FORMER IBF MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DAVID LEMIEUX MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES


MONTREAL (March 7, 2017) – Former IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux (36-3, 32 KOs) hosted a media workout at Sherbatov MMA in Laval, Quebec, the same week he departs for Verona, NY for his upcoming showdown with Curtis “The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (29-5, 21 KOs). The middleweight bout takes place Saturday, March 11 at Turning Stone Resort Casino televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Lemieux was joined his trainer Marc Ramsay at today’s media workout and spoke onsite about his matchup with Stevens and his training leading up to the mega event for the middleweight titles. Below is what Lemieux and his team had to say at today’s workout:

DAVID LEMIEUX, Former IBF Middleweight World Champion:

”The last time that my opponent spoke so much and I so disliked him, I believe it was Delray Raines. I broke three of his ribs and his nose. It didn’t end up very well for him.

”I couldn’t be more prepared for a fight. I have one objective in mind: I want to take his head off. I am so motivated to put on a great performance on Saturday night. Stevens put a lot of oil in the fire with his disrespectful comments and he will pay for it.

”I had an exceptional camp and we have prepared for this fight very seriously. We are ready for the best Stevens there is, going 12 rounds if needed. I guarantee you that it will be a rough night for him. ”

MARC RAMSAY, Trainer to David Lemieux:

”It is important to go there and deliver a spectacular performance. This is a good challenge. In this fight, we have to execute well what we have prepared to do for the last eight weeks. ”

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are still available and priced at $30, $45, $55 and $75 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).

Lemieux vs. Stevens is a 12-round middleweight bout for the WBO Intercontinental, WBC Continental Americas and IBF North American Middleweight titles, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Main Events, and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The HBO Boxing After Dark® telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/LemieuxVsStevens. Credit must be given to Eye of the Tiger Management for any video/image use of David Lemieux. Credit must be given to Main Events for any video/image use of Curtis Stevens.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @main_events, @HBOboxing; and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/maineventsboxing, www.facebook.com/hboboxing; and visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @main_events. Follow the conversation using #LemieuxStevens.




Gabriel Pham looks for 2 in a row when he takes on Chauncey Fields this Saturday at The Claridge in Atlantic City


Atlantic City, NJ (March 7, 2017)–Super Middleweight Gabriel Pham will look for his 2nd consecutive impressive performance when he takes on Chauncey Fields in the co-feature bout of a 9 bout card this Saturday night at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The Show is promoted by Rising Promotions.

Pham of Pleasantville, New Jersey has a record of 7-1 with 3 knockouts, and is coming off an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Jose Valderrama on January 28th at The Claridge.

“Everything has been great,”said Pham.”I am getting sharp, and working on my quickness and reflexes. “I have been training the whole time. I went right back in the gym on the Monday after my last fight.”

Fields is a late-replacement, so that took some last minute studying for Pham.

“I know he is 4-1, so he knows how to win, but I am ready to fight anyone. After the loss that I suffered, I can’t be picky on who I am fighting.”

After dropping a unanimous decision to Christopher Brooker on July 9, 2016, Pham has been working very hard to continue on the winning track.

“I have been doing a lot more roadwork and sparring. Since 2010, I have had only 4 fights, so the sparring has been helping getting the rust off. Things are coming along and I am on my way.”

“This fight should not be the toughest fight, but am expecting it to be. I am just looking to sticking to the gameplan, which is hit and not be hit, and everything should be good on Saturday. I just want to thank my manager Rich Masini, Rising Promotions and The Claridge.”

In the main event, Anthony “Juice” Young (15-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City takes on Samuel Amoako (21-13, 15 KO’s) of Silver Spring, MD in a 8-round welterweight bout.

In a 6-round bouts:

Yurik Mamedov (4-0, 2 KO’s) of New York will fight Rafael Montalvo (3-5, 3 KO’s) of St. Clair, PA in a welterweight affair.

Dan Pasciolla (8-2) of Brick, NJ will fight LeMarcus Tucker (4-1,2 KO’s) of Forrest City, Arkansas in a heavyweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Brendan Barrett (4-0-2, 4 KO’s) of Little Egg Harbor, NJ takes on Brian Donahue (3-13) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight bout.

Adrian Wilson (0-3) of Atlantic City battles Henry Tyrone Paige (0-3) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight bout.

Kevin Asmat (1-1) of North Bergen, NJ will take on Edgar Cortes (3-4) of Vineland, NJ on a super featherweight bout.

Thomas Romain (1-1) of New York will square off with Sidell Blocker (1-6-1) of Plesantville, NJ in a lightweight fight.

In a battle of pro debuting welterweights, Cesar Francis of New York boxes Chris Moore of Orange, New Jersey

There will be several amateur bouts that will precede the professional bouts beginning at 6 PM ET.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $150, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.RSPboxing.com




Haye – Bellew attracts record viewership on AWE and klowdtv.com


SAN DIEGO–This past Saturday, Tony Bellew scored a stunning 11th round stoppage over David Haye in a bout that was seen exclusively in the United States on AWE-A Wealth of Entreatment & www.klowdtv.com

The fight was a back and forth war that saw the WBC Cruiserweight champion floor Haye in round six and finish off the injured former two-division champion in the 11th.

The card also the showcased final bout of the championship career of two-division champion Paulie Malignaggi. Malignaggi was stopped in the 8th round by Sam Eggington. Also Irish Olympic hero Katie Taylor stopped Monica Gentili in 3 rounds to raise her record to 3-0.

Those fights topped a five hour broadcast that had thousands of boxing fans viewing the card on AWE and on the internet via www.klowdtv.com.

“This was an amazing show, and that fans turned out. This was our largest audience for any fight card we have had, and between the viewership on AWE and Klowdtv.com was beyond anything we could have imagined. We look forward to April 15th when Ricky Burns and Julius Indongo meet in a super lightweight unification bout. We will continue to put on the highest quality events and we look to appeasing the great boxing fans in the United States, ” Said Charles Herring, President of AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing.AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Coming soon:
April 15: Ricky Burns vs Julius Indongo




Reynoso to Face Valenzuela for WBC Silver Latino Super Bantamweight Championship on April 1 in Guadalajara, Mexico

On Saturday, April 1, at the Arena Jalisco in Guadalajara, México, promoters Eddie Reynoso of Clase y Talento, and Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing will team up to present a night of world-class boxing, televised live on TyC Sports of Argentina.

As part of TyC’s ongoing 25th anniversary celebration of boxing shows, this exciting event will feature a 10-round battle for the WBC Silver Latino Super Bantamweight Championship between Buenos Aires, Argentina’s Roman Ruben Reynoso (19-1-2, 8 KOs) and Sonora, Mexico’s Christian “Molacho” Valenzuela (13-0-1, 8 KOs).

Reynoso has left his native Argentina just twice in his career, but on one of those occasions, fought to a split draw with well-regarded prospect Adam Lopez on ShoBox: The New Generation in July 2016. Like Reynoso, the undefeated Valenzuela has never left his home country, but has stayed busy with 14 fights in his three-year career.

In the chief supporting bout, Argentinean 2016 Summer Olympian Alberto Palmetta will go for his third consecutive victory as a professional against Mexico City’s Luis Montelongo (4-1).

26-year-old Palmetta, a junior middleweight, was one of the most heavily decorated amateurs in his country’s history, in addition to fighting in the 2016 Summer Olympics, he won numerous national and international distinctions including the bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games. He turned professional in November 2016.

In the televised opener, Novato, California via Uruguay’s Rudy Macedo (3-0, 3 KOs) will face also undefeated Leonel Rodriguez of Mexico in a four-round welterweight showdown. The power-punching Macedo was an amateur world champion, PAL champion and five-time Silver Gloves Champion. He is trained by Nonito Donaire Sr.

The event is sponsored by Tecate beer, “cervezas con carácter.”

“I am proud to be part of this event and to be helping TyC celebrate their anniversary,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “They have done a tremendous service to boxing throughout their history. Thank you to my esteemed partner, Eddie Reynoso, as well. I’m looking forward to a great night of fights for the fans in Mexico, Argentina and around the world to enjoy.”

Five more exciting bouts are scheduled for the untelevised undercard.
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.




ÓSCAR VALDEZ, GILBERTO RAMÍREZ AND JESSIE MAGDALENO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS PLUS THE PRO DEBUT OF U.S. OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALIST SHAKUR STEVENSON


LOS ANGELES (March 7, 2017) — Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champions ÓSCAR VALDEZ, GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMÍREZ and JESSIE MAGDALENO will headline an exciting world championship event in separate title defenses, Saturday, April 22, under the stars at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Produced and distributed live by Top Rank Pay-Per-View, the telecast will also feature the pro debut of U.S. Olympic silver medalist SHAKUR STEVENSON, in a six-round featherweight bout. The live pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. and will be available on all conventional platforms, including all major cable and satellite systems, as well as Top Rank’s digital distribution via www.TopRank.tv and mobile devices.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with All Star Boxing, Zapari Boxing Promotions and Antonio Leonard Productions, tickets to this world championship tripleheader go on sale Today! Tuesday, March 7, at 1 P.M. ET / 10 A.M. PT. Priced at $128.50, $77.50, $52.00 and $36.70, tickets may be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

Valdez (22-0, 19 KOs), from Nogales, México, will be making the second defense of his WBO featherweight title against No. 1 contender and NABO champion Miguel “Escorpión” Marriaga (25-1, 21 KOs), from Arjona, Colombia; Ramírez (34-0, 24 KOs), from Mazatlán, México, will be making his first defense of the WBO super middleweight title against Top-10 contender Max “Tiger” Bursak (33-4-1, 15 KOs), of Kiev, Ukraine; Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nev., will be making the first defense of his WBO junior featherweight title against WBO Latino champion Adeilson “Dell” Dos Santos (18-2, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil, and Stevenson, the crown jewel of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team and the pride of Newark, NJ, will be making his eagerly-awaited professional debut in a four-round featherweight bout.

The six world championship warriors have a combined record of 156-7-1 for a winning percentage of 95% with a victory by knockout ratio of 71%.

“Óscar Valdez, Gilberto Ramírez and Jessie Magdaleno are becoming the new faces of boxing. They are in the hurt business and they love their work. That’s why their fan base is growing like the S&P, they give the fans great value — a big bang for the buck,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “And with Shakur Stevenson, the sky is the limit. He is such a talent.”

“Every fight is important to me. I respect Marriaga just like every fighter I face. And I will do whatever I have to do to win,” said Valdez. “This will be the second defense of my belt and I know the challengers are going to come after me, but I will be more than ready to give the fans a great fight and retain my championship.”

“The only way I don’t win my Oscar on April 22 is if Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway read the decision,” said Marriaga. “Second chances are rare in boxing and I’m going to make the most of my second shot at a world title. My trainer. “Professor” [Samuel] Gómez, and I will be prepared to give the performance of a lifetime on April 22.”

“Óscar Valdez Is boxing’s next big star. He’ll be defending his title at the StubHub Center in front of the Southern California fans who love him so much,” said Frank Espinoza, Valdez’s manager. “He is an incredible talent and a future superstar. You have to see Óscar fight live. It’s always nice to catch a star on the rise so that someday you can say, ‘Hey I watched him back in the day,’ like they say about Julio César Chávez. Óscar Valdez is extremely driven and looking to be a legend. He’s ready mentally and physically for the next step.”

“I feel very happy and I’m thankful for the opportunity of defending my title for the first time,” said Ramírez. “I’m motivated and I feel a great desire to return to the ring. I have been active in my hometown of Mazatlán and training like if I was going to fight. Now I’m ready to fight! I feel 100% recovered from the injury in my hand. I feel better than ever and with more confidence in my punching power. On April 22 I will give the fans an explosive fight with lots of action. Max Bursak is a solid strong fighter. He is a brawler and he is coming with hunger of triumph for all the Ukrainians. It will be very good for three Mexicans to be defending our titles on the same card and even more here, in California, where there is a big boxing fan base.”

“Ramírez is young, tough and already an experienced fighter. But I’m also not an ‘easy walk’. We have almost similar records and achievements, so it’s going to be a very interesting clash,” said Bursak. “I’m already working hard in the gym, because I’m coming to California to win!”

“Gilberto is returning from an excellent recovery period after the surgery he had in one of the knuckles of his right hand. He has been very active, running and doing therapy in Mazatlan since the doctor cleared him last year,” said Jesus Zapari, Ramírez’s manager. “After he was done with therapy, he started doing some conditioning training, until he was cleared to start punching. He is now a world champion who will not have any easy opponents. Zurdo has being training hard to keep improving with each fight. He now has more confidence in his punching power. We are very happy that the fight will be at StubHub Center in Los Angeles. We have always wanted to fight in that venue because of the great fans that are in Southern California. It will be a great night of boxing and Zurdo will put on a great show for the fans”

“To be a champion today you have to work hard every day, go after the big challenges and see the big picture,” said Magdaleno. “That is what I am doing to express myself and my legacy in the sport, going into a title fight like this one.”

“For me this is a unique opportunity, to be fighting for the world title of a very big entity that is the WBO,” said Dos Santos. “I know that Jessie is a very good fighter. He is a real champion. Fighting for the title has always been a dream for me and today it has come true. Thanks to my Agent Patrick Nascimento and my promoter Edu Mello. I’m training very hard for this fight. I’m very focused. I know it will not be an easy job. For those who know me, on April 22, you will see a different Adeilson. I’m working to put on a big show and win the title.”

“Jessie Magdaleno fights April 22nd at the StubHub and I think the knowledgeable Southern California fans are going to get a glimpse of a very talented young champion,” said Espinoza, who also manages Magdaleno. “He’s building a big fan base and I think the StubHub is the perfect place for him to develop. The fans are going to fall in love with this kid and his fighting style. He’s a real warrior an old school fighter who gives you everything. He’s a must-see fighter!”

“I’m excited to start a new chapter in my boxing career and make my pro debut on April 22 at the Stub Hub Center,” said Stevenson. “There have been so many exciting fights in that building and I plan to add to that history in my first pro fight. I’m already training hard and everyone is going to see what I’m all about on April 22, live on Top Rank Pay-Per-View.”

Valdez (22-0, 19 KOs), from Nogales, México, and who represented México in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, was the first Méxican fighter to qualify for two Olympic games. He is considered one of the bright lights of the featherweight division and a new face for boxing’s next generation. He will be making the second defense of the vacant world title he won on July 23, 2016 via a second-round knockout of undefeated No. 2 rated Matías Rueda. Rueda entered that fight having won his previous 10 bouts by stoppage. Valdez, 26, started 2016 with a fourth-round knockout victory over former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich on the April 9 Pacquiao – Tim Bradley III pay-per-view undercard in Las Vegas. It was the first time Gradovich had ever been stopped in his 24-bout professional career. In his last fight, on November 5, he successfully defended the title with a seventh-round TKO of No. 1 contender Hiroshige Osawa.

Marriaga (25-1, 21 KOs), from Arjona, Colombia, enters this fight having won 15 of his previous 19 fights by way of knockout . The only blemish on his record, a 12-round unanimous decision loss to former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters in 2015, who had lost the title on the scale when he weighed in over the division weight limit. Since that loss, Marriaga, 30, has fashioned a five-bout winning streak, including NABO featherweight title knockout victories in his last two fights against Guy Robb and Eduardo Montoya last year to become the WBO’s No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger.

Ramírez (34-0, 24 KOs), a two-fisted super middleweight wrecking machine who hails from Mazatlán, México, made history in the co-main event to the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley welterweight pay-per-view on April 9, 2016, when he became México’s first fighter to win a super middleweight world title. Entering the fight as the top world-rated contender, Ramirez gave a virtuoso performance over the defending WBO champion Arthur Abraham. All three judges scored it as a 120-108 blitzkrieg. “I took him to Méxican boxing school,” a jubilant Ramírez boasted as he put on the world championship belt . A sensational young champion, Ramírez, 25, had been scheduled to make his first title defense last July, but a training camp injury to his right hand followed by surgery and rest sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He returns to the ring having won four of his last eight bouts by knockout. Career-highlight performances include an NABF and NABO title victory over Giovanni Lorenzo via fifth-round stoppage, a WBO International title knockout victory over Junior Talipeau and a successful defense of his NABF and WBO International titles, stopping Fulgencio Zuniga in the eighth round, all in 2014. In 2015, he successfully defended his titles via unanimous decisions over once-beaten Maxim Vlasov, division gate keeper Derek Edwards, who boasts a KO victory over world champion Badou Jack, and once-beaten Gevorg Khatchikian, who had scored knockouts in five of his last six victories.

Bursak (33-4-1, 15 KOs), from Kiev, Ukraine, will be making his U.S. debut. A former European middleweight champion and one-time WBO interim middleweight world title challenger, Bursak, 32, enters this fight having scored three of his last four victories by way of knockout and is world-rated No. 10 by the WBO.

Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs), from Las Vegas, NV, enters his first title defense having won eight of his last 11 bouts by knockout. The former U.S. Amateur Champion has crafted a sterling professional ring record since making his professional debut on November 6, 2010. The younger brother of lightweight contender Diego Magdaleno, Jessie, 25, parlayed his No. 1 ranking into a mandatory challenge of defending WBO junior featherweight champion and five-division world titlist Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire on November 15, 2016, winning a very close and action-packed 12-round unanimous decision.

Dos Santos (18-2, 14 KOs), from São Paolo, Brasil, has won five of his last six fights by stoppage. He captured the WBO Latino featherweight title on September 17, 2016, knocking out Deivis Perez in the seventh round. Dos Santos, 25 who has also held the WBO Latino junior featherweight title, will be making his U.S. debut on this card.

Stevenson, 19, from Newark, NJ,, sailed though every stage of his Olympic competition in Rio De Janeiro last summer before losing a close split decision in the bantamweight championship fight to 2012 flyweight Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez of Cuba. Ramirez swept the judges’ scorecards in round one with Stevenson returning the favor in round two. In the third and final round, the closest of the three rounds, two of the three judges gave the round to Ramirez and the gold medal, by the slimmest of margins. It was the best finish for an American male boxer since Andre Ward captured the gold medal in the Athens Games of 2004. Ward is now part of Stevenson’s management team along with James Prince and attorney Josh Dubin. The only boxer to make Forbes “30 Under 30” in its Sports category, Stevenson was selected by a panel of judges comprised of James Harden, shooting guard for the Houston Rockets, Phil Knight, Chairman Emeritus of Nike and Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of the Wasserman Group. The oldest of nine children, Stevenson, who is named for the late rap star Tupac Shakur, was introduced to boxing by his grandfather, Willie “Wali” Moses, at age 5. Now based in northern Virginia, Stevenson is trained by Kay Koroma.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, or facebook.com/trboxeo,and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, or twitter.com/trboxeo, To join the conversation on Twitter, please use the hash tags #ValdezMarriaga, #ZurdoBursak and #MagdalenoDosSantos.




FLOYD MAYWEATHER HOSTS LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE ALONGSIDE FRANK WARREN TO ANNOUNCE GERVONTA DAVIS VS. LIAM WALSH BLOCKBUSTER


Baltimore’s Gervonta Davis will make the first defence of his IBF Super-Featherweight crown against undefeated Cromer hero Liam Walsh at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 20th May, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Davis, known as simply ‘The Tank’ for his brutal knockout power, spectacularly announced himself as boxing’s next superstar with an unforgettable seventh round stoppage win over former Champion Jose Pedraza in January and is relishing making the first defence of his crown on foreign soil.

“I always wanted to come to the UK and fight,” said Davis. “Many of my fans are based there, so I’m just excited that they will be able to come see me fight in their own backyard.

“Liam Walsh is a tough contender, and I’m hoping he brings it. I will be well prepared for whatever he does, and believe me when I say that I will put on a great show.

“That IBF belt is very happy at home with me and it will be staying with me for a long, long time. To all the people that have been messaging me positive things on my social media, thank you. Keep supporting me and I’ll fight for you.”

Slick southpaw Walsh outclassed Andrey Klimov back in October to confirm his mandatory status as the number one contender and has not put a foot wrong in his career to date, winning the British, Commonwealth and WBO European belts along his 21-0 journey.

“This is a serious fight,” said Walsh. “He is going to bring his best on May 20th and I’m going to bring mine. He is a very good fighter and I’m a very good fighter. May the best man win! I 100% believe that is going to be me.

“I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and I’m ready to seize my moment and win a World Title. Years of hard work in the gym has got me to where I am today and I’m not going to waste this golden opportunity. The Farmy Army will be out in full force to push me on to glory.”

Tickets for this unmissable showdown are available NOW from:

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

www.eventim.co.uk
0844 249 1000

www.seetickets.com




Former World Champions Andre Berto & Shawn Porter Meet in Welterweight World Title Eliminator On Saturday, April 22 On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, From Barclays Center in Brooklyn


BROOKLYN (March 7, 2017) – Former world champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter are set to collide in a welterweight world title eliminator on Saturday, April 22 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Berto (31-4, 24 KOs) and Porter (26-2-1, 16 KOs) will battle in a 12-round eliminator for the WBC welterweight title live on SHOWTIME with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The winner will become the mandatory for the WBC crown picked up this past weekend by Keith Thurman, who unified the WBA and WBC titles with a victory over Danny Garcia on CBS at Barclays Center.

“It feels great to be getting back in the ring,” said Berto. “I love being back in New York. My team has been putting in work in the gym. I’m already dialed-in and focused. I’ve had the WBC belt before and I’m itching to get it back. I beat the man who had taken it away from me in my last fight and I’m going to take down anyone who gets in my way. I know Shawn is going to work hard for this one, but so will I. I’m looking forward to this one, you don’t want to miss it.”

“The only thing on my mind right now is the WBC title,” said Porter. “I made it a goal of mine when I turned pro to get that green belt, and now I feel like it’s about to happen. I’m not looking past Andre Berto, I respect him as a man and a fighter. We’re friends. But just like when I fought Keith Thurman, it’s all about the business and getting that title. I can’t wait to be in that ring on April 22 at Barclays Center.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale Wednesday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“In a welterweight division that is filled with talent and marquis matchups, Berto vs. Porter is another elimination bout on the road to crowning the king of the division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Berto and Porter are two established, offensive minded professionals who understand the significance of this showdown. I expect fireworks on April 22 when one of them stakes claim to an even bigger opportunity.”

“On March 4, Barclays Center hosted its biggest night of boxing ever and we are looking forward to continuing the momentum on April 22 with Berto vs. Porter,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We are excited to welcome Porter back to Brooklyn after his epic performance against Thurman in PBC’s 2016 Fight of the Year. BROOKLYN BOXING continues to be defined by 50-50 fights, dramatic moments, and a regular schedule of major boxing events.”

“April 22 is sure to be an action-packed fight between two of the best fighters in the welterweight division,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “We’re in the midst of a de facto ‘welterweight tournament’ – a series of matchups between the best fighters in one of boxing’s deepest divisions. The winner of Berto vs. Porter will land right back in the mix with the top champions at welterweight as we move toward crowning an undisputed 147-pound champion.”

An exciting and accomplished fighter from Florida, Berto represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympics but now trains in Oakland with the renowned Virgil Hunter, who led him to a thrilling victory in April 2016 as Berto scored a fourth-round knockout of former champion Victor Ortiz in their rematch. Berto previously challenged retired legend Floyd Mayweather in September 2015 and has engaged in numerous Fight of the Year-worthy bouts including a 2012 war with Robert Guerrero and his first fight with Ortiz. He has twice held a welterweight title, first the WBC belt, which he successfully defended five times between 2008 and 2011, plus the IBF crown he picked up in 2011 with a victory over Jan Zaveck.

A physically-gifted fighter who had a strong amateur career, Porter returns to the ring at Barclays Center after a close loss to Keith Thurman in June 2016 that garnered unanimous Fight of the Year consideration. The 29-year-old had previously become a welterweight world champion at Barclays Center when he defeated Devon Alexander in 2013 in Brooklyn before defending the title with a dominant stoppage of Paulie Malignaggi. The Akron, Ohio-native now lives and trains in Las Vegas and he bounced back from a previous defeat to Kell Brook to knockout Erick Bone and earn a unanimous over four-division world champion Adrien Broner in 2015.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AndreBerto, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




March 10: Philly Fight Night: Let’s Talk Camp


Philadelphia, PA—Kicking off the Philly Fight Night series Friday, March 10, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia are 11 fights. Topping the show will be an old-fashioned, all-Philly rumble when lightweights Anthony Burgin and Avery Sparrow collide after an eight-week training camp for each ?. In the six-round semifinal, Philadelphia favorite Fred Jenkins Jr. meets Roque Zapata, of Culpeper, VA. The first fight will begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets will be available at the door.
The four fighters and their trainers had this to say about training camp:
?

Anthony Burgin:

“Camp was great; I feel strong and focused. I am in amazing shape for March 10. It was a benefit for me being in Puerto Rico, not only because of the weather but also for the new things I learned and did there to bring my talent to another level mentally and physically. I pushed my body to limits I didn’t even know my body could go to. Now I am just ready for March 10.

“The feeling of fighting a main event in Philly is unbelievable. I am greatly appreciative to have this big opportunity, especially in my own city where all my friends and family can watch. It’s only the beginning for what’s in store for Anthony ‘Bad Boy’ Burgin.

“Every fight for me is an important fight. There is no added pressure just because I am headlining the card,but never have I been so focused for a fight like this and it scares me as crazy as that sounds. I can’t wait to step in the ring. I have been sparring with Michael Perez and a few other guys from Puerto Rico, just working on the game plan.”

TRAINER Raul Rivas:

“Anthony looks amazing; like he’s fighting for a world title. His conditioning and mindset is very focused.

Avery Sparrow:

“Camp has been the best ever, I feel the best I have felt in my whole career. We worked hard and smart. I have grown from my last fights, inside the ring and out. I got stronger physically and mentally. I feel it’s going to be hard to beat a guy like me when I’m this focused. I’ve been beating guys just off my talent and now that I’m in peak shape you’re going to see the best Avery ‘A Plus’ Sparrow. The fans and boxing supporters are going see that I’m a world-class fighter and one of boxing’s next superstars. I’ve been under the radar from the beginning of my career.

“It feels great to be fighting in the main event and it’s been a long time coming. I have a lot of fans all around but there’s no place like home. We are ‘war ready’ and we’re gonna put on a great show for the hometown fans who have been supporting me from the start. I want to give them a knockout because that’s what they deserve. We are not looking for a knockout; we’re just looking to put on a great show and get the win so I can put our city on the map again since Danny Garcia just lost the title. Someone needs to stand up for Philadelphia. I feel I’m the perfect candidate I have the look, skills, power, talent and the work ethic to put the city on my back. All in all it just my time and my city gets to witness the first step in greatness for Avery “A Plus” Sparrow.

“Training at home has been positive. I get to train alongside Bernard Hopkins, Jesse Hart and other top guys from Philadelphia who work hard and push me. They give me good advice and knowledge of the game. We also have the best fighters in the world here so I get the best sparring. By training in Philly, my team and I can’t go wrong. I’m at the point in my life and career where I’ve been through so much there’s nothing negative about anything in my life. Just waking up in the morning is blessing to me. I could have trained anywhere and still been focused.

“I like Anthony; he’s a good guy, very humble and a good fighter. I just feel like he missed his window. He’s been stopped, he has two losses and he’s just not mean enough to beat a guy like me I’m ready to die in there and I don’t think he is.”

TRAINER Greg Hackett:

“Everyone knows what it is. They are coming to see Anthony Burgin get his head chopped off. This is not a fight; this is an execution. Avery Sparrow looks like a brand new Bugatti on the showroom floor. His ability to focus has been amazing. Anything I ask for, he gives it to me. He turned it up for this fight. Anthony Burgin is a prime duck, ready to be plucked!”

Fred Jenkins, Jr.:

?“Camp has been awesome. I can’t wait for this fight. It is everything. It’s not just a fight, it’s do or die. I look at all my fights the same. I go about it as if it’s a fight, it’s boxing. Boxing is fighting. All that extra shit people do, that’s not me, it’s just this is life and death, it’s a fight and I’m gonna get in there and fight the best fight I ever fought. Throughout my life I have been training around world champs and contenders.

?
?“I am not looking past this fight. I look past no one. I’m the son of a man who has been around for a long time and I know they know me. Every opponent is coming to fight and either knows or assumes they know who I am because of my dad. It means a lot to be fighting the semifinal, but you’re supposed to go into every fight the same. It’s not about thinking this fight is more important than that fight. The job is to go in there and win by any means necessary. The object is to win. My goal is to get in there and win every time.

“Zapata is just a fighter who comes to fight. He’s fighting Fred Jenkins Jr. this time and he’s in for a real fight. He has never fought anybody before. He’s fighting somebody now. If you want to know more, come see fight night what I am about. I saw him fight Isaiah Wise and it was a good fight. One thing I noticed was that he threw a lot of punches and Wise was still fighting. Wise was really hitting him but he (Zapata) was out-working Wise. I saw what Zapata can do but I’m a fighter and I’m just gonna get in there and fight until the end. I live for this; I get a kick out of it. I love it. I’m not the bragging and boasting type. I’m a quiet guy but when the heat is on I’m gonna fight.”

TRAINER Fred Jenkins, Sr.:

“Fred looks superb. Whatever Zapata brings to the table we are going to match it. After this fight we are looking to move into co-main event position.”

Roque Zapata:

“I feel honored to be back fighting in Philadelphia. Knowing that my performance is what brought me back and that is what I plan to do, give the fans a fight! Of course, I want to get the win but it’s up to me tp see if I can pull the trigger and perform at the absolute best.”

“Jenkins has a lot more boxing experience. It doesn’t bother me at all. All I know is that Jenkins is going to do what he always does best and I’m going to do what I do best. One of us will get the best of the other and on Friday night everyone will see who is better.”

“I am not worried about coming to his backyard or being the underdog. In my MMA days and in boxing I’ve been fighting in the other guy’s backyard a lot and I love it. I know I’ll get the best Fred Jenkins, Jr., that night and it’ll be fun. Being the underdog isn’t something I worry about. I’ve been the underdog in all of my fights. To me it means people are doubting my abilities and that’s fine. I’m used to it.”

TRAINER Eric Zamora:

“He is very focused and hungry for this fight. He’s put in the necessary work to have his hand raised on March 10. We have enhanced his strengths and worked on his weaknesses. Expect to see a Roque like never before.”

?ABOUT MARCH 10

The Burgin-Sparrow and Jenkins-Zapata fights top an 11-bout card at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $40, $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and at www.peltzboxing.com or www.2300Arena.com. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., BAM Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions. It will be streamed live by www.glf.com and televised on delay by Comcast Sports Net.




THURMAN VS. GARCIA FIGHT SETS RECORD AS HIGHEST GROSSING NON-NETS SPORTING EVENT AT BARCLAYS CENTER


BROOKLYN (MARCH 6, 2017) – Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown between Keith “One Time” Thurman and Danny “Swift” Garcia ranked as the highest-grossing non-Nets sporting event in Barclays Center history. The event also set a record for boxing attendance at Barclays Center with 16,533.

The Saturday, March 4 matchup of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS saw Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) become the unified welterweight world champion with a split-decision victory over Garcia (33-1, 19 KOs), defending his WBA belt and picking up Garcia’s WBC crown on boxing’s biggest stage in primetime on CBS. The judges scored it 116-112 Thurman, 115-113 Thurman and 115-113 Garcia. This was only the third time in history that undefeated fighters unified the 147-pound division.

This live broadcast of the PBC Showtime Championship Boxing on CBS, placed CBS as the No. 1 network in prime time on Saturday night, according to Nielsen overnight ratings.

On Saturday, it was also announced the WBC Welterweight Eliminator between former 147-pound champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter will take place Saturday, April 22 at Barclays Center. The winner of this Berto-Porter matchup becomes the mandatory challenger of Thurman.

ABOUT BROOKLYN SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) develops and operates state-of-the-art venues and manages premier sports franchises, delivering dynamic content and experiences for audiences. BSE oversees programming, marketing, sales, and operations for Barclays Center and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Presented By New York Community Bank, and manages and controls the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and its Development League team, the Long Island Nets, as well as the business operations of the NHL’s New York Islanders.

Barclays Center, which opened on September 28, 2012, offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 15,795 for hockey, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.

The New Coliseum Presented By NYCB, scheduled to reopen April 5, 2017 after extensive renovation, will offer 13,000 seats for hockey, 13,500 for basketball, and 14,500 for standard concert configurations, with the ability to flex up. The bowl will have a theater seating option for 4,000 guests. With a focus on emerging businesses, BSE identifies and creates alliances, strategic partners and other business opportunities to ensure the success of its assets.

ABOUT the PBC:
The Premier Boxing Champions is a live boxing television series created for television by Haymon Sports, LLC. The PBC series broadcasts the greatest array of boxing talent in all weight divisions, showcasing fighters from many different countries including the United States and Mexico. The PBC series can be seen on various networks in the U.S. and around the world.

For additional information, please visit Brooklynse.com.




Lightweight Manuel Mendez Headlines “Night of Champions” Saturday, March 11


ORANGE, Calif. (March 6, 2017) – Lightweight Manuel Mendez, fresh off his first round, one-punch knockout victory over Vitor Freitas on SHOWTIME in November, returns to the ring as the main attraction of “Night of Champions,” Thompson Boxing Promotions’ annual, private event.

The 4-bout card originates from the Doubletree Hotel in Orange, Calif. this Saturday, March 11.

Mendez (13-1-2, 1 KOs), trained by Joel Diaz, will test his power-punching skills against Costa Rica’s Bergman Aguilar (14-2-1, 4 KOs) in the “Night of Champions” 8-round main event.

Mendez, who lives in Indio, Calif. by way of eastern Oregon, has established himself as one the more exciting lightweight prospects in the sport. He’s knocked out nine out of his last 11 opponents and expects to do more damage on Saturday night.

“In training camp, we worked on a lot of new offensive strategies,” said Mendez, 26. “Fans are going to see an even more aggressive Manuel Mendez on March 11.”

Southern California fan favorite Juan Reyes (13-3-3, 2 KOs), who recently moved up in weight to junior lightweight, faces the experienced Miguel Angel Mendoza (23-10-2) of Mexico in the 8-round co-feature.

Reyes, of boxing hot bed Riverside, Calif., rebounded nicely in October by overwhelming Cesar Villarraga in a unanimous decision win. Prior to that Reyes had suffered two, tough losses by decision.

“I have to start another winning streak,” said the 27-year-old Reyes. “I had an excellent training camp with quality sparring and I’m ready to get this win.”

Junior lightweight prospect Michael Dutchover (3-0, 3 KOs) of Midland, Tex. will fight an opponent to be named later (4-rounds). Dutchover, an elite prospect with devastating punching power, is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.

In the show opener, a pair of junior lightweights will make their pro debut: Jose Salinas of Indio, Calif. and Kenneth Davis, Jr. of Reno, Nev. (4-rounds).

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on Google+ and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.




UNDEFEATED BANTAMWEIGHTS NIEVES AND POTAPOV READY FOR MOST IMPORTANT FIGHT OF THEIR CAREERS AT “DETROIT CITY GOLD” THIS FRIDAY AT MGM GRAND DETROIT LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

DETROIT, MI (March 6) – With a potential world title shot on the near horizon for the winner, undefeated bantamweight contenders Antonio Nieves and Nikolay Potapov both agree their NABO Bantamweight Championship showdown this Friday is the most important of both their careers.

Defending champion Nieves (17-0-2, 9 KOs) of Cleveland and Russia’s Potapov (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will meet in the co-main event this Friday, March 10, of Salita Promotions’ history-making quadrupleheader of fights entitled “Detroit City Gold” at MGM Grand Detroit on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).

In the night’s main event, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields (1-0) of Flint, Mich., will face Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs) in a six-round battle for the Women’s NABF Middleweight Championship. Their fight will be the first women’s boxing main event to be featured on premium television in history.

In the eight-round televised bantamweight opener, Detroit-based bantamweight prospect James Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Joshua Greer, Jr. (11-1-1, 4 KOs). In the other eight-round televised bout of the exciting quadrupleheader, welterweight Wesley Tucker (13-0, 8 KOs) Toledo, Ohio, faces Detroit’s Ed Williams (12-1-1, 4 KOs).

Tickets for “Detroit City Gold” are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50, and are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 800.745.3000.

Here’s what they both had to say:

Antonio Nieves
“Everything went well in training. Potapov is a solid fighter but I believe giving him some movement and coming in from the side is really going to help me get the victory in this fight. I’m 100 percent ready. I’ve been focused on one guy the entire camp and I’m ready to get in there and get the win.

“We tried to get sparring partners that imitate him as much as possible, so when I get in there with him, there’s no surprises, but basically, I’m just going to stick to what I know.

“A victory means a lot. We’re two undefeated fighters on the verge of a world title shot. A victory over this guy would put me to the stage of being in line to fight for a world title, so this win means a lot.”

Nikolay Potapov
“I had a great training camp in Detroit at Kronk gym with Javan SugarHill Steward. It’s been a great learning experience for me. The training, intensity, sparring, living conditions have been superb.

“This is the most important fight of my career. Antonio Nieves is a very skilled, high-level fighter. I am focused on making a statement on March 10, and showing that I am one of the best bantamweights in the world.”

# # #

ABOUT SHIELDS vs. SZABADOS
Claressa Shields vs. Szilvia Szabados is the professional television debut of two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields against former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados. The six-round women’s bout headlines a ShoBox: The New Generation telecast from MGM Grand Detroit in Detroit, Mich., and airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

ABOUT MGM GRAND DETROIT
The only Forbes Four-Star hotel in Detroit with the only Forbes Four-Star spa in Michigan, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning MGM Grand Detroit is the city’s first and only downtown hotel, gaming and entertainment destination built from the ground up. The hotel features 400 chic and stylish guest rooms, including nine rooftop VIP suites and 56 opulent corner suites. Guests enjoy signature restaurants; two by world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck as well as the hotel’s own sports pub, TAP at MGM Grand Detroit; casual dining options; lounges; high-energy nightlife; and the only resort-style spa in Southeast Michigan. More than 30,000 square feet of meeting space hosts everything from large corporate events to intimate black-tie affairs. MGM Grand Detroit is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit mgmgranddetroit.com or call toll free at (877) 888-2121

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.




WBC title up for grabs in DeLomba-Williams showdown

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 6th, 2017) — The best and brightest welterweights in the northeast battle for the opportunity of a lifetime next month at Twin River Casino.

With bragging rights already up for grabs, Nick DeLomba (11-1, 2 KOs) of Cranston, R.I., and Jimmy Williams (12-0-1, 5 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., now fight for the vacant World Boxing Council United States National Boxing Council (WBC USNBC) Welterweight Title in the 10-round main event of CES Boxing’s upcoming Friday, April 7th, 2017 show, a recent twist added by CES president Jimmy Burchfield Sr., whose 11-fight card next month continues the promotion’s year-long 25th anniversary celebration.

“This fight didn’t need any additional buzz, but it’s only fitting that after 25 years of building champions throughout the world we crown another worthy contender April 7th at the premier venue for boxing in New England,” Burchfield Sr. said.

“We’ve watched Nick DeLomba and Jimmy Williams grow tremendously through the years. They debuted with us four years ago and have been a part of our family every since. We’ve been there through the ups and downs. Now it’s time they put their records and reputations on the line in the biggest fight of their careers with the prestigious green belt up for grabs.

“There are ‘promoters’ everywhere and shows on every corner of the globe, but only few can present promising young fighters with an opportunity to take their careers to the next level. Our relationship with the WBC spans decades, and it’s an honor to bring one of boxing’s most renowned championships back to New England.

“No one is more deserving of this opportunity than Nick DeLomba and Jimmy Williams.”

Tickets for April 7th are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

CES Boxing and the World Boxing Council (WBC) have worked hand-in-hand throughout the years to provide up-and-coming fighters with championship opportunities. Twelve years ago, CES hosted the first USNBC title bout in any weight class when Providence’s Joey Spina captured the inaugural super middleweight crown with a win over Carl Daniels at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Two months later, fellow Providence native Matt Godfrey defeated Willie Herring to win the first USNBC Cruiserweight Title.

Since 2005, nine current or former USNBC title-holders have gone on to win world titles: Paul Williams, Mario Rodriguez, Mauricio Herrera, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Bermane Stivern, Lamont Peterson, Adrien Broner, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. and reigning WBC World Light Flyweight Champion Ganigan Lopez. Twenty-eight others have gone on to fight for a major world championship; current USNBC Junior Welterweight Champion Charles Hatley becomes the 29th Saturday when he faces WBC World Champion Jermell Charlo.

Additionally, each of the five current USNBC title-holders are ranked among the top 40 in the world in their respective weight class: cruiserweight champ Robert Hall (38th), light heavyweight Sullivan Barrera (8th), middleweight Andrew Hernandez (28th), super lightweight Ivan Baranchyk (29th) and bantamweight Alexis Santiago (21st).

The USNBC title is a proven path to championship glory for up-and-coming fighters and will provide either DeLomba or Williams with a chance to achieve worldwide notoriety in the welterweight division.

The 27-year-old DeLomba has won his last three bouts since suffering his first and only loss in 2015, defeating Freddy Sanchez, Oscar Bonilla and southpaw Amos Cowart. Williams, 30, originally from Plainfield, N.J., has only one blemish on his record, a draw against Greg Jackson in 2013. He’s won his last eight, including dazzling knockouts against Christian Lao and Eddie Caminero and a hard-fought unanimous decision win over veteran Manny Woods at Twin River in May.

April 7th will also be an emotional night for the Lopes family of Marshfield, Mass., as former welterweight world-title challenger Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (16-4-2, 1 KO) and stepson Arturo Lopes (1-0) fight together on the same card for the first time in eight years in memory of the late Manny Lopes, a former CES standout who passed away in December and will subsequently be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor.

Magdziak Lopes faces Mexican challenger Paty Ramirez (11-3, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout while Arturo Lopes battles Taunton, Mass., junior welterweight Marqus Bates (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

The April 7th co-feature is a battle of unbeatens as New Bedford, Mass., junior middleweight Ray Oliveira Jr. (7-0, 1 KO) faces his toughest test to date in a six-round bout against Portland, Maine native Casey Kramlich (6-0-1, 3 KOs) in Kramlich’s Twin River debut. Springfield, Mass., vet Zack Ramsey (7-1, 3 KOs) also returns to battle unbeaten Augusta, Ga., native Divante Jones (9-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout for the New England Lightweight Title in another potential Fight of the Night candidate.

Worcester, Mass., lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (3-0, 2 KOs), fresh off a hard-fought win over unbeaten Canton Miller in February, faces another undefeated challenger in a four-round bout against Glenn Mitchell (2-0, 2 KOs) of Steubenville, Ohio, and Lynn, Mass., welterweight Khiry Todd (2-0, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Vincent Floyd (1-2-1) in a four-round bout. Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., returns to Twin River to face Springfield’s Miguel Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round showdown between two rising New England prospects and amateur standouts Ricky Delossantos of Providence, R.I., and Philip Davis of Worcester make their professional debuts against one another in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Two additional unbeaten prospects return April 7th; New London, Conn., junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) and Worcester middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (5-0-2, 4 KOs) return in separate four-round bouts. Marrero pitched a four-round shutout against veteran Isaiah Robinson in his last bout in December while Ball Jr. made quick work of Patrick Leal 29 seconds into the opening round of their scheduled four-round middleweight bout in February.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.




TAYLOR CONFIRMED FOR CROLLA LINARES BILL

Katie Taylor’s fourth professional fight will take place on the undercard of Anthony Crolla’s World Lightweight title unification rematch with Jorge Linares at the Manchester Arena on Saturday March 25, live on Sky Sports.

Taylor made it three fights unbeaten in the paid ranks on Saturday night at The O2 with her second stoppage win after clinically dispatching Italian fifth round Monica Gentili on the undercard of Tony Bellew’s rollercoaster win over David Haye.

The Irish amateur sensation has already boxed in Manchester having gone the distance with Vivienne Obenauf there in December, and Taylor is ready to put on another scintillating display as the 30 year old gets into her groove as a pro.

“The Linares Crolla fight rematch is a brilliant fight and another massive event. It was a great atmosphere at The O2, but every fight is a big one. You can’t afford to slip up in the pro game so every fight is like an Olympic final.

“Saturday was the first time as a pro that I had a proper camp, I got great sparring in America with seasoned pros every day so I am learning all the time and I feel more than ever that the pro game is made for me. The body work was good and overall it was a very effective performance and getting a stoppage over a durable girl like that was the icing on the cake.

“It was great to get another stoppage win, it’s all gone well so far and the opponents are going to step up now as we kick on this year for a World title.”

Taylor’s fourth pro fight is part of a huge night of action in Manchester, topped by Linares and Crolla going toe-to-toe for the second time.

There’s a crossroads battle of Blackpool as Middleweights Brian Rose and Jack Arnfield lock horns and Martin J. Ward defends his British Super-Featherweight title against Maxi Hughes in their third clash in the paid ranks.

Marcus Morrison defends his WBC International Middleweight strap against Jason Welborn, while his Joe Gallagher gym-mate Hosea Burton looks to bounce back into title contention from his epic battle with Frank Buglioni, while there’s also action for Tomi Tatham, Ben Sheedy, Nathan Wheatley and Sean McGoldrick.

Tickets are on sale priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from www.manchesterarena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for March 25 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.




POWER-PUNCHING ACTION HERO SKENDER HALILI TO HEADLINE AT SKYLANDS ECC IN RANDOLPH, NEW JERSEY, ON THURSDAY, MARCH 23

On Thursday, March 23, 2017, Greg Cohen Promotions will proudly present SUPER BRAWL® III, a night of world-class professional boxing at the Skylands Event & Conference Center (ECC) in Randolph, New Jersey.

Presented in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, Rising Promotions and GH3 Promotions, SUPER BRAWL® III will feature power-punching super-welterweight action hero Skender Halili (13-1, 13 KOs) of The Bronx, New York, taking on the Dominican Republic’s tough veteran Jonathan Batista (16-10, 9 KOs) in the eight-round main event.

Tickets for SUPER BRAWL® III are priced at Golden Ringside $150, Ringside $100 and General Admission $50 and can be purchased by calling the GCP office: 212.851.6425 or online at gcpboxing.com .

“Training is going great,” said Halili. “I’m feeling sharp. I’ve haven’t taken any breaks since my last fight. After every fight, I take two days off and I’m back in the gym.”

Halili, who recently won THE RING Magazine’s “Round of the Year 2016” for the second round of his super welterweight war against Jason Thompson last May 27, says he’s ready for his first career main event, against Batista.

“It feels good to be fighting in the main event. I’m prepared to go in and take care of business. I’ve got a full house coming, including my Albanian fans. There should be a couple hundred of them there. They yell and scream and go crazy at my fights. I love it.”

With every fight, 26-year-old Halili is building a reputation as one of boxing’s most exciting new fighters, a reputation he says he doesn’t chase deliberately. “It’s just natural,” he explained. “You can’t try to be an exciting fighter. That’s not it. I’m a power puncher and if I feel like I’m losing, I go off and do something crazy and things seem to fall into place; like they were meant to happen.”

Halili says he’s aware that Batista has a reputation of his own.

“I know he’s a very dirty fighter. Every fight I watch of him, he’s low blowing somebody four or five times a fight. But boxing is a rough sport and I can learn a lot from him before I get him out of there. I’m prepared to go the distance, but I think I can knock him out. I just have to stay focused and not let him get in my head. If he hits me low I can’t lose my focus. That’s what he wants.”

After about 30 amateur fights with mixed success, Halili says he decided to listen to the people telling him his style was more for the pros… a decision he’s now glad he made.

“Soon as I turned pro, I started doing better. People were telling me I’d make a great pro because I set up my opponents. At first, I turned pro just to give it a try But then when I started doing good, my confidence skyrocketed and I began to believe I can really do this.”

Also featured at SUPER BRAWL® III will be Halili’s promising brother, super welterweight Enver Halili (8-0, 2 KOs), in a six-round appearance, as well as the long-awaited professional debut of Hasim Rahman Jr., son of former undisputed and two-time Heavyweight World Champion Hasim Rahman Sr., in a four-round heavyweight bout.

On the exciting undercard will be Baltimore welterweight Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) and Baltimore super featherweight Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs) in separate bouts. All un-named opponents are TBA.

SUPER BRAWL® III will be broadcast, tape-delayed, on Sportsnet New York (SNY). On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Skylands ECC is located at 792 Route 10 West in Randolph, NJ. Phone: 973.328.8600.

More information: www.gcpboxing.com, www.risingboxingpromotions.com, www.skylandsecc.com.
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes Undefeated WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion and top 10 world-rated contender Jarrell Miller, Undefeated WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and top 5 world-rated contender Robert Brant, WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and top 5 world-rated contender Mason Menard, former WBA Interim World Lightweight Champion and top 10 world-rated contender Ismael Barroso, top 10 world-rated contender Rico Mueller, undefeated WBA International Bantamweight Champion and world-rated contender Mzuvukile Magwaca, WBO Oriental Super Welterweight Champion and world-rated contender Dennis Hogan, IBO World Featherweight Champion Lusanda Komanisi, former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion Kendall Holt, as well as current top 10 world-rated contenders cruiserweight Olanrewaju Durodola, Filipino Jr. Lightweight star Harmonito Dela Torre, Filipino Super Lightweight Czar Amonsot, and top 15 world-rated contenders featherweight world title challenger Eric Hunter and Guyanese bantamweight Elton Dharry.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.




TURBO TERRY ASSESSES THE RIVAL LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS

WBO lightweight boss Terry Flanagan – proud owner of the longest unblemished record in British boxing – is confident that 2017 shall be the year he finally gets to prove beyond any contention, that he is the finest 135lb fighting man on this planet.

Here, speaking to Glynn Evans, the Manchester ‘Turbo’, now a perfect 32-0, casts his critical eye over the charlatans recognised by rival governing bodies, who he intends to crush to confirm his world domination.

Robert Easter Jr (IBF)

This Adrien Broner protégé from Ohio collected the vacant title in a Fight of the Year contender against much avoided Ghanaian bomber Richard Commey last September. In his opening defence last weekend, he showed he could shift a ticket in his native Toledo whilst comprehensively outscoring Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz.

Fresh at 26, and with the confidence of an unbeaten 19 fight slate, the 5ft 11in ‘E-Bunny’ is one of the few men at 9st 9lbs that Flanagan would be forced to spot height and reach to. With a 74% kayo ratio, Easter might also hold a marginal edge in raw power. However, at this stage, he’d be a long shot to upset someone as experienced, industrious and skilled as the awkward Manc southpaw.

The ‘Turbo’ says: ‘I’ve only seen the clips of his fight with Cruz but he’s meant to have looked very good. I saw all of his title win against Richard Commey last year. That was a very close fight that could’ve gone either way but Commey is a very dangerous guy, a ridiculous puncher. The result could’ve gone either way but Easter stood up well to big pressure and he showed a lot of b******s and heart. That fight was pretty hectic so Easter proved his stamina and he must have a great chin cos the African can really whack with his right hand. Everyone else was avoiding him (Commey).

Easter’s tall and rangy. His record clearly shows he can punch a bit. He dropped Cruz in each of the last three rounds so clearly he carries his power late and, despite his size, he probably isn’t struggling at the weight if he finished that strongly.

That said, I believe he’s the weakest of us four current champions -he’s certainly the least experienced – and I’d jump at a chance to fight him. I’ve been calling for unification fights for years and of course I’d travel to the States to secure them.

I’d be very confident against ‘Bunny’ because my style really doesn’t suit these Americans who like to just stand back, pose and admire their work. They line up these tailor-made limited Latin Americans who just steam forward and make them look good for TV. My speed, footwork and fast pace would prove a real struggle for Easter. I’d really put it on him from the opening bell and eventually I’d get him.’

Jorge Linares (WBA)

A modern great, the Tokyo-based Venezuelan is a four time, three-weight world champion who has won eight of the ten global title fights he has contested since 2007.

In addition to the land of his birth, ‘El Nino de Oro’ (Golden Boy) has triumphed in Japan, Panama, Argentina, South Korea, the US, Mexico and England (scalping both Kevin Mitchell and Anthony Crolla) whilst compiling a formidable 41-3 slate. Twenty-seven casualties succumbed early to his scorching fists.

However, the 5ft 8in Latino is now well into his 32nd year and all his defeats were by emphatic stoppage. On 25th March, he returns to the UK to defend his crown in a rematch with Crolla. Expect Flanagan to be making notes from ringside.

The ‘Turbo’ says: ‘I have to say I was impressed with Linares in his first fight with Crolla and I think he’ll probably win the rematch the same way. Crolla had the right tactics but it just wasn’t his night.

Before that fight Linares looked pretty thin and fragile and, early doors, it looked as if Anthony was going to run away with it. But then he hurt Crolla in the middle rounds and really kicked on. In the close rounds, Linares was able to really turn it on for 20-30 seconds to nick the session. He’s a good tidy boxer who had a bit more class when he let his hands go with speed, sticking ten shot combos together. He’s proved a great champion at several weights now and he’s delivered away from home, all over the world. You have to give him maximum respect.

But he’s 31 now and surely coming to the end of a very hard career. All his defeats were by stoppage so I’ll be looking to hurt him from the off. I’m very confident that, again, if I put it right on him, I’ll eventually get to him and, when he gets caught, he’ll ‘go’. I expect to take him out.’

‘Mikey’ Garcia (WBC)

Even the ‘Turbo’ has to genuflect to mighty ‘Mikey’ when it comes to statistics. Formerly an outstanding amateur from a famous fight family, Miguel joined the pros in July 2006 and has been victorious in all 36 gigs since.

Blessed with genuine one shot ‘take out’ power in either mitt (30 victims extinguished early), the 5ft 6in Californian is on the cusp of pound-for-pound contention after bagging world titles at featherweight, super-feather (both WBO) and lightweight (WBC) and trouncing all seven world champions he has confronted.

Dormant from January 2014 until July 2016, 29 year old ‘Mikey’ was astonishingly sharp and vicious when bombing out previously undefeated Dejan Zlaticanin inside three rounds to claim his 135lb belt in late January.

Having fought outside the US five times previously, it’s not inconceivable that Garcia could be enticed to the UK – according Flanagan crucial home advantage – provided his remuneration has the appropriate number of digits!

The ‘Turbo’ says: ‘He’s the best of the other champions, the strongest and most rounded lightweight, other than myself. He looked really good knocking out Dejan (Zlaticanin) but the Montenegrin was made for him. I’d have done something similar.

He was a very dominant super-feather champion and, despite his 30 month break, he’s come back better than ever. He’s certainly brought his power up -that was a brutal knockout – and I believe he could take it up to light-welter too, if he chooses.

He’s got a great jab which tends to go unnoticed because of his power punching and he’s also got a good boxing brain. His corner (Dad Eduardo and brother Roberto) is also very strong.

‘Mikey’ takes them all out but I want to test myself against the best. Let’s see how good he is when you’re throwing back at him. I’m a good three inches taller and naturally bigger so the general plan would be to keep cool, calm and collected and use my southpaw skills and greater size to outbox him. But you can’t be too technical. There’ll be times when you’ll have to stand toe-to-toe and fight him. I’m confident I can cope with that. We’re both undefeated in well over 30 so it’s sure to be a hell of a battle.’

Terry Flanagan vs. Petr Petrov tops an unmissable evening of action at the Manchester Arena on April 8.

Tickets priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.




ONE LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION EDUARD FOLAYANG TO DEFEND TITLE AGAINST EV TING

06 March 2017 – Manila, Philippines: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its return to Manila on 21 April to hold its tenth event on Philippine shores. The 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena will play host to ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, which promises another evening of world-class mixed martial arts action that fans around the globe should not miss. Headlining the card will be ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the Philippines, who will defend his belt for the first time against Malaysia’s Ev “E.T.” Ting.

Ticket information for ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY is available at www.onefc.com

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “It is always an amazing time when ONE Championship is in Manila, because Filipino fans are so intensely passionate about the sport of mixed martial arts that the atmosphere in the SM Mall of Asia Arena just hits a fever pitch. We can’t wait to be back in April as our team has prepared an incredible main event for the organization’s return to Manila. The Philippines’ beloved hero Eduard Folayang will defend his ONE Lightweight World Championship against Malaysian superstar Ev Ting.”

Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the legendary Team Lakay in Baguio City is one of the Philippines’ most experienced mixed martial artists. After nearly a decade of competing in various promotions, Folayang has amassed an impressive 17-5 mixed martial arts record. The 33-year-old veteran has authored a career resurgence in 2016, winning three consecutive matches against high-profile opponents and showcasing a highly-improved wrestling and grappling offensive arsenal. In his last bout, Folayang shocked the world by capturing the ONE Lightweight World Championship belt with a sensational victory over Japanese legend Shinya Aoki. He will be making his first title defense against Ev Ting.

Eduard Folayang, ONE Lightweight World Champion, stated: “Winning the title against a legend like Shinya Aoki will forever hold a special place of distinction in my career, but it is only the first step in establishing my legacy. Before champions are recognized as greats and legends of the sport, every single one of them faced contenders that challenged their prowess as champions. In April, I will have the opportunity to show the world why I hold my coveted title.”

Folayang added: “I know how exceptional Ev Ting’s talent is. I am in a tough preparation for this bout. This will be my first fight in the Philippines since December 2014. I don’t want to let my countrymen down. I will make sure that the belt stays in the Philippines.”

Ev “E.T.” Ting is a mixed martial artist of Malaysian heritage. He lives and trains out of Auckland, New Zealand, and owns a stellar 13-3 win-loss record so far in his professional career. A winner of his last four bouts over top-caliber foes, Ting is one of the most talented mixed martial artists to come out of Malaysia. Eight of his 13 victories have come by exciting finish, including four submissions and four knockouts. Ting secured a date with Folayang when he notched a split decision win over former title challenger Kamal Shalorus last February.

Ev Ting, the challenger, stated: “I have worked tirelessly to be where I am now. It has finally paid off because I will get an opportunity to vie for a world title. It’s every mixed martial artist’s dream to become a champion. This is my chance to fulfill that dream. Eduard Folayang is a great champion and is admired by many Filipinos, but he has what I want. I’m coming to Manila to get it from him and bring the belt home to Malaysia.”

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, OSN and more.




STAR BOXING “SLUGFEST at the SUN” AT MOHEGAN

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing® returns to The Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday, May 11th with another action packed lineup of professional boxing.

Headlining the card will be perennial contender and local favorite Delvin Rodriguez (28-8-4, 16KO’s) Danbury, CT taking on spoiler Courtney Pennington (10-4-1 5KO’s) Brooklyn, NY in a 10 round Jr. Middleweight match up. Pennington earned the right to fight Rodriguez by securing two huge back to back upset victories over highly regarded favorites.

Rodriguez is no stranger to Mohegan Sun having fought there as recently as last July (23rd) when he battled Shawn Cameron over the 10 round distance and came away with the unanimous decision in a thrilling fight. Delvin has fought many elite fighters in his career including Miguel Cotto, Erislandy Lara, and Austin Trout and is hoping for one more shot at glory. This will be Delvin’s 8th appearance at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Courtney Pennington is coming off 2 impressive upset victories, both on the road, knocking out Boyd Melson (15-2, 1KO’s) and winning a clear-cut decision victory over Khiary Gray Pitts (14-2, 11KO’s) in his last fight on Feb. 4th of this year. Pennington is an all action fighter and he knows a win over Delvin Rodriguez will have a huge impact on his career.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had this to say about the main event “Once again Delvin steps into the ring at the Mohegan Sun against a very dangerous opponent who is coming off 2 huge upset wins and looks to make Delvin the 3rd. This will be a terrific fight as was Delvin’s last fight here against Shawn Cameron. I look forward to this fight and seeng who comes out on top come May 11th”.

Tickets are $145.00, $95.00 & $45.00 and $30.00 and are on sale now at the Mohegan Sun Box Office and through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com or call Ticketmaster’s national toll free Charge By Phone number 1.800.745.3000.




Alexander Shlemenko defeats Paul Bradley, Kunchenko retains M-1 Challenge title

MOSCOW (March 4, 2017) — Russian middleweight Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko defeated American Paul “The Gentleman” Bradley and undefeated M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko retained his title last night in the loaded M-1 Challenge 75 card at Olympic Sports Complex in Moscow, Russia

A three-time Bellator champion, Shlemenko (55-9-0. 1 NC, M-1: 5-0-0) spoiled the M-1 Global debut of former Ring of Combat champion Bradley (23-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0), fighting out of San Diego, by way of a three-round unanimous decision in the main event of the evening. Shlemenko, who last year captured the M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Championship, remained undefeated in M-1 Global competition.

Kunchenko (16-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), of Russia, kept his professional MMA record intact with his 16th victory, half of which in M-1 Global competition, with a five-round unanimous decision over fellow countryman Maksim Grabovich (5-3-0, M-1: 4-1-0) in the co-feature.

(R) — Alexey Kunchenko cruised to his 16th pro win with a defeat

Popular Russian welterweight Sergey “Streetfighter” Romanov (11-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0) made a strong statement as a legitimate title contender with his three-round unanimous decision over Russian MMA veteran Mogamed “The White Wolf” Sultanakhmedov (18-6-0, M-1: 10-2-0), the former M-1 Selection middleweight champion.

Former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (13-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0) positioned himself for another title shot, stopping American Keon “The Black Assassin” Caldwell (11-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0) on punches in the second round.

In the final main card fight, Brazilian light heavyweight Carlos “Cachorrao” Eduardo (15-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0) made an impressive M-1 Global debut, taking a three-round decision from his Ukrainian opponent, Boris “Bora” Polezhay (15-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0).

In preliminary card action, Russian middleweight Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasinikov (11-1-2, M-1: 2-1-2) lived up to his nickname with an opening-round knockout of Brazilian Amilcar Alves (15-11-0, M-1: 0-1-0), undefeated Russian welterweight Abubakar Mestoev (4-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0) took a three-round unanimous decision from German Niko Samsonidse (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), pro-debuting Russian lightweight Roman Bogatov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) used an arm-triangle choke to submit Ukrainian Aleksey Sotnikov (4-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), South Korean Bok Kil Young (8-2-1, M-1: 0-0-1) and Russian Viktor Kolesnik (9-2-1, M-1: 0-0-1) fought to a three-round draw, Russian welterweight Danila Prikaza (6-1-0, M-1: 4-1-0) locked in a rear-naked choke hold to defeat German Arda “Boma Ye” Adas (8-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) by first-round submission, and Georgian lightweight Raul Tutarauli (8-4-0, M-1: 4-1-0) punched out Mohamed Grabinski (14-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Germany, in the second round.

Complete results & photo gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Alexander Shlemenko (55-9-0, 1 NC, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Paul Bradley (23-8-0, 2 NC, M-1: 0-1-0), USA

M-1 CHALLENGE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Alexey Kunchenko (16-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), Russia
WDEC5
Maksim Grabovich (5-3-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia
(Kunchenko retained M-1 Challenge welterweight title)

WELTERWEIGHTS
Seregey Romanov (11-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Magomed Sultanakhmedov (18-6-0, M-1: 10-2-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Maxim Divnich (12-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0), Russia
WTKO/KO2 (punches – 2:03)
Keon Caldwell (11-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), USA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Carlos Eduardo (15-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

WDEC3
Boris Polezhay (15-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Ukraine

PRELIMINARY CARD

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Valery Myasinikov(11-1-2, M-1: 2-2-2), Russia.
WTKO/KO1 (punches – 2:59)
Amilcar Alves (15-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

WELTERWEIGHTS
Abubakar Mestoev (4-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Niko Samsonidse (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Germany

Danila Prikaza (6-1-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia
WSUB1 (rear-naked choke – 1:54)
Arda Adas (8-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Germany

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Roman Bogatov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (arm-triangle choke – 1:56)
Aleksey Sotnikov (4-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Ukraine

Bok Kil Young (8-2-1, M-1: 0-0-1), South Korea
D3
Viktor Kolesnik (9-2-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Russia

Raul Tutarauli (8-4-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Georgia
WTKO/KO2 (punches – 3:50)
Mohamed Grabinski (14-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Germany

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2016 was been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!




Lion Fight Champion Jo Nattawut Finishes Challenger With Devastating Knees on AXS TV FIGHTS: LION FIGHT 35

Lion Fight Super Lightweight Champion Jo Nattawut (62-6-2) finished his opponent Kengsiam Nor Sripueng (62-12-5) with two devastating knees to Sripueng’s legs tonight on AXS TV FIGHTS: LION FIGHT 35.

Watch how the explosive main event ended in this highlight clip, which is available to embed via YouTube here: http://bit.ly/LionFight35_Highlights

Tonight’s broadcast also featured a bloody battle between American Jeri Sitzes (33-14) and Estonian Andra Aho (7-1). While Sitzes dominated the majority of the bout, the referee called a stop to the fight due to the blood from a cut caused by this elbow strike from Aho.

In other news, Lion Fight CEO Scott Kent announced during tonight’s broadcast that Lightweight Champion Sergio Wielzen will make his second title defense against Muay Thai Legend Lerdsila Chumpairtour at Lion Fight 36 April 28.

Here are the official results for Lion Fight 35:

Main Event – Super Welterweight Title Fight – Jo Nattawut (62-6-2) defeated Kengsiam Nor Sripueng (62-12-6) via TKO (knees) at 2:40 in round three.

Middleweight Fight – Naruepol Fairtex (180-46-5) defeated Amadeu Cristiano (51-16) via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).

Middleweight Fight – Chip Moraza-Pollard (3-0) defeated Scott Noble (1-1) via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-43, 50-44).

Super Bantamweight Fight – Andra Aho (7-1) defeated Jeri Sitzes (33-14) via TKO (referee stoppage) at 2:35 in round three.

Lightweight Fight – Jafar Toshev (1-0) defeated Yeison Berdugo (2-3) via knockout (spinning back fist) at 1:26 in round three.




Uprising Promotions Adds Salim Larbi to Stable

Brooklyn, N.Y. (March 2, 2017) – Uprising Promotions has signed super welterweight Salim Larbi (20-7-2, 7 KOs) to a promotional contract, with the 29-bout veteran officially being added to a roster that already includes light heavyweight contender Samuel Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs) and middleweight Kemahl Russell (10-0, 8 KOs).

“Salim is someone who is being overlooked by a lot of other promoters,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “If you look at his losses, they always tend to be very close fights. I see him working every day in the gym and sparring with some of the prospects we work with, and he has a lot of talent. We look to help him develop those skills and become the boxer that we know he can be.”

Larbi, 29, is a native of Cambrai Nord, France. Now fighting out of Brooklyn, he turned professional in 2009 and started his career with a 16-1-2 record over his first 19 bouts. That impressive run set him up for an interim WBO Super Welterweight title bout in the Czech Republic against Lukas Konecny, coming up short in that contest. He later claimed the African Boxing Union belt at 154 pounds by defeating Patrice Sou Toke, which set him up for a WBA Inter-Continental Championship opportunity against Jack Culcay in Germany. In his most recent bout, Larbi fell to undefeated John Vera in a debatable split decision loss for the WBA-NABA Super Welterweight Title.

“I feel like if we fix a few things here and there with him during training, then he is going to start getting better results when he fights,” Frank continued. “Sometimes, all it takes to turn things around is to have the right people behind you and supporting you through the entire process.”

Negotiations for Larbi’s first fight under the Uprising Promotions banner are currently underway. Stay tuned for information regarding his promotional debut in the coming weeks.

For more information on Uprising Promotions and to keep up with all of our latest news, keep it locked to UprisingPromotions.com and make sure to follow us on social media: @UprisingNYC




KEITH THURMAN vs. DANNY GARCIA FINAL WEIGHTS


WBA & WBC WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION – 12 Rounds
Keith Thurman: 146 ¼ pounds
Danny Garcia: 146 ½ pounds
Referee: Michael Griffin; Judges: John McKaie (N.Y.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.), Joseph Pasquale (N.J.)

WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR – 12 Rounds
Erickson Lubin: 153 ¾ pounds
Jorge Cota: 153 ¾ poounds
Referee: Earl Brown; Judges: Frank Lombardi (Conn.), Alan Rubenstein (Penn.), Tom Schreck (N.Y.)

# # #

ABOUT THURMAN vs. GARCIA
Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia is a welterweight world title showdown between undefeated 147-pound titlists. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battles once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @DannySwift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




CANELO VS. CHAVEZ, JR. TICKETS SOLD OUT!!!!


LOS ANGELES (March 3, 2017) Living up to its billing as one of the biggest fights of 2017, the Cinco de Mayo weekend showdown set for Saturday, May 6 between two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (48-1-1, 34KOs) and former WBC middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) has sold out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The number of tickets sold, more than 20,000, is among the largest indoor sell-outs in the rich history of Las Vegas prizefights.

“Big fights sell, and as anyone can see from the fact that we sold out Las Vegas’ biggest boxing venue less than 10 days after tickets became available, Canelo-Chavez, Jr. is a huge fight,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO and Chairman Oscar De La Hoya. “Now that T-Mobile Arena is full, we will soon announce venues for showing the fight on closed circuit for fans still planning to come to celebrate in Las Vegas, and fans can of course see the fight in the comfort of their own homes on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

Earlier this week, Golden Boy Promotions announced that Argentinian slugger Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (37-4, 34 KOs) will appear on the HBO Pay-Per-View in his first fight in more than a year and a half against Emmanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (20-4, 14 KOs). The remainder of the Pay-Per-View slate and undercard will be announced shortly.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD, Adriana’s Insurance and Interjet. Matthysse vs. Taylor is a 10-round fight presented by Golden Boy promotions in association with Arano Boxing and Star Boxing. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.




Haye – Bellew quotes and pictures


SAN DIEGO–Below are quotes and pictures from former heavyweight and cruiserweight champion David Haye and current WBC Cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew. Haye and Bellew will meet in a heavyweight grudge match this Saturday from the 02 Arena in London.

The fight card can be seen LIVE in the United States on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment and for fans who want to see the fight that do not have AWE, they can watch the fight on the AWE channel on www.klowdtv.com beginning at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT

David Haye

“I need to prove to the world that I number one, and I’m a box office star,” said Haye. “The rest of the Heavyweight world will see that if they want mega-dough they need to come to me. People want to see him get destroyed. I will go out there, I will let me hands go, and he will go to sleep very, very quickly.

“I feel better now than I ever have. No-one wanted to fight me in my last two fights. I went through so many names but they didn’t want to know. I got my ranking back from it so it did the job. I don’t think he’s any tougher than the last two guys, I really don’t. Tony is tailor-made for me. If I can construct an opponent to KO easy, I’d say ‘bring me Tony Bellew’.

“It’s a shame for him but the fans will get to see what they want. I hope it doesn’t shock them how brutally he’s going to get knocked out. They’re the ones that have called for it. If it wasn’t for the public demanding the fight, then it wouldn’t be happening.

“People have started to think he’s got a chance – but once the reality dawns of my right-hand landing on his chin, it’s good night. Everyone knows what’s going to happen, he’s getting carried out of the ring. He can hit me clean on the chin with his best shot and he won’t budge me.

“After he won his European title he started screaming and shouting at me, branding me the ‘Bitch from Bermondsey’, which I thought was a bit of banter. I thought he was trying to get a bit of cheap publicity off my name, I didn’t really think he wanted to fight me. Then he had his World title fight, and credit where credit is due, he won that.

“Then he floored a good friend of mine in B.J, who I thought would beat him but for whatever reason, he didn’t. That night he went for me, kicking the advertising in my face and giving me lots of abuse.

“So I thought to myself, OK. I had a look at social media to see what the general vibe was from the fans, and they all loved it. They were saying to me, ‘you’ve got to teach this chump a lesson’, so we made it happen.

“I just don’t think he likes me. Maybe because I’ve achieved more than him. Maybe because I generate a lot of interest, a lot of money, a lot of headlines, and he doesn’t. Maybe he’s jealous of that – that’s probably what it is.”

“He’s a trier,” said Haye. “He comes out and has a go. He doesn’t have a good defence, which is imperative if he’s looking to get out of the first round against me.

“He’s got decent punch power at Cruiserweight. Whether he brings that to Heavyweight, I don’t know. I assume he punches harder though as it would be foolish of me to think he punches worse.

“He has endurance and can fight at a reasonable pace for 12 rounds at Cruiserweight. He’s not got the highest pace but he’s done a few 12 rounders recently. He probably won’t put too much weight on above Cruiserweight in his first fight at Heavyweight, that would be stupid – but he’s a bit of an idiot. He doesn’t really have a nutritionist who knows what he’s doing. If you look at his body shape, you realise he’s not someone that takes diet and nutrition seriously.

“I’ve never really liked his personality. He sounds very passionate until it comes to the crunch, and then he falls apart. If you listen to him before every fight, he always says he’s willing to die in the ring, he’s willing to go further than any other man – blah, blah, blah.

“This fight is basically about how long he can stay awake. Can he leave the ring on his own devices or will he be stretchered from it? Those are the questions people are asking, not if he can win the fight, because I think everyone that knows anything about boxing knows he’s got no chance.”

“I’ve learned the lesson about not being complacent many years ago, about not underestimating my opponents’ abilities. I don’t do that anymore. Whether my opinion of him is that he’s not that good is irrelevant – what is important is the fact that I train the same regardless of who I am fighting, that’s what I do.

“Although I know that I am going to win, I’ve still push myself to the limit in training because it wouldn’t be good preparation for the fight after this – so I have trained like I am fighting for the World Heavyweight title.

“It’s a Heavyweight fight, there’s no benefit in coming in at Cruiserweight. I’m looking at it like I am fighting Anthony Joshua. It makes no difference to me though. I might be heavier; I might be lighter. My weight is never a measuring stick of any kind. I do my measuring by how fast I feel in the ring, my punch evasion, my reaction times and my running times. Recognizing when I am in optimum shape is done in the gym, not on the scales.

“I’m 36 but if you tally up the number of clean punches I’ve taken as a Heavyweight, it’s not many. Most fighters take that in the first round of a fight. My shoulder is rock solid now. I’m happy with how I am. It’s onwards and upwards.”

“Shane has rejuvenated me,” said Haye. “I probably do three or four times as much boxing training as I used to do. In the past, it was a lot more about getting into shape to fight and my skills were what they were, and that was enough.

“Shane understands that I’m a very skilled Heavyweight – probably the most skilled on the planet if you look at punch evasion, if you look at ring generalship, clean punches received – I don’t think there’s another fighter on the planet that can slip shots like me.

“Shane wants me to improve though, he wants more from me. He wants me to be the best that I can be. He’s not sitting on his laurels. He wants me to be even better technically.

“Shane gets this business like nobody I have known. He has brought a young outlook and a youthful enthusiasm to my training and it has rubbed off on me.

“These are things I believe I’ve missed in years gone by. Even when we’re not training, we are still training – in our heads. Even when there is no fight lined up, he still wants to come to work with me and improve me. The fact that he is only 28 is a real bonus.

“He has so much energy to train that he’ll work with me at 7am or at 1am. He is there whenever I need him. He is putting so much time and energy into me and his all-knowing eye is very advanced for a man of his age. His father was an all-time great. And whenever Barry was working as a TV commentator, he would take Shane along.

“He’d watch all the fights at ringside from the first one on the undercard to the main event. He soaked it all up. So he really gets it like no one I’ve ever known.”

A fight that McGuigan wants next for Haye is Joshua. The Olympic gold medal man faces Haye’s old foe Wladimir Klitschko at a sold-out Wembley Stadium in April, and like his trainer and all British fight fans, Haye would love to square up to AJ in a mammoth fight that would bring the country to a standstill and move his closer to his goal.

“That’s the one that gets everyone excited,” said Haye. “He’s got to get past Klitschko first, but Klitschko is 41 now and hasn’t fought for nearly two years. I think it would be a fun fight, me and him. I’d like that and the fans seem to as well.

“He has a big fan base. He started boxing after I was World champion so I’ve got a bit of experience on him; a lot of experience on him. I don’t think he can make up for that.

“He has the physical advantage over me in size, and probably strength, and he’s ten years younger. So he’s got those in his favour. I think it’ll come down to boxing skills and experience. I don’t think he can make up for that. Although he’s a tremendous physical specimen, it comes down to punch evasion, what happens when I hit him on the chin, how does he react?

“When he has got caught, the one time Dillian Whyte hit him, he looks very shaky. And since that punch he’s purposefully not been in the ring with anyone that fights back. That’s not going to help him against me.

“In the time I’ve been away Anthony had his Olympic gold, his whole Heavyweight run to becoming a champion and racked up a string of knockouts. In that time, he’s introduced a lot of non-boxing fans to boxing and these people think he’s the best thing since sliced bread. It’s great that he’s got this young following.

“My fans are a bit older, a bit more seasoned, they’re not as impressed by him as he’s not fought anyone that punches back. I’d like to get in the ring with him and prove who is the best in Britain, and I think it will happen this year.

“I’d like people to recognise me at Heavyweight as ‘the man’, like they did at Cruiserweight. I had a version of the Heavyweight title but I want to be considered number one in the division.

“This is going to be the last phase of my career and I see myself as the biggest fight out there for every fighter on the planet. If Joshua wins the Klitschko fight, which I believe he will, a fight against myself would eclipse that.

“If I was to beat the winner of Joshua and Klitschko and then if Tyson Fury, fingers crossed, gets out of his depression and decides to put the gloves back on, a fight between me and him would be more than enough for people to recognize me as the best fighter on the planet.

“Once people recognize me as that, that’s mission done. It’s not like I have to aim for a specific belt. People are picking up belts left right and center, and although it’s nice to have that strap across your waist I’d like to be the lineal champion or as close as you can get.”

TONY BELLEW

“I unsettle him and he hates it because I’m unpredictable,” said Bellew. “I don’t know what I am going to do. I know one thing though – there’s only one World champion here and that’s me.

“He has to accept that I can hurt him. I said to B.J. and the same to everyone. At some stage, he’s going to hit the floor and I hope he wants it as much as me. With 10oz gloves on anything can happen.

“He could make Cruiserweight. He knows it. Whatever weight I get in the ring is fine, he’s a big Cruiserweight. It wouldn’t have happened at Cruiserweight as I’d have to give into more demands – I thought I was fighting Mariah, he’s got that many diva demands.

“He wanted to retire at 30, now look at him. He’s partying in Miami, he doesn’t want it, he’s back for the money. He doesn’t care about me; he thinks he’s going to walk in there and blow me away. I’ve had 30 odd fights and only one genuine loss, Adonis Stevenson, and he’s elite. I was poor against B.J. but it’s got me the fight I want.”

“I am going in with a fighter that is very fast, very powerful, but I think that’s just for four rounds,” said Bellew. “He’s an elite level fighter, but not the one that was able to be that quick and explosive over a fair distance. He’s a front-runner, but a brilliant front-runner. It’s like me saying he’s a one-trick pony, but it’s a hell of a trick. That right hand is a hell of a dig and if he lands on anyone early in a fight, it doesn’t matter if you are Heavyweight or Cruiserweight, you are going to sleep. It’s when his timeframe in fights passes, that’s when I feel he’s there for the taking – but it’s only words now, I must prove it tonight.

“He was conning the British public with those two fighters. His last guy was so bad he had a draw with the bag in the gym. He’s a world class fighter, he’s the best athlete besides Joshua in the Heavyweight division. Is he the best fighter? No, but he’s a great athlete.
If this was a race he’d win, bench press competition he’d win, but it’s a fight.

“Tell me a top Heavyweight he’s beat? He beat a top Cruiserweight in Jean Marc Mormeck in 2007 but I’m the best Cruiserweight in the world right now so all he is doing is fighting the best in the world at his old weight.

“It makes me laugh that people think he’s going to win this easy, because I’ve always had that. People thought Makabu was going to beat me easy – to be honest, he got close in that first round, but I got up and I won. I’ve been written off many times, this is no different to any other fight, don’t let anyone fool you.

“He’s got two arms and two legs, same as anyone else. The scale from the media may be different and the public attention might be bigger, there’s a lot of outside focus on the fight, but the same rules apply in this fight as to any other.

“There are only three things that matter to me in a fight. Number one – get home safe to the wife and kids. Number two – win at all costs. Number three – nothing else matters. Doubters, critics, well-wishers, none of it matters other than those three things.

“The pressure of fighting at Goodison Park was far more stressful than this. I had been going there since I was eight years old, I’d built a dream up of fighting there since I was a kid and I did it.

“It was so hard to walk into that stadium and know that there was a ring there for me to fight for the WBC World title – I ask any football fan to imagine what that would be like. Then add to that my son being there at the only fight he’ll ever be at.

“I was expected to lose that night but a lot of people wanted me to win. The bookies thought I would lose but the will of the people wanting me to win and the need for me to win was far greater than people can imagine – a whole other level.”

“Our sport has been through enough drama and heartache recently,” said Bellew. “We had the tragic death of Mike Towell, Nick Blackwell nearly dying, Eduard Gutenechkt going into a coma – and he says the stuff he says.

“I was at the fight when Callum Smith KO’d Luke Blackledge working for BBC radio, and it was a bad one, he hit him flush and he slammed against the canvas. Luke was out cold and I was praying that he got up because Callum is a devastating puncher.

“I looked over where David was working for Sky Sports, he caught my eye, and mouthed ‘you’re going to end up like that’. At that moment, Luke wasn’t even awake. I just said to him ‘you are a scumbag, that boy is on the floor unconscious and you are saying that?’

“I want to beat David Haye but I don’t want to hurt him, I just want him to be stopped by the ref or be down for ten seconds. The things he says are so out of place, it’s wrong. I don’t want to hurt anyone, I’m a professional athlete, even though I don’t look like one, and I just want to win – but talks of stretchers is wrong, and in the Gloves Are Off he crossed the line.

“I said that I can’t wait for it to be over and that I want to get back to the family because I am content with the life I have. His response to that was ‘you’re going to hospital’. I asked him to come again, and when he repeated it we had to stop filming.

“That’s the closest to I’ve come to really wanting to give it to someone in boxing but not in the ring. I hope he goes home safe after the fight and does what he wants to do.

“I know what my priorities are, what’s important to me. I don’t think he does, I think he lives in a dream world, hanging out in Miami with celebrities over Christmas. I woke up on Christmas Day with my three beautiful kids, the only people that really rely on me in this world, the only ones that need me – so every spare minute I spend with them and every penny this horrible game makes me is going on their future.

“He came to Liverpool for the press conference and cause the controversy to drum up the pay-per-view and get more buys. If you’ve spent £20m you want to make another £20m as quickly as possible. For the last five or six years I’ve been doing fight weeks and promos for big shows, World title shows, Box Office shows and big build ups.

“He’s been hitting every nightclub in Miami and sunning himself. This is a man who said to the world he was going to retire at 30, and was financially secure enough to do it. Why is he back? He couldn’t give up the limelight, it killed him. He hated not being part of the celebrity circuit, the nightclubs, the women – and he’s lost everything because he couldn’t give it up.

“I can’t wait to give it up. When I’m done, and I’m not far from that point – there’s a few things I’d like to achieve, bonus levels in the game, but as far as my goals go, I’ve completed the game. I’ve done everything I set out to do. I’ve won. Beaten it.

“I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. I’m just focused on getting home. I don’t rest on my laurels. People have asked if I can get up for a fight after Goodison, after Flores – I will be up for it for every single fight because the same three rules apply. That’s why I drive myself in the gym and I’m dedicated, turn up day in, day out and get it done.”

“I am the first to credit people when they do something great and I’ve always said Shane McGuigan is a good coach,” said Bellew.

“McGuigan and Carl Frampton are made for each other because they’ve been together from the start and they’ve created a style and developed it so well.

“When it comes to someone like Haye, him and Adam Booth made and created a style together. They were made for each other and perfected that fantastic style to the very limit.
“They had a tried, tested and proven way of training and even I can’t knock it because it worked throughout his career. It seems that now he’s no longer training with Adam Booth, he is the boss.

“Someone like Shane might be a little bit in awe with someone like Haye, a former undisputed cruiserweight world champion of the world, former heavyweight champion of the world, a big celebrity, so it’s not like with Frampton, when they were both learning on the job.

“He is allowing David Haye to do what he wants and at the end of the day if this wasn’t the case, why has Haye been in Miami with the fight six weeks away while his coach is in Las Vegas.

“David doesn’t respect his coach. My coach went to Texas to prepare Jamie McDonnell’s first fight with Tomoki Kameda and my fight was scheduled 11 weeks after that.

“I didn’t have to go out to Texas but once I’d hit the 12-week cycle, I’m strictly in camp. I took myself to Texas and trained every single day, and why isn’t Haye doing that?

“McGuigan said in the media, him training Haye for five weeks is enough. So be it, but he’s treating him differently to all his other fighters.

“When I am in camp, Dave has full responsibility, he says when I come and go, what I do and don’t do and between him and my fitness coach they work out a plan.

“Because it’s Tony Bellew and he thinks it’s a walk in the park and it’s OK to stay in Miami and party. While he’s been posing in the sun I am working my bits off in the cold and the dark.

“I am going in with a man who was absolutely fantastic. When he was in his prime, an immense athlete – but the tank is very, very low and it does not last very long.
“When the gas runs out, the big fat Scouser is going to steam through him.”

KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas
KlowdTV Boxing McDonnell vs Vargas

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing.AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Coming soon:
April 15: Ricky Burns vs Julius Indongo




HBO SPORTS® TO REPLAY GENNADY GOLOVKIN VS. KELL BROOK 2016, DANIEL JACOBS VS. ISHE SMITH 2009 & ROMAN “CHOCOLATITO” GONZALEZ VS. CARLOS CUADRAS 2016 ON HBO2 AS A SPECIAL PREVIEW TO THE UPCOMING GOLOVKIN VS. JACOBS PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT

GOLOVKIN- BROOK WEIGH IN
INDIGO 2,LONDON
PIC;LAWRENCE LUSTIG
WBC,IBF AND IBO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE
GENNADY GOLOVKIN V KELL BROOK
WEIGH IN FOR THEIR FIGHT AT LONDONS 02 ARENA ON SATURDAY(9 SEPT)

March 3, 2017 – Leading up to the highly anticipated stacked world championship boxing card highlighted by the appearance of Gennady Golovkin, Danny Jacobs, “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and Carlos Cuadras on Saturday, March 18 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of three hard-hitting all-action encounters that highlight the remarkable skill and power of these ring warriors.

On Friday, March 10 at 12:05 a.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, March 11 at 10:50 a.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay back-to-back Golovkin vs. Brook 2016, Jacobs vs. Smith 2009 and “Chocolatito” Gonzalez vs. Cuadras 2016. This past September at The O2 in London, Gennady Golovkin traveled to Kell Brook’s hometown and extended his consecutive knockout streak to 23 in a row with a fifth round stoppage against the then undefeated prize fighter. On August 22, 2009, top prospect Daniel Jacobs displayed incredible resilience and ring skills against Ishe Smith with a 10-round unanimous decision victory. Last September in a Fight-of-the-Year candidate, consensus #1 pound for pound fighter in the world, “Chocolatito” Gonzalez claimed a title in a fourth weight class against Carlos Cuadras in what was the toughest and roughest encounter of his career.

All three fights will also be available 24 hours a day on HBO NOW, HBO On Demand®, HBO GO® subscribers and affiliate portals beginning Monday, March 6.

Golovkin vs. Jacobs, “Chocolatito” Gonzalez vs. Rungvisai and Cuadras vs. Carmona takes place Saturday, March 18 from at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.




KHAN TIPS GARCIA TO SHOCK THURMAN LIVE ON BOXNATION AS HE EYES REMATCH LATER THIS YEAR


LONDON (3 March) – Amir Khan has tipped Danny Garcia to overcome Keith Thurman in their thrilling showdown to set up a riveting rematch between the pair later this year.

WBC champion Garcia and WBA champion Thurman meet in what is one of this year’s biggest and most exciting fights, exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday night.

30-year-old Khan is the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title and believes that Philadelphia fighter and two-weight world champion Garcia will see off knockout king Thurman.

“Danny is a very tough and underrated fighter even today, despite winning world titles. I think that his experience and boxing brain will see him beat Thurman. It’s a good matchup and it is a close one to call on paper,” Khan told BoxNation.

“Garcia does go into fights as the underdog and finds a way to win. I think he’s fought the better names, whereas Thurman hasn’t really been in with many top fighters. If he stops Garcia I will hold my hands up and say well done because that would be very impressive.

“It will be a close fight on the cards but I believe Danny will edge it on points. He’s grown into the welterweight division and is a better boxer than he gets credit for,” he said.

Bolton’s Khan waits in the wings for the winner and will be ringside at the Barclays Center in New York.

He suffered a fourth-round stoppage loss to Garcia in 2012, a swiftly arranged matchup following the collapse of his rematch with Lamont Peterson after the American had failed a drugs test.

28-year-old Garcia was a relative unknown at the time and Khan admits he took the fight lightly but is in no doubt that they will eventually meet again.

“I believe that me and Danny will cross paths again,” said Khan. “When we fought the first time I underestimated him and took him lightly. I had never seen him fight before. My rematch with Lamont Peterson had just been called off and I overlooked him.

“I had been in camp for so long training for Peterson and it was frustrating having to start a whole new camp again so soon after. I wanted a fight right away and he was one of the names that came up so I took it without even giving it much thought.

“But full credit to him, he has gone on to have a great career and prove that he is among the very best out there. I think eventually we will meet in the ring again.

“One fight I always get asked about by fans is the rematch with Danny and I’m sure it’s in our destiny – but this time with a different outcome,” Khan said.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion is determined to grab another title and the winner of the Garcia-Thurman fight is one route he is eyeing up.

“I’m mandatory by the WBC to face the winner of this fight so whoever it is I will be willing to take them on. It will probably be nearer the end of the year but I’ll be ready to face either guy,” said Khan.

“I want to become a world champion again and that is what drives me. If people have written me off that doesn’t faze me, it only fuels me. I have no doubt that I will get my hands on another world title. 2017 is going to be a big year for me,” he said.

Thurman v Garcia is exclusively live on BoxNation this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.
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DANIEL JACOBS INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT


BERNIE BAHRMASEL/K2 PROMOTIONS: Welcome to the media and thanks very much for joining us on this International Media Conference Call promoting the highly anticipated World Middleweight Championship between Unified Middleweight Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN (36-0, 33 KO’s), and WBA Middleweight Champion and Mandatory Challenger DANIEL “The Miracle Man” JACOBS, (32-1, 29 KO’s), set for Saturday, March 18 from The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The Championship Event presented by K2 Promotions will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View starting at 9pm ET, 6pm PT.

The HBO Sports special “24/7 Golovkin/Jacobs” will premiere Saturday, Mar. 4 at 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The special will provide all-new content including portraits of both fighters’ path to this significant showdown. The show will also be available on
HBO ON DEMAND®, HBO GO® and HBO NOW and affiliate portals.

Joining us on the call today from their training camp in Oakland, California will be Daniel Jacobs, his longtime trainer ANDRE ROZIER and his KEITH CONNOLLY, Daniel’s longtime manager.

KEITH CONNOLLY: I would like to welcome everybody today and I’m happy to see that everyone is taking great interest in the fight. The bottom line is that this is what boxing fans want – they are looking for two of the top guys in the division to fight each other. It’s rare in boxing that guys will do that in their prime and Danny and Gennady have both stepped up to the challenge. I think it’s the biggest fight of 2017 and Danny has done everything that everyone has asked of him in training camp and I know he is going to come out victorious.

ANDRE ROZIER: Good afternoon everyone. We have been working really hard and Danny has been an excellent Class A student in preparing for this much anticipated confrontation. We will be victorious. We will be sharp as razor blades. I am looking forward to Danny shining like a bright light that night.

DANIEL JACOBS: I am feeling a lot of anxiety at this point. Getting close to the fight – nerves are flaring up and I want to be able to go and tackle greatness. I want to go into Madison Square Garden and see my family and see my friends and see everybody there for me, and I’m really just waiting for that moment. I am ready for my fans to be in my corner for the opening round and everyone standing up and cheering and when that first bell rings – just going at it. It’s a big opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to it.

Are you going to be ‘that guy’ that is going to be able to give Gennady the biggest test of his career? And why?

DANIEL JACOBS: That’s the plan. We have 100% belief in our ability and the plan is to go in there and do whatever it takes to win. I know what I am capable of. I know what I’m good at. And it’s all about putting it in sync on fight night.

Considering what you have been through in your life, it seems like a victory over Gennady would be a cherry on top. What would a victory over Gennady mean to you?

DANIEL JACOBS: Simply put, it will be icing on the cake. It would be the pinnacle of this crazy life and career that I have – the ups and downs – going through all the things that I’ve been through. It would make everything sweet. It has been my goal to become undisputed champion and to be considered the best champion so this would definitely represent that.

Everybody talks about Gennady’s knockout power and he has knocked out 23 in a row. But after your only loss you have won all 12 of your fights in a row by knockout – 29 knockouts in 32 fights. Who do you think brings more firepower to the fight?

DANIEL JACOBS: Most people would say he has a lot more power but just because he has A+ or A- power and I have B+ or B- power doesn’t mean both guys can’t go down or both guys can’t get hurt. This is boxing and it’s all about putting your punches together perfectly. I have a different type of power. I have athletic power that people can’t see. That sharpness – the big bang that hits you. It’s a different type of power. If you ask whose is better – I like mine better obviously. It’s just a matter of going in there and putting it together because you can have all the power but can’t do anything with it.

Do you think it’s inevitable that this fight ends in a knockout?

DANIEL JACOBS: No, I don’t see that that is the only route. You have to understand that I am a boxer and we both come from boxing backgrounds. We do have a lot of knockouts as professionals. If adjustments need to be made it could go the distance. I’m not saying that my plan is to go in there and knock somebody out. This is boxing – you can’t really say what is going to happen because anything can happen in that square ring.

Your one loss was by knockout and you were knocked down against Mora. Do you think that because Golvokin has never been stopped that many think he will come out on top because of that?

DANIEL JACOBS: Yes, I can see how people would say that. I can see the controversy. I can see how people would say that given that fact that he’s never been down or never been hurt from what we’ve seen. It would be easy to say “if anyone would go Jacobs would go.” I could see how people would say that. But like I say this is a sport where you have to continuously prove yourself. So no matter what the past says, no matter what people say, it’s really up to me to go in there and do the job.

Do you think of your 12 in a row knockout streak or your one loss and what was the reason for that loss? What were the circumstances?

DANIEL JACOBS: If you go back to the fight you can see me clearly begging to the referee to get back when I got up. Yes I was hurt but not to the point where I would consider myself out. It was the first time I had ever seen a world championship fight where the referee pushes the fighter down and says ‘no you can’t get back up. You can’t continue,’ at the count of what – 4 or 5? I mean this is a world championship fight. I can argue that, which I get tired of, I can argue that until your ears pop off but at the end of the day I have the skills, I have matured, I have grown, and that’s what I’m really looking forward to. We can talk about specifics and we can talk about this or talk about that but at the end of the day it’s all about March 18. We don’t know what’s going to happen on March 18. I am highly, 100% confident in my ability in what I can do and causing what people will consider an upset.

Andre, what do you see, when you look at the videos, and what is your assessment of Gennady’s punching power?

ANDRE ROZIER: He has good punching power. I will not say that he has hellacious punching power. He doesn’t hit people with one shot then they go away. Most of his knockouts come through attrition where he constantly banging at you and wearing you down. He’s had a couple but Danny has had more first round knockouts than he has and Danny has hit a lot more people with one or two clean shots than Gennady has. If you look at Gennady’s last fight against Kell Brook, Kell was tripped up a bit in the first round but never went down but the attrition effort with Golovkin constantly applying pressure and breaking him down. A lot of people get caught up in the issue ‘OK the bottom line is did he win by knockout?’ Yes he did, but we knock people out and that’s going to be one of the amazing differences, when people see and they keep mentioning it constantly that Danny went down. Yes Danny went down but Danny is a lot smarter. In his fight against Kid Chocolate, he showed athleticism and incredible aggression, a little more than I wanted, he was a monster, and that’s what Danny can do. Danny can go from being up on his toes, flash and jab and quick combinations or he may come at you like a wild beast – bang and dig and scruff you out. He has many, many options. Gennady can punch but Danny can punch too. Gennady is rough and Danny can be rough too. Danny’s hands are a lot faster than his opponent. You are going to see some of the differences play out in this fight.

Has the talk of Golovkin fighting Canelo motivated you in camp?

DANIEL JACOBS: We don’t really talk about it. We maybe laugh about it but for anyone to make plans past this fight whether it is his team or whether it is him himself, honestly I just feel like his focus should be 100% on me. It doesn’t really add so much motivation but it just adds to it. I am self motivated and this fight is motivating in itself in what I can accomplish in fulfilling my dreams – that’s good enough for me but I think whether it is speculation or not, I just think it is foolish for one to do things like that – taking me for granted and I don’t think they want to get into that – planning before the fight happens.

He says he is not looking past you but do you believe that?

DANIEL JACOBS: I would say so but I haven’t been into the media too much lately – I have been focused on my training so I can’t really say I just think that, like I said before if I was to make a comment about it, it would be a foolish thing for anyone to do if it were against any fighter. The fighter that I am I am focused on the task at hand and the things that I have to do. I haven’t left any stones unturned and I believe it’s going to show up and you are going to see the best Danny Jacobs on March 18.

How has Chris Algieri helped?

DANIEL JACOBS: Having Chris around is really cool. There are many reasons but Chris understands too what it is to be at this level and kind of being a fighter and eating healthy and preparing meals and making sure that I am in the best mind frame and physical condition as well. The nutrition he has for me keeps me in the best possible condition. It takes a load off my mind that come fight night after the weigh-in, I’ll make weight easy, well not easy, but easier. I have been a middleweight my whole career and I will be fully 100% come fight night, he has been a really good addition to the team and I’m glad he is out here – I have known him for years. I think it is the best decision as far as adding a new person to the team.

Can you tell us about your experience being away from home living in the Bar Area?

DANIEL JACOBS: The Bay Area is awesome despite a little bit of rain. The area is amazing and the weather is nice, the air is fresh. I go out for a run and see all the mountains and see all the nature – it just adds to a good mental state. I love oysters too – they have really good oysters out here. Being out here with these top contenders and champions and the interest in having them know that they want me to win this fight and hoping I do good. I can genuinely feel that everybody is supporting me. I’ve had a great camp out here in the Bay Area and I look forward to doing it again.

Touching back on your loss to Pirog, didn’t you have a rough week?

DANIEL JACOBS: Yes, it was a trying time for me. My grandmother was like my mom growing up – she was that one. Fighting at that time was the toughest test of my career – fighting for a world championship and seeing my grandmother pass away. Having to fly out to the fight the next day then three days later. I just wasn’t really mature enough to take that on and kind of grieve the way a normal person is supposed to. It was a tough time. A lot of people can’t realize that I couldn’t be in a mental state – I couldn’t be Daniel Jacobs and be sharp. I was a young man – I was a kid you know? I had to fly back – straight from the fight I went to the airport to fly back to New York City so I could see my grandmother be laid to rest. It was a tough time but it definitely made me better – mentally it made me stronger and I’ve seen the growth and I’ve learned from it. I’m not saying I’m glad those things happened, but when tremendous things happen, it only makes you stronger and know who you really are when your back is against the wall.

There seems to be a lot of talk about your chin…

DANIEL JACOBS: For some reason I have given the people the false impression that I can’t take a punch. I have taken great shots. I have sparred with light heavyweights – I have sparred with all kinds of guys. I haven’t take shots, but have taken some good shots from some really strong guys but I know what’s inside me. With the Sergio Mora fight it was a mistake really. I was trying to swing widely at the time I guess. I had him hurt and I got caught at the perfect time. It was an off-balance type of shot. This illusion has been created to the public that Daniel Jacobs can’t take a shot, which is fine by me. If anyone wants to come test that inside the square ring that’s their job to do it. I am going to be fully prepared for a guy that you know can punch – I have to be aware of those things and I am going to have my defense tight. I am not going to come in carelessly and do things that I have probably done in the past. But that’s what I’m looking forward to. I don’t want to take a shot but if I do I will be able to take it more than previous fights.

Will you be comfortable boxing or will you feel a need to go in and fight?

DANIEL JACOBS: I think whatever it takes to win is what we are going to do. Floyd Mayweather always said that ‘great champions adjust’ and if we need to adjust at the moment I believe my team and I will talk in between rounds and try to make adjustments. I think I have the ability to do everything – go forwards, go backwards, and go sideways – put my punches together, put my jabs together and sit on my feet. I am equipped with a lot of different things and like I said before, just make sure everything is in sync on fight night.

ANDRE ROZIER: We prepare for a bunch of scenarios and it’s funny that you should mention the Andre Ward-Kovalev fight. Andre came in hot and he got knocked down, then he went back to boxing. Danny is a great boxer but Danny has an added secret weapon of that punching power. A lot of his knockouts come from punches that the guys just don’t see. We are going to do what we have to do to control the action. We are going to be controlling the action in the ring and utilizing physical attributes to win this fight any way it comes out. But as smart fighters and smart boxers do – use his mental capacity to control his physical attributes to win this fight.

You and Golovkin are probably the two most popular boxers in NYC – what will it do for you to win this fight in the Mecca of Boxing?

DANIEL JACOBS: I would just know I’m the best. I have always looked up to Derek Jeter. Jeter was the man in New York City. He was a great sportsman and athlete and everything he did was just gold. I’ve always thought that one day I am going to The King of New York. Walk around and people scream my name and I am going to be just like Derek Jeter. This will be my opportunity to be That Guy not only in New York City but in the world. I have an amazing story – a lot of people can relate to my story – my trials and tribulations and I’m just looking forward to being the best athlete that I can be and being a voice for the people and be a good role model – that is really my agenda. I don’t want to be in this game for too long but at the end of the day I just want to accomplish my goals and be the best person that I can be.

How does it make you feel having kids look up to you?

DANIEL JACOBS: It’s an amazing feeling. My grandmother always told me ‘make sure you represent yourself when you go out into the streets for not only you but for your family.’ That always kind of stuck in the back of my head. And I am a dad and when it’s all said and done my son can say ‘my dad was a great role model and I can follow after who he was and all the things that he instilled in me. This is really what I am doing this for, that I can be the best possible role model. It trickles down to a lot of kids or teams or even adults – just appreciate the way that I conduct myself, and the person that I represent and things of that nature. Even my foundation which a lot of people have shown interest in – seeing what I do with the kids with cancer, kids with obesity – it’s really an amazing feeling to be able to give back. It’s the greatest feeling that you can have.

Did you watch the Kell Brook fight? Brook was ahead during the fight – was there anything you could take away from it?

DANIEL JACOBS: That fight gave us a lot of things that we could go back and review for March 18 but there are a lot of other fights that I watch too and I study and like I said before we study his good habits and his bad habits so we can capitalize off our strengths. I’m excited because I really feel like this is the right time, to not expose, but to go in there and do what we know we can do – to go in there and be the best and beat the best. We are extremely excited to have this opportunity on March 18. It’s going to be a really interesting day and I am excited for it.

Do you think you need to box him early and break him down over time?

DANIEL JACOBS: I don’t know what the key is to beating Golovkin because I haven’t stepped in the ring with him yet. It’s about making adjustments and know what to do inside that square ring once you get in it. I could think about what I want to do all day then get in there and it will be a different story on fight night. Champions make sure they make adjustments and make sure they go in there and execute the game plan. We have seen two sides of Golovkin. The one where he fought David Lemieux where he kind of on his back foot and used his jab a lot more and the normal Golovkin where he comes forward and smothers and hit guys with body shots. We don’t know which one we are going to get come fight night but we are going to be ready for whichever comes.

I saw the eye training you were doing on Instagram yesterday…

DANIEL JACOBS: It wasn’t the first time we have done something like that. We do a lot of types of mental training and putting the body through stresses. That was a harsh one yesterday. During this training camp we have added a lot of new things to it and exciting things so we can all stay mentally on top and mentally have that edge. Those things you saw in the video will help us when under pressure you can still have control of your mind and your body.

What has Virgil added to this camp for you?

DANIEL JACOBS: Virgil has opened his gym up to us but it is inevitable not to pick up certain things from other guys like Andre Ward being in the gym, Berto and Amir Khan, Peter Quillin and all of these different guys that are world class. It’s kind of hard not to have it affect your energy level and pick up one or two things that you may see from these guys – that was one of the main reason we wanted to come out here – to pick up off that vibe. Just have one or two guys that are world class, it’s OK but there are a lot of distractions in New York but we can have that same energy, if not more, coming out to the west coast.

ANDRE ROZIER: Actually Virgil and I have been family for a long time – he’s my big bruh – and we came out here with the mind frame to get Danny in a good state of being. Andre Ward, who I call my nephew, is an inspiration to a lot of fighters, with character and escapability, but the ambiance in the gym is fantastic. It has enough championship material, – past, present and future – in that area to give you that good vibe. When you are training and everyone else is vibing off of you – it has a great air to it. We talk about the little things that tweak him that tweaks me – it’s been pretty cool. We came here to do what we need to do and what we’ve always done that’s indicated from Danny’s record. Danny’s a great champion and Danny knows how to fight and this was just a mood-setting situation. Virgil opened the doors to the gym, it was good to see him again and it’s been a great time.

How is sparring and the sparring partners?

DANIEL JACOBS: Sparring is going amazing actually. We have some really good sparring partners that manipulate Golovkin’s style. Individually we have one guy that comes forward and applies nothing but pressure, hard punches and great body shots. We have another guys that has that good Russian European style, and we have another guy who is a mixture of both. I am really happy with the sparring that we’ve got and it’s going to be one of those things that on March 18 we are going to shock the world.

In closing…

ANDRE ROZIER: On March 18 we are coming back home to the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, where Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs with ascend to his throne as the Undisputed, almost, Champion of the Middleweight Division. We will be shining, and look out because you may miss the chance of seeing greatness if you are not at the Garden or watching it on HBO Pay-Per-View.

DANIEL JACOBS: Thanks you everyone for the tremendous amount of support. I am extremely grateful. This is the biggest opportunity of my career. I am looking forward to capitalizing and making history. Thank you to everyone who supported me I can’t really stress that enough – the fans who really make this possible. The fans are the ones who support. The fans are the ones that buy the pay per views. The fans are the ones who really make this thing come about. So I want to say thank you, thank you thank you and look forward to seeing everyone on March 18.

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Unified Middleweight World Champion, GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN, (36-0, 33 KO’s), will defend his titles (WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO) in a highly anticipated divisional showdown against WBA Middleweight World Champion and Mandatory Challenger DANIEL “THE MIRACLE MAN” JACOBS, (32-1, 29 KO’s) on Saturday, Mar. 18 at “The Mecca of Boxing”, Madison Square Garden.

Golovkin and Jacobs have an extraordinary, combined 35 consecutive knockouts heading into this highly anticipated battle.

The HBO Sports special “24/7 Golovkin/Jacobs” will premiere Saturday, Mar. 4 at 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The special will provide all-new content including portraits of both fighters’ path to this significant showdown. The show will also be available on HBO ON DEMAND®, HBO GO® and HBO NOW and affiliate portals.

GOLOVKIN vs. JACOBS is presented by K2 Promotions. Tickets priced at $1000, $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, are now on sale and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com

SOCIAL MEDIA — #GGGJACOBS

Gennady “GGG” Golovkin
@GGGBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Daniel Jacobs
@DanielJacobsTKO – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez
@ChocolatitoBox – Twitter
@ChocolatitoOfficial – Facebook
@Chocolatito87 – Instagram

Carlos Cuadras
@CuadrasOficial – Twitter
@CarlosCuadras – Facebook
@CuadrasOficial – Instagram

Ryan Martin
@BlueChipBoxer – Twitter, Instagram
@RyanMartinBoxer – Facebook

Bryant Cruz
@TeamPeeWee05 – Twitter
@Bryant.P.Cruz – Facebook

HBO
@HBO, @HBOBoxing – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Madison Square Garden
@TheGarden – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Tom Loeffler (K2 Promotions)
@TomLoeffler1 — Twitter




WBC – Mar. 2, 2017 – Povetkin Ruling


I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

1. A mandatory WBC World Heavyweight Championship fight was scheduled to be contested on May 21, 2016 in Moscow, Russia between WBC World Champion Deontay Wilder and Alexander Povetkin. (the “World Championship Bout”).

2. On May 13, 2016 VADA reported to the WBC that Alexander Povetkin’s anti-doping test that had taken from his April 27, 2016 sample pursuant to the WBC Clean Boxing Program yielded an adverse finding for the banned substance Meldonium.

3. The WBC has issued two rulings concerning that adverse finding (the “Prior Meldonium Rulings”).
a. On August 17, 2016, the WBC ruled that:
(i) it did not have sufficient evidence to make a definite finding about whether Mr. Povetkin actually ingested Meldonium after the World Anti-Doping Agency included that substance in its list of banned substances; and
(ii) if there was an adverse finding concerning any of Mr. Povetkin’s samples during a one (1) year period of time after the ruling, the WBC would: (1) suspend Mr. Povetkin from participation in any WBC-sanctioned events indefinitely; (2) divest Mr. Povetkin from any WBC title or any other rights he might have at the time; and (3) impose any and all available penalties under the CBP without further inquiry.

b. On October 7, 2016, the WBC ruled that if Mr. Wilder prevailed in a trial then pending between him and Mr. Povetkin in New York (the “Litigation”), the WBC would allow Mr. Povetkin to show that the trial’s result was not based on a finding that Mr. Povetkin ingested Meldonium after January 1, 2016. If Mr. Povetkin failed to make that showing the WBC would impose any penalties upon Mr. Povetkin as per the WBC Clean Boxing Program Protocol, which could include suspensions and fines.

4. A WBC Interim Heavyweight Championship fight was scheduled to be contested on December 17, 2016 in Ekaterinburg Russia between Mr. and Bermane Stiverne (the “Interim Championship Bout”).

5. On December 16, 2016, the VADA reported to the WBC that a the “A” Sample from the specimen collected from Mr. Povetkin on December 6, 2016, tested positive for the anabolic steroid Ostarine.

6. In light of Mr. Povetkin’s Ostarine positive test result, the WBC:
a. withdrew its sanctioning of the Interim Championship Bout; and
b. suspended him indefinitely from participating in any WBC-sanctioning activity while the WBC initiated and conducted an investigation of the circumstances that resulted in the positive test, consistent with the WBC Rules & Regulations and the WBC Clean Boxing Program Protocol.

7. On February 14, 2017, the Litigation’s jury answered YES to the following question: “Did the plaintiffs prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Povetkin ingested Meldonium after January 1, 2016?”

II. WBC’S FINDINGS

Based on detailed research and information gathering, the Prior Meldonium Rulings and the Litigation’s jury specific finding, the WBC finds as follows:
1. Mr. Povetkin agreed to participate in the WBC CBP in connection with the World Championship Bout and the Interim Championship Bout.

2. Both Meldonium and Ostarine are banned substances under the WBC CPB by virtue of their inclusion in VADA’s List of Banned Substances.

3. The anti-doping test of samples collected from Mr. Povetkin on:
a. April 27, 2016, tested positive for Meldonium; and
b. December 6, 2016, tested positive for Ostarine.

4. The Litigation’s jury decision was based on a specific finding by the preponderance of the evidence that Mr. Povetkin ingested Meldonium after January 1, 2016.

III. WBC BOARD OF GOVERNOR’S RULING

The present WBC Board of Governor’s ruling is based on the facts as known to the WBC at the time of the ruling. The WBC does not issue rulings based on perception, rumors, generalities or prejudice and absolutely opposes any form of discrimination.

Based on the WBC FINDINGS set forth above, the WBC hereby rules as follows:

1. Pursuant to the August 17, 2016, WBC Ruling, the WBC hereby rules that Mr. Povetkin shall be suspended for participating in any WBC-sanctioned bouts indefinitely;

2. Mr. Povetkin shall pay a $250,000 USD fine to the WBC;

3. VADA, pursuant to the WBC CBP, will design a specific testing protocol for Mr. Povetkin at Mr. Povetkin’s own cost and expense. The VADA-designed protocol will commence as soon as feasible after this ruling and will continue for one year thereafter;

4. Mr. Povetkin will be able to apply for reinstatement into the WBC after the one-year anniversary of this ruling. At that time, if the results of every anti-doping test he has taken pursuant to the testing protocol set forth in paragraph III.3. above are negative, the WBC will consider deferring the remaining of his suspension during which time he would be placed in a probationary status and would continue to undergo testing as set forth in paragraph IV.4. above; and

5. The WBC will provide Mr. Povetkin the opportunity to submit additional evidence at a time and in a form the WBC will determine at its sole discretion concerning his positive test for Ostarine. The WBC will consider any additional evidence it receives and it might issue a supplemental ruling based on information and materials Mr. Povetkin submits.




Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia Final Press Conference Quotes


BROOKLYN (March 2, 2017) – Undefeated welterweight world champions Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they headline SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, this Saturday, March 4 in primetime from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Also in attendance Thursday and opening the broadcast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin and once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota, who meet in a super welterweight world title eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the participants had to say:

KEITH THURMAN

“This fight has been brewing for a long time. Both of us wanted this fight. There’s a reason why this fight is happening. We’re young, we’re hungry and we’re not trying to wait around. It’s time for this to go down.

“I’ve had a great camp. This is nothing new to me. I’m happy to be in this moment with all these people here. I’ve had a dream since I was a little boy to be not just your average champion, but to be a great champion. Before I had that dream, Ben Getty believed in me and it’s because of him that I’m where I’m at today. He predicted this before anyone.

“Danny is a smart fighter. He’s swift. He keeps rising to the top. He knows he has people underestimating him now and that fuels him. For me, I’m fueled by legacy. I want greatness for myself.

“It’s Danny’s reputation against my reputation. We’re both prideful fighters. You’re putting two of the best together. He wants to prove that he can be a unified champion in two divisions and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to get fights like this. I want to show how and why I’m better than my competition. Saturday night is my platform to show the world how great of a champion I am.

“Danny looks ready. But I stay true when I look at you. His eyes wandered, so I wondered a little what that means. What really matters is how the fight starts. You find out if the fighter carries momentum, or if it shifts. What happens, when we land our first big punches?

“He feels confident and I feel confident. I believe that I have more to offer. I feel that I can box my way to victory. I visualize outcomes. I don’t think Danny wins without a stoppage. If it goes to the scorecards, it’ll favor me.

“There hasn’t been one opponent who’s gotten in the ring with me and said that my power isn’t for real. I think my power and my boxing IQ will be the same. I can change it up. I can do what I need to do, so you are unable to do what you want to do.

“This is going to be a fight that you can’t miss. It’s going to be right in your house. If you can’t make it to the arena, you can make it to the couch. This is elite world class championship boxing in primetime. This is for all sports fans.”

DANNY GARCIA

“This deserves all the media attention that it’s getting. I’ve been a champion for five years already and I’ve been a unified champion. Saturday I have an opportunity to unify another division. It’s always been a dream to unify multiple divisions and now I have my chance.

“We put in all the hard work. We did everything we had to do. I feel really good and I feel confident. On Saturday night, I’m going to be a unified champion again.

“I fight to win. I fight to secure my family’s future and that’s what it’s all about. That’s what we train so hard for. I’m going to give the fans something to watch on Saturday.

“Legacy is very important to me. I have more milestones than Thurman. This is his biggest fight. I’ve been in big fights before. Every championship fight is a part of history.

“People say he’s the bigger man because he’s been at this weight longer than me. I’m taller than him, I’m wider than him and I have a bigger back than him. I feel like I’m the fresher welterweight.

“You can’t chase a legacy or money. When you get desperate, you’ll try to take a shortcut. Everything I do is for the love of the sport. I’ve been blessed to be in this position.

“I started boxing because I wanted a trophy. I wanted to show my friends a trophy. I didn’t know the value of a dollar, that came later.

“I’ve been the underdog before. All ‘underdog’ means is that there are a whole bunch of people who don’t know what I can do. I rise to the occasion every time. I win because I’m better. On Saturday night I’m going to prove it again.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“I made sure that I ate the right things and done everything perfectly during camp. This training camp went great thanks to my team and you’ll see the results on Saturday.

“If you don’t know me now, you will after Saturday night. This fight is in honor of my dear friend and cutman, Todd Harlib. I wish he could have seen this, but I know he’s looking down on me,

“Come Saturday night I’m going to make my mark in the division. I will become the youngest champion this year. Mark my words. We know my opponent is coming to fight. I’ve proven myself in past fights but I’m still young. I will become the mandatory challenger on Saturday night.

These type of fights bring the best out of me. I’m young, fierce and hungry. I’m excited to get in the ring and perform.

JORGE COTA

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’m coming to fight and I’m coming to win.

“This is a big opportunity for me and I’m going to take full advantage. My dream is to win a world title and I know I have what it takes.

“I know I have a tough opponent Saturday night who people think very highly of. I have to believe in my training and keep throwing punches until I get the victory.

“I’m very happy to be fighting in New York city as part of this great card and I’m going to put on a show.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“It really doesn’t get better than this for a boxing fan. This is as significant a fight as you can make in boxing right now and it might be the best fight you can make in boxing.

“The fact that this fight is on broadcast television on CBS is a huge plus for our business and anyone who loves boxing, For a fight of this magnitude available to so many people is a tremendous thing for boxing.

“Were on pace to set all sorts of records in terms of attendance and gate for boxing in the history of the great borough of Brooklyn.

“The main event on Saturday doesn’t need a lot of hype. It’s just the second primetime fight on CBS in 40 years and the most significant fight on network television in a generation.

“Keith and Danny have been on a collision course for their whole careers. These guys wanted to fight each other. This is one they both really wanted to happen now.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“The sport of boxing is on the rise and SHOWTIME is proud to be a part of it. We are leading the industry with the strongest lineup of fights in boxing. No one is doing for boxing what SHOWTIME is. We’re doing everything possible to spread the word about these great events to fight fans.

“We’re delivering the best fights and bringing it to the widest audience possible. Saturday is no exception. Two undefeated champions in the prime of their careers. It’s elite fighter versus elite fighter and on free television, not PPV.

“When two fighters meet at Barclays, it is always special. In June, Thurman vs. Shawn Porter was a Fight of the year candidate, In July, Santa Cruz vs. Frampton was a Fight of the Year candidate. January of this year, Badou Jack vs. James DeGale was another Fight of the Year candidate. On Saturday night, this will be another special fight.

“When the best fight the best, special things happen. Leonard vs. Hurns, Trinidad vs. De La Hoy, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. Big fights and memorable fights. This has always been boxing’s glamor division. On Saturday night you will found out who the top fighter in this division is.

“The co-feature we have one of boxing’s brightest, most talented prospects in Erickson Lubin. If you don’t know him, you should. He’s taking on the toughest opponent of his career. An experienced fighter, a monster puncher and a real tough test. This whole card is worthy of this slot on CBS.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“This Saturday the nation will see world class championship boxing at its best and on display at Barclays Center in front of millions of primetime viewers on CBS. These are two undefeated superstars in the ring and we are proud to be the host.

“We will have our biggest crowd ever for a boxing event on Saturday, by far. It’s on pace to be one of the biggest non-Nets sporting event, in terms of gross revenue, in Barclays Center history.

“Barclays Center is Danny’s home away from home. Since fighting in our first event in 2012 he has gone on become one of the sport’s biggest names

“Keith has fought twice in Brooklyn and cemented his legacy in the sport and brought himself new fans. We’re thrilled to have him back for this great event.”

# # #

ABOUT THURMAN vs. GARCIA
Keith Thurman vs. Danny Garcia is a welterweight world title showdown between undefeated 147-pound titlists. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event undefeated rising star Erickson Lubin battles once-beaten knockout artist Jorge Cota in a super welterweight title eliminator bout on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @DannySwift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.




KRONK BOXING CONFIRMED FOR THIRD EDITION OF BOX FAN EXPO TAKING PLACE ON CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND, SATURDAY MAY 6, IN LAS VEGAS


Las Vegas (March 2, 2017) – Kronk Boxing & Sylvia Steward-Williams (Emanuel Steward’s daughter) has confirmed that they will appear and have a booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 3rd edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Ceasar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Kronk Boxing will have the famous Kronk merchandise and apparel to sell to the boxing fans.

Founder of the Kronk gym and legendary trainer Emanuel Steward would have been proud of participating once again at this years’ Expo as he was one of the first to believe a Boxing Expo was long overdue and that it would be a huge success with fans and boxing industry people.

When Emanuel Steward first heard about the Box Fan Expo, he stated: “If you want to have a Boxing Expo, you got to do it big; and to do it big you need to go to Vegas. This is a boxing Fan’s dream.”

The legendary Kronk Gym made famous around the world by the late Emanuel Steward who produced a string of world champions including, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko and Hall of Famer Thomas Hearns. Kronk closed its doors afterSteward’s death on October 25th, 2012. After three years of hard work and dedication the Kronk reopen the famous gym this past Memorial Day weekend.

“It took a lot of work,” said Steward-Williams, owner of Kronk Boxing/Sportswear. “It’s a labor of love, and it was my father’s legacy.

Kronk boxing joins, the WBC, Christy Martin, Mia St.John, Fernando Vargas and Joel Casamayor among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at: http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next several months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo




M-1 Challenge 75 weights

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
(L) ALEXANDER SHLEMENKO (54-9-0, 1 NC, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia 184 1/2 lbs. (83.9 kg)
vs.
(R) PAUL BRADLEY (23-7-0, 2 NC, M-1: 0-0-0), USA 184 lbs. (83.6 kg)

M-1 CHALLENGE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
(L) ALEXEY KUNCHENKO (15-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), Champion, Russia 169 1/2 lbs. (77 kg)
vs.
(R) MAKSIM GRABOVICH (5-2-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Challenger, Russia 164 1/2 lbs. (74.8 kg)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
SERGEY ROMANOV (10-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia 169 1/2 lbs. (77 kg)

MAGOMED SULTANAKHMEDOV (18-5-0, M-1: 10-1-0), Russia 169 1/2 lbs. (77.1 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS — 3 X 5
MAXIM DIVNICH (12-2-0, M-1: 6-2-0), Russia 154 lbs. (70.1 kg)
vs.
KEON CALDWELL (11-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), USA 154 lbs. (70.1 kg)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
BORIS POLEZHAY (15-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Ukraine 204 1/2 lbs. (92.9 kg)
vs.
CARLOS EDUARDO (14-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 205 lbs. (93 kg)

PRELIMINARY CARD

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
VALERY MYASINIKOV (10-1-2, M-1: 1-2-2), Russia. 187 lbs. (84.9 kg)
vs.
AMILCAR ALVES (15-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 187 lbs. (84.9 kg)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
NIKO SAMSONIDSE (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Germany 154 lbs. (70 kg)
vs.
ABUBAKAR MESTOEV (3-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia 154 1/2 lbs. (70.2 kg)

ARDA “Boma Ye” ADAS (8-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Germany 176 lbs. (80.0 kg)
vs.
DANILA PRIKAZA (5-1-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia 173 1/2 lbs. (78.9 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ALEKSEY SOTNIKOV (4-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Ukraine 149 lbs. (67.8 kg)
vs.
ROMAN BOGATOV (0-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 149 lbs. (67.9 kg)

BOK KIL YOUNG (8-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), South Korea 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)
vs.
VIKTOR KOLESNIK (9-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)

MOHAMED GRABINSKI (14-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Germany 158 lbs. (71.9 kg)
Vs.
RAUL TUTARAULI (7-4-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Georgia 158 1/2 lbs. (72.0 kg)

WHEN: Friday, March 3, 2017

WHERE: Moscow, Russia

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (12.00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT in USA)

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 75 – March 3, 2017 – Moscow, Russia

About (Your Company Name)
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2016 was been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!