Follow all the action as Andy Lee defends the WBO Middleweight title against undefeated Billy Joe Saunders.  The action kicks off at 5 PM ET / 10 PM in Manchester, England

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LOS ANGELES (Dec. 18) – Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) retained his undefeated status and was crowned the new NABF featherweight champion after a stunning second round technical knockout of Mexico City, Mexico’s Hugo “Olimpico” Partida (20-7-2, 15 KOs) in front of nearly 1,500 fans at a jam-packed Fantasy Springs Resort Casino tonight, televised live on Boxeo Estelar on Estrella TV.

“We came with a great game plan to land effective shots right away and to dig to the body and try to hurt him,” said Diaz Jr. “I dug into the body in the first round and had him hurt. And then I put some good powerful shots on top and got him out. He connected with a good shot, but I didn’t feel anything at all. I just acknowledge him for getting a good shot in. I didn’t let it affect me at all. I knew that I had to take care of business and get the win no matter what. I hope to get the top 10 guys in my division, fight on the bigger networks and get a title shot by the end of next year. I feel very strong at this weight, and I make the weight pretty good. I just feel like 126 is going to be my weight.”

Former two-time world heavyweight title challenger Earnie “The Black Destroyer” Shavers was in attendance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for the fights after hosting a special meet and greet for ticketholders before the Boxeo Estelar broadcast began.

Also in attendance was newly crowned WBC Super Featherweight World Champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas, who was joined by Golden Boy stable mates Randy “El Matador” Caballero, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Nick Arce, Oscar “Jaguar” Negrete, and Roy “Pitbull” Tapia ringside at the fight.

In the evening’s co-main event, Andrew “Chango” Cancio (16-3-2, 12 KOs) made a triumphant return to the ring after a year and a half lay off with an impressive technical knockout of Nicaragua’s Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (22-6, 15 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout. Both fighters fought aggressively, producing a slugfest that entertained the raucous crowd. Cancio rallied and unleashed with a flurry of punches in round five but Alvarado passed the test and fought back furiously. The slugging continued until the referee waved off the fight in the eighth round as Alvarado succumbed to the fast punches Cancio was throwing.

“We knew that it was going to be a tough fight,” said Andrew Cancio. “Rene Alvarado comes and gives it his all. I mean, he went toe-to-toe with Jo Jo Diaz Jr. earlier this year. We trained hard for this, but we felt we were stronger, harder, and faster. We trained our butts off for this. I felt some ring rust. I thought, ‘man this is a really hard fight,’ it was harder than I anticipated. I knew it was close; some rounds were mine and some rounds were his. Once my corner told me he was hurt, I started throwing combinations. I landed an uppercut and a right, and he just couldn’t get himself together so I got the TKO victory.”

Opening up the Estrella TV broadcast, Chinese heavyweight sensation Taishan (6-0, 3 KOs) retained his undefeated status with a win by unanimous decision over Guadalajara, Mexico’s Daniel Arambula (3-2, 1 KO) after a tough four-round heavyweight bout.

“I’m not very happy because I wanted the knockout,” said Taishan. “I had a lot of practice, but I think I still need to train more.

Topping the undercard fights for the evening, Oscar Torres (7-0, 4 KOs) battled Evincii Dixon (6-13-1, 2 KOs) to retain his undefeated status, winning their six-round welterweight bout by unanimous decision.

“We were prepared for this fight,” said Torres. “In the opening, he was very slick. He has a lot of experience, but I worked out in the gym and was ready for that. He didn’t surprise me. He was very strong. I punched him very hard, but he didn’t react, it was like nothing to him and he remained calm. I was ready to fight and I did. He is a good fighter, too.”

Los Angeles fan-favorite Rafael Gramajo (6-1-1, 2 KOs) made his third appearance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in a six-round super bantamweight war against Michael Gaxiola (4-5) of Modesto, Calif. Gramajo was named the winner by unanimous decision after a tough fight against Gaxiola that went the full six-rounds.

“We put in work, we did pressure, we fought a fight and that is what we came to do,” said Rafael Gramajo (6-1-1, 2 KOs). “We knew we would have to be aggressive. I started off slow to work the guy and check him out to see what he’s got, and we knew we had to start working. He was a tough opponent. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and my team at Westside Boxing Club for their support.”

The evening’s first heavyweight fight had Bostonian Donnie “Big Nasty” Palmer (7-0-1, 6 KOs) facing off against Lansing, Michigan’s Tommy Washington (6-8, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout. Washington suffered a knock down in round two but rallied to come back strong at the beginning of round three. Both fighters persevered round-by-round and went the full six scheduled rounds and it was Palmer that was named the winner by split decision.

“I think I had a late start,” said Palmer. “I was a little bit sluggish. I got a knock down, and I should have capitalized on that. He (Washington) gained more confidence as the fight went along, and then the fight became a little harder. He is a great fighter – he did awesome. Thank you to Golden Boy for the opportunity. It was a humbling experience. I need to hit the gym some more.”

In the second fight of the night, Indio native Marco Magdaleno (2-0, 1 KO) battled Portland, Oregon’s Derick Bartlemay (0-1), who made his professional debut, in a four-round super lightweight bout before a hometown crowd. Both fighters showed speed and stamina in the ring during the bout that went the full four-rounds. In the end, the judges crowed Magdaleno the victor by unanimous decision.

“I felt great tonight,” said Magdaleno. “He was a tough opponent. He came out to fight and that is exactly what he did; he gave me a really good fight. I think I landed the bigger, better punches. I didn’t work how I wanted to but every punch I threw I made sure it landed and was a clear shot.”

The Ring TV live stream opened with Jon Jon Dinong (1-0, 1 KO) making a stunning professional debut against Ft. Smith, Arkansas’ Deartie Tucker (2-4, 2 KOs) winning by knockout in the second of a four-round super welterweight bout.

“I was trying to stay pretty relaxed and keep calm. I noticed I wasn’t getting as many shots in the first round because I think I was too relaxed. I came back to the corner after the first round, and they told me to pick it up a bit so I came back and got him in the corner, threw punches and then got him,” said Dinong.

Diaz Jr. vs. Partida was a 10-round featherweight bout for the vacant NABF featherweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first fight was at 5:15 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card also streamed live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream began at 5:15 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

LINCOLN, R.I. (Dec. 18th, 2015) – Another fight, another highlight-reel knockout for Khiary Gray.

The unbeaten Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight ended a flawless 2015 in style Friday at Twin River Casino, stopping Mexican veteran Roberto Valenzuela at the 59-second mark of the opening round, improving his record to 11-0 with 9 knockouts in the main event of CES Boxing’s “Holiday Bash.”

Valenzuela showed some fight early, even taunting Gray after eating a right hand to the temple, but Gray ended it quickly with a double right hook to the body, dropping Valenzuela to one knee.

Gray has fought 11 times in 18 months since making his pro debut in June of 2014 and has now won his last eight fights by knockout, including seven in the opening round.

New Haven, Conn., junior middleweight Jimmy Williams (10-0-1), fighting in Rhode Island for the first time in his career, ended a 10-month layoff with a 58-56, 56-58, 59-55 win over Vero Beach, Fla., vet Chris Gray (13-22-1). Williams shook off some early ring rust and remained unbeaten with the narrow win, his first since knocking out Eddie Caminero in February, a win that landed on ESPN’s Top 10 highlights for the night.

Making his long-awaited return to Twin River after more than a year away from the ring, middleweight “Irish” Joey McCreedy (15-9-2) of Lowell, Mass., lost a bizarre split decision to Laredo, Tex., vet Emmanuel Sanchez (7-4), 57-56, 60-53, 58-56.

McCreedy actually knocked down Sanchez in the opening round and won each of the six rounds on one of the scorecards, but Sanchez hung tough and earned narrow decisions on the other two cards, spoiling McCreedy’s first fight since September of 2014. Sanchez, coincidentally, was on the wrong end of a split decision in his last fight, a four-round loss to Eric Asher in Ohio in July.

Fighting for the fourth time in 2015, unbeaten Worcester, Mass., junior welterweight Freddy Sanchez (7-0) closed out his season in style with a hard-earned unanimous decision win over Vero Beach, Fla., vet Chris Gray, 59-55, 59-55, 60-54. The fight featured plenty of back-and-forth action, easily the toughest test of Sanchez’s career, as Gray’s awkward style forced Sanchez to adjust throughout the fight. Sanchez improved to 4-0 in 2015, which included two knockout wins at Twin River.

Training under the guidance of Rhode Island’s Jose Santos, Providence featherweight Phil Dudley (1-0) debuted at Twin River in impressive fashion, winning a slugfest against Jacob Solis (1-2) of Lawrence, Mass., by unanimous decision, 39-37, 39-37, 40-36. Dudley landed early and often against Solis, who withstood the damage and lasted four hard rounds, dropping his second consecutive decision since winning his debut in 2012.

Also fighting under Santos’ tutelage, fellow Providence featherweight Cido Hoff (0-0-1) earned a 38-37, 38-38, 38-38, majority draw against previously unbeaten Framingham, Mass., native Timmy Ramos (2-0-1) in his pro debut. Hoff, who fought Ramos twice in the amateurs, dropped Ramos with a hard right in the second round, but Ramos fought back hard over the final two rounds to earn the draw on two of the three scorecards.

New Bedford, Mass., junior middleweight Ray Oliveira Jr. (4-0) returned to the ring for the first time since April with a 39-37, 39-37, 40-36 unanimous decision win over Brockton, Mass., vet Antonio Fernandes (7-24-3) and Framingham junior welterweight Julio Perez (3-0) remained unbeaten with a 40-36 win on all three scorecards against newcomer Josh Bourque (0-1) of Salem, N.H.

Albanian middleweight Fatlum Zhuta (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Anchorage, Ala., CES’ newest addition, also made a major splash in his Twin River, stopping the overmatched Deivison Ribeiro (0-2) of Brazil at the 1:47 mark of the opening round. Zhuta sent Ribeiro to the canvas twice in the opening minute and then unloaded with another barrage seconds later until the referee stopped the bout.

Rances Barthelemy captured the vacant IBF Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Denis Shafikov at the Palms in Las Vegas.

It was a close and action filled fight early as Shafikov came out throwing many punches in bunches and got an early lead.  Shafikov suffered a cut around his right eye in round seven.  That gave Barthelemy a traget and he became more active and took the second half of the fight and won by scores of 119-109 and 116-112 twice.

Barthelemy of Cuba is now 24-0.  Shafikov of Russia is 36-2-1.

Murat Gassiev and Isiah Thomas fought to a no-contest after three rounds when a punch from Gassiev landed after the bell and Thomas could not continue.

Gassiev landed two right hands with the latter landing after the bell.  Thomas staggered to his corner and referee Jay Nady ruled that he was in diminished condition to continue.

In a terrific back and forth brawl, Eric Walker sprung a minor upset by winning an 8-round  decision over Chris Pearson in a battle of previously undefeated Super Welterweights.

Thomas of Detroit is 15-0.  Thomas is 22-0.

In round four, Walker landed a huge uppercut that was followed by a right that hurt Pearson.  Pearson came back to land some solid shots that snapped the head back of Walker.  the two exchanged power shots with Walker getting the better of the action.

Walker of Louisiana won by scores of 80-72, 79-71 and 78-74 and is 12-0.  Pearson is 13-1.

Good looking prospect Gervonta Davis scored a sensational 9th round stoppage over Luis Sanchez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight fight.

It was a competitive fight until round eight when Davis landed a left uppercut that sent Sanchez to the canvas.  It was the same punch but a much more wicked uppercut that sent Sanchez down face first and bloody.  Referee Kenny Bayless stopped the bout at 2:05 for round nine.

Davis, 133 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 14-0 with 13 knockouts.  Sanchez, 131.3 lbs of Cancun, MX is 17-5-1.

Follow all the action as Rances Barthelemy and Denis Shafikov vie for the vacant IBF Lightweight title.  The action begins at 9 PM ET with a 3 fight undercard that will feature an IBF Cruiserweight elimination bout between undefeated fighters Isiah Thomas and Murat Gassiev

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Round 1 Shafikov lands a left

Round 2 Barthelemy scoring..Trading lefts..Left from Barthelemy

Round 3 Shafikov lands a right

Round 4 Shafikov working the body…combination..2 lefts and an uppercut

Round 5

Round 6 Both guys working inside..Shafikov’s punches a little harder

Round 7 Blood from right side of Shafikov’s face

Round 8 3 rights from Shafikov…combination from Barthelemy..Hard left..Left..Sahfikov’s eye is starting ti bleed bad..Doctor looking at the cut

Round 9 Barthelemy lands a combination

Round 10 Straight left from Barthelemy

Round 11 Barthelemy lands a left to the head and body..left

Round 12

119-109, 116-112 twice for BARTHELEMY

Round 1 Left from Thomas

Round 2 Rght from Gasiev..Short right from Thomas..Straight left..

Round 3 Thomas lands a left.. 2 big rights from Gassiev at the bell—THE FIGHT IS STOPPED DUE TO THE PUNCH BEING AFTER THE BELL AND THOMAS COULD NOT CONTINUE

Round 1

Round 2 Davis lands a left to the body

Round 3 Good exchange with both landing..Hard left from Davis..2 more lefts..Left uppercut from Sanchez..Combination and left from Davis..2 more lefts…Sanchez a little wobbly

Round 4 Left uppercut from Sanchez…

Round 5 Hook from Davis…2 lefts

Round 6 Davis lands a couple jabs..

Round 7 Nice right from Sanchez..Jab from Davis..

Round 8 2 Head clashes…LEFT UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES SANCHEZ…Hard left staggers Sanchez..

Round 9 Davis lands a jab..HUGE LEFT UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES SANCHEZ AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Right from Walker..

Round 2 Uppercut from Pearson..Walker working the body..Pearson swelling on the right side of his face,,

Round 3 Left from Pearson..Good combination..Right..2 shots from Walker..

Round 4 Huge right hand rocks Pearson..Pearson is hurt..Walker battering Pearson..Pearson comes back and lands a left

Round 5 Right from Walker..Pearson landing big hooks…Big right from Walker..

Round 6 Combination from Walker…Big left from Pearson..

Round 7 2 uppercuts from Walker…Good left..Short right from Pearson..

Round 8

79-71, 80-72 and 78-74 for Eric Walker

NEW YORK (December 18, 2015)-Joe DeGuardia hopes to put a bow on the wrapping of an outstanding 2015 tomorrow night (Saturday, December 19), in what would be an early Christmas gift from a pair of Star Boxing® pugilists – Yunieski Gonzalez and Joshua Clottey – fighting on the HBO Latino® card at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.

On the heels of the December 5 clean sweep at Barclays Center by the DeGuardia-promoted trio of Chris Algieri, Joe Smith, Jr. and Johnny Hernandez, Star Boxing now looks to run the table on 2015.

In the HBO Latino®main event, Star Boxing’s Cuban light heavyweight contender Yunieski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) fighting out of Miami, Florida takes on the undefeated power-puncher, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonskyy” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles, in the 10-round light heavyweight headliner. Both fighters weighed in today at 175 lbs.

“Every aspect of my training has been elevated to be able to make a great impression,” said Gonzalez. “A victory on Saturday will keep me on the right track as I climb to the top of the mountain and establish myself as an elite fighter in the light heavyweight division. I have focused on turning my punches to maximize my power.”

In the co-main event, former world title contender, “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) of Philadelphia makes his highly anticipated return to the ring against Star Boxing’s former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-4, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, in a 10-round junior middleweight contest. Rosado tipped the scales at 158 lbs., while Clottey weighed in at 157 lbs.

“I’m approaching this fight, like all of my other fights: I train hard, eat correctly, get my rest properly and win,” says Clottey. “I know Gabe is very tough and always comes to fight, so I expect a hard fight from him. I just need to stay focused and do what I need to in order to win. I want to be champion again, and I believe my experience to be one again.”

The HBO Latino Boxing event will start at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay) or immediately following the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast. The Boxing After Dark main event is Bryant Jennings vs. Luis Ortiz in a 12-round heavyweight bout for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title. Nicholas Walters vs. Jason Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout.

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

website at www.StarBoxing.com and follow on
Twitter at @Star Boxing, Instagram at StarBoxing, and Facebook.com/StarBoxing.

MONTREAL, December 18, 2015 – Main Events and InterBox are excited to unveil the first bout between two local fighters that will be on the undercard of the unified light heavyweight world championship fight between the holder of IBF, WBA and WBO titles Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and former world champion Jean Pascal on January 30 at the Bell Centre. Indeed, both promoters are happy to announce to boxing fans from the province of Quebec a long-awaited confrontation between Canadian middleweight champion Francis Lafrenière (10-5-2, 6 K.O.) and veteran boxer Renan St-Juste (26-4-1, 18 K.O.) for the IBF International middleweigth belt.

Renan St-Juste said he couldn’t wait to go into the ring on January 30 : “I’ve beaten all the Quebec-based boxers in my weight division except two : David Lemieux and Francis Lafrenière. The latter, who has improved a lot recently and has moved up significantly in world rankings, was the next one on my list. He’s a good warrior and I will definitely not underestimate him. But it will be a first for him at Bell Centre and he will be facing an experienced boxer.”

Lafrenière, who has a perfect record in his last seven bouts, is not intimidated by his opponent’s experience : “I’ve been lucky enough to train with several talented fighters, including Lucian Bute, David Lemieux, Georges St-Pierre and Eleider Alvarez. I’ve learned a whole lot and I’m ready for this next challenge, which has already created a buzz. On January 30 at Bell Centre, not only will it be personal between Sergey Kovalev and Jean Pascal; it will also be the case for Renan St-Juste and I.”

“We’re aiming to give boxing fans a fight card that will highlight the great talent level our local boxers have. We are therefore working very hard on the undercard, which should be unveiled in full soon,” said InterBox Vice President Pierre Duc.

The grudge match for the unified light heavyweight world championship between Sergey Kovalev and Jean Pascal, a Vidéotron presentation in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu, will be broadcast live in the United States by HBO as well as on pay-per-view TV in Canada. Tickets are now on sale on the evenko network at www.evenko.ca, at the Bell Centre box office and at Club de boxe Champions in Montreal.

For more information,
visit www.MainEvents.com, www.interbox.ca/en/home, www.KovalevBoxer.com, www.JeanPascalBoxing.com and www.hbo.com/boxing. Follow on Twitter @Main_Events, @KrusherKovalev, @interboxca, @JeanPascalChamp, @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing, www.facebook.com/interbox, or www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Visit us at Instagram @Main_Events and @HBOBoxing. Use the hashtag #KovalevPascal2 to take part in discussions on Twitter.

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 18, 2015) – Excited to get back in the ring, Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) will start 2016 off with a bang at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. on Friday, Feb. 5 when he makes his return to the ring in more than a year after undergoing surgery for an injury. Caballero will lead the jam-packed night of fighting against Ruben Garcia (15-1-1, 6 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 10-round super bantamweight bout, which will be televised live on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar.

“I was devastated that I was unable to defend my championship title in Las Vegas on Nov. 21, but I’m determined to come back better than ever in 2016,” said Randy “El Matador” Caballero. “Between injury and the unfortunate way my body responded before the weigh-in in Las Vegas when I was set to defend my title for the first time, I am looking forward to putting 2015 behind me and starting fresh in the New Year. Losing the title was not something I wanted to happen, and I’m motivated more now than ever before to show everyone that I am still a championship fighter in the ring.”

“Golden Boy Promotions is behind Randy Caballero 100 percent, and we are pleased that he will return to the ring on Feb. 5,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Randy had a rough year in 2015, but I know 2016 will be an opportunity for him to start fresh and remind everyone that he is a talented fighter with a bright future ahead of him in this sport.”

Caballero is excited to get the gloves laced up and get a solid win in Indio on his hometown turf on Feb. 5 with a fresh beginning after a difficult 2015. The former WBC Youth Intercontinental and NABO champion, Caballero earned a shot at a world title in April 2014 by stopping Kohei Oba in eight rounds in Kobe, Japan, and in October 2014 he defeated Stuart Hall via unanimous decision in Monte Carlo to win the vacant IBF banatamweight crown. Returning to the boxing canvas after a long absence due to a large surgery to remove a cyst on his ankle and other injuries, “El Matador” is ready to electrify the crowd with his charisma and fiery Nicaraguan spirit and prove to the fans and media that he is ready to fight back.

The tough Ruben Garcia recently suffered his first career loss against Rafael Rivera on Oct. 24 by unanimous decision but rebounded quickly with a technical knockout in the first round over Richard Voros on Dec. 5, his first time fighting in Europe. Garcia made his professional debut in November 2010 in spectacular fashion with a technical knockout in the first round. Since then, Garcia has demonstrated his ability to both go the distance and also his capability to use strength and power to break down opponents early on. On Feb. 5, Garcia will look to secure his first victory of 2016 with a win over Randy Caballero.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $75, $65, $45 and can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV; and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

Halle, Germany (December 18, 2015) Legendary cruiserweight rivals Ola “Kryptonite” Afolabi and Marco “Kapt’ n” Huck will meet for the fourth time on Saturday, February 27 at Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle, Germany.

Presented by Huck Sports Promotion, from London, England and currently living in Los Angeles, California, Afolabi, 22-4-4 (11KO’s), will defend his IBO Cruiserweight World Title against Huck, 38-3-1 (26KO’s) of Berlin, Germany at the famed tennis stadium.

In their three previous, close-fought battles, Huck has won twice on the judges’ scorecards while a draw was declared in their 2012 bout. All previous 36 rounds between Afolabi and Huck have featured excellent two-way action.

A press conference was held yesterday at the venue for the highly anticipated fourth matchup between the two combatants.

Ola Afolabi:
“We have been in this situation on three previous occasions. Every time we squared off it was a real barn burner. It will the same on February 27. I am in the comfortable situation that I am the champion this time round and he is the challenger. Marco is the one trying to take my belt. I wish him luck, but that won’t help him.”

Marco Huck:
“This is the most important fight of my career. I want to prove it to everyone who has written me off after the loss. Hence the theme of the fight is ‘Huck Reloaded’. I will start from zero and have to fight my way back to the top – where I belong. You can always lose but you have to get back up again, that is how you can show that you are a real champion. I might have lost a battle but I will definitely win the war.”

On November 5, Afolabi traveled to Kazan, Russia where he stopped Chakhkiev in the fifth rounder of their scheduled twelve rounder.

Huck made his United States debut on August 14, 2015 in an epic, “Fight of the Year” nominated clash against Krzysztof Glowacki in Newark, New Jersey. Dropping Glowacki in the sixth, Huck would be stopped in the eleventh for only the third loss in his 11-year career.

Tickets for the fight on February 27 in Halle, Germany are available on www.gerryweber-world.de and +49 5201 8180.

Photo Credit/Huck Sports Promotion

Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark doubleheader telecast begins at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT).

Opening up the telecast from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY is a 10-round junior lightweight rumble that showcases Nicholas Walters in a matchup against Jason Sosa.

The main event features Bryant Jennings taking on Luis Ortiz in heavyweight attraction scheduled for 12 rounds.

Official Weights from Verona:

Bryant Jennings: 229.5 lbs.
Luis Ortiz: 239 lbs.

Nicholas Walters: 129.5 lbs.
Jason Sosa: 130 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #JenningsOrtiz

Springfield, New Jersey: Today the IBF held a purse bid for the upcoming battle between Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov (21-0-1, 13 KOs) and Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) for the vacant IBF Heavyweight World Title at their offices in Springfield, NJ, which Warriors Boxing won. The much-anticipated fight will take place on January 16, 2016 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The winning bid was $1,238,000 and the IBF has ordered that the split will be 65-35 in favor of Glazkov.

Glazkov won the #1 position in the IBF when he defeated Steve Cunningham back in March so the 31-year old from Lugansk, Ukraine is excited to finally get his shot at the IBF belt in his first world title fight. He said, “I am looking forward to getting back in the ring and finally getting my opportunity to fight for a world title. I want to thank everyone who helped me get to this place in my career.”

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva added, “We are thrilled that Czar is getting his world title fight right away and in our own backyard! The turn around is quick, but both fighters will have the same amount of time to prepare so it’s fair. On top of fighting for his first world title,Glazkov is going to get more money for this fight than we were offered for any other fight and we won’t be tied to any future options. This is a great deal for everyone involved.”

Duva co-promotes Glazkov with Kirill Pchelnikov of Pushka Promotions. Pushka and Main Events put in a bid today but Pchelnikov remarked, “It does not matter we didn’t win the purse bid and it doesn’t matter where the fight will be. Maybe next time we will be able to take Glazkov to fight in Russia when he is champion!”

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LONDON (18 Dec) – Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury is expecting a gruelling war when Andy Lee and Billy Joe Saunders share the ring this Saturday night.

The newly crowned unified champion, who dethroned long time king Wladimir Klitschko last month, believes both men will leave no stone unturned after their background has made them ‘bred to fight’.

Like Fury, the pair are from a travelling background, with the Manchester ace tipping the middleweight world title fight, exclusively live on BoxNation, to be one to remember.

“When two travellers get into the ring what you’re going to have is a real hard and tough fight. No one is going to be conned or fooled because both Andy Lee and Billy Joe have been bred to fight,” said Fury.

“They’ve been raised as real men and I expect them to go out there and produce a great fight. Billy Joe is the better technical boxer out of the two but Andy has the punching power, so it’s a well balanced fight,” he said.

The 27-year-old undefeated fighter is leaning towards a Saunders win, but is well aware of the threat WBO champion Lee possesses.

He has warned the Hatfield man he cannot lose focus like he did when letting Chris Eubank Jr back into their fight last year, a matchup Saunders was cruising in before his arch-rival pulled it back on the scorecards to eventually lose a narrow split decision.

“If Billy can box the right fight and make sure he concentrates throughout the whole 12 rounds then he can win the fight,” said Fury.

“He can’t allow himself to switch off and let Andy back into the fight like he’s done a few times, like he did in the Eubank Jr fight.

“Andy is a superior and more experienced fighter than Eubank Jr so he will definitely capitalise if he does switch off,” he said.

Fury also believes that alongside himself both men are setting the trend as positive role models for the travelling community.

“It’s great to see travellers becoming world champions because we’re the best fighters in the world. Hopefully I’ve set the mark for other traveller fighters by becoming world champion and I know Andy and Billy Joe are going to look to do a similar thing,” said Fury.

“Neither guy is going to take a back step and will leave it all in the ring so it’s a fight I’m really looking forward to seeing on Saturday.”

He was also pleased to hear that Saunders won a big bet after backing him to win the heavyweight world title last month in Dusseldorf.

“I’m pleased Billy Joe won £20,000 betting on me to win – it shows he’s an intelligent man who knows boxing! No one thought that I could become champion of the world except a handful of people.

“It feels good to prove so many wrong and nice that Billy Joe put his money where his mouth was and got rewarded for it,” said Fury.

Remaining tickets for Andy Lee vs Billy Joe Saunders at the Manchester Arena this Saturday are available from frankwarren.com. Or watch exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, Freeview 255, TalkTalk 415, online or app). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-
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Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

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Erik Skoglund (23-0, 11 KOs) and his opponent Derek Edwards (27-5-1, 14 KOs) both made weight today ahead of their ten-round light heavyweight clash on Saturday night in Sweden.

Skoglund aims to continue his World title charge by defeating Edwards, the only man to have beaten current Swedish World Champion Badou Jack, in front of his home fans at the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping.

Light Heavyweight – 10 Rounds:
Erik Skoglund: 78.8 kg
Derek Edwards: 78.4 kg

Swedish Olympian and undefeated pro Anthony Yigit (15-0-1, 6 KOs) provides chief support for Skoglund’s bout with an eight-round light welterweight contest against former World Champion DeMarcus Corley (42-24-1, 25 KOs).

Light Welterweight – 8 Rounds:
Anthony Yigit: 64.9 kg
DeMarcus Corley: 63.7 kg

An action packed undercard features heavyweight hope Otto Wallin (13-0, 10 KOs) versus the Serbian giant Samir Kurtagic (12-7, 8 KOs), fan favourite Oscar Ahlin (12-1, 10 KOs) taking on the tough Russian Varazdat Chernikov (10-3, 5 KOs) and rising Swedish stars Sven Fornling (8-0, 5 KOs), Hampus Henriksson (1-0, 1 KO), Patricia Berghult (professional debut) and Daniel Hartvig (5-0, 2 KOs).

A full list of undercard weights can be found below:

Heavyweight – 6 Rounds:
Otto Wallin: 104.9 kg
Samir Kurtagic: 106.5 kg

Super Middleweight – 8 Rounds:
Oscar Ahlin: 77.6 kg
Varazdat Chernikov: 78 kg

Light Heavyweight – 4 Rounds:
Alexander Hagen: 79.3 kg
George Kandelaki: 78.2 kg

Light Heavyweight – 4 Rounds:
Sven Fornling: 77.9 kg
Gary Abajyan: 74.5 kg

Super Middleweight – 4 Rounds:
Hampus Henriksson: 77 kg
Davit Ribakoni: 75.4 kg

Female Light Welterweight – 4 Rounds:
Patricia Bergult: 62 kg
Sara Marjanovic: 60 kg

Light Middleweight – 4 Rounds:
Daniel Hartvig: 70.6 kg
Gyorgy Varga : TBC

Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night are available online via www.biljettforum.se or by calling (+46) 0771-130 150. All the action will be shown live on TV10 in Sweden.

Lou DiBella
Happy Holidays everybody, and thanks for joining us on the Deontay Wilder versus Artur Szpilka WBC heavyweight world championship conference call. This great event will be on SHOWTIME January 16, 2016 from Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Wilder-Szpilka will be the first heavyweight world championship bout to take place in Brooklyn in 115 years. The last one occurred on May 11, 1900 when champion James Jeffries knocked out former champion, James J. Corbett in the 23rd round of what was his third title defense.

Deontay Wilder will be making his third title defense on January 16 in Brooklyn, and I’d like to introduce the CO of Barclays Center, my good friend, Brett Yormark, to talk about this historic fight.

Brett Yormark
Thank you, Lou. Appreciate everyone being on the call today. This will be the 16th professional boxing card at Barclays Center since we opened the building in the fall of 2012, and as you all know, we’re very passionate and committed to the sport of boxing, and we’re very happy to be a part of this historic event.

As Lou said earlier, it’s the first heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn since May 1900. So it’s a big-time event, and we’re just very excited to be a part of it. Brooklyn does have a deep history in heavyweight boxing. Some of the heavyweight champions that have come from Brooklyn include Mike Tyson and Riddick Bowe.

We think that the Wilder versus Szpilka fight will be an incredible fight for casual boxing fans and for hard core boxing fans. Obviously we’ll tap into the Polish community throughout the tristate area. So it’s very, very exciting.

I had a chance to speak to the champ, Deontay, when he was in town for our most recent fight, and I know he’s excited. We’re thrilled to have you call Brooklyn home, and as I said to him on the dais, hopefully this will be his home going forward. Because we’d certainly like to be part of the heavyweight conversation in the future.

I want to wish all the fighters a great fight. I look forward to seeing all of you during Fight Week. Ticket sales are off to a great start. We expect probably our biggest crowd ever for this particular fight, and we’re just excited to be a part of it. So thank you, and happy holidays.

L. DiBella
Brett alluded to ticket sales being off to a good start. They really are. We had our presale, and we just went on sale, the last day or so, and tickets are moving very, very well.

The event’s sponsored by Corona, and DiBella Entertainment is promoting it in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions.

Tickets start at $25.00. Not including applicable fees on sale now. They can be purchased online by visiting ticketmaster.com, barclaycenter.com or by calling 1 800 745-3000. 1 800 745-3000. They’re also available at the American Express Box Office at the Barclay Center.

If you purchase your tickets before January 1 at the special holiday incentive, you’ll get a 10% discount. So any fans that purchase before New Year’s Day will get a 10% discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844 BKL-YNGP. 844 BKL-YNGP.

First, I want to introduce Team Szpilka. First, Artur is 20-1 with 15 KOs. He’s a brash, colorful guy. Six-foot-three Polish heavyweight. Aggressive all-out brawler. He’s currently ranked Number 8 by the WBC.

He amassed a great amateur record of 102 wins and only 5 losses. He’s been a pro since 2008. He first gained notice when he stopped the once-touted Owen Beck in four rounds in 2011. Unanimously outpouring of former world talent challenger Jameel McCline. Bookended 2013 with two U.S.-televised wars against Mike Mollo, winning both by knockout.

The 26-year-old entered this fight with four victories in a row, including a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion and heavyweight world title challenger Tomasz Adamek. He’s coming off a second round stoppage Yasmany Consuegra on August 14, and he’s determined to make history by becoming the first-ever Polish-born heavyweight champion.

Artur trains in Houston, Texas with my good friend, the great trainer, Ronnie Shields. Ronnie, you want to just say a few words about Artur?

Ronnie Shields
Absolutely. Well, first of all, it’s great to be on with everybody. Looking forward to January 16 in Brooklyn, New York. Artur Szpilka, he’s a one of a kind. You don’t get many fighters like him.

Great guy. Always working hard. Always wants to learn. That’s the most important thing, and I think when you think you know everything, then that means you don’t know anything. So, you always have to keep learning, and that’s a part of the sport that I love about it. That you can never stop teaching, and so guys can always learn.

We’re looking forward to fighting Deontay. Deontay is a great champion, and a great guy at that. We’re looking forward to this, and Artur Szpilka has been really working hard.

He’s been – we were supposed to fight, actually, a week ago when the fight got cancelled on us about three weeks ago, but we stayed in the gym. We continued training and, you know, and it’s a blessing that now he’s able to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world. So we’re looking forward to it, and we’ll see everyone on January 16.

L. DiBella
This is a gentleman who Polish is his first language, but he’s hanging out in Houston. He’s learned his English pretty well, and I think he’s going to try to handle most of your questions in English.

And in case there’s anything that we need help on, we have a translator. But Artur’s usually not at a lack for words in both English and in Polish, and I think he’s going to handle himself just fine on this call.

He had a lot to say on SHOBox the other night when he was interviewed, and I know he’s looking to make history on January 16. There’s never been a Polish heavyweight champion of the world, and Deontay’s going to try to prevent that from occurring, and Artur’s going to try to make history. Artur Szpilka.

Artur Szpilka
Hey. I would like to welcome everybody. I will try to say something, but if I don’t know something my translator is here

I’m excited that I can reign as champion. I hope you hear me loud and clear. I can really fight. I’m ready. My head is ready. I train hard charmp and good luck, because I’m going to kick your ass. You start as world champion in January, and you’re done January 16.

L. DiBella
Well, those are some big words to start. Deontay Wilder has some connections to Brooklyn through his trainer, Mark Breland an amateur legend, former world champion, great guy, 100% Brooklyn. And I’m sure, Mark you have something to say about what Artur just said.

Mark Breland
Well, Deontay’s in good shape. He’s ready to fight. We’ve been training for a while now so we’re just ready to fight. Just the basic thing is training camp. Training at the camp and fighting.

He just wants to fight, just like us. I know how he feels that, being a fighter. You want to fight, and then the fight gets cancelled, and you come back and get another fight. But we just keep busy. He’s in great shape.

L. DiBella
For the champion, this will be his fourth fight in one year. His third title defense on January 16. He’s seen his star power grow from being a super star in Alabama – and his popularity has grown exponentially since, with Tyson Fury’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko.

Deontay’s getting a lot of attention in Europe and Great Britain and being a charismatic young world champion, this is a pretty good time to be a heavyweight right now with all the noise being made in the division. I think this defense in Brooklyn, New York is a historic defense, the first one in 115 years by a heavyweight champion and is a great opportunity to continue to have that star rise.

Deontay, Mr. Szpilka said he’s going to kick your ass, and your reign is going to end the same month it began. What do you have to say about that?

Deontay Wilder
Hello, Everybody. Happy Holidays as well, it’s coming up quick. If you don’t have your shopping done, you better get ready.

I’m looking forward to the fight. I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. I’m excited about fighting in New York, period. This is my debut up there, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking to make history myself as well.

You’re going to come to make history to be the first Polish heavyweight champion, and that’s what I like, man. I like these foreign guys that come to make history. I’m big on making history, and I know the guys that want to put their name down after: first ever. That’s a big deal. Those guys come to fight. They come to put up a great fight, just so they can make history.

But I, for one thing, I like making history as well too. So there are two guys who are trying to make history, and may the best man win. He can say he’s going to kick my ass, so I guess I better not let him kick it. They’ll have to fight, it’s not going to happen. Not on the 16th. Not with this champion.

I appreciate him for accepting the offer. It’s a great feeling to be able to fight for a world title, so I know what he may be feeling right now, but it’s not over, don’t get too overwhelmed by the opportunity. You still got to go through with the opportunity, and we’re looking forward to it. I’m never, ever out of shape.

I love the ring. I’m in love with this sport, and I can’t wait. It’s going to be a hell of a show. It’s going to be a hell of an undercard and I’m looking for a huge crowd to come out.

I’m looking forward to seeing the Polish community as well too. I want all the Polish fans to come onboard with the Bronze Bomber while we bring the heavyweight Division back on top like it once was.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Deontay. We’re going to open it up to questions. You know, one more time, one thing we want to emphasize is Deontay – it’s really important to him that his fights be accessible to everybody. And ticket prices for this great even start at only $25.00.

I think that’s a great opportunity for all our fans in Brooklyn, and New York City, and the whole tristate area, and all around the world to come in and get to see a world heavyweight championship fight at a really affordable pricing.

Ringside tickets are 300 with the VIP ringsides in the first couple of rows at 500, but the majority of tickets are very, very reasonably priced, and all the way down beginning at 25 bucks, so we want to encourage as many fans as possible to be there, and you get that 10% discount – fans who buy before New Year’s Day. So we’re really trying to encourage, you know, people to buy early.

Q
Deontay, can you just talk about how your life has changed since you won the heavyweight title?

D. Wilder
My life definitely has changed dramatically. I’m able to support my family beyond my belief, like I promised my daughter when I said I was going to get a belt and be able to support her beyond her belief.

That definitely has followed through. I’m able to go anywhere I want as I please. I love the attention. The attention, especially at home, has been crazy. It’s like I can’t go nowhere, like I’m a superhero. Superhero back home for sure, but even elsewhere, all the different countries and different states. I was just in Hawaii, and people they love me over there as well too.

So the love has been definitely real in it. I’m the perfect guy for all that it takes to be a heavyweight champion of the world. That whole total package. It’s not just being great inside the ring. It’s also that thing that you have to do outside of the ring that a lot of fighters don’t have.

I’m the total package. I’m definitely a people’s person. I love to interact with the people and talk to them. No matter how many people are around, I like to take my time out for them, no matter what I have going on.

I think that’s very important for and for just general people in the public. That’s how you get even more fans. I’m not the type of guy that put on a front. I don’t have two face. Either you like me or you don’t. How you see me, that’s what I am. I don’t change overnight. I don’t change in front of cameras. I don’t say things that I can’t say in front of a person’s face. I’m just not that type of person.

What you see is what you get from me. I love being the heavyweight champion of the world. There’s no greater feeling than being the champ, the heavyweight champion of the world, but this is just part of my journey. My ultimate goal in boxing is to be the undisputed. The last undisputed champion was Lennox Lewis. That was 1999, and I’m looking forward to putting my name in the history books.

Q
Artur, what makes you think you’ll going to be able to kick Deontay Wilder’s ass?

A. Szpilka
I have everything a good boxer has: a strong punch, good legs and I’m confident. I know this is my time. I am the future heavyweight champ.

He is strong. I have respect for him. But he never fought with somebody like me. The one fighter which he fought who is good was Bermane Stiverne. And that’s it. Everybody else was a bum. And he will see, 16 January, baby, I am ready. I am ready.

Q
Artur, what are the strengths and weaknesses of Mr. Wilder?

A. Szpilka
I think Wilder has a good strong right hand. He is tough guy, but I don’t want to say what is not good. He will see on January 16. I can say he is a great fighter. He has a good punch, but we will see if this is really good fighter; we will see if this is really good punch. We will see January 16.

I only see him when somebody doesn’t want to fight with him or somebody is scared. Stiverne, Duhapaus and Molina were not scared of him. But everybody else was scared of him.

When somebody is scared, you can’t do that everything that you want. I know I’m never scared, and he will see. This is no joke, and I can wait for January 16. Every day when I wake up in the morning, I am so excited. I can’t wait for this day.

know my fans, my family, my team will be very happy, because I’m doing everything that I can. I give 100%, maybe 200% every day. He is great fighter. But he never, ever, faced somebody like me. This is no joke.

Q
Artur, you got only six weeks until this fight. How is preparation for this fight going?

A. Szpilka
I thought I had another fight before that fell through but I was training very hard. I only took one week of rest. Something told me, Artur, don’t be resting because something big will be happening. You must train.

One week of rest and I came back for workouts. I trained so hard, and two weeks after, somebody called me and said hey, maybe you’ll be fighting with Deontay.

This was my everything. This was my dream. I’m happy. And now? I know this was my destination all along.

Q
Deontay have you looked at any tapes of Szpilka, and if so, what have you seen?

D. Wilder
I don’t ever look at films. I never have because I’ve learned that film that I’m looking at, that fighter doesn’t fight the same way with me with that opponent.

Everybody’s different and everybody has different style. That’s why I have a great team behind me, and I leave that up to them guys. They are able to break down fighters, to see, and I just listen to my corner and go along with the game plan.

That’s how I go about it., I don’t look at film because I think it’s more challenging to me to not really know too much about the guy. I want to get in the ring and feel him out and go from there.

It’s more of a challenge to my brain and for me to use everything that I’m capable of doing. So, for that reason, I don’t look at film at all. I’m always ready for whoever. I don’t care who it is. It doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t matter who is in that ring with me come that night. A lot of these fighters they say the same old stuff it’s like a headache to me. A lot of guys do talk the talk and the best thing that Mike Tyson could’ve ever said that came out of his mouth, “Every fighter got a game plan until they get hit.”

I love a fighter that comes forward. That’s even better for me because I want to knock them off a little, because I don’t play along.. I’m in love with this sport. That’s good he’s not scared. I’m glad. That’s better for me. So I don’t want to hear no excuses after this fight. I don’t play along with this. I mean business, and I come with bad intentions to really hate my opponent because the game that we in, unfortunately, there’s a winner, and a loser and I don’t know nothing about losing. All I know is winning, so good luck.

Q
Did the Klitschko loss to Tyson Fury changed your approach at all to this fight?

D. Wilder
Oh, no, not at all, the show must go o. I’ve got a WBC belt. They don’t have anything to do with me. When they see a guy that reigned for so long and then it finally changes hands, that’s good for the boxing scene, but my approach is still the same. I’m still leading the beat on this new era of heavyweights no matter who has that belt.

This is why I love this sport. It’s unpredictable. My approach is still the same. I still train the same. I still live the same lifestyle, I still have the same mindset, and I still do that until that time comes.

I’m a patient guy, and I believe in Karma and everything that happened in my life that came at the right time and this is another step in my life in the right direction and I’m just looking forward to it. I’m always looking for when I can get back in that ring when I can get in front of those lights when I can get around those fans and make it do what I do.

Q
Deontay, any specific training or plans for facing a southpaw in this fight?

D. Wilder
No, there’s a lot of different plans for different fighters. There’s two things that I like in my opponents and that’s Southpaws and guys who like to pressure me. He fits both descriptions.

I’m really looking forward to the fight and I hope he lives up to his words. A lot of guys, they just talk the talk, but when it’s time they don’t deliver what they say they would. I want to fight a fight at the end of the day, I want to fight that people will say, “This was one of their best fights of the year.” No matter how many fights that they’ve already been to, I want people to say, “I want to see those guys fight again.”

I’m looking for a grand show, I’m looking for a great performance on my behalf, 2016 is a new year for me, and I’m setting the tone, I’m setting the pace with this fight.

I’m going to show through Szpilka, to all the rest of them that get in my way that Deontay Wilder is not playing, that he is on a mission and anybody stepping in my way…. I’m going to let you fill in the blank.

Q
Artur, with Klitschko’s loss and greater attention to all heavyweight fights, how has that effected your preparations?

A. Szpilka
I have more confidence because I knew this new generation was coming. Tyson Fury and I trained together. He was a heavyweight, I was light heavyweight and we trained together with our national teams.

When I saw him win I thought “Oh my god, yes, this is my time. Everybody now everybody can win titles.” you know? This is great and it’s new blood for boxing.

Q
Deontay, is this is to just to send a message or do you have to put on a show or do you just have to win?

D. Wilder
No, no, no, we just win. I feel I have to put on a great show, you know? There’s always the goal to put on a great show? Even though we may win as a win, whether it’s an ugly win or a pretty win, but I definitely want to win in a fantastic fashion.

Q
Is being a PPV star part of the game plan for your career?

D. Wilder
I’ve never been concerned with being a pay-per-view star. That’s just never been in my mind. But I wanted to be a part of a new start in boxing. I’m all for the people. I want everyone to see me fight.

I just love boxing. I’m in love with the sport. Again, I say that all the time and I just want to let you know that I mean it. I’m in love with the sport. I want the people to be able to see me and be able to see a great performance. I’m not all about the pay-per-viewer’s.

If it comes in my life that I’m on PPV, then that’s good. If not, then I’m fine with it, I don’t need it.

Q
Are you looking to make Barclays Center your home away from home?

D. Wilder
I’d love for that to be a home away from home, most definitely. There’s so much rich history in New York, and they need a face there at Barcalys Center. Why not me?

I know the people would embrace me as one of their own. I’ve got many friends in New York, I’ve got family everywhere there too so why not? That’s the mission that I’m on and that’s what I’m looking forward too and, yes, that sounds good.

Q
Artur, 35 people have tried, and 35 people have failed to beat Deontay, why should we believe you’re going to be the one with the recipe and how do you plan on doing it?

A. Szpilka
I have a different work ethic. I don’t consider it 35, but only three people actually wanted to try to fight him. The rest of them lost before they even stepped into the ring, they were afraid in the ring.

There is a big difference between me and now and me three years ago when I lost to Bryant Jennings. I don’t want to talk about it at length, but I can tell you that I tried. I trust in my corner, I trust my trainer Ronnie Shields and you guys will all see Deontay go down on January 16th.

Q
What do you think about Tyson Fury and his title winning fight and post fight comments?

D. Wilder
I definitely saw the parts of the fight while I was awake. That’s the exciting part about boxing, you just never know what’s going to happen.

So, again, congratulations to him on the upset and I hope that he’s enjoying the belt and stuff like that. The comments that he referred to me, well, everybody is entitled to their own opinion. Words don’t hurt me.

Most people are only like that for the cameras. When they’re in person they’re like best friends to me. These are changeover minds. It doesn’t mean that they are fighters, those are even media guys as well as fans too. It’s like, you just transform. You say these crazy stuff when you feel like you won’t be held or seen and again when you come in on a personal level, you change into this loving, giddy kind of person.

When it all boils down to it like I said before, and I’ll say it again, I am on a mission. I am on a mission, you know? And nobody’s going to stop me, I promise you that — nobody. I don’t care how confident they are, I don’t care who they got in their corner, I don’t care if they devoted their life back to being in the ring. I have hadn’t to change nothing because from Day One I’ve been doing the right thing, so I haven’t got off track so that’s an advantage where I don’t get off track because I’ve been trusting in my people.

I’ve been having the right people behind me. I’ve been doing the right things from Day One. My lifestyle been healthy. I’m never out of shape, and that’s the difference. Like I tell them, this is not a game. The more a person talks, the worse it is for them. I respect all fighters that step in that ring, but it comes a time when somebody got to go.

I think Tyson is still worth the hype. Me and him been in that fight for four years now and I think it’s still going to be the biggest thing that happening if he continues to have this belt, but even more now because I don’t like something that he did. I didn’t like what he said about Lennox Lewis, so I’m going to whoop him for Lennox.

What were your thoughts on the Anthony Joshua vs. Dillon Whyte fight from this weekend?

D. Wilder
I like both boxers, personally. Whyte, he turned into a more of a brawl kind of fight, so I think he went back to the way he did in the amateurs and brought that same kind of intuition to the fight. Joshua as he starts really just getting on up and trying to meet guys, he’s going to realize that he’s going to be able to experience a lot more than what he’s experiencing.

This is boxing. You’re going to get hit, no matter how swift you are unless you get them out of their quick. There’s more risk or change you’re going to get hit man, and it’s the point of boxing, you’re going to get hit man. Congratulations to Joshua in their fight and hopefully they continue to be diving in the right direction and until it leads to champion.

Q
Artur, are you friends with Kryzystof Glowacki? Because I know you were the undercard of that fight and you both being the southpaws, do you guys talk? Does he give you any advice or anything?

A. Szpilka
Yes, of course, this is my friend. I know him very long time, like 15 years we were together since we were very young and on the Polish national team. He told me every time he called me, Artur, train hard. You must do that this, this, this, and that. We are friends, and every time when he fights, I did the same. If you can hear something good from a friend, you must take the advice. .

L. DiBella
Thank you everybody. One more time, it’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, January 16 at 9:00 pm at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Tickets for the live events start at $25 up to $500 for VIP ring sites, $300 for ring site seats. www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Barclay’s Center Box Office, and there’s a 10% discount for anyone who purchases this before January 1st. Happy Holidays everybody.

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SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (December 18, 2015) – The main event of Bellator MMA’s return to WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK., on March 4 will feature undefeated Darrion Caldwell (8-0) challenging former two-division world champion and the self-proclaimed “Baddest Man on the Planet” Joe Warren (13-4).
Tickets for “Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell” go on sale this coming Monday, December 21 and start at just $45. You can purchase tickets at the WinStar World Casino and Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. Doors for the event open at 5:00 p.m. CT local time, with the first contest taking place one hour later.

“Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell” airs live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

With five impressive outings in a little over a year and a half under the Bellator MMA umbrella, it was only a matter of time before “The Wolf” found himself in a position to compete for a world title. There is still work to be done though, and the next stop on the road to championship gold goes through a man who has held Marcos Galvao’s belt already. A standout on the wrestling team at NC State University, the 27-year-old Caldwell most recently submitted Shawn Bunch via rear-naked choke in the first frame, adding to his tally of finishes (4). Initially a featherweight, Caldwell looks much more comfortable now at 135-pounds and as he proclaimed during a recent interview, “I foresee myself competing against Joe [Warren] with a No. 1 contender shot on the line, sooner rather than later.”

Warren has done just about it all under the Bellator MMA banner, winning titles at featherweight and bantamweight during his nearly six year promotional tenure. Now, Warren has his sights set on another run with the 135-pound title, a belt he lost during an intense encounter with Galvao early in 2015. A 2006 Pan American and World Champion in Greco-Roman competition, the 39-year-old will test himself against a young competitor who excels in the same skillset that Warren has used to his advantage for most of his career, wrestling. Will a win for “The Baddest Man on the Planet” propel him to a title shot against the winner of Galvao-Dantas 2 a week prior? Tune into SPIKE on March 4 to find out.

About Bellator MMA:
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

LUCAS “BIG DADDY” BROWNE has the opportunity to make history when he faces Ruslan Chagaev at the Akhmat Arena in Grozny, Chechnya on March 5.

Australia has never had a world champion in the heavyweight division, but the 36-year-old from Sydney aims to change that by ripping the WBA crown away from the experienced Uzbek.

Browne has been the mandatory challenger for the title since February, but has had to wait patiently for a shot due to Puerto Rico’s Fres Oquendo being granted a rematch with Chagaev. That return was scrapped in October when Oquendo suffered an injury.

“I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I’m fighting for the WBA title and I fully intend to become Australia’s first ever heavyweight world champion,” Browne, 23-0 (20 KOs), said.

“Make no mistake, I’m going over to Grozny to knock Ruslan Chagaev out. I’m not interested in leaving the fight in the hands of the judges so I’m going to bring my two judges with me, my left hand and my right hand.

“I’ve already started the process of turning my body into a machine and I’m going to destroy whatever is in front of me. Travelling overseas to fight doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I’ve done it many times in my career and at the end of the day it’ll be just me and Chagaev in the ring.

“I’ve got fans all over the world, but this is going to be one for the Australian fight fans. We have had a bad run with Aussie boxers overseas but I’m probably the only one that wins consistently away from home. I’m going to become our first heavyweight champion on March 5 and I can’t wait to have the support of our entire nation in my corner!

“I can’t thank Ricky Hatton and Hatton Promotions enough for getting me the opportunity. For one reason or another, this fight has been hard to make and I have to praise Ricky and his team for their hard work.”

Matt Clark, Browne’s manager, added: “This is a historic moment in Australian boxing. Lucas Browne joins Bill Squires, Bill Lang, Kali Meehan and Alex Leapai as the only Aussies to fight for the heavyweight title.

“We know the challenge ahead of us as Chagaev is a great fighter, but we feel he’s ready to be taken. We’ve been waiting patiently for this fight to materialise and it’s well worth the wait.

“It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere in Grozny and we are looking forward to putting on a great show and making Australian boxing history.”

THE WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 160 lb
ANDY LEE (11st 5lbs 12oz) vs, BILLY JOE SAUNDERS 11st 6lbs
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE TO USE PHOTO

THE WBO WORLD SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 154 lbs
LIAM SMITH (11st) vs. JIMMY KELLY 10st 13lbs
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE TO USE PHOTO

THE WBO INTERCONTINENTAL SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 130 lbs
MITCHELL SMITH (9st 4lbs) vs. GEORGE JUPP (9st 4lbs)

THE VACANT WBO EUROPEAN SUPER-FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 115 lbs
PAUL BUTLER (8st 2lbs 6oz) vs. SILVIO OLTEANU 8st 1lbs 8oz

(MC: Mr Mark Burdis)
THE WBO INTERCONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 160 lbs
TOMMY LANGFORD (11st 5lbs 9oz) vs. ROBERT SWEIRZBINSKI (11st 5lbs)

THE COMMONWEALTH AND VACANT BRITISH SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 154 lbs
LIAM WILLIAMS (10st 13lbs 1oz) KRIS CARSLAW (10st 13lbs 2oz)

THE WBO INTERCONTINENTAL SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 140 lbs
JACK CATTERALL (10st) NOE NUNEZ RODRIGUEZ (9st 11lbs 4oz)

THE VACANT WBO EUROPEAN LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 135 lbs
TOM STALKER (9st 8lbs 10oz) vs. CRAIG EVANS (9st 8lbs 4oz)

THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY returns with a special year-in-review edition WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Hosted by the four-time Sports Emmy® winner, who has hosted 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.

Other HBO playdates: Dec. 27 (11:30 a.m., 1:10 a.m., 5:40 a.m.), 28 (6:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.), 30 (3:00 p.m.) and 31 (10:30 a.m.), and Jan. 2 (10:15 a.m.), 6 (2:55 a.m.) and 14 (6:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Dec. 24 (1:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.), 26 (9:45 a.m.) and 29 (2:30 a.m.), and Jan. 3 (3:45 p.m.), 7 (4:45 p.m., midnight) and 11 (11:30 a.m.)

The show will also be available on HBO NOW®, HBO GO® and HBO On Demand®.

On this special edition of THE FIGHT GAME, Max Kellerman and Bernard Hopkins join Lampley to review memorable stories of 2015 and look ahead to the unpredictable boxing landscape for 2016. Also featured are interviews and video highlights; the fourth annual boxing achievement awards, including Emanuel Steward Trainer of the Year, Fight of the Year, Fighter of the Year and Person of the Year; Michelle Beadle’s talk with the Person of the Year selection; all-new rankings for the Gatti list; and the show’s first top ten pound-for-pound ranking.

Immediately following the show’s debut on Dec. 23, fight fans can log on to hbo.com for an exclusive overtime segment hosted by Lampley.

Legendary East End trainer Jimmy Tibbs says Billy Joe Saunders’s preparations for his showdown with Andy Lee have been perfect and believes his man will defeat the big-hitting Irishman.

Saunders challenges Lee for his WBO World Middleweight crown this Saturday (December 19th) at the Manchester Arena in what is expected to be a thriller in the 160lb division, exclusively live on BoxNation.

Tibbs, 68, has trained a who’s who of British boxing including world champions Nigel Benn, Michael Watson and Chris Pyatt, and says there is something special in the Hatfield ace he has trained since the beginning of his career.

“I can’t fault Billy in this camp, he’s in fantastic shape, his weight is right, all the hard work has been done and now he’s got to go out there and do what he’s got to do,” Said Tibbs.

“I’ve had him since day one and I can’t think of another fight he’s been in this kind of shape and you’d expect that as he’s fighting for the world title, but it’s all there maturity, thinking, confidence, strength, stamina, conditioning and the biggest asset of all for a fighter, heart.”

“It’s been a team effort with me and my son Mark who’s handled the strength and conditioning, but Billy is the one who’s got to go out there and defeat Lee, who’s a tough, tough, man and take that world from him and I’ve got full confidence that he’ll do it.

“I’ve worked with many many great fighters and they’ve all had their special qualities, but with Billy there is something more. This is the fight that will take him to another level, he’s worked long and hard for six years for this and his time is now.”

VERONA, NY (December 18, 2015) — Undefeated former world featherweight champion NICHOLAS “Axe Man” WALTERS and once-defeated Top-10 contender JASON “El Canito” SOSA. will face off against each other in a 10-round junior lightweight rumble Tomorrow! Saturday, December 19. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions, Walters vs. Sosa will open the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, which will be televised live from Turning Stone Casino Resort, beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT. The telecast will also feature Bryant “By-By” Jennings vs. Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz in a 12-round heavyweight battle for the WBA interim Heavyweight title. That fight will be presented by Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Gary Shaw Productions.

Walters and Sosa boast a combined record of 44-1-3 (35 KOs) — a winning percentage of 92% — with 80% of their victories coming by way of knockout.

NICHOLAS WALTERS
“I’m a descendant of the gladiators. I come to fight.

“I’m not sure if the fight is going to go past four rounds. It depends if Sosa comes to fight. I’m sorry, but Sosa is not going do to me what I did to Nonito Donaire or Vic Darchinyan.

“I’m a lion! I don’t know if Sosa is a lion. People are expecting a big fight, and I’m going give them a big fight. The Axe Man is very dangerous. He’s always prepared for a war.

“When you don’t know much about a fighter, that’s dangerous. Sosa will find out. Nonito didn’t know much about me until I knocked him out.

“Next year, anything is possible. I’m looking to fight the big names fighters. Gamboa? Anything is possible. Vasyl Lomachenko is not looking in my direction. But I’m here. I’m ready to fight. I’m not hiding from nobody. I’m a true fighter. I believe if I’m going to be the best, I have to fight the best. I’m not even concerned about fighting at heavier weights. I’ve been sparring guys at 140 and 145 pounds.”

JASON SOSA

“I played basically every sport, from football to soccer, and used to work a day job in park services until two years ago.

“I first learned how to street fight growing up in the notoriously tough Camden, NJ. That was a plus.

“I’m very intelligent in the ring. I’ve got to give it to my guy — my father figure — Raul Rivas. He changed my whole boxing style. I believe after this fight, people will recognize Raul “Chino” Rivas as one of the top trainers.

“I’m the bigger, the stronger and the smarter guy. I’ve sparred taller, longer, heavier guys in training camp. We know what we’re expecting from Walters, and we’re ready for it.

“My prediction is: I’m going to go out there and focus. I feel that we are going to come out victorious.

“I’m an aggressive fighter, a smart fighter, a powerful fighter.”

“I have some advice for all the fight fans who don’t know me who will be tuning into HBO on Saturday night. Don’t blink!”

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

Walters (26-0, 21 KOs), from Montego Bay, Jamaica, has won 11 of his last 13 fights by stoppage. He captured the vacant WBA featherweight title on December 12, 2012, knocking out Daulis Presscott (26-1, 19 KOs) in the seventh round. He successfully defended the title three times during his three year reign — all by knockout — stopping Alberto Garza, former two-division world champion Vic Darchinyan and 2012 Fighter of the Year and former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire in the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds, respectively. A former amateur standout who collected gold medals at the 2007 Pan American Games Qualifier III and the 2005 and 2007 Caribbean Championships, Walters is known for his expert boxing skills and movement and two-fisted punching power that are at a caliber of a much higher weight class. In his last fight, on June 13 at Madison Square Garden, Walters was forced to vacate the title when he failed to make the weight limit by one pound. However, he emerged victorious, winning a unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Top-10 contender Miguel Marriaga.

Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs), from Camden, NJ, enters this fight riding a four-year, 17-bout unbeaten streak which includes 13 consecutive knockout victories dating back to 2012! Many local fans, who flock to his fights, consider Sosa to be one of the best fighters to come out of Camden since Dwight Qawi. Sosa’s been a fan favorite since turning pro in 2009 because of his exciting and aggressive style, strong punching power and an average length of bouts of under four rounds. He is currently world rated No. 8 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 13 by the WBO.

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino, continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 card will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, luxury spas and several nightlife options.

Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 event must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366-9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Remaining tickets, priced at $60, $35 and $25, plus applicable fees and taxes, may be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, by calling (315) 361-7469, or online via www.ticketmaster.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com and www.turningstone.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/trboxing, www.facebook.com/trboxeo, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions, www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort or www.facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/trboxing, www.twitter.com/trboxeo, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/GaryShawBoxing, www.twitter.com/TurningStone or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the hashtags #WaltersSosa #JenningsOrtiz to join the conversation on Twitter.

American fighters Derek Edwards (27-5-1, 14 KOs) and DeMarcus Corley (42-25-1, 25 KOs) have travelled the Atlantic aiming to upset undefeated Swedish boxers Erik Skoglund (23-0, 11 KOs) and Anthony Yigit (15-0-1, 6 KOs) on Saturday night at the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping.

Edwards, who faces local hero Erik Skoglund, is full of confidence ahead of their ten-round light heavyweight contest having already enjoyed some success against Swedish opposition.

The 38 year-old from Phoenix defeated current WBC World Champion Badou Jack via first-round knockout in February 2014, and intends to deliver another devastating finish to his fight with the IBF Intercontinental Champion Skoglund.

‘’Erik had better be ready because I’ve been training hard and training smart, and I’m looking to win this fight big,’’ says Edwards. ‘’I’m going to take my time, utilize my experience and when the opportunity comes I’m going to knock him out!’’

DeMarcus Corley, the former WBO World Champion, takes on the London 2012 Olympian Anthony Yigit in an eight-round light welterweight bout, and the Texas-native says he is ready to derail the Stockholm-fighter’s promising career.

‘’Anthony is a young, undefeated fighter but his record doesn’t bother me. When you start out like him, your records protected so that doesn’t always tell the full story,’’ says ‘Chop Chop’.

‘’I’m expecting him to be fast and try to start strong, so I‘ll need to make some adjustments, but as the fight goes on, I’ll use my experience, pick my shots and break him down.’’

International matchmaker and boxing historian Don Majewski has also warned of a potential American whitewash. ‘’It could be a tough night for the Swedish boxers,’’ says Majewski, who has been involved in the fight game for over fifty-years.

‘’Edwards and Corley are two World-class fighters, and without a doubt, the best American boxers to fight on these shores since Sonny Liston and Floyd Patterson. I would not be at all surprised if we see two American victories on Saturday night!’’

Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night show on Saturday, December 19 at the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping are available via www.biljettforum.se or by calling (+46) 0771-130 150. All the action will be shown live on TV10 in Sweden.