LAS VEGAS, NEV. (Sept. 11, 2013) – Eight-time, five-division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Super Welterweight World Champion and Mexican Superstar Canelo Alvarez were all business during Wednesday’s final press conference at KA Theatre at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, just three days before Saturday’s historic “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER vs. CANELO.”

Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship will be at stake on SHOWTIME PPV in the most significant boxing showdown in recent memory.

Here’s what the fighters, promoters and trainers had to say during the event:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER:

“Its fight time, what else can I say? If the game plan is to keep pressure, I can handle it. If the game plan is to out box me, nobody can out box me. You have to be able to out match me mentally, and I’m the strongest mental fighter in the sport of boxing.

“I’ve been here before so I know what it takes. He’s 42-0, but he hasn’t faced 42 Floyd Mayweathers because he’d be 0-42. I’m at the pinnacle. I’m the face of boxing and I’m dedicated to my craft.

“I’m Floyd Mayweather; I can turn any fighter into a star. I don’t worry about running out of opponents. I’ve got guys under my banner I can turn into stars and fight.”

“September 14 is just another stepping stone, another opponent to me. But he knows he’s facing Floyd Mayweather; I’m facing just another opponent.

“Career-wise, I’m OK, no matter what the outcome is. I never worry about the outcome. When I go into any fight, I’m not focused on the money or anything. I’m focused on going out there, performing well, and giving the fans what they want to see – excitement. That’s what it’s all about; it’s about the fans winning. He’s still got a lot of weight to get off. My weight is made, I woke up this morning 150 (pounds).

“I guess other fighters look at it as you win some, you lose some. Me, I look at it as I want to win them all. I’m a winner. I don’t lose.

On how he knows Canelo still has to cut weight:
“I know it, because it’s my job to know it. My job as a fighter to know everything about any opponent I’m facing.”

On his most important advantage:
“Being able to just make changes and adjust instantly. It’s no different from you seeing Shane (Mosley) hit me with a good shot. I say it’s not a problem, because Shane isn’t going to cut me on my face, I’m not going for that. But Shane is a future Hall of Famer; I can’t take anything away from Shane. And someday Canelo will go down in the Hall of Fame, as one of the opponents I beat.”

CANELO ALVAREZ:

“I don’t care about his record. I’m not coming to make a good fight, I’m coming to win.

“When you fight Floyd you have to be ready for every aspect of a fight. You have to be able to adjust mentally as well as physically. I have to be very, very smart and ready to change my plan at any time.

“You’ll see how I do it. You’ll see how I beat him. I’m calm and I’m just ready to fight.

“We’ve prepared like never before. Floyd is a fighter who throws like five punchers a round and he lands them – that’s why he wins rounds. But we’re prepared for that; we’re prepared for everything.

“I’m ready for the best Floyd possible. He can change his game plan and I will be ready.

“I’ve studied him. I know his style and I know what he’s going to do. “I’m confident I will win because I know everything about him. I’ve prepared for everything.

“It’s important from the opening bell to fight smart and not fall into his game plan. I need to stick to my plan, not fall into his.

“He’s a very good counterpuncher but I’m ready for that. I have to be smart with his counterpunching but I’m confident we can handle it.

“It’s important to throw combinations. You have to know how to apply them and you have to hit the head and the body. That will be key.

It truly is a pleasure to be part of this. I appreciate all of the support for this fight. I want to thank my team for working hard with me. On Saturday night, I will be victorious.”

On having all of Mexico rooting for him:
“There’s no pressure whatsoever. It’s motivating to have all of Mexico rooting for me.”

On why Floyd hasn’t talked much trash leading into this fight:
“I think it’s because his other opponents want to talk trash. I respect everyone except when we get in the ring.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“The WBC has produced a very special belt for this occasion. It’s a first time that they have melted a big gold bar into the belt. This is a belt made of pure gold.

“Our sponsors put over $40 million of activation behind this promotion. Corona is our lead sponsor and they spent 50 percent of their conventional ad buy on our promotion.

“Boxing is the highest rated television programming in Mexico. Mexico’s government and the tourism board have put their promotional efforts in the sport of boxing. They have become a great partner and ambassador of this promotion and Golden Boy Promotions.

“In addition, we have sponsorships and partnerships with Fathom, Nature Nutrition, Fred Loya Insurance, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T and Valvoline.

“Fathom is going to be showing this promotion live on 550 screens. This is our sixth fight with Fathom. We’ve already sold out many theaters already. There are more than 26,000 seats for closed circuit at the MGM Mirage Resort properties as well as many bars and restaurants across the country.

“In Australia, the pay per view has already broken all-time records with three days before fight night.

“This fight has been off the charts. This fight is something special. Celebrities are calling us to purchase tickets.

“We hope to set the all-time pay-per-view record come Saturday night.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“Floyd is the face of boxing, the highest paid athlete in sports. He’s accomplished everything, broke all the records. Come Saturday night, you guys will see the same old Floyd Mayweather, the one that always wins.

“This has been a wonderful promotion so far and the fans will be the real winners.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, EVP SHOWTIME Sports
“Thank you to the MGM for its hospitality and Richard Schaefer and Golden Boy Promotions.

“This is the biggest and best event—THE ONE. We have the biggest live gate. We have a great line-up of sponsors. We are live streaming all of our events leading up to the fight. CBS has had 150 radio stations across the United States promoting the fight.

“None of this happens without Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez. This event doesn’t happen without their commitment

“For those of you who are college football fans, I urge you all to tune in to the start of this Saturday’s college football game on CBS at 12:30 PT/3:30 ET. Be sure not to be late because there will be a surprise for boxing fans at the top of that broadcast.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Trainer of Canelo Alvarez
“This is a historic fight, but the time for talking is over. On Saturday night Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will make history and he will be victorious.

EDDIE REYNOSO, Co-trainer of Canelo Alvarez
“It’s a great pleasure to be a part of this historic event. Obviously, as a Mexican, we always come out to demonstrate that we win can and on Saturday it will be no different. We will prove that we can.”

ABOUT “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO”:
“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina square off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV features a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Less than 24 hours after going on sale in June, the event was sold out, but six MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts of “THE ONE.” Properties showcasing the event include ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $100, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and also are available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Closed circuit ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE ONE” will also be broadcast on nearly 550 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Faced with the challenge of outdoing its current historic, adrenaline-charged season of The Ultimate Fighter®, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) today confirmed that the next season of its long-running reality series will feature former champions “The Prodigy” BJ Penn and Frankie “The Answer” Edgar as coaches. The storied foes will coach a cast of middleweight (185 lbs.) and light heavyweight (205 lbs.) fighters in their quest to win the title of Ultimate Fighter and a six-figure contract with the UFC.

“BJ Penn is moving down to 145 lbs. to coach The Ultimate Fighter against Frankie Edgar,” said UFC President Dana White. “BJ really hates the fact that he lost to Frankie Edgar. It’s something that’s been burning deep inside of him for three years now. So he’s moving down to 145 lbs. to not only avenge those defeats, but to try and become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles in three different weight classes.”

Widely considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, Penn (16-9-2 in MMA) is one of only two men to win UFC world titles in two separate divisions. The former welterweight and lightweight champion has defeated a Who’s Who of MMA, including UFC champions Matt Hughes, Matt Serra and Sean Sherk. His reign over the UFC’s 155lbs. division was ended in 2010’s Upset of the Year, when he was outpointed by Frankie Edgar. “The Prodigy” not only returns to the UFC but also The Ultimate Fighter, after coaching season five back in 2007.

After defeating Penn in two fights, Edgar (15-4-1) established a reputation for lightweight excellence. “The Answer” defended the lightweight championship in a pair of all-time classic battles with Gray Maynard before losing the title on a controversial decision to Benson Henderson. Edgar then dropped to featherweight, where many believe he will join Penn as a two-division world champion.

The series begins filming in mid-October in Las Vegas.

Catch all new episodes of this season of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate, Wednesday’s at 10 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.

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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 and Beijing, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and 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. The agreement includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, with additional fight cards and thousands of hours of programming broadcast on FOX properties FX and FUEL TV. This also includes the longest-running sports reality show on television, The Ultimate Fighter®, on FOX Sports 1.

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 2.4 million followers on Twitter. Ancillary UFC businesses include best-selling DVDs and video games, UFC FIT®, an in-home fitness and nutrition program, an internationally distributed magazine, UFC.TV offering live event broadcasts and video on demand around the world, a new franchise in development with EA, UFC GYM®, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo® festivals, branded apparel and trading cards.

(San Diego, CA) –
With six shows under their belt for 2013, Bobby D Presents, San Diego’s premier live professional boxing promoter, is gearing up for what looks like their best edition of “San Diego Fights” yet scheduled for Thursday, September 26th. Programmed for the recognized home of San Diego live boxing, the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kearny Mesa, the evening like always will feature a number of local as well as national recognized talent putting on an explosive night of prize fighting.

The main event will feature hard hitting undefeated Brandon “Cannon” Adams (11-0, 7KOs) of Watts, CA, in his stiffest test to date when he faces the experienced Francisco “Panchito” Rios (18-19, 12KOs) Gil of Yavaros, Sonora, Mexico. The twenty-seven year old “Panchito” by far as faced the more competitive opposition in undefeated Troy Corbin, the tough Artemio Reyes and Mike Dallas Jr. Rios Gil is no stranger to the region fighting Pavel Miranda in Tijuana as well as Rafael Cobos. A pro since ’04, Rios Gil has also appeared in Las Vegas in a rematch with Miranda, Canada and in various rings around California.
Adams, 24, went pro in San Diego in early 2011 and since then has put together an impressive ledger of eleven fights, a third of the number for Rios Gil. Despite of the disparity in experience, Adams is to take a step up in competition since he has been on a tear, stopping his last four opponents before the limit. Adams’ last appearance in San Diego was late last year when he stopped Yair Aguiar in two rounds. Since then he has taken over Tijuana knocking out three in a row with the last one in July.

The Adams-Rios Gil bout is scheduled for six rounds in the super welterweight division.

In the special attraction co-main event, “America’s Finest City” welcomes once again Dallas, Texas, knock out artist Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (11-0, 9KOs) for the second time this year. Hooker, who is trained by Vince Parra and managed by Arnie Hooker, stopped Tijuana tough guy Mario “Popeye” Hermosillo in his first visit to San Diego last July. Hooker went after the much shorter Hermosillo from the opening bell and punished him with hard right hooks to the body. After two minutes Hermosillo was done with a fractured rib as Hooker walked away with another knockout win. Hooker scored another KO in the first round last month over John Revish back home in Dallas.

Hooker is slated to face Miguel “Dinamita” Zuñiga (12-2, 7KOs) of Tijuana in a light welterweight six rounder. Maurice is currently training in Los Angeles at the Wilde Card Gym as chief sparring partner for Miguel Cotto.

Also featured on the card is the return to the ring after a five-month hiatus of National City’s own David Barragan (5-0-1, 3KOs). Barragan, who campaigns in the 154 lbs. division, knocked out Moses Alvizo in the first round in April in his second fight of the year. In his first back in February, Barragan showed true grit after meeting the canvas in the first to fight himself to a unanimous decision over Jose Martell in a true war. Barragan’s opponent will be announced shortly.

Popular featherweight Prince “Tiger” Smalls (1-0-1) will also be on the card as well as the much anticipated pro debut of Smokin’ Joe Perez of San Diego who will also campaign at 126 lbs.

The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel is located at 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego. Tickets are available at SanDiegoFights.com or by calling 619.420.8866. Doors open at 6:30pm with the first punch thrown at 7:30pm.

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 11) – On Saturday, Sept. 14, boxing superstars Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez will meet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to determine who is “THE ONE” live on SHOWTIME PPV® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Fittingly, the World Boxing Council has created a one of a kind solid gold belt to present to the winner of the biggest boxing event of 2013.

Shown to the media by WBC President Jose Sulaiman for the first time last Tuesday, the green and gold belt, which was designed by a Mexican artisan, measures 1.28 meters in length by 30 centimeters in height and is made of pure gold and Italian leather. It also includes the Mexico Tourism logo, which will mark the winner as an ambassador of Mexico, not only in Mexico, but throughout the world.

In attendance for the unveiling in Mexico City were some of Mexico’s biggest boxing names, including Ultiminio Ramos, Pipino Cuevas, Isaac Bustos, Rafael Limón, Ana María Torres, Daniel Estrada, Yesica Chávez and Adrián Hernández.

“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina square off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV features a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Less than 24 hours after going on sale in June, the event was sold out, but six MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts of “THE ONE.” Properties showcasing the event include ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $100, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and also are available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Closed circuit ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE ONE” will also be broadcast on nearly 550 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Atlantic City, NJ (Sept. 11) – World Series of Fighting hosted a media conference call this afternoon to discuss the WSOF 5 event taking place this Saturday, Sept. 14. The Ovation Hall inside the Revel Casino Resort in Atlantic City, NJ will play host and the two-and-a-half-hour NBCSN telecast which airs 30 minutes earlier than previously reported, going live at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT

The conference call featured WSOF president Ray Sefo, along with headliners Andrei Arlovski (19-10) and Mike Kyle (20-9-1). The other participants of the call included middleweight tournament contenders David Branch (12-3) who takes on Danillo “Indio” Villefort (14-4) and Elvis “The King” Mutapcic (13-2) who will be fighting Jesse “JT Money” Taylor, as well as a heavyweights Rolles Gracie (8-1) and his opponent Derrick “Caveman” Mehmen (15-5) and featherweights Georgi Karakhanyan (21-3-1) who will battle Waylon Lowe (14-4), who was unable to attend the call.

The prelims feature an additional 5 bouts, which also include matchups between Gregor Gracie (7-3) vs. Rich Patishnock (5-1) and Neiman Gracie (0-0) vs. Darren Costa (0-1) streams on World Series of Fighting’s official website, WSOF.com, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for World Series of Fighting 5 start at $29 and are currently on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com and charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000.

The following are fighter highlights from the conference call:

ANDREI ARLOVSKI
It’s going to be an interesting match for myself and my fans and I’m looking forward to fighting this Saturday.

I’m very excited about this fight, I’ve been training hard even during the 6-8 weeks when my jaw was wired. During that time I did a lot of cardio stuff and a lot of technique stuff and I’m really excited about Mike. I think he’s a good match for me.

Mike Kyle has a big mouth. He said he’s going to knock me out.

MIKE KYLE
This is one of my biggest opportunities. I feel great. I’m coming off a great win, a knockout over Travis Wiuff. … I’m starting to feel comfortable in the ring again, and I’m really excited to go out there and perform and put on the show that I’m capable of doing.

(You were originally expected to face Anthony Johnson. Is that a fight you still want?)

I like that fight, definitely. I don’t think there are too many fights I’m not interested in. But yeah, I’d definitely love to fight Anthony Johnson. I’d love to fight Tyrone Sponge. I like those guys. They’re good, straight strikers, and it makes for a good fight. I’m sure the fans would love to see that fight. But as of now, all I’m trying to think about is Arlovski. I don’t want to look past him. He’s a very tough opponent. He’s known to knock people out, and he’s coming from a great camp, as well, with Greg Jackson, so I’m looking forward to this fight, and I’m trying to look past this fight.

(How do you plan on avoiding his power?)

I plan on having better footwork, and I plan on hitting him first.

JESSE TAYLOR
(What does it feel like to be a part of World Series of Fighting?)

It’s really awesome. I’ve been traveling all over the world, and it’s been real cool seeing new places and fighting all sorts of people. But it’s real nice to have a home. It’s a reputable organization, the WSOF. I’m back in the States and can get some good exposure, where I can show my skills off. I’m just really excited to be back in a good, big show.

(Would you consider a possible move back down to welterweight at some point?)

I really got comfortable back at middleweight. I kind of grew a little bit, too, so I think middleweight is a good weight for me. But I’m all about big fights, and I have thought about there are definitely some big names down at welterweight that I would love to get my hands on. But I’ve just got to take care of business first. I can’t look past Elvis. He’s a really tough and game opponent, so I’m just really concentrated on him, and then we’ll see what happens after that fight and with the whole tournament. We’ll see what happens down the road.

ELVIS MUTAPCIC
(What’s the transition like from Canada to the World Series of Fighting?)

I think to keep me motivated, I’ve got to keep stepping up the competition. I keep fighting guys that are better than the previous guys I fought, so that keeps me motivated. Two, I’m really glad to be back in a cage. I thought I’d like the ring, but the ring has proven not to work for me. World Series is a great sport for up-and-coming fighters, and I just feel they’ve got a lot of hungry guys. They’re going to great in their careers there, and I’m just glad to be a part of it.

I’m trying to make a living in this. I’m not trying to do this as a hobby. A belt is nice, but I’m getting an opportunity to get a different, better belt.

DAVID BRANCH
(Should you be considered the tournament favorite?)

I don’t think I should be given any favoritism. All of the guys in the tournament are proven fighters. They’re veterans. They’ve been around the block. We’ve just got to get in there and get it done. That’s it. I don’t like to have any favoritism. I was on the first fight in the WSOF, and I definitely want to be the first champ of the middleweight division, but at the same time, I’ve got some tough opposition against me, and I’ve been getting ready for it properly. We’ll just get it done.

DANILLO VILLEFORT
(When facing another Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, are you interested in proving your submission skills or just picking up a win?)

Every fight is a different fight. David Branch, he comes from a very great gym. Renzo Gracie is a great coach and a great professional. But my family has been in the business since 1957. My whole entire family has been fighting, and I believe in my pedigree. I have no fear to go to the ground with my opponent. I’m not saying I’m going to tap or finish him, but wherever he takes it, I’m ready. I like to fight not just on the ground. I like to strike, too, so let’s see what game he wants to do. I’ll be ready for it.

ROLLES GRACIE
(How do you feel ahead of the fight?)

I’m feeling great for this fight. Derrick is definitely a tough opponent. I can’t take him lightly. I’m really looking forward to this fight. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the fight. I can say, ‘I wish this,’ or, ‘I wish that,’ but it’s only once you step in the cage that you know what’s going to happen. So I’m ready to do whatever it takes. Whatever it comes down to in the cage, I’m ready and prepared for it. I feel a lot more experienced and a lot more ready for it.

(This is a special night for the Gracie family. What does it mean for you all to still be featured so prominently?)

We are very excited to be a part of this. We’re really thankful to World Series of Fighting for making such an event and making this opportunity happen for all of us. It was great to not only have my brother and my cousin on the card but David Branch and my other teammates on the card. We all trained together. We got to improve together. We got to push each other forward and make ourselves better. It was an amazing, amazing training camp for all of us, and I’m really looking forward to Saturday night.

DERRICK MEHMEN
(You’re the underdog here, so are you hoping to shock the world?)

I guess you could say that. I fee like he has a lot of expectations on him. Maybe that gives him a little extra pressure. I have no expectations on me, but I feel it’s a great matchup for me, a great fight.

(Why did you move back to heavyweight? Is this switch permanent?)

It’s a permanent switch. I had been thinking about it before Strikeforce really, moving to heavyweight. This seemed like a great opportunity to move to heavyweight right now.

GEORGI KARAKHANYAN
As a fighter, it’s very important because fighting is how I feed myself and my family. It’s great to have a home like World Series of Fighting. A couple of organizations opened up their eyes and wanted to sign me. I don’t want to talk about the rest of the organizations, but I’m just happy that I finally landed somewhere where I can get to compete.

He has a powerful left hand. I’m not going to go in there and underestimate him and think he’s going to just wrestle me. I’m going to go in there prepared no matter what he’s going to want to do to me if it’s wrestling or it’s standup. I prefer to keep the fight standing and kick the shit out of him and throw a couple of knees, but if he tries to outwrestle me, then I’ll break my wrestling out and grind out a decision win over him.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING
World Series of Fighting is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering an incredible, action-packed entertainment experience for fight fans by producing the best possible matchups between elite fighters from around the globe. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow World Series of Fighting on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

ABOUT REVEL
Revel is smoke-free and features more than 1,800 rooms with sweeping ocean views. A member of the American Express Gold Hotel Collection, the resort houses a 130,000-square-foot casino with more than 2,000 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, electronic tables and a Poker Room. Designed to embrace its natural surroundings, Revel curates a collection of daylife and nightlife experiences crafted to bring the outside in and the inside out. Indoor and outdoor pools, gardens, lounges, and a 32,000-square-foot spa provide guests with a relaxing resort, while an outstanding collection of 14 restaurant concepts from award-wining chefs and restaurateurs, live entertainment featuring marquee acts and international artists, nightclubs, a casino that feels like a theatre and a collection of boutiques in The Row tailor to each guest’s passions. Revel was most recently named one of the Best Hotels in the Northeast by Amtrak’s Arrive magazine and one of the Top 10 Best New Hotels in the U.S. by Gayot.com.

To start your Revel journey, visit www.revelresorts.com. To receive the latest updates on Revel, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/revel and follow @revelresorts on Twitter and Instagram. Revel is located on the Boardwalk at Revel Blvd in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

ABOUT NBC SPORTS NETWORK
NBC Sports Network, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 80 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2013, the Premier League and Formula One. In addition, NBC Sports Network features college football, college basketball, college hockey, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Action Sports Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, The Crossover, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk and The Dan Patrick Show. NBC Sports Network is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

Video streaming by Ustream

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 10, 2013) — Eight-Time, Five-Division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Unified Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez are primed and ready for the biggest fight of 2013 on Saturday, September 14. Bbefore these two mega stars step into the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO” on SHOWTIME PPV®, boxing’s next generation of stars will take to the sport’s biggest and brightest stage to show the world what they are made.

Competing in non-televised bouts will be Las Vegas talents, Luis “Cuba” Arias, Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril, Lanell Bellows and Andrew “Beast” Tabiti, as well as Ohio standout Chris “Sweet” Pearson.

“The fighters we have on this card are some of the most exciting and talented in the sport today,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Before Floyd and Canelo get into the ring, these up and comers are going to fight their hearts out and show why we’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the coming years.”

“Saturday night’s fight card is going to be electric from start to finish,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Giving these young fighters the opportunity to showcase their talent on this monstrous card is what being a promoter is all about – giving the future of the sport a chance to become stars.”

Owner of a 140-25 amateur record, Luis Arias (6-0, 3 KO’s) is making his name known in the super middleweight division and he is doing so in an impressive style. Coming off of victories over DonYil Livingston and Latif Mundy, the 23-year-old Milwaukee native will meet an opponent to be announced in a six-round bout.

Romania native Ronald Gavril (6-0, 5 KO’s) has made a positive impression on fight fans since relocating to Las Vegas in May of 2012, winning four straight bouts to improve to 6-0 as a professional. In August, the 27-year-old knocked out Dave Courchaine in two rounds. On September 14, he will take on Flint, Michigan’s Shujaa El Amin (12-4, 6 KO’s), who was formerly known as Dion Savage, in an eight-round super middleweight bout.

Dayton, Ohio’s Chris Pearson (11-0, 8 KO’s) is back in the ring to face Westerly, Rhode Island’s Joshua Williams (9-5, 5 KO’s) in an eight-round middleweight matchup. It will be the first fight for Pearson since his sixth-round technical knockout of Arturo Crespin on July 19 that kept him unbeaten and continued building his reputation as a fighter to watch at 160 pounds.

Opening evening will be two four-round matchups featuring super middleweight Lanell Bellows (5-0-1, 4 KO’s) against Logan, West Virginia’s Jordan Moore (3-0) and cruiserweight Andrew Tabiti (1-0, 1 KO) against Nskayumn, New York’s Edward Smith (1-0).

“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina square off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the first fight begins at 3:00 p.m. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV features a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Less than 24 hours after going on sale in June, the event was sold out, but six MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts of “THE ONE.” Properties showcasing the event include ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $100, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and also are available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Closed circuit ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE ONE” will also be broadcast on nearly 550 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

New York, NY (9/11/13) – While most of the boxing world will be focused on the mega fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez this Saturday in Las Vegas, DiBella Entertainment’s Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (22-1, 7KO’s) and Ivan Redkach (14-0, 12KO’s) will also be seeing action in separate bouts.

O’Connor is scheduled to take on the always-tough Raul Tovar (11-7-1, 4KO’s) in an eight-round welterweight matchup in the feature bout of the 12th annual “Fight to Educate” charity card on Saturday night at the Verizon Wireless Center, in Manchester, NH. The night before, at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI, Redkach will square off against Antonio Sanchez (5-1-2, 3KO’s) in a six-round junior welterweight matchup.

It will be the fifth time that O’Connor, the 2008 National Golden Gloves and 2008 United States amateur champion, has participated in this charity event, with O’Connor going a perfect 4-0 in his previous outings.

The lone blemish on O’Connor’s overall record came at the hands of WBC #14-rated junior welterweight contender Gabriel Bracero in April 2011, televised on SHOWTIME’s ShoBox: The New Generation. After the loss to Bracero, O’Connor began training under the tutelage of highly regarded trainer Ronnie Shields and brought in Ken Casey, the lead singer of the popular band Dropkick Murphys, as his manager. O’Connor has since earned eight consecutive victories, with four coming inside the distance, and has grown into one of the most popular fighters throughout the entire New England region. O’Connor, who is coming off a victory just a few weeks ago on August 24, is hoping to crack into the welterweight world ratings in 2014, but he must first take care of Tovar. Tovar began his career a perfect 5-0, and holds victories over two previously undefeated fighters during his six-plus-year professional career. Last year, Tovar lost a close eight-round unanimous decision to undefeated prospect Chris Algieri.

The WBC #14-rated Redkach, went a perfect 4-0, 3KO’s, in 2012, with all three stoppages coming in the very first round. After witnessing one of his bouts in 2012, esteemed reporter Doug Fischer, of Ringtv.com, stated, “Ivan Redkach is a stud; best lightweight prospect with less than 20 bouts. I think he can beat most prospects with 20+ bouts.” After his one-round destruction of Tebor Brosch at Roseland Ballroom on October 24, the highly regarded Mike Woods, who covers boxing for TheSweetScience.com and ESPN.com, proclaimed, “This kid scared me. He put bad thoughts into my head.” After being featured on Dan Rafael’s 2012 “Prospects to Watch” list, Redkach began 2013 right where he left off the previous year, scoring a devastating first-round stoppage over Sergio Rivera in February. After the bout against Rivera, Redkach was forced to sit on the sidelines while he sorted out some issues with his team. With everything now settled, including hiring a new manager in Larry Army, Redkach is looking to make the transition from top prospect to legitimate world title contender in 2014.

Chicago, IL, Wednesday, September 11, 2013–When dynamic super middle weight prospect Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (11-0 8 KOs) of Chicago takes his undefeated record into the ring against Gary, Indiana’s Derrick “Superman” Findley (20-11-1, 13 KOs) on Friday night it will be the most exciting cross town match up since Chicago middleweights Lenny LaPaglia and John Collins squared off 30 years ago at the UIC Pavillion, says promoter Bobby Hitz. The eight round “The Battle at the Border” will be the Main Event during “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” on Friday, September 13, at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.

“I cannot wait to see these guys go at it on Friday night, like LaPaglia versus Collins this is going to be a slugfest that lives up to the hype” said Hitz. “Findley likes to call out guys with undefeated records, saying that they look for easy fights, Mike resents that and he is looking to send a message to Findley and the boxing world that his undefeated record is no joke.”

In 1983 Collins beat LaPaglia by unanimous decision after both fighters left it all in the ring in what many say is one of the top 10 fights in Chicago boxing history. Hitz believes Jimenez versus Findley has the same potential.

“After that Collins and LaPaglia saw their career trajectories change drastically, this bout could do the same for Jimenez and Findley,” said Hitz. “Mike wins and people will take notice.”

Jimenez hopes to remain unbeaten against the very tough Findley, who is the only man to stop the highly regarded Andrzej Fonfara, who knocked out Gabriel Campillo in the ninth round this past Friday. In July of 2008 Findley stopped Fanfara with a second round TKO.

“I know Derrick and he is a super tough dude, who doesn’t slow down. He brings it all night, he’s never been stopped and he is beaten some quality boxers,” said Jimenez. “I will be on BEASTMODE on September 13 and I will bringing the KRYPTONITE to “Superman.” I’ve been killing it in the gym, my team is pushing me hard to make sure I am ready and I will be on my “A” game.”

For his part Findley doesn’t appear to be too concerned stepping in to the ring against an undefeated opponent. In an interview with ESNewsReporting.com posted on YouTube in July he said.

“They go out here and the knock out a guy in some basketball shorts and some Reeboks and then go up to the club with their little Cubic Zirconia chains jumping around like they just beat Canelo. Everybody wants tomato cans, nobody wants to fight real fighters. Everybody wants to be undefeated, everybody wants to be 40 and 0.”

Tickets can be purchased at hitzboxing.com or The Venue box office.

ABOUT HITZ BOXING: Since its debut in 1991, Hitz Boxing has been the Midwest’s leading boxing promoter. Led by Bobby Hitz, who boasted a 21-4 record with 18 KO’s as a boxer, Hitz Boxing is the longest running boxing promoter in the Chicago area dating back to the bi-monthly boxing series the “Ramada Rumble,” held at the former Rosemont Ramada Inn. The organization currently promotes the wildly popular “Fight Night at the Horseshoe” at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN and is the subject of “Hitz Boxing,” a reality show airing on the Internet which has amassed over 5 million views. Over the years the organization has produced matches that have included some of the top names in boxing such as James Toney, Antonio Tarver, Montell Griffin, Iran Barkley, Andrew Golota and “Fast Fres Oquendo.

The $500 million Horseshoe Casino, a Caesars Entertainment Corporation property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gambling destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with over 3,000 slot machines, over 100 table games, one of the largest poker rooms in the Midwest, and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination and premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 3,300 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion’s Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan and winner of the 2009, 2010, 2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the May 2012 OpenTable Diners’ Choice award, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, and a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Pub and Eatery.

For more information, please visit: www.chicagohorseshoe.com.

Must be 21 years or older to gamble or attend events at The Venue. Know When To Stop Before You Start® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9WITH-IT © 2012 Caesars License Company, LLC.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (Sept. 10, 2013) – The Shawn Porter vs. Julio Diaz II fight card on Thursday, Sept. 12 at MGM Grand Las Vegas’ Premier Ballroom just keeps getting bigger and better as Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions have added hot super welterweight prospect Jermall Charlo, 2012 United States Olympian Errol Spence and Oscar De La Hoya’s cousin Diego de la Hoya to the card. The action-packed event will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 2/FOX Deportes.

Also in action will be promising lightweight Robert Easter Jr. and two other members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team Terrell Gausha and Dominic Breazeale.

“This is going to be a spectacular card and a great lead in to Saturday night’s fight,” said CEO of Mayweather Promotions Leonard Ellerbe. “This is the biggest week in recent boxing history and this fight makes it even more impressive.”

“This is going to be a tremendous night of boxing,” said CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer. “For as little as 25 dollars, boxing fans can watch four U.S. Olympians fighting live here at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.”

In the main event, it’s the rematch fight fans demanded as unbeaten Shawn “Showtime” Porter (21-0-1, 14 KO’s) faces former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz (40-8-1, 29 KO’s) in a 10-round bout for the NABO & USBA welterweight titles. The co-featured bout showcases Las Vegas up-and-comer Badou Jack (15-0, 10 KO’s) as he takes on Mexico’s Marco Antonio Periban (20-1, 13 KO’s) in a 10-round NABF Super Middlweight fight. Additionally, two of boxing’s top prospects return to the ring as Julian “J-Rock” Williams (13-0-1, 10 KO’s) faces Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. (19-0, 10 KO’s) in a 10-round clash for the WBC International Super Welterweight title.
Porter vs. Diaz II will take place on Thursday, Sept.12 at MGM Grand Las Vegas’ Premier Ballroom located in the MGM Grand Conference Center on the third level. The event is presented by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Invisible Text. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT and the first bell rings at 5:15 p.m. PT. The FOX Sports 2/FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase a www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, with the purchase of a ticket, fans will be given a reserved seat for the “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO” Official Weigh-In taking place Friday, Sept.13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Fans will also receive a 10 percent discount on tickets for closed circuit viewing of the Mayweather vs. Canelo mega-event on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Fighting under the radar for a few years, Houston’s Jermall Charlo (15-0, 11 KO’s) burst onto the scene in 2013, already winning five bouts, with each victory coming by way of knockout. Fresh from a trio of stoppages over world-class foes Orlando Lora, Luis Hernandez and Antwone Smith, the 23-year-old Charlo will face fellow Houstonite Rogelio De La Torre (10-3, 6 KO’s) in an eight-round super welterweight bout.

Unbeaten in seven professional bouts following his appearance in the 2012 London Olympic Games, Dallas’ Errol Spence (7-0, 6 KO’s) has not let his last three opponents escape the first round, showing off the power and punching accuracy that is becoming his trademark. On Sept. 12, the 23-year-old southpaw makes his third Las Vegas appearance in an eight-round welterweight fight against Mexico City’s Jesus Tavera (5-3, 1 KO).

Opening the televised portion of the card will be Mexicali super bantamweight Diego de la Hoya. Making his professional debut in a four-round bout against a fighter to-be-named, the 19-year-old “Golden Kid” is a former member of the Mexican National Team with over 250 amateur bouts to his name, not to mention champion bloodlines as the cousin of Oscar De La Hoya.

Fans on site in Las Vegas will get a three-punch combination of quality bouts to open up the night, as Akron’s Robert Easter Jr. (6-0, 6 KO’s) puts his perfect record on the line against Muscatine, Iowa’s Lance Williams (6-1, KO’s) in an eight-round lightweight match. 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Cleveland meets Wheeling, West Virginia’s Bruce Runkle (4-2-1)in a six-round middleweight matchup and Gausha’s Olympic teammate, heavyweight banger Dominic Breazeale (6-0, 6 KO’s) of Los Angeles, takes on West Virginia’s John Hill (6-2, 5 KO’s) in an eight-round contest.

To kick off the week, a press conference was held today in Las Vegas at MGM Grand with the aforementioned fighters featured on the FOX Sports 2/FOX Deportes telecast.

“It’s show time!” said Shawn Porter. “This is a big week for me. I’m very excited. This is my first time fighting here in Vegas, the main event on the card. It doesn’t get any better than that. I had a great camp. Can’t wait to bust his joker up again, take care of business, and set the record straight.”

“This is a great weekend for boxing. I feel blessed and I’m excited,” said Julio Diaz. “A couple of years ago, the boxing world retired me, supposedly I was done, but here I am still headlining shows. I never gave up and I kept on working hard and I’m still here. The first time around, we had a good fight. I was coming back, gaining my confidence. Right now I think I’m where I need to be. I’m very excited and I’m coming with everything. This fight, we will not need judges. Anyway it goes, it’s not going to a decision. I guarantee you that.”

“[Periban] is a good fighter, but Thursday night I will be victorious,” said Badou Jack. “I had a great camp and I’m in great shape. Bring it.”

“I have trained very well,” said Marco Antonio Periban. “I am very well prepared and come Thursday we are going to come out with a victory for all of Mexico. We are ready for this fight. We are closer to the title. That title escaped my hands. Obviously it was a little slip but the judges really affected me in the fight with Sakio Bika. But we gained experience and we’re very motivated. I want to remind you, this is not the first time I fought a Mayweather fighter. When I fought Shujaa EL AMIN [Formerly Dion Savage] he lasted 15 seconds.”

“I’m a very exciting fighter,” said Julian Williams. “I trained extremely hard for this fight and I’m fighting a decent fighter in Hugo Centeno, but I come to win. I’m the best prospect at 154 pounds. Thursday night will be no different. I plan on putting on a spectacular performance and getting a win.”

“I’ve been training extremely hard for this fight and I come to win,” said Hugo Centeno. “When I get in the ring, I’m here to take this victory.”

# # #

“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina square off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV features a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Less than 24 hours after going on sale on June 25, the event was sold out, but six MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts of “THE ONE.” Properties showcasing the event include ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $100, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and also are available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Closed circuit ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also will be available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets for closed circuit viewing at MGM Grand, ARIA, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York are now on sale.

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (Sept. 10, 2013) – Eight-time, five-division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Super Welterweight World Champion and Mexican Superstar Canelo Alvarez kicked off fight week for “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER vs. CANELO” as the two superstars arrived in grand fashion in front of approximately 2,000 screaming fans on Tuesday at the MGM Grand Hotel Lobby.

Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship will be at stake this Saturday on SHOWTIME PPV in the most significant boxing showdown in recent memory.

Mayweather and Canelo briefly met with the media following Tuesday’s formal arrival, where the subject quickly turned to the controversy surrounding the 152-pound catchweight and statements from The Money Team that Team Canelo made a mistake in agreeing to fight at 152 pounds.

“I’m the bigger guy, why would I give up weight?” Canelo asked the media. “You want to know what happened? They wanted to fight at welterweight. I told them, ‘No way, those days are over for me.’ Then they said let’s do the fight at 150. I said I couldn’t do that. Then 151. Then we finally agreed on 152.

“I would come down two pounds to make the important fight. They told us not to disclose anything and we were fine with that. The reason why we are talking about the weight today is because they called us idiots and they are lying.”

Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, had a firm response to Canelo’s comments.

“We took advantage of a situation,” Ellerbe said. “The kid suggested it himself a long time ago. He put himself out there like that and we’re going to hold his feet to the fire.”

Mayweather, who didn’t acknowledge questions surrounding the catch-weight, insisted he’ll still be boxing’s No. 1 draw after Saturday’s showdown.

“He’s not the future,” Mayweather said. “But he’s still going to be a star after he loses on Saturday. When I’m in a fight like this I’m not losing.

“You don’t think I could go to the Alamodome and sell it out? I give Canelo credit for showing up on Sept. 14 and that’s it.”

“I take my hat off to Richard Schaefer; he works very, very hard, him and Leonard [Ellerbe],” said Mayweather when asked about the massive size of the Sept. 14 promotion. “This is not just a fight, this is what we call an event These people play a major key to my success. This is the Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions show, and we now run boxing.”

ABOUT “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO”:
“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina square off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV features a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Less than 24 hours after going on sale in June, the event was sold out, but six MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts of “THE ONE.” Properties showcasing the event include ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $100, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and also are available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Closed circuit ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE ONE” will also be broadcast on nearly 550 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

On Saturday, October 19, at the Palacio de los Deportes in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, former WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (22-0-1, 16 KOs) will headline a historic night of boxing in the Dominican Republic that will also feature no less than three women’s world championship fights.

In separate 10-round bouts, three different women from Santo Domingo: IBF Female Featherweight World Champion Daihana Santana (32-6, 14 KOs), IBF Female Super Bantamweight Champion Katy Pamela “La Super Baby” Wilson (18-1, 11 KOs), and former women’s super-bantamweight world champion Marilyn “La Cachorrita” Hernandez (24-9, 15 KOs) will either defend or challenge for world championships in the same night.

The event is being proudly presented by promoters Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing and Cesar Mercedes of Manguita Promociones.

The night’s headliner, 24-year-old Fortuna, from La Romana, Dominican Republic, will be looking to rebound from the only blotch on his professional record, a draw with extremely capable former Olympian Luis Franco in August of this year. Known for his buzz-saw attack and penchant for producing highlight-reel knockouts with his amazing power, Fortuna will also be giving fans a first look at the work he’s done with new trainer, Hector Bermudez from Troy, New York.

28-year-old Santana won her IBF title in November 2011 and will be looking to make her fifth successful defense that night. 22-year-old Wilson won her title in March 2012 against well-respected multiple world champion Ada Velez. She will be looking to make her third successful defense. 29-year-old Hernandez has had four unsuccessful world-title challenges and won the WIBF Super Bantamweight Championship in December 2011. She will be looking to win her second professional world title that night.

Scheduled for the undercard are Santo Domingo’s undefeated WBA Fedelatin Bantamweight Champion Jonathan Guzman (14-0, 14 KOs); undefeated Santo Domingo super featherweight KO artist Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez (14-0, 14 KOs), as well as several other local favorites.

All opponents will be announced shortly.

“I am very proud to be part of such an historic event in the history of this beautiful country,” said promoter Lewkowicz, a long-time champion of Dominican boxing and boxers. “Javier is the future world champion. He has a new trainer and has made several very strong improvements. We also have three women’s title fights in one night; all of the women are fighting in their own hometowns. Plus we have all the wonderful talent on the undercard. Dominican boxing continues to grow. I’m so happy to be part of this wave of talent that has been produced.”

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Victor Mateo, trainer of upcoming world title challenger, “King” Carlos Molina says Team Molina has their fighter in the shape of his life and ready to beat up and possibly knock out Ishe Smith this Saturday.

Molina (21-5-2, 6 KOs) will face defending champion and Las Vegas resident Smith (25-5 11 KOs) for the IBF Light Middleweight Championship this Saturday, September 14, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The pair will meet on the pay-per-view televised undercard of the 12-round Floyd “Money” Mayweather vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez fight for Canelo’s WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship.

“He’s really strong,” said Mateo of his Chicago-based junior middleweight, Molina. “I never felt this power in him before or seen the look that he has in his eyes. Not too many fighters have this look: the ‘I’m going to kill you’ look. He’s got it. I haven’t seen that look in a fighter in a long time, since Roberto Duran. He’s in the best shape of his life. You’re going to see the best Carlos Molina the world has ever seen on Saturday.”

In preparation for the big fight, Team Molina (consisting of Trainer Mateo, original trainer Lou Askenette, cornerman Harrison “Hammer” Funmaker, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Freddy Cuevas), have been putting in double their usual amount of work at Oakley Fight Club in Chicago.

“It’s been a long training camp. The fight was postponed once before, so we were careful not to burn him out. It went very well. We’re working more on his balance and more a lot of technical stuff. But as far as training we’re just doing more of what we always do.”

Mateo says an unusual series of coincidences brought him and Molina together about seven years ago.

I always say God gave me this direction. I was an amateur boxer, but I gave it up due to a shoulder injury. Years later, my brother Louie suggested I start working with kids at the local gym. I started with this one kid and within six months, he won the junior Olympics and all kids of other tournaments. That’s when I realized I had a talent. From there, I started getting more people and getting good things out of them, even kids they never thought would go anywhere. I was working with another kid, a featherweight who was undefeated. He was getting ready for one of the fights and all of a sudden, I see this guy I’d never seen before standing there. It was Carlos. He asked me if we needed a sparring partner? I said yeah, put your gear on. After the sparring session, the heavyweight Fres Oquendo was ready to go in the ring and Carlos wanted to go spar with Fres! I couldn’t believe it. He would get in with anybody. The following day, Carlos came back to the gym and asked me if I’d work with him. We’ve been together ever since. And a few times since then, I have put him in with heavyweights and he was tearing them up.”

Mateo says he feels blessed to be part of such a big event and is glad he saw what he saw in the raw version of Molina that day.

“People used to tell me all the time that Carlos isn’t going to go anywhere and ask me why was I wasting my time? But I saw something special in him. He was a hard worker. He needed a little more polishing, but he was able to learn and absorb everything. I always felt like he would be champion one day.”

Despite opponent Smith’s contention that the fight will be an easy win for him, Mateo says he’s expecting a big night for his fighter.

“Smith is a strong guy. He likes to throw the double and triple jabs and right hand and likes to counter with the hook a lot. He’s a well-conditioned fighter. It’s not going to be easy, but I guarantee we’re going to win. I see Carlos beating him up and hurting him with pressure, possibly knocking him out.”
ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it’s credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Video streaming by Ustream

Los Angeles (September 10) – Canelo Alvarez and I have big fights coming up this weekend. His is the ring and mine in treatment.

I will not be at the fight this Saturday to cheer Canelo to victory since I have voluntarily admitted myself into a treatment facility.

I explained this to Canelo and he understood that my health and longterm recovery from my disease must come first.

Thank you for your understanding. I ask for your support and privacy during this difficult time for me and my family.

MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 10, 2013) – Thursday night (Sept. 12) in the 12th annual Fight To Educate (FTE) Pro-Am charity boxing event, Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (22-1, 7 KOs), headlines in an eight-round bout against welterweight Raul Tovar (11-7-1, 4 KOs) in a homecoming of sorts for the popular Irish-American boxer, at Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The 28-year-old O’Connor will be fighting in his record-setting fifth FTE event. The 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, is from Framingham, Massachusetts. O’Connor made his professional debut on the 2008 FTE card, participated in the following three, and has a perfect 4-0 (4 KOs) record in FTE fights.

“Sometimes it’s nice to stop and look back and see where everything started and, for me, my pro career literally started in the Fight To Educate at Verizon Arena in Manchester,” O’Connor said. “I made my pro debut there and this will be my fifth fight on the Fight To Educate shows. I have a great relationship with the people in Manchseter, the New Hampshire Boxing Commission, and the people involved with the Fight To Educate. I really enjoy going to fight in Manchester, especially for such a good cause. Manchester and the Fight To Educate have become a second home for me.”

O’Connor is on an eight-fight win streak, starting at the 2011 FTE, when two-time world title challenger Ronnie Shields joined his corner as head trainer. O’Connor is arguably New England’s most popular fighter today, largely due to his association with the world-renown Dropkick Murphys band, whose founder, Kenny Casey, became O’Connor’s manager last year.

Tovar, 24, has upset previously unbeaten prospects John David Charles and New Englander Simeon Dunwell, as well as fought the distance against undefeated prospects such as Jessie Vargas and Chris Algieri during his six-year professional career. Tovar has been stopped only once in 19 pro fights.

Tover defeated O’Connor back at the 2005 National PAL Tournament in Oxnard, California. “I’m not one to chase a loss but, if the opportunity arises to redeem myself, that’s okay,” O’Connor noted. “Amateur boxing is different and we’re both different fighters today. I’m just concentrating on what I need to do to win and sticking to my game plan.”

Undefeated welterweight Chris Gilbert (9-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Windsor, Vermont, will be fighting in his third consecutive FTE event having won both of his FTE fights by knockouts. Gilbert squares-off against his toughest opponent to date, Anthony “The Candyman” Chase (11-1, 4 KOs), of Providence, in the eight-round co-feature.

West Forks, Maine light welterweight Brandon Berry (2-0, 2 KOs), who faces Jesus Javier Cintron (1-3-2), of Springfield (MA), in a four-round bout, will become the first to box in the FTE as an amateur (2013) and professional.

Three amateur matches are also on tap: 2013 New England Golden Gloves champion Dominic Lessier (22-2), fighting out of Lowell (MA), vs. three-time Golden Gloves titlist Josh Bickford (50+ amateur bouts), of Mount Holly, Vermont; local light heavyweight favorite Joel Felix (4-1), of Manchester (NH), vs. undefeated James Perkins (4-0), of Saugus (MA); Lawrence (MA) super welterweight Jose Vargas (11-3) vs. Jalen Renaud (25+ amateur bouts), of Springfield (MA).

All fights and fighters are subject to change. All bouts are sanctioned by the New Hampshire Boxing & Wrestling Commission.

Fight To Educate, presented in part this year by Alrich Cabinet, is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be ‘down for the count.’ During the past 11 years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefitting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations.

This year’s attending Boxing Legends are two-time world light welterweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Aaron “Hawk” Pryor (39-1, 25 KOs), former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini (29-5, 23 KOs), and two-division (welterweight & light welterweight) world champion James “Buddy” McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs).

Proceeds from the 12th annual Fight To Educate will benefit SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and New Horizons for New Hampshire.

Tickets, priced at $50.00 and $25.00 (general admission), are available to purchase at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box office, by going online at
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/8748/1616837/?brand=verizonarena.

Call Stephen Singer at 603.669.4100 for more details about sponsorship opportunities, including VIP table (of 8 for $1000) sponsorships for a night of professional boxing and Black Tie dinner. This special offer also includes an auction and meet-and-greet with the aforementioned boxing legends Pryor, Mancini, and McGirt.

The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. ET, doors for boxing open at 7:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Visit www.fight2educate.com or www.verizonwirelessarena.com for additional information.

ESPN will present multi-platform pre- and post-fight coverage of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez unification fight for the WBC and WBA Junior Middleweight titles scheduled for Saturday, September 14, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. ESPN Deportes and SportsCenter will be on site to provide daily news and information.

Mayweather-Alvarez Coverage Across ESPN Platforms

Television
· SportsCenter

o Analysis and interviews throughout the week led by host Robert Flores and boxing experts Dan Rafael, Teddy Atlas, and bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna.

o Fighter arrivals (Tuesday, 5:50 p.m. ET).

o “Atlas Fight Plan” in which analyst Atlas will illustrate what each fighter needs to do to win.

o Press conference coverage and fighter interviews (Wednesday, 4 p.m.).

o Thursday interviews with Alvarez (4:20 p.m.) and Mayweather (6:20 p.m.).

o Interview with Oscar De La Hoya (Thursday, during 5 p.m. hour).

o Set presence at the MGM Garden Arena: live weigh-in coverage (Friday, during 5:30 p.m. hour) and pre- and post-fight coverage.

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

o A Los Golpes: ESPN Deportes will air three special A Los Golpes shows — one providing in depth analysis and discussion of the fight (Monday, 5:30 p.m. from Los Angeles), one to cover fighter arrivals (Wednesday, 12 a.m. from Las Vegas) and one to cover the main event press conference (Wednesday, 7 p.m. from Las Vegas). Commentators: David Faitelson, Osuna, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., hall of fame referee Joe Cortez, Jorge Eduardo Sanchez, Claudia Trejos and Kary Correa.

o Golpe a Golpe: ESPN Deportes will air four special Golpe a Golpe shows — one to cover the undercard press conference, (Thursday, 7p.m.), one to cover the weigh-in live, (Friday, 5:30 p.m.), one before the fights (Saturday, 8 p.m.) and another show with live post-fight coverage (Saturday (2 a.m.). Coverage will be led by Faitelson, Osuna, Chavez Sr., Cortez, Sanchez, Trejos and Correa. Legendary Mexican boxing champion Juan Manuel Marquez will provide analysis via satellite Friday and Saturday.

o SportsCenter, Capitanes, Radio Formula, #Redes, Cronometro, and Nacion will have daily segments previewing the fight. SportsCenter will have live post-fight coverage immediately after the fights.

Digital

· ESPN3 coverage of press conference and weigh-in live: ESPN3 will carry Wednesday’s press conference (4p.m.) and Friday’s weigh-in (5:30 p.m.) live on computers, smartphones, tablets, Xbox and Apple TV to fans who receive their Internet or video subscription from an affiliated provider.

· ESPN.com

o Comprehensive coverage from Las Vegas includes stories from Rafael, Kieran Mulvaney, Nigel Collins, Brian Campbell and Brett Okamoto and content integration with ESPN Deportes.

o Live blog featuring ESPN.com’s on-site staff and ESPN The Magazine writers Tim Keown and Pablo Torre beginning Wednesday at 3 p.m. and running through the fights on Sept. 14.

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

o A live edition of ESPN.com’s original boxing show, Making the Rounds, will run immediately after the weigh-in ends on Friday.

Print/Digital

· ESPN The Magzine’s “The Fight Issue”: Currently on newsstands, “The Fight Issue” includes:

o Features by Torre (http://es.pn/14gmfXE) and Keown (http://es.pn/17Cxs1N).

o Photo galleries: Alvarez (http://es.pn/14YpEsM) Mayweather (http://es.pn/19dAomv).

o Videos on ESPN.com (http://es.pn/15Bn9Iy) (http://es.pn/14gmfXE).

o Both fighters are also featured on covers of the issue:

New Picture (1)New Picture (2)

Social
· #TeamMayweather and #TeamCanelo (@ESPN Twitter and ESPN Facebook; Fight week): ESPN will ask its followers to predict who they think will win the fight using #TeamMayweather and #TeamCanelo.

All the work is now done! Floyd Mayweather, Ishe Smith and I are all ready for our important fights on Saturday.
It’s been a great and first class camp. I’ve had the pleasure of sparring not one, but two world champions in my preparations for my fight with Pablo Cesar Cano.

You do not become a world champion by luck – this is a pinnacle that is only achieved by hard work and talent.
Judging by how the boxing media talk about Pablo Cesar Cano, you’d think he beat two weight world champion, Paul Malignaggi, and boxing legends Erik Morales and Shane Mosley. He didn’t – he lost.
I’ve beaten better fighters than him, and have been sparring better fighters than him. DeMarcus Corley, Delvin Rodriguez and Danny Garcia are all better fighters than him. Lenny Daws was in phenomenal condition for our bout, and that wasn’t enough. I’ve been in with big punchers and guys with terrific engines. I just don’t see how he beats me.
Pablo Cano has 26 wins and 20 knock out wins. On the surface, that sounds amazing, but when you look at who he has beaten; he knocked out nobodies. I’ve never heard of them. When he fought fighters with a name – he lost! That’s all that matters.
Oscar De La Hoya believes he is good enough to be a world champion. Floyd Mayweather believes I am also. One of them is clearly wrong! And I believe my promoter knows talent when he sees it.
Make no mistake, it will be a fantastic fight. He believes he can knock me out, and I believe I can knock him out.
Millions will be watching worldwide. I was born for this stage. I always believed I would appear on a show of this magnitude. I just kept working hard, and the hard work has paid off.
Floyd Mayweather himself has told me that “a world championship is waiting for me”.
Pablo Cesar Cano stands in my way.

New York, NY (9/9/13) – Next Monday, September 16, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment (DBE) will host a special Monday night of boxing at the beautiful Resorts World Casino NYC in Jamaica, Queens. Titled “Big Apple Boxing”, the card is headlined by SMS-promoted junior lightweight Mark Davis (17-0, 5KO’s) looking to keep his undefeated record intact when he squares off against Newark’s upset-minded Carlos Vinan (10-10-5, 2KO’s) and DBE’s super bantamweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (17-1, 12KO’s) facing Ira Terry (26-11, 16KO’s). Both bouts are scheduled for eight rounds.

The remainder of the card features a slew of undefeated up-and-coming prospects from both the DBE and SMS stable, including former #1-rated US amateurs Shemuel “The Chosen One” Pagan (2-0, 1KO) and Christopher “Golden” Galeano (pro debut) both making their promotional debuts since signing exclusive co-promotional contracts with the two promoters last month. The five-time Golden Gloves champion Pagan takes on Calvin Smith (2-4) in a four-round junior welterweight matchup, while fellow NY Golden Gloves and National champion Galeano challenges David Rohn (1-0) in a four-round middleweight showdown.

Making his much-anticipated pro debut will be the newest member of the SMS-promoted stable and former amateur standout, Ryan Martin, as he takes on an opponent TBA in a four-round junior welterweight matchup. A national champion with an outstanding record of 180-22, Martin is one of the best amateurs ever to come out of the state of Tennessee.

Undefeated middleweight prospect Lamar Russ is looking to improve his record to a perfect 14-0, when he takes on the always-tough Latif Mundy (10-7, 4KO’s), from Philadelphia. Russ, who recently served as one of the lead sparring partners for middleweight champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, is looking to crack into the middleweight world ratings in 2014, but he must first get by Mundy in their scheduled eight-round middleweight matchup.

Also on the card are DBE’s undefeated prospects and NY Golden Gloves champions, Travis Peterkin (8-0, 4KO’s) and Heather “The Heat” Hardy (6-0, 1KO). Both Brooklynites are scheduled to see action in separate six-round bouts. Light heavyweight Peterkin faces Michael Wilmer (4-6, 3KO’s) and junior featherweight Hardy takes on Jennifer Scott (3-4, 2KO’s). In just a little over a year, Hardy, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with DBE, has quickly become one of the most popular fighters throughout the entire NYC boxing scene.

Rounding out the card will be pro-debuting 2011 US Olympic Team Trials silver medalist, and the 2012 NY Golden Gloves heavyweight champion Joseph Williams squaring off against Joe Powers (1-1) in a four-round light heavyweight matchup. The Far Rockaway-native Williams got a late start to boxing, but has quickly progressed, and just missed out on the opportunity to represent the US in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

The card is promoted by SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by SMS Audio.

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $125, $85, $65 and $45. Tickets are available for purchase by calling Resorts World Casino NYC at (718) 215-2828 or by visiting: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/venueSearch.jsp?venue_id=9244

OTTAWA, Canada (September 9, 2013) – Eye Of The Tiger Management (EOTTM) has been making noise in Canadian boxing for the past 4-½ years, since promoter/manager Camille Estephan started managing his friend, heavyweight Bermane Stiverne.

Today, Stiverne and his equally talented stable-mate, light welterweight Dierry Jean (25-0, 7 KOs), are both top-ranked contenders and mandatory challengers for, respectively, World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Vitali Klitschko and International Boxing Federation (IBF) title-holder Lamont Peterson.

“Bermane is so talented,” Estephan explained. “He’s ready to fight the best in his division. I wish Klitschko would step-up and fight Bermane but he’s avoiding him like the plague (Stiverne has won two title eliminators and three purse bids have been postponed). We’ll fight him in Kiev or Germany. We’d like to do it here (Montreal) but if we have to travel we’ll bring the belt back to North America. I can’t blame Vitali, though. (Chris) Arreola just destroyed (Seth) Mitchell and Bermane destroyed Arreola.

“Dierry is our other mandatory challenger. He has proven himself as a world-class fighter in the hot light welterweight division. We’ve been talking with Golden Boy Promotions (Peterson’s promoter) and hope to hear something soon. If not, the fight will go to purse bid, and we’d like to bring the fight against Peterson to Montreal for Dierry to get that belt.”

Two other world-class EOTTM fighters – middleweight David Lemieux (29-2, 28 KOs) and welterweight Antonin Decarie (27-2, 8 KOs) – are scheduled to return to the ring September 28 to fight on the Adonis Stevenson-Tavoris Cloud card at Belle Center in Montreal. Lemieux is ranked No. 14 by the WBC and No. 15 by the IBF, while former interim world title-challenger Decarie is rated No. 11 by the WBC.

Last Friday night in the sixth installment of EOTTM’s Fight Club Series at Lac Leamy Casino Hotel in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, Montreal’s undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Americas lightweight champion Ghislain “Mani” Maduma (15-0, 9 KOs), rated No. 10 by the IBF and No. 13 by the WBC, successfully defended his belt and also captured the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) champion by winning a one-sided 12-round decision over Mexican invader Fermin De Los Santos (24-14-2, 16 KOs). Maduma also earned participation in the soon-to-be announced WBC World Cup, scheduled to start later this year in four divisions, in which Decarie is also competing.

Unbeaten welterweight prospect Mian Hussain (7-0, 4 KOs) registered an impressive victory by six-round decision last Friday evening versus former European champion Giuseppe Lauri (53-14, 31 KOs),

Other EOTTM fighters include light heavyweight super lightweight Baha Laham (12-0-2, 5 KOs), super middleweight Schiller Hyppolite (8-1, 5 KOs), lightweights Michael “L’Unique” Gadbois (9-0-2, 3 KOs) and Chris Plaitis (4-0-1), and heavyweight Zachary Bunce (2-0, 1 KO).

“Our shows feature fighters from all over the world,” Estephan concluded. “We have warriors; our guys aren’t scared to fight anybody. They want to fight the best in the world. We’re all very serious and making our mark on the boxing world. In his last fight, Bermane broke Arreola’s nose in three places and dropped him, something Klitschko was unable to do. Dierry knocked out the IBF No. 7-rated fighter (Cleotis Pendarvis), fighting his opponent in his backyard, despite a bad hand and serious cut. Our impressive roster of fighters is full of young, talented fighters who will dominate their respective divisions and are forces to be reckoned with. Maduma is a future world champion, one helluva fighter who can compete right now with anybody in the world, and Hussain rates as one of the best young prospects in boxing.

“We’ve built this company on character; doing things the right way, working hard, good habits and pride in what they are doing. They are all full-time fighters who don’t have other jobs and train twice a day. They’re disciplined in camp and win fights before they step in the ring because of their dedication and preparation. I’m very much hands-on, getting reports from our trainers and strength-and-conditioning coaches in order to know exactly where they are at in terms of training. Boxing is very mental and our fighters can look at themselves in the mirror and know that they’ve done everything possible to perform at their best. We’re building world champions!”

For further information about Eye Of The Tiger Management, its events and fighters, visit www.eottm.com, contact EOTTM at (514) 632-56666, or follow on Twitter @eottmvd.

LOS ANGELES, September 9 – It’s fight week for “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER vs. CANELO” and FOX Deportes will continue its unprecedented run of pre-event coverage from Monday all the way up until the opening bell of the September 14 Pay-Per-View broadcast in Las Vegas.

Kicking off with episode two of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Canelo at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT, Monday, September 9’s coverage will continue with the 2011 bout between co-headliner Danny “Swift” Garcia and Nate Campbell at 2 p.m. ET/PT and a 4 p.m. ET/PT airing of the acclaimed documentary “Canelo Corazon de Campeon.”

More than 10 hours of “THE ONE” content will take over the channel on Tuesday, September 10, featuring two airings of the Countdown: Mayweather vs. Canelo special, Garcia’s 2012 knockout of British star Amir Khan, Alvarez’ 2008 win over Larry Mosley, the record-setting Mayweather vs. Oscar de la Hoya bout from 2007, and back-to-back airings of the first two episodes of ALL ACCESS.

Starting at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT on Wednesday, September 11, the action heats up even more, as ALL ACCESS episode one is followed by back-to-back airings of co-headliner Lucas “The Machine” Matthysse’s bout with Zab Judah, Matthysse’s 2012 win over Olusegun Ajose, Garcia vs. Khan, Mayweather’s 2007 knockout of Ricky Hatton, and Alvarez’ 2011 win over Matthew Hatton.

On Thursday, September 12, ALL ACCESS episode two will start the day off right at 11:30 a.m. ET/PT, with Garcia’s title-winning effort over Mexican legend Erik Morales airing at 2 p.m. ET/PT. And in the evening, FOX Deportes returns to the ring from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET/PT with Countdown: Mayweather vs. Canelo, ALL ACCESS episode two, Mayweather’s 2011 win over Victor Ortiz, and Alvarez’ victory over Jose Cotto.

Weigh in day, Friday, September 13, will be headlined by the live Mayweather vs. Canelo weigh in at 6 p.m. ET/PT, but before and after the fighters get on the scale, fans can watch Countdown: Mayweather vs. Canelo (11:30 a.m. ET/PT), ALL ACCESS episode one (2 p.m. ET/PT), ALL ACCESS episode two (4 p.m. ET/PT), and then see “Canelo Corazon de Campeon,” Alvarez vs. Shane Mosley, Mayweather vs. Mosley, and Mayweather vs. Marquez from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET/PT.

But the countdown to “THE ONE” wouldn’t be complete without fight day coverage, and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET/PT, Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto, ALL ACCESS episode one, Alvarez vs. Shane Mosley, and ALL ACCESS episode four will lead fans right into “THE ONE.”

For more information visit: www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXDeportes.com and follow on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing andwww.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, and www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

“THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO,” a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight World Championships and Mayweather’s WBA Super Welterweight Super World Championship taking place Saturday, Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona, O’Reilly Auto Parts, AT&T, Valvoline, Mexico Tourism, Fred Loya Insurance and Nature Nutrition. In the 12-round co-featured attraction, WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia and thunderous puncher WBC Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas Matthysse square off in a fight presented in association with Swift Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Also, Ishe Smith vs. Carlos Molina square off in a 12-round battle for Smith’s IBF Junior Middleweight World Title which is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing. The opening bout on SHOWTIME PPV features a 10-round welterweight showdown between Pablo Cesar Cano and Ashley Theophane. The mega-event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).

Less than 24 hours after going on sale in June, the event was sold out, but six MGM Resorts properties will host live closed circuit telecasts of “THE ONE.” Properties showcasing the event include ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo and New York-New York. General admission tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $100, not including handling fees, and are available for purchase at each individual property’s box office outlets and also are available for purchase by phone with a major credit card at 866-799-7711. Closed circuit ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. “THE ONE” will also be broadcast on nearly 550 select movie theaters across the country. Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

NEWARK, NJ (September 9, 2013)—On Friday night September 13th GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions will present a terrific night of boxing at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.

In the main event, undefeated Jr. Middleweight John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson will take on once beaten Brandon Quarles in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Thompson of Newark, New Jersey has a record of 12-0 with four knockouts and has knockout wins over Jamond Bourgeois (4-1) and Grayson Blake (5-1). In his last bout the 24 year old Thompson scored three knockdowns en route to an eight round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Geovanny Rodriguez (8-0) on May 10th in a bout that was televised on SHO BOX from Miami, Oklahoma.

Quarles of Alexandria, Virginia has a record of 10-1-1 with three knockouts.

Quarles won his first nine bouts before a draw with veteran John Mackey. Quarles appeared on SHO BOX and lost a very competitive eight round unanimous decision to undefeated DaQuann Arnett. In his last bout, Quarles scored a 2nd round stoppage over Jimmy LeBlanc on August 10th in Washington, D.C.

In a six round Welterweight bout, undefeated Welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ will take on James Harrison (3-3-1, 1 KO) of Marrero, Louisiana. Harrison has fought an undefeated opponent in each of his eight bouts.

In four round bouts:

Tyrell Wright (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ will fight an opponent to be named.

Rickey Edwards (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Paterson, NJ will battle Christian Steele (3-6-1, 1 KO) of Staunton, VA in a Lightweight bout.

Shkaur Jackson (1-0, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ will face Malik Jackson (0-1) of New Jersey in a Welterweight bout.

Samuel Teah of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Larry Yanez (3-5-2) of Fort Lauderdale, FL in a Lightweight affair.

Jerry Odom (4-0, 4 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland will take on Antonio Liles (1-3, 1 KO) of North Carolina in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Danny Kelly (4-0, 4 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will battle Jamal Woods (3-8, 3 KO’s) of Forest City, AR in a Heavyweight bout.

Godson Noel (1-0, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ will square off with an opponent to be named in a Super Middleweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are $100 for VIP Ringside; $75 for Ringside; $40 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling 1-888-612-4191.

The fights will be streamed live all over the world on www.pandafeed.tv for $9.99

1st bell is 7:30 pm with the doors opening at 6pm

PHILADELPHIA (September 8, 2013)—Quality veteran Mike Oliver has been tabbed at the opponent for Eric “Outlaw” this Friday night at Harrahs Philadelphia in a battle for the NABA Featherweight title.

The show is promoted by Joey Eye Boxing Promotions.

There will be a press conference this Wednesday night at 7pm at Harrahs Philadelphia with the Championship fight weigh-in being at 6:30 pm Thursday and the full weigh in being Friday morning at 9:30 am.

Oliver of Hartford, Connecticut has a record of 25-5 with 8 knockouts.

He turned pro in 2001 and racked up 21 straight wins which included wins over DeMario Crittenden (1-0); Hassan Wasswa (2-0-2); Darby Smart (8-0-1); Castulo Gonzalez (7-1); Adam Carrera (18-1); Gary Stark Jr. (18-0); Former world champion and Al Seeger (27-2).

After losing two bouts, Oliver won four In a row which included a win over former world champion Mauricio Pastrana. Oliver will be trying to break a three fight losing streak where he fought fighters with a combined record of 91-3 including former world champions Juan Manuel Lopez and Billy Dib. He is coming off an unanimous decision defeat to undefeated Joel Brunker (26-0) on August 17th in Atlantic City.

Hunter of Philadelphia has a record of 17-2 with 9 knockouts and he has won two straight.

The 2004 Olympic Alternate had a stellar amateur career and turned pro in 2005 and won his first five professional bouts. After suffering his first professional loss, Hunter won ten straight which included wins over Tyrell Samuel (9-1); Jules Blackwell (7-0-2); Wilshaun Boxley (5-1); Leon Bobo (18-5-1) & Andre Wilson (11-4-1) before losing via eighth round disqualification to undefeated Cuban star Luis Franco on a bout that was televised on SHO BOX.

Since that defeat, Hunter has a win over Jason Rorie and in his last bout he scored a ten round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jerry Belmontes (17-0) on December 8th in a bout that was nationally televised by NBC Sports Network.

In the eight round co-feature, Julio DeJesus (8-3-3, 4 KO’s) of Chester, PA takes on Hassan Young (3-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

In a four round Welterweight bout, Anthony Prescott (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Cherry Hill, NJ battles debuting Carlos Moore of Virginia.

Richard Irizarry of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against Joshua Arocho (3-7-3, 2 KO’s) of Vineland, NJ in a four round Featherweight bout.

Undefeated Lightweight Tyrone Crawley Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named.

In a four round Lightweight bout, Josue Rivera (1-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Jesus Barbosa (4-3-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia.

Tickets are now on sale for $85 (VIP); $70 (Ringside) and $50 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the Harrahs Philadelphia Gift Shop; By calling Joey Eye (267-304-9399); David
Feldman (610-291-0806); 800-480-8020 or on http://www.webtix.net/

TOTOWA, NJ – September 7, 2013 – Boxing is back on network TV on Saturday afternoon, November 16th when Tomasz “Goral” Adamek takes on Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov on NBC. The 12-round match for Adamek’s IBF North American Heavyweight title on NBC. The fight has been sanctioned for the #2 position in the heavyweight division.

Adamek, 49-2, 29 KO’s, is coming off an August 3rd 10 round unanimous decision over Dominick Guinn on NBC Sports Network. Glazkov, 15-0-1, 11 KO’s, scored a second round TKO against Byron Polley on the same card. The November 16th afternoon broadcast will begin on NBC at 3PM ET.

“We are quite pleased to present this classic match-up between a tough, highly respected veteran and two-division former world champion in Adamek, and an exciting, young up-and-coming former Olympic medalist in Glazkov on our next NBC afternoon broadcast,” said promoter Kathy Duva.

“Being back on network TV for the third time in just 11 months makes this event that much more special. When Adamek appeared on NBC, last December, he brought the biggest television audience of 2012. We won’t be surprised if Adamek-Glazkov garners the biggest audience on broadcast or cable television for 2013, as well.

Duva added, “I cannot thank everyone at NBC Sports enough for this incredible platform and the support that they have shown for professional boxing over the past two years.”

Fight venue details are being finalized and undercard fights will be announced shortly.

eavyweights (6)
DONNIE PALMER
(0-0-1), Boston, MA 271 lbs.
vs.
ANEUDY RODRIGUEZ
(0-1), Lawrence, MA 216 lbs.

Welterweights (6)
RASHIDI “Prince” ELLIS (1-0), Lynn, MA 146 ½ lbs.
vs.
AQUILANO BRANDAO(0-1), Woburn, MA 147 lbs.

Heavyweights (4)
JULIAN POLLARD
(2-0, 2 KOs), Bridgewater, MA 254 lbs.
vs.
ANTONIO ASSERMELLY (pro debut), Hopkinton, RI 252 lbs.

Super Middleweights (4)
FADOUL LOUIS
(3-1-1, 1 KO), Lynn, MA 172 lbs.
vs.
K.J. HARRISON(2-0), Providence, RI 164 lbs.

Light Middleweights (4)
GREG VENDETTI
(3-0-1, 2 KOs), Stoneham, MA 153 lbs.
vs.
SERGIO CABRERA(pro debut), Somerville, MA 154 lbs.

Light Welterweights (4)
CARLOS “The Dragon” CANDELARIO(3-0, 1 KO), Lawrence, MA 141 lbs.
vs.
“Steamin'” JOSH BEEMAN(4-13-4, 2 KOs), Providence, RI 143 lbs.

(All fights & fighters subject to change)

EVENT NAME: “Changing The Game”

WHEN: Saturday, September 7, 2013

WHERE: The Royale Nightclub, Boston, MA

PROMOTER: Big Six Entertainment in association with Danny Kelly Promotions

INFORMATION: www.bigsixentertainment.com

DOORS OPEN: 4:00 p.m. ET FIRST BOUT: 5 p.m. ET

TICKETS: $40.00, $50.00 and $75.00 and available to purchase at the Royale Nightclub in downtown Boston,at www.royaleboston.com, or by calling 1.617.312.5059.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, this Saturday’s WBO Cruiserweight title bout between Marco Huck and Firat Arslan will be postponed due to a elbow injury suffered by Huck.

“He will be out for some weeks,” Sauerland Event’s Chris Meyer told ESPN.com on Sunday. “We will reschedule the Arslan bout. What will happen to the undercard is not yet decided. We hope to match Arslan still versus a good opponent that could make a good TV bout. We will decide that [on Monday].”

Patrick Nielsen (20-0, 9 KOs) defended his WBA Intercontinental Middleweight Title and added the WBO Intercontinental belt to his collection by defeating Patrick Majewski (21-2, 13 KOs) in Frederikshavn, Denmark on Saturday night. The 22-year-old knocked down the “Machine” in the fifth with a left to the chin. The judges scored the fight 119-108, 119-108 and 118-109. “This was the best performance of Patrick´s young career,” promoter Nisse Sauerland said. “He dominated Majewski and showed his superior boxing skills. The future certainly is bright for Patrick.”

Said Nielsen: “I am very happy with my performance. Majewski was a tough opponent, but my coach Joey Gamache had prepared a very good plan. I am very happy about the result.”

Said Gamache: “It´s great to work with Patrick, he got all the tools to be successful. He did what he was supposed to do and put our plan into action.”

In the Norwegian main event of the evening, WBA, WBO & WBC Female Welterweight Champion Cecilia Braekhus (23-0, 7 KOs) confirmed her pound-for-pound number one rating with an impressive ninth-round TKO victory over previously unbeaten Oxandia Castillo (12-1, 9 KO). The WBO Female Light Middleweight Champion started out aggressively, but Braekhus took control early, cleverly outboxing her 18-year-old opponent. Soon she stamped her authority on the battle and picked Castillo apart with one-two punches – much to the delight of the many Norwegian fans in attendance. In the ninth, the referee eventually stepped in to save Castillo from further punishment.

“She should not have taken my belts after the press conference,” Braekhus said. “They are mine and mine alone. But let me add one thing: Oxandia is extremely talented and I am sure that she will be the pound-for-pound number one in a few years when I am retired. It was an extremely tough fight, she was very good, but I am happy I defeated her.”

Said Castillo: “I want to congratulate Cecilia, she is the best in the world and she deserved to win tonight.”

Said Sauerland: “Cecilia is the pound-for-pound number one and she once again proved that tonight.”

Moises Fuentes won the WBO Interim Lightweight championship with a one round drubbing over Luis De La Rosa in Chiapas, Mexico.

Fuentes scored two knockdowns and banged De La Rosa around the ring until the bout was stopped at 2:40 of round one.

Fuentes, 108 lbs of Mexico is now 18-1-1 with 9 knockouts. De La Rosa, 108 lbs of Colombia is now 22-3-1.

Cristian Arrazola scored a six round unanimous decision over Manuel Chavez in a Featherweight bout.

Arrazola, 127 lbs is now 9-8-1. Chavez, 127 1/2 lbs is 0-2.

Martin Tecupetla and Adolfo Pena traded knockdowns and fought to a six round draw in a Super Flyweight bout.

Tecupetla is now 10-5-2. Pena is 1-3-1.