Rod Salka scored a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Alexei Collado in a Lightweight bout at The Convention Center in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

Salka scored a knockdown in round three from a left hook. Collado was cut over the left eye a round earlier from an accidental headbutt. Salka outworked Collado for most of the fight.

Salka, 132 1/2 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA won by scores of 96-94 and 96-93 twice and is now 19-3. Collado, 131 1/2 lbs of Havana, CUB is now 18-1.

2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner Felix Diaz scored an 8-round split decision over Emanuel Lartey in a Welterweight bout.

Diaz, 139 1/2 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won two cards by scores of 77-75 while Lartey took a card 77-75.

Diaz is now 15-0. Lartey, 142 3/4 lbs of Accra, Ghana is now 16-2-1.

In a battle of undefeated southpaw Welterweights, Sammy Vasquez made short work of Juan Rodriguez in a scheduled 8-round bout.

Vasquez dropped Rodriguez with a left to the head. Rodriguez never full recovered as he sent down for a second time with a body shot. Vasquez finished things with a barrage of punches that sent Rodriguez to the canvas and the fight was stopped by referee Gary Rosado at

Vasquez, 146 3/4 lbs of Monessen, PA is now 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Rodriguez, 148 lbs of Union City, NJ is now 11-1.

Alan Sanchez scored a stunning 6th round stoppage over Jorge Silva in a scheduled 10-round Welterweight bout at The Illusions Theater in San Antonio, Texas.

Sanchez landed a huge right that sent Silva flat on his stomach and the bout was stopped at 42 seconds of round 6.

Sanchez, 146 1/2 lbs of Fairfield, CA is now 13-3-1 with 7 knockouts. Silva, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 19-6-2.

2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. took out Raymond Charles in round one of their scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Spence sent Charles down in the 1st from a left to the head. Spence was all over Charles and sent Charles to the canvas at the end of the round and the fight was stopped at 2:52 of round one.

Spence, 147 1/2 lbs of Dallas, TX is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Charles, 148 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 12-3-2.

Good looking Jr. Welterweight prospect Travell Mazion scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over Antonio Sanchez in scheduled 6-round bout.

Mazion obliterated Sanchez with an explosive left hook that sent Sanchez to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:23 of round one.

Mazion, 138 1/2 lbs of Austin, TX is now 8-0 with 7 knockouts. Sanchez, 139 lbs of Toja Baja, PR is now 5-4-2.

Joseph Rodriguez Jr. remained undefeated by scoring a 4-round unanimous decision over Francisco Arrellano in a Featherweight bout.

Rodriguez Jr., 124 1/2 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 6-0. Arrellano, 125 lbs of Bay City, TX is now 4-3.

Golden Boy Promotions won the purse bid to stage the WBO Featherweight title by a mere $2500 and the fight will take place on June 21 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Golden Boy won the promotional rights to the fight with a bid of $1,052,250, edging Top Rank’s offer of $1,050,000 at the ceremony in Orlando, Fla., site of a Top Rank card on Saturday night.

The difference of $2,250 was only two-tenths of 1 percent between the bids. The minimum bid was $150,000.

“I’m happy we are going to be promoting the fight. Gary is very happy, Showtime is happy, and it should be an interesting fight,” said Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “I am having conversations with [Showtime Sports chief] Steven [Espinoza] about it. I should have everything wrapped up shortly. We are going on June 21, most likely in Carson.”

“I won the purse. I have to do nothing with them. All that has to happen is that their fighter has to show up,” he said. “I’ll have my matchmakers take care of the paperwork with Top Rank and that’s it. This fight has nothing to do with Top Rank.”

“I discussed a range with Stephen (Espinoza of Showtime) and agreed on a number,” Schaefer said. “We figured out what we could get in foreign television and then I discussed it with Al, and he gave his blessing. I had four envelopes prepared for the bid and then [Friday] morning I called Raul Jaimes [the Golden Boy employee representing the company at the auction]. He was on his way to the purse bid, and I told him which envelope to use.

“It’s an intriguing fight, and there’s more to the story because of what’s going on between Golden Boy and Top Rank and HBO and Showtime.”

Carl Moretti, the Top Rank vice president who represented the company at the bid, told ESPN.com that Lomachenko will participate in the fight.

“Lomachenko will be there 110 percent ready to win the title,” Moretti said. “It’s two southpaws that should make for a very intriguing fight. We know Lomachenko can go a tough 12 rounds, but we don’t know if that’s the case with Russell. We were told the fight is June 21 with a site to be determined. Let’s hope it’s not at the MGM Grand.”

LONDON (April 18) – Veteran Bernard Hopkins has warned his Kazakhstani opponent ‘to get ready for school’ as he does battle this weekend looking to enhance his unique legacy.

The 49-year-old IBF light heavyweight world champion goes up against WBA Super champion Beibut Shumenov in a world title unification taking place at the DC Armory in Washington DC, this Saturday night, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

As the oldest world champion in history and having reigned supreme in the middleweight division for over 10 years, Hopkins’ legacy in the sport of boxing was cemented long ago.

However, the man from Philadelphia, whose gripping life story has captured the imagination of so many, has warned Shumenov to be prepared to be taught a lesson as he aims to build on his incredible achievements.

“He’s motivated to fight me, he said he’s been dreaming of this all his life. Understand one thing, be careful what you wish for.” Hopkins fired. “After this is over with, let’s pray he has the career going forward. I have a track record. There’s a whole list of names that didn’t survive the mental beat down.

“Get ready for school, student. No disrespect, its logic. I am the professor with a PhD. I’m going to take his GED learning that you need more than that to make a living,” he said.

“This is really a defence of my legacy. Belts are nice, but they’re nicer when you’re younger and establishing a foundation. My foundation was laid down years ago. You get what you put in most of the time and then you get the times where you have to fight for what you want.

“Enjoy and understand that this is history. I’m defending something bigger than a title. My legendary 20 plus year legacy, is more important than anything around my waist,” said Hopkins.

The American star is also hoping that his 30-year-old opponent is at his very best, as he looks to continue his inspirational story.

“The best in Beibut will bring out the best in me. I want him to try to win every round. I want him to do this because if he doesn’t do this, you won’t see the best of me. I’ll do what I do regardless, but I don’t want to look like the worst word in America – a bully,” Hopkins said.

“This is an opportunity for me to represent the 40 and up club that is very alive in the world. Boxing and non-boxing fans are supporting me. I go and train understanding that it’s not just for me, but for you all to enjoy what is taking place while it is taking place.

“Sometimes we take personal achievements for granted. We don’t appreciate it until you get treated the opposite way. Come April 19, you will be inspired by me. The work I’ve put in all these years has already been set. Now I’m here to let you know how I feel,” he said.

Shumenov, who now resides in Las Vegas, came to prominence after he captured the WBA title in a rematch against Spaniard Gabriel Campillo.

The 2004 Olympian insists that Hopkins’ age will have no bearing on his mindset going into the fight. “You’re mistaken if you think I’m going into this as if I’m fighting a 50-year-old man,” Shumenov told Hopkins. “On Saturday night we are going to see who is taking whose belts. It’s not about money for me. I’m fighting for the honour and the glory to be acknowledged as a great fighter. I’m not thinking about future fights.

“I prepared for this fight like it’s my last. I’m a man of my word, so you’re going to see a great fight Saturday night. I want to fight the best and I am fighting the best,” he said.

The Kazakh is also looking to fight night to realise a long held dream as he looks to prove to the world that he is the best 175 pounder in a division stacked with a host of top names.

“I’ve been dreaming all of my life for this moment. I’ve been ready to fight at this level for several years. I couldn’t get there on my own. This is a good opportunity for me.,” he said.

“I am fighting one of the greatest ever, who beat so many other legends and great fighters. I am ready to show the world what I’m capable of. I will show the world that I am the best light heavyweight champion,” said Shumenov.

This weekend’s card also sees Paulie Malignaggi challenge for his third world title as he takes on IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter, with undefeated middleweight ace Peter Quillin defending his WBO belt against Lukas Konecny.

Hopkins vs. Shumenov is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Nat Heaven remained undefeated by scoring an explosive 1st round stoppage over Donovan Dennis in a scheduled 8-round Heavyweight bout.

Both guys landed heavy shots until Heaven landed a crushing right to the jaw that sent Dennis down. Dennis got to his feet but was wobbly and the fight was stopped at 3:00 of round one.

“I give all hail to god,”said Heaven. “The right hand is my weapon. I saw him on youtube and saw that he gained weight and got slower. My coach said to relax and I would get him.”

Heaven, 233 lbs of Ocala, FL is now 9-0-1 with 7 knockouts. Dennis, 226 lbs of Davenport, IA is now 11-2.

Marcus Hall scored a 4-round unanimous decision over Raphael Luna in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Hall, 153 lbs of Rochester, NY and is now 7-6. Luna, 152.5 lbs of Albany, NY is now 3-8-3.

Simeon Hardy destroyed Rahman Yusubov inside of a round of their scheduled 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Hardy scored three knockdowns with the 1st and 3rd coming from devastating left hooks at 2:36 of round one.

Hardy, 155 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Yusubov, 155 lbs of Dallas is now 9-15.

Cecil McCalla remained perfect by scoring a 6-round unanimous decision over Antonio Chaves Fernandez in a Welterweight bout.

McCalla hurt Fernandes in the 4th and cruised home to the victory by scores of 60-54 on all cards.

McCalla, 149 lbs of Randallstown, MD is now 18-0. Fernades, 150 lbs of Brockton, MA is now 4-17-2.

Philadelphia, PA (APRIL 18, 2014)–Two undefeated fighters remain in the Boxcino 2014 Middleweight tournament. Brandon Adams of Los Angeles raised a lot of eyebrows with his 4th round stoppage over Daniel Edouard in the quarterfinals that took place on February 28 in Hammond, Indiana.

Adams, who is now 13-0 with 9 knockouts takes Raymond Gatica (14-2, 9 KO’s) in the 8-round semifinal bout this tonight at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

The bout, along with the 2nd semifinal bout between undefeated Vitalli Kopylenko and Willie Monroe Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPNDeportes+ and WatchESPN beginning at 9 pm ET.

Adams was very happy with his 1st performance in the national stage with the stoppage win over Edouard.

“I did what my corner wanted me to do. My camp wanted me to work off the jab. We watched a little bit of tape on him and we wanted to see where he positioned himself,”said Adams.

With the quick 6-week turnaround, Adams did not much have much time to savior his impressive victory.

“I train everyday. I have been feeling real good. I am ready for Gatica. He is my first southpaw and I have been getting good work and I am feeling very good.”

After their respective fights on February 28, Gatica and Adams had a very respectable if not friendly exchange in the middle of the ring.

“I know how to separate friends. He is not an enemy. We are just in here working and I will do what it takes to win.”

Adams also has a lot of respect for Gatica the fighter and expects a good show for the fans.

“I saw his fight with Agbeko. He is a crowd pleaser. He comes forward and likes to throw big shots but that is nothing I am unfamiliar with. The only difference is that he is a southpaw. Come April 18, I will show that I am different. I plan on stopping him.”

With the 1st fight down, Adams sees that he can be the Boxcino champion.

“I am satisfied that we took care of the 1st fight. I am not looking past Gatica. This is one fight at a time and I dream of winning. I am going for Brandon Adams. i feel strongly and I look forward to giving the audience at Turning Stone and watching on ESPN what they want to see on April 18,” said Adams

Brandon Adams 161 – Raymond Gatica 158
Vitalii Kopylenko 160 – Willie Monroe Jr. 160
(BOXCINO MIDDLEWEIGHT SEMIFINAL BOUTS)

Donovan Dennis 226 – Nat Heaven 233
Cornelius Whitlock 145 – Greg Jackson 144
Cecil McCalla 149 – Antonio Chaves Fernandez 150
Simeon Hardy 155 – Rahman Yusubov 155
Marcus Hall 153 – Raphael Luna 152.5

Promoter: Banner Promotions
Venue: Turning Stone Resort Casino
Time: ESPN 2 Broadcast is at 9 PM ET

Photos by Emanuel Thomas / Banner Promotions

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 18) – A stacked 10-fight card is set to kick off the city’s annual Fiesta Celebration at the Illusions Theater at Alamodome in San Antonio tonight! The future of boxing will be on display for the always enthusiastic fight fans of San Antonio. Featured in key undercard bouts will be Texas’ finest when Joseph Rodriguez Jr., Javier Rodriguez and Travell Mazion all take to the ring starring Australia’s Steve Lovett, Mexico’s Miguel Flores and Georgia’s Justin DeLoach, plus a bout that might steal the show in the an all-Texas showdown between Raul Martinez and Sergio Perales.

In the Golden Boy Live! main event, which will air on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT., Alan Sanchez (12-3-1, 6 KOs) of Fairfield, Calif. will square off against Tijuana, Baja California Mexico warrior Jorge “Pantera” Silva (19-5-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout. Plus, 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. (11-0, 9 KOs) of Dallas will be back in his home state of Texas for the co-main event, a 10-round junior middleweight bout against El Campo, Texas’ Raymond Charles (12-2-2, 5 KOs). Opening the telecast will be Austin’s Mazion (7-0 6 KO’s) facing Puerto Rico’s Antonio Sanchez (5-3-, 3 KOs) in a six round junior welterweight bout.

A protégé of women’s boxing legend Ann Wolfe, Austin, Texas junior welterweight Travell “Black Magic” Mazion (7-0, 6 KOs) already has the tools to become a world champion in the future and he’s only 18-years-old. A blistering puncher with speed for days, Mazion has won his last two fights in San Antonio and he’s happy to be back again on April 18 to battle Levittown Toa Baja, Puerto Rico’s Antonio Sanchez (5-3-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round contest.

The fighting pride of San Antonio, Raul “The Cobra” Martinez (30-3, 18 KOs) has always represented his city well en route to becoming one of the top lighter weight fighters in the world. Still seeking his first world title, Martinez has won two of his last three bouts and if he is victorious on April 18, his chances are looking stronger than ever. Brownsville’s Sergio Perales (21-1, 15 KOs) is no one’s stepping stone and after going 3-1 in his last four bouts, including an 83-second stoppage of former world title challenger Lorenzo Trejo last December, his confidence is sky high heading into his bout with Martinez.

Recently signed to Golden Boy Promotions and Leija Battah Promotions, 21-year-old Joseph “The Texas Mongoose” Rodriguez (5-0, 2 KOs) is coming off of a big 2013 campaign in which he won four consecutive fights without a loss, including three victories in his hometown of San Antonio. On April 18, he will be back at home to face off with Bay City, Texas’ Francisco Arellano (4-2, 1 KO).

In a six-round junior featherweight matchup, another one of San Antonio’s rising stars, Javier Rodriguez (8-0-1, 1 KO) will put his boxing skills on display against Laredo’s Manuel Rubalcava (1-7).

The ladies of the sweet science will also be in action tonight, as San Antonio’s own Christina Ruiz (7-6-2, 4 KOs) looks to send Las Vegas’ Crystal Hoy (5-6-3, 2 KOs) home with a defeat in their six-round junior featherweight bout.

A native of Morelia, Mexico now fighting out of Houston, 21-year-old Miguel Flores (13-0, 8 KOs) won Ringside World Amateur Championships in 2006 and 2008 and he is currently unbeaten as a professional. He will put the ‘0’ on the line when he faces Bayamon Puerto Rico’s Jose Del Valle (2-4-3) in a six-round junior lightweight bout.

In an intriguing cruiserweight bout scheduled for six-rounds, unbeaten Australian Steve “Tough Love” Lovett (8-0, 6 KOs), who trains in Texas with Ronnie Shields, makes his second U.S. start against Accra, Ghana’s Daniel Allotey (9-5, 6 KOs) and in the four-round middleweight opener, Augusta, Georgia’s Justin DeLoach (7-0, 4 KOs) meets Inglewood, California’s Leshon Sims (5-16, 3 KOs).

Sanchez vs. Silva, a 10-round welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and is sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The Illusions Theater doors open at 12:00 p.m. CT for a full slate of amateur bouts, with the professional fights beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT and the FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $112, $74, $52 and $25, are on sale now and may be purchased by calling the Alamodome Box Office at 800-745-3000 or Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.twitter.com/LeijaBattahPR, www.twitter.com/silvapantera and www.twitter.com/errolspencejr, follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and Leija*Battah Facebook Page. Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, visit FOXSports.com and become a follower on @FOXSports1 and @FOXDeportes.

BROOKLYN (April 17, 2014) — WBO junior welterweight champion RUSLAN “The Siberian Rocky” PROVODNIKOV of Beryozovo, Russia and CHRIS ALGIERI of Huntington, Long Island, met the media for the 2nd time in 24 hours to announce their title fight that will take place on June 14 at the Barclays Center.

Ruslan Provodnikov (L) and Chris Algieri

The Provodnikov – Algieri world title fight will take place Saturday night, June 14, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®.

Today’s press conference took place at Tatiana’s Restaurant / Nightclub.

Ruslan Provodnikov

Photos by Shane Sims / Banner Promotions

Promoted by Banner Promotions and Top Rank®, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, tickets to the Provodnikov-Algieri world champion event are $31, $56, $86, $106 and $206. Tickets will go on sale beginning Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. and can be purchased online via Ticketmaster by visiting www.barclayscenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Friday, April 25 at noon. Group tickets are also available by calling 855-GROUP-BK. For information on individual suites, please call 718-BK-SUITE.

Located atop one of the largest transportation hubs in New York City, Barclays Center is accessible by 11 subway lines, The Long Island Rail Road and 11 bus lines.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 17th, 2014) — There’s no real science to Josh Diekmann’s game plan.

“I go out there and try to hit the other guy hard and not let him hit me that hard,” Diekmann said. “It’s a lot simpler than people make it out to be.”

And what if the other guy does hit as hard?

“Who gives a fuck?” Diekmann said. “Sometimes you’ve got to walk into one in order to get one.”

What you see is what you get with Diekmann — unafraid, unfiltered, and always ready to let his hands go. When “The Freight Train” steps inside the cage, there’s a strong chance (a 94 percent chance, to be exact) the fight won’t go the distance, and that’s precisely what Diekmann is hoping for again Friday, April 25th, 2014 when he faces veteran heavyweight Keith Bell (4-4-1, 3 KOs) of Newport News, Va., on the undercard of “CES MMA XXIII” at Twin River Casino.

“To me, if you win a decision, you really don’t win the fight,” Diekmann said. “You’re just ahead when time runs out. To me, you finish the fight. That’s how you win a fight.”

“I’m not that guy,” said Bell, a former standout wrestler at Niagara County Community College. “I’m real calm, collected. I’ve been put out before and have come back and won.

“Why train so hard just to blow it in 30 seconds? You can’t make it to the next level playing that game, and I’ll be the one to make you look like a dumbass when we touch gloves.”

Tickets for “CES MMA XXIII” are on sale now at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The 6-foot-2, 37-year-old Diekmann (14-5, 10 KOs), a Groton, Conn., native, has won 10 fights by knockout and four by submission. The only time he went the distance in 19 professional fights was a year and a half ago in a loss to Tyler King. He’s also been knocked out once and submitted three times.

Diekmann either finishes or gets finished, and it’s the reason he’s become one of New England’s most popular fighters, a welcome reprieve from the common stall tactic in mixed martial arts derisively referred to as “lay and pray.”

“Who wants to see that? I wouldn’t want to see that if I was buying a ticket,” Diekmann said. “I’m an entertainer, first and foremost. People pay to watch me fight. They’re not just there to see me win. Without fans, we don’t have a sport. It’d just be two guys punching each other. There has to be something there.

“That’s why I sell a lot of tickets. Either I get knocked out, or the other guy gets knocked out.”

Except in February, when Diekmann’s scheduled three-round bout against Manny Lara on the undercard of Bellator 110 ended in 18 seconds after Lara absorbed an inadvertent thumb to the eye, resulting in a no contest, hence why he’s back at Twin River next Friday. Needing a fight to stay sharp, Diekmann immediately turned to CES, with whom he had fought three of his previous four bouts.

“They always take care of me,” Diekmann said. “Even when I’m not fighting, they make sure I have a good seat and take good care of my buddies.

“A lot of other promoters preach that family shit, but in my experiences with CES it’s been true. I lost my first two fights with them and they still treat me well. They’re top shelf. I’ve fought for a lot of guys. I’ve been doing this for 11 years and have fought for nearly every local promotion, and hands down CES is the best. They’re the most professional, and they put on the best fights by far. If I’m going to fight for anyone else, it’s going to be them.”

After beating Chris Guillen in a rematch on CES’ November Pro-Am event at Foxwoods Resort Casino, Diekmann has a chance to even his record with CES against Bell, a 6-3, 256-pound Bellator vet with a similar penchant for finishing fights. He’s won two of his last three since 2013, while each of his last five fights dating back to October of 2012 have ended within the first round.

“I always pick up something along the way,” Bell said. “I’m a bigger heavyweight, not a 5-foot-10 heavyweight who swings for the fences. I don’t need to do that. I have reach. I do other things heavyweights don’t do, and that’s why it works.

“I wouldn’t say [Diekmann] is one-dimensional. I just haven’t seen him in a lot of tough situations. I watched his fight in 2012 [against King] and he got taken down over and over again. Anytime he fights a bigger heavyweight he has problems because he tries to slug it out with the guy. That’s what people want to see, but that’s not the best option.

“If he wants to do that against me, that’s fine. We have a game plan for that.”

Diekmann’s not concerned about Bell’s size or reach, nor is making his own game plan more difficult than it needs to be.

“He’s a big boy,” Diekmann said, “but I’ve fought big guys before. Sometimes, guys get crazy with their game plans. Just go fight. Work on your stuff and use it. It’s you and another guy fighting. That’s it. What’s the best way to win? Go out and hurt the other guy. When you see a fight in the street, one guy hurts the other guy and it’s over.

“I’m not really great at anything, but I can do a little bit of everything. Sometimes that gives me an advantage.”

Having already fought for more than a decade, Diekmann treats every fight as if it’s his last, so when asked what’s next on the schedule, he says, “When you get to my age, you just take it one fight at a time. That’s one thing I’ve learned. Take it how it comes. I only have so many of these left, so I’m trying to enjoy them.”

Only if they last long enough to savor. These days, Diekmann is making quick work of everyone put in front of him.

“I used to get scared, thinking I’m not good enough to do this or that,” Diekmann said. “Now I just take each challenge as it comes.”

Coming off an impressive win in January, Boston featherweight Rob Font (9-1, 2 KOs) will return to face Tristan Johnson (8-4, 3 KOs) of Nova Scotia, Canada, in the main event. The 30-year-old Johnson has won three of his last five fights, including a split-decision victory over Bellator vet Will Romero in 2012, while Font has won his last eight.

“CES MMA XXIII” also features the return of fan-favorites Tateki Matsuda and Eric Spicely. Matsuda (8-5, 4 KOs), the Boston bantamweight who’s fought everywhere from Maine to Tokyo since his last appearance with CES in 2010, will battle the unbeaten Matt Doherty (3-0, 2 KOs) of Salem, Mass., in what figures to be one of the most intriguing intrastate matchups on the card. Matsuda has lost his last two while Doherty is coming off a submission win over Shaun Marmas in January.

Spicely (3-0) will put his unbeaten record on the line against 37-fight veteran Nuri Shakir (17-20, 8 KOs) of Nashua, N.H., in a three-round welterweight bout. Providence’s Spicely last fought in December with a first-round knockout win over Tyler Rose. The 35-year-old Shakir owns wins over UFC vets Tom Egan and Nick Serra.

Also on the undercard, Pawtucket, R.I., welterweight Abe Pitrowski (5-2, 1 KO) will face Samuel Almeida (2-0) of Framingham, Mass.; lightweight Bobby Flynn (4-1, 1 KO) of Mashpee, Mass., will battle Providence’s Tundee Odumuso (2-2); and featherweight Pete Rogers Jr. (0-1) of Baltic, Conn., will face Manny Torres (2-2) of Hartford, Conn. Two-time Bellator vet Rico DiSciullo (1-0) of Peabody, Mass., will face Jordan Espinosa (3-3) of Findlay, Ohio in a three-round bantamweight bout, and East Providence, R.I., heavyweight Eric Bedard (6-4, 4 KOs) will battle Matthew Thompson (18-9, 7 KOs) of Austin, Tex.

THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY returns for its latest edition SATURDAY, APRIL 19 (12:05-12:35 a.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Hosted by the four-time Sports Emmy® winner, who has been the host of HBO Boxing since joining the network in 1988, the show is a provocative, engaging and informative experience that delves into intriguing storylines, newsmakers and issues that are top-of-mind in boxing. Saturday’s show debuts immediately following the replay of the world welterweight title fight between Timothy Bradley Jr. and Manny Pacquiao at 11:00 p.m.

Other HBO playdates: April 20 (10:15 a.m.), 22 (2:15 a.m.), 24 (8:30 a.m., 8:30 p.m.) and 29 (5:30 p.m.), and May 1 (8:00 a.m.), 3 (11:30 a.m.), 5 (3:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.) and 15 (6:00 p.m., 3:40 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: April 20 (1:30 a.m.), 21 (7:30 p.m.), 23 (11:00 a.m.) and 26 (5:50 p.m.) and May 3 (10:30 p.m.), 4 (10:30 a.m.), 6 (9:00 p.m.), 9 (3:45 p.m.), 14 (11:30 p.m.) and 16 (1:30 a.m.)

HBO On Demand availability begins: April 22. The show will also be available on HBO GO®.

Among the topics explored on this edition of THE FIGHT GAME: an insider’s recap of the Bradley-Pacquiao bout; the sights of sounds of fight week in Las Vegas; interviews with ESPN’s Dan Rafael and HBO Boxing’s Max Kellerman; breaking down the upcoming pay-per-view showdowns on May 3 and June 7; and new rankings for THE FIGHT GAME Pound for Pound List and Gatti List. Immediately following the program, fight fans can log on to hbo.com for exclusive overtime segments hosted by Lampley.

NEW YORK (April 17, 2014) – Nearly 1 million uniformed military personnel serving abroad will be able to watch and support U.S. Armed Forces veteran Sammy Vasquez, Jr., as part of a special agreement between SHOWTIME® and the American Forces Network.

Vasquez, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, is featured in the opening bout of Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast, which airs live at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME from Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa.

“I’m excited to bring the military along for the ride with me,” Vasquez said. “I’m coming to the ring in a Humvee with the guys that I deployed with, as well as my wife and daughter and my three sisters. It’s great to have the rest of the military in my corner.”

The service men and women of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines stationed around the globe in over 1,000 outlets in more than 175 countries and on the high seas will have free access to Friday’s ShoBox telecast.

The airing of Friday’s ShoBox on AFN is part of a one-time special agreement to feature the armed forces veteran fighter. All SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecasts air on AFN as part of a gratis license agreement between the networks.

The undefeated Vasquez, who served in the National Guard from 2003 until 2012, was deployed to Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq for his first tour in ‘05-’06. He later returned to Iraq for a second tour in ’08-’09.

“My first tour was with the Second Brigade, which is not with the National Guard, but because of the high demand for soldiers needed over there, they started deploying the National Guard,” Vasquez said.

“When I went the second time, I was at JSS Fallujah in Taji, Iraq. That was with the 56th Stryker Brigade. I was with the first National Guard Stryker unit to go over there.”

Vasquez (13-0, 9 KOs), of Monesson, Pa., will meet Juan Rodriguez, Jr. (11-0, 5 KOs), of Union City, N.J., in a battle of unbeatens in an eight-rounder to open the ShoBox telecast.

In the main event, heavy-hitting Cuban Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (18-0, 16 KOs), of Miami, Fla., will face off with veteran “Lightning” Rod Salka (18-3, 3 KOs), of Bunola, Pa., in a 10-round lightweight bout. In the co-feature, Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz (14-0, 8 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., by way of the Dominican Republic, will square off with Emmanuel Lartey (15-1-1, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., in an eight-round welterweight bout.

ABOUT SHOWTIME NETWORKS INC.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, FLIX ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

MONTREAL (April 16, 2014) — This afternoon at La Cage aux Sports Boucherville, Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and InterBox announced that they had reached an agreement with Jean Pascal Promotions to ensure the services of the NABF Champion and WBC Diamond Belt light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal (29-2-1, 17 KOs), who recently defeated Lucian Bute.

The multi-fight agreement was signed last Saturday between President Yvon Michel of GYM, InterBox President Jean Bédard and Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Jean Pascal Promotions, Greg Leon.

WBC #1 contender Pascal became a promotional free agent after his fight this past January 18 in Montreal. During the nine years since his first professional fight Feb. 3, 2005, the 31 years old athlete fought all of his 32 fights under the aegis of Groupe Yvon Michel. During this period he won many titles highlighted by his conquest of popular WBC light heavyweight champion Adrian Diaconu at Montreal’s Bell Centre in June 2009. The following year, in the same arena against Chad Dawson, he added the prestigious “Ring Magazine” and IBO titles, and was recognized as the lineal 175-pound champion. Last January, he won his clash against Bute in front of more than 20,000 spectators gathered in the castle of the Montreal Canadiens.

Greg Leon, CEO of Jean Pascal Promotions, said, “”I want to thank Group Yvon Michel and InterBox for making our negotiation smooth and seamless. Jean Pascal Promotions and I are truly looking forward to promoting with such outstanding organizations. Jean Pascal is already the box office champion of the Canadian market and without question that is a position that he will only have a firmer stronghold of following these next two events. We are looking forward to giving the fans the fights they are craving and I have no doubt that Jean Pascal will be the last man standing when all is said and done.”

“We will work closely with GYM and InterBox across all platforms to design an integrated strategy that grows Jean Pascal’s brand globally. Our entire team is very excited with the deal we have concluded,” added Raven Brosier, consultant for Jean Pascal Promotions.

“At GYM, we are particularly pleased to continue our association with Jean Pascal, thru his company Jean Pascal Promotions, which began when he was 22, in 2005,” GYM president Yvon Michel commented. “Our alliance with InterBox in this project is not the result of a contextual improvisation but a long reflection that began at the end of last summer. Now, GYM and InterBox will join forces to offer the best opportunities for our boxers and to give our fans the best shows.”

“For us at InterBox, we are excited to implement our agreement with GYM, to combine the respective talents of both organizations and work to present to boxing fans major fights. It is in this perceptive that fits the agreement with Jean Pascal Promotions. Our first goal was to keep this talented Quebec athlete here in Quebec,” InterBox President Jean Bedard stated.

“As President of Jean Pascal Promotions,” Pascal remarked, “I have many new challenges ahead of me, but like I’ve done many times before, I plan on making history both inside and outside of the ring. I will be taking on the best challenges and give the fans their monies worth like I always do, but this time I will be doing so as a promoter and a boxer.”

“This opportunity is like a dream come true for me. I’m very excited about working with and learning from Groupe Yvon Michel and InterBox to make our events something the fans will never forget. I have to thank Yvon Michel, Jean Bedard, and Jean Pascal Promotions CEO Greg Leon for making this deal possible. The rest of my staff – Antonio Decarie, Feymie Ze Lou and Raven Brosier – deserve great thanks also for being involved on every step of this new journey.

The objective is to make two more fights in 2014 for Jean Pascal, the next scheduled for September. Discussions on the potential opponent are already underway and those for a U.S. broadcast will follow.

Philadelphia, PA—Peltz Boxing Promotions, of Philadelphia, and Gulfstream Co., LLC., of Jersey City, NJ, today announced the formal signing of junior middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna to an exclusive promotional agreement.
“Young prospects like Thomas LaManna are the reason I’m still in this business, said J Russell Peltz, president of Peltz Boxing. “LaManna is coming off the biggest win of his career and I’m looking forward to working with him and his dad, Vinny, and his trainer, Hassan Hamed-El.”
clip_image003 LaManna (right), 22, of Millville, NJ, is 14-0, 7 K0s. A three-year pro, he scored a unanimous eight-round decision over Ahsandi Gibbs, of Tampa, FL, on April 12 at Bally’s Atlantic City. It was LaManna’s first fight in more than six months and his first scheduled eight-rounder.
“I’m very happy signing with Peltz Boxing,” LaManna said. “I was approached by Al Haymon to sign with him at the same time I was in talks with Peltz. I was never sold on the Haymon name and I knew I would be worth more to Peltz. I am 100% confident that Peltz and Vinny Ponte (of Gulfstream Co., LLC.) will get me to where I know I’m capable of getting to and that’s to a world title.”
A pro since 2011, LaManna has been a fixture on Atlantic City boxing cards, having fought there eight times. He also has appeared in rings in Newark, NJ, Nutley, NJ, and in his Millville hometown.
“LaManna has good skills and punches in combination,” Peltz said. “He may look like your next door neighbor, but he knows what he’s doing in there. Once his body develops as he gets older, he’ll probably grow into a light-heavyweight. He’s 6-foot-2 and he has quick hands and he brings a crowd with him. It’s a perfect fit for both of us.”
A 2011 graduate of Millville High School, LaManna had 41 amateur fights. As a pro, he also has beaten Yolexcy Leiva, of Cuba, and Joshua Snyder, of Berlin, MD.

# # #

For more information, contact Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922).

owered by MetroPCS®. Available for free worldwide, UFC’s Fan App is designed to enhance the way fans around the world watch fights and interact with the UFC. As the ultimate all-in-one fight night companion, the app helps fans to enhance the fight night experience no matter if they are watching at the arena, at home, at a bar or somewhere else around the world. Fans can download the UFC Fan App for free on Android devices in Google Play and on iPhone or iPad devices in the App Store.

Here are five must-see updates and features to the app:

1) Enhance Your Live Event Experience with Red & Blue Corner In-Arena Audio: Fight fans attending a live event will have access to red and blue corner in-arena audio feeds as they watch the fight.

2) Throw Away Your Sharpie for a Digital Autograph: Fans can throw their sharpie away and receive an e-signature in-person on their phone or tablet from fighters. The digital autograph makes it easier to share with friends or family online. Fans can take photos to be signed and then store or share them socially.

3) Follow a Fighter’s Movements Inside the Octagon® with a Live Fight Rhythm Tracker: Exclusively for the app, fans can receive live, real-time statistics during UFC events with a Fight Rhythm Tracker. The tracker will show which fighters are in control inside the Octagon to bring fans closer to the action.

4) Watch Fight Highlights During & After Events: Fans can watch fight highlights during and after events, keep-up-to-date with breaking UFC news, view content including matchup features and on-going segments such as the MetroPCS® Move of the Week, receive fight updates and schedule announcements, watch live streams of official weigh-ins and press conferences, view fighter profiles and access personal social media accounts for content sharing and interaction.

5) Participate in UFC Fantasy Pick’Em Games to Win Prizes: Play UFC fantasy games from your mobile device to make your picks, compete with friends and fans worldwide to win great prizes. Fans can also opt for customized push notifications so that they can quickly respond to engaging comments.

FOX UFC SATURDAY®: WERDUM vs. BROWNE will be available live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 19. FOX Sports 1 airs the Preliminary Card action live beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and on Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

About MetroPCS
MetroPCS provides the freedom and convenience of unlimited, no-annual-contract wireless services on a nationwide 4G LTE network for a flat rate. With MetroPCS, customers get great value and a wide variety of device choices from leading brands. A flagship brand operated by T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: “TMUS”), MetroPCS products and services are available online and across the United States through a network of company-owned stores, authorized dealer locations, and leading national retailers. For more information, please visit www.metropcs.com.

Corpus Christ, Texas (April 17, 2014) Undefeated and top rated heavyweights BRYANT “By By” JENNINGS of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and MIKE “The Rebel” PEREZ, fighting out of Cork, Ireland will clash in a World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) Heavyweight Title Eliminator on SATURDAY, MAY 24, at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas and televised LIVE on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, it was announced today jointly by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions.

The winner of the 12-round bout will become the mandatory challenger for the WBC Heavyweight Title, which was vacated by longtime champion Vitali Klitschko earlier this year. Jennings and Perez are currently ranked #4 and #5, respectively by the sanctioning body.

Opening the telecast is a 10-round middleweight battle between two-time former world champion DANIEL “The Real Deal” Geale and perennial contender MATTHEW “Mack The Knife” MACKLIN.

“The world has been desperately seeking a heavyweight to take over the division and I believe that person is Me,” said Jennings. “By defeating Mike Perez, I will position myself as the mandatory position in the WBC. My promoter Gary Shaw ensures me that if I win this fight; I’ll be looking at a potential world title bout soon. My main focus is winning this fight against Perez and I’m doing everything in the gym to make that a reality. I’ll be ready to go come May 24th.

“My dream has always been to fight for the heavyweight championship,” said Perez.
“This has been my dream since I first started boxing and I have sacrificed a lot to get this opportunity. Jennings and I have been on crash course for a while and now with so much at risk I’m sure it will bring out the best in both of us. However, as good as Jennings is I will be victorious.”

“Mike Perez is a good fighter with an undefeated record and he is dangerous for any opponent,” said Gary Shaw. “But I feel my fighter Bryant Jennings has the athletic ability, the speed and movement to defeat him and is the all around better fighter. This is the type of fight the fans deserve, two undefeated guys putting it all on the line to get a world title shot, that’s what boxing is all about.”

Said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions, “It is rare to see two undefeated heavyweights once again risk their record in a fight like this featured on HBO. However there was no hesitation from either side when the WBC ordered this eliminator because both fighters want to fight for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World.”

“We feel that Mike is among the best heavyweights in the world and expect him to show that on May 24th against Bryant Jennings.”

“The WBC is proud to sanction the fight between Perez vs. Jennings as a final elimination fight as part of the WBC tournament in the Heavyweight division,” stated Mauricio Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council.

“Vitali Klitschko was honored with the Emeritus Champion distinction after he decided to search his dream of becoming President of his country Ukraine and is being regarded as a hero by many.”

“The WBC ordered a tournament between all top rated fighters to fight and Perez vs. Jennings will prove to be a formidable match to find the second mandatory contender of the WBC Heavyweight division. “

The 29-year-old Jennings, 18-0-0 (10KO’s) is coming off his career best victory, a sensational, HBO televised tenth round knockout of Poland’s Artur Szpilka on JANUARY 25 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Dominating the action from the outset, Jennings dropped the crafty southpaw in the sixth before finishing him off in the final round.

A highly successful amateur in his native Cuba, the 29-year-old Perez has compiled a record of 20-0-1 (12KO’s), since moving to Ireland and turning professional in 2008.

Perez has made two previous appearances on HBO, on NOVEMBER 2, against Magomed Abdusalamov from Madison Square Garden in New York City and more recently facing Carlos Takam on JANUARY 18 from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

Hailing from New South Wales, Australia and sporting a record of 30-2-0 (16KO’s), the 32-year-old Geale previously held the WBA and IBF middleweight titles. Most recently Geale stopped fellow countryman Garth Wood in the sixth round on FEBRUARY 19 in New South Wales, Australia.

Former world title challenger Macklin of Birmingham, England has had an illustrious 12-year career having compiled a record of 30-5-0 (20KO’s).

Despite suffering a third round stoppage at the hands of middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin on JUNE 29, 2013, Macklin stormed back into the world rankings with a dominant ten round unanimous decision over then undefeated Lamar Russ on DECEMBER 7 in Atlantic City, Jersey. Both of these bouts were telecast on HBO.

“I can’t wait to make my return on HBO and fight Mathew Macklin,” said Geale. “I’m keen to prove I am still one of the best middleweights in the world. Macklin is a very tough opponent who likes to go to war, as do I, our clash of styles could make a fight that steals the show. I will confirm my status as one of the top fighters in the division with a victory. When I win, I still want to fight Golovkin, if he comes back to 160, or the winner of Sturm vs. Solomon.”

Said Macklin, “I’m really excited about the fight with Daniel Geale. He’s a good fighter, a former world champion, and he throws a lot of punches like me so I’m expecting it to be a tough, action-packed fight. After the Golovkin fight, the win over Russ got me back on track and a much-needed 10 rounds of work. Winning on May 24th against Geale will throw me back into the world title mix, so in many ways this is almost a world title eliminator. It’s a great fight between two of the best and most exciting middleweights in the world.”

“Most people are saying that this is a 50/50 fight. I don’t know Geale personally but he seems like a good guy and I respect him as a fighter for what he has achieved and accomplished in his career. That being said though, I always believed he was tailor made for me and there only going to be one winner on May 24th and that is me.”

The Geale/Macklin bout is presented in association with DiBella Entertainment and Grange Old School Boxing.

The American Bank Center is located 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Corpus Christi, Texas. For further information please visit their website at www.AmericanBankCenter.com

Advance ticket information and further details on this event will be announced shortly.

For fight updates on JENNINGS VS. PEREZ via Social Media, follow HBO Boxing on Twitter at @HBOBoxing and Facebook at /HBOBoxing, Bryant Jennings on Twitter at @BYJennings, Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions at @TomLoeffler1 and Gary Shaw Productions at @GaryShawBoxing. Use the hashtag #JenningsPerez to join the conversation on Twitter.

For additional Social Media updates for GEALE vs. MACKLIN using Twitter follow Daniel Geale at @RealDanielGeale and Matthew Macklin at @MattMacklin as well as DiBella Entertainment at @DiBellaEnt using the hashtag #GealeMacklin

London (17 April) Kid Galahad is “ready and willing” to fight domestic rival Scott Quigg after his next fight.

The undefeated newly crowned European super bantamweight champion, Galahad, next fights at Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, on May 10th, live on Channel 5 and is out to show he is ready to face and destroy the Mancunian world champion.

“Let’s face facts, I’m the upcoming star in the super bantamweight division,” Galahad said.

“I’m undefeated and I’m hungry for the big fights – I’ve held the WBC International belt, the British title and I’ve just won the European title and I’m about to add the Commonwealth to my collection.

“If Quigg comes through his fight on Saturday night, which he should, my promoter Mick Hennessy is going to make him and his management a substantial offer to defend his WBA title against me, in either July or September live on Channel 5.

“I’m ready and willing to fight and if Quigg really believes he can beat me, why not come and do it in front of the biggest audience possible on terrestrial TV.

“I hope he agrees to the fight and gives the fans exactly what they want, a mouthwatering world class domestic showdown.

“But, me personally, I believe that him and his trainer will want no part of it, as Quigg is probably still having nightmares from our last sparring session, as we both know what happened there!!!!”

*The 24-year-old Qatar born Sheffield fighter fights on May 10 in Sheffield with undefeated heavyweight sensation Hughie Lewis Fury also in action. There is also a whole host of local talent on the bill, including Sheffield’s Dave Howe, Callum Hancock, Tom Mcassey and Ryan Hardy, Barnsley’s Lee Noble, Rotherham’s Karl Bell and Chatteris fighter Jordan Gill.

LONDON (April 17) – Paulie Malignaggi has vowed to claim his third world title this weekend after he felt he was unjustly stripped of his belt against brash-talking Adrien Broner.

The Brooklyn star goes in against the newly crowned IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter this Saturday night, live on BoxNation, on a stacked card headlined by the ageless Bernard Hopkins who faces Beibut Shumenov in a light-heavyweight world title unification.

But, it is the matchup between the slick Malignaggi and the all-action Porter which has the potential to steal the show, with the seasoned New Yorker adamant that he will bounce back to win his third world title following the loss of his WBA crown to Broner last year.

“I think, as far as I’m concerned, I haven’t lost at all in the last three years. Adrien Broner was given my world title, so I feel like I need to win another world title to kind of rightfully get what’s mine,” said Malignaggi.

“I deserve to be a world champion; I should not have lost that bout. It was basically a win for Broner where I basically became a filler for Adrien Broner’s bullshit resume that he has.

“My name just became a filler on that resume, and I feel like for that reason I need to get a world title to kind of redeem myself and get what’s rightfully mine.

“I mean Shawn worked hard for his, but it’s a world championship that I want and now I got the chance to do it. So I’ll look forward to the challenge. I’ll look forward to putting on a good show on Saturday,” he said.

It was following his win against Devon Alexander last December that Porter came to prominence with his commanding unanimous points victory dethroning the tricky southpaw.

The 33-year-old Malignaggi was the star attraction that night as he took on – and beat – fellow Brooklyn rival Zab Judah at the Barclays Center, but it was Porter’s performance which caught ‘The Magic Man’s’ eye.

“Once he beat Devon, Shawn put himself in another level, which is the level of guys like me who will look at and say, ‘Oh, you know what, he’s a guy to be reckoned with, he’s a force to be reckoned with, and I might wind up in the ring with him.’

“All the other stuff didn’t matter before that. Once you become world champion I think you put yourself, you set yourself apart from the rest of the class, and Shawn did that by winning the world championship,” he said.

The 26-year-old Porter is known for his come-forward aggressive style, something which Malignaggi is confident he will exploit.

“I think the trick is always to take what a fighter does best and kind of try to minimise it or take it away from him,” he said. “So one of Shawn’s best assets is that aggressive physicality, so as a fighter, as a veteran of the sport, as a guy myself who has been around some of the best fighters in the world and has been trained with some of the best trainers in the world, including the one I have now, Eric Brown, I think you gain a lot of knowledge going through all of that,” said Malignaggi .

“It’s not out of the question to say Shawn is a very good fighter, but at the end of the day there’s traps that can be set for that kind of aggressiveness, and there’s traps that will be set for that kind of aggressiveness,” Malignaggi added.

The Ohio native is unfazed at Malignaggi’s claims and believes confidence from his recent win against Alexander and the fact he’s sparred with some of the very best will help spur him to victory.

“Yes [the Alexander fight is] a pretty good blueprint for going against someone like Paulie, and then you take into account everything I’ve done up until this point,” said Porter.

“Sparring with Manny Pacquiao, I mean there’s no better blueprint than that. The guy’s got the quickest hands and feet in the business. So I have all the experience in what it takes to beat Paulie, and it’s just a matter of getting in there on Saturday and doing it.

“It’s been a few years since I’ve been involved with Manny’s camp. The Shane Mosley fight was the last time I had done anything with him,” he said.

The undefeated Porter, who has an impressive amateur background, goes into the bout with less wear and tear on his body than his hardened welterweight challenger but still regards him as one of the very best at 147 pounds.

“He’s right up there, he’s at the top,” said Porter. “I think out of everyone I’ve fought, other than Julio [Diaz] and Devon, he’s got the most spirit. So I know what I’m up against April 19.

“I’m up against a crafty veteran, someone who’s got the hands, feet, and likes to hustle his hands, and like he’s said, he’s in shape. So I’m prepared to come in there and be in just as great a shape as he’s in and be just as smart as he is, and be aggressive and do what I have to do to hold onto my title,” declared Porter.

Also featuring as the third title fight on the night will be unbeaten WBO middleweight world champion Peter Quillin, who goes in against the experienced Lukas Konecny, as he eyes a showdown with the other leading names in the division, including Britain’s Martin Murray.

Hopkins vs. Shumenov & Malignaggi vs. Porter is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

London (17 April) Hennessy Sports are proud to announce that we are bringing the MaxiNutrition Knockout semi-finals to Leeds Town Hall on May 17, live on Channel 5.

After two blistering sets of quarter-finals we are delighted to bring the next stage of the competition to Leeds, featuring home town fighter and newly crowned British light heavyweight champion Bob Ajisafe, Swanley’s Southern Area champion Leon Senior, Newcastle’s English light heavyweight champion Travis Dickinson and Preston’s Central Area champion Matty Clarkson, as all four men look to progress through to the final.

Tickets to come and see this brand new competition that is showcasing the true heart of the domestic light heavyweight division will be on sale from next Wednesday, as pulsating knockdowns, fight of the year contenders and uncompromising displays of self belief and determination are all set to continue in Yorkshire.

Newcastle’s newly crowned English champion, Dickinson, faces Preston’s ‘Magic’ Matty Clarkson in the first semi-final of the night.

Dickinson claimed the English title, in the second set of quarter-finals, with an explosive third round knockout over former European champion Danny McIntosh at Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, last month.

That set up his semi-final contest against Clarkson, who had already defeated the tricky and unorthodox Sheffield fighter Lee Duncan that same night, with a unanimous points decision.

The second semi-final will see Leeds’ own British champion, Ajisafe, meet Swanley’s Leon Senior.

Ajisafe claimed his place with an inspiring display of heart and fortitude in a fight of the year contender against former British, Commonwealth, European, WBC International, WBO and IBO Inter-Continental champion Dean Francis at Rivermead, Reading.

The pair gave the fans a relentless and dramatic display of pugilism in its purest form, with both men giving it everything they had in a fight that swayed both ways for all 12 rounds.

By the final bell they had both shown what the competition meant to them before Ajisafe was given a unanimous points victory.

That set up his semi-final showdown against Southern Area champion, Senior, who had progressed following a non-contest result against former Commonwealth title challenger Tony Hill.

After a bright start from both men the fight was halted when Hill sustained a bad cut after an accidental clash of heads. Unable to continue, the fight was waved off with Southern Area champion, Senior, progressing.

This superb night of boxing will decide who will compete for the first ever MaxiNutrition Knockout title as well as feature a whole host of exciting local talent on the undercard.

“It is an absolutely superb competition and I am delighted to bring it to a venue like Leeds Town Hall,” Promoter Mick Hennessy said.

“We have already seen some of the most entertaining and exciting fights and I know that in a venue like this we’re in for an absolute treat.”

Ticket Information

Tickets for May 17th will be available to purchase from 12pm on Wednesday 23rd April, with prices starting from £35, from the Ticketline box office: www.ticketline.co.uk

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (April 16, 2014) – Legendary former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson took a break from his promotional duties for Friday’s ShoBox The New Generation tripleheader to enjoy arcade games with two of his children at Latitude 40 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Tyson’s Iron Mike Productions will make its promotional debut on SHOWTIME®, home of 16 of Tyson’s last 18 fights, live at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa., located outside of the Steel City.

Joining Tyson at Latitude 40 prior to a press conference and meet-and-greet with fans was his daughter, Milan, and his son, Morocco.

In the 10-round main event, heavy-hitting Cuban lightweight Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (18-0, 16 KOs), of Miami, Fla., by way Cork, Ireland, and Havana, Cuba, will be opposed by his toughest opponent to-date, Pittsburgh-area crowd favorite “Lightning” Rod Salka (18-3, 3 KOs), of Bunola, Pa.

In the co-feature, undefeated southpaw and Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz (14-0, 8 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., by way of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic will box Emmanuel Lartey (15-1-1, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of Ghana, in an eight-round welterweight bout.

In the opening bout of the telecast, local favorite and war veteran Sammy Vasquez, Jr. (13-0, 9 KOs), of Monesson, Pa., will meet fellow unbeaten Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez, Jr. (11-0, 5 KOs), of Union City, N.J., in an eight-round welterweight bout.

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

For more information visit www.IronMikeProductions.com, www.sho.com/sports, follow on twitter at @IronMikeProd, @shosports, follow the conversation using #ShoBox or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/IronMikeProductions.Official and www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

MONROEVILLE, Pa. (April 17, 2014) – It turns out promoter Mike Tyson can stir the pot almost as much as heavyweight champ Mike Tyson. Almost.

Tyson seemed right at home in his new role as promoter Thursday as he guided his Iron Mike Productions fighters through the final press conference and weigh-in for tomorrow’s ShoBox: The New Generation event.

Friday’s tripleheader airs live on SHOWTIME®, home of 16 of Tyson’s last 18 fights, at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from the Monroeville Convention Center in Monroeville, Pa., located outside of the Pittsburgh.

Tyson egged on his fighters, enticed trash talking and did his best to create some controversy during the presser before the official weigh-in. In other words, typical Tyson.

“Listen, I don’t want to hear you guys talk about respect for each other,’’ Tyson said. “I want to hear what you guys are going to do to each other tomorrow night. I want to hear that you’re going to knock him out.

“Don’t worry about making weight. Listen, we’re only talking about a few pounds here. I fought as a heavyweight and it didn’t matter. This is boxing. We’re here to see some people beat each other up tomorrow. Weight doesn’t matter; we’re here to watch you fight.

“I’m excited to have such a great card and exciting event for my return to SHOWTIME. We’re a very young organization but we’re moving pretty fast.”

Hard-hitting Cuban lightweight Alexei “The Hurricane” Collado (18-0, 16 KOs), of Miami, Fla., weighed in at 131.6 pounds for his 10-round main event showdown with Pittsburgh-area crowd favorite “Lightning” Rod Salka (18-3, 3 KOs), who tipped the scales at 132.6 pounds.

Undefeated southpaw and Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz (14-0, 8 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., by way of Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic, measured 139.6 pounds while Emmanuel Lartey (15-1-1, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of Ghana, weighed in at 142.7 pounds for their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Local favorite and war veteran Sammy Vasquez, Jr. (13-0, 9 KOs), of Monesson, Pa., weighed in at 146.8 pounds for his eight-round welterweight showdown with fellow unbeaten Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez, Jr. (11-0, 5 KOs), of Union City, N.J., who tipped the scale at 148 pounds.

Here’s what the fighters had to say during Thursday’s events.

ALEXEI COLLADO:
“I think he’s the toughest fighter I’ve faced, but we’re looking at this more as an opportunity than a challenge.

“My career has changed since I moved to Miami to train. I now have all the opportunity in the world. Fighting on SHOWTIME opens the door even more. Now all I have to do is win.

“I’m ready for anyone in this division. I let my team make the opportunities, I just handle the fighting. But I think I’m getting close to a title shot.

“We’re looking for the best fight of my career. I’m looking to make a statement and knock this guy out. A win is a win – we’ll take a decision – but we’d love a knockout.

“I’m not concerned about the judges or fighting in his hometown. I’m coming in with confidence. I’ve fought in Cuba, Ireland, the U.S. I’ll fight anywhere. If you win every round then there is no way the judges can take that away from you.

“It’s going to be a good, hard fight. We took a tough opponent – he’s smart, fast and strong.”

ROD SALKA:
“I can’t wait to get in the ring. This is a job; I’m here to fight. That’s all that matters.

“We have 10 rounds or less to finish this fight. Why wouldn’t I want to knock him out? It’s 10 rounds or less for a reason. We’ll see tomorrow when we get in the ring.

“We’ve been doing this for a long time in Pittsburgh. You know what we’re about. I look forward to showing it in the ring.

“I’m relying on everyone from Pittsburgh to cheer me on. Once we get in the ring I won’t have to do any more talking.

“If I win this fight I’m going to fly to California for the (Omar) Figueroa-(Jerry) Belmontes fight. I want the winner of that. If they can’t make that happen then I’ll fight anyone with a big name. That’s what I’m ready for.

“I’m sick of being the guy that people build their fighters up against. I’m looking for a signature win to make myself viable in this division.

“People know I looked good against (Ricardo) Alvarez. I need to look good in this fight and get my big shot.

“I love fighting guys that come forward. I think Figueroa would be perfect for me. If you put me in there with that guy it’s going to be an exciting fight.

“I’m not looking past Collado. This guy is tough – he comes forward and comes to fight. But if I come out throwing 80 or 90 punches a round it’s going to tough to beat me.”

FELIX DIAZ:
“I guarantee an exciting fight and a victory. I didn’t come here to lose.

“I went to Oxnard, Calif., to train with Robert Garcia and he’s done a hell of a job getting me ready.

“My outlook has always been the same and my style is the same. But Robert has improved my conditioning. I’m more well-rounded. My game has always been about reflexes and being quick, but training up there has made me a better fighter.

“He’s faced a few guys that might be tougher than me on paper. But at the same time I’m going to show why I’m the undefeated fighter.”

EMMANUEL LARTEY:
“This opportunity is everything. I wouldn’t mess this up for anything in the world. I’m here to win. I know Diaz is undefeated but I’m not anything or anybody to look past.

“I’m ready. I’ll fight this guy anywhere, anytime. I’m here to fight and I’m here to win.

“He not the toughest guy I’ve faced. I fought Kaizer Mabuza, who got a shot at a title, and I beat him. I think Diaz is between him and (Errol) Spence as far as talent. He may be tough, but tomorrow will be my day.

“His record doesn’t impress me. Olympics is Olympics, professional is professional. I went to Commonwealth games and was the captain of the Ghana team. I have a good amateur record as well. So I’m not afraid of him or his resume.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time and I just didn’t get a chance. People always took me as an opponent but I always proved myself. This is the right time for me to prove who I really am.”

SAMMY VASQUEZ, JR.:
“He’s coming into my town and messing with what I represent. My record speaks for itself. It’s not me going to sleep. It’s time for him to lay down.

“I’m here to handle business. I’m happy that we get to do this in Pittsburgh and we get to showcase this city and our skills to the world.

“I’m excited for the opportunity. To be on TV is a great experience. I’ve been on AFN (American Forces Network) before and that was great, but this is a whole different level.

“I have family in Texas, Florida, California, and now they can all watch my fight on SHOWTIME.

“Bringing a nationally televised fight to my town is a big deal. I’ve trained hard. Everyone knows who I am here – that statement has been made – but I’m looking to show the rest of the country what I have.

“I respect every fighter that steps in there with me. My job is to get him out of there. I’ll set him up with the shots and take care of business. I’m the first undefeated fighter he’s faced so he’s looking to make a statement as well.

“I think I’ve definitely faced the tougher opponents.

“I’ve already received some messages from friends over in Afghanistan that they’re going to watch my fight on AFN. It means a lot to have my fellow veterans and active military supporting me overseas.”

JUAN RODRIGUEZ, JR.:
“We have two undefeated fighters both putting their records on the line early in their career. It’s going to be a show. We didn’t come here to lose and I know he didn’t come here to lose. But we’re here to put him to sleep.

“We will just beat him up really bad, abuse him. Even though sometimes the judges don’t agree, we can abuse him and have fun with him if we don’t knock him out.

“It’s a step up for both of us. We’re both equal fighters. I don’t think he has an advantage over me. He’s only fought one other fighter with an undefeated record so I’m not worried. It’s a step up for both of us.

“I’m looking to show the world out there what I’m really about. I’m looking to make a statement to my Puerto Rican fan base and everyone out there. I want to show them my skills and talent.

“It’s time for the beast to be unleashed.”

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

For more information visit www.IronMikeProductions.com, www.sho.com/sports, follow on twitter at @IronMikeProd, @shosports, follow the conversation using #ShoBox or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/IronMikeProductions.Official and www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

WASHINGTON D.C. (April 17, 2014) – The fighters, including legendary future Hall of Famer Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins and Beibut Shumenov, who will compete on Saturday’s eagerly awaited “History at the Capitol” world championship tripleheader on SHOWTIME®, participated in the final press conference Thursday at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C.

In the history-making main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (9 p.m. ET/PT following the premiere of Episode 1 of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana) the 49-year-old Hopkins (54-6-2, 32 KOs), of Philadelphia, will be seeking to become the oldest fighter in boxing history to unify world titles when he puts his IBF Light Heavyweight title on the line against his WBA counterpart, Shumenov (14-1, 9 KOs), of Shymkent, Kazakhstan, who is aiming to become the fastest fighter to unify the light heavyweight division with only 15 professional fights.

The two other world title fights on SHOWTIME — unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter (23-0-1), ofCleveland, defends against former world champion Paulie Malignaggi (33-5, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. and unbeaten WBO Middleweight World Champion Peter Quillin (30-0, 22 KOs), of Brooklyn, risks his belt against the Czech Republic’s Lukas Konecny (50-4, 23 KOs). Three live preliminary fights will precede the SHOWTIME telecast on SHOWTIME EXTREME®(7 p.m. ET/PT): Sadam Ali (18-0, 11 KOs), Brooklyn, vs. Michael Clark (44-9-1, 18 KOs ) Columbus, OH., 10 rounds, welterweights; Zachary Ochoa (6-0, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, vs. Hector Marengo (6-7-4, 4 KOs), Arecibo, Puerto Rico, 4/6 rounds, junior welterweights; and Marcus Browne (9-0, 7 KOs), Staten Island, N.Y., vs. Otis Griffin, 24-15-2 (10 KOs) Sacramento, Calif., 8 rounds, light heavyweights.

Tickets priced at $25, $50, $75, $200 and $300, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges, are on sale now and available online at http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. The DC Armory Box Office will be open on fight night only from 3 p.m.-10 p.m. ET.

Hopkins was honored twice during the final press conference. At the outset of the proceedings, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer presented him with a National Portrait Gallery portrait donated by Golden Boy Promotions and shot by renowned sports photographer Holger Keifel. It will become part of Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery permanent collection and is projected to appear in the museum within the next two to three years and will likely be on display for six months or longer.

Later, Marvis Frazier, the former boxer and son of the late, great former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, presented a plaque to Hopkins and Golden Boy Promotions in appreciation for their contribution to the Joe Frazier Statue in Philadelphia.

What the boxers and executives said Thursday:

BERNARD HOPKINS

“This is really a defense of my legacy. Belts are nice, but they’re nicer when you’re younger and establishing a foundation. My foundation was laid down years ago. You get what you put in most of the time and then you get the times where you have to fight for what you want.

“This is an opportunity for me to represent the 40 and up club that is very alive in the world. Boxing and non-boxing fans are supporting me. I go and train understanding that it’s not just for me, but for you all to enjoy what is taking place while it is taking place.

“Sometimes we take personal achievements for granted. We don’t appreciate it until you get treated the opposite way.

“Come April 19, you will be inspired by me. The work I’ve put in all these years has already been set. Now I’m here to let you know how I feel.

“The best in Beibut will bring out the best in me. I want him to try to win every round. I want him to do this because if he doesn’t do this, you won’t see the best of me. I’ll do what I do regardless, but I don’t want to look like the worst word in America, a bully.

“He’s motivated to fight me, he said he’s been dreaming of this all his life. Understand one thing, be careful what you wish for.

“Get ready for school, student. No disrespect, its logic. I am the professor with a PHd. I’m going to take his GED learning that you need more than that to make a living.

“After this is over with, let’s pray he has the career going forward. I have a track record. There’s a whole list of names that didn’t survive the mental beat down.

“When you watch Saturday you’re going to watch something you’ve seen over and over. I can’t help if you all get bored. You’re going to have to write the story.

“Enjoy and understand that this is history. I’m defending something bigger than a title. My legendary
20plus year legacy, is more important than anything around my waist.”

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

“[To Hopkins] You’re mistaken if you think going into this as if I’m fighting a 50-year-old man. On Saturday night we are going to see who is taking whose belts.

“It’s not for me about money. I’m fighting for the honor and the glory to be acknowledged as a great fighter. I’m not thinking about future fights. I prepared for this fight like it’s my last. I’m a man of my word, so you’re going to see a great fight Saturday night.

“I want to fight the best and I am fighting the best.

“I’ve been dreaming all of my life for this moment. I’ve been ready to fight at this level for several years. I couldn’t get there on my own. This is a good opportunity for me.

“Hard work and preparation has been done. I am fighting one of the greatest ever, who beat so many other legends and great fighters.

“I am ready to show the world what I’m capable of. I will show the world that I am the best light heavyweight champion.”

SHAWN PORTER

“We could have taken any challenger, we could have taken a lesser opponent, and we could have fought two more months from now…but that’s not the Porter way.

“We work hard and we have high expectations. At Team Porter we challenge ourselves. We talk day in and day out about the game plan. We send footage and notes to one and other every single day. We diet together. I lost a lot of weight for this fight, and I feel really good right now.

“My dad’s doing the exact same things I’m doing, eating the same stuff, working the same way I do. We work hard and we’re blessed. We understand what position we’re in today and what position we’re going to be in when I get in the ring with Paulie Malignaggi.

“We’re in a privileged position – we have a world championship belt. We’re going to defend it with honor and everything we have. We know what Paulie is bringing to the ring. This is going to be a great, exciting fight.”

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

“I’m very happy with the team I have around me, they’ve allowed me to excel. I can just focus on boxing with no other headaches.

“I have outlasted almost every single fighter that has been hyped more than me. You keep saying, ‘how is this guy still around?’

“Shawn Porter is a world champion who still has that hungry attitude. That makes it all the more difficult of a challenge. Fighting a guy like that becomes not only a game of skill, but a game of will.

“I think I’ve proven through the years that I have a lot of both and Shawn is proving he has both as well and that makes it a very intriguing matchup.

“The winner will be very deserving at the end of the day. I feel like I’m the more talented fighter not that Shawn isn’t talented. I feel what I have in my back pocket is more than what he has. We’ll see Saturday if he’s ready.”

PETER QUILLIN

“It’s an important thing for me to be here in front of you guys. I just hope I can keep doing this same thing over and over again.

“I’m going to defend my title with so much pride. There’s no ego, just pride, hard work, determination and sacrifice. It’s what got me here and it’s the most important part of boxing to me.

“I may not have much control outside of the ring, but when I’m in the ring I can create and do what I want. I’m inspiring people to be happy with themselves.

“Bernard set the bar so high and I just want to set it even higher.

“The only part of this card that’s going to be hard is watching my brothers Paulie and Shawn fight. May the best man win. When the opportunity comes you have to capitalize on it.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity to fight in D.C. I’m so inspired to be here I think my name is going to be the ‘Capital Kid.’ ”

LUKAS KONECNY, WBO European Champion & Former WBO Interim Junior Middle Champion

“I expect a hard fight, but a fair fight. I want to win and I have the most experience.

“I think it should be a good confrontation between the European and the U.S. boxing style. Hopefully the best one will win and it will be me.”

NAAZIM RICHARDSON, Hopkins’ Trainer

“I’ve seen a lot of these young guys as they grew up. I’ve known Shawn Porter so long I remember when his father was fighting. Seeing all these guys up in this position is great and needs to be paid attention to.

“This guy, Bernard Hopkins, you’ve said everything you could say about him. We just hope you guys appreciate it. This guy has been fighting all the way through.

“Bernard teaches me all the time. I want people to understand when they see Bernard that you’re not seeing the microwave era of boxing. You have to appreciate it, the sweet science of boxing. These guys on the undercard are lucky because they get to see it.

“I want people to acknowledge that we’re dealing with a special athlete in Bernard. Thirty is old in boxing, guys still perform at 30 but it’s old. So what he’s doing is ridiculous.

“Everything he does is history. Every bag he hits is a part of history. Because what he’s doing has never been done. Bernard is the oldest athlete to hold a title in any sport.

“Bernard now carries Joe Frazier’s spirit in Philadelphia. It’s not the same style but it’s the same mentality. He never says die and never surrenders.”

MARVIS FRAZIER, Joe Frazier’s Son

“Bernard Hopkins is a true humanitarian. My father passed away in the midst of people putting together a statue for him. No one would come to the table; Golden Boy and Bernard Hopkins said they would build the statue for my father.

“I love this guy, he’s a great brother and on behalf of the Frazier family I want to thank you and Golden Boy Promotions for what they have done and are about to do.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Golden Boy Promotions CEO

“Now is your chance. Here in Washington and the East Coast, people from Philly, New York and Washington come here to be part of this historic event.

“With Beibut Shumenov, Bernard’s fighting somebody who as a pro has a record with 14 wins, 9 by KO. Beibut is from Kazakhstan, and he has a rich amateur history. He was a 2004 Olympian for Kazakhstan. He has been waiting for an opportunity like this. He is as dedicated as any fighter I have ever seen. He has tremendous will and desire. He has a tremendous and loyal team behind him. He’s trained hard and is ready to go and make history here in Washington, D.C.

“Paulie is one of the most recognized fighters in the world. He’s a two-time, two-division world champion who is trying to win his third world title on Saturday night.

“Shawn Porter wants to face a veteran and the welterweight division is without any question the hottest division. Shawn Porter was one of the best amateur boxers of this era and established himself as one of the most exciting, young emerging stars of the sport.

“I’ve been in boxing since 2000. Of all the fighters there’s one that stands out when it comes to loyalty and when it comes to respect and Bernard tells me that it’s because of the respect I show him. He is one of a kind in many ways. He is a true friend.”

CHRIS DEBLASIO, Vice President Communications, SHOWTIME SPORTS

“This fight Saturday night on SHOWTIME is part of a tremendous lineup of boxing programming on our network that features no less than 19 live prizefights over the next three weeks.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will be preceded by the premiere of All Access: Mayweather vs. Maidana. And the live show will feature a special guest analyst. Middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs will be substituting for Paulie Malignaggi who will be indisposed.

“Last January, when we had a fight card here at the DC Armory, I reported record ratings and record viewership growth for Showtime Boxing. I am proud to say that the trend continues and we are looking for strong performances in the next three weeks. Thank you for your support.”

ERIK A. MOSES, Senior Vice President of Events DC

“We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to host such a fantastic fight card. As a fight fan, I’m excited about what we’re going to see on Saturday. But as a person who’s responsible for making D.C. more of a fight and sports town, I’m really excited that Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME and Bernard, in particular, have decided to come back to Washington.

“For those of you who don’t know, this will be the third championship fight in 14 months that we’ve hosted in the DC Armory, which is a fantastic thing. And frankly, we should give it up to Golden Boy Promotions for that. D.C. is a good sports town, but we want to make certain that people know it’s a fight town as well.

“I will echo Scottie Irving’s [D.C. Boxing Commissioner] comments that we want to sell this fight out. And every fight that comes to Washington, we want to show that we’re a great fight town. There’s a lot of energy and buzz around this city, and there has been ever since this fight was announced.

“We want Golden Boy Promotions to come back many more times and bring many more fights to Washington, D.C. as we continue to show them what we can do to support this fantastic sport.

“We’re honored to have Bernard and Mr. Shumenov here having their fight, as well as Paulie and the other combatants who are going to be here.

“This is going to be history in the making. To see someone like Bernard, who’s been fighting as long as he has, and at his age, do what he’s trying to do in our nation’s capital has all the makings of a fantastic story.”

SCOTTIE IRVING, Chairman of the DC Boxing Commission

“We expect an outstanding, clean fight. I want to make it really clear that the last time we had a fight at the DC Armory that sold out we talked to Golden Boy and had a conversation with Bernard, and we said at that time that we did a great job and we deserve another fight. And Bernard said, ‘I will do my best to make sure you guys get another fight soon.’
“I said it before, that Bernard is a man of his word. Not only did he go out and find the best fighter that he could to fight in D.C., he offered to do it himself, and to come fight here.

“If you miss this one I’ll do my best to make sure Golden Boy is back this summer, and next time at the Verizon Center. We look forward to our continued success in boxing.”

# # #

Hopkins vs. Shumenov, a 12-round fight for the IBF, WBA and IBA Light Heavyweight World Championship, will take place Saturday, April 19 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona, AT&T and Casamigos Tequila. In the 12-round co-features, Shawn Porter defends his IBF Welterweight World Title against Paulie Malignaggi and Peter Quillin puts his WBO Middleweight World Title on the line against Lukas Konecny. The live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) immediately following ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana. The telecast will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME® at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com and follow on Twitter at @TheRealBHop and @SHOSports, follow the conversation using #HopkinsShumenov and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing