LAS VEGAS (Dec. 13, 2014)—The most significant heavyweight matchup in the United States in a decade was formally announced on Saturday night. Hard-hitting WBC Heavyweight World Champion Bermane Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, is set to defend his title against unbeaten knockout specialist and mandatory challenger Deontay Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Jan. 17. The potentially explosive bout between the two big-punching heavyweights will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and be televised live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7p.m. PT).

The event is co-promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions and will feature undefeated IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz (28-0-1, 16 KOs) defending his belt against a challenger to be announced.

Ticket information for the event will be announced shortly.

SHOWTIME Sports® will offer the latest installment of the award-winning original documentary series ALL ACCESS the week prior to the heavyweight showdown on Friday, Jan. 9 at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.

Stiverne vs. Wilder is set up to be a gripping, intense encounter for as long as it lasts. Neither boxer is a fan of the other and, with a combined 54 knockouts in 58 fights, both men expect to win by knockout.

“Don’t blink on Jan. 17. I am the heavyweight champion of the world and nobody is going to beat me,” Stiverne said. “I’m excited and I’m looking forward to making a statement. Talk is cheap. I do my talking in the ring.”

“I’m expecting a short night because we have bad blood,” Wilder said. “I really want to hurt this guy, and I haven’t felt this way in a long time. I want to show him this is no joke, this is real. This is business. This is the hurt game and my power is real. I told him that I’ll whoop his ass and I’m going to keep my promise.”

If triumphant, Wilder will become the first United States-born heavyweight champion since Shannon Briggs, who captured the WBO title in November 2006 and lost the crown in his first defense.

“Now I can make all my dreams come true, I can make it a reality,” Wilder said. “America is yearning for a heavyweight world champion. We haven’t had a real one since the days of Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Everyone just sits back and remembers the glory days. America has been waiting for their champion and I’ve arrived.”

“This will be a momentous day in heavyweight boxing history,” said legendary heavyweight promoter Don King. “Just more than 40 years removed from the Rumble in The Jungle with Muhammed Ali and George Foreman, the heavyweights, WBC world champion Bermane Stiverne and Deontay Wilder, will “Return to Glory” live at MGM Grand on SHOWTIME. The little guys in boxing are great but it’s the heavyweights that have always excited fans the most. Bermane, he’s a knockout artist just like Mike Tyson. Wilder, he talks trash but is a good fighter, too. This is a must-see fight. The heavyweights are back and ready to “Return To Glory.’”

“Fight fans across the United States have been clamoring for an American heavyweight champion for nearly a decade — and Deontay Wilder may well answer their wishes on January 17,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Stiverne brings power and experience. Wilder brings power and youth. This is set up to be an explosive fight that I can’t wait to see.”

Stiverne, the first-ever Haiti-born boxer to own any portion of a heavyweight crown, will be making his first defense of the WBC title he won with a convincing sixth-round technical knockout over Chris Arreola in his last fight on May 10, 2014. It was Stiverne’s second consecutive impressive victory over Arreola and earned him the WBC belt vacated in December 2013 when Vitali Klitschko retired. Stiverne was a 5:1 underdog going into their first fight on April 27, 2013. Stiverne won that fight via clear 12-round unanimous decision.

Since suffering his lone loss in July 2007, the supremely talented 6-foot-2 Stiverne, 36, has emerged as one of the world’s most feared and destructive heavyweights. He is 12-0-1 in his last 13 starts, 10 of the victories coming inside the distance. Of his 21 knockouts, 18 came inside three rounds, 14 of them in the initial three minutes.

“I’m all business,” Stiverne said. “The only time he’s going to get my attention is the night of the fight. I promise you, he will get more than he bargained for and more than he’s expecting.”

The 6-foot-7 Wilder, 29, hasn’t come close to putting in a full night’s work. He has gone four full rounds just one time since turning pro in November 2008. The virtually untested slugger has fought a total of 58 rounds, an average of 1.8 rounds per outing. He’s registered 18 knockouts in the first round, eight in the second.

“I can’t help that I always knock my guys out,” Wilder said. “It’s not my fault I make it look easy. When I knock Stiverne out I don’t want to hear any whispers; I don’t want to hear people say that he was a bum. I want the world to bow down and praise the heavyweight champion of the world. They have to finally admit that I’m just that good.”

In his bout before last in March, in what was expected to be his most demanding assignment, Wilder blasted Malik Scott in 96 seconds. Wilder is coming off a fourth-round technical knockout over Jason Gavern in August 2013. Wilder dropped Gavern twice, once in the third and once in the fourth. The referee halted the one-sided proceedings at the end of the fourth round.

A 2008 U.S. Olympic bronze medalist and the last American male boxer to medal in The Olympics, Wilder will once again enter a boxing ring while carrying the weight of U.S. boxing fans on his shoulders.

“We have a fight between two huge punchers,” said boxing historian and SHOWTIME expert analyst Steve Farhood. “There’s going to be a lot of drama because you’ll want to see who lands first. Who lands first may end the fight. It’s that kind of matchup.

“Stiverne is a big puncher and more proven than Wilder, having fought Chris Arreola twice. He’s an exciting heavyweight because of his power, and he’s proven to be the type of fighter that will take two to give one.’’

For more information visit www.donking.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BStiverne, @BronzeBomber, @SHOSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.

Fres Oquendo has filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in Manhattan against Hamburg-based promoter Terek Box Event seeking damages of $5 million and an injunction to prevent the promoter from promoting Ruslan Chagaev in any bouts until it first gives Oquendo the rematch he was promised. On July 6, 2014 in Grozny Chechnya, Oquendo fought Chagaev for the vacant WBA regular World Heavyweight Title that became vacant after Wladimir Klitschko defeated Alexander Povetkin in October 2013. Chagaev, the home town favorite and adopted son of President Kadyrov, was awarded a majority decision with one judge ruling the fight a draw and the other two judges finding for Chagaev by only one round.

“I am really looking forward to my day in court and finally getting justice,” said Oquendo. “These guys pulled a really slick move and tricked me into fighting on July 6 by promising me to increase my purse to $1 million and giving me a rematch at a time when I wasn’t mentally right, with my wife and newborn baby being sick and in the hospital. Well, now they are the ones behind the eight ball. They’ve got until January 2 to respond to the lawsuit.”

Oquendo also is in the process of appealing a December 3, 2014 WBA resolution which suspended Oquendo until December 6, 2014 for allegedly having tested positive for a women’s breast cancer drug by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA). Oquendo claims that he has proof that RUSADA violated the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA) because RUSADA leaked his results to a person not affiliated with the promotion and that this leak proves that the representatives and agents at RUSADA conducting the testing violated the testing protocols and cannot be trusted. He also claims that as soon as they found out about the leak, he got tested in the U.S. by the same lab that does the testing for the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and that the results were negative. Oquendo also claims that he insisted on being tested by the Swiss Anti-Doping Agency for his fight in Chechnya but that he was forced to take the RUSADA test against his will and was forcibly driven back to the Arena to be tested. Additionally, Oquendo is appealing the WBA’s denial of his protest regarding President Kadyrov being permitted to climb up onto the ring apron between rounds to coach and encourage Chagaev in clear violation of the WBA rules.

The fight was originally scheduled for June 7th but the promoter was not prepared and rescheduled the fight to July 6th in breach of its agreement with Oquendo. Given the new date, Oquendo warned the promoters that his wife was due to have their child the week of the fight and asked for the date to be pushed back another week or two. The promoter claimed that Ramadan would not allow that, an excuse that Team Oquendo later learned was a ruse. Oquendo arranged to have his wife artificially induced so the child could be born before he left for the fight; however, due to complications, his wife and child had to be hospitalized and he was not mentally capable to doing the fight. “That week I received over 200 phone calls, emails etc., a lot of them alluding to threats on Fres’ life, my life and our families if we didn’t go” claims Tom Tsatas Oquendo’s advisor. “I have reported this to the FBI and I have sent them the emails.”

“They promised us everything to get us over there, but in the end gave us nothing,” continued Tsatas. “Once we got there, everything changed. We were not allowed to leave the hotel grounds and we were only able to eat at one place inside the hotel. One member from our team was told in the elevator that if Fres knocked out Chagaev, none of us would leave the country. After the fight we took Fres to the hospital for a brain scan and then he, our promoter and trainer were essentially kidnapped and forced by men carrying automatic weapons to go back to the arena and forced to submit to the RUSADA drug test. And when we were leaving the next day, at the airport, our passports mysteriously went “missing” for over an hour while the promoter, complete with a firearm clearly visible on him, took us to a dimly lit back room and tried to renegotiate Fres’ $1 million purse by offering us a suitcase full of $200,000 in cash. Ultimately, to get out of the country, I actually had to sneak onto the plane using someone else’s boarding pass.”

Amir Khan made his claim to be a possible Floyd Mayweather opponent by scoring an emphatic 12-round unanimous decision over Devon Alexander in a battle of multi-division former world champions at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Khan, 147 lbs of Bolton, England won by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 and is now 30-3. Alexander, 147 lbs of St. Louis, MO is now 26-3.

Keith Thurman retained the WBA Interim Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Leonard Bundu

In round one, Thurman dropped Bundu with a left hand. Thurman was never challenged the rest of the night.

Thurman oulanded Bundu 189-62.

Thurman, 146 1/2 lbs of Clearwater, FL won by scores of 120-107 on all cards and is now 24-0-1. Bundu, 146 1/2 lbs of Florence, IT is now 31-1-2.

Abner Mares scored a stoppage after round five in his scheduled 10-round bout with Jose Ramirez in a Super Featherweight bout.

Mares dropped Ramirez in the 1st from a right hand. Mares was cut over his right eye later in the frame. In round five, Mares landed a combination that was finished off by a left hook that sent Ramirez to the canvas. Mares continued to drill Ramirez for the remainder of the round and the bout was stopped in between frames.

Mares of Guadalajara, MX is now 28-1-1 with 15 knockouts. Ramierez of Mexicali, MX is now 24-4-2.

Jermall Charlo scored a 3rd round stoppage over Lenny Botai in a scheduled 12-round IBF Jr. Middleweight elimination bout.

Botai was cut in round two around his left eye. In round three, Charlo landed a left hook that sent Botai to the canvas. Bottai got up at nine but the referee stopped the fight just as Botai’s corner threw in the towel at 39 seconds of round three.

Charlo, 154 lbs of Houston, TX is now 20-0 with 16 knockouts. Botai, 154 lbs of Italy is now 22-3.

PHILADELPHIA–Super prospect Felix Verdejo scored a 4th round stoppage over Karim El Ouazghari in a scheduled 8-round Lightweight bout in front of a sold out crowd at the 2300 Arena.

Verdejo used a stiff jab early. In round three, Verdejo got his right hand going as he landed flusg to the head of El Ouazghari. He landed another hard overhand right that drove El Ouazghari into the ropes. and after left hook and a right, El Ouazghari went to the canvas. El Ouazghari was cut badley around the left eye. Verdejo ended things in the next round as he landed a perfect right to the face that was followed up by a hard flurry and Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger stopped the bout at 1:27 of round 4.

Verdeho, 134 1/2 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 16-0 with 12 knockouts. El Ouazghari, 134 1/2 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is now 16-6-2.

Super Middleweight Jesse Hart scored a 2nd round stoppage over Samuel Miller in a scheduled 8-round Super Middleweight bout

The fight started off with a ragid pace with both guys swinging for the fences. Hart scored a knockdown in round two. Hart jumped on Miller and floored him again and the bout was stopped at 2:07 round two.

Hart, 167.75 lbs of Philadelphia is now 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Miller, 167.3 lbs of Arboletes, Colombia is now 28-10.

Julian Rodriguez dropped Randy Fuentes four times in just under two rounds to score a stoppage in a 6-round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Rodriguez, 141 lbs of Hasbrouck Heights, Nj is now 8-0 with 7 knockouts. Fuentes, 145 lbs of McAllen, TX is 4-4-1.

Thomas LaManna stayed undefeated by pounding out an exciting 6-round unanimous decision over Gilbert Alex Sanchez in a Middleweight bout.

Sanchez came out early trying to land power shots in close. LaManna shook the shots off and began mixing it up from the outside with lead uppercuts and right hands. Round three saw him begin to lead with his jab and left hook. In round four, the two stood toe to toe, which thrilled the capacity crowd. After the big exchange, Lamanna landed three flush right hands to punctuate the round. Sanchez continued to press but LaManna had answers for just about every solid punch that Sanchez would throw. LaManna landed several hard uppercuts to the body in the final frame. The two waged war all the way up until the final draw.

LaManna, 158 lbs of Millville, NJ won by scores of 59-55 on all cards and is now 16-0. Sanchez, 156 1/2 lbs of Camden NJ is now 4-6-1.

Toka Kahn Clary scored an 8-round unanimous decision over Camilo Perez in a Featherweight bout.

Clary pushed the action from his southpaw stance. Clark continued to chase Perez around the ring, who offered little resistance in return as he absorbed head and body blows.

Clary, 127 lbs of Providence, RI won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 14-0. Perez, 126.5 lbs of Carolina, PR is now 9-5.

Juan Rodriguez scored a mild upset by stopping previously undefeated Nathaniel Rivas in round five of their scheduled 6 round welterweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Rivas in round one from a left hook. Rivas had spots of good offense but Rodriguez got the better of the action and sent Rivas down again in round five. Shortly after he finished off Rivas after a flurry the fight was stopped at 1:01 of round five.

Rodriguez, 144 1/2 lbs of Haymarket, VA is now 6-2-1 with 5 knockouts. Rivas, 147 lbs of Berlin, NJ is now 5-1.

Fred Jenkins Jr. scored a 6-round unanimous decision over James Robinson in a Jr. Middleweight bout

Jenkins dropped Robinson at the end of round one from a hard left hook. Robinson pressed the action throughout and won by scores of 60-53 and 59-54 twice.

Jenkins, 155.75 lbs of Philadelphia is mow 9-1. Robinson, 151 lbs of York, PA is now 3-2-2.

Chris Diaz remained perfect with a 6-round unanimous decision over Jazzma Hogue in a Featherweight bout.

Diaz dropped Hogue with a perfect left hook to the body in round five. Just before the end of the fight, Diaz landed a booing right that sent Hogue to the canvas. Hogue barely got to his feet just as referee Steve Smoger and the final bell rang.

Diaz, 126 lbs of Barranquitas, PR won by scores of 60-52 on all cards and is now 8-0. Hogue, 126 lbs of Farmington, NM is now 3-6-1.

Harrison Bevens 154
Julian Erosa 154.5

Tyson Cunningham 169
Ben Fodor 169

Jason Novelli 155
Jason Gray 155.5

Albert Tadevosyan 171
Taki Uluilakepa 169.5

Josh LaGrange 161.5
Woo Johnson 155.5

Susy Watson 124.5
Jenny Liou 123.5

Trent Tyler 184
Mike Devose 185

Thomas 204.5
Nate Cook 203.5

Alex Eastman 136
Sean Gee 134.5

Erislandy Lara retained the WBA Super Welterweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over former IBF champ Ishe Smith at the Illusions Theater in San Antonio, Texas.

Although Smith looked to be the aggressor, he was able to pick off a lot of shots and land some solid left hands. Smith tried to force action on the ropes but he was mostly ineffective/ Lara was able to get his offense over the second half of the fight and had Smith in some trouble in round eleven. Smith had some swelling along the left side of his face in round five.

Lara, 154 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB won by scores of 119-109 twice and 117-111 and is now 20-2-2. Smith, 153 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is now 26-7.

Lara landed 124 of 569 punches while Smith landed just 68 of 572.

“I’m an experienced fighter and I know how to read my opponent. I read Ishe in the first round and I set up my game plan,” said Lara. “His body work didn’t affect me. I trained hard with Jack [Edward Jackson] and Ronnie [Shields]. He tried to break my concentration with his cheap tactics and dances, but I know how to control myself. I can control my impulses and I don’t let anything get in the way.”

“I want Floyd for my next fight. He’s the best pound-for-pound, and I want to find the best. I already beat Canelo and everybody else in the division,” added Lara.

“I did what I had to do, we had a great camp and I went out there and let it hang,” said Smith after the fight. “You win some you lose some. That’s life. Floyd [Mayweather] told me to keep my head up and that he’s proud of me.”

Badou Jack scored a 6th round stoppage over Francisco Sierra in a scheduled 10-round Super Middleweight bout.

Sierra weight in a staggering 28 pounds more then he did just 24 hours prior at the weigh in

Jack was cut high on the forehead in round one from a headbutt at the same time Sierra was cut around the right eye. In round four, Jack turned up the head as he landed two crushing body shots that doubled over Sierra. he ate another right that had Sierra’s mouthpiece fly out.

In round six, Jack continued to land shots and a final right hand forced the bout to be stopped at 1:58 of round six.

Jack, 169 1/2 lbs of Stockholm, SWE is now 18-1-1 with 12 knockouts. Sierra, 172 1/2 lbs of Tepic, MX is now 26-8-1.

Jack landed 137-262. Sierra 43-271

“He was what I thought he’d be,” said the 31-year-old Jack. “It wasn’t a perfect fight for me. It’s good to be back but I was looking a bit too much for the knockout, I should have relaxed a bit and used my jab. I felt good, I felt strong out there.”

Sierra was frustrated after the stoppage, “I’m angry with the referee for stopping the fight. I wanted to continue but the referee stopped it.

Chris Pearson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Steven Martinez in a Jr. Middleweight bout.

It was a good back and forth fight early with Martinez landed a lot of power shots early. Martinez was cut in round three on his forehead from an apparent headbutt. Pearson started to take over in the second half of the contest as he worked behind a hard jab and mixed in his rights to both the head and the body on a tired Martinez.

Pearson, 155 3/4 lbs of Dayton, OH won by scores of 98-92 & 97-93 twice and is now 11-0. Martinez, 154 lbs of Bayamon, PR is now 15-2.

“I knew he was coming forward, but I had to be smart because I know he’s a good fighter. I wanted to be patient and be smart and use my skills,” said Pearson. “It’s not always going to be a knockout or exciting but it can be dominant and I thought I was dominant.”

Saturday’s HBO World Championship Boxing tripleheader telecast airs at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

The HBO telecast kicks off live from the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada, pitting Mauricio Herrera against Jose Benavidez in a 12-round super lightweight showdown.

Second on the bill, two gritty middleweights square off for a vacant 160-pound title belt, as Matt Korobov meets Andy Lee in a 12-round contest.

The main event of the evening, a 12-round welterweight rumble, features Timothy Bradley Jr., against Diego Chaves.

Official Weights from Las Vegas:

Timothy Bradley Jr.: 145.8 lbs.
Diego Chaves: 146.5 lbs.

Matt Korobov: 159.4 lbs.
Andy Lee: 159.8 lbs.

Mauricio Herrera: 139.5 lbs.
Jose Benavidez: 138.5 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #BradleyChaves

SAN ANTONIO (Dec. 12, 2014) — Unbeaten boxing superstar and perennial pound-for-pound kingpin, Floyd “Money” Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) will be interviewed on SHOWTIME® during tonight’s SHOWTIME BOXING Special Edition® (10:15 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from San Antonio.

The tripleheader, headlined by a world title fight between defending WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (19-2-2, 12 KOs) and former IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (26-6, 12 KOs), is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and will take place at the Illusions Theater at The Alamodome.

Mayweather will be interviewed between fights by SHOWTIME’s expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood, who’s expected to ask questions about, among other things, Mayweather’s future plans, his possible upcoming opponents and the night’s fight card.

EVENT INFO: In other “Lonestar Battle: Lara vs. Smith” bouts tonight on SHOWTIME, super middleweight contender Badou Jack (17-1, 11 KOs), of Las Vegas, will meet Samuel Clarkson (12-3, 7 KOs) of Cedar Hill, Texas, and undefeated junior middleweight and Mayweather Promotions rising star Chris “Sweet” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs) of Dayton, Ohio, will take on Steve “Hitman” Martinez (15-1, 12 KOs), of Bronx, N.Y.

Brooklyn, NY (December 12, 2014)–
Star of David Promotions is proud to applaud our friends Nirmal Lorick and Dave “Scooter” Honig on winning Trainer of the Year and Conditioning Coach of the Year as voted by Ring 8, the venerable veteran’s boxer organization.

Lorick and Honig will received their hard-earned honors on Sunday, Dec. 14, during Ring 8’s annual year end gala.

Star of David head Dmitriy Salita is not shy in praising both men, who he has come to revere as leaders on the local boxing scene, and role models as people, period.

“I met Nirmal when I joined Starrett City Boxing Club in 1995,” recalled Salita, now making his mark as a promoter. “He has helped me from the beginning and trained me for many of my fights as a pro. We shared many incredible times together!”

Lorick was one of the first students under the late, great Jimmy O’Pharrow, who opened up Starrett City in 1978, Salita recalls. As for Honig, known to most all as “Scooter,” Salita met him in 2000, before he won the NY Golden Gloves.

“‘Scooter is one of the best conditioning trainers in the world,” said Salita, who holds a 35-2-1record as a professional, and is contemplating another return to the ring in the first half of 2015. “He’s trained many world champs and top contenders, and was one of the first people I knew to introduce the sound nutritional concepts which are now used by so many athletes.”

Salita notes that he is so proud to see Jimmy’s grandson Qwani O’Pharrow running Starrett City, in East New York, which is again home to so many successful and promising professional and amateur pugilists in the NYC area.

Aside from teaching the fine art of the sweet science, Salita said that both men are able to teach life skills which are so useful to the young people who come to the gym, to learn the craft of fighting, and leave with a newfound understanding of how to succeed in life.

“It’s an honor for me to call both Scooter and Nirmal close friends,” Salita said, “and our friendship goes outside the boxing gym. They are both very different but great people that know their job extremely well. Congratulations to both on a job well done and I think this is just one step in a great and illustrious journey of two incredible trainers that are a credit to the sport of boxing, and society as a whole.”

Salitapromotions.com

For more info on Sarrett City, click here: http://www.starrettcityboxing.org/

If you want to attend the Ring 8 gala, click here: http://www.ring8ny.com/

LONDON (Dec 12) – Irish world-title hopeful Andy Lee is open to setting up a blockbuster battle with rising British middleweight star Billy Joe Saunders should he prevail this weekend.

The 30-year-old southpaw takes on Matt Korobov for the vacant WBO belt at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, live and exclusive on BoxNation, and is aware that if he wins he must fight undefeated Saunders – who won the WBO eliminator contest against Chris Eubank Jr last month – next up.

“Yeah, that’s a fight I would like,” said Lee. “That fight has been ordered by the WBO for the winner of this, but it’s not a reality until I win the fight on Saturday – but once I win the fight if it’s Billy Joe, it’s Billy Joe. It doesn’t matter.”

Saunders looked impressive in his recent win over Chris Eubank Jr, overcoming the exciting ace when he scored a split points victory to continue his march towards a world title shot.

That performance impressed Lee, who dreams of facing-off with the 25-year-old Saunders in front of his adoring Irish fans.

“That’s my dream, to win a world title and then defend it in Ireland, in Limerick or Dublin, Dublin would be more likely. That’s one of my ambitions, to become champion and defend it in Ireland,” said Lee.

“Experience was key [in the Saunders-Eubank Jr fight]. Billy Joe knew what to do, he’d been there before and he kind of shut him down for the first six rounds.

“Then it was always going to be uphill for Eubank. To give away the first six rounds was almost suicide really,” he said.

Before he can look too far ahead Lee has the impending task of beating the undefeated and decorated amateur Korobov.In his previous world title bid at light-middleweight he came up short as he was stopped in the seventh round against the bigger Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Now though, the pupil of the late Emmanuel Steward has linked up with trainer Adam Booth and believes that this time around his hunt to become a world champion will end successfully.

“Adam Booth had always been a trainer who’d stood out for me so I got a meeting organised. He’s turned me into a far more 3D fighter whereas previously I would only box long. Adam has also helped change me physically; transformed me into a better conditioned and more athletic fighter,” said Lee.

“But going through such an experience builds strength of character and makes you a better man in the long term. Matt Korobov is far more of a technical fighter than Chavez. I’m anticipating a boxing match, as opposed to a slug out.

“Obviously he achieved great things in the amateur game but he’s never been anywhere near this level during his six years as a pro. He’s not fought opposition anywhere close to the standard that I’ve been facing and beating. I intend to expose that on Saturday night,” he said.

The headline attraction on the big BoxNation bill on Saturday night will be Tim Bradley against Argentine Diego Chaves.

Welterweight star Bradley is looking to bounce back following his first loss but will have his work cut out against the hard-hitting Chaves who is also aiming to gain some momentum following his disqualification to Brandon Rios.

Plus further good news for BoxNation subscribers comes with the news that the channel is set air the epic trilogy between Rios and Mike Alvarado on January 24th.

The clash is one of this era’s most intense and exciting boxing rivalries and their previous two scraps have been among the most thrilling in recent times.

“This is going to be like our wars in fight number one and fight number two. We are two warriors. We will go into the middle of the ring and mix it up. For me, all of this is for one thing – redemption,” said Alvarado.

“If Alvarado wants to go the centre of the ring and trade, he will feel my power right away,” responded Rios. “A few of my big punches and he will change his game plan. That’s when I hunt him down, win the fight.”

Watch Korobov v Lee and Bradley v Chaves live on BoxNation this Saturday night.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) for only £12 a month (plus registration fee) please visit www.boxnation.com.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
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Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

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All the fighters made weight today in Copenhagen ahead of the Nordic Fight Night at the Albertslund MusikTeatret on Saturday (December 13), which sees the return of the Nielsen brothers and rising Swedish star Erik Skoglund take on former world champion Glen Johnson.

Full list of weights below:

Middleweight – 10 Rounds:
Patrick Nielsen: 73.8 kg
Lukasz Wawrzyczek: 73.3 kg

Light Heavyweight – 10 Rounds:
Erik Skoglund: 78.8 kg
Glen Johnson: 78.7 kg

Cruiserweight – 10 Rounds:
Micki Nielsen: 90.9 kg
Gusmyr Perdomo: 89.4 kg

Lightweight – 6 Rounds:
Rashid Kassem: 61.2 kg
Kakhaber Avetisian: 61.2 kg

Light Heavyweight – 8 Rounds:
Oscar Ahlin: 78.5 kg
Pablo Sosa: 79 kg

Light Welterweight – 8 Rounds:
Anthony Yigit: 64 kg
Gianluca Ceglia: 63.6 kg

Cruiserweight – 8 Rounds:
Noel Gevor: 90.7 kg
Tamas Polster: 90 kg

Lightweight – 10 Rounds:
Richard Commey: 61.6 kg
Samir Ziani: 60.3 kg

Mashantucket, CT: Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10:00 AM ET for live boxing at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT on Jan. 30. ESPN2 will be telecasting the popular Friday Night Fights and the main event and co-feature will be announced shortly. Ticket prices are $40, $60 and $75 and will be available through ticketmaster.com and the Foxwoods box office. The doors will open at 5:00 PM ET and the FNF telecast will begin at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2.

DENVER (December 12, 2014) — Nothing says “Seasons Beatings” like tickets to see former world champions and co-stars of one this era’s most intense and exciting boxing rivalries — Denver’s “Mile High” MIKE ALVARADO vs. BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS of Oxnard, Calif. — duke it out in the final chapter of their epic trilogy.

Boasting a combined record of 66-5-1 (45 KOs) — a winning percentage of 92% and a victory by knockout ratio of 68% — each warrior owns a victory in the series — both of which were candidates for Fight of the Year in 2012 and 2013. Alvarado-Rios 3 is scheduled for 12 rounds with the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International welterweight championship on the line. It will take place Saturday, January 24, at the 1STBANK Center, located in the Denver suburb of Broomfield, CO. The fight will be televised live on HBO, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The last boxing event hosted by 1STBANK Center was sold out in advance — the October 19, 2013 WBO junior welterweight world championship between Alvarado and Ruslan Provodnikov.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Tecate, tickets to the Alvarado-Rios welterweight championship event will go on sale just in time for the holiday gift giving season — Today! December 12, at 10:00 a.m. MT. Priced at $250, $200, $125, $65 and $40, tickets will be available at www.AltitudeTickets.com or by phone at 866-461-6556. Tickets may also be purchased at the Pepsi Center box office, beginning on Saturday, December 13.

“This is going to be like our wars in fight no. 1 and fight no. 2. We are two warriors. We will go into the middle of the ring and mix it up. For me, all of this is for one thing — redemption,” said Alvarado.

“If Alvarado wants to go the center of the ring and trade, he will feel my power right away,” responded Rios. “A few of my big punches and he will change his game plan. That’s when I hunt him down, win the fight.”

“This is a rematch made in heaven,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “Their first two fights were barn burners and arguably Fights of the Year. Alvarado and Rios know what is at stake. Fans can expect to see a finale that will rival, if not surpass, the legendary Morales-Barrera and Pacquiao-Marquez wars.”

“In 2015, we begin with a trilogy’s conclusion. In the course of two years and 3,003 punches exchanged between them, Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios traded triumphs,” said Peter Nelson, vice president, programming, HBO Sports. “Now, in their third fight, both seek to author their saga’s definitive chapter. Styles make fighters, but fights themselves are made from heart, and fans recognize that these men have two of the biggest hearts in boxing. On January 24, Alvarado-Rios 3 promises to be a must-see event.”

Alvarado (34-3, 23 KOs) of Denver, had won 10 of his last 14 bouts by stoppage en route to his rematch victory over Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios, on March 30, 2013, which not only avenged Alvarado’s loss to Rios in 2012’s Fight of the Year, but also made Alvarado a world champion. Alvarado had lost to Rios on October 13, 2012, via a seventh-round technical knockout in one of the most action-packed fights of the millennium. Going into round seven, two of the three judges’ scorecards had it 57-57. In the sequel, which was as action-packed as the first fight, Alvarado made subtle adjustments to eke out a narrow but unanimous decision and win the WBO junior welterweight world title. Notable Alvarado knockout victims have included Breidis Prescott, Ray Narh, Emmanuel Clottey and Cesar Bazan. In 2012 Alvarado fought in two Fights of the Year-nominated fights. On April 14, 2012, Alvarado went toe-to-toe for 10 brutal and exciting rounds winning a unanimous decision over Mauricio Herrera (18-1, 7 KOs). Herrera entered that fight world-rated No. 7 and riding a two-year, five-bout winning streak, highlighted by victories over future world champion Ruslan Provodnikov (17-0) and Mike Dallas, Jr. (17-1-1). That was followed by his first fight with Rios in October. Alvarado’s world title reign ended in his first defense, on October 19, 2013, where he suffered a12th-round TKO to Provodnikov in front of a sold-out crowd at the 1STBANK Center in his Denver homecoming. Rios returns to the ring after losing a unanimous decision, in his most recent fight, to Mexican icon and four-division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez last May 17.

Rios (32-2-1, 22 KOs), the former WBA lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., is on the hunt for his second world title in as many weight divisions. Thirteen of his last 17 victories have come by way of knockout. One of boxing’s most exciting fighters, Rios is known for his all-action fan-friendly fighting style. His trainer, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion and 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, calls it a “throwback” style with a warrior’s mentality that screams excitement. Highlight knockout victories on Rios’ resume include Miguel Acosta, Anthony Peterson, Urbano Antillon, John Murray and Mike Alvarado. Alvarado, the natural 140-pounder, entered that fight as the undefeated WBO No. 1 junior welterweight contender. Many consider it 2012’s Fight of the Year. In their exciting rematch, which took place on March 30, 2013, Rios lost a close decision for the vacant WBO interim junior welterweight title. It was considered a finalist for the 2013 Fight of the Year award. After losing a unanimous decision to Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao, on November 24, 2013, which headlined a pay-per-view event that emanated from Macau, China, Rios returned to the winner’s circle in his last fight, on August 2, winning a gritty, foul-filled battle against former interim world welterweight champion Diego Chaves, via a ninth-round disqualification..

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

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 12) – A world title shot will be on the line at the Salon Las Palmas in Monterrey, Mexico, on Saturday, December 13, when Mexico City’s Armando “Cobra” Santos (14-3-1, 8 KOs) faces Filipino star John Riel “Cuadro Alas”Casimero (20-2, 12 KOs) in a 12-round IBF Flyweight Title Eliminator that will air on FOX Deportes and Televisa.

In the co-main event, unbeaten Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (20-0-1, 14 KOs) battles Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Genaro “Duro” Camargo (39-15, 32 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Also in action will be lightweight contender Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (28-1, 24 KOs) and unbeaten prospect Adan “Speedy” Mares (12-0-1, 3 KOs).

Santos vs. Casimero, a 12-round IBF flyweight title elimination bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT and the FOX Deportes broadcast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and the Televisa broadcast airs at 10:30 p.m. CT on Canal 5.

Unbeaten in seven straight since 2011, 26-year-old Armando “Cobra” Santos (14-3-1, 8 KOs) lives up to his nickname with a style that can see him strike opponents down at any given time once the bell rings. A holder of the NABF, WBC USNBC, and IBF International titles at 112 pounds, the number four-ranked Santos has even bigger goals in mind for 2015, and if he defeats Casimero, he will move even closer to them.

Fighting out of Cebu City, 24-year-old John Riel Casimero (20-2, 12 KOs) is on a mission to regain the title he lost on the scales in May. The IBF flyweight champion since February of 2012, when he defeated Luis Alberto Lazarte, Casimero successfully defended his crown three times before he came in overweight for his bout against Mauricio Fuentes. After stopping Fuentes in a single round, Casimero now has a second chance to earn a shot at the belt he never lost in the ring.

Born in Tijuana and now fighting out of Mexico City, 2008 Olympian Francisco Vargas (20-0-1, 14 KOs) has had the biggest year of his career in 2014, and after notable wins over Abner Cotto and former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez, he has the opportunity to close out the year with another big win as he faces the always tough Camargo.

Just 27 years old, Guasave’s Genaro “Duro” Camargo (39-15, 32 KOs) is one of the most active fighters in the sport today, and he’s always ready to test himself against the best in the game. Winner of four of his last six bouts, this 10-year veteran can make a huge impact in his final bout of 2014 if he can defeat Vargas this weekend.

At 19, Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (28-1, 24 KOs) has been blazing a trail through the lightweight division, winning seven straight fights and earning the WBC Youth Intercontinental title that he has successfully defended three times. Born in Phoenix, Arizona and now fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico; he is fresh from a third-round stoppage of Ricardo Castillo in August, Manzanarez will seek his fourth victory of the year on Saturday against Tijuana’s Hector Velasquez (56-23-3, 38 KOs), a hard-hitting 39-year-old who always shows up to fight.

The brother of multiple-division world champion Abner Mares, Guadalajara’s Adan “Speedy” Mares (12-0-1, 3 KOs) is a well-schooled boxer looking to take his game to the next level in 2015. But first, the 25-year-old must get past Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico’s Miguel Angel Gonzalez (16-1, 13 KOs), a tough test who will push the rising star to the limit in Monterrey.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and visit on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page. For more information on Televisa Deportes visit www.TelevisaDeportes.com, become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TD_Deportes. For more information on FOX Deportes visit www.FOXDeportes.com, become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes and visit www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes on Facebook.

LONDON (12 DEC) Hennessy Sports and Golden Gloves are pleased to announce that heavyweight prospect Hughie Lewis Fury will take a huge step-up in class on February 21st in Monte Carlo, when he battles Ukrainian Andriy Rudenko over ten rounds on Channel 5.

Hughie, cousin of Tyson, has been sidelined since May, due to illness, and is eager to get active again in 2015. Now fit and well, Fury, 14-0 (8 KOs), begins the year with a major assignment overseas.

The 31-year-old Rudenko was born in Dnipropetrovsk and is 24-1 (16 KOs) as a professional. Known as a heavy-handed knockout artist, he has stopped 12 of his last 14 opponents and finished the majority of them within four rounds.

In his last bout, however, Rudenko suffered the sole loss of his professional career in a WBA Inter-continental heavyweight title fight against unbeaten Australian Lucas Browne. The fight went the distance and Rudenko navigated his way through twelve rounds for the first time in his career, but a close decision went the way of Browne.

Rudenko now faces his second unbeaten heavyweight in a row and the 20-year-old Fury, keen to make up for lost time, will look to become the first man to stop the hard-punching Ukrainian.

“This is a big step-up in class for Hughie and we are delighted to be able to secure such a quality fight for the masses watching on Channel 5,” said promoter Mick Hennessy.

“We strongly believe Hughie is one of the world’s best heavyweight prospects and he will prove this in 2015, starting with a statement win against Rudenko in Monte Carlo.

“After that, we will gradually increase the level of competition and be on the hunt for major titles. Give it a year or two and Hughie will be joining Tyson Fury in taking over the world heavyweight division.”

Peter Fury, Hughie’s trainer and father, added: “This fight is by no means a certainty. Hughie needs the respect of everyone for taking such a fight after coming off a long illness.

“Unlike many other heavyweights, Hughie will learn his trade properly by taking genuine fights from now on, and we look forward to seeing how he deals with a high-level opponent on February 21st. Hughie relishes the challenge.”

Fury’s fight with Rudenko is added to the ‘Thunderbolt in Monaco’ show headlined by the WBA Super world middleweight title fight between champion Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and British challenger Martin Murray.

Also on the undercard is the vacant European bantamweight title fight between Bristol’s Lee Haskins and Frenchman Omar Lamiri, as well as the WBA and IBO world minimumweight title clash between South African Hekkie Budler and Mexican Jesus Silvestre. Channel 5 will televise the event on Saturday, February 21.

END
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HBO Sports, the leading television platform for boxing in the U.S., will present a compelling documentary about the talented but tormented world champion boxer Johnny Tapia. Debuting TUESDAY, DEC. 16 (11:00 p.m.-midnight ET/PT), exclusively on HBO, TAPIA uses first-person narration and archival footage to explore the achievements, personal demons and ultimate redemption of the popular fighter, who died in 2012 at age 45. The film is executive produced by multiplatinum award-winning musician, entrepreneur and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and sports promoter, producer and entertainment executive Lou DiBella.

Other HBO playdates: Dec. 18 (4:45 p.m., 1:50 a.m.), 20 (11:30 a.m.), 22 (11:00 a.m.), 28 (10:30 a.m.) and 29 (12:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.), and Jan. 8 (8:00 p.m., 3:50 a.m.) and 13 (4:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Dec. 19 (3:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.), 24 (7:00 p.m.) and 27 (4:00 p.m.), and Jan. 4 (7:40 a.m.) and 6 (9:00 a.m., 2:40 a.m.)

“Johnny Tapia’s life story was an incredible journey, and we are eager to celebrate his biggest accomplishments and chronicle the toughest and most difficult moments of his turbulent life,” says Rick Bernstein, executive producer, HBO Sports. “Tapia was so much more than just a world champion, and we want to share this gripping account with our subscribers, many of whom may have seen Johnny in his five fights on HBO, but may not know the amazing story behind the fighter.”

“This is not a boxing film, but a film about tragedy, triumph, demons and redemption,” says DiBella. “Johnny gives us an honest assessment of his strengths and frailties; he reminds us of the power and resiliency of the human spirit.”

“Johnny’s is a story that needed to be told,” says Jackson. “Everyone can relate to some aspect of it, which makes it that much more powerful. Personally, his journey is one that has touched me greatly.”

Born Feb. 13, 1967, Johnny Tapia used boxing as way out of his impoverished life in Albuquerque, NM, becoming a five-time world champion in three different weight classes. Tormented as an adult by the brutal kidnapping and murder of his mother, which occurred when he was eight years old, Tapia suffered repeated episodes of drug addiction and mental illness. His nickname, Mi Vida Loca (“My Crazy Life”), reflected not only Tapia’s intensity in the ring, but also a tumultuous personal life, which involved jail time and several drug overdoses. In 1994, he married his wife, Teresa, who helped Tapia regain control of his life in retirement before he succumbed to a heart attack in 2012.

HBO has a rich and distinguished history of developing and presenting boxing documentaries, among them: “Legendary Nights: The Tale of Gatti-Ward”; “Klitschko”; the Emmy®-winning “Assault in the Ring”; the Peabody Award-winning “Thrilla in Manila”; “Joe Louis: America’s Hero…Betrayed”; the Peabody Award-winning “Ali-Frazier: One Nation Divisible”; and the Emmy®-winning “Sugar Ray Robinson: The Bright Lights and Dark Shadows of a Champion.”

TAPIA is a G Unit Film and Television and BK Blu Productions Presentation in association with Live Star Entertainment; executive producers, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Lou DiBella; directed by Eddie Alcazar. For HBO: executive producer, Rick Bernstein; director, Bentley Weiner. Liev Schreiber narrates.

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz sends his congratulations to his fighter, Colombia’s Oscar Escandon (24-1, 14 KOs), who captured the interim WBA super bantamweight title with a 12-round split decision over Canada’s Tyson Cave (22-3, 6 KOs), Thursday night at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.

But because of the controversy over the scoring (117-111, 115-113 Escandon against 115-113 Cave), Lewkowicz also has a strong assurance for Canada’s Tyson Cave, whom he also promotes.

“I wish to congratulate Oscar Escandon for his victory first of all,” said Lewkowicz. “I am very happy for him winning his first world championship. However, I think there is enough question about the decision that I want Tyson Cave to know something: If the WBA doesn’t order an immediate rematch of this fight, I am personally making a promise to him that I will get him another big opportunity. He will be back, no matter what.”

To most, it appeared Cave had soundly outboxed Escandon throughout their fight, but two of the judges saw a different fight and awarded 30-year-old Escandon the verdict. And so, Lewkowicz says he must wait to see what will play out between the sanctioning body and the two fighters.

“I will see what the WBA does before I make the next move with either fighter,” continued Lewkowicz. “And then either they will fight again to prove one clear winner or one will go after (WBA Champ) Scott Quigg and I will find the other another big fight.”

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

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

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

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

Former world champion Austin Trout scored a stoppage victory after seven rounds of his scheduled 10-round Jr, Middleweight bout with Luis Grajeda.

Trout dominated the bout and n round five, Trout was awarded a knockdown with a straight left hand. Trout was never threatened and Grajeda bowed out before the 8th round.

Trout, 156 lbs of Las Cruces, NM is now 28-2 with 15 knockouts. Grajeda, 155 3/4 lbs of Mexico is now 18-4-2.

Former Light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver scored a 7th round stoppage over Jonathon Banks in a scheduled 10-round Heavyweight bout.

In round seven, Tarver staggered Banks with a left hand and hard left sent Banks to the canvas. Tarver jumped on Banks and landed two more flush punches and the bout was stopped at 2:25.

Tarver, 225.6 lbs is now 31-6 with 22 knockouts. Banks, 221.8 lbs is now 29-3-1.

Oscar Escandon somehow won a 12-round split decision over Tyson Cave in a Super Bantamweight bout.

It looked like Cave was winning most of rounds with his hitting and moving style. Escando was looked like a bull who could not catch up to the matador but the judges saw differently as Escandon was awarded the decision by scored of 117-111, 115-113 while Cabe got a card 115-113.

Escandon, 121.6 lbs of Colombia s now 24-1. Cave, 121.8 lbs of Halifax, NS, CAN is now 24-3.

2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha scored an 8th round stoppage over Cesar Villa in a scheduled 8-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

It was a tough fight with Villa landing some nice shots on the inside. In round , Gausha landed a hard 4-punch combination that sent Villa to the canvas and the fight was immediately stopped at 2:30.

Gausha, 155 lbs of Cleveland, OH is now 18-2 with 8 knockouts. Villa, 154.8 lbs of Autin, TX is now 7-2.

LAS VEGAS (Dec. 11, 2014) – The Media Center at MGM Grand in Las Vegas was buzzing today as some of boxing’s brightest stars took to the stage and addressed the media ahead of their respective bouts on the “Royal Battle: Amir Khan vs. Devon Alexander” fight card taking place this Saturday, Dec. 13 live on SHOWTIME from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Here is what the fighters had to say at today’s press conference.

AMIR KHAN, Former Unified Super Lightweight World Champion

“This is a great fight and a great fight card overall from top to bottom. It’s almost like pay-per-view. But it’s a great opportunity for my fans to see me fight.

“From me, you can expect to see a lot of explosiveness and movement. I don’t understand why Devon is saying he’s fought better than me when we’ve fought most of the same guys.

“I’ve fought a lot of top guys, too. It sounds to me like Alexander is trying to give himself confidence; saying things to pick himself up.

“I feel like a different fighter at 147 pounds. I feel stronger. I’m happier making weight.

“I am not taking this fight lightly. I am not looking past it one bit. Devon Alexander is tough and I am going to stay focused.”

DEVON ALEXANDER, Former Two-Division World Champion

“I am ready to go 15 rounds if we had to. This is a tough test and I’m ready.

“I’ve dreamt of this my whole life. Headlining in Las Vegas is a dream come true and I plan on taking full advantage of this.

“I’m as prepared mentally and physically as I’ve ever been for a fight. If you look at my resume, I’ve fought top guys throughout my career. Khan is a good fighter and this is going to be a great fight.

“I’m going to stand and fight. This isn’t going to be a track meet. At least not for me.

“I know I’ve got a lot of fans back home pulling for me and I’ve got some fans in the UK too that will be rooting for me on Saturday night too.”

KEITH THURMAN, WBA Interim Welterweight World Champion

“I know a little about my opponent; he just beat an unbeaten 28-year-old and he was a 2000 Olympian. Bundu is active in the ring and likes to get into a rhythm. He’s not a huge puncher but he places them right where they can do damage. He’s making his U.S. debut.

“I plan to provide him with a traditional ‘One-Time’ welcome to America. I plan to come out and box smart and take it from there. My shoulder is fine and I’m excited about getting back in the ring.

“I’m not looking past Bundu, but I’m looking through him to 2015 when I expect to start fighting Top-5 fighters on a consistent basis.’’

LEONARD BUNDU, Undefeated Welterweight Contender

“I’m excited to be here. I am here to gain some respect. I am 40-years-old, but I feel much younger. I know it is a hard test for me on Saturday, but I am going to give it my all.

“I am Italian and like fine wine, I get better with age.”

ABNER MARES, Former Three-Time, Three-Division World Champion

“I’m willing to fight anybody. There are some great possibilities for me: Leo Santa Cruz, Jhonny Gonzalez, Lomachenko. If these fights can be made, I want them.

“Expect the old Abner Mares on Saturday. The hunger is back, the passion has returned. I’m back with my original team.

“I’ve won three world titles in three divisions but I don’t call myself a former three-division champion. I think of myself now as a future four-division world champion.”

JOSE RAMIREZ, Top Featherweight Contender

“This Saturday, I will be facing a tough fighter in Abner Mares. This Saturday is going to be a war between two Mexicans and I am here to be victorious.”

JERMALL CHARLO, Undefeated Junior Middleweight

“I am happy to be on this show. Lenny says he is seasoned and I am ready to serve you all some Italian sausage.

“Me and my twin brother have been through a lot of adversity. Getting world title shots and not being able to compete in them, but we overcome it and we are ready to put on good shows on Saturday night.

LENNY BOTTAI, Junior Middleweight Contender

“What do I expect from the fight? I expect a great battle. I expect it to be a stepping stone to make my name in the U.S.

“I hear that I keep getting called a seasoned fighter. I come from Italy where the cheese is the best seasoned cheese in the world, so I am going to show what seasoned fighters can do.”

JERMELL CHARLO, Top Junior Middleweight Prospect

“Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to fight for the world title. I moved past that. I am staying focused and in control of what’s going to take place on Saturday.

“I am going to continue to grow, continue to stay smart and stay focused.”

ERROL SPENCE JR., Top Junior Middleweight Prospect

“It is going to be another great performance. Hopefully by next year I will be fighting one of these guys in front of me and fighting for a world title.”

VICTOR ORTIZ, Former Welterweight World Champion

“Once again we are starting over. This was a very tough camp, but we are here. I am sharing this podium with some great fighters. I am at the back [of the dais] today, but you better believe I will be in the front with the fans someday soon.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions

“Saturday night is going to be one of those nights where every fight is action-packed and entertaining.

“This card is stacked. It is going to be a special treat for all of the fans that watch it live at MGM Grand or live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

“It is a token of appreciation to all of the fans and saying thank you. Thank you for supporting this wonderful sport of boxing.

“Both of the main event fighters understand that they are facing greatness in each other and it is going to be a tough fight. A tough fight for both guys, but that is what they love.”

# # #

“Royal Battle: Khan vs. Alexander,” a 12-round welterweight bout for the WBC Silver Welterweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Khan Promotions and The Great Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra, AT&T and Mexico – Live It To Believe It! The event will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will air on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Keith Thurman defends his interim WBA Welterweight World Title against Leonard Bundu. Additionally, Abner Mares will face Jose Ramirez in a 10-round featherweight bout and opening the telecast, Jermall Charlo will meet Lenny Bottai in a 12-round IBF Junior Middleweight Title eliminator. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP). Preliminary bouts will be televised on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT).

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing,@SHOSports, @AmirKingKhan, @TheRealDevonA, @KeithfThurmanJr, @abnermares00, @FutureOfBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @ErrolSpenceJr @viciousortiz, @MGMGrand and @Swanson_Comm follow the conversation using #KhanAlexander, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing, or visit SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com/.

Rau’shee Warren 117.5 vs. Javier Gallo 118
Patryk Szymanski 156 vs. Gundrick King 155
Jose Felix Quezada 135.5 vs. Marlon Lewis 134.5
Eddie Ramirez 141 vs. Dedrick Bell 141
Ronald Hearns 164 vs. Roberto Ventura 162.5
Jordan Shimmell 195.5 vs. Philip Williams 194.5
Thomas Williams 170.5 vs. Michael Gbenga 171
Robert Easter 134 vs. Angel Hernandez 133.5
Juan Dominguez 123 vs. German Meraz 124.5
Sergiy Derevyanchenko 164 vs. Raul Munoz 161.5
Jamel Herring 134.5 vs. Jose Del Valle 131
Javontae Starks 149.5 vs. Jonathan Garcia 151

Promoter: Warriors Boxing

Venue: UIC Pavilion, Chicago, IL

Tickets: Start at $31 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or call: 1-800-745-3000, the Warriors Offices: 312-622-7668 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740, or visit the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). They can also be purchased the night of the event.

# # #

About Warriors Boxing

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

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

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

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

Tacoma, WA (December 11, 2014) After a massively successful inaugural event in October, The Super Fight League makes their return to the Emerald Queen Casino for Super Fight League America 2, this Saturday night at 7:00PM. With two title fights headlining a stacked card, SFL America 2 is shaping up to be one of the best fight cards of the year.

The 5-round main event of the evening will see talented, local lightweights Harrison Bevens (7-2) and Julian Erosa (12-2) duke it out to become the first ever SFL America Lightweight Champion. Both fighters are coming off of wins, and with 16 of their 19 combined professional victories coming by either knockout or submission, they will each be looking to extend their winning streak in a potential fight of the night candidate.

The night’s co-main event will feature two undefeated warriors, each looking to become the first man to hold the SFL America welterweight strap, as Enumclaw’s Tyson Cunningham (3-0) faces off against Ben Fodor (4-0) of Shoreline. Fodor is better known in the Pacific Northwest as the Seattle superhero Phoenix Jones. Dressing up in a mask and patrolling city streets since 2011, Jones has been responsible for over 200 arrests and preventing countless other crimes. The anticipation for this fight has been building steadily over the past few weeks and with less than a week to go, excitement is at a fever pitch.

Also featuring a stacked undercard, fans will have the opportunity to witness some of the top local talent in what is sure to be a memorable night.

Trent Tyler (2-5) vs. Mike Devose (1-1)
Jason Gray (2-0) vs. Jason Novelli (4-0)
Albert Tadevosyan (3-0) vs. Taki Uluilakepa (2-1)
Alex Eastman (0-4) vs. Sean Gee (debut)
Jenny Liou (1-0) vs. Susy Watson (debut)
Thomas Hoeper (0-1) vs. Nate Cook (0-2)
Woo Johnson (2-1) vs. Josh LaGrange (1-5)

Tickets for Super Fight League America 2 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster Locations as well as the Emerald Queen Casino Box Office and start at only $35. Get yours now as another sellout is expected at the EQC. Doors open at 6 PM with the first fight starting at 7 PM. Brian Halquist Productions and CageSport MMA are proud to bring you Super Fight League America 2. More info can be found at www.halquistproductions.com and www.superfightleague.com.

The World Boxing Council’s annual convention is the largest yearly gathering of the world boxing community, and the 52nd annual convention at The Mirage in Las Vegas next week – from December 14 (arrival) to December 20 (departure) will be no exception.

In addition to the major promoters and managers from around the world, as well as the top referees and judges, it is also the largest yearly gathering of world champions and top contenders, past and present, male and female.

A spectacular group have confirmed their attendance.

WBC world champions in alphabetical order:
Miguel Cotto, Carlos Cuadras, Anthony Dirrell, Grigory Drozd, Omar Figueroa, Danny Garcia, Gennady Golovkin, Jhonny Gonzalez, Roman Gonzalez, Naoya Inoue, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Wanheng Menayothin, Takashi Miura, Leo Santa Cruz, Adonis Stevenson, Bermane Stiverne, Shinsuke Yamanaka.

All-Stars in alphabetical order:
Jose Antonio Aguirre, Cesar Bazan, Wilfredo Benitez, Nigel Benn, Isaac Bustos, Joe Calzaghe, Marvin Camel, Manuel Charr, Julio Cesar Chavez, John Conteh, Gerry Cooney, Pipino Cuevas, Oscar de la Hoya, Roberto Duran, Jeff Fenech, George Foreman, Humberto Gonzalez, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Ricky Hatton, Thomas Hearns, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, Bernard Hopkins, Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis, Ricardo Lopez, Ray Mancini, Cristian Mijares, Erik Morales, Azumah Nelson, Lupe Pintor, Ultiminio Ramos, Kostya Tszyu, Mike Tyson, Michael Spinks, Leon Spinks, John H. Stracey, Carlos Zarate.

Female world champions and All-Stars in alphabetical order:
Nicola Adams, Nikki Addler, Laila Ali, Sharon Anyos, Alicia Ashley, Cecelia Braekhus, Yessica Chavez, Erica Farias, Shindo Go, Jessica Gonzalez, Mariana Juarez, Momo Koseki, Yuko Kuroki, Christy Martin, Esmeralda Moreno, Jelena Mrdjenovich, Arely Muñoz, Zulina Munoz, Jackie Nava, Alejandra Oliveras, Anabel Ortiz, Diana Prazak, Delfine Persoon, Yazmin Rivas, Judith Rodríguez, Mia St. John, Martha Salazar, Laura Serrano, Ana Maria Torres, Ibeth Zamora.

New York, NY (December 11, 2014) – A collection of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) icons, including Gray Maynard, Joe Warren and “King Mo” Lawal will join Olympic Gold Medalist and five-time world champion Khadjimurad Gatsalov of Russia, Olympic hopeful Kyle Dake of the U.S. and world champion Arsen Julfalakyan of Armenia in the much-anticipated Grapple at The Garden, presented by MusclePharm live on pay-per-view from Madison Square Garden on Sunday, December 21.

Grapple at The Garden, presented by MusclePharm is being distributed in North America by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view in the USA via iN Demand, DISH, and Vubiquity and Bell TV, Shaw PPV, Rogers, SaskTel, TELUS and MTS in Canada for a suggested retail price of only $14.95. Viewer’s world-wide can order on-line at www.GFL.TV.

Dake will collide with Julfalakyan in the Greco-Roman rules main event of the third annual “Grapple at The Garden” event presented by MusclePharm, while Gatsalov will face off with world bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev. Team Joe Warren, assembled by the reigning Bellator MMA champion and consisting of half of the event’s MMA stars, will take on Team Renzo Gracie, a squad formed by the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend and former MMA champion.

The Team Joe Warren vs. Team Renzo Gracie matchups include Warren, an All-American at Michigan, competing at 150 pounds against Scott Jorgenson, a former collegiate star at Boise State and current UFC fighter.

A 140-pound contest will pit Olympic silver medalist and three-time NCAA champion Stephen Abas on the Renzo Gracie team against Rollie Peterkin, the former Univ. of Penn star and talented freestyler, who left Wall Street to become an MMA fighter.

Two current Olympic hopefuls will battle at 155 pounds, as Oklahoma State NCAA champion Jordan Oliver, currently ranked No. 2 on Team USA, will take on Frank Molinaro, the Penn State NCAA champion who is ranked No. 3 on Team USA.

Shawn Bunch, an All-American at Edinboro who competed on the 2009 U.S. World Team in freestyle, will take on Damacio Page at 150 pounds. Bunch competes for Bellator MMA, while Page wrestled at Cerritos College, and has competed in the UFC and other mixed martial arts promotions..

Maynard, a three-time All-American at Michigan State and a current UFC star, will battle World Series of Fighting standout Ozzy Dugulubgov at 170 pounds.

Three members of the world-famous Gracie family will also take the mat. At 185 pounds, Gregor Gracie will square off with Darryl Christian, a former Greco-Roman Team USA member, University of Oregon star and MMA coach. At 190 pounds, Igor Gracie will battle Brennan Ward, a current Bellator MMA star who wrestled for Johnson and Wales. At heavyweight, Lawal, the 2005 Freestyle World Team member, Oklahoma State All-American and current Bellator star, will go up against Rolles Gracie.

All three of the Gracies competing have extensive professional MMA backgrounds coupled with tremendous success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Coaching Team Joe Warren are Chad Ravannack (Oklahoma State) and Damion Logan (Michigan). Renzo Gracie will coach his team, along with Mario Mercado (Syracuse) and Hamid Kemanshah (New York AC).

The exciting feature and co-feature matchups will be championship matches with the new Global Wrestling Championships promotion, with prize money awarded to the participants. The Dake vs. Julfalakyan match will be for the Greco-Roman Welterweight Belt, while the Dlagnev vs. Gatsalov will be for the Freestyle International Heavyweight Belt.

Gatsalov won the Olympic gold medal in 2004 and added World titles in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2013. His other World medals include a silver medal in 2010 and a bronze medal in 2014. He moved up to the heavyweight class in 2013, where he has won a World gold medal and World silver medal in back-to-back seasons. He was a 2001 Junior World champion before moving up to Senior-level success.

Dlagnev won World bronze medals in 2009 and 2014, and was fifth in the 2012 Olympic Games. He also placed fifth at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships. A two-time NCAA Div. II national champion for Nebraska-Kearney, Dlagnev won a University World gold medal before moving to the Senior level and becoming one of the best heavyweights in the world.

There will be 25 college teams competing, representing NCAA Div. I, NCAA Div. II, NCAA Div. III, NJCAA junior colleges, and NCWA club programs. The currently ranked teams competing are #3 Cornell, which will face #13 Edinboro and national power Northern Iowa, #12 Lehigh (facing Edinboro and Princeton), and #23 Rutgers. All of the college dual meets will be available on www.flowrestling.org.

In addition, this event will feature the Grapple at The Garden high school tournament and the NYC Mayor’s Cup will, once again, feature the best New York City high school wrestlers from the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) and independent school wrestlers in each weight class as they compete for the title of “Best in the City”. Additional information about the NYC Mayor’s Cup can be found at www.facebook.com/nycmayorscup. On Saturday, December 20, the 2014-15 NYC Mayor’s Cup Wrestling Championships will take place at Riverbank State Park, after which the winners and runners-up from each weight class will take on the best high school wrestlers from the Metropolitan Division.

The Metropolitan Division portion of the Grapple at The Garden high school invitational will take place on Saturday, December 20 at Clarkstown South High School and will include: Long Beach (NY), Long Branch (NJ), Clarkstown South (NY), Hasbrouck Heights (NJ), Columbia (NY), West Milford (NJ), John Glenn (NY), Colonie (NY), Eastport South Manor (NY) and Nutley (NJ).

For information and to register individuals and/or clubs for the Grapple at The Garden Elementary School and Middle School Championships please visit www.wrestlereg.com.

The event will also feature a special musical performance by rapper Kosha Dillz. Dillz, aka Rami Even-Esh, is a former Edison High School New Jersey Region 5 finalist and Rutgers Division I wrestler, who was recently announced as perform on all 40 dates of the 2015 Vans Warped Tour. He has appeared in everything from the BET Hip Hop Awards w/ RZA of the Wu Tang Clan to world tours with fellow Jewish reggae artist Matisyahu. The former stand out wrestler prides himself in training at Team Hammer of Lakewood NJ in the late 90’s. Currently, he trains at Rhino Wrestling Club and Underground Strength Gym of Edison with his brother Zach Even-Esh. Besides rapping, he is a world wide inspirational speaker who frequently speaks to students and at risk youth about addiction, jails and recovery, with over 10 years substance // alcohol free.

Tickets, priced at $20, $35 and $55, are currently on sale and can be purchased online at www.thegarden.com, all Ticketmaster locations and the Madison Square Garden box office.

GRAPPLE AT THE GARDEN PRESENTED BY MUSCLEPHARM
Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y., Sunday, December 21

7:15AM: Mats 1-8 – YOUTH TOURNAMENT FINALS

8:00AM: Mat 1– HIGHSCHOOL: MAYOR’S CUP VS. METRO
Mat 2 – LIU POST VS. MINN. ST. – MOORHEAD
Mat 3 – STONY BROOK VS. MONTCLAIR STATE
Mat 4 – SO. MAINE VS. STEVENS
Mat 5 – SUNY SULLIVAN VS. MIDDLESEX CC
Mat 6 – NORTHERN IOWA VS. DUKE
Mat 7 – MT. ST. VINCENT VS. WHEELING JESUIT
Mat 8 – HIGH SCHOOL: MAYOR’S CUP VS. METRO
10:00AM: Mat 1 – DAVIDSON VS. BUCKNELL
Mat 2 – LEHIGH VS. PRINCETON
Mat 3 – RUTGERS VS. ARMY
Mat 4 – MARYLAND VS. HOFSTRA
Mat 5 – DUKE VS. GEORGE MASON
Mat 6 – NORTHERN IOWA VS. DREXEL
Mat 7 – EDINBORO VS. CORNELL
Mat 8 – SO. MAINE VS. MUHLENBERG
12:00PM: Mat 1 – ARMY VS. PRINCETON
Mat 2 – LEHIGH VS. EDINBORO
Mat 3 – DAVIDSON VS. RUTGERS
Mat 4 – HOFSTRA VS. BUCKNELL
Mat 5 – MARYLAND VS. DUKE
Mat 6 – DREXEL VS. GEORGE MASON
Mat 7 – NORTHERN IOWA VS. CORNELL
Mat 8 – TEAM JOE WARREN VS. TEAM RENZO GRACIE
2:10PM: Mat 9 – (center) Co-Main Event: Tervel Dlagnev vs. Khadzhijurat Gatsalov (Freestyle)
Main Event: – Kyle Dake vs. Arsen Julfalakyan (Greco-Roman 75 kg/165 lbs.)

Heavyweight sensation David Price (18-2, 15 KOs) is the first huge UK name confirmed for the Abraham-Smith II undercard at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany on February 21.

Price’s addition was announced today at a press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool, where Arthur Abraham and Paul Smith came face-to-face for a second time this week to promote their WBO World Super Middleweight Championship rematch.

‘’It’s great to be fighting on the undercard of such a big show,’’ said Price. ‘’I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and reminding everyone what I’m all about. 2015 is going to be a big year for me, its important I get off to a good start on February 21.’’

Said promoter Kalle Sauerland: ‘’Next year is going to be David’s time to shine. It’s time to stand up and be counted. The heavyweight scene in the UK is flourishing at the moment, and it is still our belief that Pricey can beat anyone out there.’’

An opponent for Price will be announced shortly. Also confirmed for the February 21 show, are rising German stars Enrico Koelling, Stefan Haertel and Tyron Zeuge. Tickets go on sale on Friday (December 12) at 12.00 (CET) and are available via tickethall.de.

Patrick and Micki Nielsen headline a hometown show at the Albertslund MusikTeatret in Copenhagen on December 13. Defeat is not an option for the Danish boxing brothers, who have it all to prove when they enter the ring on Saturday night.

Patrick Nielsen (22-1, 11 KOs) returns, following an unsuccessful interim WBA World Middleweight title challenge against Dmitry Chudinov in Moscow, in a must win fight against Lukasz Wawrzyczek (20-3-2, 3 KOs).

‘’My training has gone really well,’’ said the 23 year-old middleweight. ‘’I’ve been working hard in the gym and I’ve had time to correct some of the mistakes I made in Moscow. Now, I feel as though I’m ready to take on anyone in the world.

‘‘I’m looking forward to getting back into the ring and showing everyone that I’m back to my best. It has been a year of ups and downs for me, but now I’m ready to finish it with a bang!’’

‘’Patrick is one of the top middleweights in Europe,’’ said his Polish opponent, Wawrzyczek. ‘’But, I don’t think he has recovered from his defeat. This is a huge opportunity for me. I will have to box to the best of my ability, but I think I have what it takes to beat him.’’

‘’Patrick will discover who he really is on Saturday night,’’ said Nielsen’s coach, former two-time world champion, Joey Gamache. ‘’A defeat can improve you or it can destroy you. Patrick lost to a good, solid fighter in Russia, and since then I feel like he has recovered well, but it will up to him to prove he can still operate at the top level.’’

Younger brother Micki Nielsen (15-0, 12 KOs) faces the toughest challenge of his fifteen-fight career when he takes on former Mikkel Kessler opponent Gusmyr Perdomo (21-4, 14 KOs).

‘’This will be my biggest challenge, but I’m ready for it,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’My training has gone well. I’m in super shape. If Perdomo is expecting an easy fight, he is in for a nasty surprise.

‘’There has been some trash talking from Perdomo, but that doesn’t bother me. Let’s see if he has something nicer to say about me after I beat him.

‘’I’m looking forward to facing one of Mikkel Kessler’s former opponents. I was in the stands watching that fight. It was an important night for Mikkel. Perdomo is an accomplished and versatile boxer, but Mikkel broke him down, and I expect to do the same in Albertslund.’’

‘’Micki is very inexperienced, and that will be a great advantage for me,’’ said Perdomo ‘’When I fought Kessler five years ago, he destroyed my dream of becoming World Super Middleweight Champion. Micki will not stand in my way of becoming World Cruiserweight Champion.’’

‘’This is a fight Micki can’t afford to lose,’’ said coach Joey Gamache. ‘’It’s without a doubt his toughest fight, but lets see how Perdomo reacts once he feels Micki’s power. Micki is a real talent and now he has the opportunity to show what he really can do. It’s a big step up for him, but he’s ready for it. I don’t think people realise how talented he really is.’’

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’This is a big night for Patrick and Micki. It really is make or break. It’s time for both brothers to prove their potential, and where better to do it than in front of their home fans in Albertslund.’’