a battle of unbeaten lightweights which has been changed from an 8-rounder to a 10-round co-main event. That fight has now been sanctioned for the vacant USBA Atlantic Coast Regional Lightweight Championship.

The last minute changes became necessary when veteran Tomasz Adamek was felled by a nasty stomach virus yesterday. This morning he was not feeling any better and was forced to pull out of the fight.

The afternoon broadcast will begin at 2:30PM ET on NBC.

Kathy Duva: “Yesterday when we were on our way here (Turning Stone) we got calls informing us that Tomasz Adamek, who was scheduled to appear in the main event and who has fought 51 times in his career and never pulled out of a fight, has been stricken by the flu. He has a stomach flu of some kind and it is not going away. He was being advised by his doctor not to fight. He asked us for another day, that perhaps a little more rest and time would take care of it, but he called us this morning and said he isn’t feeling better, he is feeling worse.

STATEMENT FROM TOMASZ ADAMEK: “For the first time in my career I have had to pull out of a bout. I apologize to all of my fans, but the stomach flu has hit me so hard that it is impossible to go through with Saturday’s bout.”

“I was hoping that against the odds I would recover sufficiently to compete. However, that has not happened. My doctor has told me that I should not fight and, very honestly, I feel awful. Therefore, I had to inform Main Events that I could not compete on Saturday.”

“Again, I apologize, but the circumstances are beyond my control.”

Kathy Duva: “So in a brilliant display of their matchmaking abilities, our matchmakers, most notably Jolene Mizzone who has been carrying the ball here, and Russell Peltz who had a hand in helping us find a replacement, went out and did what I would have considered impossible 24 hours ago.”

Kathy Duva “To his credit he (Czar), said I don’t care who it is…he was fine with everybody (we suggested) and I just want everybody to remember what a great competitor he is, because that has been his attitude from day one.

Kathy Duva: “Just as 2 Philly fighters stepped into the ring and saved us back in January two years ago, another Philly fighter has decided to step up and take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime to fight on broadcast television in front of millions of fans…and that is Garrett Wilson. Garrett is the quintessential Philly fighter. He is a guy who has stepped in at the last minute many times in his career because he is always in the gym. He works as a personal trainer, he’s always in shape, he is always ready to go. He jumped at this opportunity, he didn’t hesitate. He understands that if he is able to pull off an upset he will literally make his career. He has fought at the world level for a while, he is a great fighter, way better than his record might indicate…this is going to be a tremendous fight because Garrett is coming here and he is going to do everything in his power to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Kathy Duva: “Another thing we are going to do to make up for the change in the card is we have a tremendous co-feature between Mike Brooks and Karl “Dynamite” Dargan. Two undefeated lightweights who are really in a position to really take a step up and literally steal the show if they can do it. That fight is being promoted to a 10 rounder from an 8 (and has been sanctioned for the vacant USBA Atlantic Coast Region Lightweight Title).”

Joe Higgins, Brooks Trainer: “If you fight a four round fight you train for six rounds, if you have a six round fight you train for an eight round fight. We were training for an eight round fight so in essence we were training for a ten round fight. Mike is absolutely ready to do ten hard rounds if need be.”

Mike Brooks: “I am undefeated, I worked very hard to get here and I want to give a good show. I have full aspirations to go forward in this sport.”

Brother Naazim Richardson, Dargan Trainer: “I didn’t remember Mike when they gave me the name. My son reminded me and I remember him from the amateurs. Dynamite is a special young kid that I have had in the gym since he was seven years old. He has been involved in camp in every level of boxing. He has had conversations with legendary fighters who have told him how to seize these opportunities and I think he has the demeanor and mentality to take this to the next level in boxing and we are here to cultivate this young man.”

Karl “Dynamite” Dargan: “It’s been a long successful camp. Much respect to Mike and his camp as well. You are going to see two fighters clash that are trying to keep their ‘0’.”

Egis Klimas, Glazkov Manager: “We don’t know the new opponent. What we do know is that Glazkov is not afraid of anyone. We know that he came to this fight very well prepared, and any opponent you put in front of him will be dealt with.”

Czar Glazkov: “I was disappointed but there is nothing I can do now. I am just happy that an new opponent was found. It could have been that I was not going to fight at all, so I am grateful to Main Events and NBC for keeping the fight.”

Ticket Info: Tickets range from $25 to $70 and are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, orClick Here to Purchase Tickets for Nov 16 Adamek vs Glazkov Fight at Turning Stone Resort & Casino.

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Fight Network Presents Live UFC 167 Press Conference, Weigh-ins

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, will be broadcasting the live press conference and weigh-ins for UFC 167: St-Pierre vs. Hendricks on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 from Las Vegas.

Fight Network’s live UFC 167 fight week coverage will be aired nationwide in Canada, as well as internationally as part of Fight Network’s expansion on ZON in Portugal, Telenet in Belgium, D-Smart in Turkey, and ZAP in Angola and Mozambique.

On Thursday, November 15, at 4 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents the live pre-fight press conference featuring welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre and No. 1 contender Johny Hendricks, as well as UFC president Dana White and main card fighters Chael Sonnen, Rashad Evans, Rory MacDonald and Robbie Lawler.

On Friday, November 16, at 7 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents the live weigh-ins ahead of Saturday’s pay-per-view from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Both live broadcasts will include roundtable discussion and analysis with John Ramdeen and John Pollock from Fight Network studios in Toronto.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

ANDRE WARD AND EDWIN RODRIGUEZ Quotes

ONTARIO, CA (Nov. 14) — Andre Ward & Edwin Rodriguez get up close and personal at the final press conference before they colllide for Ward’s WBA & Ring Magazine Super Middleweight Title Saturday night in the fight dubbed “THE RETURN.”

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward:

“I’m locked in. I take this sport real serious. And he (Rodriguez) is going to find that out come Saturday night. Everybody talks about how hungry he is as a challenger, but he is running into a hungry champion. I am excited to get back. I’m sharp. I’m ready to be better than ever. ”

Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez:

“I respect Andre Ward. I think he’s a good fighter. He has accomplished a lot in the sport of boxing, winning the tournament in the Super Six. But, at the same time, I don’t respect him either. I’m ready to get in there and punch that guy in the face. Come November 16th, I will do just that.”

“THE RETURN”features a 12-round World Championship bout between Super Middleweight World Champion, Andre Ward and undefeated challenger Edwin Rodriguez. The night of boxing will take place Nov. 16 from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif. live on HBO World Championship Boxing® (10:00 p.m., ET/PT). Available in HDTV.

Tickets are priced at $200, $125, $75, $50 and $25 (parking included with purchase) and are available at Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office or online at AXS.com or call AXS at 888-929-7849 starting. For more information, please visit www.CBBankArena.com. Doors for the event open at 3:00 p.m.

The Ward-Rodriguez bout is being presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with S.O.G. Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, and sponsored byToyota, Morongo Casino Resort Spa and the City of Ontario.

For more information on Goossen Tutor Promotions, including exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and photos, visit www.goossentutor.com . For more information on DiBella Entertainment, visit www.dbe1.com . Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing , on Facebook www.facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hboboxing . Join the conversation by using the Hashtag #WardRodriguez on Twitter.

Gamboa arrested on Domest Violence

Lightweight beltholder Yuriorkis Gamboa was arrested Wednesday on a Domestic Violence charge according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“There’s an allegation that was sufficient enough to get him arrested, but we’re not ready to make any statement yet,” Gamboa’s attorney Tony Gonzalez told ESPN.com. “This is recent and unexpected. It’s two misdemeanor counts, not felony charges. We’re going to deal with. I haven’t had a chance to talk to (Gamboa) yet in any detail, only briefly when we were at the courthouse.

“Until we get a little further along and see what’s going on we have no comment on it. We’ll deal with it. If there’s any light at the end of the tunnel it’s that we’re dealing with misdemeanor charges. I’m not downplaying misdemeanor charges. Anything like this is serious, but there’s two sides to every story.”

“It is the second time, but the first time there was no conviction, just allegations,” Gonzalez said.

“Hopefully, we can put this situation behind us and ’50’ can get things worked out for the fight with Garcia and Gamboa can fight him in January,” Gonzalez said.

MMA WEIGHTS FROM FOXWOODS

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Nov. 14, 2013) – Listed below are weights for all of the participants in tomorrow night’s “A November To Remember” pro-am mixed martial arts card at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

CHUCK O’NEIL
Bridgewater, Mass.
11-6, 3 KOs
170

CHRIS WOODALL
Atlanta, Ga.
12-4, 5 KOs
168

THOMAS EGAN
Dorchester, Mass.
7-3, 5 KOs
181

HARLEY BEEKMAN
Amsterdam, N.Y.
4-2, 2 KOs
184

JOSH DIEKMANN
Groton, Conn.
13-5, 9 KOs
247

CHRIS GUILLEN
Fort Worth, Tex.
13-15, 1 KO
237

WILLIE BROWN JR.
Meriden, Conn.
1-0
202

CHAZZ DOWELL
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Pro debut
202

BLAIR TUGMAN
North Haven, Conn.
5-3
134

THEO DESJARDIN
North Attleboro, Mass.
4-7, 2 KOs
140

JAMES MURRIN
Dorchester, Mass.
Pro debut
145

DOUGLAS MONTEIRO
Framingham, Mass.
Pro debut
144

MARVIN MALDONADO
Latham, N.Y.
Pro debut
126

DAN CORMIER
Providence, R.I.
1-3
123

RYAN POMPEII
Pawtucket, R.I.
0-0
131

ROMULADO DE FREITAS
Framingham, Mass.
0-0
132

MIKE PIACENTINI
Meriden, Conn.
0-1
134

DASHAWN ROBINSON
North Haven, Conn.
1-1
134

UFC STARS OFFER INSIGHT ON ST-PIERRE VS. HENDRICKS

Las Vegas, Nevada – In July, at UFC 162, Chris Weidman scored one of the biggest upsets of all time when he knocked out Anderson Silva to win the UFC middleweight championship. Fans Octagonside at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas were stunned when a Weidman left hook laid out “The Spider” in the second round. But not everyone was surprised by the result. Now, some of the sport’s best athletes are predicting another long championship reign to end when welterweight king Georges St-Pierre collides with No.1 contender Johny Hendricks this Saturday.

The fight is the most eagerly-anticipated UFC welterweight title fight in years, with Las Vegas oddsmakers giving the Ada, Oklahoma-born Hendricks the best shot to take the title away from “GSP” in years. The No.1 ranked challenger is currently listed as +205 (or a little over 2-1) to snatch the title away, the narrowest odds offered on any GSP opponent since BJ Penn challenged the Canadian half a decade ago at UFC 94.

UFC president Dana White said: “Just like when Chris Weidman was challenging Anderson Silva, everywhere I go, I’ve got fighters telling me that they think the upset is happening in this fight. All the pros think Johny Hendricks is the biggest challenge that GSP has faced in his entire UFC career. Almost every fighter I’ve spoken to and every fighter we’ve interviewed thinks Hendricks is going to shock the world.”

Here, some of the biggest names in the UFC weigh in on what could be the upset of the year.

Carlos Condit (No.2 ranked welterweight contender, former interim UFC welterweight champion; has fought both St-Pierre and Hendricks)

“If I were a betting man, I’d take Johny Hendricks for the upset. You have to give Johny a huge chance in this fight. I’m most excited to see how their wrestling matches up. If Johny can stop the takedown, like a lot of people think he will, it is going to be very interesting.”

Chael Sonnen (No.6 ranked light heavyweight contender, three-time UFC title challenger)

“Johny is by far the biggest threat to GSP’s title, that’s obvious. Hendricks could be the guy to end GSP’s reign, we all get that. What’s getting missed here is the bigger story: If GSP wins this fight, he is the greatest fighter in the history of the UFC, the number one guy of the UFC’s first two decades. Hendricks will be the UFC champion in the future – I think we can all agree on that – so if GSP can beat him now he will not only be the greatest fighter of his era, but also of the Hendricks era. Every win Hendricks gets after losing to GSP would be a win for GSP, too. So this is an even bigger stakes match than people realize. I think GSP will show up in the form of his life – but I also think Hendricks wins this.”

Tim Kennedy (No.10 ranked middleweight contender)

“I think Johny Hendricks is the better fighter across the board. Better wrestler, better striker, takes a shot better – everything. But I think GSP, he’s just a freak, he will find a game plan to win on points. I really think that Hendricks should win this fight, but I won’t bet against GSP.”

Robbie Lawler (No.10 ranked welterweight contender)

“It’s going to be a tense first round for sure. I think whoever imposes their will and can get the ball rolling early will take it. Cardio is going to be the key and you know Georges will be ready to go the full five. Hendricks needs to come in shape and, if he does, he’s got a great chance to take the title.”

Matt Serra (former UFC welterweight champion, last man to defeat St-Pierre)

“Johny has been taking out a lot of tough guys, knocking guys out, so he has a huge puncher’s chance. Koscheck had a great right hand and a puncher’s chance against GSP, but nothing like this guy. GSP does fight safe, so the opportunities for Hendricks to land the shot are going to be few and far between, but he will get the chance and he has to be ready to take it. That’s what I did.”

Dan Hardy (UFC welterweight contender, former title contender who faced St-Pierre)

“The upset can happen. We all know GSP is the best problem-solver in the sport, but he’s got a hell of a problem in this fight. Johny Hendricks presents a different kind of danger than anyone else Georges has ever fought. GSP has beaten fighters with good power before, but Hendricks, to my mind, is the hardest single-shot puncher in the division. Johny Hendricks needs to hit you once, and that’s it. GSP has beaten great wrestlers – before, but no one anywhere near as decorated as Hendricks. Even if Johny’s wrestling enables him to stay standing for 10 minutes out of the scheduled 25, that’s still a hell of a long time for him to land one shot.”

Alexander Gustafsson (No.1 ranked light heavyweight contender)

“I definitely believe Hendricks has a chance to beat GSP. He’s a hard hitter with excellent wrestling skills, so anything can happen.”

Chad Mendes (No.1 ranked featherweight contender)

“I think Johny is gonna get this. GSP is super athletic, a great champion, but Johny’s wrestling and power gives him the advantage. GSP doesn’t have the best chin in the world, and actually I think he can’t take a shot even as well as he did a few years ago. I can see a second-round KO.”

Brian Stann (former middleweight contender, FOX Sports commentator)

“Georges is the all-round better fighter, but I think Johny is winning this fight. I think the years of being champion, fighting the best of the best, fight after fight, year after year, have taken a toll on GSP. His chin isn’t what it was and I think Johny’s takedown defense is so good that he will spend enough time on his feet to land the knockout shot. Johny is happy to take a few to land one, and I think that will happen. Carlos Condit did a lot of damage to Georges in their fight, and if Johny catches him like that it is over.”

Cat Zingano (No.1 ranked women’s bantamweight contender)

“GSP knows how not to lose fights, and I can see him not losing the fight. But, I have this feeling that Johny Hendricks is so wild, so unpredictable, that he will catch GSP. Hendricks is like a wind-up doll with a chainsaw and I don’t know how you can prepare for that. GSP will have had a hard time preparing for this style. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Hendricks wins the title.”

Michael Bisping (No.4 ranked middleweight contender)

“I’m going with Hendricks to put him to sleep in one round with a left hook. Hendricks has the capabilities of stopping GSP’s takedowns and, quite honestly, it is going to be a murder on the feet. Hendricks hits too hard and he can take a hell of a shot himself. Hendricks’ left hook is the most dangerous weapon in the entire welterweight division, and it will win him the UFC championship on November 16. Also, I’m just not sure if GSP really wants to do this anymore. He is the best welterweight of all time, perhaps the best UFC fighter of all time, period.”

Jake Shields (No.7 ranked welterweight contender, former welterweight title challenger)

“If I had to bet a lot of money on it, I’d go with GSP on points, but I think Johny has a real good chance because GSP doesn’t like getting hit. I’m excited to see two things happen in this fight. First, I want to see how GSP reacts to getting hit by someone who hits like Hendricks. Second, I’m really interested in how Hendricks deals with getting put on his back. Hendricks is a four-time NCAA Division I wrestling All-American, he’s not used to getting taken down, but it will happen fighting Georges. It will happen in the first round. If Johny can mentally deal with that, keep cool, get up and throw, he can win this fight.”

Matt Hughes (UFC Hall of Famer, former welterweight champion, fought GSP three times)

“I really think Hendricks has the tools to get his hand raised. He’s obviously got the wrestling, and along with the wrestling he’s got that big left hand. I don’t think Georges’ jab is going to be as effective against a southpaw, and he’s always going to know that when he’s close enough to throw that jab, Johny’s gonna be close enough to land that left. So I think that may play into Georges’ mind just a little bit and I think mentally Georges has some obstacles because he doesn’t like to get hit.”

Gray Maynard (No.5 ranked lightweight contender, two-time UFC lightweight title challenger)

“I’m going with Johny. He’s got the wrestling, the power and the more I hear from him, he just sounds confident, like he knows he’s got this. I’m calling the upset.”

Daniel Cormier (No.2 ranked heavyweight contender)

“I was able to work with Johny in the past and no one performs better when the lights are brightest. I pick Hendricks.”

Forrest Griffin (UFC Hall of Famer, former light heavyweight champion)

“Johny Hendricks is a way better wrestler than GSP, Johny Hendricks has way, way more power than GSP, and Johny Hendricks has a far, far, far better chin than GSP. Clearly, Johny Hendricks doesn’t stand a chance of pulling off the upset against GSP…”

Chuck Liddell (UFC Hall of Famer, former light heavyweight champion)

“I think Hendricks is really going to make GSP fight. GSP is a great, great fighter. And he really can fight, but he prefers not to and to think his way to victory. Johny won’t allow that to happen. I will say I thought all this before the last fight GSP fought Josh Koscheck, but I think the pace Johny fights at, how hard he hits with each shot, and how much he seems to want this makes this the most interesting GSP fight in years.”

Luke Barnatt (undefeated UFC middleweight)

“My money is on the upset. GSP is the greatest ever, but Hendricks is the most dangerous opponent GSP has faced in years. Hendricks has the best wrestling credentials in the UFC on paper, and has that one-punch KO power. GSP has the advantage over five rounds, but I see Hendricks finishing the fight early.”

Jimi Manuwa (undefeated UFC light heavyweight)

“I’d definitely give Hendricks a shot against GSP – he’s a great wrestler with powerful striking. I’m really looking forward to seeing this fight.”

Nik Lentz (No.8 ranked featherweight contender)

“GSP is the better fighter, overall, but Johny is the biggest puncher, pound-for-pound, in the sport. Maybe it is because we have the same nutritionist, Mike Dolce, but I think Johny wins the belt by knockout in the second round. Johny is going to get taken down, right away, but if Johny keeps calm, keeps going for the knockout and doesn’t get frustrated, he will land that shot.”

Jason High (UFC welterweight contender)

“I hate to go against my wrestling brother Johny Hendricks, but I think GSP might get him. Hendricks is definitely a tough nut to crack for him, but I think in a five-round fight, those fourth and fifth rounds could be a problem for Johny. Georges is always in shape and he’s fought five rounds a bunch of times, so I’ve got to go with the champ on this one.”

Ross Pearson (UFC lightweight contender)

“For this fight I would tell Hendricks to go out and take the fight to Georges, don’t wait for him, be first to do everything. I definitely think Hendricks can defeat Georges. He has scary power; he just has to make sure he uses it early in the fight.”

Brad Pickett (UFC flyweight contender)

“If I was a betting man I’d put my money on Hendricks. He has the finishing power that we’ve seen has caught GSP out before when he fought Matt Serra. We could be in for another Matt Serra upset. When it comes to tactics, GSP is the best he studies his opponents in so much detail. If Hendricks can keep unpredictable then he could outsmart GSP. My prediction would be GSP decision or Hendricks KO.”

UFC® 167: ST-PIERRE vs. HENDRICKS takes place Saturday, November 16, live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event will air live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, and in Canada on BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice Canada. UFC 167 will also be shown live in select Fathom Events theaters across the U.S. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Universally recognized for its action-packed, can’t-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas and with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 35 live events annually. The UFC is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. In 2012, the UFC burst into the mainstream with a landmark seven-year broadcast agreement with FOX Sports Media Group for live events and thousands of hours of programming including the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, moving to FOX Sports 1 in September 2013.

In addition to its reach on FOX, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries, to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide, in 28 different languages. UFC content is also distributed commercially in the United States to bars and restaurants through Joe Hand Promotions, in English throughout Canada via Premium Sports Broadcasting Inc. and Australia via Main Event and in French throughout Quebec via Interbox. The UFC also connects with tens of millions of fans through its website, UFC.com, as well as social media sites Facebook and Twitter. UFC President Dana White is considered one of the most accessible and followed executives in sports, with nearly 2.5 million followers on Twitter. UFC businesses also include over 90 UFC GYM® locations in 28 US states, UFC FIT™, an in-home fitness and nutrition program, UFC 360, the internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, a new videogame franchise in development with EA, best-selling DVDs, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, branded apparel and trading cards.

Abdusalamov expected to survive

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, injured Heavyweight Magomed Abdusalamov is expected to survive after being placed in a coma following his loss to Mike Perez on November 2nd in New York.

“A week ago, the doctors thought he was not going to make it, that he would not survive. They said they were 100 percent sure he would not make it,” said Nathan Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “Now they think it has turned around. They say he is going to make it now. They have seen progress with his motor skills from the tests they have been doing.

“The words out of their mouth after the surgery were, ‘We don’t think he’s going to make it.’ They said that to the family. Now, based on how he’s progressed in these different tests, they changed their view. From what the doctor is saying the brain swelling has subsided.”

“They think they will try to wake him up in two or three days and see how he reacts,” Lewkowicz said. “We don’t know if his speech will be slurred or if he will be blind, which are major possibilities. The stroke could hinder some of his motor skills. He might not be able to speak well. He might be blind. The best we hope for is that he can lead a normal life.”

“They did a test by pinching his arm and he was smacking the doctor’s hand away, showing his motor skills are coming back. They weren’t expecting that,” Lewkowicz said. “It’s amazing progress. It’s good news. He’s still young, only 32, and was in good health before what happened. So that is very helpful.”

McCreedy & Traietti fighting on ‘Royale Rumble’ In potential prelude to rematch

PROVIDENCE (Nov. 14, 2013) – Two of New England’s best and most popular boxers, “Irish” Joey McCreedy and Chris Traietti, will be fighting in the main event and co-feature, respectively, on the “Royale Rumble” card, presented by Big Six Entertainment, November 23 on a special Saturday afternoon card (5 p.m. ET start) at The Royale Nightclub Boston (formerly The Roxy).

McCreedy won a six-round split decision over Traietti back on January 1, 2008 at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Their separate Nov. 23rd fights may serve as a prelude to a possible rematch in 2014, although both fighters soon plan to move down in weight classes, McCreedy to super middleweight and Traietti to light heavyweight. They could, however, agree to meet at an agreeable catch-weight in what would be a major New England showdown.

McCreedy (14-6-2, 6 KOs), fighting out of the same hometown as “Irish” Micky Ward (Lowell, Mass.) and his trainer Dicky Eklund, takes on Nigerian light heavyweight Dennis Ogboo (7-7, 6 KOs) in the six-round headliner

Irag War veteran Traietti (14-3, 10 KOs), fighting out of nearby Quincy, meets Randy “The Rattler” Campbell (3-10, 2 KOs), in the eight-round co-feature. Traietti defeated Campbell 2 ½ years ago by way of a six-round majority decision.

Undefeated Lawrence (MA) heavyweight prospect Alexis Santos (11-0, 10 KOs) faces veteran Kevin Franklin (4-7, 1 KO) in a six-fight, while Lynn (MA) welterweight “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (2-0, 1 KO) squares off with Oscar Diaz (0-2) in a four-rounder.

Also fighting in a rematch is Stoneham (MA) welterweight Greg Vendetti (4-0-1, 2 KOs) and Brockton’s (MA) Antonio Chaves Fernandez (3-13-2) in a six-round rematch. They fought to a four-round draw this past July at the same venue.

Marshfield (MA) junior middleweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (10-2, 1 KO) takes on “Notorious” Nicole Woods (11-2-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round battle of former world title challengers.

All fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, reasonably priced at $40.00, $50.00 and $75.00, are available to purchase by calling 1.617.312.5059.

Doors open at 4:00 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET.

ESPN3 to Present Exclusive Live U.S. Coverage of DeGale vs. Davis on Nov. 16

ESPN3 will present exclusive live coverage in the U.S. of the 12-round Super Middleweight bout between 2008 Olympic gold medalist James DeGale (16-1, 11 KOs) of London, and the United States’ Dyah Davis (22-3-1, 10 KOs), son of 1976 Olympic gold medalist and former professional fighter Howard Davis, Jr., on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. ET. The fight will take place at Glow, Bluewater in England.

Following this fight, DeGale is slated to fight Mexico’s Miguel Antonio Peribán for the right to fight Julio César Chávez, Jr. in a title eliminator.
About ESPN3
ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through ESPN on Xbox LIVE to Gold members and Apple TV. The network is currently available to more than 85 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. The network is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers connected to on-campus educational and on-base military networks.

Rivalta Management inks undefeated Dominican lightweight Eudy Bernardo

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (November 14, 2013) – Rivalta Management, owned and operated by Henry Rivalta, has signed undefeated Dominican lightweight prospect Eudy Bernardo 17-0 (12 KO’s) to an exclusive managerial contract.

“I am really pleased to sign this contract with Mr. Rivalta,” Bernardo said. “I know it is here in the U.S. where I must show my ability. We are working very hard in the gym to be ready to fight at any moment.”

The 26-year-old Bernardo has been training the past six weeks at Iron Mike Productions gym, under the supervision of head coach, John David Jackson, and assistant Derick Santos.

“For now,” Jackson explained, “Eudy is working hard to stay near his fighting weight, so he is not doing the same workouts he will do when he has a fight date. His manager, Henry Rivalta, is looking for a fight for Bernardo.”

“Bernardo is undergoing a rigorous training schedule, including much physical labor and technical work,” Santos noted. “We are still evaluating him to improve his skills and provide tips to improve his chances in every fight.”

Bernardo’s enthusiasm is evident in every training session, fully focusing on what he wants to do in terms of his career. “I have no time to waste,” he concluded. “My time is now and I must take advantage of all the facilities offered me by my representatives to be able to give my best for my family.”

DEVON ALEXANDER, SHAWN PORTER, ERISLANDY LARA AND AUSTIN TROUT MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Kelly Swanson
Thanks, everybody for joining us today. We have four fantastic fighters that are going to be available to talk to you and answer your questions about their fight on the December 7th, Zab Judah and Paulie Malignaggi Undercard at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
This call is with Devon Alexander, Shawn Porter, Erislandy Lara and Austin Trout and we’re going to start the call with Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara and then we’ll switch over to Devon Alexander and Shawn Porter. So, I’m going to turn it over to Richard Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Boy Promotions to make the introductions. Richard?

Richard Schaefer
Thank you, Kelly. Hello, everybody. Good morning, good afternoon. You’re right, four great fighters on the phone here, but we’re going to have four great fights on that card. It’s going to be a quadruple header with three world title fighters, Sakio Bika against Anthony Dirrell opening up the night and then Lara against Trout and Alexander against Shawn Porter and then although no world title at stake, it’s going to be the fight of Brooklyn, Malignaggi against Zab Judah.

Tickets are going extremely well. I do anticipate the largest yet crowd at the Barclays Center on December the 7th. Tickets are priced very attractively, starting at $25, $50, $75, $125 and $250. I’d like to thank our sponsors as well, Corona, AT&T and Grudge Match. Yes, the movie, Grudge Match is a sponsor of this event and I’d like to welcome as well a new sponsor, Casamigos Tequila, which is one of the fastest growing tequilas here in the United States and, of course, in Mexico. It’s owned, among others, by George Clooney and Cindy Crawford, so I really want to welcome Casamigos to the boxing family.

The Showtime telecast is going to start at 9:00 p.m. Eastern and I’d like to introduce now the two fighters, which are going to be fighting for the WBA Interim Super Welterweight World Title in a 12-round fight. First up I’d like to introduce to you Austin Trout with a record of 26 and 1, from Las Cruces, New Mexico, fighting out of El Paso, Texas. We all know he’s the former WBA Super Welterweight World Champion belt he won over Rigoberto Alvarez in February 2011.

He defended the belt successfully four times and then lost, including against Miguel Cotto, which was a great performance there at Madison Square Garden. So, for him it’s a coming home to New York to the place where he had the biggest victory of his career.

He is going to be fighting Erislandy Lara, one of the greatest amateur boxers to emerge from Cuba. In 2011 he lost a highly controversial decision over former World Champion Paul Williams, but then followed up with impressive knockouts over Ronald Hearns and outpointed Freddy Hernandez. Then in one hell of an exciting fight his 10-round technical knockout victory over Alfredo Angulo earlier this year and so now he on December the 7th, Lara will face Austin Trout for the WBA 104 pound crown. Lara and Austin Trout are without any question two of the top five pound-for-pound 154 pound fighters. Most experts have them ranked right there, number three and four.

So, this is a very meaningful match-up in this division, in a division I might add, which is loaded with a lot of good names out there. So, I’d like to introduce to you now, with a record of 18 one and two with 12 knockouts, from Cuba now fighting out of Houston, Texas, Erislandy Lara.

Erislandy Lara
Hi everyone. I’m working very hard in the gym. Thank God that everything is going great. Just waiting for the date of the fight, but everything is going very, very good moving forward.

Austin Trout
Well, I want to thank God for the opportunity to get right back to the position where I left, where I felt I belonged. A fighter like Lara is right there in my resume to be fighting the best and being the best.

Q
Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the time to do the call. First question is for Mr. Trout. Austin, I’d like your assessment of Erislandy Lara. What does he bring to the table? What do you think of him technically and how do you plan to beat him?

A. Trout
Well, you know, I’m not going to give how I’m going to beat him, but he brings a very strong technical amateur base to it. He’s very strong, having a lot fights in amateurs. I feel like he lacks real heart and will and we’re going to go out and expose out that because I’m a technical fighter as well, but as I said I’ve got the high determination to win in all different types of scenarios.

Q
All right. That’s a good assessment. A question for Erislandy. What do you think of Trout technically? What does he bring to the table? And I’d like you to comment on him saying that you maybe lack the heart and the will to win?

E. Lara
Austin Trout is an okay fighter. There’s nothing special about him. I feel that he’s on his way out. He had his time and I’m going to prove that. And as far as having a heart, you know, let’s see in the ring. I’ll show him in the ring who has a heart or not and we’ll decide then.

Q
Richard, you’re talking about these being two of the best here at 154, don’t know who’s going to win; it’s kind of a coin flip fight, but I am curious, do you have any ideas what will happen with the winner? Who might the winner face?

R. Schaefer
Well, you know, you have Carlos Molina, you have Canelo Alvarez, you know, there’s obviously Floyd, but I don’t see Floyd fighting at 154 unless it’s a really big undisputed truly middleweight fight, that kind of thing. You have Angulo still there, you have a bunch of guys so we’ll just have to see on how that will match up with the calendars of some of those names I just mentioned now. But I can definitely see a potential fight down the road with Canelo Alvarez.

Q
Hey, guys. Obviously, Richard just said you both have, well, you’ve already fought Canelo, Austin, and Erislandy has wanted Canelo for a long time. How much incentive does having his name out there as an immediate fight, how much incentive does that add to this fight for you guys, for each of you?

A. Trout
I’m not worried about Canelo. My focus is on Lara. You know, whether Canelo picks the fight with the winner, that’s great. I don’t know or believe that he will, but regardless of that or not my whole focus is beating Lara on his way out.

Q
Erislandy, same question.

E. Lara
I’m not even thinking about that. I’m even thinking beyond this fight. My job is to first beat Austin Trout and then after that all the other doors are going to open up and I’ll take on all comers. Right now I’m just focused on the fight and I’m focused on busting up Austin Trout’s mouth.

Q
Okay. One more question for each of you. Austin, the last time you fought a southpaw was David Lopez and we all know how Erislandy did against Paul Williams, who is a southpaw. Can each of you address what the difference is for each of you in facing a southpaw of the caliber that you’re going to face on December 7th?

A. Trout
Well, Lara is not David Lopez and I’m not Paul Williams, so the comparison is not really there. David was a bigger slugger, in my opinion, but he was also slower. So, to try to look at that fight towards this fight, it’s apples and oranges. He’s a different caliber of fighter and a different breed and I’m going to make him look like the amateur he is.

E. Lara
Well, the big difference between Paul Williams and Austin Trout is that Paul Williams has balls. He was a fighter that would attack you and he was aggressive and he would come at you and he knew how to box as well. With Austin Trout, he’s just a guy that runs; he’s a fighter that runs.

Q
My question for you, Austin, is it’s been since April where you had the fight with Canelo. A lot of people thought you did enough maybe to get the decision in that fight. And I’m wondering, you’re coming back now end of the year, how much excitement is there for you to get back in the ring? I know that fight didn’t go the way you wanted, just your general enthusiasm for the combat once again?

A. Trout
I’m absolutely excited to get in the fight. I really wanted to fight as soon as I could. I wasn’t injured, I wasn’t necessarily beat up, but I had to wait for December. So, all that in value then builds up and I’m ready to take it out on Lara. Somebody has got to get rid of this guy and I’m happy to be the one to do it. I feel like I’m the only one that can do it, so it’s really honorable to be able to get in there and get my belt back at the same time.

Q
Now, when you lost to Canelo in what by all accounts was a very close fight and then you watch Canelo go in his next fight in the humongous event that he had with Floyd and lose in the estimation of most a completely one-sided decision, did you sit and watch that and think to yourself, boy, man, I would have done a lot better against Mayweather than this guy just did?

A. Trout
Most definitely. Like I said, Canelo had his best fight in his life when he fought against me. And in my opinion I’d give myself maybe a seven or eight; it was definitely not my best and then an off night for him, by his standards. And that was the number one thing I thought, like, come on, Canelo, you’re making us both look bad, one. And two, you should have just let me go ahead and get that fight because I sure would have put up a better fight than that.

Q
And now, the other big name opponent that you fought, which is Miguel Cotto, who you beat in a fight that there was no controversy about. He’s come back and got a victory last month and now he is now in contention, a fight, a big fight with Canelo Alvarez, another huge fight, for the guy that you beat. Do you feel like, I mean, he’s the bigger name, I guess, he’s the bigger, but does the competitive unfairness maybe gnaw at you a little bit and make you motivated to go out and kick some butt against Lara?

A. Trout
Well, I use that as motivation. It’s not necessarily the best fighting the best and, again, except the fight with me and Lara fighting each other, but it’s more; I think really that we’re fighting each other because nobody else wants to fight us. But you know me, I’ll take all comers and for him to say I don’t have any balls, he’s never watched me fight, which is fine. He can sleepwalk if he wants to.

It’s the golden rule; you punch, that makes the rule. I can’t be bitter about it because that’s something I don’t have control over. I’ve just got to do what I can do with opportunities that come my way and that’s really why I’m going to make the most of this opportunity that’s presented itself.

Q
So, when you saw Erislandy’s last fight, which was a much more action packed fight than we’ve seen him in typically when he fought, what did you think about that? It seemed like he took advantage of the shortcomings that Alfredo Angulo has, but he also fought in a much more crowd pleasing way than he has in the past. Did you think he changed his style a little bit in that fight and what did you make of it?

A. Trout
I think he had to. He had to fight; Angulo was coming for him and Angulo was catching him. You’re either going to fight or flight and he fought some, but he did run a lot so he chose both.

Q
I think maybe, you tell me if I’m wrong here, I think part of the reason why you have not fought since April was you were going through the legal situation and your separation from your previous promoter. Can you talk a little about just the whole aspect of going through the separation and dealing with the legalities and not sure when you’d be allow to fight again?

A. Trout
Gladly. It was hard to not know when you’re going to be able to work again. I fell out of work, I felt like I was waiting for my unemployment check which was not coming any time soon. I’m very happy and proud to say that I’m not with Greg Cohen Promotions. It was the best thing that could happen to my career as this year goes and I’m just happy to put that all behind me and move forward.

Q
What actually happened in that? What was the disagreement?

A. Trout
He was trying to sue for some bogus basis. The word forgery can be used very heavily so without going into too many details, I’m just happy that it’s over with and now Showtime and Golden Boy, they know that it was all bullshit. So, to get that bullshit aside I’m ready to fight and that’s awesome motivation to whip Lara’s ass.

Q
Did you sign with Golden Boy now?

A. Trout
I am not signed with Golden Boy technically, but they have promoted my last four or five fights.

R. Schaefer
We have a great relationship, as you know. Austin’s with Al Haymon and Al and me work very closely together so even though it’s not signed, you know, Floyd Mayweather is not signed with us either, but sometimes those contracts where you don’t have a contract may be the best one.

Q
I understand that. I know you guys have a good relationship. I just wanted to know the technical fact of whether he was under your promotional contract. I know that he’s with you guys. Thank you, Austin. Good luck in the fight and appreciate your time. Thanks, Richard.

Q
Austin, as you mentioned before, you’re getting right back in there and you’re going right for a world title just after you lost one. How do you feel about having the opportunity to win back immediately what you lost?

A. Trout
I feel that God doesn’t make mistakes. In my loss I learned a lot of things, I learned a lot of things and it helped me tighten up my game, tighten up my business. And, in a sense, the lessons learned kind of evened it up for me and to be able to come right back and get back to my world title, it’s kind of predestined in my opinion.

I believe God does everything for a reason and He put me right back in this spot to put me back to where I need to be. Had I won I probably would have never learned these lessons that unfolded themselves.
Q
Erislandy said that he believes that you’re going to run in the fight, that you won’t stand toe-to-toe with him. It comes down to a situation where you basically have to do that. Will you stand in the trenches with him?

A. Trout
Have you ever seen me run in a fight as opposed to Erislandy Lara? That’s all he does in the ring, so I mean, he’s just talking. I’m not a runner; I box, but I don’t run. And I like to fight, which you can’t say about him. If you watch my fight you’ll see, I don’t run.

Q
All right, when you look at his last fight do you think the type of war that he had with Angulo could actually take something out of him?

A. Trout
Yeah, and that war was brought by Angulo. Lara didn’t want any part of that war. He was in a war because he had to survive. I think it’s hilarious that he says I’m a runner. That’s his MO. He ran from Cuba, he runs in the fight; he’s the runner of boxing. So, the title fight will be in my favor.

Q
All right, now having heard Lara does it give you extra motivation to beat him because he’s talking so much before this fight?

A. Trout
He talked before the fight was even made and once the fight was made he’s gotten real quiet. Whether I like him or don’t like him, which I don’t, it’s not going to change the fact that I’m going to try to take his head off.

Q
And my questions now for Erislandy. You’ve heard Austin speak and he’s saying he’s not going to run from you. Why do you think he’s going to run?

E. Lara
That’s what he’s always done in all the fights. It’s not the same as stand and fight right in front of you at a fighting distance than to be standing far away and trying to fight far away.

Q
Erislandy, you were dropped twice in your last fight with Angulo. What did you learn from that whole experience?

E. Lara
Yeah, you’re right, yeah, he did drop me twice, but we’re talking about Angulo, who is a very good fighter. He’s a big puncher. He came to win. He was well prepared and he caught me with perfect punches that could pretty much drop anybody. But the fact is that I did get up and I finished the fight and I won.

Q
All right, my final question here is you’ve had a few decisions that, obviously, didn’t go your way the way you wanted to. If this fight builds a scorecard do you feel confident that you will get the decision?

E. Lara
You have to remember that there are technicalities in those two fights that I didn’t get the decision and part of it was that I fought on other promoters’ fight cards. When I fought Vanes it was a top ranked show and when I fought Paul Williams it was Paul Williams promoter, Goossen, so I fought with them. This time I’m fighting under my promoter’s banner and that’s the difference.

Q
Austin, when Lara’s name was brought to your attention to be a possible opponent in the future, what was the first thing that was going through your head? Was it then beating Lara at the elite level or was that beating Lara would legitimize your name in the sport?

A. Trout
It was both. Beating him was definitely put my stake as the best in 154 pound division. I had a little setback in April and I think Lara’s the type of name and opponent that put me right back into the running for the best. After taking out the 154 pound division I want to be ready to go, so first things first. You pass this cat, get my belt back, unify the belt and then go after the top pound big headers.

Q
All right, thanks a lot. And then my next question is for Erislandy. On this call we’ve mentioned a few times the loss with Paul Williams. Is there anything that you’re going to be doing different in this fight, maybe looking for a knockout or more aggressive to kind of prevent the judges from even needing to score the fight?

E. Lara
No, no I’m going to calm. I’m going to be calm in this fight. I’m going to do my job and I’m very confident that doing my job is going to have the results and I’ll be fine and I should win.

R. Schaefer
Thanks, Austin. Gracias, Erislandy and I’ll see you guys in New York. All right, so we are moving to the co-main event, a great world title fight with Devon Alexander against Shawn Porter. Devon Alexander, without any question, one of the big names in the sport of boxing, a former IBF Junior Welterweight and WBC Super Lightweight World Champion, a record of 25-1 with 14 KO’s. Has wins over Lucas Matthysse, Marcos Maidana, Juan Urango, Junior Witter and on and on. That’s why it makes him the star and the big name he is.
And with Shawn Porter we have one of the United States’ best amateur boxers with that time, a top Welterweight fighter, scored earlier this year a dominant 10-round decision over previously unbeaten Phil Lo Greco. And to set the record straight this past September when he pounded out a clear-cut 10-round decision in the rematch with Julio Diaz, certainly a young fighter, a hungry fighter, a fighter who is ready to become world champion and when the opportunity presented itself to fight against Devon Alexander he was immediately on board.

This is the kind of opportunity young emerging stars are waiting for and Shawn Porter is going to be coming on December the 7 to the Barclays Center, not to pick up the paycheck – that, too – but to pick up a world title. And I know he’s always exciting. He’s going to be well-prepared. It’s a pleasure now for me to introduce to you, Shawn Porter. Do you want to make some opening comments?

S. Porter
No, just want to let you guys know that camp is going good, I’m working hard, studying Devon every day and when I’m not studying him I’m in the gym. So, doing what a professional athlete is supposed to do, stay on top of my grind, day and night, and I’ll be ready on December 7th.

R. Schaefer
Great. Thank you, Shawn. I’m going to introduce to you now Devon Alexander. Devon Alexander, as I said, former IBF Junior Welterweight and WBC Super Lightweight World Champion. He moved up in 2012 to the Welterweight division and was crowned the IBF Welterweight World Champion by defeating Randall Bailey right there at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

So, he’s going to come back to the scene and he is going to want to make his next world title defense. He earlier this year made the first title defense against Lee Purdy in a match that only went seven rounds after he was being stopped, after Alexander stopped Purdy by way of technical knockout and so now here he is making his next world title defense from the Barclays Center. Please welcome Devon Alexander.

D. Alexander
Hello, you guys, the media and everyone who are on the phone. This is an awesome fight. We know with Shawn Porter what I’m going to do. We know he’s going to be ready, but it’s not going to be enough. Yeah, training camp is going good. I’m in tremendous shape and will be ready to go 12 full rounds. If less, that’s great, too. But I’m training to go the 12 full rounds and Shawn Porter better be ready December 7 because nobody is beating me, nobody. So, be ready.

Q
Hey, a question for you. You know, earlier this year you were supposed to fight; Kell Brook was considered a pretty big fight for both of you guys. He dropped out with the injury, you ended up fighting a replacement, Lee Purdy. And for this fight in December everybody thought, Richard said many times, both sides seemed to be into it, that you were supposed to fight Amir Khan, that would have been a pretty big fight.

For whatever reason he decided not to fight you and now you’re fighting Shawn Porter, who – and no disrespect to Shawn – is not as big of a name at this point in boxing as Khan was and I’m wondering from your point of view, after the disappointment of the Brook fight dropping out and then Khan deciding not to fight you, are you feeling a little let down by the way your schedule has gone this year?

D. Alexander
Well, I mean I just let my team handle that. Of course, I want the big names, I want the big wins so I can the notoriety that I want. Like you said, Kell Brook fell through and the Amir Khan fight fell through, which both would have been great wins for me. But everything happens for a reason.

I’m just a fighter. If the fighters don’t want to get in the ring with me, what can I do? The only thing I can do is trust in my team to give me the best opponent, the best things that I need at the time. So, maybe it’s not meant for me to fight a U.K. fighter because every time I’m scared to fight one of them if something happens.

You know, I leave it up to my team. And if Shawn Porter is going to the next victim, that’s going to be it. So, hey, what can I do?

Q
Well, you did fight Lee Purdy, who is from the U.K., so I’m not sure that theory holds up. But my question to continue on that topic is, with regard to Brook, he had a legitimate injury, obviously, with the stress fracture so there was an understandable reason why he couldn’t fight you in July, or I forget what month it was, but he didn’t fight you because of the injury.
But Amir Khan doesn’t have an injury, so what are your thoughts about Amir kind of doing the dance with you to negotiate and saying that he was going to fight you and all this other stuff and then back out?

D. Alexander
You know, you have to be a true champion and a true fighter. I’m an old school fighter and I’ll fight anybody. If something happens, I just I can’t call it. There are a lot of rumors out there about why Khan pulled it out or why this, why that. But I can’t speak on that. I wanted to fight because I know that fight would have given another rise that I needed. I’m one of the best welterweights in the division and it didn’t happen.

So, who knows what he’s thinking, what his team is doing, I don’t know. I think that based on if I was the best risk, that I was too much right now for him or whatever. I don’t know, but I was ready to fight him in December, but he pulled it out so it didn’t happen that way.

Q
So, now you have Shawn in front of you, who is an undefeated young fighter. Just even based on his opening remarks, he seems hungry. I’ve watched him a long time and I know he’s probably really up for this challenge that you present to him. Have you seen him fight before and what do you think about his potential to be a champion someday?

D. Alexander
Yeah, I saw him fight before. I know Shawn from the amateurs and I fought him when I was little and I beat him and I don’t see any difference in December 7th. Might as well keep the thing rolling. But, I know Shawn. He’s a good fighter, a good kid. But his skills are limited. I mean, you can’t beat me if you don’t remember that. You have to be something special and I’m going to be ready December 7th whatever he brings, whatever. You know, him and his dad’s plan, it’s not going to work because my coach, he’s a master strategist. He broke Shawn Porter down from the feet to the head, so it doesn’t matter. So, we’ll be ready.

Q
When did you fight him as an amateur, Devon?

D. Alexander
At the Ohio State Fair.

Q
And did you remember the fight? How long ago was that?

D. Alexander
Man, that’s when I was eight or nine.

Q
Oh, you were a little kid.

D. Alexander
Yeah, I was little.

Q
You actually remember the fight? I mean you had a lot of amateur fights.

D. Alexander
Yeah, yeah, I remember the fight. I remember the fight. That was one of my bigger tournaments that I went to when I first started, so that’s one of the ones that stuck with me that I remember because it was one of the very first ones that my coach took me to.

Q
Did you win a decision in the fight?

Q
And there were some rides there, some roller coasters and I was excited to be there, so I was a kid, so you know I was happy.

Q
Did you win a decision?

D. Alexander
Yeah.

Q
All right, thank you for that, Devon. Hey, Shawn, do you remember that fight that he’s talking about? You’re even younger I think than Devon is?

S. Porter
Yeah, I remember going three one-minute rounds throwing punches at each other, I remember that.

Q
So, you’re saying not much of a fight then, not a real fight.

S. Porter
No, man it’s not much difference between then and now, but we’re grown men now and, like you said, I’m hungry and I’m up for the challenge so December 7th, but we’ll see December 7th.

Q
So, one other question for you then. Where I understand where Devon is coming from and the disappointment maybe that Khan decided not to take that challenge because he wanted to fight the bigger name. On the opposite end of that, you’ve got to be thrilled that Amir Khan didn’t take the fight because now you get a shot at a world title. Can you talk about your enthusiasm for seeing what happened with Khan rejecting the fight and you getting the opportunity to get what’s the biggest fight of your career by far?

Q
Like you said, just a lot of enthusiasm. After that fight watching to see who is going to make what moves and what belts are going to be fought for and all that kind of stuff, when I saw that Amir Khan was talking about fighting Devon I kind said, okay, well maybe we’ll get one of those two after that fight.

And when Amir stepped down it was like, okay, it’s got to be me. And so you’re waiting by the phone, waiting on it to be you and then finally it’s you. So, just a lot of excitement built up inside my body and I can’t wait to let it out. I’m going to be ready. I’m going to be ready mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, all the way. I’m a well rounded fighter. I’ve got way more to bring to the ring than Devon thinks and I’m going to show him that on December 7th.

Q
Hey, you spent a number of years, I don’t know how long in terms of fights maybe you can tell me, as a sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao. Obviously, he’s a southpaw. Can you tell me how many fights that was and what you gained from that experience heading into this fight against Devon who is a southpaw?

S. Porter
I trained with Manny for Miguel Cotto and then also again for Shane Mosley, so I’ve got a lot of rounds under my belt with Manny Pacquiao and a lot of experience, but I think more than anything it just makes me comfortable again fighting a southpaw with some quick hands and some quick feet.

It’s nothing that I haven’t seen before, nothing that I’ve never been in the ring with, so I think December 7th, I’ll be bringing a little bit more to the ring than Devon will in terms of experience against fighters, against the fight style that I’m up against. Manny Pacquiao is arguably one of the best of our time right now and I’ve gone toe-to-toe with him, I backed him up, I made him really fight me.

So, a lot of experience in the gym and around the world fighting, so this is an opportunity that Richard Schaefer spoke on that you can’t help to rise to the occasion and I’m excited about it and I will be ready for it.

Q
First of all, you’ve had some pretty solid performances at 147 pounds. You’ve said that the reason for some of your questions in the fights you’ve had during the latter part of your 140 pound career were because of weight loss. You came real close to having a really signature performance against Maidana and I know your criticism of yourself was that had you had that fight again you would stop him.

Could this be the signature fight that you’re looking for against a solid opponent that you can look spectacular? If so, what aspects of your game do you think will be accentuated against Shawn Porter?

D. Alexander
Well, as you guys can see, every fight I’m getting better and better. When I made my move to 147, each fight I got better and better and better. I’m learning something from every day. You don’t see just one style in Devon Alexander. You just see me standing there or you just see me box or you can see me do most new things. So, that’s what people are now realizing.

But this fight is going to be one of my signature fights. Sean Porter is going to come to fight. Of course he is, he’s supposed. That’s what he’s supposed to do. But it’s not going to be enough. I believe in my skills. You’ve got to believe in yourself, believe in your skills. You know, as far as sparring with Pacquiao. I’m not a sparring partner. I don’t go around sparring with people. I don’t have that mentality. When you go around sparring other fighters, you know get that sparring mentality, right. You know, I need to take off, I need to let him beat me; I don’t have that. I’m not a sparring partner.

You know, you can have all the sprint and sparring and this and that. But this is fighting. When you get in the ring it’s about skill. So, I’m getting better and better. He’s going to see it December 7th. What I’m going to, you know, I’m getting better. You guys will say, wow, he is getting better and better each fight. So, you’ve got to see it.

Q
Okay, Devon, my last question to you is how is your left hand, the one you injured against Purdy and how is the, obviously, you wanted to get in the ring earlier, how has the time off helped you?

D. Alexander
Yeah, the left hand is good. I’ve been going to therapy for about a month and a half and I’ve been throwing my left hand like a rocket this year. You guys will see more of that come December 7th. Like I said, and I’m ready to rock.

Q
What did you say about you’re going to throw it like what?

D. Alexander
Like a rocket.

Q
Thanks for taking the time. The question is for Shawn. Shawn, Devon called your skills limited. I’m wondering how you take that, do you take offense to it and also I do have to think that Devon is the best guy that you’ve ever fought, right? I mean, this is at least one step up from anyone that you’ve ever fought before, is he not?

S. Porter
Well, he’s the world champion so he’s got to be the best up to this point. As far as he calling my skills limited, that gives me confidence that he doesn’t know what he’s up against. That gives me confidence that he won’t be ready for this fight. If he hasn’t seen anything yet that I can’t beat him with, he will see it December 7th, that’s for sure.

Q
And sort of technically how do you see that fight unfolding? Kind of give me a game plan, but what sort of fight do you see happening, a distance fight, a trading or slick boxing? What kind of a fight are we going to see?

S. Porter
He’s a good boxer, I’m not going to try to box him early in the fight. He’s quick, I’ve got to match his quickness. I’ve got to match his speed and I’m more powerful than him, so I think you’ll see me rough him up and show that I’m a powerful, better boxer than that.

Q
And, Devon, what do you think of that game plan from Shawn? He says he’s more powerful than you, he thinks he can rough you up.

D. Alexander
That’s what a lot of people say until they get in the ring. That’s what Maidana said, that’s what Urango said, that’s what a lot of fighters that I fought. I’ve heard that before. I’ve heard the same song, this and that. I say his power is limited. You saw what happened. People better not underestimate my power, because it’s there.

But you’ll see. Like I said, his game plan is his game plan, but that doesn’t mean that’s the right game plan.

Q
And for fans who haven’t seen maybe too much of Shawn Porter, can you give me an assessment, a scouting report of what he brings to the table, strengths and weaknesses? I said for fans that especially haven’t seen much of Shawn Porter, can you give me a scouting report, what he brings to the table, his strength and his weakness?

D. Alexander
He brings toughness. He’s going to be tough. He’s going to be game. He’s not just going to lay down. And he’s going to be in shape and he’s going to come prepared. He’s got some skills. Like I said, this is boxing. He’s been boxing since he’s an amateur, so, he’s got to have some type of skills. He’s in this for a reason and you can’t take him lightly. I’m going into this fight like I’d fight Floyd Mayweather and that’s what I’m going to do.

Q
Hi, Devon. The question I have for you is that you became a champion at the age of 22 and a lot of people kind of forget that you’re only 26 years old right now. Do you think right now that you’ve only matured as a fighter?

D. Alexander
I guess you hit the nail right on the coffin, I definitely have. I feel a lot of things that I used to do that I could have been doing, but I’m doing them now. My confidence level is up. I’m highly motivated. I’m focused, I’m zoned in. That’s why I say nobody can beat me. I’m at a point in my career that I’m at the peak of my career. I’m at the prime and I’m fully focused, I’m zoned in and that’s why I say nobody can beat me. When I’m zoned in and focused and prepared nobody can beat me and that’s where I’m at right now.

Q
Okay. My next question now is for Shawn Porter. Shawn, given the fact that you avenged your only blemish against Julio Diaz in your last fight, does that give you extra confidence going into this fight?

S. Porter
There’s a lot of confidence coming up for that fight. I think every fighter, we go to the gym every day to improve and learn and get better and I think in that fight, I’m able to take a look at that fight and see where I’ve improved and gotten better and that more than anything gives me confidence, knowing that I can do all of what I did in that fight against Diaz and more than that against Devon to beat him. So, a lot of confidence built up inside of me right now and around my camp as well.

Q
Richard, the question I have for you is this fight is at welterweight. Are you ideally looking to match the winner of this fight with the winner of Malignaggi/Judah?

R. Schaefer
Well, you know the welterweight division as to super welterweight, junior middleweight as well are very loaded divisions. I think the 147, the welterweight, is probably the most loaded of any division in the sport, so there are a lot of opportunities and possibilities there. Certainly the winner of that fight is one of the possibilities, but there are so many other names here at 147, which could be put in, so opponents for the winner of that fight.

Q
Hey, Devon, hey, Shawn. Shawn, you talked a little bit about how you wanted to be a welterweight champion. Can you tell us a little bit about how this opportunity falls in line with your goals?

S. Porter
This is great. It’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s funny because sometimes I may just walk past this door and see my reflection in that window and just think to myself, oh, that’s what a world champion looks like. So, it’s like everything that I’ve ever wanted, everything I’ve been working for, literally it’s coming to pass now and it’s a wonderful feeling.

I know that it’s a great opportunity that I actually get in the ring and do everything that I’m talking about doing, but the best part about it is I believe that I can and I’m excited to get in there and do it and perform at the Barclays Center, which is just an unbelievable venue and just a lot of excitement. And, like you said, becoming a world champion, that’s number one goal right now.

I’m actually the other day thinking to myself, man, I’ve got to come up with some new goals now because this awesome goal is about to be accomplished and I’m just very excited about it.

Q
Okay. And then finally, Devon is a dangerous fighter. He’s a world champ, but you talked earlier about how you’ve been studying him on film. Do you look back at the Bradley fight, in particular, and think how your aggressive style and your improved defense can force him to quit again?

S. Porter
You know what, I’m going to do whatever it takes to win this fight and if that’s making him quit, if that’s making him sit down and not get up, if that’s knocking him down and him not getting up, if that’s taking this fight 12 rounds and winning the decision, I’m prepared. I will be prepared to do whatever it takes to go home with that IBF title. And I’m just too hell bent on winning that fight and having that title not to have it. I’m looking forward to nothing after the fight; everything is this fight and that’s it.

And you take a look at the Bradley fight and you look at what he did and I know that I’m a little sharper than Bradley was in that fight and I can get to Devon’s body a little bit better than Bradley did and I can get to his head a little bit better than Bradley did and I may do some things a little bit better than Bradley did, you know, if it comes to Devon quitting, which the kid is from St. Louis. I’m not expecting him to quit at all.

I’m expecting him to come 100 percent with his best and, like he said, in his zone. And I think this will make for a great fight. You see two fighters, two young fighters in the zone fighting for one goal and that’s that world championship belt. He’s trying to keep it, I’m trying to take it. It’s going to be an exciting night December 7th and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win that fight.

Q
I said you’re definitely not saying kids from St. Louis are as tough as kids from Cleveland, right?

S. Porter
Not at all, man. We do what we have to do as fighters so I think from that aspect it’s just a mutual respect. I know where he’s from. I know what he’s about and I’m pretty sure he knows the same. If not, he knows that I’ve been around this game long enough to know that I’ve got to come 100 percent on December 7th or I can’t win the fight. So, there’s no questions that won’t be answered before we get to that ring December 7th. You’ll see some fireworks December 7th for sure.

Kenneth Porter (Shawn’s Father/Trainer)

JOHN “APOLLO KIDD” THOMPSON TO FACE JONATHAN BATISTA TONIGHT AT “A FIGHT FOR THE CHILDREN” BOXING EVENT IN WASHINGTON, DC

WASHINGTON, DC (November 14, 2013)—TONIGHT at The Washington Hilton, a special night of professional boxing will highlight the “Fight for Children” charity event.

The main event of the three bout card will pit undefeated John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson taking on Jonathan Batista.
Thompson of Newark, NJ has a record of 13-0 with 4 knockouts and as he closes out 2013, he is one of the top prospects in the Jr. Middleweight division.

The 24 year-old will be making his 4th appearance of 2013 and he has stepped up with each bout.

In February, Thompson stopped Grayson Blake (5-1) in five rounds. In May he scored 4 knockdowns en route to an eight round unanimous decision over Geovanny Rodriguez (8-0) in a bout that was nationally televised on Sho Box. In his last bout, Thompson scored a shutout victory over Brandon Quarles (10-1-1) on September 13th.

Thompson is promoted by Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions.

Batista is a late replacement for Antwone Smith, who pulled out of the fight on Tuesday.

The 29 Year-old Batista has a record of 14-2 with 7 knockouts.

The native of New York via the Dominican Republic has only blemishes to undefeated Emanuel Lartey (14-0-1) and former world champion Kermit Cintron.

The two other fights will feature a six round female Flyweight bout between Tyriesha Douglas (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Marisol Miranda (5-6, 1 KO) as well as a four round Jr. Welterweight bout between Cornelius Whitlock (1-0-2) and Josue Rivera (2-2, 2 KO’s)

Fight Night 2013 will bring together heavyweights of business, government, and philanthropy for an exciting knockout evening featuring live boxing bouts and world-class entertainment. As DC’s premiere fundraising event, Fight Night aims to raise a record-breaking $3 million for Fight For Children to support essential programs that provide education and healthcare services to children in need. For the first time ever, with the support of Under Armour, we will unite the fight and fund programs in both DC and Baltimore.

The late Joseph E. Robert, Jr., created Fight Night in 1990 as a way to marshal resources to help low-income kids in the nation’s capital secure a brighter future. Fight Night brings together 1,800 heavyweights of business and government, entertainment and community service, as well as legends from the sports and boxing world, for an evening of fun, auctions, exciting entertainment and live professional boxing bouts. One of the most highly acclaimed events in Washington, Fight Night raises funds for Fight For Children and other organizations that provide education and healthcare services to low-income children in Washington, DC. In 2011, Fight Night raised over $2 million.
Joe lost a nearly three year battle with brain cancer in December 2011. To see Fight For Children’s remembrance of Joe or to make a contribution in his memory, visithttp://www.fightforchildren.org/joe.